(As Tam, sorry working off of College campus, just assumed some would believe some wouldnt but no I wouldnt actually continue on with a bluff check for the actual npcs just as I said in populated tavern some would some wouldnt)
Yup, someone's gotta leave a trail for the others to pick up, no worries. As I said, not actively trying to call the SWAT down on you, just progress the story.
So...just a question Aria, how would me and Tam hear about the charter?
Will be getting to that, Mordecai. No worries. I already alluded to it in the original post. Need a catalyst to get you guys together.
Ahhhhh ok thanks Aria ^^ btw LOVE the introduction to the story. Really brings home the backstory of each of our characters, makes me feel like Mordecai is more than just the tin-can of the group ^^
You are most welcome. And I plan for everyone's intro to make them feel welcome and special in the group. Sure, I'm keeping you guys to 15 pt buy, but that's so when you do excel at your tasks, it'll feel more special. I think, anyway.
My post is not really relevant, just felt like making a reaction post, as he works as a scribe for the city, and does stuff like this. Reminds me of my real life job, and the painfully slow churn of the paper mill, and how information gets warped before it gets to us :P
Damn but if I dont feel like im reading the start of a good book lol hehehehe
I suppose I will take that as a compliment. I am trying to put as much effort into making the world come alive for you guys as possible. If this means that I only post two or three times a day, and longer ones addressing as much as I suppose needs addressing, I hope this is okay with you.
Basically, my thoughts on this exercise are thus - You guys are the heroes, you drive the story. It's my job to provide the background for you to tell the story that you want to tell, so I will try to give you as much detail that you can work with as possible.
That is why I abhor a post that is just a few lines long, or just "bob replies to larry yeah, i think the pink frosted donuts taste good, too." you can't really work with that. Ocassionally, if you guys are in a heated debate I'll not be so anal about that, but... yeah.
Goodness gracious it is hot here. Southern California in summer is really just... too hot.
lol yes was a compliment :) a big one
Why, thank you. Thank you very much. I am enjoying the work thus far. Lets hope we can maintain this pace when all of you join in. :)
Im really enjoying it too Aria ur a great writer. i'm even going into college to become a writer and i gotta say if this were a book i wouldn't put it down for virtually anything ^^ its compelling already, not to pat my own back but i love being able to progress my iconic figure in the story. btw Stanis i loved ur post it made me laugh and it brought a lot of your character into play :)
Aaah, I should add a little bit of flavor. I was in band in high school, as was my dad before me. I grew up with music in our house constantly, and I tend to think in visual and audio cues, as well as listen to "mood" music while I dream up posts, so some times I might link a song that I find relevant to a particular post via youtube. You don't have to click or anything if you don't want to, just thought it might be a nice device to share where my perspective is coming from with some things, I guess.
Kingmaker PbP on online forums, a truly interactive experience. :P
I just had a thought. Those of you who are considering taking cohorts, would you mind it if I invited others from the RotRL game to come fill the spots? I mean, if they are interested. The internets make anything possible, I don't see why we should really limit ourselves here. Or would that be too much? Hrmmm...
Just a question, is the dream relevant to the story :) meaning the question as a peak of interest, if Mordecai should try and interact with it more. Mordecai, as u can prob guess, doesn't have many GOOD dreams, and he probably isn't prone to getting many in the future but this sounds both creepy and cool plus mood-building. should I post his reaction or allow others to post their own :)?
Up to you. But, it might stand to reason that if I took the time to write something up specifically for you, you could interact with it, yes, otherwise, it could continue to its conclusion if you prefer. :P
Gotcha :) leaving it entirely open to your idea but playing along Mordecai's character of never backing down. :)
Sing
*grabs some popcorn to enjoy spoiler movie*
Haha, sorry Tam, I haven't forgot about you. Go ahead and post what you would do at night, and I will get back to you. :)
no i actually was enjoying it hehe wouldnt want to interupt the dream sequence hehehe
Well, Mordecai might want to know where you'll be when he wakes up. Although, I assume that you will interact with each other when he does. :P
By the way, I'm running something, or was running something with Rohan while we're all waiting for Ryuko to get back, more retconning stuff, if you want to get in on that as well.
