why does everybody hate dice poker chips? : poker

does poker use dice

does poker use dice - win

Does anyone know if gambling is going to be in the same again? I used to be able to spend hours playing poker and last dice in the first one

submitted by Metroidman to RDR2 [link] [comments]

[Inception] The ending explained and what it means for Cobb.

TL/DR at the bottom.
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I was reading u/bioscifiuniverse theory about Inception and how Saito handles Cobbs totem (the spinning top) early in the movie and how this means Saito could have faked the ending and manipulated Cobb.
The theory that Cobbs totem is actually his wedding ring is pointed out by u/Adoraflames (here) but that is questioned by u/bioscifiuniverse (here), who points out that he uses the spinning totem even when panicking by himself.
​
I was trying to gel these altogether in my head and this got me thinking about totems in general. I realised that Mal's/Cobb's spinning top totem is actually kind of terrible for a totem. Look at the other totems in movie:
Ariadnes Bishop piece - just need to knock it over to see if it falls correctly.
Arthers Dice - just need a quick roll to see if they give the correct results.
Eames Poker Chips - Not really explained in movie how they work, but presumable they have a particular and unusual weight and feel.
Cobb's Wedding Ring - Either he has it on or he doesn't. Also probably has a particular feel on his finger, so if someone else is smart enough to have him wear it in a dream they control, they won't be able to match it's feel.
​
What do these have in common - they all are very quick tests for if they are in a dream, a second or two or maybe even instantaneous. What is different about Mal's totem? Her spinning top is extremely slow, compared to them. A decent spin could have it going for 10-15 seconds or more before wobbling or falling.
This is very dangerous for Cobb, who at the start of movie is entering dreams for illegal purposes. Time would usually be of the essence in such cases. And don't forget the torturous tension he would be putting himself through. In one scene he is holding gun next to his head waiting for the top to stop, imagine how it must feel to be preparing to shoot yourself in the head, wondering if you had given the totem enough time to wobble or not. Why put himself through that?
Because he feels guilty for what happened to Mal. Well that is pretty obvious. So what does this mean for the ending and for Cobb? At the climax of the movie he confronts dream Mal, openly accepts that her death was his fault and that dream Mal is not real. He can then move on.
The next time he uses a totem he starts spinning Mal's totem, but leaves it to go to his kids. Has he decided he doesn't care if he is in a dream anymore and just wants to see his kids (one interpretation I've read)? No, he has realised that he does not feel the same guilt anymore over what happened to Mal and so does not have to rely on her inefficient totem. He goes back to his own, pretty much instantaneous, totem. He isn't wearing his wedding wing, therefore he is in the real world.
​
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TL/DR:
Cobb uses Mal's slow and inefficient spinning totem out of guilt. After having confronting that guilt (dream Mal) at the climax of the movie, he starts to use the spinning top, but realises he doesn't need to torture himself and goes back to using his quicker and more efficient totem - his wedding wing. Cobb knows he is in the real world at the end of the movie and can now move past his grief over causing his wife's death.
submitted by markjhamill to FanTheories [link] [comments]

If you're ever drunk at 3AM in the back of Bayou Barry and an old man offers a "friendly game of cards"... well it's too late to back out now.

So I’m drunk at Bayou Barry -
Taking advantage of the time-honored law of bartending, whereby you're allowed to get absolutely wrecked without getting fired -
As long as it's not your bar.
And when I say drunk - I mean really drunk - even by bartender standards.
So I don't bat an eye when an old man wearing an old raincoat sits down and offers me a friendly game of cards.
I’ve made a long series of mistakes to get here...
But it’s too late to back out now.
And why should I be able to see his eyes?
Wearing sunglasses, even late at night, is standard fare for Texas Hold'em...
So is the cigar and the thick plume of smoke...
The accent is a little unusual… But it is a touristy part of town.
In fact, this guys looks familiar...
And I’m not put off by his crazy patter about the mystic properties of playing cards. People believe in all kinds of crazy things here.
Seeing the future in a pile of chicken entrails...
That 4,000 calories of white bread soaked in industrial grade fats makes for a good breakfast...
Hell, some of these freaks still see “jazz musician” as a viable career path.
So it's not that weird when he starts talking about seeing my future in a pack of cards.
I mean that can be literally, scientifically true right?
If we each put a couple hundred bucks on the table...
And the deck is ordered so he'll get a pair of aces, and I'll get a pair of kings...
My future is already written.
It’s not a great future… it involves a lighter wallet & an unpaid tab… but it’s as set in stone as anything can be.
Of course in this game & this bar I might be lucky if that's the only consequence I face...
People think it's the old part of town that's dangerous.
But why would the locals rob you in their own backyard?
No, it's the tourist traps that make for the best targets.
Especially on a cold Tuesday night off of peak tourist season… when the cops are huddled up nice and warm inside their fogged-up squad cars.
But I’m too drunk to care.
And this guy doesn't seem to care about money anyways - he just wants to talk about the mystical properties of cards.
So I humor him.
Hell, maybe he does know something. So much of what I’ve been told turned out to be a damn stinking lie.
The news... The textbooks... The things politicians say...
In a world where all that's a lie...
Who knows what could be true?
Maybe there's something to an old man in an old raincoat talking about seeing the future in a deck of cards.
He explains that that’s where playing cards come from anyway-
They were originally fortune-telling devices. Throwing bones lead to throwing dice lead to flipping cards…
And if those cards suggest something terrible?
Well I’ve made so many mistakes to get here, to this bar, in this cheap, touristy part of town...
That everything that comes next is gravy.
Even if the future he sees is miserable, that's a gift, because at least it means I have a future.
But the past is another story.
So when he starts talking about the past, that’s when my mood shifts.
See, the past isn't a gift. Not for me.
And it's not up for debate either (despite what I told the court reporter.)
I can’t just write it off as the ramblings of another Nola drunkard.
So now I’m angry.
Really angry, when he brings up that fraternity prank gone wrong.
Now, I dont worry that he recognizes me.
He could be a janitor at Tulane - he certainly looks the part - and news of the incident was all around the school.
But I am mad. I finally tell him to back off.
What does getting kicked out of Tulane law school have to do with seeing the future in a deck of cards?
Plus - nothing was ever proven in a court of law.
The college follows its own damn rules, but thankfully my lawyer doesn't.
Now the social media smear campaign that lead me to a legal name change...
And the photos of that sobbing girl...
Well, maybe I would've traded a stint in jail to make all that go away-
And here's where the old man perks up.
Because there's no stakes yet.
It’s just me, the deck of cards, the old man, and a bar that's surprisingly dark, even by late night New Orleans standards.
The bartender must have stepped out for a smoke.
There's an awful lot of smoke inside the bar now.
An awful lot of smoke... and an awful lot of strange accent in the old man’s voice.
And that's when he explains why he's gotta talk about the past...
Because you see, the future has a whole lot to do with your past.
And a past where that little fraternity prank gone wrong never happened...
(I was blacked out - so for me it basically didn't)
Means a very different future.
It means that instead of talking a big game about working on an oil rig...
While working at a small bar across the street from the one I’m in now...
Maybe I stayed in law school. Maybe my fiancee stayed with me too....
And this is where the old man gives a knowing smile underneath those huge sunglasses of his.
This is when, brushing my wallet aside, he offers stakes on this "friendly little card game."
He explains, as he cuts the deck:
"I'm a cutter.
I used to work in radio. I cut radio shows. Then Hollywood for awhile. I cut movies.
Now I cut cards...
And I cut lives."
The room is now just billowing with smoke.
But I’m hypnotized. I can't tear my eyes away as he removes an ornate pair of brass scissors from his raincoat.
He gives them an ominous click in the air-
And all of a sudden-
The empty bottle next to me on the table is gone.
Some clever bit of sleight-of-hand? Did he knock the bottle off the table when I wasn't paying attention?
Lose it in the shadows and smoke?
But then he clicks those scissors again...
And the smoke is gone.
The room is as clean as if a team of maids have been in here for hours.
He clicks again, and the raincoat is gone.
Now the old man, the cutter, is sitting in a 3 piece suit, still wearing his giant sunglasses.
And an even bigger grin.
Did I mention I was drunk? And maybe a little high if I’m being completely honest.
And in this crazy blur of drunkenness I’m utterly captivated when the Cutter finally explains the stakes.
He tells me that If I win...
He'll click those scissors of his, and wipe away that nasty little fraternity prank gone wrong.
But if he wins, he gets my firstborn son.
It’s a bad joke - but not uncommon at the Harrah’s $1 - $3 poker game - about all I can afford these days.
(Maybe that’s where I’ve seen this guy. Smoking outside the Harrah’s poker room?)
And I don’t even have a son...
But it’s way too late… and I’m way too drunk to process what’s going on.
This is something I've fantasized - obsessed about FAR more than any woman.
The ability to snip that nasty little passage from my life.
Hell the ability to snip just a few seconds - maybe a single shot of whiskey would be enough.
And I deserve it right?
The universe conspired to make those events unfold.
I didn't pick the roommates who forced the shots down my throat as part of the hazing...
Hell I didn't even pick Tulane. I wanted to go somewhere colder for a change. Get out of the swamp.
But Tulane was the only place that let me in...
And those roommates were the only ones available...
One things clear through the drunken haze - I didn't have a choice then - and I don't have a choice now.
(Have I ever truly had a choice?)
So I grab the old mans hand-
And I shake hard.
If the parts before were a blur, now things really get muddy.
But in the drunken blur - one thing is abundantly clear:
I lost.
I lost big.
Why stop now, right? Just another loss in a string of hundreds.. maybe thousands.
And when I wake up the next morning in the kitchen of Bayou Barry with a dish towel for a pillow…
(For what I wish I could say was the first time...)
I don’t think about the haze from the night before.
I don’t think about it at all for three years...
Until I’m back in North Carolina, standing next to my new girlfriend, filled with dread, staring down at a positive pregnancy test...
And hearing the faint sound of scissors clicking in my ear.
submitted by SpiritOfPines to nosleep [link] [comments]

Turning Random League of Legends Champions into a DnD Build (Attempting) Until I've Done all 152 (and Counting) Day 8: Twisted Fate

If I’m being completely honest, Twisted Fate is probably the hardest time I’ve had trying to figure one of these builds and probably the least confident I’ve been on one, but mama didn’t raise no bitch and I’m shooting my shot.
submitted by BestBaconatorNA to 3d6 [link] [comments]

I combined my meta currency and progression systems and I'd like to get your feedback.

Hi y'all, I'd like to get some feedback on my game's meta-currency and progression system.

