Out of character and character building discussion here.
Hello all, and all I can say is that I am very happy for this chance.
Congratulations to all who were selected. Please do me a favor and review the party make-up and the nominees for the last party spot.
Give me some feedback on which you would choose and why. I have my own ideas, but would like yours. There are no wrong answers -- I am more interested in your thought process.
By the way, I plan to add the Empiricist Archetype at level 2, improving a few skills, most importantly Disable device and perception in place for the ability to poisoning people.
Is that acceptable?
Also could you please open the Gameplay tab so that we can dot it?
Hi all,... dotting in for now but will read the wildcard submissions the current party and get back with an opinion ASAP.
Hi, thank you for selecting me...
I'd like to see Twilight in our group. A Calistrian could bring some fun in the party, and act as the diplomat.
Beside, her clerical/wizard spells can be handy.
As a side note, I'll soon be on vacation for one week, starting next Saturday. Probably not much Internet there, and I'll have my phone only.
Hello all, I'm excited to be here!. I too will take a look at the wildcard spots and let you know my thoughts soon.
Ok, DM since you wanted to see my thought process, you got it. (No I don't normally do this kind of long post): I went through the party and looked at what we had vs what we needed.
Have solidly covered:
Front line fighter
Healing (as three characters can all heal)
Debufs (as it looks like that is what Aleris will be going for with her evil eye/cackle)
Knowlege skills
Things that are covered just OK:
Secondary frontline fighter (I would normally be at range m, buffing or healing and Atticus will be an OK Melee combatant but doesn't look to be able to dish out much damage.)
Face (Again Atticus can do it, but not not amazing)
Arcane "variety" of spells - (witch and investigator are both going to be very limited in the variety of spells the pick up.)
Combat Buffs (I seem to be covering that here, but with healing and damage at range we could use more support here)
Lacking
Scouting: (There is almost no ability to scout in this party. That may change down the road, but right now the best we have is "cat" and I doubt Aleris will want to risk that.)
Sense motive: (This group has zip. We are going to get played by everyone.)
So where does that leave us with the wildcard character:
White Feather - a surprising good fit. He would cover the secondary Frontline fighter, scouting and sense motive. But flavor wise the party already feels heavy with social misfits.
Nicolai - would fill the role for arcane variety and could down the line be a scout. Ok at sense motive. Probably the worst fit mechanically and flavor seems fine.
Twilight- Nargun called out some good points already. Covers combat buffs, arcane Variety and can help to be a face and scouting (with disguise). Plus I love the concept and would dearly love to see someone pull off a good Mystic Theurge. Only thing she is missing is sense motive and as a suplimentsl Melee character.
Devan - mechanically he checks every box the party is lacking. Flavor wise, we could use a leader who directs us my one concern here is if he overlaps too much with Atticus in the whole knowlege thing and Face thing. (There is a danger here that he Atticus could feel squeezed out of his fun) I would also give him bonus points for the long "convince us" post he wrote with some well thought out analysis.
So to sum up: I really like Twilight and Devan. Either one (or both if the choice is too hard) would be a great addition to the party.
I will put my two cents here.
And I praise Mirela for her throughout analysis.
I think Twilight will be a great addition to the party and I think there is so much roleplaying potential between the drop out and the honor student, the calistrean vs the erastilian, the gruff dwarf with a love lost and the more carefree girl. Also with her abilities she will buffs us up to eleven
I also think that Devan will be great addition.
A bard is one of the strongest buffers, and I really like them. I see a not the same amount of inparty roleplay as the others, but then he will be a kindred spirit, emotionallywise to our barbarian comrade.
I also like his pitch.
Nicolai will "only" make us arcane wise stronger. But not total.
I think there are better options.
Now White Feather will not be the strongest face. But then he has other options. While we can work around the lack of face, in favor of a second melee, it will mean that the others have to improve on those fields.
I will make my final decision after the others have made their second pitch.
Just so you know, White Feather has bowed out
Hey guys, thank you for taking me through to this stage, it's gearing up to be a really exciting game.
