When you're ready, just dot here to let me know. This is also where I'll be keeping your Clues Log, List of Suspects, and Locations.
Here's how gameplay will (hopefully) function: starting off, you four have arrived in the town and have learned the basics of the story. Paul Maron's in jail, for the murder of Mr. James Jaspar. You'll have a list of locations you can visit, each with their own clues, hints and in most cases, NPCs to chat up. It will also take a certain amount of time - you've got around 48 hours to either prove or convict Mr. Maron of his alleged crime. I'll try and list how long will take to fully investigate an area.
On Clues and Suspects:
-I'll have little clues scattered around for you all to find or pick up. When something important pops up (say, after you've searched an area or interrogated someone), I'll change the text to denote that it's a clue. Example: Digging through the drawers, you notice that most of the shirts have a hole under the armpit sleeves.
-You can choose to add a suspect to the list in the discussion thread at any time. Just put your selection in OOC tags and I'll put them on the list here. Keep in mind, if you end up leveling an accusation at someone by the time of the hanging, you'll need clues to back it up.
-One last thing: "You will not find all the clues to be found within the allotted 48 hours!" This is done on purpose, and partly why I'm highlighting clues for you. The key is, you don't need them all; just enough to get your man. However, the number of clues available is proportional to who actually did it. Some clues are total red herrings, others are actual evidence. Just keep that in mind.
Now then, let's solve a murder!
Granite Ward, paladin Agent of Shield checking in.
Btw, is it ok if he worships Thor as his deity, or should I pick someone from the Pathfinder universe?
And now, for your first set of clues and suspects...
Current Clues:
-Paul Maron and Emma Jaspar used to be sweet on each other. However, Mr. James Jaspar moved into town and won Emma over with his wealth.
-Empty cans of kerosene were found at the charred remains of Jaspar's home.
-Full cans of kerosene were found at the back of Maron's smithy.
Current Suspects:
-Paul Maron
Granite Ward, paladin Agent of Shield checking in.
Btw, is it ok if he worships Thor as his deity, or should I pick someone from the Pathfinder universe?
Thor's okay. Given how many gods seem to be in Golarion, I can't see the harm in adding one more.
Valerius reporting in.
Dotting! ^^ I just need to buy my equipment -- I was putting that off until I'd been accepted. It shouldn't take too long.
So, a question: will we all know one another already, or will we meet in town for the first time?
I should probably have Granite roll for HP to compare.
And nope, sticking with average.
And Valerius, is there a particular reason why you took your levels in the order of Wizard/Fighter/Wizard x2? Because if not, might I suggest that you make your first level fighter and then the following 3 wizard? Taking the average HP for the first two levels, it's a difference of (6+6)=12 and (10+4)=14 HP. Which isn't much, but still.
I also think/hope your current HP line is wrong because having 2x as much HP as you kind of terrifies me. Even though I plan on being a meat shield.
Oh, another question: do I read it right that average wealth for a 4th-level character would be 6,000 gp?
Oh, another question: do I read it right that average wealth for a 4th-level character would be 6,000 gp?
Yes, starting gold is 6000 gp. Thank you for reminding me.
Okay, I think I have my equipment down. ^^ Please let me know if I've missed something or if you think there's something I should get for the benefit of the team. I got some fun, fun alchemical equipment.
Dotting, with apologies for the delay. Looking forward to this.
And Valerius, is there a particular reason why you took your levels in the order of Wizard/Fighter/Wizard x2? Because if not, might I suggest that you make your first level fighter and then the following 3 wizard? Taking the average HP for the first two levels, it's a difference of (6+6)=12 and (10+4)=14 HP. Which isn't much, but still.
I also think/hope your current HP line is wrong because having 2x as much HP as you kind of terrifies me. Even though I plan on being a meat shield.
I took Wizard at 1st level because of Favored Class. If the CaptainFord does not mind I take favored class in Wizard after 1st level, I will take fighter for 1st level for the extra 2 hit points. Also, if you were referring to my quick stats, the hit points were incorrect and I forgot to maximize the 1st level hit points. So technically, I am at 28 or 30 if I am able to take the fighter at 1st level and keep my favored class in Wizard.
And remember, I am a wizard that dabbles in martial prowess from time to time but not really focused in it until 7th level.
I always assumed favored class was something you picked independently from what class you're taking levels in. That's how I read the rules anyway.
Each character begins play with a single favored class of his choosing—typically, this is the same class as the one he chooses at 1st level.
