Welcome folks. This is the place to talk about all kinds of things.

Woohoo!

The question is what's all kinds of things.

Why we like cats? What type of cats? Why we don't like cats?
Indoor versus outdoor?

How many cats one needs to be considered a 'crazy cat owner'?

Television shows?

T. S. Eliot?

Names for cats versus names for dogs?

The naming of cats is a difficult matter. It isn't just one of your holiday games.

From a game mechanics point of view it would probably be good if we try to cover different schools of magic. Anyone have a favourite?

I like warding myself...
but I'd be willing to go with something else if someone else wants main claim to it. Probably not shaping though.

I leaned toward Seeking in the concept I posted, though I'm sure I'll be looking longingly at Cat Walk in the Warding list.

Indoor cat by inclination (more breakable things up high!), but trees are oh so interestingly tall!

Dogs get names? Whatever would they do with them?

List? Lists?

And <whispers> I think dogs probably pee on their names or something.

Richard was cruel when designing the setting and put the best powers of each area on an "exclusive" list.

Or, more fairly, he decided that some niche protection was good, so won't (by the book) let you cherry pick all the coolest powers. If you want one of the cool powers, you have to put the appropriate title (Warden, Seer, that sort of thing) in your high concept aspect and then you can't have any other exclusive trick.

Of course, we can do as we like.

I lean towards Shaping.

I would lean toward warding but see no reason for exclusivity in that area, Raven.

I understand, Ex, but I didn't want people feeling awkward if they wanted sole expertise, or if no one wanted the other area.

<pokes his nose in ... just to say ... kaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaawai! That's the absolutest cutest game banner on Dreamlyrics!>

Heh, and it will be a cute and cuddly horror game, um RIGHT!

The concept I have could be a namer or a warder.

I am going to run concurrent threads I think. One will be the Parliament of the New Moon where all are welcome to attend and interact, as well as some solo threads as part of the introduction to the cats and events in the area.

Rules of Parliament are petty simple, respect others and give each a chance to have their voice heard. It isn't quite as formal as a human parliament but there is a certain feeling of ritual to much of what goes on.

Ok threads up for most characters. If you don't see one it is because either I forgot, or I don't have enough information to craft that opening scene. No worries on either account they can be fixed. I had time so I posted. We are not off to the races here. Just trying to give people something to enjoy.

There has been a question posed. For game purposes is your cat altered (spayed or neutered)? It doesn't matter a huge deal but people seem to want to know. If it is something known, let us know. If not, then don't.

Altered.


Ex - I keep looking at Gordo's picture since it looks just like my first cat. He was a very large cat and the vet wasn't sure what his Maine Coon heritage was mixed with.

In Shadow's case? Nope, definitely not. Woe betide any burdens that might seek to cause harm to their beneficent protector.

I think Seeker is most likely altered.

Maine Coon and Manx...

Heh Ex neutered or spayed or neither?

Hmmm... I'd like to say neither, but it makes more sense to me for him to be neutered.

Say what you want to say. It doesn't have bearing other than to roleplay. A player asked, so I asked.

I'll stick with neutered.

Oh hey I am married too.

I was once in the long ago and far away but in about a month, I'll be divorced for 40 years.

Wow. You have been divorced longer than I have been married. Only twenty three years married here. But I got the right one, she and I are perfect for each other.

Happy for you.

Not so sure, AJ, of the relationship of the perch heights to each other. <shrugs>

Not sure if it really matters.

They're cats. They're fully capable at looking down at others even if they're at the bottom of a well.

And I wish I know how they did it!

Started a new thread All Wet for the dealings with the Water Spirit at Old Man's McGee's domicile. It starts the night of the Parliament.

If you would like I can start the Kennel Club thread as well, which will happen on Saturday night, two nights after the Parliament thread.

I am fine with one or both threads at the same time. Up to you guys.

Tempted to do some shadowform scouting of the kennel prior to Saturday Night. Wouldn't want to hold everyone else up, however.

Seeker should find something to knock off a shelf before then, too, to read the future in its broken bits.

Bringer would like to know someone or something's true name so he could hurt 'em.

Kennel Club To The Rescue is up so that exploration or whatever else needs to be done prior to Saturday night may now be done. Of course some of the first night might be chewed up in the other thread, but...

