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I've never heard of the Divine Channeler archetype before - what's the source?
It's not an archetype, it's a 3 party base class from Rite Publishing. I asked Tiessa about it before I took it. Taize was set up as a divine channeler originally but DM cross didn't accep the class, so I reskinned her as a straight cleric. Tiessa was kind enough to allow me to use the orginal concept.
I have three medical appointments tomorrow: PT for my sprained tendons, explaining to the dietician why I've lost so little weight, and then getting my regular physical. So, no posting until late, most likely, as the VA doesn't have WiFi for my Fire.
No problem, thank you for the heads up - I hope everything goes well.
@Tiessa - Well, we're sorely lacking in arcane talent at the moment - yes, technically speaking bards can cast arcane spells, but they're limited and extremely specialized. We could use a good sorcerer or wizard or witch to fill out our party. So yes, I'd be delighted if someone else wanted to join in on our fun.
Posting here so that we don't clog up the Gameplay thread with OOC posts.
@Group: Ok, I have a quick (or perhaps not so quick) question, due to an argument that erupted in one of my games.
How does the group want to handle treasure distribution? I've always played equal shares in the groups I've been in. However, I've discovered that some folks do a take what you can use in spite of the price/cost and hope it balances out later.
How do we want to do it? I'll go with the majority, I just want to be aware of how we're working it now.
@Tiessa: I don't mind if you introduce a new player. And, yes, a full arcane caster would be nice.
@Taize: True, after all, a rogue's not going to have any use for a Pearl of Power, just like a wizard won't need a +1 breastplate. But there are also items like Ring of Deflection and Amulets of Natural Armor that everyone can use. So, I'd like to make a proposal.
Everyone gets an equal share of the monetary loot (Including art objects and gems), splitting it down the middle. For magic items, it should go need before greed - for example, if we get a Ring of Deflection, it should go to the person with the lowest AC first. For Ability score enhancing items, they should go to the character that relies on that stat the most - Talon, for example, would get a Belt of Strength over the others being the fighter. Pai would get Charisma items, Keeya Dexerity ones, and Taize Wisdom ones.
For one use items, scrolls obviously go to the spellcasters. Potions should be 'purchased', as it were, using your share of the treasure at half its value. The exception should be healing potions, which everyone should get an equal share towards if possible.
The biggest point of this system is honor. Play your characters dastardly if you want, but remember that you rely on the other characters to function at their best. Don't take a magic item if you think that another character can use it better.
I'll let the party figure out treasure distribution - I've played it both ways before - fully equal, with having to buy items from the party loot, and the hope it balances out later one too.
The biggest problem I've seen with the fully equal method, is if you get a sudden run of a few items best for a certain character, they tend to not be able to buy them all. So, they get sold. Then there is a long drought of items for that character - and that sucks because they could have had the other items and it would have 'evened out'.
Items rarely come in even balances for all players in rotation, therefore imbalance handling needs to be built into the system - otherwise it turns out to be just as 'unfair' as the 'it all balances out in the end' method.
Most games I've been in have settled on the 'it all balances out', but I tend to play with groups I've known for a while.
It'll probably be a bit harder for Talon, seeing as he's specializing in an exotic weapon that we'll probably never come to find a magical version of - especially considering that it's a double weapon, needing enchantments for each blade individually. Easier for him to find someone willing to enchant his self crafted weapons instead in that case.
But yeah, I feel that if you think your character or another character can make use of a magic item or special equipment better than the rest, offer them it. And if you feel that your character can make the best use of an item, ask to take it. We're all adults here, I'm sure that we can agree to divide treasure sensibly.
Im not overly concerned it should all work itself out!
Also as for another party member sure!
@Talon - I've been known to rearrange treasure to add in exotic weapons that players have - it's no fun having to enchant them all yourself. In fact I've been known to throw in little memento items for each character along the way - a little more special, a little more tailored to a specific character.
For example, off the top of my head, a nice item for Keeya would be a dark bladed knife (with a bit of history behind it - a crest, makers mark, unique name, etc - that might lead to more if investigated), a small magic bonus, and it would grant a bonus to stealth and perhaps the ability to become silent, like the spell, once a day for one minute. Give it to a recurring npc enemy who uses it to great effect against the party and is eventually defeated. Tada, Keeya now has an item with abilities that you can't get 'off the shelf', with history, and a memorable way of having acquired it. Due to the stealth and silence abilities, it may just stay in her toolbox throughout her entire career.
I feel like Santa when I come up with a good one :)
@Talon - I've been known to rearrange treasure to add in exotic weapons that players have - it's no fun having to enchant them all yourself. In fact I've been known to throw in little memento items for each character along the way - a little more special, a little more tailored to a specific character.
