If you're as mature and sane as you claim gamers are... you really should get over it. He was a young unknown actor hired to play a part. You don't refuse work when you're an unknown. He was an actor in the film, not an author. And considering what he has given us..... it's time to move on and rejoin the 21st century.
LeVey's Satanic Bible was intended to be satire, as was the Church of Satan itself. The church was an act of rebellion against the people Heinlien would collectively call "Miss Grundy", not actual worship.
One idea is to let autofire act more like an area effect weapon. I can see someone spraying lead in a line or a cone. The person saves for half damage but otherwise a hit roll is not really needed in this "burst" mode. That is how I started using it in Mutants and Masterminds. Damage is rolled, people save for half (or better if yhey have certain feats or class abilities). You could also target a specific area, kind of like in Savage Worlds. Machine guns are mean.
As for gritty, I recommend a group utilize the Laying Waste book by Total Party Kill. It is not so much damage as injuries that hamper you in other ways.
Without giving too much away, we have set up rules for burst and full-auto fire and are discussing other expansions and extrapolations on firearms and ammunition. As Mum-Rob said, we're not relying on current firearm rules as those aren't really suited to what we're doing. Granted, we're also awaiting the release of the Technology Guide to make sure we're not too far off base with what Paizo's doing. And since we're still codifying the rules and playtesting, things are still in flux at the moment.
Early playtests with entire groups blasting at each other with firearms were fast and fun. (Well, the guy who got to the gang leader first and got the first taste of burst rules from an automatic rifle wasn't having much fun at that point, but luckily there was a patch man in the party.) One thing I noted was a lot more people making use of cover during combat.
I started at age 10 back in 1980. In my teenage years, I got caught up in several "is this a Devil thing?" conversations. I was confronted with two types of people. First, the ones that listened to my rational explanations about the game and what it was about. Second, the ones that had already made up their minds and just wanted me to admit playing it so they could either pray over my endangered soul or tell me I was hellbound if I didn't repent. Luckily, my parents were the former. Still, between playing D&D and listening to heavy metal, I could hardly catch a break.
I did my homework though. I read The Dungeon Master, written by the P.I that was hired to find James Dallas Egbert III. I read LaVey's Satanic Bible (well, as much as I could get through...too Ayn Randish for me). Watched Decline and Fall of Civilization: The Metal Years. Never did figure out what all the fuss was about, unless it was indeed related to the whole secret Satanist thing like Kirth mentioned. Also, I believe that was the time of the rise in hypnotic regression therapy to bring repressed memories to the surface. Leading questions would inevitably bring up the ritual abuse story from a susceptible mind.
Sorry folks. I lost track of my campaign notes and a necessary sourcebook. Turns out I forgot them over at a friend's house. Will post as soon as he drops them off.
The device--a bald humanoid face with an open book superimposed over the brow--is a symbol of the Order of Scribes, a lay sect of the Order of the Kaga devoted to the collection and preservation of knowledge. If you're correct, the archivists that work on the grounds are members of that order. No magic radiates from the ring.
Broderick notes three other passages exiting the room. All trail off into darkness, and no one passage seems more notable than the others.
She attended the same church as the families that received the dolls, and was trying to do something nice. Unfortunately, she didn't seem to realize that the way she gifted the dolls came across less like a Secret Santa, and more like the opening to an episode of Criminal Minds.
As the writer for the race and class portions (excepting psionics, which is Andre's baby) I can address some of these.
John-Andre wrote:
But any cyberpunk setting already has "heavy magic" in it, because it's got elements in it which let humans do something outside of our base experience. The moment you allow a netrunner/decker/hacker get into the network and hack a computer-controlled device for the benefit of the player characters, you have introduced "magic" into the game. And this Tendril Access Processor (Side note: Tendril? Really?) sounds like it makes all sorts of cybernetic magic take place.
The hacker is indeed going to be magical, as he is able to manipulate Hyper Reality and Virtual Reality in ways others cannot, so for all intents and purposes, he is a "wizard" where VR is concerned. The dangerous thing to consider is that the TAP is essentially a semi-organic computer that is integrated into your brain, wirelessly connected to the Global DataNet on some level at all times. A good enough hacker can literally get inside your head.
Quote:
Add to this the genetic modification, which I'm guessing is for adding new races to the game. (If you're going to add new races, don't just add "Dwarf" "Elf" "Gnome" etc. Realize that genetically modified entities are, or were, consumer product at some point, and have to have some commercial viability to have been produced. Sure, dwarves sound great as as heavy world miners, but there are robotic mining machines already in place for such a purpose, and they can reach smaller crevices, harvest harder-to-reach ore veins, plus if a collapse happens, you don't have weepy-eyed media and concerned consumer audiences demanding expensive rescue efforts.)
