Welcome to the discussion thread. This is the place for general questions to the DM, discussions between players about how they might react before posting in the gameplay thread, general discussion about schedule and other details of running the game - basically, the stuff that isn't actually the game, but might relate to the game.
As a reminder, we'll have sort of two tiers of encounters: those that are simple enough that they don't really require a map, and those for which we'll rely on Roll20 for logistical positioning and the like.
Roll20 allows beautiful maps and preserves some classes abilities that hinge on map positioning, and I want to leave room for that, but maps can also slow things down to a crawl.
We absolutely will use them, when necessary, at a minimal level. That ultimately means people will need to be able to access Roll20, which if you have a browser and can access the paizo forums, you can probably do - if you don't have an account already, it will prompt you to create one (they're free) when you click on the join link. I'll post a link, pretty soon, to the game's landing screen. This will also be where I share things like graphic handouts that are harder to do on the forums.
I DO have a backup plan if this does not work well for the group, but I'm hopeful. I don't intend on getting into nitty gritty, only character x can move player token 'x'. Yes, if I was running this in Roll20 wholesale in real time, I'd do that, but mostly we need to know character's position in relation to the room and the enemies, and we should be able to trust each other not to move the tokens of other players.
I don't want to get stuck on the map and Roll20 elements. This is a PbP game, and the strength of those games isn't what happens on those maps, it's what happens in the gameplay forum, in the text of characters interacting.
Our gameplay will start with an introduction, followed by separated brief roleplay interludes with discrete groups of characters, as the characters are brought together.
In these initial posts, please play careful attention: I will note who is present at the top of each one. The responses will be intermingled, so just note the location at the top of the post. We can dispense with that once the characters have been gathered together.
(for example: If a scene happens in the tavern and only Aldelenna and Rankev are there, Aldelenna and Rankev can just note In the Tavern at the top of their post when they respond.
I'm not fond of splitting the party, but I also want to give some individual time for character's to establish identity, relation, and personality early on in a less free for all environment. These interludes will be brief, but I think they're important.
You'll see what I mean by them, I'm sure, once I've posted. Don't worry, you'll all be together and on your way to adventure as a group very soon.
Because I want to post those roleplay interludes TOGETHER and, essentially, all at once, the first post will be tomorrow.
sorry about that delay. I ran out of time tonight and I still have one left to write out.
I might manage to make in the morning my time though (US eastern time).
Would appreciate a reply to finlogan's last post in recruitment to align expectations.
Thanks
OK. Reading everyone's backstory, this is my initial perspective. Of course, I'm open to change. Finlogan's relationship with:
@Cole - While Finlogan is younger, he's probably been with Arnama longer (10 years). Fin would not feel threatened by Cole's presence but might share friendly competition in some cases but not overly. So, they've evolved into a brotherly companionship.
@Vanessa - Finlogan has probably known her for many years. He speaks Sylvan and regularly travels around her area. His friendly trade and conversations might be one of the reasons that she wanted to enter the village. Maybe she taught him some of his Nature skill.
@Aldelenna - They are about the same age, half-elven, and high Charisma 19 & 16. If there hasn't been a hook-up yet, then they both may want to but cannot, because the village is so small to avoid drama. Or, if there was a hook-up, maybe it became a casual thing, because they both don't want to settle down. He ocassionally accompanies her performances with his flute playing.
@Rankev - Finlogan would be envious, because Rankev knows his father, ignoring the less their stellar relationship. However, that jealousy might be interpreted by Rankev that Fin is jealous of Rankev's power. But, in fact Fin doesn't find anything to compete with Rankev about... except for maybe Aldelenna's attention and affection.
What do you think?
Cannot wait for Gameplay and Discussion to open.
That sounds right on to me. I think you're right about the potential for some romantic interactions between Aldelenna and Fin, but for the sake of building tension, let's keep it where nothing has happened yet, except for perhaps a friendly kiss on occasion. That way their relationship can unfold fluidly as we roleplay. Love the idea that Fin accompanies her with his flute when circumstances allow, beautiful way to connect the two through music. Also totally agree about the social hook between Venssa and Fin, it's possible that Fin is exactly the reason she is less afraid to enter town and attempt to make friends. Good call!
