Dragons of the West (Inactive)

Game Master Matt, Garnished Game Designer

Welcome to Discussion

Thank you! :)

Huzzah!

Thorrpe, the question is, doth the summer still tend on Shadow's state? :)

Good to be here!

It is Kotan and no it will not be for now. I don't actually like the idea that fighting a couple of battles magically gives you the gift of speaking a new language. As I mentioned in my post, you will slowly pick it up as the adventure progresses.

How does this work with Mhar's backstory? I can change it, no problem, but, as originally explained, he learned it. If he knows an archaic version that sounds different, or just never learned it is fine - I just want to know for his purposes. :)

Wow I go to work and bam campaign!

its cool though.

For Jezelyn's profile, I filled out her gender and race as normal, then in the class line, I put the following:

Sorcerer (Celestial) Lv. 1 - AC 11/15MA - HP 8/8 - F+1,R+1,W+3 - Per.+3, SM+3 - Init.+1

Does that work, GM? Does it include everything you most need?
(The rest of her details, skills, etc. are in her alias profile.)

Also, we're still waiting to hear one of the alchemists call dibs on which group they want to be in, right? :)

Here's a list of the groups as they currently stand:

Group A:
Jezelyn - Sorcerer
Mhar - Oracle
Albert Einstein OR Everest "Cookie" Kane - Alchemist
Vem - Ninja
Braeth Swiftstep - Ranger
Kite Exeter - Swashbuckler
Zayne Iwatani - Fighter

Group B:
Thorrpe - Summoner
Ysanne Nightweaver - Witch
Tatsuo Kasai - Druid
Everest "Cookie" Kane OR Albert Einstein - Alchemist
Jian Min - Ninja
Tommar - Gunslinger
Raitoningu - Samurai

Spirit of Kotei wrote:

It is Kotan and no it will not be for now. I don't actually like the idea that fighting a couple of battles magically gives you the gift of speaking a new language. As I mentioned in my post, you will slowly pick it up as the adventure progresses.

How does this work with Mhar's backstory? I can change it, no problem, but, as originally explained, he learned it. If he knows an archaic version that sounds different, or just never learned it is fine - I just want to know for his purposes. :)

Ah true, hmmm. I'll let you choose, I figure the archaic form is a nice touch. You'll understand bits and bobs but 300 years does change a language especially with the new Imperial lines and the Gaijin Colonies (you'll know soon enough)

Also, Thorrpe, I can't find your actual class or alignment anywhere in your profile...

I'll go with the archaic; kind of like a more extreme version of Shakespeare, probably in no small part due to his learning the language from those already generations removed (thus somewhat archaic and formalized) and, much like how Chinese is split into Cantonese and ... the other one I can't recall right now, I could see something similar happening. Alternately/additionally kind of similar to the sudden introduction and rapid adoption of Greek by the Roman empire; if folk only know one language (and a terribly complex one at that), they're going to learn the one that everybody speaks.

Also: aaaaarg! Keep running out of time to update Mhar's sheet, name, and so on. Sorry: I'm working on it! Stats should be up soon.

And: heh. Already being mistaken for female. Lady Firedove warned me that that might happen. Good call.

EDIT: I also feel somewhat awkward suddenly being the source of all this attention. It makes sense, but wasn't exactly my intent... so, uh, thanks, guys. Real nice of you!

EDIT: Before I finish Mhar, will the ability to craft magic items be a thing in this game? Will we have downtime? Would it irritate the GM for me to do so for the whole party? This will alter my traits, I suspect, and probably even my final skill choice.

Thanks for the heads up, Lady Firedove, on the start of the campaign discussion. I was feverishly checking the forum for an update all night last night.

So what are we discussing? Stuff like do we know each other and what languages we speak? Or perhaps where we are starting off? Is my green showing?

Thanks for the heads up, Lady Firedove, on the start of the campaign discussion. I was feverishly checking the forum for an update all night last night.

