Welcome to the discussion thread for 'The Godsmouth Heresy', set in the strange fortress city of Kaer Maga.
CHARACTER CREATION
Character creation is 20 point buy for ability scores, maximum 18 minimum 9 (after modifiers). You may also choose a trait, either from the APG or any of the Player Companion or Campaign Setting books. Keep in mind that I have City of Strangers on order at my LGS right now, so while it may not be relevant for this module per se, if we do continue on with a Kaer Maga style campaign, I'll definitely be incorporating those elements. You also will get an additional 'campaign trait' at a later date if we do decide to keep going.
I limited 'monstrous' PCs to two of you, and like I said previously, I haven't picked up the Advanced Race Guide yet, so I'm kind of going off the Bestiary entries for hobgoblins and catfolk. Only in Kaer Maga do adventuring parties contain no humans, I guess! Works for me.
Equipment and Starting Wealth - characters should use the average starting wealth for their class in the Core Rulebook. Equipment is bought with that starting wealth. Anything left over is yours, it doesn't roll into a pool or anything.
Alignment - the only alignments I'm opposed to are chaotic stupid and lawful stupid. Don't let the alignment you choose 'define' your character. Good/evil and lawful/chaotic alignment within the party can still work, as long as everybody agrees on mutual cooperation over the course of the adventure.
Loot and Treasure - most parties usually go with giving items to the characters who they are most useful for, and I would recommend that course of action here as well. In the case of a dispute, whoever rolls highest on a d20 roll recieves the item. Gold and other monetary treasure is split equally, unless the players determine otherwise (vow of poverty, etc.)
XP - I reward XP subjectively, and fairly generously. I usually use the medium/fast advancement track as a guide, and do it mostly in the background with a play by post.
OK, with all of that out of the way, please feel free to ask questions, and I'll do my best to answer them! Also, if there is anyting I forgot, please feel free to bring that to my attention as well. I'll do a summary of how I do play by post combat encounters and how I'll be incorporating a map and grid into the posts once we get characters sorted out.
Thanks for picking me! Alias should be updated. I took an alternate racial trait from ARG, but all it does is replace my +4 racial to stealth, with a +4 to intimidate. Is that okay?
Thanks for the selection. I will have my sheet complete tonight. One question I wanted to ask, though: I am taking the Metal subdomain of Earth, but I would also like to take the Stonesinger racial feature from APG instead of Stonecunning. Stonesinger grants me a +1 caster level with earth spells, but also treats me as 1 level higher for the granted power of the earth domain. APG states that subdomains are treated as equivalent to their associated domains for any effect based on domains. Just wanted to make sure it was kosher with you if I have Stonesinger apply to the metal domain's granted power.
Congrats everyone, looking forward to our adventure together! As of this moment my character is a work in progress, will be complete by this weekend. Please feel free to comment and provide suggestions on what might work best for interdependence or the AP. I am not that familiar with monster pcs so let me know if you haev any ideas on what works best with you guys or might provide interesting contrasts.
Azrim, the Stonesinger racial trait is a great choice for your character according to the back story you came up with. I don't really see a problem with it applying to the Metal subdomain of the Earth domain.
Gaius, you don't have to put all your stats in parentheses after your character's name, as long as it is in the profile, I just right-click and open it up in a new tab when I need to access that info. Something like (male hobgoblin fighter (gladiator) 1) is fine.
Alexi, welcome to the game. Feel free to build your character the way you want to - with a dwarven cleric and an inquisitor, the party should have a good ability to combat undead and the like. Our monstrous PCs look like martial/skills type characters, so it might be worth checking out what everyone selects for skills/feats so the party is covered in a variety of situations.
I might recommend skills like Knowledge (dungeoneering), Knowledge (history), Knowledge (religion), Sense Motive, Disable Device, Perception, and Use Magic Device; just off the top of my head.
Also, it might be useful to have some knowledge of ancient Thassilonian, and it wouldn't be uncommon to have some access to that in Kaer Maga.
It's easier for me, because I can just hit preview and see my important stats when I'm posting. I guess I can remove it if it's a problem.
I'm pretty limited skill wise as a fighter. So I'm just gonna stick to fighting, and intimidating people when necessary. I might take a level dip in something along the way to open up some more skills, we'll see.
I like having my key stats in my name as well, I find it convenient.
I'm out of town. I should be able to do a real post tomorrow.
Test to see if link to map works...
Looks like it does!
Alright, I don't think I'm giving too much away so I'm going to post it. This is what our maps and combat grids are going to look like. I can update them easily each round by keeping each character and adversary in separate layers.
I just guessed at the marching order, that's entirely up to you guys. Also, once I hear from Nichelle, our catfolk rogue, I'll update the avatar.
