The group has acquired significant funds, but now must deal with an ailing wizard. They set out to follow a clue delivered by a cryptic stranger in a dead city, in the hopes it will lead to a cure.
@ Tyrus "That should certainly come in handy hiding these wounds for tomorrow. And as much as I want to explore more, my spell is running short and I don't have any more to use today. Those centipedes woun't likely be back by tomorrow night. How about we reinforce that door a bit and call it a night hm?"
"Sounds good Dante, we can use the items we pulled from the store room to block the other door. Tyrus would you apply the salve to those most hurt, then we can head back up." Logan offers.
Luca glared at her Eidolon for a few moments - and despite the damage it had taken, it looked more amused than anything else as it began pushing a few of the larger boxes in front of the door leading forward. Easy enough to remove from this side, but the mortals were right - it might make things at least a little more secure, and it was entirely in favor of anything that added to the protection of the <hafh'drn>.
Once that was finished, it began moving back towards the tunnel they'd come from, heading back to their base - and Luca followed about sixty feet back.
Going to assume Tyrus does in fact treat all wounded folks with a dose of the medicine unless he says otherwise. You still have the time to get a full night's rest tonight.
Once Tyrus finishes his doctoring, the group helps pile boxes in front of the remaining door. You manage to secure it against entry of anything that isn't very, very small, unless it manages to batter down all the stuff behind it.
Returning to the shared prisoner barracks, you are able to close the secret door once again behind you. Vincent goes to test the switch again, and you find that you can open it again without trouble.
Let me know of anything else you do before going to sleep. Luca, if you take the time to study the plant tonight you won't have time for a full night's sleep and may become fatigued - but that's your choice! If you ask for help on it please roleplay that (they kind of ignored you the first time).
-3 int M Human Human Male Wizard(Enhancement) 5, HP:20/21 CS 20/25 | AC:12(16) | FF:10 | T:12 | CMB 1 | CMD 13 | Fort:+1 | Ref:+3 | Will:+4 | Initiative:+2, Perception:+0 Speed:20| Enh 4/8
Tyrus finds himself disappointed that the adventure seems to be ending.
Tomorrow night he promises himself - but that raises the looming spectre of his meeting tomorrow with the Captain.
healing fluffy:
heal triage:1d20 + 12 ⇒ (1) + 12 = 13 Fluffy (4 damage, 2 Dex damage) -1 to Dex-based skills and saves
Don't think there's much that can be done with Fluffy. "The eidolon does not heal naturally". Possibly worth using the lotion? Guessing that the poison does wear off even if the damage doesn't?
Rejuvenate Eidolon is what is going to be needed here.
Tyrus doesn't have a clue.
healing Dante:
heal triage:1d20 + 12 ⇒ (9) + 12 = 21 Dante/Eidolon (5 damage, 3 dex damage) -1 to Dex-based skills and saves
Healing Dante is easy, but again the eidolon doesn't heal normally, right?
Assuming the damage is Dante's, use a dose of lotion and 'call me in the morning'healing:1d6 ⇒ 5
healing Logan:
heal triage:1d20 + 12 ⇒ (19) + 12 = 31 Logan (2 damage)
Insist on seeing Logan's wound in case it's poisoned, then admit that a scratch like this seems to be something that will heal fine on its own.
healing Lara or Luca:
heal triage:1d20 + 12 ⇒ (12) + 12 = 24 Lara (5 damage, 5 dex damage) -2 to Dex-based skills and saves I think this was meant to be Luca
Start off with a dose of Lotion lotion:1d6 ⇒ 4... but the poison is the real threat here.
Nothing can help now but rest.
Tyrus spends a little while checking wounds.
"The best thing for all of us is a good night's sleep. Let's get back before the others notice, and all try to get some rest."
Just before going to sleep he calls over Logan - and with some reluctance Dante.
talking about Luca:
"Gentlemen. I believe Luca will recover, but there's no doubting she's had a bad reaction to the venom. Even worse than you, Dante, though you're bad enough. I'd like to prescribe a day of bed rest for her... but we'll need a way to get her some food. I have a few small coins still placed on my person. I might be able to pick up some food in the village... but it would be good if she didn't miss breakfast. If we can get enough I'd like you to stay here with her Dante, and try to get some rest as well." "Logan. There's a chance I will not be able to come back tonight. Keep what we've found. If I'm not here tomorrow night, put another dose on Dante and Luca."
sense motive dc 9:
Tyrus is worried about Luca. Has been for a while - not just after the attack. She's young, and obviously has been put under a great deal of stress (remembering she was trapped in the cage with her eidolon, and it has been manifested pretty much every waking moment, and she is scared of it).
@Mercy:
Would Tyrus' heal skill and some elementary alchemy make him able to help the kids fake an illness?
if Luca tried to study the plant:
"Young lady! It has been a hard day, a trying night and tomorrow does not look much brighter. Go to sleep!"
