Right now I'm leaning toward the following for a setting:
Arzata, New Mexico (fictional city)
Incorporated: March, 1951
Elevation: 2600 feet
Population: 2.9 million
Metro Population: 4.2 million
Time Zone: Mountain Time
Zipcodes: 87920 - 87929
Airport: Gila International Airport (Hub)
Industries: Uranium mining, Technology, Healthcare
Arzata was founded as a support city during the uranium mining boom of the mid to late 1950s. The city's urban area boasts the only remaining active uranium mine in New Mexico, and the mining and refining of uranium still makes up a substantial portion of Arzata's industry. However, due to its lower rents and proximity to California, Arzata has recently made substantial progress in the technology industry, particularly server farming. Finally, Arzata is the leading city in radiology and radiation sickness treatment.
Arzata's large population is tightly clustered around Gila Lake, and presses up against mountains in all directions except the north-east. Thus, the majority of the population is urban, with recent suburbs springing up in the desert in the only direction they can grow.
Because Arzata is a very young city, its architecture is mostly based in late sixties through early 80s trends.
In the mid 1980s, a latino organized crime cartel named Familia Gonzales too root in Arzata, quickly forcing local street gangs under their control (including the powerful Muertos Vivientes Aztecas). While some gangs still act contrary to Gonzales' wishes (Arzata is a big place), those gangs are mostly limited to local neighborhoods. The largest of these non-conforming gangs is Pueblo Posse, primarily a native american gang.
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Hi there!
Just checking in. This is the alias of Atlas2112.
In keeping with the theme, I deliberately avoided -any- evocation spells (since throwing fireballs isn't really noir =) and put most of my skill points into Knowledge things.
Rando1000, should I make a "Knowledge (Occult)" skill? It seems like you're going kinda Cuthulu-esque, so this seems appropriate. =)
Can I start with a wand of CLW? That seems like it might be a good idea. (I mean, it's not like I'm buying lots o' guns. ^_^)
In keeping with the theme, I deliberately avoided -any- evocation spells (since throwing fireballs isn't really noir =)
Not required, but it certainly is more thematic.
should I make a "Knowledge (Occult)" skill? It seems like you're going kinda Cuthulu-esque, so this seems appropriate.
I was considering something similar last night. I am giving the martials points in some knowledge skills so they can keep up (I'll compensate everyone with something of course); it might make sense to have a Know/Occult which is just sort of more general knowledge. It won't give you the same level of detail as Knowledge (Religion), Knowledge (Arcane), etc, but it would be more flexible. Possibly it would replace Knowledge (Dungeoneering), which is used to identify abberations, since we're not likely to need that skill for anything else.
Let me get back with you once I decide.
Can I start with a wand of CLW?
I appreciate the thought, but not at this juncture. I have considered handing out a wand after things get rolling, though, so I'll keep you in mind as a recipient.
Check check. "Is this mike working?"
"J-Dog in the house?"
Here's a link to the map for the Arzata urban area.
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Joseph "Joey" Adams wrote:
Seeing as how the Investigator class is proficient with a hand crossbow, can I swap that for proficiency with my .38 Special Snub Nose pistol? Or will I need to take the martial weapons feat? They strike me as being similar enough, but I just want to make sure you approve.You have Simple weapons, so you're good on firearms without swapping anything.
Actually, can I ask the same question? Wizards only get the crossbows specifically, hence, the swap might seem apropriate here. Mind you, if this isn't okay, that's fine. But, as they say, it's better to have a gun and not need it, than to need a gun and not have it. =)
It's fine. At higher levels, it will probably be a waste of time for you to fire a gun, but it might help your utility at lower levels. I'm not a big fan of the two encounter work day, so there will be times at low levels when you'll be out of spells. The gun will help even that out moreso than a crossbow would.
I neglected to bring up skills when I talked about houserules. There are obviously things not covered in PF rules that modern people do. I'm throwing the following out as Class Skills for all classes:
Drive (Dex), Knowledge(Technology)(Int), Knowledge(Culture and Events)(Int). Feel free to swap points around to get these.
