Hoist the Black Flag - Dungeon World (Inactive)

Game Master kdtompos

Also, I'm pulling a lot of hard moves in this first adventure. I have my reasons for doing so, but will likely let up a bit in the future. So if you're getting fatigued from the big hits, anticipate a easier pace sometimes (with the right to kick it back up when we need something dangerous!)

I would also like to add a move. I can't find it in the DW rulebook, but I came across it somewhere, maybe one of the online SRDs... not sure?

Loot (WIS)
When you search a monster's lair or a group of bodies, the GM will tell you what gold and gems the monster had, roll+WIS. On a 10+, choose 2. On a 7-9, choose 1.

• Guarantee you find it quickly
  
• Guarantee you find it with little to no trouble
  
• Something you find has useful information, the GM will tell you what.
  
• Something you find has magic about it, the GM will tell you what.

I'm thoroughly enjoying all of these characters. It's clear that you all are as well as you've filled them all with life and personality. The way the captain takes authority, and even the side comments like how Numeo is undamaged--physically; Quelthas' gritty british sounding comments and insults; Numeo's attention to details like having a hireling gather his hood; Obed's personal mark on everything he does, where even healing is 'painful'; and the "world-revolves-around-me" attitude from Sebastion that takes credit for teaching others how to do the impressive things they pull off...

There's several more, but I'm kinda shocked by the degree of it. Everyone should mark an extra xp point on their character sheet. Just a heads up as you'll note the difference in my records as well.

Yesss Landlings...increase my power even faster so that Father Dagon can destroy you all, Ha, Ha, Ha...

Thanks, that's great!

Thanks DM! Yeah, that's why I love DW so much - really leaves a lot of space for roleplaying.

The thought of Quelthas Greybreak, Elven Mage of the British Isles is particularly amusing to me.

It helps that I:

A) Am a Veteran of the US Navy, and
B) Just finished Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag not too long ago.

I'm happy to be playing with such creative folks during our opening week.
That said, I've greatly enjoyed getting into this system, and seeing where Quel is going to take me. The dice *clearly* have a keen understanding of what sort of shenanigans I can and can not get myself into, and they aren't afraid to make things interesting... :)

I put Obed's information from his Discern Realities roll in a spoiler tab not because I want to keep it secret from the rest of you, but because I didn't want such a wall of text.

To the rest of you, it isn't really relevant. So you can look on it when you have time to relax. But if you're just looking through to catch up and have your character act, you can pass the spoilers.

The thought of Quelthas Greybreak, Elven Mage of the British Isles is particularly amusing to me.

It helps that I:

A) Am a Veteran of the US Navy, and
B) Just finished Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag not too long ago.

I'm happy to be playing with such creative folks during our opening week.
That said, I've greatly enjoyed getting into this system, and seeing where Quel is going to take me. The dice *clearly* have a keen understanding of what sort of shenanigans I can and can not get myself into, and they aren't afraid to make things interesting... :)

And I really, really, really would love to play Assassin's Creed IV (as I really enjoyed the first 2... but never got to the third). But video games just don't happen anymore. I'm hoping in a year or so when I've got a little more freetime I can play it. It won't seem current, but who cares with pirate games!

Obed: I'm glad you were keeping track of your xp. I noticed that your number was different than mine and did a quick check back through your posts. And sure enough, I had missed one (plus the free one) and should be all caught up.

Obed: I'm glad you were keeping track of your xp. I noticed that your number was different than mine and did a quick check back through your posts. And sure enough, I had missed one (plus the free one) and should be all caught up.

Well, they are coming fast and furious. I suspect that the alchemist slipped me a drug that's interfering with the spell casting.

Why would I want to interfere with your ability to talk to a cursed god-thing that wants to eat us all?

Awww, Kale is a father to his men.

*grin* Yeah, that's the idea behind the chatacter. He's grouchy, mean, and cynical, but deep down he's actually kind of soft-hearted.

