The Wyrm Ouroboros |
All right, so you have your character built. You and I have fit you into the low-magic world that Homecoming is set into. What's next?
Well, first a bit of a discussion, a give-and-take: what you and I are expected to give to the campaign, and what we can expect to take away from it. After that, I'll put up
I do not want clutter; that means that combat stuff is going to get taken care of in a seperate thread. I also do not want you taking major liberties with the parts of the game that aren't you. You'll notice in the example in the Combat portion below, 'Davent' doesn't say what happened to the goblin, only that it shrieks; I'm cool with a goblin shrieking when it gets shot with an arrow, y'know? While I may give HP totals and you'll be able to determine for yourself whether or not the thing is dead, I may not give you that information, which means you'll need to allow me to do my job.
Similarly, in social situations you don't get to decide how people react, even if you made what you know is the appropriate DC for a skill. There are many ways to react - an Intimidation target might blubber and weep, or cower, or swallow and go pale and just talk very quietly. That's my side; that's what the world-building is about. Don't walk over it, because if there's a reason for you to use a skill, there's usually a reaction I have in mind for how the person's or people are going to react.
I will - on RARE occasion - post something about how your character is feeling. This will be both deliberate and rare; deliberate, so that you know how the scenario is meant to go; rare, because while I expect you to respect the world around you and allow the GM to do his job, I respect your own control over the character. I want you to have fun, and I will keep up my end of the money-back guarantee bargain: you will have fun in this game. I have never yet had a player in this campaign who was not disappointed when it ended, and part of why is because of the seperation of Church and State player control and GM control.
If that comes up again later on, you will have another chance to convince me - but the same 'one shot' deal applies. Or if after the scene ends you want to convince me of the 'right' interpretation, then by all means, yammer away, and you just might manage it. That won't change the results of the scene, however. The intent, though, is to keep the game moving.
Or we can go with some other methodology that y'all have found effective; let me know.
I will give some basic information on an opponent, such as AC, magic resistance, and saves; what you can do with that is type up in the combat thread what your character does, make your rolls and even roll the opposition's saves. Armed with that information, you can then write out your post in the RP thread, knowing whether or not you hit, or the target has made or failed its save. This will apply during most encounters; I will warn you if you'll be unable to use that information, such as with a 'boss fight'.
Davent, the fletching of the arrow tickling his ear, tried to draw a bead on the goblin tangled up with Beatrice. As the thing lifted its arm to hammer the cleaver down on her shield again, he shifted his point of aim to the thing's armpit, feeling the bowstring snap against his forearm protector. The arrowhead buried itself in the goblin's torso, making it shriek.
As I said in the writing section, keep the OOC, tabletalk, dice rolls, all that stuff out of the RP thread; I want that to read like a story, so keep it IC and clear of rolls and all.
I would like, at the end of each 'combat technical post' (or hell, next to your alias - I'd do it for mine if I could figure out how), for you to post your character vitals information. Have it in a handy text file - current AC (modified by anything you've been hit with, or actions you've taken), current HP, your saves and modifications to them, your current armor / weapon / ammo status, spells going, that sort of thing. A one-shot technical blurb will help me out immensely.
Anything else?
Nissa Alami |
I would very much like to not have group initiative, that would be the worst for my archetype, and neuter half of her late game combat abilities. I've always liked the DM to just roll all the initiatives and then post a turn order list.
I also have a minor concern about "I will - on RARE occasion - post something about how your character is feeling. This will be both deliberate and rare; deliberate, so that you know how the scenario is meant to go." Specifically, can you clarify the last clause: "so that you know how the scenario is meant to go." I know you have run this campaign before, but don't stories evolve from player input?
What about combat maps? Will you be providing those?
The Wyrm Ouroboros |
I will do my best to do combat maps. I will definitely be leaning on y'all to help me (at least to a certain extent) with combat; this is one reason why I'm using HeroLab, so that I have everything in one place.
