Rolled out the stats for my awakened Ravens. The results are... amusing.
Muni- Int: 13 Chr:10
Hugi- Int: 18 Chr: 8
So yeah, the raven that has yet to appear in the game is a frickin' genius. (all 6's on 3d6. I've never had that happen to me before.) I think Solvistania is the only party member who's smarter than that bird. ;)
You got all 6's on 3d6?? Sweet! Solvistania has a new pal, he he.
You got all 6's on 3d6?? Sweet! Solvistania has a new pal, he he.
Yeah! No BS!. I know it was just dumb luck, but for some reason i still feel proud.
Hey folks!
Have been reading the game-thread since the begining of this PBP (or is that PVP in this case? ;) ) and am greatly amused!
Congratulations to all the players and especially the great GM.
I will keep following you silently, looking foreward to new twists and threats,
Franz
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Hey, I'm alive again. First thing, I am really sorry about that "deal with it". I now realize it was rough, but the fever is bugging me for the last few days, so I'm a little grumpy. It was meant for characters and not for players. I hope that nobody was offended, and if someone was I most sincerely apologize.
Now, back to business.
gabboge, can you finish your character till Monday? If it's not finished by then, you'll have to wait a while until opportunity presents itself to introduce him to the group.
Ragnar, do you intend to be just "raven guy", or do you plan to do something with wolves as well? And please assign languages and hit points to the ravens, as per the spell.
Ilona, Solvistania and Chops, this game is Mature Content. If you want to explore sexuality of your characters it's fine by me.
If the character dies, some other options open. For one thing, Ragnar's proximity makes it probable that the dead character shall rise as Fell like Ragnar's brother. If the player doesn't want that, he can create another character. But all depends on the circumstances.
Now, there will be some home rules applied as soon as you exit the tunnel. I will post them here before I write anything in the game thread, just in case that some of you think that they break the mood of the game. Midnight IS doom and gloom, but your characters are heroes who should spark some light in the darkness, after all.
And thank you for the kind words. I hope that you will enjoy the game.
Ilona, Solvistania and Chops, this game is Mature Content. If you want to explore sexuality of your characters it's fine by me.
What's wrong with me? Why did I immediate think about a Manage Oh Three.
If the character dies, some other options open. For one thing, Ragnar's proximity makes it probable that the dead character shall rise as Fell like Ragnar's brother.
That would be awesome. It opens a cool twist.
Hey, I'm alive again. First thing, I am really sorry about that "deal with it". I now realize it was rough, but the fever is bugging me for the last few days, so I'm a little grumpy. It was meant for characters and not for players. I hope that nobody was offended, and if someone was I most sincerely apologize.
Now, back to business.
gabboge, can you finish your character till Monday? If it's not finished by then, you'll have to wait a while until opportunity presents itself to introduce him to the group.
Ragnar, do you intend to be just "raven guy", or do you plan to do something with wolves as well? And please assign languages and hit points to the ravens, as per the spell.
Ilona, Solvistania and Chops, this game is Mature Content. If you want to explore sexuality of your characters it's fine by me.
If the character dies, some other options open. For one thing, Ragnar's proximity makes it probable that the dead character shall rise as Fell like Ragnar's brother. If the player doesn't want that, he can create another character. But all depends on the circumstances.
Now, there will be some home rules applied as soon as you exit the tunnel. I will post them here before I write anything in the game thread, just in case that some of you think that they break the mood of the game. Midnight IS doom and gloom, but your characters are heroes who should spark some light in the darkness, after all.
And thank you for the kind words. I hope that you will enjoy the game.
I can finish by monday. If you don't mind my background being a bit rough.
If the character dies, some other options open. For one thing, Ragnar's proximity makes it probable that the dead character shall rise as Fell like Ragnar's brother. If the player doesn't want that, he can create another character. But all depends on the circumstances.
Ack... I was hoping that my secret would remain a secret a little longer...
I don't think it's the secret to players. But as far as I know none of the characters realized the truth about you. With all the things happening it's no wonder.
Solvistania knows he is a Fell, he he.
