Garden Tool |
Okay then! Let's have a talk about character death.
First, (as you know) I'm a "RAW is RAW, rules are rules" kind of GM. Syndir is dead because the dice and the numbers said he's dead. So... he's dead.
Second, holy balls! Did you see those d10 damage rolls? 9, 9, 8, 8. I almost feel bad. Almost. Given Dendragon's high damage mods, I expected people to drop. I didn't expect to roll damage like a god. If I'd been a few feet closer, Point-Blank Shot would've killed Kamlann, too. These things happen, though. If you're concerned about the EL of the encounter, read the spoiler below.
Third - and most importantly - I'd like to talk about what to do about a dead PC. On the one hand, rules are rules. On the other hand, rules are rules, and one of the rules is "death is reversable." Sometimes, a PC should stay dead. The players should fear the possibility of death, because the characters sure would.
I do not believe that this is not one of those times. I have plans for Syndir, and I don't believe his death helps the campaign. It leaves things unresolved, and it's a bit too early to be leaving dangling plot threads that can only be revisited with high-level spell access, many character levels away. Additionally, a lot of the party cohesion we've built up revolves around Syndir (and Farid, to a degree). Lastly, I'd rather Syndir didn't die so early to a "Seamus villain."
So! I'd like to put some MINOR spoilers on the table, here. Remember the encounter with the sandman sorcerer? That someone would send a sandman (as opposed to a more lethal conjured enemy) for Syndir and Farid suggests that someone might want one or both of them alive. That the sandman carried a failsafe in the form of a curse that would make Syndir easier to catch or caputre further suggests the same.
If someone resourceful (and powerful enough to access mid-level divination and conjuration effects) wants Syndir alive, then there may be an avenue for Syndir's ressurection. If Stiehl9 is willing, I'd like to introduce a plot hook in the very near future that will make possible Syndir's return. That is not to say that his death will not have consequences... but this isn't a shoehorned solution, as you can see. There is someone out there who wants Syndir alive. Spells that return the dead to life are a part of the game for a reason. If we go this route, I think I can actually use Syndir's death to advance the plot.
Thoughts? Stiehl9? Everyone else?
Stiehl9s |
Thanks Farid! I second the notion that I dont want Syndir dead. Mostly because this is perhaps my favorite character that Ive made, secondly because the group has a highly interesting dynamic, thirdly because this campaign has alot of potential. ok brown nosing over even if it was genuine ^_^
And lastly, geez! Poor Syndir the whipping boy. Haha! He's been cursed and killed just a couple of hours into game time! Coupled with our horrendous rolls against the sandman its been epic bad luck thus far...definitely a black cloud hanging over these fellas.
So in closing. Im certainly down for a plot hook to return.
Garden Tool |
A solid guess since a level six NPC = an EL of 5 = "challenging" encounter for a group of 5 third-level characters.
I think it's Seamus' turn over in the gameplay thread, but given the current state of things and the fact that I'll probably be too busy to post tomorrow, I figure we'll wait for him. Wish I could see his face as he catches up.
By the way! Stiehl9 and FireclawDrake: what did you think of the Class Acts products?
Shisumo |
I thought Kamlann was the whipping boy. That guy has eaten more floor than a swarm of termites.
Floor tastes better than coffin. ;) However, the encounter ain't over yet, and frankly, we're still in pretty deep **** - so perhaps the discussion of what to do after Syndir's death should wait until we know whether the rest of us will be around for it to matter...
Garden Tool |
Really glad you're enjoying the PDFs, Stiehl9s. We take the quality of our content very seriously. We've got new Barbarian and Witch Class Acts products up for sale, as of yesterday. As cool as the two new barbarian totems we printed are, the witch product is by far the coolest, I think. Of course, I probably just think so because it was the most fun product to write, to-date.
Both products could stand to be reviewed, too! If you'd like a copy of either product in exchange for an honest, unbiased review, I'd be happy to extend (to any of you) the same "one PDF for one review" offer. At this point, I'm happy for any avenue with which to promote product awareness. Even a bad review would me an excuse to bump a thread and talk about my product.
Jonasty and FireclawDrake: what did you guys honestly think of the PDFs you received? At this stage in the game, feedback is hard to come by (family, friends and business partners make terrible focus groups - they love everything).
Stiehl9s |
Right on! Id be interested in Barbarian for sure. Ive never really looked at the witch class in general.
be assured though that both of my reviews so far are unbiased by my participation in this game...even if I dont make it back. You cant beat the price (you could easily get $2 or more I think).
Garden Tool |
I'll ask Liz to hook you up with a copy of Class Acts: Barbarians right away then, Stiehl9s. I'm glad you're interested in that product, actually. A very tough reviewer by the name of Feral gave that particular product two stars (the highest rating he's ever given anything, to be fair) based on a review which assumed that the power level of a rage power must be equal to the power level of a feat. That product, therefore, could stand a few more reviews (either to cement some apparent problem with the product that I ought to review and consider, or to bump the rating of an otherwise high-quality item).
I actually think Class Acts: Barbarians turned out great, so I'll be interested to hear what you think. Personally, I was more worried about the Wizards product and the astonishingly high-rated, five-star Rogues product. Let me know what you think of the arcane discoveries when you're finished. (Or just write a review.)
Garden Tool |
Thanks for your review, Jo. I'll have Liz set you up with a copy of the as-of-yet-unreviewed Class Acts: Witches PDF.
FireclawDrake |
I found it great, actually. Some of the discoveries are hit-and-miss (One such which has been pointed out by other reviewers: Arcane Signet), but this is the case even with Paizo material, so that's fine with me. Fortunately, you guys seem to be erring on the side of underpowered rather than the opposite, which I believe makes your products much more appealing and usable. My main fear with 3rd party stuff is horrific terrible combinations which break games.
Once I have the time, I will post my promised review (being away for 5 days from the boards means I have alot to catch up on.
Garden Tool |
My first goal is to produce something which is truly compatible (not just in name, but in practice) with Paizo's content. That means no game-breakers. My second design goal is to produce content which is cool (interesting from both mechanical and role-playing perspectives). My third design goal is to produce mechanically-desirable, mechanically-viable options.
Those are my goals, and in that order. If I produce a feat, spell, or class feature which is both truly compatible and mechanically-and-nonmechanically-interesting, I don't mind if it's only situationally useful. I'd rather it screamed "pick me!" instead, of course, and I'll meet all three goals whenever I can.
Garden Tool |
A quick update: I've sent FireclawDrake a quick PM just to see if he's still around. I hate to have to replace him; I hope everything's ok on his end. If I don't hear back from him in 24 hours, we'll write Jelani out and hit the Recruitment thread to pick up a new 5th.
Everyone else still on board and interested? I sure am.