Sometimes the first post on a new page doesn't show up until the second one posts, and I can't see what I just wrote, so this is just the second post to make the first one appear!
(Belle, Báin, Lascegore and Jotun)
I wanted to get us moving, but there are some things I'd like you to add to your character (on the Paizo boards, not necessarily the Google slides). These include:
A) Background. Who are you? What do you want? Where do you come from? Why are you here?
B) Relationships. What are your relationships with the other PC's? Did you know any of them previously? Who -is- important to you?
C) The Questions:
1) What is your near term goal in life?
2) What long-term goal do you envision pursuing if adventure doesn't sweep you away?
3) What do you think about adventures in general?
4) What is most precious to you?
5) What would cause you to give that up?
6) Are you married? Do you want to be?
7) Goblins, wizards and walking trees? Do you think they really exist?
8) You carry an item that is precious to you. What is it?
Báin: You must choose Valour OR Wisdom at the start, not both.
Báin: You must choose Valour OR Wisdom at the start, not both.
Umm, ok. No idea how they work, and in checking the book, can't see where it says how to populate this.
Anyways, Wisdom it is!
The heroic stature of an adventurer can be measured in different ways. The One Ring uses two gauges to show how an adventurer grows over the course of the game: VALOUR and WISDOM. These scores increase as a Player-hero overcomes challenges that others dare
not undertake. They are profoundly different to other types of characteristics, both in what they represent and in their influence
on the game.WISDOM or VALOUR affect the game in several ways: they influence social interactions, provide Player-heroes with special abilities and superior equipment, and allow them to resist the dangerous influence of the Shadow (see The Shadow, page 136).
♦ Rolls made using VALOUR and WISDOM are resolved as usual, rolling a Feat Die and a number of Success Dice equal to the appropriate rating in the challenged ability.
♦ The difficulty is the HEART TN for rolls based on VALOUR, and the WITS TN for rolls based on WISDOM, as modified by the source that originated the roll. wisdom
WISDOM expresses the Player-heroes’ trust in their own capabilities, their self-confidence and capacity for good judgement. It is a characteristic with deeply personal implications, because it develops and improves through struggle and strife, and reflects an adventurer’s growth in stature in the eyes of those folk that prize such qualities.
If a player chooses WISDOM over VALOUR when spending Experience points, it suggests that adventuring is affecting the Player-hero subtly but profoundly. Starting out as a naive individual with an adventurous spirit, adventurers can achieve the maturity and sagacity of the Wise.
VALOUR is a measure of a hero’s courage, as tempered by dangerous deeds. Individuals of valour are willing to place themselves in danger for the safety of others. In times where new threats arise each day, courage is highly prized, and a valiant adventurer is often esteemed above all others. For this reason, the VALOUR rank of Player-heroes reflects the level of renown they have attained as doers of great deeds. If a player decides to favour VALOUR over WISDOM in the course of the game, the status of the Player-hero in the eyes of others will be determined primarily by their actions and deeds. Even from the lowliest start as a wandering adventurer, adventurers may one day earn the repute and respect of famous heroes or kings.
So, we might expect Frodo to have a high Wisdom score and Boromir to have a high Valour (Valor) score. We might reasonably expect Aragorn to be both, but even more valorous than wise. Etc.
From time to time, tests (checks) will be made against these scores. Perhaps you will need Wisdom to withstand an illusion or Valor to withstand a terrible fright. Or your fame as a wise man might be of value to one ruler whereas your fame as a man of valor might attract another.
Báin, would you please adjust your character sheet accordingly?
Belle, same for you, kid: You must choose Valour OR Wisdom at the start, not both. Please let me know and adjust your character sheet accordingly.
You must also fill in your war gear and your Protection.
Sword - 4 Damage, Injury 16, Load 2
Bow - 3 Damage, Injury 14, Load 2
Leather Shirt (if you have one) - Protection 1d; Load 3; Leather Armor
Buckler (if you have one) - +1 Parry; Load 2
If you're wearing a leather shirt and buckler, your protection is 1d (1d+2 since you have Close-Fitting armor) and your Parry is 17.
(Belle, Báin, Lascegore and Jotun)
I wanted to get us moving, but there are some things I'd like you to add to your character (on the Paizo boards, not necessarily the Google slides). These include:
A) Background. Who are you? What do you want? Where do you come from? Why are you here?
B) Relationships. What are your relationships with the other PC's? Did you know any of them previously? Who -is- important to you?
C) The Questions:
Will get to it tonight boss!
...The heroic stature of an adventurer can be measured in different ways. The One Ring uses two gauges to show how an adventurer grows over the course of the game: VALOUR and WISDOM. These scores increase as a Player-hero overcomes challenges that others dare
not undertake. They are profoundly different to other types of characteristics, both in what they represent and in their influence
on the game.WISDOM or VALOUR affect the game in several ways: they influence social interactions, provide Player-heroes with special abilities and superior equipment, and allow them to resist the dangerous influence of the Shadow (see The Shadow, page 136).
♦ Rolls made using VALOUR and WISDOM are resolved as usual, rolling a Feat Die and a number of Success Dice equal to the appropriate rating in the challenged ability.
♦ The difficulty is the HEART TN for rolls based on VALOUR, and the WITS TN for rolls based on WISDOM, as modified by the source that originated the roll. wisdom
WISDOM expresses the Player-heroes’ trust in their own capabilities, their self-confidence and capacity for good judgement. It is a characteristic with deeply personal implications, because it develops and improves through struggle and strife, and reflects an adventurer’s growth in stature in the eyes of those folk that prize such qualities.
If a player chooses WISDOM over VALOUR when spending Experience points, it suggests that adventuring is affecting the Player-hero subtly but profoundly. Starting out as a naive individual with an adventurous spirit, adventurers can achieve the maturity and sagacity of the Wise.
VALOUR is a measure of a hero’s courage, as tempered by dangerous deeds. Individuals of valour are willing to place themselves in danger for the safety of others. In times where new threats arise each day, courage is highly prized, and a valiant adventurer is often esteemed above all others. For this reason, the VALOUR rank of Player-heroes reflects the level of renown they have
Right, but this didn’t say “pick one,” so I looked at someone’s sheet and copied their homework.
To everyone I told to choose between Valour and Wisdom, NEVER MIND. Turns out that was a 1e rule I'm remembering.
At the beginning of the game, the Player-heroes have yet to prove their worth, and start with a rating of 1
in both characteristics.
.
So in the words of Emily Litella: NEVER MIND.
JOTUN: You need to pick 1 Reward and 1 Virtue (TOR pp. 78-94)
To everyone I told to choose between Valour and Wisdom, NEVER MIND. Turns out that was a 1e rule I'm remembering.
At the beginning of the game, the Player-heroes have yet to prove their worth, and start with a rating of 1
in both characteristics..
So in the words of Emily Litella: NEVER MIND.
Roger!
GM Tarondor: Waylon may need to change his as his Valor is a 0 and his Wisdom is a 1. I didn't read anywhere of Ranger's being penalised on Valor. Each Player-Hero starts at 1 for each using 2e. Being he's one of the original members and has gained 10 Adventure points just like Tilly, I'm not sure if he wanted to spend any of those points to increase either Valor or Wisdom.
I'm working my way through the characters alphabetically, but you're right. At a minimum, he should have a 1 in each. As a character with some XP, it's possible he has more.
No worries. I'll make an IC post in an hour (sorry work is busy, today).
FYI, Tilly, my sons were today trying to understand that people in Australia were not "on the bottom" of the Earth, even though your heads and feet were in more or less opposite directions to ours.
So do try not to fall off today! :-)
Lascegorn: Really? A messenger with a Courtesy of 0? Hmmm...
I guess he's more "courier" and less "diplomat", eh?
Haha. I'll try. Can't guarantee anything with all this rain! ;)
Báin, Belle and Jotun: As I read "Useful Items" (TOR p. 49), each item is keyed to only one skill.
Useful items are listed on a Player-hero’s character sheet. To determine if they gain a Player-hero an advantage, they must be associated with a Skill, possibly along with a brief definition of their use.
Báin and Jotun: I think it's more likely that your expensive clothes would lend themselves to Awe than to Persuade or Courtesy, but you can pick which one you like.
Belle: I think it's more likely that your earrings would lend themselves to Courtesy than to Awe, but you can pick either one
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Tilly: FYI, your Google Slides character uses the name "Applegate", whereas your character on the Paizo boards is "Appledore".
Also FYI, it is my idea that the apple trees shading the lawn near the south gate of Bree were planted there by Tilly's grandfather to provide apples for the passing poor. His own orchards are north and east of Bree, beyond the far side of Bree Hill.
Waylon, you have "gear", but not "Useful Gear" per p. 49 (i.e., gear that gives a bonus). Do you want to link your grappling hook to Athletics? Or do you want something else?
What exactly does the useful item add? Is an “advantage” roll-twice;-take-the-higher? Or is it an extra d6?
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A few notes on Fellowships:
The structure of our story (envisioned by me as five acts, with us on the cusp of Act Two) will vary somewhat from that envisioned by The One Ring rules regarding fellowships. Among other things, your Patron will change from time to time and at times you may have none.
For now your Patron is Gandalf the Gray, but as I've hinted, Gandalf has exited stage left and when he returns he'll be all hot and bothered about some hobbit's jewelry and will be too busy for the likes of you. Other Tolkien characters will become patrons over time and I won't reveal all of them to you now.
Of the starting patrons listed on page 52, Balin, Bilbo and Gilraen are all gone by the time of our story, but that doesn't mean that others can't come to the fore (people like Elrond, Halbarad and others come to mind). There will also be non-canonical people who will become important in our story who can function as patrons as well.
Short version: For now it's Gandalf, but don't get comfy.
What exactly does the useful item add? Is an “advantage” roll-twice;-take-the-higher? Or is it an extra d6?
If a Player-hero is making a roll outside of combat using a Skill associated with a useful item, and the Loremaster deems that this should grant the hero an advantage, the Player-hero gains (1d). Only one item can benefit the same die roll.
The "1d" refers to an extra Success die (d6).
It should be Appledore. My brain shut down and typed Applegate. I'll change it. (Updated and original link has correct spelling.)
And, I thought as much about the apple trees. Excellent! Thanks. :)
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Each character MAY (but need not) declare a "Fellowship Focus" (TOR p. 55). This is a character whom you love or are dedicated to or who is, for some reason, the reason you are with your company. Such bonds of love or devotion are not necessarily reciprocated.
An example from LotR is that until the breaking of the Fellowship, everyone had Frodo as a focus. Sam did until the end. From the Falls of Rauros to the coming of the Rohirrim to Isengard, Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli had Merry and Pippin as their Fellowship Focuses.
When you provide support to your fellowship focus, they gain 2d instead of 1d.
When your fellowship focus is Wounded, suffers a bout of madness or is otherwise seriously harmed, you suffer 1 Shadow point.
As of now, I don't believe anyone has declared a Fellowship Focus, but be on the lookout for role-playing reasons to do so!
Re Fellowship Focus: Initially that person was Primrose Bounce for Tilly. I have a feeling it may end up being Belle Boffin in due time (since they just met, it'd make no sense at present).
GM Tarondor: Looking over your Cheat Sheet notes, Tilly has Sword (1 proficiency). She uses her dagger in this category that isn't listed on your cheat sheet.
Re Fellowship Focus: Initially that person was Primrose Bounce for Tilly. I have a feeling it may end up being Belle Boffin in due time (since they just met, it'd make no sense at present).
I can work with that.
I have entered answers to all of those items in my profile.
Jotun, we've known each other for several years if that works for you.
I have not spent the experience yet, but I will add the 1 I am missing today if I can get some time.
Báin: I like your "precious item." That's cool.
Báin: I like your "precious item." That's cool.
Hey, the world has a history, why not play into it!
Belle honored Tilly’s request. Rolled too. Barely succeeded, assuming rolling exactly the TN = success!
Yeesh, been busy! I'll get my character sheet squared away tonight, I think! Will also try to get a post in, though keeping quiet for the moment so as not to scare off the hobbits!
Right, I'm also keeping quiet.
GM, on your cheat sheet, you have Tilly's Courtesy as 2 and Healing as 3. They should be Healing 2 and Courtesy 3. I don't have edit access, so I can't do it myself. Thanks!
A couple questions:
Rewards & Virtues - I read that we choose one at character creation, and I chose Dour-Handed. Do we also choose a reward at character creation? Like a gift or something we received?
I'm thinking of dropping the Fine Clothes for something more utilitarian, considering his calling as a Treasure Hunter. Lockpicks? Or fine tools of some kind? I picture Jotun as a warrior, though not particularly noble or anything. Just a good-hearted soul looking to make his name and find a massive treasure hoard to bring back to his family to further their own influence in Lake Town. He's definitely not stealthy or the like, but you know, sometimes you gotta break into places to get that treasure! That said, what skill would that influence? Or should I look for something else instead?
@Jotun:
Regarding Rewards, no you don't get them at character creation. Rewards are pieces of war gear of superior craftsmanship, granted to a Player-hero as an award for their deeds. Players receive a Reward when their Player hero attains a new VALOUR rank.
For Virtue: There are cultural virtues for Bardings (p 81 of Core Rules pdf) and a general list of virtues (p 80) can choose your first virtue at character creation (instead of Dour-handed).
From Bardings, this one seems rather apt since you and Bain have a friendship/alliance:
DWARF-FRIEND
The days of the Dragon have forged a strong alliance between the Bardings and the Dwarves of Erebor.
♦ If your Fellowship focus is a Dwarf, when you both
fight in a Defensive stance you and your Fellowship
focus may attempt the Protect Companion combat
task to benefit the other as a secondary action.
♦ Additionally, Dwarves are always considered to be Friendly
towards you during the Interaction stage of a council.
“Nowhere are there any men so friendly to us as the Men of Dale.”
These are general virtues which may suit a treasure hunter:
MASTERY:
You have practised certain skills until they have become as natural as breathing.
♦ Choose two Skills and make them Favoured.
PROWESS: Adventuring is honing your inborn talents.
♦ Lower one of your Attribute TNs by 1
- Stealth is probably a skill Jotun should pick up and would best fit someone who wants to pick locks (being a burglar) as it deals with quickness and precision. Under 'wits' skills on pg 61 it states: The arts of a burglar (STEALTH). And, Stealth is a favoured skill for Treasure Hunters. Your distinctive feature 'Burglary' even states 'a shadowy way to access protected areas' which lends itself to Stealth as a skill for a lockpicker.
Ooohhh... that sounds pretty good. Thanks!
I actually do see, on Page 51, that starting players do get 1 Virtue and 1 Reward. Is that correct? So I could take a Fell weapon (sword) to raise its Injury rating by 2? Then I like the idea of taking Mastery and making one of them Stealth. I'll have to rework my experience I think to get some ranks in that skill, but having it Favoured would be a big help.
@Jotun: Yep, it does say that. There are some contradictory rules in some parts of the pdf. So, I think you're right and you get 1 virtue as well as 1 reward. My apologies.
You know that under the Treasure Hunter calling you have taken, you get Stealth as a favoured skill already? You could just select it as one of the two you can choose from (Explore, Scan and Stealth). Did you feel Explore and Scan were better suited to Jotun since you chose those as favoured skills during character creation? Either way, if you go for Mastery Virtue, you can have two additional favoured skills to demonstrate what you're really good at.
Thanks, I did see that! Now I'm thinking of taking Prowess to decrease my Wits attribute to 15 and adjusting my scores to 5 5 4, which would give me 15s across the board. I'm also planning to take Scan and Stealth as my Favoured. Can't remember how I got Athletics as Favoured anyway... I can't seem to figure out how to get more than two Favoured skills unless you take Mastery or get it from your Culture or something.
GM, I've adjusted Jotun's character sheet a bit. Messed around with his skills, added a Reward and a Virtue, as well as gave him lockpicks instead of fine clothes. Thinking he'll be a bit of a scoundrel type after all, though he's actually got a good heart. Maybe a bit of a cross between Boromir and Han Solo? :)
GM, on your cheat sheet, you have Tilly's Courtesy as 2 and Healing as 3. They should be Healing 2 and Courtesy 3. I don't have edit access, so I can't do it myself. Thanks!
Fixed.
"Never tell me odds. Also, give me that ring!"
YES!
Thanks, GM!
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@Jotun: As a Barding, you choose one skill among these two as your favoured skill (Athletics, Enhearten). That's why you had Athletics as a favoured skill.
Your Calling (Treasure Hunter) then gives you two more favoured skills to choose out of Explore, Scan and Stealth.
So all in all (before any rewards giving you bonuses) you should have three favoured skills at creation.
I found this in the pdf (p 21):
A Hobbit burglar is trying to open a Dwarven door using
her CRAFT (2). Her Barding companion spends 1 point
of Hope and provides advice on Dwarven mechanisms with
his LORE Skill — the Loremaster approves and the Hobbit
gains (1d) on her roll.
So, it seems Craft and Lore can be used to pick locks.
@Belle: You rolled a 12 - the Gandalf rune! :)
Regarding the Earrings of Pearl, it's either Awe or Courtesy and it depends on how you're using the earrings.
If, for eg, you're using the earrings to make an impression of wealth and power, to evoke respect and instil wonderment and admiration (as a status symbol) then the bonus would go to Awe.
If, for eg, you're using the earrings to make a good impression on a host or when receiving guests (like you're getting dressed up/making an effort as a sign of polite address) then the bonus would go to Courtesy.
Báin and Jotun: I think it's more likely that your expensive clothes would lend themselves to Awe than to Persuade or Courtesy, but you can pick which one you like.
Anyone have thoughts on a decent "Persuade" item?