DM Berwick's Serpent's Skull Adventure

Game Master Lost Gamer

Brynmor's character sheet is nearly done! I am going to work a bit more on the background section, but for now this is the general outline.

http://paizo.com/people/BrynmorDrakh

A couple of questions:
a)What about wealth? Me needs go shopping!!!
b)I have chosen a general trait, but I am not clear about the AP one since the circumstances of my character's involvement are not clear yet. (Obviously not originally on board the ship.)

Thanks everyone for you suggestions and comments. I think I have settled on the two-handed weapon, no shield. I understand that a shield would probably come in handy, but I feel I am going to need the extra potential for mayhem. The extra hp/level and the toughness feat (pretty high in my list of to-get feats) should make Brynmor a bit more resilient anyway.

Do people think I should opt for a composite bow with a hefty STR rating instead of the crossbow (provided there is money)?

Comments/suggestions/criticque more than welcome!

I think the question that should be asked is "What does Brynmor want?" Not so much tailored (feat/trait/accessories) to the adventure but what do you see him becoming? ie Yuuwa has a trident. Not the best weapon but IC she'll always gravitate back to the weapon of her god. She has been optimized for fortitude checks, to make sure she remains standing long enough to heal just one more time.
So are you going for Damage per round(DPR) or untouchable (AC optimization) or Role-Playing (functional team member but not optimized). If you want a good read, search the forum for "Treantmonk's guide". Very well done even if you disagree on some points.

I think Brynmor likes Greatswords. The usual comments about overcompensating aside, there's something immensely satisfying in wielding 5 feet of cold steely death. I think it also parallels his ideas for combat. Not the easiest weapon to draw (he is not too eager to get into fights) but when drawn, carnage follows (if he enters combat he is ready to kill).

I am going to read that guide though. Sounds quite enjoyable from what you are saying.

Hmmm, I couldn't locate a Treantmonk's guide to fighters, but found a similiar one on website D20pfsrd.com The side menu is nice also lists all the traits, not just the core or APG rulebooks but the splatbooks as well. Make your Will save and don't get overwhelmed. Enjoy.

I'd pick up the mighty composite longbow over the crossbow if you intend to do much missile combat. The extra damage will add up.

If you'll only ever fire a single arrow before pulling out your sword, go for the crossbow.

But really, I'd base it on what you see as fitting Brynmor's background or training. I think that crossbows are easier to use, which might suggest that a greatsword specialist would be more likely to carry one. On the other hand, you could easily justify a bow if you prefer it (e.g., your uncle was an archer and gave you his bow).

Howdy all!

Jury duty is over.

I will be posting tonight for some IC goodness, and to get this story moving again. Apologies for the delay...civic duty and all.

As far as your questions go Jarreth:

A couple of questions:

a)What about wealth? Me needs go shopping!!!
b)I have chosen a general trait, but I am not clear about the AP one since the circumstances of my character's involvement are not clear yet. (Obviously not originally on board the ship.)

Answers:

b)I would still select something from the AP. There are several good reasons. According to what you have posted for your backstory so far, you had to get there somehow. I would not select the crewmember one in this case if I were you, but the others don't seem to untoward. The bad news is...you crashed on this forsaken island. The good news is...you either crashed on your way to Sargava, or on your way back. (You can choose) Either way, I would surmise that you landed earlier than the others, and are the only survivor of your crash. Your crewmates fed the cannibals for a little bit whilst the meat was still fresh.

Any other questions?

I will start at 2nd level wealth (1000 gp). It is more than enough to get me equipped and ready to go.

As far as the second trait is concerned I would pick "Boarded in the Shackles" for a +1 trait bonus to Will saves if that is OK. I can see the character having spent time as muscle for hire in that area and then boarding a ship to Sargava that crashed and got him stranded where he is now.

I think Brynmor Drakh is good to go. Just let me know when I should jump in.

Thanks!

Looks good.

I don't see anything initially wrong here, I will give you the respect of a more thorough look as soon as possible.

Please be ready to hop in, I will be working you in this scene.

I will be building a good post for you of things that Brynmor has seen and dealt with so that you may choose what you wish to reveal.

Hope you don't mind, but I just nominated you to deliver some information that I have been having a hard time trying to deliver.

Note to self: kill the messenger. Who is next on the list of qualified assassins?

Hope you don't mind, but I just nominated you to deliver some information that I have been having a hard time trying to deliver.

I don't mind at all. I will be ready to jump in when I get the info.

