That would be awesome.  Any and all heroes are welcomed to apply!

Obviously, you have the chops to play. 

Three times I have tried this adventure.  Three times I have failed due to player and/or GM attrition (read: I suck).  But this story keeps rattling around my head.  This adventure where a group of low level heroes finds themselves in a perverse, horrifying situation.  This story that I desperately want to share with/inflict upon my players...

This will probably be a single adventure only, though I'm not opposed to the idea of a campaign.

The game will be set in Audalis (which means that magic is fairly uncommon), and will be my typical modified 2E rules. In other words, this is old school stuff. You don't have to be familiar with 2E rules, and I'll be happy to help you create a character. I handle arcane magic a bit differently than the rules as written, so be advised of that.

If you are comfortable rolling up your own stats, please use the "roll 4d6, drop low roll from each set, arrange to taste" method of character creation. I expect higher than average scores, but if you come to me with three 18s, I reserve the right to nerf your character as I see fit.

I need at least four - preferably six - adventurers of third level. Pretty much any class or race is okay, but note that this game takes place in Northeast Ertain - one of the five human kingdoms - so understand that really exotic races would probably be out of place, treated poorly by the populace, etc. I would strongly recommend that each of the four primary roles (warrior, arcane spellcaster, divine spellcaster, rogue) be represented in the party, but that will be up to players themselves. I will consider any alignment, but this adventure is best suited for a party of overall good alignment (I prefer stories about heroes, not villains). I will consider kits, within reason, but reserve the right to change or veto anything that I don't like.

I expect at least one post per week, and would like to make it two. If posting is really fast and furious, I'll post more often as I'm able. Posts should be at least 2-3 short paragraphs. I want to read about emotions, thoughts, etc. "I charge the orcs!" is not an acceptable post.

Please note that this game is *not* first come, first served. To be considered, I need a PM from you with a basic character concept, maybe a personality, brief history, etc. I will pick the ideas that I like best, that I feel will form the best team. To clarify, I need more than a character sheet for you to be considered for this game. In fact, the character sheet is the *least* important piece of it. I need to know who your character is. Why do they adventure? What is their personality? You don't have to give me a full biography, but a bit of history would be good.

On that note, assume that your characters have been an adventuring party for at least a few months. I don't want to waste six weeks posting about meeting in a tavern, and I'm too old and crabby to deal with the moody loner who always works alone and has to be persuaded to help out. I want all questions about party leadership and such hashed out in the Q&A before we start the adventure. Basically, I want to cut out the annoying fluff and get right to the meat of the adventure.

Regarding the adventure itself:

WARNING! This adventure will contain disturbing, adult/horror themes. If you are easily offended, squeamish, or bothered by the macabre, please do not apply. While this game will *not* contain anything truly explicit, the themes prompt me to limit this game to those age 18 and up.

I do not take credit for this adventure; I actually have had this one on my hard drive for years, as it is posted freely online. However, I have adapted it to Audalis, and I have taken the general plot and carried it to some darker, more detailed places. There is a character in this story that literally bothers me, and sadly, this character sprung directly from my twisted imagination.

One final warning: I have a reputation as a killer DM, and to be honest, the reputation is at least somewhat fair. I truly don't go out of my way to kill players, but if you do stupid things ("I charge into the bandit camp alone, using surprise to my advantage!"), well... you made that bed, you get to lie in it. That being said, I *have* killed off players simply because the dice were not kind. Adventuring is dangerous business, and death is a real part of it. If you sign up to play and you die, please don't take it personally.

Okay. Now that I've done my best to scare you off, please let me know if you are interested.

-----------------------------------------------------

Edit: approved character concepts will be listed here.

Female half-sylvari Rogue (breebles)
Male human cleric of Therassor (Bromern Sal)
Male kazari fighter (Eol Fefalas)
Female sylvari bladesinger (Reralae)
Male human cleric of solanis (Raven)
Male cidal conjurer (open) - deceased
Male human transmuter (Oz_Magiccity) - deceased

I've had a couple of folks tell me they were working on posts.  Obviously, if ya'll can wait a year for me, I can wait a few days.

But I don't want people to feel obligated.  So if it goes much farther, I'll just post again.

Wrong game, Al.  This was never the Love Boat.  This one was way too gritty for that.

Pointedly ignores Tochi/Asovil subplot...

