Palace of the Vampire Queen (Inactive)

Game Master Terquem

Okay, that's what I thought. Thanks for the reminder though, I definitely forgot the part about Mafolin Ramorra.

I am traveling for the next two days, so take a break, read up on past posts and I will launch right back into this on monday. I think it is good story so far, and it is about to get interesting

The perception check wasn't really necessary, but cool anyway.

I assumed that since everyone intended to crowd around the Knights, you will all hear the conversation that is posted, as this is the moment when the voices rise, and tempers flare.

The perception check wasn't really necessary, but cool anyway.

I assumed that since everyone intended to crowd around the Knights, you will all hear the conversation that is posted, as this is the moment when the voices rise, and tempers flare.

I wasn't sure how much of the conversation that I heard. The others moved towards the Knights before Hallister and I approached.

Wow. I must say, you've done a fantastic job making me absolutely hate Guisse and Henri. What a couple of f&&&tards.

Lol. Rich people usually are.

Now is the time to throw those Diplomacy Checks around. If you want to try and negotiate for more funding give it a try. You can, as a group, decide to step aside for just a moment and have a quiet discussion among yourselves, then present your needs to the Knights. This way, one of you can make the actual Diplomacy roll, and the other's can attempt to add a synergy bonus (+2) if they make a DC 10 or better check against their CHR (effectively agreeing to "Smile" and not say something offensive while nodding and supporting the person making the request). How does that sound? If the other's fail, roll less than the DC 10, the main Diplomacy roll isn't helped, but I will rule that it doesn't count as a failed check that would work against the group.

That sounds good to me, I actually don't really need anything beyond the basic bedroll, pack, etc. I mean, I could use a wand of shield or enlarge person but that's about it.

My diplomacy is +3

Rownig rocks back and worth on his feet , I...er...s..sh..should defer on the diplomacy to others more versed in those arts. his attention immediately diverted to left over tomatoe in his beard to eat. (see he should not be making this roll)

Otherwise, it sounds good to him.

He needs thieves tools, preferrably masterwork, a couple light weapons an ax (or 6) and as a mace. A chain shirt (no shield) would be beneficial, bedroll, backpack, rations, Ale... typical dwarven gear. Definately some cure potions.

my diplomacy = 0 so I'd probably be better to just add to whoever can be our "face"
Aside from basics (like rope, pack, bedroll, lantern, etc) I need a reach weapon and spiked gauntlets and armour. A second weapon or a ranged weapon would also come in handy but isn't required.

Terquem how do you plan on handling gearing up and the cost of items?

That's a great question. We could role play it, but that seems like a long arduous task, in this format. How about A list of general goods and prices put up in the game description thread? Weapons and armor would be done differently, as they are not as available as you would hope.

But right now it looks like no one is steping up to ask for more than the 200 silver Sir Guisse has offered.

I think the actual task of asking the Lords is going to fall on either Helgen with the +3 diplo, or Hallister, who has not check in yet on the issue.

Rownig can ask but odds are we will be paying the Lords to let us go then. HA

We, also, have our original coinage correct to get stuff with? Seems like 200SP is a kings randsome when compared to our 250CP.

I don't mind RP bartering and obtaining goods, but that type of transaciton will require a bit more active posting to get the RP and feel of the transaction down. Otherwise, posting a price list will work.

Honestly I'd rather not have to roleplay buying items, just because of the time it takes in PBP.

Azram should be the one to request more aide, he has a +6 diplomacy. However, he hasn't checked in for a while (a three line post six days ago). Perhaps you could make a check for him Terq?

I get the feeling he's either going to drop out or need to be DM PCed a lot to keep the game moving. Maybe I'm too impatient, but it helps me stay interested when the game moves as fast as possible. Perhaps we could make some kind of rule, if you don't post by the time Terq makes a gameplay post you are either assumed to have done nothing since the last one or you get DM PCed. You seem to be posting every 3-4 days Terq, I feel like that's a fair amount of time to expect people to post in. Comments?

As for the diplomacy, here is my roll to get us at least 300 silver. Also, if you make an item list, please include wand prices if they are anywhere near our means.

Diplomacy 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22

I'm all for making rule regarding posting. Seems like the death to many good game concepts have been the delay in posting.

A DM check for Azram is a good suggestion.

The reason Hal hasn't chimed in on the issue is because he doesn't want to talk to the lords anymore. He's not much of a diplomat to begin with and he's pretty pissed off right now.

Most of the great Hal needs is cheap anyway.

