GM Neirikr's "The Masque of Quarters" (Inactive)

Game Master Neirikr

"Don't you know that a midnight hour comes when everyone has to take off his mask?"

The Forgotten Track


1 to 50 of 394 << first < prev | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | next > last >>

Greetings and felicitations! Dot into the gameplay thread and delete so you know when we're getting started. You know the deal.


Intense.
Suitably dark music


There we go. Use the present tense, please, unless you are describing past events within the narrative.


Raveen Liquean wrote:
Does my perception check also cover hidden traps? If so, it could include a +1 bonus to be 24

Technically yes, though the intent of the roll was to get a general sense of the space. At least there aren't any traps in the floor or walls Raveen could see from where he was lying. Looking for traps on the door would take more time, and a separate roll.

I'll just address the rest of your questions here, to save some time. Raveen has only a brief while to explore before the bell, regardless.

On Activities:
Raveen Liquean wrote:
1. Checks on his bandages--why is he bandaged from the chest to the arm, and how does the injury look like it was caused?

As Myrna alluded, the wounds seem to have required stitching. That would indicate slashing trauma, but the full extent of the damage is hard to judge without removing the bandages. There's some fresh blood on the linen, so the injuries can't be too old.

Mechanically, Raveen is at half his hitpoints, and has the fatigued condition.

Raveen Liquean wrote:
2. Can he walk?

Yes, he is able to stand up as soon as he knows not to put his weight on his wounded arm. Likewise, he is able to walk, though every step is painful.

Raveen Liquean wrote:
3. Can the pile of rags (Raveen assumes is his bed) be used to provide a modicum of cover or concealment?

Not really, no. The pile consists of a few ratty blankets, full of holes and barely large enough to cover Raveen's body. Certainly not enough to block out bright light.

There's totally some fleas, as well. :P

Raveen Liquean wrote:
4. Are there any objects that Raveen can use as a pen or paper, or even carve something in the stone wall (possibly by another stone)?
Raveen Liquean wrote:
5. Are there any objects Raveen can hide on him as a weapon or lockpick (or roughly craft them)? Raveen is more inclined to woodwork (carpentry), but he can improvise.

There's the bucket, which could be broken into splinters to make a fragile shiv, or something like that. Its absence would be rather conspicious, however, and it couldn't mark the solid stone walls. They are more like granite than sandstone, to get you an idea of what you're dealing with. There's some straw on the floor, which might be used to write something, perhaps using blood as ink. That's hardly ideal, though, and there isn't really a surface to write on save for the floor and walls.

Raveen Liquean wrote:
6. The doctor seems like another prisoner, who is given healing tools so she can treat fellow prisoners. Does Raveen sense that (through Sense Motive or by the way she handles her tools)?

That's a reasonable theory. She seems proficient enough, though perhaps nor professional in the "academically trained" sense. Other than that, you'd probably have to ask her, or at least see her work some more.

Grand Lodge

Male Humanoid (Human) Rogue 3, Wizard 2, HP 47/47 (AC15, t14, f11; +5R,+8R,+6W, Perception +9 (+10 danger sense), Sense Motive +8, Stealth +14)

This is really cool so far!

For some reason, I get the feeling that the orb in Raveen's cell is the sunlight mirror re-purposed. If so, talk about irony.

Also, Raveen wants to see if any other prisoners also have the runic manacles--and if they cast anything.


Good to hear that you're enjoying it. I'm having a blast as well. :)

BTW, just checking before we move on: Raveen doesn't seem to have any ranks in Knowledge (arcana). How come? That's what you would use to know stuff about magical theory (as opposed to the practical applications associated with Spellcraft), so I want to make sure were on the same page before I tell you anything about the manacles. As far as I know, Spellcraft won't give you much information without casting detect magic.

Grand Lodge

Male Humanoid (Human) Rogue 3, Wizard 2, HP 47/47 (AC15, t14, f11; +5R,+8R,+6W, Perception +9 (+10 danger sense), Sense Motive +8, Stealth +14)

I'm actually not sure. It must have accidentally dropped during editing.


Well, let me know what your bonus is. We can use your Spellcraft rolls, but switch them out to Knowledge (arcana).

Grand Lodge

Male Humanoid (Human) Rogue 3, Wizard 2, HP 47/47 (AC15, t14, f11; +5R,+8R,+6W, Perception +9 (+10 danger sense), Sense Motive +8, Stealth +14)

It's +7. I've corrected it on my sheet (and found that I've erroneously allotted one extra skill point).


Gotcha, thanks.


There. Sorry about the novel, but I needed to get you all the way down, and there's a lot of stuff along the way.