Somewhat reluctantly, Luca gave the metal case to her Eidolon, rather hoping that it wouldn't be able to easily manipulate the box or otherwise cause trouble for their group. It never seemed particularly interested in sleeping, so at least it could stand guard over the plant. Maybe. Hopefully. She certainly couldn't dictate terms to the darn thing. On the bright side, nobody else seemed terribly interested in it at the moment, so they probably weren't going to try and steal it or anything. It probably didn't even need to be guarded, but one could never be too careful... especially when dealing with anything that had even the slightest connection to the horrible powers that refused to leave her alone.
With images of her companions being injured dancing in front of her eyes, Luca curled up in her sleeping area and tried desperately to get some rest.
He takes off his armor before entering the general room and asks again, "Shouldn't we leave the lotion and metal box here in the tunnel just in case?"
He sneaks in the best he can putting down his armor off next to the improvised bedroll, just like before.
Dante and Tyrus, Perception DC 10:
He heeds Tyrus's call and goes to him before sleeping, "If what you are trying to say will work, the rest would be good for them. What about Lara? Only if the guards ask about those having bed rest, then you should tell the guards that they have something contagious. I will use a dose to help them heal if you are not here."
"Anyway we cut this it is going to look suspicious. Who's to say they would even let us have bed rest if we were sick. They are pirates,"[b] he says, intentionally trying not to direct the comment at Tyrus. [b]"And if they ask the other prisoners they can tell them we were fine until bed time. I am pretty sure I can hide my own wounds and since they don't understand Luca's guardian anymore than we do I doubt they will give it a second thought if it acts...odd. My concern is I have no idea how heal the damage. Both our protectors leave when we are unconscious. Only thing I can think of is too stay up all night but that would be just as bad."
Using the supplies you have on hand you are somewhat limited, but you know you should be able to make a simple poison - distilled from the glands of the centipedes - that would add a bonus to a bluff check made to fake an illness. A craft alchemy check with DC 10 will give a +4 bonus to the bluff, and every 4 you beat it by will add another +1.
I am going to move us forward. If you have more RP to do before your characters go to sleep, you can continue to put it in spoilers marked "Last Night" and we will all understand it to have taken place retroactively. Tyrus, that includes the alchemy check detailed above, which would take about ten minutes per intended dose.
The party sneaks back to their bedrolls, and none of the other prisoners seem to be awakened by the slight added noise. Despite the exertion of the fight with the giant insects, they have not been gone long and their rest is not seriously hindered. Fortunately the added benefit of the tincture helps Lara recuperate more than she might have otherwise. At the concerned glances from the rest of the adventurers, she just nods with a little smile, moving with a bit more dexterity than she was able to the night before.
The morning comes, and with it the pirates once again bring food and tools. The eldest of them looks to Tyrus. "Captain wants ya again, Mr. Tyrus."
Damage To Party:
Fluffy (4 damage, 1 Dex damage)
Dante/Eidolon (5 damage, 2 dex damage) -1 to Dex-based skills and saves
Lara (1 damage, 3 dex damage) -1 to Dex-based skills and saves
As the very first thing that happened in the morning, the Void took over and sent its main minion back into the world... and, a bit listlessly, Luca ate the food that had been provided. Afterwards, however, she was just about to bring the metal box over when-
""Captain wants ya again, Mr. Tyrus."
...Oh. She'd have to ask him about the plant later, then. The other items didn't concern her very much, but the unknown was a major source of fear for her, and it would be nice to get it settled soon. Well, Tyrus would be back soon. Probably. She could ask him about it later - for now, she quietly hid the box safely out of the way, then got ready to follow her Eidolon around as it worked through the day.
Since leaving home, you've already seen and experienced so much. Otherworldly beings, great magic, hidden labs... skilled as you are, you haven't even begun your true schooling, you know that much is true. Spells you had marked down suddenly make sense where they didn't before - previously murky elements of your crafts are suddenly laid bare. This is only the beginning.
It all falls together while your body and mind rests this night. You may ascend to Level 2.
-3 int M Human Human Male Wizard(Enhancement) 5, HP:20/21 CS 20/25 | AC:12(16) | FF:10 | T:12 | CMB 1 | CMD 13 | Fort:+1 | Ref:+3 | Will:+4 | Initiative:+2, Perception:+0 Speed:20| Enh 4/8
craft:alchemy:1d20 + 11 ⇒ (20) + 11 = 31Oh yeah!
Tyrus spends twenty minutes that evening cooking up something in his retort. It smells something like strong coffee, spoiled milk and a faint aroma of expensive potion.
@Mercy: That's a +9 to bluff check?
Sliding up to Luca and Dante when they're alone he hands over a small home-pressed tablet.
"If you do want the day off, take this. You'll pass for sick. I used a similar mixture myself to get out of some lessons I didn't want when I was young and foolish. Of course, I used Scutigera coleoptrata."