I got distracted and then realized, once undistracted, I was confused. Which thread should Bringer be in. I know he was following Shadow and the others to do a little investigating.

The All Wet one?

That is correct.

The other thread... Kennel Club is for the initial investigation which Shadow wanted to do, and then the subsequent rescue mission.

Bringer can be in either or both as he chooses. Note though the second one, might be tougher to investigation if one can't travel quite the same way as Shadow.

I feel sure Bringer is not nearly so stealthy as Shadow.

I figured I'd check here if there are specific posting guidelines when many/all of us in the same thread so as to let the more and less sporadic posters all get their shot at actions etc.

Thanks Raven. It is usually me that gets affected by this, maybe AJ too as we are in a different time zone to the rest of you and are usually in bed asleep when you guys are posting.

I generally favour that people don't make a second post until either everyone in the thread has posted or 24 hours has passed which ever happens sooner. It tends to be fair without slowing things down too much.

However this is Pande's game and his decision which I will abide by.

I can work with a "everyone or 24 hours" rule, certainly.

I am fine with 24 hours. I want the game to be fun and playable for all. Let's see how it goes.

I am not always as fast as I have been. So it should play a bit different now that we are in the meat of things.

Thank you for the clarification. So, once until everyone has posted or 24 hours have passed?

I'll keep it in mind when I read/respond.

If I can clarify something and not move the action forward I may do that. But I expect daily is the best I will normally maintain. It might be two to three times a week as my usual pace.

I'm very happy with an every 24 hour posting guideline!

Speaking of the '24hr or everyone' rule, anyone else in on the scouting thread or can I reply to Tiger-Lily?

Physically scouting the kennel? Not Seeker, no.

Bringer isn't stealthy enough to contribute to what Shadow's doing.

I had been trying to consider it and thought I had a bit more time. It makes more sense for her not to go so...

I guess Soot isn't going. I'm sorry for not responding sooner.

I'll have Terror in the Kennel thread probably tomorrow! Sorry for the delay -- dealing with an oncoming cold. He'll be able to scout outside along with the pretty blue-eyed newcomer.

Feel better soon!

Not taking "non-drowsy" medicine before going to bed would really help. Boy was I stupid yesterday.

I'm generally good only for one time frame thread at a time, so let me know when Kennel thread moves past the scouting to the next night (or whenever)

Will do! I expect we'll be having a get together before the main event anyway.

Gypsy is correct. All the PCs will be involved in the kennel rescue.

This invisibility.. and other spells.. do they have a duration? Can they be cancelled at will?

They last for a scene mostly. Yes they can be invoked and or dispelled at will. Merely a story element that you get to choose how they are used in the fiction.

OK thanks!

Happy Turkey Shenanigans to all if you observe that sort of thing.

Sorry for the absence. Holidays got a bit crazy.

That will happen. Welcome back. Now stop putting fur on my pants!

If you didn't want fur on them, you wouldn't have worn them in brush against range. Silly human.

Shedded fur is the latest in fashion trends.

I know it is the holidays and everyone is busy. But I wanted to let you all know that I am waiting on more cats to chime in on Soot's suggestion before I post again.

Hope everyone that does celebrate at this time of year enjoyed themselves.

We have fallen into a lull as people get busy. Do you want me to start the dreaming thread? Or?

Surely - I'm all for it.

Sounds like a good plan to me.

New thread is up. We can keep playing in the other threads. But those who wish to dream walk can join the new one. Note if your cat doesn't have the ability to dream walk they call still go as observers, they will just be invisible and intangible to the dream world and its participants. Which in some ways could be safer.

Which of us have Dream Walk?

Seeker doesn't and was planning to stalk around Astrally to watch for intrusion, which might look like Dream Walking to anyone awake, but isn't the same thing.

Obviously Soot does! She can pull others w/out it into the dream if you want.

Gee, P, thanks for the safety commentary.

Shadow will stay out of it, he's happy with the whole invisible and intangible schtick in the real world. Besides, someone needs to keep an eye on things.

Well the dream thread doesn't seem to have gathered participants. Shall I skip on to the main part of the game? We can run both concurrently. Just want people to have something fun to enjoy not waiting on me.

Things on the horizon The Kennel rescue, and dealing with the main plot which will happen shortly.

Looking for feedback so I know where the cats want to go, because herding them is so darn much work.

