Revenge in Three Parts (Inactive)

Game Master ithuriel

The beginning of our ooc thread...

Regarding the 1000 vs 2000 office cost... ask yourselves if you want to be in a middle class district or upper class. Because that's the difference between those two. For example 1000 each gives you a 6000 business fund. That places you in a very nice and spacious business front in a middle class district(where you could each potentially have an office if you want)- or a smaller (shared space) more out of the way office in a much nicer district.

2000 each (for 12,000 total) places you firmly in an upper class district. It won't be the nicest of the nice, but it will be very respectable and in a prominent area. Individual space will be no problem here.

I vote 2000gp. I'd also like to add that being in the upper class district is a signal to all and sundry that we are very successful.

I'm happy to put in 2000gp. If people want to put in less, then they just own less of the business and take less of any profits... not a problem.

I am still fine putting my 2000 in as well.

Phia>>

Meet Durel ir'Winthorpe.

I believe I'm finished. I'll also chip in 2000 gp for the agency.

Later

I'll also throw in the 2000gp if that's the route we want to go. Hopefully inspiration will strike me and I can throw out some other suggestions for an agency name but I've got a fair amount of work to plow through tonight.

Ithuriel, I'll go for that ferocity suggestion - you're happy for me to have that ability while lawfully aligned? Likely to be used only when someone he is guarding is at risk.

I'll get skills, description, and contacts written up this weekend.

Re name, we could always go for a nondescript name like "Vale, ir'Winthorpe, Phia, and Partners". Or obscure, like "Blackstone Associates", or "The Seven Trees Group". Or obvious, like "Sharn Inquisitive Agency".

Ithuriel, I'll go for that ferocity suggestion - you're happy for me to have that ability while lawfully aligned? Likely to be used only when someone he is guarding is at risk.

Yes I'm fine with that. Generally I don't agree with the idea that you would be unable to access one of your class features with no replacement because of an alignment shift. Paladins are an exception of course, but it is story driven for them. Alignment also happens to be much less restrictive in Eberron. Clerics can become corrupt and stray from their deity's alignment without losing access to their domains or granted spells. A silver dragon is not necessarily going to be good aligned.

That said- you'll still be unable to advance as a barbarian due to the lawful alignment. Your new fighting style and method of training has overtaken the old one, but doesn't prevent you from falling back on the old style when you need to. The ferocity variant seems to allow you to keep your wits about you to some degree so I can see you retaining it and integrating it more than the standard rage. And you can only manage it once per day which seems fair to me. You can break the one time per day limit by using Action Points. It costs 2 points to do so but you only have 7 until you hit the next level and there are other uses for them.

I'll put the uses for action points up in my dm alias for reference. We'll use the Eberron core action points- not the srd version.

Monday seems like a good time to start as many people aren't on as much over the weekend.

Friday night where I am. I'll post my character's background once I've pulled out all the books from storage.

First choices made...

skills, equipment, made items (that is the most difficult choice), backstory, personality... TBD

You all surprised me with the level of resources you were willing to sink into the business, but I like it. I also think the successful reputation you've managed to build for yourselves should be worth something mechanically so...

-Identifying yourselves as members of your agency grants a +5 circumstance bonus to diplomacy checks with the various law enforcement organizations within Sharn.

-Consulting your case files at the office gives you a +2 circumstance bonus on any Knowledge (local) roll and allows a second attempt on failed rolls.

-Additionally, I'll add in a couple more established contacts.

I think in the end that gives you perks roughly equivalent to money you might otherwise have spent on gear. (I'm aiming for a 2000gp range that each of you get some advantage out of- not a 12,000gp item obviously)

You all surprised me with the level of resources you were willing to sink into the business, but I like it. I also think the successful reputation you've managed to build for yourselves should be worth something mechanically so...

-Identifying yourselves as members of your agency grants a +5 circumstance bonus to diplomacy checks with the various law enforcement organizations within Sharn.

-Consulting your case files at the office gives you a +2 circumstance bonus on any Knowledge (local) roll and allows a second attempt on failed rolls.

-Additionally, I'll add in a couple more established contacts.

I think in the end that gives you perks roughly equivalent to money you might otherwise have spent on gear. (I'm aiming for a 2000gp range that each of you get some advantage out of- not a 12,000gp item obviously)

That sounds both interesting and balanced. I hope somebody has taken plenty of knowledge skills and diplomacy / bluff type skills - 'cos all I can do is intimidate...

