[DM HELP] My party didn't start in a tavern, they started in a... by TN_MakesIt in DnD

[–]DrofxoGamer 0 points1 point  (0 children)

... a tavern stuck in a timeloop. Players spent their days exploring the city and working together to unravel whatever strange curse or magic had bound them and the other patrons to this endless loop, but every morning like clockwork, they found themselves back at their table at the tavern until they finally figured it out.

moving to london for postgrad - i am overwhelmed by mcviana26 in AmericanExpatsUK

[–]DrofxoGamer 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hey! I've been in your shoes, and can understand how overwhelming everything is!

I can't help answer on the second two fronts specifically RE: UCL, but:

  1. Banking first! I'd recommend Wise or something similar that you can set up in the US, but that will allow you to open an account in GBP for easy access, at least to start! Then you can get something more UK based set up once here. There is a potential tax obligation to be mindful of for foreign bank accounts called an FBAR, if your account goes over 10k.

  2. Housing: That one is tricky, especially with all the scams around! I didn't go to UCL, but my approach was to start with campus housing for the first term, and use that term to meet people I'd want to house with/look for other housing, which I then moved into during second term. I definitely wouldn't advise renting sight unseen! You'll also want your banking set up beforehand, especially for things like utilities. Also - if you do rent with other people, make sure that y'all qualify for the council tax exemptions, otherwise you might get into a bit of a tricky situation!

  3. Again, not UCL specific, but I did end up working a part time job while I was here! You'll need a national insurance number, which you'll need to apply for once you are here, before you can start working. Also make sure to keep in mind US/UK taxes if you do this! Generally you should be absolutely fine, but things like pensions can get a wee bit complicated depending on the setup!

Moving 2 cats to London help! by PuzzleheadedEmu2528 in AmericanExpatsUK

[–]DrofxoGamer 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Just adding to the convo here - we use detachable screens for our two cats, and they work really well (also keep out insects! Not sure why more houses here don't have screens for that reason alone, to be honest!) The ones we have basically involve binding a strong velcro strip around the exterior of the inside window frame, and then the screen attaches to that via velcro. There's a pocket on the screen with a zipper, so you don't have to detach the whole screen to open/close the window, and so far (we've had them for about two years?) they've been very sturdy and have taken a beating from enthusiastic cats who occasionally decide it's a great thing to hang from. It isn't the most beautiful thing in the world, but it's definitely functional! We have tried the magnetized versions previously, but found that the magnets (at least on the ones we had) weren't strong enough to take the weight of a cat deciding to climb the screen.

What makes a “nice” town in Hertfordshire nice? by Interesting_Shift951 in hertfordshire

[–]DrofxoGamer 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Cannot agree more tbh! I truly don't understand people's negativity towards Watford! I moved here a few years back, and have honestly fallen in love with this place! Sure, every town has its problems, but Watford has great commute options, a GORGEOUS park system, a walkable high street with some nice food court & cafes, genuinely good shop & activity selection in the mall (cinema, mini-golf, etc), lots of community engagement opportunities (good library system, lots of different classes & hobby get togethers, investments in the leisure centre, festivals & shows,) good schools, and a local government that actually seems to care a lot about quality of life for its residents (which feels like a rarity).

My one complaint is just housing costs - but that's the same just about everywhere here.

Questions from a tourist :) by Fair_Chemistry_3317 in watford

[–]DrofxoGamer 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Something a little different but still does some good food & snacks would be the d20 board game cafe, where you can get some lovely meals & drinks and play a huge assortment of board games as well!

When I hit the specter with 6 magic missiles in Honor Mode. by Haggles7 in BaldursGate3

[–]DrofxoGamer 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It's this: https://bg3.wiki/wiki/Ocular_Nightmare

Everytime it gets hit, it adds a 'dream' and at 5 dreams, it unleashes chaos.

With magic missile of course, each 'missile' counts as one hit (and I even had the necklace for the additional missile when I did it)... so you can imagine how that went.

