|
3.) If you are willing to assume enough time has passed that the guards at the door know they don't need to hold Vesh, he can walk out the front door, too.
Thank goodness! Last time Vesh went out the window he was singing Gimme Three Steps! Poor guy probably would've cut himself on glass going out the window. He'll stay with Ehlissa and Salome and leave with them. Discretion, valor, etc.
Also, since I seem to have the most boring job/a great amount of time in front of a computer, I'm happy to pilot Corran during combat encounters. Don't expect overly verbose post on his part, I'll mostly limit them to descriptions of combat moves, etc. Though, he is a man of few words, so that shouldn't be a problem.
|
|
OK, sounds like you are ready to go. One last thing: is everything updated to 2nd level and with new equipment? If you are piloting a PC other than your own, please do a quick double check and note any discrepencies here.
I'll look over Corran's character sheet; hopefully it is up-to-date.
EDIT: It looks like Talion never leveled-up Corran; kind of a bummer. I'll have to look at the ranger class description, but I think I can get away with adding one to his BAB and be okay for most of the combat stuff. For his second level ranger combat style, what was he supposed to take? Does anyone remember? Also, I'll do my best guess when it comes to skill rolls. I think I can get a sense for where he might've spent his 2nd level skill points. I'll need to know how many hp he has, though. I don't want to be responsible to roll dice there. I'll look back and review his shield's attributes...I think that's pretty much it.
One thing to remember, Vesh never resized the +1 arrows (they cost 58gp for both and he's about 18gp light after getting MW thieves' tools). Just thought I'd point that out. It looks like Ameiko's dagger and Ehlissa's sword might be the only magic weapons we've got on us. I'm not even sure that Ehlissa's sword is magic, now that I think of it.
Mal and Jayne are characters from the show Firefly. Firefly was easily the best TV show to ever be aired, IMO. It was cancelled by Fox after one season. I could go on and on but I won't.Mal? Jayne?
Color me confused, I guess I'm not as 'hip a geek' as I thought I was!
(Bad Dr. Evil accent) Throw me a bone here, willya?(/accent)
Ah! Ok, THANK you!
Firefly I know!I have seen a couple of episodes, and the movie. I just hadn't watched it enough to catch all the names!
Yeah, there's a lot we didn't get done.
I keep meaning to roll up my lil' 'shopping trip' for a potion of CLW and a couple of scrolls to augment my abilities, but that just never seems to happen. I suppose I could have said he did that this morning before he found Vesh & Malcolm.
(Darn you HArry Potter and your day by day (Play-by-play) account of your long school years! How dare you influence me like this?!?)
Will double-check char as soon as I am able. I'm pretty sure I'm done, just need to make sure I added all my new spells to my list!
|
I think he meant to take his second level in fighter, which would give him a bonus feat, but not much in the way of skills.
From memory, he was using a Combat Style variant from an issue of Dragon - something about a sword and shield ranger? That's what I remember.
Please assume any shopping (and picking up payment from Town Hall) has happened off screen and just use the default price.... [Truncated to save space]Ehlissa's sword is mwk cold iron and glows like a torch (faint Evocation)
Can we assume that Ehlissa, instead of going shopping, has probably picked up her pay, and then gone to get kitted up (armor, weapons, etc.)?
|
|
Lets kick, budda--booma--budda--boom, some Runelord @$$! Budda--booma--budda--boom!
(That'll come back to haunt me, I'm sure!)
To Rags: Glad to see that you're feeling back in character. Like any piece of fiction, it seems (in my opinion/experience) really easy to lose a character's tone when you're in the thick of writing him (or her).
I was also sensing some Vesh slippage as well--I was a little lost with all the sleuthing around, and it felt like Vesh was adopting the detective role a little more than was fitting for him. This especially tended to happen as I felt meta-game pressure (self imposed, though it was) to push the plot forward.
The more I return to Vesh's (insecure) thoughts and post those, the more I get back into the unsure youth that I started with. A somewhat naive young person that is wrapped around a core of a sharp mind and brave (to the point of foolhardy) spirit. I want him to slowly move away from the unaware boy towards the more aware and experienced man, but I need to remind myself do so slowly.
