just if anyone didn't understand what Jirkin looks like here is a picture of him
Cool, AWED! That's some creepy looking mask!
Nice AWED. The feet are a little funny though.
By the way I had another plan on how to deal with the wolves but it relies on lighting stuff on fire so I figured that it probably wouldn't work ideally.
I still think finding Gosia's pendant may be the key to pacifying the wolves, and perhaps even to gaining safe passage to the Valley of the Snails... but who knows... I may become wolf chow before we have time to confirm this...
how about scaring it with an illusion?
I know mt plan relies heavily on luck, thats what my character relies on. Sniping the wolves from the loft would work as well.
Agreed - if it is possible to get at least one person in a sniping position from the loft that would be good. Mothman, has the loft got any windows that might afford a view of the clearing where we might be able to cover Keildrithe?
Does Alton have any missile weapons?
how about scaring it with an illusion?
Might be worth a try, if you can't find the pendant or it doesn't work on them. I'm not sure if illusions work on animals (haven't read that far into the rules), but then again, I don't like to metagame these things. I may get my ass kicked for attempting to calm the wolves with poetry and drumming... but then, I figure it's something my character would be willing to try, based on intuition. It's how I picture him reacting, and if his attempts should fail, then oh well... he will have learned the hard way. And I trust Mothman to do what is right, from the point of view of story and dramatic effect.
I imagine the same could apply to your wizard as well, if you want it to (i.e., don't try to study the rules in advance... just do what you imagine a novice character might do... after all, the party members aren't seasoned veterans yet).
But that's just my two cents worth...
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I know mt plan relies heavily on luck, thats what my character relies on. Sniping the wolves from the loft would work as well.Agreed - if it is possible to get at least one person in a sniping position from the loft that would be good. Mothman, has the loft got any windows that might afford a view of the clearing where we might be able to cover Keildrithe?
Does Alton have any missile weapons?
Yep, there's a window.
how about scaring it with an illusion?Might be worth a try, if you can't find the pendant or it doesn't work on them. I'm not sure if illusions work on animals (haven't read that far into the rules), but then again, I don't like to metagame these things. I may get my ass kicked for attempting to calm the wolves with poetry and drumming... but then, I figure it's something my character would be willing to try, based on intuition. It's how I picture him reacting, and if his attempts should fail, then oh well... he will have learned the hard way. And I trust Mothman to do what is right, from the point of view of story and dramatic effect.
I imagine the same could apply to your wizard as well, if you want it to (i.e., don't try to study the rules in advance... just do what you imagine a novice character might do... after all, the party members aren't seasoned veterans yet).
But that's just my two cents worth...
I think i will hold the illusion for last just in case something goes wrong.
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just if anyone didn't understand what Jirkin looks like here is a picture of him
Hey, nice pic AWED.
If anyone else with an artistic streak wanted to render their character, I'd be interested to see...
I have a composite shortwbow.
heh. Ah, that's a lot to live up to...And I trust Mothman to do what is right, from the point of view of story and dramatic effect.
Nah, not for you it isn't ;-). And by the way, I didn't mean to suggest that you would ignore rules or bad dice rolls if it would add to the story... I meant that where no rules exist to cover a particular situation/action, you'll adjudicate in a fair and creative manner.
On another note... Alton has just climbed into the loft. I will refrain from posting until Laithe, Alton and Jirkin have acted again, and brought us full circle back to my action in the initiative order (since I am mainly responsible for the group being out of step)...
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On another note... Alton has just climbed into the loft. I will refrain from posting until Laithe, Alton and Jirkin have acted again, and brought us full circle back to my action in the initiative order (since I am mainly responsible for the group being out of step)...
That's cool ... well I don't mind being a bit fluid with intiative, given that we can all post at different times. You all (except Yruch) have one more action before the wolves act again (Laithe has two actually), so I dont mind if it's out of order to a point, as long as you don't think that anything the others are going to do will effect / change your action.
Post whenever you're ready...
That's cool ... well I don't mind being a bit fluid with intiative, given that we can all post at different times. You all (except Yruch) have one more action before the wolves act again (Laithe has two actually), so I dont mind if it's out of order to a point, as long as you don't think that anything the others are going to do will effect / change your action.