In addition, Disable Device and Knowledge(Engineering) can both be used to attempt to repair mechanical devices (including guns and cars).
Finally, I've decided to add a catch-all Knowledge(Occult) skill. It can be used to determine basic facts about all sorts of things, from Psionics to Magic to creature identification to cults. It CANNOT be used as Spellcraft, and Knowledge(Religion) and Knowledge(Arcane) will both give more detailed information across a broader spectrum. This one I'm giving away for free at one rank/level, though I'll be giving you a -4 penalty during the first adventure as you become more involved in the subculture.
Alrighty then, sounds good. I'll make a few adjustments likely, but not all that much. Would any of those skills count as Class Skills? I'd think at least Occult or Drive, but don't want to assume.
As well, how are Action Points recovered?
Whoops, missed the part where it says they were indeed class skills. My bad. Gonna pick up drive, for certain.
Also, are we still waiting on TwlevePointFive? Or did I miss him?
AFAIK we're still waiting. I have an alternate in case 12.5 doesn't get back with us, and I have a PM out.
"J-Sizzle me Dizzle's here to make it drizzle."
Drops a handful of coins on the ground.
I've revised his character sheet to include a rank in Drive, Knowledge (culture and events), and Knowledge (technology) instead of ranks in Disguise, Knowledge (dungeoneering), Knowledge (history) respectively. I also added his current languages excluding one for when he needs it later on (which can be found on this alias' profile).
Excited for this campaign to begin :) Glad to see there's a lot of interesting characters that are eager for it too!
As well, how are Action Points recovered?
I've run them a number of different ways, I think with 6 PCs, what I'll do is renew them once per story, rather than daily. Anticipate a story running about 6-8 scenes, or about 2-3 weeks real time.
Excited for this campaign to begin :) Glad to see there's a lot of interesting characters that are eager for it too!
Me too. I think I'll throw the first post up Sunday. Most people seem to be interested in starting soon. If TwelvePointFive hasn't joined by then, I'll work him or the alternate in during the first few days after.
Also, if anyone wants to have a prior history with Joseph, just let me know. Whether it's as a former client, an old friend, or as a colleague (I'm looking at you, Dave!), I love having character ties that explains why it's these particular individuals that are sticking together and not just anybody. XD
Let me know and I'll adjust Joey's Friend's section on his sheet.
Excited for this campaign to begin :) Glad to see there's a lot of interesting characters that are eager for it too!Me too. I think I'll throw the first post up Sunday. Most people seem to be interested in starting soon. If TwelvePointFive hasn't joined by then, I'll work him or the alternate in during the first few days after.
Sounds good to me! I'm sure the alternate will be excited too; at this rate, it seems likely that he will be filling in the spot xD
"J-Sizzle me Dizzle's here to make it drizzle."
Drops a handful of coins on the ground.
I'm pleased that folks found that funny, 'cause you expect him to say things like that fairly frequently. I have a +9 in drive, so I take it that he may end up the designated driver when they haul into a single vehicle. Don't worry, he doesn't drink, so he'll be perfectly sober when it comes to then.
And Joemun, it's easily feasible for Dave to have worked alongside Joey himself during his time in the city, though I have a feeling the 'less pleasent' jobs Dave's done/does weren't among them. He's honestly fairly morally ambiguous, though I suppose he has it in him to just flat out hero it up in the future.
Last question, are you planning to distribute EXP, or dinging us when you feel it's appropriate?
are you planning to distribute EXP, or dinging us when you feel it's appropriate?
Level by fiat. Probably once per story early on, once per two mid-high level.
And Joemun, it's easily feasible for Dave to have worked alongside Joey himself during his time in the city, though I have a feeling the 'less pleasent' jobs Dave's done/does weren't among them. He's honestly fairly morally ambiguous, though I suppose he has it in him to just flat out hero it up in the future.