As I mentioned in a prior post, this is Earth, 2090 CE. The genome is an open book and genetic manipulation for cosmetic purposes is an out-patient procedure you can get done at a shop in the mall. However, while we're converting Interface Zero into the Pathfinder rules-set, we're not using everything available in the Pathfinder rules. You won't find dwarves and elves as races. Will there be people that look like dwarves and elves running around? No doubt. Fandom is a weird thing. One can expect all sorts of strange, purely cosmetic effects being sported by the populace. However, the base races themselves are taken from the Interface Zero line-up from Savage Worlds, as follows.
Android (Not the ones in the Bestiary. While they share some similarities, IZ androids are their own race.)
Bioroid (Get killed recently? If you're rich enough, you could have your consciousness backed up on a drive somewhere and downloaded into a brand new, vat-grown body.)
Cyborg (Hello, Robocop.)
Human (Everybody knows these guys.)
Human 2.0 (Why just be human when you can mix your own genetic cocktail and be something great?)
Hybrid (Paging Dr. Moreau...)
Simulacra ("I've seen things you people wouldn't believe... Attack ships on fire off the shoulder of Orion...")
And while I'm here, thanks to the playtesters at Paizocon for running through the scenario and providing feedback. Your suggestions are helping to hammer out the kinks in the hacker class.
When you get like Shadowrun, with magic and dragons overshadowing guns and chrome, it isn't cyberpunk. There's probably a good name for it, but I haven't seen it yet.
There are no dragons. There is no magic. This is Earth in the year 2090. There is artificial life, cybernetics, virtual reality, and people that have developed psychic abilities.
Am I the only one who picked up a dirty innuendo vibe from the mention of the necklace by the winking old dwarf, only to have the bard say that one is best saved for when the child is out of the room?
This thread has gotten hairy. One might almost describe it as fuzzy. Enough people packed in it that it's also getting a little warm. I saw my name mentioned a couple of times. I might be having a feeling. Yes, definitely a feeling.
I like you guys. Even the ones that didn't mention me. Still have to wonder if anyone has me on their list for that ignore app people talk about.
On a related sidenote, if there is a return to the cloth bags, then a tag with washing instructions should probably be included. Washed my swag bag in a load of laundry and it shrunk. What was a tote is now pretty much a handbag. The iconics look like they were the subjects of a mass reduce person spell.
The others still crouched behind the horrorshow wagon, Magnus and Stilgar enter the tent with the five dwarves, the other two gnomes in tow. Four of them take up positions at the table's corners while the fifth moves to the small chest on the table and opens it, beckoning to the group.
The group follows the navigable passage, noting its downward slope as it gently winds through the earth. After a time it widens again into another cavern, the ceiling dripping with stalactites. The cavern is amazingly free of debris--no organic material clutters the floor, fungi, animal, or otherwise--but the as the group searches the area they find small alcoves, ledges, and tunnels on the walls that show signs of former life.
Within these areas, usually above shoulder level on most of you, are remains of nests made of shredded, dry fungi for the most part. More of the strange, needle-toothed and bug-eyed rodents are here as well. At least, their remains are here. The amount of death suggests an extermination. No remains or nests are below this level, but then the ooze could well account for that.
The only other thing you find is a heavy silver ring, polished to a high sheen, on the floor. It bears a heraldic device on its face.
Latest post by the vendor says they've covered all legal avenues and are waiting for results, but can't go into details. They're still asking that if anyone sees someone with the armor in question at an event to notify them and the local authorities.
Got through the hardcopy this weekend. Great stuff, as always. Tim, Paris, and company have knocked another one out of the park. And this is coming from someone to whom Cheliax is their least favorite corner of Golarion. Review to follow.
The interior of the tent appears to be some sort of command center, though it looks messy and ill-kept, as well as empty of anything other than a collapsible table in its center, with a few scattered maps on its surface and a lockbox sitting in its center. Other papers scatter across the floor.
At this point, Kon-Tao is at 0 hit points and staggered, so you'll want to take care of that before proceeding. A brief search of the offshoots of this cave reveal only one passage that appears safe to travel without climbing gear. The others quickly devolve into sinkholes or narrow, twisting passages that can only be navigated by crawling.
Imperial Armories makes handcrafted leather goods for Ren Faires and conventions. Recently they sold this piece, only to have the customer cancel the payment after receipt. They're now out about $3,000 and appear to be having trouble getting legal action taken against the culprit.
If you're a crafter, then take heed of this potential problem. If you're attending cons or fairs, then keep an eye out for this suit. Informing local law enforcement and giving them access to the above link and contact info for the vendor might help resolve this issue.
