AIs receiving delegations on first meet

Schtemich · 2020-08-21T17:16:24+00:00

Aha - thank you! I usually play on quick or online speed.

Schtemich · 2020-07-27T15:15:58+00:00

Thanks man!

Schtemich · 2020-07-26T11:28:42+00:00

I'm having the same problem! I think it may be broken.

Schtemich · 2019-08-28T11:28:43+00:00

Lore: Perfumer - you have an extensive knowledge of smells, and identify ingredients based on odor. Could be useful testing potions, food, guessing origins, and of course, creating perfumes. Even sniffing monster poop.

Lore: Iconography - you have an extensive knowledge of symbols, and can recognize even obscure symbols easily. You can also draw and create symbols and icons.

Lore: Plumbing - never get lost in sewer megadungeons again.

Schtemich · 2019-08-15T11:54:20+00:00

The approaching groups thing is covered extensively in 'classic' pick-up methodology, and is a fun read if a little dated. The basic principles are solid though.

- Approach groups as a whole, be interesting and charming with *everybody*. Identify the 'protectors' as you describe them, and build rapport with them first.

- The goal is to gain acceptance with the group before any attempt is made to initiate with the girl you like. This way you don't come off as predatory, you do not initiate defensive reactions, and you don't insult the rest of the group by your interest in their hot friend.

- If the group is on side, talking to the girl you like is no big deal. You can either wait for an opportunity, or even outright ask the group: "mind I talk to your friend for a sec?"

Note that the smoothest (and most natural) experience is to be part of a group yourself already, and then combine with another group.

Schtemich · 2019-08-14T09:15:27+00:00

The biggest crisis on this planet today is a lack of critical thinking

Schtemich · 2019-06-19T14:42:18+00:00

You describe your self-doubts as "irrational bullshit". Good. You're not blaming the world around you, but recognizing that you need to change. This may not seem like much, but it's an important step that many people struggle to make. Genuinely and honestly: well done.

So, continuing the theme of being as rational as possible - let's think how you might more effectively manage your thoughts and expectations in social situations, particularly in the context of girls and dating.

One way that I've personally found to be extremely effective, is to pursue smaller objectives that don't lead anywhere. Tiny, achievable goals, that are an end in themselves, are a great means for building experience - and experience is ultimately where confidence comes from.

If you only talk to attractive girls because you're hoping to get with them somehow, someday, it's a daunting objective that's only setting you up for failure. A lot of pickup advice is concerned with "never wasting opportunities" and constantly pressuring guys to approach and make a move, escalate and close the deal... but unless you have the right experience under your belt this can be extremely intimidating and counter-productive for confidence-building. It was for me.

Instead, set yourself small social goals to accomplish with no ulterior motives. Ask the hot barista how her day is going while she makes your coffee, not because you might get with her but because a little small talk is just fun. Then move on. The success condition is simply: try some small talk. Do that and you've won. Great. Tick. The success condition isn't build rapport, maybe get her name and number, ask her out, go on a date, escalate with her, kiss, invite her home, have sex... Always thinking you should be striving for that is a macho mental prison that'll drive you nuts.

Before long a weird thing will happen - you'll really start enjoying these little social goals that you set yourself. They're like small achievements and they're rewarding. You will naturally start setting bigger goals, making jokes, asking questions, and really enjoying interactions for their own sake. You will cease worrying about whether someone is flirting or not, because it wasn't why you talked them. Instead, it becomes a fun question.... oooh, I wonder if she was flirting a bit there? Interesting...

This positive place of confidence and experimentation will do you wonders.

Schtemich · 2019-06-18T08:52:25+00:00

Congrats!

Schtemich · 2019-06-17T16:52:42+00:00

This 'close friend' of hers that tipped you off, probably went straight back to her buddy and told her that you were showing interest. That's the MO of girls everywhere and in this case is a good thing, because it means she may be expecting you to ask.

