I'm game to jump ahead, makes sense and will inject some energy back into the campaign. Like Mi'Dre, the opportunity to become a full bloatmage beckons so its two sausage thumbs up from Crux.
Also provides a useful jumping on point if replacements are required (although I hope they won't be :)
Yeah, but still nothing from Black Jack isn't a good sign :s
Hey guys, first off I would like to say I've been a lurker on this thread since the beginning. I have been a fan of each of your characters, and the AP. I hope you don't mind me commenting here at all.
I have been planning to run this AP myself in real life, and have been watching a few threads on this, dedicatedly, to see any problems that may arise from this. Being a 'sandbox' style AP, I have concerns that players could get to a 'quagmire' situation.
I hope your game does continue, I enjoy seeing how you guys fare.
Might I offer some insight as well?
I have been thinking a lot about how to answer your question DM Voice. And about this game in general.
I really enjoy reading you guys posts and playing in one of your campaigns DM VoV. I have been doing pbps for over a year now and looking at the games going on on paizo its clear you guys are some of the best roleplayers around. It is really fun to see what you guys came up with your characters everytime.
The late pacing have definetively been a problem but looking back at my postings I see that I also have my share of the guilt for it. I have not been as frequent in this campaign as I have been to the others that I am part of. Its not that I dont like it, I think the ideas of the AP are really nice and I love the way you spin its tale DM VoV. My problem with it is kind of silly actually.
Its been too long since the last time I put my evil hat on as a player and now it feels awkward in my head, like it shrinked with the passing of time and now its not my number anymore. Together with my hard recent work schedue I had some family problems and it aggravated even more my inability to get into Black Jack. I guess what I am trying to say is that I am having difficulties in getting behind my character and it is showing in my commitment to the adventure.
I am sorry not to have been able to be here 100%. Insted of keeping slowing down the game I think its best if I step down and open the spot for someone more committed. Feel free to NPC Black Jack as needed. I hope to play with you guys again in the future , it has been a blast. I will lurk around to see how things go, good luck to you all.
Black Jack - thanks for the response, and I do understand. Playing evil characters does require a certain way of partitioning off the mind and at times a little dark spark within you that needs to be fed.
It's no shame to admit an inability to get into character - and I've personally stepped away from PbPs when I haven't been able to get into the appropriate mindset for them. Thanks for the time that you did spend with us on this campaign and for your contributions, and also for the courage to choose to step away after you realised it wasn't resonating for you anymore.
The Way Forward:
Ok, so after consideration, discussion, casting of runes and what not I've decided on the way forward. I will post up a collation of a mixed victory at Balentyne - where you are able to open the gate and progress the plot, as well as giving a montage style advancement. This will clear us from book one and also give you guys sufficient XP to progress to Level 5.
I will also allow for a player wealth distribution to get you back on track for the start of the second AP - so everyone can keep their iron circlet (for free) and adjust the rest of their gear to meet the 10,500gp marker for a 5th level character.
It's ham fisted and a little disappointing play wise - but it also gives the benefit of allowing me to move past a section that I've been significantly frustrated with and meld in the new players more easily. I'm not joking when I say that the second part of the AP is one of my favorite premises that I've ever seen, so lets start with that to help keep everyone energised.
I know that Mi'Dre and Cruxcarr are in, and the door is open for Albina to stay on as well (I really hope you do Set).
Tark - you know that I enjoy playing with you (wait that doesn't sound legal)... but I also know that your workload has picked up over the last few months. To keep things rolling I'd really like to push to get the posting frequency rolling again so we can build some energy and momentum back into the campaign. That would mean back up to 1 post per day during the work week.
Do you think that is something that you'd be able to commit to?
I'll re-open a recruitment thread to pick up an extra 1-3 players as well.
Any comments or issues?
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You say that you are having trouble getting into the headspace of playing someone evil like it's a bad thing, Merck. :)
Sorry to see you go, regardless.
