I intend to make relationships with different NPCs work and feel differently from one another. Hopefully I will be able to do it. I would like to keep the relationship chassis as buried as possible so the relationships feel natural rather than constructed around the rules.
What that would mean is a relationship at 1 with Ameiko will not feel the same as a relationship of 1 with Shalelu. I'll use them as an example because nobody has a campaign trait for Sandru or Koya. While mechanically both relationships are the same, the two are very different people. To repurpose a metaphor sometimes used in cross-cultural communication (without endorsing it) Ameiko is a peach, while Shalelu is a coconut.
Ameiko is outgoing, friendly, and warm. She meets people and makes friends easily. Underneath however is a center that is hard to break into. Shalelu is taciturn, brusk, and a loner who holds others at a distance. People see her as rather cold, and she is not concerned with getting to know people just for the sake of it. Once her hard outer shell is broken through, she changes greatly.
Of course the two of them are very opposite and at extremes, but good for illustration. The same relationship level by chassis, say a 2, won't feel the same at all. At 2 with Ameiko the relationship could feel very close and intimate. A 2 with Shalelu could mean that she is comfortable enough around you to be at ease and joke a bit.
The chassis is more about changes that take place in relationships as things are revealed. There are all sorts of reasons why certain aspects of the NPCs past, problems, or feelings might be held back. It could be trust of course, but there is also unease about how you might perceive them if you knew, not wanting to burden you, something not being relevant until a certain time, and many more. There is also variance depending on the nature of the relationship. Ameiko may tell Talene some things that she does not tell Yuki and vice versa, or reveal it in a different order to them. One is a friend, one is a sibling, so relevant and appropriate can be contextual.
So, just because Yuki's relationship with Ameiko starts at 1 doesn't mean it doesn't feel, or isn't sisterly or sister/parental, it does and is. But there is more to be learned, which will in turn lead to changes and development.
Aye, I understand all that. Regardless, my mind is kind of made up on the matter, in terms of focusing on the relationship with her first and foremost. I do understand this is a whole different framework, but it's what FEELS right to me, so I'll go with it :)
I fully understand what you mean, but it seemed you were also looking for input on your proposed changes. The one thing that came to mind was that I would like options to build up a relationship with others, even if I am focusing my "free" points on one of the NPC's.
I stated it, but I'm fine however it's handled.
Ah, yes, you will have those opportunities to develop relationships with other NPCs. Points won't be exactly scarce. Aside from the points per level there will be other things that occur during the campaign that can award points to specific NPCs.
One thing I'll add about my reasons for wanting to use a system like this rather than pure RP is that it places a set of controls on when I can divulge information. Since the idea is for relationships to build over the course of the entire campaign, it prevents me to divulging too much too soon. I'd evaluate myself as probably too willing to give away information too early. If I'm doing that, I risk running out of stuff too fast, and relationships plateauing early in the campaign.
You certainly can use all the points you get on one NPC, but the point scale doesn't run terribly high. Getting to the top with a NPC before the end doesn't demand it at all.
I'll let you all finish your conversation. And then go ahead and take care of any talks with Ameiko, purchases, organization and so forth that you need to conclude. Let's assume everything takes a couple of days and you can either leave on Sunday and pass the damaged caravan on your way out of town, or on Monday. Also might be fruitful to seek information around town before you go.
I will be away from the boards for a few days due to a surgery my daughter is getting tomorrow. I will probably be posting again on Friday. Bot me as needed till then.
Posting to all my games as this MAY be very relevant in the future: My corporate network is applying selective restrictions to certain sites, regardless of the connection used.
For these past days, my connection to paizo was refused, today it is working again. While I often do my posts from home, what this means is that at times where I'm travelling to HQ or another department, which happens regulary, I'll be dependent on the system allowing me access.
Those last 3 days, I've been locked out of Paizo by my cache administration.
I will look into ways to "fix" this, but for now, whenever I am travelling, I may or may not be able to log in -_-
(and my phone is company-issued using the same restrictions...so no luck there).
@Talene: Good luck with the surgery. Hope everything goes/went well.
Posting to all my games as this MAY be very relevant in the future: My corporate network is applying selective restrictions to certain sites, regardless of the connection used.
For these past days, my connection to paizo was refused, today it is working again. While I often do my posts from home, what this means is that at times where I'm travelling to HQ or another department, which happens regulary, I'll be dependent on the system allowing me access.
Those last 3 days, I've been locked out of Paizo by my cache administration.
I will look into ways to "fix" this, but for now, whenever I am travelling, I may or may not be able to log in -_-
(and my phone is company-issued using the same restrictions...so no luck there).@Talene: Good luck with the surgery. Hope everything goes/went well.
How evil! You must start a fight club right away!
Our (as yet very short) timeline in the game has gotten a little tangled. I'd like to straighten it out if possible.