I'm going to pull out of the running though, I think Devan or Twilight will be a far better fit for the group than White. So I just want to make things very slightly easier by removing myself from the discussion.
Thanks again and I hope you all have a fantastic game, hope our paths cross again in future!
Sounds like a vote for Twilight (from Nargun) and a split vote between Twilight and Devan (from Mirela). Would like to hear from the other two, when they can. Trying to make a decision today.
As mentioned above, White Feather stepped out. That's very big of him, IMO. I liked his story and build, but it probably wasn't going to fit this time.
I am going to open the Gameplay thread before the day is over, with some intro posts for each of you individually. Feel free to "dot" or just read and react.
I will be traveling for work next week starting tomorrow through Friday. It will limit my posting availability but should be able to get night-time posts up each day.
Congrats on making it here, and hope you are as excited about the game as I am!
After reading Twilights pitch I am more in favor of her. Mechanically, and especially in the start Devan is better.
But I would prefer to have Twilight next to me. I am really looking forward to that roleplaying, it is sooo itching in my fingers.
I am re-building each of your characters via Hero Lab, and seeing if there are any build errors or questions raised. This also helps me track certain aspects during the game.
First up is Atticus. Here are my questions:
1) it looks like you have 11 skill ranks, but you only listed 10 in your profile (as far as I can tell). Did yuo want to add another one?
2) You are medium encumbered at 70.9 lbs. This gives you an ACP of -3 on dex and str based skills.
3) No thieves' tools lowers your Disable score. Looks like you have the funds to get some if you are so inclined.
4) I show your cash left at 37.9gp (10 sling bullets are just 1 sp). Do you agree?
Will have to get to the rest later, as duty calls.
I am re-building each of your characters via Hero Lab, and seeing if there are any build errors or questions raised. This also helps me track certain aspects during the game.
First up is Atticus. Here are my questions:
1) it looks like you have 11 skill ranks, but you only listed 10 in your profile (as far as I can tell). Did you want to add another one?
I think a teacher should have at least a little sense of the motives of their pupils.2) You are medium encumbered at 70.9 lbs. This gives you an ACP of -3 on dex and str based skills.
This is what he owns. If he goes adventuring inside the city he will carry a lot items less. But then if goes outside he will get a mule to carry his surplus items.3) No thieves' tools lowers your Disable score. Looks like you have the funds to get some if you are so inclined.
Why would a respected teacher own thieves tools? As soon as he needs them he will buy them. This was a pure roleplaying choice not to own them. Also he receives a bonus of one to his disable device due to class.4) I show your cash left at 37.9gp (10 sling bullets are just 1 sp). Do you agree?
Yes I do!Will have to get to the rest later, as duty calls.
Aleira
Just one question from your build: What are your other familiar spells? I have CLW and Ear-Piercing Scream. But looks like you can have up to 5 others.
I show your currency at 23.49 gp same as in your profile. I also show you light encumbered (with room to spare).
Nargun - Here are a few for you:
1) You should have 4 skill points to spend, but I only see three on your profile. You list Perception there, but give it a +0. Do you mean to spend your 4th point there or elsewhere?
2) You have Craft:Weapons, but you don't have any crafting tools, so there is a -2 penalty. I think based on backstory, that's how you want it but just want to be sure.
3) You are lightly encumbered for now, and with the barbarian speed bonus, you can move 30/rd.
4) I show your ending gold at 5.5. Will you confirm? You have some different totals on your character page.
Mirela:
1) did you take a Favored class bonus? If so, you may be one short on skill or HP?
2) I show you medium encumbered, so you get the ACP plus the slower speed (which you get anyway from the medium armor).
3) Not sure i have yoru money right, but I show it as 33.3 gp, and you show 28. I bought the cleric kit for you and sold back the items you don't have, that may be the difference?
DM DoctorEvil, just so you know, I built my character in Herolab, so hopefully you won't see anything out of wack but obviously if you have any questions, just fire them over. If it saves you time, I can probably even ship my portfolio over to you for you to load up, but the build really is pretty simple, so I don't know it would save you too much time.