Really, I should have just said, totally agree and been done, but I am not a taciturn poster. Competitive yet brotherly relationship with Cole sounds right on the money, and the peripheral jealousy with Rankev sounds right on as well.
So, again, totally agree all the way around. This is going to be sooooo fun. @Koldoon, I love your commitment to the narrative, absolutely love it. Those "interlude" roleplay posts are where some of the best storytelling happens. So glad to be a part of this. Also, I do already have a Roll20 account, and am in another PbP here on the boards that uses it pretty frequently, so I'm very familiar with how it works, but, I also totally agree with your assessment that maps tend to slow things down, and I applaud your willingness to GM things in the theater of the mind first and foremost.
Have I said I'm excited about this yet? :P
Query: how did you want to handle speaking in other languages Koldoon? For example, Aldelenna speaks halfling, and would probably use that language when having secret conversations with Jimes. In other PbP's I've seen gamers use Google Translate, picking a real-world language to use as the equivalent for an in-game language. Using that language for their "Dyfyniadau."
Do you have a preferred method for how to handle those situations? Should we just write everything in English, but make clear that the character is speaking in another language through the narrative?
Thanks!
MW
|
@Rankev - Finlogan would be envious, because Rankev knows his father, ignoring the less their stellar relationship. However, that jealousy might be interpreted by Rankev that Fin is jealous of Rankev's power. But, in fact Fin doesn't find anything to compete with Rankev about... except for maybe Aldelenna's attention and affection.
@Finlogan: Rankev doesn't really consider Fin growing up without a father to be noteworthy. That is simply the condition of the lower class. You can no more blame the rain for falling, the snow for being cold, or a dog for eating your unattended steak, than you can blame a lower class man for leaving the woman he impregnated and abandoning the child that resulted from such an encounter. Such is simply the way of things.
How Fin reacts to that is up to him, but either way will just play in to how Power sees the world: If Fin takes umbrage, then that too is a failure of the lower class, they just can not accept things as they are, and are too busy seeing the world as how they wish it to be to ever really accomplish anything, including having good manners.
If Fin is agreeable to this assessment, then it is because Rankev is correct and that is as it should be.
Rankev knows he aught not be jealous of Fin's friendship with Dusksong, because what could so base a man ever truly offer a woman, other than the wages Fin's own father paid his mother? But as he doesn't really understand social interactions to begin with, he can't help but feel a nagging sense of vexation.
If he ever spent any evenings in the local taverns, then Acquaintance because that is where you can usually find Cole. If not, then Total Stranger.
Because she works at the Seven Silvers as both serving staff and occasional entertainment, I would say acquaintance.
|
|
That sounds fair.
"So," said Rankev to Cole, hoisting his leathern jack of deep, red wine for another sip and gazing appreciatively at the lovely serving wench. It bothered Rankev that his purse could not support a finer vintage, but he counciled himself that he was roughing it, all to prove himself to Father. "How goes things with...what are you doing now? Wasn't it something to do with catching pheasants or some such?"
Cole takes a large gulp of his drink, and as he smiles broadly and chuckles, he responds.
Yes sir, huntin' all kinds of small game, but mostly fine tunin' my...burrrp...scoutin' and trackin' skills. Plus, beatin' up on my sparrin' partner, Fin. Ha, ha, ha!
He throws back his head as he guffaws.
What have you been up to?
@Finlogan: I thought Fin was a Fighter. You have Ranger listed in your tag line.
Sorry Ihave not chimed in earlier, but I am at a conference at the moment...but only until tomorrow.
Rankev: Venssa would be a stranger to you. She is so far beyond social class you might not know even how to deal with her...lol
Finlogan: I really like your idea...and maybe Venssa might have a bit of a crush on you too. Having lived on her own for so long, she might not even consciously realize this, but as she has taught you about the wilderness and such, she has a very strong connection with Fin. Could be interesting when she meets Aldelenna.
