Where did the fact she'd thus far shown no signs of deceiving us upon encountering her here in the Pale Tower factor into that evaluation? That, absent any such evidence, we have no reason to believe that she would have posed a threat if we locked her in a closet and let her out when we were finished? Desire had nothing to do with my reasoning - it was the fact that we had no reason to believe she would be a threat if we locked her up until we were finished.
We don't know her skills, we don't know what spells she has prepped, and it absolutely would have been a risk to lock her in a closet. She could have come at us from behind, or caused issues for the people we are supposed to protect. We could have encountered her later, working for someone else. All of these are valid points.
They are also as much conjecture as my stance above. We don't know what would have happened had we done so.
I'm also not entirely sure who it is we accepted responsibility to keep safe. Perhaps that's because I came into the game late, but I believe our objective is to close the portal dumping snow on Heldren. I do not see how killing Mierul is supposed to help us complete that objective. Again, maybe there's something I missed because I was a late entry.
One position requires trusting someone you know is a servant of your enemy.
The other assumes that your enemy's servant will be a faithful and true servant against your interests.
The contradictory assumptions make discussion futile.
Now I'm at a keyboard with some time . . ..
Once we came through the gate, our hosts who protected us expressed their concern that this individual would see to their destruction if she thought they were tangentially related to anything opposing her boss. Well, we made them tangentially related to direct opposition, didn't we? Have we no obligation to try to protect them from harm they predicted she would cause, and that seems well within her capability to make happen?
The entire expedition is about protecting the Southern lands from an assault being made, apparently by her boss. Letting us shut the gate, while keeping the ability to identify to her boss exactly who was involved and what sort of capabilities we have displayed, isn't exactly in our best personal survival interests.
I was hoping to get something that would give me a reason not to attack. I didn't. I saw empty promises of short-term non-interference, which provided no reason to expect her to avoid causing long-term complications and threats to our lives. I saw magical servants with the ability to counter nearly anything we could have done to secure her, either directly or simply through acquiring help. Had we locked her in a closet, she would not have been there when we got back. She had no reason to stay, and more resources to help her get out than we brought with us in total.
You have chosen a thought pattern that starts with trusting someone clearly labelled as our enemy.
I have chosen a thought pattern that starts with expecting our enemies to work as hard to defeat us as we work to defeat them, when we actively choose to work together.
The starting assumptions and logical conclusions stemming from these two patterns don't share much in the way of common ground. Thus my comment that actual discussion will probably prove futile. The best we can hope for is some indication that we both acknowledge the other has thought this through logically, but that we disagree about what is right and why.
That used to be a fairly common thing, but these days it has gotten more and more rare, as people teach themselves and each other to think that only their assumptions can be correct, that only their experiences can be relevant, that anyone with contradictory views must have something inherently wrong with them. But, that's just an old man ranting.
In a way, I was surprised Grim hadn't shot her sooner. Even if she would have given more solid assurances there would have been no way to know that she would honour them. We couldn't have handed her over to the authorities since we're the outlaws in these lands and I doubt we'll find someone who would want to be her jailor. It's a different context then what we had when we've captured the necromancer.
Easlis would have preferred to have her locked in a room and focus on closing the gate, even though that might have jeopardized the wellbeing of our hosts. I'm saying here that [i]it might[i] since there's no telling if Mierul has been thoroughly debriefed and then our fight with her would be meaningless.
I was going to write a long a winded response to this...discussion but not falling into it.
I have no problems with the actions of Grim and honestly if it was not him it would have been Hjorleaf.
Hmmm...I feel I should clarify that I am not upset by what happened, as I realize I may have given that impression. However, I have also known players who have a tendency to get bored and start combat with an enemy when we're speaking with them, and then justify it afterwards by saying we couldn't trust them. It's a personal peeve of mine, and I'm glad to see that Grim's actions were thought through logically.
I am also going to say that I don't have any problems with Grim's actions.
Grim, I'm sorry if it felt like I was attacking you over your decision. That was not my intent.
