Hey guys! Here's the new discussion thread for the game, and I'll have a gameplay thread and everything else up soon as well. Once everyone checks in here I'll deactivate the old game. I have the prequel adventure all written out, so I'm ready for it when you guys are. Just need to put up the last few edits for the characters, and we'll be ready to go!
Make sure you open a new gameplay for us to dot too. Otherwise we won't be able to track properly.
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Right, yeah. I just need a proper "opener post" that can serve as a placeholder. Just as a stylistic thing, I generally prefer the invisible dot method for new games, if possible. It looks less messy.
Placeholder first post is up in Gameplay, feel free to dot in to track it.
Checking in.
Here.
Here. Equipment will be done tonight. Will also try to tackle finishing the background/personality.
I would ask a third to check my math on my gear then since I keep getting the same number.
Marcus' background is up.
GM, there are a group of feats (Nature Soul, Animal Ally and Boon Companion) which allow a character to gain an Amimal Companion.
Would you allow a version of those feats to gain a Phantom (as per the Spiritualist class)?
Sure thing. Forego Nature Soul, and Animal Ally becomes Phantom Ally.
Would you allow a version of Boon Companion as well, to get the Phantom fully-leveled?
Yeah, sorry. It just didn't occur to me to mention it. It works the same, don't change the name it works for me as is.
I'm going to say Phantom Ally also nets you the Etheric Tether ability, so the phantom can actually manifest.
Great, thank you. Guess I know what my next two feats are going to be.
I left the background on the spirit intentionally vague. All Marcus knows is that it is obsessed with Azlant. Something about it is tied to that place. I'll leave the details up to you.
Ooh, another plot hook for me to play with? What a wonderful surprise for me.
Conri, I'll take another look at your math either tonight before I go to sleep, or tomorrow when I get up. Overwatch just hit the Summer Games, and I need to start farming loot boxes. It will probably be tonight, so check in tomorrow. I just need a quick break before I dive into it.
Finished with equipment. Ran out of time. More work tomorrow.
Gallidren is checking in.
Gallidren is checking in.
Hey Gallidren, did you happen to catch the discussion about the characters carrying over from the last game? As Marcus—and now it seems Kahurangi—are the actual same people from the previous game, do you intend to do the same? The three of you could easily have traveled there together, if you do. I just want to know for my own reasons as it will help me down the line.
I'm going to shoot the last two people a PM to remind them to check in over here. Conri, I'm about to double check your math again.
Conri, I'm getting a different number than last time, but I'm still not seeing your number. I'm getting 7.9 GP, instead of 2.9 GP.
Also, I have a question for the lot of you.
Azlant, obviously, has a fair bit to do with the aboleths. It was not my intention to have them be the main antagonists of this game as I suspect that will be the case for Ruins of Azlant, but as I continue to plan out this game I'm curious how much of their involvement you'd like to see. My original plan was to incorporate them along with some of the fey elements from the original KM adventure path, but if people would prefer more of them I can definitely accommodate that. Alternately, if you don't want to deal with them at all, I can just cut them out. It's really up to you guys. So, what would you like to see?
I'll note, this won't change many of the broad strokes of the campaign, beyond a few notes. Perhaps one boss may change. So, it's not as if I'm redoing everything I've done, so let me know what you're thinking.
I am fine with whatever you want to throw at us. Perhaps they can replace a set of villains in the KM campaign OR a certain section of KM AP could just be revised to include friction with the Aboleths instead?
Alrighty, Janus is done.
In his background, it is hinted that his sister died, but there is no proof of that, so I will leave it up to you if you want her to be around for you to use later.
I do still want to flesh out his background more fully, and expand on the topics that seem to want it.
For the mechanics, can you double check my numbers?
As for aboleths, I am fine with however much you want to bring them in. They are fantastic villains, but I am sure that there are other great villains available too...
My math is always questionable. I will go though it again in the morning. Sorry about that.
As to the aboleths's I say bring it! The group I play with at a live table hates them and does not want to deal with them at all. Same with mind flayers. I on the other hand love the strange horror those types of creatures can bring.