Note to self: kill the messenger. Who is next on the list of qualified assassins?

Disclaimer: The messenger does not bear any responsibility whatsoever for the content of the message (usually).

Welcome, Brynmor! (And welcome back from Gen Con, Neil and Yuuwa!)

DM Berwick, when you get a chance, could you let us know how the poor light is affecting the PCs' ranged attacks? I know that Torden is fine with his darkvision, at least when close, and Jonagher/Isandril are likely better off than the humans. But I'd like to know any penalties or miss chance for the rest of us.

In about a couple of hours I will be leaving to go on vacation for five days, give or take a day. During that time, I will probably have some limited internet access, but since it will be via my smartphone, posts -if any- will be scarce and short. Please fell free to DMPC Isandril if or when necessary and I will be back to posting as usual once I am back.

Huzzah! My writing requirement is almost done! All that remains is a bit more editing, and I'll be free from chimeras, at least for a while.

By the way, Yuuwa, I think that we still need your standard action for the surprise round. Alternatively, DM Berwick, you could invoke the 24-hour rule and pick an action for the doughty priestess. But one way or the other, I want to get started thwacking cannibals.

Yuuwa looks around in surprise, why is everyone looking at me? OOOOohhhhhhh. "'Scuse me while I whip this out"

tromps over to game thread.

I am returned. :-)

Apologies.

Work was a little strong yesterday, and I got home and passed out from exhaustion.

I will get you guys moving along this afternoon.

Thank you for your patience,

Me.

I beg you indulgence once again,

just found out my wife's grandfather is in the hospital from end-stage cancer...and to top off my (yet again) crappy day of work, I lost my wedding ring...

ever hear...when it rains, it pours?

My condolences. Be a rock of support for your wife. The game isn't going anywhere. And in the course of life, I am sure all of us have been through a "downpour" where one asks [insert favorite diety] "What else ya goin throw at me?"

Thank you for your patience!

Here we go again! I am hoping my cannibals survive into the next round!

Does having the bad guys go all at once, after you, help? I know it drops a bit of the verisimilitude, but some sacrifices must be made in the name of gaming...

Let me know what you think...

also, what are your thoughts on using the massive damage rules for NPC's? (i.e. does not apply to you or BBEG's, just mooks and supervisors)

I will wait for my turn (initiative-wise) to post, although as far as I can tell that's not absolutely necessary if actions from different characters are not likely to interact in some way.

Welcome back DM Berwick! Best of luck with everything.

You could post your action along with an alternative if you are so inclined. As far as I can tell, waiting for one's turn in the initiative before posting is not always feasible in a PbP. Besides, as you say, it is not all that necessary seeing as for the moment your character and ours should not be stepping on each others' toes action-wise given the current situation and positions.

...just found out my wife's grandfather is in the hospital from end-stage cancer...and to top off my (yet again) crappy day of work, I lost my wedding ring...

Sorry to hear it, DM Berwick. Take whatever time off from the game that you need to support your wife and family.

Does having the bad guys go all at once, after you, help?

Maybe. I think that it may put them a little too much at a disadvantage; I know that I'd be bummed if Origen always went last by default.

A little flexibility in posting actions all around (as F. Castor suggested) will probably help. I think that another good thing is to enforce the 24-hour rule to post actions in combat, perhaps unless it'll be a life-or-death choice.

I just posted Brynmor's action to help things move along a bit. :)

Hi everyone, with Irene approaching DE I might be without power for some time. DM Berwick please feel free to take charge of Brynmor's actions in case I do not post by Monday or Tuesday.

Thanks again everyone, this is really enjoyable!

Stay safe!

Good luck with Irene. I hope that she doesn't hit as hard as the forecasts suggest.

Just as a reminder for the other human PCs: Earlier in the fight, DM Berwick posted that the dim light gives concealment (20% miss chance) to those without darkvision or low-light vision. Luckily, this handicaps the cannibals too.

Strategy Question for Other Players:

Just as a reminder for the other human PCs: Earlier in the fight, DM Berwick posted that the dim light gives concealment (20% miss chance) to those without darkvision or low-light vision. Luckily, this handicaps the cannibals too.

Strategy Question for Other Players:

Good luck with Irene. I hope that she doesn't hit as hard as the forecasts suggest.

Neil, did you weather the storm okay? If I remember rightly, you're in North Carolina.

