Jade Regent

Game Master Will Cooper

A game of Jade Regent


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Elf [hp = 27/27; AC14/T12/ff12; F +0; R+2; W+3 CMD 12] Wizard 5 (Sin Mage/sloth)

Will, thanks from the Shackled City refugees.

Looking forward to trying an evoker. After some of my die rolls on the boards I hope for some automatic hits unless the goblins all have brooches of shielding.


Hey everyone, here are a few thoughts about managing combat in this campaign.

1 We've got a lot of people, and a lot of moving parts to each combat. This means that posting strict turns in order of initiative could take a long time; potentially up to 10 days for a round.

2 For those who don't know (potentially all of you!) I am on a months long journey round New Zealand, and then a bit of the US and UK. I am mostly posting from my tablet. It works fine, but does limit my ability to work up tactical maps - even in a spreadsheet.

3 I think that the above considerations mean that combat is going to end up slightly more abstract than in a typical game of pathfinder. This might be frustrating, because it will remove some of the more tactical war-game side of combat. I think we've already seen that positioning, order of events, even which round we're in, can all get confusing very quickly.

I have some further thoughts on how we best manage these issues, but would like to hear any suggestions. What works well in other PBPs you're playing in? I'm happy to adapt and adjust as we go to make this fun for everyone.


A couple suggestions that I'd make regard initiative. I've found that it works well for the GM to make everyone's initiative roll (in a spoiler tag to minimize clutter) as we head into combat then announce the initiative order. In the PBP environment, initiative only really matters to figure out who acts before the bad guys and who acts after them. Furthermore, I'd set a deadline for everyone who has an initiative between a bad guy turn posts.

Edit: One more thing: In my GM posts, I like to end with an OOC line summarizing who gets to act before the next bad guy round as a reminder.


Alch 1, HP 10/10 | AC 17 | T 13 | FF 14 | Fort +3 | Ref +5 | Will +0 | CMD 15 | Init +5 | Perc +6 | SM +0
Resources:
Bombs 2/3 | Extracts - 1st: 3/3

I play in another pbp that the Gm uses the rules described by Robertness and it does work pretty well. I will only add two things: first he also give a time window of 24 hours for every round. If someone does not post in that period he will gmnpc that character or it will lose his action that round.
And second at the end of every round the gm will do a post describing what happened that round and making any necessary revisions.


Stats:
AC 18/12/16 HP 19/19 F+4 R+2 W+0 Init+2 Per+6

I'll send robertness's suggestion. Both of those help a lot to speed things up and keep them on track.

I'm playing in a Kingmaker PbP that is also map-lite and it was worked fine so far.


Elf [hp = 27/27; AC14/T12/ff12; F +0; R+2; W+3 CMD 12] Wizard 5 (Sin Mage/sloth)

I am amazed how well putting all the bad guys on a single initiative so the situations becomes: Chars with higher init than bad guys, bad guys, all chars, bad guys, repeat as often as necessary, works. It gives the DM a chance to summarize the good guy posts and integrate it with the bad guy posts in a concise place to summarize each round of combat.

As an old school guy we could roleplay without maps. Unfortunately every time the red dragon would breathe, all the PCs managed to be on the only 5 squares on the map it didn't affect! It can be done, it is just a challenge. Managing a strategic cavalier with teamwork feats is an example of an extreme challenge without maps.


Going with few if any maps would be easier for me as an archer. I'd +1 the GM (or designated player) rolling initiative for all and posting. The grouping of initiative as Jordan describes has worked well. When PCs go in a block, it seems to work best if all can take their actions when they can without having to wait for those in initiative ahead of them to post. If they need to wait for another player to go first, they can say so, and if their action is contingent on someone else's action they can post an alternative. For example "If Jordan casts something that takes out the swarm, I'll charge the BBEG. Otherwise, I'll run for the hills!"


Female Human (Varisian) Bard 2

I'll post this to discussion so the play thread doesn't get too cluttered.

@Halvor: How long does the Bless last?

If it stacks with Keli's Bardic Performance, +2 to hit for the party for however long they last is way cool :D


Male Envoy 1 - HP 10/10 SP 7/7 | EAC 12 KEC 13 T 11 EFF 11 KFF 12 | Ft +0 Rf +3 Wi +2 | Init +1 | Perc +4 |

The attack bonus from Bless is Morale, and the one from Inspire courage is competence, so they stack I believe.
However, the save bonus is morale in both cases, so unless I am wrong the net result is +2 to hit, +1 damage, +1 to saves vs enchantment and fear.


Male Human Fighter 1 Current Hps 13/13, AC 21, T 13, FF 18, CMD 17, Saves: F +5, R +3, W +1, Init +2, Per +0
Ruhk "The Dandy" wrote:

The attack bonus from Bless is Morale, and the one from Inspire courage is competence, so they stack I believe.

However, the save bonus is morale in both cases, so unless I am wrong the net result is +2 to hit, +1 damage, +1 to saves vs enchantment and fear.

