Pathfinder ACG #8-00: Cosmic Captive (Table 2) [TIER 1-3] (Inactive)

Game Master Hawkmoon269

Discussion happens here!

Hey all, very excited to give this a try. Been playing ACG for awhile both in home games and in OP here in San Diego, should be interesting seeing what it's like in play by post.

So looking over the sheet last night it was looking like maybe we might need a melee type person, but it looks like our final addition was Flenta, so that might not be as much of a priority now. I'm pretty flexible with what I play, so is there anything else we'd rather have? I know we have an off-divine in our Ranger, but possible straight up divine?

Not too sure what we might need, but Flenta seems 'fighty' enough. The scenarios I played so far seemed pretty tough, and we were happy at the time to have a cleric with healing capability.

If you were interested in playing a specific character, I have no problem switching to a divine caster.

Nope, nothing specific in mind. That's always my problem, too many characters to play, not enough time. Whittling it down is always the problem and I love divine characters so that's no issue. Mostly just wanted to see if there were any skills people thought we might be missing or additional healing that we wanted to bring along and I'd see if I could find something that would fit the bill.

Currently considering the healer witch Kasmir or the oracle Grazzle...or just sticking with my original pick of Zadim and assuming we'll have enough healing. So many choices.

Agreed! I'm just glad to get a little more use out of all the class decks I've got. :)

I haven't played a summoner yet, so I'm both interested in giving it a try, and a little nervous about it - looks like a completely different play-style than I'm used to. :)

My OP group in town has someone playing Zetha and she's been pretty awesome. I personally was thinking the one you have chosen, Alase, sounded very interesting, so I'm excited to see her in action.

Before I post my starting deck, can someone clarify something for me? Alase starts with 5 blessings, but there are only 4 Basic blessings in her deck. Does that mean I get to start with any B-deck blessing for my 5th blessing?

If there aren't enough B with the Basic trait, use B without the Basic trait to complete your deck.

Thanks, that's what I thought; I just hadn't run into that situation before.

So, once you each know who you are playing, go ahead and post that in the Gameplay thread, along with a list of the cards in your deck. We aren't starting until June 9, so no need to shuffle and draw starting hands or anything like that.

I would recommend that a day or two before the 9th we decide on the turn order and have everyone's starting hands drawn so we are ready to rock on the 9th.

Sounds good. Did you or Tyler mention a Google Spreadsheet to keep track of our hand and deck?

Also, by the time that we decide on turn order, it might be good to check on everyone's time zones. It would be a shame if I were wedged in between two people who are most active during the hours that I am sleeping, for instance.

Yes. I will be sending you each a private message with a link to it. I've made a unique copy for each of you. You can save a copy to your own Google Drive if you want.

And yeah, good point about the turn order. We don't have to make it random (unless a scenario tells us to), so if we decide that our active times would make a certain order best, we can go with that order.

Ok. You should have all gotten a link to a Google Spreadsheet. The links should be unique copies just for you. You can save a copy to your own Google Drive or just use the copy in my drive.

You don't have to use the spreadsheet. If you would prefer to use some other method, feel free to do so.

You can simply use your physical cards to manage your character. If you do use physical cards, you'll need a way to add cards you acquire.

One option is to get the real card from the box. We'll mostly be using Rise of the Runelords cards for the box (and I think all the boons come from RotR).

Another option if you sleeve is to have card size blank slips of paper, write down the name of the card you acquire, slip it over another card you aren't using and put it in your hand.

The spreadsheet doesn't tell you the powers of the cards. Just their names and where they are (hand, discard, buried, displayed, etc). I'm not super familiar with it as I've used either the physical sleeve method or a database project I'm working on that isn't quite ready for prime time. But, I think you enter your card names on the second tab. Each card needs a unique name, so if you have two copies of a card, call them "Cure" and "Cure 2". After you start playing, don't look at that second tab. Just use the first tab. Type the name of the card it shows in the "draw" box into the hand column and a new name will appear in the draw box. You just basically delete and type names in the appropriate columns and it pre-calculates a new draw card and a random discard pile card.

