Rise of the Runelords

Game Master Rysil

No problem, back now and ready when everyone else is.

Ok folks I have the goblins up and Belor. Talon you're up. I apologize again for slow posting but my internet is not cooperating like I would prefer, but I am working on it.

Glad to see you back Rysil.

Some questions on this aggro/combat method.
- How does it work with AoE spells? Say Rhasa casts Ice Storm on a group of enemies. Are they suddenly mine to deal with for actions because Rhasa drew the aggro upon herself?
- How does one pull aggro from another (e.g. assuming the above is true: Rhasa casts Ice Storm aggroing a group of enemies. How can the others prevent the group from ignoring them and attacking her)? Is the tank's "taunt" an AoE effect or just vs. one opponent?
- What happens when party members want to focus on the same enemy (e.g. enemy #2 is wounded by Adrien so Talon decides to attack the same enemy in hopes of dispatching them [and Talon's action could interrupt the enemy action that Adrien may have posted during his action])?

Another question on combat - should we just assume average hit points or roll for the monsters total?

Another question on combat - should we just assume average hit points or roll for the monsters total?

I went with the entry given in the link provided which gave the standard goblins 6 HP.

Talon Eldercourt wrote:

Another question on combat - should we just assume average hit points or roll for the monsters total?

I went with the entry given in the link provided which gave the standard goblins 6 HP.

I saw that but it also has the (1d10)+1 after it so I wasn't sure.

Also their AC includes shields - do they all have shields?

Glad to see you back Rysil.

Some questions on this aggro/combat method.
- How does it work with AoE spells? Say Rhasa casts Ice Storm on a group of enemies. Are they suddenly mine to deal with for actions because Rhasa drew the aggro upon herself?
- How does one pull aggro from another (e.g. assuming the above is true: Rhasa casts Ice Storm aggroing a group of enemies. How can the others prevent the group from ignoring them and attacking her)? Is the tank's "taunt" an AoE effect or just vs. one opponent?
- What happens when party members want to focus on the same enemy (e.g. enemy #2 is wounded by Adrien so Talon decides to attack the same enemy in hopes of dispatching them [and Talon's action could interrupt the enemy action that Adrien may have posted during his action])?

Ok I knew I liked all of you for a reason. Keep me on my toes!!!

In your example, if a tank or some other person has not aggro'd them first? Congo Ratz!! Welcome to why you don't flame large groups of evil minions when you are a glass cannon. It goes in the bad idea column. Wait for the tank to catch aggro or focus on mobs you can handle. If a Tank uses the Taunt option it will depend on how he taunts. Wow me with good role play and even Copper will beat on said tank. I kid Drake. But it's about good rp. As to what mechanics I am using to limit it?

Spoken: Has to be heard and understood
Visual: Has to be seen and understood

Remember the rule I set forth requires a skill check. I am going to allow either Bluff or Intimidate. But to use the skill you must do something. Whatever that is will determine range and so forth. So make sure the taunted opponents can see and hear you. Otherwise, its like picking a fight. How worked up can you get the other guy? If calling his mother a cripple who rolls around in a wheelchair don't do it.....find out what will...(Insulting ones parentage not always. Insulting a males package...9 times outta 10). All in all I will let common sense reign and if it doesn't...well that's why I am the rules judge too :P

In your second example: Adrien's action happened first. So his stands. Talon must write accordingly if he wants to attack that mob. And then Adrien must respond. Sure this could result in tug of wars, but this is why I asked the pre-madonnas to check their luggage at the door. If you want to showboat. Do so. Just don't step on your teammates toes to do so.

In all, just assume what has been written cannot be unwritten. That way when it is your turn you have the spotlight, and as long as we remember it's about the party and not the individual...I can assure you that, you will see good posting and team work.

Another question on combat - should we just assume average hit points or roll for the monsters total?

