Unbinding the Fetters - Disciples of Master Gond (Inactive)
Game Master Mark Sweetman

I-- *blink* THOUGHT something felt odd when I referenced the sheet... I have to edit that...

Beginning of the semester, forgive me.. I've been busy. *hustles to make edits*

If Jarquin doesn't show, will you be looking for a replacement? I've been following the game since y'all fired it up.

I'd suggest we give Jarquin a little longer yet - at least get past the weekend issue and into the week proper.

Then if he isn't back the group can decide on dropping or keeping and whether we get a replacement off the bat. (though the interest is noted Eben :)

No problem. Definitely don't want to push out a still-engaged player.

You guys had any updates from Jarquin?

We haven't heard anything in the threads, so unless he's contacted DM Voice privately I'd say now would be good to consider him written off.

I'll pass this decision over to the other three (Bandogrim, Torgus and Cassadar) - if they are also in favour of dropping Jarquin and picking up Eben, then we'll do so.

I say bring him in.

Eben - one more vote for and it looks like you are in.

Can you chuck up a concept for how you'd like to build your character?

I sure can. :)

I present to you...

Javi the "Little Wasp"
Urchin, Cut-purse, Sex-Slave, Survivor, Drifter, Thief, Assassin, and Seeker of Truths of the One Perfect Man

The boy before you - the one you've heard called the Little Wasp - stands poised as if ready to move in a heart-beat. His long, gangly limbs are sun-darkened from the desert sun. There is a certain athleticism to his build and muscle tone, but it's the strength of a teenage boy, not a man grown. His features mark him as Vudrani, though a hint of elvish blood can be seen in the tilt of his almond eyes and the way his lobeless ears peek out form under his nearly-back, wavy hair. He's sweet-looking, and would be sweeter still were it not for the slightly crooked nose and few scars on his face and exposed skin. His clothes are not Vudrani. They are worn and torn mis-matched clothes. Some of them ill-fitting, and all of them obviously of different styles. He looks up at you, and - though he smiles - it is a guarded, reserved thing, and in his eyes is a weighing quality, and when you reach out to shake his hand, there is a definite hesitance to his touch.

Javi struggles to trust. He tends to keep people at arm's length, fearing to let anyone get close enough to hurt him, though he can be good at hiding it behind a quick enough smile when necessary. He's also determined… in a way few his age are. But, when push comes to shove, it's a determination that is founded on fear. He won't end up where he came from. He's also got a soft spot for other people who are victimized; a part of him would be strong for those who can't be strong for themselves.

Sure, what is the half-elf equivalent of 17 or 18 years (I've had it vary from DM to DM)? I'd say let's go with that.

As to the other thing, it was in there for motivation... not something I wanted to play a part in the story you're creating. At the end of the day, his desperate drive to be strong enough is what's important. If you're uncomfortable with that element of his background (and I can definitely understand if you are), we can pull it altogether.

Like I said, it's more important that he be determined to never move backwards... to never be victimized again. That make sense?

I say bring him in as well.

Eben - 19 years old is ok, and appreciate the consideration on the story element. I don't have any issues with it remaining as part of the backstory and being referred to (if appropriate). Brief scan of your stats, etc looks ok.

If you can stat up a profile before we've finished it you can join in the obstacle course :)

Proposed Obstacle Course Alteration for Second Round:

Ok, so the obstacle course is meant to allow for taking more risk equalling more reward - or being able to pass multiple obstacles in a single round.

The chase rules are a bit strange on this point, as they allow for attempting both challenges on a single 'card' or obstacle to allow you to bypass three.

While that might work ok for a cinematic chase, it's a bit strange for an obstacle course - as you don't attempt to cross one obstacle two different ways, and you certainly don't get to skip obstacles by passing the previous one in style.

What I think could work:

Allow an attempt at an obstacle at increased DC to pass it quickly, which would allow an attempt at the second obstacle (at unmodified DC) in the same round.

If you fail to clear the first obstacle, then round over - but if you pass it you get a shot at clearing a second. Fail on the second obstacle and you don't progress - as well as not being able to attempt two obstacles in the round after.

Example in play:
Joe tries running on the balance beam to get through quickly and passes. He then tries to climb the rope net and succeeds - two obstacles passed

Bill tries running on the balance beam and passes, though fails at the rope net - first obstacle passed, but failed second one. Next round cannot try for a multiple obstacle move.

Bob tries running on the balance beam, and fails - zero obstacles passed.

Probably not the simplest explanation, but do you think that would be a fair way of approaching it?

I'll get the profile up as soon as I can, though it may be as late as tonight.

@ Voice: So how do you want to explain Javi's late entrance? Maybe the Mwangi took exception when Javi tried to use Vanishing Trick to bypass him on the path instead of fighting him? Beat him to a bloody pulp before issuing him in and Javi just has taken longer to recover? Just spit-ballin' here... let me know.

