First, I wanted to apologize if I held anything up.
Second, I think it's probably best if Heinrich drops out of the party in the game.
My tabletop group wrapped up a campaign in October, and our DM has chosen to run Carrion Crown next. Our group's all excited, and I'd never want to let a PbP dictate what we do IRL...
I've picked a cheerier, more selfless character this time around - a dry/intellectual/creepy alchemist lured me as my first concept when I app'd back in June, but I've actually a hard time "getting into" Heinrich.
Anyway, I hate to play in a PbP that my heart isn't into... and it's tough to play in a PbP when your tabletop group is in the same campaign (particularly since the tabletop group jumped ahead of where I think we are at in the PbP, and it's just going to get worse for me to not metagame the 2 campaigns).
I truly appreciate the opportunity to play with you all. I know this game had a rocky start with Jorm disappearing. I didn't want to simply disappear on you all as often happens on here - and I may lurk from time-to-time, work permitting, if you guys don't object.
Good luck guys, and hopefully Heinrich can at least be of some use as an NPC, as he wasn't too involved in any particular part of the plot yet.
I would protest but Vaughn has put me to sleep. :)
Sorry to see you go.
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First, I wanted to apologize if I held anything up.
Second, I think it's probably best if Heinrich drops out of the party in the game.
My tabletop group wrapped up a campaign in October, and our DM has chosen to run Carrion Crown next. Our group's all excited, and I'd never want to let a PbP dictate what we do IRL...
I've picked a cheerier, more selfless character this time around - a dry/intellectual/creepy alchemist lured me as my first concept when I app'd back in June, but I've actually a hard time "getting into" Heinrich.
Anyway, I hate to play in a PbP that my heart isn't into... and it's tough to play in a PbP when your tabletop group is in the same campaign (particularly since the tabletop group jumped ahead of where I think we are at in the PbP, and it's just going to get worse for me to not metagame the 2 campaigns).
I truly appreciate the opportunity to play with you all. I know this game had a rocky start with Jorm disappearing. I didn't want to simply disappear on you all as often happens on here - and I may lurk from time-to-time, work permitting, if you guys don't object.
Good luck guys, and hopefully Heinrich can at least be of some use as an NPC, as he wasn't too involved in any particular part of the plot yet.
That sucks, but I completely understand. I'm sorry this isn't moving faster, but PbP's are notoriously slow and this one isn't much better. If you don't mind, I'd like to keep Heinrich on for a bit as an NPC, or if you'd like to take him along, at least have him depart with flair!! Maybe in an act of selfless glory? Maybe going toe to toe with Tharnik?
Nah, I'm just kidding. Have fun and best of luck!!
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First of all, I should have known that in my very first fight I would manage to put half the party to sleep. :/ At least there is still a grease spell and an eidolon between the angry were-beastie and myself...
Secondly, I am very sorry to hear you will be leaving us Heinrich! I had so looked forward to continuing to not realize you despised me. :P Maybe, with your permission, he can still show up from time to time with me as his unwitting foil. I wish you the best of luck with your tabletop game, and happy holidays!
Checklist of things to do in no particular order.
*Help Father Grimburrow with clearing the fake tomb.
*Obtain manacles to better restrain Tharnik of the next few days.
*Find a cure for Tharnik
*Investigate the prison ('cause, you know, we've still got a murder to solve).
*Unlock the freakin' locked book (this one is bothering me)
*Figure out what it is, if anything, they want from Kendra/the Lorrimor house.
I leave anything out?
Well I suppose. :)
I just felt like it had really barely registered on Dortlin's radar, since it was just kind of mentioned once in passing. But as a player it's really bugging me that someone hasn't tried to crack it open yet, especially since I think the symbol on the book might have matched the symbol on the box of undead hunting kit from the fake tomb if I recall correctly.
Well Rendel doesn't want to open things that might explode with the screams of a thousand screaming damned. He originally wanted to burn the chests contents.
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Off-topic, would you all be willing to give my Superstar item a once over before I submit it and let me know what you think? When I came up with the idea I thought "Wait a minute, why doesn't this already exist?" which, to me, is a sign of something I think has a chance, but I always appreciate feedback! If no one has objections I will post it. Thanks!
Sure, why not. I'm getting ready to finish up mine today sometime.
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Haha, I will take the risk that someone is lurking our OOC thread, ready to steal my idea. :P
Mummer’s Mask
Aura strong universal; CL 13th
Slot head; Price 40,000 gp; Weight −
Description
This item appears as a simple white porcelain mask of the type worn by actors depicting a featureless, sexless face with holes for eyes, nostrils, and mouth, fastened with a plain leather cord.