In regards to the concern, it's more along the lines of 'you walk into an old, decrepit house; a shiver of unease runs down your spine'; this lets you know that you're essentially walking into a horror scenario. It's a scene-setting tool, nothing more - though because (I presume) nobody here is a noble, or an elf, or a thug for the Mob, I may give hints as to 'how your type of person reacts to this situation'. "That part of you raised as a noble rebels against having to deal with such scum."
I agree completely that stories evolve from your side as well; stories evolve from the interaction between what I offer and how you respond. But part of what I offer - which you may not be used to - is the 'this is the standard reaction of your segment of society' bit, which (as I said) may happen, whether as scene-setting or sideways hint, but what you do is, and always will be, up to you.
That may have consequences; I do not believe in a consequence-less game, and if (for example) Nissa cavorts too openly and willingly with the dregs of society, then she may well find that her mother Very Much Disapproves, and won't talk to her until she starts acting more like the noble she was raised to be. (This is not automatically true, because while I -belive- Nissa's mother would have raised her with a strong sense of her nobility, she may not have. I hope you get the sense of what I'm meaning, though.)
Thank you for the tip on initiative; unless anyone has a problem with it, we'll go with that.
Nissa Alami |
That is very comforting. I just wanted make sure that we didn't fall into this is the "way that the story is supposed to go." That can get super frustrating.
I'm also a big fan of consequences -- both good and bad. They are integral to player engagement and a feeling of a vibrant world.
The Wyrm Ouroboros |
Also - if there are names in the thread (like the current gameplay one) then the thread is meant for that character or characters. And if y'all can tell me how to link multiple gameplay threads to the campaign, I can get more threads up for you. And if it's not possible, well, then I'll just have stray random orphan threads. :P
Nissa Alami |
It is possible to have multiple game play threads link to the same discussion thread. I don't know how to do it, but support definitely does. You should email them and ask.
Nissa Alami |
Also, you may not know this because you are new to these boards but the common practice to help readers is to bold all in character dialogue and to italicize all internal monologues. Telepathic speech is usually both.
It definitely helps ease of reading and breaking up large blocks of text.
Nissa Alami |
This may have helpful ideas for you.
The Wyrm Ouroboros |
No, I read it - while italics are standard writing, bolding is not; note that DH says 'parenthesis' when he means 'quotation marks'. () are parenthesis; "" and '' are quotes. Bolding is used for various other tricks ('inhuman speech', that sort of thing), and combinations for more. I honestly would rather not use that particular crutch, because I can very easily see a situation wherein what is spoken - bolded, and thus focussed on - is not what is said, because what is focussed on misses the key indicators that are carried inside the non-bolded text.
I will, at least at this juncture, bow to local custom going forward. If issues arise, though, I reserve the right, etc. etc.
Brand Philogynne |
So, bolding speech is good with you then? Just want to make sure I'm using what works for you.
Really excited for gameplay to start. I always enjoy seeing how my character concepts end up morphing into a more vibrant character once situations are thrown at them :=)
Burhul Dha'zeek |
In your "Profile" Tab of your Alias, you can put it in the Class/Levels Line. I would also get rid of your hyphen before the "3" in yours. It looks like you have negative three levels. =\
Also, sorry I missed you Brand, hadn't meant to. I can see Burhul and Brand will be off to a great start together ;)
Actually, Burhul is probably going to have an uphill start with most of these characters. I think it should probably be a secret that he is heavily involved with the Mob, to make things easier on our potential paladin everyone.
@GM: Would you mind putting that list with the blurbs up on the campaign tab? In spoilers maybe, to reduce clutter.
Brand Philogynne |
I look forward to being incensed that a fiendish greenskin is plaguing our band. Hooray for great role play opportunities!
Burhul Dha'zeek |
And I just learned that while incense is a burning aromatic gum it is also a verb meaning 'to anger'. Something that Burhul would likely have already known.
