DM Berwick's Serpent's Skull Adventure

Game Master Lost Gamer

Continuing a great game with some great players.


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Silver Crusade

Hmmm, scent it is. But in this case, Jonagher didn't have to out-sneak the creature, just the guards checking on it. :-)

Sorry that you're so busy, Neil.

F. Castor, congrats on getting into the Sargavan game! I'll happily lurk. I was sorely tempted to put in a bard character myself, but should probably think about my patentability paper draft rather than a second PbP.


Male Human

Heh, scent can certainly make life difficult for the sneaky types, yes? :-)

Thanks Eric. As far as I have seen, DM AK is a very dependable DM, so I thought it was worth a shot. I do not really apply unless I can be at least a little sure of the game surviving. Let's see what we will see! :-)

Patentability paper draft?

Silver Crusade

Yes, I like AK's Kingmaker game quite a bit. I think that your game promises to be fun too.

For my law school's writing requirement, I have to write a long and (I hope) publishable paper. The professor that I'm working on with it wants a finished draft by summer's end.

My topic is defining a test for the patentability of human-animal hybrids and chimera.

If you really want to know more (non-mandatory) . . .

Spoiler:

In part, I'm arguing that you shouldn't be able to patent any creature that embodies a legal person. Typically, a person must have a license to use a patented invention, or he'll incur liability for patent infringement. If the person's body is the invention, he has no choice but to take the license: You can't elect to not use your body. But this would allow a patent owner to place the person in de facto indentured servitude through the terms of the license (e.g., working for another company breaks the license).

But I also have to think more about humanlike mental capabilities of dolphins and chimpanzees. They're going to be part of the proposed test, which would require the patent-seeker to assume the burden of proving that something shouldn't be a legal person if it (i) has some mental capacity higher than a chimpanzee or dolphin; or (ii) looks sufficiently humanlike.

Very interesting--at least for a patent-lawyer-wannabe.

Contributor, RPG Superstar 2009, RPG Superstar Judgernaut

Eric Zylstra wrote:
Sorry that you're so busy, Neil.

It certainly beats the alternative. It just means I'm in high demand! ;-)

Silver Crusade

Neil Spicer wrote:
It certainly beats the alternative. It just means I'm in high demand! ;-)

That's a good way to look at it. And we can Jona-a-bot your PC's fighting if necessary.

The blank, unresponsive stare and occasional drooling will probably hurt his chances with the lovely Sasha, though. ;-)


Male Why's it always got to be that way? DM 14

Just a heads up, I will be out of town, camping, Friday July 1 through July 4.

I will be out of internet connectivity also. Sad panda.

Silver Crusade

Enjoy your trip, DM Berwick! And have a good 4th, all.

Sovereign Court

Eric Zylstra wrote:

F. Castor, congrats on getting into the Sargavan game! I'll happily lurk. I was sorely tempted to put in a bard character myself, but should probably think about my patentability paper draft rather than a second PbP.

I had wondered why I didn't see you on the recruitment thread Eric :P.

Silver Crusade

Hi, AK! Glad that you're still following this game, and congratulations on finishing up school!

Alexander Kilcoyne wrote:
I had wondered why I didn't see you on the recruitment thread Eric :P.

Sorry: Your game sounds great, especially the kingdom-building aspects. And I've enjoyed playing in this game, so the chance of doing a PbP with both F. Castor and you made it even more enticing.

But as I was lying in bed, debating whether to put in a character, I had a come-to-Jesus moment about my paper. I need to finish a good, solid draft soon so that I'm not in trouble come the fall semester. And there are work and family too, of course . . . .

Still just lurking, alas. :-(

Silver Crusade

I move that we invoke the twenty-four-hour rule to bot Torden's action.

I'm hoping that it will be either lesser confusion or sleep on the watch-lizard, but maybe his archivist knowledge-fu will suggest an even better course of action.

The Exchange

F Human Cleric/ 3

I thought we were waiting for lizard action/movement. I can post Yuuwa's next action for pending until then.

