FireberdGNOME's page

DQ, not only could you just reroll, you could also go back to a previous Save Game ;) And since you are gunna win your video game anyway, why make it take longer than it has to? lol

Thank you all for your feedback :)

The only snark was about someone's consistent mispelling of Rogue ;)

The only reason the Point-Buy got paired to "Choose Stats" was because we were not given *any* guidelines, so I went with what is "normal" for me, and the other went for "normal" for him.

In any event, I think I am just gunna restat my character and see if my wife wants to do the same with hers (both are 25pt).

GNOME

This has been on my mind lately.

I am in a game where my character was built on 25 point buy (which is claimed to be "Powerful" by some) and I like the way my Oracle is built. However, the issue, another player used "Roll dice til yer happy" technique and has *INCREDIBLE* Stats. After racial mods, a 20, an 18, at least one 16 and the difference is 14s.

The game is good enough, I am not upset, nor worried about balance (that comes up for other reasons ;) ) So, my question is, "Why would a player feel the need to be good at everything? Seriously?

A few possibilities for why a player would do this,
1) Holdover from 1st/2nd ed. If your stat wasn't a 16, you didn't have a stat.
2) Needs to be valuable in *EVERY* situation; cannot let other characters (players) have the spotlight.
3) Too much TV/Movie hero models. For example, (don't laugh) Xena: she's strong, smart, fast, tough, and can be 'sociable' (intim, bluff) when she needs to.

For me, it's more interesting to play a PC that is good at what they do, but has weaknesses that sometimes come to the fore. "Ok, Bennie, roll to bluff the guards so they don't search the wagon" "Me? Crap. 'Don't do that' [roll]d20-1[/roll] I got a 4, they don't buy it." I would call character flaws (even mechanical) RP gold!

Any other thoughts?

Just my view on this... nothing but opinion mind you :)

Healing surges in game could be useful to my groups because we tend to run the medic into the ground. I would not allow 'free' healing in a combat, but after a fight "taking a breahter" could work.

Imagine the party gets scuffed up and then after checking their security, they take a respite and heal say their level in HP, or maybe levelx2 with a Heal check. I don't think it would dramatically shift the game and it would give parties more longevity in the dungeon (not just their actual mortal coils ;) ) Also, it would encourage Clerics to be more Caster-rrific! and not just "Healing Batteries." One caveat to this would be requiring a Healing Kit as the 'tax' in resources.

Again, just an idea and not something I play with.

(I did houserule Channeling Bursts *add* the channeler's CHA mod to damage healed to make parties more durable ;) )

Carl Ironeater:

Dwarven Invulnerable Rager Barbarian.

If that is a worthy first effort, I will flesh out his background :)

I can post multiple times per day and will notify the group if something comes up that will prevent that. I am an adequate writer and try to keep different characters seperate (I ditched a Gunslinger as too similar to an alt in one other PbP). I am an experienced gamer, but PbP is still pretty new. I am involved in two currently, one is dying (on a different forum) and the other is flowing well. (look at my aliases for B'yelka Morfaine).

DOT

More often than not I get stuck running the games I play in. I would rather play, say by a ratio of 1-4. I don't mind running, but I don't *like* it. That said, as I am still active duty Army, I move a lot and if I want to play at all, I run. At least at first to get folks to play at all.

Most current: Me running
First Previous: one session in someone else's game, this group grew out of the next on the list...
Second Previous: Someone else running, started at 3rd and got to 8th before the group dissolved due to everyone moving in a two month span.
Third Previous: I ran it for a few weeks, till we lost half the group (work issues...)
Fourth Previous: I ran it while in Durkadurkastan
Fifth Previous: A friend ran it from 4th to 10th level
Sixth Previous: I ran it.

The temple to Wee Jas is easily converted into a temple of Pharasma. The cleric that has essentially closed it's doors, Ike, iirc, is just not a worshipper of Pharasma anymore... he has turned to Urgathoa!

How does that sound?

:D

GNOME

Circlet of Persuasion:

Circlet of Persuasion

Aura faint transmutation; CL 5th

Slot head; Price 4,500 gp; Weight —

Description

This silver headband grants a +3 competence bonus on the wearer's Charisma-based checks.

Construction

Requirements Craft Wondrous Item, eagle's splendor; Cost 2,250 gp

GNOME

I am surprised there aren't more Signal geeks in here...

31S/25S since '95 and still active duty.