Tyrus nods to the pirates when they arrive
"Would you mind if I fortified myself with some breakfast first? It's a long walk for a man of my physique."
"How long will this potion keep? I should think we should wait for more obvious wounds. I would hope we would delve better next time though. But it is nice to have a backup plan." If it lasts more than a day he will wait, other wise he will not waste this opportunity.
Lara chuckles at Logan's offer. "My legs are fine, thanks."
After the prisoners eat, they grab their tools and are escorted down the road towards the tunnel. Tyrus walks with them until the split in the path, then is led off towards the gate back to town. It is a cloudy, windy day, and the sun is still rising behind the patchwork gray sky. The birds and insects seem oddly subdued; perhaps sensing an approaching storm.
I agree - rolling a number of checks for characters can help speed PbPs up by quite a bit, even if it does take a little control away from players.
Luca glanced around as the group headed outside. Her Eidolon did the same, though it seemed less interested than most of their group - it was hard to tell what sorts of things even mattered to it, or what could make it focus when it seemed more bored than anything else.
You are both entirely correct, but as it so happened I needed the extra time to finish up some of the preparations for the next phase of our adventure, and thus gave you the time to roll them yourselves. :) Also, it was a handy "Hi, we're going again!" after I missed Monday.
Logan smiles as Lara as she chuckles and he is off with the group towards the new day of work. He keeps an eye out for anything strange and to see if the guards notice that some are not with them... We did leave Dante and Lara, the most hurt behind right?
Init Order and Status:
Goblins
Dante (5 damage, 2 dex damage) -1 to Dex-based skills and saves
Lara (1 damage, 3 dex damage) -1 to Dex-based skills and saves
Fluffy (4 damage, 1 Dex damage)
Bugbears
Vincent
Luca
Tyrus
Logan
Yllaine
Pirates
Prisoners (8 total damage)
Something catches Yllaines eye from out of the rubble field, and she gasps as she puts a hand to Lara's arm. Ever-attentive to her charge, Lara needs no more warning. From the rear of the line, Vincent cries out "Goblins!"
At his cry, the rubble comes alive with the creatures - and something larger, as well. Hulking humanoids with ugly faces similar to the goblins, carrying crude spiked maces. All of them rush forward towards the strung-out line of prisoner and guards. Up ahead, Tyrus sees two more bugbears suddenly stand from the ramparts of the gatehouse, pushing the bodies of the now-dead guards off to fall to the dirt below. The gate stands closed.
Know(Nature) DC 10:
These are bugbears, large cousins of the goblins. They are more calculating than their smaller kin, with an appetite for cruelty and destruction to match their size.
A hail of primitive arrows leaps forth from the bows carried by some of the goblins, aimed at the guards and prisoners in the front of the column. Only a couple arrows manage to strike their targets, sinking sharpened stone and wood into flesh. In the wake of the arrows the goblins and their large companions rush forward to the attack.
Post your actions! The white rock is the cliff wall and is impassible. The rocky dirt is difficult terrain. Each goblin icon stands for 3 goblins, who will move and fight in a group. The prisoner and pirate icons stand for 2 each and will do the same - this is to cut down on the number of widgets I'm moving around. I swear the next adventure we do will have smaller fights... most of the time. :)
"Back to the fort NOW! We can' stay in the open!" Dante yells as loud as he can over the sound of battle. [I]This is completely in their favor if we stay out here. Have to get to a defensible position. Have to find a weapon. "Hey guards! If you have any spare weapons hand them over or we're all dead!"
Dante moves with the other prisoners back towards the fort, keeping on the outside to draw fire from the goblins. As he moves he casts Mage Armor to better absorb attacks. AC 17 for an hour.
"Are you goblins or big green boogers?" he yells making rude gestures. Hopefully that will draw fire from the unprotected prisoners.
Luca needed no encouragement - she got as far back towards the fort as she could, and at the same time, her Eidolon simply vanished into the air. It didn't need to be here - and in just a few moments, the Void would start using precious time to help turn the tide of the battle. Pure, unthinking fear was driving her now, so perhaps it was for the best that her power could be used from either end...
"Hell!" He states at seeing the goblin horde before them. "Dante can you armor me up!" He yells to Dante hoping to get some defense as he moves over to his fellow warrior and draws his knife out, he will wait for the others to move back to the fort before acting.
I am slightly confused. The fort is marked can we get back to it? Do we need to get back through the gate first, then can we get to the fort? I didn't think the fort was anywhere near the tunnel we were digging. Some more clarification would be great.
Remember Logan and Dante (and Luca, if you like): you have pickaxes, as these are the tools they give you to dig. You picked them up already (unless you want to say you didn't...)
Yes, you can go back into the fort if you wish. The gate is at the FAR end of the road, and only blocks you from going back to the pirate town. And while the dimensions of the combat map are a bit compressed from what I originally imagined (the map lagged terribly when I made it larger) it's not a terrible difference.