You are right Ruhk. Bless lasts for 1 minute (10 rounds)

RPG Superstar 2012 Top 16

Hey everyone, quick heads up that my travels have taken me to a part of NZ with very very spotty cell phone and internet provision. I've just driven 60 kilometers to find a town where I can get a signal. We're staying long enough to have a coffee and answer some urgent emails, then it's back to the dark ages.

I should be back in a couple of days time - or heck maybe the lodge we stay in tonight will have wifi - but basically expect nothing from me for a day or two.

Thanks for the good ideas and suggestions, and I'll take them on board when I'm back in 21st century land :)

RPG Superstar 2012 Top 16

So first off, hello again, and it's nice to be back in civilisation.

In my post for this next round I have tried to be more clear and directive about initiative order. I'll keep thinking about your ideas as we go.


Stats:
AC 18/12/16 HP 19/19 F+4 R+2 W+0 Init+2 Per+6

Welcome back Will! Hope the trip is going well.


Welcome back! I like the way you posted initiative, including calling out the next three to go. I think that will help a lot with this larger group!


Stats:
AC 18/12/16 HP 19/19 F+4 R+2 W+0 Init+2 Per+6

We already cleared the final hurdle, but if you have any interest in Midgard Tales and haven't signed up yet, you still have a few hours. The amount of content is amazing:
- Nearly 200 page Hardcover or Softcover Book (depending what level you buy in)
- 64 page Christina Stiles adventure
- 16 page Wolfgang Baur adventure
- Battlemats
- 32 page Legends of Midgard
- Plus Richard Pett, Nick Logue and Tim Connors are all pitching.
You can get all of that for as little as $35 if you go all-electronic.

RPG Superstar 2012 Top 16

I had a look when it was announced and decided I couldn't afford it. But that was in the context of wanting to be a blue to pitch; meaning I would have needed to buy in at $100 plus.

Thanks for the reminder, this is well worth another look purely as a consumer.

Are you going to be pitching anything in this project?

RPG Superstar 2012 Top 16

Just had another look and bought in at $35. Looks very good.


Stats:
AC 18/12/16 HP 19/19 F+4 R+2 W+0 Init+2 Per+6

I'll be pitching for sure. I caught the bug during Journeys. Gonna be some tough competition for this one. Big names pitching and while there are more adventure slots than Journeys, I don't think there will be as many other things to pitch for. I'm looking forward to it though. I've got a couple ideas of where I want to go with my pitches. If any of you can think of any types of adventures you'd love to see though, I'm open to ideas.

Grand Lodge

I am so sorry for not being very active. My time is being used up by family health issues. I don't want to drop out, but my posting will be sparse for the foreseable future.

RPG Superstar 2012 Top 16

No worries Dax. I hope the health worries resolve themselves, and of course they take priority. We'll be here when you have time, or need down time. Take care.


Stats:
AC 18/12/16 HP 19/19 F+4 R+2 W+0 Init+2 Per+6

Yes, good luck with things Dax.


Male Human (Varisian) Paladin/9 Warrior of the Holy Light/HP: 90/93/AC: 21(22)/CMB: 15/CMD: 27/Init: 2/Perc: 7

Indeed, best of luck, Dax!

RPG Superstar 2012 Top 16

I had the campaign transferred to my account, finally. This means I can add useful notes to the campaign page. And I have!

Later, I'll use it to track caravan stats and relationship scores as well.

RPG Superstar 2012 Top 16

By the way, does anyone's character speak goblin? If not, I'll stop being funny in goblin language spoiler blocks.


Stats:
AC 18/12/16 HP 19/19 F+4 R+2 W+0 Init+2 Per+6

Yeah, look at that shiny new Game Master Will Cooper up there! No goblin for dumb as a stone Marduzi.

Grand Lodge

azmythe is fluent in the complex language of goblin kind


Rommin's fluent, and starting to dish it back. Too bad his dice rolls aren't backing up his trash talking.

RPG Superstar 2012 Top 16

Hi guys, I drove into an unexpected cell-phone black spot the last few days. Tonight I'm heading into the bush overnight (first time carrying all my own food), and then tomorrow I have a pitch for Open Design to submit.

Back for real on Thursday. Sorry about the lack of notice.


Stats:
AC 18/12/16 HP 19/19 F+4 R+2 W+0 Init+2 Per+6

Good luck with both Will. I'm focusing on the adventures right now so Wed-Fri will probably be a little nutty for me (though I'm traveling Mon-Wed, ugh). Haven't had inspiration strike with the Legends yet. Came up a little short on the first round of adventure pitches, but with lots of encouraging feedback.

RPG Superstar 2012 Top 16

Good luck with the next round of adventure pitches. I'm currently reading through the first round of feedback, and there's a wealth of useful commentary and suggestions and analysis.

Let me know if you ever want a proof reader or sounding board.


