Runelords

Game Master Wrath

I didn't quite think it would work, heh. for a moment I thought it was kinda silly, haha. <_< but anyways, I can manage the reasoning and the like, and it'd also be nice for a local colleague to vouch for his experiments.

I do remember that the Gnome was the one managing the fireworks, so that can mesh well. 'tis your call, GM! :D

I'm trying not to read the threads that True isn't involved in but seeing children running scared certainly caught my attention. Hope your face has the same effect on ogres.

cheers

Wanted to drop some insight to the guards reactions to date, and how people have responded to the group so far (just to lay any unease to rest if its getting there). It's hard to tell how people are enjoying things in the PbP medium so i tend to ask about that alot. 4 of you just had a less than perfect result for your interractions, but you still did very well.

Firstly, People in this town aren't used to violence or drawing weapons as a first resort, particularly since the "Late unpleasentness" a few years back.

As a frontier town, everyone carries weapons, naturally, but rarely are they used. This comes down to the law being quite firm on the idea (as you've just discovered).

Marcus will eventually get around to thanking folk, when he's not feeling so harrassed. It's a big day, and likely to get bigger hehe.

Idrian - you in particular may feel a little robbed with how your scenario worked out. I wanted to assure you as a player that those two were up to something, and Idrian effectively prevented them from achieving it. Unfortunately, he just went about it in such a publicly confronting way that he got slapped across the wrist for it as well.

Now, what I hope most of you get out of this is a bit of mystery that has you hankering to find out what's going on. I have a tendency to create threads that are tantalising but don't resolve for some time, and often all tie together. Since I have the entire AP for this one, I am also doing some preloading of characters and lead in situations that will all make sense before the game ends.

Don't feel disheartened by how you went with things at this stage. Everyone has done very well, and you have let me build your characters into the game beautifully. Thanks for all the effort.

Cheers

Boards are playing up so posting this again, since my first one isn't appearing for me. Ignore if this is a repost.

Wanted to drop some insight to the guards reactions to date, and how people have responded to the group so far (just to lay any unease to rest if its getting there). It's hard to tell how people are enjoying things in the PbP medium so i tend to ask about that alot. 4 of you just had a less than perfect result for your interractions, but you still did very well.

Firstly, People in this town aren't used to violence or drawing weapons as a first resort, particularly since the "Late unpleasentness" a few years back.

As a frontier town, everyone carries weapons, naturally, but rarely are they used. This comes down to the law being quite firm on the idea (as you've just discovered).

Marcus will eventually get around to thanking folk, when he's not feeling so harrassed. It's a big day, and likely to get bigger hehe.

Idrian - you in particular may feel a little robbed with how your scenario worked out. I wanted to assure you as a player that those two were up to something, and Idrian effectively prevented them from achieving it. Unfortunately, he just went about it in such a publicly confronting way that he got slapped across the wrist for it as well.

Now, what I hope most of you get out of this is a bit of mystery that has you hankering to find out what's going on. I have a tendency to create threads that are tantalising but don't resolve for some time, and often all tie together. Since I have the entire AP for this one, I am also doing some preloading of characters and lead in situations that will all make sense before the game ends.

Don't feel disheartened by how you went with things at this stage. Everyone has done very well, and you have let me build your characters into the game beautifully. Thanks for all the effort.

Cheers

My two cents here:

I've actually enjoyed it quite a lot, Wrath. it's been an interesting pace so far. I have to admit that I am indeed quite engaged on stuff, and it's been a very fun read in general.

the fact that you've now said that there's overarching mysteries throughout the entire plot makes me more anxious, heh...but I'm a patient folk, so I don't mind.

I do look forward to how it all unfolds! :D

Thanks for the explanation, Wrath. It actually went almost as well as I had hoped. I had figured that drawing my bow would get a reaction and it did. I did not think that the guard would react so strongly, though I did figure to be admonished for how I went about things. You should note that Idrian is Chaotic Good. He does what he thinks is best without much regard for the law. He does consider his friends, though, and does try to refrain from violence in town in difference to the sheriff and his other allies.