Also, I might have way too much time on my hands now that I'm done with my thesis. :P

Grand Lodge

Male Humanoid (Human) Rogue 3, Wizard 2, HP 47/47 (AC15, t14, f11; +5R,+8R,+6W, Perception +9 (+10 danger sense), Sense Motive +8, Stealth +14)

Well, you won't see me complaining. :D

Grand Lodge

Male Humanoid (Human) Rogue 3, Wizard 2, HP 47/47 (AC15, t14, f11; +5R,+8R,+6W, Perception +9 (+10 danger sense), Sense Motive +8, Stealth +14)

To make things easier, I'll ask for in-game clarifications here instead of making it necessary for you to hunt for them in my gameplay posts.

1. Is Raveen's hair shorter or longer than how he usually has it? It usually reaches just above his shoulders, which he has in a low ponytail. This can sort of indicate to him how long he was imprisoned--I don't presume they'd give such broken prisoners razors to shave with. :D
2. Since Raveen began making his own blood-tally, I presume he isn't faced with D.25 (day 25) under his bed. That'll be something.
Myrna said she saw Raveen, but I doubt it was for a long time.
3. Can Raveen get a sense if one of the prisoners has innate or talent in magic, like a sorcerer (or any caster) or a race with spell-like abilities? This might be a tad cruel, but Raveen would like to provoke said person to use their magic and see how the prison/guards reacts.
Knowing what Raveen does about sorcerers (dangerous individuals with a tendency to explode), the guards might not react so violently if they were used to it.
4. Does the bell above the shaft have any ropes to make it ring, or is it hanging suspended? I'm asking to know if the runes on the bell are what make it ring--in which case the manacles (or the magic network, so to speak) is more complex than it appears.
5. Does Raveen see Myrna in the throng?


Raveen Liquean wrote:
To make things easier, I'll ask for in-game clarifications here instead of making it necessary for you to hunt for them in my gameplay posts.

Makes sense. That's what the discussion thread is for.

Raveen Liquean wrote:
1. Is Raveen's hair shorter or longer than how he usually has it? It usually reaches just above his shoulders, which he has in a low ponytail. This can sort of indicate to him how long he was imprisoned--I don't presume they'd give such broken prisoners razors to shave with. :D

His hair doesn't seem notably longer than usual, though it has become too messy and tangled to tell for certain. He doesn't seem to have had a bath in a week or so, at the very least.

Raveen Liquean wrote:

2. Since Raveen began making his own blood-tally, I presume he isn't faced with D.25 (day 25) under his bed. That'll be something.

Myrna said she saw Raveen, but I doubt it was for a long time.

The cell holds no signs of having been occupied by Raveen for an extended period of time. Either someone has been very thorough in removing them, or he has been brought there only recently... -ish.

Raveen Liquean wrote:

3. Can Raveen get a sense if one of the prisoners has innate or talent in magic, like a sorcerer (or any caster) or a race with spell-like abilities? This might be a tad cruel, but Raveen would like to provoke said person to use their magic and see how the prison/guards reacts.

Knowing what Raveen does about sorcerers (dangerous individuals with a tendency to explode), the guards might not react so violently if they were used to it.

Technically, yes. I mean, you have a class ability that allows you to recognise such things, but currently all of the prisoners have been stripped of whatever might have marked them as belonging to a certain class. There aren't any gnomes or other races with spell-like abilities, that much seems certain.

You can certainly attempt either your class ability or some other check to try and recognise any possible casters, but it will be slightly harder due to the circumstances. You'll also have to keep avoiding the attention of the guards as you do. We'll get to that once you're done chatting with your new friends...

Raveen Liquean wrote:
4. Does the bell above the shaft have any ropes to make it ring, or is it hanging suspended? I'm asking to know if the runes on the bell are what make it ring--in which case the manacles (or the magic network, so to speak) is more complex than it appears.

The exact ringing mechanism is hard to make out from a hundred feet away, but the bell does seem to be hanging from a series of large chains connecting it to structures above it. The symbols on the bell aren't glowing, currently.

Raveen Liquean wrote:
5. Does Raveen see Myrna in the throng?

She is nowhere to be seen.

Grand Lodge

Male Humanoid (Human) Rogue 3, Wizard 2, HP 47/47 (AC15, t14, f11; +5R,+8R,+6W, Perception +9 (+10 danger sense), Sense Motive +8, Stealth +14)
Vision of the Fifteenth Step wrote:

Technically, yes. I mean, you have a class ability that allows you to recognise such things, but currently all of the prisoners have been stripped of whatever might have marked them as belonging to a certain class. There aren't any gnomes or other races with spell-like abilities, that much seems certain.