If it makes any difference, I think Grim did the right thing. this campaign is an interesting one because of the situation you find yourselves in. often in RPGs the good-aligned party has to face the dilemma of what do you do with a surrendered or captured enemy. often it feels wrong to kill someone who there might have been a possibility of negotiating with.
But in this case, as Easlis points out, you lot are the outlaws. you're way behind enemy lines facing a bunch of magical creatures that you have no experience with or knowledge of their capabilities. you don't have a base of operations where you can keep prisoners. you don't have connections with a local authority or even a mayor or someone who is sending you out on quests. it's just you against (potentially) and entire nation run by evil witches.
I wanted to allow for the possibility of talking your way out of this one as I don't like ot just force combats in every encounter, but realistically there weren't many ways this could have gone down. I wanted you all to think through it, but as Grim points out there is no way to guarantee this woman won't cause you tons of trouble in the future if she is left alive.
Never took it personally.
Was concerned that you might be from the quick post. Glad that isn't the case.
appologies for the delay. work was insane last week and i was not able to keep up with online posting very well
Brominate, you still with us?
I wasn't sure what to do with Brom's bot this time, as he is low on health. normally he seems to prefer rushing into things, but I didn't want to place his character in the middle of a combat on such low health without his say-so.
Brominate, you still with us?
I wasn't sure what to do with Brom's bot this time, as he is low on health. normally he seems to prefer rushing into things, but I didn't want to place his character in the middle of a combat on such low health without his say-so.
Sorry. Work's been crazy, and I guess I thought I'd already posted for this round. I appreciate you taking my health into consideration.
posting this on all of my PbP games:
the last month of the year is very busy for a lot of people with Christmas and vacations and all that goes with that. I will be traveling for the last couple weeks of the year, but will continue to post when possible.
expectations for the rest of the year will be much more relaxed. I will not bot anyone unless asked to, and will hold off on GM posts until everyone has been able to respond to the last post, unless it is a conversation where only a few PCs are asking questions to an NPC or something like that.
once we hit January I will start posting and checkin more regularly again and we can pick back up.
I unfortunately am not going to have time to write a full combat post today. I will try to get my round up tomorrow morning. sorry for the delay
Hey. Real life.
I live in a 3 generation home.
This last weekend, both of the youngest generation (one is 2 the other just had her first birthday) got sick. So did their mom. Monday so did their dad. Somewhere in there, grandma got sick, too. Now I'm sick. At least the youngest seems to be over it.
If you need to bot me to keep things moving, please do.
I'm sorry, but I'm not even managing to focus to play spades on my phone right now, and that's amazingly brainless.
Ok. So I had a problem this morning. My youngest was with me as I was posting. She was not feeling well. She hit some keys on the keyboard and my touchscreen. I should have known better. I ended up with multiple posting of the same post. I think I deleted all of the extra ones but if I am missing one or two...please disregard. There should only be one post from me this morning.
You got them all - I only see one.
The generic post to share before attempting to recovery post:
So, I got the flu. Not really over it, yet, but past the worst of it.
I went to get tested to verify it was flu, and the care providers went down the "better safe than sorry hole" a might to far, in my opinion.
Standard questions, designed to check for other, deeper concerns/problems, right? "Do you have any tightness in your chest?" "I've been coughing for about three days at this point, yes, I have a tightness in my chest!" So, they stopped everything about verifying the flu in order to check for a heart attack. Thing is, my fever had just started to break, and I was not only DRENCHED in sweat, but I was still actively sweating that hard. They couldn't get a good EKG read because the contact stickers wouldn't. Stick, I mean.
They called an ambulance and transferred me to an ER, to make sure I wasn't having a heart attack. The ER team was focused on EXACTLY one thing, for obvious reasons. First thing they did different? They took that super medical tape and taped the sensors down. EKG told them almost immediately that there was no heart attack going on. I was still in that ER for nearly 15 hours . . ..
IV fluids. Roughly 2.4 liters of fluid pushed into my system. Breathing treatment. Seems when I arrived in the ER, my O2 saturation was around 82. They started to admit me in order to watch my O2 saturation levels, but after I sat in their ER for that long without any further dips, they accepted it might not still be required and discharged me instead of continuing to wait for a room. Having an asthmatic wife means we have a nebulizer at home, and that helped sell the release, too. Still spending more time asleep than awake, for now.
