First Steps

Game Master CRobledo

This is the Discussion and OOC thread for GM Nel's First Steps game

My goal is to progress the adventure Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. I would like for all of you to aim to post in between each of those, aka post in the timeframes of Monday-Tuesday, Wednesday-Thursday, Friday-Sunday. However, if you miss one occasionally due to other obligations, no problems. If we are in combat, your character will delay. I may also make smaller posts to answer knowledge checks, questions, etc, especially at the start of the campaign.

For those of you who have never been in a PbP, here's some basics. Use the forum dice roller, use OOC when appropriate. For combat, state your intended action, and I'll sort though the initiatives. Only read spoilers addressed to you (duh).

Speaking of which, I'm going to roll passive sense motives, passive will saves, and passive perceptions for you, and put those into spoilers. If it is not opposed, it will just be taking 10. You still need to state when you are doing something actively. For example: noticing a open door = taking 10 on perception. Noticing a NPC lying = opposed GM roll. Searching a room for secret doors = active roll by you. I hope this makes sense. In short, you don't need to constantly ask for sense motives from every NPC you come across. However, if something suspicious happens, then you can actively do so.

Hi, reporting in to let you know I'm here and raring to go.

Edit: Oh, and no problems with the conventions of PbP :)

Hi, reporting in to let you know I'm here and raring to go.

Edit: Oh, and no problems with the conventions of PbP :)

Cool, hopefully if all players report in quickly we can get going pretty fast. :)

Is your statblock updated and ready to go? I'm going to check them all tomorrow for PFS legality and we should be gtg.

Anyone else, go ahead and make sure your stats are ready to go as well on your alias page.

When you are ready to go, please also PM me (dont post here!) an email address so I know where to send links to the maps (no direct linking from paizo boards to paizo content allowed) and the chronicle sheets after each scenario (if you survive! mwahahaha)

Vermin is here and ready to play, IRL I am traveling today and tomorrow but will be home tomorrow night. I may be limited to posting from my phone, but can do so if need be.

I am a little concerned about not having a dedicated healer. At most Vermin can have one cure light spell memorized. Once he gets access to wands things will be better.

Pretty sure I'm ready, if there are any more mistakes I can't see them. I'll send you an email address in half a minute.

Wow. Thank you so much for selecting Xavier. I'll get his character sheet finalized in the morning. Looking forward to getting started.

My thanks as well - raring to go.

Thought about the healing thing too, but it's first steps p1, and I think you will do ok. I've run it before and it's not bad. After Part 1, you can use the 2 PA to get a Wand of CLW before part 2.

Xavier could do Infernal healing too... :P

Some extra notes, totally swiped from a friend who runs a PBP here as well:

Character Aliases: try to make all your posts using the correct alias, at least in the gameplay thread for sure.

Dice/formatting: if you click the "How to format your text" button when you make a post, it has the tags to make something bold, italic, etc. Each time you roll a dice, you will have to enter it manually aka 1d20 + 4. Stating the kind of attack, and any unusual modifiers are helpful. For example:

The goblin strikes at Sohali with his dogslicer, snarling furiously as he leaps down:
Attack (+1 high ground): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 24
Damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

Remember, even more so than a tabletop game, description is very important for telling your fellow players what you are doing. I encourage everyone to be as imaginative as they wish. Also previewing your posts is helpful.

Maps and Tokens: since we can't host maps on here, they will just be links out. I will host them on my Flickr account. Each map will have an alphanumerical grid, just like a chessboard. As for token, I just need a little picture of however you want to represent your character. Otherwise I'll use your Alias avatar. I cannot post a public link to any republished Paizo materials (aka maps). I will email everyone with the link to a flicker stream, and just reference maps/images by name.

Combat: Here is the format I will use:

Sohali, you have entered a dungeon room. When you reach the center of the room, a goblin leaps out.

<Map: Example Map Round 1>

Initiative: (For ease of play, I will roll this offscreen. If anyone would prefer for me to roll it on the boards I'm happy to do that)
14: Sohali
10: Goblin

Basically at the point would can click on the link I will send you, and then reference the Example Map. Then, you would state your intended action (e.g. I 5-foot step to C3 and attack the goblin).

Remember, I'm still learning PbP as well, and I'm more than happy to take suggestions.

If anyone wants to go evil, I can make that happen. I love being neutral.

One tip: If you have Dropbox, it's actually easier and faster to use the public folder or share a folder with players. It saves a few minutes for you, and you can just use the same link every time, but just update the file.

If anyone wants to go evil, I can make that happen. I love being neutral.

Just make sure the paladin is looking the other way :)

One tip: If you have Dropbox, it's actually easier and faster to use the public folder or share a folder with players. It saves a few minutes for you, and you can just use the same link every time, but just update the file.