Hey everyone, I just wanted to give a heads up that I am going to be very busy with school over the next two weeks with the end of the semester, final projects and exams. I will try and post as best I can, but they may be brief. Feel free to take over and run my character if it has been a while, GM. I think you know the kind of things he would say and do now ;) Have a safe weekend and Happy Easter to those who celebrate!

Thanks for the heads up Sebastion.

Likewise, this weekend was pretty busy, so I didn't even get the chance to pop in and reply to some of your Discern Realities. Expect posts shortly.

I've noticed in the past that PbPs tend to slow down during planning processes and negotiations. I'm not sure if it's harder when you're not physically around people to make propositions for the group, or if it's something else... but there's a characteristic silence.

Really, anywhere that you'd want to bounce ideas off of each other in a tabletop setting, you reach a stalemate in PbP. Your own mileage may vary.

My advice, if people are finding this to be a struggle is to either:

• Take charge: if someone things they might have a fun idea, run with it. This isn't a very conducive medium for fine tuning or compromise, to be honest. So you could venture a thought, and most of the time others are waiting for just such a direction... and you can fine tune it on the fly. Or...
  
• Leeroy Jenkins: elaborate plans are fun, but if something goes askew early on, you often end up just running in anyway. If no one has something brilliant in mind, then feel free to embrace the straight forward from the get go. I'll try to give you lots of opportunities to make plans, but you don't have to take them all.

Numeo's the brains, or that's how he sees himself. He'll be volunteering a plan before long, never fear. Just busy at work today. ^_^

So I just got the setting book for Grim World, which is a much darker setting for Dungeon World that I've been reading about. It's got some fun ideas in it that I'll likely bring around at some point. But more importantly, it has 6 new playbooks - one of which seemed to have Everett Kale's name all over it. From what I see of your character, you are the leader and the man with a plan. So I'm sending you a PM with access to the playbooks. I want you to check out The Battlemaster playbook and see if you like it.

If you don't, then at least we know. If you do, I think we can switch up your class without any retcon. I'm just throwing out options when I find 'em.

That sounds excellent. Obed for one is happy in a grim world :-)

I figured you might ;). My ideal balance is a good measure of absurdity, balanced with dark and grizzly. I love when things are ridiculous (like guards dressed as pirates, and potentially exploding hot-air balloons), and contrasting that with horrors like skin-walkers that dress in the skin of their last victims or unspeakable nightmares from the deep.

I don't want to link the playbooks here, as it shouldn't be made available for free to the interwebs. But if you guys would like to check out the classes connected with Grim World, send me a PM and I'll link you to the docs.

They are:

• The Battlemaster - tactical maven, gambit expert, "I have a plan."
  
• The Channeler - conduit to raw magic, elemental summoner, "I am the gateway."
  
• The Necromancer - corpse crafter, hexbody, "RISE!"
  
• The Shaman - totem carver, spirit binder, "Can you not hear the Murmur?"
  
• The Skirmisher - battle adept, opportunistic striker, "Timing is everything."
  
• The Slayer - walking arsenal, addict, "I'll sleep when you're dead."
  
• The Templar - red hot wrath, holy inquisitor, "Take penance, or know vengeance."

ooooh, Channeler looks interesting. And Templar, even if it doesn't fit in our Piratelandia we're in :)

Channeled could be a good fit for Quelthas too, if we deem the "storms" an element.

Battlemaster looks very neat! I like the use of the 'Gambit' resource, and it looks like the class is designed to be a real team player. While I do like Fanatic, I have to admit it wasn't quite a perfect fit for the way in which Kale was growing as a character.

I'm going to give it a shot! It's a good idea to try different things from time to time. Is there anything I need to know or should take into consideration in regards to converting the character?

Channeled could be a good fit for Quelthas too, if we deem the "storms" an element.

Channeler looks rather interesting. Kinda odd to see a CON based caster-type-thing-ish, but certainly an interesting take on the idea.