I also love the Fey. Though I have re-skinned the aberrations category into the less pretty Fey. My table seems to love it.
Basically I am more than ok with with any critter you feel fits the campaign.
Same with mind flayers.
...I visit some strange places on the Internet, and that's one of the more disturbing links I've opened lately. (To everyone else, save yourselves.)
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Guess who forgot to check in? Clue: he has two thumbs that are distracting you while his tail grabs a highly explosive device.
I do love aboleths, but that's because I'm a huge Lovecraftian nerd and everything even mildly alien or tentacley appeal to me. Ilithids, as Conri mentioned, are other of my favourite enemies. That said I fully trust Jon, he would probably be able to make brownies a dreaded antagonist.
What I'm trying to say in a fanboy way is that whatever you throw at us, be it a huge tentacled fish, a mysterious fata or ye olde orcish waagh, I'l love it.
@Janus:
Everything else looks fine.
@Garrick:
I thought of this the other day, but have you considered looking into the Bruising Intellect/Clever Wordplay traits? You've got both Bluff and Intimidate as skills, but those traits would immediately give you a +3 on both skills over your current Charisma. You could easily get them at Level 3 with Additional Traits, if you wanted. It seems like it would fit the character well, and if you're interested in doing that and want to change the build around a bit, go ahead.
@Janus:
You still seem to be missing two skill points. Did it perhaps not update? Everything else looks fine.
Got it fixed. Dunno how it was still off but it isn't anymore...
...I visit some strange places on the Internet, and that's one of the more disturbing links I've opened lately. (To everyone else, save yourselves.)
I am sorry I disturbed you, not my intent. It is just one of my favorite images of the Ilithid.
...I visit some strange places on the Internet, and that's one of the more disturbing links I've opened lately. (To everyone else, save yourselves.)I am sorry I disturbed you, not my intent. It is just one of my favorite images of the Ilithid.
Don't worry, he'll be fine. I've seen the other strange places he goes on the Internet.
The internet is both delightful and horrifying depending on what you click on.
Gallidren is checking in.Hey Gallidren, did you happen to catch the discussion about the characters carrying over from the last game? As Marcus—and now it seems Kahurangi—are the actual same people from the previous game, do you intend to do the same? The three of you could easily have traveled there together, if you do. I just want to know for my own reasons as it will help me down the line.
I'm going to shoot the last two people a PM to remind them to check in over here. Conri, I'm about to double check your math again.
Yes, I planned to have Gallidren retain his experiences from the previous adventure. I'll fold that into the background when I have time.
Yes, it would make sense that Marcus, Kahurangi and Gallidren would travel together.
Cool stuff! I think that'll be a neat in-character bit of history there.
I sent Kahurangi a PM to make sure he saw the new game was up, so he should be checking in here and then I can deactivate the old one.
I'm doing a second run-through of other character sheets now. If you don't see your name, you're all set!
Gallidren Aerenduill:
No worries on getting the background stuff or this done super fast, as none of this is stuff that's egregious or would need to be fixed before we start. Just a few little things.
Derrick Tramsen:
Marcus Cowl:
Kahurangi:
You mentioned an update before, but it seems that your changes may not have saved?
Everyone else appears to be all set and ready to go!
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@Garrick:
I thought of this the other day, but have you considered looking into the Bruising Intellect/Clever Wordplay traits?
That's a really good catch, actually, and goes well with the smartass attitude I was looking for.
Sadly, even with Precise and Point Blank Shot being folded into Combat Awareness, ranged builds are feat starved so Additional Traits will have to be carefully considered as it pushes Deadly Aim to 5th level and either Rapid Shot to 7th or Vital Strike to 9th... Not taking into account Fiendish Sight who I want to pick twice.That said, and as both traits share the same category and would require your approval to obtain both, I could remove Extremely Fashionable, add a drawback and pick both. Drawbacks I considered are Mark of Slavery(obviously), Headstrong(one that seems to have plenty of RP potential) and Spooked(same as last one and makes sense that a slave to a diabolist is deadly afraid to spooky s$+$).
