thereal thom's
Game Master therealthom

In an effort to help Arando, because some of the game thread is a little disjointed timewise... :)

Arando heads eagerly to work the next morning, hoping to talk with his employer . . .

Dorman is not in yet.

In the meantime Jeorik Vandor, believed to be the nephew of Dorman and eager to meet his uncle has been given directions to the buildings on Milk Street. Finding a guide he hurries, with his mule, to the spot, where after tethering the mule, he knocks on the door.

Arando: someone is knocking. Best answer the door.

Please provide each other with a short physical description. First impressions are so important.

It is assumed that Arando did open the door.

Opening the door reveals a young man standing on the doorstep. He looks to have been traveling, his clothes are a little dusty and he hasn't shaved in two days. He is armed and armored, with leather, bow and sword.

Still his clothes are not exactly ragged. His bow, quiver and sword look well kept and there is a certain twinkle in his eyes suggestive of humor and intelligence. As he notices your scrutiny, he self consciously brushes his brown hair, which is in need of a trim, back away from his brow.

"Is Dorman Vandor here?" Jeorik asks though he is hoping that it is his uncle that has answered the door.
Arando can see a well laden mule tied to one of the hitching posts behind Jeorik.

Spot check 12 please

Hey, Arando/Dan –

To keep things moving, here's what you need to know about skills and skill checks.

For various actions during the course of the game, a character has to roll a d20 for a skill check, adding his skill modifier to his roll, just like an attack roll. If you get the target number or higher, you're successful.

I notice that Arando's profile is a little light. Take a look at one of the other characters profiles, and you'll see a list of skills with various modifiers. For example, you can see that my character, Keliwyn has a skill of spot +2. So for that check, if I roll a 10, it would be a success (10+2=12). You'll need to figure out Arando’s skill modifiers and add them to his profile. How do you do that, you (might) ask? Well, it’s easy enough once you get the hang of it.

First, start with (for you) the wizards class description rules. Here, you'll see a list of which skills are considered class skills for wizards, and a formula for determining how many skill points you have to allocate. Arando has an intelligence of 16, which has a +3 modifier. So he gets (2+3)x4=20 points to allocate.

Now, before you start allocating, you need to know a few more things:
First, each skill is tied to an ability – balance works off of dexterity, diplomacy off charisma, etc. So, a total skill modifier = ability modifier + ranks invested + misc modifier, if any.
Second, if you invest one point in a class skill, you get one rank. If you invest one point in a cross-class skill, you only get 1/2 a rank.
Third, to use some skills you need to have ranks in them, while others can be used untrained (w/o ranks invested).

So, with all that in mind, here is how Arando looks so far – that is to say, here are the untrained skills, with your ability modifiers, before allocating points for ranks:

appraise +3, balance +2, bluff +0, climb +0, concentration +3, diplomacy +0, disguise +0, escape artist +2, forgery +3, gather info +0, heal +1, hide +2, intimidate +0, jump +0, listen +1, move silently +2, ride +2, search +3, sense motive +1, spot +1, survival +1, swim +0, use rope +2

From here, you can invest those 20 skill points for ranks in any skill, all of which are listed in theskills section of the Hypertext SRD, (which also has a subsection for using skills.) Remember, if it’s not an ‘untrained’ skill (which I listed above), you need to have some ranks if you think you’ll want to use it. If you do pick up a new ‘trained’ skill, don’t forget to add the proper ability modifier. Also remember that if you put points into non-Wizard skills, you only get 1/2 ranks. So, for example, if you want to throw 2 skill points in ‘open lock,’ you’ll only get 1 rank + your dex modifier of +2 (dex of 15) = +3 total skill modifier for open lock checks.

Feel free to cut & paste the above skills into your profile. Figure out what ‘trained’ skills you might want to add, start allocating points for ranks, and adjust your skill modifiers accordingly. As I said above, once you get the hang of this, it’s pretty easy. I also use a free program called PC Gen that basically does a lot of this for you. You just plug in your ability scores and pick your class, and it puts together your skills w/ ability modifiers, tells you which skills are trained/untrained, how many points you have to allocate, etc. Which is what I did for you.

As an aside, this is where rogue’s get to be fun. They don’t the melee capabilities of a fighter and don’t get to cast spells, but they have a ton of class skills and get the most skill points.

Well, this post was way longer than I thought it would be, and you may know most of this already, but I do hope it helps. The Hypertext SRD, which I linked to above can also be helpful and contains all of the rules of the game.

A lot of good stuff.

Wow, thanks, Billzabub. Very thorough.

Hey, what's the deal with invisible castle? Do you have to register now to roll there?

Billzabub wrote:

A lot of good stuff.

Wow, thanks, Billzabub. Very thorough.