Silver Crusade

Maybe so. I was assuming that the held actions would only last for a round, so I thought that we needed Torden to post a new action for this round first.

I think that you're right about the lizard being up before Yuuwa.

Silver Crusade

Just FYI, I'll be out of town over the weekend, and I probably won't have much Internet access from Friday night to Sunday afternoon. Please act for Origen if necessary.

At the momnent, he wants to avoid using Color Spray till the camp knows where we are by other means--unless a huge crowd of thugs rush us in a convenient cone-shaped formation.

Liberty's Edge

Male Human Educator/3, Auditor/2, Soldier/1

Oh, if it's my move, then I can post.

I was waiting on the lizard (I'm last in the round am I not?)

EDIT: After further investigation, I am up before the lizard, but I Held. I'm waiting for the BGs to come at us----so . . . if they don't then I'll wait---I will post as much to get things moving again.

Silver Crusade

Thanks, Curn. Now it's (unambiguously) the lizard.


Male Why's it always got to be that way? DM 14

Hey Howdy!

No post tonight, I will be traveling today and tomorrow...and I should be able to post through my next 10 days worth of vacation to the Northwest of the USA.

I will see you tomorrow for a more pertinent post.


Male Why's it always got to be that way? DM 14

Argh! Post monster has struck again...let me retype that last, and get it out to you.


Male Human

If I may ask our illustrious DM Berwick, as well as this wonderful gathering of players: Would it be possible to admit a sixth player?

You see, a very good friend of mine, with whom I have played extensively in real life back in the olden days and to whom I owe quite a few fond game memories, would like to get into PbP, seeing as how live games seem to be scarce and how I have preached the great advantages of a good Play-by-Post game unto him.

He is a good and imaginative roleplayer with an excellent grasp of the English language (currently in the middle of his Linguistics PhD in Newark, Delaware), who, having talked to him about the pros and cons of PbPs, has told me that he can certainly squeeze off at least one post per day. Plus, he is a dedicated guy and flexible as far as characters go. Oh, and he loves Pathfinder.

Ok, ok, enough advertisement. Also, I may be a little biased, but I promise it is only a little... :-P

So, I thought I would ask you guys about it. Thoughts?

Contributor, RPG Superstar 2009, RPG Superstar Judgernaut

It's ultimately up to Berwick, but I could see some value in adding another player provided he'd be willing to take on the heavy-hitting fighter role for us. As someone who wrote an adventure in this AP, I know much of what lies ahead (which I make sure to exclude from Jonagher's knowledge in-game). And, a frontline warrior could be much needed.

Isandril is the closest we'll have, but I don't sense he's quite destined to fill that role for us. Bran (and Frik) were originally slated for it. And I actually worried that somewhere down the road I might need to take Jonagher into some class levels as a fighter to try and give us more punch in that regard.

So, my vote (if it matters) is a "contingent" yes...

The Exchange

F Human Cleric/ 3

And here I was getting ready to armor up for some frontline bashing: YUUWA SMASH!

Seriously though I am for whatever PC he wants to bring. We can adapt tactics to whatever and run roughshod over whatever DM B plans.

I say this as a healer from the backrow, of course.;-)

Silver Crusade

If you recommend him, I'd be happy to let him join.

Silver Crusade

I'll be out of town for the weekend again--a 10th anniversary trip!

If the action advances while I'm gone, Origen recognizes that the lightning and color spray has made the party very visible. If anyone starts coming after us or if his friends begin retreating, he'll try to grease the entrance to the camp to force any pursuing cannibals off the path into difficult terrain. If neither circumstance applies, he'll hit the lizard with an acidic ray.

F. Castor, I suspect that vacation is giving DM Berwick less time to post than he expected, and Curn has mentioned that he sometimes doesn't check the OOC thread that much. Your friend might want to generate some character concepts or even stat one up. He'll probably be able to join this game, and even if he can't, he'll have something to submit to PbP recruitment threads.