A couple of years ago me and my friends from my real life game use to play an evil adventure from time to time and we use to have a great time. My character was a vampire spawn elven prince fighter and his main goals in undeath were to kill his vampire master and take his place and get revenge on his still alive family for exiling him.
As time went by I guess I changed, or my life did or maybe its just this phase of it... Sometimes things that used to have a great appeal lost some of its charm, sometimes you find new ones other times you rediscover the oldies. I dont know, too complicated. :P
Anyway thanks for the game guys. Show those Talingradians who is the boss!
@Grollub we did do that a bit, we have a month and spent the first 4 or so days on reconnaisance and heard some helpful rumors, still hard to pick how best to approach things though.
Well it's always a shame to lose characters, but I'm glad we've had the chance to discuss this. Hope you stick around Marck and enjoy the show if nothing else :)
As to the skip I prefer to think of it more as handwaving in the interest of progress than hamfisted :p Set and Tark I hope you can recommit to this, otherwise thanks for the game so far and hope you continue to enjoy yourselves.
So 5th level and 10500gp eh? Muahahahahaaaaa
Can I echo the words already detailed by both DMVoV and Mi'Dre; really enjoyed your playing and hope to be lucky enough to do so again :)
As a latecomer to the game I've enjoyed the dynamic the group already had and (hopefully) integrating myself into that well - which I think is a measure of both the DMVoV and you guys - something that I'm sure any newcomers will also find.
@Mi'Dre: Muahahahahah indeed my fellow blackheart ;)
I'll try to up my posting a bit. Thank you for your patience.
Well I've thrown up the great fast forward in thread, so feel free to weigh in when you can and we can start to lurch forwards once more. The new two (whichever may they be) shall join in Farholde.
If anyone has any preference about the players, feel free to PM me.
Bit busy with my own recruitment to go over the applications for this one, but who knows, I may get around to it :p
Can't figure out whether I want to go Inquisitor or Ranger with Mi'Dre. They both get some nice things... Ranger gets full BAB, d10 hit dice, Favoured Enemy (Humans of course), and Track; Inquisitor onyl 3/4 BAB, d8 hit dice, but Judgement, Monster Lore, Stern Gaze and spells (More healing :))
As to the recruits, I haven't looked at any of their character sheets but it would be good to get someone else with some social skills (I think Albina is the only one with any now) and another front line combatant. Blackjack had filled both of those roles, and while Mi'Dre might get a bit more social after a transformation he's still not going to be heavy into anything but intimidation.
Am planning on throwing some more social skills into Cruxcarr unless we have them covered deep in the new recruits.
Like Mi'Dre as a Torture Master Inquisitor? Either are pretty cool though and fit with his modus operandi going forward...
Yeah I do like that Archetype, but you don't actually get anything from it until level 3, and it may be a while before he gets that high (depending on transformations, etc.)
Well if it's okay with DM-VoV I'll hold off on deciding until we see what the new recruits are. Same skill ranks either way, so it'll only matter if we get into a fight. What do you think VoV?
any archetype combos spring out? Torture Master/???? I'm running a Superstitious Drunken Brawler in another pbp; the superstitious element is playing up on his godforsaken paranoia and the drunken brawler element is when he's in his cups...
Am chipping away at leveling Crux, but also will tailor some picks etc to reflect in the new recruits and what they bring to the sweet blackhearts ;)
Once I've done that I'll add to your great post Mi'Dre... have some cool item ideas to furnish Cruxcarr with heheheheh.
Will post tonight.
Reporting for duty :-)
Hey-ho. New recruit here. Gonna need to cook up some new numbers for Sholano, but I should have that done by the end of tonight. What may take me somewhat longer is reading through the giant backlog of posts.
VoV - is there any particular background information I and Jethryk will be needing to get rolling?
Welcome welcome - feel free to throw up a dot in the main thread when you've a moment to help keep track of the campaign.
As far as background - there isn't much you need to know, I'll offer a couple of bits of extra info once we get to the appropriate point in story for your introduction (which shouldn't take long) - but you're both recent arrivals to Cardinal Thorn's inner circle and were sent in advance of the others to establish contact with Baron Arkov Vandermir in Farholde.