Loved it.  I love the look ins as to what various characters are thinking, doing... Asovil working to maximize shields and such, her thoughts.  These are the details that make Trek so great,

I can fix the thread associations for you. 

The spacing has a lot to do with the source formatting you are copying from. 

Can't wait to read it!

I will touch on the shuttle next, though if any and all want to post, again... I'd love to have you.

Stardate 2365.02.11
USS Peregrine, Main Bridge - 11:12

The engines of the Peregrine roared to life and the frigate rapidly closed the gap between itself and the menacing shape of the Coronado.  Silas hoped against hope that Jacobs would save his fury for the coming court martial, that the other captain would dig up some scrap of conscience or restraint and call off this insane attack run.

As the gap narrowed, Drake realized that his hope was futile. The Coronado never deviated from her line, and moments later, Lasad's voice confirmed the Captain's fears.

"Captain, the Coronado has locked on to a Kuldar vessel and is closing to optimal firing range."  The Ops officer's voice was understandably tight.

Silas nodded.  "Lieutenant Berk, lock our phasers on the Coronado.  Are those calculations complete?"

The TAC officer paled and swallowed before answering.  "Aye, Captain.  Phasers are locked on.  Calculations are complete."

"Captain," Lasad interjected, his voice several notes higher than before, "the Coronado is charging her phasers!"

Drake's mouth was suddenly dry; Jacobs was forcing his hand.  Silas knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that if he gave this next order, a penal colony would be the absolute best outcome for him.  But if he didn't give the order, innocent sentients would die... and those deaths would at least partially be on him for lacking the courage to act.

The Captain swallowed.  "Mister Berk, fire."

The following moment felt like an eternity passed until the orange-red beam leapt from the Peregrine and lit up the shields protecting the Coronado, and within seconds was joined by two more. The older Miranda class vessel's deflectors gamely tried their best, dissipating the energy around the surface of the shield bubble, but they were no match for the Saber class frigate's damage output.  Berk kept the energy pouring out, and within a startlingly small window, the diplomatic ship's shields collapsed and she pitched to the side.

"Target shields are down, Captain," Berk spoke rather unnecessarily.  "Minor hull damage inflicted."

"We are being hailed from the Coronado," Lasad spoke.  After a nod from Drake, the viewscreen shifted to the bridge of the other Federation vessel.

Front and center was the visage of Captain Jacobs, whose skin was mottled purple with rage.  The man had been angry before, but now he was truly apoplectic.  "You filthy piece of dog shit!" He spat.  "You treacherous bastard!"  Spittle dripped from the lips of the Coronado CO's lips as he ranted.  "When this is over, I will hang you myself!"

Lasad spoke up.  "Captain, the Coronado is changing course, she's coming around."

Then Berk joined in, a note of panic in his voice.  "Captain, they have locked phasers on us... they are firing!"

An instant later, the deck pitched from the force of the blow.  "Direct hit, sir!  Shields are holding." Lasad reported.  "No physical damage, shields at ninety-two percent."

His voice more even, the TAC officer spoke up again.  "Captain, the Coronado is charging for another shot..."

Drake's voice cut through the chaos.  "Captain Jacobs, stop this madness at once," he ordered in a commanding tone.  "This has gone far enough!"

The deck pitched again.  "Another direct hit, sir," the OPS chief reported.  "Shields are holding, down to eighty-three percent."

On the viewscreen, Jacobs sneered.  "What a surprise.  The coward is not prepared to deal with the repercussions of his actions.  Did you honestly think that I would be bullied by the likes of you, mister Drake?"

Once again, the deck pitched.  "Captain!" The Risan OPS chief exclaimed.  "Sir, one of the shield generators has failed!  Backup coming online, overall shield capacity down to fifty-nine percent!"

Enough was enough.

"Lieutenant Berk," Drake spoke calmly, "lock phasers on the Coronado.  Target their phaser bank.  On my mark, remove their offensive capabilities, please."

"Phasers locked on, sir," Berk reported.  "Captain, you do know that with no defector shields, even localized phaser damage will likely cause loss of life aboard the Coronado."

Michelle's face leapt to mind, looking the way Silas had last seen her in their last conversation.  The smudges of grime across her nose and cheek as she reported the damage to him aboard the Alexander.  That same face, so pale, a half hour later.  Those blue eyes, once dancing and lively, fixed and empty as they stared into nothingness.

