Awesome stuff Onitaru!
Glad the website is finally up to stay this time, since it kept booting and redirecting for what, 2-3 days? Now we can get this campaign moving!
Everyone excited about the blessings yet? I hope so! Any ideas which ones you all will pick? Mamoru has chosen Earth. Takeshi has expressed interest in Air. And don't think because someone else has chosen it that it is off limits, because that is not the case. I would simply have to make each have different powers.
On an unrelated note, I may see if my cousin wants to join this campaign. She is definitely a newbie at Pathfinder, but she loves RP'ing a lot and has expressed interest in playing. Any objections? I won't subject you to Death of 1,000 Cuts if you do object, I just want opinions. She'll probably be playing a slightly unhinged stealthy type. She and I just think she would get a good education in Pathfinder if she played in my campaign since I'm much more laid-back, spoil the players with awesome stuff, and throw challenging battles at them. This campaign, thus far, has been MUCH less deadly than a typical campaign I subject PCs to. But there is a reason for the elemental shrines and other crazy stuff wait for PCs to use. >:)
Also, Mamoru, you only wanted Eternal Darkness: Sanity's Requiem, correct? I have chosen to keep my PS3, but still getting rid of almost all else.
This elemental alignment stuff definitely worth discussing-
(very cool integration of the Wu Xing, GM. I definitely approve)
Take a look Here for a primer about the oriental version of the classic elements. Our GM has included Air and Void into the list. In classical chinese view, these would have been the elements of "heaven" and "spirit" respectively. These two elements are considered non-terestrial, and somewhat like linked opposites. The are sort of like adding "light" and "darkness" to the list, but are really more like Yin and Yang.
I'm not sure how the GM plans on integrating them into the classic Wu Xing pentagram. Historically Void was a nebulous 6th element that didn't really interact with the others, and Air/Heaven was a non-element that gave the others space to interact in. If you think about the original 5 as a star pattern, each one connecting to form a shape with 5 sides, Void would be the element on the inside and Air would be the element on the outside.
GM, how are you treating the elemental interactions? Is this stuff the PCs would know?
As for deciding our character's alignments, each element is associated with certain personality traits, so it should be pretty easy to figure out which ones fit who best.
If possible, I think we should try not to overlap our character's elements (they do interesting things in relation to each other, and having different abilities is cool).
Here's a basic list of Wu Xing Personality traits
Void personalities, from what I understand, would be very internalized, contemplative, and non-confrontational, but also somewhat distant and difficult to relate to. This is what every zen master strived towards.
Air/Heaven personalities would be noble, righteous and fierce, but also zealous, aloof, proud, and possibly arrogant. This is what every ruler strived towards.
Because the emotional traits of Wu Xing are pretty different than the ones we might associate with the classic four western elements, your character really might not be the element that you first think they are.
I'm curious what people think their characters would be, and why. :)
Yes, I'm definitely interested in Eternal Darkness.
I think adding another player would be fine as long as she's reliable. She might want to wait to see which elements are unclaimed before she choses her character though.
We could definitely use a scout type. We seem to have bad luck with those.
Takeshi can scout! :p
Not as good as a rogue, but still. :p
--
On topic: sure, let her in, just give her an easy character. Don't make the classic dm mistake ;)
Keep her away from melee characters. They're hard to make in ways that don't make new people frustrated or disappointed (tactical movement has a pretty steep learning curve, and there are a lot of feats that seem like neat options but are actually bad).
In my opinion, Sorcerers and Archery Rangers are the least complicated classes in the game. Their options are potent, but limited, which is prefect for new players. Rangers are particularly good because they have a skill set that is very useful, so there are always things to do out of combat. Everyone loves a tracker.
Mamoru, glad to hear it! I try to make my campaigns as awesome as possible and try to include familiar yet alien themes. Sometimes it pays to be interested in extremely random concepts that I research on a whim! To explain ability scores being different: fire would have fit CHA extremely well, but it seems to fit INT just as well. Wood is WIS because although wisdom is timeless like many great trees, it is also similar in 'that which does not grow shall fall into decay'. Air embodies DEX more as a common sense sort of thing. And Water I chose as CHA because it directly opposes Fire, and in life, intellect and personality are two forces which are almost diametrically opposed (Some rare people such as myself and likely everyone here possess both in spades, but most conform to the 'socially awkward genius, Sheldon', 'ditzy font of charisma, Bryan Griffin's Girlfriend', or average categories,).
On a related note, a campaign where people are embodiments of the 5 alchemical humors would be pretty awesome too! 5, you say? Some texts add ectoplasmic humor, as well as the classical choleric, phlegmatic, melancholic, and sanguine humors.