You don't need to tie Sholano to Jethryk in your backgrounds unless you want to.
Welcome new Blackhearts - relish the time when we all shall meet :)
@DMVoV: Scrap the mooted feat we talked about - will likely go Combat Casting for my 5th level advancement feat as Cruxcarr is leaning more and more to touch attack spells... he does so enjoy that tactile skin to skin engagement with foes...
Wizard feat I've yet to decide upon...
Alrighty then. While we're still in the wings, a minor change or two to Sholano's background is in order, I think. Fairly simple stuff: Rather than actually get caught in his latest scheme and sent to Branderscar, he figured out they were on to him and started making plans to leave town before they sprung the trap, when Thorn contacted him and offered him another way out.
A fairly simple reflection of him being a higher level when he tried this (higher Sense Motive score and all that), as well as a decent excuse for currently being in the Cardinal's employ. I'll hang on to the campaign trait (Fraud), if you don't mind - his crimes and identity (one of them, anyway) are still knowledge to the authorities, plus I adore the bluff bonus.
While finishing up Sholano's 5th level numbers, something has occurred to me to ask. I've occasionally toyed with the idea of heading for the Master Spy prestige class. It is, however, a pretty irritating feat requirement for a fairly specific niche (not to mention slower sneak attack progression), so before I start going that direction, I thought I'd ask if the sorts of things that class can do, like avoiding truth/alignment detection, better and faster disguises, bonuses against mental control, etc., seem like they'll see play?
It definitely makes sense, character wise, for him to go either way, and both choices keep me amused, so I'll leave it up to you. If this is the sort of thing that stands a chance of being relevant, then I'll probably start heading that direction. Otherwise, I'll just go my merry Roguish way. It's totally understandable if this option seems a bit too solo-oriented to be reasonable, and I kinda know that, but like I said, it makes sense, so I'm throwing it out there. Anyway, at this point in the level progression, it's a difference of one feat, so no big deal just now, but it's a choice I need to make.
Alrighty, well with two more melee guys, I'm going to go with Inquisitor after all :) losing the BAB and smaller HD is a bummer, but Inquisitors get some cool stuff. Alias will be updated shortly.
Sholano - Master Spy could see some use depending on the way the party goes forward, but the need for overt sneakiness gradually diminishes as time goes by and you can operate with more impunity. It would still get some use though, so just depends on which option resonates more with you.
Keeping the crime trait is fine by me.
Alright VoV, profile should be updated. Please check over and let me know if there are any problems. Went with Inquisitor and the full gaav stats as we discussed (was some time ago now). For the Inquisitor domain I took the Spellkiller Inquisition. Gear as listed.
Looks ok to me Mi'Dre... we'll have to see if we can't rustle up an angel or two in the next wee while for you to test your mettle against ;)
Something that I should mention...
I was thinking of taking the 'Pain Taster' Prestige class, starting with 7th level :-)
I'm sure we'll run into some eventually :) Reading through the Balentyne section from book 1, looks like there could have been some fun stuff there, but oh well.
As far as the Angel Slayer (added it as a trait, it's from Thorn's training), the last part of it "the heart of a virtuous creature" I'm guessing that would apply to anyone with the aura of good ability or any good aligned outsider (So basically Good aligned divine casters and good aligned outsiders)?
Also have to see if someone has done up the Archetypes from Book 5 for Hero Labs...
Mi'Dre - Clerics / Paladins of good aligned gods would suit the purpose as well as Good outsiders.
Still debating on my advancement feat... Trying to find something suitably fitting for Cruxcarr, but nothing is sitting well with me at the moment...
I've binned the 3PP Gluttonous feat DMVoV... but am now stumped... will scan resources and see what I come up with.
GEt a craft feat. IT's still too early in your obesity to think too much about metamagic feats. I would think of either craft wondrous item (which has loads of interesting options) or craft wand.