In terms of Storms, I would imagine that the listed Shock, Water or Wind Primary Elements they listed might fit. I vaguely recall Mist Elementals being a thing in D&D. Lightning Elementals are totally a thing in Pathfinder -->http://paizo.com/pathfinderRPG/prd/additionalMonsters/elemental.html# _elemental,-lightning

I'm not entirely sure if I want to switch over, but some sort of multiclassing might be interesting down the road.

GM Mogthrasir wrote:

Channeled could be a good fit for Quelthas too, if we deem the "storms" an element.

Channeler looks rather interesting. Kinda odd to see a CON based caster-type-thing-ish, but certainly an interesting take on the idea.

In terms of Storms, I would imagine that the listed Shock, Water or Wind Primary Elements they listed might fit. I vaguely recall Mist Elementals being a thing in D&D. Lightning Elementals are totally a thing in Pathfinder -->http://paizo.com/pathfinderRPG/prd/additionalMonsters/elemental.html# _elemental,-lightning

I'm not entirely sure if I want to switch over, but some sort of multiclassing might be interesting down the road.

I'm sure we can figure things out if you're interested down the road.

Battlemaster looks very neat! I like the use of the 'Gambit' resource, and it looks like the class is designed to be a real team player. While I do like Fanatic, I have to admit it wasn't quite a perfect fit for the way in which Kale was growing as a character.

I'm going to give it a shot! It's a good idea to try different things from time to time. Is there anything I need to know or should take into consideration in regards to converting the character?

Yeah, the vibe I got from Kale in that first fight was very much a planner and team work oriented player.

So as far as changing classes, I would say you should switch over everything other than your appearance and equipment.

• Damage doesn't change, so that's easy
  
• HP changes from 6+constitution to 10+constitution
  
• Drive and Bonds stay the same
  
• Racial bonus could stay the same if you'd like, as that wasn't class specific. But if you have another idea, I'm open to hearing it.
  
• Starting moves all change.
  
• Equipment all stays the same, except your Royal Navy Sabre is only special in significance now (no longer has the awkward or dangerous tags). There should be some armor of yours that Ezren Slade has as well. [b]Note that your load capacity has increased to 10+STR as well.

How's that sounds?

Here is a custom move for piloting Mr. Filligree's balloon, should it get inflated...

Pilot Balloon (INT)
When you pilot Sir Pontis Filligree's flying death trap, roll 2d6+INT. This involves taking off, landing, or propelling in a certain direction, or any tricky manuevers. On a 10+, it works exactly as intended. On a 7-9, it works as intended but choose 1. On a 6-, choose 1 twice (same tag) or take both...

• Add one of the following tags to the death trap: Awkward, Dangerous, Electric, Hot, Noisy, Smoke, or Random. These tags will remain until the contraption can be repaired.
  
• Something snaps within, take -1 ongoing on any piloting checks until it can be repaired.

The above tags can compound up to three times, with the impact becoming more severe each time. First is a nuisance, Second is a complication, and Third is downright dangerous. Example: Heat tag may make things really warm, adding discomfort and potential for other problems. The second Heat tag may mean that small things start catching fire, requiring you to extinguish them as you navigate. The third Heat tag would also mean you begin taking ongoing damage from the furnace as long as you're flying it. The Random opens the opportunity for the GM to add whatever complication he wants, that may be outside of the tags.

As you can tell, this is not a very reliable contraption.

I have updated Captain Kale with his new Battlemaster options, and adjusted his hit points accordingly. Everything should be in order!

Looking forward to trying out that Pilot Balloon move...

Sorry for the delay guys. Some days I worry I've bitten off more than I can chew. (I don't really feel that way... I love this game. I just wish I didn't have other stuff taking my time). I'll have things updated in a few hours.

That's a heck of a Beasty!

:)

I don't think you're at risk of losing players here if you need some time to get things done in the real world. I think I could speak for all of us that this is absolutely enthralling.