Originally the game was supposed to begin after the second of my introductory posts. The caravan that had been attacked post on IG Sunday, Ardus 15th was supposed to occur on the 1st day. However Talene ninja'd the second post and started a conversation linked the Welday, Arodus 11th post, four days earlier. That's fine, no problem with doing it, but it's starting to scramble events on the two days.
It probably wasn't a great idea to try to start the way I did, but here we are anyway. So I'm going to try to iron things out.
Your conversation takes place on the 11th.
The other party, Micawber's, leaves on the morning of the 12th
The 13th & 14th are uneventful
The ambushed caravan arrives on the 15th.
We don't necessarily need all of that time to pass before you leave for Brinestump Marsh, but we do need some of it. Micawber's party needs a head start on you.
Here's what I suggest: I will move the caravan's arrival up to the 14th. If you want to talk to the caravaners you will need to wait that long.
If you don't want to wait, you're earliest reasonable exit from town would be the 13th. The Brinestump is a few hours by foot to the south. If you try to conduct your business in town and leave on the same day, you'll find yourselves arriving at the edge of the Brinestump at the end of the day at best. If you want to overnight there before going in, well your welcome to, but it's not the safest option.
If you take the day of the 12th for in town stuff, and leave on the morning of the 13th you'll arrive at the Brinestump around midday. I would recommend this at the least. There may not be a great deal known about the swamp, but you don't come close to knowing even that much yet.
Don't pack your bags and get all dressed up just yet. :)
We can easily have taken a few days to get ready. Talene surely has chores at the cathedral. Inari needs to fix the roof *glare*, Mina has regular guard shifts, and Ameiko may need a replacement if I'm gone for a few days.
In my book, it's reasonable to assume even if we make the decision to go hunt goblins, we can't do so right he next morning.
I mean, I have a job and responsibilities. ^_^
But whatever works for people.
We can easily have taken a few days to get ready. Talene surely has chores at the cathedral. Inari needs to fix the roof *glare*, Mina has regular guard shifts, and Ameiko may need a replacement if I'm gone for a few days.
In my book, it's reasonable to assume even if we make the decision to go hunt goblins, we can't do so right he next morning.
I mean, I have a job and responsibilities. ^_^But whatever works for people.
Makes sense to me!
I am back, surgery went well, how well will take some time to know. I will update this thread tomorrow, did a LOT of updates tonight so I am a bit fried.
I'm glad it went well!
I've been a bit busy lately, and tomorrow I'm going into reservist training, so I will be on semi-hiatus for the better part of next week and the week after. I'm sorry I haven't posted much, but it's been a difficult few weeks.
No worries Mari. I'll bot you along a bit as needed until you're back. I doubt there will be anything happening that you can't just catch up on by reading before you're back. I hope things improve for you!
FYI, I will be packing and moving and then unpacking again over the next 35 - 40 days so if I have intermittent unexplained absences from the boards this is why.
I'll be updating later on today. I must admit I'd never gotten around to looking at equipment until now. Since things are about to get serious, here's some things I'll mention quickly.
@Inari: You're clothed, but have no weapons and you pack is empty. You sure about that? :)
@Talene: You're also unarmed, but you said you'd be making some purchases yet right? How's the move going?
@Yuki: Looks good.
@Mari: You have a reach weapon, but no other weapons. Want to consider a backup?
@Flax: Good boy(?)! Here's a biscuit.
For purposes of streamlining your travel, I'll be making out of combat rolls for you such as perception and other skill checks that you would obviously make (i.e. Knowledge Nature to identify things and such) I'll also do any out of combat saves needed.
There is a map of Brinestump Marsh posted with the other maps. (Thanks Yuki!) The red dot shows your starting point. The New Fish Trail is visible on it, and I will assume you follow that path unless you tell me otherwise.
We will rely on the Brinestump area map unless there is need of a more specific location map and tokens. I'll upload those when relevant.
Packing is getting there, trouble last week was more work than moving but I think this will be a better week.
I'll have my shopping done this weekend for Tal, she'll probably pick up a simple weapon as she is not much for melee.
Well, I hope it goes smoothly as possible. I absolutely hate moving. I get the urge to just pile most of the crap up, burn it, and just start over.
@Yuki: Looks good.
"Why, you flatterer." *strikes a pose* "But thanks for the compliment! I DO try and keep in shape..."
@Yuki: Looks good."Why, you flatterer." *strikes a pose* "But thanks for the compliment! I DO try and keep in shape..."
And you're just my type!
*gets popcorn*
Oops!
I completely forgot to do inventory. Yeah, I'll get on that.
*gets popcorn*
I'll bring the drinks for that popcorn!
Ugh, you two are just filthy! I meant a magical sneak of course.
