Episode 35: Claws and Clauses

[Oneiros]

This episode of F.R.I.E.N.D.S. (Four Rangers In Expensively New Difficult Situations) was recorded before adjective rationing rendered 2016 a rather nondescript year

But pardon me a moment while I pick my jaw off the floor.

I think these few episodes are really going to define the Rangers as a group and how they pull together despite their differences. It was fantastic to see the various strands of conflict and personal mindsets weaving through the discussions - my heart particularly ached for Sasha throughout this episode.

So, what are your thoughts on the true meaning of friendship...

[Doktor Payne]

Wow. Brilliant episode.

The clear dislike Bertie and Zolf have for each other whilst Bertie's curse and Zolf's code (and practicality) pretty much force them to work together was really placed front and centre. It's been coming for a while. Zolf has often despaired of Bertie in the past but it hadn't yet come to such a frank sharing of views. Bravo to James and Ben both for the forceful and sudden play that ripped through Berties backstory like tearing off a plaster made of fire. It fit the reveals made about him like a glove - and Bertie is all the more real for it.

Sasha's feeling of betrayal and abundant mistrust was visceral. So much so I felt sorry for Lydia rather than her character! The fact that she is at her most vulnerable in the safest place in the world resonates with me. Beautiful stuff.

I guess if the Hotel DID use some planar magic it could be the safest place in the universe, potentially.

And Hamid. Very quiet on the secrets front - but so clearly invested in the emotional drama playing out on all sides. It'd be easy to see him as the child in front of arguing parents but with Bryn at pains to remind us he is definitely not a child. Already a dual character feel is present, perhaps not necessarily as part of his draconic heritage. Integral to the party yet somehow outside or aloof from it, emotionally vital but somehow detached. I'm interested to see where that goes...

Superb job everyone. Clearly those goblins chose their timing poorly, just as you all hit your stride. I would guess having such a strong improv streak in the company kind of helps you when adversity like that strikes.

[Brave Sir Robin]

Hamid has no secrets. None at all. Nope. Definitely no dark or tragic backstory here. You must be thinking of a different Halfling.

I loved this episode. It was amazing to record and it was great to listen to as well.

I have been enjoying playing Hamid so much, and I like that he has this prior relationship with Bertie that makes him want to play the peacemaker between him and the other two. There's lots more to come in Paris, it'll be very interesting to see how it all plays out in the finished product.

[watch4rainbows]

Wow, that was a shocking revelation. Loving the tension between all four characters, and the fact the actors know their characters so well they have real depth to their background and personalities. Sasha is very vulnerable sometimes and in this episode it was almost scary.

[theoverlord]

Also liked the tension between the characters, even though we have heard backstory for everyone barring hamid, I would love to hear more backstory from everyone as even though Bertie blurted his out, it seemed rather short.

[Doktor Payne]

I think the shortness of it was a good thing. I doubt Alex wants a TPK caused by leaving the PCs in the Box d'Exposition a minute longer than needed!

[theoverlord]

Mar 16, 2016 14:00:02 GMT Doktor Payne said:

I think the shortness of it was a good thing. I doubt Alex wants a TPK caused by leaving the PCs in the Box d'Exposition a minute longer than needed!

Yeah, I was happy with the shortness of the time in the Box d'Exposition, and I would just like the backstory to come out naturally over the course of the series.

[Oneiros]

I think there's a lot more to come from everyone, flaming poo dimensions notwithstanding... but we're probably a way off from getting Hamid's story, what with the mystery of Brock, Bertie's lawyers and actually advancing the plot. I'm guessing it won't be until they get to Cairo.

Anyone else getting a Wolfram and Hart vibe from the gnomish lawyers?

[Doktor Payne]

Ten names for the warded room:

The Exposition Box

La Salle de l'Epiphanie

The Danger Zone

The Cube of Infinite Bickering

Big Brother's The Diary Room

McGuffingham's Bathroom

The Intrigue Lounge

Unimatrix ZerOh, Sick Burn

The Frank Opinion Non-Euclidian Super Collider

From the makers of Titanic(ish) and I Kinda Know What You Did Last Summer comes Panic Room, starring Kristen Stewart as Hamid and Forest Whittaker as Sasha

[rogueleader]

One more names for the warded room. The memory shed.

[missnash]

Mar 16, 2016 9:12:06 GMT Oneiros said:

This episode of F.R.I.E.N.D.S. (Four Rangers In Expensively New Difficult Situations)

Can we just take a moment to appreciate THIS!? (Love this!)

It's a great big breath of fresh air to see characters that have some depth and motivation to them! The fact that we got so much of Berties back story in one outburst - how it was still all so in-keeping with his character and selfishness, Zolf's new understanding of Bertie and his utter distain for him - yet still offering to try and break the curse! Sasha, poor Sasha. (There will always be the awkward hug) and Hamid, trying to be supportive and kind yet really not wanting to talk about his secrets (cause surely what secrets could HE have?) and I ALWAYS felt the lawyers were Wolfram & Hart based!

- I know with my lot when playing it's often a thing when one person starts sharing they ALL start sharing. Love that we still don't know everything about everyone (even though we do about Bertie a fair bit more now) wonderful role-playing episode. Xxx

[Alex Newall]

The real fun starts when players learn stuff about their back stories that THEY didn't know...