I don't think you're at risk of losing players here if you need some time to get things done in the real world. I think I could speak for all of us that this is absolutely enthralling.

+1

Sebastion Atticus Abberforth IV wrote:

I don't think you're at risk of losing players here if you need some time to get things done in the real world. I think I could speak for all of us that this is absolutely enthralling.

+1

Exactly!

Get yo' s!~& straight son! I know better than most how easy it is to overload on PbP campaigns... *glances guiltily at Aubster*

Get yo' s~&@ straight son! I know better than most how easy it is to overload on PbP campaigns... *glances guiltily at Aubster*

I did the same thing to you in Numenera...Balon never got the chance to expose the great flutter-bye conspiracy.

Ha! Well thanks for the encouragement, but trust me when I say I'm absolutely loving this game and system. It's great to hear that you are as well (since that's really the point). Just a couple busy days, so I could only get in about 2 replies. There's also another game I'm getting up and running (don't worry, I wouldn't try more than 2) which only got a couple post recently as well.

I'll update and get us moving with the paradox beast tomorrow, and hopefully tie in all the recent posts.

I'm sending a PM to Sebastion, to see if he's still around and wishes to continue with us.

I imagine things have gotten quite busy lately, which makes sense. If he wants to continue, his character can very easily jump in with an adventure to tell of what's gone on for the last half hour or so. But until I know for sure, the group has no idea where he's gone - for ill or for gain.

End of Session

It should have happened when you were all resting in the smuggler's alcove with Melisande/Jaina. My original plan when I sketched up this adventure would be that the first adventure wasn't over until you had made it back to your ship. I forsaw a conflict to get out of the gallows, then some sneakiness to get back your stuff. Then bob's-your-uncle and you're out of town.

But as seems to be the case with a dynamic setting like this (which I absolutely love, fyi), things escalated and new stuff was grafted onto the original plan. I had no idea this would involve quests to retrieve artifacts, hot air balloon theft/destruction, or monstrous mutants.

So, as is, the first End of Session is a bit overdue at this point.

In recognition of this I would like to do that now.

This means you are about to get some more experience points, and the opportunity to level up for those that reach that threshhold (and certainly Obed who has already surpassed it).

Experience Points:

• Success can be a teacher too - Numeo and Quelthas both receive 1 xp. At any End of Session, I will give 1 free xp to whoever has the lowest total. This time it was a tie.
  
• Bonds - If any of you feel that a bond has been resolved, and both players must agree, then the person with that bond gains 1 xp. Remove that bond and create a new one if you'd like. You may also create a new bond at this point, even if none are resolved. I'm fine with that if you think it's justified.
  
• Drives - Do you feel as though your Drive was accomplished/fulfilled in some way so far during this adventure. If so, explain why and gain 1 xp.
  
• Did we learn something new and important about the world? The whole world has been created through this session, to be honest. So, yes. Everyone gains 1 xp
  
• Did we overcome a notable monster or enemy? Did we?
  
• Did we loot a memorable treasure? Did we?

Discuss these things here.

Levelling

Both Obed and Kale are guaranteed enough points to level (which is at least 8 currently). Numeo and Quelthas may have enough as well depending on how things play out above.

When you level:

• Add 1 point to any attribute (that full attribute, not the bonus). This may never go above 18 however. If you add to Constitution, then add 1 to your max hp and current hp.
  
• Pick a 2-5 class move to add to your character. How did you learn to do this? Tie it into the story somehow.

Let me know if you have any questions.

Bonds - If any of you feel that a bond has been resolved, and both players must agree, then the person with that bond gains 1 xp. Remove that bond and create a new one if you'd like.

Hmm...I don't think Kale has completed any of his bonds just yet. Working on it!

Drives - Do you feel as though your Drive was accomplished/fulfilled in some way so far during this adventure. If so, explain why and gain 1 xp.

Kale's drive is to protect his ship and his crew. Everyone is alive (and mostly intact) despite some tough moments, so I'd say he managed to fulfill his drive.

