We have been rather balanced haven't we. ;]
I really wish we had some sort of area effect teleprotation block.
Hey guys,
I'm moving over the next few days, so my posts are going to be minimal. If you need to NPC me to move the story along feel free. Details in the profile. Thanks.
@old smoky: Have you read the new ultimate campaign book? It has alot of stuff you might find interesting or useful for this game.
I've had not had a chance to, I'll have a read over the weekend hopefully and see what I can pilfer.
I need to figure out how to hack this hive mind. I wonder if I could plug the crystal into a simulation and give it false information sort of like the Matrix. While doing this I will record all information sent to the crystal. Can I do that?
What would be the mission rating for stealing the node crystal? I'm guessing it's a disruption mission.
Also I would like to research a spell.
Crystal communication disruption
School Divination ; Level cleric/oracle 4, Wizard 4;
CASTING
Casting Time 1 standard action
Components V, S, F (a psi crystal)
EFFECT
Range long (400 ft. + 40 ft./level)
Target Focus Psi Crystal
Duration 1 hr/lv
Saving Throw None, see text; Spell Resistance No
DESCRIPTION
This spell uses a Psi crystal to send out a field of communication disruption stopping or garbling any Psi communications with in Long(400 ft. + 40 ft./level) range of the Psi Crystal.
Would reserching a spell be a Ka-ching check? If it's just a matter of research checks I'll use focused trance twice to pass. With that much I pass on a one. If you think the spell is too much I can cut it down.
The main node crystal? Mission Rating 10, as it's in the most guarded place in Varien's capital. Finding out more about it or getting other Niara will be far less.
The spell is slightly too much for a level 4. As that spell basically is the equivalent of saying you are not allowed to a message, sending spell or magical communication within 720ft for 8 hours, no save. Not to mention you can set up loads of beacons effectively and just blanket cover miles.
The range should be cut down to Medium, only last 10 min per level and allow a will saving throw. Whether the target passes or fails the saving through it may not affect them again for 24 hours after the effect wears off or they leave the affected area. You can research that by the next dramatic day.
@Leonard: Is there anything you want to do in the meantime you seem to have gone silent. Still moving house?
I was thinking that a silence spell is second level and stops all the things you just mentioned with no save. (not sure if it would stop a message or sending spell it's for stoping psi communication so more like stopping domination commands, mind link and those robots.)
As for setting up a load of beacons and covering miles how many psi crystals and 4th level spell slots do you think I have?
Still turning it down to 10 min/lv and mid range seems reasonable.
I'm on a work trip with limited Internet. Leonard is collecting stuff from the house then taking care of matters if state.
The main node crystal? Mission Rating 10, as it's in the most guarded place in Varien's capital. Finding out more about it or getting other Niara will be far less.
@Leonard: Is there anything you want to do in the meantime you seem to have gone silent. Still moving house?
10 don't like those odds can I go about increasing them?
How about destroying it then?
Could the spy masters do a mission to find out about the defenses?
Could I assign another unit to do a very distracting act of terrorism near by in the city at the same time in order to distract?
I would go myself, but my character was not built with stealth or trickery in mind.
@Leonard: Okay
@Min: The problem with sending your troops against the main node crystal is they will be up against the best of the best of Varien, the groups that will give you trouble let alone your troops.
Finding out more about them such as defenses is more manageable, 4(I)
Setting up terrorism will be 3(D), and will lower the difficulty of the information gathering.
Also if you are talking about the silence spell, 1) It allows will save, 2) The effective area regardless of level is 40ft diameter. 3) SR applies. 4) 1 min/level 5) This spell only stop speech and not mental communication or magical communication. It can prevent the CASTING of a sending or message as they require verbal components. Psi communication is telepathy, this is NOT stopped by silence. Neither is normal telepathy. A silence spell does not stop a demon or devil from talking to each other with their telepathy ability.
So at level 4, only 2 levels higher making it 720ft and block telepathy (admittedly only psionic) at no save is still way too good which is why I suggested the changes. I doubt you would like it if I had a enemy that sat nearly a mile away and all your communication between you and devils by telepathy just stopped and you had no say in the matter.
I am sorry to be contrary but, when you say that the silence spell allows 1) a will save and
2) SR that is only if you cast it directly on a person a option not persent for Crystal communication disruption. If you wish I could add those options to the spell, but that would strictly make it more powerful.
3)yes it does have a larger area then the silence spell. I was asking for a bit more then I expected to give myself room to negotiate.