I don't know if you noticed but Twilight also gave her argument on why she would work over on the recruitment thread. So bonus points from me for that.
Neither Twilight nor Devan have a strong history here on the boards, so I don't know that there is an argument for either of them being more likely to stick around...
I really like both of them, the optimizer part of me really would love to have a bard, because a good bard can make everyone rock, but the story side of me really likes Twilight's concept. (And she could be pretty darn good at buffing us all too)
Ahh... Just saw your note.
1) You are right, I missed the favored class bonus! Plus one HP for me.
2) Yes, I'm medium encumbered. With the hide armor, I wasn't too worried about that, I figured I would address it later when I get lighter armor.
3) I bought the warpriest's kit (as my version of herolab doesn't have a Cleric Kit. What book is that in?) So I'm guessing that's the difference in cash.
Oh also, do you have a stat line you want us to use at the top of the posts for our characters? Or just go with whatever feels right for us?
Hey all,.. Sorry for the delay. I'm based in Australia, so my posting times may sometimes be out of sync with others.
So,... as far as the additional PC: I'm in agreement with what seems to be developing as the favoured options. i.e., Either Twighlight or Devan. Pretty much for all the reasons already gone into by everyone else. I won't, therefore, comment on the other two (other one now that White Feather has pulled out).
Firstly, I'd be more than happy with either of them. My preference is wafer-thin and I'm more than happy for the votes of anyone who has a stronger preference to be weighted higher than mine. Also, I'm not really going to base this on mechanics because I think the party is balanced enough that either would be a good fit (though Devan would, maybe be better in this regard. On the other hand, more healing is always good!).
So,... as far as fluff goes. Both are very strong and interesting characters. In the end, from the POV of who I think provides a tiny bit more RP capacity for Aleira to interact with, I'm coming down on the side of Devan (I have several possible RP directions I can think of regarding him). Like I said though, my preference is very, very marginal.
Aleira
Just one question from your build: What are your other familiar spells? I have CLW and Ear-Piercing Scream. But looks like you can have up to 5 others.
I show your currency at 23.49 gp same as in your profile. I also show you light encumbered (with room to spare).
Yep, I noticed that too... not sure why the spells known aren't there too. I'll update the sheet this evening to include them.
One thing I'd like to add (because I almost always do this)... I'm keen to link backgrounds with anyone who's up for it....?
Hey all,.. Sorry for the delay. I'm based in Australia, so my posting times may sometimes be out of sync with others.
I understand that feeling completely, In one of my other games all the other players are European and I'm in America, so there's often a good 5 hour delay in the morning while I'm asleep. So you'll never see me hold the delay against you.
As for the decision... I don't envy DM DoctorEvil. This is one of the hardest things about running a game on the boards, picking the character that get to join...
Well, I have read your comments and those of the two candidates who got votes, and I making the final decision is not really any easier. Twilight probably got more votes from the party, by a thin margin, but I see the benefit of each player/character.
I think I will choose to expand the party to 6 and take them both. Was going to have to buff up the encounters for five anyway, so this will be just adding a bit more to it.
You may be the most buffed party in history before this is all said and done...
The Gameplay tab should now be open if you want to dot it. I don't expect to get all the intro posts up tonight, as I have an early flight tomorrow, but I am shooting for them to be up tomorrow evening (at least some of them).
Twilight
I have looked over your build in great detail as with those above. Just a few items:
1) I need to see what spells you have prepared for first day of action. Obviously will need to keep those updated as you prepare different combos
2) Light encumbered. I show you with 47.8 gp, but your sheet shows 42.9? Wonder why the difference. Double check if you would, but we will go with whichever is more in your favor if we can't reconcile the amount.
Deveron, welcome to the land of milk and honey! =)
Hello! I'm pretty excited that I was accepted and am happy that I didn't have to bump anyone to join your group. Thank you for this opportunity. It is difficult choosing an unorthodox build when a tried and true build is also in the running.