As to the chase rules. What book are those in? CORE? GMG?

For entry, I was basically just planning to have you fade in as one who is running the course with the rest as though you'd always been there. We haven't done much RP as a group or anything so it shouldn't be that jarring.

Chase Rules they are in the APG I think.

Sometimes i hate finding an profile image... anyone seen one that works better than this iconic image?

I know what you mean, I'm glad this one really jumped out as Nisk, I wish they had categories, so I could just filter out all the damn monsters.

I know it takes me forever to pick a picture since you gotta wad through those darn monster or joke pics hehe, I'll keep an eye out for a better image. Take a look at my Finik and Baron profiles I think one of those pics might work for your character.

Hmmm, one of those is pretty decent, Torgus (the young looking guy with the red scarf), but I've used it before for two (count them TWO) difference character concepts. I just can't bring myself to use it again.

This one will work for now.. it's growing on me. It looks young, athletic, and swarthy with a mess of dark hair (not to mention pointy ears!)... I'll stick with this.

thanks for the suggestions, though.

I think i'm caught up in the main thread, too. (hopefully i got the obstacles right)

Feedback on what you liked and didn't like on the course is also welcomed :)

That way I can fine tune for the next run through, which will be a bit more like this.

i think this was a fun encounter. Good idea overall, Voice. Having to do a high-DC Strength check is simply going to be difficult for some of us... even when we're high level.

At the same time, some tasks are meant to be really difficult - especially in a story like this - so maybe that's what you were going for.

i did like that there were multiple ways to succeed in the other tests, though. It let us approach it more within our character's style.

And about the potential gauntlet-run... sounds kind of interesting. I hope you're still going to be up for creative uses of our character's various abilities to overcome it? :D

Some of the tasks are going to be easier for the strong guys, and some will be easier for the little guys. Should balance out roughly in the end.

Still working up the gauntlet in my head, but yes it should have some flexibility for creativity built in.

Sorry for the sparseness over the last few days... work is really kicking my tail. I'm still here and engaged, and will try for at least one post a day.

Watches the tumbleweed bounce idly past.

Ha! I had just posted.

Ok folks, looks like we might have lost another one. Bandogrim's last post was on 16th September - if he isn't back by end of Friday my time then I'd think it fair to consider him washed out (which would equate to a two week absence without notification).

Your thoughts?

Also, in light of having lost 40% of the original accepted ones - if anything sucks or you are not liking it, please tell me. This is meant to be fun for everyone, so if it isn't speak up and we can shake things up.

When you wake up come morning there will hopefully be something a bit more engaging for you to sink your proverbial teeth into.

** spoiler omitted **

Ok folks, looks like we might have lost another one. Bandogrim's last post was on 16th September - if he isn't back by end of Friday my time then I'd think it fair to consider him washed out (which would equate to a two week absence without notification).

Your thoughts?

Also, in light of having lost 40% of the original accepted ones - if anything sucks or you are not liking it, please tell me. This is meant to be fun for everyone, so if it isn't speak up and we can shake things up.

When you wake up come morning there will hopefully be something a bit more engaging for you to sink your proverbial teeth into.

I haven't looked at archetypes or anything. haven't even started building the character. Just had an idea.

Also have an idea for a Sohei/Magus - Highly defensive, but when she hits she hits hard.

I realize I'm a sub-in, so my opinion might filter differently than your remaining original players, but here's my thoughts.

I'm enjoying the game, and I have no specific criticisms on how it's played out so far. Starting a new pbp with unknown players is always a gamble (from what I can tell). The slow progress of the game so far looks to have been due to the inconsistency of a few players' posting… which (if the remaining players are still engaged) should get better from here.

I don't know what your relationship with TCG is, but i've seen enough of his posts to be excited about what he's bringing to the game. Sorry if that sounds stalker-ish, TCG… I tend to be a lurker and listener more than a contributor in general forum threads, but i've seen you post in a number of threads i was interested in.

I just wanna encourage you, Voice. I love the concept of this game, and have enjoyed the little bit of it that has actually happened. Stick it out. A persistent and engaging DM will succeed… they tend to attract like-minded gamers.

Anywho… if any constructive criticism comes to mind, I'll post it.

EDIT: one thought. The slowness in the give-and-take that you're seeing may be due to us as players figuring out how to engage with each other's characters. This is an interesting character group because they're all (for the most part) martial bad-asses who've proven they're better than most everyone else who they've ever fought. So it's one part competition, one part companion, and one part… well… not sure yet. Either way, I think once we figure out how all the characters are supposed to work together, it might boost the way they interact socially.

I don't know what your relationship with TCG is, but i've seen enough of his posts to be excited about what he's bringing to the game. Sorry if that sounds stalker-ish, TCG… I tend to be a lurker and listener more than a contributor in general forum threads, but i've seen you post in a number of threads i was interested in.

