Gandal's Carrion Crown AP

Game Master Gandal

Ok, I wasn't sure if we knew each other, so I played it as if we didn't.

Just so everyone knows, we arrive at 5pm on the 1st of March, 4711.

Calendar

As it's the opening act, Gandal, care to give us a bit more to work with: for eg, weather, how light it is, what the surrounding countryside is like (pleasant rolling fields or ominous rocky outcrops, etc)?

Do we see the prison as we approach the village? What's it like - intact, ruins, etc?

Describe The Restlands: is it a big, sprawling cemetery or a small "boot hill"-style affair. Any adjoining buildings?

I ask because I like to get a complete picture of the place in my head so Jaylen can interact more fully with the place.

If you'd rather we make everything up, that's fine but you may get 4 different descriptions!!!

Well i have preferred some of the PCs to have already met some of the others,tends to save posts,but doesn't really matter since i totally forgot to check your backgrounds :)
Anyway you all have to begin in the same place and for a predetermined reason,so a detailed background is almost pointless.

As it's the opening act, Gandal, care to give us a bit more to work with: for eg, weather, how light it is, what the surrounding countryside is like (pleasant rolling fields or ominous rocky outcrops, etc)?

Do we see the prison as we approach the village? What's it like - intact, ruins, etc?

Describe The Restlands: is it a big, sprawling cemetery or a small "boot hill"-style affair. Any adjoining buildings?

I ask because I like to get a complete picture of the place in my head so Jaylen can interact more fully with the place.

If you'd rather we make everything up, that's fine but you may get 4 different descriptions!!!

Had thought of giving more descriptions,remember i'm not a living english dictionary, most i have to work with google translator.

Oh, and could someone clarify something for me: I'm sure I read somewhere that if a spell is on a class spell-list, someone of that class can use the scroll even though they haven't got to the required level to cast spells; did I read right?

For eg, a 1st-level ranger can use a scroll of Longstrider.

Anyway the restlands is a 360' long 260' wide enclosed moorland, with some 20 family vaults and dozens of gravestones.
There are no nearby buildings.
For details on the prison's burned down ruins there will be plenty of time, it is the focus of this chapter of the AP.

You must have the spell on your caster list
The spell must be the correct type (arcane or divine)
The user must have the required ability score
The user must be of a caster level at least equal to the spell's caster level

The ranger has a caster level equal to ranger -4 and longstrider requires a caster level 1 if i'm not wrong

My problem are the maps.The ones given on the modules are full of marks and writings from the authors (the points of reference for the paragraphs)
and given their position in the book, the scanner gives poor results,i'ld need map free of writing/symbols and already prepared for online use.
Any suggestions?

Do a search for an appropriate map and then link us to it. (And maybe some artwork, so we can get a feel for the place.)

I think we're all aware that English isn't your native language and, obviously, we're making allowances for that...we're just glad you're prepared to run a campaign!!! :)

If it helps, use bullet-points/single sentences.

For example:

~it is dry but overcast.

~the prison sits on a rocky bluff.

~the cemetery is small and well-maintained.

The players can fill in the details. :)

AS for the scroll, unless it is changed since 3.5 you need to a caster level check. (Roll d20 + your level and if it exceeds the spellcaster level, you successfully cast it, otherwise mishap might happen based on how much you failed by)

My problem are the maps.The ones given on the modules are full of marks and writings from the authors (the points of reference for the paragraphs)

and given their position in the book, the scanner gives poor results,i'ld need map free of writing/symbols and already prepared for online use.
Any suggestions?

I used Foxit PDF reader to copy the maps, and then Paint or something that adjust as I needed, (like covering the map, adding letters and numbers, etc). I also used a site Imageshack to post them for everyone to see.

Here is an example for a PFS game I am running. Here

It takes a little work, but it is fairly easy to figure out.

Oh, and could someone clarify something for me: I'm sure I read somewhere that if a spell is on a class spell-list, someone of that class can use the scroll even though they haven't got to the required level to cast spells; did I read right?

For eg, a 1st-level ranger can use a scroll of Longstrider.

A Ranger or Paladin can use a Wand of a spell on their list without needing a caster level check, even if they are not high enough level to cast it. A scroll, however, they will need a Caster Level Check.

I was wanting to have a more personal relationship with the Prof, (and his family?) if that's ok, than the Traits suggest. Is that ok with you? I was hoping that he might be my mentor and friend, and that I might even have had a personal relationship with the family, so that they might be friends/allies throughout the game. If that is okay with you. I just like to have a more personal, (less mechanical) reason to be in the game, and for it to matter to my character.

Map Of Ravengro

(Courtesy Of GM Wulfson. I hope he doesn't mind.)

Re. the scroll/wand: it must have been wand I was thinking of. Aw, well.

Gah, that must be the worst first post ever. :( I can do better and, hopefully, will do as we get into the game.

@Raven knight:that would be perfect,the AP has room for closer relationships (and more :) )

@Jaylen:Surely better than mine, but i myself have very little info on the landscape,apart from the game's statistics on Ravengro,but cannot give you those,you will have to discover the secrets of the town in play.