Sorry to disappoint, but it isn't possible for Yuki and Rojava to actually meet each other. As Talene knows, (although DMD doesn't until now I guess) Rojava was killed in the Runewar several years back.
"Still not impossible...I can always call a Phantasm of her into being...maybe not the same, but...close enough..."
Creepy! Would I... it be able to pinch Yuki?
"Most certainly you could. What Lia failed to mention is that you are, in fact, already existing...that is, you are a self-aware figment composed of the memories she has of you. While scholars may argue what truly defines a person, for all practical purposes, you ARE actually you. You'd probably not even be aware you are currently a figment, if I had not mentioned it to you"
Gear updated in 5, hectic weekend.
Oh, I do want to get a backup weapon, but not until I get some extra gold - I don't want to use it all up just yet.
Mari, you could take a club. They're free.
Inari is a lot more lighthearted as a person than the other characters you've seen me play. That said, he's potentially more amoral than Sandman or Ragnar. Right now, Inari has no moral center at all. How he develops as a person will be largely due to the influence of the party.
Every character I play, I like to find a central theme or question to explore. Inari's has to do with the nature of Identity. In a couple levels, Inari can shapeshift into anyone. As he progresses in levels, he'll start being able to shapeshift into other creatures as well. For a person who doesn't remember who they are, or even what they are, that kind of ability is something that would raise a lot of questions.
Without any kind of sense of self, he's going to be looking to the people he is closest with to define who he is.
As for morality, that's a very subjective thing anyway, and while both Ragnar and Sandman seem principled, I'm not sure if other people would describe them as paragons of morality and virtue.(one possessed by an evil spirit with a focus on pain, the other hauling the spirits of dead kids around - note that I'm talking outside view, here, I know there's more to them than that.)
As for how Yuki will help Inari develop will completely depend on wether she feels she can trust him. Hence why I mentioned previously that she'd not take it kindly if you prank her with Realistic Likeness. Impersonating her sister, or taking advantage of her in some way(by impersonating e.g. a lover) are themes I'm quite willing to explore, but will drive a permanent wedge between Yuki and Inari if she finds out. There's things she would not forgive.
Alas, we'll see when we get there. Funny enough, we're on the identity-crisis journey together, with Yuki having somewhat of a coming-of-age-story ahead of her, starting from a ancestry-is-important sister-clinging insecure girl.
Either way, I'm glad to see another side of your characters. Thanks for letting me know!
A question for all of you. What do you think about adding a fifth player? I know someone who might be interested, and I think he would be a good addition. I know it's early days and without combat yet, but do any of you think you see any areas where it would be good to have more coverage?
We have no arcane full caster.
Scratch that, we don't have a proper arcane caster.
Yuki gets Wizard spells with Magus Slots, so her magic is even inferior to a regular 2/3rds caster, and, as said, will be used to compensate for everything she gives up to even get that casting.
We don't need a 6th entity, so not fond of a summoner, and magus is usually rather combat-focused(and we are mostly covered, there). A bard, wizard, sorcerer, arcanist would be my personal preference.
As for the basic questions itself: Your call about the fifth player. I would make a statement if I had the option of checking their history/other chars, but I'm not fond of basing such a decision on pure guesswork.
Alternatively, if a Martial Character is desired, a not gun-based Ranged Combatant would be favored, preferably on-par with the other designs powerwise(so no min-maxed Zen Archer, e.g.)
So far, I really like the group as it is. I'd be open to the idea of adding a 5th player if they were a particularly motivated and awesome player, but if that isn't a sure thing, I'd prefer to keep things the way they are.
I haven't mentioned anything to the person in question because a wanted to check with all of you about it first. He has a very long and busy career here and is / has been involved in many games. He also GMs actively. The reason I know him is he plays Tera Flinders in table 1 of Divine ROTRL. I'm dotted into that campaign to read along and I think he's done a good job with the character. I've also just started a Jade Regent campaign as a player that he's GM for. That would make the offer like most of the ones here, reciprocal DMing. I playing in yours, you're playing in mine.
I didn't decide to just look around for a 5th player. He seems like a good match for the group in terms of RP style and so forth, so I figured I'd check and see if you would actually want anyone else or not.
You can check out his activity here: Adam Warnock
Since he's unaware that I've brought this up, it's entirely possible he would say no. That's why I'm thinking of it as two separate questions. Are you happy for 4, even though there are some gaps? If you'd rather have 5 players, then who?
@Yuk: The only other person who comes to mind for me if the party does want 5 players is Miranda from Hell's Rebels. She a hoot, and I think s(he) would be a good addition.
@Inari: I'd much rather run with 4 than take just anyone as a 5th to fill the spot.
I've been in a couple games with Adam. Nothing but good things to say. I'd be fine with him joining us.
