Welcome everyone and congratulations! There were over 25 applications, so you had a lot of competition. The six of you had exceptional submissions, though, so I’m grateful you all accepted my invitations.
I want to cover a few things before we officially start the adventure.
I mentioned how combat would work in my first recruitment post, but wanted to formalize how my system will work. There were also at least a couple things I failed to account for in my initial post like saving throws and attacks of opportunity. As with most things, I’m open to feedback.
1. Marching order should be established beforehand (preferably in the discussion thread) so that the GM can correctly place your character tokens on the map at the start of combat.
2. Initiative and Perception rolls as needed
3. Surprise round, if necessary. Everyone in the surprise round can act. Actions will be resolved in initiative order.
4. Everyone acts, actions will be resolved in initiative order. This means that in-character dialogue and actions should, at least to some degree, factor in initiative order. The GM will sort NPCs into groups to better streamline the initiative order.
5. Actions should specify standard action, move action, swift action, etc. If an action requires an opponent to make a saving throw or another kind of check, please list the DC in your post. Also, please specify what modifiers are in play when making an attack action, skill check, saving throw, etc.
6. Actions will be adjusted as needed based on actions that took place earlier in the round. Player attack rolls will still be used, even if a character has to move to a slightly different location to attack; the same applies to spells, assuming the same enemies can still be targeted.
8. Initial saving throws (during combat) will be rolled by the GM and actions occurring after the saving throw roll(s) will be affected accordingly (bonuses, negatives, conditions, etc). Subsequent rolls to save for the same spell or effect will be rolled by the affected player(s).
9. Keep in mind that ranged attack factors like shooting into melee and cover will be applied as normal.
10. Also keep in mind pathing when assigning move actions to your characters as attacks of opportunity will happen if not purposefully avoided. Be sure to include acrobatics roll(s) if you possess the skill and your pathing requires moving through a square that would provoke an attack of opportunity.
11. Once everyone has acted, the GM will post a summary of the round along with the action(s) of hostile and/or neutral NPCs. If a PC or NPC provokes an attack of opportunity, the GM will make the attack rolls as needed. The GM will also move character tokens as needed at this point. He’ll do his best to move characters in ways that will avoid attacks of opportunity, but will move characters as each player requests in their actions posts even if there’s no way to avoid provoking an attack of opportunity.
12. If a character needs to select a different set of actions due to the results of an action or actions earlier in the round, the GM will change who the character is attacking or targeting, if appropriate. If not, the GM will ask that character’s player to post an alternate set of actions.
13. Questions about what happened in the round or any adjustments that need to be made to an attack roll, damage roll, etc. should be mentioned in the discussion thread. Please mention it if a modifier was missed or you were given an incorrect bonus on a roll. I’m perfectly fine with retroactively changing the roll when necessary.
14. Repeat steps 4-13 till combat is over.
Hopefully most of the above was already assumed, but I want to be as clear as possible. As a side note, other than (possibly) at the start of combat and perhaps in social situations, I’ll be moving character tokens for everyone. The maps will be editable, but you shouldn’t need to adjust them much, if at all, during combat after the initial placement of your character tokens. Even then, marching order should have been established beforehand in which case I’ll place your character tokens for you.
And yes, I know I was writing about myself in the third person. I’m not crazy… mostly.
What modifications would you make to the combat protocol?
Once we get started, I want to maintain the same system, so any changes should be made before we start the official gameplay.
Do you want to experience the uncensored/unedited content or the PG-13 version?
I'm fine either way. Also, keep in mind that it’ll probably be quite a while before we come across content that has the potential to be particularly graphic or objectionable.
What connections do your characters have with each other?
Use the next day or two to establish those connections. Everyone should read over the backgrounds of your fellow players’ characters to start making connections. Some should be obvious. I’ll be using some of the time before we officially start to work on incorporating each character’s backstory into the adventure.
- If you feel that your character should have specific knowledge about a group or a person in Kintargo prior to the start of the adventure, feel free to PM me so I can give you details as needed. Or if it’s general knowledge that every character should know, you can just ask about it here in the discussion thread.
- Please be sure to keep track of the discussion and gameplay threads as I’m fairly confident we’ll be making liberal use of both. I’ll also be posting information in the Campaign tab, so don't ignore that either.
- As much as possible, try to keep questions about mechanics and ooc clarification questions in this discussion thread. I want the gameplay thread to essentially be able to be read as a collaborative story.
- I want to maintain a steady pace. As stated before, that means 1 post a day during the week and 1 post during the weekend. During combat, if someone doesn't post for 24 hours, I’ll move the game along by botting as needed. Out of combat, I’ll likely try to move things along as well after 24 hours. I may not bot out of combat unless it’s essential. Rather, I’ll just move along the story. Of course, it’ll be more like 48 hours over the weekend. For clarity’s sake, that means I reserve the right to GMPC a character 24 hours after my last post during the week and 48 hours after my last post over the weekend. If we're able to post at a bit faster rate, I’m okay with that, but also want to be mindful of those who can't post multiple times a day. If things get going too fast, I might slow it down so no one is left behind.
- During combat, it’s probably best to stick with a rhythmic posting regimen. For example: the GM posts initiative/perception and other relevant details at the start of combat, the players post their actions for the 1st round, the GM posts a summary of the 1st round, the players post their actions for the 2nd round, and so on. Out of combat, you all shouldn’t feel the need to maintain such a rigid system. It’s perfectly fine if a few characters have a back and forth conversation before other characters chime in. I don’t want the story to feel wooden.
- Please, please: let the group know in this discussion thread if you’ll be unavailable so we can move things along. One of the advantages of having six players is that we should be able to function fine as long as at least a few players have posted. It should only take two or three minutes to let us know you’ll be away. Your fellow players and GM will greatly appreciate it. If I have to be away for some reason, I’ll try to plan ahead so it’s at a time when everyone’s out of combat and can do some roleplaying in the meantime.
