Follow the Flood Road (Inactive)

Game Master Transylvanian Tadpole

Woohoo, I love it when I see new updates in "my campaign" :-)

Probably a stupid question /nitpick - why is Pyots's Holy water 25Gp a piece, and Del's only 20Gp? Shouldn't Pyotr also get a discount? Or is this of his obvious orcish heritage?

Woohoo, I love it when I see new updates in "my campaign" :-)

Probably a stupid question /nitpick - why is Pyots's Holy water 25Gp a piece, and Del's only 20Gp? Shouldn't Pyotr also get a discount? Or is this of his obvious orcish heritage?

That, my good man, is what is known as a cock-up on my part, and has been amended. Thanks for the heads-up!

I'm just happy that it was in our favour - it could have been that you'd raise the price of Del's potion. But with 4 vs 1, it was worth the risk :-)

Pyotr’s Purchases:

• Four flasks of Holy Water: 80 gp
• Warhammer – 10 gp

Total GP spent: 90 gp

Kindly add one morningstar for 8 gp.

*The CRB lists these as 10 gp, rather than 20 gp as Pyotr previously posted.

I never think to check Ultimate Equipment... It is so convenient just to grab my CRB. =)

The assumption is Tharkon’s gear has not been sold.

We should sell it. It's going to be more awkward for Pyotr to feel comfortable using it after the fact. He would probably want to turn it over to Dierik as reparations, or the Marshal as evidence.

Kindly add one morningstar for 8 gp.

One extra morningstar for Pyotr?

Oops, no, not extra. I did ask for a warhammer, didn't I? Ugh... it's early, and no coffee yet....

*yawn*

I'm Ok with selling Tharkon's gear and it's a lot more palatable if we sold it to 'fund our expedition' so sell it!

Just some unsolicited praise here.

My daughter just had her GM disappear without a trace only after 3 weeks of PBP playing and it's happened to me in the past, people just getting tired and leaving.

So I wanted to thank our GM for hosting this awesome game. I know I don't always post as frequent as you would like but thank you, really, for hanging in there and making this a 'very cool' game.

Game on!

Just some unsolicited praise here.

My daughter just had her GM disappear without a trace only after 3 weeks of PBP playing and it's happened to me in the past, people just getting tired and leaving.

So I wanted to thank our GM for hosting this awesome game. I know I don't always post as frequent as you would like but thank you, really, for hanging in there and making this a 'very cool' game.

Game on!

Absolutely agree!

I am now on my third (yes, THIRD!) Wrath of the Righteous PbP that the DM has disappeared before we reached 100 posts... I think I'm done with that AP for a while.

I am more than delighted that I found, and was lucky enough to join this game 11 months and over 1300 posts ago!

Oh, hey! I didn't realize you were Quinn, Pyotr. I'm Hrodlan in that belly-up Wrath :\

Haha! Really?

That one has made it farther than the other two I joined. I never saw an uncomfortable green glow in the others...

Why go through a three week recruitment (and all the hassle of recruiting) and then disappear two weeks into the game???

Looks like he's disappeared across all fronts; may be an emergency situation or something. More than likely just kneejerk burn out, though.

Yeah, I've also seen situations where a day's absence turns into few days' absence turns into a weeks' absence, and eventually embarrassment over that behavior prevents you from ever returning.

I've seen it with players too.

Looks like he's disappeared across all fronts; may be an emergency situation or something. More than likely just kneejerk burn out, though.

I'm sorry but I just don't buy that. I mean, really, you have have no chance of sending a measly little message saying you are having some issues.

You know what I think. I think people plan to host a PBP to gain some 'attention' (you know, feel cool about themselves) and then quickly grow tired of it and just quit.

A lot of people just don't realize the time and effort that it takes to run a game.

I'm trying to find another game but I am very 'weary' about joining one. I check the GM's other games, if any, and then determine whether it's worth my time to put together a character and join.

If you guys know of any 'proven' GM's game, then let me know.

Game on!

If you see anything being posted by Crustypeanut, DM Jelani, or Robert Brooks, I strongly suggest throwing your hat in the ring. All three are tremendously good GMs (especially Rob). Feel free to browse through any of my profiles for a glimpse if you'd like.

Oh, and GM Thron (he's one of my closest friends IRL) just started a Rise of the Runelords recruitment. It's his first foray into GMing, but I can vouch for his commitment short of disaster/emergencies (which he's great for giving notice about, even then).

Oooh, I applied for GM Thron's game. Throw in a good word for me!