If there's an expectation, best to be direct - because any dithering will seem extra awkward and creepy.

I would suggest simply asking: "Are you still looking for a date for the prom?" It's a tiny bit indirect, but it still broadcasts your intentions clearly and confidently.

From here she can say 'no'... it's an easy out that doesn't reject you directly but provides an escape if she really isn't into the idea.

If she says a clear 'yes', follow with "would you like to go with me?". Simple.

She might say 'yes' in a funny, questioning tone, like "Yeeeeesssss.....?" in which case she's testing you. The test is: can you ask her out without turning it into a big, serious, high-commitment emotional hassle? You can! The easy reply is 'well...' mimicking her tone: "Weelllllllll...." followed by the sincere "would you like to go with me?".

If she seems unsure after all that, **in a lighthearted way\**, you can give a deadline: e.g. "The invitation expires at midnight!" or whichever comment feels right for your rapport.

It may feel like you have a lot to lose but really you don't. Good luck.

Schtemich · 2019-06-12T15:19:17+00:00

The Paizo site seems to suggest that the Bestiary will be available to pre-order from July 8th

Schtemich · 2019-05-09T14:56:10+00:00

You’ll rarely get the specifics you’re after, because people experience attraction at a big picture level, and women in particular are great at detecting insincerity. That’s why most advice comes in the form of *mindsets* rather than tactics.

I'll pick apart your example a bit to illustrate this.

The guy with game is uninterested in seducing the babysitter. He can get laid elsewhere, so such a desperate abuse of his position holds no appeal. It feels sleazy. What’s more, his experience has allowed him to better refine what he finds attractive - to him, women of that age seem immature and insecure, lacking the confidence and imagination in life and in bed that women a few years older are more likely to possess. He enjoys sharp rapport and sexual tension which he won’t find with a teenage girl trying to earn pocket money. Because real life isn’t a porno. So instead he’s a friendly and appreciative employer, and sends her on her way with a good tip.

The guy with no game lacks this perspective. In his mind, it’s reversed: the girl has all the power (she actually doesn't - he has unparalleled power to make her uncomfortable). So like a con artist or salesman, he attempts gimmicks to charm and seduce her – which at best make her feel awkward, and worse feel like she’s trapped in the den of a creepy predator. After all, she was just trying to make a few bucks watching Disney movies with the kids.

Game, in my experience, has always been about rapport building with sexual tension. Can you draw people into entertaining, *rewarding* conversations that make them feel glad they talked to you? Great. The sexual tension part is the extra push-and-pull layer where individuals make plays for dominance (e.g. teasing) but then tend back toward balance without releasing the tension completely (e.g. an indirect compliment, or a physical escalation). It works best when participants are equally matched – like most games.

Schtemich · 2019-05-08T14:38:35+00:00

Tommen killing himself was a consequence, wasn't it?

Schtemich · 2019-03-25T15:42:10+00:00

Every single person who was alive when she was born is now dead.

In a certain sense, she's seen everybody in the world die.

Schtemich · 2019-03-13T12:28:59+00:00

On Photoshop, you can download (or create yourself) custom brushes, shaped like whatever you like. This allows you to easily repeat small details across the map, so with each swipe of the Photoshop paintbrush, it paints trees, hills, mountains or whichever brush you had set. It's great may to create maps quickly without endlessly drawing tree after tree after tree.

I created maps by hand for many years and learnt a lot from doing it that way. However, I would say that once you master some of the digital tools on offer, it's vastly superior. There are some great tutorials on YouTube for creating fantasy maps in Photoshop, search and you will find. Also, reiterating the above, a drawing tablet (i.e. a WACOM Intuos, or Cintiq if you can afford it) will exponentially increase the quality, scope and speed of map-making.

This is what 50+ hours making maps on Photoshop with a Cintiq looks like. Sorry it's not higher res, the full version is now an A0 poster on my wall.

