I did some brain storming last night on different ways that each of you might be trained to reflect your strengths, both as individually and as a group. It was very "X-men" first generation style. I'm really looking forward to that scene.
And now, so am I.
Here's hoping the Cardinal has built a Danger Room beneath the manor.
@AoM: I'm not 100% sure about the TWF yet, but probably. I'm also considering the bludgeoner and sap adept/master feats. As a slaver, I could see Barnabas going the nonlethal damage route, (all the better to take them alive). Something like Arya's litany seems thematically appropriate, though I'm not sure Barnabas' list will ever get that long.
@Oswald: Last call, I got your PM, but I would like to see you chime in on the contract before I move this scene onward.
@Barnabas: Oh you never know.. Ventris may only be the tip of the iceberg.
The only item Drisella would want is the finest puzzle box that she could receive.
Perhaps something like this?
The only item Drisella would want is the finest puzzle box that she could receive.Perhaps something like this?
You're getting the cut of my jib ;)
I was all drugged up yesterday from dental work and I intended to move us along. Now that Oswald has posted I will do so. I will also post a description of the manor. The place is rather free form in its description so I will have to use my imagination. If there is a room that you would like to see that I have not included let me know. The next three days in game are a chance for the Forsaken to rest and relax as well as to get to know the occupants before your training begins in earnest.
Ok, so now that we are to the point where you get to explore the manor, Tiadora is going to take you to several places and then cut you free. The first stop is Pilkington who runs the finances for this dark endeavor. He has orders to issue you with up to 300 gp worth of equipment. Ethanial will each get one 1 free spellbook, however his 300 gp allotment is going to something special (you will see). Any starting spells you should have had because of your intelligence or level two will be provided in a scroll form for you to copy down. Kaynen, if you recall Grumblejack carried off an Alchemist lab that you will be able to get your hands on later. There is also one present in the manor that you will be shown later.
Additionally, Pilkington will take any treasure that you have and either sell it for you or keep it in an account. Think of this as the First Bank of Asmodeus... as long as you're a member in good standing, you can deposit your gold and treasure, have it invested, buy and sell magic items, what have you. The accounting is meticulous and exact. (The devil is all about the details.)
Anything you wish to buy with your recovered items from Branderscar you can do so through Pilkington. Anything that is magical or really odd you need to run through me. Please work among yourselves in discussion to decided how you wish to purchase items.
@Everyone: In the next two weeks or so, I plan for us to move into a training montage. I have some pretty cool ideas as well as some player specific NPC's each of you will come to know (and hate) that will push you to be stronger, faster and harder. What I want from each of you is some PM's for suggestions or thoughts on how you would like to see your characters trained. Cardinal Thorn has a small retinue of very powerful NPC's at his command and a lot of resources so I would love for you to get creative. The training will largely be text based. I may work in some skill challenges or possibly a mock combat or two. Expect you to each be worked individually, in pairs and as a group. So send me your ideas for cool things you would like to see happen to your character.
A question: Would copying down the spells from the scrolls require Ethaniel to succeed at the Spellcraft checks necessary (DC 15 + spell level for each scroll), as well as pay the cost for writing them down (i.e. 5 gp for each 0-level spell and 10 gp for each 1st-level spell, meaning a total of 155 gp)? The time needed (1 hour for each Spellcraft check, plus 30 minutes for each 0-level spell or 1 hour for each 1st-level spell, meaning a total of 38 hours and 30 minutes) is a bit much, but I think he could manage it in three days.
As far as gathered loot is concerned, Ethaniel would like to get the chance to copy any magus spells that he does not have from Warden Richter's spellbook into his own.
Questions:
1. Is our 300gp item above and beyond the 300gp worth of loot? If so, would we know to ask about it?
2. For HP for levelling, is it just straight 1/2 or PFS style, 1/2+1?
@Fanguar:
#1: One item (or a MW weapon) of upto 300gp (If the cost of the MW is more then 300 let me know. Your MW Light Mace is ok. In addition you can use the remaining funds to purchase other items, but it cannot be tacked onto the 300gp item you are being given.
#2: You can take your avg hp (1/2) or roll. If you don't like the roll you can use your villain point to try again.