Already done, actually!

Thanks for the tip; I'll also be applying. I'll try out with a Shoanti druid. Wish me luck! :)

Thanks very much for the unsolicited praise! It's always appreciated, and the praise goes straight back; I'm very happy with the players who've joined me to Follow the Flood Road.

Also, thanks Bonegrit for the recommendation vi-a-vis the Rise of the Runelords game.

I am more than delighted that I found, and was lucky enough to join this game 11 months and over 1300 posts ago!

Not only that, but I'd imagine our word count is about three times higher than the average PbP standing at 1,300 posts!

Hard luck on the disappearing GMs guys. I've had it happen to me once already, although the GM in question was man enough to admit he'd taken on more than he can manage. I think Pellius has the crux of it there; many potential GMs launch a PbP thinking all it requires is making a post everyday, but to run well requires a lot more work than that. I occasionally toy with the idea with starting a second PbP campaign, but the reality is I don't have the time to commit to it. Maybe a one-shot prewritten adventure at some stage. But probably not even that!

Luckily for me, I really enjoy running this campaign. For me it's a form of relaxation, and when you love something it's easy. I occasionally have a crisis of conscious that I spend too much time lazing in front of my laptop tinkering with NPCs and plot ideas rather than doing something more involved. I've got a lot of other hobbies which are more difficult for me in some ways, and I feel I should commit more time too sometimes. For example, I love guitar playing, but it's much harder motivating myself to spend two hours practicing some difficult techniques than it is to crash out on the bed, put my laptop on my belly and lose myself in the intrigues of the Freedom Town.

I try and limit myself to just an hour of online roleplay a day to ensure there's still time for guitar playing, hiking, drawing, watching obscure movies and telling my wife how pretty she is. Even so, my default position usually ends up horizontal looking at the Paizo messageboards!

Still, all that being said, I don't think I'm going anywhere soon. If I suddenly disappear one day I'm probably dead, in jail or there's a global apocalypse coming. If it's the latter you'll have your own problems to worry about.

However, whilst we're on the subject, my posting might be a little erratic over the next few weeks. On Tuesday we're driving up to the in-laws to spend a few days celebrating Vietnamese New Year out in the sticks. Hopefully I should be able to get online now and again via a USB modem.

Then on the 12th February, Mrs Tadpole and I are flying to Borneo, to begin a new life, and for me a new job. It's massively exciting for us, but I can anticipate there being some days when I won't be able to post, especially as we're setting up our new home and I'm being inducted into the new role. We'll be living in a fairly small town, so reliable Internet might take a little longer than normal to get set up.

Yikes! I moved 35 miles down the road, and it consumed 3 full days of my life! The worst part of it was trying to find someone who could pick me up at the truck rental depot, to drive me back to my car!

Good luck to you!

Is there an 'out-of-game' reason why we want Khozin to hang around with us? Like the player is coming back or some other 'metagame' reason because, right now, I really feel like just giving him up. I mean he really hasn't endeared himself with any of his actions...

Is there an 'out-of-game' reason why we want Khozin to hang around with us?

None at all. :-) Do whatever you feel is natural to Pellius in this situation. The only thing to consider really is that he and Alagor are friends in-game.

I echo the praise here - I first discovered pbp a little over a year ago and my very first campaign started about 2 months before this one did. Since then I have been in 4 campaigns that have fizzled out after a strong start: two DMs disappeared, one bowed out, the other the players disappeared. This game has been great so far and Im excited to see it keep going.

When I was learning pbp I started lurking in a few campaigns also, and based on what I've seen Id add TarkXT and GM Mug to that list of high potential games to watch out for.

And yes, at 8:40am EST I'm checking this thread instead of my work email.....cuz I have my priorities right!

OK, maybe not 'right', but it's the truth....

With all the cathartic ranting about disappearing PbP GMs and my inner monologue getting out to tell everyone about my imminent move and general laziness, we do seem to have missed a couple of minor things concerning party loot which I'd like cleared up.

People have voiced a few opinions on these issues, but no decision has been reached so far.

With this in mind, please vote 'yay' or 'nay' (or yes or no for those unfamiliar with the strange vocabulary of Her Majesty's parliament) to the following questions so I can finalize where everyone's gold stands at.

1) Before departure, sell Tharkon's gear and divide the treasure between the party.

2) Before departure, convert all gems and loot in hard coin and divide treasure between the party.

If you vote yes to either of these, please also specify whether you'll be carrying this gold with you to the Hungry Mountains or leaving it in the care of the caravan.

