Right... so here's where we do all the talking that's not surrounded by the miasmic atmosphere of the 'in character' elements. I'll have another post up shortly with the selectees over in the Recruitment thread.
thanks for the invite. I am off to bed, but will work on finalizing a proper profile tomorrow.
Fiterri's flexible with his implements. I will definitely keep the Transformation as that boosts melee, and that looks like a main role. But I could swap in an evocation implement to become a weak blaster as well which could help in a pinch with swarms with burning hands and add a ranged attack. I don't think Lucretta is a blaster alchemist nor our bard. I would likely give up Divination. Or we just lump it and carry lots of oil and alchemist fire.
...its just I am imagining rats. Swarms and swarms of rats...or is it fleas. Flee swarms.
Thanks for the pick DM, looking forward to this :)
I hope no-one minds but I've a couple of thoughts about Joseph Bakerson and Tania Teg.
Joe, we're in a 'one shot' that won't move beyond 5th level, so your fave class bonus might be better spent as hp or skill points :)
Tania, I think you should speak 5 languages in addition to common (3 from linguistics ranks plus two from your intelligence bonus).
Meowzebub, Lucetta can be a terror in melee but her ranged options are indeed slim, though ironically more favorable against swarms. Perhaps we should stock up on more splash weapons as you suggest!
Woo Hoo I'll get my character sanitized and ready for consumption quickly.
Welcome welcome welcome - just as an aside Dreaming Warforged will be travelling from now through to the 11th of December, so will have spotty or no interwebs access during that time. If he's able he'll post... if not, then he'll tag along in the background.
Thanks for the pick DM, looking forward to this :)
I hope no-one minds but I've a couple of thoughts about Joseph Bakerson and Tania Teg.
Joe, we're in a 'one shot' that won't move beyond 5th level, so your fave class bonus might be better spent as hp or skill points :)
...
Good point. I actually think I have a couple of adjustments to maybe make based on this being a one shot.
DmVotV - would you consider letting me swap out finesse training for something actually useful to me? It's the only thing I dislike about the unchained rogue, it feels like they're really forcing dex based rogues.
Sure. No problems with any tinkering you want to do with your characters.
Another small point of reference - the module will essentially start with a cold open as you approach the scene of the crime that you've been asked to assist with. You can assume (of each other) that you know names and that you are mutual acquaintances of Inspector Muncy.
Thanks for the selection! In transit at the moment :)
Thanks for catching I was missing languages. DM, do you have suggestions for languages, or a place where I can find a list appropriate for the setting?
As far as languages are concerned... think of what the stunted half-creatures of the world aberrant and strange might say... and also what the myriad of races within a city of shadows might have call to speak through.
Though that said - it isn't a huge part of the module, so don't sweat too much over it.
Sure. No problems with any tinkering you want to do with your characters.
Oh, well, I meant the unchained rogue class feature finesse training. I wouldn't want to just replace a class feature without some input from you. Though my current ideas for appropriateness would be fleet, medium armor proficiency, or a skill enhancing feat. Let me know what you think.
Roger that - my mistake. Gut feel is to leave it as is and not let you swap it out.
I cleaned up and finalized Fiterri's sheet. I placed his level bonuses in hit points instead of 1/6 of a focus point so +5 hp then I posted before. His implements are currently giving him +2 strength,+2 saves, and +1 spell damage as long as he keeps 1 point in the proper implement (trans,abjure, and evoke respectively). I swapped the Evocation implement for the Divination. He carries a three-section staff, but for flavor I would like it look like a regular staff that separates when needed, like Daredevil's baton, except bigger as it is three pieces.
I admit this will be the hardest character I have run in a PbP. Tracking Focus points tied to three implements, spells per day, and a small inspiration pool and starting at 5th level. But I hope to have fun with it as I love the concept of the Occultist, and then adding in the flavor of a victorian-like collector of oddities is just icing on the cake. But apologies if I forget some obvious ability I have.
The Occultist is indeed a book-keeper's headache, but as you say it maxes out on the flavour side.
FYI - game thread will go up imminently, but as it's still the weekend I won't move it forward until Monday (unless everyone checks in early that is :P).
Ah now I should have caught that too Fiterri, my apologies!