Thank you for accepting me. As this is my first pbp (that promises to run longer than 4 posts) I am open to suggestions for improving my and everyone else's experience.
I think that between Deveron and myself we can cover every conceivable buff type the game has to offer.
I have been following the discussion thread and hope to live up to the expectations.
Devan
Here are my build questions for you:
1) Looks like you may gain an extra language. You can get Varisian for free with that heritage, so you may choose another, but aren't required to.
2) It seems you have an extra feat? I show extra performance, deft hands, and Persuasive. You can only start with two, unless I missed something. Which do you want to drop?
3) I show you starting as medium encumbered, which adds the -3 ACP penalty, and slows you do 20' move speed. Looks like you are at 42.9 lbs, and can only hold 33 or less.
4) I have your gold right on at 7.78gp remaining.
Oh also, do you have a stat line you want us to use at the top of the posts for our characters? Or just go with whatever feels right for us?
Good question. Since i will have (and keep) Hero Lab builds of you, I don't need that line as much, but here are the things that would be most helpful:
1) current HP
2) AC
3) Saves
4) Init
5) Perception
My records will be the source of truth throughout the campaign, so make sure you tell me when you prepare new spells etc. As we level up, there will be a bit of discussion as we sort out the new powers/abilities, but that's just a little ways down the road.
I listed the cost of the items I bought based on the srd. The board game has a variable cost (1 sp - 10 gp) and I paid 1 gp for it. I chose the traveler's outfit at random as my starting outfit, however if I chose the scholar's outfit instead then I would gain 4 gp (46.9). I'm not certain where the extra 0.9 sp would come from.
Yay! My preferred solution, More PCs! ;)
Welcome Twilight and Deveron!
As for this being your first PBP, just be aware, this format moves much slower then playing IRL, so settle in and get in a habit of checking in a couple times a day for the next oh few years. It takes a bit of adjustment, but if you relax and take it as it comes, this can be very enjoyable.
Use the slower speed as a feature. It allows you to think about your actions a bit more, and pull off a great speech, strange accent or funny roleplaying idea that you could never do at the table.
For other questions, I typically follow DH's Guide to Play By Post Gaming as it seems to be the accepted style around here. And of course feel free to ask in discussion if anything is confusing.
I don't know how the AP starts so I updated my spell list assuming that I knew I was headed out into adventure.
I noticed that I hadn't committed to my magical knack yet. I am going to take cleric as it was the first class Twilight actually mastered and cleric healing and buffs tend to scale better with caster level.
I wasn't certain if you were allowing drawbacks for an additional trait.
Devan
Here are my build questions for you:
1) Looks like you may gain an extra language. You can get Varisian for free with that heritage, so you may choose another, but aren't required to.
2) It seems you have an extra feat? I show extra performance, deft hands, and Persuasive. You can only start with two, unless I missed something. Which do you want to drop?
3) I show you starting as medium encumbered, which adds the -3 ACP penalty, and slows you do 20' move speed. Looks like you are at 42.9 lbs, and can only hold 33 or less.
4) I have your gold right on at 7.78gp remaining.
1) I can't really think of another language that would fit organically with the build/backstory. However, it seems silly to leave money on the table...maybe another human dialect? What does everyone else think?
2) Since I am only using one of the two bonuses for Deft Hands, it seems prudent to drop that one. Sorry for the oversight.
3) I'm going to drop the crowbar, whetstone, 2 darts, and entertainer's outfit, then. That should increase his funds to 13.8 gold. He hasn't felt much like entertaining lately, anyway.
I am extremely excited to be added to the roster of this game and can't wait to get started. Yes indeedy, Twilight! ;)
Thank you for the words of wisdom, Mirela.
I certainly encourage any of you to make suggestions during leveling, equipment purchasing, etc.
I'll make the stated changes and add the status bar in the morning. :)
Nargun - Here are a few for you:
1) You should have 4 skill points to spend, but I only see three on your profile. You list Perception there, but give it a +0. Do you mean to spend your 4th point there or elsewhere?