But verisim is missing,let's try to wait a bit more.

RavengroWiki

I used the above. Not much there but it's something.

@Raven knight:that would be perfect,the AP has room for closer relationships (and more :) )

Excellent. I am not that familiar with PbP games, but I do not intend to make anyone uncomfortable.

Verisim has gone missing for a week today, what do you want to do ?

options:
wait
replace the rogue with my bard
recruit again

I asked that RL friend of mine to hurry in choosing his last trait and equip,if nothing happens, i'll resume game with the paladin in "stand by" until i have news from the player.

Has anyone PMed him just to see if he replies to that, I say give him until end of week (Friday?) to post. Maybe he is still trying to sort out his character or something....or just lack of time as he is deployed in the field.

Otherwise, I am good either way.

I hadn't,i think if he cannot log,he won't answer PM too.

Photobucket
I'm brushing up Maptools,this is what i could get on how it works,have to add the player's and NPC's icons, but i can open it and update every round,so it should fine.
edit:i drew that map.

(Still Gandal here,i know how to log my friend's account :) )
This PC is ready, so i'll say to really start the game in one another day if Verisim doesn't return.I'll use my bard as te roguish PC.

Cool map...

...erm, what's it of? :P

Also, the map that I posted, was I OK to do that?

Cool map...

...erm, what's it of? :P

Also, the map that I posted, was I OK to do that?

It is intended for the Restland encounter (soon).

As I mentioned earlier, most maps are online - in their various forms - already; just do an "images" search.

Are these any good to you?

Restlands Map

It shows buildings, tho, so not sure what's going on there.

CC Maps & Images

Why reinvent the wheel? :D

(Should you use any of them, it would be polite to drop the respective account holders a note to say you're doing so.)

I'll not post any more just in case I show something we're not supposed to see.

That is the same Restlands map of the book, the buildings are the family vaults i mentioned in the brief description.The only problem with that map is its scale:1 square=20 feet.
Cannot use it for staging combat,so for the actual encounter had to draw one myself.

Also,i'ld require the players to post a simplified version of their PC's sheet in every post in which it is relevant, as for combat.

Example

This sheet shows my bard as she arrives in Ravengro (if she ever will)
what she is carrying on herself,so taking encumbrance in account,current AC and HP,possibly debilitating effects and so on.
Hope it isn't asking too much,it will help a lot.

We can't just update our profile?

It would seem to make lenghty posts. We normally just posted our HPs and any current effect that would influence combat.

What most suits you,i already prepared the simplified version in the bard's profile,so it is just a matter of copy/paste,but whatever you are fine with will do for me.

edit:of course the PC status are to be put under spoiler, to save space and privacy.

Gandal, to make it easier for you, tell us exactly what information you want us to put in the spoilers. Personally, I think you'd need just:

hp
AC (normal/touch/flatfooted/CMD)
Current status

So, example spoiler:

Anything else will get in the way of the relevant information. It's up to you, tho; if you want more details included, we can do that. Let us know how you want it formatting, too.

PS I'm quite happy to 'take 10' on my perception check so I can include that information in the spoiler, if you like.

I just need the relevant info,or the most relevant for the event at hand.Hp's and AC's are the most important ,or the most checked during combat,so you can just post them.
If there are buff/debuff it should be useful to trace their duration.
Everything else is left to you.

I PM'ed Verisim,should he ever return,probably we'll just skip my bard with his rogue.Or play with all of six PCs.

Hope the intro of the other PCs is enough descriptive to you,i strained my knowledge of English and writing at their limits.

They were perfectly fine, clear and concise. Glad that we are taking this underway now, I've been looking forward to it since we started messaging about the game.

I wanted to really start it too.One thing about introductions:i thought i said the PCs already knew each others or worked together.I forgot to check your backstories,so doesn't matter if you wrote otherwise,my forgetfulness.
Let go on with this narration now and who wants to introduce him/herself to the others can do as he/she likes.
As for my bard,she will simply say she knew the professor used to work with someone else that fits the description of the others.

I can repost if you would rather that. I guess it would make it easier

We can know each other if you prefere. My idea for backstory was that I grew up a common street urchin (a poor kid on the streets) until one day, the young Prof "adopted" me. I he taught me almost everything, and I lived with him and his family for years. In that time, I developed a sort of romantic relationship with his daughter, and not wanting to hurt either her or betray her father, I left to become a war priest and joined the Mendevian Crusades. I did it for her, though I couldn't explain why, (and it was somewhat of an immature decision, not thinking it all through). I recently got word about the bad news, and have made my way back to my old home.

I can repost if you would rather that. I guess it would make it easier

I was at work when i saw this post, and don't have the time to post with my phone,so no worries,we'll just say every PC heard of the others from prof. and introduce ourselves now.