Being Active Duty makes it difficult to get groups together, and when you do they die sudden horrible deaths: PCS/ETS/Deployments/Field... *poof* group is dissolved.

GNOME

We are working on a RPG group in Graf, if that's not too far away!

At the very least you can get your name mixed in and we can develop a community in the region :)

This came up in making a character. If you had a Bard, would songwriting be a craft, a profession, or included in your Perform (Instrument/Sing)?

By the same token, would playwriting be covered by Perform (Act)?

GNOME

It gives +6 Armor, +3 Max Dex, and a -4 ACP because it is more expensive than Chainmail that only offers +6 Armor, +2 Max Dex and a -5 ACP.

That's why.

Reality be darned, it's a game. If you like you can even 'skin' your breastplate to *barely* cover your torso ala Boris Vallejo art.

Thank you for listening :)

GNOME

Abacus,
I am checking out the forums for this now :) I am very interested! I just have to come up with a good concept and backstory.

Am I reading into it too much that you are looking for a Martial or a Divine and very little else?

Thanks,
GNOME

I once had a Priestess of Bast that was plane/time-hopped from Faerun (Forgotten Realms) to NYC, 2010. We had a lot of fun with the story telling aspects, and the campaign was definitely enriched for it. It combined aspects of (as I mentioned) time travel, plane hopping as well as Cthulhu mythos, voodoo, and fallen mythical heroes.

Not nearly as awkward as "I mate with my pet!" ;)

GNOME

Oh God, I hated Graf when I was over there (87-90). If you're stationed there I suppose it's ok, but going out there for training :P UGH.

I had a friend once tell me, "My memories of Germany are limited to mud and tank's exhaust-behind the tanks was the only place to stay warm!"

I expect the family and I will be pretty happy there :) I am after all a SatCom weenie :p

GNOME

•bump•

In regards to overspending ki or any other resources, use tokens. You wanna ninja vanish? Pony up that token. You don't have a token then you don't vanish.

In regards to move/full attack give him a card with a checklist/flowchart... Did you move? Yes. Did you move more than one square? No. Full Attack!

GNOME

Do you have any guidance on classes/roles still needed?

GNOME

My wife and I are headed to Germany in time for the New Year. We enjoy good company with a fun group. We will be able to host a game, or travel some moderate distances.

I have been playing RPGs since the early 80s. I also have experience with tabletop war games, though my preference is RPGs.

For style of game I prefer a fair mix of crunch and storytelling. With story trumping.

Ich spreche etwas Deutsch, meine Ehfrau is bilingual.

Please contact here if interested.

GNOME

1) Dictate the new loot.
2) Have them come in a level lower.
3) Give boons to survivors.
4) Do not allow the players to assume entitlement.

Feel free to use these in any combination.

It seems the issue is that the players don't care about the story. =/. Get them to care about character survival, and hopefully they will start to care about the campaign =)

GNOME

What you bring is the first portrait. You play through the storyboards and can always get a new portrait done. =)

GNOME

Light Fighter concepts in all their variations :)

Free Hand would top my list. I have a Free Hand with Monk 2 dip that I still look forward to playing in game!

I also like Fighter/Rogues ;)

GNOME

Yes, of course. However if you have the patience you might find that the complaints are insights into ways to do things better. It does get annoying when all you hear from someone is, "This sucks!" If someone does not bring solutions, they need to shut the smell up :)

GNOME

I tell my players that I strongly dislike evil/obnoxious PCs. That precludes most PvP by default. I also tell my players that if they want PvP I will adjudicate the fight, but when complete I will not be running the game anymore; someone else has to take over.

Many years ago I played in a game where the DM •encouraged• PvP. It was so bad that players would make 'teams' to band together for when the inter-party strife started. Yes, many years ago. I never had fun at that table. =/

GNOME

Easy answer from someone that is not interested in stepping outside of PF...

1) System. I don't feel much desire to learn a new system when D20 works, warts and all.
2) System. Many folks know D20. I move a lot due to my job, so groups rarely get past one year anniversaries.
3) System. D20 is easy to teach. Yes it can be complex, but at it's core it is simple and elegant.
4) System. The system works well enough to cover lots and lots of character concepts, so players should be pretty happy.
5) System. The rules work well enough to let GMs to run the games they want.

GNOME

To add to Garabbot...

Enlarge your primary Melees, then Invis, then Fly. Your Enlarged Melees can serve as ad hoc mounts for the smaller, non-flying folks ;)

GNOME

I played a Barb/Fighter hybrid once. She was effective. Fast Movement and Rage help a lot. The plan was to go Bar5/Fig10 by the end of the AP.