Please cast your votes in the next 24 hours

Alagor, although this loot division doesn't really apply to you, I'd like you to cast your vote too. It might be useful as tie-breaker.

Thanks!

1) yay
2) mostly yay. I agree converting all the art and stuff makes sense unless its something people want like the cool scabbard. I wonder if we should learn from the 'nice' folks of Freedomtown and leave some of it as gems for easier transport later? Maybe each of us carry 1 beggar diamond and a handful of coins? Doesn't sound like we're heading to a place to go shopping but you never know.

To that point I don't want to carry it so banking it at the caravan makes sense. Of course, thanks to our friend the NPC cleric the caravan is now a target for the Sharpes and I'd hate to see all our loot lost when the caravan is attacked in out absence.............which ties back to the idea of carrying a small amount with us just in case?

I vote to sell Tharkon's gear, convert all loot into hard coin, and distribute among party members.

If that's the case, then Pellius will leave his loot behind with the caravan for safe-keeping (only has 22 gp on him).

Del brings up a good point but Pellius is too naive and believes that the loot is safe with the caravan. He won't oppose carrying some gems/loot if that is what everyone decides.

Only because of GM's insistence I will cast my votes, I have stated already that I do not consider that Alagor have any share in the loot so far.

1. Selling Tharkon's gear - No

2. Same as Del - mostly Yay. Yes for all the artwork and whatever else (unless someone wants to keep something like the already mentioned cool scabbard), but mostly No on beggar's diamonds. Sell all but 4 beggar's diamonds, divide coins and still carry at least 1 gem for each of you (Del, Pyotr, Bonegrit, Pellius)

1. I'll vote yea conditionally: That the money from the assassin's gear doesn't get split between the party members, but rather is used first on the major party equipment. Namely, the wand, tents, blunt weapons, and anything else that might truly be needed for the journey. Anything else Pyotr would feel belongs to the caravan to reimburse for the extra time and cost of staying at Freedom Town (if there is anything left).

2. Once again, conditional yea: Pyotr now has a suit of masterwork platemail (1650 gp) and a helm of valorous courage (6000 gp). So, even excluding all the other incidental things I have in inventory (and a nice horse!), I am well over the WBL for a level 2 PC. Any remaining loot should be distributed to the rest of the party. Pyotr will forgo any share.

FYI, to DM and anyone else that's interested:

The Pendragon Campaign I have just joined has already had a player drop. So, recruitment is back open for one or two players. I know Tadpole had some concerns about the DM in that game. But, after several pm's back and forth, I'm convinced that it's more an abruptness in his typing style than any actual rudeness.

That said, it seems like a really great setting if you enjoy Arthurian legend, or just low-magic style games (which I like both!).

Yea on both counts, though I think leaving our wealth under lock and key with Agiz would be the better bet. Hauling around every penny you're worth tends to be not only foolish, but cumbersome.

Thanks for your votes people. I’ve tried to come up with a solution that incorporates everyone’s thoughts.

Majority is to sell Tharkon’s gear, but Pyotr says that the profit should be used to cover costs of the expedition to the Hungry Mountains first. Thus:

Total of Tharkon’s gear (including his three beggar’s diamonds): 711 gp
Note: Tharkon’s longsword is so old and battered so only fetches 5 gp on resale.
Note: assuming you’re not selling the unidentified potion, and selling the poison will require some RP later on, so these are not included.

This goes towards the expedition purchases. I’ll say this encompasses tents, wand of cure light wounds, holy water and bludgeoning weapons. Total: 495 gp.

This leaves us with 216 gp left over. We’ll add this to the assorted loot:
• Gorumite symbol – 3 gp
• Box of gold dust – 25 gp
• Cameo – 100 gp
• Four brass figurines – 60 gp each
• Seven beggar’s diamonds worth 100 gp each.
• One beggar’s diamond worth 50 gp.
• Two beggar’s diamonds worth 120 gp each.
• I haven’t included the coins some of you are already carrying. They can stay as they are by-the-by.

As per Alagor’s suggestion, four beggar’s diamonds worth 100 gp will be kept, one carried by Del, Pel, Pyotr and Bonegrit respectively. The rest is converted to cash, leaving a total of

Pyotr’s not taking a share, so split three ways that’s 331 gp each, with 1 gp left over which we’ll give to Pyotr!

However, this means the previous email summarising loot has been superseded. What each person now has is summarised below. Please update your character sheets accordingly; I’ve updated my spreadsheet likewise.

