Bilbo!!!
Yes, thanks indeed for not being a “flake”. I couldn’t bear the stigma (sniff, sniff).
You are certainly more than welcome to re-join. I’m GM PCing Breach to keep him in this, not because I particularly need an NPC. If I’ve gone too far and re-branded him, don’t hesitate to get him back to normal. I’m sure our players can handle any continuity issues – they’re pretty resilient.
However, if you are no longer interested, we won’t drag you along. It’s not a press gang. OK, it is a press gang, but we’re pretty lenient. My suggestion is that you carve out some time and do your reading to catch up to the present and then decide if you can re-commit to posting and want in.
Looking at Thalia’s sheet, I note though that while she speaks Osiriani, she doesn’t actually have common, the language she has been speaking throughout the game so far. I suspect that’s just an error. Normally, I’d sub out the Osiriani for common but given that her backstory includes being raised by an Osirion, I think she should keep it. Instead, unless or until Ekeebe resurfaces and tells me otherwise, I’ll substitute common in for gnoll.
Bilbo!!!
Yes, thanks indeed for not being a “flake”. I couldn’t bear the stigma (sniff, sniff).
You are certainly more than welcome to re-join. I’m GM PCing Breach to keep him in this, not because I particularly need an NPC. If I’ve gone too far and re-branded him, don’t hesitate to get him back to normal. I’m sure our players can handle any continuity issues – they’re pretty resilient.
However, if you are no longer interested, we won’t drag you along. It’s not a press gang. OK, it is a press gang, but we’re pretty lenient. My suggestion is that you carve out some time and do your reading to catch up to the present and then decide if you can re-commit to posting and want in.
Yeah Bilbo, definitely don't let our estimable GM's ham-fisted mis-handling of what was such a promising character dissuade you from coming back! (joking saheeb! Please don't send a vengeful Pharasma after me!)
I'm sure we can all handle a little personality change, and you certainly gave us forewarning that you were going to be unable to post, even if that subsequently changed and then reverted. :) No harm done.
I echo the sentiment above. We'd be thrilled to have you back in the game and in control of Breach again. I'd love to see your stories back in action!
Of course, if you are unwilling or unable to rejoin the game, you might possibly be branded a flake, and your character may or may not be fed to Pharasma's prophecy of doom. So, there's that.
Looking at Thalia’s sheet, I note though that while she speaks Osiriani, she doesn’t actually have common, the language she has been speaking throughout the game so far. I suspect that’s just an error. Normally, I’d sub out the Osiriani for common but given that her backstory includes being raised by an Osirion, I think she should keep it. Instead, unless or until Ekeebe resurfaces and tells me otherwise, I’ll substitute common in for gnoll.
It looks right to me. She doesn't list Common, but that appears to be an omission of convenience. Half-Elves start with Common and Elven, and Druids learn Druidic for free. Her +2 Int entitles her to two more, in this case, Gnoll and Osiriani.
It looks right to me. She doesn't list Common, but that appears to be an omission of convenience. Half-Elves start with Common and Elven, and Druids learn Druidic for free. Her +2 Int entitles her to two more, in this case, Gnoll and Osiriani.
Then we're saved!
Thalia has been maligned by my inability to count. (Sorry Ekeebe! & Thanks Flamethrower.)
Yeah Bilbo, definitely don't let our estimable GM's ham-fisted mis-handling of what was such a promising character dissuade you from coming back!. . .
This is probably a good time to mention I've already got my ham-fisted "GM PC: Donkor Soroon" already set-up. I'm just waiting for the moment you disappear for like 10 seconds for lunch or something so I can bust it out. It will be glorious.
This is probably a good time to mention I've already got my ham-fisted "GM PC: Donkor Soroon" already set-up. I'm just waiting for the moment you disappear for like 10 seconds for lunch or something so I can bust it out. It will be glorious.
Ack, I must then remain forever vigilant, and start skipping lunches!
Gimme sometime to get all caught upon what has happened and I'll wade back in with axe and shield! ;)
Next time I take Comprehend Languages for the day!
Ha! No worries, I'm sure the Osiriani speakers are on it.
I usually grab a scroll or two for that and then expend them when it comes up, to save a slot. But I frequently forget comprehend languages does not impart the ability to speak the language, only understand it.
Share language is your friend - and makes a cheap and handy scroll.
Also, No need to prepare a GMPC: Hurgah. I may be silent for long stretches, but that is mostly to reflect that Hurgah is the big, silent type (except when he is sleeping).