Post whenever you're ready...
Two actions! I better get my act together. Laithe is considering taking on wolf form and moving out to stand by Keildrithe's side should he come udner attack. However, I've not sure if this would serve to ward off the wolves or antagonise them into an attack.
Would Laithe's knowledge in the matter give him any idea which way this would be likely to puch the encounter?
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Two actions! I better get my act together. Laithe is considering taking on wolf form and moving out to stand by Keildrithe's side should he come udner attack. However, I've not sure if this would serve to ward off the wolves or antagonise them into an attack.
Would Laithe's knowledge in the matter give him any idea which way this would be likely to puch the encounter?
Laithe's knowledge of nature and animal instincts suggests to him that a wolf pack might view a large, lone male wolf as competition to the alpha wolf of the pack.
If it helps, you are welcome to hold your action until something else happens...
Hey Jirkin - sorry about leaving you down a hole! apparently it was not as easy to get out of as I had envisaged! :)
Sorry Laithe man, you're getting mauled out there. Want to make a Knowledge, nature check?
Yeah Laithe, sorry I turned back for the pendant instead of taking a swing at the wolves... I'm still crossing my fingers that it will have some sort of influence over the wolves. If not, uh... I guess I'll become the friendly wolf's lunch, once he recovers from his wounds...
Sorry Laithe man, you're getting mauled out there. Want to make a Knowledge, nature check?
Certainly am! That toughness feat I took is certainly getting an early work out. I think I might go and join Jirkin in the hole! : )
Nah that's cool. check is 10 + 8 = 18
Sorry Laithe man, you're getting mauled out there. Want to make a Knowledge, nature check?Yeah Laithe, sorry I turned back for the pendant instead of taking a swing at the wolves... I'm still crossing my fingers that it will have some sort of influence over the wolves. If not, uh... I guess I'll become the friendly wolf's lunch, once he recovers from his wounds...
No problems; I had hoped Laithe's last attack would have hit and finished off one of them; in which case we shouldn't have had too much of a problem with the remaining one...but didn't quite go to plan.
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Nah that's cool. check is 10 + 8 = 18
You’re not entirely sure that this will hold true with the apparently extra savage wolves of the Dimwood … but … in most cases when wolves fight other wolves, it is not to the death, but a matter of establishing dominance. When one wolf feels that it is being beaten, it rolls over, baring its belly and throat to show submission. The victor wolf usually chooses not to rip it to shreds, but lets it live once it’s dominance is established.
Hey Jirkin - sorry about leaving you down a hole! apparently it was not as easy to get out of as I had envisaged! :)
its ok i will get out soon and will be able to help in the battle...i hope
You’re not entirely sure that this will hold true with the apparently extra savage wolves of the Dimwood … but … in most cases when wolves fight other wolves, it is not to the death, but a matter of establishing dominance. When one wolf feels that it is being beaten, it rolls over, baring its belly and throat to show submission. The victor wolf usually chooses not to rip it to shreds, but lets it live once it’s dominance is established.
But I'd never live it down among the other wolves! you know how gossip spreads through the forests... ; )
I'm considering it - I'll wait and see how the other actions go. Do I have any idea how much longer the entangle spell will hold for? I think we should have a little more time, but just want to check.
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I'm considering it - I'll wait and see how the other actions go. Do I have any idea how much longer the entangle spell will hold for? I think we should have a little more time, but just want to check.
You should still have three or four rounds ... in the heat of battle it's hard to keep track.
Anyway, it's Keildrithe's turn next then yours. I don't mind you resolving your action ahead of the bards if you like, but since what Keildrithe does might have an impact on you ... and I dont want you changing your action once its posted ... might be best to wait.
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OK, an explaination for singing to the wolves, Twiceborn.
I didn't think it was entirely fair to allow song to soothe the savage beasts, where I had previously pretty much disallowed Ash's Animal Empathy ability (arguably more suited to the task) to succeed. I figured i'd give it a chance if you rolled really well, but a result of 16 wasn't going to cut it.
