(OOC) D&D 3.5 - Paridon: The Dark Metropolis (Ravenloft)

[jkason]

I don't think that should be predetermined. If we are able to talk the enemy into surrendering, there may be no need for a showdown - I favor simulationism

That sounds about right to me. I mean, especially in the environment you've been building for this game, choices have consequences, not all of which are easy to predict. If we manage to talk our way out of blowing up another building (and / or party members), I'm all for that, but I don't want to suddenly find this great atmosphere of threat and danger is really set about with a bunch of baby-proofing to keep us from really screwing up. As long as there are viable options for getting out the other side, I'd say play the NPCs and the situation as it feels right to play them. If we get ourselves in a big, giant fight, so be it. If not, I'm sure we'll manage to get ourselves in another one soon enough, given our characters' temperments and general luck.

 

[Rhun]

I have to agree with Kinem. If we can talk him down, there is no need for a battle to the death. Redemption is just as fulfilling as slaying the misguided.

 

[Le Noir Faineant]

I have to agree with Kinem. If we can talk him down, there is no need for a battle to the death. Redemption is just as fulfilling as slaying the misguided.

 

[InVinoVeritas]

That sounds about right to me. I mean, especially in the environment you've been building for this game, choices have consequences, not all of which are easy to predict. If we manage to talk our way out of blowing up another building (and / or party members), I'm all for that, but I don't want to suddenly find this great atmosphere of threat and danger is really set about with a bunch of baby-proofing to keep us from really screwing up. As long as there are viable options for getting out the other side, I'd say play the NPCs and the situation as it feels right to play them. If we get ourselves in a big, giant fight, so be it. If not, I'm sure we'll manage to get ourselves in another one soon enough, given our characters' temperments and general luck.

Perfect, thanks.

The big thing for me was that the party's trying hard to talk him down, and most groups I know deep down want the big fight anyway. I just wanted to be sure that by maintaining the engagement, I'm not disappointing folks.

Note that this doesn't mean that talking him down is easy. No matter what you want, you're going to have to work hard to get it. I'll keep that much more natural, more a result of the discussion and your actions. I won't declare by fiat anything right now, whether it's a guaranteed slug'em or lovefest. I just needed to make sure that the players' goals were matching the characters' goals in this case, is all.

Still, no guarantees.

 

[Le Noir Faineant]

Hey, Vino, that's so freaking cool!!!

 

[Le Noir Faineant]

Look what I created: http://www.enworld.org/forum/group.php?groupid=8

 

[InVinoVeritas]

Thanks! I joined up.

ENWorld 2 is looking to be very interesting... increases how the game runs.

 

[Le Noir Faineant]

Kaboom, kaboom!

 

[InVinoVeritas]

Just to let everyone know: I am still around. I've just been swamped with work, home buying, and family all at the same time.

 

[Rhun]

No problem, IVV! We're around (or, at least...I'm around).