I'm really enjoying Istas' storyline. I read most of it straight through over the weekend, and you guys are doing a fantastic job. It really reads like the start of a very interesting novel.
Thanks, Bill. Neil's character and writing are really the reason.
That said, I think PbP is a little easier one on one than in a group. Because of the back and forth flow you don't get the awkward start-stop-minor retcon-and on we go , inevitably caused by time delays between players in the group, especially in conversations and sometimes in combat.
Personally, I need something better than "unrest and uncertainty" in a supposedly lawful town to force the kind of crisis the AP supposes. To that end there will be a big offscreen riot, put down brutally enough by the Hellknights that they've got to be asked to leave for political reasons. This will leave the Guard desparate enough and city turbulent enough for the AP setting.
Suggestion:
Keep in mind, it wouldn't just be a general riot of people upset with the idea of the young upstart queen (whom many people despise) taking over as ruler of Korvosa. For instance...
1) The various noble houses might start maneuvering and manipulating others to stir up unrest so they can make their own play for the throne. The queen's guard will therefore have to root out and resolve those types of threats.
2) With the general populace rioting or demonstrating against their new queen, the regular guardsmen are going to be stretched too thin to deal with the routine policing of the city while they make sure the demonstrations remain peaceful and the city doesn't fall into anarchy. This will create a backlog of problems they can't deal with...as the entire justice system will grind to a halt or be placed on hold until the current crisis is over.
3) Looters will take advantage of the Guard's distraction to break into stores and shops and make off with whatever they can to improve their lot in life. The guard will be asked to not only prevent such looting, but also to track down those who made off with stolen goods.
4) Organized crime (e.g., the Cerulean Society and the Sczarni), various small-time thieves and other ne'er-do-wells throughout the city (similar to Gaedran Lamm) will also start to make their own powerplays while they know the Korvosan Guard is otherwise occupied. Some guardsmen will be pulled away to investigate the claims of their victims and/or guard against specific known threats.
5) The renewed possibility of tension between the mostly Chelish settlers of Korvosa and the Shoanti tribes of the Uplands could also resurface with the death of the king. With the city's resources stretched that much thinner, Korvosa's hippogriff riders will have to patrol their borders to defend against any outside threat seeking to take advantage of the king's death so they can move against Korvosa.
6) The Hellknights are tapped as extra resources to help maintain the law, but their heavy-handed tactics only fan the flames of dissent...with the Korvosan Guard having to step in and try to mediate complaints.
7) Incoming merchant vessels will anchor off the coast of Korvosa rather than putting into the docks because they'll be reluctant to drop off their goods if the city's guardsmen protect them against looters and rioters. This could result in a shortage of food or other vital necessities imported to Korvosa. Some people will recognize that before such staples run out...and seek to grab whatever they can now so they'll have plenty when it does run out. The Korvosan Guard, therefore, will have to try and escort incoming ships, protect their deliveries, etc.
8) With rioters clogging the streets and cutting off various elements of the Korvosan Guard, communication might start to break down as well. This could result in various errors or mistakes on the part of the Guard...causing further complaints similar to the Hellknight activity.
And so on...
--Neil
Suggestion:
** spoiler omitted **And so on...
--Neil
I've kind of settled on #6.
I've kind of settled on #6.
I added a couple more as you were replying. :-)
--Neil
I'm really enjoying Istas' storyline. I read most of it straight through over the weekend, and you guys are doing a fantastic job. It really reads like the start of a very interesting novel.Thanks, Bill. Neil's character and writing are really the reason.
That said, I think PbP is a little easier one on one than in a group. Because of the back and forth flow you don't get the awkward start-stop-minor retcon-and on we go , inevitably caused by time delays between players in the group, especially in conversations and sometimes in combat.
Don't sell yourself short, my man. Your descriptions and NPC interactions are great. You should seriously consider writing a novel, or some nice long short stories, if you haven't already.
Don't sell yourself short, my man. Your descriptions and NPC interactions are great. You should seriously consider writing a novel, or some nice long short stories, if you haven't already.
I agree. It's a collaborative thing. The "story" of a play-by-post is always told by all the participants together. Without the give-and-take, ebb-and-flow of the interaction between each other, it wouldn't lead to the responses we invoke in each other as we roleplay the characters.
And I've really got the easiest part. I only have to portray one of those characters. Tom handles everyone and everything else. ;-D
--Neil
Wellard!!!!!
How could you let Heather do that? Don't you watch enough slasher flicks to know the shameless hussy always buys it first? Only the good girls survive.
