I'm fine with using my imagination, but just keep in mind that I'll probably need to know how many enemies I can catch in a 15' cone without hitting allies. That's basically my only spell lol.
Our limited melee presence actually benefits the idea of no map, since we won't be as worried about flanking/tactical positioning, in general.
Aoe control/damage spells could be complicated but we can see how it goes.
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I suppose this is a good time to bring up a bugbear of mine; I really suck at maps. Are you guys happy for me to run combat without the use of maps? I plan to outline the lay of the land in ooc text at the end of each round for ease of tactical decision making, and if it doesn't work I'll have a look around for suitable tiled maps
Also willing to try. I imagine the harder things would be flanking and AoO.
I like no maps just fine
Originally, my bloodline was already Black Dragon for the acid. My intent was to be able to convert damage type spells to acid for the versatility of another damage type and for flavor as a dwarf. I don't really like the VMC as I don't want to give up that many feats just for the admixture ability. I could look to pick up a lesser elemental rod or possibly elemental meta magic feat. I have one slot that I could trade out for it.
However, since the +1 damage per die is only for the descriptor, I would need the admixture to change something like Fireball to Acid and get the +1 per damage die. With that in mind, I might be better as a gold dragon, as fire is much more common and I'm shooting for it with Magical Lineage. I can still get the elemental rod to change energy type for some versatility 3/day.
I think that is my best route...
So, I'm going Gold Dragon bloodline; straight Sorcerer.
As for maps, I'm good with theater of the mind. We'll just need some good descriptions to help determine if/when we can use some AoE spells.
I'm fine with no maps. Griff won't be doing aoe's or anything like that so the only concern would be flanking and that type of stuff, which I'm sure we can figure out from descriptions rather than a map.
Hey so I might be out of line here, but there's something that is bothering me and I figured there wouldn't be much harm in asking about it. Definitely let me know if my concerns are unfounded or inappropriate.
So I'm playing a character whose whole identity is fire. I built him to be more versatile than that, but at his core, his foundation is fire magic. Mechanically, other than support spells, all he will be able to do is blast with fire damage.
So when Thaedann decided to switch from acid to fire, I feel like that stepped on my toes a bit. I understand in a big group like this, there is going to be some overlap, but I can't change my build to accommodate his change, like I might normally do. This character is tied very tightly to fire. And a sorcerer focused on fire is just going to be better at it in the long run, while having a lot more diversity of spell options.
I've been doing this a long time, mostly as a DM, and I know it sucks for a player when their main focus gets overshadowed by another character and it looks very much like Tyrek's one-trick will be invalidated by one of the sorcerer's many options.
Not to mention that this puts a lot of eggs in the fire basket, making it much more likely that the GM will want to use fire resistant/immune enemies.
Anyway, let me know if my concern is unreasonable. I can find some way to adapt if needed.
Don't worry Tyrek, Thâdænn has discussed this with me in private already and we're in the process of making some changes so that nobody's toes are stepped on. We'll let you know when the changes take place. Have faith that everything will work out, we've identified the issue and are making adjustments accordingly.
I'll try to get the next gameplay post up for everyone today, Merry Christmas all!
That's really good to hear. Thank you!
Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year's Everyone!
Tyrek, I sent GM Harm a PM on Sunday with the same concern. I didn't want to step on your toes and with you based on Fire, it made sense for me to revamp Thâdænn a bit.
With GM's permission, I've changed my bloodline to Arcane and reworked him based on illusions and utility spells. I think for party balance, he'll be much more helpful this way. Also, I've refocused my skills onto Sense Motive and Perception... and picked up Knowledge Local to cover an open knowledge skill. I'm guessing in a few levels, Tuva's skill may very well surpass mine, but I can help cover in the meantime.
Great work Thâdænn, looks pretty good to me. Are there any other major changes anyone would like to make before we crack on with the campaign?
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year's Everyone!
Tyrek, I sent GM Harm a PM on Sunday with the same concern. I didn't want to step on your toes and with you based on Fire, it made sense for me to revamp Thâdænn a bit.
With GM's permission, I've changed my bloodline to Arcane and reworked him based on illusions and utility spells. I think for party balance, he'll be much more helpful this way. Also, I've refocused my skills onto Sense Motive and Perception... and picked up Knowledge Local to cover an open knowledge skill. I'm guessing in a few levels, Tuva's skill may very well surpass mine, but I can help cover in the meantime.