Ok to Talon, Noro, and who the heck let Elwyn in here? Just Kidding :P

Um, if I vary from the posted stats on the PFSRD I will tell you. Otherwise assume EXACTLY what is in the entry. The Warchanters, & Gobos on Horseback I realize I did not post so I will get that up now

Goblin
Goblin Commando(Ones riding dogs)
goblin doggie (awww how ugly)
Goblin Warchanter(Both female)

The actual NPC's in the mix? If you attack them....wait for a response. I only use the aggro rules for combat for grunts, toadies, evil minions, etc. You will always be notified of a non-evil minion by the fact that they have actual names...not gobo #4, or just "the gobo". I will tell you his name is Snubnose Wisekrakenhut. Snubnose Wisekrakenhut is a guard for Chief Fatguyinalilkoot. Anytime you get a name...WARNING NPC DO NOT ACT FOR

I hope this clarifies what I left out. Thank you for continuing to ask questions and keep me on my toes. I will continue to keep working on my end too :)

Brief snippet from my past:

GM: Your Players ever just make you want to hug them outside of game, and just hit them in game?

Rysil: That's why TSR made Dracoliches. *Drinks coffee*

GM: Yeah but I mean, I am talkin that one guy that always has his nose in a book and is ready to quote rules at you on a moments notice.

Rysil: When he complains you're an evil bastard for killing his PC, tell him it was an illusion.

GM: Dude...You are evil.

Rysil: Thank you >:)

In your example, if a tank or some other person has not aggro'd them first? Congo Ratz!! Welcome to why you don't flame large groups of evil minions when you are a glass cannon. It goes in the bad idea column. Wait for the tank to catch aggro or focus on mobs you can handle.

Thanks for the clarification Rysil. Makes good sense to me. A couple of follow-up questions:

- Oh and unrelated to aggro on Rhasa: if someone uses Intimidate to demoralize an opponent, does that count as a taunt too (so something like say Dazzling Display could grab aggro in a 30ft radius) or are they separate actions?

Don't want to overstep my bounds here but should we consider botting Esme - its been a few days since contact?

Or we wait, given the holiday, people may be occupied. But thikning more generally as a n idea going forward.

Personally, I'd like to be botted if I am interrupting an agressive session of play or if I am dark for the good part of a day and am impeding progress. As long as its well roll played (ha) and supports the quest, its all good. Just my opinion though.

I'm not wanting ot race through this in a week, but if several people are eagerly waiting in the wings why not.

Just checking in ... Anything I should be doing?

I am ready to get to killing another batch of goblins out back. just want to see what the sheriff is doing first then take my actions.

Hey all,

I've gotta say, I've had fun this holiday with my whole family in town, but I just hope things pick up next week.

@Noro I'm a bit confused why you played just a couple of Goblins. It seems like it would be a lot easier if we just let Rysil handle GMing (I'm aware he mentioned us helping, my suggestion below).

@Rysil
If I may, a couple of suggestions:

1. Play all of the NPCs/Monsters at the same time. This will allow you to just play one big turn without having to dip in constantly to play all those turns. I think it will help combat move faster. While this isn't consistent with the table-top format in most cases, it will expedite and increase flow given the circumstances.

2. Write and format all of your posts in notepad or Word before copy/pasting them into the website. This will allow for quicker easier formatting, and it will remove the possibility of losing anything.

@Talon I agree. I think if someone misses a full day, their turn should be played for them, though we'll need input from Rysil on this one. I'm not about force-pushing this campaign forward, but I am very excited about it and I think we've got a lot of cool team members that will make this campaign a memorable one!

I was judt trying the method Rysil suggested to see how it would work and discovered that it works well only iff other players are not involved or at the very least available for quick posting.

actions involving multiple PC's would definately cause some problems.

Man amI feeling loopy this morning had one Irish coffee and BAM hello loopy-land

Checking in, hope everyone is doing well, looking forward to things picking up again.

Dear all,

I am a close friend of GM Rysil. He is having internet problems at the moment causing him to time out every time he tries to post. So I'm posting and apologising on his behalf. He will try to fix the internet problem ASAP. However, he did mention in one of his earlier posts that should this kind of circumstance should arise ..."If I am gone a day or two I give GM powers to move the story along to Adrien and Zel."

So if the said players want to continue to chair the game, please do so till GM Rysil gets his net problems fixed.

Thank you for your patience and understanding. Hope you guys continue to have fun with the game!