These were not abstract concepts.  These were real people whose lives would end - through no fault of their own - if he gave the next order.  Silas wouldn't need to worry about which penal colony he would occupy; once he took Federation lives like this, his death warrant would surely be signed.

But if he did nothing, the Peregrine shields would soon fail, and then... there would be loss of life on board his own ship.  Followed by loss of life around the system as Jacobs pressed on in his madness.

The anger seemed to evaporate from Drake's blood, to be replaced by a strange sense of serenity.  "Captain Joshua Jacobs," Silas spoke aloud in a measured, almost disinterested tone, "as lawful commander of this battle group, I hereby find you unfit for duty.  You are relieved of command of the USS Coronado, effective immediately.  Commander Bethany Farr will now assume command of your vessel.  My phasers are locked onto your own; if you do not comply, I will render your weapons useless.  If that is not sufficient incentive to ensure your acquiescence, I will move on from there to cripple your engines."

Black humor tickled the edge of Silas' consciousness, causing the corner of his mouth to turn up ever so slightly.  After all, they can't kill me twice...

Jacobs, if possible, turned a darker shade of purple.  "You wouldn't dare!" he shouted.  "Even your treason does not run this deep!  Our shields are down, thanks to you!  If you fire on this vessel, you will surely kill Starfleet personnel!"

Drake nodded his head ever so slightly.  "You are correct, Captain... and I will regret each and every one of their deaths for the short remainder of my own life.  But you leave me no choice.  I cannot allow you to harm my own personnel, nor can I allow you to kill innocent Kuldarians."  His voice deadly calm, he continued. "You have ten seconds to comply."

Jacobs sputtered in fury.  "I... I will do no such thing!  You are bluffing!  You will lose your commission, your freedom, your life!  For what?  Some ignorant, backwater sentients too stupid to take advantage of the dilithium under their noses?  Why, I will…"

Silas raised his hand.  "Your time is up.  Mister Berk, fire on the Coronado pha..."

"STOP!" rang a feminine voice from the bridge of the Coronado.  "Captain Jacobs, I relieve you.  Please leave the bridge at once."  Commander Farr appeared next to her commanding officer.

"Not now, Farr!" Jacobs roared.  "I don't have time for your nonsense right now, I..."

Commander Farr interrupted.  "Captain, I must insist.  She gestured to her left, and a gold-suited officer appeared with phaser drawn and leveled at the Captain.  "Ensign Phillips will escort you to your quarters, sir.  Please do not force us to stun you."

Jacobs gaped, opened and closed his mouth twice as if to speak, but no sound came out.  For the briefest of moments, his muscles tensed, and it looked as if he might attack the security officer.  But the moment passed, and the now former CO of the Coronado deflated.  His shoulders slumped, and the Captain allowed himself to be led towards the turbolift.  For a brief moment, he paused and looked back over his shoulder at the viewscreen.  "You will burn for this," he spat.  "The both of you."  The ensign then placed a hand none too gently on Jacobs' shoulder, and the two disappeared into the lift.

As she settled into the command chair, a fairly pale Farr barked orders.  "Phasers off line, Lewis.  Helm, all stop."  She then turned her focus to the viewscreen.  "What are your orders, Captain Drake?"

Silas allowed the breath he had not realized he was holding to escape.  "Hold position for now.  Let's see if we can still salvage this thing.  Drake out."

The viewscreen cut away to a view of the Gamera system and the ships in it.  Drake hoped that no one could see the trembling that suddenly overtook him as he sank into the command chair.

"Captain," Lasad reported, "several ships from both sides are moving to engage one another.  Weapon systems are armed... it's about to become a full battle out there."

"Open hailing frequencies, broadcast on all available channels," the Captain snapped.

"NOW HEAR THIS!" Drake bellowed.  "This is Captain Drake of the USS Peregrine.  All Rytain and Kuldar forces will stand down AT ONCE.  Power down your weapons systems and hold your positions!  This is a peace summit, and as God is my witness, there WILL be peace talks - terrorist attack or no!  If any vessel makes an aggressive move of any sort, I will cut through it like paper.  The delegations will proceed as planned to the rendezvous at the station, OR ELSE.  Drake out."