@Castor:
#1: No, you don't need to worry about copying the scrolls. Assume you can do it in your free time. Feel free to make references to it, but you won't fail on these. Any additional spells you wish to learn outside of your normal "free" ones because of leveling or +INT you will need to roll for however.
#2 Yes, you can use Warden Richters spellbook to copy any other spells over. You will be getting a special spell book that will count towards your 300gp "gift" but it will be worth it. I guess I'll tell you know what I have planned. The spellbook in question will be black leather with a red inverted pentagram that has been inscribed into it. There is also a latch where a small lock of whatever quality you choose to purchase could be inset (you would need to pay for that)The Cardinal will be placing a Glyph of Warding on the book (5d8) damage that can only be bypassed by pricking your finger and running it over the pentagram. (Think like an android pass-lock). Failure to follow the correct pattern or simply opening the book will cause who ever open it to take the damage (half with a reflex save of DC15). In addition you will also be provided with a black quill stylus (donated from the wings of an Erinyes) Will that work for you Ethan? Technically the powered diamond would raise the level cost, but I don’t think it is terribly overpowered.
Sounds awesome! And only the finest lock would do for such a spellbook, so Ethaniel will be forking over the 150 gp necessary to purchase a superior lock (Disable Device DC 40).
I will of course be talking with Mr. Pilkington about finding me a spellbook (though I am guessing Ethaniel will be requesting just an ordinary spellbook, being a simple and practical enough guy; Mr. Pilkington and Cardinal Thorne will be responsible for making the suitable selection, I am assuming), as well as a lock for it, in the IC thread.
On the matter of loot collected so far and what we keep and what we sell, what do you guys think?
Richter's spellbook seems like a keeper, at least until Ethaniel and Oswald can copy the spells that interest them from it. Other than that, allow me to copy the list from one of our DM's previous posts.
Our current "Loot" stands at the following (thanks Barnabas)
Loose Coin: 2pp, 1789gp, 72sp, 165cp
Mundane Treasure (1830 gp):6 books worth 1025gp
fine bottle of scotch(50gp)
monocle and chain set in silver (100gp)
University of Ghastr ring (250gp)
platinum disc (140gp)
gold ring (15gp)
silver bowl (150gp)
masterwork lute (100gp)
Masterwork Longsword (300gp)Stuff I'm not sure anyone has claimed:
A partially used healer's kit (6 uses remaining) (30gp)
Scroll of protection vs chaos (25gp)
Ioun Torch (75gp)
Richter’s spellbook (350gp)
alchemy set (200gp)
flask of acid x1 (10gp)
flask of alchemists fire x1 (20gp)
Scroll of hideous laughter. (At a caster level of 4th) (100gp)
Scroll of sleep (At a caster level of 4th) (100gp)
Veil - Patch of Rope and "Bricks" remaining. (105 gp)
@Everyone: Does anyone need something to play off of? I don't want us to hit a roadblock here with gear and purchases whatnot. Go ahead and describe the specific item you want. We can handle everything else in the discussion chat.
For simplicity sake, for the moment we'll just sell the mundane and keep the rest.
That's 520gp each. So that's what I'm going shopping with.
I have family staying at our house through Sunday, so my PbP posting is taking a little hit.
I keep holding myself up wanting to craft a longer, more interesting post in this game. :)
Actually, since the selling price is half of the item's actual price/value (at least, that is what I remember), by selling the mundane treasure only (meaning 915 gp), we would have a total cash sum of 2 pp, 2704 gp, 72 sp, 165 cp.
Divided amongst the seven of us, that would mean that each gets...
390 gp, 4 sp, 1 cp
If, however, the mundane items are sold at full price, then the total sum of cash would be 2 pp, 3619 gp, 72 sp, 165 cp and the individual share is...
521 gp, 1 sp, 2 cp
:-)
The mundane treasure is full value. Items however are not. Also I don't believe that Mikhail wishes to sell his MW Longsword and Kaynen wants to keep the MW Lute.
Divided equally the gold per person is . Between the non sold items and the one item of upto 300gp that will bring each of you close to your WPL at level 2 of 1,000 gold.
@Kergh: I have family coming to town over the next two days so I expect I will be very busy. I'll be working up a response in my free time. The end result of your interaction with Dessiter of the Phistophilus will be coming about the evening of the third night on 28 Calistril and will play a large part in the upcoming training montage. If you want to add to the main roleplay thread with the meeting with Mr. Pilkington feel free to do so in your normal, Int 8 character.