Male Human
Neil Spicer wrote:
Isandril is the closest we'll have, but I don't sense he's quite destined to fill that role for us. Bran (and Frik) were originally slated for it. And I actually worried that somewhere down the road I might need to take Jonagher into some class levels as a fighter to try and give us more punch in that regard.

I have to admit I never did like so much the tanking type of fighter; I have always been more of a fan of the agile, lightly-armored type. And, seeing as how when I made Isandril, Bran was still around, I found that I could make such a character without worrying too much about absorbing hits (not that that would not be needed or required, but not so much as it would be were I the only fighter around). :-)

Yuuwa Majid wrote:

And here I was getting ready to armor up for some frontline bashing: YUUWA SMASH!

Seriously though I am for whatever PC he wants to bring. We can adapt tactics to whatever and run roughshod over whatever DM B plans.

I say this as a healer from the backrow, of course.;-)

Well, I think Neil is right in that we need another frontline fighter, one who is built a bit more along the lines of heavy-hitting and damage-absorbing than my own elven fighter/ranger is. Besides, I have talked to my friend about it and he is in no way adverse to the idea of playing such a character.

Eric Zylstra wrote:

F. Castor, I suspect that vacation is giving DM Berwick less time to post than he expected, and Curn has mentioned that he sometimes doesn't check the OOC thread that much. Your friend might want to generate some character concepts or even stat one up. He'll probably be able to join this game, and even if he can't, he'll have something to submit to PbP recruitment threads.

Might as well. It would give him a headstart if DM Berwick decides to let him in and if he does not, he will still have a character ready for recruitment threads, as you say.

Nevertheless, I should thank you guys for the positive response. So... thank you muchly. :-)

Liberty's Edge

Male Human Educator/3, Auditor/2, Soldier/1

Sorry to chime in late. I'm forever forgetting to check the OOC thread, but the long silence eventually drove me here.

Question at hand, an additional player.
Answer: I'm fine with it.

New Question--is there anyone out there?


Male Human

Well, if you are asking about players, we are all here and accounted for, as far as I can tell from the above posts. As far as DM Berwick is concerned, I think Eric may have the right of it, i.e. summer and vacation meaning less time for him to post. At least, I hope that is the case anyway. :-)

Silver Crusade

F. Castor wrote:
Well, I think Neil is right in that we need another frontline fighter . . . .

Ultimate Combat is coming out next Thursday, and the messageboard buzz is good (better than I remember for Ultimate Magic, to tell you the truth). Maybe your friend should check out the PDF; I'm planning to pick it up myself.

But my theory regarding DM Berwick's vacation-induced posting delay is becoming less tenable. DM Berwick, where are you?


Male Human

Well, last we talked, he has more or less decided to make a human two-handed fighter without any archetypes involved, due to him wanting to keep both weapon training and armor training, who does not have a problem employing dirty tricks to win a fight (i.e. will be taking the Improved Dirty Trick feat eventually). Ex-soldier turned mercenary sort of thing. No heavy armors, probably breastplate being the heaviest he will be wearing (we are on a rather hot and humid island after all). He plans to divide his feats between offense (Power Attack, Cleave, etc) and defense (Dodge, Toughness, Combat Expertise, etc), with the occasional utility ones (Improved Initiative, Improved Dirty Trick, etc).

I do so hope he gets a chance to try him out...


Male Why's it always got to be that way? DM 14

Well sorry about that folks! When my relatives mentioned that they lived off the beaten path, they failed to mention that they lived 45 minutes away from the nearest cell phone signal...or that they were basically neo-luddites and apparently don't believe in things like internet access.

Interesting way to live, but causes problems for contacting the outside world.

Now that I am back to the world, I will be posting tonight to catch up everything, and then push ahead.

F. Castor, I would love to hear what your friend has got. Please have him post here, and we will can check it out. I would welcome another player...especially after what Neil said...

Also, I can insert him into the game almost immediately...maybe a round or two from where we are, so let's get him involved!