- Links to maps, game info, the loot list, and the rebellion sheet will be posted just underneath the campaign title as each becomes relevant. Also, I decided to go with google sheets for the loot list and rebellion sheet as it should be easier to track everything that way. There’s also an app for google sheets and google slides, so mobile users should be able to view everything posted to either. Props go to Aardvark DM (Gregor) for letting me use and modify his loot list from his Mummy’s Mask campaign. Andrew Hoskins is responsible for the rebellion sheet we’ll eventually be using.
- I’m going to try to have everyone keep their own loot list up-to-date. I’ll have a master list of loot that you all find, but you should each keep track of what you individually possess. At least a few of you need to make sure that your items and gold are correct. Remember that you only have 200g to start. I’ll have quite a bit to track as it is, so I’ll be grateful for your help in keeping your loot list up-to-date. It’ll also be nice for your fellow players.
- If you haven’t already, be sure to add some sort of quick stats line to display below your character’s name. It should look something like this:
Half-elf Kineticist 1 | HP 13/13 | AC14 T11 FF13 | CMB+2 CMD 13 | F+6 R+3 W+3* | Init +1 | Perc +7
Feel free to adjust that format slightly to suit your preferences. Be sure to include an asterisk (*) by stats that have conditional modifiers. For those of you who have spells, include a line ( preferably in a spoiler) with a list of your spells per day for each spell level along with how many and/or which ones you have left. Include a line with any other particular limited resource as needed for your character. Please keep your current health up-to-date in your quick stats line for easy reference. If you receive any conditional modifiers via a spell or other ability, be sure to include that in your posts during combat. If a condition persists after combat, it should be added to your quick stats line until resolved.
- Since Paizo’s website can be finicky sometimes, if possible, write your posts in google docs or a similar word processor before trying to post them. It can be really frustrating to lose a long post, so taking precautions to avoid putting yourself in that situation can (hopefully) keep you from having to post something of a lesser caliber. Alternately, you can periodically copy what you’ve written so you can paste it back if the messageboard tries to eat your post. (Don’t let it win!)
- I’m going to try to avoid worrying about things like encumbrance and low-light conditions. If someone is carrying a ton (perhaps literally), then I’ll take that into consideration, but I would rather not get bogged down in the minutiae of a few pounds. Also, most of the campaign locations will have ample lighting. For those that don’t, as long as at least a couple of you have a light source, you should be fine (assuming the group sticks together…).
- Be proactive about addressing problems. If you’re not sure about how something works or why something happened, ask about it. If you’re not comfortable asking in front of everyone, feel free to PM me. Similarly, please PM me right away if you’re not happy with how things are going. I can’t promise I can fix it, but I’ll certainly try. I would rather the issue be addressed before it becomes terminal. It’ll work both ways, though. If I see a problem with a player, I’ll PM them about it to try and address it before it becomes a bigger issue.
- Lastly, don't forget to have fun! We’ll likely all make mistakes, so let's be patient and kind to one another so this can be an adventure that’s as enjoyable as possible for everyone.
I look forward to playing with you all in the years to come, so I want to get things started on the right foot. Please let me know if you have any questions about the above or anything else. Again, welcome and congratulations. It's about time to see if House Thrune can be taken down a notch.
Thank you once more for the selection. Greetings and congratulations to the other selected players, I too look forward to this game.
I only have questions, not modifications to the combat protocol. As an expected archer, I tend to self apply both the firing into melee and cover penalties with archery (even though cover is an AC bonus for the enemy). Are you okay with this, or would you rather I not factor cover into my roll modifiers? A concern about #13, only in so much that, when comparing corrections to an action, you have to keep going back and forth between two different threads.
In regards to the PG-13, I am fine either way. The gruesome detail doesn't bother me, but I game with my kids so I don't feel like I'm missing out if the details are not as intense.
As far as knowing each other, I'm not well-versed in the other players yet (though I caught enough of Lia to know her and Gregor would NOT get along leading up to the game itself). Gregor is 'tagging along' as his reason, so will need someone that wants him to go, more than likely someone around his social class. He may very well be the resident stick in the mud, as he's one alignment step and a fair amount of faith shy of being a paladin of Abadar.
I have one big request for the other players. Gregor's race is a major dynamic for him as far as character growth will go. So, although his disguise to look human is only 25, please don't try to 'out' him within the first few days of them knowing each other. It will be an emotional crisis for him, and I would like to give him time to grow towards it.
Checking in. Thanks for picking me. :)
Hey folks! Excited to join the team.
As for rolls, it's not bad as a GM to set a tone of how you want us to handle rolls. I know one thing that has irked me sometimes is when players throw out random Perception or Knowledge checks mid-combat and I'm uncertain if they are honest rolls, or they're simply trying to gobble up some forums dice rolls that are low to get to better ones for attacks. So in general, I usually say that players can make a Knowledge check their first combat post, and it's a single roll and I'll determine which Knowledge bonus to apply, vs them rolling a variable number of those. And that they never need to roll other checks like Perception unless they are asked for. And then in a round-by-round post, my expected order is they will make all requested save/skill rolls first, and then make combat rolls.
Hope this helps.
On Joint Backgrounds:
I'll need to read through folks various backstories to brainstorm any connections.
The TLDR for Gilda is that she'll be on the older end of PCs despite the youthful pouty picture she's currently set to. She's essentially the older, crazy lady from the slums/tenement district. So you've potentially seen her rummaging around in a trash can for some discarded valuable or at a thrift store or perhaps in line for whatever equivalent passes for welfare in Kintargo. From the player's guide, I did latch onto a single tenement that was mentioned (the Iudeimus tenement). Part of her backstory is also her now-deceased husband, Lenny, whose day job was as a blue collar chimney sweep, but who would also moonlight as a "B&E" (break-and-enter) expert at night. So if anyone has a classic thieves guild type background, it's possible that you ran a job with Lenny (who would've been an older human, in his late 50s at this stage).
| 3 people marked this as a favorite. |
For folk's convenience as we get sorted..
