So I spent a lot of time on the material of the fountain, and the teleportation idea. When I initially finished I was super proud of all the research, equations, and rule checking I had done. And then I had work.
And now at lunch I look back and think to myself, 'Did I just waste a whole morning? Do my players care? Do I care?'
And now I feel regretful that I took so much time to acomplish so little in the furthering of our game. I rejected the Downtime rule set because I felt it was too much of a time investment for the game. But I did all this behind the scene stuff which doesn't even really impact the game that much.
So here it is. Not sure you care, or if I care, or if I will make this into something. Heck, Timothy Zhan wrote a whole novel out of a throw-a-way-line in one of his books.
Mechanics - Fountain
Did some thread searching, and we never really settled in on a price. Irespan Balsat usually costs 5 sp per pound. Estimating with some well know fountains, also estimating you need to replace 50% of the stone work means about 3,000 tons of stone. Or 1,500 gp. Talking about the Hollow Mountain stone, specific, transportation, ect, there would be a substantial up charge. Let us say that for material alone, she would charge you 4,500 gp, delivered. You had made some arrangements with Mistress Lanvi to help out, but due to her circumstances, she cannot cover that cost. The Church is also quite poor, and could not pay that sum. To make it easy, they can only come up with 2,500, leaving the other 2,000 gp unaccounted for.
I am more than comfortable hand waving this portion of the adventure if it is too cumbersome. There are plenty of other challenges for you to overcome.
Mechanics - Teleporting
You need Teleport 15 caster levels (for the five of you)
From the PRD:
Spellcasting Caster level x spell level x 10 gp
*IF the total spell cost is above 3,000, the spell is generally not available.
15x5x10= 750 gp each way. He/She will need to get back so it will be 1,500 gp round trip for him/her will get you there.
How will you get back?
Spellcasting: The indicated amount is how much it costs to get a spellcaster to cast a spell for you. This cost assumes that you can go to the spellcaster and have the spell cast at his convenience (generally at least 24 hours later, so that the spellcaster has time to prepare the spell in question). If you want to bring the spellcaster somewhere to cast a spell you need to negotiate with him, and the default answer is no.
The cost given is for any spell that does not require a costly material component. If the spell includes a material component, add the cost of that component to the cost of the spell. If the spell has a focus component (other than a divine focus), add 1/10 the cost of that focus to the cost of the spell.
Furthermore, if a spell has dangerous consequences, the spellcaster will certainly require proof that you can and will pay for dealing with any such consequences (that is, assuming that the spellcaster even agrees to cast such a spell, which isn't certain). In the case of spells that transport the caster and characters over a distance, you will likely have to pay for two castings of the spell, even if you aren't returning with the caster.
In addition, not every town or village has a spellcaster of sufficient level to cast any spell. In general, you must travel to a small town (or larger settlement) to be reasonably assured of finding a spellcaster capable of casting 1st-level spells, a large town for 2nd-level spells, a small city for 3rd- or 4th-level spells, a large city for 5th- or 6th-level spells, and a metropolis for 7th- or 8th-level spells. Even a metropolis isn't guaranteed to have a local spellcaster able to cast 9th-level spells.
Didn't we donate 2,000 gp to the Church not that long ago? Otherwise, I think if we pool our cash we can cover the cost... but not much left for consumables.
Teleportation isn't something Arimar would seriously entertain unless it could be done free of charge. A sea journey does make the most sense.
I don't think Malgrim has spent more than 300 gold that he's gotten the entire time. I've actually totally lost track of how much money he shoud have ;)
I'm good for whatever people want to do.
That's fair, I deserved that one. Plus with my posting rate, I'm pretty sure that joke won't ever get old :D
Man... if you keep on taking it so damn well, it won't be as fun... actually, when I say "will it ever get old", it's usually because it's getting old. We all have different home lives. ;-)
I am more than comfortable hand waving this portion of the adventure if it is too cumbersome. There are plenty of other challenges for you to overcome.
Actually, would that be okay? I vote for hand-wave here. I'd rather get into the action than the nitty gritty of fountain finance.
