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The group advances further down the eerily empty and quiescent Westcrown streets. Those with Low Light Vision or Darkvision:
You spot a faint shape on the ground at the edge of your vision. The shape does not seem to be moving. Perception DC 15 for those to whom the above spoiler applied: You make out the shape as likely belonging to a female Human, laying sprawled in the street. Further details elude you due to the thick fog.
My apologies everyone, there were some technical difficulties. Regardless, I have returned to post!
ZOHAS? LOL! So, is this everyone? It looks to be 3 people thus far.
Where might everyone else be?
I MAY not be posting until tomorrow, that will be the 5th, just so everyone is aware.
Yes, you were in book 3. Also, the 1,000 GP is there so you can square away whatever meager differences there are between my starting gold amount that I have in every campaign, sans Dark Sun, and Tark's CoT.
This is discussion for the CoT thread.
Ok, here is the official 'recruitment' thread for the continuation of 'Tark's Council of Thieves' campaign. Since most of you already have characters, here are the only guidelines which I think are relevant for you to look at right now. Max HP per HD +2 skill points per level, one of which must be used on a social skill (One using CHA), Craft, or Profession. Bonus Feat at 1st level 1 Trait, plus a Campaign Trait, with the option to take a 3rd Trait if a Drawback is also taken. 1,000 GP starting gold Ability Scores: Choose one stat that becomes 18 before modifiers, then another which becomes 08 before modifiers, then distribute 16 points amongst the other ability scores (Which are set at 10,) in any way you desire. You may reduce any of the 4 stats by up to -2 to gain a commensurate number of points to distribute amongst the others. Now that THAT'S out of the way, let me ask a few questions. 1. Do you have a list of unique NPCs that are considered 'close' to your character? If not, then you should, even if you will never encounter them in Westcrown. 2. Are there any character-specific plot events that you may be interested in? If so, then PM me. 3. What place would everyone like the story to pick up at? I am considering at some point in book 2 or 3.
What can I say? It fits VERY well. As a side note, I am actually working on playing through Thief for PS3, albeit very slowly. This is how I know that it fits the mental image I had of a good portion of Westcrown, at least the common areas!
Everyone, take a look at the link I provided in gameplay. The architecture of the buildings and their general state of repair, as well as the way the cobblestone streets look, are VERY similar to how I imagine Westcrown to look.
Typhann takes flight and soars through the night air. Litania:
Typhann's emotional state seems relatively calm, which suggests that he has yet to see anything worrying. Raveen:
Thus far, you cannot make out any visible threats. [ooc]Making a notation for you since you have Low-Light Vision. The group heads down the cobbled streets, the splashing of water upon the stone as they walk and the drizzling rain the only sounds in the eerily quiet Westcrown night. It would seem that all of the windows on the lower floors and many of the windows on the upper floors of nearby buildings are shuttered, perhaps out of fear that such could be entryways for the Shadow Beasts.
After about a block's worth of moving, things seem relatively safe.
Thank you for the compliment Cato! Also, according to my source, I have a good chance of believing that Blade of Heaven will post soon! I noticed that you were in his campaign when I was looking to see what campaigns that you were in to see how much of a compliment I was receiving. I know this because he's been talking about playing some weird elementalist in my upcoming Dark Sun campaign. He just, from my understanding at least, got a bit overwhelmed by the holidays. Post incoming soon! I was busy helping my grandmother try to fix her computer. It seems to be a power issue of some sort, which is a bit odd, since it worked when I plugged it up and ran initial diagnostics over a year ago. Then again, the cord that the guy sold it to her with is one of those old early-90's cords, so it probably just went *SQUICK*.
Never mind that last post here in discussion, I decided to post!