Lol I could imagine that. With Dave's preference for being distant, it's likely that he just wouldn't mention his line of work, and Joseph wouldn't feel inclined to ask due to their focus on alchemical studies. Joseph would naturally want to pry, but given his love for alchemy he could settle with Dave's personal life being a mystery. Though he would support Dave hitting drug lords and the like, seeing it as swift and true justice, Joseph would have a hard time accepting that Dave could hit a morally righteous community leader.
Granted, all backgrounds aside, I could imagine their history as alchemical colleagues being as such:
"Oh, hey Dave - I finished brewing up that poison for you... Ohhh, yeah. Super deadly. Make sure you don't get any on you... Yeah, it was a challenge finding the perfect combination of mundane household items that could produce such a potent poison, but I figured it out... Hahaha, yeah it would just look like an accidental self-poisoning to the police if someone drank it... Yeah, no problem, man - I'll run it by there in about an hour. You still good for our Thursday study session?.. Sounds good - I'll see you around then."
Hangs up phone.
"Oh, that Dave. He's hilarious. 'So it wouldn't be traceable by the police right?' Haha, I hope he gets his rat problem taken care of soon. Seems like he just can't get rid of them no matter how many poisons I help him with. Ohhh well - we'll figure it out sometime."
Hope everyone is having a merry Christmas! :)
Yup, same here! As well as whichever else you may celebrate. Us over here our watching Pirates of the Caribbean marathon. Very clearly the perfect festive series.
Yup, same here! As well as whichever else you may celebrate. Us over here our watching Pirates of the Caribbean marathon. Very clearly the perfect festive series.
Lol Sure beats the typical holiday specials!
Sorry I didn't post yesterday. Work was insane.
Sorry I didn't post yesterday. Work was insane.
No issue, mate. So, what's Valda like?
Sorry I didn't post yesterday. Work was insane.
Yeah, no big since we haven't started gameplay. Even then, I understand real life happens.
I'm not 100% sure if I can play this game; life's pretty busy.
Sorry: so, if I can't, happy gaming! It looks like it will be fun.
I'm not 100% sure if I can play this game; life's pretty busy.
Sorry: so, if I can't, happy gaming! It looks like it will be fun.
Awww, I'd hate to lose the other Joe; you gotta do what you gotta do though.
Alternate's gonna celebrate since their odds of getting to join just doubled xD
Sorry I didn't post yesterday. Work was insane.Yeah, no big since we haven't started gameplay. Even then, I understand real life happens.
Well, normally I can post regardless. I'm a night receptionist at a hotel, and other than setting up breakfast and helping guests my time is free to do stuff like this. Yesterday, though, the bar staff got swarmed by a horde of people. We actually broke the site record for money taken. So I helped them out instead, and that meant being late to set up breakfast.
Sorry I didn't post yesterday. Work was insane.No issue, mate. So, what's Valda like?
Hmmm, still deciding on the details. Cheeky, somewhat chaotic, smart-arse. And probably gay or bi.
I'm not 100% sure if I can play this game; life's pretty busy.
Sorry: so, if I can't, happy gaming! It looks like it will be fun.
Let me know when you figure it out for sure.
Sorry I didn't post yesterday. Work was insane.No issue, mate. So, what's Valda like?
Hmmm, still deciding on the details. Cheeky, somewhat chaotic, smart-arse. And probably gay or bi.
Perfect, Dave would get along just fine with her in that vein, I'm sure.
Lmfao A largely chaotic group it seems - great! Impulsive and almost-reckless shenanigans are due!
This is starting to sound like a party that knows how to get s#%% done!
The first gameplay post is up. I know some of you are still deciding if you can play or finishing up characters, so no rush on this first one. Feel free to trickle into the story as you're ready. PM me if you have questions.
Yes! Things are finally gonna get moving, can't wait to see how it all ends up. Would we already have phones or something similar already, or should we be sure to have those purchased? I can afford it, but I wanna verify.
I'm assuming smart phones as part of your Cost of Living, which is paid for the time being.
Sounds good to me :) This is exciting!