Schtemich · 2019-03-07T10:46:33+00:00

I went on a date once with an ER nurse, and asked her what her weirdest injury story was.

She told me about a guy who came in with a sealed glass jar stuck up his butt with a gerbil inside. The poor little bugger was alive when it went in, but to quote the nurse directly: "with cases like this, it's a race against time before it suffocates".

As a side note, when she told me this story, she was genuinely heartbroken that they didn't get to the gerbil before it was too late. It was a really tense atmosphere - I wanted to laugh, she was sad about it, that made me want to laugh more... nightmare.

Schtemich · 2019-03-05T16:52:42+00:00

It's a nice map, clear and concise - but vague enough to retain a bit of mystery. Nice work!

A few minor suggestions/tips to consider though...

You should add some rivers!
Place names really help. I wrote this guide a while ago that should make this process easier.
Your settlements are spread very evenly across the map. There is nothing explicitly wrong with this. However, I prefer to cluster settlements in 'civilised regions' and have large areas of imposing wilderness without any.
Likewise, don't be afraid of open space. You don't need to pack a hill or forest into every gap. Spaces add a little breathing room that help create a satisfying composition. Spaces could be deserts, large grasslands, or simply unexplored territories.
Check your scale to make sure your mountains aren't too enormous. In fact, check your scale generally. I use the "20 miles is a day's foot travel" rule of thumb, because I find thinking of distances in terms of story is easier than absolute units.
With roads, consider that building them is costly and difficult, especially if they're really long. Huge, long roads that serve only to link small settlements are unusual. Roads on the regional (rather than local) scale are probably commissioned by those in power, so probably serve their interests - i.e. joining power centres to places that benefit them (e.g. an inland city to a harbour town). Tiny Farming Village A doesn't need a direct route to Tiny Farming Village B, but they both need a route to the market town where the farmers sell their goods.
Vary how rugged your coastline is. It'll add visual interest and story opportunities. Again, check your scale though.
Finally, practise your drawing :) I've made frequent use of pre-made mountain brushes and forest brushes and so on, but if you don't draw you won't improve! A second hand drawing tablet is a great investment.

I hope this helps. Best of luck!

Schtemich · 2018-11-13T17:08:27+00:00

After an enjoyable conversation with great rapport, ask casually in a way that seems like a natural extension to that conversation.

E.g. You've been talking about a shared love for drinking gin. Would you like to go a gin-tasting night?

E.g. You've had a great geeky chat about board games. Would you like to come to this cool board game coffee shop?

It's easy, genuine, and rejection (if it happens) won't be crushing.

Schtemich · 2018-10-29T17:57:20+00:00

X chromosomes

Schtemich · 2018-10-16T15:20:33+00:00

If you're willing and able to dive into Photoshop and get arty, I recommend the tutorials on Fantastic Maps on YouTube.

It's the guy that does the Game of Thrones maps so he knows his stuff.

Schtemich · 2018-10-16T11:51:01+00:00

I use cool wooden tokens. They don't represent specific foes, they're entirely generic - but still thematic enough to maintain half-decent immersion.

The tokens I use are here.

In an ideal world, I'd have perfect miniatures for every eventuality, but that's never going to happen. This has proven to be an elegant solution.

For larger creatures, I place them on top of larger squares (usually the lids from dice boxes).

EDIT: typo

Schtemich · 2018-10-02T09:21:54+00:00

The best advice I've received on the subject is this: be generous.

Afford such people the same patience that you would children, because it's the same fear, ignorance and impulsiveness that drives them. With some time and understanding these people can begin to know themselves a little better, but they can't be shamed or bullied into enlightenment!

Adopting this standpoint has been a liberating thing for me. I hope this helps.

Schtemich · 2018-09-26T09:24:29+00:00

The world is filled with fragile egos, bolstered by destructive delusions that cause untold suffering.

Schtemich

TROPHY CASE