4)Yes once again room to negotiate.
5)This spell only stops mental or magical communication it does not stop speech or people from cast which would seem to me to be a very much less usual and usually less usefull of the two this spell does not stop people from casting spells.
As for your hyperbola about someone stoping the telepathy with the bone devils from 7 and 1/3 times as far as 720 ft away. It would not have slowed me down I could still have just talked with them. When I consider that a silence spell would have stopped me from casting. I count my blessings. I am sorry about the tone of this. If any point this argument is hindering your enjoyment of they game or causing you stress please tell me and I will drop it.
On another topic, currently Bard James Bard is leading the spy Spy Saboteurs does he actually give them any kind of bonus or is him being there purely favor? If it's the second case I'm I allowed to send him on independent missions? If so how does that work?
On another another topic what would be the difficulty of spending huge amounts of counter-fit money such as to improve my Ka-ching?
Your points 1 and 2 are negated by the fact that you can move out of silence spell regardless of where you are standing in it with a single move action except if you are dead in the centre with a 20ft move speed. If you are to silence a creature effectively with it you need to cast it on the creature. Unless you are in a problematic room the silence spell cast blanket over an area only forces a spell caster to take a move action.
Okay, think of the devil situation again, I doubt you'd be using telepathy when they are adjacent to you correct? You would be 100ft away, now imagine a unit spread out like you just had (or further). Imagine they then just all cut out for no reason, you are now having to move to talk to them instead of instantaneously doing it. So in the last encounter if I had a single enemy like that within a mile you wouldn't have been able to command your troops as you had possibly turning the tables at making you lose. Again you can't prevent it, no save within a huge radius. If you wish for such a spell to easily be cast at no save don't complain if I use the same strength spells against you. (Also with regards to psi crystals being a limit Leonard just showed you a box with like 10 of them in there so no that's not a limit. You just downed and brought back a whole supply of them from your enemies.)
Bard currently lowers the difficulty of missions he's on, I'll work something out if you want to send him on missions on his own.
For Ka-ching it would likely by over several weeks of 3(I).
So you would not mind the Crystal communication disruption if it had a range of 20 ft or so? I could live with that. The reason I want to make the spell is that the robots said they will be ready for me next time. Well I want to be ready for them. You indicated that the robots are remotely controlled I figured this spell would cause them to shut down in the area. Powerful, but very specific use.
Can the Pugwhampi do that spending mission? To tell the truth I wonder sense they don't look human or normal. I was a bit surprised you made them (I). I am guessing it is because I complained about the Spy Saboteurs not being (I). I appreciate the gesture.
If they can't then we are going to have to work out the rules for sending Bard James Bard on the mission.
25 foot? Yea that's reasonable.
Well I thought the way you were going to use the Pugwampi was for more infiltration. For the sake of coins they could be planting them, making people unlucky enough not to see them. Or get creative with costumes, again making people unlucky enough that they don't notice the disguise. That's what I thought of it, as for shenanigans in combat I made that the escalation reroll.
Generally when I think of spying unlike alot of people I think of collecting a huge amount of information and teasing useful information out of it. When I think of counter spying I think of lying and giving false information. It's only really in spy movies that their really ever any sneaking involved.
Pugwhampi don't really have any disguise or bluff. They have a really nice stealth, but I am having trouble seeing how them plating coins gets me stuff.
I know I am argueing against myself, but it just feels wrong.
I guess I could assign James Bard to be the face for the pugwhampi and they can hide close to the marks making them fail their sense motive or will saves.
Just out of curiosity, would my undead generating altar be able to bring Clark back to life, as I personally lack the means. Unless there is something I am missing.
How about Crystal communication disruption is just like silence expect for that it's a divination spell and it stops mental communication instead?
Crystal communication disruption
School Divination; Level antipaladin 3, bard 3, cleric/oracle 3, inquisitor 3, Wizard 3
CASTING
Casting Time 1 round
Components V, S
EFFECT
Range long (400 ft. + 40 ft./level)
Area 20-ft.-radius emanation centered on a creature, object, or point in space
Duration 10 min/level (D)
Saving Throw Will negates; see text or none (object); Spell Resistance yes; see text or no (object)
DESCRIPTION
Upon the casting of this spell, complete mental silence prevails in the affected area. Telepathic Conversation is impossible, no mental communication whatsoever issues from, enters, or passes through the area. The spell can be cast on a point in space, but the effect is stationary unless cast on a mobile object. The spell can be centered on a creature, and the effect then radiates from the creature and moves as it moves. An unwilling creature can attempt a Will save to negate the spell and can use Spell Resistance, if any. Items in a creature's possession or magic items that emit sound receive the benefits of saves and Spell Resistance, but unattended objects and points in space do not. Creatures in an area of a silence spell are the target is immune to any attempts to exercise mental control over the target. this does not free any creature already effected by such but they will not be able to receive purely mental orders when in the field.