To be honest I'm still adding to my understanding of the occult classes, so looking forward to seeing how an occultist plays out :)
Another small point of reference - the module will essentially start with a cold open as you approach the scene of the crime that you've been asked to assist with. You can assume (of each other) that you know names and that you are mutual acquaintances of Inspector Muncy.
Sounds good, we all have a foot in the underworld and it's easy to see how we would know of each other :)
Ah now I should have caught that too Fiterri, my apologies!
To be honest I'm still adding to my understanding of the occult classes, so looking forward to seeing how an occultist plays out :)
Another small point of reference - the module will essentially start with a cold open as you approach the scene of the crime that you've been asked to assist with. You can assume (of each other) that you know names and that you are mutual acquaintances of Inspector Muncy.Sounds good, we all have a foot in the underworld and it's easy to see how we would know of each other :)
No worries. With all the weird bonuses not being spelled out , it was a hard character sheet to double check. ;-) The sheet was a pain as I had to organize it myself to keep things straight and on top of that HeroLab didn't even spit out my base and resonant class abilities. I had to add them all by hand.
It will be my first occult class as well. Eventually I hope to get a Kineticist too. The others haven't really inspired me yet.
For those who haven't read Fiterri's background. He has assisted the police in the past, initially its was him or his mudlarks or dump pickers finding bodies, discarded murder weapons, and other clues thought safely disposed of, except to those desperate enough to search the places often overlook.
But the police have come to realize his specialized knowledge, contacts in the neighborhood, and profession as an occasional fence (because even the police sometimes need something to discreetly disappear) have a use to the constabulary.
Tania - your background mentioned the Golden Dice burning down, but what was the shop that still remains? Just trying to look how Fiterri might know everyone.
I can see Lucretta and her shop and probably visiting it on occasion for water-borne infection remedies and occasional advice on alchemical properties of certain items he has acquired. Gnitt with his orphange/sweatshop I can see a constant but sadly friendly struggle over control of children as a resource (somehow I picture old men competing over their pigeon flocks from neighboring rooftops). I will need Gnitt's input on this to determine the strength of the rivalry, as I can see bitter rivals called on to work together as fun as well.
With Joseph, I could image the need for a legit-looking provenance for certain items if that is the kind of forgery he would be in to? Otherwise I guess just knowing you through work with the police on occasion.
And looking more thoroughly through everyone's character sheets, I see that I am indeed not a primary combatant for this group. That is cool and works more with the concept in my head. But he will be a ready and willing flank buddy to Joseph and Lucretta while using his Enlarge ability. That should also work with Tania and her longspear and bag of martial tricks. Also Gnitt with his Summoning spell list. Lots of flanks to go around.
Fiterri - I think I would readily help to try and disguise the provenance of certain items of doubtful origin. Also, if you ever possibly acted as a fence, my frequent sailing trips might provide an opportunity to get rid of certain small high value items that are too hot to stay in the city.
Tania - it seems likely the Golden Dice is the sort of place I would have frequented. Perhaps Jared and I were friends, and I even helped you hunt down a couple of thugs you were having trouble locating?
Lucetta - perhaps we've encountered each other roaming the streets at night on our respective errands? And while not exactly friends, we also know we're not exactly working at cross purposes.
Gnitt - perhaps we've known each other as acquaintances for years, as my family sells discounted bread to the orphanage?
As for combat, I'm pretty much planning to prioritize attacking no armored, light armored, medium armored, and heavily armored opponents in that order. The idea being that I can move anywhere, through and past enemies to get to my target, and that the most dangerous spell casters usually follow that priority of armoring. So Fiterri might be more of a primary front liner than you think, as I'll hopefully be behind their line. It'll be interesting to see if this actually works out like I hope, because 5th is the level at which, in theory, I can get sneak attack damage every round without help. I will be doing A LOT of acrobatics checks every combat, that's for sure.
Well, the Golden Dice, as I wrote it, remains a charred ruin, but that can change. However, it is one if the two places Tania avoids, so having a shop there would not help.
Joseph, yes, we likely know,each other. If you want, Tania could have sized you as a potentially dangerous patron for other patrons and 'kindly' asked you to leave.
Fiterri, kineticist was the first one I 'got' to the point where I'm now playing two different ones, they are fun!
