Pulling Teeth

[marsden_online]

That was not the best session I've ever run. But can I be blamed for expecting the PCs to take the initiative a little more in finding out what the other parties were up to, rather than just sitting in the inn waiting for me to hand everything on a silver platter. They came this ][ close to losing their objective, though I'm pretty sure the players involved don't realise it wasn't guaranteed to go to them.

At least 2 & 2 might be coming together with relation to some of the other clues I've been waving under their noses for the past few sessions.

Comments

[doth.livejournal.com]

I would have attempted things (although I'm not entirely sure what), but Curaogh just wasn't in a position to do anything. Add to that the fact that things kept being discussed in Elvish and Curaogh is the only one currently who doesn't understand the language, plus Carrie trying to keep Curaogh away at all times (except at night so she could bodyguard her while she slept) and you certainly weren't the only one unhappy with the sessionn.
With regards to the objective, I was very relieved when Aether reported the conversation he had overheard between Sinal and Lineal. Before then I thought we were going to have to hunt down the other guys and beat them up a lot after they left Beneorn. Quite frankly, I'm not sure we deserved it.

[marsden-online.livejournal.com]

Yes I'm sorry about that. Perhaps the thing I was least expecting was Carrie's "Turtle" response, the "they're all out to get us, nobody is going anywhere" attitude. I was expecting more investigation of Clarion and his companion, and their room, before the meeting. Nighttime sneaking by Carrie or by Curaogh on Carrie's behalf. I was also predicting certain queries being made of the elves that just didn't happen.

It is a pity you failed those first perception checks. Things might have been more interesting if you'd smelt out Brendon earlier. It's fortunate Aether made his Luck roll.

Ummm, you could have ambushed those lurkers who followed you back from the bar. I was very surprised when there was no party reaction to them being outside, given Carrie's state. You could also have followed Brendon a little more persistently, or asked the barkeeper about him.

Objective - There were basically three possible outcomes. The "package" being given outright to the others was unlikely, based on the time you've already spent travelling with the elves. However, it was almost a case of "all parties shall continue to Crossing together". I decided I probably couldn't handle that, given Carrie's mood.

Thoughts.

Carrie (or Natalie) is not very good at assessing either her own skills or the skills of those around her, and using them. This is a hinderance since she seems to be de-facto group "leader", over and above the current focus on her character. I ty and set up situations where all the party should be participating (otherwise I'm just jumping from character to character all the time) and they get bogged down because there doesn't seem to be a group coherence. This is frustrating to me.

Maybe Curough should stop accepting Carrie as dominant female ? ;->

I'm ranting somewhat of course. I'm trying to figure out if I should be placing so much of the blame for the way the game is going on myself or not. Perhaps I should write up all my concerns and email them around the players, as a group or individually, or maybe I should wait and see how it goes when Natalie is away next month. The other three characters might have the opportunity to gel a bit better then (assuming they don't just scatter).

In any case, your feedback (positive or negative) is always appreciated :):)