DM Brainiac's War for the Crown: Table 2 (COMPLETE!) (Inactive)

Game Master Brainiac

Maps on Google Slides
Loot Spreadsheet


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Welcome to the game! I look forward to a fun campaign.

Some notes:

I will roll passive Perception checks for your characters when the situation calls for them. To speed things along in combat, I will roll initiative for everybody. Those whose initiative scores are higher than the enemies can post their actions, I'll summarize the results and the enemies' actions, then everybody can post for the following round's actions.

I am usually online weekdays between 4:00 AM and noon, and can check in sporadically the rest of the afternoon. I can usually post a few times each day during the week, but my access is limited on the weekends.

As a heads up, my wife and I are expecting the birth of our second child in July. When that happens, I'll likely not be able to post much for a month or so until I return to work, at which point I will be able to resume regular posting in the mornings, though my afternoon posts will likely drop off after that.


Male Human Stalker Vigilante 8 HP 67/67; AC 21, 17 FF, 16 T; Saves +7 Fort, +12 Ref, +10 Will; +4 Init; +18 Per, Active Effects: None

Thanks for the select! Your games are the best, and I’m really excited to be in another one!


The gameplay thread is up. You may begin posting when you are ready.


Male Human Stalker Vigilante 8 HP 67/67; AC 21, 17 FF, 16 T; Saves +7 Fort, +12 Ref, +10 Will; +4 Init; +18 Per, Active Effects: None

I already have a courtier's outfit- would I be able to upgrade that to a noble's outfit by just paying 15 gp for the difference?


Male Human Swashbuckler (Rondelero swashbuckler) 5 (HP: 44/44) (AC:23 FF:17 T:16) (Fort: +2 Ref: +9 Will: +1) (Init: +7) (Perc: +8) (Panache 3/3)

Bernal Iacomo, reporting in. I'll have time later today to read everyone's backstories, then how about we try and find some ways to tie the characters to each other?


Yes, you can upgrade to a noble's outfit for 15 gp, Doritan.


Halfling Court Bard 9 | HP 64/66| AC 21, T 16, FF 18 | CMD 18 | F +7, R +12, W +10* | Init +3 | Perc +10
Resources:
BP 24/26 Rounds, Spells - 1st: 5/7, 2nd: 3/6, 3rd: 3/4

Thank you for the selection, DM Brainiac! I’m looking forward to being a part of one of your games and it looks like we’ve got a great group of folks.

A few questions before we get things rolling: To confirm, did Lady Lotheed freeing Maya make the most sense? Also, with Maya’s non-campaign trait, Pomp and Pageantry, is it okay to assume she always takes the extra time needed for the appropriate checks? Assuming we’re not in combat, of course. Lastly (for now, at least), how do you want us to handle the campaign traits or lack thereof? Should we assume we have a particular one or just ignore them for now? Hope those weren’t too many questions right at the start, but ideally they’ll save us some time going forward.

Bernal: I’ll also have some time later today to read everyone’s backstories and would certainly be interested in finding connections, if any make sense.


Yes, it makes sense for Lady Lotheed to have freed you, Maya. It's okay to assume you take the extra time needed so long as there aren't any time constraints on you.

Your initial missions are supposed to be based on your campaign traits, but I'll assign them based on which skills your character is best at. So you can ignore the campaign traits for the time being, and select one when the Player's Guide finally comes out.

Doritan, you can only make either a Diplomacy check or Knowledge (nobility) check for each topic, not both. I'll go ahead and use your Diplomacy checks since your bonus with that skill is higher.


Halfling Court Bard 9 | HP 64/66| AC 21, T 16, FF 18 | CMD 18 | F +7, R +12, W +10* | Init +3 | Perc +10
Resources:
BP 24/26 Rounds, Spells - 1st: 5/7, 2nd: 3/6, 3rd: 3/4

Alright, sounds good. Maya can be long winded on occasion, so I think she would take every opportunity she gets to use that trait.

As far as character connections go, I had a chance to read everyone's backstories. It was good to see such a variety. I also found it interesting that a couple of you took Halfling as a language. Maya will be surprised when she learns you speak her heart language.