@Kaynen: Thanks for the heads up. I think I speak for all of us here when I say that I prefer quality over quantity of posts. Best of luck with the family visiting.
I was about to edit my post after refeshing my memory. I did not remember that about trade goods. But your DMness proved the quicker. :-)
*smiles* I happened to be up late finishing posts for other campaigns. (OOC, the campaign was written for four PC's so I have been doing a bit of juggling to try to make sure you stay within WPL. I'm actually pretty happy the way that it all shook out.)
Retraining-wise I'd like to take a leaf out of Mikhail's book and ask if Kherg can take the Attached drawback and the Beacon of Faith trait to reflect his current situation.
Kherg will spend his 300gp on getting the manacles and chain made into a masterwork chain shirt with his first ever holy symbol chained and clipped into the chest. Let me know if there is any extra cost on that. I decided that making the manacles into an exotic weapon like a spiked chain is a waste of feats for a spiritual advisor. He will become attached to that item once the armour has been blessed by his master, the Cardinal.
Let me know if that is okay.
cheers
Sorry for the delay, Friday after work was busy and Saturdays are usually occupied by my RL campaign. Working on something now.
@Oswald and Kaynen: Lets get some posts up with Mr. Pilkington so I can move us along to the next scene.
@Everone: Still waiting on some PM's for character specific training that you would like to see worked into the campaign. If you don't send me a PM I will just use my best judgement. I'm back at work now so I will be getting a post up for Kergh today in the afternoon / evening.
I'm pretty sure I sent you mine, if you need any more info let me know :)
I have to say, I love all the characters, but Oswald is so irrevocably nuts it is positively delightful!
Agreed.
I love it! Ok, we got all of our posts up. When I get off work in a few hours I will start us on the next part. Kergh's / Mikhails scene needs some more work and the Forsaken will be introduced to Zargo, one of Thorns "researchers".
I love it! Ok, we got all of our posts up. When I get off work in a few hours I will start us on the next part. Kergh's / Mikhails scene needs some more work and the Forsaken will be introduced to Zargo. *smiles*
Sorry guys, my wife was in a bad mood tonight so I didn't update the post. I am also going through an aviation recertification at the moment so I have been very busy. Thanks for your patience. I hate that I am holding up the game.
Man, I hate it when the boards go out in the middle of a post and I can't make corrections. Anyhow, remember when I asked what an "untained" version of your character would look like? It will be coming into play shortly thanks to your "fitting".
Driss, great post! I have no problems with the way you desribed Zargo. I want the players to add to the posts the way you did.
Awesome! All I could picture was him handling a person the way a veterinarian might handle an animal, with no concern over personal space or comfort.
Witch (Gravewalker) 1 -> Witch (Gravewalker) 2
Saves: +1 Will
Hit Points: 4 (half dice) + 2 (Con mod)
Base Attack: +1
Skills: +7 skill ranks - Heal, Knowledge (arcana), Knowledge (history), Knowledge (nature), Knowledge (planes), Spellcraft, Use Magic Device
Class Features: Witch - Hex (Cackle)
Spells Prepared: Cantrips - +1; 1st - +1
Spells known gained at level: 1st - ear-piercing scream, reduce person
Witch Patron bonus spell: 1st - deathwatch
Favored Class bonus spell: 1st - mage armor
Ohhh, boy. Oswald now has the ability to cackle.
Immediately brings to mind this laugh, pretty much without fail.
Just a general heads-up, for the month of August I won't have much weekend posting time. I'm in crunch-time on a Pathfinder project that needs to be done at month end and packing/preparing to move at the beginning of Sept (provided the apartment is ready and it doesn't get pushed back again x_x).
Just wanted to give everyone a heads-up on that! :)
@Drisella: Thanks for the heads up. I look foward to seeing your final product.
@Everyone: Now that everyone has chimed in I will move is forward slightly.
@Everyone: I made some good progress with my Zeitgeist campaign today as well as Lucent's dwarf one. I'm going to go have dinner and then start working on the next bit for us.
