pat512 |
Watch for the roster over here in a few hours.
Meanwhile, chargen:
Starting with 0xp, max gold, 32-point-buy. PHB races only, but classes and other options available from Core, Compete Arcane/Divine/Warrior/Adventurer and Races series, and both AP Player's Guides. Complete Scoundrel/Mage/Champion options by permission. Most options from the SRD are available, but no psionics. Non-evil alignments only, and Chaotic Neutral does not mean either insane or non-detectable evil.
(snip)
- 2 extra skill points/level for all characters (8 at first), 1 (4) of which must be spent on some combination of Craft and Profession (bought as class skills).
- Knowledge: Local is a class skill for all characters.
A couple things I omitted. Max HP at 1st. Hit points at subsequent levels will also be fixed at a level depending on the hit die type, but roughly 70% of max. No randomizers needed for character buildin
Elaborating on the alignment notes, please, no sociopathic loners. They're hard enough to integrate in a face-to-face game, and much harder in PBP. The characters need to be basically willing to work in a group toward a common good. That does not mean there can not be disagreement and conflict, but I'd rather not have it built into a character from the start.Along the same lines, if you haven't played a PBP before, be aware that particularly quiet characters can be (though not necessarily are) somewhat dull to play. I'm not saying "don't play one," but when thinking of your character's personality, keep the limitations of the medium in mind.
I'd like to spend a day or two with the six of you sorting out your characters. It would be very helpful if you each took one of the "traits" in the CotCT Player's Guide. Not only do they give you certain mechanics bonuses, but they feed right in to the initial adventure hook. If you don't like those, any other reason to hate Lamm will do. If that's still a problem for you (e.g., you really want to play a character just arrived in town), I'll work with you, but some of the onus will be on you to help your character fit in, even if it takes a bit of metagaming at the start.
Questions welcome!
EDIT: Knew I'd forget something. As usual on these boards, character sheets should go in a profile under the character's name (or alias, if it's that type of character). I'd prefer mechanics not be behind spoilers, but if you do, please use just one big spoiler for all the game mechanic stuff. Spoilering story stuff is up to you.
I don't require a lot of story or personality upfront, but enough to work in the hooks. Some people do better doing the personality as they start playing, and that's fine.
moonglum |
Thanks for the invitation!
I would still like to create an Elf Wizard, if this is acceptable.
While I realize that elves represent a very slight minority, I would like to be in that minority.
I will check out the flaws/traits tonight. I am familiar with them and believe that the narcotic user/ friend of such may be the path I take. I will reread tonight and make a decision.
Thanks again.
Cheers!
PS Does anyone else have the Harrow deck? I have it, pretty amazing illustrations. Hope we can incorporate it somehow!
pat512 |
I would still like to create an Elf Wizard, if this is acceptable.
While I realize that elves represent a very slight minority, I would like to be in that minority.
Certainly fine by me!
PS Does anyone else have the Harrow deck? I have it, pretty amazing illustrations. Hope we can incorporate it somehow!
Yes, I do have it. Unfortunately, I don't really see how we could do much with the images without copyright problems. But it will certainly figure into the campaign in text form!
pat512 |
Contact info:
I'm on U.S. Eastern time (currently GMT-4) and keep mostly office-worker's hours. Most days I can check in repeatedly. There will be the occasional day I can't post at all, but generally I know in advance when things will be that hairy (barring, of course, the occasional catastrophic computer crisis).
If I seem to have disappeared, try writing me at
If you feel like sending me your e-mail address for similar reasons, feel free, but it is by no means a requirement.
Alex Martin |
Thanks for the invitation. My plan is to play a ranger - with the idea being he's from a very minor noble or merchant family.
I am leaning towards the Missing Sibling trait.
Skill points question: You mention (2) extra points; (8) at first.
Based on class and race, I have 32 to start. Does that mean an addition that starts me with 34 or 40 skill points?
More to come shortly.
Alex Martin |
Pat -
Character is up here.
Based on what you tell me on skills, I only have to decide on ranks, I think. Let me know if there's something else I overlooked. Thanks!
Probably won't be checking until late this afternoon.
pat512 |
Alex,
You're fast!
First, I would prefer that all the spoilered mechanics be behind a single spoiler tag, so I don't have to open half a dozen to find something.
Second, you should have 40 skill points: 6 (ranger) + 1 (INT) + 1 (human) + 2 (house rule) = 10, 10*4 = 40.
