One possibility is to create a game of your own (its quite easy now thanks to llamabeast) but you shouldnt if there are already lots games going on as it might be hard to fill them. But you can always ask if theres intrest. I think there is an IRC channel for dominions but I wouldnt know much about that.
I dont think I got as bad start as you others did even when my scales include death, drain and, of course, heat 3
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