throw up in my mouth with this slave nonsense
Same with me to an extent - though I perhaps have an easier time disconnecting my real life views from my characters' views, especially when GMing. I've occasionally had some players who couldn't and we've had to stop playing (or talking about such things... please do let me know if it gets too much.
On the other hand, though, we are playing Slave Ships of Absalom. ;-)
Please do let me know if I didn't answer all hanging threads in the last post. It was a complex one from my perspective as it wrapped up a number of different things in the scenario. I think I've either answered everything you've asked in that last post or an earlier one, but (again) let me know if you're missing any info that you've asked for in-game and I'll get you an in-game response (if appropriate).
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@ GM Damo: I wanted to post and let you know Ibid's intention for the end of this scenario, just as a heads up, and also to see if this will screw anything up for your game.
Basically at the end of the scenario, Ibid is planning to interview Atlag, and based on the results found form talking to her, most likely try to pay Mahjub Mahdi for her (if Ibid has the gold). If Ibid is successful in purchasing Atlag, he would then release her to freedom, and hopefully give her enough gold to make a new start. Basically, at this point, Ibid is afraid there will be some terrible repercussions for Atlag when she is returned to Mahjub Mahdi because of all the trouble this series of events may have caused him.
I realize this doesn't add anything specific to the scenario, or have any benefit for Ibid, I was just thinking it would be a fun in character thing to try and do.
Just a thought, let me know if you think this will screw anything up for you!
@Ibid: Without wanting to give too much away about this scenario, freeing Atlag is not really within the bounds of what would normally get done in a session of this. I would like to seal off the scenario, hand out chronicle sheets and then feel free to swoop in and be a dashing hero in some non-sanctioned wrap-up! I think that's the best balance between keeping the session on track, allowing you to do what your character would do and not penalizing you for it.
@Cyrus: Killing this guy while on official business for both the Society and Lady Darchana would have some very grave* and interesting consequences! I'd almost like to run this again for your homicidal cavalier just to see how it would play out.
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@GM Damo - LOL... I'm not sure I thought of my cavalier as homicidal... though it would be an incredibly interesting point of character development, how he would handle something like this. Even as much as trying to get a refund for a slaver... he would probably rather her deal with her losses and remind her that if she didn't buy slaves, she wouldn't have to worry about the money she lost...
@Ibid - I just had an awesome idea for you based on our GM's response. I just purchased the PFS Field Guide, there is a section where you can purchase "Followers" with your prestige points. (not slaves, people who willingly follow you to do a specific job) How cool would it be to buy this girl's freedom in game, then use your prestige points to buy a follower, such as a Senseschal (servant who keeps your property and affairs in order while you are out pathfindering, requires you to purchase property with prestige points) or a Herald (person who announces you whenever you go to formal events, or diplomatic negotiations) or even a foreign contact (gives you a bonus to diplomacy or know (local) in the city they are located in)
Speaking of the field guide, GM Damo, there is a vanity called "thieves guild" that cost 4 prestige points, and allows me to use sleight of hand as a day job. Can I do that after our adventure is over to count for the day job for this scenario? I can link you the field guide through PM if you want to see the document.
@Cyrus: I have the field guide. I'm fine for you to purchase that vanity prior to making your day job roll. So, go on, buy it. Make your day job check now!
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throw up in my mouth with this slave nonsenseSame with me to an extent - though I perhaps have an easier time disconnecting my real life views from my characters' views, especially when GMing. I've occasionally had some players who couldn't and we've had to stop playing (or talking about such things... please do let me know if it gets too much.
On the other hand, though, we are playing Slave Ships of Absalom. ;-)
No worries - we are all big boys here and can handle a little fantasy role playing.
Reread that again ... yup that's correct!
No rolls required. If you have time, post!
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@GM Damo: No worries about Ibid wanting to free Atlag, the slave. It is not crucial, and I do not want to cause a bunch of unneeded work for you after the scanrio is over. This is why I wanted to bring it up and ask before proceeding too far down this path.
@Cyrus: That's an amazing idea! I just don't want to derail the story too much, or force the story to go on after the scenario is over. So I'm not really sure what to do about it!