Now, details:
Your attacks are all short by one -- you seem to have not included your BAB.
Swim should be +0 = +2 (STR) - 2 (Armor).
You should have 2 languages -- Common as base, + 1 for INT. Note, too, that the RotR Player's Guide is in error. There is no separate Chelaxian tongue.
Your armor is not listed under equipment. I'm not going to do the math, but please make sure you paid for it.
I'll look at backgrounds later.
pat512 |
I've been planning a Favored Soul, which is half put together, but I'm willing to be talked out of it if the group needs something else.
Assuming Knucklehead = Fighter (or maybe Barbarian), the bases are pretty thoroughly covered. Six characters allows for some extra.
Alex Martin |
Second, you should have 40 skill points: 6 (ranger) + 1 (INT) + 1 (human) + 2 (house rule) = 10, 10*4 = 40.
Thanks for the clarifications on skill points. I'll make adjustments on them later on. To further answer other notes:
Apologies for the lack of information. I tend to get everything down on paper, and then transfer electronically. A few things went missing in my translation - like BAB, etc. Response/update in blue.
**I don't understand your notation for your saves. Fort should be +4, for example -- +2 base + 2 CON.**
OK - forgot the Ranger's class save bonuses in Fort and Ref. They have now been added.
**Your attacks are all short by one -- you seem to have not included your BAB.**
You are correct! Didn't check the Ranger table again - BAB has now been added to all weapons.
**Swim should be +0 = +2 (STR) - 2 (Armor).
Your armor is not listed under equipment. I'm not going to do the math, but please make sure you paid for it.**
Studded Leather Armor. Listed it under AC heading, but forgot to put it under equipment. I did deduct it from my gold total - no worries. Per D20SRD, armor check penalty is (-1), so that's how I got Swim +1. Also, I accidentally wrote +12 - my bad.
**You should have 2 languages -- Common as base, + 1 for INT. Note, too, that the RotR Player's Guide is in error. There is no separate Chelaxian tongue.**
Thanks for the update - didn't realize that about Chelaxian. Would Shoanti be considered seperate language? It will either be that or Orcish.
Everything has been adjusted to two spoilers - one for stats/scores; one for background. Hope that works. By the way - for simplicity - would you like me to reduce the amount of detail on Ranger abilities under the Class heading?
So, I think all those items have been adjusted; I'll get around to skill stuff later this evening. Let me know if there's anything further I can do.
pat512 |
Question: Would you allow us non-bards to take ranks in Perform instead of Craft/Profession for the extra houserule skills? My FS is gonna worship Shelyn, so it seems appropriate that he earn a living by art rather than, you know, real work. :)
Sure -- I would have included that originally if I'd thought of it!
pat512 |
Alex:
**Swim should be +0 = +2 (STR) - 2 (Armor).
Per D20SRD, armor check penalty is (-1), so that's how I got Swim +1. Also, I accidentally wrote +12 - my bad.
Except ACP is doubled for Swim. Sorry I wasn't clear.
Thanks for the update - didn't realize that about Chelaxian. Would Shoanti be considered seperate language? It will either be that or Orcish.
Shoanti is separate, yes. Previously you had Elvish down, which is why I was counting.
The Chelaxian thing was clarified on the boards only -- no reason to spot it without some luck. If I recall correctly, Common/Chelaxian is actually a language called Taldane or something like that, but "Common" is good enough. They changed their minds after the PG went to print.
Everything has been adjusted to two spoilers - one for stats/scores; one for background. Hope that works. By the way - for simplicity - would you like me to reduce the amount of detail on Ranger abilities under the Class heading?
It's good, thanks.
pat512 |
http://paizo.com/people/ColePegason
Posted the mechanics. I'll work on the description/background in the afternoon.
Great. Just a couple notes/questions.
Your Craft skill should be +4.
You seem to have one too many 1st-level spells prepped. Should be 1 (Cleric1) + 1 (Wisdom) + a domain spell.
pat512 |
Well here is the basics of my fighter done, decided to go the route of combat 'tech' guy aimed squarely at Holy Liberator
Great, thanks.
As I said earlier, please put all the mechanics behind no more than one spoiler.
A couple specific notes:
Don't forget the Armor Check Penalty for Jump and Swim.