I've updated Var's skills and combat stat-block; I'll try to finish the role-play stuff over the weekend.

Hey DM Ithuriel, I notice you have an avoid certain death rule in your profile. Do you want try WotC’s new rule instead?

Here a link to a thread about it

Later

The thought crossed my mind, but I didn't want to ruffle any feathers considering how divisive 4e is as a topic right now. I think it's a pretty cinematic way to handle the death/dying thing, and because of that fits nicely with Eberron. However, if I used it I would probably apply it the occasional important antagonist as well.

I've updated my character sheet to include background and contact. You'll also notice that I've taken the liberty of using spells from "The Forge of War" and feats from the Player's Guide to Eberron.

Having served as a scout during the Last War, diplomacy doesn't seem like the proper skill for Feanor and focused instead on Spot.

Re name, we could always go for a nondescript name like "Vale, ir'Winthorpe, Phia, and Partners". Or obscure, like "Blackstone Associates", or "The Seven Trees Group". Or obvious, like "Sharn Inquisitive Agency".

I like the obsure route. My suggestion is "Watchtower Investigations"

Later

Hi, it looks like I might be too late,
but another subscriber pointed me here thinking there might still be some space open in this game...

I've been wanting to play something in the Eberron setting,
and had sortof been rolling around the idea of either a half-orc fighter/ranger or dwarven cleric/rogue...

8-)

Var wrote:

Re name, we could always go for a nondescript name like "Vale, ir'Winthorpe, Phia, and Partners". Or obscure, like "Blackstone Associates", or "The Seven Trees Group". Or obvious, like "Sharn Inquisitive Agency".

I like the obsure route. My suggestion is "Watchtower Investigations"

Later

I could go with that. Anyone have any other suggestions before we decide?

So, who has all the 'diplomacy', and 'gather information' ranks; not Feanor or Var -- anyone else?

Regarding the name of the agency, perhaps we can name it after a fictional boss, in the tradition of charlie's angels and remington steele. We'll just be "associates."

"Townsend and Associates" has a nice ring to it.

BTW, Var the others in the party have taken care of the diplomacy and gather information skills.

BTW, Var the others in the party have taken care of the diplomacy and gather information skills.

Good good, I thought they probably would've. I was too lazy to go and check though...

Ithuriel, I am planning on turning the heirloom sword I have into a weapon of legacy. You ok with those rules?

Quandary>> You just missed us. 6 is the most I feel comfortable running with in a group. If anyone should have to withdraw for unforeseen reasons you'll have first shot to join.

Watchtower makes me snicker a little, but it might just be me. It's the name of the Jehovah's Witness publications and I passed by their headquarters next to the Brooklyn bridge on my way to work for a couple of years. It's a perfectly fine name- I just wanted to note my amusement : )

Radavel>> Remind me where the details on weapons of legacy are? I already like the sound of it, but should look it up.

I may be a day or so late in getting started. I've had a virus/fever for days and could only manage to look at a screen for a few minutes at a time before my eyes sort of glazed over. We're almost there though. (And I'm nearly restored to healthiness today.)

Skills are ready... Equipment and background TBD...

That is fine I have been busy with life the past few days so I am fine waiting a few more days. I think I have everything ready to go will check to make sure later tonight.

Ithuriel, the book you're looking for is the Weapons of Legacy.

I may be a day or so late in getting started. I've had a virus/fever for days and could only manage to look at a screen for a few minutes at a time before my eyes sort of glazed over. We're almost there though. (And I'm nearly restored to healthiness today.)

Glad you're feeling better. I got a bout of food poisoning to start the week off. Not ideal when I'm travelling away from home on business.

I knew Watchtower was dinging me somewhere!

I have filled Janras with a bit more life (HP, first part of equipment).

Backstory still missing,
as well as created scrolls, potions.

I have a question. Which infusions are available for Janras?

All from the Eberron Campaign book, that is clear.
What about those from Magic of Eberron?
What about any from Dragon Magazine?

Oliver>> Magic of Eberron for sure. Any Eberron book that has them really, and I'm probably okay with Dragon Magazine for Infusions because otherwise there really aren't so many out there.

Radavel>> I don't have the Weapons of Legacy book, but I like the idea and it's especially appropriate for of an Aerenal elf. Just sketch out the idea/plan in a spoiler for me.