As for my cousin, she's a great roleplayer but has a distinct bloodthirst in games. I mean, when I first told her about Skyrim when it first came out she asked, "Oooh, is the Dark Brotherhood back on it? Please, please, PLEASE!". Being the type that enjoys stealth-based games like Hitman, Metal Gear Solid, Deus Ex, ect., I can't fault her for that! She's definitely of above average intelligence, so she should pick up how to play pretty fast, as long as she doesn't look at the core book and stroke out at the number of pages! It was just a 2 hour read for me, but speed-reading isn't exactly common, so I'm giving her a week-ish to look things over. She recently has acquired an interest in 'bow sniping' on Skyrim, so she likely will play a similar concept.
Also, sorry about the delay Mamoru, I just haven't had that much in the way of funds to mail those games out yet. I like having the extra space, but glad I decided to not go completely cold turkey on games! I may when I start volunteering as a human trafficking rescue worker (I already heard from my mother, 'It's dangerous!', but someone's got to do it. And my white knight complex [Hero complex, basically, in case no one knew what WKC is.] sort of makes it hard not to do.).
Bloodthirsty, you say? Good. :)
Dont worry we can explain the rules as we go along to.
But yes a straight fighter or archer type is amongs the easier things to play at lower levels while learning about 5ft step and full attack ;)
Well. Funny how this game kinda just died a quiet death and now we're picking up new people left and right. I'm all for bringing in new players though. This hobby sometimes feels like a dying art and it restores a little of my faith in humanity to see someone new pick up the dice and join the story.
As for elements? Well, my first reaction was water, for more than just mechanical reasons. I have to confess that many of them are related to me as much as they are to Seori, but in brief, Seori is (attempting to be) fluid, adaptable, graceful, and nurturing, at least insofar as her life has let her be to this point. Charisma isn't necessarily the most powerful attribute for her to boost, but as heir to an empire, and as someone who'll need to convince a whole lot of people to wake up and fight back, water seems to be the best choice overall.
Just don't make me do the water temple again...that master quest revision was even more of a headache than the original. NO MORE WATER TEMPLES!!
Ahem...sorry. Zelda flashbacks.
The elemental stuff sounds interesting but I would need to understand the meaning of the elements in the game better before committing to one or using them at all. I would likely focus on a aspect that builds on Hiriko's natural curiosity and intellect which I guess would mean water or fire since you seemed to flip flop some on fire and mentioned water being the opposite. At least on the discussion side of things. I am looking for Hiriko to be someone that always has a off trick up her sleeve some what like the knowledgeable adviser/guide you see alot in anime.
That whole Well of coarse I have a door to the underworld in my back pack where else would I put it, now where did i store it. I really looking towards useful options rather then outright offensive stuff.
About the new player I am always happy to see new people introduced to pen and paper role-playing games. Can't wait to meet her on the boards.
What do you mean by 'understand the meaning of the elements in game,' Hiriko?
Do you mean what they mean within the setting? Or are you talking about mechanics?
Based on what you mentioned, you sound like a Water personality.
I think Seori might be best suited towards Wood, or even Void (she's very contemplative).
The elemental ties in role-playing games and culture are all over the place. For example water could be still and deep representing calm and contemplative personality but it can also be rushing and frothy like rapids representing an intense and wild personality. It is all a matter of perspective. Mechanics is important to me as well since I want it to gel with my character concept or at least not run counter to it.
True that, same thing with Takeshi. Would be nice if it ties in with my stats, but I want it to fit in with his character. To me, head in the clouds, nonchalance, etc etc signifies "air" but it could mean so many things, depending on your views.
We'll just see where it takes us, I guess? :D
Yup that is pretty much why i went with fire also..
I think it's kinda cool not to know what the mechanics are. Picking an element based on personality traits seems more fitting, and then the mechanics are an awesome surprise. (That's how it worked with me anyway)
I second that. This is a story about what happens to these people and how they respond, now how perfect our builds are. Let the winds take us where they may; wherever we land, that's where the party is.
As for the Elemental Paths, each path grants a set bonus, but I tailor the abilities to each character specifically. So Hiriko, no matter what you pick, I will make sure the abilities mesh well. Everyone's 1st level ability is offensive, that much is a given. No such thing as too much offensive abilities. Especially at low levels when it's easy to go squish and you need to wipe out enemies quick!
Everyone added the blessing yet? Mamoru, have you added the embodiment yet?
Yes indeed. Everything is updated.
Adding it as we speak :)
POSTING TEXT FORMATTING TEST!
THINKING!
REALLY?
Hey all, tonight's party night. Sorry about being silent on the boards yesterday. I'll try to post tonight but if not, I will tomorrow.
Also, sorry about the testing. Showing my cousin how to post the other day.
No problem!