Cheers!
Flash

Well, that sucks. Seems like he can't catch a break. But hopefully, either Adrien or Zel are up to move things along.

I'll take a look at it tonight and see what we can do!

Sweet.

Yeah. I had an online game melt yesterday, so I'm kinda wary of interfering with someone else's vision at the moment.

...

Railroading GMs. Not even once.

Well, Adrien can handle it then. Sorry to hear that, Z. Railroads are meant for trains, not PCs.

Im ok waiting, or moving forward. Agree that we don't want to railroad but he also said it was ok. I think we are all here for the long haul even if there are a few bumps in the road.

Love that Rysil sent an envoy to brief us, appreciate it. Glad that its internet and not a health issue.

I think we need to here from Esme - her move would keep things going and allow others to follow.

I did a little digging and on the 26th Esme/Nakari's mentioned to the game she is GMing that her air force fiance was in town for the next few weeks and there was a lot of family visits mixed with full work days going on. Not sure when she'll be back. Hopefully soon.

In the mean time, I suggest we decide on a short term action for her to keep things moving. Maybe she could cast Sleep on any remaining normal goblins so the warriors can concentrate on the tougher opponents. She doesn't need to sing since Ameiko seems to have that covered for now.

That being said, I am perfectly fine with waiting a bit longer. Not only would it allow Esme time to return, it would give Rysil more time to figure out his internet issues.

I am still here ready to go

I think botting Esme would be the way to go here. I wanna get through this combat so we can just RP until Rysil can come back.

okie, i'm feeling more fresh, and will take a look later today, I promise.

Oh, heads up, I'll be traveling across several international borders Saturday through Sunday, and my posting times will be rolled forward to GMT +1. It's not likely I'll be posting much those days. Hope I do not get tossed.

Okay, so huge apology on my end here. I missed one of the spoilers from one of Rysil's old messages that got buried before I saw it. I'm going to work to get this show on the road. I want us to make Rysil proud by at least finishing the combat! Haha. I'll be working on it for the next little while and will have my updates posted up.

Zelaria, if you wanna take point on this one you're welcome, but let me know soon because I'm going gung ho! In any case, I can take over DM'ing for now, as there are plenty of tanks in the party, and let Rysil resume when he's ready.

Any objections, ideas, suggestions?

Question:

Do all of you use/have access to Google Docs?

Putting up an updated map every round will definitely help if its not too much trouble.

Edit: Ninjaed me. Yes I can access google docs.

Yep, NP here, and thanks!

If you're feeling bored, you're welcome to watch me in action. This will also be the combat map I use. I'll activate editing rights for you guys later once i've got it finished.

Bronze Dragon

cool beans.

Sorry I didn't get back. The online group I was in exploded quite dramatically today with some punk kid telling me that I didn't role play except to copulate with the barbarian, which was both insulting and blatantly false.

So... Drama kept me from thinking of much anything else. Thanks for stepping in Adrien. Of all the times for stuff to go south it has to be with 5 days left until I travel to see my husband again, right?

*sigh*

Lol. I'm sure you did more than copulate with the barbarian(Not much more, but more.) :)
Maybe you should cool it with the online gaming till it lowers its drama ratio.

All drama is over now. We're down to a group of five from seven, and I'm running my kingmaker game on wednesday. They're going to... whatever the Stag Lord, I think.

At least, that's what I've got planned. If they want to derail me, they're welcome to. :P

Oh the Stag Lord. He is no joke. Well good to hear. Its hard to derail kingmaker I imagine.

Can't derail a train with no tracks.

edit: Though Kingmaker is hardly the sandbox it's made out to be.

Alright, c'est fini.

I'll get to figuring out what's going on and how all of the declared actions so far play out in the morning.

The way the map works is like this:

All of the images are "Grouped". This means that you'll have to click your token once or twice to get it to move and function independently (don't worry, it will still act as grouped when un-selected). The purpose of this is to make sure that if the map gets moved by accident, it won't screw the whole thing up. Please be very careful with the map, as it could obviously all go to shiz with one mistake. Remember to use ctrl-z if you make a big mistake. I'll try to keep a running copy so that we don't lose everything.