Radavel>> I don't have the Weapons of Legacy book, but I like the idea and it's especially appropriate for of an Aerenal elf. Just sketch out the idea/plan in a spoiler for me.

Gotcha. Will do so.

Can I get a general nod that everyone is finished character building and ready to go? I wanted to make sure everyone had time to finish up.

I was making my own version of Isaac's sheet today since I haven't gamed with any beguilers and wanted to fill in the extra details and I noticed some minor things.
-You get to choose 4 languages from your Int bonus.
-You still have a -1 to damage with weapon finesse. It adds dex only to Atk. So the rapier does 1d6-1.
-On the other hand, I don't think you have to specify a weapon for weapon finesse. So your melee Atk with the dagger would be +6 rather than +1.
-Also you need to pick your spell for advanced learning.
-No armor? Finished with gear?

Could you note on your sheet where you spent skill ranks? (It's a mess to work out when you just show the final modifier to each skill.)

Thanks.

Can I get a general nod that everyone is finished character building and ready to go? I wanted to make sure everyone had time to finish up.

Durel is ready.

Later

Can I get a general nod that everyone is finished character building and ready to go? I wanted to make sure everyone had time to finish up.

Thanks.

*nod*

Var is ready to investigate. I'll update appearance and contacts as we g.

Can you have a quick check through, as with Issac? Just to make sure I haven't missed anything stupid... What would be a sensible second language for an ex-Soldier?

Am ready. Will post the weapon of legacy later.

I'll be out of town over the weekend. Next post will be Sunday night my time.

Have fun :-)

Var>>
Since you asked-
The bonus lang of course. You probably want one of the more normal languages like dwarven, halfling, or goblin. Elven, gnomish, and orc are also fairly common, but gnomes are somewhat paranoid and secretive, orcs aren't very common except in their homelands, and elves... elvish would be fine but many of them are a little more alien than your standard phb elves. You have one sect of military expansionists (valenar), the main body of elves who appear as ancestor worshiping necromancers to outsiders (aerenal), and the standard elves living in human lands (khorvaire) who also happen to run dragonmarked houses based around entertainment and espionage. Half-elves are also their own true breeding race in Eberron (with their own Dragonmarked House). You could have picked up elven from any of those groups- or from your resident elven cleric.

Whoops that was a big tangent... anyway, unless you want an obscure planar or scholarly type language those are the most common ones.

Okay combing over the finer details-
-Your FF AC (at the top of the sheet) is listed as 17, but should be 19 as you never lose dex bonus to AC) It's correct in the more detailed combat section below.

-As far as I can tell your Fort save should be +8, not +9 (+2 Bar, +3 Ftr, +2 Con, +1 cloak).

-On the other hand your Reflex save should be +3 not +2 (+0 Bar, +1 Ftr, +1 Dex, +1 Cloak) It jumps to +5 during ferocity.

-In the section where you list combat details under ferocity your AC should jump by +2 for the Dex increase. So 21.

-And last, I think you have 5 more skill points to spend. It looks like you should have 42 points (24+6+4+4+4), but have only spent 37. Maybe you left out the +1 per level for being human.

That's all I noticed.

I think I am ready to go. We don't have our kids for the weekend so we are hitting as many movies as we can and spending time together so I will keep up on what is going on even if I am not posting everyday. Will be away from the computer on Sun and Monday due to us going to the in-laws to pick up the girls.

Can I get a general nod that everyone is finished character building and ready to go? I wanted to make sure everyone had time to finish up.

I was making my own version of Isaac's sheet today since I haven't gamed with any beguilers and wanted to fill in the extra details and I noticed some minor things.
-You get to choose 4 languages from your Int bonus.
-You still have a -1 to damage with weapon finesse. It adds dex only to Atk. So the rapier does 1d6-1.
-On the other hand, I don't think you have to specify a weapon for weapon finesse. So your melee Atk with the dagger would be +6 rather than +1.
-Also you need to pick your spell for advanced learning.
-No armor? Finished with gear?

Could you note on your sheet where you spent skill ranks? (It's a mess to work out when you just show the final modifier to each skill.)

Thanks.

Hi Ithuriel. Updated Vale's profile.

Cheers

B>> Ahh yeah. You are right about the rapier. I forgot to add the +1 in to the damage.

I've started the IC thread. It's a little open ended right now. I'll add on to it tomorrow, but I wanted to start it tonight and it left an opportunity for you guys to interject. This is sort of a mini-story. Just establishing some players and giving you guys a chance to get to know each other before we get to the main storyline.