Whoops. Completely spaced on Korval's traits. Here's the line-up:
Anvil Heart
You were born in a forge and for you, such places will always be home. You are the heir of a long tradition of dwarven craftsmanship.
Benefit: You receive a +2 trait bonus to one craft skill involving metal-working (for example, blacksmithing, weaponmaking or armorsmithing). That skill is always a class skill for you.
Blessed: Some divine agent watches over you and heeds your call. Once per day as a swift action, you gain a +1 trait bonus on all saving throws for 1 round.
Goldsniffer: Your keen senses lead you to hidden treasures. You gain a +2 trait bonus on Perception checks related to metals, jewels, and gemstones.
Also, GM Olmek, if you're willing, I'd like to tweak the Dance of Blades mystery a bit. I'd like the extra 10 feet of movement to only apply during combat situations, so as not to eliminate the hindrance of the curse entirely.
Finally, can someone post a link to the RP thread? I'm just not seeing it... =/
The water appears to be about 3 feet at its deepest, with small streamlets leading off through small passages or into cracks in the floor. There's footing to walk around it. The passages off here seem to lead deeper into the earth.
Dwarf oracle 1
LN Medium humanoid(dwarf)
Init +1; Senses darkvision 60 ft.; Perception +1
DEFENSE
AC 17, touch 11, flat-footed 16 (+ 5 armor, +1 Dex, +1 shield)
hp 11 (1d8+3)
Fort +3, Ref +1, Will +3; +2 vs. poison, spells, spell-like abilities
OFFENSE
Speed 15 ft.
Melee dwarven double waraxe +2 (1d10+2/x3) or dagger +2 (1d4+2/19-20)
Ranged sling +1 (1d4+2/x2)
Oracle Spells Known
1st (4/day)--cure light wounds, sun metal
0--detect magic, guidance, resistance, spark Mystery Metal
Curse Lame
STATISTICS
Str 14, Dex 13, Con 16, Int 12, Wis 12, Cha 14
Base Atk +0; CMB +2; CMD 13 (17 vs. bull rush and trip)
Feats Arisen (Story), Extra Revelation
Skills Appraise +5, Craft (weapons) +5, Intimidate +6, Knowledge (history) +5, Profession (miner) +5, Sense Motive +5, Spellcraft +5
Languages Common, Dwarven, Undercommon
SQ dance of blades, iron weapon (5/day, 1 minute)
Combat Gear acid, dagger, sling and 20 bullets; Other Gear[/b] scale mail, heavy steel shield, backpack, bedroll, belt pouch (2), iron holy symbol, miner's pick, torches (4), trail rations (5 days), 8gp, 1sp, 1cp.
Special Abilities Arisen Feat Benefit: You don't die until your negative hit point total is equal to or greater than 4 + your Constitution score. Once per day as a standard action, you can force yourself to carry on by strength of will alone, gaining 1 temporary hit point per hit die. These temporary hit points last for 10 minutes.
Dance of the Blades (Ex): Your base speed increases by 10 feet. At 7th level, you gain a +1 bonus on attack rolls with a metal weapon in any round in which you move at least 10 feet. This bonus increases by +1 at 11th level, and every four levels thereafter. At 11th level, as a move action, you can maneuver your weapon to create a shield of whirling steel around yourself until the start of your next turn; non-incorporeal melee and ranged attacks against you have a 20% miss chance while the shield is active. You must be wielding a metal weapon to use this ability.
Iron Weapon (Su): You can create a melee simple or martial weapon that lasts for 1 minute for every oracle level you possess. This weapon is appropriate for your size and entirely made of metal (even if it would normally include non-metal parts, such as a spear's shaft) but functions as if it were a normal weapon of its type. You are considered proficient with this weapon. The weapon disappears after 1 round if it leaves your grasp. At 3rd level, the blade is made of cold iron. At 7th level, 15th level, and 19th level, the blade gains a +1 enhancement bonus. At 11th level, the blade is made of adamantine. You can use this ability a number of times per day equal to 3 + your Charisma modifier.
Background: Once known as Korval Ironmonger, he was is cousin by marriage to the Tharnhammer family. While displaying the thrift, craftsmanship, and greed of a dwarf, Korval turned his back on tradition and family, pursuing vast profits as foreman of a mining operation. Then one day there was an accident. A hidden gas pocket in the mine exploded and caused a massive cave-in. For days the community attempted to dig for any survivors, but in vain. The dead were mourned--though none mourned Korval--and life went on. Then four days after the rescue mission was aborted, Korval dragged himself back into town, bloodied, emaciated, and half dead. He declared himself Korval Ironwise, and that he needed to be taken to the Tharnhammers. His life before dragging himself out of the mine appears gone, and now there is a new dwarf in his place, one fervently devoted to the restoration of the Tharnhammer birthright. The injuries to his right leg resist alll attempts at healing. His price, he says, for a chance to hear the voices of the gods. Now Korval Ironwise seeks to restore himself in the eyes of the gods, and raise his family back to greatness.