There will be appropriate downtime for crafting in your future if that matters.
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And with the selection of powerattack shendalyn becomes more of a melee beast than he already is.
Just need to work on his moneys.
How much does a harem and a mountain of coke cost?
Went with both Spell Mastery and Craft Wondrous Item as my feats... Spell Mastery will give him some security should DMVoV target the big fella's spellbook...
Craft Wondrous Item means Cruxcarr can go down the Ed Gein/Leatherface tailoring route :S
Oh you lucky Blackhearts soon you'll be decked out in Infamous Scars & Strips from head to foot lol
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Well, given that he is *already* wearing a mask made from humanoid leather, I doubt that Jethryk will mind accessorising ;-)
Sholano - Master Spy could see some use depending on the way the party goes forward, but the need for overt sneakiness gradually diminishes as time goes by and you can operate with more impunity. It would still get some use though, so just depends on which option resonates more with you.
Keeping the crime trait is fine by me.
Right, cool. ... Phooey. I was kinda hoping you'd end up making the decision for me, I'm totally on the fence. =P
*sigh* I may come to regret this, but the class bonus to all Bluff/Disguise/Sense Motive checks has pushed me over the edge. Yep, niche class ahoy! Starting this nonsense off with Deceitful, I believe. If I'm gonna be a one-trick pony, it may as well be a damn good trick.
And now, a fellow player poll, since I'm being wishy-washy about something. Trying to decide between rogue talents, I've whittled it down to three:
Finesse Rogue, which would effectively give me another feat (probably something combat tricky, since I'm woefully underprepared in that regard).
Convincing Lie, which causes people repeating lies I've told them to use my Bluff score to do so. Particularly useful with my Rumormonger ability.
Finally, Coax Information, which would let me use my thoroughly ridiculous Bluff score for Intimidating people into acting friendly (interrogation, essentially).
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All of them seem good, so I can see where you are having trouble taking just one.
From a mission standpoint, I could see Convincing Lie being ridiculously useful. Our last scenario would, I think, have benefitted immensely from the ability to sow some rumors and perhaps even incite some strife. (Such as rumors that Captain So-and-so has been schtupping Captain Thus-and-such's wife, leading to poor communications between their units, and less likelihood of them putting their heads together about the string of 'bad luck' besetting both units.) How exactly useful it will be in later scenarios, I am not sure, but it sure seems like something that would be handy in the long-term, particularly if you can use it to sow all sorts of horrible rumors about practices in Iomedan-run areas (to turn the common folk against the Iomedans, perhaps even suggesting that the authorities deliberately gave up the North to the Fire-Axe, because the North wasn't converting fast enough or sending enough tribute or whatever!).
Coax Information sounds like something that other party members may also be able to cover (and, given Mi'Dre and Cruxcarr's extracurriculars, both are more than *eager* to get all in that interrogating thing).
Finesse Rogue, and some combat utility, may always be useful. I could see arguments both ways, but predominantly, I'd side with more options being better than one really awesome option. (Overspecializing in social stuff, to the point of being ineffective once the blades are drawn, could prove frustrating to you. Finding the fine line between not feeling useless during combats, and not having to sacrifice too much of your social powerhouse concept to attain that combat utility, is always going to be the trick, and you'd know better than I where that line is for you.)
Even if you do choose to 'overspecialize' in social stuff, we're already 5th level, and the potential to have Leadership is around the corner, so that, even if your character does end up being dead weight in a couple of fights, he might be able to pick up a cohort who is a bit more fight-y, to cover that base and not feel like you are sitting out combat scenes. (With GM approval, that is. My casual mention of Leadership may have caused DM VoV's monocle to pop out in shock...)
