RPG Superstar 2013 Marathon Voter. Pathfinder Society Member. 6,593 posts (8,022 including aliases). 8 reviews. No lists. No wishlists. 1 Pathfinder Society character. 12 aliases.
Ten years and I still haven't seen the whole thing. The pilot was laughably terrible and put me off the series immediately. Even when I went back and finally started watching reruns a few years ago, I never got invested enough in the show to see the whole thing.
Honestly, I was much more drawn to Caprica, which as per my usual luck when I find interesting new shows, was never renewed.
Hmm...I'll make a note of that. *evil grin* Still, the image of a great, pulsating egg sac bursting open and pouring out hundreds of cat-sized bebiliths fills me with glee. Goodbye armor and hello pain.
The original Advanced Bestiary is still one of my best go-to books when I need to put a twist on something. Want to see your players squirm in their seats? Apply the swarm template to a bebilith.
In my Wounded Earth campaign, it allowed me to come up with an appropriately strange population for a group of islands called the Shards, where all four elemental planes bled in, often violently and unexpectedly. Smoke eels, tree squids, and other strange and often nasty denizens await.
Might have to knock over a liquor store so I've got the extra scratch to back this one.
Croy turns to Kon-Tao. "You may very well may not. This may be nothing more than a bureaucratic mishap. However, if there is an infestation of vermin as some have claimed, having something to fend them off would certainly be advised. I would not call the archive a "working" library. The building is vast and holds huge amounts of paperwork, mostly record-keeping, much of which may never again see the light of day. However the front section of the building does have archivists on duty to help in retrieval of records. The back areas of the building are rarely traversed however, and it is there where you'll find most of the things I need."
"I've attempted to get some of the Senatorial Guard to fetch these things for me, but they say they have more important things to do. In their minds I'm sure that's true. However, these documents may provide insight into matters that are greater than guarding the welfare of dozens of curmudgeonly old coots that can barely agree that the sky is blue. Therefore, I'm tasking you with their retrieval. When you've returned, we can discuss further how you can assist me."
"Ah, yes. I'll have Alden draw up the paperwork and put my seal on it immediately. You all will be able to retrieve your weapons on the way out in any case. Not that you need worry about that yourself, Amon, as Section Omega is exempt from those rules. The archive building is on the grounds, but separate from the Senate Hall. I'll have Alden give you directions so you won't have to wander."
"I have a list. Each tome or set of scrolls comes in a case with a reference number on it. In case a particular piece happens to be out of its case for whatever reason, I've also included the title," says Croy. "You can pick the list up from Alden on the way out. Any other questions?"
Stilgar hustles down the hill, working to catch up with his companions.
Magnus moves into the cave, noting that a short distance ahead of him is a sinister-looking mist, wherein shadowy figures seem to be moving.
Barend, giving a curse, lets out a sharp whistle as he draws his axes and takes a swipe at Auric, who catches the weapon on his shield and turns it aside. Meanwhile, the low, gray shape of Barend's wolf comes barreling out of the camp, moving in a wide curving trajectory to flank the paladin.
Jon closes on the wolf, swiping at it with his scythe, but the wolf sees the attack coming and leaps back, snarling at the druid.
Kalaya's path takes her around the outcropping, where she sees a wooden ladder has been erected on the cave wall, leading up. Peering up, she can see the silhouettes of figures moving up toward a patch of daylight.
Liam continues to follow the party, using his oration to inspire them.
The two other remaining cultists, continue to glitter and stumble their way along.
"I'm in need of historical documents pertaining to the conflict between the cavians and the sorcerer-kings. You would think it a simple matter of fetch and carry, but things in the archive are a bit muddled of late. There's tales of vermin infestations, odd behavior in the archivists and...well, I have suspicions that my efforts to obtain and see the documents are being thwarted by certain political opponents. I'm certain this task will provide the opportunity to show me your ingenuity and ability to work with others as a team."
Hi again. My internet finally got installed yesterday, just in time to realize that my ethernet card was shot so I couldn't use it anyway. I'm on a loaner at the moment. I'll be getting the game back up and running tomorrow. Thanks for your patience.
Hi again. My internet finally got installed yesterday, just in time to realize that my ethernet card was shot so I couldn't use it anyway. I'm on a loaner at the moment. I'll be getting the game back up and running tomorrow. Thanks for your patience.
So this will be my first year entering. How does the first round of voting work? Is there anything I should be aware of going into it all?
There will likely be some changes based on last year's feedback, but the first round goes to the Paizo public at large. A voter goes to the voting page and is presented with two items and picks what they consider to be the better of the two. Then they get two more to choose from, and then two more, etc. At the end of the voting, the judges take the top rated items and review them, choosing the Top 32 from that lot.