Party/Crunch Summary:
Didiana Drost - Human sorceress (infernal; evocation)
Evander Forrell - Tiefling investigator (finesse melee; rapier)
Gilda Grabapple - Human shaman (support; spells)
Gregor Ward - "Human" urban ranger (archer; longbow)
Lia Aulamaxa - Half-elf swashbuckler (finesse melee; rapier)
Matiscio Tartaluna - Human brawler (close melee; defense)
Party/Skills:
Didiana Drost - Intimidate +4, Sense Motive +2, Knowledge (Planes) +2, Spellcraft +5
Evander Forrell - Bluff +7, Disable Device +6, Disguise +6, Intimidate +5, Knowledge (local) +7, Linguistics* +8, Perception +4, Profession (scribe)* +4, Sense Motive +4, Sleight of Hand +6, Stealth +8, Use Magic Device +5
Gilda Grabapple - Bluff +7, Diplomacy +6, Disguise +3, Knowledge (local) +5, Perception +8, Sense Motive +8
Gregor Ward - Bluff +3, Disguise +7, Heal +4, Intimidate +6, Perception +7, Sense Motive +4, Spellcraft +6, Stealth +3, Knowledge (geography), +6 Profession (Soldier) +4
Lia Aulamaxa - Acrobatics +7, Bluff +6, Craft (Painting) +6, Diplomacy +6, Knowledge (Local) +6, Knowledge (Nobility) +8, Linguistics +7, Perception +6, Sense Motive +4
Matiscio Tartaluna - Acrobatics* +6/+2, Perception* +7, Sense Motive* +6, Stealth* +7/+3, Knowledge Local* +4, Profession (Journalist) +6, Lore (Kintargo) +4
Party/Fluff Summary:
Didiana Drost - Descendent of playwright/actress, former Order of Torrent
Evander Forrell - Out-of-work composer, political writer
Gilda Grabapple - Widowed slums-dweller, vagabond
Gregor Ward - Ex-Dottari recruit
Lia Aulamaxa - Political cartoonist
Matiscio Tartaluna - Journalist by day, brawler by night
Also welcome aboard Didiana's player! When I saw you were newer to PbP and how great your submission was, I felt you were the first "lock" based on my gut instinct on who might make this game! :)
Okay, I started to go through and read up on the other Characters. I got as far as the first one, and think I may have found Gregor's potential best friend. He and Didania are very similar, and in the first dialogue entry of her submission, Gregor could have very well been that Dottari. He will most likely side with her tiefling racism as well.
To agree with Gilda, I've gotten too good at spotting unwarranted low skill rolls right before successful combat rolls, that can lead me to think someone was flushing a roll out of the way.
I only have questions, not modifications to the combat protocol. As an expected archer, I tend to self apply both the firing into melee and cover penalties with archery (even though cover is an AC bonus for the enemy). Are you okay with this, or would you rather I not factor cover into my roll modifiers? A concern about #13, only in so much that, when comparing corrections to an action, you have to keep going back and forth between two different threads.
Yes, please include any and all modifiers that would apply. Just be sure to note what each modifier is. Unless you're first in initiative, the modifiers in play could change, so knowing what each one is will make it easier for me to make adjustments, if necessary. I'll greatly appreciate anything you can do to provide clarity in your combat posts, so we can hopefully avoid things getting slowed down. Also, I'm okay with simple clarifications or corrections in the gameplay thread, if necessary. Something like, "My AC is 16, so wouldn't the 15 melee attack have missed?" would be fine. Questions about combat mechanics or the way a spell works are ones I would want addressed in the discussion thread.
In regards to the PG-13, I am fine either way. The gruesome detail doesn't bother me, but I game with my kids so I don't feel like I'm missing out if the details are not as intense.
Good to know. We'll see what the consensus is. I just want to make sure everyone is on the same page.
I have one big request for the other players. Gregor's race is a major dynamic for him as far as character growth will go. So, although his disguise to look human is only 25, please don't try to 'out' him within the first few days of them knowing each other. It will be an emotional crisis for him, and I would like to give him time to grow towards it.
This seems like a reasonable request. Other than perhaps Lia, I don't think anyone would normally notice anything different. I'm sure I'll find a way to bring it out during the course of the campaign. But if it happens organically, it makes sense for it not to happen for a while.
It's not that big of a deal if you enhance your style as the game goes on.
As for rolls, it's not bad as a GM to set a tone of how you want us to handle rolls. I know one thing that has irked me sometimes is when players throw out random Perception or Knowledge checks mid-combat and I'm uncertain if they are honest rolls, or they're simply trying to gobble up some forums dice rolls that are low to get to better ones for attacks. So in general, I usually say that players can make a Knowledge check their first combat post, and it's a single roll and I'll determine which Knowledge bonus to apply, vs them rolling a variable number of those. And that they never need to roll other checks like Perception unless they are asked for. And then in a round-by-round post, my expected order is they will make all requested save/skill rolls first, and then make combat rolls.
I appreciate the feedback. I would like to have the basic system in place at the start, but there's always room for improvement. I'm hoping to keep combat on a turn-by-turn basis, but that may not be realistic in the long run.
Thank you for that heads-up on knowledge/perception rolls. Since this is my first time GM'ing a play-by-post, I wouldn't have thought of that. I think it would be reasonable to have knowledge rolls placed at the top of combat posts. When appropriate, I'm also planning to have knowledge spoilers with different DCs in my first combat post for each encounter, so hopefully that should make it clear what people should or shouldn't be rolling. The main exception I can think of is if someone wants to spellcraft a spell in the middle of combat. I might do spoilers for those as well with the appropriate DC.