Improved Trip has a prerequisite of Combat Expertise.
pat512 |
Ryan: Cole Pegason, Human Cleric of Iomedae - mechanics almost done
Longreach: Avalon Deepsweep, Human Fighter - mechanics done
Alex: Frasides Francol, Human Ranger - mechanics almost done [spoiler]needs to spend skills and correct swim arithmetic error[/spoler]
Covaithe: Probably Favored Soul, race TBA
Chris: Gnome Rogue
Moonglum: Elf Wizard
Coming together nicely -- with an Iomedae cleric, a fighter, and a ranger, you won't lack for armed combat!
Feel free, too, to have your characters be acquainted before game start. As more people get background up, this would be a good time to discuss it.
Frasides Francol |
Mechanics done, methinks.
Skill points added (hope it's not too confusing) & I finally learned to add right. ;-)
If it helps any one to make links for character connections, I have added background - pending Pat's approval - for perusal. Just making the suggestion, in case it will help...
Cole Pegason |
If it helps any one to make links for character connections, I have added background - pending Pat's approval - for perusal. Just making the suggestion, in case it will help...
Quickly looking at your background maybe your investigations could have lead you to/through Cole, while looking for Gaedren? I'm sure Cole would be happy to help you in your search as he'll be looking to avenge those hurt by that fiend also.
Frasides Francol |
Quickly looking at your background maybe your investigations could have lead you to/through Cole, while looking for Gaedren? I'm sure Cole would be happy to help you in your search as he'll be looking to avenge those hurt by that fiend also.
That sounds good...my thoughts:
I don't know that I would call Frasides (Fra-si-deez) imposing, but he does have certain physical quickness and strength that comes from being in the wilderness as much as in the city. It's certainly not something one might expect from a merchant's son.
His skin is tanned more than a typical Chelaxian, with hair going a brown/blond color. His eyes are brown, but have a hint of grey.
When he first meets Cole, I would say that he was skeptical (even of a holy man) - probably from having met so much scum in his search. Still, once he got to know you - you'd find him to be warm, but with a dry sense of humor. He's also a tad impulsive and intense - wanting to chase after every lead and clue with gusto. By now, the pretense of Frasides Francol the nobleman has been dropped, and you can probably just call him "Fraz."
In the end, when talk turns to family and his sister, this is a man with a deep affection for them. Unlike many noble/fancy merchant families - who can be indifferent - you get the feeling that most of Francols have a deep appreciation/concern for Korvosa and its residents.
That may be more than you need to know - but I kind of wanted to frame it for reference.
pat512 |
Ok, I think I got all the mechanics bits. The background got away from me a bit there; I usually write much shorter backgrounds. :)
I haven't yet looked at other backgrounds to see where mine could be hooked in, but I'm happy to change as needed to know the others.
I like the background, should work well.
Mechanics notes:
In 3.5, I almost never recommend Combat Casting. CC is +4 to Concentration for one particular use, whereas Skill Focus: Concentration is +3 for all uses. Up to you, of course.
moonglum |
Hi there!
I posted my initial mechanics and posted them here
Leliestratt
Need to work on background material, elven history is obscure.
Will have Drug Addict (personal addiction) and will add Fortitude bonus.
That will likely play into Herbalist/Alchemy/MagicUser background.
Question:
Is the Spell Compendium an option?
Question:
Is the Acadamae open to elves? Can Leliestratt have a connection to the Acadamae?
Just realized that I might have used PH2. D'oh!
Always forget about that one!
pat512 |
Hi!
PHB2 and Spell Compendium are both available -- sorry, I always forget them, too.
Academae is open to elves, yes.
Mechanics notes:
Your skill list is a bit cryptic -- if I'm rolling for you, I need to be able to see the relevant total at a glance. You should have 28 ranks.
Otherwise, so far so good.
covaithe |
mechanics
You've cheated yourself out of a 0-level spell known.
Really? My table (Complete Divine) says 4/3. Are you perhaps looking at the spells per day table instead of spells known?
In 3.5, I almost never recommend Combat Casting. CC is +4 to Concentration for one particular use, whereas Skill Focus: Concentration is +3 for all uses. Up to you, of course.
I'm not the most experienced D&D player at this table -- probably the least experienced -- but I've never seen concentration used for anything except combat casting in actual play. Should I expect to see it more often in your game? :)
pat512 |
mechanics
** spoiler omitted **
pat512 wrote:
You've cheated yourself out of a 0-level spell known.Really? My table (Complete Divine) says 4/3. Are you perhaps looking at the spells per day table instead of spells known?