Malgrim, there was a 2,000gp award from the GM a while back, and then 713gp after the Mansion Raid. Arimar has yet to spend any of that (still waiting for a 'next leg' of our mission before deciding).
Man... if you keep on taking it so damn well, it won't be as fun... actually, when I say "will it ever get old", it's usually because it's getting old. We all have different home lives. ;-)
Haha, sorry dude! If it helps, I'll do my best to take it worse in the future and throw a moody if it's mentioned again, so it will be more fun for everyone :P
Man... if you keep on taking it so damn well, it won't be as fun... actually, when I say "will it ever get old", it's usually because it's getting old. We all have different home lives. ;-)
I am more than comfortable hand waving this portion of the adventure if it is too cumbersome. There are plenty of other challenges for you to overcome.Actually, would that be okay? I vote for hand-wave here. I'd rather get into the action than the nitty gritty of fountain finance.
Malgrim, there was a 2,000gp award from the GM a while back, and then 713gp after the Mansion Raid. Arimar has yet to spend any of that (still waiting for a 'next leg' of our mission before deciding).
The more that I thought about it the more comfortable I am to have this 'out there' but not a plot point for you to worry about.
So carry on without worrying about it, but know that there might be a time I pull this out for a GM epiphany.
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Ilk get my post up this afternoon. I'm a conference this week, and won't get Internet until I check in to the hotel. I might be able to get a post up from my phone at lunch. Sorry for the delay!
-Posted with Wayfinder
Thanks for letting me know Benaiah.
To clarify, your options are
- Keep talking to Filuvia
- Go talk to the Kaddren's at the Golem Works
- Head to Serpent's Run to catch a dog race
- Head to the temple to check on Khania and/or Mistress Lanvi
- See Shelia at her Pathfinder Lodge
- See someone at the Museum of Ages
- Start getting ready for your trip to Hollow Mountain
- None of the above
If the posting rate continues as such, we might just have to pull the plug on this game. As much fun as I have and as much work as I have put into the game (and you all too), captaining a slowly sinking ship is not high on my list of to dos. No worries, I love you all. :)
Too many options!
I can post more frequently, but I really don't want it to turn into a two-man show (me and the GM). If you want to pull the plug, I'll be sad, but I'll totally understand.
If the posting rate continues as such, we might just have to pull the plug on this game. As much fun as I have and as much work as I have put into the game (and you all too), captaining a slowly sinking ship is not high on my list of to dos. No worries, I love you all. :)
Sorry, dude. I know a big part of the posting issues are on me. I've really struggle to keep up for the last few months. Please don't take my lack of posting rate as having anything to do with how much I enjoy the game, though. Whims is a awesome, and I love it, I'm just in a funk with anything related to gaming recently. Anyway, I hope we can save the game.
Also, we love you too :)
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I would be sad if this game went away also, we still haven't fought my hell forge beasts! :)
I know my posting rate isn't helping either. I could always threaten to run away with the game with Arimar... ;)
-Posted with Wayfinder
I'll be brief, I hope.
So I took some time last night to reflect, and consider my options. The whole point of this is to have fun, and the only way, other than polling you intermittently, is to observe post rate. Since the posting rate has gone down, the only conclusion I can come up with is that you are not having fun.
Then I move on to the why. I started with games I played in, what keep me refreshing every 30 minutes? What was it that made me impatient when there were no posts? What made me reluctant to check for new posts because I didn't feel like posting?
There are a lot of factors to consider, time available, character buy-in, shared experiences.
So there are some things that I can control, some things I cannot.
I have a full day with lots of outside commitments, so I am going to 'take the day off' from the game and reflect on what I can do better as a GM, a storyteller. My goals is to revitalize the game a bit, and complete the first of the three tasks - secure the stone.
After that, I plan on reassing - did what I do work, are my players having fun, ect. If after that we are still slow posting, not enjoying the game, then we hang up the dice. No harm, no foul. Our time is too valuable to be stuck in a bad game when you are not having fun.
Right Damien and Jyri? ;)
So if you have any issues with anything that is going on in the story GM wise, please let me know so I can fix it. Damien has done a nice job of saying at times can we handwave this, or too many options here. I take that as constructive criticism and aim to fix it. Just remember to say it in a nice way as I am a sensitive flower.