I'm good going uncensored, with whatever appropriate changes you'd need to be public forums friendly. But if it's PG13 vs uncensored, not sure I'd even notice.
That's two for uncensored. Hopefully everyone will be in agreement, but we'll see soon enough.
On Joint Backgrounds:
From the player's guide, I did latch onto a single tenement that was mentioned (the Iudeimus tenement).
The Iudeimus tenement is a good place for Gilda to be from. It's described in the AP as "somewhat dilapidated, but built well enough to have stood the test of time."
For folk's convenience as we get sorted..
Party/Crunch Summary:
Party/Skills:
Party/Fluff Summary:
Thank you for posting each of those! I have each character bookmarked on my computer, but your post will be helpful for everyone. It'll also be useful as a quick reference for anyone logging in on their phone.
Didiana Drost - Descendent of playwright/actress, former Order of Torrent
Also welcome aboard Didiana's player!
I believe Didiana is still a member of the Order of the Torrent, or at least an armiger. Her player can correct me if I'm wrong.
Also, since her player hasn't had a chance to set up an alias yet, be sure to also read her vignette found here.
Like Gilda's player said, welcome! Matiscio's player is also fairly new to the forum, so I'm glad we were able to get him, too. If either of you have questions about formatting or setting up an alias, please let us know.
Okay, I started to go through and read up on the other Characters. I got as far as the first one, and think I may have found Gregor's potential best friend. He and Didania are very similar, and in the first dialogue entry of her submission, Gregor could have very well been that Dottari. He will most likely side with her tiefling racism as well.
To agree with Gilda, I've gotten too good at spotting unwarranted low skill rolls right before successful combat rolls, that can lead me to think someone was flushing a roll out of the way.
You and Didiana can work out the specifics, if you'd like, but I think you're right about the two of you being kindred spirits. You and Lia will have to tolerate each other for a while, I'm sure. But you may not even notice Evander's tiefling heritage, for a while, at least.
Edit: Also, for Evander's player, is his last name spelled with one r or two? ; )
@GMZek: Now that our party is selected, I assume there's no objection to us doing some tune-ups on our characters now that we know the rest of the group?
At first I was excited about getting hexes at 1st level vs waiting until 2nd, but now upon review see that means also giving up the first spirit's spirit ability (as well as ending up with five class-based hexes vs three over the first 10 levels).
Also I may end up going with the Life spirit as an earlier spirit, if not the first (my planned trifecta was Slums + Lore + Life).
@GMZek: Now that our party is selected, I assume there's no objection to us doing some tune-ups on our characters now that we know the rest of the group?
** spoiler omitted **
That's fine with me. I think you do get the spirit ability from one of your wandering spirits at 2nd level, but I can understand if you would rather have access to a base spirit ability in addition to your wandering spirit(s) spirit abilities. Also, if you decide to go with the base Shaman, I'm okay with you taking the Extra Hex feat at 1st level. I see it kind of like a Witch taking an archetype that removes her first level hex. Technically, RAW would say you can't get a hex in that case till level 2, but that just seems mean-spirited.
So all that to say, yes, feel free.
A couple other notes on the topic of tune-ups: I only saw a light crossbow listed under the gear section of your character's profile. Will Gilda have anything else at the start of the adventure? I also don't see any background skills listed, so you may want to add those as well.
Edit: I think you also accidentally listed Gilda as male under your crunch. : )
Thanks, and I took you up on starting with Extra Hex, since that gives Gilda something to do (Evil Eye) vs fire off crossbow bolts at -1 for 1d8 (and Evil Eye is better in character than shooting bolts, no less).
I tackled purchases.
I didn't want to go too crazy yet as she's not really an adventurer, but likely has some odds and ends for her less than romantic lifestyle.
That said, I went ahead and purchased two alchemist fires since where she lives, if anyone's had a problem with an attic swarm, it's probably her.
She should have 43g 9s left from the starting 200g. Loot sheet updated, too!
I selected Lore (Old Kintargo) representing that's where she's spent her life and doesn't know any of the fancy other districts that well. Thus, I dropped Knowledge (Local) as part of that trade-off and picked up Heal (she's bandaged Lenny up a few times over the decades).
I selected Sleight of Hand for the other since Gilda doesn't really work a Profession or Craft these days, she just grabs a little here and a little there when a merchant's not looking so close. :)
She should be getting pretty close to being ready barring any more radical reconsiderations on my part.
Thanks, and I took you up on starting with Extra Hex, since that gives Gilda something to do (Evil Eye) vs fire off crossbow bolts at -1 for 1d8 (and Evil Eye is better in character than shooting bolts, no less).
** spoiler omitted **
** spoiler omitted **
She should be getting pretty close to being ready barring any more radical reconsiderations on my part.
Glad you took the extra hex. It seems like it's hard to go wrong with getting another hex. As for your crossbow bolts, wouldn't you have a +1 modifier with your dexterity score or am I missing something?
Purchases look good. Thank you for updating it on the loot sheet. Be sure to adjust your current gold amount at the top so your total gold value appears correctly.
Background skills also look good.
On a different subject: Are you planning to use your spirit(s) in combat more like an animal companion or more like a familiar?
Greetings all!
Combat protocol looks just fine to me. The DM has a lot of bookkeeping to do in a PBP game so I'll be doing my best to make it as easy on you as possible. Me being a brawler and all means I'll be the one introducing tons of combat feats on the fly so there's that ;)
I'm fine with adult content and with keeping things PG-13. A bit of a blend is my favorite since violence and horror can be a superb narrative tool, but when horror and violence are non-stop and commonplace it suffers from diminishing returns.
