Discussion thread open.
Hello. I will get my stat line done in a few hours
Sebastion, I love the ties to Sabina and Orisini. There will be some great interaction here.
Nadya, I love the cartomancer idea. Harrow is huge in this campaign you'll have some great opportunities with this.
Ayako, Zon-Kuthon plays a big part in this campaign. I'm interested to see how you play it out. (I realized we are both in the same Legacy of Fire game).
Col, I liked the tie-ins from the Rise of the Runelords campaign. If you played through that campaign, there are tons of references to it in this campaign. I'm curious if you spot any.
You'll learn that I'm a mover. I get things done.
Below are the unofficial introductions I plan to use for your characters. Since they are your characters, if there are any discrepancies you'd like me to adjust, let me know. I tried to capture your characters' essences from the backstories I read. Once I start the campaign thread, I'll post them in there with any corrections.
24:00 - 1 Neth 4708 AR
It’s late on another cold rainy night. Sebastian's hands grip the windowsill in his room above the smithy tightly until his knuckles turn white. He can’t sleep. The memories of his recently departed friend wrack him with anger and pain. As he stares into the endless gloom, a brilliant flash of lightning cleaves the darkness blinding him for the briefest of seconds. When his vision returns, a harrow card is plastered to the outside of the glass, the image of the Juggler facing inward towards him. Intrigued, he reaches under the window to retrieve the card. To further add to the mystery, a message is written on the back in bold ink.
“I know what Gaedren has done to you. He has wronged me as well. I know where he dwells, yet cannot strike at him. Come to my home at 3 Lancet Street at sunset. Others like you will be there. Gaedren must face his fate, and justice must be done.”
Sebastion knew this day would come.
24:00 - 1 Neth 4708 AR
Nadya struggles with another night of nightmares. Images of a young woman addicted to shiver dying alone in an alley continue to haunt her dreams. She wakes in a cold sweat. The rain outside does nothing to improve her mood. Physically and emotionally drained, she turns to her harrow deck for solace. Beginning, like she normally would, she shuffles the deck and draws the first card, the Joke; the next card, the Joke; all the cards, the Joke. Panicked and fearing that she is still dreaming, she drops the deck. Only then does she notice on the back of the cards is a message.
“I know what Gaedren has done to you. He has wronged me as well. I know where he dwells, yet cannot strike at him. Come to my home at 3 Lancet Street at sunset. Others like you will be there. Gaedren must face his fate, and justice must be done.”
After reading the note, her cards return to normal, leaving Nadya wondering if any of it was real at all.
24:00 - 1 Neth 4708 AR
Ayako kneels before her mother’s grave in the Gray like she’s done countless times since her death. A heavy cloak shields her from the rain. She enjoys the unholy communion she receives when she’s alone out here, for she knows she is not alone. In the silence, she hears whispers, whether they are her mother’s or someone else’s, she’s not sure, but the sweet voice comforts her in any case. When Ayako’s prayers are complete, she stands to leave, but notices a harrow card laid face up before the grave, the image of the Theater staring back at her. How could she have missed that?, she wonders. Curious, she picks up the card and examines it. The front is unmarred, despite the weather, and the back seems to bear a message directed towards her, the black ink similarly remains unsmudged.
“I know what Gaedren has done to you. He has wronged me as well. I know where he dwells, yet cannot strike at him. Come to my home at 3 Lancet Street at sunset. Others like you will be there. Gaedren must face his fate, and justice must be done.”
Ayako silently thanks whoever is watching over her and heads out.
24:00 - 1 Neth 4708 AR
Col sits alone at a table at the Bailer’s Retreat, a rough tavern that frequently serves recently released prisoners of Citadel Volshyenek’s jails. Despite the infrequent brawls between these unsavory patrons and the Korvosan Guards, it is known to be an excellent place to overhear rumors of illicit activities. Rain has kept the tavern full late into the evening. He eavesdrops on a few conversations and is surprised to hear Gaedren’s name come up more than once. When he’s ready to leave, he signals to a serving wench to bring him his tab. He’s confused when she hands him a harrow card instead, this one, the Cricket. After a moment of staring confused at the card, he lifts a finger to question the maid, but she is nowhere to be seen. Shrugging, he turns back to the mystery before him and finds a message written to him when he flips the card.
“I know what Gaedren has done to you. He has wronged me as well. I know where he dwells, yet cannot strike at him. Come to my home at 3 Lancet Street at sunset. Others like you will be there. Gaedren must face his fate, and justice must be done.”
He flips the card again and he is holding the bar tab he was originally expecting. Col wonders to himself if he had one too many drinks that night, but whatever he experienced, he has a lead.
Also, Nadya, as a cartomancer, once you all meet up, you can explain the meanings of the harrow cards to the others if you are inclined.
The Juggler
The Juggler represents fate, the gods, or those who play with the lives and destinies of others. If this titanic Juggler can keep up his rhythm, he will achieve his goals. But in a misaligned placement, he falters, and tragedy and failure are assured for those whose lives he meddled in.