Make yer bloody minds up!!! :P

Follow the instructions i give you from the beginning for a good start!!!!!!!!!!! ;)

forgot:Jaylen has just earned a XP penalty of -400,000 points ^^

^^ Giving the bad guys a chance, I see. :P

Beckett, what are you confused about? As far as I can tell, we received an invitation to the funeral. At the moment, we're just going through the opening 'act', introducing our characters, etc. It just so happens that we're starting immediately upon arrival rather than being given opportunity to look around, etc. It's not the greatest way to start but what can ya do? It also doesn't help that several of our players aren't here. Aw, well.

Have you seen the starting scenes of the other AP's?
All the ones i played throu are non sense,would list them here but don't want to spoil anything.

^^ Giving the bad guys a chance, I see. :P

Beckett, what are you confused about? As far as I can tell, we received an invitation to the funeral. At the moment, we're just going through the opening 'act', introducing our characters, etc. It just so happens that we're starting immediately upon arrival rather than being given opportunity to look around, etc. It's not the greatest way to start but what can ya do? It also doesn't help that several of our players aren't here. Aw, well.

I know that out of character, but where does it mention this in this game. I feel like I missed something.

I reread through, and maybe there was a point someone was editting the text, or I just did not notice it the first time. I was getting confussed because I didn't see a reason we where all there, (even though I know we are summoned due to the Professors death from another sorce). I was also getting confussed at the references to a map, but I didn't see it anywhere, and now I see the link, (but I can not open it).

Also, to be clear, do we, or do we not know each other? I'm fine either way, but if we do know each other, or at least know of each other, we should probably know some details about each other's backgrounds before getting too far into the game. I also do need to get my gear down, though in all honesty I'm not going to have that much, I know it will be important comming up. I'd also like to volunteer to be a paul bearer (to carry the coffin for burrial), but I'm not sure if we are at that pont or not in game. I'll try it "in character".

At this point,i forgot to better check backgrounds.Let's go on like this and introduce the chars in game.
The paul bearer scene is next,i'm at work cannot post more.

*ahem* It's pall-bearer#. You've been watching too much wrestling!!! :P

It mentions the invitation in the first paragraph. As Gandal says, most AP's just start without much of an introduction. My current table-top game is Kingmaker and that simply says "You're to make your way to (point X)"

So, to summarise: via magical or mundane means, you've made your way to Ravengro and, because you've been railroaded into arriving late, you've gone straight to the graveyard to meet with Kendra and the rest of the mourners, PC's included. :D

For the record, although you may have heard of me, through the professor, it's unlikely that you will have met me. There's little reason for anyone to come to my village, unless you need a guide through the Exalted Wood, as the prof. did. If you can work that into your background, that's fine; I'll add it to mine. I, or rather, Jaylen, has only ever left the village on a couple of occasions, and that was to go to the nearest town for supplies.

Incidentally, we have two worshippers of Iomedae so there's an instant link there.

#Unless, of course, the deceased name is Paul, in which case you'd be a Paul-bearing pall-bearer. :) (I'll get my coat!)

I also sent a PM to Verisim, asking what they where doing, filling in on the game, and offering some links. I believe he was also deployed, so may not be able to get to a computer or online for a variaty of reasons.

*ahem* It's pall-bearer#. You've been watching too much wrestling!!! :P

It mentions the invitation in the first paragraph. As Gandal says, most AP's just start without much of an introduction. My current table-top game is Kingmaker and that simply says "You're to make your way to (point X)"

So, to summarise: via magical or mundane means, you've made your way to Ravengro and, because you've been railroaded into arriving late, you've gone straight to the graveyard to meet with Kendra and the rest of the mourners, PC's included. :D

For the record, although you may have heard of me, through the professor, it's unlikely that you will have met me. There's little reason for anyone to come to my village, unless you need a guide through the Exalted Wood, as the prof. did. If you can work that into your background, that's fine; I'll add it to mine. I, or rather, Jaylen, has only ever left the village on a couple of occasions, and that was to go to the nearest town for supplies.

Incidentally, we have two worshippers of Iomedae so there's an instant link there.

#Unless, of course, the deceased name is Paul, in which case you'd be a Paul-bearing pall-bearer. :) (I'll get my coat!)

1): I only watch japanese anime.

edit:more,i cannot explain myself why the PCs should travel all that way only to serve as pall-bearers.Why the other mourners don't do it themselves? It's theirs town.

I don't know about you guys, even though it is a bit more straightforward than to my liking, it is pretty common for most adventures to start somewhat like this. I mean I have seen some that just start by walking by chance upon a tower/dungeon/(place creepy name here).

So really it is perfectly fine in my opinion.

I was just playin' with ya, Gandal. :P

There's nothing really to explain: we've been invited to attend a funeral. Other than Beckett (OOC), no-one's mentioned pall-bearers.

I'm fine with this as a way to start an adventure; it beats "You're in a tavern...there's a hooded dude in the corner." :P

@Jaylen: understood what you meant.
@Benoit: may i place under the (random creepy name) something like (uchu senkan Yamato-space battleship Yamato)?

lol, sounds perfect!