PFS PBP Gameday IV: #06-15 The Overflow Archives -- GM Hmm (Inactive)

Game Master Hmm

Campaign Maps & Handout


Grand Lodge

Pathfinder Adventure Path, Starfinder Adventure Path Subscriber

The Overflow Archives

Beneath the Grand Lodge of Absalom lie the vaults, a series of storerooms and libraries that contain much of the Society’s findings from the past centuries. Cataloguing the sundry relics and texts takes time, and finds requiring closer study find their way to an extensive vault called the Overflow Archives. Soon after a pair of initiates sneaks into the archive and steals a few items on a dare, the complex inexplicably springs a leak. It is up to the PCs to investigate this strange phenomenon and put a stop to it before thousands of priceless documents are ruined forever.

Content in “The Overflow Archives” also contributes directly to the ongoing storyline of the Dark Archive faction.

Written by Scott Sharplin.

___________________________

This game is part of the PBP Gameday IV event.

Overflow Archives is my all time favorite PFS adventure. I had a blast playing it, and I am hoping to have a blast GMing it for all of you! I am recruiting for up to 6 players for this game, which will begin on 19 September 2015 as part of the Online Gameday 4.

Please reply with the following information:

Player's forum handle:
Character name:
PFS#
Race/Class(es)/Level(s):
Faction:
Any special rules, boons, or corner cases you need to let me know about:

A one or two-sentence blurb about your character:

___________________________

Note: This GM will be at a live PFS convention in the Twin Cities on September 19th. This means that I will likely only have time to get up an opening post on that weekend, and then catch up with all of you again on September 20th or 21st. If you're good with that, we'll flow forward!

Hmm


OK signing up here!

*Player's forum handle: Eric Swanson
*Character name: Wadi Ahk'Kolon
*PFS# 13977-1
*Race/Class(es)/Level(s): Male Human Sorcerer 4 (Elemental Bloodline - Fire)
*Faction: Dark Archive
*Any special rules, boons, or corner cases you need to let me know about:
He currently possesses the trait Fires of Hell (Su): Your parents signed a pact with a fiend of Hell before you were born, and as a result you can summon fire to your aid. Once per day, as a swift action, you can summon fire, imbuing a single weapon you hold with a nimbus of fire that deals an extra 1 point of fire damage for a number of rounds equal to your Charisma bonus. This fire gives off light equivalent to a torch. This is a supernatural ability.

*A one or two-sentence blurb about your character: Wadi was the youngest child of a middle class family born in Kintargo who had been blessed/cursed with a throwback to the old elemental bloodlines, back before Cheliax fell to the rule of House Thrune, under the thrall of Asmodeus. Now he works as an actor during the playwright season...at least until the start of the Hell's Rebels AP anyway, he he.

Silver Crusade

DM Beckett
Archon
PFS: 5,274-23
Aasimar Herald Caller Cleric 3
Faction Silver Crusade

I'll update more soon. Just trying to dot for the moment before I head out.

Grand Lodge

Pathfinder Adventure Path, Starfinder Adventure Path Subscriber

Okay, so far we have:

1) Wadi Ahk'Kolan -- Human Elemental Fire Sorcerer 4 -- Dark Archives
2) Archon the Divine Caller -- Aasimar Herald Caller Cleric 3 -- Silver Crusade

Welcome, gentlemen! I'm a GM who adores roleplay and this is a scenario that rewards it. I warn you that this is my first time GMing PBP, though I have GMed PFS live a number of times. I hope to make this a great scenario for you and the others who join us!

Silver Crusade

Sounds good.

I like to RP when I have the option. I tend to play a lot of divine casters that dislike fighting if possible. I've never really played this one, it's been sitting around just kind of waiting for something I found interesting, and my last Aasimar character.