As for the stat line template, I love using this template
I'm going to dive into the backgrounds of the other players today :)
Also welcome aboard Didiana's player! When I saw you were newer to PbP and how great your submission was, I felt you were the first "lock" based on my gut instinct on who might make this game! :)
Thanks for the kind words. Very happy to be here. Your own submission had me wearing a great big grin in reading it, so I'm glad you ended up getting an invite. You'll have to forgive me if I borrow a few of those colorful monikers you gave Gilda's acquaintances for my own home game. I'm particularly fond of Gaptooth Greg.
Okay, I started to go through and read up on the other Characters. I got as far as the first one, and think I may have found Gregor's potential best friend. He and Didania are very similar, and in the first dialogue entry of her submission, Gregor could have very well been that Dottari. He will most likely side with her tiefling racism as well.
Relationship established. Yeah, while the dottari I wrote of might not have been Gregor, it would absolutely make sense for him and Didiana to have run into each other regularly as part of their duties. If you'd like, she could be that "friend" who Gregor is tagging along with in your 'reason to protest'. PM me if you want to talk more about how they relate to one another. Us authoritarian bigots need to look out for each other.
And speaking of protest: GM Zek, I myself never gave a clear answer as to what reasoning I was going for. I'll take 'Staying up on Current Events'. Now that I know Matiscio is looking out for that Silver Ravens contact, I'm less afraid that we'll be missing out on something important.
Beyond that, I very much agree with everything said so far. Combat protocol looks good and I'm happy to play with players experienced enough to comment and add to it. As for PG-13 vs uncensored, I'll take the full monty. I'll just trust the GM to limit the sex, drugs and rock & roll to wherever appropriate.
Didiana got a very slight update with her new alias, by the way. She now has an 'appearance' section, for anyone who likes to reference these things in their writing. And I corrected her Intimidate from +4 to +7. Somehow I missed that it is a class skill for Sorcerers. Learn something new every day.
Finally, thanks for the good reads, everyone. Seriously, you're all a bunch of amateur poets what with those backstories. Greatly enjoyed reading them.
Greetings! I am here, and ready to go!
Evander has 2 r's, GM, but I accidentally only put one in the alias name. I can fix that, since I'm below 10 posts.
The combat protocol looks good to me. I'd express a preference for block initiative over everyone posting and then the GM trying to put it all in the correct order, making changes as necessary, but otherwise everything looks good.
Block Initiative works where you break the PCs and Enemies into blocks in the order based on their rolls. Example:
PC Group 1
Enemy Group 1
PC Group 2
Enemy Group 2
So, myself, Matiscio, and Gilda could be in PC group 1 going first, then you resolve our actions and post up for Enemy group 1, then the rest of the PCs would go and you resolve their actions and post enemy group 2. PCs in each group can post in whatever order they happen to post.
I'm fine with the uncensored version. I've run RotRL, so I'm familiar with some of what Paizo's written that could be censored.
Although I haven't read anyone's backstory yet, I think I'd at least know Gilda, seeing as Evander grew up in a currently unidentified tenement in Old Kintargo, and at one point was part of a gang where he engaged in a little B&E and some pickpocketing.
Course, now he's respectable and copies operas at the Opera House - well, he used to, anyway. He also never really moved out of the old neighborhood, so he's still been around.
As to Evander's Tiefling heritage, he hasn't even figured it out yet - he just knows he's got some weird stuff to him, like really good night vision, and the ability to see whether or not someone's dying.
EDIT: Also, GM, could you start up the Gameplay thread? Once we can dot into that, the Campaign will show up in the Campaigns tab on our profiles, so we can easily find it again.
Now, onto the questions themselves...
Initiative order & the rest of the combat protocol looks fine.
I'm fine with doing things uncensored.
wouldn't you have a +1 modifier with your dexterity score or am I missing something?
I suspect I only clicked to use one-hand on the crossbow in HeroLab... and yep, +1 with both hands holding it.
Be sure to adjust your current gold amount at the top
I did try to do that, but it told me it was a protected cell?
use your spirit(s) in combat..
Whaaaa? And risk losing him after what happened to Sprinkles when Barzillai's hounds ate him?
@Evander: +1 for knowing one another. I don't think we need a tight bond or anything, just we've seen each other about the streets and alleys and we both have enough of a reputation in our little corner to have said hellos and become loosely acquainted? Gilda will probably develop a soft spot for you very quickly, biased as she is for protecting "her own", and Evander is fairly prototypical of the kinds of folks that Gilda assumes will be cast to the wayside by the new Lord Mayor. Although I am considering that Gilda knew your mother better than average...
Greetings all!
Combat protocol looks just fine to me. The DM has a lot of bookkeeping to do in a PBP game so I'll be doing my best to make it as easy on you as possible. Me being a brawler and all means I'll be the one introducing tons of combat feats on the fly so there's that ;)
Haha, yeah, I appreciate that. The combat feats list is basically the equivalent of your spellbook.
I'm fine with adult content and with keeping things PG-13. A bit of a blend is my favorite since violence and horror can be a superb narrative tool, but when horror and violence are non-stop and commonplace it suffers from diminishing returns.
As for the stat line template, I love using this template
I'm going to dive into the backgrounds of the other players today :)
I think everyone has now mentioned they're okay with the uncensored version, which will frankly make GM'ing the AP easier. You have a good point about diminishing returns, though. Some of the more graphic content doesn't come until later in the AP, though, so that shouldn't be an issue anytime soon.
That template is helpful, but I'm okay with you all customizing your quick stats line to suit your preferences.
@Gilda You should be able to edit that part of the spreadsheet now. Sorry about that.
And speaking of protest: GM Zek, I myself never gave a clear answer as to what reasoning I was going for. I'll take 'Staying up on Current Events'. Now that I know Matiscio is looking out for that Silver Ravens contact, I'm less afraid that we'll be missing out on something important.
