I am in two minds about posting a reply. One hand I this has already dragged on for a ridiculous amount time, on the other it directly involves me. Hopefully this will be the last post.
I am of course very disappointed with the decision reached, and to be blunt I do not feel the character approvers dealt with this in a generous manner. So, bearing that in mind, what follows below is my personal impression of the process and it is not directed at any one individual.
Working with a GM"I strongly advise xiaobeibi to begin working with a GM to help him work toward the transition with Galathea that he wishes, so that there are no mixed signals or confusing statements moving forward."
This is good advice and luckily I am already doing so with Dezza and have been doing continuously ever since her first CDQ.
Concerning the Heal Kits and Heal domainI have always held you in great respect you Dorganath and therefore I am surprised to see you repeat an all too common misunderstanding:
"Now, I'm not invalidating xiaobeibi's observations and opinions at all, but at the same time, what feedback has reached me does not agree with the assessment that the 3.2 update has somehow made the cleric class less valuable [My emphasis]."
I have not made the claim for the whole cleric class! This I have already explained in my post to Rowana and therefore it is disappointing to see it being brought up again:
"Thirdly, you are absolutely right. I do wish to downplay the frustrations I felt when the kits were introduced. I do not find these frustrations very positive, nor do I find dwelling upon them constructive. Part of the reason for taking my break was to find a way of not focusing on the frustrations, and instead find a positive and natural way of progressing beyond them. Furthermore, even if the change had not take place I would still have made the move towards Earth because it reflects her changing nature as she moves from a young girl to a mature and confident old woman. Personally, given the unique effect they had on her and her unique composition I would find this ground in itself for a change in domains [My emphasis], but I do hope it will not be the case. I would much rather have the change approved on positive in-character grounds than a negative impact of an OOC change."
Before the changes Galathea was unique in the sense she could keep a party standing on their feet and fighting when no one else could. Afterwards this was no longer the case. She was no longer unique and that took away much of the joy of playing her.
For this reason (and others) I took a break to get a bit of perspective. When I came back after the break I decided to choose a positive solution to the frustrations the new heal kits had caused, and since I made that decision I have actively tried to downplay the role they played. Hence, I talked and worked with Dezza on a way forward and went from there. I still believe this to be a far more satisfying solution for all parties.
Concerning the processWhat caused severe frustration in this request was not been the long decision time - I can appreciate all the good (and not so good) reasons for it to take time -, it was:
- The lack of communication. After two weeks waiting I asked if more info was needed from me and was informed "no". For the next month I heard nothing. Not a word. Communication is especially important when there is a delay and double so when there is a difficult decision to make or complicated arguments. In this case there wasn't any substantial information for a month and a half.
- The lack of involvement. Had I been involved or just informed of the issues you were discussing perhaps I could have been able to explain better or present my point of view early in the process and before people made up their minds. Perhaps not, but the experience would certainly have been much less frustrating.
The HospitalAs both Dezza and I have explained the decision to continue with the hospital (and how it was made), it has been a saddening experience to see emphasis placed upon it in the decision making process. I cannot help but help feel that what was meant as a positive player contribution has come back to haunt her. Now I am being told I have to step away from it.
I am not sure what to say apart from it being thoroughly disheartening...
The double CDQ request The request has already -- for good and not so good reasons, as is life -- been a very long time underway. Two CDQs, the waiting period and the inevitable delays this will involve feels to me as adding insult to injury.
Furthermore, Rowana states:
"I want to state that this was (clearly) not an easy decision to come to. No one wants to be a wet towel on someone else's fun". Were the team to demonstrate a t
ouch of grace and change this to a one CDQ requirement (bearing the before mentioned in mind) then I honestly believe it would reflect well on them.
ConclusionI can appreciate that it was a difficult decision, I can appreciate the team not considering this a denial, but with all due respect, I also believe the team could use this case a learning experience in the importance of communication and involvement.
I hope this has explained my perspective and I hope this will be the end of it.
What happens next is something I will have to discuss with Dezza.
Sincerely
XB
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