The last one would be my personal favourite, and something about Garrick screaming like a child before firing wildly, throwing explosives and frantically looking for cover or a escape route fascinates me.
I'm doing a second run-through of other character sheets now. If you don't see your name, you're all set!
Gallidren Aerenduill:
Your ability scores are now one too high... I might have made a mistake before? I dunno how, though. Dropping your CON to 12 fixes it and doesn't require any more math changes.
Your Reflex save should be +6, due to ABP.
Your AC should be a 16, as you can give the ADP bonus to your clothes.
The money appears to still need updating. No worries on getting the background stuff or this done super fast, as none of this is stuff that's egregious or would need to be fixed before we start. Just a few little things.
I think you're missing the +1 stat increase provided by the transmuter class. I provided my math in the "update" spoiler.
I think you're missing the +1 stat increase provided by the transmuter class. I provided my math in the "update" spoiler.I'm doing a second run-through of other character sheets now. If you don't see your name, you're all set!
Gallidren Aerenduill:
Your ability scores are now one too high... I might have made a mistake before? I dunno how, though. Dropping your CON to 12 fixes it and doesn't require any more math changes.
Your Reflex save should be +6, due to ABP.
Your AC should be a 16, as you can give the ADP bonus to your clothes.
The money appears to still need updating. No worries on getting the background stuff or this done super fast, as none of this is stuff that's egregious or would need to be fixed before we start. Just a few little things.
You are correct, that is exactly what I was missing. Thanks for pointing that out. You still need to fix your saves and AC, but other than that you're set. I missed it but the Will Save should be one higher as well; since it's effectively a cloak of resistance you should have a +1 to all saves, but I only count it being there for Fortitude at the moment.
Spooked is one of my favorite drawbacks. So much potential for fun. I love the idea of panicked throwing.
@Garrick:
I thought of this the other day, but have you considered looking into the Bruising Intellect/Clever Wordplay traits?
That's a really good catch, actually, and goes well with the smartass attitude I was looking for.
Sadly, even with Precise and Point Blank Shot being folded into Combat Awareness, ranged builds are feat starved so Additional Traits will have to be carefully considered as it pushes Deadly Aim to 5th level and either Rapid Shot to 7th or Vital Strike to 9th... Not taking into account Fiendish Sight who I want to pick twice.That said, and as both traits share the same category and would require your approval to obtain both, I could remove Extremely Fashionable, add a drawback and pick both. Drawbacks I considered are Mark of Slavery(obviously), Headstrong(one that seems to have plenty of RP potential) and Spooked(same as last one and makes sense that a slave to a diabolist is deadly afraid to spooky s%+%).
The last one would be my personal favourite, and something about Garrick screaming like a child before firing wildly, throwing explosives and frantically looking for cover or a escape route fascinates me.
I don't go by the rules for traits and categories, I think they're silly. Take both if you want. Mark of Slavery seems obviously fitting, and Headstrong is a fun one. I feel like many people overlook it from an RP perspective, but I have plenty of faith you will do it justice. Spooked is also fine. Whichever one you want to go for is fine by me.
Marcus Cowl:
You're still missing two skill points.
You haven't done anything with your money, but I think you know that already.
Yeah. Life has been rearing it's ugly head lately. My last chunk of free computer time I spent getting Spectrum ready for your other game.
I should be able to get the bookkeeping for this game taken care of tomorrow evening.
Ok, I spent about half my cash (on masterwork tools, mostly). I'd like to spend the rest of it on deployable traps. Here's a list of what I'm thinking of-
Locking Beartraps (discussed in previous game): Add a ratcheting lock mechanism to the clamp. Now escaping from the trap requires twisting a special clasp to release the ratchet. For a telekinetic, this is no harder than turning a key in a lock. Without telekinesis, a very difficult disable device check is required.
Mechanically, this is a normal bear trap with the listed addition of a Disable Device check required to escape.