True's having a ball.

In case it wasn't clear: I'm having a ball. I really enjoy how you're involving us. Thanks for asking!

Some homework for you folks. This is going to make both your and my job easier in an AP where there are lots of NPC's.

Could you create on your character profiles a list of NPC's you know from town, plus some info on each.

If they're NPC's you've created for background or to help flesh out town a bit(Such as those Idrian has done), you can add details as needed. If I run an NPC not how you had envisaged them, please let me know. I encourage player creativity and try to incorporate it into my games as much as possible, and I don't want to stifle that by being heavy handed with your characters history etc.

If they're ones I've thrown your way add what you know so far.

Feel free to find images of those folk to link to your page as well for the NPC's I haven't already done this for on my DM page.

A note on creating your own NPC's for the town. I love the fact people have done this, it adds so much more to the game world. I would ask that we limit this to about 5 people each PC though please. There are some NPC's I have to detail for you, but I'm pressed for time at the moment with work.

On the time issue, this has been the best litmus test I could ask for in regards to me being able to handle the game. It has been a killer of a workload this term for some reason, but I'm still progressing the game forwards which tells me volumes about my ability to handle the game side of things. My post rate will pick up after this weekend as all my reporting and marking will be over. I'll really be able to put some work into the game soon since I'll start our Christams holidays in two weeks as well.

So, as long as you haven't minded the odd night where I've missed things so far, it should get speedier soon.

Cheers

HOMEWORK! What kind of sick teacher are you!?

No really, great idea! I'll work on my assignment.

I've a question about our Assignment: must we make all 5 NPCs immediately? or just flesh the current ones that are relevant to us, and add them as needed? I am kinda stumped in regards to what NPCs could serve as folks that Algus is acquainted with.

There's the Gnome Alch/Wiz, which I would(and will) happily flesh out.

aside from that...I've no idea, hehe. maybe a couple of town guards that got caught up by some wild beasts, in the area where Algus was practicing the experiments; he had saved them and the like, and thus got a couple of friends in those two folks?

I think that would probably be the best I can think of, at the moment. <_<

Since Feldspar isn't from Sandpoint, he doesn't really know any NPCs. I really like the introduction of those we've met already. If you'd like me to come up with some random NPCs from Feldspar's past, however, I'll be happy to do so.

None of you have to make NPC's up, but it would be good for you to keep track of the one's you've met.

Algus, go ahead and add some personality to the Gnome for me if you'd like. He's actually the local map maker, and historian and also dabbles in alchemy. He'd be the one member of town you most likely have the most in common with and the most contact with. Think about how you came into contact with him as well, maybe he's someone from your past and it could be a link that made you come this way as well.

Feldspar, not such an issue for you at the momen. I will add some more folk from your background as we go though, so if you think there are some interesting folk from way back when, throw them in the mix.

Cheers

Gnome NPC made! at least, a rough draft. it's on my profile page.

I didn't really know what age was Viznett so I just went for an old type of Gnome. the way you portrayed it was also pretty nice IMO, Wrath, so I don't think there should be any clash in tastes....hopefully the write-up I made isn't too sloppy. <_<

Would you believe my dog ate my homework? No. How about the boards ate my homework? More believable, but still no.

Ok, well our first true taste at combat. This is firmly in the realms of the AP now. It took three pages to get us here, but I actually think teh lead in roleplay has let you bond with the town in a very important way for this Adventure Path.

Combat - I'm able to do maps like the one I linked now. This is different from the last PbP I ran which was far more narrative in its style for combat. Maps are useful for complex situations and are certainly useful in the Pathfinder rule set. However, when you post your actions, please describe them in character first. We all play in this medium because it is great to read and lets us stretch our creative skills.

After posting your in character actions, you can include a little ooc comment below that has more mechnics in it.