Did we overcome a notable monster or enemy?

I think the magically mutated giant croc-beast would count. We didn't kill her (at least, I don't think we did--she'll probably show up again when it's most dramatically appropriate) but we did manage to overcome her.

Did we loot a memorable treasure?

Nothing memorable comes to mind. I'd answer 'no' to this one.

Level Up!

I added an attribute point to Intelligence, raising it from 15 to 16. I picked up the following level 2 Battlemaster move:

How did you learn to do this? Tie it into the story somehow.

Kale's old bones are creaking, and his muscles are sore. Once upon a time, he was the toughest sea dog around, but after today's madness, he's realized it's better to be smart than to be tough. Even though his old body may be in decline, his mind is as sharp as ever (and he has the cunning born of experience). It's time for him to use his brains to avoid getting hurt, and to protect his crew, rather than pretending he's tough enough to just roll with the punches.

Drive: To understand my prophetic visions of doom that drove me from my tribe, and Obed's role in them.
This session, I was separated from Obed for much of the time. Though I have a greater understanding of his capabilities - I now know that he can breathe through his neck, and that he's capable of cold-blooded murder (though that second fact doesn't really shock Numeo). As much as I'd love the XP, I don't think I can justify it.

Bonds: Obed plays some important role in the doom that is to befall our world. I must study his actions for clues about that role.
Obed has murdered the goblin - I can tell from his wise-ass remark when he joined us in the park, and it's confirmed by the broken monacle. His role gradually becomes more clear. Still, I don't think I can resolve this...

Everett's mind is too focused on the mundane. I must awaken his perceptions to the eldritch doom that is coming.
Numeo and Kale actually had some brief, but crucial, interactions during this session. Kale put a lot of trust and faith in Numeo's decision-making, which the alchemist has definitely noticed. I propose updating my bond to: Kale has shown faith in me and won my loyalty. I will defend him from the treacherous Briney he has on his crew.

Sebastion's concerns for flash and style mark him for a consummate fool.
I was impressed with the way Sebastion handled the gallows situation. I propose updating my bond to: Sebastion may be flippant, but he keeps his cool under fire - I will study him to see how he reacts to being in true danger.

Quelthas controls elements he does not fully understand - I will help him in his quest for understanding of his power.
I saw Quelthas' "maneuver" that destroyed the airship. I propose updating my bond to: Quelthas' power is mighty, but if he doesn't dedicate some effort to controlling his spellcasting, we'll all be drowned within a week.

I'd say the mutated croc would be notable. I'd share that story with the kids when I got home from that day. That's another xp for everyone.

And I also agree that you fulfilled your drive. You tried to kick Kaph free of the gallows, took damage willingly to protect Sebastion, etc. So that's another point for you as well.

That would bring your total to 10 (Feel free to check and make sure I'm not missing anything). This leaves 2 xp left toward your next level.

End of Session

Experience Points:

• Bonds - If any of you feel that a bond has been resolved, and both players must agree, then the person with that bond gains 1 xp. Remove that bond and create a new one if you'd like. You may also create a new bond at this point, even if none are resolved. I'm fine with that if you think it's justified.

I'm fairly sure that the bond of: I have shown Sebastion the power of the arcane arts. has been fulfilled. Between the fog, the boosted run-speed, and the storm wankery at the end, Quel has solidly demonstrated his powers. However, with Sebastion's player going quiet, I'm not sure if I'll need a GM over-ride here to make it count for xp.

Did we overcome a notable monster or enemy? Did we?

I don't have the books to look this up, but I'd say that we overcame both a notable enemy (the Admiral) and a notable monster (Paradox Beast). I'm not sure if that counts as 1xp or 2xp.

Did we loot a memorable treasure Did we?

I'd say that the necklace was pretty memorable. Not because of what it could do, but because we used the magic trinket as bait for an overgrown beastie... lol

Numeo snuck in under my radar!