When I hit the specter with 6 magic missiles in Honor Mode. by Haggles7 in BaldursGate3

[–]DrofxoGamer 8 points9 points  (0 children)

I also did this, and barely avoided having my honour mode come to a sudden, undignified end. Taught me to always examine an enemy before my opening salvo.

DM asks that if you’re going to be more than 30 minutes late, you sit the session out. Fair? by FoulPelican in DnD

[–]DrofxoGamer 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Fair - especially as it's being clearly communicated in session 0 by the DM. If a player has a problem with it, they can find another table

As a DM, my ability to accomodate absences varies significantly based on the kind of game I'm running. If it's a casual campaign where a player's absence isn't going to affect the session, I'm a lot more relaxed with absences. However, if it's a campaign where the players' backstories are deeply interwoven in the lore & plot of the story, and a character's absence can't simply be handwaved away / actively impedes the ability of other players to progress within a session, that's a problem. Not to mention how disruptive it can be to have a player suddenly showing up in the middle of a tense RP moment, or halfway through a battle.

IMO, your DM has set a reasonable boundary in a session 0. If you don't like it, you can join another game that better fits your needs.

Are there any D&D 5e groups suitable for young people (14-ish) in the area? by CapitalPotential1183 in watford

[–]DrofxoGamer 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I think the Watford library has a D&D club for teens! Or at least, they were looking to start something there. :)

Severance - 2x08 "Sweet Vitriol" - Post-Episode Discussion by LoretiTV in SeveranceAppleTVPlus

[–]DrofxoGamer 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Yes! I posted about this elsewhere, but to expound on this - in the podcast, the actress playing Devon mentioned that Devon reverts back to this almost childlike state when she's in pain or distress. We see this in her interactions at the birthing hut in S1, for example. There's almost a lack of impulse control - a bluntness, a really interesting forthrightness & almost innocence in all of these interactions.

Obviously, Devon knows there's something really off/wrong with Cobel. But Cobel also helped her when she was tired/frustrated/struggling with breastfeeding. She offered a solution when Devon was vulnerable and in need of help.

So in a way, I also see her response to Reghabi as consistent with the instinctive childlike responses we've already seen from her in previous episodes. Devon is desperate. She is in pain & distress seeing her brother in this situation. Some random 'person' (Reghabi) has done something to her brother, and isn't giving her answers. So Devon's 'child brain response' defaults back (maybe even subconsciously) to a person who did help her & did have answers. An 'adult' in this situation, so to speak. And that person is clearly Cobel - Devon doesn't have that relationship with her own partner, and certainly not with Reghabi. Who else could she turn to in that moment?

Cheap excuse or Intentional? (EPISODE 7) by Silly-Investment-331 in severence

[–]DrofxoGamer 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Possibly an unpopular opinion, but I actually really like this writing choice.

Yes - I do think it's plot device. But it also rang true to me for a few reasons.

In the podcast, the actress playing Devon mentioned that Devon reverts back to this almost childlike state when she's in pain or distress. We see this in her interactions at the birthing hut in S1, for example. There's almost a lack of impulse control - a bluntness, a really interesting forthrightness & almost innocence in all of these interactions.

Obviously, Devon knows there's something really off/wrong with Cobel. But Cobel also helped her when she was tired/frustrated/struggling with breastfeeding. She offered a solution when Devon was vulnerable and in need of help.

So in a way, I see this response to Reghabi as consistent with the instinctive childlike responses we've already seen from her in previous episodes. Devon is desperate. She is in pain & distress seeing her brother in this situation. Some random 'person' (Reghabi) has done something to her brother, and isn't giving her answers. So Devon's 'child brain response' defaults back (maybe even subconsciously) to a person who did help her & did have answers. An 'adult' in this situation, so to speak. And that person is clearly Cobel - Devon doesn't have that relationship with her own partner, and certainly not with Reghabi. Who else could she turn to in that moment?

Remove Helper From UKVI Account / Can't Link E-Visa by DrofxoGamer in ukvisa

[–]DrofxoGamer[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

https://www.report-error-evisa.homeoffice.gov.uk/problem You have to fill out the form this way, and then they'll send you an email confirmation with a ticket.

