Copy that. Logging in several times a day here.
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I came across this under the combat section. It may be useful at times but it may be tough to decide to give up an attack for the benefit. I guess this would be good in a situation if an opponent has a high DC and you want to give a PC a higher AB or if the only player who can hit has a lousy AC and you want to keep them on their feet. It says that bonuses from other players would stack.
Aid Another
In melee combat, you can help a friend attack or defend by distracting or interfering with an opponent. If you're in position to make a melee attack on an opponent that is engaging a friend in melee combat, you can attempt to aid your friend as a standard action. You make an attack roll against AC 10. If you succeed, your friend gains either a +2 bonus on his next attack roll against that opponent or a +2 bonus to AC against that opponent's next attack (your choice), as long as that attack comes before the beginning of your next turn. Multiple characters can aid the same friend, and similar bonuses stack.
You can also use this standard action to help a friend in other ways, such as when he is affected by a spell, or to assist another character's skill check.
My only question about this is the AC 10. It makes it sound like no modifiers are applied to the defender's AC. As long as you can reach the target with a melee weapon their AC only counts as 10 since no damage is being applied. Is that correct? I am curious just in case I find myself wanting to use such an action in the future.
The PRD defines AC:
Armor Class
Your Armor Class (AC) represents how hard it is for opponents to land a solid, damaging blow on you. It's the attack roll result that an opponent needs to achieve to hit you. Your AC is equal to the following:
10 + armor bonus + shield bonus + Dexterity modifier + other modifiers
The DC sounds like it's because you're harrying, it doesn't matter if you actually hit the opponent so long as you can harass it. Like a swarm of gnats.
Or at least that is how I interpret it.
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I was thinking something very similar. I just wanted to be sure that no dex, size, cover or other modifier would get factored in for the attack. If the 10 is a static number then the option could be very handy in certain situations. If we were against an opponent with such a high AC that most of us needed 20's to hit it, then it would be beneficial to use the aid another to give one or two people multiple +2 AB to their attacks. We could give a total of +12 to one PC. This would be even better if it could be used for a Combat Maneuver. If we used those bonuses for one player to successfully knock a creature prone then we could use that as major advantage on the next round of attacks. I think there would be attacks of opportunity if such a creature tried to stand.
You are correct copmc, in order to aid another in combat, all one must do is hit AC 10. The person forgoes their attack and allows the primary attacker to gain one of the listed benefits for his next action/round.
Sorry it took me so long to post folks, my work day kind of went off the rails. I would like to get this combat in the books tonight and I do think we can accomplish this. I will be checking regularly from here on out.
But that's melee only, correct?
((And would you, perchance, be thinking of a certain minotaur encounter in a noob instance? 'Cause not everyone can party with such an epic axeman and would need every trick in the book.))
Yes, I believe that only applies to melee.
Domo.
Ok folks, thats about all I can do for tonight. We are just about done. Feel free to post your thoughts on what to do with your gathered information and what, if anything you share with Thalia. The event organizer is sending out an email tomorrow to give us direction on reporting. I plan on reporting the event likely by midday, and will take any and all PC interaction in consideration as to the final report as well as final outcome. Do not roll for boons. Per event coordinator, I need to do that in one post and I will do so prior to reporting. Thanks for keeping up with the pace today guys. I wanted to make sure we got this one in under the wire. Next game will be back to a more normal pace.
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Is it just me or does every adventure have you feel like we are doing the wrong thing even if it turns out to be the right one?
Maybe it is the way the scenarios are written but I often feel the information we uncover doesn't always jive with the actions that are taken. Maybe I need to take a new approach. If everything I think is right is wrong, then everything I think is wrong must be right.
You know, you're not alone.
Alright folks, good job and thanks again for keeping up with the quickened pace. Good session. As for our next board, I have a few options to choose from. I am going to get this scenario reported and work on getting the chronicle sheets out as soon as possible. After that, I will post some stuff to choose from. If anyone has any questions, please feel free to post them here.
Oh, I think Paizo is giving the PbP Gameday some product support so they my be giving away some random stuff to con participants. I will let you know if I find out more details on this.
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Congrats on picking up a boon El/btrhoads. We seem to have some luck, as a group, with gaining a boon. Is it always a 1 or 20 to win a boon or do the numbers change for each event?
Thanks Brew for running another interesting game. Are there any mods that allow for a journey by foot and the scenario unfolds during that journey? It may allow for other players to dust off some skills they don't get to use very often. Anything with zombies is also fun.
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oh, forgot to mention one thing. On page 38 of Tarek's Guide To Being Fabulous, it mentions that spending 5 fabulous points allows for a boon reroll. I think he has earned at least 20 points by now and has only spent 10 to increase his fabulous rating to fantabulous. :-)
I do have a more serious question. Is Tarek eligible to get a shining wayfinder? He has the fame and prestige, just not sure if it is allowed to be earned.