Hey, folks. I'm having some serious ISP issues at the moment and am switching providers. Right now my internet access at the house is fubar. I have a new service scheduled for installation on the 1st of next month. Until then, my online time is spotty to non-existent, so consider me in NPC mode until then. Apologies.
Hey, folks. I'm having some serious ISP issues at the moment and am switching providers. Right now my internet access at the house is fubar. I have a new service scheduled for installation on the 1st of next month. Until then, my online time is spotty to non-existent, so consider the game on hold for the week. Apologies.
Hey, folks. I'm having some serious ISP issues at the moment and am switching providers. Right now my internet access at the house is fubar. I have a new service scheduled for installation on the 1st of next month. Until then, my online time is spotty to non-existent, so consider the game on hold for the week. Apologies.
I'd like to throw my 2 cp in, since you just finished the high point for good characters with the Wrath of the Righteous adventure path, I'd like to see some pregens for the Way of the Wicked adventure path (or maybe Council of Thieves, don't know a good alternate name for it lol)
At the risk of stepping on toes, if it's Way of the Wicked pregens you're interested in, there's always Path of the Wicked from LPJ Design's Adventure Path Iconics line.
As Amon briefly engages in conversation with Master Parisos, the door to the inner office opens and a cynean emerges, followed by a human male who
stands just over six feet in height, with well-styled hair and close-cropped beard of dark brown, starting to gray at the temples. His blue eyes appear sharp and observant as he looks over the two seated in the waiting room. Alden Graff stands, but before he can say anything the door bursts open and another young man enters, loudly apologizing for his tardiness and waving a letter around. Looking a bit puzzled, a female p'tan, dressed in the colors of the Kaga, slips in behind him. Alden simply lets out another "Herm..." and looks to the other man.
"Well, it seems we're all here at last. Graff, be so kind as to bring some refreshments into my office. Good folk, if you'll come inside and be seated, I believe I can explain myself to everyone's satisfaction at this point."
Following Senator Croy back into his chambers, you are all seated and Graff returns with a tray containing a carafe of wine, ceramic cups, and an assortment of cheeses, cold meats, and a small loaf of bread. After collecting the appropriate letters from the group, he retreats to the outer office and leaves you with Croy.
"My friends, we live in a precarious time. The Imperial Alliance was forged to protect the citizens of all civilized nations, to promote peace and understanding and usher the world into a new age of enlightenment. Current political stances threaten that well-being, weakening us, when there are enemies waiting to seize on such weakness and destroy us while we remain divided."
"I do what I can within the halls of the Senate to promote a stronger, more authoritative Alliance so we can show a united front against those enemies--Xon, the quickslavers, the Janus horde, the Khaynites--but it is not enough. I have decided to seek other options. Unconventional options, to say the least. I want a team of experts, answerable to me, to undertake certain...operations, that are outside the purview of the Senate. Also, I feel that these operations may expose me to hostility from those that oppose my views. Hence, I may also ask you to perform operations of security for my person and those with whom I interact. You will all receive a regular stipend and have your accommodations within the city paid. You also will receive special dispensation to go about the premises armed, and will be known to the Imperial guards and will not be bothered as you go about your business here. If you are to go further abroad, there may be certain...complications, but I feel you may be talented enough to overcome them."
"You all come well recommended. However, I'd like to see how you can operate as a team. So, if you are in agreement, I am in need of historical information from a local archive off the grounds. Your first duty for me would be going there and retrieving certain documents for me for research. I am sure you have questions and I will answer them to the best of my ability."
You can use the wealth by level tables, as well as the treasure value for monster encounters, as guidelines to help ensure you don't buff up your party too quickly. Sticking to one-shot items like potions and scrolls to start with helps. Watch for items that make low level challenges too easy (teleportation, flight, water breathing, etc.) as they can allow a low level party to completely ignore threats and challenges without having to rely on skills, class abilities, and their own creativity.
These conversations wouldn't be as argumentative if the language wasn't geared toward making them confrontational. I prefer "flavor" and "mechanics" over "fluff" and "crunch." For starters, fluff doesn't sound like anything important, but for most gamers it is.
Example: Look at how many people dislike having guns and gunpowder in their games. Now if you reskinned the "crunch" (the mechanical operation of the guns) with the right "fluff" (magical projectile weapons that require energy from magical crystals to fire) then you might have something that doesn't offend the sensibilities of people that don't want firearms souring the flavor of their favorite campaign.
From his vantage point, the owl notes the old and young man move off to their left, the younger leading. The young man moves out of line of sight behind a rock outcropping. A moment later, so does the old man. They make no move to return.
It'll stop me. I've got projects with deadlines I'll want to have done and out of the way so that I can spare all my free time for the contest when I get picked for the Top 32. ;-)
I don't ban entire books. Makes me look like a lazy GM. If I think a particular rule (spell/feat/race/item/whatever) doesn't work for my game for whatever reason, I'll disallow it or house rule it to make it work.
