Can you elaborate on this?
When we level up, people get two choices:
1. Change your gear so that its value equals WBL exactly; if you're a little under, keep that as coins
2. If you've found one special item in the adventure that you want that would take you above WBL, you can keep that one item plus WBL for one level lower
I'll get into the details more when we actually level up. The point you need to know now is that if you find gear you want to use, you should add it to your inventory, but don't worry about tracking the other stuff. You won't be down on wealth when it's time to level up.
How do consumables work as part of this?
If you see a consumable you want during the adventure, pick it up. At level up, you can either discard it or count it in your WBL. At level up, you can buy consumables you want as long as they are included in your WBL tally.
And I assume that equates to a wealth "reset" if I use it before the next level up after that? My main concern is a permanent reduction in wealth every time somebody takes a potion, or has to buy a Raise Dead or Restoration or whatever.
Option 2 seems a bit needlessly punitive as well. I can easily see scenarios where somebody has a +4 weapon at 10th level or something that was treasure dropped in the scenario, being 1k over WBL, and having to sell off half their possessions or drop the sword that they're going to have to repurchase later ANYWAY just to use it.
The WBL system was never made to be a hard and fast rule, and as flawed as it is sticking so rigidly to it never seems a good idea to me.
Not to mention it takes all the fun out of treasure. If you ever get something cool (and these APs have a strong tendency to put very expensive, but niche magic items in them. Not to mention everything fun is overpriced anyway) you either keep it and get gimped, or drop it and get no reward for it except to keep the stuff you already had.
All this is really going to do is even more push people to just upgrade their big six items and ignore any of the treasure that drops in the AP.
Yeah, if you use up a consumable, it's not in your inventory at the next level up, so it has no long-term consequences. In terms of treasure, the way I look at it is that if an item is actually interesting, someone will want to use it. Your concern is part of why option 2 is there. I'm going to use an example from the last level up to show what I mean. One of the items found in the level 1 part of this adventure was a set of armor called Akhentepi's armor. It was a suit of +1 staunching padded armor that gives a small initiative bonus. Its cost was 5235 gp, and one character kept it to level up to 2. He kept all the gear he had from starting wealth and then that armor. We would have worked something out so that at the increase to level 3 he could still have some new stuff.
The reason for this system is to avoid the whole idea of selling things back for half price in order to get new stuff. (I don't know why, but that particular rule just bugs me.) Someone can either own at each level up whatever they want that equals WBL, or they can have a bit less wealth together with one amazing item. And the rule for scenario 2 above isn't meant to be rigid, but is meant to be something for that player and I to work out each time if there is something interesting you guys have found.
I also forgot to mention that everyone's bonus starting item is excluded from these calculations. If the bonus item is a wand, it fully recharges at level up.
If we run into any cases where these rules are creating a problem for a particular character, we'll find a solution then.
My posting rate has actually slowed down a great deal because of work and the holidays. So, if I don't post, then please bot me. I'm posting this to all of my games I'm in, just to let people know. Sorry about this.
Things are still very busy with finals and projects, but I am going to try to get a post in tonight or tomorrow.
Luckily this character isnt TOO loot dependent but I did see the concern.
I think everyone actually ends up with more stuff this way. One thing I've seen happen especially at low levels in APs is that a few party members have really nice stuff at level 2 or 3 while others are barely over starting wealth, since there are very few goodies but very valuable. This way, someone who wants one of the good items can have one, but everyone at least has basic gear at WBL. I understand that some of you have concerns, but all I can ask is that you try this, and let me know if you have any actual problems and we'll work them out. This system works well for my real life games, but they're rather odd.
I also should say that the rules above are written as the strictest side of what will be allowed. It's a habit I got into teaching college classes. I published a grading scale, and then reserved the right to use my judgement to boost borderline grades. 89.999% was still by the rules a B, but usually the A was issued.
A Happy New Year to you all! I need to offer a heartfelt apology to everyone for disappearing like I did. It was an amalgamation of things that led to it. A rough finals season, traveling, holidays, family drama, my older brother's wedding, and a shocking and much too young death of a family friend. These are just excuses, but ones I offer with a plea for forgiveness over my absence. I certainly want to keep playing in all of my games and plan to catch up as best I can now that I am back in my apartment.
Apologies for being absent.
Been busy lately.
If it isn't too much trouble can someone please bring me up to speed on what has happened?
We killed a bug, Jeggare punched me in the face and we entered a crypt.
Sorry guys, my real life emergency from October appears it's about to require my attention again. I may suddenly disappear for about a week.