I chose my name/avatar to be amusing and memorable, so I don't take anything as stalker ish. Plus it's the internet. Even if you are a stalker we're fine so long as you don't show up at my job/ house. ;-)

TCG is a ghost... in my undead campaign, signaled some interest in the OOC thread for that one, so I asked him to pop over into this Discussion thread to talk about it.

I am fully cognizant that the current structure has basically been "Go there, then do this, now do this, then that..." et al.

Next step will actually be player driven - which should help things along.

I'd like to think myself engaged... should be racking up 3,500 posts soon enough and only really got started in earnest in April...

Would somone mind giving me a basic run down of who everyone is and what general role they fill? It'll help with character creation. Also I'm open to suggestion on what to play.

Torgus is a Barbarian grappler
Nisk is a Dragon style cestus smasher
Cassadar is a Flowing Monk - more misdirection and movement
Javi is a Ninja / Free Hand - striking from the shadows

This PbP isn't locked into the cardinal four party roles as it is meant to basically be an exploration of the cool new unarmed combat / monk styles in UC and me as a DM experimenting with changing up the Magic School rules in Inner Sea Magic to reflect a Monastery of Irorian Martial Arts.

So basically the main restriction I put is that the focus of the character has to be on 'unarmed' fighting (though brass knucks, claws, cestus are close enough). Non Monks get Improved Unarmed Strike for free.

Dragon/Serpent smasher. Not only do I strike like a badass, but I'm darn hard to hit with your first attack and I'm almost garanteed a crit if I get a threat... I like these styles.

Javi is a Ninja / Free Hand - striking from the shadows

Yep, he's quick, got a lot of skills, and then will be focusing on Ninja Tricks that boost his survivability and ability to deliver consistent sneak attacks.

Basically, he'll play an opportunistic attacker who provides a nice bed of non-combat skills in case we get in situations where those are helpful. He's got a decent spread of social skills, and just enough 'roguish' skills to hopefully get the job done.

An interesting side-effect of his build is that he can use most melee weapons in the game, and use them to sneak attack. :)

One other thought. I intentionally spread Javi's skills thin, trying to bring some flexibility to our group skills. If you have a skill-set you want your character to be good at and Javi already has it, let's just hash it out.

Basically, build what you want to build, we'll figure out how to make it work. At least that's my thought.

At the moment I'm leaning toward Monk1(maybe 2)\Druid*, but they wont get too interesting until they can shapeshift. Monk/ Magus (kensi unarmed) looks cool too.

AND I BE THE CHAMPION OF BALLENWOOD!

Psh... everyone knows Ballenwood Wrastlin' is fake.

AND I BE THE CHAMPION OF BALLENWOOD!

Who let Torgus out of his cage? :P

TCG - the animal shaman druids get a Totem Transformation at 2nd level that provides some degree of unarmed proficiency (Lion shamans get two claws and a bite, Snake shamans get a bite, etc)

TCG - the animal shaman druids get a Totem Transformation at 2nd level that provides some degree of unarmed proficiency (Lion shamans get two claws and a bite, Snake shamans get a bite, etc)

Not a big fan of the totems. I'll just stick with the standard druid. He's still fun even without shifting. He'll just be scarier in a couple of levels. ;-)

I saw somewhere there was a feat that allowed you to treat levels other than druid (max 4 i think, but not to exceed hit dice) as druid levels for wild shape purposes, but I don't know where it is. Person who posted hasn't followed up on my question.

Are the monk levels for feat dipping and Wis to AC? - you don't 'have' to be a monk ;)

Are the monk levels for feat dipping and Wis to AC? - you don't 'have' to be a monk ;)

Wis to AC+ skills+feats+good saves+Flurry and with a monks robe (eventually) a higher movement and stronger unarmed strikes.

That feat is in Ultimate Magic, though the name escapes me. I do remember that it has a skill rank pre-req that prohibits you from taking it before level 5, and you can't take it until you have the Wildshape class feature.

That feat is in Ultimate Magic, though the name escapes me. I do remember that it has a skill rank pre-req that prohibits you from taking it before level 5, and you can't take it until you have the Wildshape class feature.

Ahh, well it'll still be useful in the future.

Shaping Focus is the feat - from UM

HAHA ANOTHER TO WATCH THE GLORIOUS DEFEAT ALL YOU STAND BEFORE THE BRAWLING BEAR!!!!! I'LL SHOW YOU WHATS FAKE YOU LITTLE, WHERE'S MY FOLDING CHAIR +2!!!!!

Torgus rounds the corner of the monastery and sees the orcish horde approaching. All are wearing masks of various colours and rock and or roll music is blasting in the background...

TCG - one other option to consider is that I'm open to a trade out of your Nature Bond for some 'monk flavored stuff'. So you wouldn't get a domain or animal companion, but you could load up on some monk flavored stuff instead and stay straight druid?