I sort of read the spoilers before I realized that they weren't for me. I'm sure Chops doesn't know, but I was assuming he could tell another half-orc by sight, so I thought that he would know another half-orc upon meeting them.
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Guys, I ran across a home rule that I like. It's called hero points or fate points. Players get it at the discretion of GM and they are used in following way:
1 hp: add +2 to any d20 roll (up to 5 may be spent on any one roll)
1 hp: automatically stabilize
2 hp: maximize one damage die
3 hp: roll twice for hp when levelling, taking the best result
4 hp: get one bonus skill point
5 hp: re-roll any roll
5 hp: get one extra standard action
10 hp: force an NPC or other player to reroll
20 hp: get a bonus feat
30 hp: increase an ability score
If you think that it has it's place in this game, we will use it.
The other house rule is that you will probably be getting skill points and feats as rewards for finishing some parts of the story. Tell me what you think.
I LIKE IT.
Guys, I ran across a home rule that I like. It's called hero points or fate points. Players get it at the discretion of GM and they are used in following way:
1 hp: add +2 to any d20 roll (up to 5 may be spent on any one roll)
1 hp: automatically stabilize
2 hp: maximize one damage die
3 hp: roll twice for hp when levelling, taking the best result
4 hp: get one bonus skill point
5 hp: re-roll any roll
5 hp: get one extra standard action
10 hp: force an NPC or other player to reroll
20 hp: get a bonus feat
30 hp: increase an ability scoreIf you think that it has it's place in this game, we will use it.
The other house rule is that you will probably be getting skill points and feats as rewards for finishing some parts of the story. Tell me what you think.
I am a fan of any system which allows players a more pro-active roll in their character's fate. being able to choose the moments that your character throws in that little extra push goes a long way towards that.
I've used similar systems, and found that one of the most enjoyable uses for them was actually to allow them to help shape the player's circumstances (representing fate or luck).
An example of this might be something like:
Player: "Is there a rope near me that I can cut to drop the chandelier on them?"
GM: "For a hero point it's in the room, for two it happens to be right next to you."
A possible drawback for the system that you propose is that when given the choice between permanent and temporary rewards, players will almost always save them up, which means they will almost never see use. Such systems actually penalize characters who want to go balls-out and spend hero points for impressive feats. The less active players will become more powerful faster.
I also approve of permanent mechanical awards as representations of intense experiences or learning. It seems like a good compromise would be to make Hero Points unable to give permanent bonuses, and just leave it to you to hand out upgrades when it seems fitting.
Nice!
Ragnar, do you intend to be just "raven guy", or do you plan to do something with wolves as well? And please assign languages and hit points to the ravens, as per the spell.
I definitely plan on doing things with the wolves as well. Wolves are more subtle creatures, so they haven't been getting as much spotlight as the motor-mouth bird, but that will change.
I did want to ask you a bit about them since they're "different" too. Can we talk on ATS so I can maintain some of the mystery?
I'm open to these suggestions. I would, however, recommend calling them fate points or action points, rather than hero points (hp already stands for hit points).
I don't mind, but you'll not get a bonus feat with rough background.
Bonus feat as in my human bonus or a special bonus your giving? Oh and am I cleared for the Detect Nexus?
I don't mind, but you'll not get a bonus feat with rough background.Bonus feat as in my human bonus or a special bonus your giving? Oh and am I cleared for the Detect Nexus?
Nightflier:
Added full text to Ghost Sight.
stuff about necromancy
I'm a little concerned about overlap here. Mind if we discuss future plans for our characters and themes that we're going for?
So I'm still wondering... are we in the north, central, or southern Kaladruns? Just wondering how far my PC had to travel across occupied territory to get to where he is... :-)
So I'm still wondering... are we in the north, central, or southern Kaladruns? Just wondering how far my PC had to travel across occupied territory to get to where he is... :-)The game begins near Davindale, in fact. The year's 101.
Have you decided on your fighting style yet?
If you're referring to wildlander fighting style, can we create something new for two-handed weapon?