I want to know:

The goals of the system:

Context on the game

Here's how the system works:

ADVERSITY POINTS:
Starting Adversity Points:
Maximum Adversity Points:
Tracking Adversity Points:
Gaining Adversity Points:
Players can gain AP in two different ways:
1) By accepting a Guide intrusion:
2) By triggering a trait:
Spending Adversity Points:
PC's spend AP for one of the following benefits:
1) Upgrade the result of a roll:
2) Activate an ability:
3) Add a detail to the narrative:
When a player spends an AP they must also tick a segment on the Advancement Clock. (Thiswill be explained below.)
ADVANCEMENT
The Advancement clock:
Ticking the advancement clock:
Taking an advance: When a player takes an advance they can choose one of the following benefits.
Thanks for reading, I'd love to hear your feedback :)
submitted by ElendFiasco to RPGdesign [link] [comments]

How do you want to do this? A Discussion on Selective Rule Enforcement and the application of the "Rule of Cool"

Hello folks,
For my research analysis and writing class my professor let me pick any topic I want. (her mistake) So for my final term paper I chose to come up with a method of determining a guide to the use of the "rule of cool." I got a A on the paper so I figured I'd share it with you fine folks as well. It is rather lengthy so I've included the abstract first. The 8 tips for dungeon masters is near the end (third session), the first and second parts deal more with the philosophical and ethics of games. So, if situational ethics and a discussion on the Mechanics, Dynamics, and Aesthetics of Play are of use for you, be my guess.
I am a relatively new DM so I spent a long time researching and trying to absorb what would make me a "good DM". With that cavate please keep in mind I know next to nothing compared to a vast majority of the DMs here. I can think of no place better to have this paper peer-reviewed, picked apart and "rebutalled" to death than here. If you feel offended, challenged, or angry reading this... Please understand I am a moron borrowing the works and words of far smarter people. If you feel that "this is the WAY" again... I am a moron... so ... with out further ado.

Abstract:

The choice to be a stringent rule-follower without leniency using fanatical legalism in a game can be a source of contention between someone acting as a referee and/or “Game Master” and players of a game. Likewise, to approach games with a sense of fanatical antinomianism, or to completely ignore the rules and simply let players do whatever they want, tends to offer no challenge, and or reason to play that specific game. Using ethical theory frameworks such as situational ethics, natural law, and utilitarianism this paper seeks find the philosophical principles of what moments are acceptable and actually beneficial to bend the rules of a game. As such, it is important to define games, briefly discuss why games are played, and roles rules have on games. The game Dungeons and Dragons 5th edition will be used as the principal example. With “rule for rules” established, seven tips on how to implement it this rule using advice and guidance from some of the most well known “Dungeon Masters” in the modern era will be provided.
Much of this paper relies on the works of Joseph Fletcher, Sheila Murphy; Benard Suits, Robin Hunicke, Marc LeBlanc, and Robert Zubek for the ethical and philosophical discussions around games. For the practical advice, it relies primarily on the works of Matthew Mercer, Brennan Lee Mulligan, Benjamin Scott, Patrick Tracy, Kelly Mclaughlin and Monty Martin.
Players are your friends, or at the very least your fellow human beings. As such, seek out what is best for them. Games are about many things but principally about enjoyment. It’s okay if the player does not get exactly what they want, so long as they still had enjoyment. How it happens is up to the players, the one running the game, and whether the rules were used to enhance the experience or not. It’s possible to find that balance by asking these questions in order: “How will this decision affect: the final enjoyment of all at the table? the narrative? the rules in the future?”

**“Once upon a time, around a table…”

A man behind a cardboard screen sits across from a woman wearing a funny hat. He is frantically reading through the pages of the various books at his disposal. He finds the reference he is looking for, but it is not clear. “It is technically against the rules, it is barely within the realm of possibility, but the idea is so creative…” the man murmurs to himself. Exasperated, the man smiles a crooked grin and explains, “Well you can certainly try… give me an acrobatics check.” The woman throws a piece of plastic resin on to the table. The dice reads, “18.” The man sighs and then laments, “fine… how do you want to do this?” The table erupts in cheers, as high-fives are given from the others around the table. The woman adjusts her hat, as she gleefully explains how her character will use the momentum of several falling barrels to move across the map in a single turn without having to use all her character’s movement.
As a “Dungeon Master” (DM) for the tabletop role playing game, Dungeons and Dragons (D&D), I can say without a doubt that many DMs have encountered extremely similar events as the one described above. The choice to be a stringent rule-follower without leniency can be a source of much resentment between the DM and the players around the table. Likewise, to completely ignore the rules and simply let players do whatever they want offers no challenge, no reason to play. In terms of D&D rule enforcement, as is with many events in life, the choice of always being either a “Harsh Disciplinarian” or the lenient, “Laissez Faire Guide” is a false dichotomy. Instead, seeking balance between the two choices based first on the overall needs of the players, second on the needs of the story, and third on requirements and rules of the game should be the norm.

Session 1: What is the Relationship between, Players, Games and Rules?

The 19th century philosopher and founder of modern cultural history, John Hughes once wrote, “Play is older than culture, for culture, however inadvertently defined, always presupposes human society and animals have not waited for man to teach them their playing.” 1 Why do humans play? Is it instinctual? Bernard Suits was a Distinguished Emeritus Professor of Philosophy for the University of Waterloo and his essays are in part responsible for the field of philosophy of games in the late 20th century. In his book, “The Grasshopper: Games, Life and Utopia,” Suits’ book uses Aesop’s fable about the grasshopper to argue that play is what we would do in a perfect civilization. He believed that in a world devoid of work, humans would still seek out challenges through play, suggesting that it is human nature to challenge ourselves.2 But is that the only reason someone plays a game?
One YouTuber opined that “In a practical sense, games facilitate systemic thinking by getting us to view abstractions, but also engender creativity by getting us to play.”3 If true, these are essential tools for humanity to function as an intelligent race. This makes sense from an evolutionary level as to why humanity would develop play, but is there more to it than “games encourage outside the box thinking?”
The landmark paper titled, “MDA: A formal approach to game design and game research” is one of the earliest attempts to formalize the field of video game design theory and it is fundamental to how modern game designers look at these systems. It serves to define the importance of mechanic, dynamics, and aesthetics of play and is instrumental to helping understand what players will expect out of a game. We will discuss more about dynamics and mechanics later, but first let us focus on aesthetics.
Aesthetics of Play Defined
Term Definition Examples
Sense Pleasure Enjoyment derived from how it stimulates the senses The visuals of a game, sound, and music, feel of the dice, etc.
Fantasy Enjoyment derived from the ability to step into a role that cannot be experienced in real life Playing a game as a magic wielding sorcerer or rocks in the far flung reaches of outer space
Narrative Enjoyment derived from game as drama, it is about the stories and experience gained Heavily story driven games such as Last of Us, Dungeons and Dragons, Final Fantasy
Challenge Enjoyment derived from overcoming an arbitrary obstacle Platformers like Mario, or even drinking games like beer pong, or corn hole; social games like charades, etc.
Fellowship Enjoyment from working cooperatively as a group to accomplish a goal Team based or social games such as Among Us, the card game Spades; save the world mode on Fortnite
Competition Enjoyment from showing dominance Chess or Go, Battle royal games such as Fortnite or PubG or Call of Duty; Fallguys; darts Poker; Uno, Killer bunnies or Magic the Gathering;
Discovery Enjoyment from uncovering the new or discovering news ways to play a game. These can range from searching to find things to choose your own adventure Minecraft; Zelda Breath of the Wild; simple matching games; the board game Betrayal at the House on the Hill; or games like Fable; Dragon Age Inquisition; or Mass effect
Expression Enjoyment from showing an aspect of one’s self; or games that allow full customization of characters Creation games like Minecraft; role play games like fallout 4; world of warcraft or Fortnite
Submission (aka Abnegation) Enjoyment from being able to “turn of the brain; and tune out the world” or what is also known as zone out factor. Bejeweled; candy crush; the lever-pull games at casinos, solitaire, etc.
(Source: Portnow & Floyd, October 2012)5
Aesthetics are things like sense pleasure, fantasy, the narrative of the story, challenge, fellowship, discovery, expression, and something called submission.4 There is an additional aesthetic that most game designers also consider when designing games termed as “competition”.5 These are all reasons people play games and it is important to keep all these in mind when acting as a DM.
The table above works to define these terms more appropriately and makes it easier to reference later. The reasons a player may want to play a game vary and change over time. If a DM can understand their players’ goals (i.e., what the player hopes to get out of the game) the DM will be able to understand why someone might want to perform a certain action, play a game, or want to ignore a certain rule in the first place.
On that note, what are rules in games? Think about it… Games are weird… well I should say the act of playing a game… is weird. Suits once wrote in his article, for the “Philosophy of Science Association Journal,” "To play a game is to engage in activity directed towards bringing about a specific state of affairs, using only means permitted by rules, where the rules prohibit more efficient [means] in favor of less efficient means, and where such rules are accepted just because they make possible such activity."6 In other words, to play a game we create rules that prevent us from achieving a goal through the easiest means available. Instead, we make something more difficult and we play a game. For instance, in basketball, it would be far easier to simply carry the ball all the way to the basket instead of dribbling it.
In D&D, there is a similar activity to dribbling. It is called a “dice roll.” It is something that players must make to see if they succeed or fail at a task. The player rolls a 20-sided die and tries to get above a certain score to succeed. Players can roll normal, with advantage, or with disadvantage. Rolling with advantage allows the player to roll the D-20 (the 20-sided die) twice and use the higher number. Rolling with disadvantage also has the player roll the D-20 twice, but they must take the lower number rolled instead. It introduces a chance of randomness, and players will find any excuse they can to avoid having to make a roll with "disadvantage." In his book, The Grasshopper, Suits argues that we do this because it is the act of overcoming that limitation that we find enjoyment. By taking on these restrictions and accepting these limitations, we take on what he coins as a "lusory attitude" which allows us to play the game as it is meant to be played.
Suits would argue that by not playing the game according to the rules as written, the player would have only achieved a “quasi-victory” not really worthy of achievement. He also goes on to say that even the act of “failing to win the game by virtue of losing it implies an achievement, in the sense that the activity in question -- playing the game -- has been successfully, even though not victoriously, complete.”7 So, according to Suits, it’s better to follow the rules of the game and loose than to not follow the rules and win. It’s important to point out that the aesthetics of play had not yet been defined and Suits’ work mainly focused on the “challenge” aspect of play. This is where many sports and game philosophers begin to find fault with Suits. In the “Journal of Philosophy of Sport,” a rebuttal of Suits’ work by David Myers asks, “What if the goal of the player isn't to follow the rules or even play the game?”8 For instance, what happens if the player is motivated by competition and doesn’t care about rules so long as “they win?” While an extreme example, this paradox isn’t out of the realm of possibility. Therefore, focusing on just the challenge aesthetic of game play and simply playing the game “rules as written” can lead to a disconnect between what the player desires and the game itself.
Jesper Juul, an Associate Professor in the School of Design at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts, wrote in his textbook on video game design, “Rules specify limitations and affordances. They prohibit players from performing actions such as making jewelry out of dice, but they also add meaning to the allowed actions, and this affords players meaningful actions that were not otherwise available; rules give games structure”9 Basically, without rules we cannot even have play. However, if the player ignores the rules that player won’t be able to enjoy the full experience of the game, because the rules both afford the opportunity to enjoy the game and provide the obstacles in the first place.
How the rules affect actual game play is where Mechanics and Dynamics come into play. (See, I told you we would get back to it eventually.) Mechanics are the rules and systems that govern chance to create the game we experience. Dynamics are how those rules come together to govern the strategies of that game. In D&D, an example of mechanics is how a player would have to roll a 20-sided dice to see if an action would succeed. Dynamics are the actions the player takes to manipulate the situation and give themselves advantage in the roll. Some examples of this are using a spell caster’s familiar, flanking an enemy in combat, using the bend luck trait, or lucky feat. This is akin to how the rules of poker dictate that bluffing is allowed (mechanics); but how the bluffing player conceals their tells and bets is entirely up to that player (dynamics).
What happens when the player’s desired aesthetics and the mechanics don’t allow for the dynamics the player wants to use? This is where it falls on the DM to determine if the game can handle a little rule bending. In the Dungeon Master Guide’s introduction, it states “The D&D rules help you and the other players have a good time, but the rules aren’t in charge. You’re the DM, and you are in charge of the game…” However! It goes on to say, “The success of a D&D game hinges on your ability to entertain the other players at the game table.” What is a good way to approach this? Is it THE DM IS ALWAYS RIGHT, able to enforce their will on the players whenever it suits their need? Should the DM strictly enforce the rules and narrative of their planned story without the need to appease the players’ wants and desires?... well… The DM COULD do it, but it won’t be long before their players stop showing to game sessions. Just like the rules, without players, there is no game. Or as one notable professional DM and YouTuber once put it:
“The game you weave belongs to the players as much as yourself… so make sure to humor them every once in awhile by giving them a chance to be extraordinary" - Patrick "the Goddam DM" Tracy 10