Aldelenna: She is probably slightly intimidated by the beautiful bard. Not really having friends...especially female friends, Venssa will feel very out of water dealing with her. In some ways she will scoff at the "fragile" woman, but in others she will try to emulate her. She will be very jealous of any interaction Aldelenna has with Fin, as well.
Cole: Not sure..but if you are a ranger as well, then perhaps she has taught you as well....bit confused between you and Fin?? Was he a fighter? Then he would probably not have any attachment with Venssa
Hey DM: Can I have a Mule?
As a noble, I can hardly be counted on to cart about my own gear like some dirt-grabbing peasant, can I? =)
(Also, then the party won't really have to worry about encumbrance. =p)
Can you have a mule?
I'm not going to just give him one. Rankev might be able to convince his father to part with a mule, but his father is rather angry with his prodigal son at the moment.
He could also buy one, but it would cost 8 gp, and that is most of the money he has left.
Alternately, you can elect to take the variant "retinue" background feature for nobles. It's less respect around town, but Rankev could have a porter and a valet.
|
|
Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaand THAT's why you're the DM. =3
Oh my yes we must have that! And it makes sense. He's not "currently" in tight with Father, so he would not wield the full clout of the House.
But Father is not barbaric, and allows a few of the servants to follow his erstwhile son into the unknown. Rankev might be facing certain death.
But there's no need to be barbaric. =)
Done! =D
@Venssa: I think Fin is a fighter playing at being a ranger for now, but I will let him weigh in on that. I would have already had a great deal of knowledge of nature lore based on my upbringing with the Nirmathas Rangers, and my brief stint as a scout in their employ. However, I am sure that we would be friends based on our common interests and me seeing you around Fin so often.
Finlogan as a ranger. If he looks like a ranger and acts like a ranger, then he must be a ranger. (If it looks like a duck and quacks like a duck, it must be a duck.)
@Rankev - Yeaaah. Up until very soon, Finlogan's coping mechanism for Rankev is to avoid or ignore. Then, we're going to start having some drama, which I'm sure you're expecting. Should be fun.
@Cole and ladies - Sounds good!
So, we have two Rangers...interesting...I may have chosen another route had I known. The advancement spoiler in your profile shows fighter...am I confused?
If I've understood this right, Finlogan is stated as a fighter (with intent to go with the eldritch knight path), but "ranger" is a career as well as a class, and that's the career he's chosen (much as it's possible to build a "priest" from a bard build).
Am I getting that right, Fin?
If I've understood this right, Finlogan is stated as a fighter (with intent to go with the eldritch knight path), but "ranger" is a career as well as a class, and that's the career he's chosen (much as it's possible to build a "priest" from a bard build).
Am I getting that right, Fin?
Absolutely. Fin will continue to progress as an Eldritch Knight. I'm just describing him as a ranger, as others might describe him. He patrols with Arnama and Cole. He knows the land and can hunt and gather. Nothing has changed from my original descriptions in the Recruitment thread.
If you want me to delete the ranger description in his profile, I will. If you want to suggest another one word description, I will consider it. To be clear, I absolutely did not describe him as a ranger to aggravate you, Cole.
cheers
EDIT. When I described his nature skill, it was the nature skill as opposed to survival, which both Cole and Finlogan have.
Not aggravated at all, just wanted the clarification you provided.
Just thought I'd put this here, in case anyone else is a visual learner, and needs to see it to fully grasp it. I guessed at the year, but this calendar is for Neth, where Moonday is the first of the month. It's 4715 Absalom Reckoning.
