GM Otha's Evergreen Trilogy I (Inactive)

Game Master Otha

Liking the RP out the gates. It always takes me a few sessions to figure out a new characters personality/goals/history, let's see how this goes.

Isin Ghar checking in with an oracle.

Player Name: Isin Ghar
Character Name: Rykaar Val'Mor
PFS ID#: 276330-1
Faction: The Exchange
Slow or Normal Track: Normal
Day job roll (if applicable): N/A

Link to Character: Rykaar Val'Mor

@Isin: Thanks. I've updated the map file with Rykaar's icon. Feel free to join the Gameplay tab to talk at the pub with other characters. We'll start in earnest on Monday...

@Todd: Have you tried to move Todd's icon on the pub map? Saw he was still outside on the map and just wanted to make sure everyone feels comfortable moving around on the map...

@GM Otha: Thank you, I just looked at the map and moved my icon over to the table. First post already sent! Woohoo, excited to get started.

Crap forgot to change "Post As" toggle

No worries, I still do it from time to time...

Oh! Tell me about this Ashfall Lodge in Tamran. Where did you find it's name?

I have a character who is trying to get the pathfinder welcomed back into Molthune (Day job on RP). More lore on the pathfinders in Nirmathis is relevant. I just went back and reread the sections on those two nations in the Seekers of Secrets.

I wanted Rykaar to come from Nirmathas and found following link at Pathfinder wiki.

https://pathfinderwiki.com/wiki/Tamran

Source on the page lists "Trouble at Tamran". Unfortunately do not have more than that.

Awesome, I'm adding that to my list of scenarios to run.

Hey all, now that we know all the character classes, at your leisure, y'all need to come up with a default marching order...while you can change this in game any time, I'll use the default whenever y'all move to a location without specifying an order of march...

Grey will be at or near the front.

Rykaar will be up front also. I have limited ranged attacks, so best to engage in melee quickly. First time I am in a group without a 'fighter' type.

Ulskadi prefers the middle front.... at least one preferably two in front of her, that way she can fire off a spell or two before her sword is required to come into play and has cleared the way for others by the time nasties have arrived....... at least when she's in a group... its been a while for her.

I talked with Cerryl offline and he preferred a spot in the rear rank...

Todd will be front middleish. Out of the way of the melee players who like to charge in, but also close enough to get into melee with his rapier.

Lovissa also prefers front. Behind Grey and Rykaar but in front of Rei.

Agree would need to be more towards the rear though not sure how likely ambushes are so not sure I would want to be last. Though guess a marching order does not require us to be in a line and would probably make more sense to not be that way.

Also as a side note to Rei in your header you have speed of 20 ft. but the book I found showed Kitsune at 30 speed was wondering if there was a reason or just typo.

Was also trying to find information about the other races and could not find anything on the witchwolf race to Grey if you do not mind sharing.

Ah, i'll add a link in my character profile to the archives of nethys. The witchwolf is a skinwalker descended from werewolves. Right now he looks mostly human, that will change before the mission is over.

Edit: link is in the profile.

It comes from the regional support program GMing boon.

Really enjoying y'all's interaction in the Gameplay thread...for those who are new to PbP, I wouldn't have been able to tell it...

Since everyone has checked in and posted in the Gameplay thread, and seems comfortable with the format, we can start in earnest a bit earlier, if no one objects. I'm looking at making the first 'official' briefing post this evening...but you can continue to interact until then, your posts have been most entertaining...

A little bit 'bout me as a GM...my main priority is that everyone has fun. I'm by no means infallible...there are some of you that I'm sure know the Pathfinder system better than I. Don't be surprised if I make a mistake and, if/when I do, don't be afraid to point it out via an OOC...it won't hurt my feelings as I know I've still got a lot to learn...

My preference is to run my PBP games at a fairly quick pace; I'd like to see a couple of posts a day (more if you want) but at least a post a day during the week and at least once over the weekend. I know that real life takes precedence though. If you know ahead of time that you won't be able to post as usual, please give me and the others a head's up here in the Discussion thread....and I will do the same. I can bot you until you're able to post again; I bot fairly conservatively, usually based on how you've played your character before, and I look out for the character's and the party's best interest. If I don't know beforehand, and it's your time to post (usually in combat), I'll bot you if you haven't posted within 24 hours...

As usual, if you have any questions fire away...

Thank you for running the game. Having fun already with the introductory posts.

I am ok with GM botting my character if I am not able to respond. I will add a few tactical options to my alias profile to assist with that.

I usually will check Gameplay thread in the evenings (GMT-3) when I return from work, then once more late at night. So I should be able to post 1 or 2 on weekdays. Weekends usually mean I can post more, but could drop off based on family engagements.

Thanks Rykaar and no worries. The way y'all have been posting while awaiting in the pub has surpassed expectations and has been fun to read as well...

Since I may be out of pocket for a few hours, I'll go ahead and get the briefing part started. I'll be breaking the first bit into two or three separate posts as there's a pretty hefty wall of text for y'all to get through and it's harder to read, at least for me, if it's all one post...there'll still be a section during the brief where you can elaborate more on your character, if you so wish...and there'll be a spot to ask questions at the end of it...