Session 2: The Ethics of a Dungeon Master

So how does someone seek a balance between the rules and the players? Enter situational ethics. Situational ethics, first proposed by philosopher and first professor of ethics at Harvard Medical School, Joseph Fletcher,** is an attempt to seek a middle ground between two ethical schools of thought: Legalism and Antinomianism. In legalism, morality must come from a strict set of rules that must be obeyed at all times and cannot be deviated from or broken for any reason. Antinomianism, on the other hand, is the idea that there should be no rules, you should be able to do what you want, whenever you want (lawless society). 11
In D&D terms, "Fanatical Legalism" would be similar to what many DMs would characterize as "Lawful Stupid," where a certain player's character enforces harsh judgement without ever showing mercy to those who would break the law regardless of the circumstances… even to the detriment of the party… or that small band of orphans who were stealing food out of desperation…
Likewise, in D&D terms, "Fanatical Antinomianism" would be similar to what DMs would characterize as "Chaotic Stupid," where a player's character completely ignores consequences an action would bring and simply act according to their whims… even when it's an obvious trap… that has a 100 percent chance to damage not only your character, but the other players as well.
Fletcher's work states that the morally right thing to do depends on the situation and can change throughout the situation, but at the same time, there is a universal “moral law” on which to base our actions that he called "Agape" love. Derived from the Greek word of similar pronunciation, Fletcher sought to define Agape as a means to show love for your fellow human. In his book titled “Situational Ethics,” Fletcher states, "All laws, rules, principles, ideals and norms, are only contingent, only valid if they happen to serve love."12 Or to put it a different way, a desire to see your fellow human be happy is and should be the goal. It is not really a feeling, but an attitude to do what is best for others.
In terms of the D&D alignment chart, this would be easiest to define as whether someone is "Good" or "Evil." Whereas a “good character” is someone who acts for the betterment of others regardless of personal motivations, conversely an “evil character” acts out of their own self-interests regardless of how this action would affect others. Those that follow the concept of Agape would be “good characters.” Those that do not, would be evil.
This is where the so-called “Rule of Cool” comes into play. Mathew Mercer, an extremely acclaimed DM, comedian, and writer of D&D’s “Explorer’s Guide to Wild Mount,” and host of the show “Critical Roll,” defines the Rule of Cool as a trope in the D&D community that is “the willing suspension of disbelief for the sake of a cool moment.”13 It’s used in moments where the use of an certain object or action would be nearly impossible according to the mechanics of the game, but because it is a “cool dynamic,” the DM allows it. But what is “cool?” Is it a player that is normally too nervous to speak up being able to do something unique on time despite it being against the rules? Is it a player that has spent considerable time perfecting a skill and being able to perform a truly “epic task” (such as the jumping across barrels to effectively triple their movement distance)? Is it succeeding in persuading the main villain to befriend the party through a series of increasingly complex but successful rolls?
In all these situations listed above, there is a common theme that ties all the principles of what this paper is trying to address together in a simple phrase. As a DM, before making a ruling ask, "How will this decision affect the final enjoyment of all at the table?" Now a DM cannot give the players everything they want. Doing so cheapens the truly extraordinary moments. Finding the right balance can be difficult. That is why the flow chart above is suggested when trying to figure out whether it is a good time to “Remember the Rule of Cool.”
https://i.redd.it/f362ghdjlqf61.png