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If you're referring to wildlander fighting style, can we create something new for two-handed weapon?So I'm still wondering... are we in the north, central, or southern Kaladruns? Just wondering how far my PC had to travel across occupied territory to get to where he is... :-)The game begins near Davindale, in fact. The year's 101.
Have you decided on your fighting style yet?
That's what I had in mind.
If you're referring to wildlander fighting style, can we create something new for two-handed weapon?
Pick up Paired Weapon Style and 2-Weapon Fighting from Wildlander and you could be a double-bastard sword wielding lunatic.
In other news, the Ravens are statted out.
I posted back story though I will say that writing back stories isn't my strong suit.
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If you're referring to wildlander fighting style, can we create something new for two-handed weapon?Pick up Paired Weapon Style and 2-Weapon Fighting from Wildlander and you could be a double-bastard sword wielding lunatic.
In other news, the Ravens are statted out.
Is Hugi also with you? All this time only Muni talked?
Is Hugi also with you? All this time only Muni talked?
If you're referring to wildlander fighting style, can we create something new for two-handed weapon?Pick up Paired Weapon Style and 2-Weapon Fighting from Wildlander and you could be a double-bastard sword wielding lunatic.
In other news, the Ravens are statted out.
Hugi is outside with the pack, keeping an eye out. He has yet to appear in the game.
Nightflier. Thanks for the opportunity, but I'm probably going to drop this game. With the size of the party, and Ragnar being an entire adventuring party by himself, I feel that Sky'tor is being lost in the rush. There are so many Wildlanders, and so much skill duplication, can't see him making much difference. I really like Midnight, and enjoy your story and descriptions immensely, but I feel things are a little out of control. Twice Sky has posted things he is doing, and the more vocal members of the party kind of push him aside...so good luck, and I'll keep up to see how things play out.
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Nightflier. Thanks for the opportunity, but I'm probably going to drop this game. With the size of the party, and Ragnar being an entire adventuring party by himself, I feel that Sky'tor is being lost in the rush. There are so many Wildlanders, and so much skill duplication, can't see him making much difference. I really like Midnight, and enjoy your story and descriptions immensely, but I feel things are a little out of control. Twice Sky has posted things he is doing, and the more vocal members of the party kind of push him aside...so good luck, and I'll keep up to see how things play out.
I would urge you to reconsider or to create another character if you feel that Sky doesn't shine enough. Please don't give up before the adventure even started. Ragnar is kinda larger than life character, and there are other strong character as well, but I think that there is enough room for your character as well. Perhaps you can create a new character that will stand out more? If not, perhaps Sky can return to the game at some later point. Whatever you decide, the gaming with you was-is a lot of fun.
Nightflier. Thanks for the opportunity, but I'm probably going to drop this game. With the size of the party, and Ragnar being an entire adventuring party by himself, I feel that Sky'tor is being lost in the rush. There are so many Wildlanders, and so much skill duplication, can't see him making much difference. I really like Midnight, and enjoy your story and descriptions immensely, but I feel things are a little out of control. Twice Sky has posted things he is doing, and the more vocal members of the party kind of push him aside...so good luck, and I'll keep up to see how things play out.
Sorry if I had any part in making the game un-fun for you. From the beginning my concept was to play a zoo-keeper (kinda like a diablo 2 necromancer/druid), because in table top games they are just to complex. I thought a PbP would be a better environment to try it.
I'm enjoying your character. He's pretty much the quintessential quiet, brooding Erunsil. Pretty cool in my book.
Is Ragnar making the game less fun for anyone else??
Is Ragnar making the game less fun for anyone else??
As long as we're not dragging a dozen wolves around with us everywhere we go, I don't have any complaints so far. I'm not sure why you think that having a bunch of pets would be less complicated in a PbP game, though.
Is Ragnar making the game less fun for anyone else??As long as we're not dragging a dozen wolves around with us everywhere we go, I don't have any complaints so far. I'm not sure why you think that having a bunch of pets would be less complicated in a PbP game, though.