@Finarin and Miro: Sorry I didn't log on until now and couldn't help out with the exposition to her ladyship! I was stuck at my weekly D20 Modern game and you handled the dialog sequence masterfully while I was away. You did a much better job than I would have done!
@Everyone!: Just let me know if me reposting the journal when we learn new information is annoying to anyone or getting in the way. I mostly keep it updated because it makes referencing character names and basic facts much easier for me, instead of searching through the previous posts. Though this need is lessened now that GM Damo has the awesome campaign page. The secondary use is just as a simple RP thing to do in character. I'm not tied to it, and don't want to overuse it so that it becomes a bother to anyone. So just let me know if I should drop it or cut back at all.
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Just let me know if me reposting the journal when we learn new information is annoying to anyone or getting in the way. I mostly keep it updated because it makes referencing character names and basic facts much easier for me, instead of searching through the previous posts. Though this need is lessened now that GM Damo has the awesome campaign page. The secondary use is just as a simple RP thing to do in character. I'm not tied to it, and don't want to overuse it so that it becomes a bother to anyone. So just let me know if I should drop it or cut back at all.
+1 to journal for sure
@GM Damo: No worries about Ibid wanting to free Atlag, the slave. It is not crucial, and I do not want to cause a bunch of unneeded work for you after the scanrio is over. This is why I wanted to bring it up and ask before proceeding too far down this path.
@Cyrus: That's an amazing idea! I just don't want to derail the story too much, or force the story to go on after the scenario is over. So I'm not really sure what to do about it!
After the final scene is absolutely fine! See Finarin's awesome epilogue for Trial by Machine. We loved it.
@Everyone!: Just let me know if me reposting the journal when we learn new information is annoying to anyone or getting in the way. I mostly keep it updated because it makes referencing character names and basic facts much easier for me, instead of searching through the previous posts. Though this need is lessened now that GM Damo has the awesome campaign page. The secondary use is just as a simple RP thing to do in character. I'm not tied to it, and don't want to overuse it so that it becomes a bother to anyone. So just let me know if I should drop it or cut back at all.
The journal posts are great - after all, I constantly appropriate it. ;-)
One thing that may help is putting it in a "spoiler" tag. That way, if someone wants to read it, they can. If they don't, no scrolling necessary. Not a problem either way (scrolling is easy).
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Rightio! I just wanted to check with everyone and make sure it wasn't causing a problem. Thanks for all the quick responses everyone!
Keeping the journal entry hidden within a spoiler tag is a great idea though, so I'll do that from now on. In fact, that solution is so simple, it should have been mine :)
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After the final scene is absolutely fine! See Finarin's awesome epilogue for Trial by Machine .. We loved it.
@GM Damo: You're right, that was an amazing epilogue post!
@Finarin: Holy crap, the epilogue post from your last scenario was great! Nicely done.
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"Epic" was the word I was looking for (and failing). Or is it "mythic" when referring to Pathfinder?
@Amaranti: Sorry bud, forgot to reply to your post. No problems at all if you're having some trouble at home. Thanks for letting us know - real life can happen from time to time. :-) For me, I had some severe back pain over the weekend. I had to lie on my side in bed... perfect iPhone posting position. Has anyone else noticed that my replies are a little too frequent of late? My back pain is much better, but my iKarpalTunnel is flaring up now.
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Oh! I knew there was something else I needed to post in this game. My character has 6 fame, and has already spent 2 PP on a wand of CLW. (leaving 4, yay math!)
I will spend those 4 remaining PP on the "Theives Guild" vanity, buying me membership into one of those... illustrious organizations... and as such can now use sleight of hand as a day job!
Quick question... the vanity also gives me a +2 circumstance bonus to take things without people noticing... does that apply to the day job roll? Seems like it would, since that is effectively what I would be doing... I also plan on working in a sort of "selfish robin hood" kind of thing, where I work to take money from people who can either afford it, or who I feel deserve to have it taken, and perhaps give a little back to some orphanages in the area.
Anywhooo... [drumroll]
Hey Cyrus, I don't believe the +2 applies to your day job roll, as that roll can involve picking pockets as well as taking unattended objects and making coins disappear for amusement. I can't think of many (if any) circumstance bonuses that would apply to a day job check (unless it's a day job specific circumstance bonus). As always, happy to hear of something to the contrary.