It looks like Maya's the only one who's lived in Oppara her whole life, though Elif was born there. I'm not sure that prior connections with Elif, Bernal, or Doritan make sense given where they're from and Maya's station in life prior to the campaign. I suppose she could have a connection through the Watersby noble family, though the family is based in Oppara.

I think Katria's actually the one Maya's most likely to know beforehand. It sounds like she spent at least a year or two in Oppara prior to the campaign. Her halfling caretakers could also have known or even been related to Maya and her parents. Alternately, Katria could be familiar with the Watersby family and might have bumped into Nerosa during her studies in Oppara.


Male Human Stalker Vigilante 8 HP 67/67; AC 21, 17 FF, 16 T; Saves +7 Fort, +12 Ref, +10 Will; +4 Init; +18 Per, Active Effects: None

So I just realized that I wrote (taking 10) in my sleight of hand check, and then rolled a d20 anyway. I suppose it's only fair that I would only get a 24 for the check, since apparently my mind was in two different places at once when writing the post. Should still be plenty for most searches, though. Hopefully

RPG Superstar 2014 Top 16, RPG Superstar 2012 Top 16

Hey all,

First of all thanks for the selection. I’m only sporadically checking in at the moment (I’m visiting my wife, who’s a Ned student overseas and will be home in 8 days and can post regularly then). Sorry I’ll be getting a slow start!

Happy to look for some commonalities in backgrounds if people want. Also as noted Katrina could easily be another class if needed. I’ll check what everyone else has going on asap.


F Half-Elf Oracle of the Streets 2 | AC 14, T12, FF 12/14* | HP 15/15 (9 NL damage)| F+1, R+3, W+5/+7 | CMB +1, CMD 13 | Init +2, Perc. +7, SM +7; Low-light vision

Hello, everyone.

Firstly, thanks for the selection, GM Brainiac. It's good of you to run two tables.

Secondly, to the group, I look forward to playing alongside you.

I'm open to building prior connections with people, however Elif's only been in Oppara a mere few months (since returning). I'm not sure how she would have met people at this point. I have read through the other character backstories and I can't see a place they would have met, yet.

As to time frames re posting, I live in the southern hemisphere and I may not be around to post when I'm sleeping and the northern hemisphere folk are posting in their early mornings. I do my best to work around the time issue and will post as soon as I'm up. It hasn't been a problem in my past games and I don't foresee it being so now. I'm just giving everyone a heads-up is all. My time zone is GMT+11, Australian Eastern Standard Time.


Halfling Court Bard 9 | HP 64/66| AC 21, T 16, FF 18 | CMD 18 | F +7, R +12, W +10* | Init +3 | Perc +10
Resources:
BP 24/26 Rounds, Spells - 1st: 5/7, 2nd: 3/6, 3rd: 3/4

Motteditor, in my opinion, Katria being an occultist works really well. We'll have one divine, one arcane, and one psychic caster. It also works with your backstory of her parents being disappointed in her lack of magical skills, since they probably wouldn't be familiar with occult magic (I'm guessing). Also, does this mean the rest of us get entries in Redinald Delaval's treatise? : D

I have to agree with you, Elif, I'm not sure many prior connections would make sense and any we did make might feel forced. There's definitely something to be said for getting to know brand-new people, so I don't think we should feel too bad about it if we can't find any. For Maya, she's been pretty isolated, so probably at most she might have heard of some of you by name, but wouldn't actually know you.


F Half-Elf Oracle of the Streets 2 | AC 14, T12, FF 12/14* | HP 15/15 (9 NL damage)| F+1, R+3, W+5/+7 | CMB +1, CMD 13 | Init +2, Perc. +7, SM +7; Low-light vision

I'm good with organically growing the relationships among the party. It does make it a little more interesting as they try to find their footing with one another and within the group. :)

And to motte, I'm also good with your character as is. Enjoy your quality time with your wife. It's nice to be in a game with you, again. It's been a while. To the other players, I look forward to getting to know you better.