Are u kidding? Mordecai always wants to know where Tam is. that way he knows that he isn' getting into any MORE trouble :P like i said in my post, tam has pulled jokes on him in the past, and it helps knowing where he is if ur a warrior like Mordecai with a brother like Tam
actually aria ic thread for my game is up if you wanted to post in it
So, thoughts? I mean, obviously I can't tell you what the hell is going on, but other than compliments on my style, do you like what I've given you thus far? Are you intrigued to keep going?
Going to actually finish making James tonight. Also just realized making him as I wanted is going to be tough... kinda thinking of going with a Calistria worshipping, temple agent fighter.... That ok?
Well, tell me what it is you need to make him work as you need him to, and I'll see about accommodating you. I know that Inquisitor is not the easiest class to make... just let me know what you need.
Or what direction you want to go.
Temple agent fighter?
Aria you have just made me get shivers and I have alot of books and varying degrees of fantasy by far that creeped me out the most DO NOT STOP THIS GAME lol
Well the issue I'm seeing is... well... lack of feats equals lack of effectiveness for the whip. Not much to bonus on damage, can't even do lethal without Whip Adept, which requires another feat. I'd also like to get a few stylistic feats and Disarm/Trip, meaning Combat Expertise.... I'm just seeing a crap ton of feats to be even vaugely useful as a whip-wielder. Perhaps I'll switch to a different deity. I'll see what I can dredge up.
So you wanna go dex fighter for the extra feats to use the whips?
This is rather interesting, because I just made a fighter like this, well... not just. but dex based fighter using an elven curve blade going for critical feats and what not to be a temple fighter of calistria.
Sure dude, if you want to wield whips and what not, and that'll be fun for you, go for it.
Just have to figure out how to get the new James to be part of the party.
Well he's exactly the same James. Even planning on having him call himself an inquisitor. People are not defined by their class and he's still an agent of Calistria who works for the temple.
Haa, yeah, I was mostly thinking of the skill set. Fighters aren't exactly known for their incredible assortment of skills :P
Darnit, Tam I have Queen's "Don't Stop Me Now" stuck in my head now.
Gosh...
Well the issue I'm seeing is... well... lack of feats equals lack of effectiveness for the whip. Not much to bonus on damage, can't even do lethal without Whip Adept, which requires another feat. I'd also like to get a few stylistic feats and Disarm/Trip, meaning Combat Expertise.... I'm just seeing a crap ton of feats to be even vaugely useful as a whip-wielder. Perhaps I'll switch to a different deity. I'll see what I can dredge up.
Scorpion Whip from Adventurer's Armory. Lethal version of whip. EWP Whip allows use of both kinds. Pirahna Strike if you go finesse allows you to do more damage when you get +1 BAB.
You can do trip and disarm without the feats, as you are too far away to provoke an AoO. Sure, won't get the +2, but then again, you won't have burnt through 3 feats. Instead, I suggest get weapon focus for a +1 across the board, not just when tripping and whatnot. Half the bonus, but one third of the price. Also lets you go for dazzling display down the road, which utilizes the inquisitor's bonus to intimidate.
If you have a dex>str build, I would go for weapon finesse and probably agile maneuvers to get dex to CMB instead of str. I have a houserule that Weapon Finesse gives you Dex to CMB as well, since having to waste TWO feats to be viable as a dex combatant is kinda harsh, and kept my players from ever playing em.
Also, no need to play a fighter unless you want to be all combat, and nothing else. Inquisitor is more than adequate for the whipping build, heck even BARDS can do that right. Also consider the fact that there are two full-on casters, meaning there will be more bonuses than you'll know what to do with down the line. Considering we have 3 combatants, I intend to focus on buffs, and hope Ladislaus will do the same.
why not muilticlass James? 2 levals of inquistor good start to it then at 3rd take fighter gives you 2 feats that you could use just saying
Attack of the optimization. Those are excellent points and ones I had not considered. Thanks for saving me Stannis. Aria, would you be cool with Weapon Finesse working that way? I had intended to do much of those things. Those will work to keep me viable and I can work toward better trips/disarms as I go.
EDIT: Also, think I'm going to go with human instead of half-elf. Just mentioning if that changes anything.
EDIT EDIT: Belay that comment, changed my mind based on this being a very human heavy group already and Calistria being an elven deity. Flavor over optimization James... remember it.
Attack of the optimization. Those are excellent points and ones I had not considered. Thanks for saving me Stannis. Aria, would you be cool with Weapon Finesse working that way? I had intended to do much of those things. Those will work to keep me viable and I can work toward better trips/disarms as I go.