My ramblings, etc. NOW, let's kick some Runelord @$$!
(Budda--booma--budda--boom!)
My ramblings, etc. NOW, let's kick some Runelord @$$!
(Budda--booma--budda--boom!)
*Sigh* Now you've jinxed us.
Aack! I think I have gone from treading water to drowning. I've been playing along for less than two weeks, and we're already to a fight. While everybody's gearing up (and I think I understand most of the acronyms), I need some help with my profile (JSL? Anyone?). I don't even have an XP number yet, and aside from the armor (which I had some coaching on), weapon, and prepared spells, I don't even know if I'm supposed to have anything else on hand. Suggestions?
Also, I have never done combat as a spellcaster. I understand that clerics are primarily defensive, and I have some Bless spells, etc. prepped for pre-combat and healing for post-combat. But before we get really, really started, I'd like to know:
1) What is the "routine" for combat? (How do y'all handle it PbP?)
2) How are tactics planned (e.g., in the discussion thread, in the campaign thread, are they planned at all)? Not knowing what we're playing against, but who is running the game, I know that the enemy force will be ready with some manuevers. (Does anybody play the miniature game?)
3) Does anyone have suggestions for keeping track of statistics for the statistically-averse? (I'm great with p-values in scientific papers; terrible with box scores.)
4) Basically, what do I need to know ahead of time so I don't screw up?
|
|
I don't even have an XP number yet,
If you're level 2, then you should have 1150 XP (100 to get to lvl 2, and 150 for the last encounter. Right JSL?)
and aside from the armor (which I had some coaching on), weapon, and prepared spells, I don't even know if I'm supposed to have anything else on hand. Suggestions?
If you're geared up, and your spells are prepped, then you're good to go! Don't forget, you've used one of your CLW spells, so make sure you subtract that. Just by looking the your profile, you appear to be lvl 2.
A second point: Good clerics (regardless of deity), can cast any of the 'Cure' chain of spells spontaneously, sacrificing a prepared spell of the same level to cast it. Eg. Naelah, in the last battle, sacrificed her Magic Stone spell in order to cast Cure Light Wounds (She has a feat that duplicates the cleric ability to cast cure spells this way). Thus, I would suggest that you don't prepare any cure spells, as you can sacrifice any spell you haven't cast yet in order to get some healing done.
Unless, of course, you WANT to have a definite cure spell.
Also, I have never done combat as a spellcaster. I understand that clerics are primarily defensive, and I have some Bless spells, etc. prepped for pre-combat and healing for post-combat. But before we get really, really started, I'd like to know:
Yes, divine casters are primarily defensive/utility casters. Bless spells are good, at this level, as well as spells like magic weapon, command (you can give a single order), and cause fear are all excellent.
1) What is the "routine" for combat? (How do y'all handle it PbP?)
Routine? Usually initiative gets rolled first, and then acting in initiative order is preferable (to me, anyway), as that makes JSL's job easier, and less confusing.
2) How are tactics planned (e.g., in the discussion thread, in the campaign thread, are they planned at all)? Not knowing what we're playing against, but who is running the game, I know that the enemy force will be ready with some manuevers. (Does anybody play the miniature game?)
Erm, last time the tactics came out in RP - with people shouting suggestions, and 'looks outs', that sort of thing. Organic tactics are pretty good.
3) Does anyone have suggestions for keeping track of statistics for the statistically-adverse? (I'm great with p-values in scientific papers; terrible with box scores.)
Yep. Usually, during combat I keep a document on my computer that tracks my current HP, AC, Attack Bonus, and Spells in Effect. If you like, you can even post it at the very end of your post, so everyone knows what's going on...
Like this:
(Using Naelah as example)
NAELAH
HP: 9/9. - Health. Obviously. Current/Max.
AC: 15 (T: 12 FF: 13) - in this case, 'T' means Touch AC; FF means Flat-Footed.
Attack: Quarterstaff +2 (1d6/1d6+1, crit x2, 4lb., two-handed, bludgeoning) - This is the weapon she is using right now, basically.