Darius helps Cato put on the armor, whispering back to him as he worked on the various clamps and buckles of the armor, "We're not all like Commander Maric, sir. His years in the Order have stripped him of any semblance of basic human compassion. But he, like many of our order, set out to solely to help protect and serve the people of Westcrown. The life of a Hellknight is scarcely a path one would choose for selfish reasons." After helping Cato's don his armor, Darius walks out of the door, motioning for everyone to follow him. The armiger seems somewhat puzzled at Litania's emphasis on his name, "Do you know me, Miss... Tani, was it?" Darius turns to Mera as she gives him thanks, "You are welcome, my lady, though your gratitude is not required. I would like to think that others would do the same, were they in my position." As the assembled group steps out of the tavern, the light drizzle of rain becomes audible. The cobbled streets are lonely, with not a single soul in sight besides those among the group leaving the tavern. A thin fog winds and curls through the streets, no doubt blown in from the sea by the cold Autumn breeze; not enough to obscure vision, but enough to lend the city an eerie air at this hour. A dog barks angrily somewhere in the distance, likely a stray mutt of some sort. The buildings on the street, once well-appointed dual-leveled houses, stand like sagging monoliths, the rain running in the grooves made by peeling paint, cracked stone, and worn wood. The buildings are almost like a microcosm of Westcrown: a worn facade of a once-majestic past. The young Hellknight addresses the group, speaking as quietly as possible while still being audible to those around him, "Everyone, listen closely. Those of you who have no combat experience, huddle towards the middle of the group. Those of you who do, form a ring around the others and keep watch in all directions. If you spot any movement, then let the rest of us know in a quiet manner, so as not to alert any nearby Shadow Beasts. Everyone got it?" The taverngoers nod their heads in agreement, with a few whispers of assent.
I will probably not be making a gameplay post today, due to the New Year's Eve festivities having taken their toll on me. If I do post, it is quite likely to be brief. Just keeping everyone appraised of the situation so no one worries about why I am not posting.
Raveen, generally I post 1/day. If people are busy with something, I would be amenable to slowing down the campaign a bit, for a time at least. You may call me GM, Shadow, Matt, or Uber King of Infinite d20. All of those work! I guess we will just have to find out about Darius, right? :P
Raveen's Sense Motive Check:
You search the faces of the taverngoers for reactions to the Commander Maric's demand. Fear is the emotion you see the most, with quiet outrage interspersed throughout the assembled people, though no one dares speak a word against the decree. You notice, however, that Armiger Darius shifts uncomfortably. Given his reaction to Maric's words, you get the feeling that he is very much against the move but, like everyone else, he is unwilling to challenge Maric and the other Hellknights. Maric responds to Cato, "Home or no, this is the scene of an official Hellknight investigation and the Order is under no obligation to see to your safety. We exist as servants of the Law and the Law alone. If you cannot defend yourself, then that is a fault that lies solely with you. As was dictated by the Ruby Prince, weakness is the greatest sin, one that life itself punishes by abandoning the sinner." Darius steps forward, "Commander, I would ask that you allow me to at least accompany them to a safe destination. Please sir, these people should not all be put at risk because of the actions of the thief." Maric coldly replies, "You may escort them Darius, as is your prerogative, but you are to submit yourself to the garrison on the morrow to be scourged and chastised for the sin of abandoning your post. Are we clear?" "Crystal, commander." Darius balls his right hand up into a fist, places it on his chest, and bows his head to Maric. He turns to Litania, "Where is this place that you speak of, madam? I would see that you all make it there safely."