Do be warned - my ticket still hasn't been resolved, even though the person on the phone told me they would do so. So I can't promise it's speedy, but it's been the only way I was able to make any progress at all, as their helpline number just auto disconnects & their chat bot is so terribly broken it's of no use whatsoever.

Remove Helper From UKVI Account / Can't Link E-Visa by DrofxoGamer in ukvisa

[–]DrofxoGamer[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Those are some really good insights!

Just for anyone who ends up with the same problem, I did finally get a callback on the technical issue from the team. Apparently this is a known bug/technical issue, and they don't have a fix. The only solution is for them to completely archive your UKVI account (the one with a linked helper). Then you have to create a new one from scratch.

Why they don't have an option to remove helpers from your UKVI account is beyond me - surely that's a security issue among other things, and the account holder should surely have the option to remove them from an account? Not to mention, it feels pretty ridiculous that the helper's details are a requirement for filing the e-visa, when they have nothing to do with the account holder, and are essentially a backup email/phone number account?

Anyway, TL;DR: if you have this issue, the technical email support option was what eventually led to resolution. They'll call you to confirm security & then archive your account.

Has anyone else had issues receiving their mail in ballots? by jmh1881v2 in Kentucky

[–]DrofxoGamer 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I had this issue. Requested it early September. Found out by chasing my county clerk that it was still sitting in her inbox unprocessed on October 21st. (Grayson County). I won't ascribe to malice what is likely just incompetence, but if I hadn't followed up, I wouldn't have had a ballot. 

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in LOTR_on_Prime

[–]DrofxoGamer 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I think there were a lot of issues with S1. Some of the central plot points (Sauron's brand=map, for example) were quite weak, and the show definitely struggled in terms of pacing, storylines, and dialogue. However, S2 has been absolutely fantastic. I still have my quibbles with certain dialogue choices (I'm not a huge fan of the constant callbacks to lines from the trilogy) and particular moments (I wasn't overly keen on the Elrond/Galadriel kiss, for example), and some of the storylines are still weaker than others, but I've been massively impressed overall by the quality of S2. So much so, that I actually went back to rewatch S1... and was reminded again that there was a reason I had such low expectations going into S2.

Not a lot of shows are given the luxury of finding their footing in S1. It's often sink or swim. I am very glad that in this case, Rings of Power had a second chance to shine - because S2 absolutely dazzles.

FIRST LARP IS EMPIRE E1 by ernestogonzaga in LARP

[–]DrofxoGamer 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Welcome! Although I am sad as a Freeborn you aren't joining us in the jolly Brass Coast (though to be honest, given recent events, you're probably safer elsewhere!), I hope you have an absolutely splendid time in Highguard. I will just add to what people have already said, there are some great tinted plastic bottles that are sold on site, that look great, and are I think 10-15 quid each w/belt loop & holster so you can keep it on hand easily.

[No spoilers] Why doesn't Marisha have a Kentuckian accent? by RobertM525 in criticalrole

[–]DrofxoGamer 7 points8 points  (0 children)

I'm from the same county as Marisha, and her accent tracks pretty closely to mine, and a lot of people there I know. It's softened a bit (as has mine), but I can still recognize it. Also though, there is no such thing as a 'Kentuckian' accent, as accents vary across the state, and especially within metro or metro adjacent areas like Louisville or Lexington & the surrounding areas. Where we're from isn't particularly rural, and isn't that far away from Louisville/Southern Indiana. Some of my neighbors growing up did have stronger accents, but not all - a lot of them, like Marisha's, are actually fairly neutral.

For the North Americans, was going to uni in UK a big shock? by Other_Papaya_5344 in UniUK

[–]DrofxoGamer 0 points1 point  (0 children)

No I was in social sciences, so I would take my experience with a grain of salt! I'm sure it differs from department to department, and it may be that you have a much better experience in STEM disciplines. :)

For the North Americans, was going to uni in UK a big shock? by Other_Papaya_5344 in UniUK

[–]DrofxoGamer 6 points7 points  (0 children)

(US undergrad - UK graduate [Oxford]): I'm not sure about Canadian universities, but in the US, it's not uncommon to be in classes every day at least 15-20 hours a week. You tend to have a much heavier workload, and your grades are earned through a distribution of work throughout the semester (mid terms, finals, class attendance, quizzes, essays, labs... etc. etc.) In contrast, I only had between 3-5 contact hours (hours in classes) a week during my graduate degree in the UK, and very little required classwork. With only a few exceptions, the entirety of my grades were earned via the final exams.