You're right, though, no difference on the table. Nice roll! 50 gp is nothing to sneeze at.
Is it bad that after only 5 hours of inactivity, I think "Oh my, did I just kill the game with my last post?"
Anyway, be sure to just let me know if you don't want to make any special preparations and are good to go. When we're mostly there, I can move on to the next big encounter.
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I am planning on making a RP post this evening yet. Just need to get back in front of the computer
-Posted with Wayfinder
By the way, the answer to my question is, "Yes, yes it is bad. Stop obsessing, man."
Thanks Cyrus!
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Everything is amazing, GM Damo! I'll be making a post this evening yet, as well. No need to worry, this scenario is going super duper great!
+1
Hopefully we will get a few posts from people and all of their preparations, so Cyrus can RP his mild absent-mindedness in not bringing anything specific...
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Did you ever get that feeling that you made what you thought was a super cool character and then you started playing said character, and lo and behold it sucks at skills that it should be good at? Welcome to Finarin. My role-playing is not backed statistically in his abilities. So, with the Pathfinder 'I can change my character before I level up to 2' rule, is that only right before I go from 1 to 2, or can I do that in between encounters until I hit 2 'cause I need to reallocate some skill points. Now I know why people are so in love with the Investigator. Had to buy the ACG just because of all the 'I <3 Inquisitor sooooo much' on the message boards - looks longingly at Ibid's skills ....
Now that I think about it, Gunari got the rebuild because of the Warpriest coming out of playtest.
I found the relevant section now, too.
Pathfinder Society is all about player choices and living with those choices once you’ve made them. However, there is a method for allowing you to change your character through a process of retraining.
At the start of a Pathfinder’s career, you are allowed to adjust your character before settling in for the long haul. Before you level up a character for the first time, you may change any aspect of it except its Pathfinder Society Number. Changes may only be made between adventures and before playing as a character above 1st level. Any exceptions will be noted in the Pathfinder Society FAQ. You are able to keep all treasure, Prestige Points, special boons, and XP that you have earned and apply them to the character once you retrain as long as the character meets the criteria above. You are only able to retrain into a legal race.
After 1st level, if you own a copy of Pathfinder RPG Ultimate Campaign, you may use the retraining rules that begin on page 188 to alter your character. Such changes must be made in the presence of a Pathfinder Society GM, the GM must initial each change, and each change must be noted on an official Pathfinder Society Chronicle sheet. If the GM wishes to audit your character before the changes are made, you must present the character to the GM. If time is a limiting factor, the GM may choose not to allow retraining during that session. When utilizing these retraining rules, you must expend wealth as outlined in the Retraining section of Ultimate Campaign, as well as 1 Prestige Point per day of retraining since time between scenarios is undefined.
I'd be happy to initial and sign any changes made if you want to use the retraining rules between sessions. It does cost Gold and PP, though, so you may be best waiting until level 2. Alternatively, I'm not sure I can remember what your skills are. If something were to happen to your character sheet between scenarios, I doubt that I'd notice...
What does a Pathfinder really look like anyway? It's not like you carry badges around (I always assume that wayfinders are worn under the clothes, and not in the open). You do look adventurer-ish, though.
I'm happy to say that you're pretty sure they won't be able to tell that you don't look like regular ship's crew members until at least more than two of you board - provided you're not wearing heavy armor (no serious sailor wears armor that will make them sink). Otherwise, you'll need to make some kind of disguise if you wish to board unnoticed.
It is also suspicious that there are 6 of you. Most pilots are only accompanied by at most two rowers. This will be another potential problem for you if you want to board stealthily or under false pretenses.
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...Now I know why people are so in love with the Investigator. Had to buy the ACG just because of all the 'I <3 Inquisitor sooooo much' on the message boards - looks longingly at Ibid's skills ....
Make an investigator too! Go it straight or cross-class like I did, we'd never miss a knowledge, linguistics, or spellcraft check ever!