As for special notes, I can Spontaneously cast Summon Monster Spells in addition to Cure Spells, but I'm not really at a high enough level (5+) for it to be terribly great. I will, however, avoid Summon-spamming, as it's not my intention to ruin the fun for anyone else. I did also take the Heavenborn Racial Trait that gives me +1 CL on Good and Light Spells, but trades out my Skill bonuses (Acrobatics & Fly) and also my 1/Day Spell-Like Ability (See Invis).

I'm not a terribly great healer, but I can manage.

I don't have any particularly noteworthy Boons. A few circumstantial things that I'm more likely to even forget are there.

About Archon. I'm still working a bit on the backstory, but the basic idea is that Archon was created (not born) in one of the heavenly realms and raised by Lantern Archons until he grew old enough. Sent to the Material Plane, he was asked to join the Society during the Worldwound incident where he also fought and trained amongst the crusaders, occasionally being called in for extra help throughout Golarion as a PFS agent.

Also, I'm pretty experienced with running PbP games, so if you need any advice or have any questions, feel free to let me know. :) Also, I am in the military, so there may be some times where I will not be able to post. The vast majority of the time, I will know in advance and can give warning, and even post from my phone, but there is always the chance I may not. It typically only lasts a few days.

Silver Crusade

For example, would it be possible to open the Game Play thread "for dotting only"?

By doing so, once people post there, all updates for each linked thread will show updates, and it sort of "locks" players in to the game.

If you go to the top, you should see a few extra tabs, (Campaign, Game Play, Discussion, etc. . .). Select Game Play, and then you should see an option (DM only) to create a new thread.

Just hit that, make sure you put in a title, (it's locked in for the most part once you do) and then also type in something like "Please only "dot" for now."

Dotting is just a way for players to post once until the game is actually ready to go, but as I mentioned, it will allow us all to see all updates once we have done that. We literally just make a post that says "dot", or ".", or something.

Grand Lodge

Pathfinder Adventure Path, Starfinder Adventure Path Subscriber

I've opened up gameplay and discussion too. If you dot and then delete your post after creating it, this campaign will still show up in your list of campaigns. I prefer dot and delete so that I don't have a thread that starts up with a lot of "Dot!"s.

It's an aesthetic thing for me.

:)

And thanks for the offer of assistance! Between you and Eric, I have two very experienced PBP GMs amongst my players! Oh, the pressure!

Your background sounds delightful. Do I have the honor of being a first played scenario for a GM baby? If so, welcome!

Don't be afraid to summon. Summoning does not slow up gameplay in the hands of an experienced player. I have no problem with you doing summoning in this game so long as you're respectful. At the moment, I'm not seeing much melee, and I think a few well-chosen summons could be helpful in this adventure.

If you wish to discuss this more, feel free to move this conversation to discussion.

Hmm

Silver Crusade

I believe so. I don't believe that I've played this one at all. Originally, for fun, I was going to make a Tiefling Harrow Caster Staff Magus Gambit, but I sort of lost the desire, and couldn't really figure out just how I wanted to do it. SO, I repurposed it.

As far as your GMing, do not worry about it. Seriously, I'm not here to judge. If you need any help, let me know, but the way I look at it, I started running PbP literally from scratch on my first deployment because I wanted to be able to play and it wasn't an option otherwise. Every game I run, I ask towards the end for advice, what everyone liked or didn't like, and suggestions on how to improve. So, I'll sort of being doing the same here. It's entirely possible that you might use a technique or trick I hadn't thought of, or do something that I decided against and it turns out to work really well. I'm also not at all going to try to offer "too much help".

For example, I did not realize that if you posted and deleted the post, it still counted.


Dotted from phone because I am on the road. But will be home tonight ;)

Grand Lodge

Pathfinder Adventure Path, Starfinder Adventure Path Subscriber

1) Wadi Ahk'Kolan -- Human Elemental Fire Sorcerer 4 -- Dark Archives
2) Archon the Divine Caller -- Aasimar Herald Caller Cleric 3 -- Silver Crusade
3) A character of Albion's -- I'm guessing Telurion, his Fighter 2/Ranger 1?