I also wanted to thank you all for your commitment to this game. This game has gone on well over a year, and you all have done an unbelievable job. I am blessed with great players.
See you on the flip side.
Oh, man... "too many options!" was meant to be read in an excited tone. Note that Arimar had no trouble selecting a desired option to run with! I like openness. Sorry for appearing so blunt on that.
Also, though, on the flip side, it can make a PbP take longer if you have too much openness (especially with a slow post rate when you're trying for consensus). If you want to help increase our speed, giving us a logical and singular path to follow will help... or a choice between two options even.
Remember also, Steve and I (and maybe Chris and Mike) have a completionist bent: we don't like loose ends and when presented with a plot point, we want to follow it. Most of our choices will be based around finding a way to do it all!
So, I think you're doing a great job as GM. I really enjoy the game and the political interactions. Do keep in mind, however, that over PbP, there can be consequences to such an open world. It can be hard to keep track of it all (even with a document) and anything that requires a discussion can take days to decide upon. To make it go quicker (through the plot, that is), more linearity may be required.
That says nothing for the post rate, though, which is definitely on the slow side. Again, I can pick it up if you like, but if it becomes a matter of Arimar vs the GM with the occasional chime in, I don't think any of the five of us want that.
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Remember also, Steve and I (and maybe Chris and Mike) have a completionist bent: we don't like loose ends and when presented with a plot point, we want to follow it. Most of our choices will be based around finding a way to do it all!
This one thousand times... so true. It's hard to choose sometimes wondering if we will be able to get back to something knowing I want to chase all leads down.
-Posted with Wayfinder
I will second the completionist bent. It's why I have a hard time with Skryim or similar games; I want to do it all! I've also noticed that the open-ended sandbox is hard in face to face games and a lot harder in Play by Post. I do appreciate the options, but it does make it easier to fall into decision paralysis.
To the more important matter at hand: I can't speak for the others but I certainly have enjoyed the game and your GMing. I've had a few critiques, but I've brought them up and felt they've been addressed. Overall it has been a really fun game, with great characters and NPCs. There have been times I haven't connected with some as much that are shared NPCs from other games, but overall it has been an incredibly positive experience.
My posting in general has definitely plummeted across the board (and boards) though. I've gone from spending an average of 2 hours a day between forum posting and PbP to barely keeping up with things due to work / life reasons, and only having enough time to try (and often fail) to make a post once a day or every other day. I've also felt slightly checked out on Malgrim for a bit, though that is less than a factor to the low post-count than the previous time issues. If this game had come up after I got moved on to my current project I'm pretty sure I would have turned it down, as much as I would have felt I missed out on an amazing opportunity.
On the other hand, I *did* make a conscious effort that I *would* make the time to do an update today between various Valentine's errands, so here we are ;) I was looking forward to trying out the arcanist idea, but even that isn't something that I think will get me to constantly be refreshing for updates with my current project deadlines. I *shouldn't* have to deal with car-totaling in the near future and have a rental, but life has an annoying habit of situations akin to sticking Malgrim in a boat. So if there was ever someone you had in mind that would help keep things moving better, I'd be willing to bow out for the sake of the game, though I'd hope to still lurk and chat in discussion when I surfaced.
So, that's where I'm at. I'd be happy to discuss more at length, but I'm willing to go with whatever the consensus is.
Well thanks for all the feedback. I have reflected and made some decisions going forward.
When were are in combat at least once a day. Out of combat, at least once every other day. Exception to this is, as always, RL. If this is problematic, please contact me to discuss it. As always, more is better for all of us :)
This adventure is meant to tow the line between sandbox at times, and linear at times. I want you to be central of the story, and control it, but I need to be there to direct it. This is the most challenging aspect for me to GM, I think, especially since much of this is my creation. So I want to give you Options, but I don't want you to have too many and flounder.