I'll be gone over the weekend and don't know if I will have time to dig into his profile.
But with both you and Doomy vouching for him, I'm willing to take your words for it :)
Lessah(Miranda) is great as well, yes. Also playing in another game with it - someone I'd vouch for.
In both cases, I'd be fine with it. As long as they don't double up on roles of other players one-upping them...as mentioned, they'd have to go make something that fills needs we have.
And "old"(not venerable) wizard could also be fun to have around- :)
I'm totally up for more people, personally! Though, I can't really say if they're reliable or not, but that's for people who've played with the individuals.
Fine for me. I will be moving tomorrow and out of touch again till Sunday at the earliest. Please bot me as needed!
I'd like to touch base with everyone to see where you're at with the campaign. It's been moving very very slowly, we're not making pace for an update a week. Normally this would be the red zone for the survival of a PbP I think. But I also know that everyone is very busy with RL stuff, and in some cases PbP stuff as well. I'm probably a tad overcommitted in the number of PbP's I'm involved in right now as well, so trust me I get it.
I'm happy with the idea of running this as a very slow campaign for very busy people, but I'd like to know if you see things the same way. What do you think of the following possibilities?
1. Keeping things as they are.
2. Increasing the rate of play a bit, aiming for 2 to 3 updates per week.
3. Putting the campaign on hiatus for the month of October to see if we're in a better position to continue after some RL things have had some time to settle down.
By the way, I haven't talked to anyone about coming in as a 5th player yet. They wouldn't be introduced until you've returned from the marsh, and that could be a while yet. I'll wait until closer to time for the introduction to look into it.
I'm probably not one to talk, because I did NOT manage to update my campaign in the weekend as I had planned to do.
But I'm fine with options 1 or 2. Talene did say that she's very busy, but should be settled in soon.
I think MAYBE people are waiting for interaction prompts. Once it's running a bit longer, people will find things to keep themselves occupied.
But right now, we're out in the wilderness with little to do except move forward or investigate scenes. Currently, Mari and Yuki stated that they would like to take a closer look. In such situations, it can easily be that Inari and Talene simply hold to see what we discover, rather than explicitly stating that they stay behind for the time being.
I think if you want a certain posting pattern(e.g. everybody posts, then game updates) you will need to specify so(or 'poke' people if you are waiting on them to get them used to it). I do attempt to post as soon as I can after you do, but right now, there's nothing to do. I have an outstanding Knowledge Nature that likely revealed nothing, and stated I'm approaching, so I have little I can post, right now, except for filler posts.
I am fine with 1 or 2 as well.
I will be up and running this week and likely back to full posting by early next week.
I suspect that one of our issues is that we're a new group and don't have anyone to act as a de-facto leader. In game, we don't know each other well and no one is an obvious leader. Out of game, I think we are all being careful not to step on each other's toes and make decisions for the group.
So, I'd like to propose that whoever is "on point" make decisions for the group (if no one else pipes up quickly). Right now that's Mari. Any objections?
That said, the haunted house I help with every year is kicking into high gear. My posting time will be extremely limited until monday. Please bot me as necessary.
@on-point makes decisions: I'm fine with that. But I'm not sure if we even need a leader. In fact, with the NPC's later in the AP, GM has a way of not-so-subtly influencing us or telling us things.
In situations like now, without the NPC's, I think we don't do a bad job with people stepping up and acting. We just act for ourselves, rather than deciding "Lets investigate", probably partially so we don't discuss the pro's and cons of every decsision in-game. Easier to simply move towards the source of the sound cautiously rather than ponder map making versus staying on the trails. :)
I think everything will go more smoothly if we give it some time. I'm technically fine with your suggestion, but anybody should be able to chime in, even if e.g. Talene does not want to go "on point", so I would prefer the 2-people=>decided variant.
Alright, thanks for your feedback. We'll proceed as we have been. I'll work on better prompts when it seems they are needed.
Like I said, I know everyone has been busy, some of your with RL stuff as well as GM duties and other games on the board. I'm content to run this as a slower game unless you want to move to move bit faster. I can certainly speed things up as well.
Would it be agreeable to have a 48 hour wait, after which I'll a bot a character who hasn't posted as long as the auto-update involves only basic things like moving or using a skill in mundane circumstances. Not during combat or major social interactions?
I'll the group decision making particulars for you to work out as you see fit.
Personally, I'm fine with you pushing forward as fast as you feel is appropriate. If I haven't posted quickly enough to contribute to a decision, I will roll with whatever the group decides. No need to wait two days on my account.
Personally, I'm fine with you pushing forward as fast as you feel is appropriate. If I haven't posted quickly enough to contribute to a decision, I will roll with whatever the group decides. No need to wait two days on my account.
This seems fine to me. That said, I will try to post during the day tomorrow if not I will update tomorrow night...