Not a dozen. Two (well, three, but the third one won't show up hardly ever). And I will endeavor to keep them off camera as much as possible (like I have done so far). It's at 7th level that things will get complicated.
The reason things are simpler in a PbP game is because when I want to post I can take as much time as I want. Likewise when I need to roll dice in combat. In tabletop games, rolling dice for more than one character is time consuming and slows things down. Heck, I even avoid 2-weapon fighters just because fewer dice rolls = faster play.
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About the wolves and other companions-cohorts-followers... I like to make a traveling zoo out of my characters as well. I don't think that they will be a problem. I suppose that all of the channelerrs will take familiars, so the group will have a lot of those running around.
But, managing of followers-companions will be my problem. I am satisfied with Ragnar's approach to his ravens so far, but the number of wolves and ravens that he acquires in the future will depend not just on his plans, but on the choices he makes during the game, as well as the choices of other characters and NPC's. Same goes for other characters.
The point of this game is not just for the characters to survive until 20th level. You all have potential to inspire others to fight the Shadow. As the game moves forward, you will all become great leaders and heroes. If you survive, that is. :)
Just in case anyone was wondering, I had no idea that all this raven iconography was going to pop up when I created Ragnar. The fact that the game seems aimed at him a bit is coincidental. I'm really trying to make sure that most of my posts draw other characters into what's going on. To me the best stories are about how the characters interact, not necessarily about the events that drive the story.
Scranford: I like Sky'tor and would like him to stay. I too apologize if I had anything to do with your less fun. I can see how it would be annoying to have your characters actions ignored, but now that we are aware or it, it will be much easier to be conscious of it.
Ragnar: The walking zoo making anything less fun: nah. I admit, when we were ramping up for this game and I was reading yours and Eyvindrs write-ups, I was thinking "Oh boy, these guys are going to try and hog the spotlight/ Oh boy, this guy wants to be the 'do-it-all' character," but i am not detecting that during the play. So far I have been having fun, but I think I have been one of the more vocal players which leads to my first paragraph.
But with this conversation out in the open, should we talk about party roles?
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Perhaps you should discuss party roles. Why not? The gamers at the table are usually friends and so they easily assign the roles amongst themselves. You do not know each other and perhaps you should discuss more openly your goals and ideas. I hope that this game will last long time and that means years of playing.
Now, please, do not worry about anyone grabbing spotlight. That will perhaps happen at some points, but this game will take you a lot of places. Somewhere Ragnar will be more prominent character, but imagine him at some sarcosan court. He would stick out like a sore thumb.
The current raven motif is connected to the Elder Fey - that much you have gathered on your own. But that is just one stepping stone along the way.
Is Ragnar making the game less fun for anyone else??As long as we're not dragging a dozen wolves around with us everywhere we go, I don't have any complaints so far. I'm not sure why you think that having a bunch of pets would be less complicated in a PbP game, though.Not a dozen. Two (well, three, but the third one won't show up hardly ever). And I will endeavor to keep them off camera as much as possible (like I have done so far). It's at 7th level that things will get complicated.
The reason things are simpler in a PbP game is because when I want to post I can take as much time as I want. Likewise when I need to roll dice in combat. In tabletop games, rolling dice for more than one character is time consuming and slows things down. Heck, I even avoid 2-weapon fighters just because fewer dice rolls = faster play.
I certainly don't have a problem with the way you're playing Ragnar, I do have a problem with the character though. Not only do you have (2) awakened Ravens which are much more powerful than any animal companion or familiar at this level, but you also have (3) wolves, some amount of shining, loud spirit lights, and eventually a bunch of undead zombies following you around. As a Wilder I don't see how I could stand to be around such a dichotomy of character.
Sure a fascinating character, and a great novel or movie, but kind of over the top for a game with other people. I'm not the DM, and I'm sure Nightflier can handle this but if it was one of my games Ragnar would be about a CR5 creature. I can certainly see eventually trying to get this way as a character through play, but starting out this way seems unfairto me. It doesn't make sense (Well maybe in Midnight if anywhere ;P), for natural animals and undead spirits to get along in the same character. Anyway...I'll stick it out for a while, and maybe it's just my imagination that this will not work...I'll give things benefit of a doubt, but it will be difficult to really get into the character when I feel like an observer, instead of a participant.