Instead, I decided that it acted as a use of "fascinate" bardic music on the wolf who appeared to be the leader - which worked until one of the other wolves attacked you. I had actually forgotten that you had already used fascinate this day, and technically couldnt use it again, but hey, who's counting?
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Oh, and nicely done in that battle guys. I'll just let you know that I didn't pull any punches or adjust any dice roll results with the wolves (ok, I used a little bit of artistic license right at the end, allowing the trapped wolf to escape - he came really close twice, including that last time, and i figured I'd give him an arbitrary bonus based on the situation...)
Everyone will get full xp (including Jirkin, down the hole, who nevertheless made a valuable contribtion to the result).
I think you worked pretty well as a team, people generally played to their strengths.
Just a note for everyone - we're still on day one! So that means any spells or limited use abilities used so far will remain spent until you get a chance to rest / sleep etc. It's mid morning at the moment (about nine to ten AM).
OK, an explaination for singing to the wolves, Twiceborn.
I didn't think it was entirely fair to allow song to soothe the savage beasts, where I had previously pretty much disallowed Ash's Animal Empathy ability (arguably more suited to the task) to succeed. I figured i'd give it a chance if you rolled really well, but a result of 16 wasn't going to cut it.
Instead, I decided that it acted as a use of "fascinate" bardic music on the wolf who appeared to be the leader - which worked until one of the other wolves attacked you. I had actually forgotten that you had already used fascinate this day, and technically couldnt use it again, but hey, who's counting?
Your explanation makes sense to me. Metagame-wise, I did not expect the singing to have an impact. I simply thought it was something my character, still a relatively inexperienced bard, might attempt. Additionally, my own "woodland experience" in the Canadian Rockies, where I've had to "sing gently" in order to convince the odd bear I've encountered that I wasn't a threat, came into play.
As for the use of the fascinate ability... please don't forget that I have the Extra Music feat, which enables me to use my bardic music ability an additional 4 times per day ;-).
By the way, you DMed the encounter beautifully. You maintained suspense and mystery, allowed us to try non-combat tactics, and truly made the wolves come alive. I really like the way you described their behaviour -- seemed real enough to me!
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Additionally, my own "woodland experience" in the Canadian Rockies, where I've had to "sing gently" in order to convince the odd bear I've encountered that I wasn't a threat, came into play.
Wow … that’s awesome. And it works? Totally outside of my experience man, the most dangerous wild creatures I’ve ever encountered have been spiders and the odd snake… although some of the spiders might just qualify as tiny monstrous spiders…
As for the use of the fascinate ability... please don't forget that I have the Extra Music feat, which enables me to use my bardic music ability an additional 4 times per day ;-).
Uh! Forgot…. Oh well, it’s all good then, just chalk that down as a use.
By the way, you DMed the encounter beautifully. You maintained suspense and mystery, allowed us to try non-combat tactics, and truly made the wolves come alive. I really like the way you described their behaviour -- seemed real enough to me!
Thanks man, I try – and I appreciate the feedback. Actually, I find encounters with real world animals a bit difficult – you want them to act “realistically”, but I really have little idea how wolves really act. That’s ok if all my players are as ignorant as I, but for all I know you Canadians and such interact with wolves on a daily basis! (Just like us Australians have kangaroos hopping down the main streets of our cities and stuff…)
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Guys, as of an hour or so, I'll be away from the boards for probably about three days or so ... feel free to talk amongst yourselves ;-)
I understand that Dirk is back some time today or tomorrow, so hopefully he can start explaining himself, which should lead to a good RP scene...
Once that's resolved, feel free to post if you are doing anything else around the cottage, and/or plan to move on somewhere else.
Guys, as of an hour or so, I'll be away from the boards for probably about three days or so ... feel free to talk amongst yourselves ;-)
Arrgggghhhh!!! The pain!!!
By the way, Mothman, do you have the Paizo critical hit deck? I have one, and think it would be fun to use. If you don't have one, I could always draw the cards for you... but then again, that might slow things down a little too much... let me know what you think.
