The session played well enough but it could truly use some subtle improvements as overall I feel that the game drags on especially in combat and the general direction on what the players could do. I'm probably going to beat a dead horse with the following comment but geez, in combat can people kindly keep track when their turns are and actually prepare ahead of time at least a pair of strategies on what they want to do so they don't start any more turns with.... UMMM.... ERRRRR.... MMMMMM.... along with other Yoda-like sounds? Any more turns that start like that and I might go mad. Honestly, I start to fade out when other people start their turns like that to me. Why does combat have to be so slow? Can we impose a time limit? AKA : Your turn committed in 10 seconds, if you don't commit to an action, we can skip you? I know it's kinda of a douche thing to say but seriously, what needs to be done so that people know what to do ahead of time? Perhaps we can agree upon a combat turn format like Shawn suggested like week. A helpful idea would would be perhaps having the players check their CS before the game and reacquaint themselves to the various abilities of their character. You start your turn, you state what you want, or ask your questions, right off the bat. When you're done, say done. IMHO, it would be awesome if NPCs can hit PCs who haven't commited to an action in 10 seconds as an immediate interrupt. 
Combat DOESN'T have to be long and cumbersome! You're making it so by playing unprepared!!!!
Other than that, I found the drow encounter very interesting. I enjoy subtle puzzles and I appreciated the columns, for RP purposes as well as for combar purpose for stealthy Simkin. Highlight of the night was "the escape", where the Simkin was torn between saving his life or saving the elves. He pondered twice on that... then realized perhaps there would be rewards for him and he quickly and expertly if I may add, unlocked the chains to be the hero of the day. Great touch from Shawn with the song and I had to sing.... cause goddamnit, it's SIMKIN'S SONG.
I also enjoyed the improvements on your DMing on the 4th Julie, keep it up. And I hope you take my suggestions at heart.
Combat DOESN'T have to be long and cumbersome! You're making it so by playing unprepared!!!!Other than that, I found the drow encounter very interesting. I enjoy subtle puzzles and I appreciated the columns, for RP purposes as well as for combar purpose for stealthy Simkin. Highlight of the night was "the escape", where the Simkin was torn between saving his life or saving the elves. He pondered twice on that... then realized perhaps there would be rewards for him and he quickly and expertly if I may add, unlocked the chains to be the hero of the day. Great touch from Shawn with the song and I had to sing.... cause goddamnit, it's SIMKIN'S SONG.
I also enjoyed the improvements on your DMing on the 4th Julie, keep it up. And I hope you take my suggestions at heart.
. Otherwise--bear forward, Watcher's strike, miss... Every roll of mine sucked last night, and the only one that was close to not sucking DID suck because I chose not to flank with Kara.