So lets move this forward. Either DM PC Azram's +6 Diplo with Halgen assisting or go with Halgen's 22 role, which looks darn good.

Rownig's Wishlist:

Chain shirt or altenatively, studded leather
2 Handaxes
1 light mace
1 warhammer,(silver) -if available

Thieves tools, preferrably masterwork

Backpack
bedroll
pouches/sacks (2)
rations
waterskins
whetsone, flint, steel
hammer/mallet
stakes, wood (3)
mirror, small
chalk
marbles (2)
caltrops (2)
signal whistle
rope, silk
grappling hook
oil (5) pints
antitoxin (2)
tanglefoot bag (2-3)

If it's available: I'm assuming we may not have a cleric

cure potions
remove disease
remove curse
remove blindness/deafness
remove paralysis
Delay poison
restoration, lesser
Protection from Evil

I am good with whatever group decides as far as posting rule.

As far as Azram's involvement I would recommend sending him a PM first before deciding too much with his character.

Normally I like to rp as much as possible but I fear that rping purchasing items would take way too long in this media. A list of items and prices would save time and if someone wanted to rp to try and get a better price that could be an option if Terquem wanted to or use this thread for that to keep in game going at pace.

I hear you on the disparity of posting, and i want to say that as a narrator, I can throw up a long “this is what happens next” kind of post, more often than I have been, but I don’t want to step on anyone’s toes if they are wanting to respond to what happened before. I can write tons. Also, remember that I can write more than just “what happens next” style posts, I can also answer questions. The more questions you ask, either directly to me, or to NPCs the more you are going to learn, even if that means wadding through a lot of answers that don’t seem, at first, to tell you what you want to know.

I am working on a short list of supplies and the cost for each item. The list will assume that the PCs pick up the things they need in the capital, but let’s not get ahead of ourselves too far, the Knights haven’t agreed to support your idea, yet.

A message has been sent to Azram

Hallister - younever adjusted your starting equipment, on the linked character profile, could I ask you to do that please

Please see the end of the "Campaign Info" thread for some information on items you can purchase.

I hope to update the game thread, tonigh, or early tomorrow.

Cool thanks

Since I did not see thieves tools, would be a black market item to acquire and raise a bit of suspicion? Do have they have locksmiths and/or small gear craftsman around?

Hallister - younever adjusted your starting equipment, on the linked character profile, could I ask you to do that please

I'm not sure what you're asking me. I thought we didn't have any starting equipment, so I deleted the equipment section. Do you want me to make an equipment list?

Okay, well I still feel that if you make a 'moving thing forward post' every 3-4 days that it's a reasonable interval. Many PBP games go for a once/24 hours or 48 hours rule so it would actually be fairly generous. If someone is going to be super busy and not post for a few days just let us know in discussion, or even post a short one liner just to let us know that you're alive. -shrug- I'm in 8+ PBPs right now, and this is one is the slowest, followed closely by one other. But in that one it's the DM who doesn't post that often. Regardless, I will stick around. But that's my two cents.

Hopefully we don't completely lose Azram. No cleric in an undead themed campaign makes things a lot harder. As does only having 3 PCs, although the synthesist is powerful enough to balance that part out. We're just gonna be screwed for healing with no potions or wands. Helgen can heal himself (at least his Eidolon part), but everyone else will be on their own.

Edit: PS, I was going to take diplomacy instead of spellcraft, but I didn't because of Azram, and now he never posts ~_~ I'll have to grab a rank at level 2, assuming we get there.

Hallister - you did remove the category of equipment, but your defenses still reflect some armor and a shiel, little thing like that isn't so important, but could be.

Rownig - thieve's tools would be not be Black Market, but would be expensive, as any honest locksmith in the capital will not have very many spare tools. Let's say they are 250 copper. Masterwork Thieve's Tools, are definetly Black Market

Gotcha. Fixed. I got rid of the armor, but left the combat info with a note, because that was a lot of coding.

Terquem, are hunting spears (long spear or boar spears) available in the capitol or would they fall under blackmarket goods as well?

also where would you prefer the rolls for searching for weapons and such?

Terquem, the potions are listed on Rownig's wishlist as if we do not have a cleric. Seems near suicidal to go out without some restorative magic.

As far the price for the thieves tool, the character needs to obtain the item so he will spend his personal money and anything the Lords provide to obtain the equipment. Otherwise he is useless to party when it comes to traps/doors.

He doesn't need the Caltrop but will be happy to obtain the marbles. No reason to cause unwanted suspicion.