I got the impression that Soot was waiting on the GM for the Dream thing, several of us were observing and/or on guard duty.

Well I was under the impression that only one went in with Soot. So I paused to see if we had more takers. In either case it will be more to read as a solo adventure so I wanted to offer another thread at the same time.

Thanks for keeping me on track.

I thought Bringer was in on the dream...

Seeker is outside of the dream proper, but also snoozing as he watches for intrusion from the Astral.

Bringer was the only one to join as an observer as near as I have read. Which is fine by me, just didn't want to make assumptions...

Guess I will have to have something exciting happen outside of the dream world too.

We seem to have stalled. Move on to the next event? (The kennel rescue.) I can give a summary of what might or is learned with this encounter.

Sorry... I saw nothing to respond to in the last post, so didn't respond.

My intention was to force a physical confrontation with the spirit, and there by allow them to not only show their catness, but also possibly learn some information.

Perhaps I wasn't clear enough. The intended threat was the physical movement of the spirit. If she/it isn't stopped it could drown the burden. Just as the cat was drowned, if players remember.

I recognize the threat in the scene, which is why I was expecting something dramatic and got... essentially nothing.

I just didn't see any way in which to change my prior post, given the lack of change in the situation. I simply didn't know if there was anything *to* do, given that what I did got no reaction at all.

From the write up of the dreamwalking, I believe my character is in the dreaming and not seeing any of it?

My cat is not confrontational or very experienced in spirit issues.

My cat is confrontational and has some anti-spirit capabilities, but isn't sure what the commotion is having just turned up in the room.

Heh. It's like herding cats. Let me see what I can do to help the scene along before we skip ahead. I will try and get something up today.

Well... you could have picked dogs, but that would be no fun!

If mine isn't out of the scene, please let me know.

You have a good handle on what is going on. I was just trying to deal with both in and out of dream kinds of things at the same time. Which with cats complicates things.

I guess I need to ask outright, then...

Is the approaching spirit showing any sign of noticing Seeker and just ignoring him or is it not seeming to see him at all? "Seems Unaware" wasn't sufficiently clear to me the first time, nothing was adding this time.

Is she acting like she was earlier or somehow different in any noticeable way (Seeker's theory that maybe something else is riding in the spirit not the woman who they think it is)? Might be hard to tell if it's just moving forward without any color... but it's hard to do *anything* responsive if it's offering little to respond to.

That helps. Thanks.

The spirit seems about the same to Seeker. She seems distracted which is likely an effect of the dream walking. She shows no signs of stopping. No she seems to be completely unaware of the real world.

Does that clarify things?

And a note to all. The game is more of an interactive work of fiction. Please ask, suggest, heck out right create if it helps tell a better story.

Lastly but certainly not least. We all miss stuff due to RL's little distractions. I for one appreciate the help in being reminded of something I might have missed.

OK, completely unaware is one of the possibilities (and the most obvious one), but I needed to be certain given Seeker's current theories. It certainly divides what he was most worried about from what's happening (which he should be worried about, but he's not always the most focused-on-the-real-issues sort of cat).

A real reply coming soon.

Every cat has been here's back into the main thread. All is furry and quiet.

At this point the cats can stay and watch or they can depart without interference.

Where to and what do they do?

I don't need no stinking word of the day lists. I have AJ and he keeps making me look up words. Good Job! Keep it up. Oh and thanks.

I know people are busy. But I expect when the time comes we can continue with the kennel rescue and finish the other scene. Then on to the main event.

I know people are busy. Yet we have had some no shows and a decided lack of interest. Is it time to move the plot on or kill the game? I only want to do it if people want to play it. Looking for feed back. Failed experiment or no?

Still here and still interested.

You've provided a good, interesting setup and have run the game well so far, Pandemonium, but, to be honest, I just have never been able to develop a strong feeling for my character.

Not your problem, all mine, but I think I'd be better off dropping out of this one.

Sorry about that...

I wasn't looking to push anyone a direction. But I do understand. If it isn't interesting and fun then there is no point. Your always welcome.

I'm in the Exeter camp. Though it would be cool to play a cat - harder than I thought.

Do we need a massive transmorgrification? All cats become burdens? (Snicker)

Nope.. though a mix could have been interesting.

I'm interesting in continuing, but Soot isn't a main mover and shaker I'm afraid. I appreciated the chance to try it at the very least.

