Just laying some more ground work here. I'm putting these things in spoilers, but they're not really secrets, just as long as you can keep it player knowledge and not character knowledge.
For Paddy:
Late night/ early morning about six months ago, you and your partner, Grau Soldado, were patrolling near the Acadamae when a woman’s scream shattered the silence. Your investigation lead you to the dorm of Alexa Marcane. You found no signs of forced entry in the dorm, the door was even still locked. What you found inside though, was terrible. Alexa’s roommate Jessica was on her bed, splayed open in a gruesome display. Her organs were draped out of her body, over the sides of her bed and a sharpened key was driven into the center of her forehead. The only piece of evidence that was found, was a crumpled scrap of paper that had a crudely drawn diagram of human anatomy on it and an apparent surname.. Lamm. Alexa was taken in for questioning and jailed briefly awaiting trial, but during that time another murder occurred. The victim was found in a very similar state. Vivisected, with a sharpened key driven into their skull. The pieces just didn’t fit with Alexa and she was quickly released and cleared of all charges. Further investigation led to a small time ne’er do well named Gaedren Lamm. The only real connection though was the scrap of paper and Lamm had an alibi. Multiple eyewitnesses put him at the West Dock, far from the university district at the time of the crime.
Since then, the “Lock Key Killer” as he has come to be known, has struck three more times. The same MO for each; no signs of forced entry and neighbors awoken by the sounds of screams from family or loved ones. Paddy and Grau have been the primary investigators. Recently though, the violent nature and gory nature of the crimes have been too much for Grau. He just doesn’t have the grip on the reality of death that you do. As of last week, he’s been placed on leave pending approval by his Guard appointed psychiatrist. You haven’t seen him much since then, but he’s got some family in old Korvosa that you figure he is spending time with.
With Grau being out of commision, the guard has appointed you a new partner, on a temporary basis. They are under manned at the moment, so they have paired you up with a freelancer that they trust, a Varisian man named Orion.
Edit: Left a bit out in the first copy/ paste. Should be whole now.
Saulden sips his ale and turns to Red and Orion.
"I was mostly playing for fun anyways, fellas. If you need this cash for anything, we can call it a gentleman's bet and split it back up again and you can give a donation at the temple. Honestly, I'm not sure what I would really spend it on..."
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Orion idly taps his fingers on the rough-hewn table, deep in thought. "Well, this is just an idea, but, theoretically, we're had some trouble with doors. And chests, they put their spoils in chests too. As in, people who don't want the authorities to find things often lock their doors. And chests. And that's a been a problem. I mean, knocking down doors is hard.
Mind you, if, say, one of us, it could be anyone, it could be me, whatever. But if one of us had a nice set of tools for negotiating such obstacles, well, I think that would go far in pursuing the justice of the righteous.
What say you?"
Orion and Paddy:
The two of you have been working together for the last week on a new case, a name has cropped from Paddy’s recent past. Gaedren Lamm. Kroft has gotten in tips from a few informants that Lamm has dipped into the Shiver trade, a highly illegal drug that induces sleep filled with
vivid dreams, during which the user’s body shakes and shivers, giving the substance its street name. Worst of all (in the eyes of the government) he is not paying his vice tax. Kroft is seeing this as a perfect opportunity to take down a man who is a perpetual problem to the city.
Together you’ve cased all of Gaedrens old hideouts, but come up empty. It seems he’s being very careful this time around.
Responding on game play thread.
I didn't want to open up gameplay just yet Paddy. Just giving some background info.
OK! Please forgive my enthusiasm. The ways of Pharasma have such a draw...
Orion idly taps his fingers on the rough-hewn table, deep in thought. "Well, this is just an idea, but, theoretically, we're had some trouble with doors. And chests, they put their spoils in chests too. As in, people who don't want the authorities to find things often lock their doors. And chests. And that's a been a problem. I mean, knocking down doors is hard.
Mind you, if, say, one of us, it could be anyone, it could be me, whatever. But if one of us had a nice set of tools for negotiating such obstacles, well, I think that would go far in pursuing the justice of the righteous.
What say you?"
Saul thinks carefully.
"I see. I know you aren't as bad as you pretend to be, Orion and I know Red is staying clean... If you will swear, hand over your heart, that these burglar's tools will only be used if strictly necessary and for good causes- whether for Korvosa's much-loved authorities or in spite of them- then the money is yours."Saul passes over the money to buy thieve's tools.
Paddy resigns himself to his new partner. Grau was a great companion and a good friend, and always seemed as eager as Paddy himself when it came to chasing Pharasma's mysteries. The Wonder just got to him, is all, Paddy thinks to himself. Some folks see too much of it, too soon, and can't assimilate it. And who can blame them? Staring into the mind of a goddess is not something that mere mortals like we are easily able to handle.