Really enjoying this already! :) Great to be in a game with such excellent role-players. :)
Uh, just realized something else I forgot to clarify. Aldelenna's character sheet says "atheist," but only because it was the "closest" option to take while crafting her in Hero Lab. Aldelenna is a pantheist, which is to say, in a world so obviously and directly influenced by the gods, she believes in all of them, but holds no particular worship for any one in particular. Since her class features are not dependent on worship, I felt it best to leave her religious options open, so that, should roleplay and narrative provide a chance, she can engage in some meaningful and perhaps productive religious conversations with those who do hold to particular faiths tightly. :)
Uh, just realized something else I forgot to clarify. Aldelenna's character sheet says "atheist," but only because it was the "closest" option to take while crafting her in Hero Lab. Aldelenna is a pantheist, which is to say, in a world so obviously and directly influenced by the gods, she believes in all of them, but holds no particular worship for any one in particular. Since her class features are not dependent on worship, I felt it best to leave her religious options open, so that, should roleplay and narrative provide a chance, she can engage in some meaningful and perhaps productive religious conversations with those who do hold to particular faiths tightly. :)
This makes sense—most common people in the game doubtless say prayers to many gods depending on what they're doing, though they may hold a stronger or primary faith. Nirmathas is a bit of a crossroads between several areas, and so it wouldn't be surprising for her to have learned some prayers to any number of stranger gods. I listed the major faiths for the area in the original post.
In addition to those, Aldelenna may have been exposed to Abadar (from merchants), Cayden Cailean (from Jocyn, whose following shouldn't be a surprise), and of course Desna (already listed, but Varisia is near enough). Possibly also Razmir, because his kingdom is close enough that envoys might pass through.
Jimes grew up a Chelaxian slave and part of a culture where prayers to Asmodeus were customary and expected. While he is adept at suppressing that, Aldelenna has been close enough to him to have, perhaps, unconsciously have picked some of it up.
Randev: Just for ease, I'm listing below the children of Moltus Vargidan that have been explicitly named:
Zandre Vargidan: male half-elf. Nearing twenty-two. At seventeen, Zandre went on the Quest, as a rejected son of the Vargidan family. His companions swear that arcane might came to him, and he was accepted back into the family, but Moltus rarely gives favor where it was taken away, and only begrudgingly accepted the child back into the compound.
Randev: That's you!
Luthos Vargidan: male half-orc. fourteen. As a half-orc, Luthos is fully of age and has rejected his half-orc heritage. He dresses as a proper Taldane gentleman, and is Moltus's favorite—he began to show signs of his sorcerous power in diapers. Luthos has a known weakness for fine wine and sex.
Hansyn Vargidan: His dark hair and pale white skin mark his mother as Chelaxian, but Hansyn inherited the Vargidan eyes. There's power there, even at only twelve, but the boy is often missing from the compound and if the servants know why, they say nothing.
Rankev:
Moltus still doubts Zandre's heritage. He makes no secret of it, at least to the older siblings. Why? Because what Zandre does is not, strictly speaking, sorcery. Moltus sees Zandre's path as one of the weak and the frail, not worthy of a Vargidan.
Because of that, I think it likely Rankev would still have hope, since to many inside the family, Zandre is very much considered somewhat of a bastard son... recognized, sort-of, but not worthy of inheriting.
Your ancestry and power is not in doubt. It is your verve and audaciousness that has brought you to an impasse with your father. This is the test your father wanted for you. With Zandre, it was the test the town demanded your father accept. Rankev strikes me as the sort to recognize the difference.
Aldelenna brought up in one of her game posts that she wasn't sure whether she was going to need to roll.
If you think you even *might* need to roll a skill check, go ahead and roll it, putting it in a spoiler tag.
In a play by post it's way better for us to have the roll and not need it, than not to have it and be unable to continue for a day or more while we wait solely for the result of a role you could easily have guessed we would need.
FWIW my posting speed will come to a grinding halt at 10pm Eastern time tonight. I normally cannot post during the day and tomorrow night is my real life weekly game night, so don't expect any posts from me until Tuesday evening Eastern.
cheers
Finlogan:
Thanks for letting us know.
Just a note for post planning in general, Rankev has noted in the gameplay forum that he will not post much during weekends.
That's fine, it was noted in the recruitment thread that I understand folks have weekend obligations (I will sometimes also). But for post planning purposes, just be aware that posts requesting responses from Rankev over weekends may not get a response until Mondays.