Missed a couple of Santa gigs the family had lined up. Went to a photoshoot with a family yesterday. I was there for about 10 minutes, just needing to sit and smile, but I stumbled into the house when I got home, completely exhausted. I'm supposed to go get caught in a neighbor's house tonight. Very worried about going. Just as worried about denying their kids.
The generic post to share before attempting to recovery post:
So, I got the flu. Not really over it, yet, but past the worst of it.
I went to get tested to verify it was flu, and the care providers went down the "better safe than sorry hole" a might to far, in my opinion.
Standard questions, designed to check for other, deeper concerns/problems, right? "Do you have any tightness in your chest?" "I've been coughing for about three days at this point, yes, I have a tightness in my chest!" So, they stopped everything about verifying the flu in order to check for a heart attack. Thing is, my fever had just started to break, and I was not only DRENCHED in sweat, but I was still actively sweating that hard. They couldn't get a good EKG read because the contact stickers wouldn't. Stick, I mean.
They called an ambulance and transferred me to an ER, to make sure I wasn't having a heart attack. The ER team was focused on EXACTLY one thing, for obvious reasons. First thing they did different? They took that super medical tape and taped the sensors down. EKG told them almost immediately that there was no heart attack going on. I was still in that ER for nearly 15 hours . . ..
IV fluids. Roughly 2.4 liters of fluid pushed into my system. Breathing treatment. Seems when I arrived in the ER, my O2 saturation was around 82. They started to admit me in order to watch my O2 saturation levels, but after I sat in their ER for that long without any further dips, they accepted it might not still be required and discharged me instead of continuing to wait for a room. Having an asthmatic wife means we have a nebulizer at home, and that helped sell the release, too. Still spending more time asleep than awake, for now.
Missed a couple of Santa gigs the family had lined up. Went to a photoshoot with a family yesterday. I was there for about 10 minutes, just needing to sit and smile, but I stumbled into the house when I got home, completely exhausted. I'm supposed to go get caught in a neighbor's...
Rough stuff, man! Praying for continued healing! (And less stressful healing at that!)
Also, I've never heard of parents arranging for their kids to "catch" Santa, but it sounds awesome. Is that a common thing people do?
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Not as far as I know, but it was kinda fun! I stepped out in front of the stairwell and shook a finger at them. "You aren't being very quiet, you know." They squealed and ran back upstairs.
Not as far as I know, but it was kinda fun! I stepped out in front of the stairwell and shook a finger at them. "You aren't being very quiet, you know." They squealed and ran back upstairs.
That's amazing!
that's awesome! never heard of that as a gig but that's really cool.
sorry to hear you came down with something, hope it has cleared up since that post...
I have just returned home from a series of stops at relatives and friends for Christmas and New Years Eve. I hope everyone most of you had a relaxing time with the family as well. I wish everybody a happy new year and I hope you have a speedy recovery Grim.
welcome to the new year/decade!
things are looking rough, but the enemies have very little health left in them. of course, the party doesn't have much more left than the enemies do!
Hey.
First, I owe everyone apologies for vanishing without a word. I've come back to try to apologize for doing so, and to let you know that I have no idea when I'll be able to meaningfully return.
That's as far s anyone needs to read. If you're curious, you are free to keep going, though.
Why did I vanish? My wife had started an evaluation of her knees, scheduled to run for about 2 months. First appointment was on a Monday. Late that same Thursday we were told the evaluation was over and they were going to schedule her for a full knee replacement in her worse leg. We found out that next Monday that surgery was that Thursday, a week after we were told she would be having surgery.
I took some sick leave to help her through the surgery and earliest recovery stages. I've been working half days, taking sick leave for the rest, for the past couple of weeks, trying to keep her from doing too much with the live-in grand kids and doing her exercises, with only partial luck.
She's doing her exercises while I type, and the grand kids are down for their naps. Today is going to be the last day I PLAN to do the half-day thing. Thing is, even having been home so much more than normal, I've been going non-stop. We were two weeks past her surgery before I even got into the office where my computer sits, and we're over three weeks past it now and I've had to steal the time to let people know what's going on.