Rage
Fast Movement
2 Rage Powers
Uncanny Dodge
Improved Uncanny Dodge

Bravery
Armor Training
Weapon Training
Feats (especially Fighter Only ones)

It seemed to work well to me, and the character's background called for it... then again I like capable PCs, but will still gladly play a Rogue into Duelist =)

GNOME

... "scripted NPC...". "NPC saves the day..."

Say no more. Your DM wants to be a hero, not a referee. This doesn't work because it turns the PCs into spectators. I would be hard pressed to explain how that is better than watching bad tv...

GNOME

A good GM is...

1) Referee
2) Director
3) All of the 'bit parts'
4) Final Arbitrating Voice

As a referee a GM has to have a good (not perfect) grasp of the rules, and has to be flexible enough to say YES and NO as befits the game. "Can I play a Huge Monstrous Sea Lion in the Skulll & Shackles you are gunna run?" No! "Can my pirate sweep from the rigging into the evil ship captain and bull rush him over board?" Yes!

As a Director the GM is responsible for setting and pacing of the story. He is not a script writer, though he is the dialogue coach for #3 above. The GM should not say, "Your character wouldn't do that" but he should say, "After you shove the bartender to the floor you see his three sons stand up and pull cudgels from their belts..."

As "All of the bit parts" the GM has a lot on his/her plate! NPC interaction and dialogue; enemy stats and combat actions. For this work the GM needs some patience granted by the players: it can be a lot to track.

The Final Arbitrating Voice *does* mean the GM's rulings are final. This is where the Players have to understand it is not "GM Fiat" in it's evil, ugly, bullying context. It *does* mean players have to be willing to abide decisions, especially with on the fly decisions! Or, players and GMs can just sit and argue rather than game... :/ The flip side is that the GM has to be fair minded about the game. The GM cannot 'oh, yeah, it doesn't work that way' fiat stuff just because his bad guys are dying in droves. The GM is the Referee and thus is obligated to remain distant enough to not allow his/her feelings affect the game (except to encourage the players and participate in the fun!)

Most importantly, GMs are entitled to enjoy running the game. Players are not allowed to hold them hostage to the rules. If a player is so set on "The Rules Say This" then you may need to swap seats and run the game yourself.

(I do believe in Player Entitlement: All Players (GMs are palyers, too) are entitled to have fun!)

GNOME

I concur with Swordlord: fits Kingmaker's locale very well! =D

Or, cheapy items: potion of blur or displacement...

"Hi Bob, this is Joe. I am sorry if anything I said or did upset you or the group. I would change things that have happened, but I can't. I hope you can forgive my error. In any event I wish you and yours all the best."

To the point. No recriminations. Just an apology and a request for forgiveness.

I hope it works out for you.

GNOME

Two levels of Barb could be nice. You stay 'savage' get fast movement, rage, and uncanny dodge. You will lose out on some will saves, (+1 I think) but that is comped by the morale bonus while raging. It's not perfect, but it's thematically appropriate.

Ranger is also a good bet. imo it is really up to you how you want to run it.

In regards to savage/primitive armor, look at hide (barb comps the speed disadvantage) or even dragonhide (if available!). As you do not take 'loot' the DM may make a •Shield• 3/day type item, too.

I don't think the game breaks down because one PC is 'outside the box'. In fact, it should expand the game. You already said the DM lets you 'level' your core gear, so you are accumulating wealth (by level). That sounds like a good fix to me. The loot found should be slightly less (one fair share less ;) ) so the rest of the party doesn't bloat.

You sound like you are playing a great character, I would be proud to run a game for you or just play next to you =).

GNOME

Am I remembering something wrong? I distinctly remember that if the PC casts a spell (such as Longstrider) then the pet gets it as well, as long as the pet is within 5' when the spell is cast.

I am looking in my CRB and not seeing this.

Herolab (not perfect, I know) also thinks Share Spells grants spell benefits to the pet as well as the PC.

If it does work as I remember (which I hope) a page reference would be really nice.

Thanks all in advance!

GNOME

@Mem, I agree. Just looking at options to give the GM =)

@VRMH, MortTCN, the GM has implied that the theme of the campaign will not be one where Famous would be available =/

@MortTCN, yes, Animal Companion would be good, maybe too good. What do you think if it had the same restrictions as a Ranger's pet? Specifically, no big cat melee destroyer. I was thinking a small cat as it fits in the story: the first animal she used her power on was a house ca. Tie the pet •directly• to the activation of the power.