When the system expects you to do combat, but starves you on feats, you have to consider "cutting corners" as they say. Also, I much prefers everyone be different classes in a game. Brings more to the table, and makes everyone less expendable.
Half-elves have a lot of stuff going for them that most people tend to forget. Like low-light vision, skill bonuses and so on. Sure, human is "better" in that they are more versatile in their bonuses, but it is a poor imagination that cannot make a half-elf every bit as cool as a human.
Hey Tam, can you spoiler your answer, plix? this stuff is supposed to be between you and GM only. I mean, others are free to read if they want to follow the story, but I prefer the illusion. :P
Of course, I played with that house rule myself... with some character. Oh yeah, my rogue/wizard/AT. No problemo.
Attack of the optimization. Those are excellent points and ones I had not considered. Thanks for saving me Stannis. Aria, would you be cool with Weapon Finesse working that way? I had intended to do much of those things. Those will work to keep me viable and I can work toward better trips/disarms as I go.When the system expects you to do combat, but starves you on feats, you have to consider "cutting corners" as they say. Also, I much prefers everyone be different classes in a game. Brings more to the table, and makes everyone less expendable.
Half-elves have a lot of stuff going for them that most people tend to forget. Like low-light vision, skill bonuses and so on. Sure, human is "better" in that they are more versatile in their bonuses, but it is a poor imagination that cannot make a half-elf every bit as cool as a human.
A man after my own heart. I get annoyed that I never get barbarians in my games. Everyone calls them feat starved and avoids like the plague... I like barbarians.
Who doesn't want to play the Hulk?
I run an NPC Ulfen Guard for my husband's game. He don't talk much, but he satisfies the "I get pissed and I solve my issues by hitting things very hard," jimmies I have. Well, those that a round of L4D2 don't solve.
@aria I edited response is now spoilered lol
and what we talking bout now? plus barbarians get rage powers lol
Thanks, paizo shows me that it isn't still, though. Silly paizo.
Working on a post for your game, btw. Hopefully will be among the last for me tonight. Been a busy night for me.
Me as well, planning on sleeping as soon as I finish editing James
Swiftly scanning ponderous postings, loud Laudislaus...
Yeah. Probably best that I don't aimlessly alliterate all my posts. Anywho, I'll hopefully have Ladislaus finished by tomorrow afternoon (US Pacific Time).
Also, I will be going bufftastic, Stannis, don't you worry. Part of the fun of the Nobility domain. And I'll get back to you on the cohort tomorrow as well, Aria (unless you have something in mind that you want to go with--that works for me).
Oh, and in response to the post a page back about the Bastard trait, he'll be (fairly) well-adjusted at this point. I'm thinking of having him use the phrase "I have not the right" as a sort of personal credo (in response to the Surtava family words--"Ours is the right."). We'll see how it plays out tomorrow afternoon.
Edit: Hrrm. Actually, what do you all think of the Leadership Subdomain instead? Buff everyone for 1 round instead of 1 person for multiple rounds, and it swaps out some spells for more direct buffing. The main thought I have is that the Nobility power will be better at higher levels, but then again, I'll have other options then too.
Of course, I played with that house rule myself... with some character. Oh yeah, my rogue/wizard/AT. No problemo.
@Tam: FYI; this means you get +1 to CMB, as you base it off Dex instead of Str.
Oh yeah, since she has played with me as a GM for the last few years, I might post all the houserules I have, and see what is going up for consideration:
Vital Strike: Every feat level gives +2d6 instead of multiply base damage. This way, it is useful for any combatant, and stems the use of comically oversized weapon + enlarge person for maximum cheesecake.
Cantrips/Orisons: Casters who prepare spells rather than have them spontaneously can spend 1 hour to change them at any point during the day. Nothing more annoying than having the game grind to a "Oh, I don't have mending, so we have to set up camp and wait for the morning so I can prepare that, then another day, since I really want my detect spells."-halt.
Basic clothes worn - does not count against weight. Dunno why they moved away from this from 3.5 to PF. This kinda denies anyone with less than 12+ strength to carry around a change of clothes. Just counts for the base layer. So when people have a change of clothes (and I assume most everyone will) we are back to basic weight, without being smelly bastards in rags after a few days out in the field.