Nothing like death threats to motivate peace, Silas mused.  Not that it would matter in the grand scheme of things, but he was fairly certain that Starfleet would add a couple more ancillary charges to his court martial due to these transmissions.  But if it stopped the violence...

"Captain, it worked!" Dio exclaimed. "all vessels have powered down their weapons."

The immediate threat handled, Silas sighed ever so slightly.  "Inform the Coronado to resume their original path to the station.  Offer the Rytain our assistance in their rescue and recovery efforts; we can dispatch another shuttle if they want our help.  Lieutenant Zai, lay in a course for the station; I want these diplomats off my ship."

It has been ages.  A year since the last post, actually.  That is nigh criminal negligence on me - especially with the game hanging in the climactic final act.

I want to close this out.  I had planned to just write a couple of finale posts, but it occurs to me that some of you insane folks may wish to contribute your own characters'' viewpoints. 

So, here's what I'm going to do - I'm going to post (hopefully by the end of the week).  Feel free to jump in and post as if the game didn't have a massive year break, but if nobody does, that's okay, too... I'll write the end as a series of silver screen posts.

And more is coming - for reals, yo.

Hey, all! 

As you well know, I'm not nearly active here as I once was (or would llike to be again).  Life has changed, gotten so much more hectic than it was when I first founded the Inn.

But whatever.  The point of this post was to share my personal blog - homebrewdad.com.  It's basically a "daddy blog" where I share various creative stuff.  It might be some craft, it might be a recipe, it might be be rebuilding the front porch stairs, or it might just be me musing on parenthood. 

If that sounds interesting to you, by all means, please give it a read or follow. 

I also have a Facebook page for the blog where I post quick little tidbits, and I do a terrible job of maintaining a Twitter, as well.

Welcome to the Inn!

Since the beginning of the Rdinn PM system, messages have always shown up in chronological order.  That works really well for games and whatnot, but typically, you want to see the newest messages first, and don't want to have to skip past pages to make this happen.

As of today, the default view now shows your newest messages first. 

However, if you prefer the old method - never fear.  Go to your "my admin" and edit your user profile.  From there, simply check the box that says "show oldest PMs first in the inbox?" and you'll go back to chronological order.

As you may have noticed, we are currently putting in real effort to add new features to the Inn and to correct old issues. 

Along the way, we will undoubtedly encounter some errors - and there may be some that we don't know about.

So please, Innmates - use this thread to report issues. 

A few notes:

• Please provide as much detail as possible when you make a big report.  At a minimum, we need to know the page you had the issue with, as well as your operating system and browser (i.e. "sending a PM, Windows 7, Firefox" or "using the dice roller, Android 8, Chrome").  If there are other relevant details, please share them.


• To keep things tidy, please do not add conversation to this thread.  If you need to add details or clarify something, please send me a PM instead.  All comments outside of original issue reports and my confirmation of the issue being closed will be deleted.


• Additional reports of the same issue will be copied over as comments to the original report, but in the interest of keeping things streamlined, these extra reports will also be deleted. 

Thank you for your assistance! 

Kind words, but it WAS a stupid mistake. 

Hey all. 

You may have noticed the ability to subscribe to your various games, or to other topics that you may have found interesting. 

If so, you have probably also noticed that this feature is super buggy, never seems to work for certain threads, etc. 

Today, I found and fixed a really stupid error on the script.  It should work perfectly now.

Pleae be advised - if you are not getting notified like you expect, you'll need to resubscribe to the thread in question.  Once that is done, however, you should be golden.

Sorry for this ancient, ridiculous bug.  At least it is finally fixed.

There are great things afoot in the Inn!  The editor is just the first of many updates...

Scott!  So good to see you!  I was literally just thinking of you yesterday!

Yep, eight kids. 

Emily - 21, married
Caleb - 20
Noah - 10
Jonah - 8
Silas - 6
Wynter - 4
Elowyn - 2
Gideon - 9 (weeks)

Odl habits die hard, Schnoz.

Also...

You may note that message subjects are no longer required.  You have to have one when starting a new topic (for obvious reasons), but if you won't want to put some nonsense in the message space... then just don't, you rebel you.

I hope that a lot of people get a similar positive surprise, Sib.

Hah, I haven't used the app.  But we have the site, to which I invited you...

Hang on, I can send you some attachments from Brom via email that might make you giddy...

Oh, yes.  Take a look at those Asana tasks, sir.