You see, that would probably be right if we were in a slasher movie. But I think of it more as a romantic drama with healthy doses of action/adventure instead. In that case, Heather is simply the hot leading lady who gets easily charmed and seduced by the hero...
;-D
So Keliwyn is the romantic lead? :)
Looks more like the romantically led.
Wellard, just out of curiousity, is Heather studying magic at Theumanex in East Shore, or secular studies at University of Korvosa?
So Keliwyn is the romantic lead? :)
I think Wicht nailed that one. Hmmm, maybe Keliwyn is the brazen hussy . . .
I think Wicht nailed that one. Hmmm, maybe Keliwyn is the brazen hussy . . .
True. Maybe that makes Heather the romantic lead? ;-D
The odds are only about 50-50 for the romantic lead and he's the one hooked up with the good girl. Any entanglement with the hussy leads to sure death.
Just giving Wellard time to post Heather. This should be a big moment for her. If you want you can still retcon parts of the morning. I'm just trying to push things a little to get to the good bits faster and get Neil hooked in.
Neil, by the way, my guess is 3 or 4 days real time before Istas' intro to the rest of the party. We'll push along the path you indicated for a while. It can be easily truncated when the party is ready for you. I should also point out that I haven't yet accurately predicted how long it will take to do anything in this PbP.
Neil, by the way, my guess is 3 or 4 days real time before Istas' intro to the rest of the party. We'll push along the path you indicated for a while. It can be easily truncated when the party is ready for you. I should also point out that I haven't yet accurately predicted how long it will take to do anything in this PbP.
That's fine. I'm well-versed in understanding the pacing of PbP games. So no worries. And I'm still completely enjoying where Istas' story has gone so far. So there's no need to rush her inclusion into the main group until you're ready. The story always comes first!
--Neil
Wellard, should I have waited for a bit of byplay between Sabina and Heather before moving into the throne room? Looking at it now I think I should have given you more RP opportunity.
Note to all, after introductions there will be some discussion with the queen. Just taking care of first impressions.
Radavel, nice dodge there.
Sorry guys. Had trouble getting on and staying on to post yesterday.
Thom, I'd like to volunteer in your high level beta pbp... but as a GM player character. I am currently sojourning through Lazaro's Essence of Evil Pbp but if you need a guest appearance then count me in. See my stats under the profile.
Thom, I'd like to volunteer in your high level beta pbp... but as a GM player character. I am currently sojourning through Lazaro's Essence of Evil Pbp but if you need a guest appearance then count me in. See my stats under the profile.
Cool. I was going to start at ninth level and work up. I have not DMed high-level games since AD&D. So if you were going to make a guest appearance right away, we might have to deconstruct Raizen a little.
Raizen can fulfill the role of the mysterious messenger and/or weirdo perv sage. So there would be no need to toned down stats.
Raizen should be there only to see that the players perform their mission and not to fight their battles. Think of him as a plot device.
Assuming no one balks on the game thread, I'll assume you go to the citadel and post what happens there earlt this afternoon.
Just read the first few intro's to Istas. I love playing with you guys.
Radavel, regarding using Raizen in the playtest. It's gonna be combat heavy, RP light. Unfortunately I've very little use for him as messenger or NPC. With your permission, I'd like to use him in a deconstructed state as an opponent.
Guys, sorry I've been slow lately. Work has gotten really busy. I'll be down to one post a day, maybe a little less for the next week or two.
Woohoo! An early night off with no home chores. I'll catch up and post .
Congrats, Neil, on advancing once again in RPG Superstar. Maybe I'll get a chance to read the round 2 entries tonight. If so I promise to start with yours.
Radavel, can't remember if I actually replied to your question on Law Devotion. I think it's still OK as written. Aside from the fact that I can't hit you, it's not broken or anything.
Everyone, on shopping for this expedition into the Dead Warrens, I've been guided by what would be quickly available. I don't mean to nerf your plans, but am just trying to fit things into the story plotline. After you find Gaekhen, there will be a nice period of PC downtime to acquire goods.
Personally I've never liked the magic-supermarket, but I think you should (be able to) support local craftsmen who do custom work to order.
I just want to point out the Istas/Neil/NSpicer has made it to the Superstar Top 16. Although I'm a little disappointed that he didn't mention Keliwyn as his villain's arch-nemesis, I'll get over it. Keep it cranked, Neil, and make us proud.
Bill, Neil was doing a villian. I just don't think Keliwyn is villian material. Villian's arch-nemesis, maybe, but not villian.