DMPC Tyrus
Tyrus Know(Nature:1d20 + 9 ⇒ (12) + 9 = 21
Stunned by the sudden appearance of the goblins - and surprised that there were bugbears on the island - Tyrus panics and freezes up for a moment.
Okay, going to be doing some mass-battle rolling for the goblins, pirates, and prisoners, but named characters and the bugbears will be rolled regularly.
Vincent Attack v Goblins:1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20 Vincent Damage:1d8 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4
The goblinoids rush up and engage, ganging up on the humans whereever they can. A couple of prisoners fall in the initial charge, as does one of the pirates, whose already faltering defense is overcome by a vicious hit from a bugbear. Arrows fall among those not engaged as the bow-wielding goblins seek open targets. A pair of them hit Logan - one only grazing, the other burying itself in flesh as far as the crude stone head will go.
Dante attempts to get the others to follow him back to the fort, but his words have little effect on those who can hear - they step up to fight. As the humans begin to fight back, Vincent steps up and lands a solid blow on a goblin.
Logan has taken 4 damage. Lara (Not Luca) has taken 3 damage. Goblin Group 1 has taken 4 damage.
Init Order and Condition
Goblins (Group 1: 4 damage)
Dante (5 damage, 2 dex damage) -1 to Dex-based skills and saves
Lara (4 damage, 3 dex damage) -1 to Dex-based skills and saves
Bugbears
Vincent
Luca
Tyrus
Logan (4 damage)
Yllaine
Pirates (1 fallen)
Prisoners (8 total damage, 2 fallen)
When exhorting NPCs to do this or that, please throw me out a diplo check (or other if you think more applicable - if I decide a different roll was needed I'll use your same roll with the different bonus)
Once the Void judged that it had gone far enough, it stopped, and began channeling Luca's forward to begin sending forth its minions. Let the foul beasts that dared threaten its <hafh'drn> this way realize that their superior numbers weren't quite as superior as they'd thought...
Use: Summoning Mastery. 9/10 uses remaining today. Summoning a good ol' Vilstrak near Gob 1; it will arrive at the start of Luca's next turn.
-3 int M Human Human Male Wizard(Enhancement) 5, HP:20/21 CS 20/25 | AC:12(16) | FF:10 | T:12 | CMB 1 | CMD 13 | Fort:+1 | Ref:+3 | Will:+4 | Initiative:+2, Perception:+0 Speed:20| Enh 4/8
Luca: That's a standard action for a Summoner, I believe.
Tyrus recognises the creatures immediately. Hadn't their description been used to instill fear into him when he was just a boy? 'Or the bugbears will get you' had been what stopped him from wandering off into the woods.
"Bugbears! he yells, incoherently.
Carefully he backs up the path, summoning his eldritch armour wars to protect him.
Not sure how steep the path is. Is it 1:1 movement? Does it give the higher ground advantage? Move: up path. Standard: Cast Mage Armour
Torble hides itself in the rocks of the path, waiting for a goblionoid target upon whom to spring out.
stealth:1d20 + 14 ⇒ (16) + 14 = 30 Readied attack: attack:1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20damage (1 is acid):1 + 1 = 2
Boy this is gonna suck. A pick is a martial weapon and summoners are not trained in martial.
Noticing that the prisoners are panicking rather than running he trys once again but more forcefully. "Fort! Now! We can't fight them in the open with nothing but picks!"
Diplo:1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5 I am channeling the charisma of Logan apparently.
When that doesn't work he decides to use actions rather than words. He heads back towards the prisoners and lays into a group of goblins.
Vincent Attack v Goblins:1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22 Vincent Damage:1d8 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4
The battle rages on, with the high-pitched war screeches of goblins mingling with the deeper roars of bugbears and the shouts of their human opponents. More arrows fly from the goblins' bows, one of which nicks Lara. Dante wades in and buries his pick in a goblin's head even as Vincent finishes his chosen foe off. The bugbears show the ferocity their kind is known for and lay low another of the pirates as they severely wound a third.
Tyrus backs down the path, shielding himself with magic. Lara works her own arcane skills, and a wrinkle in the fabric of the world twists and throbs with her spell...
Off in the distance, it can be seen that one group of goblins has seized a pair of dead or wounded prisoners and is dragging them off towards the forest.
Why yes, it did have every intention of pounding the little things into so much paste... and for as long as possible, it would support Luca's efforts to help turn the tide of the battle.
-3 int M Human Human Male Wizard(Enhancement) 5, HP:20/21 CS 20/25 | AC:12(16) | FF:10 | T:12 | CMB 1 | CMD 13 | Fort:+1 | Ref:+3 | Will:+4 | Initiative:+2, Perception:+0 Speed:20| Enh 4/8
Terrified, Tyrus calls almost instinctively upon the same spell that saved him from the mugger.
cast:CHILL TOUCH
He fells terrible for the poor people being dragged off to torture and death at the hands of the Bugbears, but at the same time cannot help a guilty relief that it isn't him.
