GM Fireclaw |
Very happy to see that Midha can speak Aerili. This would be a rather short negotiation without it. ;D
GM Fireclaw |
If anyone wants to take a combat action (anything from casting a spell to using a non-social ability), I'll have everyone make initiative checks.
While I won't be as strict with initiative here (PBP makes it a bad idea in general), here's the method I find works best:
Midha
Jericho
Enemy #1
Seirin
Augustus
Enemy #2
In which case Midha and Jericho's turn order's are interchangable, as are Seirin and Augustus'. If you want to delay or ready actions, your initiative will change as normal. For example, if Midha wanted to wait for Seirin to go before she acted, her initiative 'grouping' would drop down to Seirin/Augustus/Midha from that point on in the combat.
In effect, having a high initiative check might mean you get to act before the enemies do, but it should still work fine within the PBP environment. If anyone has suggestions to improve this system, let me know.
Damiani |
Just to get clarification:
There are the four of us, unknowns to one another, versus some six to twelve (lost track) 'youths' atop bear mounts, as a potential fight?
While not wanting to come off as fearful, as a player, what is giving folks a sense of positive odds here, beyond the presumption / belief that we wouldn't be thrown up against a CR engagement above our own too early?
Mostly asking if we're looking for a scrap versus negotiations.
Orthos |
While a nonviolent encounter would admittedly be preferable, I think at this point it's that negotiations aren't going anywhere, Midha's not getting anything resembling cooperation out of the leader, and the others are marching off to keep doing whatever they came here to do. At least on my/her part it's part bull-headed stubbornness, heh. These guys aren't here to be friendly, the townsfolk are scared out of their wits; it's all ringing up against her big "this is wrong, do something about it" button.
Midha's in part hoping that if they can cripple one quickly (by taking out the bear) the rider and the others will surrender; if that doesn't work out, she might advise to fall back on guerrilla tactics, taking advantage of buildings for cover, attacking from rooftops, etc. Presuming the dice don't betray us >_>
FireclawDrake |
Posting from my phone, but wanted to say that I will never put you guys in a Kobiyashi Maru situation. I agree with Damiani that this is a ridiculously high CR for a level 2 party (the bears alone would be CR4 or so each), but that was kinda my point.
Anyway, I promise I won't TPK you guys on the first encounter. ;P
Also, since death is a real story killer in my opinion, but should also be part of the game because it adds a sense of danger, each character gets 3 Strikes. If you would've died, you are instead grievously wounded, but you survive.
Does that sound fair to all?
MisterLurch |
I have always been, and still am, comfortable with a character dying. While I would not like it to happen in the first encounter, it is always a possibility when players make a wrong choice. I always try to act from the point of view of my character and accept the consequences of those actions.
That being said, I do like the idea of the three strikes. I may take that idea into games that I run.
Damiani |
Primarily, I was checking my sense of balance and the other players, here in the ooc chat section, to gauge intent in what I thought was a dangerous situation.
It is fine and all to be over confident, we're the heroes, but, not seeing some measure of concern, at 2nd level, wet behind the ears, with a gang of bear riding raiders, prompted my query.
Three strikes or no, death happens. The only complaint you'll get from me is typically due to saving throw rolls. Hate those as I hate Hell, and all Monteques.
So much so, I may have misspelled their name. Hate.
lynora |
I'm good with the three strikes.
As far as impending combat goes, I'm playing a sixteen year old mostly blind girl. She's not in favor of combat and she doesn't really know these people. But she's sixteen and afraid of looking uncool so she's mostly just standing there being terrified and trying to look like she's totally got all of this under control. :P
Jericho Dask |
Jericho is in a very uncertain frame of mind at the moment. He sees this situation escalating to a very bloody and unpleasant end, and has never been in such a lethal situation where he had time to see it coming. He also sees that there are very long odds against the party. But he hates bullies and has always been one to stand up for others when they are being bullied.
He is also an 18 year old boy with two lovely young ladies as traveling companions, and doesn't really feel like he can back down if that were to be the best course.
So he is kind of stuck at the moment. Unless something relaxes the situation, he will fire, but likely not until the other bear riders reach the temple. Also, if something startles him, he will likewise fire.
Damiani |
I was technically waiting on those with higher initiatives to go first.
Plus my actions are uncertain, seems like we have a lone bear rider rushing at us while his cohorts are assaulting this foreign town's temple.
It's always a joy to get insight into motivations in the other PCs. Thanks for sharing Lurch.
Orthos |
WELP.
Here goes nothin'.
And yes, life is busy - it's overtime season here at work, so my schedule's a bit erratic. I'm on now because it's a slower-than-average day. I'll have a fuller post later tonight hopefully.
