TOPIC: True Grind

Has True Grind been retired? I’ve been unsuccessful in finding any info about live events. Any info would be appreciated- thanks in advance.

Doesn't seem to be at GENCON this year...hoping not retired for good...because I absolutely love True Grind!!!!

Agree. I'm missing me some True Grind.

I suspect it was an issue of volunteers more than anything. Not everyone is comfortable going to a convention yet. And while Grind doesn't take a lot of volunteers, it does require some very experienced ones. It could even be the case that those volunteers are still volunteering, but are needed on the main event due to low numbers there.

what is True Grind? Depending on what it is, could we not self-organize?

As a player i'd love to see True Grind and very much miss it. In some respects i think Epic Weird has effectively been a side shoot of players wanting to see weird effects, the DM actively working to kill you, etc. I love it, i hate it, i don't want to miss Grind if/when it comes back.

For vol's i'd hate to agree but yeah the experienced combat DMs are likely needed main dungeon, especially with 3 dungeons this year after the hiatus. GHC was 2 dungeons and a single shift vs Gen Con which is 2 full time and 1 single shift dungeon.

I totally understand why it might be on pause, but I hope it comes back at some point. I loved the goofy combats and general fun atmosphere.

Jamie Campbell wrote: what is True Grind? Depending on what it is, could we not self-organize?

True Grind is an all-combat version of TD. I've only played True Grind one year, so others can chime in if I'm missing some nuance, but basically the players just fight monsters sequentially (swapping out the combat boards) while the DM actively messes with you. For example, the DM could announce that a rust monster has destroyed all metal weapons, so the players will have to switch to wood weapons. The goal is to have fun and kill as many monsters as you can in the time you have, or complete whatever specific challenge the DM has set that year. Players might come up with creative solutions to the DM's challenges--it can be a good time to use obscure potions, scrolls, or gear. You'll want to bring multiple weapon options. (I watched Trent lose the use of his +5 Deathcleaver, so he went to his kit and got another +5 Deathcleaver.) You don't equip TEs--there's usually a Grind-specific completion token. There's no XP. (You're playing for glory.) There are no puzzles or props beyond the combat boards. It can be played anywhere there's room to set up combat tables and a couple of tables for the party to organize. But, you need a highly experienced combat DM to design and DM the event. It's not something players could organize on their own.

The difficulty is often a step up from normal difficulty, so a party that plays regular TD on Epic might want to stick with NM for Grind, a NM party might want to do HC Grind, etc. Also, casters need to think about how to manage their spells, and what they'll do when their spells are gone. (One of times I played, the Cleric told me "I'm a battle cleric. I'll heal you and other party members as long as I have heals, but once they're gone you're on your own and I'll be swinging my hammer.")

BeLinda Mathie wrote:

Jamie Campbell wrote: what is True Grind? Depending on what it is, could we not self-organize?

True Grind is an all-combat version of TD. I've only played True Grind one year, so others can chime in if I'm missing some nuance, but basically the players just fight monsters sequentially (swapping out the combat boards) while the DM actively messes with you. For example, the DM could announce that a rust monster has destroyed all metal weapons, so the players will have to switch to wood weapons. The goal is to have fun and kill as many monsters as you can in the time you have, or complete whatever specific challenge the DM has set that year. Players might come up with creative solutions to the DM's challenges--it can be a good time to use obscure potions, scrolls, or gear. You'll want to bring multiple weapon options. (I watched Trent lose the use of his +5 Deathcleaver, so he went to his kit and got another +5 Deathcleaver.) You don't equip TEs--there's usually a Grind-specific completion token. There's no XP. (You're playing for glory.) There are no puzzles or props beyond the combat boards. It can be played anywhere there's room to set up combat tables and a couple of tables for the party to organize. But, you need a highly experienced combat DM to design and DM the event. It's not something players could organize on their own.