There's still room for three more!

Grand Lodge

Pathfinder Adventure Path, Starfinder Adventure Path Subscriber

By the way, if you are interested in this campaign, but do not have a character in tier, you can always use one of the level 4 PFS pregens. There are a number of good ones available to try out, including from the ACG and Occult classes.

Hmm

Scarab Sages

Hello. I'll dot in with Sutekh
Need 1 game then level 6

Grand Lodge

Pathfinder Adventure Path, Starfinder Adventure Path Subscriber

1) Wadi Ahk'Kolan -- Human Elemental Fire Sorcerer 4 -- Dark Archives
2) Archon the Divine Caller -- Aasimar Herald Caller Cleric 3 -- Silver Crusade
3) A character of Albion's -- I'm guessing Telurion, his Fighter 2/Ranger 1?
4) Sutekh Amun -- Human Rogue 1/ Ranger Dungeon Rover 4 -- Scarab Sages

Welcome!

Sutekh, what sort of critter is your dungeon ally, Serket? Is it a giant slug, a giant centipede, a goblin dog, a giant scorpion? I'm guessing it is not a snake since it has claw attacks?

EDITED to ADD: Never mind, I checked the character list. You have a giant scorpion!

-----------------

We still have room for 2 more characters!

Scarab Sages

Yup. 2 more levels and i will be the Scorpion King!

i will be able to ride my scorpion into battle!

-Posted with Wayfinder

Scarab Sages

*Nods and chitters in agreement*

Silver Crusade

Hi there! I'd like to submit my character, Dioneo.

Player's forum handle: Zinou
Character name: Dioneo II Starnon-Oberigo
PFS# 93583-12
Race/Class(es)/Level(s): Ifrit / oracle of flames (spirit guide) / 3
Faction: Sovereign Court
Any special rules, boons, or corner cases you need to let me know about:
Omen (trait) You are the harbinger of some future event. Whether this event bodes good or ill, you exude an ominous presence. You gain a +1 trait bonus on Intimidate checks, and Intimidate is always a class skill for you. Once per day, you may attempt to demoralize an opponent as a swift action.

A one or two-sentence blurb about your character:
Dioneo II is a noble scion from Westcrown, born from human parents who signed a pact with a devil. He's actually the son of one of my characters I played in the AP "Council of Thieves". The Westcrown he knows is no longer under the Thrune's influence. Very self-confident, he considers his implication in the society as a way to become famous and nobler.

Grand Lodge

Pathfinder Adventure Path, Starfinder Adventure Path Subscriber

1) Wadi Ahk'Kolan -- Human Elemental Fire Sorcerer 4 -- Dark Archives
2) Archon the Divine Caller -- Aasimar Herald Caller Cleric 3 -- Silver Crusade
3) A character of Albion's -- ?
4) Sutekh Amun -- Human Rogue 1/ Ranger Dungeon Rover 4 -- Scarab Sages
5) Dioneo II Starnon-Oberigo -- Ifrit Spirit Guide Oracle of Flames 3 -- Sovereign Court

Welcome!

Dioneo, I love the Spirit Guide Archetype. And you've reached the level where it starts getting fun! It will be fun seeing this in play. I see you're a noble. Have you already purchased a noble title for yourself? (Bought the Sovereign Court vanity?)

_________________________________

We still have room for one more!

Silver Crusade

Yes, to tell the truth, this character is a "GM-baby", I raised him till level 3 with only GM chronicles and one or two pregen modules :D
About nobility, you must have 20 points of fame (currently, he's at 15) but he sure will purchase it.

Grand Lodge

Pathfinder Adventure Path, Starfinder Adventure Path Subscriber

I was just curious. Nobility (or lack thereof) should not be a problem in this module, m'lord.