Session 3: “Well… You can Certainly Try”- Some Famous DM

Finally, we can discuss how the desire to make the most enjoyable experience for everyone at the table plays out using real-world examples and advice from some of the most well-known DMs in the business. Using the concept of Situational Ethics’ Agape, we can see how to work in the rule of cool using eight tips for Dungeon Masters.
Tip 1: It is advised to know your audience.
Not everything is as it seems, so be sure to pay attention to your players and look at them when you are describing the situation. Make note of how they react when tones or themes change. Remember those reasons people play games mentioned earlier? This is where those come into play. Additionally, while not something outright suggested, it is nevertheless important to take team dynamics into account.
The book “Four lenses unfolded” describes how various personality types can interact and work to solve problems. In it, the book describes four primary temperaments: Green (analytical), Blue (empathetic), Orange (adventurous), and Gold (goal oriented). Unlike most other personality tests, four lenses theory suggests that while we have a dominant personality at any given moment, other aspects of these personalities can manifest as well. Being able to draw on these aspects at will is the mark of a “mature” individual.14 As a DM/referee, coach, or manager, being able to do this and adapt to the needs of the players will take player engagement to the next level.
Tip 2: Establishing and Managing Expectations Early and Often, Works to Prevent Disappointment and Confusions
Mercer once put it this way, “Establish early on in your campaign how much of a level of crazy you're willing to allow. This allows for players to better understand what to try for and what not to try for.”15 Whether you are a teacher, referee, coach, parent, supervisor, or mentor, establishing expectations with those involved mitigates problems before they arise.
One of the main tools DM’s have for this is that is recommended by Mercer, as well as nearly every DM in existence on the internet, is the “Session Zero.” Session Zero is a term used to describe a session where no play occurs but instead rules that will be used and rules that will be ignored or bent is established. It also serves to establish a theme the players can expect from any campaign. Using the first chapter of the DMs guide will help considerably in establishing this. Additionally, one of the best guides for this is laid out by the DM YouTubers known as “the Dungeon Dudes” in their video titled, “How to Run a Session Zero for Dungeons and Dragons 5e.”16 But always keep Agape in mind throughout this process. In this step, it means actively listening to the players. The DM may want a gritty, tough, realistic, and challenging campaign. But if the players want a high fantasy power trip, some adjustments are going to need to be made to the campaign. Listening to players and changing the plans accordingly is not easy. It requires A LOT of humility and ego suppression. Especially when the DM has already designed how the game is going to go… which leads us to the next tip.
Tip 3: It is important to develop a healthy relationship with failure.
Celebrated author Orson Wells once wrote; “If you want a happy ending, that of course, is dependent of where you stop your story.”17 This applies to both the players and DM. There will be times when the DM is tempted to ignore the rules because the consequences seem dire. The player fails an athletics check trying to use a dynamic that had a high-risk, high-reward moment. Now the player’s character is doomed to fall several hundred feet down a ravine to what is likely certain doom in lava. But this isn’t the end. That player’s character is most likely dead, but their death could result in a moment of drama and tension for the players. It’s the very real chance of failure that encourages players to think critically about a situation and experience excitement and tension. Brennon Lee Mulligan, the DM of the D&D streaming show, “Dimension 20,” put it this way… “if you are not allowing for failure, you are essentially just telling a story,” and thus never actually playing a game (make-believe as Suits would put it). 18
Another thing to consider is that through failure, we can often find comedy as well as ways to encourage players to think critically and find new escapes, 19 at least according to the mind behind the “Replaying the Curse of Strahd” videos, Benjamin (Puffin Forest) Scott. Lastly, Mercer strongly advises that if a DM allows too many “rule of cool moments” to happen in succession, the weight of the moments and consistency of the game will be lost. 20
Players that are afraid to fail will not try. Mercer explains that “Most role play games are designed to forge a heroic story (showing feats of legend) so let the players try! Let them fail, and occasionally succeed!” This is where his catch phrase “you can certainly try” comes from. 21
Tip 4: Whenever Possible, Avoid Taking Things Personally
In his lecture on not talking things personally, soccer referee and public speaker, Frederik Imbo, explained there are two sides of a coin to keep in mind when trying not to take things personally: “It is not about you,” and “it is about you.” 22 Look at the other person’s intentions not just yours. With that in mind, it is okay to give yourself empathy and speak up. When someone seems upset with you, ask what are they hoping to get out of this releasing of emotions? Additionally, ensure that your pride isn’t preventing you from making the correct call. Yes I am talking about Ego again; it is that important! It is the DM’s world, but it is the players’ game. Without both, the world and the game, you do not have D&D.
D&D has a weird paradox of being both a story and a game. It has both a narrative as its core premise, but it is, in fact, also a multi-player game. Without at least two people you cannot really have much fun. DMs should make sure that everyone at the table enjoys themselves.
Tip 5: Mechanics are important precisely because they are a means of delivering impactful story moments.
Remember that rule of cool concept? Extraordinary moments don’t happen often, and this is by design of the mechanics of the game. Humans remember the novel and unique way more often than the mundane. Mundane things tend to blend into the background. It’s the unexpected moments that highlight the more impactful story moments, especially if that moment is tied to strong emotions.23
With that in mind, Mulligan suggests looking at where the players are putting their resources before deciding how to rule on a situation. Have they invested experience points/levels into a specific skill that is relevant to this situation instead of just something they can use in combat? If so, reward them for wanting to do something that is a part of the world you are creating together. 24
Tip 6: Discourage metagaming but allow it whenever possible.
Look for any and every excuse you can to give advantage on an arcana check by setting the DC low (10 or higher). If the player succeeds, they can use what they know… they are going to anyway, but at least then they can talk about it with the other players.
According to the DM guide Chapter 8, metagame thinking means “thinking about the game as a game,” Examples would be thinking “the DM wouldn’t throw such a powerful monster at us so early in the game, so we will surely be saved and not have to take this fight seriously,” or “the DM spent A LOT of time describing that door… maybe we should search it again!” 25
The problem with metagaming isn’t really about what advantage the players are getting in the game. The problem is that manipulation of the dynamics, when used to extremes, can spoil the plot line of the cumulative story being told. This can lessen the drama and tension elements resulting in decreased enjoyment of those involved. Additionally, it can create a dynamic where the DM is constantly having to escalate encounters to challenge the player, encouraging a potentially toxic “DM vs player” mentality.
For instance, how would a street orphan barbarian with no formal education and a wisdom of …let’s say very low…be able to know that liches phylactery is the source of their power. The solution here depends on why the players are playing this specific game. Is it the narrative of the story? Is it discovery? If these aren’t anywhere close to the reasons these players came to the game table in the first place, the narrative is not going to take as much of a factor into decisions. Metagaming in this instance isn’t going to be much of a problem.
Tip 7: Keep in mind, the ending is “A” destination, but the story is about how you get there.
A DM may hold off the extra cool moments for the final parts of the game, keeping their players in complete darkness and grit the entire way. However, without at least some levity along the way, some “water for the weary travelers,” as Mercer put it, they may not make it to the end.26 So, do not be afraid to relax the rules from time to time to give them those cool moments, but do so sparingly lest the destination lose its luster as well. Always keep in mind it’s about the enjoyment of crafting and playing in the world together that makes this, or really any game, fun.
Tip 8: When all else fails… take a break and have the Tarrasque attack the party.
When all else fails, roll two D-20s out of players’ views… fake a worried expression… role a D-100 (also out of player’s view) look over the score concerned as you pour through your notes… then explain sorrowfully… “I’m sorry… The Tarrasque has risen and has attacked the party. Everyone roll initiative.” This is actual advice from the DM manual. It is right under “faking illness and running away.”27 The point is this: never be afraid to pause or call a game when it’s over or needed.
Maybe something incredibly uncomfortable for a player has happened. Maybe the DM has reached the end of what they were able to prepare for that session. Perhaps everyone is hungry or needs a bathroom break. Maybe the entire table has gotten to a point where no one can agree on anything and team dynamics are breaking down. That game world will always be there… but your friends won’t. Cherish that moment and make as many good moments as possible. Additionally, taking breaks both in-game and in the real world allow for quiet moments. These allow for the greater moments to shine through and the players will enjoy their experience more.
https://i.redd.it/1ncu361zlqf61.png
The graphic above serves to summarize the eight tips above and show their relationship with the narrative, enjoyment, and the rules when put in the context of situational ethics. From this graph, the relationship between the eight tips and how they play into the narrative, enjoyment, and rules of the game can be seen. Each of the tips can influence many parts of the game but they are intended to primarily influence the aspect of the game they are adjacent to. “Knowing the players” should influence the narrative and what kind of enjoyment the players receive. What mechanics are used to enable the game is causally related to how the rules are used and so on. Please note that Agape is at the center as, with every decision a DM makes, considering what is best for the players should be central to the experience of any game.
The Epic Conclusion
Through crafting a game-world together with your players, a DM has the potential to tap into one of the greatest traditions humanity has: camaraderie with friends. At the end of the day, these players are your friends, or at the very least your fellow human beings. As such, you should want what is best for them. Through trials, hardships, and drama, we get to put the punctuation on the moments of excitement, joy, happiness, and bliss. It is okay if the player does not get exactly what they want, so long as they still had enjoyment. This is because getting everything we expect is sometimes boring. However, always keep in mind that at the end of the day, games are about having fun. How that happens is up to the players, the DM, and whether the rules were used to enhance the experience or not. It’s possible to find that balance by asking these questions in order: “How will this decision affect: the final enjoyment of all at the table? the narrative? the rules in the future?”
1 Huizinga, Johan . "Homo Ludens". Routledge & Kegan Paul Ltd. (1980), pp. 1., accessed January 19, 2021. http://art.yale.edu/file_columns/0000/1474/ homoludens_johan_huizinga_routledge_1949.pdf
2 Suits, Bernard, “The Grasshopper: Games, Life and Utopia,” Broadview Press. Ed. 3. (November 29, 2005): 54–55. Accessed December 31, 2020. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/803547.The_Grasshopper
3 The Game Overanalyzer, The Aesthetics of Play | Why We Play Games, and the Search for Truth and Beauty in Game Design. The Game Overanalyzer. (January 11, 2020), accessed 6 January 2021. Video 18:44. https://youtu.be/lONsZwjVDzg
4 Hunicke, Robin, Marc LeBlanc, and Robert Zubek. "MDA: A formal approach to game design and game research." Proceedings of the AAAI Workshop on Challenges in Game AI, vol. 4, no. 1, p. 1722. (2004). Accessed January 11, 2020 https://www.aaai.org/Papers/Workshops/2004/WS-04-04/WS04-04-001.pdf
5 Portnow, James; Floyd, Daniel; Aesthetics of Play- Redefining Genres in Gaming. Extra Credits; (October 17, 2012), Video 9:13. Accessed December 30, 2020. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uepAJ-rqJKA&list=PL3N9QD4_yI-BlnwWUL8hhjpKgqRul3xAa&index=11
6 Suits, Bernard. “Discussion: Games and Paradox.” Chicago University Press. Philosophy of Science Association Journal, Vol 36, no. 3 (September 1, 1969). pg 316–.321. Accessed December 30, 2020. https://www.jstor.org/stable/186226
7 Suits, Bernard. “Discussion: Games and Paradox (1969)
8 Myers, David. “Game as Paradox: A Rebuttal of Suits.” Journal of the philosophy of Sport 39, no. 1 (May 1, 2012). Accessed December 30, 2020. https://search-ebscohost-com.ezproxy2.apus.edu/login.aspx?direct=true&AuthType=ip&db=s3h&AN=87342252&site=ehost-live&scope=site.
9 Juul, Jesper. "Half-Real: Video Games between Real Rules and Fictional Worlds", MIT Press, (Aug 19, 2011) pp.57-59
10 Tracy, Patrick. DM Tips: The Rule of Cool. Fantasy Bango. (October 20, 2017). Accessed December 30, 2020. Video 2:23 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x8aAIFalx6s
11 Fletcher, Joseph F. Situation Ethics: The New Morality. Westminster John Knox Press, (1997). Page 17-26 (accessed January 20, 2021) http://bit.ly/Googlescholar_SItuational_Ethics
**Please note that just because Fletcher’s Situational Ethics is used prominently, this is not an endorsement of all his views. Fletcher’s work has been used to justify terrible atrocities, such as eugenics, this should serve to point out that any philosophy taken to extremes can lead to terrible outcomes
12 Fletcher, Joseph F. Situation Ethics: The New Morality. (1997)
13 Mercer, Matthew. The Rule of Cool! (Game Master Tips). Geek & Sundry. (February 16, 2016). Accessed December 30, 2020. Video. 5:52 https://youtu.be/fWZDuFIYkf0
14 Bryce, Nathan K., “Four Lenses Unfolded: A Deeper Understanding of Temperament Values,” Insight; (January 29, 2002,).
15 Mercer, Matthew. The Rule of Cool! (Game Master Tips). (2016).
16 McLaughlin, Kelly; Martin, Monty. "How to Run a Session Zero for Dungeons and Dragons 5e". Dungeon Dudes. (September 3, 2020), Accessed 12 30, 2020. Video. https://youtu.be/2MA-z5Ai-bQ
17 Wells, Orson, "The Big Brass Ring." Santa Teresa Press (1987, January 1) 1-148
18 Mulligan, Brennan; Scott, Benjamin. “Animating Your Table (with Benjamin Scott) | Adventuring Academy Season 2 | Ep. 16 |” Adventuring Academy. Dimension (2020, December 28). Accessed December 30, 2020. Video 1:24:18 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4IbVxEKpipo
19 Mulligan, Brennan; Scott, Benjamin. “Animating Your Table (with Benjamin Scott) (2020)
20 Mercer, Matthew. The Rule of Cool! (Game Master Tips). (2016)..
21 Mercer, Matthew. The Rule of Cool! (Game Master Tips). (2016)
22 Imbo, Frederik, "How not to take things personally? | Frederik Imbo | TEDxMechelen" TEDx Talks; (March 4, 2020) accessed 10 Jan 2021, video 17:36 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LnJwH_PZXnM&t=381s
23 Kensinger, Elizabeth. Remembering the Details: Effects of Emotion. US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health. (May 4, 2009) Accessed 2021, January 30 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2676782/
24 Mulligan, Brennan; Scott, Benjamin. “Animating Your Table (with Benjamin Scott) (2020)
25 Mearls, Mike, and Jeremy Crawford. "Dungeons Master's guide". Renton, WA: Wizards of the Coast. (2014) accessed 29 January 2021 https://www.dndbeyond.com/sources/dmg/running-the-game#MetagameThinking
26 Mulligan, Brennan; Mercer, Matthew. Building Your Own Campaign Setting (with Matthew Mercer) | Adventuring Academy. Dimension 20. (2019, April 3) Accessed December 30, 2020. Video 57:01 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sig8X_kojco&t=2867s
27 Mearls, Mike, and Jeremy Crawford. "Dungeons Master's guide". Renton, WA: Wizards of the Coast. (2014)-accessed 20 January 2021. https://www.dndbeyond.com/sources/dmg
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The Witcher: Enhanced Edition - Revised Modding Guide

I published a modding guide here some time ago, and I've received good feedback from almost everyone who played the game with it. Back then I promised a TW2 guide, too, but it didn't materialize because real life happened. After the disappointment of CP2077 I thought it was a good time to have another playthrough of The Witcher games. I'll be posting updated modding guides for them. If you want to have a look at my original guide - here it is. On a gameplay level it's identical to this one, but the new one has significantly enhanced visuals. Now for the revised one:

THE WITCHER - IN-DEPTH MODDING GUIDE

This modding guide is written for The Witcher: Enhanced Edition Director's Cut version 1.5 (A) from GOG. It should be compatible with all 1.5 versions of the game, regardless of the platform you're using.The aim for this guide is to give the player a better experience by fixing vanilla bugs, improving the visuals and tweaking the gameplay. The improvements are lore-friendly and respectful to CDPR's original vision of the game and the rich world Sapkowski created. All the changes are made to provide the most stable and bug-free experience possible, and from my tests the modded game is more stable than the unmodded one on modern systems. This guide supports only the main story.