Wow, you're awesome! You're going to like the Arcane Bloodline, I think. There are some highly effective illusion spells that can benefit from the high DCs that you get with that bloodline. I recommend eventually getting Persistent Spell to use with your Bloodline Arcana. When people have to save twice for illusions, they can often fail even when they know it's an illusion! lol
Hey guys, I had another 15hr cross country drive today, and I've just arrived home safely :)
I'll wait until morning to see if Khasos has anything to say, otherwise I'll put the next gameplay post up. Steel yourselves, battle approaches!
Welcome back!
Apologies for the tardiness, I was busy with holiday-ness (I cooked for my family so busy Christmas :D)! The last couple of days were just zoning out on the leftover ham and such. Back regularly now!
All good Khasos, I've been in a similar position!
I decided against rolling initiative for you all for this combat; it's gonna be a little trial and error to see how we go without maps, and i figured you may like to plan out what you're going to do before we proceed. Of course, if you talk too loudly you risk the goblins overhearing :P
So I can already see this getting messy without maps, I'm going to invest some time into finding some decent tiles online and start incorporating them into our combat scenes. We'll finish this one without if you guys don't mind, then I'll start implementing them. Any advice on the best way to do this? I was thinking Google docs but I'm open to anything that's tried and tested
Google docs works great. I could also show you how to use Roll20 easily enough, but everyone has to be able to access it(so no phone only players).
I honestly think that Google Docs is the easier method even though I personally prefer and use Roll20.
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So I can already see this getting messy without maps, I'm going to invest some time into finding some decent tiles online and start incorporating them into our combat scenes. We'll finish this one without if you guys don't mind, then I'll start implementing them. Any advice on the best way to do this? I was thinking Google docs but I'm open to anything that's tried and tested
Yeah, sorry. I jumped the gun with my attack. As I see it, the thing we don't have without a map is a clear picture of the situation with relevant facts in one place. When there are even more important details to track, picking them out of narrative will become difficult and even more error prone. The theatre of the mind method *could* still work, perhaps if you were to keep a summary on the campaign tab or campaign description where DMs commonly put map links. Such as:
"Party begins dark alley
opens to clearing 50' across
Group of 3 goblins on the opposite side, surrounding a body
Perception 10 spoiler: Goblin B looks like the leader (etc.)
Burning building behind"
...and update as we go along.
Just throwing out some options in case you're feeling like you're being made to abandon your method too quickly.
That's a really cool suggestion Nilah, I appreciate the input.
The majority of my posts so far have been via phone (thats probably why they seem a little brief) but hopefully I'll be using my PC more now that I'm at home. We'll start with Google docs, and I may take you up on that offer in the near future Tyrek. I intend to keep this campaign going for a while, so I'm imagining my PBP literacy will improve to the point where I'm confident in utilising Roll20.
Can I just say that I'm really enjoying this experience so far? You guys have been so helpful and accommodating, you're really helping me from an amateur GM perspective and I'm super grateful to have scored such a rad group for my first time running a game. Feel free to throw me any pointers regarding length of posts, descriptive text and anything else you feel is pertinent. I want this to be as fun for you as players as it will be for me as a GM.
I find Roll20 to be a great tool, however, for most of the players on the PBP boards Google Slides seems to be the easiest place to share maps.
As a GM, I add the google slide link to my profile, so that it appears with every post I make. That makes it easy for the players to access the map. Make sure you "share" the slide with "anyone who has the link" and change the privileges to "Anyone can edit". That way, each of us can move our tokens, note AoE effects, show movement paths, etc.
Alternatively, I'm fine with theater of the mind. Nilah's suggestion is great or just an "orc" section you keep updated in your posts during a battle. With theater in the mind, I've found that it works best when the players describe what they want to do, an as GM you describe what is possible and the outcome... Like, if Thâdænn says he wants to cast Color Spray on as many as possible, given the layout of the battlefield as you see it, you post -> "Unable to get all of the goblins with his spell, a bright burst of radiant colors emerges from Thâdænn's hands and swarms two of the goblins..." then roll for saves. I'd also suggest having the GM make skill checks or other checks that need to be made during combat, rather than posting and then asking the players to roll. That will keep the tempo going and the next player won't have to wait for the check to be resolved before acting.