Unhappy about the whole situation he knows he is safer from the bows when in combat and will continue to fight near Lara. I have to focus on the target at hand otherwise this will turn bad fast.
"Keep moving toward the keep, focus your attacks on the bugbear, I can handle these goblins. Come get some green uglies!" He says to the two woman nearest to him then yells at the goblins as he swings the pick axe at another of them. Again the lack of a good weapon takes its toll as he merely smashes the axe into the ground as the goblin jumps to the side.
In the flurry of blades, Lara takes several blows from the stone swords wielded by the goblins.
At Logan's words she gives a hurried gesture to Yllaine. "Do what he says! You can slip by that thing now that it's surrounded!" She, however, makes no move to change her target, a grim gleam in her eye through the blood that covers her face.
A pair of arrows pierce the Vilstrak summoned up by Luca. The lone remaining goblin of its groups panics and flees before the summoned creature and other foes, leaving the Vilstrak, Dante, Vincent, and their companion prisoners and pirates to rush at the nearby bugbear instead. Now flanked, it takes a pair of grievous wounds but remains on its feet, only roaring louder. Somehow in the fray it manages to land a hit on Yllaine as she tries to weave through the melee, and the blue-hued woman shouts in pain even as she dodges a second blow and makes it beyond the creature's reach.
Somehow in the rest of the slashing frenzy, Dante, Lara, Logan, and several of their foes all miss each other, drawing no further blood to stain the stoney ground. Off to the front, the pair of bugbears who had ambushed the gatekeepers dash past the entrance to the cliffside path, failing to notice the portly wizard who hunched, terrified, several yards above. They instead rush an unfortunate pair of prisoners and in a display of brutality lay them both low. More of the unfortunate fallen are picked up and carted away by goblins.
Init Order and Condition
Goblins (Group 1: 2 dead)
Dante (5 damage, 2 dex damage) -1 to Dex-based skills and saves
Lara (10 damage, 3 dex damage) -1 to Dex-based skills and saves
Bugbears (B1: 12 damage, B2: 4 damage)
Vincent
Luca (V#1 5 damage)
Tyrus (Mage Armor (cast in round 2))
Logan (4 damage)
Yllaine (4 damage)
Pirates (17 damage, 2 fallen)
Prisoners (4 total damage, 3 fallen)
More arcane energy spills forth and another Vilstrak takes shape upon the battlefield. Though still fighting valiantly, Lara shuffled and weaves upon her feat almost drunkenly, blood pouring from her many wounds. It is clear she cannot afford to take many more.
He sees the blood of Lara spill before him and it enrages him he stops being defensive except for his stance. He tries to cleave through two of the goblins.
Attack:1d20 + 6 - 1 - 1 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 6 - 1 - 1 + 2 = 26 with Power attack, combat expertise, rage
Damage:1d8 + 6 + 3 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 6 + 3 + 3 = 13 with PA and rage
Confirm crit Attack:1d20 + 6 - 1 - 1 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 6 - 1 - 1 + 2 = 10 with Power attack, combat expertise, rage
Damage:3d8 + 18 + 12 + 12 ⇒ (2, 8, 2) + 18 + 12 + 12 = 54with PA and rage, Wow look at the damage, if only it hit, that goblin would have become paste!
Cleave Attack:1d20 + 6 - 1 - 1 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 6 - 1 - 1 + 2 = 23 with Power attack, combat expertise, rage
Damage:1d8 + 6 + 3 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 6 + 3 + 3 = 19 with PA and rage
I was intending to summon Vilstrak #2 further away from Luca - make the most of the range she's got. XD; Oh well.
Once more, power flowed through Luca, even as the two stone warriors already present lumbered forth to do battle. The power controlling her had her take a five-foot step towards the others (i.e. right), even as a third Vilstrak began to appear.
Use: Summoning Mastery. 7/10 uses remaining today. Summoning a Vilstrak near Gob2; it will arrive at the start of Luca's next turn.
As for the others?
Vilstrak 1:(2/20 rounds)
Assuming the Bugbear was still alive, the Vilstrak slammed at it with both arms in a full attack.
If the bugbear was already down by the time it moved, well... the Vilstrak simply lumbered forth instead to swing at Gob2 or whichever enemy was within its reach. Probably missing, since only the first roll would count. XD
Vilstrak 2:(1/20 rounds)
The second Vilstrak crouched down, then lumbered forward to the closest goblins with the bows and swung one mighty fist at them.
Though, perhaps because of the disorientation of being summoned, it wasn't a particularly good hit. Still, the archers were now within a range the creature could threaten, so there was that benefit for the allies.