Three times per day the wearer may use her own magical energy to duplicate a spell they just witnessed cast by another. Any time the wearer successfully identifies a spell of 5th level or lower being cast per the rules for Spellcraft, she may, on her next turn, sacrifice a prepared spell or unused spell slot of at least one level higher as a free action in order to cast the witnessed spell herself. The spell is treated as if it was on her class spell list, including changing to arcane or divine if appropriate, but otherwise follows all spellcasting rules for her class. No metamagic may be applied, even if the spell originally identified was modified in such a manner. If she does not use this power on her very next turn after identifying the spell, the opportunity is lost although no spell or daily use is expended in this case.
Rumors abound of a version of this mask made of gold that allows for the mimicking of even more powerful spells, but if they exist their possessors guard the secret closely.
Construction
Requirements Craft Wondrous Item, limited wish; Cost 20,000 gp
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Mummers, or guisers, were masked actors similar in style to the Italian Commedia dell'arte. I thought an actor's mask a solid item to allow one to mimic the spells of another. Also the mechanic reminds me of mimics in the Final Fantasy games, so mimes -> mummers -> masks.
One thing I am worried about is pricing, though not terribly so; I just want it in the right ballpark. It is currently priced the same as a Ring of Wizardry II; do you think doubling your second-level spell slots for a day is worth the ability to, three times a day, add a spell to your spell-list of up to fifth level?
Some random thoughts.
Spellcasters get all the toys, I think the mask would be more interesting (and simpler) if it just let you duplicate a spell you've seen cast three times a day. I would let it fall in line with the metamagic rod divide, i.e. lesser (up to 3rd level spells), regular (up to 6th), and Greater (up to 9th), with the restriction it can't cast something with a costly material component or focus unless the wearer actually has that on hand. Of course I'm not familiar with the strictures of the contest, so that might not feasible. Given the obvious tie into the setting, and what the item does, it might be worth mentioning in the fluff that some Mummer's Mask created by the followers of Nethys are half black and half white. Personally I don't really think it's worth it right now, especially since it takes up a head slot, I mean you have to have someone else cast a spell, successfully identify it, not have something better to do with your action, and have a spell slot of higher level that your willing to give up that wouldn't be more valuable spent somewhere else.
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Thank you for the input. I find myself caught between too powerful and not powerful enough. If it allowed for the casting of any spell it would obviously be much too powerful (then again, Magi already get something similar with their Arcane Pool ability I believe) but keeping track of all the spells they have witnessed cast at least three times seems like a lot of paperwork. Maybe if I let them copy any spell within 24 hours of seeing it cast? Or let them 'imprint' the spell, and only that spell can be duplicated until they identify another and choose to replace the one currently imprinted?
Would it be more attractive if the spell slot to be sacrificed was of equal level? Or would that be too powerful? Perhaps one level higher if it is not on the caster's spell-list normally, or is of a wizard's opposition school?
I think I may up the max level to 6th, to be more in line with limited wish, and leave open the option for a less and more powerful version.
And good idea about the tie-in to Nethys; I had contemplated such at one point but put it off due to worries about word-count.
Edit: Oh yes, and I did some research, and at least core there do not seam to be any head slot items of that price range (remember that head and headband are separate slots in Pathfinder!) and I think it might work out for casters who do not want a Helm of Telepathy or Mask of the Skull. (Or cleric or bard with a Circlet of Persuasion perhaps.)
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Checklist of things to do in no particular order.
*Help Father Grimburrow with clearing the fake tomb.
*Obtain manacles to better restrain Tharnik of the next few days.
*Find a cure for Tharnik
*Investigate the prison ('cause, you know, we've still got a murder to solve).
*Unlock the freakin' locked book (this one is bothering me)
*Figure out what it is, if anything, they want from Kendra/the Lorrimor house.I leave anything out?
That's a great snapshot. Thanks!
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Haha, I will take the risk that someone is lurking our OOC thread, ready to steal my idea. :P
Mummer’s Mask
Aura strong universal; CL 13th
Slot head; Price 40,000 gp; Weight −
Description
This item appears as a simple white porcelain mask of the type worn by actors depicting a featureless, sexless face with holes for eyes, nostrils, and mouth, fastened with a plain leather cord.