You can certainly attempt either your class ability or some other check to try and recognise any possible casters, but it will be slightly harder due to the circumstances. You'll also have to keep avoiding the attention of the guards as you do. We'll get to that once you're done chatting with your new friends...

And what an interesting bunch of friends they seem to be.

Vision of the Fifteenth Step wrote:
The exact ringing mechanism is hard to make out from a hundred feet away, but the bell does seem to be hanging from a series of large chains connecting it to structures above it. The symbols on the bell aren't glowing, currently.

Alright. That's good.

Last question: does Raveen find the work more focused on extracting certain minerals, or excavating the rock for space?
It could also be the primary purpose of this work is to exhaust the prisoners and keep them under control.

Grand Lodge

Male Humanoid (Human) Rogue 3, Wizard 2, HP 47/47 (AC15, t14, f11; +5R,+8R,+6W, Perception +9 (+10 danger sense), Sense Motive +8, Stealth +14)

Also, Raveen will spend some of his time mining in disguise-crafting a stone pen or getting a piece of charcoal.
I'm thinking carving it into the wall or tinkering on it when no one is noticing.

Grand Lodge

Male Humanoid (Human) Rogue 3, Wizard 2, HP 47/47 (AC15, t14, f11; +5R,+8R,+6W, Perception +9 (+10 danger sense), Sense Motive +8, Stealth +14)

Edit: Raveen is mostly listening to Andrzej and his surroundings. Being exhausted, his attempts at sneakily doing stuff is limited.


Raveen Liquean wrote:
Raveen turns to work unless Andrzej has something else to say.

Not right now, no.

Here's how we'll go about this: you certainly have time to accomplish things while working, though your time is limited—just describe whatever you're doing in the gameplay thread, and give me a roll. Merely listening in to conversations is a simple Perception check, pocketing a piece of stone would be a Sleight of Hand check, etc. The workdays will be divided into two ~6 hour chunks, basically giving you a chance to accomplish two such tasks (or activities) a day.

Some other possible activities:

  • Appraise to determine what sorts of ores and minerals you are mining
  • Bluff to pass messages to prisoners elsewhere in the throng (Andrzej might be able to help you with this)
  • Diplomacy or Intimidate to squeeze favours out of other prisoners (after establishing a method of communication)
  • Relevant Craft checks to fashion crude tools or weapons from available materials (perhaps more easily accomplished in your cell)
  • Disable Device or Escape Artist to try freeing yourself or others (probably not a wise move right off the bat)
  • Perception or Sense Motive to find out more about your surroundings, as applicable
  • Survival to scavenge materials from the mines (assuming you have a chance to move about more freely)

Of course, those are just suggestions—feel free to come up with more. Talking to Andrzej and/or Pike is free, since they're right there. Knowledge checks don't require an activity, and neither do social rolls made during an immediate conversation (such as your chat with Andrzej). When using skills such as Knowledge or Perception, it's good to specify what you're trying to accomplish, so I can give you the relevant information—broader queries will results in more general answers.

Doing anything that takes a considerable amount of time off work requires an accompanying Bluff or Stealth check to avoid attention—Andrzej's presence effectively gives you the benefits of the aid another action on these checks. These don't necessarily make you fail your primary activity, but might result in separate consequences. Remember that Raveen is currently fatigued (not exhausted!), which affects any Dexterity- and Strength-based ability and skill checks he might make.

Whatever you decide to do, I do require a Constitution check to see how Raveen fares at the end of the day. You'll have a chance to do things in your cell in the evenings, but being completely exhausted from work might limit those actions. The DC is 10 to begin with, and will be modified according to the circumstances. Note that the fatigued condition does not affect Constitution-based checks.

Grand Lodge

Male Humanoid (Human) Rogue 3, Wizard 2, HP 47/47 (AC15, t14, f11; +5R,+8R,+6W, Perception +9 (+10 danger sense), Sense Motive +8, Stealth +14)

Gotcha. I've made a post right now.

Grand Lodge

Male Humanoid (Human) Rogue 3, Wizard 2, HP 47/47 (AC15, t14, f11; +5R,+8R,+6W, Perception +9 (+10 danger sense), Sense Motive +8, Stealth +14)

I attack the gazebo!


1 person marked this as a favorite.

No gazebos so far, dreadful or otherwise. :P


Raveen Liquean wrote:
I will change the plan for the first segment of the second 6-hour block. It will be used to craft a feeding bowl rather than gathering information. Raveen is a good carpenter (+8), and he can't comfortably deny Andrzej's his food.

That's very thoughtful of you—and certainly a good way to win Andrzej's trust—but I don't think Raveen has the tools or materials to achieve such a feat. First, you would have to acquire them. Just write me a new pair of actions, if that's something you'd like to pursue instead of what you wrote previously.