Numeo: If the others involved agree with those resolutions of bonds, then count 'em. As for Sebastion's, I'll rule. If you've been convinced he's not a fool, then that sounds resolved to me. You can create the new bond as well and we'll see if he's able to come back or not. The bond with Sebastion should now push you to 8 xp, which is enough to level.

Quelthas: As with Numeo, I'll rule on Sebastion's bonds for the moment. And yes, I'd say that last double shot with sending the self-destructing balloon into the mutant croc as well as getting you all safely (relatively) to the ground would fulfill that. That bond is enough to get you to 8 xp as well.

The notable monster or enemy should read "at least one". So there's only the one point available. (Which is why it's good that we do this more often than I have been...)

The memorable treasure could fit the necklace as well, especially since it served a valuable purpose. A few adventures down the road it may not be as memorable as other treasures, but if it's memorable for the moment at hand, that works. What do others think?

Kale steers Obed to the side and whispers in his ear. "And now there's a rich, mad goblin out there with a pair of broken legs and a grudge against us. Oh, and a basement full of electrical doomsday devices, capable of destroying an entire city block!"

Someone thinks like a GM... in case you guys missed the monocle clue Numeo found. He wouldn't recognize it though, as he never met Filligree.

Numeo snuck in under my radar!

Numeo: If the others involved agree with those resolutions of bonds, then count 'em. As for Sebastion's, I'll rule. If you've been convinced he's not a fool, then that sounds resolved to me. You can create the new bond as well and we'll see if he's able to come back or not. The bond with Sebastion should now push you to 8 xp, which is enough to level.

Thanks!

The memorable treasure could fit the necklace as well, especially since it served a valuable purpose. A few adventures down the road it may not be as memorable as other treasures, but if it's memorable for the moment at hand, that works. What do others think?

I agree. Also, could you send me the Alchemist playbook once more? I looked for it, and all I have are the Lore and Lords pack and the Grim World toolkit, neither of which feature the Alchemist.

Everett Kale wrote:

Kale steers Obed to the side and whispers in his ear. "And now there's a rich, mad goblin out there with a pair of broken legs and a grudge against us. Oh, and a basement full of electrical doomsday devices, capable of destroying an entire city block!"

Someone thinks like a GM... in case you guys missed the monocle clue Numeo found. He wouldn't recognize it though, as he never met Filligree.

Was this intended for the Gameplay page?

GM Mogthrasir wrote:

Everett Kale wrote:

Kale steers Obed to the side and whispers in his ear. "And now there's a rich, mad goblin out there with a pair of broken legs and a grudge against us. Oh, and a basement full of electrical doomsday devices, capable of destroying an entire city block!"

Someone thinks like a GM... in case you guys missed the monocle clue Numeo found. He wouldn't recognize it though, as he never met Filligree.

Was this intended for the Gameplay page?

Nope. I wanted to comment on what was said in gameplay, but it really didn't have a place there in the thread as it was quite out of character. So I quoted it here.

Numeo: Two in agreement is good for me, so that's another xp to everyone for the memorable treasure. And I'll gladly send you the alchemist playbook again this evening. This computer no longer has access to google docs it would seem.

It also looks like Obed will be very near levelling twice (if not completely there). I would say his drive of sacrificing others to his god was certainly met. That, plus the end of session xp, leaves him only 2 more points away from lvl 3. The dark cleric grows stronger!

S!#+...

Can you post the number breakdown for what bonus' the stats give?
Based on the breakdown for my class, at least, it seem that a +2 is the best we can get, if we can't go past 18.

18=+3 bonus

Exactly. Thanks Numeo

If only there was a table format for these boards:

Ability Scores and Modifiers

• 1-3 ... -3
  
• 4-5 ... -2
  
• 6-8 ... -1
  
• 9-12 ... 0
  
• 13-15 ... +1
  
• 16-17 ... +2
  
• 18 ... +3