Spears are Black Market - but less suspicious. Spear Fishing is a popular past time, but those spears are ill suited to a military purpose.

Potions are out of your reach, money wise, and difficult to obtain.

I am going to type up a post to close the prolog and begin the adventure proper. You can roll to search for special items here.

Ring Mail, a leather Jerkin reinforced with metal rings sew onto it. Armor Bonus +4, Max Dex Bonus +3, AC Penalty -2, Arcane Failure 15%, speed 30/20, weight 20 lbs

Terquem - So each Lord is providing One set of equipment: Armor, Sword, spear. I see that Guise sent Mazrim to get fitted from his house that leaves two sets of armor: ring or chain shirt, two short swords and two spears. To be divided among 4 other players correct? Plus 600 silver piece to divided among the 5 players (120 SP each)?

I may have rushed through some of the details, but this seems to be the way it worked out –

Sir Guisse – is sending Mazram and Atharessa, Atharessa is wearing Ring Mail, has a Spear and a Short Sword (Though it may be unclear what kind of help she will bring to the party. He is contributing 200 silvers and has promised a chain mail shirt to Mazrim

Sir Henri – is sending his daughter Moralane and Hallister. Moralane is wearing a chain shirt, and has a bow (of some kind), but like Atharessa her usefulness and abilities are unknown, and it would seem she is not present at the restaurant at this time. He will add a suit of Ring Mail (which he does not specifically state will go to Hallister, but it is implied) a Spear and Short Sword, and 200 silvers.

Lady Inarossa – is sending Azram and Rownig. She did not say she would provide armor or weapons, and it could be an opportunity for a Sense Motive check. One of you could perhaps mention it to her, if you think she simply forgot, or wait and see what the Sense Motive check reveals, before venturing into the subject. She did provide 200 silvers.

That makes a total of 600 silver (spends like 60,000 copper) to spend on equipment and supplies for six Dwarves who have been released from their regular duties to pursue this goal, but Helgen makes seven of you. Now, he can always ask his father to support him, or beg a few coins from the other six of you.

The Spears are common military spears, not Long Spears. They are about six feet long, have broad leaf shaped heads, and are otherwise unremarkable.

About the Game Thread

Helgen - I don't want to seem like it is all that important, but you may have jumped the gun on that a bit. Not your fault really, but remember Lady Inarossa is not sending you, and in your defense she did not specifically say she was not supporting you, but she did say your decision to go was yours and your father's, so you may not have a claim to the funds, at least while everyone is standing there. You might have to ask for a share, or approach your father for help.

Also, there is a small chance that Atharessa and Moralane have a few coins of their own, should anyone care to ask them.

Moralane, Sir Henri's daughter, is not at the resturant at this time.

You can gather the funds and set off into the city for supplies, make an arangement to meet in the morning and set out, or make other plans.

This ends the prolog.

Chapter One - A Troubled Road, begins when your characters start making plans to set out for Witch's Valley. And as far as I know, you haven't decided on what way to go to get there, so you might want to review some earlier posts for the details on the options, and decide which way you are going to go.

As a question I was wondering if we should set this thread aside, and create a new one to follow the first chapter, maybe that would make it easier. What do you think?

Oh, sorry. I will ask Rownig and Azram if I might have 25 silver 15 copper from them to purchase the items I listed. If they refuse I guess we can retcon it. Helgen doesn't really care what his father or his aunt want him to do, he is going. If I absolutely have to I would steal what gear I need from my father's household. The whistle and silk rope aren't absolutely necessary.

As for talking to my father, I'd rather not roleplay it out. I'll just leave a letter with the household servants. Lets get the first Chapter started.
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Travel Plans:

I vote we go this way:
...ways to reach the valley. One is to travel west along the King’s Coast road for approximately 12 miles until you come to the river Avantharea (rough water). There is a bridge that crosses the river, but you would want to turn south and follow the river before crossing the bridge. The river flows through a canyon. It is called Thrindasse Canyon, and is named for the crystals (Thrindasse Crystals are speckled yellow and green and are a soft easy to shape decorative crystal used in common adornments, jewelry and brocades) that are found there. It is a difficult canyon to follow, but if you choose that path it is seven miles to the headwaters of the river, at Eight Fountains Springs, which lies just about in the middle of Witch’s Valley.

Then we could travel to the eastern end of the valley before coming back west through the whole thing and heading home via the Outpost at Rocky Point. I mean, assuming we live to head home.
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Re: Starting a new thread

I don't see the need. If we keep using this one it's easier to look back. Ultimately it's up to you, but I say if it aint broke don't fix it.