Just out of curiosity I have been making some assumptions already and still not completely sure when/if I should be rolling for perception or sense motive checks. Along with this is knowledge or Int checks for some of the information that I am looking up as posts come about.

Lastly for Otha would you be sending me feeling/impressions through the emphatic link with my familiar if Lyasa is aware of something that Cerryl may not be at the time.

Also, trying to figure out how to play/use the familiar since my first real RP and most of my experience is through the computer games where certain skills/feats were not really prevalent.

Cerryl, good questions...any time you feel an appropriate check is warranted, feel free to be proactive and make it. Many characters will roll Perception when they're searching a room, looking for traps or foes, etc; as for Sense Motive, you can make checks when you think someone might not be on the level with you...

There are also times where I'll ask you for specific checks...and others where I'll give you a spoiler that might look something like this (like you've already seen when you entered the pub):

If you see a spoiler with a tag like that, you'll make a Perception roll, adding your modifiers, and if you get 15 or higher you can click the 'Show' button and read the spoiler...if you fail the check, your character would not be privy to that knowledge. You'll see a series of these type of spoilers very soon...

And yes, if the situation arises, I would notify you through a spoiler (similar to the one above but with your name on it), what Lyasa senses. However, I may forget 'bout your familiar so feel free to remind me of her...

Question about the knowledge checks I am considered untrained if I have not invested any points in the skill even if it is a class skill right.

Also, (if this is the case) as a side note could I use an Int check in place of a knowledge check for anything in this case?

Another question from character creation the Universal school Cantrips should they be in my spell book the core book under the wizard class creation states starting with all cantrips from non-prohibited schools but was not sure that the Universal spells were a school or not.

I'm a huge fan of wands and believe in topping up even if you are down a single hit point at these levels.

Also, this character is my first experiment in making a 'not nice' character. So I'm still figuring out what works and what doesn't, if your not enjoying some part of Grey's character let me know and I'll adjust.

Question about the knowledge checks I am considered untrained if I have not invested any points in the skill even if it is a class skill right.

Also, (if this is the case) as a side note could I use an Int check in place of a knowledge check for anything in this case?

Another question from character creation the Universal school Cantrips should they be in my spell book the core book under the wizard class creation states starting with all cantrips from non-prohibited schools but was not sure that the Universal spells were a school or not.

I think I can help with these questions. You are untrained unless you have a rank in the skill or you have a class feature that considers you trained (like a bard). Being trained or untrained is only relevant for certain skills, knowledge being one of them.

So, if you are rolling knowledge history untrained it is an int check but your final result can not exceed ten.

You will have all the universal cantrips.

Having it as a class skill does not count as trained.

DM Livgin is right on all counts, Cerryl...

And no worries Livgin, I've played with several Pathfinder characters that weren't so nice. I Ike how each of you are playing out your characters...

Thanks for the response and wondering if the difference between maintaining a light load or would it be better to get a little more equipment and just lose the move speed since the dex bonus isn't affected. Currently at the max load I can carry and not become encumbered

Cerryl, encumbrance for wizards, in my opinion, is not quite as bad since it's biggest impact is felt during combat (moving to attack, moving to get in range, moving out of range, etc.). I've seen characters in some of the sessions I've played start encumbered, but they drop their backpacks during combat so they'll be able to move normally...

Hmm did not think about dropping the backpack which would make that worthwhile potentially and was thinking about using the extra mobility to try to stay out of combat.

GA! I made the mistake of touching the map on my phone. It may need to be re aligned.

A note on combat:

In PBP, it's common to use initiative blocks to resolve combat and we'll be doing that on our campaign. The blocks are based on the character rolls vs. the enemy rolls; in the current combat all characters 'cept for Cerryl rolled higher than the fleas. Thus, I put those higher in bold and each can post as soon as they are able, they don't have to go in order of their roll; in short, if your character's name is in bold, you can post. After the bold have posted, I'll post the fleas action, and then Cerryl can post his round 1 actions and the other characters can go straight to their round 2 actions before the fleas act again...

Also in calculating moves and range, each of the squares of the combat map are 5'...

If you have any questions, gimme a holler...

Sadness outperformed by fleas. Though on a side note with my earlier post should Lyasa be airborne (since I did not state whether she took flight or not) and I am unsure if I will be using her in combat or not but figure that would give the option during this encounter.

Also wondering if the stumps are actual live trees and thus would be impediments to flight/sight potentially

Sometimes the dice just don't roll your way...but it should even out in later encounters...

As for Lyasa, I'll leave that up to you...she can be airborne or with you, as you wish...

I assume most of the stumps are live trees since the narrative mentions the trees block much of the light...but the trees are quite tall so she'd still have room to fly...

I still see the map blued out. Am I the only one? Or did I miss a link?

OK, on computer I see the map. Must have been phone issue.
Rykaar moved to stand besides Grey, and has 10ft. reach.