Raveen Liquean wrote:
I believe the DC for a typical item is 10, making this a high-quality item.

That it might be if Raveen had the time, tools, or materials required, but he is short on all of the above: the working conditions are hardly ideal, there is little wood to be found just lying around, and a pickaxe is not an ideal tool for carpentry. The result is still adequate enough, since the task is so simple—creating a roughly concave piece of wood is hardly rocket science.

Had you used your activities to acquire tools or materials, and/or worked in your cell during the evening, the result might have been better. Not that there is much to be gained from making a really fancy bowl in this particular situation, but for future reference, that's how I see these things working out.

Grand Lodge

Male Humanoid (Human) Rogue 3, Wizard 2, HP 47/47 (AC15, t14, f11; +5R,+8R,+6W, Perception +9 (+10 danger sense), Sense Motive +8, Stealth +14)

That explains the -5. Got it.

Grand Lodge

Male Humanoid (Human) Rogue 3, Wizard 2, HP 47/47 (AC15, t14, f11; +5R,+8R,+6W, Perception +9 (+10 danger sense), Sense Motive +8, Stealth +14)

Is it plausible that Raveen covers his work by pretending to sharpen his pickaxe or pick his toenails?
I can sense a beating coming if she doesn't buy it. :|


Beating or stabbing, depending on how badly you flubbed the roll. Thankfully, you didn't. ;)

Grand Lodge

1 person marked this as a favorite.
Male Humanoid (Human) Rogue 3, Wizard 2, HP 47/47 (AC15, t14, f11; +5R,+8R,+6W, Perception +9 (+10 danger sense), Sense Motive +8, Stealth +14)

Give bowl, gain meme.


Andzrej would most likely be of the Star Arcana. Or maybe the Fool? ;P

Whenever you're ready to end the workday, give me a DC 10 Constitution check to see how tired you are. The base DC is 8, with modifiers according to various circumstances. Right now you're fatigued and wounded, raising the DC by one respectively.

Edit: I should probably explain the whole introductions thing, shouldn't I? Now that you know the basics of communication and have established at least a few contacts, you are able to look for information and services on your own. You can still ask Andrzej for help, of course, sparing your activities for other things—but then he's involved, for better or worse. Rather than introducing a bunch of NPCs all at once, I'll do so as you require certain types of people for whatever reason.

Grand Lodge

Male Humanoid (Human) Rogue 3, Wizard 2, HP 47/47 (AC15, t14, f11; +5R,+8R,+6W, Perception +9 (+10 danger sense), Sense Motive +8, Stealth +14)

Sun (optimism, may follow Desna), Star (also confidence and hopefulness), Emperor (troubled by personal issues), or Hanged Man (hanging between extremes), I think.

Question: Did Raveen get anything from his Sense Motive versus Andrzej on the topic of spellcasters?
Also, Raveen wants to know about Myrna (count it as included in the general inquiry about prisoners).

General
So I'm paired with Andrzej and Pike normally unless I volunteer for spelunking, in which case I have an increased degree of freedom--such as finding more resources, more time away from sight, at the risk of combat or death.
Makes perfect sense.


Raveen Liquean wrote:
Sun (optimism, may follow Desna), Star (also confidence and hopefulness), Emperor (troubled by personal issues), or Hanged Man (hanging between extremes), I think.

Hmm. The others might fit, but definitely not the Emperor. Andrzej has some profound issues with patriarchal authority and power structures.

Raveen Liquean wrote:
Question: Did Raveen get anything from his Sense Motive versus Andrzej on the topic of spellcasters?

Just what's written under the spoiler tag—make of it what you will.

Raveen Liquean wrote:
Also, Raveen wants to know about Myrna (count it as included in the general inquiry about prisoners).

Assuming that Raveen mentions her by name, Andrzej will readily identify her as another convict, one that is tasked with healing injured prisoners. As far as he knows, Myrna requested the posting herself. Before her tenure, the prisoners had no access to healing of any kind (as the priests of Razmir are quite stingy with their curative magic), but she somehow managed to persuade someone higher up that it was necessary. Though she is somewhat aloof, Andrzej has nothing but good to say about her: many of the people in the throng would be dead without her expertise. He has no idea what she is originally in for, though—she doesn't like talking about herself.

Raveen Liquean wrote:

So I'm paired with Andrzej and Pike normally unless I volunteer for spelunking, in which case I have an increased degree of freedom--such as finding more resources, more time away from sight, at the risk of combat or death.

Makes perfect sense.

Just so.