With theater of the mind you just have to throw some of the combat tactics we're use to in Pathfinder out the window. It's just not feasible in PBP to adequately describe the battle with such detail to allow the players to enact all the tactics. And questions/answers going back and forth tend to slow the pace to a crawl.
Just a couple thoughts... but I'm very flexible and will well with whatever you decide, GM.
I hit preview to proofread my post and Tuva had posted 30 seconds ago, lol.
It's cool. Both guards deserve a heal :P
Yeah, those guys were hard workers, they appreciate the heals :P
Nilah, as soon as Khasos posts his line of questioning I'll respond regarding the unconscious goblin.
I'm kind of OK just chilling for a little bit until Khasos has time to post so we don't bury him too much.
Suits me fine too, I'm spending a rare child free two nights in the city with my partner so I'm pretty limited as to when I can post. I have had a look at Roll20, I'm keen to start implementing it so I might spend the downtime looking into it. I'll wait until you guys decide on your next course of action (dealing with the goblin, inspecting the warehouse or taking the guards to shelter) before I post an update
Unfortunately you're correct Nilah, these are wild goblins from deep within the Dale. They have no idea what you're saying. If we don't hear from Khasos in the next 24hrs I'll take the liberty of assuming he translates for you so that we may proceed.
A quick heads up: I am headed on vacation starting this Thursday evening. I will be back next Wednesday morning. I believe I will have some Internet connection but unsure how reliable it will be. Please DMPC me as necessary
No worries Thadaenn, enjoy yourself!
Is everybody happy for gameplay to continue today?
Yes!
Yep, works for me.
Have a good vacation Thadaenn!
I'm still around :)
I'm itching to get through to this next scene with you guys, especially if you split up the party! FYI also, sometime in the near future you're probably going to be asked what name your group of companions travel under, I'm a huge fan of named parties so if you feel up to the challenge start putting some thought into the name under which your party's deeds will be remembered throughout all of Faerun
Double XP if you do though :D
Tyrek's Wildfires.
Fantasynamegenerators.com is fun. There's usually something that you can at least adapt into what you need if you don't find it exactly. They have some good ones and some hilariously bad ones. Icky Vanguardians to the rescue!
Considering most of our backstories The Abandoned is apt, but I'm not sure if it's a great name for a heroic group of adventurers. Some variation of The Shivering Brothers works too, since we're in Icewind Dale lol.
I already picked the name thanks.
Edit: lol sarcasm doesn't translate right over text. Please don't let Tyrek name the group. XD
That's correct Nilah, sorry I wasn't clear in explaining. The leader, Vghotan, sent two small scouting parties into the docks to gather information. You've already dealt with one group, but there are three more skulking around the harbour somewhere. Vghotan is patiently awaiting their return underneath the warehouse.
I'm picturing Tyrek creeping through the warehouse cradling a goblin like it's a small child. I really hope you decide to open combat with an improvised ranged attack using Chiglet as a weapon, that would make my day :)
That would circumvent my blackened curse! Good idea!
Funny story, I actually have two characters actively holding tied up goblins right now.
Khasos hasn't posted in a week now, I hope we haven't lost him.
Yeah, I know he said he was busy though so I have faith. What's the general protocol if a player drops out in pbp? Do I recruit a replacement or do we just carry on with the remaining players?
I think it depends on the situation. In this case, we have several active players and we can cover his role with what we have, so I'd go without recruiting.
If we were to lose another, we'd definitely want to discuss adding a character, though we still might be ok since we cover all the major roles with 3 characters.
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Yeah, I know he said he was busy though so I have faith. What's the general protocol if a player drops out in pbp? Do I recruit a replacement or do we just carry on with the remaining players?
There are conventions for PFS, but since this is not a PFS game it's your call. We don't seem to be at risk of losing other players if we choose to wait a bit longer (but if so, hopefully they would speak up before quitting).
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I think it depends on the situation. In this case, we have several active players and we can cover his role with what we have, so I'd go without recruiting.
If we were to lose another, we'd definitely want to discuss adding a character, though we still might be ok since we cover all the major roles with 3 characters.
This too. We can give him a bit longer to return without blocking the game and consider adding another player (or not) in a week.