Three times per day the wearer may use her own magical energy to duplicate a spell they just witnessed cast by another. Any time the wearer successfully identifies a spell of 5th level or lower being cast per the rules for Spellcraft, she may, on her next turn, sacrifice a prepared spell or unused spell slot of at least one level higher as a free action in order to cast the witnessed spell herself. The spell is treated as if it was on her class spell list, including changing to arcane or divine if appropriate, but otherwise follows all spellcasting rules for her class. No metamagic may be applied, even if the spell originally identified was modified in such a manner. If she does not use this power on her very next turn after identifying the spell, the opportunity is lost although no spell or daily use is expended in this case.
Rumors abound of a version of this mask made of gold that allows for the mimicking of even more powerful spells, but if they exist their possessors guard the secret closely.
Construction
Requirements Craft Wondrous Item, limited wish; Cost 20,000 gp
I love this idea. It's a strong concept with obvious ties to villains of all sorts. I can't count the number of masked and cloaked foes that appear in all sorts of settings. It's a great idea. Here's what I'd do to make it better.
1) Keep it for 5th level spell, but hint at more powerful versions.
2) Don't require it to use a higher level spell slot to duplicate spells. Keep things simple and clean. [Remember, it uses a head slot. That means sacrificing a body slot normally dedicated to improving your base stats - for casters, this means a +2, +4 to Int, Wis, or Cha is lost. Make it worth losing].
3) It's a style call, but parts of your writing strikes me as passive. You can't really get around that in the opening, but you can later on. Here's what I'd change:
"This featureless mask, frequently worn by actors of all sorts, is made from white porcelain. It has holes for the eyes, nostrils, and mouth, but is otherwise simple in design. When held to the face and the command word is spoken, it gently adheres to the wearer until they choose to remove it.
This mask allows the wearer to use her own magical energy to duplicate a spell they just witnessed being cast. To do so, the wearer must successfully identify the spell cast and, if 5th level or lower, cast it on her next turn by sacrificing a prepared spell or unused spell slot of at least the same level (as a free action) in order to cast the witnessed spell herself. The spell is treated as if it was on her class spell list, including changing it to arcane or divine if appropriate, but otherwise follows all spellcasting rules for her class. The wearer cannot apply metamagic feats, even if the spell originally identified was modified in such a manner. If she does not use this power on her very next turn after identifying the spell, the opportunity is lost (although no spell or daily use is expended in this case). The mask may be used 3 times a day.
Rumors abound of a version of this mask made of gold that allows for the mimicking of even more powerful spells.
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Thanks for the feedback! I will certainly take it into account. One thing though, as I mentioned in my last post, wearing this would not preclude wearing a headband of +mental stat as, in Pathfinder, the Head and Headband slots are separate. Just in case that changes your perception of the desired power level. Also, no one has mentioned price; does 40k seem appropriate for this item?
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Thanks for the feedback! I will certainly take it into account. One thing though, as I mentioned in my last post, wearing this would not preclude wearing a headband of +mental stat as, in Pathfinder, the Head and Headband slots are separate. Just in case that changes your perception of the desired power level. Also, no one has mentioned price; does 40k seem appropriate for this item?
Good point. I forgot about that.That being said, I wouldn't make it overly difficult. It also has a "whoa, I want one of those" factor that makes it desirable. I wouldn't nerf that. (I don't think it's that far off balance wise, although the other designers may disagree.)
I didn't run the numbers on the item, no.
Okay, getting ready to tweak and submit it based on the wonderful feedback! Before I do, Tark, PWO, do either of you have any thoughts for me? Thanks!
Perhaps something a bit more double edged? Say a free action to activate and a move action to deactivate and while active it will mirror any spell it identifies using the wearers spellcraft skill up to say three times per day.
Or even worse, the thing activates when worn and requires a command word to remove and while worn mirrors every spell it identifies up to x per day or x charges. I would also have it mirror the entire spell metamagic included as I think including the metamagic is more in keeping with the mirror theme.
I would also suggest dropping the burn a spell level requirement in favor of charges or x/day which would allow non casters to play with this as well. Admittedly it carries a skill tax but at least the option is there.
This is probably wandering too far afield from your excellent idea but these are the things I thought of. Mind you as is it approaches a caster must have item. With this mask and a quicken rod you are looking at 3 spells in one round. ouch.
Then there is the whole question of what happens when two casters wearing these start blasting each other.
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Ooh... nifty ideas, but not quite what I was going for. Maybe a variant of this item with a mirrored surface would act that way...