I don't know how long it will be before I can reasonably expect the leisure time to properly contribute to these games again. I am sorry for vanishing, but I have to focus on my wife's actual needs before I play.
Game specific:
This game is one I think I'm hurting the most. Grim's become a focal point. But I have to admit my limits and work within them. I can't find the time to keep up with my games right now. I truly am sorry, guys.
I'm sorry to hear that this has been a stressful time for you. real life and family should always take priority over hobbies for sure. Once things calm down for you feel free to get back in touch and if the game is still running we can work you back in.
Take care of the family. We have all been there one time or another. This is a game and we all understand what is more important.
What they said. Your family will in my thoughts and prayers.
Grandpa Grim, it's been a pleasure playing with you. I hope your wife is having speedy recovery after the surgery.
Prioritize your time with the family but try not to burn yourself out.
Post for all games: I'm taking my youth group from church to an event in Gatlinburg this weekend, leaving late morning Friday and not getting back until late Monday night. I might be able to post some, but it'll be from my phone so posts will be short.
Feel free to bot me GM. Brominate likes to be thorough when searching, and when combat is inevitable, prioritizes his sneak stab abilities.
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Posting this in all my games (GM and player):
My wife just had our third baby, a little bit ahead of schedule. my posting will be off and on for the next few weeks as i stay home and help my wife. i will still post when able, but posting consistently in multiple games takes a chunk of time, which i will not have for a little bit.
thank you for your patience! if this is a game where i am a PC please feel free to bot me. if this is one of the games i am running, thank you for your patience. feel free to fill the dead space with RP or discussion or just wait for my posts to return!
thanks all
Congratulations to your family on the new addition! Take all the time you need, and then some ;)
Glad to see nothing bad happened to you, quite the contrary. Congrats! Don't worry about posting, as Brom said, spend some time with the family.
I will be away till Monday or Tuesday for some vacation time.
I will be able to post but when I will be free is a different story.
Most likely late at night.
I will have a post up tonight
are people ready to move forward in the teleporter? haven't seen any posts from a few players in a little while. with everything going on I'm happy to go as slow as needed, but I'm not sure if you guys are waiting on me to push things forward or if people have not been able to post for a while.
I think we're ready to move on to the teleporter.
Yes, most definitely!
well dang, that is one way to handle a boss fight! Hjorleaf crushed that roll, even through false life that hit one-shot the guy. the other party got through the tower a bit easier than this group, but this fight was touch and go for a bit and could have been a TPK. not looking like the case for y'all.
I maintained Grim as a GMPC durign the tower because it didn't make any sense at all for him to be replaced mid-dungeon like that. but as we're getting to the end of the tower (and of Book 1), it is time to think about a replacement. do you all want to see a replacement come in, or are we happy with a party of 4?
I tend to prefer 5 player parties in a PbP game as it allows for the game to still work when someone is slow to post or drops due to real life concerns.
If no one is opposed, I'll put up a recruitment thread shortly. I'd be happy to have any of you give feedback on the responses we get and help choose a new PC.
To be honest I'm quite glad to hear that we're going to have new blood. The post rate has decreased before the main fight to the point I thought it would get to a complete halt.
On another note, good job Hjorleaf that was one of the best fight rounds in the game!
To be honest I'm quite glad to hear that we're going to have new blood. The post rate has decreased before the main fight to the point I thought it would get to a complete halt.]
to that point, I know things have slowed down across most of the games I'm involved in as player and GM because of the COVID stuff, but this is a good time to check in again on interest in this game. if anyone else is not wanting to continue in this campaign now would be a great time to recruit multiple people.
To be very clear I am not trying to encourage anyone to quit the game, but if the slowdown in posting is because people aren't enjoying this game right now, the point between books is a great time to make party changes.
Hi! Still here, and the slowdown is largely COVID-based. I'm still working, just remotely, so I'm not getting the same amount of screen time breaks I used to. Makes it harder to post here.