Appearance and Personality: Korval is a nearly a century old, with a thick red beard decorated in rings of iron. His hair is thinning, with a pronounced widows peak resting above a pronounced brow under which his blue eyes burn with a fervent intensity.
Korval is a new man. Whether he remembers his past before the accident is uncertain. He no longer answers questions concerning that time, nor does he answer to his old name. All that matters now is his duty to the Tharnhammer clan, for the glory of the gods.
The dwarf stands there a moment, staring at the group, as the others turn their gazes away from the fire and take in the party. After another long moment the dwarf who spoke first says "You wish to help us? Good. Come." He gestures to one of the nearby tents, larger than the others, possibly the command tent for the group.
This was definitely done by some sort of powerful acid. Judging from the slimy residue, you'd say something organic. If it was digestive acid, then the thing that did this was both powerful and likely very large.
Meanwhile, Magnus and Stilgar lead Ulli and Dromi towards the camp, where five figures stand huddled in cloaks around a small fire. At your approach, one of them turns. The broad-face, red bearded dwarf stares uncomfortable at you for a heartbeat or two, then speaks, his voice deep, but lacking in emotion as if he were tired or suffering some sort of shock.
"It is dangerous for you to be here. You should not be here. Best you leave."
Timbre's blast crackles into the slime, again blackening it and sending ripples through its mass. It sits, shuddering a moment, and then begins to slowly slide back toward the pool. Those in melee range can make attacks of opportunity upon it, as it does not have the intelligence to withdraw and avoid them.
Going over ideas for character concepts, I think I'm swaying slightly to the dwarven side. Drow are cool, but I'm having a better time with dwarf character ideas.
I'd ask the GM to explain exactly how hitting someone with a shovel for attempting to loot a dead body being prepared for burial is a consciously evil act.
Broderick's bolt tears through the thing, as Parisos steps forward and thrusts a torch into it, blackening and burning the slime. It recoils, lashing out with another tendril that misses Parisos by the most narrow of margins, droplets of moisture falling on his skin and raising blisters as it passes over his shoulder.
As Auric lifts the top, the sour reek intensifies as a trickle of clear, greenish fluid drips over the edge of the wagon. Beneath the tarp lie the remains of several dwarves, now nothing more than skeletons and ligaments, all coated in a viscous, foul-smelling slime.
I meant to give it a good read on my flight home, but nodded off. (Not a comment on the quality of the magazine, but just showing how worn out I was after the con.) What I did see of it is, as usual, top notch.
Broderick, Parisos, Kon-Tao, and Timbre are still running, so far as I know. I'll make an effort to put absent members into NPC mode more often. If anyone is going to be absent for a prolonged period, put in a note here and I'll jump on it a lot quicker.
Kon-Tao withdraws from the slime, falling well back up the passage, favoring his acid-bitten leg. Withdraw action to place him behind Timbre. The thing is slow and appears to only manage bursts of speed up to 20 feet.
So what's needed to pick up the pace on this folks? What can I do on my end to make this more interesting? I'll do what I can if people put in the effort.
Brony con was at the Hilton convention center just down the block, not an actual hotel. I was at the Rodeway Inn, little cheap place down the hill. The hotel next door appeared to be where most of the bronies were staying. One had their car painted up with ponies and a big wooden pony piece stuck on the roof. Can't remember if my room had a fridge or not. Wasn't in the room much, except for sleep.
My posting will continue to be sporadic the first half of this week, and then likely nonexistent until next Monday. I've got a project I need to rush through the next three days so I'm ready for some playtesting at Paizocon.
My posting will continue to be sporadic the first half of this week, and then likely nonexistent until next Monday. I've got a project I need to rush through the next three days so I'm ready for some playtesting at Paizocon.
Auric, Jon, and Kalaya look for a place to stay out of sight. With the blast having swept away everything resembling cover, the only real option is a wagon with a tarp thrown over the top of it and no draft animals nearby. Its far side will block any sight of the group from the dwarves' camp.
Stilgar and Magnus head towards the group by the fire with Ulli and Dromi in tow.
Auric, Jon, and Kalaya, I'll need Perception checks from you lot.
Yes, there is. I survived on 7-11 food last year for a majority of my meals. I don't recommend it. Though they do carry fresh bananas, apples, and oranges.
According to the urbanspoon site, other than the Denny's down the road and the hotel restaurant, most everything else within walking distance is actually *in* the airport.