And even if you only dabble in martial abilities, less than half my HP still scares me, so I'm glad to hear that you're significantly less squishy. :-P
And even if you only dabble in martial abilities, less than half my HP still scares me, so I'm glad to hear that you're significantly less squishy. :-P
Well, I do have more HPs than your average wizard at 4th level and I am still not sure why you are worried about my hit points. I never knew a Wizard to be a front line combatant. You're the meat shield and the rest of us are your support. Lastly, our party is designed to investigate and save an innocent. Basically I see two missions for you, wrestle perp(s) to the ground so we can shackle them. And two, protecting us spell casters from a physical assault.
*shrugs* Unexpected things happen. And more HP isn't a bad thing. I was just trying to be helpful. If that came off the wrong way, then I apologize as I did not mean it as such.
*shrugs* Unexpected things happen. And more HP isn't a bad thing. I was just trying to be helpful. If that came off the wrong way, then I apologize as I did not mean it as such.
Thank you for pointing it out, I really do appreciate that! I just don't want you to get false expectations that I am front-line combatant even though I have a level in Fighter. The Fighter is mainly to fulfill pre-requisites and a feat.
And if it turns out you need more hp, you can always take a second level in Fighter for that second bonus feat, which always comes in handy. ;)
Thank you for pointing it out, I really do appreciate that! I just don't want you to get false expectations that I am front-line combatant even though I have a level in Fighter. The Fighter is mainly to fulfill pre-requisites and a feat.
Ahh, I see now where you're coming from. :-)
This reminds me, perhaps it might be good for people to say what kind of role they expect their character to fulfill?
Granite is mostly a meat shield:
2) His smite evil replacement ability means that his target (if evil) does 1/2 damage to any of his allies within 10ft of Granite and full damage against him (but he gets, I believe, a +5 to AC).
3) Instead of channel positive energy, he can radiate light like the spell and grant all adjacent allies a +4 shield bonus (does not stack with normal shield bonuses), which I think he can do as much as he wants.
4) He can't cast spells, but instead he can spend one use of lay on hands to give all allies within 30' a +1 to AC, damage, to hit, and saving throws against fear for 1 minute.
He also has a +11 to bluff/diplomacy/intimidate, but those are literally the only skills he has. He's also, sadly, not that great at doing damage with a sad 1d8+1. Although I could probably mix around a few things and get power attack, which now that I think about it might be a good idea.
He also has about 300g left over that he can spend towards group-useful items.
Devlin (he prefers Dev), is built towards three roles:
1) Skill monkey (he's a Bard, after all). He's got 6 trained knowledge skills, plus good scores in Perception, Sense Motive, Stealth, Disable Device (can disable magical traps as well), Sleight of Hand, Disguise, and more.
2) Party buffer. His Careful Teamwork performance currently provides a +1 bonus on Initiative checks, Perception checks, and Disable Device checks. You also get a +1 insight bonus on Reflex saves and to AC against traps and when you are flat-footed. Assuming we level, at 5th level this bonus will increase to +2. He can currently do this 4 times per day, for one hour at a time.
3) Magical detection/backup magical support. Dev can detect magic, understand any language, charm people, detect people who've been charmed, read people's thoughts, and also has a few defensive/control spells (Grease, Glitterdust). He also gets bonuses to see through disguises, and a +4 bonus to see through illusions.
And while he isn't a great fighter, he's not bad with his rapier, and is a decent shot with his shortbow as well, so he can cover those angles as needed. His other bardic performances are standard for a level 4 bard (Countersong, Distraction, and Fascinate), and can be used as necessary.
1. Valerius is designed from the ground up to be a lawman with equipment to help facilitate his trade. He is a constable on sabbatical from Absalom.
2. He is in the area building his business when he overheard the rumor mill regarding Paul Maron's unfortunate run in with the law. Valerius despises injustice.
3. Valerius can either destroy or subdue his targets by means of spells or his advance rifle which can be magically altered to fire only lethal or non-lethal shots.
4. Valerius Advance rifle shoots both projectile and shotgun ammunition.
5. Valerius can help anyone with the investigation, and although unsafe, he can also investigate on his own.
6. Lastly, Valerius is a gun maker and gunsmith. The nice rifle he carries was mostly crafted by him.
And if it turns out you need more hp, you can always take a second level in Fighter for that second bonus feat, which always comes in handy. ;)
Unfortunately, it ruins my 9th Level spell casting at higher levels. I can always take toughness later on.
Moll is basically an ex-con turned right -- mostly.
She is a trickster, a temptress when it suits her purposes, and capable of picking locks and springing traps.
In battle, she is best used nerfing enemies from a distance with magic. She can provide a little bit of healing to allies.
She has a small supply of alchemical tricks; weapon blanches, flash powder, stuff to even the playing field.