That sounds alright, just make sure to change some of the wording at the bottom. Some bits are still assuming its a silence spell. As I'm sure the items should be items that allow mental communication not emit sound.
@Vaklam: Yes, you can create new vampires if you wish (they won't be all that strong to start with but you can cultivate one to be stronger). I currently having you down as doing things most Malkavians can do. So you can sire new ones or turn him into a ghoul. The altar can create almost any undead except entities more powerful than yourself (that is to say you can create better ones once you go up in level). Of course the altar can't move so if you want to make things you need to bring them back.
Ok, so would Ghouling him reunite his ghostly self with his body?
This is a bit different than normal return to life magicks.
How many Psi crystals do we have anyway? I wonder if I could set them up to do a denial of service attack. Would probably only work once or twice, but if that once was timed right....
Also I have another idea for a spell. I call it arcane ears it allows you to hear telepathy and other stuff like that what do you think?
@Vaklam: Well you'll see when you get there for those two, but yes you can turn him into a ghoul if you don't think he's worthy of being a vampire :P
@Min: There are 7 pure white ones, and 30 faded ones with Erastil's symbol in them if you destroyed all the robots and took them out.
I'm back from my trip, though I really don't know what Leonard should be doing. Suggestions?
I recommend that you join me on the battle front. I want to put this tank idea to the test.
I will be gone for the weekend, next post will likely be Monday.
I am coming to the concluction that I really need to learn some more direct spells. Normally a fire-ball is not the best use of a wizards time because a buff will tend to do more damage in the long run. However sense we tend to be split up quite a bit due to having many different agendas I need to lean some spells that work if I am the only one there.
@Leonard: Why do you want to turn our enemies evil? I have no problem ruling over an empire where most of the citizens are good. If anything it gives us an advantage good people have so many rules and restrictions.
@Leonard: Why do you want to turn our enemies evil? I have no problem ruling over an empire where most of the citizens are good. If anything it gives us an advantage good people have so many rules and restrictions.
It'll force them to use resources protecting themselves from within.
So what you really want to do is promote gang activity, new rival religions and stuff like that? Seems like you would be better served to send chaos agents.
So what you really want to do is promote gang activity, new rival religions and stuff like that? Seems like you would be better served to send chaos agents.
More like making infernal bargains.
As I don't have chaos agents this will have to do.
Looking up the kind of devil you want are contract devils.
Looking up the kind of devil you want are contract devils.
Clearly, but they're too expensive. That was covered in the conversation with the DM/Puck. Instead DM provided a nice alternative.
I'm actually rather surprised that there aren't more devils designed for infernal contracts.
I've finally managed to scrounge enough time to sit down and have a read of ultimate campaign. I quite like the Kingdom building rules they have there. If everyone is okay with it I'd like to add them in so you can customize your cities more. I'll give everyone their own boon based upon their character as well.
I won't be taking them exactly, for example Ka-ching will determine how quickly you will generate BP. I will have a think on how to convert your current cities into decently sized ones in the book but I would like everyone's approval of this first.
Sold! I have heard nothing but good things about UC. Hope to get a copy myself soon.
I like it. I want a very small city with a very high standard of living. Indoor plumbing and stuff like that.
I think I have organized the troops. Not quite sure if I understand what all of them are able to do. Are these devils one of the kinds that can greater teleport? I am going to prepare 4 copies of haste so my troops will be the fastest. I won't bother with any self buffs besides mirror images.
I like that as well, been meaning to get a copy of UC as well.
I trust you know what kind of city I'd like Old Smoky
My city is a sort of college town. I train those with high int to be Wizards. We train those with high wis to be Druids. I train those with high cha to be summoners or bards.
Anyone without a high mental score becomes a laborer or moves out. In my city having a high mental score is a bit like being part of the autocracy.
I plan on branching out into other classes, but I need to contact some patrons in order to train up witches sort of a contract that I sub contract.
Only think wrong with the map, there was one too many units. Don't use the ones off the side of the map. I have those there so I don't need to keep finding the pictures again. I just re-use the same document.