Letting everyone know the second round of ice storms this year are currently afflicting my state. I may be absent for 1-3 days possibly.
Good luck and stay warm.
Yikes. Don't get an icicle in the eye. I hear typing while blind is...kinda tedious.
Internet issues again. Between services; one expired and the other won't cooperate. I'm improvising as best I can, but it's really sucking the creativity inspiration out. I should be back up to speed on tuesday, hopefully a little more permanently this time...
I'll keep my fingers crossed. Love the character you're building :)
Aaaaaaaand...DONE. Internet is solid, technician was pro, three customer service agents were FAIL. Specifically described status lights each time I called, and the tech today just goes "That one shouldn't be blinking. Gimme a minute."
Seriously. They just don't train people right anymore...this would have been working two weeks ago had any one of them stopped and went "oh THAT one? Nope that should be solid, let's try this."
So much for active listening during troubleshooting, eh?
Will post later, as I just got back from the party. Sorry I was absent, college is just being stupid with 'essay this', 'reading that'. Stupid social construct named and vilified as institutionalized education! Nothing like lazy societies where apprentice programs have been dead for decades or centuries, is there? The gall of people to say you need to pay thousands of dollars for a glorified strip of toilet paper to go on your wall! Sorry about the rant.
On a lighter note, spicy beef teriyaki lo mein noodles with shiitake mushrooms, different types of capsecins (Spelled correctly?), and hot onions is delicious!
Oh and we may have a monk joining the campaign, since my cousin's flighty mind drifted from the idea of Pathfinder. Edward Sorbel originally applied with his monk and wasn't chosen, but of all goes well, he will be able to join, so let's give a round of prelimary applause for him! :)
Welcome to this merry band :)
*applauds preliminary* ;)
Thanks for the chance to join. Back in the inital recuitment i thought i had a good shot but did not get in, but now here i am.
Fate is funny that way at times.
Anyway i already have the character just need an alias and finalize some background stuff.
Also bear with me in the begining, having not followed the gameplay, i most likely will be in the dark regarding what and why you are doing what you are doing.
Also i should be assumed i will not have the same contacts as you guys, so when you are speaking of other friends or associates, i will not know them, probably.
Same will most likely go the other way as well.
I will be offline most of the day, hope to get everything together tonight.
I also wonder where i will come in.
Don't worry, we don't know anything or anyone. :p
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All good. We're kind of figuring it out as we go anyway.
and BTW, hear hear on college. It irks me that I'm seeing things glaringly wrong and unacceptable about it, but when I (you know, the paying student) speak up, all I get is "quit complaining, keep your head down and be grateful."
seriously? 43 grand, two years of my life, irrelevant electives, and classes that don't live up to the sales pitch...and -I- am supposed to be the grateful little gopher?
WTF.
You sell me a car with a huge stereo, LCD screens and hydraulics, that doesn't run, and you're damn right I'll be shoving your head under the hood and saying "WHAT'S WRONG WITH THIS PICTURE?!"
Man, sounds like college is a lot different in the states than here in Belgium. :(
AHAHAHAHA! FINALLY SOMEONE GETS IT! Cookie for Seori! *Hands Cookie of Absolute Power, +7*
*Claps for Ed!*
http://jaderegent.peepersbog.org/chapter1/Brinewall-maps.pdf
Also, the map is above. I will add it to Wu Fen's profile. Sorry about the bootleg version, but I can't get to a scanner at the moment.
I have one at work if you ever need to
Ok all, thanks for being patient...had a very busy day today. but finally got the alias done:
Welcome!
Welcome aboard.
I'd like to take this opportunity to apologize in advance for my character's behavior. :)
@ Mamoru: I have been duly warned prior to accepting the offer.
just a note on my posting schedule, My posting rate drops off significantly on weekends. so do not expect immediate replies then. also I am East coast US time zone. many games tend to get more active after I am in bed. don't know why except different time zones.
Takeshi here, Belgium! :-p
Don't worry about when you post, just try to do at least once a day and you won't hear a complaint from us. :-D
@ Mamoru: I have been duly warned prior to accepting the offer.
My reputation precedes me! I must be doing something right. :)
I just need to know when to post in gameplay thread. and where I will be coming in.
Lang, you may walk in the castle and look around. The main hall is likely where people will notice your footsteps, unless you announce yourself. Alternately, Immonoth can sniff them out and lead you to them. I'll leave the exact method up to you. I will post tomorrow, as I have part of an essay to work on tonight.
ok cool, where on the map you linked is the party? just to give a frame of reference.
I want to make the entrance as fluid and believable as possible.
Good to see more join the fray. And the courage to play a monk in pathfinder no less. I look forward to it.
Hello? any assistance would be helpful...
GM, I think you're gong to need to frame the scene for our new monk.