I'll ask Tyler if there is anything else you should know about it.

Alright, think I've settled on the witch Raheli after much debating. I think she should be pretty good at handling barriers and allows me to play with Items which will be new. I'm going to take a cure for one of my spells but will probably pass it off to our ranger when it comes up.

I debated Kasmir for awhile, but he is just too focused on healing, and the divine cohort Flesh Poppet was creeping me out too much, just couldn't do it. So hopefully passing the cure will be enough to keep us all up and running.

I'll post the decklist/character when I get a chance to play with the sheet a bit.

[...] a database project I'm working on that isn't quite ready for prime time. [...]

Hmm.. that might make for an interesting project to play around with this weekend :)

I've been fiddling around with the spreadsheet for a while. There's two things that I don't really grok:
- Is it intended that I always see what my next draw would be? Essentially, that would be like playing with the top card of my deck open.
- The way I played around with it, it seems like recharged cards don't go to the bottom properly. They are always randomized back into the deck. This is probably an error on my part, but some extra instruction here would be helpful.

I noticed that about the draw too. I was able to make a couple of buttons that would change the text color so I could hide it when I didn't want to see it, and that seems to work ok.

I didn't notice the recharge issue though. That would be really nice for Alase who gets to recharge blessings most of the time. :) But if that doesn't work properly, I'll have to find a different way to track my deck.

CMB will say more about the recharge when he gives us some instructions. I think the recharge list is supposed to be kept there until you shuffle your deck. It is what keeps you from mixing the recharged cards back in with the rest of the deck. But he can explain more.

I actually might get this database finished this weekend. We shall see.

Ok. Is anyone familiar enough with MS Access that they want to try this out? And I'm not saying try it out during the event (at least not yet). I'm saying try it out now. Try setting up your character, putting together your deck, then just move some cards around (recharge, draw, discard, display, etc) and let me know how it works.

Sure, I'd love to!

I'm willing to give it a try as well. I'm pretty new to MS Access, so may have some questions once I get in there.

It's been a while since I worked with access, but that should sort itself out. I'm game for trying it out.

k. Private messages sent with a link. Any feedback you have would be greatly appreciated.

Could it be that I didn't receive the private message with the Access file yet?

Messages were acting buggy when I sent them. It is possible that one didn't actually happen. I will send it now.

Ok. I just updated the file. I fixed a bug with characters and I also introduced a method for saving your character deck as well as backing up and importing the data for cards, characters, and saved decks. That way each time I make an update you can save your data outside of the database, then import it back in to the new database.

Same link as before. If you want to save the data you've already created, press F11 to see the tables. Then do the following:

Right click on the Cards table. Choose Export > XML File. Pick a convenient location. Click OK a few times, then click close.

Repeat that for Characters as well.

In the new version, use the Backup and Restore menu to import those files.

Be advised the import is a re-write. It doesn't just add to your data, it replaces it. Also, the way identification works, if you mixed data files created at different times you'll get some wonky stuff. So approach it as all or nothing. Either export and import all 3 files, or don't do any of them.

Excellent, I'll give it a try tonight!

While I'm posting, I know a while back turn order was brought up and someone mentioned time zones. Figured I'd mention I'm in Pacific and should be able to keep an eye on the board between 7a-9p (Pacific) once we start this up.

Turn order is one thing we do need to nail down prior to the start. Leaun Arduz and Iff are both in the Netherlands. I think MorkXII and Rhynn Davrie are both in the US. If everyone can share their time zone and when you are most likely to be able to be active, we can use that to set a preference for turn order.

Close! Canada, EST. Most days I should be active between 6 AM and 8 PM.

Ok. I just updated the file. I fixed a bug with characters and I also introduced a method for saving your character deck as well as backing up and importing the data for cards, characters, and saved decks...

Alright, haven't done a lot of testing, but I can't seem to get the character_saved_deck to pull into the deck table. All three appear to be uploading correctly, it just doesn't populate from the character_save_deck to the deck. Also since the cards were previously in a deck, I have to go into the card table and delete the deck status in order to add them back to hand to build a deck.