Nothing is set, and I am still lookingat options =). I thought about giving the Animal domain, but shelved that as too powerful! How about Summon Nature's added to spells known?

GNOME

Prior to our last session the GM gave us what seemed like the background for Skull & Shackles so I made a Chelish Diva (Inner Sea Magic). It seemed like a fun idea to play an opera dandy in a pirate campaign =).

However, we did no do skull and shackles! Our ship was struck by a freak storm that transported us to an alternate time/place. We also found that we were marked (ala Eberron Dragonmarks). Now, all of this is pretty cool, except that my PC (B'yelka) is losing out on one my class abilities (Famous, bonus to Intimidate and Bluff in her 'home' area). The GM has suggested finding an alternate ability to work in. I am asking you all for suggestions for an alternate ability.

The mark B'yelka has is associated with animals (Mark of Handling) so I was thinking about a Ranger Animal Companion (bear in mind she traded Bardic Knowledge for Famous), Or Wild Empathy Druid or Ranger style. Another option could be a feat such as Skill Focus, Deceitful or Persuasive.

In any event, I am glad to be playing and I look forward to where the game takes us =).

Thanks in advance for any suggestions =D

GNOME

Think of the individual crises as Encounters. Plan on the players sallying out to raid the besiegers. Is their city on the coast? Use water encounters =). Sappers, or sewer raiders? Did the invasion capture any sections of the city? The party can fight to get them back =).

GNOME

TPK happens. You and your players have to deal with it. In regards to reroll/res, ask your players. Discuss pros and cons of any route you may take. This is a collective game for everyone at the table. I would not be excited about playing a character that had to pick up the dragon's soap (think prison) unless there was a clear point to it.

GNOME

As a general 'rule' if you can't make it let us know ahead of time. No-Notice cancellations are rude. Also, if you have a real life event (Holiday, appointment, whatever) it's all good-take care of your business. If your WOW Guild run is more important, than please don't allow us IRL folks to hamper your style-we will find a replacement.

As a more codified rule: If you miss more than 2 out of 4 sessions without a good reason, expect the boot. It's all about being a good team member. If you don't want to hang out with us, say so.

GNOME

EDIT: I get it now. Its until the end of the Titan Maulers Turn and thus it wouldn't matter anyways.

Makes attacks of opportunity against the Titan Mauler tough, though ;)

GNOME

How do your peers feel? That may be a fair gauge of your issue :)

Well, it's easier to play DM+2 than DM+1... not that I am encouraging player entitlement, but you, the player, have a right to enjoy the game.

*Points up*. What dey sed.

GNOME

Common. Mostly for dysfunctional (can't see eye to eye, arguing, incompatible play styles) or scheduling conflicts.

It takes me six to twelve months to get a group, and I or my players end up moving six to twelve months after that...

Or, define completed...

We had a game years ago (2ed) that lasted happily for years. The game had great storytelling, awesome fights and a striking continuity (PC children became PCs!). The one thing it never did was 'end' ;D

GNOME

Someone else here suggested a quick, good fix to the rogue: open Ultimate Combat, find the Ninja class, change all references to ki and replace with Panache. Rogueis fixed.

The previous poster hit the high-lights.
To me, the insultis that so many other class+archetypes do what rogues do, and then do other things rogues can never do makes the rogue superfluous and irrelevant (I'm lookingat you Archaeologists...)

I do love me some light fighters though O.O

GNOME

Ranger could work, too. Some survival/seafaring skills wouldn't hurt! :-=D

Look at sword and board or great weapon, or even archery styles =)

GNOME

Read through to get the gist. Then read in detail and understand how x interacts with z. Take notes as needed =D

Otherwise get out the models you need/might need beforehand. Print hand outs before the game.

The day before, review notes and adventure to refresh your memory.

GNOME

Think about some of the Barb rage/intim abilities as well as Cornugon Smash. It may not be the superest debuff, but it lands consistently! Don't forget Intimidating Prowess to add STR mod to Intim. =)

For what it's worth, Paizo customer service is top notch. That may be worth something to you =D

TSK,
I am confused. You say charge, it's your character concept. You also say ditch the guy that charges. •Shrug•. I was only stating that making profit on your teammates is bad form. I did not say boot the player, I did not say tar and feather the PC.

GNOME