So what are we discussing? Stuff like do we know each other and what languages we speak? Or perhaps where we are starting off? Is my green showing?

We've also started gameplay, feel free to jump right in!

Hee hee. It seems we were all traveling on the same ship, but didn't necessarily know each other beyond that. Also check out the gameplay thread for more!

EDIT: Before I finish Mhar, will the ability to craft magic items be a thing in this game? Will we have downtime? Would it irritate the GM for me to do so for the whole party? This will alter my traits, I suspect, and probably even my final skill choice.

In addition to this, I'm guessing that comprehend languages would not be such an awesomely cool thing for this game?

(Working on my final spell-selection to tailor it towards the group's needs.)

EDIT:

... um... also... is it possible to ask for two flaws, or at least ask you which one I should pick? While I don't want to drag down the group at all, it's just... they're both so delicious! If I had to choose one, I'd probably go with "overprotective" if only because that's the least onerous for the group at large, even though "tainted spirit" is basically a "PICK ME!!!!!!" sign for Mhar...

I don't even need a fourth trait, if that helps! So long as you don't think I'd drag down the party!

(Haunting Regret actually works really well too, as does Fey taken - though probably renamed something like "kami-blooded" or something similar -, but I guessed that the first would be especially dangerous for my party, while the second could lead to an early grave easier than either of the first two... which would be especially dangerous for my party. (Why do the flaws have to be so cooooooooool?)

Should i change my pic until I can actually wildshape?

Can we remember some interactions with the other ships passengers/crew before our death? There were quiet a number of specimens (from the high point buy) that Ysanne would have been interested in harmonizing with through some pleasant degree of small talk. That is, assuming we had time before we died.

Tatsuo, if no picture then perhaps a physical description on your character page? It would be solely for my preference.

Vem, I'm not sure if you caught Jezelyn's question to you up thread in gameplay...?

Vem, I'm not sure if you caught Jezelyn's question to you up thread in gameplay...?

Ah! Sorry I missed it. I'm glad you mentioned it to me though, gave me an excuse to use one of my favorite quotes ;)

There new avatar for now until he really becomes the dragon.

Tacticslion wrote:

EDIT: Before I finish Mhar, will the ability to craft magic items be a thing in this game? Will we have downtime? Would it irritate the GM for me to do so for the whole party? This will alter my traits, I suspect, and probably even my final skill choice.

In addition to this, I'm guessing that comprehend languages would not be such an awesomely cool thing for this game?

(Working on my final spell-selection to tailor it towards the group's needs.)

EDIT:

... um... also... is it possible to ask for two flaws, or at least ask you which one I should pick? While I don't want to drag down the group at all, it's just... they're both so delicious! If I had to choose one, I'd probably go with "overprotective" if only because that's the least onerous for the group at large, even though "tainted spirit" is basically a "PICK ME!!!!!!" sign for Mhar...

I don't even need a fourth trait, if that helps! So long as you don't think I'd drag down the party!

(Haunting Regret actually works really well too, as does Fey taken - though probably renamed something like "kami-blooded" or something similar -, but I guessed that the first would be especially dangerous for my party, while the second could lead to an early grave easier than either of the first two... which would be especially dangerous for my party. (Why do the flaws have to be so cooooooooool?)

I'll allow to flaws and comprehend languages would be fine no? True that would give you the right to go and translate the speeches but it's all up to you. And your flaw shall give you a trait worry not.

Is there a place where we can rp outside of the main story so as not to clog the main plot line or like Ysanne mentioned about rp on the ship?

I'd strongly re-recommend the "flex-time" mechanic, as I mentioned earlier in Recruitment:

Create a conversation you wish, give it a name (like, "Zayne and Ysanne discuss boat suds") in a spoiler-box, and then go to town.

It prevents clutter, allows others to ignore the conversation, and permits some amount of retroactive continuity.