I don't really have a problem with the stat line after the name as it makes things easier for me as well. Just wanted to let you know it is optional. I won't be posting stat lines for NPCs other than class, sex, race and level. Sometimes I'll omit that if it makes sense to do so.
I will sometimes make dice rolls for you guys for things like initiative and perception, or maybe knowledge checks, always in your best interest. It helps to keep the game moving in case of initiative, and sometimes prevents any senseless character deaths. I try to stay pretty hands off most of the time though.
Oh, Gaius, I forgot to answer your question previously. +4 to Intimidate is perfectly fine.
Just checked in. Going to work on Nichelle.
I don't really have a problem with the stat line after the name as it makes things easier for me as well. Just wanted to let you know it is optional.
I will sometimes make dice rolls for you guys for things like initiative and perception, or maybe knowledge checks, always in your best interest. It helps to keep the game moving in case of initiative, and sometimes prevents any senseless character deaths. I try to stay pretty hands off most of the time though.
Map looks great, I'm excited.
I like the stat line, its a necessary reference for me, especially when I am playing on the phone, etc.
I like it when a DM does a mass initiative roll for the entire enagement, really moves things along. Don't mind being botted when needed, especially if there is a feverish few rounds and I am the only one MIA for a bit. Perception rolling works too, especially if I'm not actually searcing for something.
I'm all for the DM rolling the passives for me. If the cause is outside of my hands, you do not need me to roll a Reflex save, especially if it would be the only thing I would be rolling for that post.
Almost done with Azrim. Mainly deciding on a feat to take, and possibly a second domain. It looks like Alexi has taken cure light wounds as a spell, so I take it he will be up for some supplemental healing? Azrim's channel energy won't be stellar. Have a 13 charisma, so that's 4 channels a day...was thinking about taking extra channel but if Alexi will be able to heal some as well I think I'll go elsewhere for feats.
I was thinking of taking the Artifice domain as my second due to the focus on metal/creation I seem to be going, but I think it is a bit redundant with the power of the Metal subdomain (Artifice grants a melee touch attack that deals 1d6 +1/2 levels of damage to objects/constructs and ignores 1 point of DR and hardness per cleric level, whereas Metal grants me fists that deal 1d6+str damage and auto-bypass 10 points of hardness). Part of me wants to pick up power attack and improved sunder and go to town with metal fists, but I don't know how feasible that would be. Also both powers are very construct-oriented and constructs generally are not a oft-seen type, especially not at low levels.
I might recommend skills like Knowledge (dungeoneering), Knowledge (history), Knowledge (religion), Sense Motive, Disable Device, Perception, and Use Magic Device; just off the top of my head.
I picked up a rank in both Knowledge (Religion) and Sense Motive.
I'm all for the DM rolling the passives for me. If the cause is outside of my hands, you do not need me to roll a Reflex save, especially if it would be the only thing I would be rolling for that post.
Indeed.
constructs generally are not a oft-seen type, especially not at low levels.
Usually. However, it's fairly common knowledge in Kaer Maga that the ancient Thasillonians were both advanced in the art of magic and artificing...who knows what you may find in an underground Ossuary they built?
Can't argue with that! I did want to take Artifice anyway... fits the theme for Azrim. I've taken the Construct subdomain. Who knows, maybe if this campaign does indeed last long enough he could nab Craft Construct later.
All that remains is this pesky feat.
You can roll any saves for me and I prefer you roll block initiative for the party as it speeds things considerably. Can we decide now on a format for combat posts? I prefer:
Round XX
Initiative: XX
HP: XX/XX
(Buffs, temporary effects here)
It helps to make PBP combat a lot less confusing. As does having excellent maps. As a PBP GM myself, may I ask how you made that?
I've been using a combination of maptool and google docs for mine, but I'm always curious to hear other methods. Did you scan in the map, then use maptool to generate tokens and export them to Photoshop or something?
Can't argue with that! I did want to take Artifice anyway... fits the theme for Azrim. I've taken the Construct subdomain. Who knows, maybe if this campaign does indeed last long enough he could nab Craft Construct later.
All that remains is this pesky feat.
If you put your stats in your alias I might be able to recommend something.
Lots of tweaks to Alexi, fully fleshed out and ready for review.
Adapted some of the skills, language you suggested.
I do plan on being able to heal with the CLW, I took it more thematically for its negative effect on Undead, with the benefit of healing.
Still mulling my domain and subdomain but I tend to think its the right one - open to suggestions.
Crunch is in the alias now...I think I am down to deciding between Combat Casting/Warrior Priest and Steel Soul.