There is the following on the field:
Min and Diaz (1x1) tokens.
2 Vampire Fledgling guard (3x3 unit, vampire in fields.)
2 Terrapin ninja outfit (3x3 unit, Leonardo from TMNT)
2 Undead party (3x3 unit, MJ from thriller)
2 Velociraptor troupe (3x3 unit, velociraptor)
1 Spy Saboteurs (Invisible but one use power to affect battlefield)
2 Devil guard (3x3 unit, picture of devils)
2 Splicer 'angel' troupe (3x3 unit, picture of splicer)
1 Mister Jingle’s Finest (3x3 unit, Big daddy)
1 Pugwampi (inside a unit)
So there should be 9 tokens on your side, which is correct now.
If you want to divide the forces you can split them up into 2x2s, all except the Mister Jingle's finest which can't.
You can split them up in mid fight.
Looking at the PRD, would what you're talking about above be under Kingdoms and War?
Yup it's all up on the PRD now which is good.
Just read the Kingdom Building section, and hot damn, that's exactly the kinda stuff I wanted outta this game from the start!
Will definitely be reading over the rest of them, to get the best understanding possible.
I'm thinking we probably have a kingdom of 2-4 hexes, at most, as each hex is rougly 95 sqaure miles.
Would we be making full use of all the rules? I totally plan on filling as many roles as possible, if allowed.
Also, can we fully design our kingdoms, via BP? I'm thinkin we probably had at least 200 or so, to start with. Though I could see us having a smaller amount if we're still working on becoming a full fledged kingdom.
I'm really excited to be able to use as much of these rules as possible!.
Haha, I might even make a seprate alias for Enoch in order to post its turns!!
I'm already busy filling up my slots I guess, I've got an animal companion that will be awakened next level, to take General, and apparently two NPC's that are vying for my attention.
It's good to be the king.
I'll be using most of the rules in there, some will be slightly altered I'll say what later. Just waiting on Leonard if he wants to give it a go too. You can fully design your kingdoms or let me up to you, I will give you a budget and level you guys are at. After all you are an established kingdom though not a big one, you can choose what type of kingdom it is as well.
NPCs you meet or generated from Leadership feat can fill up the slots yea. Although they have to be willing to do it (For example you might need to convince Beatrice, but Clark is up for it.)
I don't really want to use the mass combat rule from ultimate campaign. I really like the kingdom building rules.
I am guessing that the capital will be designed by old smoky. Could you include highways to all our cities in the design? I am guessing that mount diabolic counts as a Landmark it defiantly looks impressive.
It'll be the kingdom building ones, most of mass combat will just be resolved using the system I got in place. (Unless the overlords are directly involved in the conflict) Otherwise it would take far to long with minute details by PbP.
When I was reading the kingdom building rules I noticed alot of references to crime lore and other stuff like that looking farther here. Can we use these modifications to our cities?
I want mine to be a magical government.
With Academic, Eldritch, Living Forest, Magically Attuned, Magical Polyglot,Planned Community,Well Educated, good roods and Majestic. There are other things I would like and I plan to put some effort into geting them later, but these are the things I think you will accept for a start.
I have to say I am a bit annoyed that I can't find any way in the rules to get indoor plumbing. I consider that an important sign of civilization. All it would really take is a water tower and a few 1st level divine caster to cast create water into it. Would you care to help me house rule that?
Read a lot more of the rules last night, and I have a good suggestion for Ka-Ching.
BPs are earned via your Economy score and is based offa a roll vs I believe your Kingdom DC.
My suggestion is twofold:
1) You may make a Ka-Ching check to help better gain BPs. Effectively, you're calling in a few minor favors, pulling a string or two, etc.
With this option, before you make the roll to determine if you earn BP or not, make a special Ka-Ching check. If succesful, you may add a (to be determined) bonus to the roll. If you fail, instead subtract the (same as the bouns) from your Economy check.
2) This is a more serious manipulation of the markets, as you call in some serious favors, perhaps make a few threats or bribes, etc.
You still make a special Ka-Ching check before you figure out if you earn any BP, but this time, if successful, you earn the bonus as actual BPs. However, should the Ka-Ching check fail, you loose double the amount of Build Points.
I would also include some other sort of penalty for failing.
I would seem to me that all our cities are sort of like vassalages to here be dragons. All of us are Viceroy. Which is fairly cool because that means we can all fill two positions.