Always good to have new blood in the mix. You know, it's been long enough I'm actually looking forward to the voting again (well, and the humorous threads that will arise to let off steam about voting.)
Stilgar's hammer cracks the cultist on the top of the skull and he drops with a groan. The dwarf reaches the top of the rise this round.
Magnus moves to the edge of the path leading into the cave. He strains to hear anything, but any sound from within the cave is drowned out by the waterfall.
Auric charges past a javelin bearing cultist and swings at Barend. A quick twist by the forester keeps the blade from skewering him, its edge cutting along his ribs instead. Charge Attack: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (17) + 10 = 27 Damage:1d8 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4
Jon moves to the one with the javelins, swinging his scythe. The man gives a cry and is struck down.
1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15 Damage: 2d4 + 4 ⇒ (1, 3) + 4 = 8
A mist rises around Kalaya, sinister shadows moving about in it. The old man gives a disdainful harumph, then murmurs something. Perception check to make out the words.
The fallen blind man scrambles to his feet and manages to stumble a bit further towards the camp. The other one managing not to fall and gaining a bit of a lead. The rest reach the campsite this round, intent on escaping the group.
Liam continues to follow, making his way down the slop at a leisurely pace.
There aren't many murders in the Senate Hall. Heck, they make you check your weapons at the door. Well, except for the guards...and Section Omega...but you should be fine. What could possibly go wrong?
Amalie does not seem to notice the loss of the schematics from her stack, too focused on keeping things balanced as you hold the door open for her to enter. She gives you a smile. "Likewise, Broderick. Thank you for taking the time. I hope I didn't make you too late for your meeting." With that, she moves into the office, leaving you alone with your new acquisition...and still late for your appointment.
Master Parisos: "Herm...I don't know how I could possibly answer that, sir, since I don't know who you know. Herm. That is to say, I did not know him until we were introduced."
Amon:
Upon entering the office, you note that one of the comfortable looking chairs in the place is occupied by a prymidian male, who seems to be waiting on an appointment. The secretary, a prematurely balding human man dressed in functionary's clothing, stands to greet you. "Agent Alhombra, herm, yes. Senator Croy was awaiting someone from your organization. Please have a seat and I'll inform the Senator you've arrived."
Kon-Tao: "Complex and long-term, yes. I don't think I'd describe it as 'large' since the team is small and of varied specialties. Politics is very unlike your profession, Kon-Tao. In some ways they are alike: both are complex and the way they operate is often a mystery to many. However, there are significant differences. Where politics is concerned, it is convoluted and often runs against the very rules by which it is said to function. Hence I need a team of...troubleshooters, shall we say, that can help move things in the proper direction. I assure you that your skills will certainly be tested and should you serve efficiently, your designs and plans will see fruition and due testing in the field."
At this point, there is a quiet knock and, at the Senator's summons, Alden Graff slips into the room. "Herm, begging your pardon, sir, but you have another visitor. Herm. Master Parisos and he's on time. No sign of Mister Cromwell as yet."
The Senator nods. "Give us a few moments and then I'll send for him." Graff gives a short bow and retreats to the outer office. Croy turns back to you. "Another specialist, here by request. Perhaps we should speak with him and I can give you a better idea of the talent I'm recruiting."
What about a higher int on creatures like Elephants, Ceterans and Great Apes?
Elephans have been seen to do things like paint, mourn their dead and other things. Plus they have a highly folded brain.
Everyone knows Dolphins are very smart, and were declared a non-human person in India.
and Great Apes, well they can be taught sign lanuage, and are even capable of lying, showing sorrow, and dirty language.
Yes, elephants can paint, but is that not simply advanced training? If they were shown to understand the abstracts (that the images they paint represent flowers, trees, etc.) then that would indicate intelligence of a sapient level.
Governments declare lots of things. That doesn't make them so.
Apes I'll give you, but then they're the closest relatives we have.
Broderick: Amelie laughs. "Oh, no, I didn't mean anything like that. It's just he's...unconventional. There are a lot of older and more established members of the Senate that consider him something of a radical. Then again, some of these people think you're a radical if you use the wrong spoon to eat your soup at a formal dinner."
Knowledge Check:
Volkov is a Senator representing the Arman Protectorate.
Amon: A short while later you arrive. The guards at the door take one look at your uniform and let you pass, as does the clerk and a second pair of guards that collect and hold weapons from visitors. A quick question to them and a page is summoned to lead you to Croy's offices.
Timbre:
The Prelate considers your question. "Not necessarily. He and his associates in the Senate, this "Crown Council" seek to strengthen the Senate's position of power and a stronger union amongst nations in the face of universal threats. This seems a sound idea. If he would have the wisdom of the Kaga's followers to guide him, then it is meet that we should provide. However, should you note anything amiss, I would wish to hear of it."