FireclawDrake |
There are rules for that actually Lurch, but hey are a bit harsh.
If you take a move action and begin to cast a spell with a 1 round cast time, you complete it your following turn with a standard action. Augustus can do as described, but be warned that it will take his next turn's standard action. Consider a 5ft step instead.
Regarding spell effects - magic can be a personal thing, unique as any art. You guys have artistic license to describe your magic.
Further, Summoned creatures are fully under your mental control - you don't need to command them verbally.
Just to clear a few points up.
Damiani |
Yeah, I'm doing as described, Augustus isn't a tactical mastermind at level 2, and that's the prepared spell he'd cast.
Fully aware of casting durations and such, though I appreciate the word of caution, if it were such. He's more concerned about spreading out right now, truth be told, yet stay somewhat in range of Seirin, just in case.
Plus the summoned creature gets a full action when summoned, so what's a round of delay over all?
C'est last vie of ze Magus!
Good to know about the magic effects and telepathic commands regarding summoned beings, that answered my question and much more, thanks. I'll describe the spell effects if/when the round it completes comes around.
FireclawDrake |
Works for me Dami. I'm used to introducing folks to the game system (this is why I had to split my RL game into 2 groups... I kept adding people >_>) and thus I tend to poke reminders about stuff at players, just in case they've forgotten and such.
We're just waiting on Midha by the looks, and Orthos did say he was quite busy.
GM Fireclaw |
Just a quick bump to make sure you are still with us Orthos. No worries if you're swamped.
GM Fireclaw |
Just giving this another poke for Orthos - might send him a PM and we might have to move on without him otherwise. It's been almost a month since his last post. :(
Orthos |
>_<
Man I feel bad now. I'm so sorry about this guys.
Work is out of the overtime blitz but I've been busy with other things and completely forgot about the various PbPs I've been in. I'll get on this immediately.
EDIT: Okay posted! I am very sorry about the wait. I shouldn't have to delay that long again any time soon.
lynora |
So I've been re-reading the Barsoom series (the John Carter books for those who aren't entirely familiar), and one of the things that has really been striking me is how terribly often the female characters get kidnapped....
.....and then my character gets kidnapped by a bear rider....[facepalm] :P
FireclawDrake |
Augustus: Given the command to the eagle, I see two options:
1) This is the 'default' for multiple grapplers, and it is effectively an Aid Another action for Seirin, giving her both +2 CMD and a +2 on Escape Artist/CMB checks to escape the grapple. This is the 'running interference' option, and will not provoke any attacks of opportunities (from the bear).
2) The eagle may also attempt to begin a grapple with the rider himself, rendering him unable to maintain the grapple on Seirin. This isn't exactly RAW (since Pathfinder did away with alot of the complex rules for multiple grapplers), but I think it makes sense. However, this option would leave the eagle open to an attack of opportunity from the bear.
Those are the options. The first requires a CMB check DC10 to 'run interference' and give Seirin the bonuses, whereas the second one would be like initiating any other grapple (a simple CMB check vs the rider's CMD).
And Augustus still has a move action if he wishes.
Augustus Octavianus |
Augustus: Given the command to the eagle, I see two options:
1) This is the 'default' for multiple grapplers, and it is effectively an Aid Another action for Seirin, giving her both +2 CMD and a +2 on Escape Artist/CMB checks to escape the grapple. This is the 'running interference' option, and will not provoke any attacks of opportunities (from the bear).
2) The eagle may also attempt to begin a grapple with the rider himself, rendering him unable to maintain the grapple on Seirin. This isn't exactly RAW (since Pathfinder did away with alot of the complex rules for multiple grapplers), but I think it makes sense. However, this option would leave the eagle open to an attack of opportunity from the bear.
Those are the options. The first requires a CMB check DC10 to 'run interference' and give Seirin the bonuses, whereas the second one would be like initiating any other grapple (a simple CMB check vs the rider's CMD).
And Augustus still has a move action if he wishes.
M'kay.
I forget if grappling someone renders them more susceptible to attack, and by attacking, "runs interference" which could aid Seirin in her efforts.
In my mind, merely attacking (twin claws) against someone who owns the grapple, would help as much as aiding would, due to injury.
Thoughts?
Damiani |
You can do that with a flanking bonus, just by being on the other side from Seirin, and would give her +2 CMB checks (and obviously if he takes enough damage, the rider will change his tactics)
Attack then. I'm pretty sure Aug, while bright, isn't that masterful in his creations yet.
Claw claw bite, Augmented Summon Eagle, caaaw!! Rip the eyes out!