The map links can be kind of wonky on mobile devices...on my iPad, the link takes me to the first slide on the map file and I have to scroll to the battle map...on my PC it takes me straight to the combat map...

Rykaar, sorry I missed you initiative ability...I'll start rolling twice and I assume, in most cases, you'll want the highest roll and I'll use that unless told otherwise...

For everyone else, if I miss something 'bout your character, don't hesitate to let me know...

This is moving fast (which is awesome) but I might be away for a 12 hour stretch today: Feel free to bot me.

Grey sticks with the team and cooperates, while hinting at bloody murder. He stabs things with the sword and uses Divine Favor if things look mean.

No worries, Grey...we are moving along nicely, loving the pace and all of y'all's posts...

Just noticed I erred on awarding the AoOs to the fleas...both Todd and Lovissa had paths to their squares without passing through a threatened square...luckily no harm done since damage was avoided...

If y'all happen to notice when I make a mistake, call me on it...I'll make it right...I have no problem doing a retcon to fix things if I screw it up...

No worries! Thanks!

Stupid Minotaur was hoping to see if anyone had any tracking ability to try and determine what we maybe walking into.

Also, not sure if this is another option could attempt to cast dancing lights (sadly has a verbal component though) and have a ghost light of in the distance and see if that will draw the Minotaur's attention.

Assuming since they were giant fleas that there was no loot on them along with no bodies nearby that they had fed on that would have had any loot.

Lastly, not sure if this matter and pretty sure there would be nothing from the fleas that would be useful in alchemy but would craft alchemy be the skill used to determine that or would that fall under one of the other skills and the crafting is solely to make stuff.

Yeah, no loot on the fleas and no bodies nearby either...

Interesting question on Craft (Alchemy)...while there is nothing on the fleas you could use, I'd consider that skill appropriate in determining if there were but will have to research it further...

As for the Minotaur, any sound would likely set it off as it already has a touch of your scent...I'll be making a post shortly as this was mainly a dramatic pause...and we'll see how it goes from there...

That works also another question if I had used Lyasa to attack I would assume it would be a diving attack and flying back out of reach just wondering if that would set off an AoO or if the movement would be too fast without the knowledge that she was present to react.

She might get a surprise attack, but whomever/whatever she attacked would likely get an attack on her before she flew away, either through initiative or a possible AoO...

This will be a trilogy of Standard PFS scenarios (Master of the Fallen Fortress, The Confirmation, and The Consortium Compact) aimed at first-level characters. The order of the scenarios will depend upon the makeup of the group. Priority will be given to newcomers...I've already reserved one spot for a friend that's a newcomer to both PFS and PbP. There's also another newcomer who posted over on Flaxseed and I'll temporarily hold a spot for her...so I have 4, maybe 5, slots available...looking to close recruitment within the next couple of days...if we have enough (or more than enough) before then, I might close recruitment earlier...

I'm looking to start some time next week, probably Monday or Tuesday (23rd or 24th). I prefer to run my games at a pretty good pace and can post several times a day, and would prefer if you could post a couple of times a day, but at least once a day. Real life comes first though, so if you have issues where you can't post for a specific time, just give me a head's up, and I'll do the same for y'all. If it's your turn to post and you don't post within 24 hours, I'll bot you as conservatively as possible (and for the good of the group) unless you've told me ahead of time how you'd like to be botted...

I would love to play! I'm new to PFS, and recently started getting into PBP. I'm working on a first level character right now and will have the details up soon.

I'm new to PbP but not PFS, but I'd like to express interest.

New to PFS but experienced with Pathfinder. Have just joined another PFS campaign but would love to get into another one. I have a first level Investigator ready to go.

Please sign me up.

I'm looking for a pbp game to cut my teeth on. Sign me up as a new player.

I've never played pbp, I've played pfs a lot. I have played and GMed the Confirmation and the Consortium Compact, I know nothing about the Master of the Fallen Fortress.

I have a level 1 Transmuter MUSCLE Wizard with one chronicle sheet on him, and an untouched Grippli UnRogue I can use as well who'd be played on the slow track.

Wow that was quick...since all of you are either new to PFS or new to PbP, y'all are in...

That may do it for recruiting, depending upon whether the newcomer I pm'ed is interested as she'd make 6...

I've opened up the Discussion tab so any questions on characters and such can be talked on over there...

As for characters, my friend mentioned above is likely bringing a brand-new 1st level Wizard (Evoker I think)...and I think the newcomer that I'm awaiting word on is a Magus...

Wow, thanks! I'm very excited to get started.

My character will be a brand new occultist with a focus on transmutations. She's more interested in finding relics and making new discoveries than any politics that goes with it. She's melee combat capable, and decent with traps.

She'll be registered shortly.

still need a 6th? im not new...but i can bring in whateber the party needs...

still need a 6th? im not new...but i can bring in whateber the party needs...

Sorry grimdog, our 6th responded via pm so we should be set...on the off chance that someone drops out before Monday, I'll contact you...

hey...no prob...