The Joke
The Joke shows a terror that must be overcome—but not by physical means. This monster can only be defeated by trickery or artifice. This card can represent the value of humor in finding the way past a difficult person or task. When misaligned, it often signals that the joke will be on you.
The Theater
The Theater is the card of true prophecy. The puppets act out a scene, just as the prophet acts out a scene in which she has no part. The prophet is the audience and the prophecy is the show. She has no influence on what she sees, and its importance is often not recognized until too late. If misaligned, the prophecy is just for show.
The Cricket
The Cricket is a grig, a creature whose mind is as quick as its body. It represents speed and quick passage. Although The Cricket is commonly associated with travel, the peach it sits by represents treasure at the end. If misaligned, the journey will go poorly, and the treasure will be one that is lost rather than found.
Thanks! I was hoping you would end the process early, one way or the other. No I haven't played RotRL I was going to DM it for my Saturday Night Group and read through the the first book. Unfortunately they decided they would rather play shattered star instead. I should have evrey thing ready tonight
Congratulations everyone I enjoyed your backstories I believe we will have a good time!
You'll learn that I'm a mover. I get things done.
But are you a shaker as well?
I must have missed Ayako's connection to Zon-Kuthon. Nonetheless, I'm excited; Liane Merciel's Nightglass and Nightblade are easily my favorite Pathfinder Tales novels.
Col, it's going to be very awkward if you're better with a sword than Sebastian XD
Ayako certainly is not one to break out the scalpels, wire and nails. Life inflicts pain all by itself, the life-long bruising of the soul that wears one down and has people welcoming death's embrace. The nicks and scratches, aches and pains that grow is far more long term than any torturer's kit. Let Ayako soothe your ills for a while, they will eventually return.
So let me know if you have any questions or need any help finalizing anything.
Are you able to open the links I've attached to the campaign?
I think I'm going to use google drawings for the maps.
Links work
I like how Col has his stat line. It would be good if everyone had something similar.
Greetings everyone! I went ahead and modeled mine after Col's with a couple minor adjustments. I've had good luck with Google Drawings for maps. That and Roll20 seem to be the best options.
Your intro for Nadya is perfect. I'm picturing her flashes of past life to be dreams, waking and sleeping. The Harrow may further compound things with visions of present and future that get mixed in. Hoping you'll take advantage of it for foreshadowing and flashbacks as you'd like.
Looks good Nadya. And welcome. Everyone's posted on the discussion board so I'm glad you're all on board. I know I'm looking forward to playing.
I'll probably get the gameplay thread up today. If your ready, I guess we can jump right in. If not, there's no rush. I wasn't expecting to start until Monday but if everyone is already here, why not. Like I mentioned originally I already ran the campaign once. Actually, I ran it on roll20 with some of my friends in New York so I have all the maps and details prepared. So its not too much work to get things up and going.
Also I'm always open to suggestions. So feel free to let me know your thoughts as we go. I want everyone to have fun.
Today works for me, but I don't mind waiting if someone has something going on.
I just opened the gameplay thread.
You received the note at midnight and it says to meet at sundown, so you'll have some time if you wish to do whatever.
All set
Do you have a preference on posting format? Some GMs prefer OCC in spoilers. It will probally make for easier reading if we all do it similarly.
I don't really have a preference yet since this is the first time I'm doing a play-by-post in a long time.
You don't need to use spoilers for ooc chat. If its lengthy ooc, post it in the discussion thread instead.
All in character speak should be bolded.
I'll help keep track of spells cast and such when the time comes in the GM posts.
I'll probably list the experience and treasure on the campaign info front page when the time comes as well.
I've made a post, thoughts are in italics, do you want thoughts bolded too? Cade is just trying to get a feel for the neighborhood is it residential or commercial, busy or slow, run down or prosperous. He may talk to people if he can do so and remain inconspicuous.
Thoughts in italics sounds good to me.
FYI: The address you were given is right around M12 on the map.
I'll update the map with the locations you've discovered as we progress.
I also added the Korvosan Hierarchy handout to the Campaign info tab if anyone is interested. I figure that one is not going to be used enough to warrant posting on the header but worth keeping somewhere for reference. The hierarchy will also update every now and then as things progress.
I imagine that Sebastian lives somewhere in the north end of Midland, a bit south of H8. Near as I can tell, that puts him in the northern part of Slope ward. GM, if you'd had a separate location in mind, I'll happily defer to you.
That works for me Sebastian.
Ayako sleeps in the acolyte's chamber, if any at the temple of pharesma. Pretty much just a cot and chest since she is busy working aiding the priests with various tasks.
Its interesting that you are an oracle of Zon-Kuthon but sleep at a temple of Pharasma, but I like it. It works for me.
Pain heralds birth as well as death. The sweet innocence of a babe is something to be cherished before it vanishes under the weight of life.