Grand Lodge

Male Humanoid (Human) Rogue 3, Wizard 2, HP 47/47 (AC15, t14, f11; +5R,+8R,+6W, Perception +9 (+10 danger sense), Sense Motive +8, Stealth +14)

Maybe Andrzej is emperor the same way Kanji is one?


Sorry about the brief lull in posting. Midsummer celebrations really took it out of me.

Persona does tend to do the thing where the person representing a certain Arcana is somehow in opposition to—or struggling with—the qualities they are expected to embody. Of course, such reversals are also a possibility in fortune telling, depending on the method. I was going off of a more traditional reading of the Tarot, where The Star exemplifies inspiration and hope, as well as sharing those things with others—being a guiding light, as it were.

That is very much what Andrzej is about: he is in opposition to authority because authority benefits from stamping out his chosen virtues, not because of some inner conflict with is own authoritativeness. The Star is not a card of definite, practical solutions, and accordingly, Andrzej is not a leader. That's where Raveen comes in.

Grand Lodge

Male Humanoid (Human) Rogue 3, Wizard 2, HP 47/47 (AC15, t14, f11; +5R,+8R,+6W, Perception +9 (+10 danger sense), Sense Motive +8, Stealth +14)

Makes sense, going traditionally. Of course, more character traits will appear later with interaction--as they are with Myrna (the melancholy, silent strength, sympathetic determination).
Midsummer--sounds nice. Seasons over here range from midsummer (as in literal middle of summer) to midwinter (middle of winter). :D

Grand Lodge

Male Humanoid (Human) Rogue 3, Wizard 2, HP 47/47 (AC15, t14, f11; +5R,+8R,+6W, Perception +9 (+10 danger sense), Sense Motive +8, Stealth +14)

Guile points (like some other class points) are usually spent before knowing the result.
Is it fine to choose to use the point after seeing the result? PBP has its quirks, and one is seeing your roll in the preview.


Yeah, don't worry about it. Not much we can do about it, and it doesn't really break anything. It's still a finite resource you have to use strategically, even more so since you're alone.

Grand Lodge

Male Humanoid (Human) Rogue 3, Wizard 2, HP 47/47 (AC15, t14, f11; +5R,+8R,+6W, Perception +9 (+10 danger sense), Sense Motive +8, Stealth +14)

That club strike knocks the wind outta Raveen, I tell you what.
Does Raveen get the chance to notice the individual markings on the door, though?

Quote:
There seem to be individual marking on some of the doors, but you are unable to have a proper look at them.

From here.

Edit: Can Raveen use Stealth instead of Bluff if he makes his check from a point of cover or concealment? My Bluff isn't as good as my Stealth.


Raveen Liquean wrote:
Does Raveen get the chance to notice the individual markings on the door, though?

Oh yeah, thanks for the reminder. He sure does. To put it succinctly, some of the cell doors are marked with various arcane sigils, carved and painted into either the doors themselves, and/or their frames. Most doors have no markings, and most of the ones that do have ones that are identical to others, but a notable minority seem to be unique. In addition to your own, these latter cases include the cells of your new friends Andrzej and Pike, but also those of the dwarf and Friar Keyes, for example. Even without being able to look at them more closely, I think Raveen would be able to deduce that these are magical traps, intended to keep the occupant contained in one way or another. Some of the more dangerous and hard-to-contain prisoners must have customised safeguards.

Raveen Liquean wrote:
Can Raveen use Stealth instead of Bluff if he makes his check from a point of cover or concealment? My Bluff isn't as good as my Stealth.

Sure, but as you imply, that depends on the circumstances: both what you're doing (and whether it is mostly mental or physical) and what's going on around you (such as the amount of guards on patrol, lighting conditions, and other prisoners who might be providing auditory or visual distractions). I don't think Stealth would be applicable when gawking around in the throng while being led down, for example, but if you're physically doing something in the mines themselves, there are definitely moments when you're not being observed by guards directly. There's also a lot of noise, with all that picking going on.

~

Just as a heads up, I'll be at my friend's summer cottage from Wednesday 'til Sunday, and probably won't be posting during that time due to a lack of internet. I may be able to get a post or two in before I'm off, but I might disappear for a few days after that.

Grand Lodge

Male Humanoid (Human) Rogue 3, Wizard 2, HP 47/47 (AC15, t14, f11; +5R,+8R,+6W, Perception +9 (+10 danger sense), Sense Motive +8, Stealth +14)

Gotcha

Grand Lodge

Male Humanoid (Human) Rogue 3, Wizard 2, HP 47/47 (AC15, t14, f11; +5R,+8R,+6W, Perception +9 (+10 danger sense), Sense Motive +8, Stealth +14)

Plans
I have a couple of plots and ploys floating around, but executing each requires preparation and information. In some may, I'll try to lay out a couple here to see if we're on the same page, keep engagement clear, and determine whether or not Raveen noticed potential for each.
I'll rank the plans from high-risk/high-reward grand plans to mere maneuvers.