Yep! Like that! Except the thing in bold before the spoiler would be the name you've given the side-conversation, including the names of the characters involved, so they know to read it.

In the name of character development I'll volunteer Ysanne to support anyone else in regards to anyone's character background or story. Try and keep it vague or general like;

This isn't the first time Ysanne and I have met,
Ysanne and my character's sister were best friends or enemies,
or whatever comes to mind. We can develop more details in private (shared with the gm so he can ok or nay it). I enjoy learning about the other characters in the story and it's fun to be apart of that background.

Okay, based on Cookie's request in the Recruitment thread and what our GM has said so far, I THINK this is the final group list ... not sure of the situation/status of Edrick ...

Group A:
Jezelyn - Sorcerer NG
Mhar - Oracle LG
Everest "Cookie" Kane LN- Alchemist
Vem - Ninja CN
Braeth Swiftstep - Ranger CG
Kite Exeter - Swashbuckler N
Zayne Iwatani - Fighter N

Group B:
Thorrpe - Summoner ?
Ysanne Nightweaver - Witch LE
Tatsuo Kasai - Druid NG
Albert Einstein CG - Alchemist
Jian Min - Ninja CG
Tommar - Gunslinger N
Raitoningu - Samurai CG

...Interesting. That gives Group A one of every possible non-evil alignment, with two true neutrals. Group B has an interesting potential CG/LE roleplaying conflict opportunity. I'm looking forward to seeing what happens with both groups! :)

Um... wow. You guys took that and ran with it. Well done. :D

Ysanne has it exactly correct.

Reference Mhar, you would all likely remember him as an arrogant, semi-snobbish "know-it-all" who wouldn't shut up about how Kotei's version of X craftsmanship is clearly superior to "mundane" and "lesser" versions of X, or how element Y of Kotei culture was clearly superior to element Y of "other, lesser cultures" - in other words a really annoying, highly-opinionated fanboy who really thought he knew everything and Kotei could do no wrong because everything there was the best. Duh.

He knew there were villains and bad people - that was why he was going! To fulfill his destiny as a great hero, warlord, and mighty conqueror in the name of good!

That said, he was also strong of back, supple of form, and rather dexterous and clever. Built like a brick!... no wait... a truck!... no wait... a brick truck! Yeah, that's it! Built like a brick truck, and nearly as clever!

He was constantly practicing all sorts of physical work-outs, routines, and forms - "kata", he called them - and displayed a rather impressive ability at acrobatics.

That said, he was also quite kind, if patronizing, and heroic in his own way. The last time anyone would remember seeing him was successfully lifting the mast off of some crew - by himself - despite a badly shattered foot and shin, before collapsing under the tearing, destructive weight.

The Mhar you are witnessing now... is not that Mhar.

He has clearly been broken by his experience.

Still young, but hopelessly weak and clumsy. Quiet and shamed where Mhar was brash and loud.

It's a really bizarre change.

... aaaaaaaaaaaaaand that's likely all you'd have picked up about him, directly.

He was chatty enough about Kotei, but highly unpleasantly arrogant, and very hush-hush about his own past.

If you actually bothered to listen to him yammer long enough, though, you could probably glean that, for all his haughty talk and assertion, this was the first time he was going anywhere, and his neighbors (and likely family, too) all probably thought he was an arrogant young doofus, just as much as you did.

He... probably wouldn't remember you. Sorry. He was self-absorbed that way, once.

...Interesting. That gives Group A one of every possible non-evil alignment, with two true neutrals. Group B has an interesting potential CG/LE roleplaying conflict opportunity. I'm looking forward to seeing what happens with both groups! :)

Yeah I was noticing that. Would it be entirely too late and uncool to change my alignment to NE? To be honest I had achievement and power at any cost in my head and mistakenly assigned it to LE. Still going to be fun to play an evil alignment in a party of good heros.

PS, as an evil character I swear I will not do any player vs player stuff and will not knowingly pursue the destruction of others in the group.