Beyond that, I very much agree with everything said so far. Combat protocol looks good and I'm happy to play with players experienced enough to comment and add to it. As for PG-13 vs uncensored, I'll take the full monty. I'll just trust the GM to limit the sex, drugs and rock & roll to wherever appropriate.
Didiana got a very slight update with her new alias, by the way. She now has an 'appearance' section, for anyone who likes to reference these things in their writing. And I corrected her Intimidate from +4 to +7. Somehow I missed that it is a class skill for Sorcerers. Learn something new every day.
Thank you for the clarification about your reason to protest.
Likewise about having experienced players. I think we have a pretty good balance in that department. It also seems as though everyone is in agreement about content.
I like the new appearance section and the profile picture you chose is great. As for your stats: I noticed you put your will save as +4. I see the +2 from your base save and +1 from your wisdom score. Where is the last +1 coming from? Also, be sure to finalize your background skills and update your traits to your final selections. I think you had mentioned taking a trait that made sense motive a class skill. If so, be sure to update the bonus on that stat as well.
@Gilda: I'd be okay with working in that Gilda knew her mother a bit better than average. Could Gilda perhaps have been the healer who came to try and heal his mother when she took ill?
Greetings! I am here, and ready to go!
Evander has 2 r's, GM, but I accidentally only put one in the alias name. I can fix that, since I'm below 10 posts.
No worries. I figured it was, but wanted to be sure. Two r's also looks better, in my opinion.
The combat protocol looks good to me. I'd express a preference for block initiative over everyone posting and then the GM trying to put it all in the correct order, making changes as necessary, but otherwise everything looks good.
I considered block initiative when deciding on a combat system. My main problem with block initiative is that it can keep a player from being able to post for over 24 hours. I know there will probably be days when I'm only able to be on to post once a day, so if that window passes without the appropriate characters having posted, it could easily be another 24 hours before we can move things along. I believe at least one of us is based in Europe, so there will almost assuredly be some differences in when everyone's available. I'm also not the biggest fan of breaking up the flow of combat with block initiative. I'm aware that doing it all at once will probably be more work for myself, but I accepted that when I decided on the system. I think it'll also make it easier for me to fairly assess when it's appropriate to GMPC someone to keep things moving along.
EDIT: Also, GM, could you start up the Gameplay thread? Once we can dot into that, the Campaign will show up in the Campaigns tab on our profiles, so we can easily find it again.
I would prefer the opening gameplay post to be the first story post. As for tracking the thread, I personally "list" it so it shows up under my wishlist. It'll also display when a new post comes through. No dotting required.
Now, onto the questions themselves...
Initiative order & the rest of the combat protocol looks fine.
I'm fine with doing things uncensored.
Sounds good.
wouldn't you have a +1 modifier with your dexterity score or am I missing something?I suspect I only clicked to use one-hand on the crossbow in HeroLab... and yep, +1 with both hands holding it.
No worries.
Whaaaa? And risk losing him after what happened to Sprinkles when Barzillai's hounds ate him?
Haha, far be it from me to risk your spirit dog's life. I was hoping that was your answer, anyway. I'll plan for him to just be next to you or in a pocket unless you specify otherwise. That way I don't have to give him a unique token on combat maps.
No worries about the initiative. I just find it helps players keep things straight sometimes
Did you expect us to have a certain number of connections? Because the only one that really makes sense is Gilda, and maybe Lia, since we're both satirists.
No worries about the initiative. I just find it helps players keep things straight sometimes
Did you expect us to have a certain number of connections? Because the only one that really makes sense is Gilda, and maybe Lia, since we're both satirists.
That's fair. I'm going to do my best to have clear and concise summaries of each round's combat, but please let me know if that doesn't seem to be working.
You can have as few or as many connections as you'd like. I knew at least a few of you would have connections, so that's why I wanted to give you all a day or two to establish them. Once Lia and Matiscio chime in on possible connections, we can go ahead and start. It would be awkward if a couple of you act like strangers during the protest, but would actually recognize each other from past interactions.
Alrighty--possible connections!
Evander: Fellow satirist? Odds are, she's read some of his work and used it as inspiration for her own artwork.
Gilda: Might have been depicted in one of her editorial cartoons, throwing shade at Barzillai Thrune, as usual.
Gregor: Remember that vignette I wrote for Lia back in the recruitment thread? He might've been on the squad that came to her house repeatedly over a portrait violation.
Didiana: No idea.
Matiscio: No idea either.
I'm in favor of saying Lia would be familiar with some of Evander's work - although he publishes under a pseudonym, Reverend Loflar. He'd likely be familiar with Lia's artwork as well, but the two probably wouldn't have met socially. It's a minor connection, but it's something.
As for your stats: I noticed you put your will save as +4. I see the +2 from your base save and +1 from your wisdom score. Where is the last +1 coming from? Also, be sure to finalize your background skills and update your traits to your final selections. I think you had mentioned taking a trait that made sense motive a class skill. If so, be sure to update the bonus on that stat as well.
Try as I might, I cannot figure out why I gave myself a +4. Good catch. It's been corrected.
As for the final background skill, I've decided upon the thoroughly useless Perform (violin). Because what failed actress mother trying to live out her dreams vicariously through her daughter wouldn't force an instrument upon her child? Who knows? Maybe it will lead to something with Forrel the composer somewhere down the line.
And the trait; seeing as Sense Motive is pretty thoroughly covered by quite literally everyone else, I'm considering boosting my Knowledge (planes) instead. How do you feel about either of these: Planar Savant (Cha to Planes), and Fiend Blood (plain +1 to Planes)? It's the only two I can find that fit the character. I would prefer the former but I understand if you think it's a bit much.
Alrighty--possible connections!
Evander: Fellow satirist? Odds are, she's read some of his work and used it as inspiration for her own artwork.