I certainly don't have a problem with the way you're playing Ragnar, I do have a problem with the character though. Not only do you have (2) awakened Ravens which are much more powerful than any animal companion or familiar at this level, but you also have (3) wolves, some amount of shining, loud spirit lights, and eventually a bunch of undead zombies following you around. As a Wilder I don't see how I could stand to be around such a dichotomy of character.
Sure a fascinating character, and a great novel or movie, but kind of over the top for a game with other people. I'm not the DM, and I'm sure Nightflier can handle this but if it was one of my games Ragnar would be about a CR5 creature. I can certainly see eventually trying to get this way as a character through play, but starting out this way seems unfairto me. It doesn't make sense (Well maybe in Midnight if anywhere ;P), for natural animals and undead spirits to get along in the same character. Anyway...I'll stick it out for a while, and maybe it's just my imagination that this will not work...I'll give things benefit...
+1 but I just assumed I'm not very experienced and don't know very much about the game yet, so I didn't feel like I should say anything. Besides, I figured if there was anything wrong with it nightflier would have nixed it as a gm.
Not only do you have (2) awakened Ravens which are much more powerful than any animal companion or familiar at this level, but you also have (3) wolves, some amount of shining, loud spirit lights, and eventually a bunch of undead zombies following you around.
Normally I wouldn't feel the need to defend a character build, but as it's a point of contrition that may result in a player deciding to leave the game, I'll go over the details with everyone.
The awakening thing wasn't my idea, but I do like it. Admittedly, the ravens are pretty tough, but they're supposed to be Dornish spirit guides. Death spirits. I don't plan on having them involved in combat, so they're basically just familiars with a few extra hit points. (remember, raven familiars can talk)
The wolves are for combat, and at this level are a bit powerful, however it's something anyone with ranks in Handle Animal could have. It's one of the things the skill is for. Unless something i don't expect happens, the wolves will quickly become window dressing. Magic Fang only goes so far.
The ghost lights and the creepy noises are Ragnar's first level path ability and it's no more powerful than the Dancing Lights spell. It actually penalizes him for the benefit of not having to hold a torch. (take a look at his stealth score)
The undead at 7th level are a path ability and are the equivalent of the Raise Dead spell, which is available at that level.
Other than the Awakened bit, there is nothing about the character that is mechanically unsound. I just put the pieces together in an unexpected way. Ragnar's just a viking-flavored necromancer. He has wolves and ravens because they're the animals the mythology associates with death.
Hope that clears up any questions.
Honestly, I happen to like this group as it is. Like Nightflyer said, different characters will find the spotlight at different times. Additionally the paths sort of define some roles automatically.
Take my own example, by it's very nature the charismatic path results in a character that garners alot of attention, and eventually, one that others want to follow. It's built in, but as a result I'm roleplaying it.
With big groups, one of the keys to not having a dull background character is to find the voice of your character that makes them different from everyone else. Chops is a bit of an inyour face thug, Pete's a little caveman who might start chewing on the furnature, Solvistania's whispers cut through the conversation louder than shouting, (good use of the Raistlin technique by the way).
Pick another character to engage, there's already the point about your bow and how that will play out given the language barrier. Characters in the middle of chaos, in a world where everything wants to kill you, quickly find someone to latch on to for security and in order to not feel so alone and overwhelmed.
Even if they're all menacing and scary about it. Or shuffle around like a zombie.
Honestly, I happen to like this group as it is. Like Nightflyer said, different characters will find the spotlight at different times. Additionally the paths sort of define some roles automatically.
Take my own example, by it's very nature the charismatic path results in a character that garners alot of attention, and eventually, one that others want to follow. It's built in, but as a result I'm roleplaying it.
With big groups, one of the keys to not having a dull background character is to find the voice of your character that makes them different from everyone else. Chops is a bit of an inyour face thug, Pete's a little caveman who might start chewing on the furnature, Solvistania's whispers cut through the conversation louder than shouting, (good use of the Raistlin technique by the way).