Good call, definitely doing that. Although Flicker stream would accomplish the same, Dropbox is easier and can be used for other types of files too.

I have gone ahead and kicked off the gameplay thread, since at least 4/5 of players have reported in. Vermin, safe travels.

GL all, and have fun!

Someone made a comment about healers I think (though I can't find it). I am fingers crossed that it wont be combat heavy but IF we can find a wand in the first session then both the Pally and the druid should be good to support.

I think the Gunslinger is a fine thing to have in the group, as is the Magus.

As for fighting tactics, I will post IC once we get in game but I am fine to go Defensive Fighting and act as an anvil if needs be.

On that note, I am a HUGE believer in the value of 'Aid Another' in PFS games - just let me know if you want a hand with something, and if you want me to 'turtle up' and you are in a position to do so, aid another to help me splat stuff or avoiding being splatted is always welcome.

Aid Another (Combat)

In melee combat, you can help a friend attack or defend by distracting or interfering with an opponent. If you're in position to make a melee attack on an opponent that is engaging a friend in melee combat, you can attempt to aid your friend as a standard action. You make an attack roll against AC 10. If you succeed, your friend gains either a +2 bonus on his next attack roll against that opponent or a +2 bonus to AC against that opponent's next attack (your choice), as long as that attack comes before the beginning of your next turn. Multiple characters can aid the same friend, and similar bonuses stack.

Aid Another (Skill)

You can help someone achieve success on a skill check by making the same kind of skill check in a cooperative effort. If you roll a 10 or higher on your check, the character you're helping gets a +2 bonus on his or her check. (You can't take 10 on a skill check to aid another.) In many cases, a character's help won't be beneficial, or only a limited number of characters can help at once.

In cases where the skill restricts who can achieve certain results, such as trying to open a lock using Disable Device, you can't aid another to grant a bonus to a task that your character couldn't achieve alone. The GM might impose further restrictions to aiding another on a case-by-case basis as well.

I'm actually Archer built s I'm not the best tank :)

I think my character sheet is good to go - can you check it out and let me know if you see anything I've missed?

Thanks!

I'm late to the party and apologize. I am in bed by 9pm EST for work at 6. Sorry for to the night owls. I'm here and ready. I will adjust my equipment (starting wealth) a little later today I had it set up as an average buy and my ammo was at full cost.

I think my character sheet is good to go - can you check it out and let me know if you see anything I've missed?

Thanks!

Traits? I looked over it and can't see traits.

I'm gonna go out on a limb and say that you really don't need 'Reactionary' as you got 'Improved Initiative' but there IS a school of thought out there that believes the best way to win a fight is to blast your enemies to component atoms before they get to act :)

I'm late to the party and apologize. I am in bed by 9pm EST for work at 6. Sorry for to the night owls. I'm here and ready. I will adjust my equipment (starting wealth) a little later today I had it set up as an average buy and my ammo was at full cost.

With the ammo savings have you thought about upgrading your Padded Armour to Lamellar Cuirass? Only costs a few GP more and is pretty good on weight - only 8lbs.

I'm gonna go out on a limb and say that you really don't need 'Reactionary' as you got 'Improved Initiative' but there IS a school of thought out there that believes the best way to win a fight is to blast your enemies to component atoms before they get to act :)

Ah, good catch. +7 might be a little overkill on the init. I've gone with suspicious. I like it better mechanically and for flavor, so a good move all in all. Thanks!

I'm gonna go out on a limb and say that you really don't need 'Reactionary' as you got 'Improved Initiative' but there IS a school of thought out there that believes the best way to win a fight is to blast your enemies to component atoms before they get to act :)

We have an elf diviner in our local PFS group that I think is up to +9 init mod :P s'what he does

Yeah, the eastern armors from UC are really good. Four Mirror armor is a great tank starting armor while you get some cash for half or full plate.

I normally go for the Four Mirror armour too but whereas in a PFS store game you can throw down any 'legal' character you want, I had to go through an audition here and wanted to keep the character 'authentic' to make it a more attractive choice (I =REALLY= wanted to do First Steps with this character and I am a fan of PbP to boot - this is my first PFS experience via the forums).

The normal 'reward' budget for a low tier PFS is around 500gp. I'll pick up a set at the end of this module and look for a Pt 2 PbP game (If the GM doesn't offer one) and save my pennies for a big purchase later.

The normal 'reward' budget for a low tier PFS is around 500gp. I'll pick up a set at the end of this module and look for a Pt 2 PbP game (If the GM doesn't offer one) and save my pennies for a big purchase later.

Just as fyi, the plan is to do all 3 parts assuming all players stay :)

Excellent! I don't have a PF Society in my city (that I'm aware of), so I wasn't really sure what would happen to X after this module.

Luccinus, I think I'm only missing your email, when you have a chance.

Everyone else should have already seen an email from me with your char sheet and any notes.