Hey, what's the deal with invisible castle? Do you have to register now to roll there?

No need to register. Only to input the name of the character you are making the roll for, unlike in the previous version where you can leave that field blank.

Billzabub wrote:

A lot of good stuff.

Wow, thanks, Billzabub. Very thorough.

Hey, what's the deal with invisible castle? Do you have to register now to roll there?

If you do register it allows you to input a Campaign Name. All the rolls using that Campaign name get their own page.

Billzabub wrote:

A lot of good stuff.

Wow, thanks, Billzabub. Very thorough.

No sweat. I had some free time & thought I'd help keep things moving.

Guardin', guardin', guardin' in the garden.

Still here, just waiting for everything to catch up.

Guardin', guardin', guardin' in the garden.

Still here, just waiting for everything to catch up.

At least Darvyl has someone else's conversation to eavesdrop on :)

Guys, especially Wicht and Dordhed. The game may slow up a little until Chris Mortika (Dorman Vander) makes a reappearance. I haven't heard from him in a while. Of course, I accidentally hijacked Jeorik and Arando. (Must plan better) Hopefully Chris is still available.

Thereal Thom...

Out of curiousity, have you talked with Chris yet about this? I recognize its what we're mostly waiting on.

I didn't really mean anything in the other thread and hope I did not give offense. It is a little disheartening to be going along at a nice little pace and then for a week nothing. But I understand the delay isn't really your doing.

Out of curiousity, have you talked with Chris yet about this? I recognize its what we're mostly waiting on.

I didn't really mean anything in the other thread and hope I did not give offense. It is a little disheartening to be going along at a nice little pace and then for a week nothing. But I understand the delay isn't really your doing.

Sorry; I've been out of email contact for a little while. I can post more freely after work tonight.

Having said that, and the apology is the most important part, I've been considering my work here to be backup and support for Thereal Thom, rather than anything essential. I was embarrassed when I realized that the DM had specific things he really wanted *me* to do.

So, again, sorry.

[Thereal Thom...

Out of curiousity, have you talked with Chris yet about this? I recognize its what we're mostly waiting on.

I didn't really mean anything in the other thread and hope I did not give offense. It is a little disheartening to be going along at a nice little pace and then for a week nothing. But I understand the delay isn't really your doing.

No 'fence.

Part of the pause in your story line is my fault. I started the game thinking that Dan and I would finish his character's skills and feats, but never got around to it. Dan and I played AD&D way back when. I don't think he's played since. So I should have taken more time with him. Sorry, Dan.

I've been emailing Chris, he says he's still interested. His first Dorman post was pretty cool. Diffferent from how I pictured the character, but very cool. I don't know if he's waiting for Jeorik and Arando to finish saying "HI". I plan on calling Dan tonight and covering anything else.

EDIT: Cross-posted with Chris.

WooHoo!

Chris is back on board with Dorman!

Spoke with Dan/Dordhed/Arando. He and I will flesh out Arando's skills and feats this weekend or early next week.

I should be able to post late tonight, and once or twice Sat. morning. In case anyone is interested this weekend.

Thanks! I know the profile is light. I've just been insanely busy the past few weeks. (This is the first time I've gotten to this page!) I'll try to get caught up. But thanks again!

Hey, Arando/Dan –

To keep things moving, here's what you need to know about skills and skill checks.

For various actions during the course of the game, a character has to roll a d20 for a skill check, adding his skill modifier to his roll, just like an attack roll. If you get the target number or higher, you're successful.

I notice that Arando's profile is a little light. Take a look at one of the other characters profiles, and you'll see a list of skills with various modifiers. For example, you can see that my character, Keliwyn has a skill of spot +2. So for that check, if I roll a 10, it would be a success (10+2=12). You'll need to figure out Arando’s skill modifiers and add them to his profile. How do you do that, you (might) ask? Well, it’s easy enough once you get the hang of it.

First, start with (for you) the wizards class description rules. Here, you'll see a list of which skills are considered class skills for wizards, and a formula for determining how many skill points you have to allocate. Arando has an intelligence of 16, which has a +3 modifier. So he gets (2+3)x4=20 points to allocate.

Now, before you start allocating, you need to know a few more things:
First, each skill is tied to an ability – balance works off of dexterity, diplomacy off charisma, etc. So, a total skill modifier = ability modifier + ranks invested + misc modifier, if any.
Second, if you invest one point in a class skill, you get one rank. If you invest one point in a cross-class skill, you only get 1/2 a rank.
Third, to use some skills you need to have ranks in them, while others can be used untrained (w/o ranks invested).

So, with all that in mind, here is how Arando looks so far – that is to say, here are the untrained skills, with your ability modifiers, before allocating points for ranks:

appraise +3, balance +2, bluff +0, climb +0, concentration +3, diplomacy +0,...