Except you've got one "spell known" listed twice.
pat512 wrote:
In 3.5, I almost never recommend Combat Casting. CC is +4 to Concentration for one particular use, whereas Skill Focus: Concentration is +3 for all uses. Up to you, of course.I'm not the most experienced D&D player at this table -- probably the least experienced -- but I've never seen concentration used for anything except combat casting in actual play. Should I expect to see it more often in your game? :
Check out Concentration
pat512 |
Here we are, one character sheet.
Looks good. The only thing I see is
pat512 |
UPDATE
Ryan: Cole Pegason, Human Cleric of Iomedae - good to go
Longreach: Avalon Deepsweep, Human Fighter - mechanics done
Alex: Frasides Francol, Human Ranger - good to go
Covaithe: Gawain Caelson, Human Favored Soul - mechanics essentially done
Chris: Simn Thistlesworth, Gnome Rogue - essentially done
Moonglum: Leliestratt, Elf Wizard - coming along nicely
Looking good, folks!
I'm traveling this weekend. Sometimes on these weekends I still get a fair bit of posting time, sometimes I don't -- hard to predict. So it may be Monday or so before we really get rolling, so there's plenty of time to finish up.
Is there anyone for whom weekends tend to be bad for posting?
covaithe |
0 level spells: D'oh! Fixed.
concentration: Ok, I'll take your suggestion.
I'm more likely to spend long periods of time away from a computer on weekends than during the week, and there will be occasional weekends without any computer access, but I'll usually be around. However, while we're on the topic: I'll be on holiday and without internet access from April 26th to May 4th.
Alex Martin |
Is there anyone for whom weekends tend to be bad for posting?
Not really bad...although there will probably be a tendency for me to post late in the day instead of in the middle of the day. My workload is such that at least one of my off-days is usually spent in a sleep coma or catching up on personal affairs all day - so I'll be away from a PC moreso than usual.
pat512 |
I was just preparing a cheatsheet, and noticed something that surprised me. Only 1 PC of 6 uses a shield. Aside from the Rogue and the Wizard, two of the others use two-handed weapons, and a third looks to be going toward two-weapon fighting.
Not a problem, just odd!
Ok, some procedures.
I will usually roll the perceptive skills (Spot, Listen, Search, and Sense Motive) for you, and just tell you the results, but you should feel free to prompt me when you think you should get a roll (e.g., you're feeling especially wary or mistrustful). Searching, of course, is an active process, though on Search you can usually take 10 or, if you're in no hurry, take 20.
All other rolls are on you. Efficiency would also have me roll saves, but as a player I would hate that!
For combat, we'll establish the initiative order (something one of my other GMs is doing that strikes me as a good idea is to have everyone roll several sets of initiatives up front, to keep things moving). Once that's established, I'll ask everyone who's going before the adversaries for actions in the first round. If you're first, you're golden. If you're not, then feel free to set up simple contingencies for what you would do. Unless the contingencies are unmanageably complex, I encourage everyone to post as soon as they can, though editing actions after seeing actions from those going before you is fine. When everyone has posted, I'll then resolve the actions in initiative order.
After the adversaries in the first round, then everyone can post their next action as the rounds start to cycle.
This has kind of a "fog of war" effect -- if you are late in the sequence, it's harder to nimbly respond to those going before you. If something major or unexpected (in my judgment!) happens early in the sequence, I'll pause the action for people to update.
This system means you have somewhat less control over your action contingencies than in a tabletop game, but after trying several different approaches (as both player and GM) this is the one I favor for a compromise between that control and keeping the game moving. If only one person posts an action at a time, it can be as much as 24 hours between individual turns on the same round!
When you make an attack, roll your attack(s) and, unless you're absolutely sure you missed, go ahead and roll damage and include it in the post. Be sure to separate out sneak attack damage and the like when you tell me how much you've done.
If this isn't clear, you're welcome to ask now, or we'll just dive right in when you've got a fight and it should make more sense then.
Spoilers are fine to use in combat, but not necessary in most situations. I generally trust players not to take too much advantage of knowing things that the others are about to do. In non-combat situations, use your discretion about marking spoilers -- just be sure to say who can read them! I'll use spoilers liberally for things like perception checks.
As I said in the announcement, use whatever method you like for dice (physical dice, Excel randomizers, invisiblecastle, whatever). If someone feels the need to cheat in a pbp, I feel more sorry for them than concerned about the game!