F Half-Elf Oracle of the Streets 2 | AC 14, T12, FF 12/14* | HP 15/15 (9 NL damage)| F+1, R+3, W+5/+7 | CMB +1, CMD 13 | Init +2, Perc. +7, SM +7; Low-light vision

I’ve just gone into a work meeting, but I will have Elif respond to Maya once I’m out.


Doritan, keep in mind that your renown ability only works right now on a community of about 200 individuals. Oppara is a metropolis with a population of over 100,000, so only a small percentage would actually recognize you. You're only level 1, after all!


Male Human Stalker Vigilante 8 HP 67/67; AC 21, 17 FF, 16 T; Saves +7 Fort, +12 Ref, +10 Will; +4 Init; +18 Per, Active Effects: None

The ability says that,

Renown wrote:
This bonus applies only while he is near the community in which he has gained renown; he must be within a number of miles equal to his vigilante level.

Granted, the wording is a little unclear as to whether all bonuses from Renown (benefits in both social and vigilante identity) extend that far, or just vigilante identity, so I'll accept your ruling, but it is fairly clear that I get a bonus on Intimidate for more than just 200 people.


You'd still get the Intimidate bonus, but only the 200-odd people would start with a friendlier attitude.


Male Human Stalker Vigilante 8 HP 67/67; AC 21, 17 FF, 16 T; Saves +7 Fort, +12 Ref, +10 Will; +4 Init; +18 Per, Active Effects: None

Fair enough. It was the intimidate bonus I was mainly going after anyway.


Male Human Stalker Vigilante 8 HP 67/67; AC 21, 17 FF, 16 T; Saves +7 Fort, +12 Ref, +10 Will; +4 Init; +18 Per, Active Effects: None

Looking at everyone's stats, and going solely off of the highest bonus, it would seem that this could be a good way to divide the tasks (I'm presuming they all need to be done?)
Messages: Doritan/Bernal (+1 CMB each)
Learning the vote: Elif (+6 Perception)
Discrediting: Maya (+5 Sense Motive, +8 Bluff)
Baron: Maya (+9/+10 Diplomacy) or Bernal/Doritan (+6 Intimidate each)
Wine: None of us have Disable Device.
Political Rivals: Elif (+6 Perception, +10 Stealth)
Artifacts: Doritan (+7 Sleight of Hand)


You only need to do 5 of the 7 tasks. Martella will handle the remaining two herself, giving you more time to socialize and make your own connections among the movers and shakers of the empire. Don't forget Katria will be with you as well, so take her skills into consideration.


Male Human Stalker Vigilante 8 HP 67/67; AC 21, 17 FF, 16 T; Saves +7 Fort, +12 Ref, +10 Will; +4 Init; +18 Per, Active Effects: None

Okay, then. The only problem is that Katria doesn't have the highest bonus on any of the skill checks we need (barring some class ability not factored into her stats- I've never played an occultist).


In the campaign info tab, I posted a link to a map of Oppara. I've also begun a list of Dramatis Personae to help you keep track of the many NPCs you will meet!


Halfling Court Bard 9 | HP 64/66| AC 21, T 16, FF 18 | CMD 18 | F +7, R +12, W +10* | Init +3 | Perc +10
Resources:
BP 24/26 Rounds, Spells - 1st: 5/7, 2nd: 3/6, 3rd: 3/4

Your list looks good, Doritan. If we only have to do five tasks, I would suggest forgoing messages and wine, based on our bonuses.

DM, are we able to Aid Another or something similar on the checks? Or is it only one mission per person?


You can aid another on checks to accomplish your tasks. I will give you more details on how that will work later on.


Halfling Court Bard 9 | HP 64/66| AC 21, T 16, FF 18 | CMD 18 | F +7, R +12, W +10* | Init +3 | Perc +10
Resources:
BP 24/26 Rounds, Spells - 1st: 5/7, 2nd: 3/6, 3rd: 3/4

Alright, then. I forgot to mention this in Maya’s last gameplay post, but she’ll just take one smoke pellet, if that’s okay. She’s got a sling and some bullets along with a small dagger that she can hopefully keep on her should conflict occur.