Well I am all for continuing. The premise for the game is cats are the end all be all. But if a couple of people want to change things up and play burdens to jon the adventure. I could certainly adapt.

That sound interesting? Mainly throwing it out to spice it up. I am fine with continuing even in the face of people dropping out. Just want to entertain.

I'm willing. The idea reminds me of the Duane book crossover with the young wizards series. But it's up to the others

Exeter, want to play my burden?

I could give it a shot if you'd like, Gypsy. I'm pretty good at playing oblivious, perhaps even dumb, humans.

What exactly did you have in mind?

I'll send you the details!

Emailed

I'll get back to you soonest.

Ex, feel free to make the burden special. Maybe not quite as magical as a cat. But let's come up with something to make he or she a participant too.

I was wondering how you'd play this... So far, he's just a graphics designer/artist. I'll have to think of some quirks for him.

He & Tiger-Lily are a fairly new partnership. She has no idea why he 'rescued' her - might be more to that! And they don't know each other very well yet. She is determined to 'protect' him and will have left dead mice (wards) around the outside of the house. He has been kind to her. Happy for you to enlarge on him.

Sounds like a nice start. I will put the old grey matter to work.
Thanks

Short piece for Soot in The Report.

Shadow is headed off to lord over his territories.

That works. Like a vampire game not playing out the hunt, we won't play out territorial disputes. Unless they add to the story of course.

I will be starting the main thread shortly. Just have to write it up.

I'm really enjoying the training thread! One of these days those two will have to dream together so they can communicate!

That would be entertaining.

Thanks! And so am I

And so am I in my attempts to be appropriately burdensome.

Oh you are, you are.

I have no idea whether the gun fits into your scenario, Pandemonium, but I needed something for Jayden to do while that damned cat is out cavorting in the woods.

Fine by me. Of course he might be a burden if he gets hurt.

And might be if he's not...

On the one paw, Shadow is missing out on a fight. On the other, is that a promotion opportunity?

Heh
It certainly seems that way.

Sorry about the delay. I will work something up, just have to get a moment to create.

Howdy folks. Just checking in to see who I can involve in what thread. I know AJ, Ex, and Gypsy are still interested. Who else?

So looks like just three left. Shall we draw the battle to a close, and get the cats together with the lowly burden?

Ready, willing and able as and when.

Sounds good!

Suits me...

Gypsy, was waiting to see if Tiger was going to let her silly burden leave the bad smelling place and abandon Jezzabella. Once that is answered, I can move that thread forward.

I am inclined to start a group thread, though it might be bumpy for including Jayden, but the main part of the adventure is coming up. The night of All Hallows Eve. I am open to suggestions.

Actually yes, she was. Her attention is to try to lead Jayden to Jezzabell's home. After all she has no idea that burdens might be clever enough to figure that out by themselves!

As to group thread, yes. Much better if all of us can join in.

I was wondering - an idea that may or may not fit - Jayden is obviously aware that something is a bit different with Dizzy, especially given the other two cats now being involved. So maybe they could learn to communicate through the spirit? Probably a big adjustment of both their thinking of each other. But it might give better involvement for everyone? If Pande is happy to explore the idea I'd want to know the others are OK with it as players.

At the very least, I am willing to hear a discussion on the matter.

I am open. Grandfather spirit is there to help.

I just thought that as Dizzy can communicate with the spirit.. and the spirit seems to be able to communicate with Jayden, then it is at least possible. How many cat laws would Dizzy be breaking?

Got me. One at least. Cats are not supposed to let their dumb burdens know of their magical nature. But maybe if Jayden didn't let anyone else learn it could be ok.

Hey Ex. Did you know you were going to play a crazy cat lady.. I mean guy?

I didn't know it, but I've started to see it coming for a while now.

Heh. New thread up. Initially for DC and Jayden but soon to work in Shadow.

AJ Gypsy suggested a scene for Tiger, Shadow, to meet in the yard while Jayden spruces up. That work for you?

We need to get the spirit translating so that we can loop Jayden in and get to the name for which the game has been, well named.

Whatever suits you all suits me fine.

No need to worry about Jayden, not like he is going to be seeing dead people anytime soon.

Where would you see dead people in a game like this?

The morgue, the cemetery, I can come up with a few more places if you would like.