Zellara will be offering to do a Harrow reading on each of you soon. Since you obviously can't draw the cards, I'll roll randomly here in the discussion to simulate drawing cards.
The reading itself will grant you "harrow points" which can be used throughout the adventure. I'll explain more below.
First you draw a "roll card". Depending on the card, you will gain a bonus during a specific encounter during the chapter. If the roll card comes up again during the rest of the reading, it bears great importance.
Each of the six chapters of the campaign corresponds to one of the six suits/ability scores in a harrow deck. Chapter 1 corresponds to "Keys"/Dexterity. For each Keys card that is drawn during your reading, you receive a harrow point. Harrow points can be used in the following ways:
Dexterity Rerolls: Spend a Harrow Point to reroll any one Initiative check, Reflex save, attack roll modified by Dexterity, or Dexterity-based skill check. You must abide by the new result (although if you have additional Harrow Points remaining, you can use them to attempt additional rerolls).
Dodge Bonus: Spend a Harrow Point to gain a +1 Dodge bonus to your Armor Class for one encounter. You can spend up to 3 Harrow Points per encounter to increase your Armor Class in this manner.
Speed Increase: Spend a Harrow Point to increase your base speed by 10 feet for one encounter—you cannot spend multiple Harrow Points to increase your speed multiple times in one encounter.
In addition, during the encounter that corresponds to your "roll card" you gain the following additional bonuses:
You gain a +2 bonus on all rolls modified by Dexterity and a +1 Dodge bonus to your Armor Class. These bonuses last for the encounter’s duration.
I'll probably put these notes in the header or campaign page for future reference.
Rolls
The Dance
The Owl
The Snakebite
The Bear
The Liar
The Sickness
The Beating
The Winged Serpent
The Mute Hag
The Forge
The Peacock
The Dance (Keys)
The Inquisitor
The Winged Serpent
The Betrayal
The Twin
The Teamster
The Marriage
The Empty Throne
The Cricket (Keys)
The Juggler
The Twin
The Juggler (Keys)*
The Inquisitor
The Wanderer
The Winged Serpent
The Avalanche (Keys)
The Mute Hag
The Cricket (Keys)
The Uprising
The Rabbit Prince
The Rakshasa
The Unicorn
Reroll
The Paladin
The Marriage
The Inquisitor
The Waxworks
The Bear
The Courtesan
The Fiend
Map updated to include Zellara's Home and the Old Fishery
Thought this might be fun to add...
Ayako's Reading
Col's Reading
Nadya's Reading
Sebastian's Reading
Thanks. I was thinking about doing something like that but wasn't sure the best way how. You saved me a lot of time and I'll use yours. =)
@ Nadia nice touch!
Once outside, he turns and sets off south down the street, not bothering to check if the others are following. "The old fishery! I should have known."
The old fishery is about three blocks north of Zellara's house.
Once outside, he turns and sets off south down the street, not bothering to check if the others are following. "The old fishery! I should have known."The old fishery is about three blocks north of Zellara's house.
Somebody ought to tell Sebastian that :P
East is Up on the Old Fishery Map. You should be able to move your tokens.
Tried moving the token and couldn't. It said I needed edit access so I sent you a request.
Same here. I just sent the same request.
Ok. I updated the map access. Hopefully it works now.
That took care of it for me.
If you choose to confront Giggles, he has not spotted any of you, so you would get a surprise round on him. You are by no means obligated to take that route though.
He'll be at our backs if we head in and pass him by
Giggles is preoccupied with the cabinet if you want to attempt stealth. As Col found out, the area around the trough is slippery and requires an Acrobatics check to avoid slipping and falling. Or you can move at half speed to be careful and avoid the Acrobatics check. If so, on top of stealthing, you'd be moving at one-quarter speed in those squares.
I agree with Ayako, I don't want him at our backs there could be someone else in the next room then we would be in a pickle , plus right now we have him at a disadvantage.
I'm inclined to pull a Leeroy Jenkins. That said, while I'd like to get the chance to do so at least a couple of times in the campaign, I'd rather not get booted by the rest of the party. Should we lay out some ground rules on when the other players (not necessarily their characters) feel it is acceptable for Sebastian to be willfully stupid?
@Sebastian -Leeroy Jenkins LMAO!
To answer your question: whenever it doesn't get us killed! Seriously, as far as I'm concerned play him how you want.
Well if you develop your character that way. Perhaps up your AC to crazy levels so nobody can hit you!
Sorry, I can't move my icon from my phone.
Also, unless someone casts light Col will suffer a 20% miss chance.
Col, I'll move your icon for you. You can adjust it later if need be.
Yes, there is a 20% miss chance due to dim light unless a light spell is cast.
I'll roll everyone's initiative, I'll keep Col's initiative that he rolled. You all have a surprise round action before Giggles can act.
*Sniff* Our first opponent slain. I remember that time I whacked a goblin for another character's first time in Runelord.
You guys are lucky. Those other two fools seem to be able to sleep through anything.