'doh. Yeah, I should have thought about that with the cards in play. I'll have to make it clear all the "active" tables when you load files.

And I think I just realized I don't have a way to restore a character's deck.

I can probably get to both of those today.

Ok. That wasn't too bad. Maybe that's not a good sign though. Files updated. For now, just be sure to load your character again when you import files. There is a Save/Load button on the "Play" form. Load will clear out all the various card location tables and then reload the active character's saved deck.

Hey all. So, we are just more than a week out. I hope everyone is getting ready for the start on June 9th.

I'm suggesting this turn order unless anyone sees a reason to change it:

MorkXII (EDT UTC-4)
Rhynn Davrie (PDT UTC-7)
Leaun Arduz (CEST UTC+2)
Iff (CEST UTC+2)

That is based on the expecation you'd mostly likely be active sometime between 9 a.m and 9 p.m. in your local time zone. If that isn't true, we can adjust it. I started with the same time zone as me (EDT) so that when we first start we can get running right away.

There also maybe scenarios that don't let us choose our own order or something, so in those cases we'll follow the scenario rules.

Sound good? Is everyone feeling good about being ready on the 9th?

Hawkmoon, it's been a busy week, but I had some time to fiddle with the Access app. It looks really clean. The only thing that stumped me, is how to create a deck for a character. I have the character entered, and the 16 cards that comprise my deck. But how do I tell the database that those cards are in that character's deck? When I go to the 'Play' menu and try to draw a hand, it says there are no cards in my deck...

--

Turn order looks fine. If all else fails, I'll use a manual means of keeping track of my deck.

You need to add the cards to your character by by adding them to your hand. Basically, the "Manage Cards" form lets you put cards in the "box". Once they are in the "box" you can put them in your hand by clicking "Add Card to Hand" in the Play form. You'll need to put the 16 cards into your hand, then recharge them all, then shuffle your deck and draw your starting hand.

Make sense?

Thanks. That works like a charm. I've fiddled around with it. Looks great, will be a very useful tool. :D

I'm ready to go!

I couldn't help myself, and ended up designing my own character/deck tracker application. It was a fun project to work on - some different challenges than my usual work. It still needs a bit of cleanup and bug fixes, but it will be functional enough to use, I think.

Character:

Skills

STRENGTH d6
DEXTERITY d6
CONSTITUTION d6
INTELLIGENCE d6
WISDOM d8
Perception +2
Survival +2
CHARISMA d10
Arcane +2

Powers
HAND SIZE 6 (max. 7)
After you play a spell that has the Attack trait, bury it.
At the start or end of your turn, you may examine the top card of the cohort Tonbarse’s location, then (☐ you may) shuffle that deck, then draw Tonbarse.
When you play a blessing (☐ or a spell or an ally) on a check by a character at Tonbarse’s location, you may recharge it (☐ or shuffle it into your deck) instead of discarding it.

Hand: Amulet Of Life, Blessing Of The Gods, Blessing Of The Gods, Create Pit, Enchanted Fang, Tonbarse, Troubadour
Deck: 9 Discard: 0 Buried: 0

(Screenshot)

I'm suggesting this turn order unless anyone sees a reason to change it:

MorkXII (EDT UTC-4)
Rhynn Davrie (PDT UTC-7)
Leaun Arduz (CEST UTC+2)
Iff (CEST UTC+2)

Sound good? Is everyone feeling good about being ready on the 9th?

Turn order looks good to me. Hawkmoon's Access database works great for me at home, still having issues at work, but I can always resort to physical cards there. So I think I'm ready to roll.

Is there an easy way to set up notifications for updates to this thread or the gameplay thread?

If you use an RSS reader, there is a link at the top of this thread and the gameplay thread that you can use to get notifications.

Also, if you to this link https://secure.paizo.com/paizo/messageboards you'll see a tab for "My Campaigns" next to the "Messageboards" tab. If you click that tab, you'll see the active campaigns you are in (which might be just this one). The discussion thread and campaign thread will each show when there are new posts there just like in other subforums.

Not sure if you knew that already or not.

Ok. I sent everyone a private message. Nothing amazing in it, just sharing some details and what not.

I'm really excited to get this started. I've got the first post all ready to go. Can't wait until the 9th.

It looks like I will actually maybe be able posting the scenario rules, locations, and villain/henchmen info later today. That will give you guys all day today and tomorrow to pick your locations and discuss strategy before we start.

Ok. The first "scenario" post is in the Gameplay thread. The adventure specifically says not to reveal to you all any details about the henchmen and villains of the scenarios, so you'll just have to be pleasantly surprised by that.

Between now and UTC: 6/10/17 3:59 AM (EDT: 6/9/17 11:59 PM PDT: 6/9/17 8:59 PM CEST: 6/10/17 5:59 AM)
Please discuss strategy and decide your starting locations.

Sometime on Friday GM HMM (the Overseer GM for the special) will post an announcement in our Gameplay thread announcing the official start of Part I.

Actual play will start Saturday. I will post the scenario status post (this time with cards listed under the locations) as soon as I can,based on when GM HMM officially opens Part II. If that is at the stroke of midnight EDT, I can probably post it then. Otherwise it will have to wait until I wake up Saturday morning. The good thing for all of you is I have 4 kids so sleeping in on Saturdays isn't a thing.

Also, as you can see above I'll try to be mindful of timezone conversions when I give any times. I'm not too familiar with time conventions outside of the US. Can you let me know if you'd prefer a 24 hour time (23:59) or a 12 hour time (11:59 PM). I can accommodate each of you individually.

Lastly, feel free to roleplay as much as you are comfortable with. i know some card game players roleplay, and some don't do what works best for you.

Either way with the roleplaying, is is pretty good to also narrate your turn. So statements like "I'll discard a Blessing of the Gods to explore again" and such are helpful. In a minute I'll post some sample posts in the discussion thread here. You can adapt them as you want, they are only suggestions.

This example turn picks up in the middle of a scenario. We'll pretend I'm playing RotR Sajan (he's the best after all). As way of background, at the end of my previous turn this was my hand:

Skills and Powers:

Skills

STRENGTH d6
DEXTERITY d10+2
-ACROBATICS: DEXTERITY +2
CONSTITUTION d6
-FORTITUDE: CONSTITUTION +2
INTELLIGENCE d6
WISDOM d8
CHARISMA d6

Powers
HAND SIZE 5
For your combat check, you may use your Dexterity skill (☑ you may add the Magic trait) (☐ and/or the Fire trait); you may not play a weapon on the check.
You may play any number of blessings on your combat check; recharge them instead of discarding them.

Hand: Crowbar, Potion of Healing, Crow, Blessing of the Gods, Blessing of the Gods
Deck: 8 Discard: 2 Buried: 0 Displayed: 0
Notes: Anyone can use one of my Blessing of the Gods if they need it, but leave one of them for me.

And we'll pretend that someone did take me up on my offer of a blessing. When your cards get used "off turn" like that, you can post a quick update if you happen to have time before your turn, or you can just acknowledge you noticed it at the start of your turn. So, my sample turn starts now:

Dexterity 9: 1d10 + 2 + 2d10 ⇒ (7) + 2 + (8, 1) = 18

Defeated! Let's see if I can recharge that Crowbar.

Strength 3: 1d6 ⇒ 1

No luck. I'll need Random Weapons: 1d4 ⇒ 1 from our super awesome GM.

Odds are that weapon won't help me much, so I'll continue without knowing what it is for now. I'll use my Crow to explore.

Next card is...a Zombie. I'll use my blessing to help defeat him. Also, Mike has a Blessing of Erastil he said someone can use, so I'll use it.

Combat 9: 1d10 + 2 + 1d10 + 2d10 ⇒ (6) + 2 + (3) + (7, 2) = 20

Defeated. All that is left in my hand is that random weapon and a Potion of Healing. I've got 5 in my discard, so I'll go ahead and use that Potion of Healing.

Potion of Healing: 1d4 ⇒ 4

Sweet. Can't beat that. I'll end my turn there. I'm going to go ahead and discard that weapon, whatever it ends up being.

Skills and Powers:

Skills

STRENGTH d6
DEXTERITY d10+2
-ACROBATICS: DEXTERITY +2
CONSTITUTION d6
-FORTITUDE: CONSTITUTION +2
INTELLIGENCE d6
WISDOM d8
CHARISMA d6

Powers
HAND SIZE 5
For your combat check, you may use your Dexterity skill (☑ you may add the Magic trait) (☐ and/or the Fire trait); you may not play a weapon on the check.
You may play any number of blessings on your combat check; recharge them instead of discarding them.

Hand: Caltrops, Burglar, Standard Bearer, Blessing of the Gods, Blessing of the Gods
Deck: 8 Discard: 2 Buried: 0 Displayed: 0
Notes: Use 1 of my 2 BotGs if you need it.

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That is the basics. You can add in roleplaying if you want.

On the occasion that you need to shuffle a deck in the middle of a turn, just use a roll to determine the cards. So, if the deck had 7 cards and you evaded a monster then explored again, you'd just do this:

Random Card of 7: 1d7 ⇒ 7

And then open the spoiler for that card.

If the deck had 7, but you'd acquired a card, then evaded a monster, just adjust the roll. So this would work, since you'd acquired card 1:

Random Card: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

But this would work too:

Random Card, skipping card 1: 1d6 ⇒ 1

There will be times you'll just have to wait for the GM. Usually that will be when you need a random card or when cards need to be added to locations. I'll do my best to check the thread as much as I can to accommodate that.

Remember, this is a suggestion, do what works best for you. I'd strongly encourage the following though:

Bold another character's/player's name if you end up impacting their resources. i.e. if you use one of their cards, if they are at your location and all characters at your location have to summon and encounter a Zombie, etc.

Share your tentative plans for the future. For example, if you are close to closing your location because it will be empty of cards in a turn or two, state where you might go next. That way if someone else also moves locations, they can factor in your preference if it is strategic to do so.

Let others know what resources/cards of yours they can use. And be clear. It can be tricky. If Lem had 2 blessings in a 5 card hand, you might say something like this: "If you are at my location, you can use my power to add to your check. And I'm also ok with someone using one of my blessings. But over all, don't use up more than 2 of my cards."

Also, despite what others have said about their willingness to let you use their resources, if you think it would be best to have them reconsider, pause and ask them that. For instance, in our Lem example above if the group had already used 2 of Lem's cards but he still had one Blessing and someone else encountered a villain. If someone needed help closing a location, it might be best for Lem to let someone use that blessing. So don't attempt to close the location until you've asked Lem and gotten a response. He might think it valuable enough to give up that third card.

Above all, be ok with how others manage their characters. They might not play the way you would. But that is ok. We can still have fun and be successful.

If you have any questions about how to post, please ask.

Thanks for the example posts again, Hawkmoon. Really helpful. :)

I just use the campaign link in my personal paizo page.

(this is a dot)

Probably a random question here that I should know the answer for, but for dice rolls, does the preview option show what the result of the roll will be or do you need to post prior to the actual roll occurring?

Assuming you have to post, do you just post after every check, see what the check results in, and then edit the post until you finish the turn? Well I can probably figure this out myself...just ignore this post, going to do a bit of testing. =)

-----
Electrical damage test: 1d4 ⇒ 4
That is giving me a 4 during preview so that would be no electrical damage this hypothetical turn, assuming preview works.

Testing an attack, with an item recharge: 1d10 + 1d8 + 1d4 ⇒ (9) + (7) + (2) = 18
Result of 18 is pretty impressive...going to be sad I wasted that on a test. =)

Now let's see if that sticks when I post.
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Looks like the preview does show what the post will be, good to know.

Sorry about that...thought it might be helpful to know before we start this.