Gilda: Might have been depicted in one of her editorial cartoons, throwing shade at Barzillai Thrune, as usual.
Gregor: Remember that vignette I wrote for Lia back in the recruitment thread? He might've been on the squad that came to her house repeatedly over a portrait violation.
Didiana: No idea.
Matiscio: No idea either.
Those sounds good to me, pending what those players say. It also makes sense that you wouldn't be familiar with Didiana and Matiscio yet. I fully expect at least a few of you to be strangers to each other prior to the start of the adventure.
I'm in favor of saying Lia would be familiar with some of Evander's work - although he publishes under a pseudonym, Reverend Loflar. He'd likely be familiar with Lia's artwork as well, but the two probably wouldn't have met socially. It's a minor connection, but it's something.
That pseudonym is amazing. I think I originally missed that in your background somehow. That also accounts for why it's so important to spell your last name with two r's, haha.
Matiscio has only recently started to pen down his thoughts on the current events and, while he is most likely out there looking for allies, his main focus is finding the Silver Ravens. He's actively investigating them, hence the rank in profession journalism.
It could be that both Didiana Drost and Gregor Ward were involved with the arrest of Master Jalpur and shutting down the Irori activities in and around Aria Park.
It is, if they're somewhat published and known, most likely that he has heard of 'Reverend Loflar' and Lia. And he highly approves of their writing ;)
Try as I might, I cannot figure out why I gave myself a +4. Good catch. It's been corrected.
No worries. I've missed stuff before, so I wanted to be sure.
As for the final background skill, I've decided upon the thoroughly useless Perform (violin). Because what failed actress mother trying to live out her dreams vicariously through her daughter wouldn't force an instrument upon her child? Who knows? Maybe it will lead to something with Forrel the composer somewhere down the line.
And the trait; seeing as Sense Motive is pretty thoroughly covered by quite literally everyone else, I'm considering boosting my Knowledge (planes) instead. How do you feel about either of these: Planar Savant (Cha to Planes), and Fiend Blood (plain +1 to Planes)? It's the only two I can find that fit the character. I would prefer the former but I understand if you think it's a bit much.
Perform (violin) makes sense for your character's story.
I'm okay with you taking Planar Savant for your other trait. Fiend Blood would be kind of strange since you don't actually have a fiend in your heritage as far as I know. Planar savant makes sense for your infernal bloodline, though. You'll get sense motive as a class skill anyway once you take a level in Hellknight Signifer. Storywise, it might be best to say you've had that innate sense about the planes since your flaming bed incident rather than 'always.'
I'm in favor of saying Lia would be familiar with some of Evander's work - although he publishes under a pseudonym, Reverend Loflar. He'd likely be familiar with Lia's artwork as well, but the two probably wouldn't have met socially. It's a minor connection, but it's something.That pseudonym is amazing. I think I originally missed that in your background somehow. That also accounts for why it's so important to spell your last name with two r's, haha.
While I had originally written that he published under a pseudonym in the backstory, I had not actually come up with the pseudonym. It took a little time, but I'm pretty happy with that one.
Evander's work is published, so Matiscio could easily have come across it.
EDIT: GM, I noticed that you had Evander as being 1 GP over 200. The explorer's outfit is the free outfit worth 10 gp or less that level 1 players get. If we don't get that in this case, I'll switch it out for something different.
While I had originally written that he published under a pseudonym in the backstory, I had not actually come up with the pseudonym. It took a little time, but I'm pretty happy with that one.
Evander's work is published, so Matiscio could easily have come across it.
EDIT: GM, I noticed that you had Evander as being 1 GP over 200. The explorer's outfit is the free outfit worth 10 gp or less that level 1 players get. If we don't get that in this case, I'll switch it out for something different.
Ah, that explains why I didn't see it before. Yes, you can start off with the standard outfit worth 10g or less. You should be able to go ahead and make changes as needed to your loot list.
Okay, I updated the Combat protocol to reflect the suggestions by Gilda and Gregor. You should all review it to make sure you're aware of the updates. The changes from the original combat protocol are to numbers 4, 8, and 13.
I mentioned how combat would work in my first recruitment post, but wanted to formalize how my system will work. There were also at least a couple things I failed to account for in my initial post like saving throws and attacks of opportunity. As with most things, I’m open to feedback.
1. Marching order should be established beforehand (preferably in the discussion thread) so that the GM can correctly place your character tokens on the map at the start of combat.
2. Initiative and Perception rolls as needed
3. Surprise round, if necessary. Everyone in the surprise round can act. Actions will be resolved in initiative order.
4. Everyone acts, actions will be resolved in initiative order. This means that in-character dialogue and actions should, at least to some degree, factor in initiative order. The GM will sort NPCs into groups to better streamline the initiative order. If necessary, the GM will post DCs for knowledge or other skills at the beginning of combat. Players that wish to roll on that knowledge check (or perhaps a lore check) should do so at the start of the combat posts. If a spellcraft check comes up during combat, the GM will post the information on the spell in a spoiler with the appropriate DC. The same would apply for knowledge checks if new creatures enter the fight after the start of combat. Please only roll one knowledge check. If you’re not sure which knowledge to roll, just roll a d20 and I’ll apply the appropriate modifiers as needed.
5. Actions should specify standard action, move action, swift action, etc. If an action requires an opponent to make a saving throw or another kind of check, please list the DC in your post. Also, please specify what modifiers are in play when making an attack action, skill check, saving throw, etc.
6. Actions will be adjusted as needed based on actions that took place earlier in the round. Player attack rolls will still be used, even if a character has to move to a slightly different location to attack; the same applies to spells, assuming the same enemies can still be targeted.