Also, thanks for indulging me here. I know many campaigns deal with loot rather abstractly, which is a lot simpler, but as you know by now, I have some odd habits.

I've updated my character sheet but can you please check to make sure it's OK. I have in there the 'beautiful scabbard' and 'two diamonds that Pellius thinks are worth 1,000 gp'. I assume that Pellius now knows better or did those get pooled into the party loot.

And, yes, you do have some strange habits and we're trying to help you. :)

Game on!

Pel; the diamonds Pel did have were converted with the above. They were actually worth 120 gp each. This has all been factored in.

If I remember correctly, Pellius is using the beautiful scabbard and no attempt's been made to appraise it, so he's still got it. :-)

Thanks for the bookkeeping!

- DM Accountant.

I'll deposit the beggar's diamond in Agiz's keeping as well. Other than that, spot on from my end.

Guyz just FYI - today was last day before my 2 week vacation time back home, so I had an absolutelly awfull day at work, filled with requests. Could barely log on to check your posts. I'm flying tonight/tomorrow, so I'll try to post something later from airport, or tomorrow morning from Frankfurt.

Looks good. I'll leave the gold and diamond at the camp, along with Pyotr's old scale mail.

The mail can be sold later, but there's no way we would have done it after Pyotr received the platemail and before we left.

Hm, Pyotr was faster - actually I wanted to try Intimidate/Demoralize with Alagor, great way to start a fight (especially with his +10 for the attempt). However, I have 2 questions for GM, prior to trying that:

1. According to how I read the map, we are more than 30 feet away, at this time, which would make Demoralize ineffective. Is this correct?

2. I would need a full-round action for Alagor's Dazzling display to come into work; move-action to draw a sword and then standard action for Dazzling display. Not sure if I have only one partial action (surprise round) or full action?

No surprise, they're ready for you, but you can try to intimidate if you wish, we can be flexible this time.

I've always been a little fuzzy on the purpose of Dazzling Display...

It's the same check, same bonus, same action, same distance. As far as I can tell, the only thing it does is make Intimidate non-language dependent. Is there something I'm missing?

If I read it correctly Intimidate (as a skill) can only be used against a single opponent, while Dazzling Display can affect all foes in a 30 feet radius ("...all foes within 30 feet who can see your display").

Once again my first printing CRB comes back to bite me. It doesn't make any distinction. As a matter of fact, it says:

"Demoralize: You can use this skill to cause your opponents to become shaken... You can only threaten opponents in this way if they are within 30 feet and can clearly see you."

The PRD very clearly says "an opponent"... Makes much more sense, now.

Let's do our best to concentrate attacks on one or two enemies at a time. Indarl and Maxal first?

No problem on waiting. Justgot home from a 14 hour shift. Not up to tactical decisions tonight.

Blech... My timing is awful, I know... I'm heading back in for another 14+ hour shift. "What?" you say! "Less than seven hours after your last one ended?"

To which I answer, "Yes. And it gets worse."

Tomorrow is the Superbowl. For me, it is the busiest day of the year. Something close to triple the business we do on our best day the rest of the year. So, if I still have a few neurons firing, I'll get post up tonight after DM updates the condition of the battlefield. But, then, sadly... I wouldn't expect to see me until Monday...

Many, many apologies.

Ummm... HOLY NUTS!

There's probably not enough room to charge, and it probably doesn't matter... Heaven help the one I Smite!

I've seen a lot of web/entangle spells in my day. But, that may rank as the single most game changing!

Now... how to roleplay Pyotr's reaction...?

yeah, Ive been looking for the right opportunity to have Del discover this power, cannot imagine anything that would have been better for the story and the characters (thanks Tadpole for that slow easy pitch over the plate).

To this point I've been playing him as looking for a 'cure' for this thing, now Im not so sure he will be so anxious to be rid of it.........

Great display Del, I am impressed.

Now as to me stumbling and falling on my own greatsword :-( well, certanly not a nice sight, but I'm guessing DM will enjoy it.

Looks like you're victorious*, and thanks for everyone for keeping the posts coming, as I know a few of you have had busy times (as an English man, I believe the Super Bowl is some kind of giant American cookery contest). I'm also finished with my travelling, at least for the next seven days . . . after which the Great Move begins.

It was fun witnessing Del's secret power get its grand debut, and Alagor and Bonegrit seem to have avoided the grim possibility of falling on their own swords or shooting themselves in the foot respectively.

* But who can ever be sure?