Spells in Effect: Bless. - This is where you can place all of the continuous magical effects on your character, like buffs etc.
Conditionals: -Poisons, in Grapple, On fire, Paralyzed, etc etc.
Spells Cast: - For the spells you've already cast.
I use this as an easy reference for myself so that on a given turn, I know what I can do.
4) Basically, what do I need to know ahead of time so I don't screw up?
I think that's about it.
Any more questions?
|
|
WOW.
That was a long post. If you're confused on anything, let me know, I can tidy up what I said. Sometimes I confuse myself, even.
Also, if anyone has any questions on that kind of stuff (like Dreamers'), I'm happy to help. I have a pretty encyclopedic knowledge ofmost of the 3.5 system, from feats to prestige classes, to skills, and so on. It comes from owning lots of books, and DMing two games in RL (We're currently running Savage Tide [Up to the third-last part! Finally!] in an Eberron flavor, and I'm also running a Drow game (for the hell of it).
Anywho, I'll let someone else say stuff now, my hands are hurting from all that typing.
That big post took about 40mins to write - that's what I'm reduced to, at the moment. Stupid, painful hands!
WOW is right, that looked like one of MY posts! :)
You ONLY took 40 mins? It takes me that long to write Sli saying "Hi"!
(I'm NOT that slow of a typer! It just takes me that long to figure out how to say what I want to say!) :P
NIce to know we have such an encyclopedia of knowledge to help us out here! I don't own many of the books, and the ones I DO own are in storage! (Yay Crystal Keep Website!)
@Santinj~ Thanks, I was definitely off the tone for a bit there. (Maybe not THAT far off, but it for sure wasn't right!) These last couple of posts 'felt' much better.
Grrr! I have the "Thank you" plat written down, but I never wrote down the 'loot sale' or the on call fee!
oh well, I'll find it,.... :P
Lol! Me too it seems Psi!
What I MEANT was, I wrote down the bag of 15 PP that we got delivered to our rooms by the mayor as a thank you for helping the town. I Did NOT write down the GP from the sale of the good goblin loot we took. (Malcolm sold it to some shady 'friends'.)
I also forgot what they are paying us 'per day' to be on call while the Sheriff was gone.
But that's OK. The Plat I had more than covered the 1 potion of CLW and the 2 1st lvl scrolls I picked up!
|
|
"Tat tvam asi," explained Garjjan De when Salome looked questioningly into his eyes. "We are all connected. We cry in the face of sadness. We share laughter, anger, and song. I could not be a good man and stand idly while you are harmed. Tat tvam asi."Salome awakens from her reverie to see Slidell's expectant face looking down at her, as if waiting for a response. "Tat tvam asi," she states matter-of-factly.
Superb. Absolutely great writing.
@ PsiFox - Thanks SO much for the input. I had hoped that with PbP, all of you would be spared my now-what-do-I-do?-type questions. But it's also nice to know that you're willing and able to answer.
Superb. Absolutely great writing.
@ santinj@ - Thanks for the compliment. :) I may not know how to cast spells, but I can WRITE! Actually, I was disappointed that I missed out on the early "hey, this will be a lot of fun," part of the creation process and have really been hoping that my contribution is up to par.
Superb. Absolutely great writing.@ santinj@ - Thanks for the compliment. :) I may not know how to cast spells, but I can WRITE! Actually, I was disappointed that I missed out on the early "hey, this will be a lot of fun," part of the creation process and have really been hoping that my contribution is up to par.
Well, i think we are all in agreement that your writing is, "So far, so good!"
:)Your Prose is much better structured and flowing than my own, overly verbose, style. You write with grace and style. I, on the other hand, simply prefer to bury the reader under an assault of verbs and adjectives until it either becomes funny, (or at least amusing), or both the character and the reader become confused.
BOTH of which are valid character choices in my case! :D
IN short, (TOO LATE!) your contribution is most certainly "up to par".
Keep up the good work!