Attacks on the clergy. I sure hope I don't become a target.

Var>>

Okay combing over the finer details-
-Your FF AC (at the top of the sheet) is listed as 17, but should be 19 as you never lose dex bonus to AC) It's correct in the more detailed combat section below.

-As far as I can tell your Fort save should be +8, not +9 (+2 Bar, +3 Ftr, +2 Con, +1 cloak).

-On the other hand your Reflex save should be +3 not +2 (+0 Bar, +1 Ftr, +1 Dex, +1 Cloak) It jumps to +5 during ferocity.

-In the section where you list combat details under ferocity your AC should jump by +2 for the Dex increase. So 21.

-And last, I think you have 5 more skill points to spend. It looks like you should have 42 points (24+6+4+4+4), but have only spent 37. Maybe you left out the +1 per level for being human.

That's all I noticed.

Thanks Ithuriel - exactly the help I needed :-)

Looking again at AC:
Base with 2hw is 17 (10 +1 DEX +6 Breastplate+1)
AC with 1hw/shield is 19 (+1 DEX +6 Breastplate+1 +2 Shield)
Ferocity adds +2 DEX bonus, so 19AC and 21 AC respectively.

What did I miss?

Eternal Wands... hmmm... interesteing... back to the drawing board...eternal wondrous items... even better... very interesting *G*

Also- I haven't looked up the details anytime recently so I'm not sure about the requirements, but I'm pretty sure gnomes are the only one capable of elemental binding in Eberron. They don't share these secrets with the other races. So eventually you'll be able to craft some racially unique items.

Eternal Wands look tre cool, but they have Create Wands as prerequisite. That feat will be available for me at 7th level. If I may create some similar Wondrous items, that are all keyed to me somehow (i.e. no one else may use these things, perhaps an attunement phase that costs XP's?), that would be tops.

I have already included the Armrings of the Feathers into the text... This is a Woundrous Item that bestows Levitate on you (once or twice a day, that particular detail still needs to be fixed). But I already love the notion of me rummaging through my backpack for a particular item.

At last: Magic items are ready, a bit rushed, but ready. Jasras can not cover everything, man things, but not every thing. I still need to get through Magic in Eberron and ECS and Spell Compendium for further spells, but the first batch is quiet okay.

Still to do. rest of equipment, other alchemical items + backstory. sigh.

I'm lagging a little bit in my reply guys. Sorry. Wasn't able to log in most of yesterday and today I have an extra class (greek) to make up for a snow day. I should have a response for you late tonight.

Btw- I placed the business front in Ambassador Towers (Middle Central). It's an upper class district in a bustling ward. The embassies of all recognized nations are in your district. The huge market place, the affluent temple district and dragonmark house enclaves are all in the larger ward. It's one of the few upper class areas that still has an active commercial scene and power brokers to boot. I thought it had a lot of potential and you guys could roll with it.

I've uploaded the general ward maps to photobucket and will include general descriptions of each in my dm profile linked to the appropriate map. It's useful to know where you are in relation to another area. I won't be too detailed in the descriptions, because I don't want to cross any lines and also because kn: local is for specifics. Is photobucket accessible for everyone? Some workplaces firewall picture sites like that, but if there is an alternative non-blocked site I'll use it to get the most accessibility.

Ithuriel? Everything okay?

Things are ok. We had a holiday weekend here this past week which rolled into a virus I've had since Sunday. The worst is past but now I've passed it on to my gf. No good.

But my hold up the last couple of days has been more about indecision and a tendency to be overly critical of anything I write. I've played in quite a few pbp, but am quite new to running one. Especially with this intro case, I find myself over analyzing and a little worried about breaking consistency with a careless omission or detail. It has prevented me from making quick posts sometimes, but I'm learning as I go and once we finish this first case (which was meant to be relatively short) things should be presumably more smooth for me. In any case- I'm updating both lines of investigation now. I'm sorry for the slow pace so far and hope you guys are patient enough to bear with me as I find my balance with the dm side of things.

Your doing just fine. My posting comes in waves depending on what is going on with my kids and my many jobs so some days I am on the boards a lot and then other days I don't even get a chance to look at them so I am fine with however you want to set it up. I think that you are doing great and once we get into it a little more it will flow easier for you. My husband started his first PbP a few months ago and at first it was a bit slow but now it is going great so I have faith that yours will too.