Locking garrote bag: Imagine a tie-down strap made out of a bicycle chain and a ratcheting sprocket. When the chain is pulled through the sprocket, it can't go back through again until the catch is released (like the bear trap).
Now imagine looping that over someone's head and pulling it tight.
Now imagine if the chain were the draw-string of a chainmail sack.
So, you pull the bag over someone's head and yank the chain. Now they are suffocating and blind.
Mechanically, this trap works best on someone who is unaware they are in danger. Against an unaware target, a touch attack is probably sufficient (same as a lasso or net). Against an aware target, I would probably rule it as an attack roll against a Tiny target (head sized), or perhaps a Grapple check. I'll leave the details up to you.
Again, a disable device check required to get free.
Deployable Hoist Snare: It's a deployable version of this, that uses a coiled clock-spring instead of a counterweight.
Imagine Jigger Tackle with a hefty Clock Spring inside the top pulley.
The bottom pulley would be small, ending in a snare loop instead of a hook.
When the two blocks are close to each other, that's the spring unwound. When the bottom block is pulled down, it winds the spring on a ratchet. It holds there until pulled again, then the spring winds the block back up to the top again.
It deploys by hooking it onto something on the ceiling (a piton, maybe?) and then just pulling the snare loop down. Then, when something steps into the loop, the snare grabs their ankle and hoists them into the air.
Mechanically, this could probably work identically to the bear trap as far as the attack roll is concerned. If it hits, instead of doing damage, it yanks them upside down. They wouldn't be helpless or anything, but they wouldn't be able to move, and might take some action penalties, and maybe falling damage if they free themselves.
Thoughts? Did I explain my ideas well enough?
Locking Bear Traps: Do you mean a required Disable Device check before the other checks required to break free? That can work, yeah. Otherwise, we could also just increase the DC. There are some new bear traps listed in the Adventurer's Armory 2 which you might want to take a look at when you get the chance if you're just after a better DC for the Disable Device check. However, the concept seems sound to me.
Locking Garrote Bag: Oh man, that's devious. I've actually seen those locking garrotes written up and given stats before, I think in an old 3.5 supplement? If I can't find it, we'll come up with an idea. I never thought of putting a sack on the top of it, that's just rude. We can make this work.
Deployable Hoist Snare: Yeah, makes sense to work it like a bear trap. I would say they're considered flat-footed, and otherwise are treated as having the Shaken condition. Dropping down would I'd say require a Reflex save to not take any damage, since you're hanging with your head closest to the ground.
All of them are fine with me, I'll work out some more specific mechanics for them some time soon.
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I almost forgot Marcus is an expert trapper. Curious, because I was considering make Garrick also one.
Thing is I picture Garrick's traps more alchemical and paranoid in nature. More tripping cords and mechanical triggers wired to alchemical fire, acid and eventually explosives. And obviously marking the perimeter of our camps.
I can easily swap Craft(Firearms) to (Traps) and work as a support trapper to Marcus (not that I need Craft(Firearms), what with Gunsmith fet overriding it), adding a flaming touch to his traps.
To that purpose I will transfer some funds to alchemical gear.
Marcus does the alchemy thing too, for similar ends. I didnt want to jump straight to explosives at 2ND level, but they are on my list. Poisons too. Should be fun working together with Garrick on this stuff.
I'm planning on eventually adding Tangleburn bags to the hoist trap. Yanking someone upside down and covering them in burning tar is just too much fun not to try.
Yanking someone upside down and covering them in burning tar is just too much fun not to try.
Looks suspiciously at True Neutral alignment.
You can swap Craft (Firearms) out, especially since it doesn't have a huge use? I don't know what it would be used for since Gunsmithing doesn't specify needing any ranks in it. I can try to get some stat blocks written up for these new traps sometime today or tomorrow.
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I didnt want to jump straight to explosives at 2ND level, but they are on my list. Poisons too.
Now you got me thinking of poison bombs, tear gas cans, bee/wasp pheromone juice inside a flask, holy water hand grenades... I think we'll spend a great deal of downtime simply trying to weaponize stuff.
That I like.