I'm just glad that Neil's villain wasn't a giant with a little head and funny hat.
I just want to point out the Istas/Neil/NSpicer has made it to the Superstar Top 16. Although I'm a little disappointed that he didn't mention Keliwyn as his villain's arch-nemesis, I'll get over it. Keep it cranked, Neil, and make us proud.Bill, Neil was doing a villian. I just don't think Keliwyn is villian material. Villian's arch-nemesis, maybe, but not villian.
I'm just glad that Neil's villain wasn't a giant with a little head and funny hat.
Sorry, Billzabub, I'm guilty of misreading your post the first time. But it's odd, I must have even co-opted "villain's arch-nemesis" from your post. Anyway, what I thought would be a light jest now lies at my feet stinking of dead fish.
Congrats, Neil, on advancing once again in RPG Superstar. Maybe I'll get a chance to read the round 2 entries tonight. If so I promise to start with yours.
Thanks. It's getting to be more stressful the further along we go. My Round 3 entry is in now. Hopefully, folks still like it.
UNbelievable. 7 skeletons and six of them roll a 7 or less to save versus the positive energy. I thought I'd at least get to roll one attack. Oh well.
UNbelievable. 7 skeletons and six of them roll a 7 or less to save versus the positive energy. I thought I'd at least get to roll one attack. Oh well.
It's the power of Pharasma. Any other channel energy effect by another priest (who shall remain nameless!) probably wouldn't have had nearly as powerful an effect. ;-D
Thom,
Regarding the undead getting a chance to attack, I'm cool with that. Going after a retreating undead after a channel energy attempt would certainly allow it to protect itself. I haven't found anything in the Pathfinder Beta rules to contradict this statement from the 3.5 SRD:
If you approach within 10 feet...they overcome being turned and act normally. (You can stand within 10 feet without breaking the turning effect—you just can’t approach them.) You can attack them with ranged attacks (from at least 10 feet away), and others can attack them in any fashion, without breaking the turning effect.
So, if I'm reading that right, as soon as Istas approaches within 10 feet of an undead creature (or group of undead) she has turned, they'll overcome their fear and act normally. I'm not sure if all the undead fled into the same bone pit. But, presumably, if they split up and fled in different directions, only the undead creatures she approaches would overcome their fear.
Personally, I chose to play Istas as a direct confronter of undead. She wants to smash them into oblivion. That's part of her upbringing among the Skoan-Quah and her Totem Spirit feat, which gives her +2 weapon damage against undead. So, her channel energy is more about damaging undead with the positive energy than simply making them flee. Even after she channels, she wants to hunt them down and smite them.
Hope that makes sense,
--Neil
It's the power of Pharasma. Any other channel energy effect by another priest (who shall remain nameless!) probably wouldn't have had nearly as powerful an effect. ;-D
I do hope that that is not an attempted slight on the name of the First Lord.
I do hope that that is not an attempted slight on the name of the First Lord.
"Oh, I assure you, it's most definitely not an attempted slight..."
Thom,
Regarding the undead getting a chance to attack, I'm cool with that. Going after a retreating undead after a channel energy attempt would certainly allow it to protect itself. I haven't found anything in the Pathfinder Beta rules to contradict this statement from the 3.5 SRD:
If you approach within 10 feet...they overcome being turned and act normally. (You can stand within 10 feet without breaking the turning effect—you just can’t approach them.) You can attack them with ranged attacks (from at least 10 feet away), and others can attack them in any fashion, without breaking the turning effect.So, if I'm reading that right, as soon as Istas approaches within 10 feet of an undead creature (or group of undead) she has turned, they'll overcome their fear and act normally. I'm not sure if all the undead fled into the same bone pit. But, presumably, if they split up and fled in different directions, only the undead creatures she approaches would overcome their fear.
Personally, I chose to play Istas as a direct confronter of undead. She wants to smash them into oblivion. That's part of her upbringing among the Skoan-Quah and her Totem Spirit feat, which gives her +2 weapon damage against undead. So, her channel energy is more about damaging undead with the positive energy than simply making them flee. Even after she channels, she wants to hunt them down and smite them.
Hope that makes sense,
--Neil
Neil, I was channeling 3.5 when I ruled that way. I went back and checked the beta rules. They just say " .. damaged .. must flee as if frightened ... " They don't say anything about trapped undead and cowering either. On Istas' attitude, that's cool. Good role play.