Master Parisos: A mild-looking human fellow with a receding hairline greets you in the outer office and receives your letter, consulting a leather-bound ledger on his desk. "Herm...yes, here we are. You are expected, Master Parisos. If you would have a seat," he says, indicating one of several comfortable-looking chairs in the room,"I'll inform the Senator of your arrival. He's currently speaking with, herm, another visitor. I'm sure he'll see you at his earliest opportunity. Herm." With that, he rises and moves to another door at the back of the room, knocking deferentially before slipping inside.
Amon: Malshenko gives a grin. "His offices are at the Senate building. A letter of introduction is being drafted for you. Pick it up on the way out of the building. He'll be expecting you today."
Master Parisos: Gregor gives you a shrug and a "Suit yourself" look, continuing to chew his roll as you turn and leave. A short while later you find yourself outside Senator Croy's offices.
Broderick: At your offer, her expression and tone soften a bit. "Oh, why yes, that's very kind of you to offer." You gather half of the scattered stack (including the schematics) into a pile and proceed down the hall back the way you came.
"Amelie is fine. I've been here just over a year now. I work for Senator Volkov. Will you be working for Senator Croy? He's...well, he's certainly making himself known around here."
Kon-Tao: The Senator smiles. "It sounds fascinating and I would certainly like to see them sometime in the future. However, for the time being I think there are other ways you can assist me. I'm assembling a team of professionals and your talents will certainly be of assistance to them in certain operations I'll need done."
5/20/91 A.U. You have been summoned by Director Malshenko, the head of local operations for Section Omega in Aremhyk, the capitol of Korryth and home of the Imperial Senate.
"Amon, you are being put on special assignment. We have had a request from one of the Senators for a protective detail. He has made a reasonable argument that he may need someone of your abilities and command has seen fit to have me procure an agent to assign. I have chosen you."
"You will provide what service you can to Senator Roald Croy, in whatever capacity he deems fit, so long as his commands do not break Imperial law or countermand your orders from Section Omega. Also, we are doing this to build a bridge of trust between us and the Crown Council. That said, we also want as much knowledge about the Senator and his operations personally, within the Crown Council, and the overall Senate as well. You will provide regular reports weekly as you are able. Questions?"
05/20/91 A.U. You are summoned by the Prelate of the Church of the Kaga in Aremhyk, the capitol of Korryth and home of the Imperial Senate. Prelate Beatrix informs you that you are to be reassigned in your service.
"One of the Senators has requested guidance from the Church. While this is not entirely unheard of, such roles usually go to followers of the Sanguine Lord. However, this particular personage is of interest to us, and we would like to see his efforts succeed. You are to report to Senator Roald Croy at the capitol building and provide whatever assistance you can, within the bounds of your conscience. Should you need any guidance, you may always return here to consult with one of your superiors, or the Kaga Himself, should it be necessary."
Move to O2, assuming the slope is difficult terrain.
Nope, you've crested the slope, so it's all downhill from here.
Magnus hears the sounds of feet heading in his direction. Peering from his place of hiding, he can see the men from the camp in retreat, with the party hard on their heels.
Stilgar's ghostly hammer swings down again, but the man manages to avoid the swing this time, ducking out of the way.
Auric bears down on Barend, taking a swing that slices open the man's upper left arm. He cries out in pain, with no ready reply to Auric's taunt.
The cultists continue their withdrawl, moving back into the camp towards the cliff face. Those blinded by the glitterdust blunder along, left behind by their mates, one tripping over a root and falling face first to the forest floor. (Marked with double asterisk.)
Jon moves down, taking his scythe to one of the blinded fellows, catching him across the midsection and dropping him to the ground.
The old man meets Kalaya's gaze. "Innocence? There is no innocence in the wild. Only the weak and the strong. Predator and prey. The weak and the strong. Those who oppose my work shall have their bones broken under the Horned Lord's hooves when he arrives to sweep away the unfaithful. Submit to his will, or fall like the rest."
As Kon-Tao goes over his designs in his head, the far door opens again. Alden Graff holds the door as a man dressed in fine robes enters. He stands just over six feet in height, with well-styled hair and close-cropped beard of dark brown, starting to gray at the temples. His blue eyes appear sharp and observant as his gaze fixes on the cynean with an appraising look.
"Welcome. I hope our discourse today proves to be mutually beneficial," he says in passable Cynean. Then, switching to the Common tongue: "I am Senator Roald Croy. I'm in need of competent people to provide service to me in, shall we say, unconventional ways."
The smell of the rolls in the basket distracts Master Parisos from much else as Gregor takes one and bites off half in one mouthful, revealing ground sausage baked into the middle. He gives a moan and, mouth still full, mumbles his thanks again, lifting the basket to offer the prymidian one of the baked goods.
Shadowborn
