Motteditor's Superstar 2012 Round 4 playtests (Inactive)

Game Master motteditor

Well, since I didn't advance, I figure I'll try to run some of the Top 8's encounters. Obviously we don't know what level we'll need yet but hopefully people will be able to adjust on the fly.

I have no idea how much role-playing there'll be, but I'll still go for characters I think are interesting -- I just wouldn't worry as much about background, since it probably won't be relevant. I will probably try for an even split between the class types: 1 fighter-y, 1 skill-oriented, one arcane, one divine...

20-point buys. Anything from Core, APG, UM, UC. I figure start with them at 7th level and hopefully that'll get us close to the low- or high tiers.

I'll want people who can hopefully post multiple times in a day, if possible since I figure we'll only have a week to get through these. I'll probably try to do at least a couple scenarios, more if possible.

Anything else, feel free to ask.

Hi Jacob, I'm willing to join the PBP for the Top 8 Encounters, however I would be new to the PBP format and I can't start posting until about 5pm PST during the weekdays. After 5pm I can put quality time into it each day except Friday (I run a game that day). For that weekend, 3rd and 4th, I can post throughout those days. I totally understand if that doesn't fit the schedule or the experience level you're looking for, just let me know. Cheers, Adam.

Adam, that should be fine. Probably be a good way to get experience with PBP, which I've found is a lot of fun (especially if you don't get to do tabletop gaming regularly, though it sounds like you do). Love to see a character idea.

I use Hero Lab to generate characters and can whip up just about anything as needed and send you a PDF of that character. Should it be Pathfinder Society compliant (another new aspect for me), or just a 20 point build? I'll get working on a few character ideas...

Just regular 20-point build is fine. You can just post it here, but behind a spoiler so we don't have huge amounts of text.

Hey, Jacob...

Just a suggestion. I know you're well-versed in running PbP games. However, I noticed you cited 20-point buy for the PCs you'll run against the encounter. For design purposes, you might want to go with the elite array (i.e., 15, 14, 13, 12, 10, 8)...or even the standard 15-point buy to ensure you're running a balanced encounter. When freelance designers create encounters, they're instructed to build it to meet that standard. So, for proper playtesting feedback, I think you'd be wiser to build the PCs accordingly.

Just my two-cents,
--Neil

P.S. I think it's great that you suggested the PbP forums as a visible way of coordinating and demonstrating a playtest of these encounters. Very cool.

I've never done a pbp! Now's a good time to start though, I think. So we ought to post our characters here, huh? I'll whip one up today. 4~5 man group?

Chris, I'll probably do 4 people, just since I assume that's the balance the encounters will be built for (could do 6 at a lower level, but if Neil's worried about 5 extra points in the buy, 4 seems like a better choice).

And per Neil's suggestion, we'll also go with 15-point buy, I guess.

Sounds like we've got two players. Can you two say what class you're leaning toward, at least, so others can know what to think about? Like I said, I'll probably want a fairly standard balance in terms of classes.

I'm game.

I'm all over PbP. Count me in. I normally only post during weekdays, but I'm sure I can swing a few other days to make life easier.

Are you planning on running *all* the encounters, or just your favorite one?

I would like to join in no problem... and I can definitely post multiple times a day.

Preferred Class is Cleric, Wizard, Ranger, Fighter (in that order).

Ronars, we'll see what we can get to, I'm actually leaving for vacation on March 6 and don't know what type of Internet access I'll have, so I think we'll only have a week. I'd like to at least get to a few, but I can't guarantee I'll get all of them. I'm certainly willing to put it up to a vote as well. Depending on complexity and interest, I might be willing to try running a couple at once, but I don't want to neglect my long-running games any more than I already have over the course of Superstar.

I'd say start pitching characters -- writeups don't need to be done -- and we'll just go in order of posting. Looks like we've got five people interested so far, so maybe we can get three more and I'll run two groups. I don't think that should overload me (of course, if everyone's submitting high-level encounters, I might run both groups on the same one, since those obviously take a bit more effort than low-level ones).

Oh, let's have some teamwork feats. They're woefully underused!

I think I'll go... Half-Elf Witch. I'll write it up by tomorrow.

Edit: We should talk about using Team Feats. :D

Moved thread.