Squirrels ate my internet cable.. Post later tonight.
Hi all!
I am currently working with Bright Morning to get ready to start posting. I am opting to just keep Grimgisli as I really like the character and this will probably be easier for everyone from a party perspective.
I will be ready to post by Sunday night but when ever Bright Morning gives me the go ahead I will start posting.
I will also start reading the posts to get a feel for Grimgisli and his interactions with the group.
Jack
Bright Morning.
Based on your PM for level up here is the HP roll for 4th as I finish up the updated character sheet for Grimgisli:
Welcome Jack! Glad to have you.
Welcome, Jack!
Level Up!
Oracle 4
BAB: +1
Saves: Will +1
FCB: +1 Skill Point
Ability Boost: +1 Charisma
Skill Points: 4 + 1 Int + 1 FCB = 6
Diplomacy +1
Knowledge (local) +1
Knowledge (Planes) +1
Knowledge (religion) +1
Perception +1
Sense Motive +1
Class Features:
Mystery Spell: hypnotic pattern
2nd-level Spells per Day: 3 + 1 Cha = 4
Spells Known: 0-level - create water
2nd-level - cure moderate wounds, lesser restoration
Glad to have you in the party. It seems everybody is prepping up for level 4. So glad to finally use something from the hexcrafter archetype!
Level Up changes.
Ranger (Woodland Skirmisher) 4
HP: 1d10 + 1 + = 9
BAB: +1 (+4)
Saves: Fort +1, Reflex +1
FCB: +1 Hit Point
Ability Boost: +1 Dexterity
Skill Points: 6 + 1 Int + 1 Human Racial Trait = 8
Heal +1 (1st rank)(class skill)
Know (Geography) +1
Know (Nature) +1
Perception +1
Sense Motive +1
Stealth +1
Survival +1
Swim +1
Class Features:
Hunter's Bond: Companions
At 4th level, a ranger forms a bond with his hunting companions. This bond can take one of two forms. Once the form is chosen, it cannot be changed. The first is a bond to his companions. This bond allows him to spend a move action to grant half his favored enemy bonus against a single target of the appropriate type to all allies within 30 feet who can see or hear him. This bonus lasts for a number of rounds equal to the ranger’s Wisdom modifier (minimum 1). This bonus does not stack with any favored enemy bonuses possessed by his allies; they use whichever bonus is higher.
Spell Use: 1st level 1+1
Spells Known: 1-level
1st level - alarm, **aspect of the falcon, abundant ammunition, **gravity bow, shock arrow, resist energy, pass w/o trace. (** - will memorize at next rest)
Woodland Skirmisher:Spells
At 4th level, a woodland skirmisher increases his number of spells per day by +1 for every spell level. This means the skirmisher gets at least 1 spell per day as soon as he gains access to a level of spells, even if Table: Ranger lists 0 for spells per day.
A woodland skirmisher also learns to draw upon druidic magic. Each day when the ranger prepares spells, he may choose one druid spell and prepare it as if it were on the ranger spell list as a ranger spell of its druid spell level.
I think that is everything for the level up.
Bright Morning - I made no changes to Grimgisli other than the level up.
Jack
Magus 4
BAB: +1
Saves: Fort +1, Will +1
FCB: + 1/6 Magus Arcana
Ability Boost: +1 Int
Intimidate +1
Perception +1
Knowledge arcana +1
Knowledge local +1
Fly +1
Spellcraft +1
Class features:
Slumber hex
Spells:
Alter self
Mirror image
Fighter 4
HP: 5+1 +3= 9
BAB: +4
Saves: Fort +1
FCB: +1 Hit Point
Ability Boost: +1 Dexterity
Skill Points: 3
Craft +1
Intimidate +1
Survival +1
Feat:Weapon Specialization:Great Axe
reminder for all you old players and as possibly new info for our replacement Grim: please update all of your stats on the summary page of our maps google slides. i use those stat blocks any time i need to roll things for you such as perception checks and saves, as well as your AC and HP in the tracker on the right. I leave it up to you all to keep that updated, as with multiple games running it would be too much for me to make sure that is always accurate for all my players