I know some of the bits where Joshua was most frustrated was when he was suppressing his natural instincts out of respect for Morlan's feelings.

But I hope you can see how that came across rather differently from the other side. It's all the stuff that isn't said.

I sincerely hope Morlan is wrong in his belief. My hope is that this will be a temporary episode in his life, and events will lead him to realise his error in time.

Even right now... he is sitting through an uncomfortable lunch and pretending to drink because that's what Morlan wants to do

Right now? Right now we are at the tower talking with Mel and the PC formerly known as Nilis. Sounds like you haven't checked the IC thread in a day or so.

Gordon, I hope you aren't taking this personally. Of course I know that deep down Joshua is a very caring individual. But outwardly, his extreme reticence and closed-ness means that almost nothing of those feelings ever gets seen by his friends. It's all internalised.

I thought that was what you intended for him.

It is.

I think Nilis' expertise with other planes makes her valuable enough for an invitation to come along, and her desire to lay low is likely enough to goad her to accept.

If there are no specific hooks you want to tug on, there's always plenty of work to be found at your various faction HQ's.

LF, I think that's a good belief, but I would justify it differently. I think that he's likely lived his life (not only during the time you've been playing him) with only superficial friendships. He's also stood alone within the group to some degree, if only because of his alignment.

I confess to having a niggling concern that this, as well as the other recent change, may be intended (or perceived) as a "careful what you wish for" retaliation against the others. I trust that's not the case, but I hope you won't let it undermine what has so far been a really successful formula.

You're our most active player, and you push the game forward. I rely on you a lot as a sort of party spokesman. If you are hoping to explore some disloyalty or party conflict in a more serious way, I think it's important that we also acknowledge (and possibly alter) that dynamic first.

I intended doing that more, but people seem to agree with Morlan more often.

I don't mean to undercut your role, Gordon. Joshua is an ideal adventure hook delivery system. His curiosity about things makes him invaluable from a DM perspective. I should be so lucky in my tabletop group.