Pick another character to engage, there's already the point about your bow and how that will play out given the language barrier. Characters in the middle of chaos, in a world where everything wants to kill you, quickly find someone to latch on to for security and in order to not feel so alone and overwhelmed.
Even if they're all menacing and scary about it. Or shuffle around like a zombie.
Glad you like the Raistlin technique, he he
Characters in the middle of chaos, in a world where everything wants to kill you, quickly find someone to latch on to for security and in order to not feel so alone and overwhelmed.
You hear that Evindr? We're boyfriends!
Not only do you have (2) awakened Ravens which are much more powerful than any animal companion or familiar at this level, but you also have (3) wolves, some amount of shining, loud spirit lights, and eventually a bunch of undead zombies following you around.Normally I wouldn't feel the need to defend a character build, but as it's a point of contrition that may result in a player deciding to leave the game, I'll go over the details with everyone.
The awakening thing wasn't my idea, but I do like it. Admittedly, the ravens are pretty tough, but they're supposed to be Dornish spirit guides. Death spirits. I don't plan on having them involved in combat, so they're basically just familiars with a few extra hit points. (remember, raven familiars can talk)
The wolves are for combat, and at this level are a bit powerful, however it's something anyone with ranks in Handle Animal could have. It's one of the things the skill is for. Unless something i don't expect happens, the wolves will quickly become window dressing. Magic Fang only goes so far.
The ghost lights and the creepy noises are Ragnar's first level path ability and it's no more powerful than the Dancing Lights spell. It actually penalizes him for the benefit of not having to hold a torch. (take a look at his stealth score)
The undead at 7th level are a path ability and are the equivalent of the Raise Dead spell, which is available at that level.
Other than the Awakened bit, there is nothing about the character that is mechanically unsound. I just put the pieces together in an unexpected way. Ragnar's just a viking-flavored necromancer. He has wolves and ravens because they're the animals the mythology associates with death.
Hope that clears up any questions.
There is a reason the Awaken animal spell is high level. They are as powerful as party members, and it's like you're playing two more characters. You have two high level, extra ability score familiars at first level, and you're not even a mage.
Leadership, Animal companion and so on are designed for this. Ragnar is better at this than a druid, or ranger, and he's a barbarian. You are doing nothing outside the rules, but I think it's against the spirit of the rules. The only advantage a Druid or ranger would have over your creatures is they level up, and a +4 bonus when handling the companion. I guess I should just say I'm making checks with every animal I see, and they're all working for me now...It's min/maxing at it's finest.
The spell also kills all the other players stealth scores as well, and if I read it right it gets louder and louder as you go up in level. If you just had the undead thing, or just had the animal thing I'd not have a complaint, but as things are now you're a barbarian, druid, necromancer, with 5 animal companions, including two that are very high level.
Again if your character was 7-8 level and this was starting to happen, and you took leadership for the Ravens, and delved for some levels of druid for the animals I could see the concept, but one of the problems with d20 is you can't always start with the kind of character you want at first level. You have to build it through experience. All the splat books that came with 3.5 caused this very thing; glut of choices which can be combined to create things against the spirit of the rules; to be possible, which is why I like the simplicity of Pathfinder.
As far as the 7th level raise dead thing. That is an evil act. I realize you're trying to get around it by saying their zombies, not fell...but the governor on raise dead is that it's evil, and you can't just walk around with dead things to carry your stuff. You're taking advantage of all these points, without taking into mind the controlling penalties.
Again, it's not my game and I'm not trying to tell you how to make a character, but it is a Min/Max'd, overpowered character, and not is line with everyone else's character. Having said that, I said I'd give it a while to see, but that is a ridiculous character at first level.
So in summary can you do it? Of course. The GM said so. Should you do it? That is debatable to me.
You hear that Evindr? We're boyfriends!
Hmmm... is that relationship going to be in the spotlight? Chops might be in for... a ghastly surprise... :-)