For example, off the top of my head, a nice item for Keeya would be a dark bladed knife (with a bit of history behind it - a crest, makers mark, unique name, etc - that might lead to more if investigated), a small magic bonus, and it would grant a bonus to stealth and perhaps the ability to become silent, like the spell, once a day for one minute. Give it to a recurring npc enemy who uses it to great effect against the party and is eventually defeated. Tada, Keeya now has an item with abilities that you can't get 'off the shelf', with history, and a memorable way of having acquired it. Due to the stealth and silence abilities, it may just stay in her toolbox throughout her entire career.
I feel like Santa when I come up with a good one :)
We must defeat this enemy!
That's very good that you would do that - one of the best ways that a DM go from decent to great is to make little changes that hook the characters in more deeply - like, with Pai, having some of those wives of her former customers recognizing her, or Keeya finding someone that knew her mother, or Talon getting asked about his parents in the society. They can be simple, but very effective in drawing interest and giving everyone a short chance to step into the spotlight.
That said, I should probably flesh out Talon's background some more. I'll probably do it tomorrow when I have time.
@keeya - lol!
Yes, I try to do those things. It is important to make certain everyone has their share of the limelight. A few encounters tailored here and there to make certain characters shine. Background details brought into the story, etc.
I tend not to do that right away, but space them out over time. In the beginning, everyone is new anyway and still trying to figure things out. Right after they get comfortable though, a nice reminder of where they started is always nice.
I snuck in some new background in the form of exposition that may or may not ever come up. But yes lets get that dagger having guy!
@Group: that sounds fine. I can work with that. It sounds fair, which is all I want. I just wanted to know before it became an issue. If anyone wants to know why I asked, check my Carrion Crown game.
As for stuff Taize would like: better armor, amy manual (bodily health, gainful exersize, quickness of action), or any other Str, Dex, Con uping item.
@Tiessa: are the items from Ultimate Equipment available?
I'm fine with UE - I've barely cracked it though.
Yikes, you guys! There's so much!
lol sorry!
It's fine! It shows that you're active, and that there is a good pace for this game. It is an adventure path and those are long.
Yes, sorry about the big post with lots to read - but it's that long, introductory monologue that most modules begin with.
All, I'd like to know is if you'd mind if we have another player join us?
I dont mind!
I think that's all in the affirmative for another player - I'll tell her now. This would be a good time for her to join - as if she showed up late to the appointment. Rather than trying to insert her at a later time.
Right then, I'll hold off on trying to move things along until they've made an appearance, then. Though I would humbly request they consider a Sorcerer/Witch/Wizard class for this, as we're lacking in arcane support.
I did mention the need for an arcane user, I think she was already thinking of a magus - not a 'pure' arcane spellcaster, but they do have a lot of the 'big punch' wizard spells.
*POOF* Aha! I have arrived. Magically whisked into a discussion thread within which I will put together an arcane caster.
Thanks for letting me join. I was following along, and looking at all the options and choices for full-arcanist.
First, I was like "wizards just look too boring, but I don't like any of the witch hexes unless there's a coven of evil witches all in the same party." I looked into Sorcerer, and when I was done manipulating all the data, I had made a wizard called a sorcerer (used Int as a prime and had a familiar). It was then I decided, I would make a wizard.
Need to put a profile together, but thinking a Tiefling Wizard, with every ugly accoutrement. Taking the claws, wings, and tail alternate features, and probably be a fire wizard.... but being a self-hating LG, tiefling.
I'll have something done up as quick as I can, but have a postable alias first. Any questions/suggestions on the build?
Sounds fun
Well, if you're going Wizard - Tiefling Wizard, as you say - I'd choose either Conjuration or Transmutation as your School Specialization, and put Enchantment and Illusion as your prohibited schools - seeing as we have a bard already, we're pretty good on those.
I'd also plan on taking the Improved Familiar feat later on - the idea of a LG tiefling with a LG celestial familiar is just hilarious. You should also think on if you want to focus on metamagic, item creation, or both with feat selection. Being able to make Wondrous Items or Magic Arms and Armor would make you invaluable to the party by creating essential items, but metamagic gives you an even larger range of options for spellcasting - Extend Spell in Particular I suggest you take.
But, it's your character, so the choice is ultimately up to you. And being Tiefling, you should look into Fiendish Heritage as your 1st level feat.
As for traits, aside from the Campaign one, remember to not pick two additional traits from the same category.
For skills, Know (Arcana) and Spellcraft are both a no brainer. Take additional Knowledge skills as well - Know (Dungeoneering), Know (History) and Know (Planes) will serve us all well.
Here's the alias I'll be using. Went conjurer, but am dropping Enchantment and Necromancy.
I looked at the fiendish heritage feat the other night, and I'm not a fan of spending a feat just to get a bunch of random options.