PM sent

Luccinus de Concorezio wrote:

The normal 'reward' budget for a low tier PFS is around 500gp. I'll pick up a set at the end of this module and look for a Pt 2 PbP game (If the GM doesn't offer one) and save my pennies for a big purchase later.

Just as fyi, the plan is to do all 3 parts assuming all players stay :)

OUTSTANDING!!

Ok - I am behind the great firewall of china atm and can't get anything from Dropbox.

That said, I should be in Japan late in the week and can access the full internet there and I normally reside in Australia, so no issues there.

Heh, I'm an Aussie too, small world and all that :)

I have been to Darwin before... Epic. Rourke's Tavern was fantastic. Had a flaming lamborgini there haha.

On a serious note tho. I still cannot find the price of ammunition for my character. It is always just referenced as being at a reduced price. Can anyone help?

Think I sent the wrong email before, then I think I sent my proper email to the wrong person, cause I'm awesome like that, should be rectified now though.

For Luccinus benefit, the typed handout:

Assignment #17:

☐ A man named Guaril Karela runs a curio shop in the Docks called the Pickled Imp. Go to him and fill his request as a favor to the Society. I believe it has something to do with a set of rare books.

☐ Ollysta Zadrian requested aid and is expecting you at the Temple of the Shining Star in the Ascendant Court. She needs someone to deliver a parcel of medicine and curatives to a needy orphanage and verify the character of the recipient.

☐ Visit the offices of Osirian nobleman Dremdhet Salhar in the Wise Quarter. The Pathfinder Society needs to obtain permission to delve the Salhar ancestral vaults beneath Sothis. He has made a verbal agreement, and your visit makes it official. You will receive an official charter and detailed maps. Do not embarrass the Society in this matter.

☐ Chelish Paracountess Zarta Dralneen possesses an item loaned from the Vaults. Meet with her in her estate in the Ivy District and retrieve the item in her possession.

On a serious note tho. I still cannot find the price of ammunition for my character. It is always just referenced as being at a reduced price. Can anyone help?

Bullets are 1g a pop

With Gunsmithing they cost 10% the usual price I believe.

You can also buy cartridges (which have both the projectile and powder) for 15g a pop (not including discount)

Also there was an accidental incorrect alias post, a quick edit can fix those. Just hit edit, rechoose your persona and submit :)

Edit: Yeah, if I was going to play a gun user I'd play Spellslinger just so I could magic up my own bullet stash.

Sohali knows nothing, also it is time to slumber :)

I'd also recommend checking out Chakrams as a good alternate to pistol when bullets are running low/expensive.

My bad on the alias - hit submit a little too soon.

People posting a lot more that I thought they would. This is great! :)

Already having a good time. :)

Xavier won't be a jerk forever. But please do let me know if I begin to annoy anyone with his attitude. I don't want to be "that player."

The way I have read the PFS Pdf is that you can purchase them as if u had crafted them. You pay 10% in materials for bullets, pellets and powder and the alchemical cartridges are at 50%. Only if u have gunsmithing and a rank in craft alchemy. So I paid 20pg for 20 doses and 20sp or 2 gp for 20 bullets also 60gp for 10 paper cartridges.

Xavier won't be a jerk forever. But please do let me know if I begin to annoy anyone with his attitude. I don't want to be "that player."

Same goes for me. Dunn is just passionate about exploration and being a pathfinder. If he needs to be reined in let me know!

Yep, very happy with the posting rates, though that said I don't want to make anyone feel like they NEED to keep up (well, except for me :)). Just don't get burnt out.

But, I'll do my best to accommodate the party's speed.

@Dunn I think that ammo math sounds good.

Quick future FYI, Knowledge checks are trained only (Unless you are a Bard)

I PM'd u earlier letting u know I adjusted my trained skills. I had chosen Knowledge (local) as my final skills. Just in case that was for me ; )

That was likely for me as I rolled (a 4) on knowledge local without the skill. I was thinking that if the DC was 10 or less you could roll untrained. But that appears incorrect.

That was likely for me as I rolled (a 4) on knowledge local without the skill. I was thinking that if the DC was 10 or less you could roll untrained. But tha appears incorrect.

You are correct, just wanted to make sure as I've encountered this to be a common misconception.

Hey fyi Dunn is on the way to Salhar unless someone says otherwise. Do I meed a check to find his residence?

I want to give our Aussie compatriots a chance to pipe in before we head out.

And assume that he envelope contains directions to all your contacts.

I want to give our Aussie compatriots a chance to pipe in before we head out.

And assume that he envelope contains directions to all your contacts.

Right! That didn't. Occur to me. I am EST what are they? Also idk if I mentioned that I normally do a 12 hour day mon to Friday and hit the rack at 9pm to be up for 5. So my posting wont be as frequent as today.