Shadowdark Shadowdark General Thread [+]

[kermit4karate]

I dropped the real time torch timer almost immediately. i understand that it solves a problem some people have, but I did not have that problem so it was more of a PITA and intrusion than it was worth.

I also dropped always on initiative early, too, mostly because I felt like that actually slowed the game down.

In what way do you feel always-on initiative slows the game down?

I've kept it so far but do feel it's...goofy. I think it's faster in game but makes little sense in terms of realism.

 

[Velderan]

In what way do you feel always-on initiative slows the game down?

I've kept it so far but do feel it's...goofy. I think it's faster in game but makes little sense in terms of realism.

I can't speak for Reynard, but for me the part where it slowed the game down was moving from one room to the next when line of sight for the torchlight didn't allow people to take full advantage of their turn. We loosened it up a bit this past week in our second session and the game definitely ran a bit faster.

Which raises a question: how many torches do your groups typically run at a time? For how many players? I've been running the game for 4 and only using 1 torch at a time, though they typically overlap a bit near the end when I warn them their torch is beginning to burn lower.

 

[Fenris-77]

I can't speak for Reynard, but for me the part where it slowed the game down was moving from one room to the next when line of sight for the torchlight didn't allow people to take full advantage of their turn. We loosened it up a bit this past week in our second session and the game definitely ran a bit faster.

Which raises a question: how many torches do your groups typically run at a time? For how many players? I've been running the game for 4 and only using 1 torch at a time, though they typically overlap a bit near the end when I warn them their torch is beginning to burn lower.

Shadowdark is NOT designed to work with VTTs that way (not are RPGs generally for that matter). I know exactly what you're talking about, but that's a VTT issue, not a system issue, although those two things seem like the same thing if you only play on VTTs.

 

[Reynard]

Shadowdark is NOT designed to work with VTTs that way (not are RPGs generally for that matter). I know exactly what you're talking about, but that's a VTT issue, not a system issue, although those two things seem like the same thing if you only play on VTTs.

In my experience, having run SD both on Fantasy Grounds a bunch and in person a bunch, Shadowdark is best when at the table using Theater of the Mind exploration and a quick, "not especially to scale" sketch of the battlefield for combat.

 

[Fenris-77]

In my experience, having run SD both on Fantasy Grounds a bunch and in person a bunch, Shadowdark is best when at the table using Theater of the Mind exploration and a quick, "not especially to scale" sketch of the battlefield for combat.

Yup, I agree. I've played on VTTs a bunch and the torch thing is super frustrating. I think I'm going to have a free floating torch icon that I can just move independant of the character icons to use as necessary. Exploration doesn't really happpen in a constant series of individual moves, but the VTT by necessity has to run it like that.

 

[Reynard]

Yup, I agree. I've played on VTTs a bunch and the torch thing is super frustrating. I think I'm going to have a free floating torch icon that I can just move independant of the character icons to use as necessary. Exploration doesn't really happpen in a constant series of individual moves, but the VTT by necessity has to run it like that.

I wish FG had a worthwhile player drawing tool so they can easily map while exploring.

 

[Fenris-77]

I wish FG had a worthwhile player drawing tool so they can easily map while exploring.

The 1980's called and asked if you'd be interested in some graph paper and a chewed, yellow HB pencil.

 

[SkidAce]

I'm sure its obvious, but I'm missing the point yall are making about the torch "thing."