Raveen's Knowledge Check:
Were this not a crime against an elected official, it would be likely that there is some sort of loophole. As it stands, the law of Grand Theft from An Elected Official was worded air-tight and was written by a coalition of Asmodean priests in the early days of the House of Thrune's reign. The leader turns to Raveen, "Your empty praises and silver tongue mean naught, citizen. There is no such thing as mitigating circumstances, only guilt or innocence. This man is guilty of Grand Theft from An Elected Official, a crime whose punishment is death by hanging. Unless you intend to serve as his barrister and appeal the sentence, then be silent and thankful that the law is being upheld." Upon hearing Cato's reply, the Hellknight turns his head and speaks, "We will be as careful as is required, citizen. However, to preserve the location so that there is no tampering, everyone must leave this place for the night." One of the other Hellknights steps forward, "Commander Maric, are you certain of this? the Shadow Beasts roam the streets at dark and prey on people who are not so well-trained as us." Maric, leader of the group, speaks in a harsh tone to the youthful-sounding Hellknight, "Remember, Darius, your duty is to the . The people are to be protected within the bounds of the law, but when you must make the choice between the people and the law, you must do your duty. Remember your vows and the Hellknight creed." Darius reaches out, as if to reproach Maric, but brings his arm back to his side,"I... yes, Commander Maric." Maric raises his voice to ensure that all in the tavern can hear him,
The leader responds to Cato, "It has come to our attention that your tavern is housing a lawbreaker. The individual has stolen from the Lord Governor and we have been tasked with retrieving them for their just punishment. So, I will ask you the same question: is there a problem?" The leader scans the room, as if looking for guilty faces. He fixates on a frail-looking elderly man in the crowd, who is sweating profusely. The Hellknight leader has a seat at the man's table. "Tell me your name, citizen." the Hellknight demands. The old man replies, his creaky voice quivering and shaking, "I-it's Arnaud, s-sir." The Hellknight does not miss a beat, responding immediately after the man's reply, as if he expected it, "Why did you steal from the Lord Governor, Arnaud?" Arnaud shakes, "Sir, I-I have no idea what you're talking about." The Hellknight holds out a gauntleted hand, motioning to the man's arm, "Let me see your arm, ." Arnaud holds out his arm, flipping it over to reveal an intricate Varisian tattoo. Without even a moment's hesitation, the Hellknight rises and pulls the man up by his throat, "You cannot hide from us, lawbreaker. No one can." The old man struggles in his iron grip, gasping out "P-please sir, it was just a bit of food to feed my daughter with! She's all I have left!" The Hellknight replies coldly, "The circumstances are irrelevant, thief. You have broken the law and will be punished. You have admitted your guilt and, therefore, there will be no trial. Your sentence is execution by hanging, to be carried out three days hence. We will search your property on the morrow and, if we find the stolen goods in your daughter's possession, she will be punished as well for being an accomplice to your crime." The man croaks out, "No!!!" before passing out. He then hangs limply in the Hellknight's grasp. The man motions with his free hand for the other Hellknights to come forward, "Chain him and take him hence." Two of his compatriots come forward and do as instructed. The Hellknight leader returns to Cato, "Did this Arnaud have a room here, citizen?" Cato:
The answer is yes, he did rent a room. Just before sundown, in fact. You have never seen him before today, at least in your establishment, so it would be easy to assume that he was trying to hurry and get off the streets. How you respond the Hellknight is completely up to you. Knowledge: Local DC 15: Arnaud deCaemon is a longtime resident of Westcrown, one of the city's destitute. He and his daughter Annelise live in a small hovel in the slums. While Arnaud works as a sort of 'poor man's porter' due to his advanced age, Annelise has no job, due to her recent bout with a case of Shivers, a disease which claimed his Varisian wife, Rosa, a few months ago.
Hey Litania! So, quick question: if I were to apply, may I use some of the old 3.X Ravenloft feats?
The events of the AP will be held off for a bit, Raveen, but you get a taste of Cheliax's law enforcement tonight! After these events, things will be freeform for a bit before the actual AP begins, so you can all get a feel for Westcrown. EDIT: Those sprites are really cool!
Suddenly the leisurely atmosphere of the tavern is broken when a group of men walk through the door, arrayed in full Hellknight garb. Their footsteps fall heavy upon the old wooden floors of the tavern and the taverngoers fall silent. The apparent leader of the Hellknights, a mountain of a man with a massive serrated greatsword slung across his back, pans around the room, his faceless helmet somewhat eerie to behold. His eyes rest on Cato, who he points to and addresses in a resonant voice completely devoid of emotion, "You there, bartender. I demand to speak with the owner of this establishment." A disheveled man clearly well into his cups attempts to leave, but one of the Hellknights stationed near the door grabs the man with a clawed gauntlet and slams him into a nearby seat, "You were not given permission to leave, citizen. You are to remain here until our business in concluded, is that clear?" The drunken man seems to have sobered up rather quickly and blubbers out, "Yesh shir, oi'm sorry! Pleash don't hurt mee!!!" The Hellknight then turns to the rest of the tavern, "That includes the rest of you as well. Failure to do so will result in arrest and subsequent punishment, as prescribed by Hellknight Justiciary Code 24-7, subsection C, Failure to Obey a Law-Abiding Officer of the House of Thrune." The other Hellknights remain silent, almost like golems, as they scan the room for any signs of disobedience.