But it does say in an obscure passage of the Advanced Class Guide that the Investigator has to carry a large leather-bound journal or none of his skills function :)
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Miro is pretty sneaky, so could likely sneak aboard. That only leaves 3 extras. LOL
Do we really want to do that? Or execute the old 'just keep pushing forward and don't let them get a word in edge-wise' routine.
"We're here to search your boat madam"
"Yes, but"
"We'll need all your crew topside while we sweep the decks and match it to the cargo manifest."
"They've never done that"
"We appreciate your assistance, ma'am, we won't be long."
Then again, that will likely bring on the boss fight. Which is fine, too, I guess.
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Now that I think about it, Gunari got the rebuild because of the Warpriest coming out of playtest.
I found the relevant section now, too.
I'd be happy to initial and sign any changes made if you want to use the retraining rules between sessions. It does cost Gold and PP, though, so you may be best waiting until level 2. Alternatively, I'm not sure I can remember...
Pathfinder Society is all about player choices and living with those choices once you’ve made them. However, there is a method for allowing you to change your character through a process of retraining.
At the start of a Pathfinder’s career, you are allowed to adjust your character before settling in for the long haul. Before you level up a character for the first time, you may change any aspect of it except its Pathfinder Society Number. Changes may only be made between adventures and before playing as a character above 1st level.q Any exceptions will be noted in the Pathfinder Society FAQ. You are able to keep all treasure, Prestige Points, special boons, and XP that you have earned and apply them to the character once you retrain as long as the character meets the criteria above. You are only able to retrain into a legal race.
Note, the full text I there (bolded by me), you can retrain any time (but between adventures] before playing the character above level one. So, Finarin could be changed after this scenario, or after the next. None of that would cost PP.
Once you have played at level two or higher, you must use the Ultimate Campaign rule.
Ah, the ancient and lost art of reading. Nice work, Gunari!
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@ GM Damo: Quick question. Based on what the group knows so far about the pilot's guild and the types of sailors who help guide these vessels through the Flotsam Graveyard, would wearing my longbow while we board the vessel stick out like a sore thumb? I assume I'd have to leave it beneath the tarp, in the cutter, if I hope to not draw too much attention to myself.
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Bit of an off topic rant:
As I have 1 PF scenario under my belt, and 1/2 done here, and 1/2 done with another character, I have to say there is a HUGE reliance on skills in these adventures. The other scenario I am playing in all our characters are basically nerfed and failing checks left and right. I get that there is an emphasis on good role playing as opposed to good roll playing, and that placed an emphasis on Skills mechanically.
On my commute to work, I have been listening to the Critical Hit Podcast - very enjoyable if you haven't checked it out. They use the 4E rules - pure garbage if you ask me, but the only cool aspect of that rule set is the Skill Challenge.
This scenario would perfectly fit a skill challenge, where you can let your character use the skills he/she is perfecting. Alas, we will be stuck with Climb, Bluff, Stealth, ect.
I know, we know the rule set when we make the character, and I am not complaining as much as saying it would be cool to say use Finarin's Knowledge (Arcana) +7 to cast a minor spell to get on the boat. In a horrid rule set, they got one thing right, and it would be cool if that was OGL and could be incorporated into Pathfinder.
Anyhoo, back to your regularly scheduled programing.
From a GM's perspective, most PFS scenarios offer the characters a non-skill related way out of any given situation. I haven't seen an adventure where you can't complete it without certain skills or without passing those skill checks (eg. cut your way out with an adamantine dagger). However, with 6 characters in there and helping, it would be a very rare group mix that couldn't handle most skill challenges with a take 10 and one or two assists. This adventure, for example, allows quite a few retries and (if that fails) bribing your way out of situations. Not sure what your other GM is doing (or what his scenario says to do). Perhaps your other group is composed of all skill-less characters.
That said, if Finarin is to be more of a social character then, yes, a rebuild will probably be in order. ;-)
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@Finarin - I tend to agree with you, I love being able to incorporate skill checks in different areas. That being said, I do think the PFS Scenarios are pretty good at using lots of different aspects of the game that most of the time don't get used. They don't always do it the BEST way, but it does happen.