Nissa Alami |
I think that Jana (Nissa's Mother) probably has a home and shrine in Hillside. I assume most of Nissa's students come from Vale Ridge and Hillside. Who else besides the guard would have the time and money to be trained in the arts of the sword?
The Wyrm Ouroboros |
Pulling this from private discussion ...
... people do usually have small shrines in their home, but they're of the end-table variety. Jana and her merchant husband would probably live in Vale Ridge; Hillside takes a lot of doing to move into, and it's usually the third or fourth generation of wealth that gets in there, presuming they can keep their wealth up. If you go with the 'trainer for the Daughter's Order, advanced trainer for the Rangers, and tutor for a few other girls' idea I sent in that PM, then you (if you live seperately) would probably live near the Temple of the Nine, which stands where Westgate, Slipside, and Hammersmith meet.
And yes, I'm good with bolding speech. BTW, Horst - get to posting, you're the first one up!! I will be adding more as I go along, using the spoiler tags. I would actually appreciate it if all of you spoilered your responses while you're seperate, using the situation I've initially used for it; it'll make it easier for people to read 'just that portion' as well as respond to it.
Brand Philogynne |
For clarification, those of us who are given background/story by you in pairs (Baltor and I for example), are we allowed to read the responses of our fellow group member, or is it only the context you provide that we'll be sharing? Just wanting to enjoy as much of our story as I can :=)
The Wyrm Ouroboros |
I don't mind everyone reading everyone else's posts, honestly; if it becomes critical to keep something private, well, I'll either put that in the spoiler header, or else use a PM. But please make the spoiler header all the same thing. What I want to be able to see is something like this:
That'll let people just read on through the scene by opening up every spoiler with that name.
The Wyrm Ouroboros |
As an aside - y'all are good at whatever it is you do as your main source-of-living, but you are not by any stretch of the imagination the best around. What you are is the best around in your age group. You are good, even very good, but watch the self-aggrandizing superlatives.
Professor Brooks |
In the equipment you bought me, what is considered an alchemical bane, boon, or useful? Things like Alchemist's Fire and Acid are presumably banes, while glue is a useful, but things like smokesticks are a little more iffy. And I don't know what would be considered a boon at all. Also, why do I not start with any potions? I'd think Brooks would have at least made a few potions of CLW and Barkskin.
Also, is it possible to choose an avatar from an outside source, or am I stuck with the ones on Paizo?
Baltor Stoneheart |
The GM said it would be ok to read everything, since none of these are secret. When he needs something secret, he will PM or post in a spoiler with the 'secret' label.
Horst IronBrow |
I'm a bit confused about something. The char gen guidelines in the recruitment thread said two extra feats, which would bring a 3rd level non-human to four (plus a story feat), but everyone seems to have six. Did I miss something?
Burhul Dha'zeek |
Ahh, that's neat.
Brooks' sheet has Feral Mutagen listed among the Feats, but its actually a discovery.
Nissa and Brand are human.
Baltor does have only four Feats
Not sure actually where Wyverna is getting her fifth feat. She also doesn't seem to have a story feat.
Welby also only has four Feats.
I think that is everyone.
Hayden River |
I can't seem to look at your Google Docs on my iPad. Would you be okay with me playing the Character as created? I guess she would not be a Changeling from your campaign world, but she is an outsider and I think we could work that angle. I chose all of her feats as features based on the hagblooded aspect of the rules.
I didn't pick a story feat, because I could not open the google docs, but she does have the correct number of feats. Those will have to change drastically if I have to change the race anyway.
Brand Philogynne |
@Wyverna-For story feats, you could just google search them or check d20.org. That's how I found mine.
Hayden River |
I think the Hagsblood feats are pretty much story feats, but I will wait to see what the DM decides. At some point you have to choose your human or hag heritage.
The Wyrm Ouroboros |
Before work.
Sorry, Wyverna, no - the 'specific kind of changeling' aspect is integral to the storyline. You could go human if you want. I thought I'd provided the changeling traits ... guess not.
+2 to any one characteristic
Darkvision
Changeling weapon familiarities (naginata, wave blade, urumi)
Intuitive (+2 to Bluff, Intimidate, Sense Motive)
Slippery Mind (+2 vs. Sleep and Charm)
Minor Change Shape (change into any appearance and size of Small or Medium race; change does not alter your attributes or items; +10 circumstance bonus to disguise checks).
The Wyrm Ouroboros |
Also, Google Docs app for IPad. Home but with the family. Will catch up on storylines later tonight.
The Wyrm Ouroboros |
The pouches can be named to whatever you want; right now (and after shifts) what I have are:
Boons: Heatstone, smelling salts, water purification sponge.
Usefuls: Tindertwig (x3), alchemy crafting kit.
Banes: Smokestick.
Odds and Ends: Chalk, flint and steel, mirror, whetstone, charcoal stick, understated courtier's jewelry (because, y'know, you can't be wearing it all the time, necessarily, unless you really want to), powder (x2), string and twine.
You can put gear where you like, though.
I agree that a potion or two might be useful, but like others are forbidden from having scrolls at game start, you're similarly restricted from having any potions besides CLW at game start. If you want to trade some stuff in for several potions of cure light, be my guest; the masterwork violin will get you two, the tanglefoot bags one each (you have 3), etc. You will have a few days to get ready for the next scenario, and I think 2 hours at the end of a ten-hour day on the road is fair game; with a portable alchemist's lab, you can make one of most any low-end potion in that time, and it's two days just to Kedron's Tor.
Workable?
Wyverna's also built with 3000gp. Please reduce her to the game standard of 1500gp.
Baltor Stoneheart |
Wyrm, about my initial request of Baltor making stone plates instead of scroll, what is your word?
Also, I think it is possible to write it in druidic, right?
The Wyrm Ouroboros |
Said before, but undoubtedly lost: "In regards to the runic scrolls on stone, I am all for it. Smaller but no heavier, runic stones would be no more durable - this is etching into flat, thin (1/16" - 1/8") hand-sized pieces of rock, which might actually make them slightly less durable, as they'd be vulnerable to cracking from lateral pressure. As a side note, in Ravenna the best runic works are done by wordcasters, not standard spellcasters."
In regards to the written language of magic, it is all one, no matter what sort of magic you use, arcane or druidic or straight from the gods themselves. It is muchly debated (in various circles) whether magic is all arcane, or if arcane practitioners are drawing, without permission, on the power of the Gods, or if both are pulling from the natural framework of the world, or ...
It may be telling that among the gods, only the Bastard and the Elemental gods have 'magic' as part of their profiles.
If you are asking whether or not druids have a written language, the answer is yes - but it's difficult for most druids to wrap their heads around. Even you have occasional problems. This is one reason why druids write so few messages in their language, preferring something easy, like Old Ravennan or Kolshet ...
Baltor Stoneheart |
OK, thanks! And sorry if I lost your first post about it...
Brand Philogynne |
With apologies, in the gameplay thread I forgot to put the "/" before the second spoiler to close it and didn't realize it until after an hour had already passed and I logged back in. Don't know if there's any way to fix it at this point?
Professor Brooks |
I gotta ask- how much more difficult did our job just get because of Horst's ignorance regarding the blade?
Also, I somewhat object to Nissa and the sword's evaluation of the Professor. Brooks only mentioned Ham, and indirectly, I might add, because he figured she would be becoming intimately familiar with him relatively soon. Yes, he jumped the gun on that. That's what reminded me of the low wisdom score, actually. But still. That doesn't mean he's gonna crack like an egg at the first sign of conflict.
Lastly, I've never done a murder mystery before. How would I go about it, since I'm apparently the detective? I'm guessing Heal and Perception checks, but IDK what else there would be.