Eg in character - Zanthus stands stunnde for a moent, watching as the people he has come to care for are terrified and slashed by teh vicious little creatures. As he sees Mrs Hanson dragged to teh ground though, his momentary inaction turns to anger. His hand shoots out, throwing back the cermonial robes of Desna and a spark of static appears in his hand. As he focuses the protective rage he now feels into the power of his goddess, the spark leaps from his hand to touch the fould goblin as it raises its cleaver over the elderly woman

eg ooc comment - Move to g13. Ranged touch attack using lighnting arc. 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

When you post for this one, please put in your rolled initiative as well. I will resolve your action as appropiate for this round.

In my Kingmaker game I have started rolling peoples initiatives for them and post the order when the combat starts. This helps speed things along. If people are happy for this let me know and we'll d here as well, otherwise we can let you roll your own if that is the preference.

Also, I will run combat in intitiative blocks. When your "block" comes up, the order you post is the order the action occurs, rather than the strict order of the intititive roll. If people could wait until their "block" comes up, it will save lots of confusion. We found in the kingmaker game that this was the most effective way, but it may slow us down at times (particulalry since FW and I post at different times to the rest of you).

An eg would be Block 1 = Tania, Idrian, Algus;
Block 2 = Goblins 1-3
Block 3 = Feldspar, True, Jo'No
Block 4 = Goblins 4 -6

I will update more frequently during combats to help keep the flow along, assuming my time is not being taken up with work and family.

I guess we try this and see.
Cheers

oh and some stuff about the map itself.

The big tokens are groups of people (crowds). They'll move depending on what's happening around them. You can make diplomacy or intimidate checks to try and move a crowd along instead of a standard action. DC's will vary depending on lengh of battle and how panicked they are.
You can only move through a crowd at half speed and only after a successful DC12 strength check.

Crowds stop line of sight for ranged attacks.

If a crowd moves over you you can choose to stand still or move with it without needing to make a roll.

The small tokens are the goblins.

The tokens with gold outlines are your characters

Any token with a silver lining is an NPC (Father Zanthus is in this one as well as the crowds).

Tables are difficult ground but provide cover if you're behind or under them, or height advantage if you're on top of them.

Think that's about all.

Cheers

Speaking for myself, I prefer when the DM rolls initiatives.

My personal preference is to roll for my own initative, but I've noticed that the combat itself definitely goes quicker if the DM does everyone's up front. So all in all, I'm happy either way.

DM rolls init seems to work best to me.

I'm easy (just don't let my wife know).

I'm fine with either way, yet since it's my first combat time in these kinds of systems, I'm just trying not to screw up, hehe. <_<

I'm going on a trip from December 27 until January 5. I won't have access to a computer.

Thanks for the heads up DW. You don't mind me NPC'ing Tania in that time I hope?

I think posting will slow down over Christmas. I will be off line from the 24th till the 27th most likely as we have big family commitments over that time.

Cheers

NPC away!

Sorry for the quiet: I'm currently wrapped up in Holiday cheer and having trouble breaking away for rp. Will post when I can.

Merry Christmas everyone.

Cheers!

Merry Christmas!

Ok, flight cancelled because of the weather...

I'm still flying, but everything is shifted by two days. Leaving the 29 back on the 7...

Happy New Year, everyone! Sorry for my absence the last few days. Now that the holidays are done, I'll be much more present for the game.

PbP are unusual things, and sometimes they stagnate without some direction from the DM. To help you guys keep things flowing, here are some options.

1. Investigate around town for the location of the Creedy boys.
2. Follow the Sczarni lead that the Creedy's are apparently attatched to and see if this turns up anything new.
3. Help True in her investigation of the mysterious Captain who has taken in her mother.
4. Try to get an interview with "Banger" in the prison.
5. Follow up some investigations of other info from the local Scholars and Church (see the list of locations in my DM page for some possible ideas).

The town is pretty much on track now having had the day of hard work to get things sorted. Certainly enough that you all have time to get some investigating done if that is what you want to do.

