No magic at all in these fights? So anyone playing a spellcaster that was looking forward to finally having some minor combat has to be left out? That seems kinda lame. It's been over a month and nothing really substantial has happened. We made it to the place and got to talk to each other, sure, but with no actual major storyline progress or exciting events, there isn't really much to add to these scenarios. Basically we've made a little bit of progress, but we're in the same scenario as we were at the start of the game. I was looking forward to the little combat diversions, but now I, along with Deylar and Jahl'ra unless they have any combat prowess outside of magic, have to just watch while the others are able to fight and progress becomes even more slow? That seems a little unfair, don't you think?
I for one was enjoying the rich storytelling (which I know is hard since I sit in that same chair so often). It was genius to have a flying city set in Golarion so you could use a familiar setting that's widely known and extremely detailed while simultaneously connecting the main location of the game to most places geographically while keeping it from effecting the actual geography.
However I enjoy where you are coming from Illenara, and I have a couple of ideas that might be of use.
- Allow magic in the fights. This could complicate things and probably isn't the best option.
- Have a different competition for magic only. The competition can either be combat or problem solving.
- Have pirates attack so we all fight!
- Spellcasters try to cheat and subtly effect the fights. Could have some bad/hilarious results
My 2 coppers anyways.
I expect it to be a cyclical thing.......here on this airship its hand to hand combat, but back in the magical flying city there will be plenty of mage-dueling arenas where the sword swingers are going to be sidelined.
Other than my own personal posting rate being too low I think the pace is building nicely.....
I do apologize for the slow pace, but I wouldn't worry too much about it, Illenara. The combats here don't last beyond half health, at best, so for all instances of the combat the players are considered to be at half health to avoid issue, and you could always bet on them.
I don't, as a GM, approach a game with the idea that battle is the most important aspect, rather, I value character inter-play, something that a chunk of you go through great pains to avoid, for some reason.
That said, I don't want to reveal too much, but combat isn't far off in the distance, and the first combat of the game might be above average on the badass scale, atleast, it is to me. I've a nasty habit of punishing casters, but there's nothing stopping anyone from making slight of hand checks along with silent spell to "Assist" some of your friends and turn the tables.
That said, that might not be widely received. For the sake of Simplicity, I'll not allow Rova to partake, seeing as how he's already fought a level 7 rogue and won. Aviz and Rose can take each other on, but I may go about it some way that's different.
All in favor of avoiding the magicless combat, say I, and those against the idea, say no, and I can easily circumvent the event and you can just make bets instead and I can get it out of the way in a single post.
It's mostly due to the character I ended up building. He's a man of action and isn't close to anybody in the city yet. He needs to come out of his shell first.
I know combat isn't the biggest of deals, I'm mostly just looking at a change of setting. We've gotten to spend time on airships, and we've gotten a chunk of the basic introductions out of the way. Once we get to our destination and start investigating, that will open up a new level of interaction. Illenara, for example, will be able to develop from bubbling at everyone to actually being able to showcase her intellect and perceptiveness in an investigation. Aviz will be able to make use of his flight to find all sorts of relevant things. We'll have a big driving purpose to communicate with each other and the people of the setting. Major events and discoveries could also bring us closer together as a party. A skirmish might result in Aviz or Rova or anyone else being injured, for instance. As the party comes together and repels the attacker, that person could develop a stronger bond with the companions that helped them. Also, punishing spellcasters seems like a really bad policy. Sure, they can be the most broken things ever, but it still isn't fair. If you had the opportunity to be in a car with Rose for at least 5 minutes, you'll understand just how powerful a martial build like hers can be. I don't understand why a single type of class should be singled out for exclusion, it breaks immersion and is pretty frustrating.
That being said, I'm all for fast-forwarding past the filler fights and on to some new development.
My thoughts on prioritizing spellcasters/healers is usually directly related to the intelligence and wisdom of the attacking creatures. A stone golem is probably going to hit whatever is closest. A vampire will try to get the casters out of the fight, knowing he can simply fly later to avoid the melee characters.
With regards to you, Illenara, You're a Conjurer, which is by far the most dangerous form of control wizard with a 20 intelligence. I think you're level 1 saves are 16, but that's wishful thinking, I'd imagine. They might be 17. That said as a DM I don't "Punish" them, as that was a bad choice of phrase. You can, however, be guaranteed that any long-adventuring person with an intelligence and any amount of experience will likely attempt to get you out of a fight as soon as a combat starts, but that's a far ways off.
That said, we will skip the fighting for the martial types, as that tends to make more sense when the players are actually in person, as it can go much faster, and be enjoyable, rather than watching the posts trickle by on the forums.