All skeletons returned to their pit/pile. So, human skeletons to the "A" side , owlbear to the "big letter" side. The owlbear, my mighty champion of undeadness, will be practically helpless against Heather and Inigo this round. Sigh.
I do hope that that is not an attempted slight on the name of the First Lord."Oh, I assure you, it's most definitely not an attempted slight..."
Not an attempted slight because it was a deliberate slight and I would have you know that we will not take this sitting down. We prefer to stand up thank you very much.
But seriously, I think Inigo will benefit from a +2 boost to his str, particularly as he loves to engage in melee. But I'll go with whatever decision Tom makes.
Neil and Radavel, and anyone else, this is after all a group effort.
After a comment from one of the players about relative strength of the PCs, about the time we went from 3.5 to Pathfinder, I went over the PC scores and discovered a pretty wide range of scores and that Inigo in particular was much stronger than most of the party. I think in the original generation rules I laid out 4d6 keep 3 or 27+ 1d4 point buy or some such. On average 4d6 keep 3 is way better than 27+1d4 or whatever I had specified. That was one error. 4d6 keep 3 is also highly variable.
The party had a wide range of scores. Inigo in particular is jacked I can't remember now but I think his point-buy equivlaent was around 48. I was then, and am now, satisfied that Inigo's scores were fairly rolled. But I felt poorly about the wide disparity in "point buy" amongst the party. Despite the fact that I hadn't wanted to run a "high-powered" campaign, I offered everyone, except Radavel, the chance to boost their characters to a 40 point equivalent buy and then rebuild per Pathfinder. Radavel was not offered any boost except the normal rebuild.
Fairness is a tough to administer. I feel Inigo should be rebuilt per the Pathfinder rules, even though he has significant superiority in ability scores. I feel to do otherwise would be to penalize Radavel for rolling an outstanding set of scores.
This representation respectfully manifests to the Honorable DM that he will not be filing a motion for reconsideration or an appeal on that one, as and by way of concurrence with the Honorable DM's ruling.
I'd also like to apologize to Radavel, for handling the 40 point boost for the other PCs in secret, by email. I only did so, in what I thought were the interests of fairness, and in an attempt to prevent him from feeling singled out as having the lone character not receiving a big bonus during the rebuild. I should have been completely aboveboard at that time.
On ability scores: They are undeniably important and influential at low levels. But, I don't think they make or break characters. Already most of the party's AC is tough for the average 1st or 2nd level monster to hit. And you don't seem to be having much trouble putting the hurt on my poor beasties. And I haven't seen any of the megalomania that sometimes plagues a player when he's got an outstanding set of scores. We have a fabulous, mature gaming group, and it seems to be working.
As always I remain open to discussion.
Separate subject: the shield bash. I hadn't seen one for a long time and so looked it up, and checked Istas on the Totem feat.
For future reference, it's 1d4 for a medium size heavy shield in the d20SRD. It's also listed as a martial weapon. I used to play that the bash was an improvised attack except for classes with both shield and martial weapon proficiency, but I'm pretty sure that was a house rule. I haven't found a definitive rule in Pathfinder. Has anyone else?
Neil, while checking Istas on the Totem feat I noticed she still had a proficiency in klar, but didn't see that she owned one. Just wondering if ownership was a future plan, or if you once planned on the klar then changed your mind about it and forgot to change the feat. Net effect, offering yoou the opportunity to reassign the feat if desired.
We have a fabulous, mature gaming group, and it seems to be working.
I agree. And I didn't mean to stir up a major discussion. I recall you've mentioned the CotCT adventure has been somewhat "easy" for the current group of PCs. I think there's two compounding factors causing that. One, the adventure was written for 3.5 rules and Pathfinder Beta significantly upgrades PCs so that a 1st level Beta character is roughly equivalent to a 2nd or 3rd level 3.5 character. Now you could adjust the encounters in the CotCT adventure path to match the upgrade to the Beta PCs, of course, and that would help offset some things.
But, the second reason I think you're seeing the PCs have an "easier" time of it in your combats, is the ability score differential. Since most everyone wasn't generated with a consistent point-buy...and even those who did use point-buy are significantly higher than the norm for Pathfinder Beta...the power-scale tips more towards the PCs. Layer that on top of the differences with the adventure being stocked with 3.5 encounters, and I think that's why things are running the way they are.
Separate subject: the shield bash. I hadn't seen one for a long time and so looked it up, and checked Istas on the Totem feat.