Halfling Court Bard 9 | HP 64/66| AC 21, T 16, FF 18 | CMD 18 | F +7, R +12, W +10* | Init +3 | Perc +10
Resources:
BP 24/26 Rounds, Spells - 1st: 5/7, 2nd: 3/6, 3rd: 3/4

Elif brought up a really good point in her last post (in addition to her question about weapons). Do we want to assume we all talked about our strengths and weaknesses to determine who should lead on which tasks? Or do we want to rp that out in the gameplay thread? I imagine this would be the kind of thing a face-to-face table typically discusses out-of-character.


I'm okay with you all doing that OOC.


Halfling Court Bard 9 | HP 64/66| AC 21, T 16, FF 18 | CMD 18 | F +7, R +12, W +10* | Init +3 | Perc +10
Resources:
BP 24/26 Rounds, Spells - 1st: 5/7, 2nd: 3/6, 3rd: 3/4

Sounds good. Should save a fair bit of time.


F Half-Elf Oracle of the Streets 2 | AC 14, T12, FF 12/14* | HP 15/15 (9 NL damage)| F+1, R+3, W+5/+7 | CMB +1, CMD 13 | Init +2, Perc. +7, SM +7; Low-light vision

DM Brainiac, is there an alcove where the weapons that don't fit the rules of the Senate can be kept and retrieved without too much trouble? Elif has an Elven Branched Spear as her main weapon and that is 2-handed and a tad noticeable in formal company... Haha. If it's necessary, then I might need to change weapon, if it's allowable at this early stage?


Once you're inside, you can try to spend some time influencing the servants to get them to smuggle the spear in for you.


F Half-Elf Oracle of the Streets 2 | AC 14, T12, FF 12/14* | HP 15/15 (9 NL damage)| F+1, R+3, W+5/+7 | CMB +1, CMD 13 | Init +2, Perc. +7, SM +7; Low-light vision

Okay, will try that. Thanks. :)


In the morning, I will make the map of the senate interactive so you can keep track of where you and all the NPCs are.


The map of the senate is now at the top of the page. I've made it editable in Google Slides so you can move your icons to the different parts of the building. The grassy area south of the building will stand in for the gallery since it doesn't appear on the map. I'll also put icons for each of the NPCs to show their locations. Note that the art for Okerra and Pythareus are placeholders for now--hopefully we'll get official portraits for each one soon.


Male Human Stalker Vigilante 8 HP 67/67; AC 21, 17 FF, 16 T; Saves +7 Fort, +12 Ref, +10 Will; +4 Init; +18 Per, Active Effects: None

So wait, how exactly does using Stealth have a chance to impress the library crowd? I'm confused.


It shows you are quiet and respectful like in a library? LOL, I'm not sure. I think the developers just wanted a wide range of skills available so nobody would feel like they couldn't contribute.


F Half-Elf Oracle of the Streets 2 | AC 14, T12, FF 12/14* | HP 15/15 (9 NL damage)| F+1, R+3, W+5/+7 | CMB +1, CMD 13 | Init +2, Perc. +7, SM +7; Low-light vision

Sorry for the holdup. It’s Saturday, here, and I’m undertaking my carer duties which I have over my weekends. I’m two hours from home, so I won’t be able to post until my afternoon (about 4 hours from now).


No worries! Post when you can. :)


Male Human Stalker Vigilante 8 HP 67/67; AC 21, 17 FF, 16 T; Saves +7 Fort, +12 Ref, +10 Will; +4 Init; +18 Per, Active Effects: None

So when exactly do we make our job checks? Just whenever? Or do we need to do them sooner/later?


After this initial check, there will be an event, then we will begin social rounds. Each round is approximately 15 minutes, during which you can take one action to either influence a room, influence one NPC, or make a check towards one of your missions. The gala is scheduled to last 4 hours before the vote, so you'll have about 16 rounds to accomplish everything you want to do.