I'll move us forward immediately.
See, by punish spellcasters, I thought you meant deliberately going out of your way to dick them over, be it with combat or by withholding opportunities. XD For what it's worth, I doubt they would be able to know I'm a conjurer at first glance, so -1 point of aggro? :D
Also, this companionship points thing. Does this take up our 1 roll for each day?
Agreed, I think PbP simply isn't the format for these fights (as much as I would have loved trying to find a way around Aviz's flight).
Also, I'm under the same impression that full casters are a bit over the top. That's why I made Rose; she is the only way I have thought up to reliably take on a caster at high levels without being a caster. Illenara doesn't deserve to be 'punished' any more than I do. Both of our characters are immensely good at what they were built to do and I'm willing to bet the rest of the party isn't much different.
Lastly, I have enjoyed the setting and interaction that has brought us this far, but I agree that first impressions have been worn out a bit. Moving things along and presenting us with challenges and all of that good-stuff should be just the trick to kick-starting player-player and player-environment interactions and I look forward to it.
Oh! Yes, yes they do. So be careful. There are awards at certain values, of course.
I should also probably point out that, while you can put points into people's relationships with you, all you're really doing is learning about them and pursing their "Story" respectively.
That said, not all of the stories start on good airs, and Hel's is especially not one of them, as she is a Bard 3 Rogue 3...
Given the circumstances I'm going to assume Aviz spends both his companion points on Hel, as well as 1 of his sex checks on her to gain yet another point giving him a total of 3. Consequences and potential benefits of that aside, he has 1 more roll to make with her, and it can be anything. Different choices will do different things.
So in the following posts with a tidbit of roleplay, if you may, point out who you spend your points on. You can do 1 for 1 person and another for another, and continue on according with making rolls. Just state, in general, what you'd like to do for the day and make a roll you think appropriate. Thank you.
Anyone who doesn't post their actions (And their rolls) within the next 48 hours will have their choices made based on prior engagements.
I accidentally left Maddock off of the list, my apologies. That said, you don't have to actually roll a charisma check with maddock unless you're having sex with him... which I doubt. That said, you can roll another roll instead of that one, Deylarr.
um.....no, definitely not. I'll use the second roll like Illenara, Perception check to notice anything cool/interesting as he wonders around......
just checking in, making sure I didn't miss anything?
We seem to be waiting on Duboris at the moment.
That is accurate.
Hey guys! Sincerest apologies but I'm on a moderate, miniscule bit of a vacation and shall resume posting normally on Sunday. Sincerest apologies that I didn't do anything in the ways of telling you all that earlier.
It's alright Duboris, a heads up next time would be appreciated tho! :)
Having the wizard summon something to fight the barbarian. That's the best use of resources I've ever heard.
Gentlemen! I have officially returned and I do apologize again for the wait. There was kind of a massive power outage that lasted the course of my last few days in kentucky before I went on vacation so there was no way to update you. Apparently it was a news worthy power outage, but when power goes out in the backwoods place that I live, nothing really changes except the milk consistency.
That said, I've officially returned and will be making a post within the hour to get us all back on track and hopefully at a much quicker pace.
Apparently it was a news worthy power outage, but when power goes out in the backwoods place that I live, nothing really changes except the milk consistency.
I'm dying, that was great.
Sounds good GM!
Those last 4 posts were gold. Keep making gold.
Those last 4 posts were gold. Keep making gold.
I prefer platynum.
So have we lost Rose and Illenara? I'm going to assume that we haven't, but, unfortunately given the circumstances and the slowly growing intensity of everyone that we need to get this thing on the road.
That said, here's the part where you earn your wings.
y'know........I was afraid youd do something like that.......awesome!!!
Speaking of afraid of doing things, I may need to be careful about this, but I'm giving Illenara and Rose a good 4 days to post. I think they're still here, though, if a little preoccupied. I can't point fingers because of my sudden absence. I hope they're still here.
Send them a PM and check if they're posting in their other games.
I like to imagine you did that to Deylarr right as soon as he finishes asking Jahl'ra the question, and he just goes overboard with him looking on in utter confusion before realizing he needs to jump too.
Aviz is the most active poster followed by Jahl'ra, Deylarr, and Rova.
I should point out that in the event these 2 *are* lost, I may very well only invite a single person, and that will only be after you guys get back to the lodge.
For now, I'm going to DMPC them and move us along to maintain interest. That said, If the 2 of them don't respond within the week I'll have them go off on "Other" assignments in character. I'll give them both the warning via private message immediately.