PS, as an evil character I swear I will not do any player vs player stuff and will not knowingly pursue the destruction of others in the group.

Hahah! Sounds totally legitimately lawful evil to me! :D

But either one is probably fine - I'm still finishing my character sheet, so I suspect Spirit of Kotei will be willing to give you a hint of leeway!

Regardless, I strongly recommend reading this post and applying it.

(Not because it's by me, which it is, but rather because it's been distilled from a bunch of other highly intelligent people into a relatively readable, if regrettably blue, singular post.)

Hey, GM, I'm also curious if any name change or giving of titles is going to happen soon or at all ... I've only made five posts as Jezelyn, so I can still change her name or add a title to it until my 10th post.

Fellow players, you would likely remember Jezelyn from the ship as that pretty young blue-haired woman with a faraway look in her eyes who was almost always standing at the rail on deck, staring out at the sea and singing a lovely song. If any of you would have specifically engaged her in conversation, she would have been quite pleasant, and I'd be happy to RP it here in spoiler text, if anyone wants. :)

And young Simeon... that fool.

Regardless, I strongly recommend reading this post and applying it.

(Not because it's by me, which it is, but rather because it's been distilled from a bunch of other highly intelligent people into a relatively readable, if regrettably blue, singular post.)

Down the rabbit hole I go. Awesome, good read! Thank you.

she would have been quite pleasant, and I'd be happy to RP it here in spoiler text, if anyone wants. :)

Sweet! Looking forward to responding to that tomorrow, Ysanne ... For now, sleep.
Good night, all! :)

Thorrpe stays quiet after being rebuffed in his query. He decides to wait and listen, after seeing so many of his companions struggling with their death and new life.

Thorrpe, who were you talking to? Oh and thank you for the Vital and Skills posting pointer, I would have been copying and pasteing forever without another thought.

I think Thorrpe was trying to address Vem, although I don't think she realized he was addressing her.

Also, I don't think Thorrpe has discovered this discussion thread yet, since I've asked him several things in here, and he hasn't responded to anything.

@everyone Most likely all of you would have seen Zayne at some point patrolling the ship since he was hired as a guard. However Zayne has always been the quiet type. A man of few words when spoken to but when he does speak it is honest if a little monotone. Most mornings I would expect he, Rai, and Mhar would practice at the same time if not together. During any free time he stand by the rail and listen to the ocean or Jezelyn's singing. He wouldn't watch or comment but instead let the music wash over him.

Tommar would enjoy any songs and keep a rudimentary beat, and might even hum. Mostly he would keep to himself. He would read, and clean his weapons at least once a day.

Cards would coax him from his routine.

sorry guys, i didn't have any posts showing in my campaign tab

Also, Thorrpe, I can't find your actual class or alignment anywhere in your profile...

Summoner (First Worlder) CG

I think Thorrpe was trying to address Vem, although I don't think she realized he was addressing her.

Also, I don't think Thorrpe has discovered this discussion thread yet, since I've asked him several things in here, and he hasn't responded to anything.

** spoiler omitted **

I was speaking to Raitoningu.

lets see you asked about alignment and class...did I miss something else?

I was speaking to Raitoningu.

Oops, what did I miss? Sorry, so many interactions going on.

introduced himself, it is fine, lots of talking so I am ctually have pulled thorrpe back for the moment,

Thorrpe, although it wasn't necessarily a question requiring an answer, I did ask you the following in response to one of Shadow's first comments. :)

"Thorrpe, the question is, doth the summer still tend on Shadow's state?"

To anyone who doesn't recognize it, it plays off Fairy Queen Titania's lines in Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream:

"I am a spirit of no common rate./ The summer still doth tend upon my state."

Yeah, I'm an English/Drama geek. :)
Those lines were in one of the audition monologues I memorized way back in high school.

I'd rather everyone keep their original names. While characters will be free to take new "names", I leave it up to everyone to leave their aliases as they wish, new name or old name.