What I am going to do going forward is give you all time for plot threads - things that have to be done, interspersed with some downtime for choice, instead of giving you everything all at once.
e.g. Currently you have essential plot points - meeting with House Mindurian, and unessential plot points - dog race at Serpent's Run. So what I am going to do is railroad you a bit with the Plot Points, but then give you time in between for some Downtime Activities (catchy name - not the rule system).
So hop on for a quick ride. In the few days we have before we depart for Hollow Mountain, then you all will have time for some Downtime activities, like dog race, or helping Hepec. Malgrim will be preparing for his exit, and we will be introduced to a new character. I hope this will tighten the plot to make it easier to post.
This is also a great time to review your characters and where you stand as a player. Are there things you need to tweak, something that I can help with, ect.
As the Companions' and the Mindurians' conversation dwindles to mundane topics, like the weather, Filuvia turns to Balastar, "Balastar my dear. Why don't you escort our guests out. I am sure that they have a full day ahead of them.
"And thank you all for meeting with us, and letting us clear up our earlier misunderstanding. I look forward to a profitable relationship between us. Take care, and good luck." She nods as they all rise and stroll back down the hallway.
Balastar turns to the group, "Friends, if I may call you so, I appreciate you all accepting my apology. My earlier behavior, I am regretful for how I acted. But when my house tells me to stonewall you, that is what I do. Glad that the pressure House Vanderale levied against Lady Filuvia has abated.
"Now that we are free to resume our previous relationship, I will need a handful of days to arrange transport, a crew of laborers, and gather supplies. Malgrim, why don't you and your friends head over to the Museum of Ages, find out a little more about what we are up against. In the next few days, if you can spare him, I'd love to have Malgrim's help. What say you?"
The Companions, in their wisdom, defer to Balastar's advice and head towards the Museum of Ages. Occupying a small campus just north of Usher's Hall, several grandiose structures house the histories, findings, and private collections of some of the city's most esteemed citizens. These buildings are the Founder's Archive and Museum of Ages. In an attempt to elevate the city-state beyond merely an aggrandized trading post, the local government has done much to encourage education and the arts. The majority of governmental funds contributed to city-wide enlightenment go toward these two structures' maintenance. Of particular note in the Museum of Ages itself are three of its permanent displays: the ancient Eye of Rakzhan (a magically petrified cyclops eye from a remote island in the Shackles), the Gemstone Regalia of King Chadris Porphyria III (held on public display here much to Korvosa's disdain), and the Lions of Siv (two matching lions, one of red marble and the other of black).
Bypassing much of the Museum's bureaucratic staff, the Companions find themselves in an audience with the museum's curator, Doctor Ernst Landis. "What is it that the Museum can do for you? Hollow Mountain? Why yes, we do have an expert on ancient Thassilonian ruins. What museum wouldn't? Boy, take these fine people to Doctor Archisa Aparna."
A page boy bows to the Companions before motioning them to follow him. Through winding shelves of priceless artifacts, all tagged and labeled, many wrapped in protective casing, the Companions take in the sights and smells of the museum's storage and research facilities. An odd aroma of dust, old, and spice permeates the air, while the dim lighting casts everything in a yellowish hue. Colors muted and shadows elongated, the Companions feel as if they have been transported into another world.
Coming to unspectacular marked door out of the dozens they have passed, the page raps on the door. "Coooommme iiiinnn." come a weazened, frail voice from behind the door. Before the page can turn the knob, everyone can hear a 'CLICK' from the bolt releasing. "My trapppps are disableeeedd."
The page pushes the door open and leans up against the wall next to the door. "I'll wait here." he says.
Upon entering the room, the Companions can see that the room is sparsely furnished. A few chairs, a desk, and a floor to ceiling bookcase that runs the length of the opposite wall from whence they entered. Every chair, and much of the floor is covered with open books, and rolled up parchments. Seated behind the desk is a humanoid man. His skin is a pale blue like crystal clear waters, hair as black as a moonless nights, and white pupils with no iris. The Companions are worldly enough to recognize a samsaran when they see one.
"Please, come in and sit." intones the man as he places a book down. "I am Doctor Archisa Aparna. Who are you and what can I do for you?"
Was that supposed to be in Gameplay? :)
(Also, see, I refreshed! ;))
Yes. Will fix.