[ INITIAL SETUP ]

After downloading the game, verify/repair the game files. Launch the game for the first time and go to Options. In Video Options set all graphic options to max. In Game options disable Autosave, Tutorials, Floating Info, Combat Feedback and Show Object Names. The reason to do all of this is to increase game stability and neither of those options are that important, anyway. The game runs on an ancient Bioware engine, so every bit helps. Autosave and the pop-up tutorial images are the biggest culprits here. To further increase game stability keep only 10 to 15 saves for the whole game and save frequently. The save files in this game are relatively huge and if you have a high number of them expect frequent crashes even on unmodded game. The disabled pop-up tutorials will appear in Geralt's journal, so you're not missing anything by disabling these features. Exit the game.
Now go to The Witcher Enhanced Edition\System and create a desktop shortcut of the 'witcher.exe'. You'll start the game from here to improve the game's stability. By default, the game uses a launcher that can cause many problems. You should check in the shortcut's properties (right click) under the compatibility tab if it runs under Windows 7 compatibility mode with admin privileges. By default it should, if not, check both boxes there and click apply.
Even with all of this, you might experience a crash here or there. Some places include:
  • after a long cut scene
  • at the end / start of a chapter
  • inns, crypts and caves
  • at the plaza and market in Chapter 3
  • after fighting your first enemy in the prologue
  • during Oddo's quest in Chapter 1
  • in the crypt in Chapter 4
  • after the final cut scene in Chapter 2
  • there might be a bug after continuous play at the start of chapter 2. if you can't click on anything after the cut scene, simply exit the game and reload a previous save before the cut scene. the bug won't return.
  • loading multiple saves in quick succession
These issues were present 10 years ago and are still present today in the vanilla game. Nothing a quick load can't fix. On my last playthrough I had 7 crashes. Thankfully, game-breaking bugs are very, very rare. This modding guide has been tested by two people and both of them completed the game successfully with 6 and 14 crashes. Not bad for a 40+ hour playthrough.
NOTE: This is a very in-depth guide. It's required that you install the mods as I have listed them. All mods have a readme that instructs how to install them, but ignore it and follow my instructions as we're combining different, often conflicting mods. Some mods will have the tag OPTIONAL because you can skip them, but I recommend installing them. Also, I would like to advise you to read the installation paths carefully. There are two different 'Override' folders in the guide. It's very important for everything to work as it should. Don't rush it.

[ MODDING ]

