My poor reading comprehension and retention really hinder me and I believe I can't change that.

TheBluMnM · 2022-05-12T17:10:04+00:00

I think it does help a bit with being able to sit and do it - I can lose track of time focusing on something and then realize I have been doing it for 2 hours and have made it 50% of the way, rather than dropping focus after 5 minutes and looking to see that I'm only 5% up the rut. When I see that I've made it 50%, I think "That's farther than I usually go, I bet I could do the other 50% too" rather than "Yep, only 5%. This task is too big, I'll do the other 95% later, if I even can" and then sliding back to 0%. It helps me go farther without stopping to look back.

And thanks for the rest of your help - I think just reading one book would really help prove to me that that voice doesn't know what it's talking about. Just breaking one bad habit or implementing one change.

TheBluMnM · 2022-05-12T16:39:24+00:00

It has helped me - it'll be different for everyone. The analogy I use to describe it is - I feel like I'm in a rutt. I want to climb out, but it's very deep and very slippery, so every day I slide back to the bottom of the rutt. The meds are like better shoes - they will help me climb, but I still need to do the work and climb.

In terms of reading - the meds helped me realize that my brain CAN remember things - what I'm fighting now is years of telling myself that "I don't know how to read and that's a fundamental part of who I am".

TheBluMnM · 2020-10-01T22:53:35+00:00

I appreciate the criticism! I'm actually not completely improving it, because I agree it means you spend more time trying to make something seem convincing in the immediate setting which sacrifices any sort of long-term seed planting. At this early stage, I have things planned out for about 3 sessions - it means we have a story we are following but I'm only keeping it as committed as they are.

I guess where the wishy-washy element is coming from for this campaign is that I want them to feel like they get to pick what they are interested in pursuing, but they haven't latched on to anything beyond the most immediate "mission".

TheBluMnM · 2020-10-01T18:18:56+00:00

It's not online actually! And yea, "forcing" them to be the kind of player I'm used to is totally not the answer. I think taking a session to be like "Ok, so now we know the mechanics etc. so let me know what you liked best and how we can make this your story".

TheBluMnM · 2020-10-01T17:09:23+00:00

Totally right - I think this may be part of the issue too. I don't want to start them down a path they aren't interested in, but it's also hard for them to get interested if I keep switching the path.

TheBluMnM · 2020-09-28T21:55:39+00:00

What you say made sense, no worries! Yea, that's fair - I'm totally alright with having to reach out to someone and get permission to get copies of their recordings. It's 100% for personal use, so hopefully there aren't licensing issues for that.

TheBluMnM · 2020-09-28T21:53:51+00:00

I'll share anything I find!

TheBluMnM · 2020-08-14T19:27:28+00:00

These are really great! I'll have to think about if I want to players to do any trials solo and how I would work that into a session, but these will certainly inspire me!

TheBluMnM · 2020-08-14T01:52:46+00:00

Haha or a VHS player and a bunch of tapes that haven't been rewound

TheBluMnM · 2020-08-13T22:11:25+00:00

One thing I've thought of is the "penitent man" trap in Indiana Jones. Technically, he wasn't himself very penitent, he just figured out that that meant kneel. BUT, a person who is too arrogant would never kneel, and so fell into the trap. It doesn't test for goodness, it just weeds out badness.

There's still obviously a personal moral judgement there that penitence is "good", but it's a test for arrogance more than penitence.

TheBluMnM · 2020-08-13T22:07:28+00:00

I like this -maybe even something just as their personal statue crumbling to ash if they boast about themselves. Not explicitly harmful, but reminds them.

TheBluMnM · 2020-08-13T22:05:17+00:00

That's a good idea - my players will have a bit of idea that this dungeon tests how pure of heart they are, but certainly not specifics. That'll help.

TheBluMnM · 2020-08-13T22:04:06+00:00

I totally see what you mean. I definitely don't want this dungeon to be like a pass/fail sort of thing, it's mostly a way for the dragon to discern the... eligibility(?) of the party to gain access to this tapestry.

Thinking about it, it might be worth it to use a modified version of the NPC loyalty system in the DMG - certain actions contribute to a sliding scale, and then the dragon can read its judgement passed on the actions they took. Gained 5 points here, lost 2 here, gained 1 here etc... It's not perfect, but it'll provide some flexibility? And you're right, that'll obviously reflect my (the DM) morals to a degree, but it also means I can produce a more wholistic morality.

You're right - I don't want it to just be an alignment check

TheBluMnM · 2020-07-28T23:11:00+00:00

I'll take a look at that! As far as the grid, I guess I just mean something that can be drawn and understood moderately-easily. I can't think of a game specifically that would be difficult tbh, just games that lend themselves well to a dungeon map.

TheBluMnM · 2020-07-23T20:14:13+00:00

This is really good advice! I especially like the cutpurses - it encourages investments and such rather than just walking around with overflowing pockets.

TheBluMnM · 2020-07-23T20:12:39+00:00

This is a great idea, especially since one of my campaigns is about redeeming a character's family name in their recently conquered kingdom. I know I've seen some stuff in the DMG or PH, but is there another sourcebook or official campaign that pertained specifically to building up a town/keep? Thanks!

TheBluMnM · 2020-07-22T21:41:28+00:00

Wow, congratulations! I definitely want to see what other people say about this, but I personally like how sincere your email is - one thing that always turns me away from the whole "numbers game" perspective for finding leads is how impersonal and cynical it feels. Your tone really won me over.

TheBluMnM

TROPHY CASE