I do have a more serious question. Is Tarek eligible to get a shining wayfinder? He has the fame and prestige, just not sure if it is allowed to be earned.
Yes. Tarek may spend the 5 PP to acquire the Shining Wayfinder. PP may be spent at anytime. Do keep in mind that 5 PP is a pretty steep cost. 5 PP represents about three sessions, or one whole level, of effort to accrue. To pull the trigger on a PP purchase, just post in discussion and I will add it to chronicle sheet.
As far as next scenario, I do have a few things ready to go, but I am always open to suggestions. If any of you see a scenario or module you want to run, let me know and I would be happy to look into it. I do have somewhat of an idea on how to steer the campaign, but we can certainly deviate if anyone spies something they would really like to run.
I will posting more on what to run next later tonight after I get the Chronicles ready to send out.
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What can you spend PP on? I thought I found a table that explained it, but I think it was for standard Pathfinder and not organized play.
I think it says I need 5 fame and 2 prestige. Tarek currently has 5 in each, not counting anything from this scenario.
Tarek will approach the faction house of the Shining Crusade upon returning to Absalom. He will report his deeds and inquire if he is worthy to receive a shining wayfinder. He will respectfully accept the gift.
You may deduct 2 PP for the selection of the item.
Yes, there is a list in the Guide to Organized Play. PP may be spent on rewards from your faction and for things called vanities. Vanities that are legal for purchase are listed in the Pathfinder Society Field Guide and Pathfinder Society Primer. Eloriand purchased the Hunting Lodge vanity, by way of example.
I will note the purchase on your Chronicle.
Almost forgot, please post your day job rolls here so I may add them to your chronicle.
Chronicle Sheets are complete. I posted the link on the Obsidian Portal campaign site. Please copy and paste the link address into your browser which should grant you access to the folder and you may download your chronicle from there. Eloriand, just need a day job check and I will post your sheet there. Sylorin, you leveled (wooT!), so PM me with your choices for next level. Also, let me know if you have any questions about leveling.
Now, for our next adventure. The party is getting close to moving into the next tier (3-5) which is a good thing as the bad guys will be more of a challenge AND the rewards are greater. Problem is that in order for group to participate, all party members must be third level. Currently, we have two party members (Sy and Tarek) who are a little behind the rest of the group. There are two ways to rectify this. First, the rest of the party can start to progress on the slow track until everyone is caught up. The downside is that as we are playing pbp only advancement is already ponderously slow. Taking the slow track allows PCs to earn half xp and half gold for the scenario. Once Tarek and Sy catch up, you can all go back to normal track.
Option 2 would be for me to run a few scenarios where everyone plays alts except for Tarek and Sy. I do have one scenario I am set to run as an alt to allow Sy and Tarek to catch up. The rest of you would play either an alternate character or a pre gen if you did not feel like rolling up a side character. A scenario with alts would give everyone a chance to play something different for a session and have another character in PFS. The scenario I would run is another evergreen scenario, meaning it is replayable with other 1st level characters so we would not be burning a scenario on alts. One of my future ambitions is to possibly run one of the so called mega modules (like a mini campaign path) that is PFS compatible in "campaign mode", where we would play characters through the campaign to its conclusion. Once complete, everyone would get 4 chronicles to apply to a character of their choosing. If I eventually get that up an running, we could potentially use the alts in that mini campaign.
Just a thought, as I would like to move the party into the next tier as soon as possible because I think it would be more challenging and your rewards will be more significant.
Alternatively, I have two normal scenarios basically prepped so we could just fire up the next scenario as normal. As I mentioned earlier, I am also open to running anything people want to play. If anyone sees a scenario or PFS compatible module out there they would like to play, just let me know an I will run it. My goal is to deliver the best possible PFS gaming experience for you guys (and gal) and am willing to run stuff by request.
In any event, let me know your thoughts. I will be away this weekend so the next session will likely start next week sometime. Also, feel free to let me know how things are going in the campaign so far. I would like to know whats working, what's not working and things we could be doing differently.
Good session folks, on to our next adventure.
oh, forgot to mention one thing. On page 38 of Tarek's Guide To Being Fabulous, it mentions that spending 5 fabulous points allows for a boon reroll. I think he has earned at least 20 points by now and has only spent 10 to increase his fabulous rating to fantabulous. :-)
Is that with the sparkly pants modifier?
Option 2 would be for me to run a few scenarios where everyone plays alts except for Tarek and Sy.
I'm good to go for an alt run. The way things seem to go, it would be good to get Kinzu grandfathered in before something about her becomes invalid.
would the alt run, run simultaneously with the primary characters?
That seems like some extra work for you but a lot of fun for all of us.Another thought is, I could potentially run the alt campaign and give you a shot of "just" playing.
I would love to play in a game and gladly participate if you were to run something, but to run the normal game simultaneous to the alt game would not allow Tarek and Sy to catch up xp wise to the rest of the party. The choice would be to run a one-shot alt game to allow Tarek and Sy to catch up then switch back to normal campaign or to just forge ahead and kick the gap issue down the road. I will have to figure a way for Sy to earn 1 additional xp, and I actually think i know a way to that, but first thing would be to get Tarek caught up with the main force so to speak.
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Whatever everyone decides is fine with me. I don't have an issue with everyone having a few xp on Tarek. I guess we need to play 3 adventures to get everyone up to 3rd no matter what, unless Brew can get Sylorin an extra xp and make it 2 sessions.
How much of an issue will the level difference make in the future after we reach the next tier?
We are gaining about 3 levels per year. It looks as if it would take 3-4 years before our characters are at max level. It may be beneficial for players to get as much xp, gold and items as possible now. I am uncertain of where we will be in a year from now when it comes to PFS play.
I am happy with plugging along as we are now. Since I will be playing Tarek regardless of what everyone decides, the choice really is up to the other players.
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I think the concern is that once we hit level 3, its not like a regualr paper and pencil table game where we can all still advernture on. If I understand things correctly, in order for us to all play together, we need to all be at level 3 by PFS rules.
Is that correct Brew?
If that is the case, I am happy to do a run with a alt. I have two alt PCs ready to go. A fighter and a Sorcerer. I know....surprising...don't anyone pass out now on me.
How much of an issue will the level difference make in the future after we reach the next tier?
Things start perking up around level three. It allows the party to play the tier 1-5 scenarios on the "harder" mode with tougher opponents and higher rewards. Level 3 also allows the party to start playing tier 3-7 scenarios which are in turn more difficult with again better payouts. Where the level gap becomes significant is when most of the party is level 3. In order to play in the 3-7 tier, or I think play out of sub tier 1-2 on 1-5s (I will double check this in the guide), everyone in the party needs to be at least level 3. I will look up the rule later. My desire is to get you guys running in 3-5 as soon as possible as I think the opponents will be more challenging to the party due to its size.
Again, certainly not mandatory but we are getting close to where the gap may become an issue so I thought I would throw it out there to see what you guys think.
Just to put it out there in blunt terms, those who started at the first scenario will hit level 3 after the next one.
And FYI, as she is, Kinzu is pretty useless unless you need something translated so she'll need a meatshield or two.
Another one of my long term goals to try and run a few of these scenarios on Roll20. The scenarios are designed to be completed under 4 hours. I think the main hurdle would be setting up a time that is convenient for everyone.
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If we want to all become 3rd level, at around the same time, you are saying these could be our options?
Option One
Play as we are until Sylorin gets 3 xp then play the next tier.
Option Two
Caoilte, Isador, Eloriand, Kat and Havelockk play the next two scenarios at 1/2 xp
Tarek plays the next two scenarios at full xp
This should get Tarek, Caoilte,Isador, Eloriand, Kat and Havelockk all 3rd level at the same time
Sylorin plays the next 3 scenarios at full xp and either the GM could work his magic to get him an extra XP or the remaining group plays alts with Sylorin for his last xp.
Option Three
Caoilte, Isador, Eloriand, Kat and Havelockk all play alts at full xp for two scenarios and one scenario as their regular characters.
Tarek plays 2 scenarios as himself at full xp and then one scenario as an alt
Sylorin plays in all 3 scenarios with no alts for full xp.
Leaving things as they are will cause an issue each time we want to increase the tier we are playing because of the level difference.
Playing alts dumps time and money into characters that may never be played again but can be used if GM decides to play a campaign with alts.
Playing at 1/2 xp means less rewards, but allows for those characters to at least receive some benefit they can continue using or apply to their main character.
Is this the general idea for what we need to decide?
It will take 3 more adventures to be able to play the next tier no matter what option we select. We just need to decide how we want to do it.
I think play at 1/2 xp may be the best option and I vote for option 2. I am uncertain if Brew was saying we can select different xp rewards for the same scenarios. If so, then this should work. If we do make alts it will be for only 1 xp. If the GM decides to run an alt campaign then Sylorin can make an alt and only be one xp behind. If we don't, then an alt campaign will have the same drawbacks with the level disparities we are having now. Just my thoughts.
El, your chronicle is now complete and should be available for download. The link is on the obsidian portal site. Let me know if you need me to send it to you.
With sadness, I must report that Sylorin, faithful servant of Shelyn, has been recalled for duties at their main cathedral in Absalom. Wags indicated that he needs to bow out for the time being due to IRL concerns. Wags, thanks for playing and you are welcome back should your time free up in the future. Sy and his healing powers will be missed.
That being said, we are now left to deal with only Tarek's 1 level gap. As such, I see our options as a choice between three:
1. Just continue on the main campaign and ignore the gap. This choice would delay the party's availability to enter the higher tiers but only by one game. Not ideal but certainly doable.
2. Do an alt campaign one shot with a tier 1-2 replayable scenario. This would eliminate the gap once and for all and everyone would be playing at the same level thereafter. I know Kat would like to level an alt to lock in her alt race choice should the campaign ban them again. Anyone would have the option to play a pre generated character if they do not want to roll an alt. If anyone would like to roll an alt, I would be glad to help as always.
3. Play a live game for the alt one shot! We could try to run a game on roll20. It would be a good chance to try out the software and see how the game goes. We would need to block off about four hours. This would kill Tarek's level gap and not be too time consuming. With this option, we would be able to start the next PbP regular campaign fairly soon.
The slow track option, now that there is only a one session gap, is now less of an option as it would then just place the rest of the party at a half an xp deficit. In any event, this is how how I see the next choice. Let me know what you guys think.
Thanks Brew. :-)
As far as the XP thing goes, whatever the crowd decides is fine with me.
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No matter what we decide, don't we need to play 2 scenarios before we can play the next tier?
I know Tarek is one xp below the group and 2 xp from level 3 but isn't everyone ekse 1 xp from level 3?
Would that not give everyone the option of taking an alt for 1 scenario and current PC for 1 scenario at full xp or playing at 1/2 xp for 2 scenarios with current characters?
Not trying to complicate things but we could move on to the next adventure and each person could inform the GM which they prefer to do.
I don't think our choices would change what scenario we play.
You bring up a good point. Tarek's level gap is only one, so we can make that up after next scenario. How about we go forward with the normal campaign for the next scenario and table the alt game until after the next game. Sound good?
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That sounds reasonable to me. That should give everyone plenty of time to decide what to do for the next campaign.
It seems like the best scenario is just have GM Brew tell us what is the best method for getting everything worked out. I don't know how the 4 hour time slot on d20 will work for everyone, but if you really want to give it a go then we can give a vote. I know Saturday mornings, Friday evenings, most Thursday evenings and Sundays are out for me. If we wanted to do an evening session then Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays are the best.
*dies laughing @ copmc*
I'm fine with continuing with the main campaign then running an alt. Just so long as I can grandfather the race choice in soon-ish, I'll be fine.
As for the roll20, pretty much any time my family isn't scheduled for a visit is fine. I don't think they'll be back until the end of Feb right now and they're back approximately every 3-4 weeks; usually on Sat-Mon.
Just a warning. If whatever medium we use doesn't have push-to-talk, expect to hear a lot of "Damnit Shades!" and "Good Lord, boy!" And coughing if we somehow manage to run it soon enough that I'm still sick.
Alright, sounds like we are going to forge ahead with the main campaign. We have a lot of options to make up Tarek's gap, but is sounds like everyone wants to continue on with the game. I am still prepping the next scenario and should have it squared away and ready to post by the weekend. In the meantime, feel free to head on over to Obsidian Portal and post IC stuff if you feel the need to stretch your RP legs until I get the board up.
As far as how to make up the gap, I think a roll20 game may be the best way if we can figure out a time. I want to try to run a game there and that way we would not have to disrupt the main campaign at all. I would only need four people to run it, or three if I ran a pregen character. Let me see if I can get it set up, then we can talk about a time to run it.
Brew, what's it look like for getting a magic weapon or armor? Is this something only available in game, that is, as a result of questing or can it be bought?
Upgrading gear takes essentially two things, gold and high enough fame. The method of upgrading gear is found in the Guide to Organized Play, but basically +1 items are deemed always available, and cost is weapon value + masterwork (300 for weapons, 150 for armor or shields) + enchant bonus (2000 for weapons, 1000 for armor and shields). As you gain fame, you may also upgrade the weapons by paying difference between cost and next upgrade. You may also purchase items off chronicle sheets at any time. Basically, if you want something, just let me know an I will tell you how to acquire it in game if possible.
You may also find these forum threads informative:
Well, we did not hit the jackpot. No one from the group won a paizo prize for the con. While no one received a prize this time around, it is awesome of Paizo to support the PbP Gameday cons with prizes. I plan to run a game for you guys for every official gameday. If anyone would like to see what Paizo was giving out, you can check out the thread here.