When taking your turn, please move your token to the desired spot, and declare your move in the chat:

"I move from E15 to F19 and attack"

This way we'll be able to retrace your steps if necessary. Feel free to engage the environment (step on tables to gain height advantage, flip them over for cover, throw a mug if your buy a table etc...)

Token Color Code:

Purple - Party Member
Green - Friendly/Allied NPC
Red - Hostile NPC
Orange - Civilian/Other

I'll do my best to adhere to "Rysil's Rules of Aggro". As for how combat will play out, I will be controlling all of the NPC's. They will run and take turns in groups as follows:

Group 1
Group 2
Friendly NPC's

I will determine where these clumps fall in the initiative chain. This will make my life easier, because I won't have to check in every two seconds.

Let me know if you have any questions comments and suggestions.
I'm excited to get this show on the road!

Just a note that I only sometimes have access to google docs. will have to check with a different browser (at home everything is fine but at work things get a little iffy. (I heard we may get computers from this century sometime in the next decade or so.)

I will try Firefox if that isn't any better I will have to wait until after work to update the map.

BTW I sat here looking for updates almost every hour for 16 hours and nothing so go to bed and "boom" everybody shows up what's the deal?

EDIT: Firefox is working for me so can use google docs at work with firefox just no IE.

Alright, all caught up. Enjoy!

Awesome!!! Thank you very much - its a lot of work, we appreciate it!

A couple of comments.

The map doesn't seem to be working at the moment. Don't know if it's just my computer or not. It looks like it's a zoomed in clip of it. Even DLing is just giving what is shown on the screen. Nothing selectable, etc. Is there something, a browser setting or whatever, I need to do to activate it? I'm pretty sure I was able to look at an earlier version of the file and it worked fine then, but maybe it was on another computer. I'll have to try it again when I get home or something.

Something did occur to me when the goblins started waking up. I don't know if this is already done but you might want to add a symbol/colour to indicate "prone" since all those who were asleep would fall prone and drop held objects.

Was Adrien's action to Intimidate/Taunt or Intimidate/Demoralize? Not sure what kind of action the Taunt would be, but I think Demoralize is a standard action.

Select the magnifying glass and right click to zoom out.

Orange square inducates prone, blue sleep

It wasn't a demoralization check. It was an aggro check using intimidate. I still need to study Rysils aggro rules.

Ahh, pewp. Looks like it doesn't work on this browser then (IE 8. at work, so can't change browsers). Doesn't seem to work on my phone either. I must have looked at it on my tablet while I was at home. I might have to do that spoilery discussion thing, once I figure out the layout, although I'm out the area spell so will probably go with the Hex next (or maybe get that Mage Armor on).

Hey, thanks for doing all this work by the way. It's good to get things moving again.

I just tested it on IE 8 and it seems to be working perfectly for me. On the tool bar, right below and between "insert" and "format", you see a magnifying glass. Select that, and then right click to zoom out.

No problem. I would like to see this work, so I'll put in my effort.

Yeah, I don't see the toolbar. No insert, no format, no magnifying glass. The piece of the map I'm seeing has changed since the last time I looked, but still no way of checking it out. Must be some setting they set up here, or their not using the most up to date IE 8 either.

All I see beside "Google docs" is "Rusty Dragon" followed by a mini-world with a padlock on it and the phrase "Anyone with the link". Below that and above the picture I see a "Download" link (which only downloads the piece of the pic that is currently visible to me).

Don't worry about it. I'll check it out some time at home.

I had to use firefox to see the map

Another thought regarding the posting. Perhaps it would be useful to repost the initiative order at the beginning of each round, as a refresher. Or if that would be too much, repost it when the page changes, so we don't have to search far to discover when our actions are.

Amongst the PC's, I think Zelaria is next, followed by me.

Ok who's up next?

Zelaria - maybe we should pmail her?

is this game still on?

I hope so, after so much effort. I messaged Zelaria but have not headr back - I saw in another pbp that she said her husband was coming home (from a long trip or something else?) and would be scarce for a while.

Maybe Adrien could bot her and we could keep moving? Or since he has so much on his plate someone else could play her?