I would most certainly endorse a surgical hammerstrike at the leader and/or witch. I'd like to "freshen" up (re:adjust and renew spells) if we agree upon this. Several things may happen and I ain't giving DM B any ideas. But no matter what DM B plans, we'll probably take some heavy hits if we ignore the mooks to decapitate the BBEG.

I am willing to see how it turns out.

I'd like to "freshen" up (re:adjust and renew spells) if we agree upon this.

Yes, I figure that we're done for tonight at least. The party already achieved the mission objectives for the raid. Killing these scouts is gravy.

PCs Only

Hey howdy!

Jarreth, no worries. I hope your power has been restored asap, and that you and yours and healthy and fine.

Thank you for your patience once again, and I will be attempting to post earlier tomorrow, either during my breaks at work, or possibly early evening. I will continue to advance those characters whose players are absent.

As always, if something just totally doesn't fit, character-wise, let me know and I am certainly willing to retcon.

Thank you once again,

DM Berwick

A question: Naturally the cannibals are a priority, but are we also going to be taking care of the... ahem... sidequests at some point as well? So far we have gathered the viper nettle berries sought by Aerys, which leaves a couple of shipwrecks (the Pathfinder Society's Nightvoice for Gelik and the Brine Demon for Jask), a lost treasure for Ishirou and a flying lizard's egg for Sasha. What can I say, the gamer -and completionist and greedy bastard- in me would really want to do them once time allows. :-D

Besides, from an OOC point of view, they can only mean more fun, as well as more rewards and XP. ;-)

A question: Naturally the cannibals are a priority, but are we also going to be taking care of the... ahem... sidequests at some point as well? So far we have gathered the viper nettle berries sought by Aerys, which leaves a couple of shipwrecks (the Pathfinder Society's Nightvoice for Gelik and the Brine Demon for Jask), a lost treasure for Ishirou and a flying lizard's egg for Sasha. What can I say, the gamer -and completionist and greedy bastard- in me would really want to do them once time allows. :-D

Besides, from an OOC point of view, they can only mean more fun, as well as more rewards and XP. ;-)

I want to do them all too. I think that we should try to warn the other castaways ASAP, but perhaps we can pick up the egg on the way back.

Speaking of "back"--if that's where we try to go--do we take the known route, or try to cut back through the island's interior? Perhaps Brynmor can give us some other information about the island?

In my opinion, play-by-post games don't lend themselves very well to taking a completionist approach to adventures. It's far better to recognize the main plot points and focus on those. Otherwise, we'll all still be playing this game 10 years from now. And that's assuming it doesn't crash before then due to player/GM burnout.

Just my two cents,
--Neil

In my opinion, play-by-post games don't lend themselves very well to taking a completionist approach to adventures.

A fair point, Neil, but even if we don't get to do them all, I'd at least like to do the Brine Demon quest out of sympathy for Jask.

Also, we already have evidence suggesting where the lizard egg is, so to Origen, it seems to be a low-hanging fruit. Sasha's general charm has absolutely nothing to do with that calculation, of course. ;-)

That is indeed a good point. In fact, the only thing that would motivate the characters to do Ishirou's quest is greed, and since none of them, at least as far as I can tell, is particularly greedy, this quest could probably be left incomplete.

As far as the two quests involving shipwrecks go, the one has to do with helping Jask prove his innocence -a noble enough goal- and the other has to do with retrieving information involving the Pathfinder Society, which could be incentive enough for the Pathfinders among us.

Sasha's quest, finally, should be a really simple thing, since as Eric pointed out, we know where to go to get one (Isandril spotted the flying lizards and could lead the group there easily, if memory serves).

Still, the main storyline does take precedence, especially in a PbP, as Neil has already pointed out. :-)

...In fact, the only thing that would motivate the characters to do Ishirou's quest is greed, and since none of them, at least as far as I can tell, is particularly greedy, this quest could probably be left incomplete.

Whoa, whoa, whoa! Let's not be so hasty with your words there! I, for one, happen to really like Ishirou. He's right up there next to Sascha, as far as I'm concerned. Okay, well...maybe not that high. ;-)

F. Castor wrote:

...In fact, the only thing that would motivate the characters to do Ishirou's quest is greed, and since none of them, at least as far as I can tell, is particularly greedy, this quest could probably be left incomplete.

Whoa, whoa, whoa! Let's not be so hasty with your words there! I, for one, happen to really like Ishirou. He's right up there next to Sascha, as far as I'm concerned. Okay, well...maybe not that high. ;-)

I'm beginning to think the the real inspiration for Jonagher is not Indiana Jones, but Belloq. Just sayin'. ;-)

I'm beginning to think the the real inspiration for Jonagher is not Indiana Jones, but Belloq. Just sayin'. ;-)

Perhaps you're right. Jonagher's not the type to say every artifact belongs in a museum. After all, we all saw what happened at Blakros, remember?