. . . I may be silent for long stretches, but that is mostly to reflect that Hurgah is the big, silent type (except when he is sleeping).
We'll see what we can do to help keep our favorite half-orc occupied. Stay tuned.
. . . I may be silent for long stretches, but that is mostly to reflect that Hurgah is the big, silent type (except when he is sleeping).We'll see what we can do to help keep our favorite half-orc occupied. Stay tuned.
Oh golly, my very own hitman. You shouldn't have...I'll just end up breaking him. :-)
I appreciate the effort.
...I'll just end up breaking him. :-)
But what if it was, hypothetically speaking, a celebrity hit man?
Depends....does he bleed when you stick a magically enhanced claw through his larynx?
Depends....does he bleed when you stick a magically enhanced claw through his larynx?
The answer to that is "Noe!"
*I'm not so sure this reference will work. You may need to read a few of the preceding and following comics for it to make sense. Then again it's a total tangent - so no need unless you are a fan of the comic.
The only thing I have to say to that is: "Stop messing up my Diplomacy check..."
Gimme sometime to get all caught upon what has happened and I'll wade back in with axe and shield! ;)
Yes indeed! Welcome back. I am thoroughly enjoying this heady mix of strangers on a strange quest. Makes me really wish we weren't actually all strangers and could ditch the virtual bones for some real ones. But then again, I don't think my wife would take too kindly to associating with a Beetle (she really hates bugs, though our younger kids would think its cool).
And apologies for my absence. I was without laptop for the last four days (primarily because I don't have one anymore--being unemployed sucks on many levels), and I did not dare to try and use my cell to text coherent postings. The Potentate's reputation for verbosity would have suffered. I suppose I could have tried dictating to my teenage step-daughter, who could have fluently handled those damned tiny keys, but she would have refused to avoid even the slightest taint of engaging in such a geek activity by proxy.
I suppose I could have tried dictating to my teenage step-daughter, who could have fluently handled those damned tiny keys, but she would have refused to avoid even the slightest taint of engaging in such a geek activity by proxy.
I immediately got a mental picture of Moonpate dictating a lengthy tirade to a sulking Thalia.
I suppose I could have tried dictating to my teenage step-daughter, who could have fluently handled those damned tiny keys, but she would have refused to avoid even the slightest taint of engaging in such a geek activity by proxy.I immediately got a mental picture of Moonpate dictating a lengthy tirade to a sulking Thalia.
That would be a fairly accurate picture, except that I look nothing like Moonpate...thankfully....yet.
Just a heads up that I will be having computer access issues starting tonight up until Sunday. I actually expect it will be business as usual, but there's a chance I'll go mission silent until Sunday afternoon.
You know how it is, covert beetle and all.
I understand why Moonpate has been taking the lead on this one, but now that we have said goodbye to our caravan friends, I might be a good time to let the party members who have high skill levels in bluff and/or diplomacy step up and do the talking.
Guys, I am lost as to where everyone and what exactly is going on. Can someone give me a quick rundown of what I should be doing over in the discussion thread?
Clear as mud? Hope that helps!
All right, so we are all in one large group again. I have seen that all the dwarves are still alive, but has any one else bitten it yet? I know we had a huge party to start, lol.
On a seperate note, I do like the idea of getting the saboteur a close look at the compound. In order to preserve the integrity of the current arc could be possible the sages brought along a dwarven craftsmen for tunnel safety/trap mitigation reasons? No sage wants to crack open a door or sarcophagus and get a nasty surprise. Also,no one would ever be surprised to find a dwarf with an axe,lol.
I understand why Moonpate has been taking the lead on this one, but now that we have said goodbye to our caravan friends, I might be a good time to let the party members who have high skill levels in bluff and/or diplomacy step up and do the talking.
I totally agree. Perhaps Moon's "assistant" Gandel can do the talking?
All right, so we are all in one large group again. I have seen that all the dwarves are still alive, but has any one else bitten it yet? I know we had a huge party to start, lol.
Nobody has bitten it yet, though Thalia's player has disappeared for the time. The only "life-threatening" situation we've had so far is the fight with the splicer-beasts. And maybe the scouting mission, if there were some high-level characters in that encampment.
On a seperate note, I do like the idea of getting the saboteur a close look at the compound. In order to preserve the integrity of the current arc could be possible the sages brought along a dwarven craftsmen for tunnel safety/trap mitigation reasons? No sage wants to crack open a door or sarcophagus and get a nasty surprise.