I've never done a pbp, but would love to be a part of this. I'm also on the pacific coast and could do several posts in the evening (plus at least one in the morning and at least one more throughout the day). I'm happy to take up whatever space is left open, though I lean towards oracles or sorcerer. I can put together a character tonight using hero-lab, if accepted.

Motte--

If you will have me again, I would want in. I'd be bringing in a properly-leveld and adjusted Kyson.

Also, Verdigris, above, would be a wonderful addition. She's a great player.

-Pain

I've had a Catfolk Staff Magus in my head for a bit... Sounds like it would be apt for playtesting, as well as fun to get out of my head and onto "paper" so to speak.

I'd be interested in this too. Looks like there are already 8 applicants, though, so I think I'll apply for "Alternate Slot #1." I'd like to play a "whatever ends up being open, since I like everything and take what I can get."

I have a weird schedule, but between desktops, laptops, and phones, I can check and post most of the (US, West Coast) day.

Jacob! I was disapointed you didn't make it through to the next round.

If you'll have me, I'd be interested in this. I've never done PbP before either, but I've been trying to get this gnomish illusionist character I've got into a pbp game ever since my table top group decided that we should try Star Wars Saga Ed.

Professor Walden T. Ettinmoor is a professor of history at the Stone of Seers in Magnimar. While he specializes in crafting illusions to enhance his history classes, he's quite versed in transmutation and conjuration.

I can post several times a day fairly consistently.

Derp. I didn't realize I'd mentioned team feats twice in the same post. :D

Hey Jacob, I'm building a fighter with the feats for using net and trident and including the piecemeal armor rules from the UC book. I've used the 15 point build as Neil suggested and set hit points to average per the HD, no magic items are included. Here is the first prototype, let me know if anything should be changed or if a different class/build would be preferred. Thanks, Adam

Hi Jacob, great idea. Seems you already have more than a few keen players. If there's an overspill I'd be happy to GM a group or two. Might help us get through more of the eight scenarios.

So the possible encounter CRs are going to vary widely. What level character should I make for now, do you think?

That is the problem isn't it.

With this much interest, I might be interested in running all eight encounters myself, rather than simply playing.

Hmm, now I'm back on the fence.

I have a lame aasimar oracle of life (raised by halflings) that I can adjust to 15-point buy, and then make 4th-level and 6th-level versions of. All by hand, so not possible before the weekend. Definitely interested in playing at least one encounter.

I'm new to the boards, but after reasearching this, it looks like it could be a really good learning experience. So, I'm tossing concept into the hat.

Sounds like a great idea, really interested to join the party (or one of them), so to speak. Probably go for a class that hits things, but I guess it depends where the setting is. Did have an Undine Paladin I would like to resurrect that was in a couple of games that failed to take off. I would probably change class, but depends on what I can do. Obviously he will need to be reworked stat wise as it was a rolled up character that rolled particularly well, and will have to pair back to 15pts or so.

Anyway interest is dotted.

I have a black blade Magus properly figured out until 15th level so he could adjust on the fly with ease. I'm also able to post a great deal each day (somewhat less on weekends)

I finally broke down and got Hero Lab so that I could make/level characters for this faster. There was a bit of a learning curve, but I got Tudan into it, so now he'll be easier to update for higher-level encounters.

Whoops, I didn't realize they moved the thread on me! I was wondering why people had seemingly stopped posting in it! *red faced*

Ronars was smart enough to ask what level the encounters were and looks like six of the eight have a level 6 tier, so let's go with that. (And if we can get to them, we'll try to get a level 7 there too.)

I'm in the midst of cooking (introducing the girlfriend to a few friends), so can't really take a close look at everyone's characters right now, but I'll definitely run two groups. I'm really tempted to try to run more than that, but I think that's stretching it as is without blowing off my ongoing PBPs.

As far as I'm concerned, other GMs should PLEASE feel free to "poach" from this thread so we can run as many of the encounters as possible. I'd certainly love to be considered for a spot if you're willing. I'm happy to fill any role that's needed. I've got a b*+*+y half-elf magus and a VERY Galtan inquisitor that I could adjust to fit level/skill points (Calumny Tas'Vere and Aurelian Fache) though I'm also happy to whip up something that might be a little more germane depending on what we get.