BOTH of which are valid character choices in my case! :D
@ Ragadolf
@Dreamer~
Lol, that's great. I'm up for that. Have to go read up on my witticisms though.
Between us being the 'Much Ado' verbal sparring partners, and Ehlissa (when she returns) being the 'Brigadier Lethbridge Stuart' to my 'Doctor', I'm gonna be so busy 'RP'ing' and being clever, I'll be lucky to have time to cast spells! Lol!
Hmm,... I'm gonna have to go read up on my clever quotes, looks like I need to start stocking up on those now! :)
@Dreamer and Slidell:
What do I get to be then?
I demand witty banter!
So there!
:P
|
|
Naelah: perhaps we'll become comedic relief? We can always banter in Shoanti just to piss people off.
Comic Relief: No. Except for the times when Vesh makes a fool of himself over Naelah. :p
Talking in Shoanti: Yes. :D
@Slidell:
He name is spelled like this: N-a-e-l-a-h. It's very phonetic. :P
One of the joys of PbP is that anything within 24 hours is still a snappy comeback.
My first time D&Ding, I was playing a bard who was supposed to engage in witty banter with an NPC. Well... it was neither witty nor banter. And since I was the only PC, I didn't have anyone to play off of either.
@ PsionicFox - Beatrice hung out with Hero... Earlier you expressed hope that Salome and Naelah would "bond." I'm sure that between the combination of the "hot" and "cool" personalities of the resident healers and taking care of Veren, things are pointing in that direction (I'll have to start thinnking about that initial meeting). And I'm sure that should wit (or at least Wisdom) be necessary, we can gang up on unsuspecting wizards.
Assuming we can get a word in edgewise. ;)
|
|
...Except for the times when Vesh makes a fool of himself over Naelah. :p
Talking in Shoanti: Yes. :D
Point one: ouch.
Point two: which translator are you using for Naelah's Shoanti. The Quor Tranlator that I'm using for Vesh often makes him sound like he's a Saurial with a mouthful of 'massht potatoesss.'
|
|
@ PsiFox - Thanks SO much for the input. I had hoped that with PbP, all of you would be spared my now-what-do-I-do?-type questions. But it's also nice to know that you're willing and able to answer.
Hey, we're all here to help. Except for Rags. Very unhelpful that one. Just kidding!
I noticed in Salome's post that there wasn't a result for the CLW spell you cast on Veren. Are you familiar with using Invisible Castle for rolling dice? If not, you're gonna love it! NOT. No, seriously, if you haven't used it, I'm sure one of us could post a primer.
I noticed in Salome's post that there wasn't a result for the CLW spell you cast on Veren. Are you familiar with using Invisible Castle for rolling dice? If not, you're gonna love it! NOT. No, seriously, if you haven't used it, I'm sure one of us could post a primer.
Yeah, I've used Invisible Castle. JSL said results for non-combat healing were maximized (see his latest post), so I didn't bother in that case.
As for loving it, seeing some of the scores that have been posted... I'm just going to assume that anyone who rolls a critical must be cheating.
P.S. Is this the same invisible castle referred to in "Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No-Good Very Bad Day"? That might explain something.
P.S. Is this the same invisible castle referred to in "Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No-Good Very Bad Day"? That might explain something.
LMAO!
Sorry, not only do I have kids, but my wife is a teacher! So I got the reference.(dangit, gonna have to start covering my keyboards, cleaning Coke out of them all the time is getting annoying!) :D
|
|
JSL said results for non-combat healing were maximized (see his latest post), so I didn't bother in that case.
This is why I don't DM...the Devil truly is in the details. And wears Prada, or so I've heard.
P.S. Is this the same invisible castle referred to in "Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No-Good Very Bad Day"? That might explain something.
"I went to sleep with gum in my mouth and now there's gum in my hair..."
Love it. Right up there with Go, Dog. Go!
Heh, At my age, I'm feeling pretty nostalgic about 'Your only Old once!'
Dreamer, your writing is very good (better than mine) and I enjoy reading your posts. We're happy to help whenever needed.
One of the nice things about PbPs is that you have a lot more time to compose your responses. It's almost easier to RP in a PbP.