Forgot to chime in on the plan... looks great, John! Can't wait to hit Hollow Mountain.
Something that probably wasn't clear is that I'm okay with things taking a while over PbP due to sandboxy-ness. I, like you, do prefer a quicker posting rate, though (otherwise a while turns into ages). 1/2 days then 1/day during combat sounds more than reasonable.
Having just tweaked Arimar (well, completely turned him over), I'm very happy where I'm at character-wise. I hope the transition hasn't been too jarring for everyone!
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Plan looks good to me too. I know there are things I can do to get a better posting rate.
I also thought quite a bit about the posting rates and other things Arimar has said, so I just figured I would throw this out there.
If Arimar and I tend to post more often than anyone else, then just allow us to push the story. (Ie Rule of 2) Obviously everyone would need to buy in, but more often that not (in fact, I can only think of one time we didn't have this) we have good consensus. I don't think we really need to wait for everyone to weigh in on a topic I guess is what I am saying. That is the crux of why some of our early games moved so quick. Damien used a rule of 2 or 3 and just plowed ahead with decisions. That wasn't always great for the people who couldn't post as fast, but like I said, if we are all on board, then it becomes no big deal.
Basically what that means is a high percentage of the time, Arimar and I would be deciding the course of action, and Gwen and Malgrim would be reacting to it.
Ok, I'm out of time. Hopefully I explained myself well enough - Just throwing it out there as a consideration to help keep the story moving and minimize some of the discussion time. Might not help the post rate problem, but would definitely help the pace of play issues we struggle with.
Ah, back when I was ploughing through PFS.
Actually, the rule of 2 can be good, but I really don't want it to be a game of 2 players with 2 extra PCs to help out during combat situations. I like interacting with PCs as much as NPCs, and ploughing ahead before they can speak often inhibits that.
That said, we do need to find a way to progress and I'm okay if Mike and Chris are.
I would like to thank everyone for their insight and input. It has been very helpful. I generally do use the 'Rule of 2', and I have no problem letting frequent poster garner more of the spotlight, but with a crew as talented as this one is, Malgrim and Gwen really should be part of things. Hopefully a nip here, a tuck there, and we shall be back on track.
As for Malgrin the PC, not the player, he will soon be leaving us. Much like many of you have refined your characters in the past, it is Michael's turn. The meeting with House Kaddren is solely for introducing his new character and will be trimmed at this point in the plot. I have a new way to introduce him.
Quick note on NPCs.
NPCs are just that - designed to remove game obstacles for you to succeed. No NPC will take part in a fight, and may help before a fight.
Mainly they are they to help me tell your story better.
On the good Doctor - thank you for the compliments. I actually created him on September 28th, 2016 and he was to be introduced later in the adventure. I just assumed to move his introduction up so solve some logistical problems and move the story forward.
I have an OCD issue - I cannot play the same class and race twice, unless it is vastly different. The only exception have been human (2x) due to racial characteristics of the adventure environment, and I am playing a gestalt magus, but he is esoteric (monkisk). It is always fun for me to make NPCs.
I was thinking we should also run some kind of friendly competition - a day of games - for the household to celebrate our victory over the Versades and raise morale. What do you three think? We could announce it tomorrow and plan it for when we get back.
Great idea! We will do this. Feel free to run with it or I can.
I was thinking games to stretch the mind and body:
- A lying competition.
- Fights, archery, etc.
- Sneaking competition (kinda like laser tag, but one hit you're out).
- Gambling, of course.
- Appraising contest (how much is this artefact worth?).
- And so on.
Contestants should get tokens (or similar) for coming 1st, 2nd, 3rd (more for 1st, etc). The winner of the day is the one with the most tokens. Prize should be a trophy and either gold or something valuable.
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By the way, I've been updating the document. Please feel free to add in your own thoughts on the various houses and our positions with them!
I'm still counting the Vanderales as 'neutral', since we don't know whether they blocked our deal with the Mindurians under duress or not.
For the record, the name of the school was supposed to be a joke... ;)
It's cool. I grew up reading X-Men comics. Love it!