He forces himself to maintain a pleasant expression and lilting voice when his new partner is assigned. "Orion, I look forward to continuing our philosophical conversations -- it seems we shall have plenty of time! I was just remembering a case that might interest you, in which a series of murders continued for decades because the primary suspect was killed resisting arrest and they all assumed that had cleared the case. That was before Field Marshal Croft's tenure, of course, so one can hardly blame her for that mistake..."
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Orion grins widely. "Oh my yes, I solemnly promise that every movement made so possible by this generous gift shall forever by made...
...for the greater good."
Orion passes his hand near Saulden's grip and the coin-purse disappears, as if by magic.
"Well this has been riveting gentlemen, but, time and tide and all good things. I must needs see a man about a horse.
And a bobby pin."
"Eh Paddy? Wouldn't the new murders point to a suspect? Now, were it me, I'd creep into the guy's second story window while he was at work. You can usually find stuff that way, especially in the sock drawer...."
"Wouldn't the new murders point to a suspect?"
"The would depend entirely," Paddy says quietly, "On whether one was interested in solving murders, or in appearing to clear cases. I'm sad to say that those two are not necessarily the same thing, and that some political minds might be far more interested in the latter than in the former."
"Now, were it me, I'd creep into the guy's second story window while he was at work. You can usually find stuff that way, especially in the sock drawer...."
Paddy beams in satisfaction. "Your thoughts there echo my own exactly," he confirms.
Orion, when I initially checked out your background, I had the impression that you were more of a bounty hunter and less of a second story man.
Am I trying to fit a square peg in a round hole with the Korvosan Guard thing? If you are trying to play more of a criminal type, it might not make a ton of sense to have you in the role as Paddy's partner.
Let me know what you think.
Also, all good on the gambling!!
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Hee. Orion is adapting to his new surroundings, and, as such, can be somewhat ephemeral. =)
Oh no, you are quite correct with the Korvosan Guard. I wrote that in myself. He's turning to that as a steady income.
But, just as a criminal might turn to law enforcement, so too might a law-enforcer, especially one new to the profession, might employ tactics that fall into the "quasi-legal" realm.
You can call him winner of the "Most Likely to be Called a Loose Cannon" award, and sooner or later he might have to turn in his badge and gun, pursuing the man who killed his partner on his own.
(Well, for Paddy's sake I hope that doesn't happen. =)
srsly, tho, someone who doesn't want to wait for a search warrant, or knows that the courts are corrupt, might bring criminals to justice on his own terms. =)
Thieves Tools added. ;)
Okay cool! Just checking.
Red Feather simply shrugs at the outcome, as he would have contributed the money any way. "Oh well. Easy come, easy go".
Orion:
Paddy's attitude towards the strictures of his church carries over to his attitude towards the rules of his profession. In short, he wants to protect the weak (the poor, prostitutes, drug addicts) and doesn't sweat the rules in his pursuit of that goal -- unless breaking them subjects him to unwanted notice by the higher-ups, at which point it becomes a risk/rewards decision.
I get the feeling he'll end up being an idea partner for Orion, if the latter can convince him he's more than a simple mercenary thug.
DM:
They're both really. They are the main police force of Korvosa, but also a military unit when need be. Here is the section on them for the Guide to Korvosa.
Korvosan Guard: The Korvosan Guard serves the city of Korvosa first, the city’s leader second, and the church of Abadar third.
It works closely with the monarch and high priest of Abadar to maintain order in the city,acting most often as a police force,
but turning into a military operation whenever the city is threatened by external forces. Descended from the regular army troops brought
to Endrin Isle by Field Marshal Korvosa, the Korvosan Guard possesses a long and proud history of serving the city and its leaders.
Supported and augmented by the church of Abadar, the Guard counts among its officers paladins and priests of the city god. The Guard works
closely with both the Order of the Nail and Sable Company, coordinating efforts among all three and relying on the Hellknights to
muster Acadamae wizards when necessary in order to protect the city from every imaginable threat. Field Marshal Cressida Kroft leads the nearly
700 soldiers of the Korvosan Guard, almost all of whom are human of Chelaxian descent. All other civilized races have representatives in the guard,
as do Shoanti and Varisians. Despite an ever increasing integration of non-Chelaxians into its ranks, the Korvosan Guard remains steadfastly
tied to its Chelaxian traditions. Only full-blooded Chelaxian humans can become generals or the field marshal, while only those with at least
half-Chelaxian blood (including half-elves) can achieve a rank higher than captain.
For the purposes of our game though, Paddy will be a police officer and adventurer. This campaign really isn't about military operations or anything like that.
That clear things up?
A couple quick notes on 5E and conversion. If you're familiar with 5e, you know that magic items are more rare and aren't really for sale. That will stay true in this game. Potions and scrolls will be available, but not as commonly as in a 3.5/Pathfinder game. You will probably have to go see a wizard or cleric to make them for you. No magic marts.
Inspiration points will be given out to the group for minor achievements. Unlike the normal rules you can have more than one at a time.
Any questions/ thoughts on those?