Gameplay thread is up! Because I want to post them all together, I won't have the unique traits up until tomorrow. They won't affect gameplay before that.
Tyrus:
Not to fear. Your unique trait will have something to do with necromancy as well, as well as your heritage - though Tyrus is unaware of that.
Regarding Logan:
How old is Logan now? The last age in his backstory seems to be 14.
Sorry I had meant to elaborate on his years since then and connect the 'recent' section with 'youth' section. I should have most of it worked out tonight and fine tune it tomorrow. To answer the question straight Logan will be 25. When he puts his mind on something he can be very stubborn and learn quickly when it intrigues him.
@Mercy: Also I will be updating him to Level 2, Yay! Though should we have standard wealth by level then?
Thanks for bringing this up, Logen. I forgot to say that if you started at level 2 you won't be on the wealth-by-level table. Instead, you roll starting gold twice. Feel free to continue modifying gear until our first combat encounter, or just “save up” the gold. Never hurts to have spare cash.
STAT LINES: It is very convenient for me when you have certain stats laid out in your profile so that they show up under you name (as Dante has done, and very well formatted I should say!). Do this by putting the same info as Dante has into the Classes/Levels field after your actual class and level. Thanks!
Your “special” traits are below. If they somehow go against your concept for your character let me know, as I've had to do some interpretation. Feel free to bring any issues (conflict of concept, confusing language, etc) up with me either through PM or here. I fully expect that we will eventually need to clarify some of the language on them, and we'll deal with those issues when we get to them.
Tyrus:
Tyrus has gained the following trait/ability:
False Dichotomy – You are beginning to find that the line between Life and Death is no such thing. The two are interconnected, hazy in distinction, and always in motion.
You gain a +2 Insight bonus to all Heal checks, and +2 damage to any spells from the Necromancy school that deal HP or ability score damage. As a one-time bonus upon character creation, select three additional Necromancy spells and add them to your spellbook.
(feel free to reselect your spells if you want to maximize the benefit from the two additional ones, or just add three necro spells. Up to you!)
A book on the Kadeshi language would have been easy for a lifelong teacher like you to procur cheaply. Go for it. Necril probably won't exist, as the dead will speak the languages they did in life. If Necril does exist in some fashion it will be heavily modified in exactly what kinds of undead speak it and why. But like I said, I wouldn't worry about the languages too much on this one.
Finally, your skill checks with the torble (which I see you charmingly named Torble ;) ) reminded me: Until you are actually able to speak with your familiar, any Knowledge skill checks it makes must be to Aid Another. Until then, the torble is just trying to “nudge” your memory in the right direction through the empathic link. It can't actually tell you any new knowledge. I've seen a lot of different takes on how this should go, but this is the one that makes the most sense to me. I hope you agree with the logic.
Dante:
Dante has gained the following trait/ability:
Ancestor Blade – Is the blade the vessel, or merely the bridge?
Your heirloom greatsword is a masterwork weapon (+1 to Attack rolls). Furthermore, once per day you may call upon your ancestor's strength and summon your eidolan as a standard action. If this ability is used less than 24 hours after the eidolan was lost due to being reduced to 0 hit points, the eidolan returns at half health and is fatigued.
Furthermore Dante, I'm not seeing what spells you've chosen in your profile.
Logen:
Logen gains the following trait/ability:
Wholehearted Fighter – You don't fight anything by half measures. If it's worth beating, it's worth beating hard.
Twice per day. Logen can rage (as the barbarian class feature) for 3 rounds. Logen must use these consecutively, and once activated his rage will not end until all rounds have been spent. Logen is NOT fatigued when his rage ends.
Rage mechanics from Barbarian class description:
While in rage, a barbarian gains a +4 morale bonus to her Strength and Constitution, as well as a +2 morale bonus on Will saves. In addition, she takes a –2 penalty to Armor Class. The increase to Constitution grants the barbarian 2 hit points per Hit Dice, but these disappear when the rage ends and are not lost first like temporary hit points. While in rage, a barbarian cannot use any Charisma-, Dexterity-, or Intelligence-based skills (except Acrobatics, Fly, Intimidate, and Ride) or any ability that requires patience or concentration.
Also, you seem to have a couple oddities in your gear, which probably comes from assuming the wealth-by-level charts. And quick question: Did you pull the stats for a “bruiser” from anywhere in particular?
Luca:
Luca gains the following trait/ability:
Look into the Void – When she looks at you in a certain way, you get the sense that something else is looking too... and it doesn't like you.
Once per day, Luca can stare at another creature as a standard action. The creature must be conscious and be able to see Luca, and is drawn to meet her eyes unless it is engaged in melee combat. If they are able to see each other, roll 2d6 for an effect and 2d4 for a duration: The targeted creature gains the corresponding condition for that many rounds. This is a mind-affecting supernatural ability.
All right, that should get us started. I know it's been an involved process and we've got a lot of rule tweaks. We'll iron out the glitches as we find them, and hopefully the changes make for more fun in the game!