Using my previous post to get an idea of goods requested and putting a cost to the items:

Rownig's Gear:

Chain shirt or altenatively, studded leather Possibly supplied by Lord If not, he will buy the armor
2 Handaxes 250 cp
1 light warhammer 30CP
1 Lt Pick 150CP
Shortbow 750 CP
20 Arrows 100CP
(2) Extra string 200CP

Thieves tools, preferrably masterwork ?

Backpack 300 CP
bedroll 50 CP
pouches/sacks heavy canvas(2) 20CP
rations (5days that can be stretched to 10) 25CP
waterskins (3) 75CP
whetsone (FREE), flint, steel 200CP
hammer/mallet 30CP
stakes, wood (3) yes for vampires - FREE
mirror, small 150CP
chalk FREE
marbles (4 bags) FREE
signal whistle 5CP
rope, Hemp 100FT - 100CP
grappling hook - 10CP
oil (5) pints - heavy duty 200CP

antitoxin (2) ?

Total: 2745 Copper or 100CP to 1 SP ratio (27 SP, 45 CP)

I'm not sure if you want to roleplay out getting the locksmith tools, or masterwork quality and antitoxin and possible armor?

Are mules/donkeys availabe with harness, and food? How much?

Keep the thread it's working fine, no reason to potentially confusion the matter.

No one in the capital will sell a beast of burden or riding animal of any kind, for less than 10 gold (a pony for riding), or 15 gold (a mule or donkey). There are wild herds of donkey on the eastern parts of the island, but capturing them and bringing them to the capital is risky, and lucrative. Ranchers that breed animals look to make a serious return on their investment. It is more profitable to ship the animals to other islands of the Empire where they can be sold for even more. Remember that Karrita Moriana is not a very large island, and most people are content to walk from one town to another. Only the very wealthy are inclined to ride a pony, or in a wagon drawn by ponies. There are no full sized horses on the island, and working animals are worth too much in the fields to sell to adventurers for anything less than a full year’s wages.

Rownig - Masterwork tools are available, good roll! I can either give you a price, which will be very high, but in your budget, or make you an offer "you can't refuse". What would you prefer? Antitoxin? Hmmmm, an old Dwarven woman set up in a hand cart near the very western end of the sea wall sells elixirs and tonics, most will make you feel good and are extracts of various fruits and vegetables with an alcohol base, but she will offer you a very small vial, one dose, of what she claims is a 'cure all" for any sort of plant or animal toxin, for 10 silvers. And she will demand that you tell no one where you acquired it. It has an ingredient, she claims, that is very illegal to possess.

Rownig walks casually over to a covered table at the edge of the restaurant, and in a few moments he is joined by Lady inarossa. It looks as if they are exchanging a few words. Each other player, if they are interested, can try to approach without looking nosey, and attempt a Perception Check to over hear what the two of them are talking about.

This is a last call for character’s to interact with the Lords. My next post will highlight the call to see the King, and the Lords will expect that you have gone on your way, there will be one more opportunity for each character to interact with a Knight, later in the day, but asking to see one of the knights, getting an audience, and asking a few questions will be all you can hope to get done before you sleep, and set out in the morning.

Rownig has used 37SP, 45 CP for the funds available. (I may need some funds for armor though) He freely offers the monies to the others for their supplies.

Terquem- I reponded to Lady's and vendor's interaction with Rownig in the game thread.

Since I don't have knowledge local I can't succeed on a dc 16 I'll have to try diplomacy to see if I can get a hold of a reach weapon...

diplomacy: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (17) + 0 = 17

...Guess not

Other purchases

200ft of hemp rope 200 copper
Grappling hook 10 copper
Backpack 300 copper
bedroll 50 copper
waterskin x 2 50 copper
Rations x 10 days 50 copper
Whetstone 0 copper
Flint and Steel 200 copper
Lamp 50 copper
oil standard x 5 200 copper
Scythe (only 2h available) 2000 copper

total spent 33 silver

Also how much would it be for a sturdy notebook, ink, quill and other writing necessities?

I know this may sound somewhat pompous and overstated, but what I have a problem with is the kind of rules settings that create a feeling that the world around the player characters exists to cater to people who explore dungeons for a living, and that sort of bugs me.