That's all I can think for now.
pat512 |
I was just preparing a cheatsheet, and noticed something that surprised me. Only 1 PC of 6 uses a shield. Aside from the Rogue and the Wizard, two of the others use two-handed weapons, and a third looks to be going toward two-weapon fighting.Not a problem, just odd!
Ok, some procedures.
I will usually roll the perceptive skills (Spot, Listen, Search, and Sense Motive) for you, and just tell you the results, but you should feel free to prompt me when you think you should get a roll (e.g., you're feeling especially wary or mistrustful). Searching, of course, is an active process, though on Search you can usually take 10 or, if you're in no hurry, take 20.
All other rolls are on you. Efficiency would also have me roll saves, but as a player I would hate that!
For combat, we'll establish the initiative order (something one of my other GMs is doing that strikes me as a good idea is to have everyone roll several sets of initiatives up front, to keep things moving). Once that's established, I'll ask everyone who's going before the adversaries for actions in the first round. If you're first, you're golden. If you're not, then feel free to set up simple contingencies for what you would do. Unless the contingencies are unmanageably complex, I encourage everyone to post as soon as they can, though editing actions after seeing actions from those going before you is fine. When everyone has posted, I'll then resolve the actions in initiative order.
After the adversaries in the first round, then everyone can post their next action as the rounds start to cycle.
This has kind of a "fog of war" effect -- if you are late in the sequence, it's harder to nimbly respond to those going before you. If something major or unexpected (in my judgment!) happens early in the sequence, I'll pause the action for people to update.
This system means you have somewhat less control over your action contingencies than in a tabletop game, but after trying several different approaches (as both player and GM) this is the one I favor for a compromise between that control and keeping the game moving. If only one person posts an action at a time, it can be as much as 24 hours between individual turns on the same round!
When you make an attack, roll your attack(s) and, unless you're absolutely sure you missed, go ahead and roll damage and include it in the post. Be sure to separate out sneak attack damage and the like when you tell me how much you've done.
If this isn't clear, you're welcome to ask now, or we'll just dive right in when you've got a fight and it should make more sense then.
Spoilers are fine to use in combat, but not necessary in most situations. I generally trust players not to take too much advantage of knowing things that the others are about to do. In non-combat situations, use your discretion about marking spoilers -- just be sure to say who can read them! I'll use spoilers liberally for things like perception checks.
As I said in the announcement, use whatever method you like for dice (physical dice, Excel randomizers, invisiblecastle, whatever). If someone feels the need to cheat in a pbp, I feel more sorry for them than concerned about the game!
That's all I can think for now
Leliestraat |
Hi!
I have added spells, possessions, deity, and adjusted ranks to this new alias.
Leliestratt
About the skills, would you like me to list the totals including the individual ranks and appropriate bonuses, or list the sum total of the two on the sheet. I confess, I didn't know which way you wanted me to list it. I am new to this board's pbp systems and I want to be certain that you can find what you need.
I have the outline of the background in pencil and just have to type it up.
I can usually post on a daily basis, typically in the evenings. Weekends are fluid, but I am fairly reliable.
Would I be correct in assuming that we have longing and food, as a result of a profession and living in Korvosa? Or should I be hoarding waterskins and loaves of bread? I still have some gold pieces but didn't want to buy silk rope if I need more that 3 trail rations.
I didn't use the Spell Compendium but I may flip through it tonight. I will list Spells Prepared when we are about to begin, if that is alright.
Cool?
Alex Martin |
I was just preparing a cheatsheet, and noticed something that surprised me. Only 1 PC of 6 uses a shield. Aside from the Rogue and the Wizard, two of the others use two-handed weapons, and a third looks to be going toward two-weapon fighting.
Not a problem, just odd!
For combat, we'll establish the initiative order (something one of my other GMs is doing that strikes me as a good idea is to have everyone roll several sets of initiatives up front, to keep things moving).
Concerning that...it is a funny thing. I'm still not sure which way I may go until 2nd level - I almost bought a composite bow, but it would've been way too costly right now. I have also tended to play shield bearers(clerics and paladins) in the past, so this seemed like a nice change.
Initiative rolls in advance seems to work well, I agree. This way, you don't have the whole "whoever rolls first gives initiative to all" becuase that tends to have more of a delay in getting results.
Otherwise...everything else sounds good!