I rather like that trait! ^^ It's random, it's weird, and it's totally fitting for her theme...
On a related note...
@GM: Last big question. XD Do you mind if I add the chance to summon lower-list monsters to Otherworldly Guardians? That's something that the various summoning spells do anyway, so it's not much of a change. (For example, if Luca was using Summoning Mastery II, a roll of 1-5 would result in something from her second-level list, and a roll of 6 would result in 1d3 creatures from her first-level list, as per the normal spell text.)
Gold:
4d6 ⇒ (4, 4, 4, 3) = 15 x 10 = 150.
Hah! Exactly what I'd been using anyway, so I don't need to change anything. ^^ That's convenient.
-3 int M Human Human Male Wizard(Enhancement) 5, HP:20/21 CS 20/25 | AC:12(16) | FF:10 | T:12 | CMB 1 | CMD 13 | Fort:+1 | Ref:+3 | Will:+4 | Initiative:+2, Perception:+0 Speed:20| Enh 4/8
Mercy:
Thanks - looks great.
Yeah, in my head I had him creating a unique lifeform he named Torble, but I didn't clear it with people and now it is one of genus Torble. Ah well :)
The aid another thing with Torble is very generous. Are you sure? I had Torble trying to explain to Tyrus (the whole pseudopod thing) and not getting anything across. Only strong emotions normally go through the link.
I do want to be able to play Torble as well once he can speak, as I find the duality of characters like that is good for making explicit what would normally be internal dialogue.
Not sure what you were doing with the initial torble knowledge checks then! :)
I originally was of the opinion that familiars doing knowledge skill checks was weird, but - as pointed out in a thread I found - why else would they have those skills? Might as well have those checks do something useful.
If Logen hasn't posted in a couple hours, I'll "assume" him onboard (he can retro-post for the beginning) and move on. That will be the usual action for players not posting in a day, as I'd like to keep up a decent pace.
If my records (yes, I'm keeping records) are correct, Tyrus and Dante are starting at level 1, and Logen and Luca are at level 2. Not exactly the characters I thought would be starting at level 2, but not really a problem for me. Can't nitpick every decision you guys make! (out loud) ;)
Oh, and one more thing: Remember that you can't normally make untrained Knowledge checks. Some of us rolled knowledge checks for skills in which we had no ranks invested! Gonna let it slide this time...
Logen:
So it's a blunt, training greatsword? But not made of wood or anything I take it. Sure, 1d8/x2 sounds fine. Gold cost will be the same as a regular greatsword, though.
Because my Master would make me buy the sword not give me one?
A wooden training sword would be worth 50 gp?
Well I guess it is really well made, how about 1d10 then?
I will also have crafted at least my greatsword, which will get me back 25 gp to help pay for the training sword.
Confused on what you're saying. Is it wooden or not? A metal training sword is normal for all other intents and purposes, just happens to be blunt. A wooden training sword would be cheap, but not do much damage. And whether or not your master gave it to you, it counts as part of your total starting "wealth."
If metal: 1d8/x2, normal greatsword cost.
If wood: 1d4/x2, maybe... 1gp?
Sorry, I thought I have always said the training sword is wooden.
Ok, will do!
Since I was with my Master for about 10 years... I will update the background with what I typed up today soon... Are you fine with me crafting my sword thus paying cost instead of price?
1d4 worse than a club? I am thinking of basically a kendo sword so at least 1d6.
-3 int M Human Human Male Wizard(Enhancement) 5, HP:20/21 CS 20/25 | AC:12(16) | FF:10 | T:12 | CMB 1 | CMD 13 | Fort:+1 | Ref:+3 | Will:+4 | Initiative:+2, Perception:+0 Speed:20| Enh 4/8
Tyrus is a 2 - thought there was a discussion from post 5. I said I was happy to make him level 1, and I am, just have to downpower the crunch a bit. Does mean I have to work out what my old equipment list was. I think I bought the healing kit, crucible, retort and black book.
Work out which skills...
craft, 6 knowledges, spellcraft and heal at 1.
Favoured class bonus into skills.
BAB to 0, CMB and CMD 1 less. HP to 6. Will to +2. 2 less spells in spellbook; youthful transformation and unseen servant. 1 less 0 and 1st spell/day.
edit: I had copied dante's stat line and forgotten to change the level 1 bit
Ah, sorry! Yes, chance for multiple downlist monsters is fine. I'll worry about the mechanics a bit later. And yes, you'll definitely need an icon for Luca.
Icons for the game board (DungeonGrid) are resized automatically, and actually you guys can add your own to the map by dragging any picture into the map grid from elsewhere on your desktop (a weird way to do it, but I didn't make the thing. Wish I could get in touch with the creator!).
As for an icon for your own profile here, why don't you just pick one from the stock images? I was assuming you would all use those for the game board.