Raveen, after a certain point, it would be very safe to assume that the play can be used in-game. PM me a copy, because I would like to see it. I will be ready to make a good post in a bit, I am busy at the moment. Just wanted to give everyone a heads-up!
Now that the pandemonium of Christmas is at an end, posting will resume later today! Expect a post today, as well as possibly a new player! And if the initial RP'ing is how great the game is going to be, that will be awesome! EDIT: Raveen, if you would kindly throw a link to your homebrewed play, that would be awesome!
Arrius, Link is Rank 8 out of 48, which is believe is quite justified. Our little Hylian hero has got some VAST improvements! I still prefer playing as Ganondorf, even though some people have deemed him the lowest ranking. He's nowhere near as suck-tastic as he used to be. I still don't understand how Diddy Kong is considered the most powerful character. SSB 4 tier list, which is HORRIBLY biased towards 'faster=better', which is not always true. Everyone has posted, so I don't think a PM is necessary. I will take the extra player under advisement. Everyone else's thoughts on this?
As my mentor once said, "Confining players into 'party roles' is a gross violation of the roleplaying experience. Any GM worth his roleplaying salt can, with some work, make ANY combination of so-called 'party roles' work and work very well at that.". I have found this to be true, so don't feel confined to roles. You will notice in my CoT recruitment that my selections did NOT include a divine caster, which is often regarded as essential.
Yes, because I will be busy until after Christmas. Hence, I will make a good post in gameplay around the 26th.
And thank you all for the wonderful submissions! Mera, it was one of the Super Smash Bros tournaments! Both SSB4 (Wii U version) and the modded Minus-MAX version of SSB Brawl. I won the latter of the two with Wolf, because I was too fast even for my final foe, Falco, who won 2/5 of our matches. The former I placed in 3rd with Palutina, which is interesting considering she's located a good bit down on the 'top tier' list that players have formulated based on how much potential they see each character possessing! And yes, I am something of a SSB uberspike, if you are familiar with the uberspike term. Ok, I would like for everyone to start in Cato's tavern doing some RP. Not necessarily with each other, but however you desire. Once there is some RP, the campaign will begin. The events that take place here in the beginning will be used as an alternate intro which helps give the PCs a better grasp of the situation and more incentive in regards to the story.
Those who were chosen, check discussion in a few minutes for an announcement! Those interested in the second table that is a continuation of Tal and Pollux's game, PM me to inform me of your interest and I will get back to you once I have caught up reading on that campaign and begun the interesting task of deciding where to place the group in the AP!
Ok, back from all the video game tourney craziness! I have officially claimed one of the top rankings, so I'm quite happy! That said, I forgot to inform all of you that I was going to be busy with this, so my apologies. *TAL, POLLUX, AND THOSE NOT SELECTED WHO DO NOT MIND STARTING AT A LATER POINT, READ AT THE BOTTOM OF THE POST!* My selections are: 1. Arrius with Hrafen Ulfwyth the Slayer! 2. The Rising Phoenix with Mera Wist-Thrune the Bard! 3. House_Arnaste with Litania Barnes the Witch! 4. Professor Calvinball with Cato Archimboli the Bloodrager! 5. Rysky with Monday (Sorry for the error!) Daud the Spiritualist! And a surprise guest who will be playing a recurring NPC at certain junctures during the campaign! I know what some people are wondering 'why no divine casters?'. Well, this is an urban campaign, so potions are hardly scarce. Given that, if each person has a potion and is smart in using them, a healer is not really needed. So, it boiled down more to making the hard decisions between all of the wonderful PCs. Tal, Pollux, and those not selected, I believe that I may pick up the CoT campaign Tal and Pollux belonged to, but reset the events back a bit. This means that the campaign will be between book 2 and 3, depending on where I choose to pick up in the story. Interested?