Guys, crunch week at work. Two big projects suddenly due at the same time. Posting will be erratic, but I'll try.

Crisis over, so I should be able to post more the rest of the week. Still got to work hard, but should be able to post more.

Thom, I forgot to ask. The Korvosa info in PF6 is safe for us to read? I have put off looking at it just in case. There was something else I wanted to ask but can't remember it now. If it comes up I will post it.

Thom, I forgot to ask. The Korvosa info in PF6 is safe for us to read? I have put off looking at it just in case. There was something else I wanted to ask but can't remember it now. If it comes up I will post it.

Read away. It sounds like their City Guard is pretty honest all around. Also sounds like the Red Mantises are top of the underworld food chain. Between them and the Wrappers how's an honest citizen like Thalus to survive? I will keep my City Guard mildly corrupt. The mantises? Who knows?

As long as we're on the subject, its fine if you want to read the Crimson Throne AP as it comes out, if you can keep from metagaming. But Aubrey wrote pretty eloquently in favor of avoiding reading the adventures while playing: fewer surprises, less suspense, = less fun. I wish I could remember what thread it was in.

Radavel. I'm trying to keep spoiler usage down, but not leak too much info between story-lines. Vertas' use of INigo is on purpose. After typing it wrong 3 times I decided he was deliberately mispronouncing the name to needle you.

Darthen wrote:

Thom, I forgot to ask. The Korvosa info in PF6 is safe for us to read? I have put off looking at it just in case. There was something else I wanted to ask but can't remember it now. If it comes up I will post it.

Read away. It sounds like their City Guard is pretty honest all around. Also sounds like the Red Mantises are top of the underworld food chain. Between them and the Wrappers how's an honest citizen like Thalus to survive? I will keep my City Guard mildly corrupt. The mantises? Who knows?

As long as we're on the subject, its fine if you want to read the Crimson Throne AP as it comes out, if you can keep from metagaming. But Aubrey wrote pretty eloquently in favor of avoiding reading the adventures while playing: fewer surprises, less suspense, = less fun. I wish I could remember what thread it was in.

I will stay out of the AP as we play. This Saturday I start a RotRL campaign as the DM. Seeing as it will be my first DM experience, and the guys coming over have very little experience playing. It will take us quite awhile to start CotCT. Although I may read through the first one once we are into #2.

I've been a little busy, but will get a post up tonight. Thanks.

Thom, I forgot to ask. The Korvosa info in PF6 is safe for us to read? I have put off looking at it just in case. There was something else I wanted to ask but can't remember it now. If it comes up I will post it.

PF6 ?? I though tyou meant 5. I don't have my copy of 6 yet. Is it cool?

So . . . Nice weather we're having . . . How 'bout them Giants . . .

How about them Giants !!!?

Pats rule!

Sorry if I'm stepping on Thom's toes, but . . .

Dordhed, would you mind posting your responses below the quoted material, instead of above? It's the norm on these boards to respond below, but more than that it's hard to read through when only one person is doing it differently.

Thanks.

Darthen wrote:

Thom, I forgot to ask. The Korvosa info in PF6 is safe for us to read? I have put off looking at it just in case. There was something else I wanted to ask but can't remember it now. If it comes up I will post it.

PF6 ?? I though tyou meant 5. I don't have my copy of 6 yet. Is it cool?

I haven't looked yet. I think they said there will be a 5 or 6 page spread on the CotCT AP.

TheOcho: Just downloaded my pdf of PF6. I'll browse it Monday night and let you know if it's safe.

Quite a number of chores you've given me Thom. The real puzzle for me is how to handle the acquisition of the ledgers.

I don't suppose Vertas has a spell that allows his to replicate the whole books, like amanuensis from spell compendium.

Quite a number of chores you've given me Thom. The real puzzle for me is how to handle the acquisition of the ledgers.

I don't suppose Vertas has a spell that allows his to replicate the whole books, like amanuensis from spell compendium.

Well, you've knocked off a couple of them already. I didn't think you'd just nip the appointment book when you sent its tender to see Vertas. Too clever, too obvious for me. Nicely done.

I'd say the most obvious path is the best one for the ledgers. What would you do if someone had something you wanted? OR I can detail Owlen's personal habits and the office area and you can plan a Danny Pond (scaled down Ocean) like heist. Oh, and to answer your question, no. Vertas has no duplication spells.

How about them Giants?? :(

Seriously, Billzabub, and any other Giant's fans on the thread. Congratulations. The Giant's played very well, made the Patriots play NY's game, and deserved the victory. Excuse my quivering upper lip.

Darthen, TheOcho and anyone else getting Pathfinder.