Yup, Lucetta's alchemical expertise in both identifying and providing 'under the counter' concoctions would have brought her in to contact with all of you at some point :) Joseph, Lucetta would know you as one of the 'good sorts' that live in the shadows. Mutual respect :)
As for combat, Lucetta also needs some positioning to be at her maximum threat, so nice to see all the friendly flankers we have :D
I would like to see this be a "friendly rivalry". Perhaps they compete for "new" recruits, but when one doesn't work out they send them to each other. Gnitt is not evil, he just makes the best of a bad situation, and always...always follows the rules. Most of the children that toil for Gnitt, not only learn a life skill, they still have a warm bed and sometimes full belly which is not true of many other options.
Tania - your background mentioned the Golden Dice burning down, but what was the shop that still remains? Just trying to look how Fiterri might know everyone.
I can see Lucretta and her shop and probably visiting it on occasion for water-borne infection remedies and occasional advice on alchemical properties of certain items he has acquired. Gnitt with his orphange/sweatshop I can see a constant but sadly friendly struggle over control of children as a resource (somehow I picture old men competing over their pigeon flocks from neighboring rooftops). I will need Gnitt's input on this to determine the strength of the rivalry, as I can see bitter rivals called on to work together as fun as well.
With Joseph, I could image the need for a legit-looking provenance for certain items if that is the kind of forgery he would be in to? Otherwise I guess just knowing you through work with the police on occasion.
And looking more thoroughly through everyone's character sheets, I see that I am indeed not a primary combatant for this group. That is cool and works more with the concept in my head. But he will be a ready and willing flank buddy to Joseph and Lucretta while using his Enlarge ability. That should also work with Tania and her longspear and bag of martial tricks. Also Gnitt with his Summoning spell list. Lots of flanks to go around.
I think the selling bread to the orphanage angle is good. Perhaps they have a few drinks together from time to time as well. And Gnitt has been known to pay off the theft from the bakery from some of his orphans before.
Fiterri - I think I would readily help to try and disguise the provenance of certain items of doubtful origin. Also, if you ever possibly acted as a fence, my frequent sailing trips might provide an opportunity to get rid of certain small high value items that are too hot to stay in the city.
Tania - it seems likely the Golden Dice is the sort of place I would have frequented. Perhaps Jared and I were friends, and I even helped you hunt down a couple of thugs you were having trouble locating?
Lucetta - perhaps we've encountered each other roaming the streets at night on our respective errands? And while not exactly friends, we also know we're not exactly working at cross purposes.
Gnitt - perhaps we've known each other as acquaintances for years, as my family sells discounted bread to the orphanage?
As for combat, I'm pretty much planning to prioritize attacking no armored, light armored, medium armored, and heavily armored opponents in that order. The idea being that I can move anywhere, through and past enemies to get to my target, and that the most dangerous spell casters usually follow that priority of armoring. So Fiterri might be more of a primary front liner than you think, as I'll hopefully be behind their line. It'll be interesting to see if this actually works out like I hope, because 5th is the level at which, in theory, I can get sneak attack damage every round without help. I will be doing A LOT of acrobatics checks every combat, that's for sure.
Gnitt is more of the healing, diplomacy, support member of the group. When forced into combat he typically tends to use his crossbow to attack from a distance, and relies on his heavy armor and shield for protection.
Lucretta - Perhaps unknown to her. Gnitt is the person who placed her long ago with her patron.
Tania - Perhaps you were a little troublemaker who served in the orphanage once or twice but kept escaping, so Gnitt let you be when he saw you were cared for. Might explain your dislike for Gnitt.
NOTE: I have made Gnitt a bit older, so he could have some different connections to all the other characters. Perhaps he is starting to question the validity of his place in life, and is eager to look elsewhere for satisfaction. Especially since his adopted daughter Gwinn seems to be much better at running things than he is.
Great idea for connecting Gnitt to Tania!
It's a nice idea Gnitt, but even though it's a one shot where background will likely not have much affect on anything, Lucetta should keep her background as it is, rescued by the Madame for the Madame's reasons.
There are many other reasons though as to why Gnitt would know the Bitter Vial alchemy shop. I'd suggest that a healthy urchin is a productive urchin, so Gnitt might have frequented the shop to pick up cures or remedies for his crew.