Gaius, I used Photoshop Elements for all of it, using a map as a background, then used the player images within their own unique layer. Basically, I used the elliptical selection tool, copy/paste, then resized to fit the grid, putting each PC in a separate layer. The nice thing is you can save it as a .psd, move everyone around, then merge layers and save as a .png or .jpg for each round.
For combat, I usually let everyone post their actions for the round, and depending on the opponent(s) initiative, may interject (but not usually). That way I can keep a narrative flow going as well as a combat summary. As far as a summary in each player's post like you suggested, I think that's a good idea, as it makes it clear for me as well. I usually keep a notepad file handy with everybody's stats, current hit points, and continuous spell effects when I post, but the easier it is for me to keep track of the info I need, the better.
And Nichelle is done.
I've skimmed through the character stats and everything looks pretty good at first glance. You guys look like you were pretty careful with everything, and I don't really feel the need to cross-check everything! We'll start the adventure tomorrow evening (about 8 PM EST) with an introductory post in the game thread, and an introduction in-character as you meet outside the Pharasman Cathedral. Essentially, you've all heard from various sources that the Church of Pharasma is offering a substantial reward to adventurers brave enough to venture into the lower levels of the Ossuary located underneath the church. Beyond that, however...well, you'll just have to ask the clergy, I suppose.
Nichelle, if you had a chance to look at the map, is the avatar I used alright for you? It was the best thing I could find for a female catfolk rogue.
Hallingtom, I'm going with the stats in your profile for now.
I'd probably go with Warrior Priest myself.
Edit:
RE Maps: Sounds like basically the same thing I do with my maps, but using different software. You could use google docs, to avoid having to save and recombine the layers every round.
Just make a 'new drawing' and import the background image with the grid, then import the PC 'tokens' as images, and bring them to the front. You can just drag them around like objects then, no need to save and re-upload every time. You can also label the grid a-z on the x axis and 1-XX on the y axis to make it easier for us to tell you where we want to go. Just some friendly suggestions to make your life easier. Feel free to ignore, and thanks for sharing your method.
Excited to get started!
I checked everything over, and I just had to remove a trait, and adjust some wealth related stuff, luckily it didn't make me buy any less gear.
Looking forward to it!
Gameplay thread is up!
It is my understanding that the missive that the characters received were to meet for more information on the job, correct? I'm just a bit uncertain if 'Chel would have brought her pack.
Well, there are a couple of options we could do:
1)The party decides to come back in eight hours or so, after Valanthe gives you some more info about the Ossuary and what might be inside. This would give you a chance to prepare spells, equipment, whatever. The adventure says you meet there at midnight, so it's a little bit of a weird time (maybe) to go delving into a crypt.
2)We sort of 'handwave' it and just assume that everybody has the gear they'll need. This would keep the pacing of the story going and lets us get right into the exploration of the ossuary.
Either way works. I'll be posting a bit more from Valanthe, and she'll give you the option to descend into the lower levels immediately, or meet her back there in eight hours, if that works better for everyone. The tengu merchant was sort of a work around to pick up supplies immediately and get right into the dungeon exploration.
I'm okay either way, though would prefer option 2 since it's mostly administrative stuff we overlooked.
Yeah, I just want to buy a mace and an acid vial. Is that okay? Then we can get to the exploring.
The link to the map you posted today isn't working.
Working for me at the moment.
That's weird, it seems to come up alright for me as well.
If not, I can PM you a direct link.
Both work for me.
It's working for me now. Maybe the site's server went down for a few minutes.
*looks it up* Huh. My apologies for not including that in the roll. It should.
How is combat and the maps working out? This is the fist time I've used this particular method, and if you guys can provide any constructive feedback, that would be awesome.
Also, is everybody having fun so far?
The maps are a great visual aid, and no problems with anything so far. I'm having fun.
The maps look great, no problem here, easy to conceptualize what is going on and to communicate movement. Thanks for you efforts.
Fourthed.
Fifthed and finaled. Wait, is finaled a word?
I think I've read too much Order of the Stick. I really have this desire to say Hey guys, I think I may have failed a perception check.
What's going on? No word from DM since Wednesday. You still alive out there DM?
Checking in.
Sorry about the delay guys, very hectic last couple of days with no access to internet - I usually always try to post once a day, so apologies. Had to finish up the map, and we should be ready to go.
No worries :) I'm glad you came back. I've had DMs just disappear before with no word.
No problem, I am on vacation and have very limit for access for thenext couple of days.
Just wanna follow up my previous comment by saying that the reason I was worried is because so far you've been an awesome DM and I didn't want to lose this game :) You've done great with the maps and your style is a perfect blend of description and moving the plot along. I must seek to emulate you in my games.
'Chel is going to stall to see if it doesn't continue to go after Gaius.