Grand Lodge

I'd be interested in playing, with 2 caveats 1) this would be my first PbP, though certainly not my first PFS experience. 2) I've GMed this scenario before (but it was the day before GenCon and I barely remember it).

I have a couple characters available in this tier.

Grand Lodge

Pathfinder Adventure Path, Starfinder Adventure Path Subscriber

Barton, you would be more than welcome. Have you read Building a Better Doomed Hero: Painlord's Advanced Play-by-Post Play? I highly recommend it.

What characters were you thinking of?

Silver Crusade

I'm sure we'd all be willing to help as well if you have any questions. Also, if anyone is interested, I have open slots sill for both the Quest's line and also The Beacon Below.

Grand Lodge

Hmm wrote:

Barton, you would be more than welcome. Have you read Building a Better Doomed Hero: Painlord's Advanced Play-by-Post Play? I highly recommend it.

What characters were you thinking of?

Oh, I've read it. Been meaning to try out PbP for a while, but just hadn't had a chance until this gameday was announced. (Plus, meeting Painlord added some fire to my search for a game)

Well, I have a 4.2 Ulfen Warpriest of Desna, and a 3.0 Wayang Alchemist (Trapbreaker). I'd prefer to play the Ulfen Warpriest, my problem is the system will say he's already played. I meant to assign it to the wayang when I gm'ed but mixed up their numbers. If you'll allow it I'll play that one and report on the Wayang to fix the issue (the sheet is actually in the correct place already). If not, I can move the sheet over and play the Wayang. Whichever way is better for you.

(Edit: I also have a skinwalker cleric that will almost definitely be in tier, he's sitting at 2.2 with a credit waiting at 3 right now, and could probably put one more in tier out of GM baby credit currently)

Grand Lodge

Pathfinder Adventure Path, Starfinder Adventure Path Subscriber

Barton, can you have it electronically fixed? Can you report on Paizo that it was credited to the wrong character? When you go to your Sessions, to the far right is a link that says, "Report a problem with this session." Paizo staff is usually quick about fixing these things.

Hmm

Dark Archive

Yeah, I can make my VC fix (he's currently living next door anyway), sorry just woke up and wasn't thinking it through fully. - Edit it's fixed.

In that case it'll be

Player's forum handle: BartonOliver
Character name: Jan Itor
PFS# 132377-6
Race/Class(es)/Level(s): Human Warpriest 4 (Desna)
Faction: Dark Archives
Any special rules, boons, or corner cases you need to let me know about:
Attacks almost exclusively with his shield, which he chose to be his sacred weapon. Also, has bodyguard. (Full stats will be up by tonight)

One or two sentences:
Hello, I am Jan Itor I come to Pathfinders to prove Desna strong. I stand as shield in front of enemy and show that Desna not be defeated.

Silver Crusade

I just wanted to point out I made a mistake when I was entering my chronicles in Herolab a while ago and just spotted it. I accidentally hit an extra 5 while calculating GP, and as a "DM Baby", I literally waited until I was going to play to buy anything, so I just spotted it.

I need to rebuild, taking off about 4,500 gp. No other changes, I just need to see what I need to drop. :(

I apologize.

Also, I don't believe that Skinwalkers are legal, and last I hard there was not a Boon. I could be wrong, though.

Grand Lodge

Pathfinder Adventure Path, Starfinder Adventure Path Subscriber

* Snort *

Jan Itor, what sort of problems do you clean up?

__________________________________

So we have:

1) Wadi Ahk'Kolan -- Human Elemental Fire Sorcerer 4 -- Dark Archives
2) Archon the Divine Caller -- Aasimar Herald Caller Cleric 3 -- Silver Crusade
3) A character of Albion's -- ?
4) Sutekh Amun -- Human Rogue 1/ Ranger Dungeon Rover 4 -- Scarab Sages
5) Dioneo II Starnon-Oberigo -- Ifrit Spirit Guide Oracle of Flames 3 -- Sovereign Court
6) Jan Itor -- Human Warpriest 4 (Desna) -- Dark Archives

Welcome all! Our table is full, and further submissions will be waitlisted.