Yes, newcomers may make characters, though remember that fluff and the basics of crunch (Race/Class/Alignment/whatever Archetypes) are all that are needed, so don't keel over (The original saying was 'keel over', not 'kill over'!) trying to do an entire statblock unless you just want to. Also, welcome Bjornhona! I hope that your initial foray into the threads is proving a pleasant experience! :)
Since the servers were down a few days, recruitment is extended for 2 more days! Finalize your characters and await the selections!
Ok, I was just making sure that there wasn't some mistake!
Adam, I gave feedback to you, didn't I? If not, I will. The Rising Phoenix, just out of curiousity, is you last name pronounced Vist-Thrune, sort of how German V and W sounds are switched? Cato, the Pit-Touched Bloodline is allowed. As for the tavern, you may have the tavern, but there should be some sort of 'debt' or 'protection payment' that is a drain on your resources until it is paid off. That way you can have your tavern and it could be used, but it isn't a freebie. After it is paid off, however, it could be a source of revenue for the party. Sound good? Rysky, the servers threw a wench or two? *Hallelujah, it's raining women!* XD Apologies, that just made me smile lol. Lady Ladile, it is fine to play a character who is merely curious, but the AP obviously requires some form of motivation. You could start out, for example, just going because a friend of your character's is joining and extended him/her an invitation. Your character may start out curious but, after seeing how it works or whatever, you decide to stay on. Something like that, yes? Morgrym, you know your character's background states 'Riddleport' as where you are, right? This is a recruitment for Council of Thieves, set in the city of Westcrown. Just wanting to make sure you didn't accidentally post in what you thought was a Second Darkness recruitment. Draxwile, it is in one of the 0One Games urban books. I cannot recall, at present, which one it is.
Song of Chiroptera, everything looks good!
Browman, not really, but if you want to expand on anything, feel free to do so!
Sildred, no problem at all. Sneakiness is quite a useful trait in this AP, but is NOT mandatory. That said, it definitely makes some parts easier and opens up new avenues of solving problems. Pollux, I learned from the best! :) Draxwile, A KOBOLD!!! I love Kobolds! Question: how much are you planning on playing up the 'sewer mage' thing? I ask because there is an urban spellcaster class called the Guttermage, charming name, that is essentially a Witch/Rogue. It has some entertaining options that you can select like Talents, giving you abilities ranging from using windows as a focus for 'scrying' on individuals, to using trash as a weapon, to summoning urban creatures to aid you in combat, to assuming the appearence of any humanoid, to wildshaping into an urban animal, to possessing the ability to create extradimensional 'drop points' in brick walls that only you can access. If you are interested, I can find out where it is from. Mattimeo, good to know! Aku Warashi, mainly fluff and basic crunch. The OP has the basics of what I want to see: fluff, race/class, and character concept.
Yokaiboy, it's certainly a cool concept! Fumi-demon-ninja, KWAAAAAIIIIIII!!! :) Litania, you should know that I like the character based on my earlier comparison! :) Pollux, the CR is fine. Why is the CR fine? Well, I made a few... adjustments to the AP (Key villains are always screwed over by action economy and such, so a boost was in order!). I'll leave it up to you on whether you think I have an evil GM finger pyramid thing going on when I made the decision and whether or not there was a sinister laugh when I saw your reply! :P Sildred, it is RP heavy, as well as tactical heavy. As such, I wanted people to be able to go MAD(? on the D part, giving it really isn't a dependence) if they wanted to. No reason why a frontliner couldn't have some CHA or a bookish type couldn't be semi-buff STR-wise. As it stands, giving people the options that I gave them allows them to fill out their character so their idea for a 'burly sword-caster' doesn't look ridiculous with an 08 STR and 10 CON or their 'gallant cavalier' doesn't have the social skills of a rock. So, you are correct. The Rising Phoenix, Infernal and High Azlanti are great choices. Obscure languages, such as Sylvan, Necril, ect, MIGHT be useful in certain situations. Given that it is Cheliax, Halfling is the tongue of the largest slave populace, so it may prove useful at times. The Black Devil, I read some of your posts and I must say that I rather like BD!
Seth86, depends on how complex they are. If it is a tripwire that makes a bucket of angry crawfish to fall on a nobleman, that is simple where no check is really needed. If you are making something that is mechanical in nature, such as with springs, clockwork components, ect, then you will need the skill. Make sense?