Optional Crafting Rules: I have a thing called "Making Craft Work", which is based on complexity rather than value, which deals with illogical stuff like "making a 1 lb gold sphere takes 10 times as long as making a silver sphere of the same dimensions". And reduces crafting times overall so players have a reason to take those skills and actually get something back. Otherwise, enjoy spending a year in-game making a suit of plate.
I might have more, but those are the ones I remember off the top of my head.
@Ladislaus: So, Travel(Trade) and Nobility(Vanilla) domains then? Cool. Makes for a good treasurer, or even ruler.
Well thankya. Also considering the Leadership subdomain instead of vanilla Nobility (noted in edit above). Any thoughts on that?
No hurry about the cohort, Ladislaus. I know hubby ran it that we could, if we wanted to, design our own. This NPC I made might be perfect for what ya'll need, though, which is a co-ruler type to just fap about lording over people while you're out putting the hurt on bad things.
But again, lemme know what you're looking for. Since you're the only to express interest in it so far, I want to give you a variety of options.
Alright, James is a bit more fleshed out now, just need his discription, history and equipment up. Going to bed for tonight, will likely finish tomorrow. Aria, is there anything you'd like me to work toward with history so that I work into the story a little easier for you?
Are you doubting my "make stuff up on the fly-foo?" *giggles*
Actually, the intro is a bit on the rails, as I have mentioned in a previous post, because sometimes you just gotta. As soon as you and Ladislaus get me histories/the questions, I can start working on your intro proper.
Okay gentlemen, the time has come for this old woman to get some sleep. Tam and Mordecai, it was excellent starting off this adventure with you. I am happy that you are pleased with/approve of my efforts thus far. If you want to continue with social RP of what you would like to do today in the morning, that is cool. I can work stuff into the story, because I am that good.
Goodnight, all.
Well thankya. Also considering the Leadership subdomain instead of vanilla Nobility (noted in edit above). Any thoughts on that?
Leadership is the militarized version of Nobility, and meshes well with the coordinated/defensive approach Abadar favors. And the spells are less selfish buff in favor of party buff, which is all well and good.
EDIT: Added more houserules for discussion.
EDIT EDIT: Huh. Apparently not. Goddamn. New post, just to be sure.
Kingdom building houserules:
Organic: People need to eat. A city of 12 buildings (3 complete blocks) NEEDS a granary to remain self-sufficient through the winter. A lack of such increases unrest by 1 every phase during the winter months. Upon construction, a granary reduces unrest by 2, and serves as a farm hex from that point onward, reducing consumption by 1. (A silver lining for forcing people to build a structure that mechanically is complete garbage)
Industry:
Mine: (6 BP): Instead of building a farm hex, you can build a mine in hills or mountains. Economy +1, Stability +1. The bonuses are doubled if the hex contains a "resource" like gold, marble, gems, or iron ore: Economy +2, Stability +2.
Camp: (6 BP): Instead of building a farm hex, you can build a logging camp and mill in forests or a fishing camp in swamps or next to a river. Economy +1, Stability +1. The benefit is doubled if the hex contains a "resource" like rare lumber, herbs, or fish: +2 Economy, +2 Stability.
Trading Post (6 BP; cannot be built within 3 hexes of a city; must be adjacent to road or river): Trading posts are places established for the purchase, sale, and exchange of goods along and at the junctions of roads, rivers, and other travel venues, or in far-flung places where specific sorts of commodities can be obtained. Does not count as a city; Economy +1, Stability +1.
Fort (6 BP; cannot be built within 3 hexes of a city): Cost is halved if built over an area with an existing Lair or Cave. Instead of building a farm hex, a fort can be built in any hex. Does not count as a city; Stability +1, Unrest -1; (supports up to a Medium Army); If the hex is attacked, +2 Defense.
Fortified Trading Post: (16BP) Has same restrictions as, and both benefits of fort and trading post.
Terraforming (24 BP per hex): Convert a hex from plains or hills into forest; convert a swamp or hills into plains. The conversion takes 12 months before you can treat the hex as the new terrain type; removing a forest hex gives the kingdom 1d6 BPs each of 12 months. Make a Kingdom Event roll each month a forest his terraformed; and once all terraforming is completed.
Rename and refluff: If you want to build something new and exciting in the city, find something that would give similar bonuses, and call it something else. Like a brothel could be "Turkish baths", a tanner could be a "butcher", and a pier could be a "Caravan Post" (minus the water requirement), etc.