Perhaps you're right. Jonagher's not the type to say every artifact belongs in a museum. After all, we all saw what happened at Blakros, remember?

"Monkeys . . . why did it have to be monkeys?"

"Jonagher, if some Chelaxians ask us to find a 'Lost Ark' for their queen, the answer is no."

No, Jonagher is much more benevolent than Belloq. Right, Neil? . . . Neil? [gulp]

Hey folks.

I am pleased with the RP that is going on, and am excited to move things forward.

Having said that, I need to pause the plot per se for the next week. I am looking to start back up officially on the 12th of this month (Next monday).

My in-laws are out of town, and we are on call with hospice for my wife's grandfather. We will be spending a more substantial amount of time helping out and being over there to take care of their needs.

I will necessarily have little to no time to game, and need to pause for just a moment.

While I am gone, feel free to move back to the hut, Brynmor, you may share whatever you feel that I have given you earlier with the others, and I would certainly like to see some in game meet and greet, and perhaps some decisions on a solid battle plan or course of action.

I trust you all implicitly, so feel free to go with it. If there is anything too crazy, I will find a way to work it in.

Thank you for your patience and understanding,

DM Berwick

Isandril Velahrn wrote:

"Torden is a dwarf, Cousin. He is probably as tough as tree bark. Is it really any wonder the cannibals did not bother with him?"

"Oh, I doubt they were thinking with anything other than their stomachs, my friend. And their eyes were much bigger than their stewpot, apparently...."

He then pauses for dramatic effect.

"Besides, I simply said they'd have been able to put the dwarf in the stewpot by sundown...not that they'd actually be able to digest him. Hah!"

The answer is obvious: slow cookin'. The cannibals need a dwarf-sized crockpot. Traditionally, dragons get one from their relatives when they finally settle down with their first hoard.

Is everyone going to fail the Perception check? I should lower the DC's from now on... :)

Thank you so much for your patience...and...

You guys are AMAZING! That was some great RP!

Feel free to continue, I will begin to nudge things along.

Ok. Now it is my turn. Spouse is in Hosp, long term care, but not too serious. Just medical care I am unable to provide at home. Throw in shuttling the kids to school/activities/hosp and I may not post as often nor as verbose (love that word!) as I'd like. Although I did splurge on a mobile wifi; alas it is for spouse's laptop. So there it is. I'll check in daily but can't promise a post, much less an IC post. Who knows? I may post some retcon, transcribing from longhand as I have plenty of time in hosp room. I'll mark it as such in a "flavor text" followed by directed action as needed.

Rechsteiner

Ok. Now it is my turn. Spouse is in Hosp, long term care, but not too serious.

Sorry to hear it. Managing kids plus an ill spouse by yourself is a lot of work; I hope that the recovery is quicker that you expect.

We've had a bunch of in-character discussion, but a couple of final points:

(1) I suggest that we conceal our tracks from the clearing, despite the need for speed. Since we're not going to ambush them at the hut, let's not make it easy for them to let them know where we're going.

(2) Should we have Jonagher scout again to check out the disposition of forces? Origen would cast protection from evil on any scout who wanted it, as it might give them an edge if they have to hold off a group for a round or two.

(1) Agreed. I keep forgetting the covering-tracks part of Survival, not to mention survival. ;-)

(2) It would make sense. Moving ahead all the way as a group would make it easier to support each other, but it would be good to have some information about their forces and how many of them have stayed in their camp, so as not to attack blindly and have the whole thing blow up in our faces, so to speak.

(1) Agreed. I keep forgetting the covering-tracks part of Survival, not to mention survival. ;-)

I think that we established it as default mode after we encountered the cannibals.

But in this case, we have to get to the camp quickly while the main tribe is at the ceremony. One compromise is to cover the tracks for the first part of the way from the clearing, go normal speed for the middle 1/2 to 3/4 of the trip, and conceal tracks again as we approach the cannibal camp.

Is everything okay, DM Berwick? I think that we've decided to go to the cannibals' camp.

My understanding of the current plan is (1) Jonagher will scout a bit, probably under a protection from evil, and (2) the whole party will clobber the cannibals. Everyone, please suggest any refinements (or corrections) that you think of.