Also, the blizzard just blew in, so I'll be on here pretty much all day - hopefully work cancels due to the storm too and I can be online until the storm dies down xD
Alright, made my first post on the gameplay forum. Looking forward to gaming with y'all. :)
I couldn't find an avatar that I thought looked like my character, but the whole "Male human unchained monk" bit under his name is hyperlinked to a pic that pretty much sums him up.
Welcome welcome! All these goodie two shoes are gonna end up making Dave a little hot under the collar. Can't wait for us all to come toguether ICly. So, we just need Valda and Isagoras, then things will really get moving.
Yesssss, always need a monk! Great combination with a ninja. We're going to be a very well-balanced party :D I'm excited for this campaign
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Great Jabba the Hutt I swear I posted in gameplay. I guess I've angered the demons of the net. I better go make amends. I'm gonna throw some salt over my shoulder and then rectify that! (What? That how you internetz, right? Something about salt?)
Oh, the question I thought I asked is: How common is magic? Is this like PFS and Shadowrun where magic is a thing that nobody cares that much about, or is it like CoC or White Wolf where magic isn't a thing and it's best to keep it under wraps?
Oh, the question I thought I asked is: How common is magic? Is this like PFS and Shadowrun where magic is a thing that nobody cares that much about, or is it like CoC or White Wolf where magic isn't a thing and it's best to keep it under wraps?
Magic is not generally believed in. As a spellcaster, you're among the only ones you know who wield such blatant power. So, essentially, it's up to you how to approach it. That said, you can see a certain amount of wisdom in keeping it under wraps from the majority.
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Happy new years everyone!
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Happy new years everyone!
Lmfao Cheers mate! I'm still feeling the "effects" of those "extracts" the "alchemist" of our "party" brewed for us last night.. Great night - can't believe it's already January and 2016!
Daaamn, seems like only yesterday it was December..
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Ya, the protein absorbs the sugar...according to Ron Swanson. ^_^
Hey, continuing with the "How does Magic work" idea, if we're in CoC/Mage the White Wolf territory, the Verbal and Somatic components might be a bit more...subtle.
Like, in D&D, the mage has to wave his arms and shout "OoP OH Ohm OH SkorBISK SorBAK HAM!" and everyone knows he's casting a spell because that's a thing.
If magic isn't so much a thing, we might take a nod from White Wolf and surmise that magic would've been developed along more subtle lines, playing off the "amazing coincidence" that magic now wears as a guise. So instead of shouting "Great Master of the Necropian Abyss, SMITE him with GREASE!", instead, on might merely say "You really should've used a fork instead of your fingers when you ate all those sausages" as the Verbal component to making someone's gun now slick with Grease.
Just throwing this out, since it will force me to keep coming up with coincidental things to say every time I cast as spell, and will avoid every Tom, Dick, and Harry shouting "A witch! BURN HIM!" every time I wanna Detect Magic. =)
I will now forever assume that meth-heads are actually trying to cast spells when they're dancing around.
Joey looks to Isagoras as he's performing the somatic compound of his spell and asks himself, 'Good God, is he on dope?'
:p Subtlety would definitely make sense.
I really don't care for the idea of using mundane phrases to cause magic to happen; those words have power because they're tied into ancient sources, and spellcraft as a concept relies on being able to see someone doing something specific and recognizing it.
That said, I have no problem with subtle gestures and muttered words being sufficient in most cases. It's not something anyone without spellcraft would be able to identify, even directly observing you. I'm not going to allow most of the populace access to spellcraft or other arcane skills. That's not to say there won't be NPC organizations, some hostile, who will, but that's part of the fun!
In short, don't worry about anyone noticing you're detecting magic unless they're the kind of person already in the know anyway.
I'm super enjoying this game so far, I hope everyone else is too.
Lmfao I certainly am. XD That gif always cracks me up, and it seems to fit Dave's personality rather well xD
Of the three campaigns I'm currently in, this is my most active, largest, and most enjoyable one.
I'm only in two as is, but I certainly agree.