For investigations, she is probably best used to trick people into lowering their guard, or gathering information from unlikely sources with her Feral Speech-hex. (And don't forget her ability to pick locks to gain access to secrets people want hidden.)
Sssoooooo... are we about ready to go? ;)
I am. :D
Likewise
Also ready. :-)
Looks like we're ready if you are, Captain Ford. ^^
Okay, my sincerest apologies for the delays. The short version is, we've had some medical mishaps and scares (including the possibility of nasal surgery and a possible heart attack), so I've been kinda preoccupied with RL.
I'll get the first post up as soon as possible today and you guys can start investigating.
Edit: Gameplay thread is finally up. Sorry again for the delay. The times listed next to each location are the times you will need to take in order to get there, search the place, question any locals and leave immediately. However, if you opt to investigate a little deeper, you might find some very valuable clues... or not. Either way, it'll take some extra time, and depending on how hard you look, the longer it will take.
Yikes!
Please don't apologize. Rather, accept my apologies for trying to jolly you along under such trying circumstances. o_o;
Yeah, man, take care of the important stuff first. We can wait.
Real life first and no need to apologize.
Yup, yup. Gots ta keep your priorities straight. RL > interwebs
Okay, it sounds you guys are ready to start exploring the various locations. Before I actually provide you guys with gameplay responses, I'll confirm them here to be sure.
-Moll will be visiting the Sheriff's office
-Valerius will be investigating the burned ruins
-Granite will investigate the ruins or the blacksmith's shop (?)
-No clue where Devlin is going
Also, time to update you guys on your clues list!
Clues:
-Paul Maron and Emma Jaspar used to be sweet on each other. However, Mr. James Jaspar moved into town and won Emma over with his wealth.
-Empty cans of kerosene were found at the charred remains of Jaspar's home.
-Full cans of kerosene were found at the back of Maron's smithy.
-Emma Jaspar was at the chapel-house the night of the fire
-Pastor Grayson allowed Emma to stay with him after the house fire for a night.
Not to be prejudiced or anything, but I am starting to like the pastor as a possible suspect. ^^; Him and the Sheriff.
Oh, we were splitting up? In that case, Granite should go somewhere with people since those are his only skills. Do we know if the blacksmith had assistants? If so, I'll go there. Otherwise, I guess I'll talk with the pastor.
Oh, we were splitting up? In that case, Granite should go somewhere with people since those are his only skills. Do we know if the blacksmith had assistants? If so, I'll go there. Otherwise, I guess I'll talk with the pastor.
You can. At this point, it's chiefly investigatory, so splitting up will let you guys cover plenty of ground. You guys (most probably) won't be running into any encounters, and definitely none of them will be able to kill you dead to keep you quiet.
That might change in the future as you uncover more clues and ask around more.
The blacksmith did not have assistants, but don't count his place out just yet. If you're looking for people to interact with, Pastor Grayson is certainly an option. I would recommend hitting up the bank, the boarding house, the tavern saloon, the undertaker, the general store, the stables, and the doctor's office.
Just offering some options... *whistles innocently*
Usually splitting up spells disaster in gaming so I was not advocating it but if it is safe to do so, that is ok with me.
Yeah, I can understand that, but in this case, it will help. I won't be throwing anything terrible at you guys out the gate, and I would like the emphasis to be on the investigation, not fighting.
When I DO throw something at you guys, you'll prooooobably be sitting around a table comparing notes.
Yeah, I can understand that, but in this case, it will help. I won't be throwing anything terrible at you guys out the gate, and I would like the emphasis to be on the investigation, not fighting.
When I DO throw something at you guys, you'll prooooobably be sitting around a table comparing notes.
Sounds good, I am just waiting for everyone to acknowledge Valerius to role play out the evidence gathering.
So. How we all doing? ^^;
Can't complain. Wish it was another three-day weekend, but what can you do? How's by you?
My vacation just begun, earlier than expected, which is... a bit of a mixed blessing. ^^;
Just wondering when we'll update again. I'm eager to get on with our investigation!
Same. This is really interesting and I want to know whodunnit. :)
I am still here, just waiting for an update whether to stay, or interview onlookers, or go on to the Paul's Blacksmith Shop.
Okay, my apologies again, everyone. The tl;dr version is RL decided to walk up behind me and sneak attack my backside, because it could.
Anyways, I'm back, relatively in one piece mentally and able to tackle more of the mystery. Updated the gameplay thread with appropriate responses.
Welcome back and no problem, real life first.
Doop doo dee doo~ *insert musical note*
Guys, I've figured out who did it!
*dramatic pause*
It was...THE BUTLER! Dun dun duuuuunnnnnn.
No no no, it was the widow, black widow I should say ... :-)