Spoiler warning on the Preview section of PF6. It lays out the whole campaign issue by issue. There's more detail than in the synopses for PF 7-12 in the Pathfinder product page.

I'll leave the decision to read it or not up to you.

One last thing for everyone. You guys are doing great, the PC interactions have been really amusing. Great dialogue. I've got to smoosh you guys together more.

I think Chris deserves a big hand for what he's doing with the Vander storyline. He's drawing the NPCs much bigger and livelier than I would have myself.

Thom, I've already prepared most of my post in response to your question in the IC. But I'm still thinking of a plausible plan regarding the ledgers. Your patience is appreciated. :D

Doing my best to avoid serious CotCT spoilers . . . Fortunately the ones in PF6 were well-heralded!

Thom, I've already prepared most of my post in response to your question in the IC. But I'm still thinking of a plausible plan regarding the ledgers. Your patience is appreciated. :D

No worries. Take your time.

How about them Giants?? :(

Seriously, Billzabub, and any other Giant's fans on the thread. Congratulations. The Giant's played very well, made the Patriots play NY's game, and deserved the victory. Excuse my quivering upper lip.

Wow, I was telling people it was going to be the Giants D-Line that was going to make the difference. Thankfully, they kept the score low and got to Brady enough. Anyway you cut it, it was a great game for a Superbowl.

My apologies to all for not posting more; I've been busy as hell. Things aren't slowing down any, but I should be able to get in more posting.

My apologies to all for not posting more; I've been busy as hell. Things aren't slowing down any, but I should be able to get in more posting.

No worries.

Hey, all. I'm going to be on the road Friday through Sunday with limited posting potential.

Maybe it will be the next morning when I get back ;-).

Hey, all. I'm going to be on the road Friday through Sunday with limited posting potential.

Maybe it will be the next morning when I get back ;-).

I hope so. The morning has one scene in which you may play a significant role, or choose not too. Darvyl is one of the characters, I had trouble plotting a story for. In retrospect, I probably should have just tossed you right in with Darthen or Jeorik-Arando right away.

Darvyl Wrightson wrote:

Hey, all. I'm going to be on the road Friday through Sunday with limited posting potential.

Maybe it will be the next morning when I get back ;-).

I hope so. The morning has one scene in which you may play a significant role, or choose not too. Darvyl is one of the characters, I had trouble plotting a story for. In retrospect, I probably should have just tossed you right in with Darthen or Jeorik-Arando right away.

No worries. I've run PBPs, I'm familiar with the pros and cons!

Dordhed, why Dordhed?

Dan, seriously. I didn't answer "what are hellknights" 'cause you asked it in character, but if I've missed background feel free to ask out of character or here in the discussion thread. That's what it's for.

Let's have a big, big, heartfelt Korvosa hand for TheOcho. Its his birthday.

"That's some good clean family fun, Cotton."

Let's have a big, big, heartfelt Korvosa hand ..

A Korvosa one, huh? checks to make sure his wallet is still there

"That's some good clean family fun, Cotton."

A movie quote? I am not familiar with that one.

Thank you very much. Oh, BTW I have been holding off on posting until the other group gets sort of caught up in time to us. That way you don't have to juggle so much right now. If you prefer that I keep posting just let me know.

Let's have a big, big, heartfelt Korvosa hand for TheOcho. Its his birthday.

"That's some good clean family fun, Cotton."

Happy Birthday TheOcho.

Just saw the CotCT players guide was available for download. LINK

I still haven't looked through the last Runelords chapter for the Korvosa info. Maybe tonight I will do that.

Thom, once you get a chance to look through the players guide will we get a chance to fine tune the characters? There will be CotCT special feats and I am guessing region specific weapons and items. The new equipment is what I am specifically interested in.

*edit*
Just browsed through it and other than a few minor items there is no real equipment specific to Korvosa.

Ocho just beat me to it - I was pulling up the thread to link to the Player's Guide.

Happy Birthday, OchoMan.

- B

/drools

New Feat: SABLE COMPANY MARINE
Req: ranger lvl 4th

Ocho just beat me to it - I was pulling up the thread to link to the Player's Guide.

Happy Birthday, OchoMan.

- B

Thanks :D

Guys, reading Korvosa Player's guide now. By page 4 I've noted a couple mistakes (differences between Korvosa as I've portrayed it and as written.)

We will be adjusting characters when we get ready to start the campaign proper if you wish.

Does everyone have access to the pdf ?

Guys, reading Korvosa Player's guide now. By page 4 I've noted a couple mistakes (differences between Korvosa as I've portrayed it and as written.)

We will be adjusting characters when we get ready to start the campaign proper if you wish.

Does everyone have access to the pdf ?

Just downloaded my copy.

I've got mine but have only just skimmed it thus far.