1. Escalate to Freedom. As a mine, minerals and refuse come and go. Since the materials are escalated to the top floor Raveen can see (let's call it the 'bell floor', it seems as the prime avenue for escape.
Method. There are several ways, but start with being freed from the grounding iron stake, involve getting into a cart, being carted to the elevator, and coming out on the top floor.
Concerns. It is unknown whether or not Raveen can still cast spells. He didn't yet, and prefers to see (or compel) someone to cast one for him (which is why he's asking about Keyes and is trying to see if he channels). Without casting, this plot is doomed to fail, because getting into a cart requires an ally who will push the cart without revealing Raveen (such as by being charmed or willing), as well as cover (illusion of rocks and impure minerals), invisibility or concealment on the elevator, and the ability to improvise on the top floor.

2. Grand Switcheroo. A plan depending heavily on the arcane, Raveen needs Nalutari for this one. The ring and manacles (as well as the control rod and bell) are the instruments of Raveen's plans.
Method: Raveen must weave a spell (or have contact with the control rod) to switch the effective roles of the ring and manacles. The two are linked (with one being the receiver and one being the detector), so switching the link to make every ring a manacle (and every manacle a ring) will allow Raveen to use the bell to cripple every character wearing the ring. Using the rod, he can disable or break the manacles, allowing the psychological element to vanish and cause a prison riot, riding the wave to freedom.
Concerns. Despite having good UMD and a knowledgeable teacher, it is unknown if this trick can be pulled off with any reliable result. Furthermore, this requires defeating or stealing the rod from the warden and getting to the top floor, which might require a plan in of itself.

3. Compliance. A plan that is based on the fact that Raveen's memories are already messed up, and is quite a daring one. Raveen could choose to join the ranks of the priesthood.
Method: Simply declaring that he will bend knee or pledge himself to the Living God during the daily call. Not everyone who claimed he will join returned, and those who returned are different. This implies more mind-messing shenanigans, but it is possible that Raveen the illusionist and investigator can have a mental safeguard (such as using self-hypnosis on himself and concealing his true self until a trigger).
Effectively, Raveen will try to 'hide himself' in a mental safe house so that any rewiring is done without him being affected.
Concerns: Andrzej's warning is still too fresh for Raveen to risk without more investigation on to how the memory modification is done (psychic magic, music, good old mundane torture and hypnosis), and must be wary to not risk his enemies performing a good enough job that Raveen's true self is trapped behind an unbreakable wall. As magical hypnosis goes, this requires Raveen to be able to cast spells unmolested.

4. The Myrna Way. Myrna has tried several times to escape and was punished, but has considerably more freedom than other inmates due to her talent in healing. This could be the key to victory.
Method: Showcase Raveen's own talent in carpentry (+8), alchemy (+8), or even perform (+5) if desperate enough.
Since underground mining shafts requires support columns (to support the roof), which are most commonly made of wood, carpentry can come in handy.
Alchemy is also useful to make items like grease, minor potions, plaster, cement, and water purification sponges.
In a pinch, Raveen can whistle or play a merry tune on a flute (though he will hate himself for doing so).
Concerns: Although this might give him freedoms, it will also increase the attention on him, which might make escaping harder.


I don't have the time for a full breakdown, but I'll comment on each plan briefly... Nevermind... :P

Plan #1 has some risks, mainly having to do with Raveen's ignorance of what's above. It has the benefit of being relatively simple, without a lot of variables outside the previously mentioned lack of information. Leaving so much hanging on a couple of spells that could be seen through by a more observant or strongly willed individual is always a gamble, however, so having a back-up plan for that eventuality could be useful.

Plan #2 is very ambitious, but theoretically sound. If Raveen was able to get his hands on the control rod, I would absolutely allow for a UMD check to switch things around, so you can at least count on being able to do something with it. Nalutari's whereabouts are currently a mystery, so don't count on her help. Getting the control rod is a big challenge, but definitely doable. You probably won't be able to do it alone, though, especially if you're planning on fighting the warden.

Plan #3 is very risky. Raveen might be strong-willed, but as it is, he doesn't really have the tools to keep the warden from poking around in his mind. He'd be at the mercy of his Will saves, basically, and everything he is planning might be laid bare. This and Plan #1 may be a valid methods of getting to the warden for some other scheme (such as Plan #2), but hardly plans in and of themselves. I definitely wouldn't recommend doing either unprepared.

