Shattered Star was written with the intention of the players having already gone through Rise of the Runelords, but so was Jade Regent and they both give you several ways to run the adventure with Rise of the Runelords having not actually happened. This is because paizo has a policy of trying to make the adventures as separate as possible so that they could be theoretically run at any time. This is the first time that a Adventure Path actively requires the events of a previous Adventure Path to take place.
As far as I know Shattered Star basically assumed that Rise of the Runelords, Curse of the Crimson Throne and Second Darkness have taken place (and Jade Regent, but that's of lesser import). In fact, one chapter is heavily influenced by one of the results of CotCT's outcome.
Hell's Vengeance also assumes Council of Thieves has taken place.
I like the traits from Return of the Runelords, especially how one of them links to a possible event in Shattered Star.
Sounds interesting but I'm playing Rise right now.
No other suggestions, comments or ideas about what to do? Just going with the plan I laid out for you?
I mean, seems like a good plan. And it was suggested by someone who is a lot more competent in this kind of thing than I am. So, ya. :)
I was waiting because I got nothing.
I have reacted to Araton's plan - I was thinking we'd make a break for it.
Remember, even if your character isn't adding anything, it still doesn't hurt to contribute by saying something like "I agree. That's a sound plan," or "What if we do this as well?"
Also, I will be out of the country starting tomorrow evening. I will have my phone and access to Wi-Fi, but I don't know if I'll be able to post. Please bot me if necessary.
Posted to all games:
Starting in one week, on Saturday the 21st, I will be completely offline until either Sunday the 30th or Monday the 1st. I am going on an international trip to Africa and internet there is practically nonexistent for uses such as playing PbP. If I am a player, please bot me. If I'm your GM, sorry for the delay. I'll be back. Promise.
It's not entirely clear to me: Is there still a dog there?
Yes.
Back from my vacation.
I hope this is a lesson you all take with you if you ever meet an ogre. It doesn't matter how friendly it is to you, it will prioritize killing its enemies.
Actually Cleave only works if I hit the first target.
Thanks for pointing that out, I still have time to go in an edit it out.
I recommend Block Init, DM. I use it and it fits PbP well.
I'm back, and exhausted after travelling for over 36 hours. But I'm back!
I second the motion for block Initiative. I also use it and find it works well for PbP. It also helps when you group enemies of the same type up so they all take their actions at the same time.
Baolo you’re up. Hello? Can you hear me?
Can you hear me now?
Now?
I like block and will definitely use it next time I run.
Katherina Woods?
You should message her.
Well it's official, two games is the upper limit of what I can run without slowing things down. I know because I'm running a third game right now and my posting rate has been slower for all of them.
I put stars in all the rooms that you've been in on the prisons ground floor. If nobody else has anything to post I'll get a post up later today.
That’s about right.
So are you all ready to leave Branderscar Prison?
Yes, finally!
Yeah, although I suspect it won't be easy.
Please make a decision. I don't want to decide things for you.
Casius let me give you the by the book description of what should have happened to you.
The portcullis can be circumvented by making a DC 10 Climb check. Failing that roll however means you slip and fall into the water below unless you are anchored by a rope.
The water is forty feet below and quite deep if you can avoid the sharp rocks. Anyone falling must make a DC 12 Acrobatics skill check or be dashed on the rocks (taking an almost guaranteed lethal 6d6 points of damage). If the diver misses the rocks, they still take 2d3 non-lethal
damage from the fall and then must make a DC 12 Swim skill check to avoid being sucked down by the powerful rip tides that circulate where the waves hit the cliffs.
The PC must keep making this swim check until they either succeed or they drown. Each failure causes them another 1d3 non-lethal damage from the fury of the sea and buffeting against the rocks. If anyone reaches zero hit points they are pulled down into the depths unless someone aids them. Anyone aiding another has their own Swim difficulty increased to 15.
Yep. That would be guaranteed death for me.
I will be traveling for the Thanksgiving holiday weekend here in the US, starting tomorrow. I will have my phone, but cannot guarantee my posting availability. Please bot me if necessary.
Happy Thanksgiving if it applies to you! And happy Thanksgiving to you if it doesn’t!
Baolo and Saulric, we’re waiting for you.
Sorry, my thing just updated for this. I thought the game had died until I clicked this.
Sorry, my thing just updated for this. I thought the game had died until I clicked this.
Well I’m glad you’re here because it’s your turn.
I was wondering if you were going to abandon them. “They're NPC’s now, f***um!”
Dropping a note to let you know that my Christmas vacation begins tomorrow. I will have access to internet and will post when possible, but my posting will likely be more erratic through Christmas Day.
I will be sure to get rolls and a post up before I head out.
Level up, level up, it's time for level ups.
That is less than half +1, so that's 5+1 Con Mod for 6 HP.
Base Atk: +1
Ref +1, Will +1
Skills: 6 + 1 Int + 1 Human + 1 FCB + 2 Background = 11 Skill points
Bluff +1
Diplomacy +1
Disguise +1
Knowledge (arcana) +1
Knowledge (local) +1
Knowledge (nobility) (Background) +1
Perception +1
Sleight of Hand (Background) +1
Spellcraft +1
Stealth +1
Use Magic Device +1
Class Features: Mesmerist Trick (Fearsome Guise), towering ego (Cha mod (+4) to Will Saves)
Spells: +1 1st level spell/day
New Spells Known: 1 0-level, 1 1st level
0-level: detect magic
1st-level: grease
GM, would Araton have time to pick the lock on that chest we carried out of the prison?
You already did open the chest.
D'oh. Totally forgot about that. We'll have to divvy up the contents later.
Are we keeping Araton and Katherina as NPCs, or are you writing them out?
I’m going to write them out. Too many reasons to and not enough reason to keep them in.
Levels!
BaB, fort, will, +1
0 and 1st lvl: +1
- I'll take it.
Do we happen to have a dagger lying about? I'd be nice to get my hands on one.
I don't remember who had the other masterwork dagger, but no reason it couldn't go to you. We also have a huge chest of gold, and hopefully a chance to spend it.
By the way, GM, I forgot to ask, are you allowing Occult Skill Unlocks? I'm not particularly concerned either way, but it occurs to me they might make for some good RP at some point.
HP:
Base Atk: +1
Fort +1
Skills: 4-1(int)+1(skilled)+1(FCB)+2(background)= 7 Skill points
Acrobatics +1
Intimidate +1
Knowledge (Nature) +1
Perception +1
Profession Butcher(Background) +1
Survival +1
Linguistics (Background) +1
Class Features: Rage Rund +1, Favored Enemy (Human) +2, Uncanny Dodge
Happy New Year!
Happy New Year!
I think we're still waiting on Saulric to level up?
I do still need to level but the game isn't stalled on me. Or have I not been getting notifications again?
No, this is on me. December slows me down, the usual December slog and the fact that I just genuinely don't want to do anything.
Fair enough. I've been putting off starting a game until after the holidays and now until I get better.
I recommend you all take a moment to review your backstories and crimes, those will become important soon.