Sounds very good. I think they won't be surprised to see a few dwarven craftsmen. Karek could even pose as your escort himself. If you conduct yourself as a leader, Karek is all too happy to defer to you. (As opposed to when you were a GMPC.) I can hopefully locate what to break, and Hal can be some sort of divine guide for our sub-party.
Also,no one would ever be surprised to find a dwarf with an axe,lol.
Unless they have a hammer!
If I don't post tomorrow, it's because I have a wedding to attend. Godspeed, party fast-talkers. Is Gandel the only PC with Bluff, or does Jason have it as well? It's sad we can't rely on Thalia's talents.
If I don't post it is because Typhoon Songda is hammering Okinawa as I write this, lol.
If I don't post it is because Typhoon Songda is hammering Okinawa as I write this, lol.
Be safe Bilbo!
Is Gandel the only PC with Bluff, or does Jason have it as well? It's sad we can't rely on Thalia's talents.
Gandel has +9,
Jason +8, (he's a sorcerer with a very high charisma)
and Thalia +15.
So all three are pretty slick.
If you guys want Thalia to step and take the lead she can. I wanted to avoid having an NPC steal thunder, but if you guys want to put your trust in an NPC and are cool with it, so am I.
(I might benefit from instruction though)
If not, I will have her "aid another" an auto success for her.
On a seperate note, I do like the idea of getting the saboteur a close look at the compound. In order to preserve the integrity of the current arc could be possible the sages brought along a dwarven craftsmen for tunnel safety/trap mitigation reasons? No sage wants to crack open a door or sarcophagus and get a nasty surprise. Also,no one would ever be surprised to find a dwarf with an axe,lol.
I will take that to mean Breach gets out his axe before they are met by the delegation - but he leaves his armor off and his shield stowed away.
(You can always correct me if I have that wrong - at least up until the point it impacts the game.)
I think Moonpate should be the one to do the talking since he placed himself in a Leadership position with our first point of contact with the dig. This way we are consistent, if he has a subordinate do the talking it may seem fishy. Of course if Thalia does the talking in theory it should be a bit smoother transition...
FYI - I will be posting Thursday but will be away Friday and most of Saturday doing Beetle-like things with no internet access.
Dennis will be away this weekend though Hal is ever vigilant :-)
Hal used his Divination yesterday in game not this morning correct?
Same here. Karek will have to curtail his vigilant ways, at least until I grab an internet from the hotel. Have a good weekend!
Dwarven: the official party code.
An uncrackable cipher - when Karek speaks it, not even genuine dwarves can decode it.
P.S. Have a good weekend guys!
Gonna have house guests for the next week or so - it could slow my response time - I'll do my bestest.
<------ Puts his lower arms to the side in his classic gunslinger's pose. "Alright punk, two arms are up so I might be surrendering. But two arms are an inch from my beetle holsters so I might be getting ready to unload hot lead in your cranium. So I guess the question you need to ask yourself is: do you feel lucky?"
"Do you?!"
----------------
It has been brought to my attention that the IC (main) thread is approaching Post 1,000.
This will be a big achievement for our unnamed but strangely still alive party.
In order to commemorate this event I have decided to award 2 hero points (as per the optional rules in the Advanced Player's Guide) to the PC whose player manages to craft actual post 1,000.
However! If the post is a lame one-liner or a crappy "1d20=7", rather than award hero points I will just shun you instead. Hmmmm, now that I think on it, I suppose if it is a clever one-liner that would also count as an acceptable and worthy award-winning post.
While not as groovy as say, concert tickets, who can say no to extra actions and re-rolls?
I was thinking about the time I was away today as I looked over my Breach character sheet and was curious if there was anything I needed to add or remove? I know we had a fight just getting ready to kick off when I lost internet use, but did useup any expendables, have gained any XP, and are we at full health? I use Hero Lab and this makes things so easy to track that I often flip through all the tabs to make sure that everything is as it should be. Thanks.
I am beginning to feel Skullcrusher's call.
I was thinking about the time I was away today as I looked over my Breach character sheet and was curious if there was anything I needed to add or remove? I know we had a fight just getting ready to kick off when I lost internet use, but did useup any expendables, have gained any XP, and are we at full health? I use Hero Lab and this makes things so easy to track that I often flip through all the tabs to make sure that everything is as it should be. Thanks.
Good thought.
- Breach used up a bunch of his string setting traps (say half - down to 25 feet)
- 6 crossbow bolts (also for traps)
- And likely ate 3 of his 5 days worth of trail rations - weight he doesn't need, anyway.