Plan #4 would definitely be a good method for gaining some more freedom, though Raveen would have to find a way to convince the higher ups that he is useful enough elsewhere to make up for the fact that he is considered to be a high-risk prisoner. Myrna is very much an exception, but getting a temporary assignment for some specific purpose might be doable. If you can pull it off, this might be a way to get through the first hurdle of Plan #1 (being literally nailed to the ground).

One thing I'd like to point out is the fact that none of these plans fully utilise potential allies amongst the convicts. The chances of Raveen escaping on his own are slim, if not impossible. Additionally, any contacts he makes here would also be useful in realising his plans outside the prison, though he might currently be a bit unclear as to what they are. Still, he is in hostile territory without any allies, and even if he doesn't end up leading a revolt, a couple of accomplices wouldn't hurt.

Edit: As for whether or not he can cast spells, Raveen is definitely aware that he currently doesn't have any memorised. That's something I think I should make clear. Compelling someone else to cast a spell before you attempt the same is a good precaution, but he also needs to get a chance to prepare his own before he can do the same, in addition to procuring any potential material components.

Grand Lodge

Male Humanoid (Human) Rogue 3, Wizard 2, HP 47/47 (AC15, t14, f11; +5R,+8R,+6W, Perception +9 (+10 danger sense), Sense Motive +8, Stealth +14)

@Plans:
*Rubs hands suspiciously*

All right...

@Allies: True, none of my plans involve allies yet. Raveen is still in the process of gaining new allies and establishing trust with existing ones. Once I know the talents of every one, we can start folding them into a plan or another.

@Spells: Right...Raveen has already used all his spells, and needs to prepare to regain use of his slots.
I actually forgot about that. Too many 5e made me forget that you don't automatically regain your spell slots after rest.
This raises a question: Is the memory mess-up from the point of capture? Can Raveen remember anything up to that?
I believe the starry dream at the beginning is Raveen's lingering impression from the memory modification, but I need to know whether Raveen remembers how he was captured, and whether he remembers what he came to do before captured (namely the cursed spellbook).

Grand Lodge

Male Humanoid (Human) Rogue 3, Wizard 2, HP 47/47 (AC15, t14, f11; +5R,+8R,+6W, Perception +9 (+10 danger sense), Sense Motive +8, Stealth +14)

My post will follow the answer once you're back.


I have returned from the trackless wilderness of Satakunta! What an amazing trip: five straight days of roleplaying games and sauna. Exhausting, but totally worth it.

Now, back to business...

Raveen Liquean wrote:
@Spells: Right...Raveen has already used all his spells, and needs to prepare to regain use of his slots.

Did he actually use them himself, though? Wizards prepare their spells through memorisation of arcane formulae, and Raveen's recollections of the past are hardly reliable right now...

Raveen Liquean wrote:

This raises a question: Is the memory mess-up from the point of capture? Can Raveen remember anything up to that?

I believe the starry dream at the beginning is Raveen's lingering impression from the memory modification, but I need to know whether Raveen remembers how he was captured, and whether he remembers what he came to do before captured (namely the cursed spellbook).

The last thing Raveen remembers clearly is boarding a vessel to the city of Xer, located in southern Razmiran. The point of departure is up to you, depending on where you think he would have ended up after leaving Westcrown—likely one of the nations surrounding Lake Encarthan, or along the Sellen River to the east. Raveen does recall being after a cursed spellbook of some ill repute, and that it was last seen in the possession of a Nidalese scholar who had been doing research on the Isle of Terror. Any details beyond that (such as the name of the book or its former owner) are hazy. Whatever happened to him after embarking is a complete blank.

You're free to roll Intelligence checks to remember more, or rather, piece things together by correlating whatever fragmented memories Raveen might have left—much like a Knowledge check, in that more specific queries yield more specific answers. Of course, this has its limits.

Grand Lodge

Male Humanoid (Human) Rogue 3, Wizard 2, HP 47/47 (AC15, t14, f11; +5R,+8R,+6W, Perception +9 (+10 danger sense), Sense Motive +8, Stealth +14)

Sounds nice. I'm travelling to Turkey myself this weekend (13-17).

@Memories: Clear, sir. I'll make the checks in that case.

DM Vision wrote:
Plan #4 would definitely be a good method for gaining some more freedom, though Raveen would have to find a way to convince the higher ups that he is useful enough elsewhere to make up for the fact that he is considered to be a high-risk prisoner. Myrna is very much an exception, but getting a temporary assignment for some specific purpose might be doable. If you can pull it off, this might be a way to get through the first hurdle of Plan #1 (being literally nailed to the ground).