  • [ MANDATORY ] - FPS Counter 3.4.0 - Extract to the System folder in the main game directory. Start the game and press F12. Enable the Ultra AA from the mod's options. Enable V-Sync from the options. Decrease the sharpness to 25. Additionally, you can enable 4X Transparency AA in the Nvidia Control Panel for even better results. Enabling V-Sync is vital to fix an annoying visual bug during conversations with npcs. You can tweak/disable anything you want similar to a reshade. It can be used purely as a .dll overloader. - https://www.nexusmods.com/witchemods/738
Additional Note: The GOG .exe is patched to be large address aware which means it can access up to 4gb ram on modern systems. I think steam is the same, but if you're unsure about your witcher.exe, look at FPS Counter's in-game options to see the status. It's important to patch it if the .exe isn't. You can do it with FPS Counter or use an external patcher like NTCore's 4gb Patch. The patched .exe improves the game stability significantly.
  • [ MANDATORY ] - Full Combat Rebalance 1.6a - Run the installer as an administrator. Select the main game directory. From the different options, choose ONLY: Easy difficulties pack; Ecosystem: fewer monsters in game; All armors have three quick slots; Nightvision without fisheye effect; Flaming sword icon on hard difficulty; No logo movies; Easier dice poker; Potions changing game difficulty; Cat pupils for all witchers; Item stacking up to 999; Werewolf fur in shop in Chapter 4. If you enable anything else, it will cause problems with other mods from the list. After installation boot the game up. Go into Options -> Controls and key bind the walk option at the top and the turn off/on gui option at the very bottom. Personally, I bind them to Left CTRL and HOME buttons respectfully. The reason not to choose any of the other options during installation is because it conflicts with various other mods. Definitely don't choose the high difficulty pack, unless you're a masochist. FCR has a bad reputation, but IMO it makes the game more engaging and eliminates some annoyances and questionable gameplay decisions the first game has. If you play on one of the lower difficulties, it actually makes the game a lot easier. Certain boss fights (like the one in CH1) are easier in FCR, while other enemies, especially monsters, are harder and need oil and potions preparation similar to the contracts in W3. There are implemented tutorials to familiarize you with the changes compared to the vanilla game. - https://www.moddb.com/mods/full-combat-rebalance1
  • [ MANDATORY ] - Scabbard Mod 1.04 - Run the installer as an administrator. Select the main game directory. Select 'The Witcher EE with FCR mod' option from the 'Select Components' tab during installation. This is mandatory for compatibility between those two mods. The sheating / unsheating animation might bug out from time to time, but for 95% of the time has no issues, so be warned if little things annoy you occasionally. This was an original feature implemented by CDPR, but was cut late in development. - https://www.moddb.com/mods/scabbard-mod/
  • [ MANDATORY ] - Rise of the White Wolf: Enhanced Edition 2.0 - Run the installer as an administrator. Select the main game directory. From the different options, choose ONLY: Interface - English (and other languages); FCR Compability; New dialogue fonts; Items icons; Character textures - FCR compability; "Trial of Herbs" soundtrack in the main menu. The installer has problems with some AVs. Just in case you should disable your virus protection until everything is installed. The files are 'safe' if you download it from the link I provided, so don't worry. The mod "modernizes" the user interface. It's not exactly my cup of tea, but many people prefer it. The texture work on the characters is good, and it makes changes that are both lore-friendly and in line with TW2 and TW3. RotWW adds a new dialogue font and UI icons. I had minor problems with the Nexus version of the mod, so I don't recommend it. The moddb installer should be identical, but it didn't give me any problems, so with that in mind, I recommend the moddb one. - https://www.moddb.com/mods/the-rise-of-the-white-wolf-powrt-biaego-wilka
  • [ MANDATORY ] - Complete Sword Overhaul 1.0 - Download the main file and the 4 optional files. Extract the folder z_zSwords_DM somewhere on your pc. Now we'll extract the optional files and overwrite files in the main z_zSwords_DM folder. Do this in the EXACT order I describe. First the folder from the Scabbard mod compatibility patch. Overwrite the 24 files when asked. Then the folder from the FCR compatibility patch. Overwrite the 32 files when asked. Then the folder from the HD textures patch. Overwrite the 42 files when asked. And finally the folder from the RotWW-style icons patch. Overwrite the 86 files when asked. Now take the complete z_zSwords_DM folder and place it in The Witcher Enhanced Edition\Data folder. This mod improves the textures of every sword and scabbard in the game. - https://www.nexusmods.com/witchemods/719
  • [ MANDATORY ] - Dagger Overhaul 1.0 - Download the main file and the 2 optional files. Extract the folder z_zDaggers somewhere on your pc. Now similarly to the previous mod, we'll extract and overwrite the main mod folder with those from the optional files. Extract the files from the HD Textures patch and the RotWW-style icons patch and overwrite the main mod folder. You should overwrite 17 files: 10 for the HD Textures and 7 for the icons. Now take the complete z_zDaggers folder and place it in The Witcher Enhanced Edition\Data folder. This mod improves the textures of every dagger in the game. - https://www.nexusmods.com/witchemods/708
  • [ MANDATORY ] - AI Upscale Textures 1.5 - Download ONLY the 'AiO AI Textures with RotWW and The Witcher Overhaul Project by lexo1000' optional file. Extract the 2 folders and 1 .2da file somewhere on your pc. Open the 'RotWW' folder. We need only the 'Characters' folder. Move the 'Characters' folder to The Witcher Enhanced Edition\Data\z_zrotww folder. Overwrite the 290+ files when prompted. Navigate to The Witcher Enhanced Edition\Data and create a New Folder named 'Override' without the quotation marks. Next, look at the 'AiOlexo1000' mod folder. Gasp after seeing 2000+ files inside. Select all of them and move them to The Witcher Enhanced Edition\Data\Override folder. Move the TexSettings.2da file to the same Override folder. This mod upscales the vanilla textures and is the best one to date to do so. The quality it brings to the table is unmatched so far. The .2da file is essential for it to work as it blocks texture scaling to lower resolution. In the optional file we downloaded, the mod includes upscaled versions of RotWW textures and original textures from The Witcher Overhaul project. - https://www.nexusmods.com/witchemods/808
  • [ MANDATORY ] - The Witcher Overhaul Project 3.3 - Download the main file and the Realistic Blood Effects optional file. Inside the archive of the main file you'll see two folders. 'The Witcher Texture Overhaul' doesn't interest us because its contents were included in the previous mod we installed. Inside 'The Witcher Sound Overhaul' there are 115 files. Select all of those files and extract them to The Witcher Enhanced Edition\Data\Override folder. Some of these files are major improvements over the ones in the vanilla game, others not so much since some of them are taken from other games. It's up to you if you want them. If you don't, skip this step. The reason this mod is mandatory is the optional file. Extract the attackeffects.2da file to The Witcher Enhanced Edition\Data\Override. Enjoy better blood effects in the game. - https://www.nexusmods.com/witchemods/703
  • [ MANDATORY ] - Kaer Morhen Witcher 3 HD Retexture (with unique textures) 1.1 - Extract the 19 .dds and 4 .mdb files to The Witcher Enhanced Edition\Data\Override folder. This mod retextures the Kaer Mohren prologue section entirely. It includes unique high quality textures. In vanilla game Kaer Mohren shares textures with certain buildings in Vizima, the mod fixes this, too. Good for continuity. - https://www.nexusmods.com/witchemods/892
  • [ MANDATORY ] - Missing Kalkstein and Leuvaarden Clues Fix 1.0 - Extract the .ncs file from the mod folder to The Witcher Enhanced Edition\Data\Override folder. This mod fixes a well-known bug. - https://www.nexusmods.com/witchemods/657
  • [ MANDATORY ] - Celina Wraith Fix 1.0 - Extract the 13 loose files to The Witcher Enhanced Edition\Data\Override folder. This mod fixes the inability to report a certain quest outcome in Ch. 4, resulting in Geralt always saying that he failed to resolve a certain problem. This mod adds some dialogue to the conversation. - https://www.nexusmods.com/witchemods/741
  • [ MANDATORY ] - Fair Kalkstein Mod 1.1 - Extract the 5 loose files to The Witcher Enhanced Edition\Data\Override folder. It's a little lore-friendly addition to the Kalkstein quest chain) - https://www.nexusmods.com/witchemods/307
  • [ MANDATORY ] - Leuvaarden Buys Salamandra Badges 1.0 - Extract the 5 loose files to The Witcher Enhanced Edition\Data\Override folder. This mod provides a fix for Leuvaarden's inability to buy badges after your initial conversation. He buys them for 20 a pop now as per his statement in the beginning.) - https://www.nexusmods.com/witchemods/659
  • [ MANDATORY ] - Quest Tweaks 1.0 - Extract the 7 files from Berengar's Secret folder, Contracts in Act V folder and Yamo Ryeboozer reward folder to The Witcher Enhanced Edition\Data\Override folder. Don't touch the rest. This mod provides a few different minor quest fixes. Some of them change CDPR's intentional decisions, so use only the ones I've listed for a balanced gameplay experience. - https://www.nexusmods.com/witchemods/774
  • [ MANDATORY ] - Plentiful Herbs 1.11 - Inside the mod archive there are 8 other archives. Extract them somewhere on your pc. In each of these 8 archives there are two two files. Extract those two files from every of the 8 archives to The Witcher Enhanced Edition\Data\Override folder. All in all you should've extracted 16 .ncs and .nss files. This mod adjust the drops for the most common herbs for a more balanced experience. It gives you more herbs compared to the original value because with FCR you must make many more potions compared to the vanilla game. - https://www.nexusmods.com/witchemods/31
  • [ MANDATORY ] - Han Gives Han NOT Berbercane 1.0 - Download the Plentiful Han main file. Extract the loose files to The Witcher Enhanced Edition\Data\Override folder. The mod fixes a bug in Chapter 4. - https://www.nexusmods.com/witchemods/32
  • [ MANDATORY ] - Reverend Beard Texture Fix 1.0 - Extract cr_pries2_g3.dds and cr_pries2_g3_n.dds to The Witcher Enhanced Edition\Data\Override folder. The mod fixes a texture bug. - https://www.nexusmods.com/witchemods/845
  • [ OPTIONAL ] - Toss a coin to your Witcher Cutscene Mod 2.2 - Extract the files to The Witcher Enhanced Edition\Data\Override folder. The mod adds a quick cutscene in which Dandelion sings the song from the tv series. You can trigger the scene at the inn in Chapter 3. - https://www.nexusmods.com/witchemods/816
  • [ OPTIONAL ] - Sex Takes Time Mod 1.1 - Extract the SexTakesTimeMod(updated) folder to the Data folder in the main game directory. Just move the whole folder there with all 119 files inside it. This is a lore-friendly time skip that triggers a different scene with some humorous dialogues after you collect a sex card. - https://www.nexusmods.com/witchemods/330
  • [ OPTIONAL ] - Hiuuz's Witcher 3 Vesemir for The Witcher 1.0 - Extract the 3 .dds files and 1 .mdb file to The Witcher Enhanced Edition\Data\z_zrotww\Characters\Wiedzmini. Overwrite when asked. The mod replaces Vesemir's face with the one from The Witcher 3. Good for continuity. - https://www.nexusmods.com/witchemods/868?
  • [ OPTIONAL ] - Vesemir HD Retexture 1.0 - Extract ONLY cr_vesem1_c1.dds and cr_vesem1_c1_n.dds to The Witcher Enhanced Edition\Data\z_zrotww\Characters\Wiedzmini. Overwrite when asked. The mod updates Vesemir's armor. - https://www.nexusmods.com/witchemods/846
  • [ OPTIONAL ] - Geralt Face and Leather Jacket Retextured 1.2 - Go to The Witcher Enhanced Edition\Data\z_zrotww. Create a New Folder and name it 'Override' without the quotation marks. Extract the 10 .dds and 1 .mdb file from the Retextured\Data\Geralt_retextured_mod from the mod folder. Don't extract anything else from the mod folder. This improves Geralt's armor textures. - https://www.nexusmods.com/witchemods/780
  • [ OPTIONAL ] - Hiuuz's Witcher 3 Geralt Face for The Witcher 1.1 - Extract the 3 .dds files to The Witcher Enhanced Edition\Data\z_zrotww\Override. Overwrite when asked. This mod replaces Geralt's default face with TW3's textures. Good for for continuity purposes. - https://www.nexusmods.com/witchemods/840
  • [ OPTIONAL ] - Orange Weapon Trail Fix 1.0 - Download the 'Orange Weapon Trail Fix' main file and 'Loading Bar Replacer', 'Pause Load Menu Replacer - Vanilla Variant' optional files. Extract the z_zrotww from each of these three archives to The Witcher Enhanced Edition\Data folder. Overwrite when asked every time. The mod brings back the orange sword trail from vanilla game, the old loading bar and vanilla load menu, changed for some odd reason by the RotWW mod team. - https://www.nexusmods.com/witchemods/734
  • [ OPTIONAL ] - Bigger Fonts for RoWW 0.5 - Extract the z_zrotww folder with all the loose files inside to The Witcher Enhanced Edition\Data. Overwrite the file when asked. This step is required only if you're playing at a higher resolution than 1080p or if you're using DSR (or similar) upscaling. For 4k use the optional file instead of the main one. - https://www.nexusmods.com/witchemods/714
  • [ OPTIONAL ] - Hiuuz's Witcher 3 Thaler for The Witcher - Extract the 4 .dds files to The Witcher Enhanced Edition\Data\z_zrotww\Characters\Talar. Overwrite when asked. Upgrades Thaler's low-res textures and gives him his TW3 appearance. Good for for continuity purposes. - https://www.nexusmods.com/witchemods/873
  • [ OPTIONAL ] - Kalkstein HD Retexture 1.0 - Extract the 2 .dds files to The Witcher Enhanced Edition\Data\z_zrotww\Characters\Kalkstein. Overwrite when asked. Improved textures for Kalkstein - https://www.nexusmods.com/witchemods/849
  • [ OPTIONAL ] - Ramsmeat HD Retexture 1.0 - Extract the 2 .dds files and 1 .mdb file to The Witcher Enhanced Edition\Data\z_zrotww\Override. The mod upgrades Ramsmeat's textures compared to vanilla and replaces the over-sharpened RotWW textures. - https://www.nexusmods.com/witchemods/850
  • [ OPTIONAL ] - Better Dice and Desaturated Board 1.0 - Extract the 3 .dds files to The Witcher Enhanced Edition\Data\Override folder. Does what it says. - https://www.nexusmods.com/witchemods/338
  • [ OPTIONAL ] - Hiuuz's Witcher 3 Triss Merigold for The Witcher 1.0 - Navigate to The Witcher Enhanced Edition\Data\z_zrotww\Characters\Triss. Delete all 10 files there. Then extract the 6 .dds files from the mod to that folder. The mod ports Triss' TW3 face to the first game. Good for continuity. - https://www.nexusmods.com/witchemods/844
  • [ OPTIONAL ] - Lore Triss by DeMelodit 1.0 - Download Pack_0 main file. Extract the 4 files to The Witcher Enhanced Edition\Data\z_zrotww\Characters\Triss. You can skip this step if you don't want Triss with her lore-friendly blue eyes. - https://www.nexusmods.com/witchemods/753
  • [ OPTIONAL ] - Hiuuz's Witcher 3 Shani for The Witcher 1.0 - Extract the 4 .dds files to The Witcher Enhanced Edition\Data\Override folder. Overwrite when asked. Gives Shani her TW3 face. Good for continuity. - https://www.nexusmods.com/witchemods/852
  • [ OPTIONAL ] - Hiuuz's Witcher 3 Zoltan Chivay for The Witcher 1.0 - Extract the 2 .dds files to The Witcher Enhanced Edition\Data\z_zrotww\Override folder. Gives Zoltan his TW2/TW3 face. Good for continuity. - https://www.nexusmods.com/witchemods/869
  • [ OPTIONAL ] - Hiuuz's Witcher 3 Eskel for The Witcher 1.0 - Go to The Witcher Enhanced Edition\Data\z_zrotww\Characters\Wiedzmini folder. Delete the 5 .dds files and 1 .mdb file that has 'eskel' in its name. Extract the 4 loose files from the mod to the same folder. Overwrite when/if asked. Gives Eskel his TW3 face. Good for continuity. - https://www.nexusmods.com/witchemods/863
  • [ OPTIONAL ] - Hiuuz's Witcher 3 Dandelion for The Witcher 1.0 - Extract the 2 .dds files to The Witcher Enhanced Edition\Data\z_zrotww\Override folder. Gives Dandelion his TW2/TW3 face. Good for continuity. - https://www.nexusmods.com/witchemods/860
  • [ OPTIONAL ] - Hiuuz's Witcher 3 Lambert for The Witcher 1.0 - Go to The Witcher Enhanced Edition\Data\z_zrotww\Characters\Wiedzmini folder. Delete all files with 'lamb' in their name. Extract the 4 loose files from the mod to the same folder. Overwrite when/if asked. Gives Lambert his TW3 face. Good for continuity. - https://www.nexusmods.com/witchemods/861
  • [ OPTIONAL ] - Hiuuz's Witcher 3 Radovid V for The Witcher - Extract ONLY cr_knigh3_g2.dds and cr_knigh3_g2_n.dds to The Witcher Enhanced Edition\Data\z_zrotww\Override folder. Gives Radowid his TW2/TW3 face. Good for continuity. - https://www.nexusmods.com/witchemods/876

[ TESTING ]

The best way to test the overall stability is to load one save from Chapter 3 (Trade Quarter) and walk around for 5-10 minutes. Try walking in and out of some houses and see if it crashes. Even it it does, load again and try to replicate the crash, if it doesn't crash again you're good to go. Keep in mind that if you're using old saves for testing, they are more crash-friendly than any new game saves you'll have during a normal playthrough.
I've included some screenshots for you to see how the game looks in 4k with all the mods installed. You can find them here. Happy Gaming!
P.S. Many thanks to Benny and Jacinda for their testing efforts!
EDIT: And here is the updated The Witcher 2 modding guide if you're interested.
submitted by bigballsbuchanan to witcher [link] [comments]

What Qualifies as a Board Game and What Doesn't?