Thanks for your patience,

DM Berwick.

P.S. I have no vacations planned for the rest of the year, so we should be good as far as that goes.

Silver Crusade

Welcome back!

DM Berwick, I think that Origen and Torden are now down at initiative count 3 because of their held actions last round. Would you mind re-posting the initiative order when you have a chance?


Male Human

I have talked with my friend and he should post and introduce himself either today or tomorrow, I should think. If not, I will endeavor to remind him.

Once again, thank you for your positive response guys! Much appreciated.

Silver Crusade

Looking forward to meeting him, F. Castor!

DM Berwick, thanks for reposting initiative with the new cannibal actions. By the way, I picked up a PDF copy of Mists of Mwangi, but haven't read it yet (despite my curiosity). Do you think that reading it be spoiler-y, or is it water under the bridge at this point?

Oh, and just as a reminder, Jonagher has Protection from Evil and Grease active if his last shot attracted any unfriendly attention.


Male Why's it always got to be that way? DM 14

I look forward as well. Always fun to include another player.

Eric, no worries about reposting initiative, I should have remembered to do that every round, if i don't feel free to call me on it, and I'll fix it.

Go ahead and read the Mists if you want...great module. There is nothing that is really tied into this campaign...I had to wrack my brain a little with connectioning the two, but Dr. Impossible chose well initially, as they have similar themes.


Hello everyone, I am very happy to be here and thanks so much for having me!

I am considering a human fighter, a Chelaxian disillusioned ex-soldier turned mercenary, who uses brains as well as brawn to get the job done and is not above fighting dirty to win.

A greatsword and the heaviest armor available would be what I would normally go for, although considering the AP (and taking a look at the players guide for it) I will probably get a breastblate to keep it manageable in the hot and humid climate.

I am nearly done building one and I can post the character soon; I am of course open to comments/suggestions and ideas regarding background elements (crunch as well) that would make the character fit in better with the story, the group and what DM Berwick has in mind for the game.

Although I am relatively familiar with the system and I have experience in roleplaying and DnD in particular, I am not as familiar with the setting (I do not currently own the CS hardcover or any AP); so if something I am suggesting doesn't make much sense in Golarion, the AP or the story let me know.

Thanks again!

PS Jarreth Ivarin is not the name of the character. I am working on that. :)

Liberty's Edge

Male Human Educator/3, Auditor/2, Soldier/1

Welcome back DMBerwick, and Jarreth, welcome to the fray.


Male Why's it always got to be that way? DM 14

Jarreth, welcome!

Your initial idea sounds good, but don't limit yourself into thinking just Cheliax here. For how new characters can get introduced on the island, there are a bunch of choices.

Ultimately, it would be some sort of wreck survivor, most likely picked up by the Cannibals, or even hunting them solo after you came ashore, coming in on the fight after detecting a lot of commotion. As such, you could be from anywhere...a Sargavan native, a Pathfinder adventurer sent out from, well...anywhere. There could be a thousand possibilities there.

If you have your heart set on a Chelaxian though, that can be a good choice as well.

Bear in mind, the rest of the group has an affiliation with the Pathfinder Society in game, so I would appreciate your participation in that.

Also,

Here are the basic character creation rules, though some have changed...be advised

If you have any questions, please feel free to ask here, or email me at the address below. I know that the others have received help with the mechanics behind their concepts, so please feel free to ask. I am blessed with some AWESOME players here, don't be afraid to draw on their knowledge if you so need it.

My address:
  • lemonade rancher (at)Gmail (dot) com
  • remove the spaces and change out the parentheses for their real symbols and you got it...though I am talking to a PhD student, so you probably already know this. And...welcome aboard Dimitrios.
  • Silver Crusade

    DM Berwick: It's your call, but I'd be fine with Jerrith coming in at 3rd level (despite the PC creation thread's specifying 2nd). It's kind of a bummer to be a level below the other PCs.