@GM Koldoon, I just need to pick up a ranged weapon for Aldelenna, then I have no problem fast-forwarding to the end of Toilday/Wealday start. Looks like the dice aren't really my friends, so if you want to just move ahead and say she purchased a sling and bullets, I'll make the necessary changes to her profile to reflect that. If you want to roleplay it out, I'll join right in. :)
Thanks!
Just a note. I usually have a few moments here and there where I can respond during my work day, but we're flat out today, so I won't be posting until after work hours eastern time today.
Seems to me we have a fine opportunity to get Cole, Finlogan, Venssa, and Aldelenna out in the woods near town strengthening their friendships. When Venssa comes down, she'll undoubtedly want to go right to Fin for the comfort of that familiar relationship, and I'm sure any opportunity to leave the "hustle and bustle" of the Seven Silvers taproom for the freedom of the nearby woods, would be to her liking. We can certainly roleplay the heck out of that, or we could just assume it happened, and move on to the next day as the group decides. I'm up for either. :) I'll wait to post in the gameplay thread until we hear from GM Koldoon, and/or until Venssa has joined the common room crowd.
I would move forward as a group.
We can retcon in spoilers to have smaller conversations between 2 to 3 PCs max.
IMHO FWIW
Let's pull everyone together.
Totally on board with hand-waving those bits of bonding in favor of getting the group together and on their adventure. Like I said, fine either way, and the group's consensus is always most important.
As above...lets get together
The consensus seems to be to pull everything together. To facilitate that, I will respond briefly to some of the dangled loose threads, and then post the first Oathday post that sets up the adventure, leaving details of the Wealday happenings ambiguous, so that anyone wishing to fill them in or resolve them flashback style can do so.
In the spoiler below is the link to the Roll20 page for the game. The landing page isn't a map at present, just a look at the character tokens, but the journal tab contains a picture of the mayor, a map of the town of Kassen, and the player map provided to Aldelenna in the materials the mayor gave to her.
Fair warning, it's a free account, so there's a brief pause to enter.
Just a note for Venssa:
Remember you have two cantrips and can prepare any three druid spells per day (but have only two 1st level spell slots) - keep those limits in mind, and when you have a chance, note your currently prepared spells in your character sheet.
|
|
Oh yeah, I would totally have thrown a firebolt. I would also have thrown a firebolt that hit solidly for big damage. =)
(If we've not yet completed a Long rest, I might do 1st level spells, like MM, knowing that I'll get it back soon, but the bolt is good too. =)
I had assumed that they are like "minions" in that if one is eliminated, another takes his place after a certain interval, say 1-3 days, or next level, whichever comes sooner. The thinking being that as one servant leaves service, another is employed.
Also, this is a big test for Rankev. As they saying goes, "One should never risk one's whole fortune unless supported by one's entire forces." Hence, Rankev would not want less than his full retinue for this, his greatest test.
Opposite of Rankev, I can only post this fast on the weekend. During the week, I'm one post at the end of the day.
And FWIW prefer grouped initiatives (players vs. bad guys), so combat can move as quickly as possible.
cheers
grouped initiatives can be useful, but they tend to defeat the usefulness of some characters abilities.
Let me think about this. I might consider seeing how initiative falls and saying "all characters who act before this monster can go" so that anyone who happens to post could post even if it wasn't strictly "their" initiative to help keep things going.
We have some characters with initiative based abilities: Cole with his advantage on initiative and advantage if he strikes before a creature has acted in combat, so I'm leary of loosening up initiative too much.
I agree with the GM for obviously selfish reasons. I have advantage on initiative, and would prefer not to have that nerfed. In addition I have advantage on creatures who have not acted. So, initiative order is paramount to my PCs build. Besides, I think this group is active enough to follow initiative order without delay.
I think I can come up with a reasonable compromise and at least do partial groupings: Something like:
Cole, Fin, Rankev (group 1)
Monsters (group 2)
Aldelenna, Vanessa (group 3)
Current turn: group 1
And determine the groupings out of the actual initiative rolls rather than a group roll. I think that would preserve Cole's advantage, while still making things a bit more streamlined.
Does that make sense?
Agreed...