That's okay GM. You go do what you have to do. Real life comes first, so it's cool. Hope everything gets better for you.
At this point, I believe we have lost Malik and Hajar. My PMs to them have gone unanswered, so in a few days I will recruit replacements. Do you have any requests as to character types you want in the party or anything? I will probably continue to bot Malik and Hajar for the sake of the story until we get to a reasonable place in the story to make a swap.
Some kind of ranged character and some kind of full caster, preferably. They were our only ones.
Oi, I'm a ranged character hah. Honestly a full caster would be all we really need.
Maybe hold off on replacing Hajar. Endoralis just popped back up, he's been unable to access the internet for a bit due to some personal issues.
Thanks for letting me know about Hajar. I will wait a few days.
Hey, what happened to my character's flail attack!? Did it hit?
Sorry Khere, yes it hit, and did half damage. I did remember to properly apply that damage.
Ah okay. :3
Jackals and kitties for everyone!
Sorry, tiredness has damaged my sanity! Thank you work for giving me tiredness. :(
sorry guys, I know you're waiting for a post from me. It's going to be a long one, and might take me a few days.
The family death that we have been expecting since October has just happened. I'm trying to keep up with my games, but I'm not sure how well I'm going to be able to for the next few days.
Sorry to hear about your loss :(
Take your time GM! I'm sorry for your loss and I'll keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.
We can wait and I hope things get better for you.
I should be back to posting as normal now. Thanks for your patience and understanding, everyone.
Welcome back!
Just to let you guys know, there are two new characters in development. They will join you when you leave the crypt, on your way to go upstairs in the building. One is a ranged magus. I'm still in discussion with the other as to what character type.
Cool!
Looking forward to meeting our two new Silver Seekers!
Aight I need to rebuild Jeggare from scratch. Will do tomorrow afternoon. Apologies if any details change, his is not one of the sheets I had mostly memorized. I know my general stat arrangement was Str > Int > Con > Wis > Dex = Cha, and what my disciplines were, I just need to recall the details.
Hi, I'll be joining you guys with a ranged magus. Looking forward to exploring the rest of this with you all. I don't have a lot of experience with the play-by-post so as we go along let me know if I can do anything different to make things more clear or whatever.
Ok, guys, I just need your thoughts. We've lost most of our players again. We are down to three, with two other people maybe making characters. Khere and Braydir, are you still interested? If the revolving door is getting to be too much for your interest, we can get to a stopping place and end this. If you're still interested, I will find more players to get a reasonable party and we can keep going.
Also, if we keep going, what can you guys commit to as a reasonable posting rate (excluding emergencies, of course). Would twice a week work? I want to ask newer players to commit to whatever rate you guys think is reasonable to avoid problems.
I'm the newbie, but just want to let people know I'm in and definitely can commit to the twice per week target minimum. But I'll for sure defer to Khere and Braydir's opinions on whether to keep going, cuz I don't have a lot invested here yet.
I want to clarify my last post a little. My suggested minimum posting rate is for you guys. If you all can commit to posting at least twice a week, I think the GM commitment to match that is posting almost every day, if there is anything to respond to. I really like this adventure and want to continue, but I want to be sure you guys agree.
Sorry, Paizo's downtime this week caused me to implement a small break out of frustration.
What to do here, I'm not sure. Personally I'm not going anywhere, I GM and play in multiple games here on Paizo so it's not like I'm leaving. That being said I recognize my posting rate has dropped substantially over the last year due to schedule changes.
Can I commit to posting twice a week? No, I don't want to make a promise I can do that. I can tell you that I will try to do it if you want to keep it going. By no means am I saying I don't want to play, I just have competing priorities that continually sideline me from making an appearance here as often as I'd like.
I'll support your decision either way Redelia!
Pretty much the same thing Braydir said. I can still try and post twice a week. Work has been busy for me and I'm trying to finish up my taxes.
But I should be able to post normally by Monday.
OK, guys, from everyone's input, I think we will continue, but all agree this will be a slow game. If you are all aiming to post twice a week, then I'm going to relax a little about when I post. I will try to keep you from waiting for me for longer than a day.
I also will recruit any new players based on that understanding of posting about twice a week. Kaven has already joined you, and I have a player making a rogue to join you soon when you level up (right after you finish the current floor of the house). How many other players would you like, and of what types?
Works for me, don't stress on it too much. I like a party size between four and six and I'm not too picky about composition. If we have six rogues we'll find a way to make it work ;)
What Braydir said.
And cool!
You guys can continue to talk and roleplay in the gameplay thread, but it's time for a level up!
Oh cool!
I'll have the level up stats up sometime tomorrow.
I <3 leveling up! Woot!
Here we go for my character:
Khere
Male Aasimar (Agathion-Blooded) paladin 3
LG Medium outsider (native, agathion-blooded)
Init +2, Senses darkvision (60 ft.); Perception +1
Aura aura of courage, aura of good,
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DEFENSE
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AC 19, touch 12, flat-footed 17 (+5 armor, +2 Dex, +2 shield, )
hp 32 ((3d10)+7)
Fort +7, Ref +5, Will +6, +4 trait bonus on any saving throws made to resist the effects of being in hot conditions and a +1 trait bonus on all saving throws against fire effects.
Resistances acid 5, cold 5, electricity 5,
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OFFENSE
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Speed 20 ft.
Melee flail +5 (1d8+2)
Melee shield, light steel +1 +5 (1d3+2)
Melee masterwork khopesh +6 (1d8+2/19-20)
Ranged acid (flask) +5 (1d6)
Special Attacks Smite Evil,
Innate Spell-Like Abilities summon nature's ally ii (1/day),
Class Spell-Like Abilities detect evil (at will)
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TACTICS
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STATISTICS
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Str 15, Dex 14, Con 14, Int 12, Wis 12, Cha 14,
Base Atk +3; CMB +5; CMD 17
Feats Endurance, Exotic Weapon Proficiency (Khopesh)
Skills Diplomacy +8, Heal +6, Knowledge (History) +2, Knowledge (Religion) +8, Linguistics(Ancient Osiriani) +2, Profession (Farmer) +5,
Traits Undead Crusader,
Languages Ancient Osiriani, Celestial, Common, Osiriani
SQ aura of courage, aura of good, celestial language, celestial resistance, darkvision, detect evil, divine health, lay on hands, mercy (sickened), skilled, spell-like ability,
Combat Gear rations (trail/per day) (3), acid (flask),
Other Gear flail, hot weather outfit, scale mail, scarab shield, backpack, masterwork, bedroll, grappling hook, common, mess kit, rope (silk/50 ft.), waterskin (filled) (2), masterwork khopesh, holy symbol (silver), 13.7 gp
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SPECIAL ABILITIES
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Aasimar (Agathion Blooded) Agathion Blooded Aasimars Receive a +2 bonus to Constitution and Charisma and a +2 bonus to Handle Animal and Survival checks. They can cast Summon Nature's Ally II as a spell like ability.
Aura of Courage (Su) You are immune to fear (magical or otherwise). Each ally within 10 feet of you gains a +4 morale bonus on saving throws against fear effects. This ability functions only while you are conscious, not if you are unconscious or dead.
Aura of Good (Ex) You project a moderate good aura.
Aura of Good
Celestial Language (Ex) Aasimars speak Celestial.
Celestial Resistance (Ex) Aasimars have acid resistance 5, cold resistance 5, and electricity resistance 5.
Darkvision See in the dark up to 60 ft.
Darkvision (Ex) Range 60 ft.; Darkvision is the extraordinary ability to see with no light source at all, out to a range specified for the creature. Darkvision is black and white only (colors cannot be discerned). It does not allow characters to see anything that they could not see otherwise-invisible objects are still invisible, and illusions are still visible as what they seem to be. Likewise, darkvision subjects a creature to gaze attacks normally. The presence of light does not spoil darkvision.
Desert Child (desert) You were born and raised in rocky deserts. You are accustomed to high temperatures, and gain a +4 trait bonus on any saving throws made to resist the effects of being in hot conditions and a +1 trait bonus on all saving throws against fire effects.
Detect Evil (Sp) At will, you can use Detect Evil, as the Spell. You can, as a move action, concentrate on a single individual or item within 60 feet and determine if it is evil, learning the strength of its aura as if having studied it for 3 rounds. While focusing on one individual or object, you do not detect evil in any other object or individual within range.
Divine Health (Ex) You are immune to all diseases, including supernatural and magical diseases, including mummy rot.
Lay on Hands (Su) You can heal wounds (your own or those of others) by touch. Each day you can use this ability 3 times per day. With one use of this ability, you can heal 1d6 hit points of damage. Using this ability is a standard action, unless you target yourself, in which case it is a swift action. Despite the name of this ability, you only need one free hand to use this ability. Alternatively, you can use this healing power to deal damage to undead creatures, dealing 1d6 points of damage. Using Lay on Hands in this way requires a melee touch attack and doesn't provide an attack of opportunity. Undead do not receive a saving throw against this damage.
Resistance to Acid (Ex) You may ignore 5 points of Acid damage each time you take acid damage.
Resistance to Cold (Ex) You may ignore 5 points of Cold damage each time you take cold damage.
Resistance to Electricity (Ex) You may ignore 5 points of Electricity damage each time you take electricity damage.
Mercy (Sickened) (Su) Whenever you use Lay on Hands to heal damage to one target, the target is no longer sickened.
Skilled (Ex) Agathion Blooded Aasimars receive a +2 bonus to Handle Animal and Survival checks.
Smite Evil (Su) You can call out to the powers of good to aid you in your struggle against evil 1 times per day. As a swift action, you choose one target within sight to smite. If this target is evil, you add +2 to your attack rolls and +3 to all damage rolls made against the target of your smite. If the target of Smite Evil is an outsider with the evil subtype, an evil-aligned dragon, or an undead creature, the bonus to damage on the first successful attack increases to +6. Regardless of the target, Smite Evil attacks automatically bypass any DR the creature might possess. In addition, while smite evil is in effect, you gain a +2 deflection bonus to your AC against attacks made by the target of the smite. If you target a creature that is not evil, the smite is wasted with no effect. The Smite Evil effect remains until the target of the smite is dead or the next time you rest and regain your uses of this ability.
Spell-Like Ability (Sp) Agathion Blooded Aasimars can use summon nature's ally II 1/day as a spell-like ability.
Undead Crusader You have dedicated your life to eradicating the scourge of the undead from Golarion. You have spent countless hours studying the different types of undead and have trained endlessly to learn the best ways to defeat them. If any undead creatures come out of the tombs of Wati's necropolis, you'll be ready for them! You gain a +1 trait bonus on damage rolls against undead creatures. In addition, you gain a +1 trait bonus on Knowledge (religion) checks, and that skill is always a class skill for you.
Got tied up with taxes and getting ready for Easter, so sorry about the wait.
Let me know if there's anything wrong with it.
Khere, looks good, but please update your quick stats and skills.
Braydir, how are you doing on the level up?
By the way, both Braydir's and Khere's GM gift wand are now full wands of cure moderate wounds.
Also, check your gear, Khere. It looks a litle thin for level 3 WBL. (don't firget to exclude the heal wand in that calculation)
Sorry my computer crashed this weekend and I had to rebuild it (and hero lab). I'm awaiting my new license key. Hope to have it tonight/tomorrow! Thanks for the wand! <3
I'll try and fix everything Thursday as I'm about to head off to bed and I'm trying to get my house ready for Easter since my grandmother will be sending night here.
Alright, I updated Khere's stats to reflect the correct WbL.
Khere
Male Aasimar (Agathion-Blooded) paladin 3
LG Medium outsider (native, agathion-blooded)
Init +2, Senses darkvision (60 ft.); Perception +1
Aura aura of courage, aura of good,
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DEFENSE
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AC 20, touch 12, flat-footed 18 (+6 armor, +2 Dex, +2 shield, )
hp 32 ((3d10)+7)
Fort +7, Ref +5, Will +6, +4 trait bonus on any saving throws made to resist the effects of being in hot conditions and a +1 trait bonus on all saving throws against fire effects.
Resistances acid 5, cold 5, electricity 5,
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OFFENSE
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Speed 20 ft.
Melee flail +5 (1d8+2)
Melee shield, light steel +1 +5 (1d3+2)
Melee masterwork khopesh +6 (1d8+2/19-20)
Ranged acid (flask) +5 (1d6)
Special Attacks Smite Evil,
Innate Spell-Like Abilities summon nature's ally ii (1/day),
Class Spell-Like Abilities detect evil (at will)
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TACTICS
=================================================
=================================================
STATISTICS
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Str 15, Dex 14, Con 14, Int 12, Wis 12, Cha 14,
Base Atk +3; CMB +5; CMD 17
Feats Endurance, Exotic Weapon Proficiency (Khopesh)
Skills Diplomacy +8, Heal +6, Knowledge (History) +2, Knowledge (Religion) +8, Linguistics(Ancient Osiriani) +2, Profession (Farmer) +5,
Traits Undead Crusader,
Languages Ancient Osiriani, Celestial, Common, Osiriani
SQ aura of courage, aura of good, celestial language, celestial resistance, darkvision, detect evil, divine health, lay on hands, mercy (sickened), skilled, spell-like ability,
Combat Gear rations (trail/per day) (3), potion of bull's strength, acid (flask),
Other Gear flail, hot weather outfit, agile breastplate, shield, light steel +1, backpack, masterwork, bedroll, grappling hook, common, mess kit, rope (silk/50 ft.), waterskin (filled) (2), masterwork khopesh, holy symbol (silver), 13.7 gp
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SPECIAL ABILITIES
=================================================
Aasimar (Agathion Blooded) Agathion Blooded Aasimars Receive a +2 bonus to Constitution and Charisma and a +2 bonus to Handle Animal and Survival checks. They can cast Summon Nature's Ally II as a spell like ability.
Aura of Courage (Su) You are immune to fear (magical or otherwise). Each ally within 10 feet of you gains a +4 morale bonus on saving throws against fear effects. This ability functions only while you are conscious, not if you are unconscious or dead.
Aura of Good (Ex) You project a moderate good aura.
Aura of Good
Celestial Language (Ex) Aasimars speak Celestial.
Celestial Resistance (Ex) Aasimars have acid resistance 5, cold resistance 5, and electricity resistance 5.
Darkvision See in the dark up to 60 ft.
Darkvision (Ex) Range 60 ft.; Darkvision is the extraordinary ability to see with no light source at all, out to a range specified for the creature. Darkvision is black and white only (colors cannot be discerned). It does not allow characters to see anything that they could not see otherwise-invisible objects are still invisible, and illusions are still visible as what they seem to be. Likewise, darkvision subjects a creature to gaze attacks normally. The presence of light does not spoil darkvision.
Desert Child (desert) You were born and raised in rocky deserts. You are accustomed to high temperatures, and gain a +4 trait bonus on any saving throws made to resist the effects of being in hot conditions and a +1 trait bonus on all saving throws against fire effects.
Detect Evil (Sp) At will, you can use Detect Evil, as the Spell. You can, as a move action, concentrate on a single individual or item within 60 feet and determine if it is evil, learning the strength of its aura as if having studied it for 3 rounds. While focusing on one individual or object, you do not detect evil in any other object or individual within range.
Divine Health (Ex) You are immune to all diseases, including supernatural and magical diseases, including mummy rot.
Lay on Hands (Su) You can heal wounds (your own or those of others) by touch. Each day you can use this ability 3 times per day. With one use of this ability, you can heal 1d6 hit points of damage. Using this ability is a standard action, unless you target yourself, in which case it is a swift action. Despite the name of this ability, you only need one free hand to use this ability. Alternatively, you can use this healing power to deal damage to undead creatures, dealing 1d6 points of damage. Using Lay on Hands in this way requires a melee touch attack and doesn't provide an attack of opportunity. Undead do not receive a saving throw against this damage.
Resistance to Acid (Ex) You may ignore 5 points of Acid damage each time you take acid damage.
Resistance to Cold (Ex) You may ignore 5 points of Cold damage each time you take cold damage.
Resistance to Electricity (Ex) You may ignore 5 points of Electricity damage each time you take electricity damage.
Mercy (Sickened) (Su) Whenever you use Lay on Hands to heal damage to one target, the target is no longer sickened.
Skilled (Ex) Agathion Blooded Aasimars receive a +2 bonus to Handle Animal and Survival checks.
Smite Evil (Su) You can call out to the powers of good to aid you in your struggle against evil 1 times per day. As a swift action, you choose one target within sight to smite. If this target is evil, you add +2 to your attack rolls and +3 to all damage rolls made against the target of your smite. If the target of Smite Evil is an outsider with the evil subtype, an evil-aligned dragon, or an undead creature, the bonus to damage on the first successful attack increases to +6. Regardless of the target, Smite Evil attacks automatically bypass any DR the creature might possess. In addition, while smite evil is in effect, you gain a +2 deflection bonus to your AC against attacks made by the target of the smite. If you target a creature that is not evil, the smite is wasted with no effect. The Smite Evil effect remains until the target of the smite is dead or the next time you rest and regain your uses of this ability.
Spell-Like Ability (Sp) Agathion Blooded Aasimars can use summon nature's ally II 1/day as a spell-like ability.
Undead Crusader You have dedicated your life to eradicating the scourge of the undead from Golarion. You have spent countless hours studying the different types of undead and have trained endlessly to learn the best ways to defeat them. If any undead creatures come out of the tombs of Wati's necropolis, you'll be ready for them! You gain a +1 trait bonus on damage rolls against undead creatures. In addition, you gain a +1 trait bonus on Knowledge (religion) checks, and that skill is always a class skill for you.
Things we are waiting on before we go on:
Braydir's level up
Any further looking for undead Khere wants to do
Revision of Khere's stats bar
We are also waiting a bit for other players.