Afternoon all,
Some of the NPC's in the mansion I hope you will interact with have been set up, others have not yet been revealed. The next three days should be interesting. I am going to list some events that will occur. Others will happen organically before you begin your training. Time is somewhat fluid here. We don't necessarily need to go in order as I don't want that to hamper the game.
#1 Meet the other Knot (Anyone): There is a second group of agents that are currently within the communal study. These agents of Thorn can be interacted with. The group consists of Elise Zadaria, a white haired witch from Irrisen. She has a rare, albino raven as a familiar. She is cold, beautiful and deadly. She is accompanied by Dostan Alfson a brooding hulk of a man with a large bushy beard that carries a massive two handed sword. He appears to be ulfen and rarely talks. Tallus “Trak” Rackburn and Titus “Trik” Rackburn. Brothers who speak with a Galtan accent, the pair make for an interesting team. Trak is quiet and careful and previously served as a bounty hunter in a previous time while Trik is far more friendly and approachable. The final member of their group is Vathan Tulrek, a Varisia man that is grotesquely overweight and can occasionally be seen plucking leeches from the folds of his skin.
#2 Pray in the Shrine (Anyone): A shrine to Asmodeus is located in the basement of the manor. It has a small altar as well as several wooden pews. Cloth banners depicting dark acts can be found here. It is normally unattended although Titus Rackburn can occasionally be found here in prayer during the evening hours.
#3 Explore the Library (Anyone): This library while not as large as the one that the Forsaken burnt down in Branderscar contains far more useful tomes of knowledge. If you wish to spend a day searching through the books for anything of interest please let me know. In addition there are enough books that any knowledge checks made within the library are granted a +2 on their roll.
#4 Kergh's Blessing (Personal): Kergh, I will be covering the first part shortly, the second part of the event will happen on the evening of the third day. (At midnight).
#5 Mikhails meeting with Selanna (Personal): Mikhail please set this scene during whatever time you wish. Preface it with this title so we can go into it, It will happen on the 1st day.
#6 Ethaniels Dream (Personal): Ethaniel, during the next time you sleep you will have a special dream. Please set the scene. It takes place uptop a bridge. Both sides are lost to sight and dark storm clouds roll in from below you.
#7 Barnabas's interrogation of Blackerly (Personal): Barnabas, feel free to ask Tiadora about Blackerly. He is currently being held in a small stone room near the servants quarter. Anything reasonable can be provided as can magical assistance from NPC's or players (deduct your gold if you wish for npc's to cast spells for you as normal). You may set this scene during any day you wish.
#8 Drisella's / Walkers chat with Tiadora (Personal): Drisella, Tiadora previously made mention of some sort of involvement Walker in Darkness may have had. She also made mention that any "special" needs would be provided for. Please run with this.
#9 Oswalds Visitation (Personal): Oswald, as per that PM, please set a scene with your wife. I love your creativity. Run with it at some point during the next three days. A few rules: A. She needs to be evil (and undead of some sort). B. She wants to motivate Oswald into continuing this dark path. C. There is some reason why she is bound to the Cardinal.
#10 Kaynen in the Lab (Personal): Kaynen, it seems that Zargo has taken a liking to you. Yes he's craven. Yes hes hateful. Yes he doesn't care much about others... but he's BRILLIANT! I would like you to play off this scene.
For each of you when you set the scene, I would like you to use the title that I have posted. This will make it easier for me to track them. I know that splitting you up will make the posts longer, but I want each of you to see some character movement in your personal stories at this point.
@Everyone: I was just thinking. I don't want you guys to feel like I am being lazy, but I wanted to try something new. I have specific goals in mind for each of these encounters, but I want you to set the tone so I can draft off them. If you would feel more comfortable with me doing the intro I am ok with that, however I felt that because these were more of your personal stories arc's rather than campaign specific events, I wanted each of you to take a larger role in the "mood".
I'm fairly certain that Mikhail and Selanna will have several meetings over the next few days...
Does anyone object to telling Mikhail the basic details of their history as he speaks to them over the next few days?
Also on the same note, does anyone need something to play off of?
Barnabas would fill Mikhail in with his backstory.
I'd actually like to either write out in a PM or play out in a post Drisella's, uh, "account" of her history. Her perspective is a little skewed.
Also, working on a response to the end of the "inspection" and then some other posts!