AdamWarnock, I know, right? Windfavor, nice theme song! Arrius, yes, urban campaigns have a special place in the RPG world for me, because one of my first real campaigns was one set in urban cities in Ustalav. And you are correct about the initiative. What do you mean about strategizing or discussing tactics? Like using an adventurer version of Thieve's Cant to discuss things with your teammates before combat? Talking before and during combat? All of those things are up to your discretion, of course. I have not, unfortunately, tried Fire Emblem. I know that some of my buddies I play Super Smash Bros with (We're VERY competetive with this game, but don't think it's the length and breadth of my gaming experience lol!) have remarked about how cool the games are.
Pollux:
No problem, I just wanted to make sure things were understood! Rest assured, there will be opportunities to make parts of Westcrown, and the tyrannical establishment, burn. Sildred, nothing like buffing that fluff! It IS a really good book.
Azih, your character is just fine! I am trying to avoid commenting on characters unless feedback is wanted, there is some humorous anecdote I feel like saying, or I have a question of some sort. My reasons are somewhat odd. Pollux, intriguing but I have a question for you. Castor/Pollux:
You know the goal of the group is not to burn Westcrown, right? Maybe burn some of the bad people IN Westcrown, but you know what I mean lol. Answer in spoiler or PM, if you please. :) Sildred, I do not know, but you will find out later (Or earlier, if you can Knowledge check it!). That sucks, Dragoncat, but is understandable. Mattimeo, I have no issues with a new PBP player, because I am a new-ish PBP GM. I say new-ish because I have helped run campaigns for someone at times on these messageboards. Adam Warnock, complications are always fun in roleplaying games! Ragde, would it be incorrect to compare the Mad Jester to Kefka Palazzo? I certainly hope you get the reference, because Final Fantasy VI was an amazing game! Yokaiboy, a Tiefling, I presume? Cato, you took the Roman name for wise? Nice! Cool historical reference. :P Arrius, let me address your questions below.
Drogeny, Suli is fine. My main thing with my caveat on races was just so we wouldn't have an 'Androids & Aliens' party for a traditional campaign. I'm sure you understand the reasoning, yes? Windfavor, Thundercaller is quite interesting! I have never seen anyone use it before, apart from a member in my home group when we made a 'Bardic Gods of Thunder' campaign. Had an Orc Bloodrager/Bard with a unique guitar-axe, a Gnome Sorceror(Maestro)/Bard who was the 'screamo' of the group, a Dwarf Fighter/Bard(Thundercaller) in charge of the drums, ect. It was a fun campaign, even if it was a pretty crazy idea. JuanAdriel, a Seperatist Cleric of Asmodeus? Quite interesting, given the setting!
Severus, since you won't be CASTING a spell to eat it, I houserule that you can eat your own spells during Bloodrage.
Sildred, ah, I see how that could be confusing. I was using that as an example, since someone asked. I forgot to include all CHA skills, then have Perform in parentheses. I apologize for the gaff. Also, Cheliax already HAS a Shakespeare or, rather, did. Browman, I'm getting a Shadow (Final Fantasy VI version) vibe from Thoros. Is that incorrect? :P Severus, I'm unsure how it is counterproductive. It seems pretty legit to me: a giant, beefy, magic-resilient, fast-healing rage tank that can blast people with spells.
Litania, a good thing of course! It gives me a feel for her personality, if true. Bayonetta is one of my favorite video game characters lol. Qwerty1971, yes it is! Seth86, going for the classic trickster depiction, eh? Understandable, given the insane number of Kitsune Holy Gun Paladins running around! And yes, that is an acceptable item fusion. Yokaiboy, there's a bit more to it than that, but those are the basics. Basically, respect your group, play by the rules (And my rules are often a bit looser than many GMs!), let us know of any absences you may be having (If you feel sick and don't feel like posting, please let us all know!), try to keep up the post rate so you don't have to be 'botted', and things of that nature. There is a thread somewhere here on the boards for beginning PBP players. Try searching for it in the search bar on the left-side of this page. Song of Chiroptera, no reason, apart from some GM finger pyramiding! Looking good, folks!
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