Group 1: Bombadil, Hodge Podge, Mathias and Ronars (unless he wants to run games himself, in which case it looks like Me'Mori).

Group 2: Painlord, Verdigris, More and Phineas (thanks for the kind words, by the way, I was disappointed too).

Sorry everyone else. Just going in order this time around, so if anyone doesn't respond, the next person who posted will be up (unless of course Will/Ronars/someone else picks some of you up).

Thundering -- I started on the boards about a year ago and have really enjoyed doing PBP. Highly recommend it and I was tempted to pick you out of order just because I know how frustrating it can be to get involved in that first PBP.

YeunglingDragon -- great name, btw. I toured the plant a couple months ago and am hoping to take my folks for a tour next time they come visit.

Okay, I'm going to run one of each encounter - though not here, over on my normal PbP site, DnDOnlineGames.com

Come sign up!

Okay, I'm going to run one of each encounter - though not here, over on my normal PbP site, DnDOnlineGames.com

Come sign up!

Cool! I just need to level Tudan to 6, and maybe another one or two for variety. Umm... standard character wealth by level? (16,000 gp)

Thanks Jacob, I'll level down to 6 and post the updated character. What wealth level should we use and are magic items ok?

Hodge Podge, was there a particular teamwork feat you wanted to use? I'll try to include it in the edit to 6th level.

Okay so Fredrik, ThunderingDawn, Deevor, YeunglingDragon: you're with me.

Okay so Fredrik, ThunderingDawn, Deevor, YeunglingDragon: you're with me.

Awesome. I'll get a level 6 up for you in a couple hours. I have a Magus pretty much ready for this but I'm fast. Is there something we need particularly?

Edit: looks like Oracle, Paladin, and Eldritch Knight are represented. Magus would be a fine fit but I'm open to suggestions.

I am always up for a Playtest so if there is a spot (On these boards. Cant really deal with another now, sorry), let me know. I'm thinking a Dwarf Alchemist!

I'll update the thread over there too, but yes, standard magic equipment (16,000 and 23,500) and heroic point buy.

Yes, standard wealth for the level (16,000 gp) and magic items from any of the Paizo products.

And since Ronars is out as a player, Me'Mori, you're in for my group. I set up a discussion thread where people can talk about characters. I'll probably set up another play/discussion thread for group 2, but for the moment everyone can just post class details, etc., in the one that's already there.

Okay so Fredrik, ThunderingDawn, Deevor, YeunglingDragon: you're with me.

Pretty much done with the level 4 version. Level 6 in a bit. This evening (EST) I'd like a chance to go over my spells real quick with access to my notes at home. Otherwise, I just need to finish writing out skills and post my familiar's info. Although I might switch the familiar for something more dynamic.

I'll get a level 6 character up, I've got the basic level 1 character, an Undine Monk, he'll be along soon ... out tonight and Game night tomorrow night ... hope to get it done very soon though ... nearly there thanks to HeroLab.

Will return to paladin if you feel it would make the group better.

I'll change up my posted character for level 6, and I'll be more than willing to change up and fit whatever role is nessacery if it comes to that.

Oh, great. Level six, gotcha! I'll post it asap!

Group 1 - Bombadil, Matthias, and Me'Mori. I started discussing our party over in the Discussion Tab.

Okay so Fredrik, ThunderingDawn, Deevor, YeunglingDragon: you're with me.

Initial Undine Monk and Paladin for your perusal. Pick the one you want to come along. Where do you want us to go for discussion after this recruitment thread.

Discussion thread to finalize characters and select first encounter.

I've switched my groups around so we can get one of the sessions started.

Group 2 will now be Mathias, Me'Mori, Mort and Phineas. If none have posted by this evening (Eastern Standard), I'll start taking replacements. Sorry to have to be so quick, but we've only got a week. First people to get a character up in the discussion thread will get the spots if none of the original four do so.

I can pop in with a replacement character if needed. This will serve as my dot to keep an eye out.

Desriden -- Thanks. Looks like we're good for the moment, but I'll holler if we need someone else.

Can you post a link to your threads? I would like to watch the action on the entries I willnae be running :)

Greetings Curaigh--

Group 1

Group 2

-Pain