Tl; dr: What is 'crisp set' and what is 'fuzzy set' or whatever terminology you want to use, and what isn't a board game at all?
X = crisp set
Y = fuzzy set
Z = out-group (not within nor bordering the in-group) Chess = X/board game Poker = Z/standard card game (casino game and tabletop game) Necromunda = Y/tabletop wargame, board game hybrid (heavily leaning to tabletop wargame) Magic: The Gathering = Z/custom card/trading card game Blood Bowl = Y/board game, tabletop wargame hybrid (more wargame than board game)
Poker? Necromunda? Magic: The Gathering? Chess? Blood Bowl?
The reason the aforementioned can't all be crisp set (in-group) board games is because it would, therefore, include all possible physical games (or close to it); thus, it would be rendered a useless, all encompassing category.
I will tell you what I think of such examples, and then you can tell me what is taken to be the truth within the board gaming space.
Note: According to Board Game Geek (BGG), one of the leading authorities of all things board gaming, and a website heavily followed by such Reddit pages as this one, they pretty much publish whatever they feel is 'board game' or, rather, under the overarching group of 'tabletop', as they see fit, so their website does, indeed, have Poker on their listing, along with Warhammer 40,000, for example, which is not at all a board game but a tabletop wargame, though there is some overlap, of course.
Poker = standard card game and casino game (out-group)
I think Poker isn't a board game because it (1) doesn't use dice, a board, or otherwise elements and (2) only uses a standard deck of cards. This is a 'gateway' to either card games or casino games, or maybe like-minded tabletop games, but not board games (though some may include it within 'party game', but still not 'board game', as the overarching group of 'tabletop' is also not 'board game', just as 'tabletop wargames' are not 'board games', such as Warhammer 40,000).
​
Necromunda (2017) = tabletop wargame, board game wargame hybrid (fuzzy set)
I think Necromunda could be seen as a board game hybrid because it does use a board, along with other board game-like mechanics, not just tabletop wargame, but it is primarily a tabletop wargame, yet marketed and treated as a hybrid/fuzzy set due to its board game nature, cardboard game board, and skirmish nature. Some also call it a 'gateway game', meaning, 'a gateway to the more standard forms of tabletop wargaming'. I would call this a 'true fuzzy set' but leaning heavily to 'tabletop wargame' as once you remove the board, it's really just a 'skirmish tabletop wargame', but the addition of the board makes it a fuzzy set board game, once all the other elements and mechanics are factored. Necromunda is also seen as a real 'gateway' to either place. Note that Necromunda isn't a board game at all, it's just a tabletop wargame with a forced hybridisation for marketing purposes and as a 'gateway', but it's still a tabletop wargame at its core, and edges, for the most part.
​
Chess = board game (crisp set)
I think Chess is a board game because it (1) doesn't use standard cards; (2) uses a board; and (3) uses game pieces. Chess is a 'gateway' to other abstract board games or board wargames, not card games or tabletop wargames.
​
Magic: The Gathering = custom/trading card game (out-group)
I think Magic: The Gathering is a custom/trading card game because it (1) uses custom cards; (2) doesn't use dice; (3) doesn't use a board; (4) doesn't use standard cards; (5) doesn't use game pieces or miniatures; and (6) doesn't use otherwise game pieces. I know some people throw Magic in with the overarching group of 'board game', but the problem with this is it would include every card game.
Blood Bowl = board game, tabletop wargame hybrid (fuzzy set)
I think Blood Bowl is a fuzzy set board game because it (1) uses a board; (2) uses miniatures; (3) uses custom cards; (4) uses dice; (5) has individual characterisation; and (6) uses core wargaming mechanics. This is common for 'skirmish wargames', but not so common for board games; further, it has all the elements of both wargaming board games and tabletop wargames, so I would call it a 'true fuzzy set' (or 'gateway', to either place). Of course, you could view all 'miniature games' as 'tabletop wargames', regardless, though sometimes there are 'fuzzy set' examples; in fact, many 'grand' board games have miniatures and are not tabletop wargames at all. But, maybe it's only extended when the miniatures are individual characters, and not just representations/abstractions. Likewise, it could be that 'any game played on a board' is a board game, or that a certain combination is required to make 'board game' instead of 'tabletop wargame'.
​
This means a board game can exist, or partly exist, without a board at all, and it also means that just because it has a board, it's not necessarily a board game. And, a board game must include something other than a standard deck of cards; further, we can state that a 'fuzzy set' is a 'gateway between the two game classifications that it is bordering', typically, 'board game' and 'tabletop wargame'.
Again, I have seen much debate online about the aforementioned games -- and, more importantly, what their game types are. What is taken as true within the board games space, and what are your own views? Thanks.
submitted by TheRetroWorkshop to tabletopgamedesign [link] [comments]

I combined my meta currency and progression systems and I'd like to get your feedback.

Hi y'all, I'd like to get some feedback on my game's meta-currency and progression system.

I want to know:

The goals of the system:

Context on the game

Here's how the system works:

ADVERSITY POINTS:
Starting Adversity Points:
Maximum Adversity Points:
Tracking Adversity Points:
Gaining Adversity Points:
Players can gain AP in two different ways:
1) By accepting a Guide intrusion:
2) By triggering a trait:
Spending Adversity Points:
PC's spend AP for one of the following benefits:
1) Upgrade the result of a roll:
2) Activate an ability:
3) Add a detail to the narrative:
ADVANCEMENT
The Advancement clock:
Ticking the advancement clock:
Taking an advance:When a player takes an advance they can choose one of the following benefits.
Thanks for reading, I'd love to hear your feedback :)
submitted by ElendFiasco to RPGcreation [link] [comments]

WATCH LIVE: Gov Edwards COVID-19 Press Conference at 2:30 PM on 11/24

Louisiana is backed in Phase 2 (modified)

LINKS TO WATCH
This conference was announced last Thursday

Pre-Conference Question - What do you think he'll announce?

Summary

NOTE: The summary of this press conference is transcribed LIVE. The summary may contain spelling and grammatical errors which until it is able to be corrected once the conference concludes.
NOTE: The summary may contain spelling and grammatical errors.
Gov JBE
Dr Kanter

Questions for Dr Kanter about data

Related to Halloween? Seems people are willing to gather for Thanksgiving. Are we going to see a worsening 2 weeks after Thanksgiving
We are already seeing just about as steep of an increase as we can get it really can't get much steeper than that. I don't know, looking back to Halloween, it was part of it. I think increases from other states was bleeding over into our particularly in Northern LA. Plus we are tired, COVID fatigue is real, and it's easy to get complacent. Even without Thanksgiving coming ahead we will continue to get worse. I don't know how much worse it gets with Thanksgiving. I cannot emphasize this more than enough if you need to make a decision for your family talk to someone who has had it, experiencing the disease, or someone who has worked in the affected healthcare facilities during those two surges.
How much is being driven by small gatherings indoors and if so it doesn't seem restrictions matter than much
Small gatherings have been a larger component than months ago, there is no question about that but that is just one slice. We continue to see a lot of cases tied to bars, restaurants, events, and churches as well. Mitigation measures are going to be significant in their effect but not absolute. The other side is that people really need to make responsible decisions when no one is looking. No one will police who parities but I want families to take it seriously and know what the real risks are and make an informed decision. The more families are informed the more they will be likely to say for this year, for my family, it is just not worth it.
Gov. JBE

Questions

Epidemiologists in Louisiana say we may be getting diminishing returns on our introduction of restrictions than what we previously saw. Are you concerned that the impact of the introduction of these restrictions will be more gradual and the implications that may have
I am concerned about an awful lot as it is related to COVID19 and this pandemic. There is not one easy decision I have made nor one that has brought me joy. I am convinced that if the people of Louisiana will embrace these mitigation measures and restrictions, be patient and selfless, and ensure compliance that we will flatten the curve again. That is what I know. There are no magic tricks to be worked here. The only way to stop a surge is with restrictions and mitigation measures. So with the numbers increases here and around the country as they are the sense of urgency that you see coming out of leaders in Washington right now, as seen with Vice President Pence and the Coronavirus Task Force the other day, everyone should understand that this a very very serious situation. We have to do our part in order to slow the spread. It has to be a collective effort. No one should say is 99% of the people do it that's good enough I don't have to personally do it... that doesn't work. We all have to see it as a common effort that we all play our part. If someone would have presented a better option to flatten the curve I would have taken it. I know we have COVID fatigue here and around the country. If there was something other than wearing masks, washing your hands and staying home when you are sick, and so forth I would embrace it. It doesn't exist. That is why you hear this coming out of Washington and all the other healthcare workers how important these are. So let's do it. Let's flatten the curve again. I feel very comfortable that in several months, not sure when we will have enough of our population vaccinated that I believe we can start putting in the rear view mirror. Until now and then we have to do what is necessary. I do not know if there is another surge after this one, I pray not, but we know we are surging now.
Are you trying to change the way enforcement has been handled on these public health issues. Obviously the problem is people aren't following previous guidelines.. so are you making changes to enforcement?
We will continue to work with businesses of all types and venues to ensure that they understand that the restrictions are what rules they have to abide by. Individuals and businesses can get more information at opensafely.la.gov and you will get more information. Will there be enforcement? Yes, there will be, but I am going to say what I've said back in March and every time since then, if the people in Louisiana insist we enforce our way through this we are doomed to failure. There are 4.66 million Louisianas and 10s of thousands of business and quite frankly we cannot enforce our way through this. We are going to be asking people to comply, do compliance visits, respond to complaints, and where people refuse to come int o compliance you can expect enforcement. That will not get us through this surge. That will not protect the health of our fellow Louisianans, it is better than not doing any enforcement. We need to have people doin this because it is the right thing to do. They need to embrace it, not because it is pleasant but at the end of the day this about people's lives are talking about. We are doing our very best to strike the balance between lives on one hand and livelihoods on the other. When it comes to economy, to business, to employers, to livelihoods, the best thing we can do is put this virus behind us.
Are the rules for temporary conditional permits allowing bars to operate as restaurants remain in effect?
Yes and we currently have 372 bars using conditional permits to operate as restaurants. They are not a hybrid, they are not part bar or part bar. They operate as restaurants if they are operating properly and they follow all rules for restaurants. For other establishment that continue to operate as bars they need to follow the way we outlined bars operate today.
What are you doing for your Thanksgiving celebration. You have a son who is coming home from college because LSU is going virtual for Thanksgiving
Yeah I have a son who actually lives here in Baton Rogue and he will likely be coming home to spend some time with us. I will tell you we will stay in baton Rogue at the mansion and have a Thanksgiving meal that consists of the immediate household. We will gives thanks because even during this pandemic which has been so tough on people, even after the 3 hurricanes that hit this year, we have so much to be thankful for. God has truly blessed us. Thanksgiving is a day to give thanks and that is important to me and my family and we are going to do it, but last year I remember my 84 year old mother came, my 6 siblings all came with their spouses and children and grandchildren. We had 80 or 90 people. You will not be seeing that this year and you will not see it at Christmas either. I hope and pray that if you are with me on Thanksgiving Day of 2021 you will see that. I believe that you will, but between now and then we all have to do our part.
Did you tell Legislative leaders about these new restrictions before you came out here today? What was their response?
Yes, I did. You need to know that I routinely send data and information to the Speaker and to the President. We have complete transparency on the data we are relying on because we update it every day aside for Saturday. We also have sent Legislative leadership, and I believe every member of the Legislature, every White House Coronavirus Task Force report whenever we get them. This morning in a addition to those things we presented all gating criteria slides to the Speaker and the President. We talked about where we were especially in light of our hospital capacity and our need to go back to a modified Phase 2 in order to flatten the curve again. They asked some questions, expressed concerns to makes sure whether the Fire Marshall or ATC will work with proprietors and bar owners to maximum extend possible so they can know hat is expected of them and be given an opportunity, if they are operation in good faith -- of which the overwhelming majority of businesses are -- to come into compliance. That has been our approach throughout the pandemic. We have always bent over backwards to make sure individuals know what the rules give them every opportunity to come into compliance and only after persistent shortcomings/refusal to do any real enforcement actions like citations take place. I assured him our approach would not change.
Does the influx of new vaccines change our prognosis at all
We have a draft plan in Louisiana that we continue to update and revise daily. The reason it is a draft plan is that we still don't know the day that we will get the first vaccines nor the number of doses that will be there. I have every expectation that around mid-December we should receive some doses of the Pfizer vaccines first. We don't know how many it could be as few as 30,000 or might be 60,000 we do not know for sure. We think the first doses of the Moderna vaccines would come weeks later, perhaps with a smaller number available initially. We continue to work with our federal partners. We were on the phone with Azar yesterday and talked about the logistical aspects of Project Warpspeed. Once the vaccine gets the EUA from the FDA we will have the vaccine in route to our location(s) of choice in 24 hours. The first shipment will be prioritized to healthcare workers, then high-risk groups (nursing homes, assisted living centers, congregated shelters), then the list expands from there out. Ultimately we want to get to a place where we put a call out to the general population they can go to their health unit (hospital, doctor's office, or pharmacy) and get the vaccine. This is not a one and one vaccine, it requires a second dose, depending on the manufacturer that could be between 21-28 days later. More vaccines may come only over time and some of these things may change. I do not want talk of the vaccine, it is critically important and no one is more excited than I am, but I do not want the talk of the vaccine to cause people to not pay attention to what is imperative right now. That is why you hear Dr. Birx, Dr. Fauci, Azar, talking about the term of bridging to the vaccine and needing to double-down on measures until the vaccine is widely available. The vaccine will not be here in the numbers we need soon enough to reverse the trajectory and numbers we went over today.
I do want to mention I have every confidence that when the FDA issues that EUA that that vaccine will be safe and effective. I hope my fellow Louisiana will embrace the vaccine. A vaccine saves 0 lives but vaccination can save a lot of lives. The vaccination requires the vaccines and an individual to receive that vaccine in two injections. So please understand the FDA has not cut out any steps required to evaluate the safety and efficacy of these vaccines. In fact, the trial sizes were 5x-6x more than one would normally see in a trial. They took steps consecutively instead of sequentially to make this vaccine thereby shortening its time for production. They started the mass production while trials were still happening. So if that authorization comes they have the vaccine to distribute and more to be distributed and you don't have to start that manufacturing process up from the beginning. So I really want people to embrace this and understand they will be safe and effective once the call goes out to start vaccination.
Does the state have enough cold storage for the vaccines or does the state have to put in some money for that?
We've identified the cold storage capacity that we need pursuant to our plan to administer the Pfizer vaccine. Its a combination of cold storage capacity and dry ice. We will be in good shape there. This is why you have to have really good hard work going on hard in advance. That way working with hospitals and universities you are able to identify all the cold storage you have, where is available for these vaccines and then you plug that into your plan. That will not be a limiting factor in terms of receiving the vaccine. Logistically it makes it more complicated because you have to receive it at those sites and distribute it from there. They are still evaluating how long the vaccines remain stable once they thaw out. We will be all over that so we will make sure if that vial falls out it will be administered while it is stable and making sure that people come and get the second dose as well.