That's all I can think of.
Adjusted, Thanks!
I'm looking forward to smashing that monks face in with my shield and then splitting the rest like firewood with me axe. Moonpate, worry not.The boys and I are getting ready to go full on dwarf soon!
Or "Full Dwarfy" as some call it.
So I don't clutter up the in-character post while I work to craft the masterpiece known as the "One Thousandth Post", I will post this here!
On the subject of Knowledge (Local), I have found nothing in Pathfinder that restricts your use of the skill to one locale. I have many times seen people mention on their character sheet, for instance, that they have Knowledge (Local) (Mwangi Expanse). On the surface, this seems like it makes sense, as there are certainly enough cultures in the Mwangi Expanse to justify an entire field of study. There are enough quaint little bars and personalities in Absolom that a rogue who dedicates himself to learning the ins and outs of the city can still be surprised by one.
This seems to breaks down the moment you are called on to identify a type of humanoid. Knowledge (Local) is used to identify Humanoids like any other skill. So, if you happen to have Knowledge (Local) pertaining to Osiriani, can you or can you not identify a Tengu (a rare humanoid living primarily in the Sodden lands or the Shackles)?
Generally, like most things in this game, you can abstract it. Has the rogue above specifically studied the habits and customs of the tribes of the Expanse? No, but maybe one day he had a patron who talked his ear off "'Bout dem savages livin' all neked and crazy" and he remembers a bit of useful information that gentleman imparted.
In conclusion, it seems Knowledge (Local) is misnamed. Ranks in it represent an interest in world affairs - essentially, picking up a newspaper every day. I feel like simply having ranks in Knowledge (Local) entitles Jason to know things about the situation at hand. Especially tempered by the flavor that Jason has spent time in this country.
But not with a five, though. :)
While I'm on the subject of knowledge, can't we all make Knowledge checks with a DC 10 untrained, thus allowing us to roll for that DC 2 religion check? Or is this something you've instituted just to taunt us?
I know, I know. I'm insufferable. I should write a thesis about game rule analysis.
Re: Knowledge (local)
I was an old Living Greyhawker for a time back in the day. I am used to Knowledge (local) having an assigned dash (i.e. Knowledge (Local – Andoran). Since I know who I am talking to, I don’t doubt it’s right, but it’s a bit unsatisfying to have a Knowledge (local – Golarion) or Knowledge (People of the World). On the one hand, this would give people a reason to get some value out of the skill long-term – adventurers typically adventure in different nations as they level and this solves that problem. But on the other hand, I feel one should intrinsically know more info about some regions than others. You’re supposed to be a fish out of water some places and at home in others. Maybe I would feel better if everyone got a bonus base on their place of origin. I dunno. Let’s play it by ear for now.
Re: Knowledge (religion) DC 2
Yeah – you got me – with the DC under 10 I guess you can totally make it untrained.
I'll look forward to the thesis.
Re: The Traitor Makes Her Move Post
This post is to post my apologies to Ekeebe for taking an incredible liberty with his PC.
Hopefully he will agree that this has resulted in a cool plot development and that it's very much in keeping with Thalia's character. The opportunity for Thalia to ingratiate herself to royalty and sell out a bunch of smelly dwarves and riffraff who don't appreciate her, is far too tempting. She smells a reward.
If anyone is lurking: Thalia Xian is at this point really an NPC, not a DM PC, and has been for some time. The player (Ekeebe) would not do such a dastardly thing - but the GM decided, Thalia would.
I don't plan to make this a habit guys - it's a one time experiment. You shouldn't fear that if you go on holidays for a week you will come back and discover your PC has betrayed the party.
Hey Beetle a few things:
1) Am I correct is assuming that Thalia did not identify herself in any way to Anyo?
If she did, you didn't hear it.
2) Am I correct in assuming that Thalia looks about old enough to be Moonpate's daughter?
I'd say she was young enough to fit the part. But she's a half-elf, so it's always hard to gauge.
3) Am I correct in assuming that they don;t have a wildly different skin tone so that it is not obvious that they are not related?
The skin is close enough, but her half-elven ears might be an issue. It just kind implies Mom must have been an elf.
Just want to make sure of these things in case I pull out Hal's BS response (assuming no one else tries something in the next few hours).
I suspect Karek's plan to dive tackle Thalia qualifies as trying something. It might not preclude what you have planned though - I can't say.