Thanks man, I try – and I appreciate the feedback. Actually, I find encounters with real world animals a bit difficult – you want them to act “realistically”, but I really have little idea how wolves really act. That’s ok if all my players are as ignorant as I, but for all I know you Canadians and such interact with wolves on a daily basis! (Just like us Australians have kangaroos hopping down the main streets of our cities and stuff…)
Damn, had a rude awakening today... I live in a city of 1,000,000 plus people (Calgary), and when I looked out my window, there was a grizzly bear pooping on my lawn... Now forgive me, I must board my moose-pulled sled in order to brave the perpetual winter on my way to work, and hope said bear does not behave aggressively when I step outside... ;-)
As for your description of the wolves... Your knowledge of wolf pack tactics seemed good enough to me (e.g., trying to gang up in order to pull down prey). I mean, we're playing a fantasy RPG after all, so you shouldn't be expected to be an expert in zoology (and for what it's worth, I'm no expert on animal behaviour, either). But I did enjoy the little details you included, such as the wolf sniffing at the ensorcelled weeds, and yipping when they nearly snatched him. The encounter felt unique, even by the standards of animal encounters I've had in tabletop gaming, where animals almost feel like a pile of hit points that charges straight at the players and fights to the death, without significant motive or personality (I'm referring as much to my own DMing here as to anyone else's).
Between the encounters in the town square, in the constabulary and now with the wolves, you've succeeded in crafting truly memorable and atmospheric encounters. Thanks again!
I'm back. And I missed most of the wolves. It was cool to read, though. The whole shapeshifted druid v. wolves thing was awesome.
Between the encounters in the town square, in the constabulary and now with the wolves, you've succeeded in crafting truly memorable and atmospheric encounters. Thanks again!
Yep, despite almost becoming dinner for said wolves, I'm definitely enjoying the game thus far, enjoying the tension and vivid imagery created. Keep up the good work Mothman!
I'm back. And I missed most of the wolves. It was cool to read, though. The whole shapeshifted druid v. wolves thing was awesome.
Welcome back. How was your trip?
Welcome back. How was your trip?
It was pretty cool. I can't stand other tourists though. What part about "no cameras in the museum" don't they understand? I wanted to slaughter the whole crowd in one art museum; I was afraid all the flashes and beeps were going to give me an epileptic seizure. Anyway...
There was some pretty cool stuff in Paris. The Louvre and other museums, obviously, but just the regular restaurants and shops (not intended for the endless appeasment of tourists, so real French food and stuff) were interesting. I am clearly not built for French cheese, however.
I am clearly not built for French cheese, however.
Blasphemy! ;-)
Hey folks,
Just letting you know that it's the Victoria Day long weekend here in Canada, and I'm heading out for a quick camping trip... will be back sometime Monday afternoon or evening.
Cheers...
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It was pretty cool. I can't stand other tourists though. What part about "no cameras in the museum" don't they understand? I wanted to slaughter the whole crowd in one art museum; I was afraid all the flashes and beeps were going to give me an epileptic seizure. Anyway...
There was some pretty cool stuff in Paris. The Louvre and other museums, obviously, but just the regular restaurants and shops (not intended for the endless appeasment of tourists, so real French food and stuff) were interesting. I am clearly not built for French cheese, however.
Hey man, welcome back, and welcome to the game - my apologies, I probably introduced you a bit early, sorry you missed the battle.
Yeah, its a bit like that, with the cameras ... my favourite is the Mona Lisa - "no photos, no cameras" the sign says - and when I tried to take a photo of it, all I got in my shot were the waving cameras and flashes of the people in front of me... ;-)
But yeah, paris is pretty awesome
Some background info for Yruch on crime and punishment in the Atuscan empire, relating to the crimes Gosia has been accused of.
Worshipping gods other than Arton: outlawed, but punishment is at the descretion of the local Church, can range from cautions, fines, public humiliation, prison, slavery, or exile. Worshipping of demons and fiends is sometimes punished by execution. Some leniency is often shown amongst non-Atuscan people.
Use of arcane magic: legal (just), but frowned upon. Under debate of it’s legality under religious law.