So, to answer your question, there are merchants in the capital who sell books, but none of them will have a blank book of any kind for sale. In local villages and towns you might find a craftsman or artisan who makes small bound journals, but even that is asking for something very rare. Instead, what you will find are merchants who sell blank sheets of parchment, velum, and if you look hard enough, a merchant who prepares (with the right gesso materials) canvases on frames for artist’s use. Writing letters is very common, so ink and writing tools are available. Most people who write to relatives across the island do not use envelopes, but fold a letter, and seal it closed with wax.

The most obvious exception, of course, is the Wizard Guilds mentioned in the introduction. There is a small chance that one of these Guild Houses will have a wizard who has been working on an addition to his spell book library, and there is always a need for very expensive “blank” books crafted for the specific purpose. Now it happens, rarely, that one of these books is ruined in the process. It has a couple of pages that have been written on, but the notations and explanations were done incorrectly, and this caused the owner to spill something on the book, effectively ruining it as a spell book.

So after that tiresome explanation of my own

Treated, waterproof, sheets of paper, 10”x15” – 10 cp

The same sheet of paper, but crafted with very unique oils (for use in crafting spell scrolls) – 100 cp

A ruined spell book - A book, 12”X12”x3”, with enough pages that aren’t ruined that a person could put to use – 50 cp (no sort of arcane writing can be put down, for the purpose of spell preparation or casting)

A simple Quill – free, or with a reinforced nib and wooden handled instead of a simple feather – 30 cp

A small clay pot filled with durable ink – 20 cp (the merchant will tell you that he would expect the ink to last a long time, not dry out, and there is enough to write at least two dozen simple letters, such as a love letter or a short report to a family elder)

A wooden tube, to hold rolled up parchment – 10 cp

The same wooden tube, with caps that seal it tight against water, and with a leather strap, so it can be slung under the shoulder – 40 cp

I hope that satisfies your needs.

Rownig and I think an awful lot alike in terms of supplies. I borrowed heavily from his list.

Hallister's List-

Backpack 300 CP
bedroll 50 CP
pouches/sacks heavy canvas(2) 20CP
rations (5days that can be stretched to 10) 25CP
waterskins (3) 75CP
whetsone (FREE), flint, steel 200CP
hammer/mallet 30CP
mirror, small 150CP
signal whistle 5CP
rope, Hemp 100FT - 100CP
grappling hook - 10CP
oil (5) pints - heavy duty 200CP
Blank Book (ruined spellbook) 50cp
Quill pen- 30cp
Ink 20cp

TOTAL SO FAR: 1265cp (126.5sp)

chalk FREE
stakes, wood FREE

Depending on everyone else's equipment and coinage remaining, I would add for the party...lattern, more oil, torches, can't go wrong with a crowbar, more stakes (I know they are Free but to divide them amonst the party)

all this math is hurting my head, and it looks like some of these totals are off. I'll crunch them all tomorrow.
There will be a closing post or two, last questions answered, and then an opening chapter one post.

Some of the unpriced items you mention can be found on the Campaign Info page. I'll get prices for most of the other goods. A few (10 or less) iron nails can be had for 2 copper. Blocks of hardwood you can have for free. Obviously ingots of rare metals are going to cost more than you can afford unless you are talking only a very small amount of copper. Nothing like a turkey baster (if you mean a bulb made out of rubber and a tube) has been invented yet, mostly turkey is basted with a spoon.

Sorry if my question hit a sore spot, I thought it would be good for one of us to document our journey so we had a complete record for the king and the knights.

I will also buy:
two weather treated tubes for parchment at 80cp
three reinforced quills for 90cp
one ruined spellbook for 50cp
100 sheets of parchment 1000cp
5 vials of ink at 100cp

total 1320cp (making total purchase for Mazrim 46sp 20 do)

Does the capitol or the king have any cartographers that may have a map of the area we plan to be going to that we could buy or copy?

Reading over your campaign info, I wanted to bring up some things that struck me-

I completely agree with you about the ridiculous of the standard Pathfinder economy.

That being said, I'm curious why all the extremely detailed and complex equipment/money stuff is necessary. I can see why you'd want to keep track of the costs of important equipment like weapons, armor and specialty items, but for most of the rest of it, can it be handwaved? Do we really need to keep track of the cost of mallets and twine?

We have about 100 sp each. Can we just spend 80 or 90 of it on important gear and say the rest is used up buying mundane stuff and consumables?

Mazrim excellent cartography question.

Hallister - excellent point, it just can get complicated when one kind of item seems like it is inconsequential, but really the DM has decided the whole party will die if they do not have six small jacks (just kidding)

I gotta say I'm with Hallister on this one. I really appreciate the more historically accurate nature of this campaign world, however I'm all for upping the handwaving factor a bit.