2) You have Craft:Weapons, but you don't have any crafting tools, so there is a -2 penalty. I think based on backstory, that's how you want it but just want to be sure.
3) You are lightly encumbered for now, and with the barbarian speed bonus, you can move 30/rd.
4) I show your ending gold at 5.5. Will you confirm? You have some different totals on your character page.
1/ yeah, my fourth point was on perception, so +4 bonus
2/ No crafting Tools because he abandonned his previous live as a craftman so far
3/ I should check my encumbrance
4/I'll check on that too
Addded spells known.
Also, welcome to both of you!
By the way, the game is afoot! I am trying to get individual posts up for each of you. May not get them all tonight, but you'll get the idea.
DM, would you consider dropping a backpack a move action? If so, I might buy more non-breakable gear and stow it there so I can drop it when duty calls. Or would you prefer I didn't?
I would consider dropping the pack as a move action. Typically, dropping things is a free action, but you will struggle to get out of the straps and weight of the pack.
If you want to try to remember to shuffle that off in each combat, it's up to you.
Quick Question: How many of you have played any part of this AP before? If so, where did you stop?
Just curious how much mystery is out there about this part. As many PBP games start and stop quickly, the intro scenes can sometimes get a little stale.
It doesn't matter to me if you have vast experience with CotCT or have never played it before, should be a fun ride either way.
I stepped in once as a replacement and went down some sewers.
Thats it climbed down stairs to sewers and then the game folded.
If compared to the lord of the rings 3 parter I had 3 maybe 5 seconds screentime of a 10 hour epic.
I didn't read what happened before to not influence my performance.
So you had the face time of an orc commander who took a pair of Legloas arrows to the face...
There will be stairs and there will be sewers, I can promise you both of those without question, though they may be a little while in coming, depending on your choices.
I have played into the campaign extensively, both as a player and a DM.
I played a little part (50 posts, and some were in recruitment/discussion) as a replacement player were we fought some guards.. and the game died.
I have never played any part of this AP.
I have not played or GMed any part of this AP. So this will in general be all new to me.
That said, I've been in the community for a long time, so I've picked up a few unintended spoilers about the AP along the way. In the many years since it came out, it's hard not to hear some things...
I've played a little way through the first module but not far.
On other matters,.... How would you prefer we ran Cat? Some DMs like to effectively NPC familiars and companions whilst others (most?) just let the player do it. I'm good with either but thought i'd best check.
As for a language, the only two that make even some sense to me are Shoanti, with the people's vicinity in Varisia, and Sign Language (thieves cant) he might have picked up as a thief. Thoughts, anyone?
Either might be useful... Normally for a scout, sign languages are good, but you have message, so would you really ever use sign language? Wouldn't you always just use message?
I've played a little way through the first module but not far.
On other matters,.... How would you prefer we ran Cat? Some DMs like to effectively NPC familiars and companions whilst others (most?) just let the player do it. I'm good with either but thought i'd best check.
Seems like you can run her/him/it.
Good point, Mirela. Shoanti it is, then!
After the Harrowing is complete, you will be granted a certain number of Harrow Points, based on the results. In the first chapter of the AP, Edge of Anarchy, you will be faced with numerous situations where you will need to be quick on your feet or skilled with your hands. During this chapter, you may spend a Harrow Point in any of the following ways:
Dexterity Re-Rolls - You may spend a Harrow Point to reroll an intiative check, Reflex save, attack roll modified by DEX, or DEX-based check. You must abide by the new result (although if you have additional Harrow Points, you use them for additional results).
Dodge Bonus - You can spend a Harrow Point to gain a +1 dodge bonus to AC for one encounter. You can spend up to 3 Harrow Points per encounter to increase your AC in this manner.
Speed Increase - You may spend a Harrow Point to increase your base move speed by 10' for one encounter.
You each have earned one Harrow Point so far, based on the Choosing. The Spread may reveal more based on what turns up. Please track these points in your sub-heading (along with HP, AC etc). You will lose any unused Harrow Points at the end of Chapter 1.