So instead of finding +1 Armour, treasure, Masterwork gear etc like in the AP, all magic items will be stripped out, just leaving the mundane like a jewellery box, gold, gems etc? I guess it makes sense with 5E, but I'll definitely miss magic items.
I guess my main thing though is revenge on Lamm and (hopefully) being able to join the Sable Marines during the campaign and if 5E doesn't rely on magic items, I've not got a problem with that. It's more about the roleplaying. :)
Saying that, is there a way to obtain Magic Armour or Weapons? Or will you just be including what you'd like us to have over the course of the campaign to find?
Yep, you've got it El. 5e is balanced for far fewer/ no magic items. You'll still be getting some though! Just not at the rate that a Pathfinder game would give them out.
Ah, cool. I know inspiration is a big thing for 5E. You get an inspiration dice for doing something intelligent or great at DM discretion. :)
Thanks!
As for maps I know you said you hate making them, but I have a Roll20 account and Photoshop, so if you have the map folio I can manage that for you?
One thing I miss due to PBP is seeing what the characters look like, but I guess if you give us the names we can just google it. :)
I was actually thinking that for handouts and characters with illustrations, I would just use the snip tool on the PDF and link it on my photobucket or whatever.
So, you'll get pictures and handouts, just no battle maps.
Yea, that works. As for maps, I mean you could just use the snip tool for what the arena looks like and we go from there?
I've never run a campaign for CotCT or read it, but I do actually have the whole AP, so I can just reference that for maps and ignore everything else.
I'll be using descriptive text a lot myself anyway.
That clear things up?
Yes, thanks! I really need to sit down with my hard copy of the guide and just read it through...
Hopefully we haven't lost Alexa. I sent Archdevil a pm yesterday but no word yet.
Alright, I'm assuming Archdevil is gone. I'm going to work on bringing in someone else. Sorry for the delay folks.
Don't you hate when people do that? I mean, grab one of a limited number of spots, denying someone else the chance to participate, and then immediately drop out with no explanation or apology?
C'est la vie. Hopefully everything is alright with them in real life.
Same with my Berserk game. One player did that and didn't answer a PM or anything. Now I'm down to three players, the pacing is practically at a standstill and I think I'm going to have to stop the game.
Hello, I am the player who will be joining you as your new spellcaster. I submitted a sorcerer earlier but will be creating a wizard to fit with the Gm's current plans. Should have the character done tonight or tomorrow.
Welcome aboard, inxpitter!
Bas the artificer/alchemist is here, and (almost) ready to play.
Imagine that college student uses his smarts to create his own alchohol, and he's good at it too. He's knowledgeable about his expertise, but is a bit brash of an fellow, calling thinking its better to put his honest thoughts out there than let it stew and spoil inside.
Just to keep you all in the loop, during the no-new-notification incident (where forum games weren't alerting folks to updates), I had a member of my family pass on.
As such, I feel it fair to inform you that I updates might take longer than usual (which I know, is plenty long of a wait already) and if you feel the need to drop out of a game I'm DMing or drop me from a game I'm participating in, I understand.
That said, I do hope to update within a couple days as I could use the distraction as the usual business of these events tend to warrant. Thank you for your understanding.
Life moves on eventually. I just need some time.
Hey Inxpitter, i'm so sorry to hear it. Take your time. We'll be happy to have you when ever you are ready.
Just as a minor udate for myself, I've got a sick infant at home that is eating up my time right now. I'll work on your intro posts soon though.
Oh, this mostly pertains to Orion and Paddy, but Bas is taking up the portion of Alexa's background that was described here.
So, substitute Alexa's name with Bas in the spoilers that I posted.
Also, I'm still trying to make time to get the game play thread going with intros and everything. Life is really just not cooperating at the moment.
Just as a minor udate for myself, I've got a sick infant at home that is eating up my time right now.
Oh, no!!! Hope she's OK and gets well soon!
Thanks man. After multiple pediatrician visits this weekend, then spending a chunk of last night at the ER, they figured out what's going on, so now she should be on the mend and I can gain a few more sanity points back.
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Thanks man. After multiple pediatrician visits this weekend, then spending a chunk of last night at the ER, they figured out what's going on, so now she should be on the mend and I can gain a few more sanity points back.
Ugh, I feel for you, mon frere.
Hey all, just finishing up intro posts. I'll be ready to start pretty soon. Probably in the next hour or two.
Travelling at the moment. Should be able to post tomorrow afternoon / evening.
I'm going to be in Ireland from tomorrow up until late Sunday night, so unless I can get on the wifi, I won't be available again until late Sunday/early Monday.
I live in England so it's not far for me, but I thought I'd let you know. :)
Thanks for the heads up El. Have a great trip!!
Thanks man and no problem! :)
Oh I forgot to mention, everyone should start with one inspiration dice.
Also remember that in this game, you can have more than one at a time.
Sorry, failed to dot the thread so I didn't see that we had started. I'll get caught up.
Don't sweat it Saulden! I kinda figured you just hadn't seen it yet.