Combat wise even without black jack you have a mastersummoner/meleeist, Mi'Dre's surprisingly strong self plus the new guy who seems like he's basically going to chop fools in half each swing (though I do question why he didnt just take the 5th level of fighter but who am i to talk) and you have yourself a very strong core of hurt to focus our support on. With this in mind the only thing you'd really have to do combat wise is jsut try to get into helpful positions and take as little damage as possible to ensure steady contributions without feling like you're wasting your energy. So yeah, get into flanks, throw out attacks when you can and generally be a touch cowardly. Rogue is sadly a very weak class in terms of combat forcing you to bend head over heels in order to even meet the standard of a barely optimized fighter. Thankfully coming into the group it may not matter as such.
That being said Convincing Lie is most certainly going to be helpful moving forward since we may be finding ourselves in awkward social situations. We're bastards, and the people we deal with are bastards. Unfortunately while we are generally very polite and cautious ina feline kind of way we lack the social graces necessary to deal with Talingarde's whipped dogs.
I will say though that I am personally going to attempt to get Cruxcarr to skin, rape, and eat you because f~~+ if Sehndalyn is going to handle having a sexier man around. :D
Hmm, well I'd say go for Convincing Lie out of those three. It's always looked like a fun one to me, I have a similar sort of Rogue (was looking at Charlatan but ended up going Swashbuckler so he could use a Halfling Sling-staff without wasting a feat) in my RL Skull and Shackles game--not Evil admittedly, just greedy and a slippery fellow--who I'm planning to take that ability for. We have Intimidate covered fairly well (I just took Intimidating Prowess for Mi'Dre to make up for his -2 Charisma, only gives an 8 but it's not bad.), and you can always take the combat trick talent if you want another combat feat later on :)
'Convincing Lie' seems like a better choice than 'Coax Information', based on the make-up of the rest of the party.
Whilst it won't be useful all of the time, when it *is* used, it will be a *perfect* ability to have.
@Shendalyn: I took one level of Ranger for RP flavor (since FE: Human went fairly well with his back story, I was able to pick-up a pet hunting hawk, and it gave me a few extra skill points to sprinkle around some ancillary skills). I figured that it would not hurt the build, especially since the rest of it was optimised to slice-and-dice opponents ;-)
Given that several of Cruxcarr's spells will also be geared toward debilitating foes and increasing their susceptibility to the mayhem that Shen, Mi'Dre and Jethryk will bloodily exploit - am thinking we're pretty tooled up for combat.
Convincing Lie gets my vote also - bear in mind it'll be useful not just to spread dissent with our foes/victims but also sow seeds of doubt/misinfo amongst our allies (we are evil basterds after all)
Crux and Mi'Dre definitely have their beady eyes on the torture side o' things... but we can easily make it a group effort :)
@Jethryk - the "Omar Sharif" face you wear is spooky ;)
Yes, the Torture Master Inquisitor even put a rank into Heal. It seems he's disemboweled and otherwise dissected enough people now to figure out how some of those squibbly bits work :p
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Well, the d20pfsrd includes rules for using heal to torture...
Between guests in town, babysitting both of our tots all day while my wife is at a conference and struggling with exercise induced leg pain I've not managed a post today... hopeful for tomorrow.
Leadership is something that I'm open to the possibility of - if you were inclined.
Sounds like the group is into Convincing Lie. So shall it be done. I wouldn't worry too much about Sholano being totally ineffective in combat, either - his actual stabby numbers tend to not be too high, but in the couple of games I've used him, he tends to find ways to make battles interesting.
As for Leadership...hoo boy. It's a thought, I suppose, but that's the sort of nonsense I tend to prefer leaving out of games unless it's really necessary for some reason or other. Also, while Sholano wouldn't really mind ruling, he's much more the kind to do so from behind the scenes. Vizier is much more his schtick. I suppose we'll see, when level seven rolls around.
So given our present windfall I ahve put aside 187 gold and 5 silver for the purposes of purchasing a single wand of curelight wounds for not-dying purposes.
IF all of us spen this amount we will have a group wand so that Albina and co. can be spared having to invest so much in keeping Mi'Dre from dying.
Mi'Dre can now heal himself twice a day! So hah! He does have enough to chip in for said wand if we want it though.
Cruxcarr is good for it too :)