Feldspar - Noble gesture with the gold. Keep track of how much you give away for me and I'll organise alternate rewards suitably to help keep you on track with wealth by level. Mostly these will be things like blessings form your god, or gifts from the church etc.

Look at the options above and see what your character would like to do. You don't all have to be on the same task, I'm happy enough to run separate story threads for the group as we go.

cheers.

Feldspar - Noble gesture with the gold. Keep track of how much you give away for me and I'll organise alternate rewards suitably to help keep you on track with wealth by level. Mostly these will be things like blessings form your god, or gifts from the church etc.

Thanks. He probably will not do that in every case, he simply didn't consider his actions worthy of a reward (since any man of good conscious would do the same).

Anyway, I'll put a tracker in his profile.

I'm back.

First return flight left late, making us miss our connection, which, strangely enough, was on time. The next flight was three hours, but left four hours late!!!

Jet lagged but happy!

I'm back.

First return flight left late, making us miss our connection, which, strangely enough, was on time. The next flight was three hours, but left four hours late!!!

Jet lagged but happy!

Welcome Back! Hope the holiday trip was great and looking forwards to getting you back in the game.

Cheers

Thanks, it was great indeed. You can wander Rome endlessly.

I'm catching up on what I missed. You guys were prolific!

Btw, the links to some images on your DM page don't work. Don't know if someone else pointed it out.

yeah, I'll check those. I often link to other sources on line and they sometimes just disapear, which breaks the link.

I'll chek them and fix or remove the broken ones later on.

Cheers

Thanks, it was great indeed. You can wander Rome endlessly.

Rome? Man, the envy. You're right...I could wander that city forever.

Take care Wrath. My best vibes to you and your loved ones.

Good luck, mate.

Best wishes for you and your family, Wrath.

Well, seems the threat is mostly over now. We didn't have to leave thankflly, but it was touch and go for a while there. Spent the last two days helping my brother out since he had a foot of water go through his place, and he wasn't even in one of the danger zones. Never seen rain like it.

Thanks for the kind words folks, sorry for the lengthy delay in updating but couldn't really be helped.

Cheers

Glad to have you back.

Cheers

Haven't heard from Jo'No for a while. Hoping he's ok. I'll give him another week or so before I start wondering if we've lost him totally.

If you're out there bud, let us know you're ok.

Cheers

Woot, and he's back!

I'm glad we still have every one for this game, I really like the characters so far and have very much enjoyed pursuing some of this investigation story line.

I was wondering if the pacing was ok for everyone? I'm trying to keep the investigation interesting so you have to work for the info but not get too bored doing so.

Algus and Idrian certainly had a very interesting time getting their information. Algus in particular has had some life changing moments hehe.

Tania's magical handiness also opened this encounter into a path I never planned it going. However it worked so well that i rolled with it and you got to meet Jeddik. Not sure he'll last overly long but he was interesting for me to develop and added a new plot thread to this game completely.

Best thing about DMing a PbP is I get plenty of time to create stuff in response to your actions. It makes this game so much more organic.

Hope you're all enjoying it.
Cheers

It's always a delicate balance!

I'm having lots of fun. Good work Wrath!

Wrath already knows this, but just a heads up to everyone else:

I'm heading out of town tomorrow morning for the south where I'll be doing some actual table rpg play for a long weekend (yay!). I probably will not be able to post much (if at all) from tomorrow (Friday) until Tuesday.

By the way, Wrath, I'm really enjoying the pacing of this game so far. It's been a nice way to experience the town and get to know people. The investigations are definitely interesting.

Wrath

Wrath

** spoiler omitted **

FW

Wrath

Hows your brother doing? Is his house getting drier..

Cheers

Wrath

** spoiler omitted **

Hows your brother doing? Is his house getting drier..

Cheers

Yep, hes all good now. We ripped out all his carpet and discovered polished timber flooring beneath it. Surprisingly, it was barely damaged by the water, so a bonus.

Next job is repainting the place, which he had started before the water came through, but now has to start again :(

The joys of owning a home hehe.

Cheers