    Contributor, RPG Superstar 2009, RPG Superstar Judgernaut

    Jarreth Ivarin wrote:
    Hello everyone, I am very happy to be here and thanks so much for having me!

    Welcome aboard!

    Jarreth Ivarin wrote:
    I am considering a human fighter, a Chelaxian disillusioned ex-soldier turned mercenary, who uses brains as well as brawn to get the job done and is not above fighting dirty to win.

    Cool background idea. Considering the cannibals on this island also have ties to Cheliax (though several years removed), that could make for an interesting element for your PC to draw upon during the game. Not saying you'd know any of the cannibals. But maybe recognize their ancestry and be somewhat horrified by the depths to which they've gone to survive on the island.

    As for the brains, brawn, and dirty fighting...that all sounds like just the right sort of guy we need. He'll get along well with Jonagher (my PC).

    Jarreth Ivarin wrote:
    A greatsword and the heaviest armor available would be what I would normally go for, although considering the AP (and taking a look at the players guide for it) I will probably get a breastblate to keep it manageable in the hot and humid climate.

    Since you'll ultimately have a built-in cap on usable armor in the jungle climate, you might want to ensure your guy is more of a sword-and-board fighter so he can raise his AC with a shield. I know that cuts down on the mayhem potential of wielding a two-handed weapon, but you might find the extra armor potential gives you longer lasting power. Plus, even a one-handed sword wieled by a strong fighter is a dangerous weapon. Maybe a more versatile bastard sword would be in order for those times when you want to wield it two-handed or one-handed? Just food for thought...

    Jarreth Ivarin wrote:
    I am nearly done building one and I can post the character soon; I am of course open to comments/suggestions and ideas regarding background elements (crunch as well) that would make the character fit in better with the story, the group and what DM Berwick has in mind for the game.

    I had assumed Berwick would insert you as a captive of the cannibals who takes the opportunity to escape during the chaos of our assault. Or, I kind of also like Berwick's idea that your warrior got stranded here, too...i.e., maybe he's been on the island a little longer than us and had his own run-in's with the cannibals. Our group spotted a stone ruin on the way to the cannibal camp which we were going to fall back to after our initial attack to draw them out. Maybe your fighter already recognized the strategic advantages of that ruin and claimed it for himself...in which case, we'd be running in your direction if you haven't already come to investigate the fire we started. Either one sounds like an easy way to drop you into the situation.

    Jarreth Ivarin wrote:
    Although I am relatively familiar with the system and I have experience in roleplaying and DnD in particular, I am not as familiar with the setting (I do not currently own the CS hardcover or any AP); so if something I am suggesting doesn't make much sense in Golarion, the AP or the story let me know.

    Everything you're suggesting has a very plausible tie-in so far. Cheliax has a rich history of trying to colonize these shores. They were once part of a noble empire who championed the foremost god of humanity (i.e., Aroden), but when that god perished the empire fell into chaos. Cheliax broke away and formed its own nation, with the noble house of Thrune providing law and order through their heavy-handed military might and frequent consultation with the devils of Hell. So much so, that a military order of Hellknights formed which strives to duplicate much of the hierarchy and tactics of Hell's legions in carrying out their empress' will. In terms of your backstory, you might want to reconcile some of your fighters own thoughts about his country (i.e., maybe he disagrees with what that nation has become and shunned the Hellknights to strike out on his own, only to meet misfortune on this deserted isle?).

    My two cents,
    --Neil

    Silver Crusade

    Neil Spicer wrote:
    Since you'll ultimately have a built-in cap on usable armor in the jungle climate . . . .

    Unless I'm overestimating the power of endure elements, I'd think that wearing heavy armor should work for whatever type of fighter that you play. Can't the PCs magically handwave the weather problem away?

    Jarreth Ivarin wrote:
    I am nearly done building one and I can post the character soon; I am of course open to comments/suggestions and ideas regarding background elements (crunch as well) that would make the character fit in better with the story, the group and what DM Berwick has in mind for the game.