Merchants Wake (season 5 I think...) has a VERY heavy RP beginning, (which has a HUGE impact on how your overall scenario results) a combat, then a skill challenge, then another combat or two. Your character would probably kill in that scenario.
So they (designers) do use it, but they also tend to go heavy on the thing most players build their character for, combat. And its not always in all of the scenarios...
That being said, I would say this group, while enjoying combat, seems to be the type of group that loves the role more than the roll. And I think our GM does a great job of allowing our RP to affect our results as much as he is allowed to (given the strict PFS encounter requirements)
**EDIT** I am immensely intrigued to see if/how a investigator/magus would look...
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@GM Damo
Do you allow for a Chain Shirt to be worn under regular clothes? I was thinking of picking up either that, or an Armored Coat, depending on how you rule this. A Chain Shirt is always good to have as "sleeping armor".
He's thinking of picking up:
Chain Shirt or Armored Coat - 50-100gp
1-2X Potion of "Touch of the Sea" -- gives a swim speed!
If shields are not used often on board, he'll pick up a buckler (less conspicuous?)
He may also pick up some other items (maybe a Sap, maybe some Alchemist's Kindness!)
@Gunari: Chain shirt under clothing? Absolutely.
Bucklers are the sailor's shield of choice.
By the way, I am loving the prep work! Great discussion all.
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Ibid's journal:
1. Venture-Captain: Ambrus Valsin
2. Master of Spells: Aram Zey
3. (Her Ladyship) Lady Darchana (Archdean of the Arcanamirium): dinner party, guest's handmaiden w/ previously unknown scrying sensor
4. Atlag: handmaiden of Lady Silviana Dimora, w/ scrying sensor
5. Lady Silviana Dimora: Owner of Atlag
6. Milana: Lady Silviana's majordomo (may know more about the handmaiden/origins)
7. Solicitor: Salbus (Chelish, located in the coins)
8. Mahjub Mahid: Owner of the parlor, 'Mahid's Chattel', sold Atlag to Lady Silviana Dimora. Worships Angazhan, the Ravener King?
9. Sanguine Beast: Street toughs running protection racket in Misery Row.
10. Waheeda Wardak: Okeno pirate, captain of the vessel, At Sea. In possession of enslaved Pathfinder. (previously sold eight slaves, ledger available)
11. At Sea: Vessel. Currently disguised as the ship, Kat Season?
11. Jemina: Lady Darchana's estate manager
12. Lilia Ginsi: Inspector Second Class at the Harbormaster’s Grange.
13. Zigil: Pilot, registered member of the Pilot’s Guild. Navigates vessels through Flotsam Graveyard.
Task A: Learn origins of Lady Darchana's servant, investigate and learn the source of the scrying sensor.
Task B: Secure recompense for Lady Silviana for her handmaiden purchased from Mahjub Mahdi.
Task C: Verify Kat Season is the disguised vessel, At Sea.
Task D: Capture Waheeda Wardak, if possible. Obtain any documenation in Captain Wardak's possession.
Task E: Rescue enslaved Pathfinder.
I luv Cyrus I luv Cyrus I luv Cyrus I luv Cyrus I luv Cyrus I luv Cyrus I luv Cyrus I luv Cyrus I luv Cyrus I luv Cyrus I luv Cyrus I luv Cyrus I luv Cyrus I luv Cyrus I luv Cyrus I luv Cyrus I luv Cyrus I luv Cyrus
Mrs. Flea Mrs. Flea Mrs. Flea Mrs. Flea Mrs. Flea Mrs. Flea Mrs. Flea Mrs. Flea Mrs. Flea Mrs. Flea Mrs. Flea Mrs. Flea Mrs. Flea Mrs. Flea Mrs. Flea
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Not sure what your other GM is doing (or what his scenario says to do). Perhaps your other group is composed of all skill-less characters.
FWIW
Druid w/ Bear Animal Companion (me), Fighter, Fighter(Brawler), Gunslinger, Alchemist all sneaking into a Chelix Embassy during a gala, so yes a Roll playing group as opposed to a Role playing group. The character themselves has been awesome, but our rolls don't match our role.
Classic. Okay, time I kicked things up a notch. You've clearly been languishing too long. ;-)
PS: