I almost shared this a few weeks ago... but now seems good.
I joined a PUG Synapse a few weeks ago. Needed that badge.
As we waited to fill a bit more, the team banter showed that these players either ran together in an SG or just played together regularly.
We fill, and team leader says, "+3 good for XP?"
This was immediately followed by several "yes!"
...
+3 was not in the invite.
For XP, it meant these were not fleshed-out characters playing low-level.
I just about slammed my head on the desk.
*sigh* I glance at the time ... well, it's gonna be a bit longer than expected.
A slog-fest it was.
Many deaths. MANY.
BUT
It was a pretty chill experience.
The players knew HOW to play the characters and were unfazed when they went down.
The team banter was above anything I experienced to date.
Amusing stuff.
Yes, it took WAY longer than usual.
This group was unfazed by that.
Overall, it was a good time.