    I like the tough-as-nails survivor idea. If you go that route, you might want to take some Survival, which is probably not a bad idea in any case. Maybe you were about to infiltrate the camp yourself, perhaps to rescue a captive or take revenge for another victim?

    Also, you might consider the 4 skill point/level variant that Isandril is using. One feat for +2 skill points/level seems like a good trade to me if it fits in with your character concept. (But I never feel as if I have enough skill points.)


    Thanks for the feedback everyone! Quick (but crucial) question: Am I going to be introduced at lvl 3 as everyone else is right now, or do I have to start at lvl 2?

    Contributor, RPG Superstar 2009, RPG Superstar Judgernaut

    If it matters, I'd recommend letting him join us at level 3. Play-by-post games are too short-lived and slow-paced to worry with PCs lagging behind the average party level.

    Just my two cents,
    --Neil


    Male Why's it always got to be that way? DM 14

    Sorry about that...hadn't taken the time to clarify.

    Yes, level 3 is fine...normally I would put it at the standard average level -1, but as I am unfamiliar with PbPs for the most part, I would rather you be on equal level so that there is no confusion about various things in the future.

    I will be checking here periodically concerning your questions, but I trust the group to answer honestly, and with forethought. Please take their recommendations as my own when dealing with questions of mechanics.

    Thank you, and once again, welcome!

    DM Berwick


    Male Human Fighter 3

    Greetings everyone! Brynmor Drakh reporting for duty. Actually I am still working on the character/character sheet, but some progress has been made. Sorry for the delays but all of a sudden this weekend became pretty busy.


    Male Why's it always got to be that way? DM 14

    Good good.

    If you take the Chelaxian route, have any thoughts as to taking infernal as your other language selection? Not a requirement, and I do not know if it will have an impact on the rest of the AP, but just a thought.

    And yes, I had thought about introducing you as a captive, but it seems as if everyone is retreating...discretion being the better part of valor and all...

    Contributor, RPG Superstar 2009, RPG Superstar Judgernaut

    FYI...

    I'm off to GenCon tomorrow, and though I'll have internet access while I'm there, this will be a working convention for me. Very unlikely I'll get a post up for Jonagher. My Jade Regent deadline is also looming. So, I may be incommunicado for a bit. Please NPC the fellow as you can.

    Thanks,
    --Neil

    Silver Crusade

    Have fun, Neil!

    I'll also be gone Thursday through Monday visiting my family in Iowa; I will probably have some internet access, but feel free to post for me so that I don't hold things up. Origen will retreat, using acidic ray if we have to fight and grease or color spray to delay opponents if we're chased.

    The Exchange

    F Human Cleric/ 3

    I'll also be at GenCon. Gonna start it off with a game at Scotty's Brewhouse. Look forward to the gaming masses! Debating whetherornot to bring armor, (prob not due to space). I'll be there Tomorrow. WooHOO!

    Silver Crusade

    Have fun!

    By the way, Yuuwa, do you have a copy of Faiths of Balance? I picked up one, and the Gozreh section seemed good. There's an organization called the Wind Callers that seems tailor-made for Yuuwa.

    The Exchange

    F Human Cleric/ 3

    Never heard of it. Until now. Looks like something to pickup while at GenCon. And I agree, WindCallers does sound appropriate.

    Silver Crusade

    The Wind Callers = Gozrehite priests who travel on ships to ensure safe voyages. Basically, they do what Yuuwa independently decided to do. :-)

    Also, a very useful-looking L1 priest spell called Read Weather: totally accurate 48-hr forecast of natural weather. A good utility spell for castaways.


    Male Why's it always got to be that way? DM 14

    Looks like I am on Jury duty for the rest of the week...something about being a civic duty?

    Sounds so much less fun than GenCon!

    Anyway, lets pause the game then. I will hopefully be done by the weekend.

    In the meantime, lets get our new player up to speed asap, and get him involved.

    Depending on how the cards fall, I may fast forward to a scene...sort of a "screen wipe".

    We shall see.

    Have fun, and good gaming!

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