Let me know if people think I'm rushing too much or info dumping too quickly - I just didn't want to waste a couple of weeks going through the rigmarole of back and forth for the opening scene. Now that the primary dump is out in the open things should flow a little smoother and more proper 'investigaty' for you guys.
Slammed after a relatively epic week - will be passing out on the couch shortly... and shall have the post up tomorrow!
DM, your pace is great! Too many games fall by the wayside because of lack of input from either players or DM, so bravo to you for being invested and providing regular updates :)
Shortening or summarising 'trivial' bits are fine. It's like looting in a standard game, the players really don't need to say 'I search the room and cast detect magic' after every fight!
Anyway long story short, all is good, please do keep up the good work :)
Answers and enlightenment will come in thread.... after a bit of sleep :P
its well earned. I've been having fun with this.
Just a quick one - I'll be off for a short holiday sojourn down to Singapore starting tomorrow and stretching through to the 27th of December. As expected I'll be a wee bit incommunicado through that time and probably won't be posting.
Merry Christmas to all regardless and I hope that you all get to descend into tryptophanic nirvana.
No worries DM, hope the trip is enjoyable and relaxing.
Merry Christmas to you all!
:)
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
Just a quick one to state a hope that your Christmastimes were enjoyable, I'm back in the saddle and recovering from my short holiday - though I understand we probably won't get back up and running until we've left the year of 2016 behind us.
Happy Holidays!
Looking forward to it ;)
Happy New Year from New Zealand!
May 2017 treat you better than 2016 did :)
Just a short note to let you know that I'm still here - just a very rocky start to 2017, work turmoil and potential significant changes, etc, etc.
I should hopefully even out to a level keel soon though.
Well hope everything goes ok with you DM, no worries about pace, I think I speak for us all in that we're all still keen and ready to roll :)
Thanks for the heads up :) I hope the turmoil brings positive change.
Change yes... potentially of the pack everything you own into little boxes and put it on a ship type change... hopefully positive as well.
Ah now, potentially welcome to the club then!
Myself, partner and kids emigrated from the UK to New Zealand a few years back with two suitcases and the clothes on our backs and haven't looked back since :)
Hope everything goes the way you want it to :D
Hi All,
I'm a player in a Zeitgeist AP game (currently lvl 6) that is looking for one or two more player. Send me a PM if you're interested. I'll put you in touch with the GM.
Dereliction of duty has been too oft an occurrence by myself over the last couple of weeks and for my part I apologize unreservedly. Work situations have been fluid and undulating, but hopefully have reached a kind of conclusion in the last couple of days that will at least give a stability. It looks like I'll be uprooting my roots in a couple of months and repatriating back down to Australia. Much excitement, trepidation and confusion... but hopefully after this weekend I'll be in a better head, mind and body space to roll on forwards.
Patience is both a virtue and appreciated.
Distractions and delays from the moving process (and job application process) continue to prevent me getting into a good headspace for posting.
I am NOT pulling back, but I will be scatty for a while.
All good DM, I suspect we'll all be waiting here for when you get back :)
All the best for your relocation shenanigans!
Please note that I'll be away for the long weekend, coming back Tuesday, with very limited internet during.
After an interminable time keeping you waiting I will have to face facts and realise that I'm not going to be able to keep things rolling here. Turmoil of packing up 11 years of life, flusterances over work and the occasional roll of existential ennui are keeping me from giving you guys what you deserve - which is a DM that's actually able to engage consistently and deeply to progress the campaign.
From the medium term it looks like I'm unlikely to get into a situation where I can resume steady posting either - as I'll start FIFO roles working offshore after I do relocate down to Australia, which will put sizable black spots over my time for PbPing. I'm likely to be flat out keeping up with the three PbPs I'm still playing in let alone being able to block out time for DMing.
So I'm sorry, but I'll need to curtail. It's nothing on your characters or conduct, I was engaged deeply and happily within the whirl and whorl of the campaign... but the road of life has hit the cobblestones section.
Hi DM, completely understandable given the circumstances!
I'd also like to say thank you for taking the time to post and let us know :)
All the best to you and family in your new home!
Thanks for the game VotV. All the best for your new life in a new country!