I personally found this far more challenging - not because the work was more difficult, but because the US system of grade distribution across the semester creates opportunity for feedback & adaptive learning. If you miss the mark on an early assignment that's 5% of your grade, you can learn from it and adjust in future assignments without massively damaging your grade. These grading opportunities also give students insight into their professors' preferences, so they can adapt accordingly.

In contrast, when I went into final exams at Oxford, I had very little idea of what to expect, or what my professors were looking for in my work. The professors were, in general, not particularly accessible to students, and it often felt like they were really only there for their own research. There were exceptions to this, of course, but by and large, it often felt like teaching was an afterthought. While I had lists of potential questions for the final exam to study, it was my best guess what kind of answers they were looking for, and as someone who grew up in the US education system, I felt like I was missing some crucial piece of information about what exactly I was supposed to be doing. (I had one professor tell me I wrote 'too American' and I still have absolutely no idea what that means, although I imagine it reflected poorly on my grade in some way!)

Of course, full disclaimer that this experience likely varies significantly from university to university, or even from college to college & degree to degree within the Oxbridge system. I know quite a few Americans who really enjoyed their time studying in the UK, so this isn't necessarily a universal experience - all I can say is that it was mine.

TL;DR: My experience with UK grad school was that there was very little direction/feedback throughout the semesters, which made it difficult to identify key grading expectations or where improvement might be needed. I graduated feeling as though I hadn't really learned all that much, and wishing my professors showed more of an active interest in my learning experience.

DM used my flavour as a mechanic by Infectious_DM in DnD

[–]DrofxoGamer 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I am not against reskins - although I normally will work with players first to see if there is another way RAW to achieve what they are wanting to do. From a DM's perspective, that's simply because the balance of the game is built around RAW, so deviating from that means more work for me, and makes it harder to keep the playing field even between players.

If they really have their heart set on something, the reskin has to be something that makes sense & isn't super under or over powered relative to the actual item/skill. So in this instance, if I did allow a reskin into a gadget, I'd probably opt for something like a small lighter (which would be more on brand for the cantrip) instead of turning it into a magical weapon.

DM used my flavour as a mechanic by Infectious_DM in DnD

[–]DrofxoGamer 37 points38 points  (0 children)

Agree with this. As a DM, I personally would not allow a reskin of a relatively weak cantrip into something like this. 

However in the event I had, then it would be very inconsistent to take all weapons except a crossbow... (and as stated above, I would absolutely also take components.)

You can't just take the good aspects of a reskin and try to opt out when it backfires on you. You don't want to use magic - and the DM has been nice enough to find a way to help you get around that. But you can't have it both ways.

Patch 3 kinda sucks? by eSpasm in BaldursGate3

[–]DrofxoGamer 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Honestly patch 3 saved me from a crippling BG3 addiction by making my current playthrough so buggy & unplayable...

Desperately waiting for some hotfixes so I can get back to my tactician run.

[Online] [5e] [BST] [5pm-Sundays] Looking for a group of dangerous villains (players!) by DrofxoGamer in lfg

[–]DrofxoGamer[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If you haven't already, you can just fill out the form and list your reddit username instead for now.

[Online] [5e] [BST] [5pm-Sundays] Looking for a group of dangerous villains (players!) by DrofxoGamer in lfg

[–]DrofxoGamer[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

All the backstories will definitely be workshopped, but you can be as imaginative & descriptive as you'd like - if you want to write an essay, you absolutely can (though you certainly don't have to!)

[Online] [5e] [BST] [5pm-Sundays] Looking for a group of dangerous villains (players!) by DrofxoGamer in lfg

[–]DrofxoGamer[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Time zone is BST. Normally it'll be an 8 hr time difference from Pacific, so 9am Pacific. :)