I would definitely be interested in taking improved familiar, I love familiars. Always have, even back in the day when losing them meant a lot more danger. With the others, I'll be more inclined to take the item creation, as a flavor to go with his conjuration the idea of binding elements into things.
I love the concept of a self-loathing LG tiefling, "Don't say that or I'll have to be really, really nice to you and I *hate* being really, really nice."
I'd look at the Thassilonion Specialist option, it may not be for you - it's a bit harsh, but you do get a big boost.
Speaking Technically, a Thassilonian Specialist is given a greater number of spell slots for their chosen specialization, in exchange for never being able to cast spells from the pre-determined prohibited schools, not even from scrolls, wands, or staffs.
Compared that to the regular specialist, who can cast prohibited spells only by using double the number of spell slots, and can pick which schools are prohibited.
It's a matter of wanting to be specialized or overly specialized - though I do suggest you think more about controlling the battlefield, instead of blasting it to bits. A wizard has the capacity to turn the tide of battle for his allies - summoning in particular is key for a conjurer, being able to place disposable soldiers on the field that draw fire away from other party members.
Also, Spell Focus: Conjuration and Augment Summoning should be your top priority for feat selection to start with.
I'm not a fan of the Thassilonian Specialist. The idea I have with the Conjuration is that he is focused on the connection of planes and how they intersect, seeing this as what allowed the perversion to enter his bloodline. Sadly, the school is associated with laziness, and dropped two schools I still wanted to have access to. The one that dropped the two he wouldn't mind dropping, was Necromancy, and he has a personal issue with that.
Then go with a regular Conjuration Wizard - Know (Planes) would compliment that.
As traits go, remember that aside from the Campaign trait not to take traits in the same category - for example, Courageous and Deft Dodger are both combat traits, and cannot be taken together.
I'm a little concerned you'll lack debuffing ability by taking off Necromancy and Enchantment, but Pai will most likely supplement the Enchantment field, so that should be okay.
He's done for the most part, enough to be worked in. I haven't quite settled on a feat yet, and am buying his gear. He has a Raven familiar whose stats are still needed in the profile. Not sure how you wanted to work him in.
TL;DR background: raised by a priest of Iomedae in Mendev, constantly told he was born from evil. Never allowed outside or into the church proper, spent all his time copying religious text. He began to research and study the origin of species, namely his own, and tried to understand the nature of the worldwound. All to find what he could do to not be evil. He outlived the one priest that accepted him, and was made to leave. He found the society, and was a useful resource. Recently he was sent to Magnimar to learn more of Varisia. He hides most of his bestial features under a voluminous robe, has a low sense of self worth, and has little experience interacting with others.
The players have just made it to the point where Sheila has outlined the mission to them and they are about to leave the mansion to follow the next steps.
I was thinking that you could show up for the appointment a little late for any number of reasons - planned or unplanned.
Ooh I feel so bad skipping over and ignoring Pai, I hope everything is okay with her player.
Some of us are just a little more active than the rest, I think. Though I do hope Pai will be with us for if and when we start investigating - Bards are great for investigative purposes.
yeeeah I am trying my hardest not to flood the board!
Right now, patience. We'll wait for Tiessa to post the next scene. After all, we have our course, to the Arvensoar - it's up to her to paint the picture we'll then splatter with our own dashes of color. ^_^
yes patience. I am full of that stuff!
....
damnit out!
I think I'm a little behind.
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Not by too much - just got to play a little catch up, say hi to the new party member, maybe attempt to identify the magic ring that was in the box (What's in the F@$%ing box?!). Anyways, feel free to jump in, as our GM has declared we'll be moving along tomorrow, so getting in some more acquaintanceship now would be a good thing.
I think I'm a little behind.
I'd suggest not trying to take in all the posts - that's a bit overwhelming :)
I'm on my iPad on a ferry and can peek in :)
Yay! I made it into another S&S campaign! I even used the same intro post ;) this DM likes rp :)
yep, no worries take your time.
And congrats on the new campaign.
I'd just like to make the suggestion that any 'purely' OOC comments and posts be submitted only to the discussion thread, so that we can keep the gameplay thread free of any clutter. I mean, it's certainly all right to make OOC comments about rules or actions or anything like that, but when we're just talking about real life and scheduling issues and being unable to post, that's really something for this thread here.
Good point, I was on the gameplay page and heading out the door, I'll make certain to put the notices in the correct thread.
I'm traveling back today, but will have time for a few posts.
Oh Keeya, you are going to need a lot more ranks in diplomacy to pull shit like that off.
We haven't had a post from Pai in a while. Does anyone know if her player is preoccupied offline? I ask mainly because these are social situations and encounters we're doing here, and as the bard, Pai should really shine in these moments - that's not going to happen if she's not around to do anything.