For the record, the name of the school was supposed to be a joke... ;)
And now its canon ;)
;)
And now you're up.
This is the last 'must do' before we head to Hollow Mountain. Please try to have all your ducks in a row before we depart to cut down on retcons and such.
My apologies for being a bottleneck. Crafting introduction now.
One lengthy introduction down.
In the time honored tradition of board avatars not matching my image, I was torn between this one and This one which is a lot more of a metaphor ;)
Kaddren Very nice intro. I liked it a lot! Please do update the Rolls Sheet when you have time. Should be a bit before combat, but who knows the mood I am in. Like the weather here, all four seasons in a day!
Quick posting update: will likely not have time to post today, time well spent with family, will pick this up tomorrow. Let me know if you want to accomplish anything a in Magnimar before you leave. I plan on a 'farewell now scene' at the temple before fast forwarding to the teleportation at the Museum of Ages.
Arimar picks up the following (and lets Hero Lab deal with the costs, was about 1,500gp total):
Bladeguard
Potion of feather step
Potion of invigorate
Smoked goggles
Smelling salts
Air crystals
Potion of touch of the sea
Antiplague
Antitoxin
Vermin repellent
Allnight (from Benaiah's drug dealing contacts)
Potion of remove sickness
Potion of cure moderate wounds
Snapleaf
Potion of delay poison
As per the GM's earlier kindness, I'll be purchasing the mundane items up to 100gp above for free.
Oh, and I'd also previously added six doses of blackfire clay, cold weather gear, furs, cleats, snowshoes and a spelunking kit.
It is fun to catalogue shop. I will post a farewell scene later this afternoon unless someone has something specific they would like to do.
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I just need to take the time to post my list as well, though it will all be mundane items below 100gp because I am broke as a joke...
In case I miss the deadline here are a few items I know I want:
Climbing gear
Pickaxe
Shovel
100' Rope
Cold weather gear
Furs
Cleats
That might be about it anyways....
Sorry for the split and kinda lackluster combat posts. I was running late for something (not late, late if I spent the time to do the post I wanted).
Take off 4 to hit and 5 damage (21 & 20 respectively) if they aren't evil.
Take off 2 from to hit and damage (23 and 23) if Gwen doesn't inspire courage.
19 and 18 if not evil and no IC.
Kaddren, it is knowledge (nature) for giants and most GMs won't tell you the DC in advance. ;-)
Honestly they are hill Giants. Please feel free to look them up. They are evil.
Crunch and getting ready for weekend volunteering! Might be quiet tomorrow, but will at least move an action forward.
Weekends are relaxed. Have fun!
Hey, since I squeezed off an action point, it got me thinking... how do we replenish those? Do we gain them automatically as we level up like Hero Points? Just a little unclear as to how we get that resource back (or if we do at all).
From the Campaign Tab: Action Points
Every time a character advances, he gains a number of action points equal to 5 + 1/2 his new character level. Some prestige classes might allow a faster rate of accrual, at the GM’s option.
Action Points and Existing Games
Adding action points to an existing campaign is easy, since characters don’t need to make any special changes. Each character simply gains a number of action points equal to 5 + 1/2 his character level. 9 Action Points
You started at 9 points, we leveled once or twice, you should have a boatload.
Huh. I did read that. Somehow I missed the "every time a character advances" and thought that calculation was just for maximum action points. I've fixed up my tagline to reflect the last level up (+8, I think we only leveled up once) - and we should be sure to use our action points more often!
This is why I tended to use mine more often. I have a habit of hoarding resources unnecessarily. Re-doing post lost when power went out. *shakes fist at sky*
Kaddren Nice work on the Glitterdust. You have eliminated 5 of the giants' 7 attacks. (29% success rate only)
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Got some work to do when I get home. Benaiah is raging, so he will automatically lose his con bonus hit points, which would mean rage death. However, I don't think I actually put my extra hit points in my tag line, so I might actually be at 6hp positive.
I gotta check when I get home to see which one is right, but hold on to your butts, Benaiah might be dead dead...
Holy shit balls man, I get that you don't have the infusions discovery.... but no raging vitality feat? Woah. You really do live on the dangerous side, don't you?