Almost 6 months between question & answer This a record?

LOL. Darn cats are so difficult to make do anything.

Are we waiting on anyone?

I believe the ball is in Jayden's corner. Though we could skip on. Silly burdens don't make decisions anyway.

Apologies guys, seems I dropped the ball here. Always feel free to nudge me. I do pretty much post daily.

Is the spirit likely to speak further or are we free to move on?

Free to move on. It has given what it knows.

How far away are the woods? As a player I would like to include Exeter, as a cat I think my burden is safer at home.

Jayden just might drop off into a snooze.

Shadow is very much against involving humans, especially not one who has already come close to seeing too much, to the point that they might irrevocably break, or need to be removed to maintain the First Rule.

I, on the other hand, don't want to exclude, block, or cold-shoulder Ex. It's a definite clash of story versus character, though. Don't suppose you could bring your original cat along?

I'd have to go back and reread to even get an idea about my original cat character. If I find the time, I might do so...

Not a bad idea AJ. That way it works for cats & players!

I am open to petting a new/old kitty. It is up to you. One way or another we need all the PCs out in the woods in the dark on All Hallows Eve.

Jayden is easier to play but, if you like, I can go back and see if I can refamiliarize myself with that cat...

It is literally all about you.

Like I said, as long as the PCs all end up where they need to be, the world can end... I mean... well maybe just this little town. Either way, the adventure will come to them, if they don't go. Horror is just better in a dark wood on a dark night.

Or maybe Grandpa knows something..?

He's bound to know more than Jayden does.

Quite possibly.

So, how are we proceeding here?

Well I was wondering if the cats were going out into the woods by themselves, or if they were going to take Jayden. Or if they weren't going into the woods at all?

I can't really pick a route for the characters. I was hoping you guys would decide and I could write the scene appropriately.

Shadow is all for going into the woods by themselves. AJ is for finding a way to accommodate Ex despite that.

It's aggravating to disagree with your character, isn't it?

Jayden would be pleased to chauffeur the cats to the woods. Maybe Spirit Grandpa could let him know what was needed.

To sum up:

AJ wants to involve Exeter but Shadow does not want to involve Jayden.

Gypsy wants to involve Exeter but doesn't mind Jayden being involved.

So we need Exeter & Pande to either contrive a way to bring Jayden in or for Exeter & Pande to reestablish Exeter's cat and get him to turn up.

Over to you guys! Make a decision and enact it. AJ & I have had our say.

Which do you prefer, Pande?

Wait, I spend all my time herding cats and now you want me to make decisions too? Sheesh you guys are harsh.

I think we may end up with Jayden being killed by the cat council after Shadow rats him out.

But we can stick with Jayden because Ex prefers that.

New thread OAHE: Into Darkness They are Borne for all.

It's for his own protection! And ours!

Seem to have stalled..

Yes Ex seems to have missed us. Ex you are petting your cat, next?

Ex' post is the penultimate one in the thread, we may need a Pande-post to move forward. Or to sharpen claws on, either way.

I can easily post, I was just awaiting Jayden. My bad I guess.
Moving on.

Shadow is nothing if not inappropriately ambitious.

Always!

LOL Nice.

Does it? Good question, don't know offhand.

We seem to have come to a halt again

The clog should be cleared now.

Away from Mon-Thu next week. Waiting to hear what AJ/Shadow wants to do.

I was the last person to make an in-character post!

Hmm, might refresh your browser, there is a bunch of OOC stuff in the main character thread and I have the last post.

Played the last character to make an in-character post, then.

I put up a new thread for the cat council resolution. I just set the scene, go ahead and post what you will. If we need a few to get the flavor that is fine to. Whatever you guys would like.

This seems like a good spot to end, does that work for you guys? Or is there another scene you would like for closure?

Works for me.. unless Exeter wants in on the action, welcoming Dizzy home!

Looks great to me. Shadows inevitable downfall due to overreaching can wait.

Whatever suits you suits me fine.

It is not about me.

Given the response, is that a wrap, then?

I think so. As the game finished, it will be moved to the Hall of Fame section.

Works for me. Thanks for the fun guys!

Been a real pleasure.

And an unusual pleasure at that.

Agreed! I'll get this moved shortly.

Thanks for moving it. It is quite odd to know that I have now finished two PBP games.

Well done!

Thanks!