Perhaps my writing didn't come across like I intended. Istas interposed her shield between the skeleton and Keliwyn just for color...not as a shield bash attack. That was just so I could have her make a comment to the elf in the fray of battle. She then lowered the shield to execute an overhand blow with her club. She's not really proficient with shield bashing, I don't think. And I don't really have any desire to take her in that direction. There's just too many more interesting things to pursue for character development than shield-related feats.
I used to play that the bash was an improvised attack except for classes with both shield and martial weapon proficiency, but I'm pretty sure that was a house rule. I haven't found a definitive rule in Pathfinder. Has anyone else?
I believe you'd normally treat it the same as the regular non-proficiency penalty.
Neil, while checking Istas on the Totem feat I noticed she still had a proficiency in klar, but didn't see that she owned one. Just wondering if ownership was a future plan, or if you once planned on the klar then changed your mind about it and forgot to change the feat. Net effect, offering you the opportunity to reassign the feat if desired.
That feat is due to Istas' bonus weapon training from being human. Remember our discussion about possibly spending that on a Shoanti bola? Since bola is an exotic weapon...and the rules for bolas are a bit wonky...I decided to use that bonus "feat" for something else. The only thing that made sense from her background was a Shoanti-made klar. But for defensive purposes, I wanted to make sure she carried a heavy shield (AC +2) rather than a klar (AC +1) in battle. So, it's really kind of a wasted "feat" because I doubt I'll ever have her start using a klar.
If I had it to do over again, I might look at some of the other martial weapons and say Istas learned how to use something different than the traditional weapons of her people. Maybe Kaddok helped school her in something new? With your permission, I'll look over the martial weapons again and see if there's anything else I'd prefer over the klar. Right now, I'm thinking a bladed weapon would be a better addition to her weapon proficiencies. She's already got a blunt (club) and piercing (spear)...so a larger slashing weapon might be a better choice. I'd want it to be one-handed so she can still carry a shield, so that narrows it down to a longsword, scimitar, battleaxe, kukri, handaxe, or throwing axe. And my preferences would probably be a longsword, scimitar, or handaxe. Let me know what you think?
--Neil
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Neil...it has to be said that the humble hand axe is one of the most underrated weapons in D&D...small enough to use in cramped spaces and being able to throw it make it one of the most versatile weapons around in my opinion..ok the damage delivery and range isn't great but carry two and you can throw one and still have its brother in reserve.
I voted again for Gulga in round three by the way :)
I wanted an Anime vibe to Heathers powers and as they are wind and electricity based I thought I'd go for static electricity effects ..just be careful not to touch her after she's been chucking rays for round after round.
I think I'll take Heather away from the original character concept and play her very much in her bloodline...keep the charm person ditch the change self when I can and go for wind and electric spells for the most part
...it has to be said that the humble hand axe is one of the most underrated weapons in D&D...
I agree. But it would have to be a throwing axe rather than a handaxe. You can't throw handaxes, but the throwing axe has a range of 10 ft. There's also the light hammer, which can be thrown up to 20 ft.
I voted again for Gulga in round three by the way :)
Thanks! We'll see how the voting turns out in six hours or so.
Neil, congratulations again on advancing. I've got to admit that Gulga made my head spin. No way I could have statted him up correctly. He is one tortuous villain. Great job on a very complicated concept.
Neil, congratulations again on advancing. I've got to admit that Gulga made my head spin. No way I could have statted him up correctly. He is one tortuous villain. Great job on a very complicated concept.
Thanks, Thom. Now the heat is on to produce something compelling for one of the other villain's lairs. I'm half-horrified that all the pre-work I did on scoping out Gulga's lair can't be used...and yet, half-liberated to not have to use him any longer. It kind of frees up the creativity a little further for us now.
Kick ass, Neil, and may Gulga go on to become an iconic Paizo bad guy. (I can just see him rubbing his tentacles together and laughing, "Mwah hah ha . . . ")
As for PC stats, any imbalance doesn't matter to me. I go by the First Rule of Gygax - above all, have fun. I'm having fun, we have a great group, and it's all good.
Kick ass, Neil, and may Gulga go on to become an iconic Paizo bad guy. (I can just see him rubbing his tentacles together and laughing, "Mwah hah ha . . . ")
Thanks, Bill. I appreciate everyone's support and encouragement. Lend me your vote on Tuesday, if you can. I'd really like to make Top 4 and get a chance to pitch a full adventure proposal...
Neil,
you did get my vote in the quarterfinals. Nice work. Good luck.
Billzabub, hurry back. Without you the game seems to have fallen apart. Wellard's made one OOC post. Wicht and I traded posts but no one's really posting since you left.