Oh, but you did point out something that I had not intended and need to fix: this item was not meant to allow an extra spell in a round! I need to add a bit about the mimicked spell taking the standard casting time for that spell (and having normal chance to be disrupted, provoking AOO as normal, etc). It is just activating the mask to temporarily put the identified spell on the user's spell list that is a free action.
Ooh... nifty ideas, but not quite what I was going for. Maybe a variant of this item with a mirrored surface would act that way...
Oh, but you did point out something that I had not intended and need to fix: this item was not meant to allow an extra spell in a round! I need to add a bit about the mimicked spell taking the standard casting time for that spell (and having normal chance to be disrupted, provoking AOO as normal, etc). It is just activating the mask to temporarily put the identified spell on the user's spell list that is a free action.
yes the casting action language was ambigious.
I do need to ask about the no metamagic part. Why are you going this route? It seems to break the "I can cast the spell you just cast' theme as metamagic can really change a spell. Consider a simple burning hands spell cast with the metamagic feat changing the damage type to acid. When you use the mask it is now suddenly a fire spell? Seems odd.I also think it will cause more work having to 'strip down' the spell and then rebuild it to fit the new caster. I think it would be simpler and faster in play to simply let the user to cast the spell as it was cast. It might meann the odd power-bump as a player gets one time access to a feat they don't have but this is balanced against the awesomeness of getting to try out a feat/do something you can't normally do.
But hey I am just musing here. It is a great concept.
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It might meann the odd power-bump as a player gets one time access to a feat they don't have but this is balanced against the awesomeness of getting to try out a feat/do something you can't normally do.
That does add to the "Wow factor," as well. We've seen more than a few items that were slightly unbalanced go through because they were cool ideas. We've seen far more balanced items fail because they were boring. It's a risk, but not a big one.
blargh
Yo.
And me.
Ayi! I am sorry to say I have los my internet connection at the moment and am strugling to find ways to get onto the boards! (V_V)
Again, sorry for causing any slwoing down of things. Please feel free to DM/NPC Madeline and Smith untill such time as I can get back in the game. *Bows*
Good on getting net access Madeline!
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So, here's our status:
1) Sunset (Madeline) has limited to no internet access.
2) Tark (Rendel) is ready to go, but is following the others.
3) Poor Wandering One (Creel) is ready to go, but once again, following the others.
4) Cayne (Dortlin) is ready to go and suggested checking the statue.
5) Asmo (Vaghn) is ready to go and following the others.
That correct? If so, this time tomorrow, I'm launching into the next scene.
I nominate Creel 2012!
*filibusters the proposal into a slow and painful death by reading from the book of Iomedae*
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Concerning the item: Asmodeus - Yeah, so did I. It's too bad you hadn't designed it elsewhere. Hey, before I forget, drop me an e-mail at jaye dot sonia @gmail dot com. Put "Carrion Crown" in the subject block.
Concerning frequency: If you need a few days, by all means, check in when you can. We'll do our best to wait for you. If you need me to NPC your character for a week, I can do that, too.
Posting here to avoid cluttering up the IC thread with OOC discussion .
As for what to do next, I feel like we've been putting off checking out Harrowstone, may as well go and look around, we might find something to help proceed.
Also we did tell Grimburrow we would come back today and help him with the crypt. I'm not sure it will advance anything, but keeping on his good side might be good, and I still think a more thorough search of the fake tomb could turn up something, or it might not.
We should probably lay our hands on some silver, cause, you know, werewolves.
Seeing two votes for going to check out Harrowstone and several noncommittals. Are there any objections to pressing on to the prison?
Not from I. Happy to go for a good constitutional walk to the place. *Bows*
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Specifically, these items:
Identified:
4 sunrods
A dozen silver tipped arrows
5 Cure Light wounds potions
2 scrolls of Hide from Undead
Unidentified:
10 Glowy arrows
5 Wispy arrows
2 vials of a golden fluid
2 BLACK arrows
2 other scrolls
a thin darkwood case decorated with an image of a scarab with a single eye glaring from its back.
vials of water bearing Sarenraes holy mark.
I noticed none of the items are listed among any of your group's gear.
Um...possibly back at the estate?
I am unsure as to their disposition.
Much cheers to you and yours. (^_^)
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So, were you guys not going to split it up then? I would think you'd have done so, especially if you're delving into a region that is quite possibly already haunted....
ALL If you'd like, I would be more than willing to say you split up the gear and assigned it. You may do so now... especially if you plan to use any in future encounters.