Okay, gang. Welcome to the Emerald Spire campaign.
We won't be starting this game until I'm finished with my PFS Game for Game Day V. However, that leaves you fine people some time to get to know one another as players and as characters. Discuss roles and backgrounds, maybe?
You should decide (if your background doesn't already dictate) whether you are locals residing in Fort Inevitable or newcomers, drawn by tales of adventure. Once you know that, you can decide whether some or all of you know each other already or whether this is going to be "you're all gathered in the tavern when" sort of beginning.
You should also check out the Campaign Info tab, if you haven't already. There is a lot of information there and I'll be updating that regularly as you meet people and find cool new quests.
Let's talk for a moment about posting.
I don't necessarily have a rigorous set of expectations. We're all adults (well, I guess I don't really know if that's true. Hey, if anyone -isn't- an adult, please tell me. I'll try to be age-appropriate with my descriptions and themes.)
Anyway, this is a game and takes a distant back seat to real life. That said, if real life is preventing you from posting as frequently as you'd like, please have the courtesy to tell us all that so we know what's going on. I'll do the same.
In general, I'd like you to please post at least once per day on weekdays and at least once per weekend. This is a long campaign and I don't want to die of old age before we finish it. :-)
If you're not too familiar with the conventions of Play-by-Post (PBP), there is an excellent link on the Campaign Info thread to help you out.
Here are some conventions we'll use.
1) For whatever reason, on these boards speech is bolded. Honestly, it's not my favorite convention, but it is expected, so that's what we'll do. (Example: "I'm coming!" he said.)
2. Speech requires quotation marks. Unfortunately, that -isn't- common enough on these boards, but it is a simple rule of the English language, and we will definitely be using it. If you just can't use quotation marks, please tell me now.
3) Out of character discussion in the Gameplay thread requires the "ooc" tag. See "How to format your text" below.
4) Use spoiler tags if you don't want everyone to read what you've written.
5. Buffs. Probably the hardest thing to do in a PBP setting is to remember if someone else in your party has a buff (a spell or ability that improves someone's performance) running. It's very common to read "Hey, did you remember the bard's inspire courage?" I find the best way to handle that is for the buffing character to put the buff in an ooc tag, the bold tag and the bigger tag at the bottom of your post.
(Example)
Aye, seems fair.
As far as Wymond's background, he's not local to Fort Inevitable itself, but he's a River Kingdoms man through and through. In fact, he's downright leery of Fort Inevitable. Too much legislatin' and meanness when the River Freedoms and Erastil's wisdom give you all you need.
Wymond's meant to be a homely, kind-hearted country bumpkin, who may not be intellectually sophisticated or mysteriously handsome, but whose simple honesty and bashful smile make him charming anyway. He hasn't had to make hard choices or run into situations where the right thing wasn't clear and obvious (and honestly that's something Triath, the cassian angel disguised as a pig that acts as Wymond's familiar and spiritual guide, is worried about, not because Wymond's naive, but because he's indecisive).
Hi Everybody!
Thanks again GM for choosing this humble player for your game.
I second GM's suggested reading of painlord's guide to PBP, if you haven't already....excellent advice.
Seems everyone is new to Fort Inevitable, though Wymond and Yirrik might have met sometime in their youth; on the road to the Fort or another town delivering food stuff from thier respective homesteads.
Perfire is a recent arrival to Fort Inevitable and is in a rush to get out. As a slave freed under probably less than legal means he fears losing his newly acquired freedom.
His life of servitude has left him very accommodating but he will remain guarded until he knows the people he's working with won't turn him in. Perfire is new to freed life so will happily jump at opportunities to better his station.
As for my play-style, I like to do a little bit of everything but not be super serious about everything. I'm totally about letting people play their own characters and don't get super hung up about rules and things being 'just so'. Games are supposed to be fun so the best way I can see to make that happen is to take it easy on stuff that bogs down the action. I try to post every day, even on weekends, even if it's waiting on someone else's turn and putting up some character thoughts or dialogue.
Looking forward to playing with everyone!
I dotted and deleted to keep the game play thread uncluttered.
Hello, and I'm looking forward to playing alongside you all. :)
Zaia was born and raised in Artume and then was sent away to study/train under a Desnan priestess in Lambreth also in the River Kingdoms.
She's kindhearted and a healer through and through. She lost her identical twin sister at age 10 and has been away from home for the past eight years (with short visits here and there). So in a way she feels rejected/abandoned by her parents and feels she has to prove herself worthy in their eyes, I think between Wymond and Zaia we have diplomacy covered.
