The Harbinger of Ferocity

DnD 5e - Beginner's Game

The unexpected addition of other company, that which set the firbolg on edge, elevated the druid's own alertness to a state of heightened pitch. While he did indeed know their language, that of these other newcomers, it was clear the raven-priest cleric did too; her curiosity leading her to her feet, but not without having one of the other women step out and disappear not more than a breath after she finished describing her life in brief. Both of these turn of events were so sudden that from one side of the room his head followed, only to turn to the next.

Sweeping to the elder with his gaze, the aspect of the great cat raised a questioning brow. It was enough innuendo to not be offensive to whoever these others were and their business, but telegraphed its purpose to suggest he was at a loss. Regardless, he paid the turn of events more mind than he would have regularly, trusting the woman speaking to them; thus far, after all, she had trusted him earlier whereas the dragon was content to threaten him with a sword and magic. That was likely never to be forgotten, let alone much forgiven.

New user experience -- suggestions thread

I have never heard it phrased as, "You Are Your Avatar" but that is an interesting concept in general. I am sure it has been carried out here before on the Guild, or at least I imagine it had to have been or even still is, but that might work for the otherwise "shy" and unfamiliar roleplayer. Especially if you see something beneath a user's name along the lines of "Veteran" or the previously mentioned "Mentor" role, @BrobyDDark.

Expanding Horizons - A persistent discussion

@Rilla, given I am fond of the idea and the news still yet to be spread, the official Guild Discord can be found here.

So, I feel first and foremost the question that every reader of this might have is what is already in mind and in the works? What level of writing and talent are you speaking to? What genre and style? What is considered canon appropriate? A bit difficult to apply one's self, mind and energy without the general of this.

Even if unofficial to the point of, "We have nothing set in stone as of yet.", the opinions of those involved already provide us outsiders much appreciated insight.

Frokane's Mildly Politcal Hangout Thread

It is about in line with what I am accustomed to, @Vilageidiotx. The only difference being I am fairly certain, albeit not convinced, you are not serious.

D&D 5e - Hoard of the Dragon Queen

Brannor rolls a 20 for his Stealth check and a 19 for his Initiative check so that he can close in on the bandits in accordance to the rough outline that we have conjured.

D&D 5e - Hoard of the Dragon Queen

@Hekazu, since we are taking the least likely route, far outside their reasonable range and line of sight to hook in, are we gaining advantage on this check?

New user experience -- suggestions thread

Another idea is to more officially appoint a squad of 'mentors' (call them what you like) whose task it is to extend a helping hand to new members, which they are free to accept or decline. Should a new user feel the need to have a veteran show them the ropes, a mentor would stand ready to provide such a crash course and to answer any questions.

@Hank

This has my vote as the most expedient, efficient means to do so. They might not be "moderators", but they are in a way seasoned, trusted members who can answer basic questions and provide an overview of how to interact with the Guild. However, the next following suggestion - that is far less tame and more complicated - is the following;

New users have a brief tutorial set of things they need complete before they access the "real" Guild. A sort of "step by step" series of pages that highlights everything. It shows them where it is located, talks about what it does, who the usual audience or function is, and then allows them to move on after viewing it. For example, something along the lines of...

"[Free] is the most open of roleplaying sections, known for its rapid responses, active and trending topics, many users and minimal posting requirements. In short, if you just want to jump in and roleplay without too much effort, this is the best place to start. Remember, that you might have to submit a character to the [Game Master], especially if the game isn't [Jump-In]."

[NEXT] Okay, what's next in the Tutorial?
[PAUSE] I have some questions about the Free Section...

Those bracketed sections in the text could have tooltips that give brief descriptions of what each is. The buttons below? Other than "Next", there's something like "Pause" which would allow a user to contact the list of mentors, more or less creating a pop-up and instant messaging any of them who are online, hopefully to gain a swift response; something of an audio and or banner cue, saying...

"[@Newkid101] has questions about "Free Section". Respond? [YES] [NO]."

In essence a help ticket, something that could be implemented for moderator responses as well - if it hasn't already been done.

A bit elaborate, but I think it a fair concept.

Modern Military Epic

I would say it might vary greatly depending on just who the group is, @Drazah. I would say thus far it seems to be half and half.

Frokane's Mildly Politcal Hangout Thread

You are welcome, and I believe both sides, as well with those all in between, should have the audacity to state their opinion, @Dynamo Frokane. You are correct that a portion of it has become, "Why would I bother saying anything if they are not going to listen?", to which I believe the answer best is, "Because you will lose nothing for doing so." In either case, Left, Right or otherwise, people will decide for themselves. My only objective is to make it clear what I am or am not, and that I am not ashamed of.

If anything I would have expected to been called "too neutral" by both sides in my experience of politics, but I have to admit the Far Left has continually struck me for a lot more and with a lot less basis.

Frokane's Mildly Politcal Hangout Thread

I appreciate them not being leveled at me as accusations, @Dynamo Frokane.

Consolidated Response

• All "races" are slight variations of the same species. I have yet to see anything convincing that indicates any race is, in fact, a distinct subspecies of Homo sapiens sapiens, or other than the anatomically modern human. I do believe races carry some distinct genetic benefits and or drawbacks based upon natural pooling. I do not believe these have sufficient, credible, or qualified enough grounds to be called "more intelligent" or "more prone to Western-isms".
• The Civil War did indeed involve the major point of contention that was slavery. Was it the only one? No, but it made for an excellent moral argument for the Union and the means to be the straw that broke the camel's back to help go to war. The Confederacy did not want to lose their livelihood, investment and industry in slavery. I am under the belief it was like any other conflict, in that it was no one factor is responsible, but slavery was a major one.
• The government is a necessary evil in the market, because a market allowed to run completely free will run rampant, just as a government owned and controlled market will crumble because the actual demands are not being met and is flawed at its core by being artificial. The best form of law is not more of it, but that which is carried out as plainly, as impartially and as intended as it can be. I prefer fewer, more strict, and unfeeling law enforcement on all levels. No one likes too much interference and oversight in their lives or business.
• The prospect of climate change is a natural one, with the involvement of humanity not being a question at all. What is of question is just how much humans are to blame for it and just what the results of that impact might be. I am not convinced the environmental "apocalypse" I keep hearing about is going to happen.
• The Holocaust and its victims are undeniable. It was a dedicated, methodical, purposeful and targeted effort to eradicate people who were "undesirables", with a special form of hatred reserved for those Jewish. I make no mistakes about it as a fact, just as I make none about that with regard to those who acted in the pursuit of communism, of which has killed as many and more.

Hopefully that was concise enough to answer the questions and provide insight into my notion of "teetering a bit to each".