Albion, have you decided what you will be playing?

Hmm

Grand Lodge

Skinwalkers were a tier 1 GM boon at GenCon this year. (and yes I have the relevant boon)

Dark Archive

Hmm wrote:

* Snort *

Jan Itor, what sort of problems do you clean up?

Any that threaten my party. Desna is very good for these things.

Silver Crusade

Ok, fixed. :(

Grand Lodge

Pathfinder Adventure Path, Starfinder Adventure Path Subscriber

Barton, can you create a header for Jan Itor? Basically, you put information about his saves, AC, HP, initiative and perception into your race, gender or classes/levels check boxes.

Take a look at the other characters in this campaign to see how they've done it for ideas.

Archon, thanks for making the fix!

Hmm

Dark Archive

Better?

Grand Lodge

Pathfinder Adventure Path, Starfinder Adventure Path Subscriber

Looking good! Thank you for taking the time, and for adding the tracked resources spoiler!

Hmm

Dark Archive

No problem, kinda a computer nerd anyway and it was something I've been meaning to do.

Also gotta keep it clean, obviously.

The Exchange

BartonOliver wrote:

Oh, I've read it. Been meaning to try out PbP for a while, but just hadn't had a chance until this gameday was announced. (Plus, meeting Painlord added some fire to my search for a game)

+1 for the name reference, BO, (unless Jan Itor isn't from Scrubs).

-1 to BO if you have a character named 'Dr. Acula'.
+1 to BO for trying out PbP. I hope it goes well.
-1 for trusting me, BO. That usually leads to trouble.
+1 to Hmm for helping new players play. People like you make this game good.
+2 for GMing, Hmm. I bet you're going to rock this.

Grand Lodge

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Pathfinder Adventure Path, Starfinder Adventure Path Subscriber

Painlord posted in my recruitment thread!

Swoons...

Thanks for the well-wishing, Painlord. It's my first time GMing PBP, but people were kind to me as a newbie when I started playing PBP in December. I'd like to pay that forward.

Grand Lodge

Painlord wrote:
BartonOliver wrote:

Oh, I've read it. Been meaning to try out PbP for a while, but just hadn't had a chance until this gameday was announced. (Plus, meeting Painlord added some fire to my search for a game)

+1 for the name reference, BO, (unless Jan Itor isn't from Scrubs).

-1 to BO if you have a character named 'Dr. Acula'.
+1 to BO for trying out PbP. I hope it goes well.
-1 for trusting me, BO. That usually leads to trouble.
+1 to Hmm for helping new players play. People like you make this game good.
+2 for GMing, Hmm. I bet you're going to rock this.

Thanks, (I think your advice oughta work out, we'll see), and yes it is very much a scrubs reference. And no I don't have a Dr. Acula... but I may have to now. (Almost all my characters names have a reference to something else in them somewhere)


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A little blue guy runs into the room, making jazz hands as he shouts. "Doooom! Dooom!"

Pausing a moment, he suddenly realizes that none of the other mites followed him. He is now alone in an area with multiple mighty adventurers...

"Run away! Run away!"

I'm sure you'll do fine Hmm!

Grand Lodge

Pathfinder Adventure Path, Starfinder Adventure Path Subscriber

Ah, jazz hands and doom. Indeed, I have a mite-y legacy to uphold as a PFS GM.

:)

Thank you for making me laugh, Mite 11!

Liberty's Edge

Dotting - formatting as we speak :D

Grand Lodge

Pathfinder Adventure Path, Starfinder Adventure Path Subscriber

And that's Albion's character. Oloch, can I have PFS #? Also, which character will you be applying this to? 1,2 or... 3?

Liberty's Edge

PMed ;)

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