She isn't a local of Fort Inevitable (she's a newcomer seeking to forge a path for herself), although being a Desnan, she has travelled around the River Kingdoms (and underground) with her mentor/teacher. Perhaps she's crossed paths with some of the others?
One small note: Can we keep blocks of OOC to the discussion board as I find large amounts of OOC on the main board can clutter the game page and make it harder to find information/details? Thanks!
I dotted and deleted to keep the game play thread uncluttered.
Is that a thing? I didn't know that was a thing.
It is indeed...a thing :)
I did the same thing...but I was selfish and kept it to myself ;D
Is that a thing? I didn't know that was a thing.
In every game I've been in over the last year or so, it has been. Not saying all GMs like or do that, but I know when running my last game, I had my players dot and delete. :)
So if everyone is new to Fort Inevitable, how did/do you meet?
He said, foisting all the work off onto the players...
In every game I've been in over the last year or so, it has been. Not saying all GMs like or do that, but I know when running my last game, I had my players dot and delete. :)Is that a thing? I didn't know that was a thing.
Now I know. Keen!
Whoops, wish I would have deleted mine. Sorry.
Perfire, having heard tell of the Spire, sees that as his quickest way up. Looking for a way to avoid the notice of the Hell-Knights he'd attempt to find companions to attempt and explore the spire or at least to travel with on to a safer town.
No worries, Perfire. :)
Well, if none of us meet beforehand (on the road to Fort Inevitable) then we could meet up at The Red Shield Tavern (but that's where the Hellknights like to hang out and Perfire wants to avoid them). Probably a better option is The Helmed Lady taphouse? (Just going by the map/detail the GM's provided on the campaign thread.)
I can see Wymond and Zaia meeting on the road to Fort Inevitable. He'd see a female travelling alone and ask where she is headed and probably offer to accompany/escort her in order to protect her? Zaia is not a fighter by any means and she would enjoy the company. Or Wymond could have been travelling through (brief stopover to rest?) Lambreth on the way to the fort and they met and travelled together from there?
Yirrik and Zaia could have met earlier (struck up a recent acquaintance) while venturing in one of the underground caves in the River Kingdoms? Also, I just noted they're both from Lambreth - perhaps they set out together for the fort? I Not sure Zaia and Perfire would have met up before - They could meet at the gates leading into the fort or earlier? Just tossing some ideas out there. I'm open to other suggestions. ;)
As far as why Wymond wants to go into the Emerald Spire, it's largely Triath goading him there because there's evil lurking down there that shouldn't be left to fester. One of the things he's centered on is that while there's great evils in Golarion that need slaying, someone has to keep home safe. Other paladins will fight in the Worldwound, but Wymond will keep their homes safe from evils closer to home like the Emerald Spire.
He'll probably get along great with both Zaia, listening to her tales of travels with wide-eyed interest, and Perfire as he's a firm believer in the River Freedoms, especially "Slavery is an abomination." I like the idea having met Yirrik on the road. Perhaps Zaia sought shelter on the Dwerryhouse farmstead during her travels and so we already knew each other?
I have no issue saying that Zaia took shelter at the farmstead during her earlier travels with her priestess mentor and had formed an acquaintance with Wymond there, months before the sojourn to Fort Inevitable. (They're also close in age - only a year apart.) :)
I just read Yirrik's backstory and he's also from Lambreth. Perhaps Zaia and Yirrik could venture out together since they're starting off from the same place? They share a fascination with caves, so they might know one another... (How old is Yirrik? Zaia is 18.)
I don't want to leave Perfire out... and I don't mean to. I have read his backstory and I'm just wondering where Zaia and he would cross paths unless it's somewhere on the road or even inside the Fort after he gets in there without drawing the attention of the Hellknights. Perfire, any suggestions? :)
Perfire might have done work for any of the other characters on the road to help pay his way or to earn a meal. He may have made them a useful alchemical item or offered to do other minor tasks for them. He would have been quick to move on but Perfire might remember the others and they might remember him.
Hmm, okay. Perfire could have met up with Zaia and her mentor Esther on their travels across the River Kingdoms? Perhaps the ladies were waylaid by a random bandit or two on the road or in the forest and Perfire came by them and stepped in to assist/scare off the bandit/s? After he did so, the ladies thanked him, shared a simple meal with him and then they each went their merry way? Zaia would remember his courage and kindness to her and her teacher.
Wymond, you should dot into the Gameplay thread, even if you then delete it. You're not showing up as a character.
That sounds fantastic Zaia, Perfire would definitely remember a pair of people along the way that helped feed him and would be pretty likely to put some trust in them.
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Excellent. :)
So Zaia and Wymond have an earlier acquaintance when she sheltered at Dwerryhouse farmstead during one of her sojourns across the River Kingdoms.
Zaia and Perfire remember one another from an earlier thwarted bandit encounter and sharing a meal on the road.
Zaia and Yirrik are both in Lockridge, in the River Kingdom of Lambreth before they set off. And maybe are acquaintances from exploring local caves. Just waiting to hear back from Yirrik if he's okay with this tie-in and to them travelling together to the fort. :)
I've dotted the thread now.
As for Perfire, perhaps the Dwerryhouses offered him their hospitality and when a bounty hunter with more arrogance than sense tried to bully them into handing Perfire over, the family beat the lout back. Slavery's an abomination after all, and the Dwerryhouse family NEVER betrays a person staying under their roof!
And I like the idea that Yirrik and Wymond are passing acquaintances on the roads to the big cities of Thornkeep and Fort Inevitable. After all, groups are less likely to get robbed than farmers travelling alone!
Could everyone please put the pertinent information in a header like Zaia's? Very useful to the GM.
Ooh. One more thing I thought of. Whenever you use a spell or ability that has a saving throw, please list the -whole- saving throw. So often in my online games, I'll read "(DC 17)". Swell. Is that Will, Fortitude or Reflex?
Also, if the spell is super common, like magic missile or fireball, feel free to assume I know what it does. But remember that I've played at least nine different versions of D&D/Pathfinder (to say nothing of variants like Arcana Evolved. I've got a lot of different variations of the rules floating around in my noggin, so it'd be pretty helpful to your ol' GM if you'd link to the text of the spell or ability.
I like the Pathfinder SRD myself, but the Pathfinder PRD and Archives of Nethys are also great resources.
I like the use links for spells and abilities and also give as much detail as I can, especially in combat. So, I'm good with that, GM! ;)
During combat, would you like us to include a Current/Active Status in spoiler at the end of our posts? This way we can track HP and any active effect or spell, resource usage etc...I find it can help.
How old are Perfire and Yirrik? I couldn't see their age anywhere on their sheets. Sorry if I missed the listed info. Wymond is 19 and Zaia is 18. Although I must admit that Wymond's avatar makes him look so much older. ;) LOL
Updated my sheet, added in age and links to the spells. Would you prefer my pertinent info out of the spoiler or is it fine with the way it is?
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hmmm, you're right...no age :)
Yirrik's 18.
Zaia, I think that Yirrik's mentor and Esther were acquaintances and had irregular meetings as they crisscrossed the River Kingdoms. That would have given Yirrik and Zaia time at least to have become familiar with each other.
As for Yirrik, he's a seeker, for adventure and secrets. He's a true friend to those who offer the same, but turns the other cheek readily to those who seek to insult or disparage. Though he can see the sense in the laws of places like Fort Inevitable, he chafes against limits to the traditional River Kindom freedoms.
He's realistic about the dangers both above and below the ground in the River Kindoms, but still harbors a romantic notion about adventurers and their ilk. Whether he is a member of that group....that remains to be seen :)
Updated my sheet, added in age and links to the spells. Would you prefer my pertinent info out of the spoiler or is it fine with the way it is?
Either way you like it. I'm lazy, but I'm not too lazy to click one button.
Sounds good, Yirrik.
And, thanks Perfire and Yirrik for updating your sheet with the respective age of your character.
I've placed a spoiler on Zaia's profile page with her connections to the other three PCs.
Sorry for the brief radio silence. Been busy with work. Will update to the GM's specifications when I get home this afternoon!
GM Tarondor, is your stance on no drawbacks firmly fixed? I ask because they can bring a certain flavour and element to a character which I enjoy. You could restrict the number of drawbacks we could select from as I did in my last game (so a smaller pool to choose from and even amend some if you think the penalty too weak). Or we could roll to see which drawback we get? I mean in RL we don't get to pick and choose our flaws. LOL (Plus, getting an extra trait would be nice.)
I ask because I'm not into picture-perfect characters - I like them a little flawed. Where most people rally behind the bright hero to win the day, I'm always secretly backing the anti-hero. ;)
Yeah, if you really feel like taking a drawback, go ahead.
So... I'm feeling antsy. Not sure when my "Ancient's Anguish" PFS game is going to end, so I've been thinking about just getting started with this game as soon as we're ready.
Now that we know how you all know each other, why don't you guys tell me what brings you to Fort Inevitable on this particular occasion? I can think of a few reasons, starting with the obvious one:
- You've decided as a group to become adventurers and try your luck with the (locally) famous Emerald Spire.
- You've decided as a group to become adventurers and have decided to come to "the big city" to see what's happening.
- You're all in town just by chance and just happen to meet up in one of the town's two taverns, when suddenly...
- You've been sent by the Pathfinder Society (want to be Pathfinders?)
- You've been sent by a mysterious patron who wants something from the old Azlanti ruins.
- You received visions of a green spire and the terrible danger it poses to the whole region!
- Wymond's talking pig Triath told him he needed to gather you together at the Inn of the Red Shields to hear something important.
Or whatever you lads and lasses come up with!
I think everything's finished with Wymond's sheet. Just for the record, this is what he sounds like. Though he's a heck of a lot more polite.
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As far as his motivation to adventure in the Spire, Triath is nudging him (he can't actually talk yet :P) to the Spire to deal with the evils that dwell beneath. If the opportunity to be a Pathfinder presents itself, he'd be interested, perhaps getting the opportunity to do good in other lands. Perhaps exploring the Spire would be a way for us to prove ourselves to the Society!
Yeah, if you really feel like taking a drawback, go ahead.
Thanks! :)
I'm assuming by taking one, I get the third trait? Just checking to be certain.
I have given Zaia the Attached drawback (listed on her char sheet on her profile page). She is attached to an object: a locket containing a lock of her dead twin sister's hair. Zaia always wears it tied around her neck on a leather cord - tucked under her shirt and armour for safekeeping. The lock of hair (pressed into the locket) makes her feel more emotionally secure/assured as though her twin, Zefira, is still physically with her. It's the last physical remnant of her sister - so it's very important to her.
The extra trait I picked up is Wisdom in the Flesh (and have chosen Climb as the class skill and can use the Wis modifier on this skill).
Overall, I've slightly tweaked some of her stats and I feel I'm happier with them and Zaia now. She's ready to start when you are, GM!
@Wymond: Lovin' his character accent/voice. ;) I chuckled as I listened.
As to the reason why we're all at Fort Inevitable, I'm okay with either of the following: 1. We've decided as a group to become adventures and come to the "big city" (Zaia did want to prove herself and see what she could make of herself), 2. Being sent by the Pathfinder Society or 3. Wymond's soon-to-be talking pig had Wymond gather us at the inn to hear something important.
Perfire isn't likely to have been sent by the Pathfinder Society himself but he would attempt to join almost any expedition out of Fort Inevitable. Doubly so if there was a potential way to earn some coin to help secure his lasting freedom.
Zaia - Yes, the drawback permits a third trait.
We haven't heard from Yirrik, but I'm not seeing a consensus on starting points. So unless I hear an objection, I'm going to start us out on the assumption that you're all in town for your own reasons, but are meeting up for supper at the Red Shields Tavern, as many of you know each other from before.
So... the classic. "You're all in a tavern when..."
Which, let's be honest, is perfect since this entire game is meant as an homage to the old days of dungeon crawling.
Check this space tomorrow!
I like the classic tavern opening! And it's the perfect way to establish Wymond's down-home, folksy character by partaking of simple pub fare! :D
I'm okay with the classic tavern opening, too. :)
It seems I'm the only one to take up a drawback for a third trait. Surprising, but no worries!
Sorry, didn't realize I was casting a deciding vote :)
Meeting at the tavern makes sense to me!
Wymond - quick point on Triath's skills. The text says that Knowledge (religion) is NOT a class skill for the companion. He shouldn't get that +3 you gave him.
Couldn't really decide on a trait I REALLY wanted to take for this character to justify the drawback. No worries.
Understood, Perfire. Thanks!
Actually, according to the information on the Emissary familiar here, it is, and as a class feature of the Chosen One described here, that's a legitimate feature, since Wymond DOESN'T get Knowledge (Religion) as a class skill.
Okay. Just re-read it. It's YOU who doesn't get it as a class skill. Never mind!
'Tis cool! :)
Sorry for the delay, folks! The latest IOS update wrecked Chrome on my phone, and Safari's not real good for writing posts on, so I had to wait to get home.
Dear sweet Lord, I do hate IOS 10 with a passion. It has screwed my iPhone in every way possible short of becoming a Galaxy Note 7 and bursting into flame. I want to strangle an Apple "genius" until the put the old IOS back.