Oh, and Rags, you do manage to make Sli entertaining. I always love reading his posts.
"Invisible Castle" is better than "Maure Castle" -- every time I scroll down the messageboards, I swear there's an N stuck in the middle of it.
|
|
"Invisible Castle" is better than "Maure Castle" -- every time I scroll down the messageboards, I swear there's an N stuck in the middle of it.
Lol. Maure castle.
I remember the most fiendish trap ever in that dungeon. I cackled, literally cackled with glee when the trap in question* got the rogue.
*Don't read this spoiler if you intend on playing Maure Castle as a PC.
I was nice though, and let a wish spell restore a random percentage of his gear to magical status. I think he got back about 40% of his gear.
Now, to business:
"What's the order of entry?"
If I understand correctly, the answer to that question does not yet depend on rolling initiative - we're still outside the "dungeon." I think it's safe to assume
1) the enemy is going to have tactics and a plan (JSL does not battle randomly) and2) since this is PbP and not a room-by-room dungeon crawl, the challenges will come to us and increase with little time to re-up between waves.
Therefore,
3) how we decide to go in matters, and we'll want to enter as "strongly" as possible (i.e., in as optimal position/formation as possible for each person's strengths and fighting styles).
Who's the tactician of the group (either in character or ooc)?
EDIT: I just got some pre-battle coaching, so I'll put this on the table.
General rules:
- tanks in front (Corran and Ehlissa, whoever has highest AC + HP first)
- defense in middle (I'm planning on casting Bless first round; if you get initiative before me, don't run too far away)
- eyes to the front and back (i.e. rogues/scouts)
- mage farthest back, and adequately protected from enemies
JSL also reminds me that initiative is defensive; it's better to make the enemy come to you than to split up and be vulnerable (especially without a plan).
I read something in the PHB last night about flanking bonuses and other such stuff, but it made me sleepy.
|
|
Now, to business:
"What's the order of entry?"
Is this Slidell's quote from the game thread? It's not appearing when I go there. Screwy message boards.
If I understand correctly, the answer to that question does not yet depend on rolling initiative - we're still outside the "dungeon." I think it's safe to assume
1) the enemy is going to have tactics and a plan (JSL does not battle randomly) and
2) since this is PbP and not a room-by-room dungeon crawl, the challenges will come to us and increase with little time to re-up between waves.
Therefore,
3) how we decide to go in matters, and we'll want to enter as "strongly" as possible (i.e., in as optimal position/formation as possible for each person's strengths and fighting styles).Who's the tactician of the group (either in character or ooc)?
My responses to 1, 2, and 3 above:
1. Yep. JSL is a formidable DM--makes you think. I love it.2. Yep. Agreed, much like the first battle in the Church square. Just enough time to make sure you've got all your teeth.
3. Yep. Agree again, and also agree with the order you outline as well--good coaching BTW.
I like tactics, but it's hard to replicate the table-talk that happens in a normal RP session in a PbP session without slowing things to a crawl. Again, I think the beginning of the 'last wave' in our first battle balanced this well (it's around page 5, I think): some hurried talk about tactics, but not too much. Some tactical talk can--and does--happen here as well.
JSL also reminds me that initiative is defensive; it's better to make the enemy come to you than to split up and be vulnerable (especially without a plan).
Yes, delaying and readying actions <see link here> can sometimes help with this.
I read something in the PHB last night about flanking bonuses and other such stuff, but it made me sleepy.
Flanking helps you and a friend (or friends) get a +2 attack bonus and allows rogues to sneak attack. The quick and dirty way of thinking about flanking is that you want to put yourself on the opposite side of an opponent from your friend. Envision a tic-tac-toe board with the center square occupied by a foe. The squares surrounding the center square are named after the points of a compass (NW, N, NE, E, etc.) If Vesh stands in E, then Salome would be flanking by standing in NW, W, or SW. If you can draw a straight line from the center of Vesh's square to the center of Salome's square that crosses any part of the opponent's square (including corners) in between, Salome and Vesh are flanking the opponent. Easy-cheesy.