I forgot to follow up on the alternative Plan#4--if he donates his spellcasting services as the other caster prisoners, he may even get an opportunity to regain his spells, but will have understandably higher degree of oversight.

At the same time, the fact that he can channel magic is clear--his prison is equipped with anti-magic anyway, so it's not like they don't already know.


What are you up to in Turkey? I've been there once on a family vacation, when I was twelve or so. Sadly, that trip was kind of limited to a resort location. Not a very, uh... authentic experience.

Raveen Liquean wrote:

First 3-hour period

Actions
Scavenge
It'll either be automatic, sleight of hand (+14), stealth (+15), or survival (+9)
Raveen seeks out a few inconspicuous materials.

Please advise if there is a discarded shoe or a bit of leather of any type can be found in the vicinity near me or my allies, as well as a few small balanced stones.

There are stones aplenty, certainly. A piece of leather, maybe. Let's say there's a 25% chance you'll find something that fits the description...

Less than 25%?: 1d100 ⇒ 70 ~ Nope.

Raveen Liquean wrote:

Second 3-hour period

Question: Is it possible for Raveen to have some rest done? The last club left him sore, and he needs his evening slot to craft.

Not really, no. Even if he wouldn't get beaten up for slacking off, the environment is far too cramped and noisy for Raveen to relax.

With that knowledge, would you like to rethink your actions?

Grand Lodge

Male Humanoid (Human) Rogue 3, Wizard 2, HP 47/47 (AC15, t14, f11; +5R,+8R,+6W, Perception +9 (+10 danger sense), Sense Motive +8, Stealth +14)

@Turkey: For adventure and glory!
...with a side of hair transplant :D
The good thing in Istanbul is that public transportation is very cheap, and Google is readily available, so making everything authentic is possible easily.
That reminds me--most people who travel to Egypt either hit resorts (such as Sharam El Sheikh) or hit downtown, between the extremes of isolated reservations and the insufferable bustle of everyday Egypt. Traveling experiences hit between those two.

@No Leather Hmm...Raveen is trying to make a sling. The string he can fashion out of knotted bandages or hide them under his bandaged (by wrapping them around his arm or leg), while the cup that holds the sling shot can be slipped into his normal shoes.
So a segmented hidden weapon that takes 1 move action to draw the components, and 1 standard to put them together.
I believe he can do the same with cloth, provided it is of study make.
One reason Raveen is doing so is to interact with the orb--hit it with the slingshot (not the bullet, just the cup at the end of the string) to see if it is truly intangible, and then see how hard it is.
The second reason is to have a way to throw something of roughly coin-size. That is for another plan. >:D

@2nd 3-hour period Ah. In that case, I posted something else in my 2nd period. The 1st period is still dedicated to find something that makes a sling.


@Turkey: I hope I'll be able to visit again some day. Egypt would be nice, as well. Honestly, I'm really bad at travelling anywhere outside of Finland, since I tend to get very anxious in large crowds. Both countries are kinda off limits now, anyway—at least according to the Ministry for Foreign Affairs.

@Sling: Sure, you could totally make a sling entirely out of fabric (say, a piece of blanket). It's basically a length of string with a pouch in the middle, right? Probably not as durable as leather, so I'd give it the fragile weapon quality, but it's completely doable with what you have. A couple of hours of work and a DC 7 untrained Craft check should do it, I think.

As for the orb, you could just throw a rock at it if you wanted. You have 1d8 ⇒ 8 rocks in total.

That's... a lot of rocks.

Grand Lodge

Male Humanoid (Human) Rogue 3, Wizard 2, HP 47/47 (AC15, t14, f11; +5R,+8R,+6W, Perception +9 (+10 danger sense), Sense Motive +8, Stealth +14)

@Travel I haven't personally done a lot of traveling, but it was a good experience. Hope you can get one as good or better. :)


Raveen Liquean wrote:

Constitution: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18

Since I'm no longer fatigued but still wounded, the DC is 9?

Indeed. As it is, you don't get fatigued, and using the evening to Craft means that you won't recover HP. But you get a sling!

Grand Lodge

Male Humanoid (Human) Rogue 3, Wizard 2, HP 47/47 (AC15, t14, f11; +5R,+8R,+6W, Perception +9 (+10 danger sense), Sense Motive +8, Stealth +14)

Question before I post: is first-aid possible? With it, Myrna can help Raveen regain 4 hit points.
If so, Raveen will ask, but I wanted to make sure first.

1 to 50 of 394 << first < prev | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | next > last >>
Community / Forums / Online Campaigns / Play-by-Post Discussion / GM Neirikr's "The Masque of Quarters" (Discussion) All Messageboards

Want to post a reply? Sign in.