The difficulty is often a step up from normal difficulty, so a party that plays regular TD on Epic might want to stick with NM for Grind, a NM party might want to do HC Grind, etc. Also, casters need to think about how to manage their spells, and what they'll do when their spells are gone. (One of times I played, the Cleric told me "I'm a battle cleric. I'll heal you and other party members as long as I have heals, but once they're gone you're on your own and I'll be swinging my hammer.")

thanks. It does sound fun...I have a way to pull this off if there is an experienced DM who can go with it...

The battle boards ( remove the puck and use Tabletop Shuffleboard Game from Amazon)...I have set this up with monster silhouettes and it works really well. Different shuffle of course, but doable.
...

BeLinda Mathie wrote: For example, the DM could announce that a rust monster has destroyed all metal weapons, so the players will have to switch to wood weapons.

...

You'll want to bring multiple weapon options. (I watched Trent lose the use of his +5 Deathcleaver, so he went to his kit and got another +5 Deathcleaver.)

One of the times I played Bard in Grind, Eric got upset with me and the monster started using Shatter on my instrument. Luckily, I came prepared with a dozen instruments (2 copies of several different ones). I think he spent 5 rounds of actions from one monster shattering my instruments, while the rest of the party focused on beating up the monsters.

Fiddy wrote:

BeLinda Mathie wrote: For example, the DM could announce that a rust monster has destroyed all metal weapons, so the players will have to switch to wood weapons.

...

You'll want to bring multiple weapon options. (I watched Trent lose the use of his +5 Deathcleaver, so he went to his kit and got another +5 Deathcleaver.)

One of the times I played Bard in Grind, Eric got upset with me and the monster started using Shatter on my instrument. Luckily, I came prepared with a dozen instruments (2 copies of several different ones). I think he spent 5 rounds of actions from one monster shattering my instruments, while the rest of the party focused on beating up the monsters.

Another important element of Grind is Eric usually incorporated story elements and applications of odd/unusual tokens. For example, you might encounter a modron that seems hostile - if you used comprehend languages, it turns out to just be asking directions to the local diner but has odd body language. In another a devil offers a deal to let the party pass if they kill and angel or sacrifice a party member. It always had something unusual and fun.

Fred

Fiddy wrote:

BeLinda Mathie wrote: For example, the DM could announce that a rust monster has destroyed all metal weapons, so the players will have to switch to wood weapons.

...

You'll want to bring multiple weapon options. (I watched Trent lose the use of his +5 Deathcleaver, so he went to his kit and got another +5 Deathcleaver.)

One of the times I played Bard in Grind, Eric got upset with me and the monster started using Shatter on my instrument. Luckily, I came prepared with a dozen instruments (2 copies of several different ones). I think he spent 5 rounds of actions from one monster shattering my instruments, while the rest of the party focused on beating up the monsters.

Haha. Way to keep the DM occupied.

ETA: The year I tried Grind was the year the completion token was Bead Cleric's Piety, so I am extremely happy I did it.

BeLinda Mathie wrote:

Fiddy wrote:

BeLinda Mathie wrote: For example, the DM could announce that a rust monster has destroyed all metal weapons, so the players will have to switch to wood weapons.

...

You'll want to bring multiple weapon options. (I watched Trent lose the use of his +5 Deathcleaver, so he went to his kit and got another +5 Deathcleaver.)

One of the times I played Bard in Grind, Eric got upset with me and the monster started using Shatter on my instrument. Luckily, I came prepared with a dozen instruments (2 copies of several different ones). I think he spent 5 rounds of actions from one monster shattering my instruments, while the rest of the party focused on beating up the monsters.

Haha. Way to keep the DM occupied.

ETA: The year I tried Grind was the year the completion token was Bead Cleric's Piety, so I am extremely happy I did it.

I recall a year where I was playing some ridiculously overpowered character so Eric targeted me with the Vorpal Bunny. As I lost limbs, I had to hop up to and away from the table then slide with my remaining limb. At one point, I was out of legs and only had 1 arm so my group moved me to the side of the table to reach over and slide with one arm. I do recall getting a nat 20 on one of those one handed, no legs slides and Eric's facial expression was priceless.

It is a great part of TD. I'd be happy to volunteer to help run it but I think Eric has all the sliding boards, etc.

Fred