8. Initial saving throws (during combat) will be rolled by the GM and actions occurring after the saving throw roll(s) will be affected accordingly (bonuses, negatives, conditions, etc). Subsequent rolls to save for the same spell or effect will be rolled by the affected player(s). Any saving throw that needs to be rolled should be rolled at the start of a player’s combat post. In the event a player needs to roll a saving throw, knowledge check, and/or spellcraft check in the same post, the saving throw should be rolled first, then the knowledge check, then the spellcraft check - all at the start of the post.
9. Keep in mind that ranged attack factors like shooting into melee and cover will be applied as normal.
10. Also keep in mind pathing when assigning move actions to your characters as attacks of opportunity will happen if not purposefully avoided. Be sure to include acrobatics roll(s) if you possess the skill and your pathing requires moving through a square that would provoke an attack of opportunity.
11. Once everyone has acted, the GM will post a summary of the round along with the action(s) of hostile and/or neutral NPCs. If a PC or NPC provokes an attack of opportunity, the GM will make the attack rolls as needed. The GM will also move character tokens as needed at this point. He’ll do his best to move characters in ways that will avoid attacks of opportunity, but will move characters as each player requests in their actions posts even if there’s no way to avoid provoking an attack of opportunity.
12. If a character needs to select a different set of actions due to the results of an action or actions earlier in the round, the GM will change who the character is attacking or targeting, if appropriate. If not, the GM will ask that character’s player to post an alternate set of actions.
13. Questions about what happened in the round or any adjustments that need to be made to an attack roll, damage roll, etc. should be mentioned in the discussion thread. Simple clarifications or corrections like, “That enemy had a 15 melee attack, but my AC is 16. Wouldn’t the attack have missed?” are fine in the gameplay thread. Please mention it if a modifier was missed or you were given an incorrect bonus on a roll. I’m perfectly fine with retroactively changing the roll when necessary. Questions about combat mechanics or how a specific spell or effect works should be asked in the discussion thread.
14. Repeat steps 4-13 till combat is over.
If no one has any objections, I'll go ahead and post the opening gameplay post a bit later today so people can post as they're able to. Feel free to continue discussing connections as you see fit.
Opening gameplay post is up. In the immortal words of Theoden from the movie version of the Lord of the Rings, "So it begins."
As for previously suggested connections, Gregor could very well have been involved or present during any of the arrests, but he may not remember much of it shy of them being repeat offenders. I would almost rather he not be involved in anyone's arrests, because I don't want his relationship to the group to be "That jerk Dottari that arrested..."
With the exception of Lia. I could imagine, even if he wasn't involved, there would be talk of the Aulamaxa's kid and her antics being a nuisance for the Dottari.
Fair enough, that makes a ton of sense :)
As for previously suggested connections, Gregor could very well have been involved or present during any of the arrests, but he may not remember much of it shy of them being repeat offenders. I would almost rather he not be involved in anyone's arrests, because I don't want his relationship to the group to be "That jerk Dottari that arrested..."
With the exception of Lia. I could imagine, even if he wasn't involved, there would be talk of the Aulamaxa's kid and her antics being a nuisance for the Dottari.
I imagine Matiscio would probably be the person with the most trouble trusting you (and Didiana), since he had the incident with the dottari and Hellknights in the park. Probably best not to stereotype you, though. You're not a full dottari yet, anyway. :)
Lia does her own thing, I think, so she's kind of a wild card regardless.
Matiscio has learned the lesson of forgiveness so that shouldn't be a problem (nor am I intent on making it a problem).
Matiscio has learned the lesson of forgiveness so that shouldn't be a problem (nor am I intent on making it a problem).
The RP is strong with this one. The team's already coming together and not all of your characters have even met each other yet.
I wonder if the two lawful sorts are going to notice Lia blatantly selling contraceptives in full view of Barzillai Thrune's home...
Sorry for my delay, I had my face to face game today for the first time in a month. Catching up on Gameplay now.
Sorry for my delay, I had my face to face game today for the first time in a month. Catching up on Gameplay now.
No worries. You're still within that '24 hours' period I mentioned before. Not to mention it's the weekend, so there's that, too.
For everyone: If you haven't already, please be sure to move your character token to where you would be during the protest.
Before I forget, everyone does need to confer on what they want their marching order to be at the start of combat. I assume Lia and Matiscio would be near the front, but if you want to work out the exact details, it would make it easier for me when setting up the initial layout for some maps.
Though Gregor would probably prefer to be up front, his reduced speed from armor makes it easier for the other two to stay ahead of him. He would settle for second row, as he still has decent defense and melee ability despite being more bow-focused.
@Lia, I noticed during recruitment that you plan to go or sprinkle in some Bard levels. I too was going to add some Bard. That being said, was there a specific archetype you had in mind so if/when we go Bard we don't overlap abilities that don't stack?
Lia + Matiscio upfront with Gregor right behind them sounds like a good idea. I always find it a bit tricky where to place the casters. Having no melee screener near the back tends to make me paranoid when I play a caster, ha.
M+L
G
? ?
And here's a question on the current event. Are we wearing armor and or weaponry? Because I think that Matiscio wouldn't come bearing weapons to what should be a peaceful protest. Silly and naive as that might be from a player's point of view :)
I can bring up the rear. While I'm leaning more towards a melee focus, I am an investigator, so my combat abilities are decent.
All of that sounds good. So if everyone's in a line, this is the current prototype order:
Matiscio
Lia
Gregor
Didiana (since Gregor and her are friends)
Gilda
Evander
For a more rectangular formation (2-2-2), the order might look something like this:
Lia & Matiscio
Didiana & Gregor
Gilda & Evander
Do those formations look good to everyone?
And here's a question on the current event. Are we wearing armor and or weaponry? Because I think that Matiscio wouldn't come bearing weapons to what should be a peaceful protest. Silly and naive as that might be from a player's point of view :)
I'm fine either way. For the sake of roleplaying, I would suggest you have your character carry whatever you think he would normally be carrying under the current circumstances.