Closing remarks

submitted by WizardMama to Coronaviruslouisiana [link] [comments]

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Superlines Casino is also home to some of the best live games in the iGaming industry. If you are a Roulette aficionado, you can master the wheel with variants like European Roulette, GIB Roulette and Sizzling Hot Roulette. Also, if you love Blackjack and Baccarat, you can find several game variants suited to you taste while playing against the live dealers.
Superlines Casino is licensed and regulated by the Government of Curacao which means that you get access to the highest level of features in the iGaming industry. All the casino games are powered by reputed software giants like NetEnt, Elk Studio, NextGen Gaming, 1×2 Gaming among others.
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Mobile

The website of Superlines Casinos is clutter free with everything clear and within the view. The appealing colour palette with a sophisticated and stylized design creates an immediate impact on all customers. Here, you can find a plethora of games where you can either download it on your mobile via app or play it directly on the web browser. The casino tested by independent game testing agencies like TST and eCOGRA where all the games are free from malware.
The games can be downloaded on all popular smartphone models of iOS and Android. At the same time, the games are compatible with all the modern browsers like Google Chrome, Apple Safari and Mozilla Firefox. You can play the games on your smartphones or mobile devices even when you are travelling from any place in the world. You need to download the app on your device and get immediate access to a wide range of games offered by Superlines Casino.
When it comes to fairness, transparency and trust, you can entirely rely on Superlines Casino as the operator is fully committed to providing a fair gaming standard. The game software is meticulously maintained and tested by the gaming agencies from time to time with the highest industry standards.

Payment and Withdrawals at Superlines Casino

When it comes to banking options, you can rest assured that your valuable money and user credentials are safe with the casino operator. For making deposits, you can opt for various payment methods like payment cards, Zimpler, Trustly, GiroPay, Poli, Visa, Visa Electron, Paysafecard, MasterCard, Maestro and EcoPayz.
When it comes to withdrawals, the options are a little bit limited as you have to opt for services from Skrill, Wire Transfer, Visa, Visa Electron, Neteller, MasterCard and Maestro. All the payment method comes with fees and charges for processing the transaction. You must choose a payment method that does not charge a lot of money and settles your online transaction in the minimum possible time.
All the winning payouts are processed by the casino operator immediately, and you can expect the money to arrive in your bank account without any delay. Before processing the withdrawal request, you must submit a photo ID and utility bill.
The photo ID can be a valid National ID Card, Driving License or Passport. The utility bill can be either phone or electricity bill with your name and address mentioned. The bill should not be more than six months old.
If the documents are not received within five working days, the withdrawal request is declined, and the money is returned to the casino account. Superlines Casino verifies all the requested documents within 1-2 business days. For fast winning payouts, you are recommended to send an email to the customer support team with scanned copies of the documents mentioned above.
The minimum withdrawal amount is €100 per withdrawal with a maximum of €5000 in a given month. Any requests above these limits are automatically declined, and the funds are automatically returned to your casino balance.
All withdrawal requests are processed in 1-3 days after document verification. Once it is processed, you will receive the money based on different banking methods like:
  • Payment Card: 1 business day
  • Neteller: 1 business day
  • Skrill: 1 business day
  • Qiwi: 1 business day
  • EcoPayz: 1 business day
  • Wire Transfer: 5 business day
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Casino Superlines Customer Support

Although the casino has been in existence for around a year and a half, it is surprising to note that Superlines Casino offers 24/7 customer service to all its clients. Staff members can be contacted through various channels like email, live chat and telephone where all queries are resolved in 24-48 hours.
If you don’t want to wait for their reply and you are in a hurry, then you should check out the detailed FAQ section on the official website of the casino operator which we linked to in our online casino review. The dedicated section can help you get answers to some of the commonly asked questions related to casino games and online banking transactions.

Restricted Countries

Due to some legal and gambling restrictions, players residing in Afghanistan, Algeria, Albania, Angola, Cambodia, Guyana, Ecuador, Hong Kong, Iran, Indonesia, Israel, Kuwait, Myanmar, Lao, North Korea, Nicaragua, Namibia, Philippines, Papua New Guinea, Panama, Pakistan, Spain, Syria, Singapore, Sudan, South Korea, Taiwan, Uganda, United Kingdom, United States, Zimbabwe and Yemen are prohibited to register and play at Superlines Casino.
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Reliability and Security

The Superliners Casino implements 128 bit SSL or Secure Socket Layer technology to keep the transaction details of all the players safe and secure. At the same time, this sophisticated encryption technology eliminates all risks associated with online banking. The online gaming system is managed to highly professional standards to deliver secure service for all players.
Superlines Casino maintains full confidentiality over all information of players, and it is not shared outside the organisation. Upon registration, you are given a personal account holder and choose a proper username and password. It is your responsibility for keeping the information safe from any unauthorised access.
Complete privacy is provided to players while making online banking transactions for deposits and withdrawals. Authentic checks are carried out from time to time so that your personal and confidential details like bank account number, email address and contact number are not compromised.
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Summary

If you are searching for an ultimate online casino experience, it does not get anything better than Superlines Casino. It maintains an incredible real casino environment with staff members working round the clock to offer an immersive gaming experience to players. The casino uses some of the best gaming providers in the market for top quality games like online slots, table games, video poker etc.
All the casino games are available for free play where you get to understand the game before you start playing for real money. At the same time, the casino is licensed and regulated by Curacao which means that all games are fair and random.
Superlines Casino receives a big THUMBS UP from our team members at Top10-CasinoSites.Net, and we recommend this operator for all the newbie as well as experienced gamblers. We highly recommend checking out the list of restricted countries from the list above before playing. If you are eligible, you must register and start playing your favourite games either free or as a real money player.
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does poker use dice video

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Expected value helps poker players make decisions based on risk versus reward. Players use the expected value formula to quickly calculate if they should bet, check or fold. Our extensive guide In this simple little dice game, your goal is to roll the best possible poker hand. To play, you'll need five regular 6-sided dice, although having special Poker Dice certainly adds to the fun. You'll also want to have at least two players. The classic poker dice game is played with 5 dice and two or more players. The die are six sided, and they each have the sides: Ace, King, Queen, Jack, Ten and Nine. Each player has a total of 3 rolls and the ability to hold dice in between rolls. After the three rolls the best hand wins. How Does a Poker Run Work? In traditional forms of poker, players make a hand out of five cards. In Texas Hold’em, for instance, each player receives two hole cards and has to use these in conjunction with the community cards in order to make the best possible hand. In 7-card stud, each player receives seven cards and has to use five of those Forum - Member Profile > Profile Page. User: Does full house beat straight flush poker, does full house beat straight flush poker, Title: New Member, About: Does full house beat straight flush poker I don't think paigow poker uses dice. Now, if they included a nice craps rollout in the set, we'd be in business. The dice are used to give an element of randomness to the hand distribution. Poker dice is known from the latter half of the 19th century. Several variants exist—for example, Spanish poker dice with differing rules and eight-sided dice marked with ace, king, queen, jack, 10, 9, 8, and 7. Poker dice may also be played with ordinary six-sided dice; the sides then count 1 (aces)-6-5-4-3-2 in descending order. Western Dice Asian Dice You can use one, two or three dice together for fortune telling purposes. It is most common to use three dice. Draw a circle of roughly 20 cm (about 8 inches in diameter) and roll the dice. Some readers consider the reading null and void if any of the dice roll out of the circle. I've never seen one and therefore didn't know the gate behind them. Im interested as well why people would be upset with them. I personally use a 1 chip from oceans eleven that the guy who got me into poker gave me some years back. Just realized you were taking about poker chips and not card protectors. Answer 1 of 15: Wondering where there are Pai Gow Poker tables in Vegas that still roll 3 dice to determine where the first hand is laid? (As opposed to 'random selection' by computerized shuffling machine.) Thanks!

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Best Poker Chip Sets: Complete List with Features ...

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does poker use dice

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