Stats:
AC 18/12/16 HP 19/19 F+4 R+2 W+0 Init+2 Per+6

I'll definitely take you up on that and I'll extend an offer for you to do the same. I know there are a few pairs that work together like that on Open Design and it sounds like it is very helpful.

RPG Superstar 2012 Top 16

PMed you with an email address.

RPG Superstar 2012 Top 16

Congrats ML. Oh, just noticed the matched initials. Cool.


Stats:
AC 18/12/16 HP 19/19 F+4 R+2 W+0 Init+2 Per+6

Thanks Will! Congrats to you on Kyrsa Heartwood too! I'm looking forward to finishing the yurt. It's funny, I spent a lot more time thinking about Broken Wing in the first round which was mid-pack, probably in part because of the emphasis on kobold and dragonkin PCs. Seven Spirits and Dawnsong Tragedy both came together in a rush once I had the core idea and they both did a lot better. Thanks a ton for the feedback on both of those. It definitely made them better pitches. I'm hoping to wrap Tragedy in time to pitch some of the higher level adventures. I have one idea I'm really excited about for higher levels.

RPG Superstar 2012 Top 16

Hey guys, heads up.

I'm flying tonight to LA, spending a couple of days with friends there and then on to Seattle for PaizoCon. I don't know what access I'll have to the internet for about the next 10 days, and there will be lots of travel time. My posts may be even more sporadic than normal for the next 10 days until about the 12th July, which is when I arrive in the UK and get to my parent's house.

Cheers!


Stats:
AC 18/12/16 HP 19/19 F+4 R+2 W+0 Init+2 Per+6

Hopefully I'll be seeing you over the next few days Will. I'll definitely be in the same boat with a full schedule and not much posting going on.

Shadow Lodge

Mook lvl 12

Hey guys, I got some vacation time at work so tomorrow I will be starting a backpacking trip here in South America. I dont belive I will have much internet access for the next 10 days. Fell free to npc Iralynash if needed. See you guys soon.

RPG Superstar 2012 Top 16

Right, done with PaizoCon and had an absolute blast. I'm now in the lounge at LAX ready to head to London. So by tomorrow night I'll be settled in one place for a few weeks and able to post again. Yay :)

Michael, it was great to bump into you - shame we didn't get to play together, but I got caught up chatting with the OD guys. Hope you had as much fun as I did!


Stats:
AC 18/12/16 HP 19/19 F+4 R+2 W+0 Init+2 Per+6

We had a blast! I have an extended post about it over on the Open Design boards. Great meeting you and a great time at the con. I just got back from a post-con business trip to NYC and I'm actually home for a week. Another week of vacation and then GenCon coming soon!

Grand Lodge

I've managed to get totally lost. Can we get a map of the combat?

RPG Superstar 2012 Top 16

Funny you should ask, Dax...

I'm working on sorting out proper maps for us to use. I've got MapTools, then it turned out I also needed an image manipulation program, so I've also got GIMP, which needs an X11 windowing framework, so I've also got Quartz, and next is TokenTools so that we can have places on the map and then all I need is an image hosting site.

So yes delays, but also progress behind the scenes!


Elf [hp = 27/27; AC14/T12/ff12; F +0; R+2; W+3 CMD 12] Wizard 5 (Sin Mage/sloth)

Plus building the drama and suspense for the last battle in Gloomy Goblintown.

RPG Superstar 2012 Top 16

Yeah! Plus helps me get over my fumbling around with who cast daze and so on and so forth...


Stats:
AC 18/12/16 HP 19/19 F+4 R+2 W+0 Init+2 Per+6

Can't wait to see if Game Space will be helpful for PbP or really only live play.


I just appreciate you taking on this ap for us. I realize how much work it can be, which is why I haven't committed to running one myself here yet. I'll keep checking in so I'm ready whenever you want to pick up again.


Male Envoy 1 - HP 10/10 SP 7/7 | EAC 12 KEC 13 T 11 EFF 11 KFF 12 | Ft +0 Rf +3 Wi +2 | Init +1 | Perc +4 |

Same here, this incarnation of Ruhk has more promise than any of the others before had.
I'm having a blast playing him.


Elf [hp = 27/27; AC14/T12/ff12; F +0; R+2; W+3 CMD 12] Wizard 5 (Sin Mage/sloth)

My first shot at an evoker has been fun as evidenced by using all seven of my force missiles!!


Male Human (Varisian) Paladin/9 Warrior of the Holy Light/HP: 90/93/AC: 21(22)/CMB: 15/CMD: 27/Init: 2/Perc: 7

Albeit a large one, it is an interesting group. I am looking forward to continuing.


Female Human (Varisian) Bard 2

Glad to be reminded this is just a summer hiatus and not the death of the campaign. Thanks again for running this, Will.

RPG Superstar 2012 Top 16

Just want to check that people are generally able to see the map properly and comfortable with placement before I continue.

Let me know.

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