There's a good chance they can't see the updates, as well, lol.
Also Rova I'm surprised you're character isn't... well... surprised at the prospect of falling over 5000 feet safely. Lol.
@Deylarr Oh! Almost forgot. In regards to your previous question, if you're the target of bless, as in when it is cast on yourself, or someone else casts it on you, you may activate it. You have to activate it as the spell is being cast, however, as a swift action, as mentioned.
It can be as simple as casting Virtue, by the way. Any 1 action required Orision is enough to proc it, as well.
I just now remembered Paizo was a thing. ^^; Your absence put it off my mind, and then work locked the door on it. XD
Welcome back! Sorry for the sudden warnings, lol. Glad to have you back.
Barring Aviz's loss of equipment, did everyone enjoy their interractions?
(I could use a few responses. I'm most active on the weekends, and especially this one.)
I'll be moving us forward rather soon. Within the next few hours. Unless of course we suddenly get a buzz of conversation.
Interactions were good, pretty much what I expected. As for conversation, I was trying before SOMEBODY threw me over the railing!
kidding of course, I absolutely loved it.
Lol, well that's great. What isn't great is that we've got 2 people that haven't posted towards the game within the last month. What *is* great is that means that we now have 4 people, which means I don't have to extrapolate and put in more creatures at certain encounters.
Not to say that I most assuredly hope they don't come back, but neither of them have posted in gameplay in almost a month. That said. Let's continue!
It's the freakin' weekend, so let's make some strides.
Good news folks, we've already found a replacement, though only one. I'll let him introduce his self on his own time, but I figure now is the time to find something else out.
What would the lot of you like to see in the campaign info tab? I've got a free day all day and wouldn't be against typing a signficicantly large amount if it helps people understand the situation.
We've seen a tremendous amount of NPC's so far, and I realize that's daunting, but fortunately you won't see many more important ones for a while. Honestly I may need to axe a few in the future, but honestly I threw in a lot of them to get you guys talking, which both worked and failed at the same time.
That said, are there any particular things you'd like me to put together in it?
Also I need to know what you guys like/dislike about the current situation so I can make good on them.
Hey all!
Duboris' replacement here, playing a con artist and inveterate liar. Happy to be playing with y'all.
Oh and we now have 2 bards. Hilarity is bound to ensue.
We're a traveling band......Deylar can start casting Floating Disc to be the roadie!
I like having the NPC info on the campaign tab, makes it easier to keep track of them all. Maybe maps etc when we start getting into encounters?
Im excited to get on the ground and start 'adventuring' together, cant wait to see how this wacky group handles intense situations.
and welcome to the party Saruwatari!
I'm going to approach this like this. Illenara has until Wednesday to retcon and claim that she doesn't do this, but if Rose ends up travelling to Augustana on foot, and Illenara hasn't posted by Wednesday, it'll be canon that she went with Rose to the Monastery in Augustana to help her get there. Saruwatari will deliver the message very shortly, but for now he still has to introduce himself upon landing.
Fortunately a giant black ship in the sky is enough warning to run out to the middle of the city and meet you guys as you land.
Jahl'ra can make that sense motive in his sleep 4 days ago, unfortunately. Not literally, of course, but with a +22 you 2 are gonna get along just fine.
Assuming he cares enough t be suspicious.
Assuming he cares enough t be suspicious.
In Cheliax as a non-human? You bet.
For those of you that are potentially wondering, now is the time to interract amongst each other, primarily Saruwatari. I can't give you any particular suggestions, but you have 4 days before the next ship comes around to pick you up.
It is currently: DAY 1: MORNING
Oh another thing. Your characters will learn of this anyway in the future, and frankly the chances of them happening are rather slim (A 1 in 50 chance, unless they're intentionally sought out.) but there are a total of 8 creatures in the AP that are known as "Unfettered Eidolons" that qualify as "Myths" that, in the future, on your down time, you could potentially seek out as a form of "Mark"
They aren't anywhere near being a "Zarthid's Linnorm" but, they're not far behind.
Just a nifty tidbit.
Crap, I meant to post this earlier, but work and then needing to unwind after long days of work and applying to grad school made me forget once more. I feel it'd probably be best for me to drop out. I like the game and I like playing with you all, but the play-by-post format just isn't working out for me. It's really hard for me to stay immersed and connected when I'm not grouping up with people to play in person at least once a week. Sorry for the delays and everything.
It's perfectly fine Illenara. I completely understand. I figured something like that was the case and you shouldn't feel any bit bad about it. As a fellow collegiate, I have that problem occasionally too and play by post isn't for everyone.
Good wishes.