Thanks wolf, though I replaced a couple of the NPC portraits. Nothing much else to do for a bit. Unless I hear from people that they would like to keep roleplaying I'll plan to move the adventure forward tonight.
I can't find your eidolan's stats in your profile. Please put them in there in a spoiler or right below your own stats.
Everyone:
As we come up on our first combat, a quick note on how I'm going to be trying to run them so as to make them go more quickly.
1) I will roll initiative for everyone at the start of any combat. Make sure you have your initiative bonus in your stat line!
2) Combat actions will execute in turn order, but ALL PLAYERS will post their actions simultaneously (or rather, whenever they post). Once all actions are in I will then resolve them together. This is meant to show that while initiative divides characters as to who goes first/next/last, all characters are actually attempting to act at the same time. This should let us get through at least one combat round per day, which is a heckuva lot faster than a lot of the combat I see on these forums.
Now, this does have trade offs. You can't always plan for what will happen during combat, so this requires you to imagine what is likely to happen and choose your actions accordingly. You can have simple conditionals (Move to X and attack enemy A. If enemy A is dead/unconscious before my turn, move to Y and attack enemy B) but please keep them reasonable.
I'll also be trying to play around with certain bonuses to actions that were hampered by the simultaneous submission thing to help make up for the shortcomings of the system. And as with most things I do, this system is subject to change if it doesn't work well/isn't fun. If it turns out to be a complete pooch screw, we'll go back to the regular way.
Let me know if you have any questions about the above.
To simplify things I just have all summoned creatures and such act with the same initiative as the summoner. You don't need to worry about having the eidolan's stats in your statline (that would make it too confusing. I'll look it up in your profile when needed. Also yes, an icon for your eidolan will be necessary.
-3 int M Human Human Male Wizard(Enhancement) 5, HP:20/21 CS 20/25 | AC:12(16) | FF:10 | T:12 | CMB 1 | CMD 13 | Fort:+1 | Ref:+3 | Will:+4 | Initiative:+2, Perception:+0 Speed:20| Enh 4/8
I'd been thinking of changing Tyrus' spell list given that he'd seen hints of this happening since last night.
The irony; an extra Mage Armor for his young friend Dante.
Ah well - changed it anyway.
Phew! Naturally I pick a big, complicated battle to open my first PbP game with. Ambitious little moron, I am. Ah well: gotta start with a bang, eh?
Also, with move orders - generally try and tell me what enemy/square you were aiming (if any) at so I can place you with more accuracy. One of the drawbacks of doing combat this way is that it'll be harder to retcon things.
Feel free to comment on the "all-at-once" combat resolution style at any time, especially as to whether or not you enjoy it or think it harms the feel of play.
That you will always sacrifice your own HP to keep the eidolan around. I assume that applies so long as you yourself wouldn't be knocked out by the sacrifice? (I need to take a look at the rules again to see what it says about that situation, too).
Luca, does your Eidolan have something that will avoid AoO's when it leaves those threatened spaces, or were you just going to let them try?
Looking at what was happening, I was sort of hoping all the creatures threatening it would be dead by the time it tried. XD If not... well, I guess I'll let them try to hit it.
Oh got it. Yes if it becomes a fatal blow to both of us I will try to stay alive but I have a better chance of doing that with the Eidolon's armor. And "The eidolon cannot be sent back to its home plane by means of dispel magic, but spells such as dismissal and banishment work normally. If the summoner is unconscious, asleep, or killed, his eidolon is immediately banished." Should any of these happen mid-fight I am screwed because of the 1 min cast time but your trait will help in at least one instance per day.
So probably, as long as it won't knock you out you'll save the eidolan. Good policy. Also, I'm going to change the balance of your Ancestor Blade ability slightly: I'm going to make it a full-round action which draws AoO's, so it isn't quite so much of an "instant fix."
@Luca: Probably not all of them, but you never know. And with AC 18 the thing will probably be okay. :)
I've been meaning to mention this, but I think it's spelled "Eidolon", not "Eidolan". XD
That aside, that is a lot of pirates... If we'll get swarmed fairly regularly, I should look into more ways of quickly eliminating the small fry. XD Or at least helping channel them into narrow areas where we can get rid of them more effectively. That's for later, though. This is certainly a fun opening act!
I am the GM and I'll misspell anything I damn well please! (including the word "wharf" in the very first post. Noticed that one just past the edit deadline. Arg).
I keep meaning to find some other term to call your eidy-thingy by. Dante's is an ancestor spirit, and yours is a... something. Maybe I'll just call it "fluffy" for the time being.
Also: Opening act? Hell, this is still basically the prologue. :) Glad you're enjoying it though!
Also, Luca I think fluffy will be okay. It goes after me and I just bisected the only pirates (currently) threatening it. That's how you make a comeback.
Now if only Logan would post. Excited to see pirate reactions.