“Witchcraft”: (certain magical practices including placing charms or compulsions on others, summoning fell creatures, necromancy etc): outlawed, punishable by prison, exile, torture, or execution.
“Herbology”: recently outlawed byt the church (to some controversy), punishment include fines or public humiliation.
Murder: depending on the case, the severity and the social class of the murderer and victim can be punished by means of fines, prison, slavery, exile or execution.
Murder by means of witchcraft: punishable by torture and execution.
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Hey folks,
Just letting you know that it's the Victoria Day long weekend here in Canada, and I'm heading out for a quick camping trip... will be back sometime Monday afternoon or evening.
Cheers...
Hey man, have fun. Hope any wolves you might see are much friendlier than the ones in the Dimwood... ;-)
Thank for the clerification of the different magic "terms", and their legality. This will help me clear up my new information with the potions and my thoughts on this.
Hey man, have fun. Hope any wolves you might see are much friendlier than the ones in the Dimwood... ;-)Hey folks,
Just letting you know that it's the Victoria Day long weekend here in Canada, and I'm heading out for a quick camping trip... will be back sometime Monday afternoon or evening.
Cheers...
I could go with you. After all, I missed the first wolf-bashing. I'll take my Mace.
Thank for the clerification of the different magic "terms", and their legality. This will help me clear up my new information with the potions and my thoughts on this.
Yeah, figured I owed you a little more information there.
The other thing I realised is that I haven't given you a bonus feat, as I did with all the other characters! Yours is : Iron Will. Your training as a paladin, and your desire to stem the tide of darkness and help the helpless has strengthened you will and your resolve.
: Iron Will. Your training as a paladin, and your desire to stem the tide of darkness and help the helpless has strengthened you will and your resolve.
Sweet. Thanks.
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By the way, Mothman, do you have the Paizo critical hit deck? I have one, and think it would be fun to use. If you don't have one, I could always draw the cards for you... but then again, that might slow things down a little too much... let me know what you think.
Sorry Twiceborn, I kind of breezed over this post before. No, I don't have or use them. Can you explain them to me? As I understand, if you confirm a critical you draw a card and use the result on the card rather than apply double damage? Is that correct? What sort of results can you get?
I kind of like the idea, but unless I had a set myself (which I might consider getting if you think they're pretty good), I thik it might just slow down our combat descriptions a bit too much - unless you and I happen to be online at the same time.
Does Jirkin still have the pendant, the pouch of coins and all five pots, or is someone else hanging on to some of this stuff?
My understanding is that Jirkin is currently carrying all this stuff. From a practical point of view, it might be worth sharing some of it out (the potions in particular), so they can be used when and where needed more easily than having to get it from Jirkin.
There are 5 potions; Change, Aura of protection, Bull's strength, Spider Climb, healing.
It would make sense to me to give the bull's strength to a fighter type (the obvious choice would be Yruch, though he may not be willing to take it?). Change might be good for Keildrithe, Spider Climb for Alton etc.
These are purely suggestions; what do you guys all think?
Personally, I wouldn't mind grabbing the healing potion. I wouldn't plan to use it straight away, and would be happy to offer it up should it be needed more urgently by another. But I am currently sitting on just over a third of my starting hit points.
In regards to the money and pendant, Laithe is not interested in claiming either, though perhaps the pendant should go to Keildrithe as the main speaker of the party?
I would like the Spider Climb. I think that Laithe should keep the pendant becuase it is supposed to be effective with the fey and creatures of the wild and he is the one who is best suited to deal with such things.
Ok then i guess i will share,
I would like the Spider Climb. I think that Laithe should keep the pendant becuase it is supposed to be effective with the fey and creatures of the wild and he is the one who is best suited to deal with such things.
Laithe may the best suited to dealing with animal creatures of the wild, but (intelligent) fey creatures may be a different thing; as Laithe is not particularly adept at diplomacy and the like, which is why he suggested Keildrithe. However, I don't know if Keildrithe would be able to speak their language as Laithe (may) be able to; though I'm sure he can enlighten us when he next gets a chance to post?
Either way I'm cool; I can take the pendant and act as a translater if needs be.