Halfling Court Bard 9 | HP 64/66| AC 21, T 16, FF 18 | CMD 18 | F +7, R +12, W +10* | Init +3 | Perc +10
Resources:
BP 24/26 Rounds, Spells - 1st: 5/7, 2nd: 3/6, 3rd: 3/4

Are we going to go one round at a time or something like 1 hour at a time (with 4 checks)?


It will be one round at a time, since certain successful actions can grant you bonuses on future actions. Plus, there will be several events that occur at scheduled intervals.


Halfling Court Bard 9 | HP 64/66| AC 21, T 16, FF 18 | CMD 18 | F +7, R +12, W +10* | Init +3 | Perc +10
Resources:
BP 24/26 Rounds, Spells - 1st: 5/7, 2nd: 3/6, 3rd: 3/4

Alright, that makes sense. Good to know. : )

RPG Superstar 2014 Top 16, RPG Superstar 2012 Top 16

In the airport to head home. Hope to get caught up tonight or tomorrow if I’m too jet lagged. I haven’t read any gameplay yet but looking forward to joining in. GM, please shoot me a PM if there’s anything specific you want me to do in terms of game entry. (If it’s clear I’ve been along all along from game play, don’t worry about it). Thanks!


Have a safe flight home! I'll send you a PM shortly, mott.


I just received book 2 of the AP, and with it, official art for Baron Nicolaus Okerra.

Bernal, it's been a few days since we've seen a post from you. Just want to be sure you're still around! I'll keep moving to prevent the other players from being held up, but hopefully you can check in soon.


Halfling Court Bard 9 | HP 64/66| AC 21, T 16, FF 18 | CMD 18 | F +7, R +12, W +10* | Init +3 | Perc +10
Resources:
BP 24/26 Rounds, Spells - 1st: 5/7, 2nd: 3/6, 3rd: 3/4

Those are some excellent pictures!

As far as Lady Martella’s missions go, have we accomplished three so far? Make a strong impression on Baron Okerra, discrediting senators, and undermining Earl Vernisant? Or do we still need to discredit more opponents?


Just discrediting one senator is enough to complete that task. Stealing the objects is a separate mission from the fraud, though. Doritan has stolen two objects--you need to steal at least one more to complete the mission.


Halfling Court Bard 9 | HP 64/66| AC 21, T 16, FF 18 | CMD 18 | F +7, R +12, W +10* | Init +3 | Perc +10
Resources:
BP 24/26 Rounds, Spells - 1st: 5/7, 2nd: 3/6, 3rd: 3/4

Alright, so assuming Doritan's able to grab one more, that just leaves us with finishing up the Duke Centimus/Countess Abrielle Pace mission and dealing with High Strategos Maxillar Pythareus. I can help with the Sense Motive check, but I think some others are probably better at that. I think I'll have Maya try influencing the general senate floor again for this round. I know we have quite a few more rounds to accomplish everything, but I figure we should probably focus on the necessary first and whatever else we can accomplish can just be a bonus.


Female human occultist 18 HP 168, AC 29, Touch 18, FF 22, F20/R14/W15*, CMD 29

So, the tasks (ones we're not working on are OOC; ones we've completed are struck through; ones in progress are in bold):
Messages: Doritan/Bernal (+1 CMB each)
Learning the vote: Elif (+6 Perception)
Discrediting: Maya (+5 Sense Motive, +8 Bluff)
Baron: Maya (+9/+10 Diplomacy) or Bernal/Doritan (+6 Intimidate each)
Wine: None of us have Disable Device
Political Rivals: Elif (+6 Perception, +10 Stealth)
Artifacts: Doritan (+7 Sleight of Hand)

Doritan, I suggest you head back and try to snag one more artifact to finish that task.

Maya, I suggest you go chat up Baron Okerra (and, yeah, nice art!)

Elif, I suggest finish learning the vote and then perhaps go try to catch up on Pythareus (the political rivals task).

As for me, I can try to help Elif or try to just influence entire rooms some more; any thoughts on what people would prefer?

ETA: Ninja'd; Maya, I think you forgot about the Baron task.
ETA Again: Never mind that first ETA; misread Maya's post above.

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