Human CG KIN7 | 94/94hp | AC20 (T13 F17) | CMB +3 | CMD 16 | FRW 10/8/3 | I+3 Perc +10 | Conditions: FORCE WARD
I certainly get "things" happening, that is for sure. In the midst of the whole Birthdays & Bomb Threats thing a month ago, I started dating someone. Real Life strikes again!
Ag d8. Sm d4. Sp d6 Str d10 Vi. d6 | Pace 6 Parry 6 (+2w/ shield, +1 w/ 2H Sword) Size 1 Toughness 9 (3)
Ceven Valdemar wrote:
I certainly get "things" happening, that is for sure. In the midst of the whole Birthdays & Bomb Threats thing a month ago, I started dating someone. Real Life strikes again!
Male Human Monk Ranks 0, Card: TBD Bennies: 1, Convictions: 0, Pace: 6 (running die d8), Parry: 7, Toughness: 8, Wounds: 0, Fatigue: 0 | Map
While we're waiting for the GM to return, here's something to think about. I'm considering moderating a campaign with a Steampunk theme. There are a number of possible systems to use, including Savage Worlds.
There is also an interesting GURPS sourcebook based on the Graphic Narrative (comic book) called Girl Genius. I've played GURPS and like what it tries to do in principle, but in practice, it tends to get tedious during melee and complicated to create characters. Savage Worlds has its own melee complications, such as the soak rolls and Benny re-rolls. In PBP these can cause it to take days to discover the outcome of one solid success. In other ways, however, I think SW is cleaner in melee and definitely simpler to create characters.
There is a Savage Worlds Steampunk sourcebook called A Widening Gyre that was published before the last edition update to SWADE, but it has the basic character creation options and a few new skills and edges. The campaign ideas are serviceable but I much prefer the Girl Genius sourcebook as a campaign basis.
So I may modify the SW Steampunk sourcebook to fit the Girl Genius world and modify what the sourcebook has from GURPS to SW. Also, the Girl Genius Sourcebook is expensive and only available in paperback, so people on a budget would have a hard time affording the sourcebook. The Widening Gyre is available in pdf for under $10 US, so that would be a cheaper way to go.
It will be a while before I make an official post to start the campaign, but if anyone is interested, I'll keep you posted. If anyone has any suggestions, let me know via PM. In the meantime, if you haven't read the Girl Genius books, they are all available on line at https://www.girlgeniusonline.com/comic.php.
Well if we are advertising while we are waiting ;-) I am running a PF1e game that could use 1 to 3 players, it currently has 4. It's called Dreadfulness in Dunwich its set in a slightly alterred southwestern region of Greyhawk. So drop by and check it out if you think you might be interested.
Jzero Katzu yeah I prefer Savage Worlds over GURPS but also like Shadowrun 5e. I have not read any Girl Genius books so will give them a perusal, thanks for that btw. If you are not going to run a contest then I would love to join the game when you launch it as I do enjoy that genre.
Color me interested as well. I've used both GURPS and SW extensively, and at this point much prefer SW. Using a SW setting that uses the edition before SWADE (called SWD, BTW) is really easy, you can probably use the new Edges and Skills (if any) without changes. When you talk about modifications, would you be producing a document that contains the changes?
Male Human Monk Ranks 0, Card: TBD Bennies: 1, Convictions: 0, Pace: 6 (running die d8), Parry: 7, Toughness: 8, Wounds: 0, Fatigue: 0 | Map
I'll definitely publish a summary explaining the character creation limits and additional edges, skills, and powers. I'm still reading through the comic book pages to become more familiar with the Girl Genius world and reading the GURPS sourcebook for additional information and ideas.
Girl Genius is a parody of Steampunk, with a lot of over the top elements. I'll pare some of those out of the role playing to keep things somewhat grounded. The SW sourcebook allows arcane magic as well as weird science arcane background, but Girl Genius does not include conventional magic. But lots of the things that the weird science geniuses (called sparks) do are functionally equivalent to magic.
I hope I can get players who are willing to enjoy adding comedic elements that are essential elements of the comic book. There will be serious threats to life and limb, but that doesn't preclude role play that is on the lighter side when not fighting monsters and villains.
Both sourcebooks include a variety of monsters, some of which are common staples of fantasy worlds, like vampires, revenants, mind control, and constructs (think Frankenstein's monster and robot/androids). PCs will include the ability to play a number of non-human "races" like mechanical or biological constructs, as well as Jaegers, humans who have been given a special potion that gradually transforms them into fearsome fighters.
I have a lot to consider, so it will probably be a few months before I'm ready to start.
Male Human Monk Ranks 0, Card: TBD Bennies: 1, Convictions: 0, Pace: 6 (running die d8), Parry: 7, Toughness: 8, Wounds: 0, Fatigue: 0 | Map
Evesk wrote:
Well if we are advertising while we are waiting ;-) I am running a PF1e game that could use 1 to 3 players, it currently has 4. It's called Dreadfulness in Dunwich its set in a slightly alterred southwestern region of Greyhawk. So drop by and check it out if you think you might be interested.
Jzero Katzu yeah I prefer Savage Worlds over GURPS but also like Shadowrun 5e. I have not read any Girl Genius books so will give them a perusal, thanks for that btw. If you are not going to run a contest then I would love to join the game when you launch it as I do enjoy that genre.
I'll take a look and consider a character if I can come up with something that does not take too much time.
I've got Shadowrun books and would like to play in a Shadowrun campaign, but haven't had the opportunity.
Jzero - just be aware, if you're converting concepts from GURPS into SW's Edges, or modifying the SWD Steampunk's Edges, it's very easy to make an under- or over-powered Edge. There's a SW forums board where you could post your suggested Edges for review by the group-mind, some of whom understand the subtleties of the system *very* well :
They've helped me out several times in the past to hammer out an initial Edge idea into something that's well-balanced.
New Skills are less prone to over/underpower, but keep in mind in SW a single Skill is usually used for a variety of tasks (like Fighting with any weapon, or the multiple things you can do with Thievery).
Male Human Monk Ranks 0, Card: TBD Bennies: 1, Convictions: 0, Pace: 6 (running die d8), Parry: 7, Toughness: 8, Wounds: 0, Fatigue: 0 | Map
I think this GM has in the past sometimes gone a while without posting due to workload.
I always try to notify everyone when I'm in that kind of situation so that people know what to expect. I encourage everyone to do that whenever posting is delayed by RL.
Ag d8. Sm d4. Sp d6 Str d10 Vi. d6 | Pace 6 Parry 6 (+2w/ shield, +1 w/ 2H Sword) Size 1 Toughness 9 (3)
Welcome back PWGM! Glad you're back and hopefully fine!
Ceven: I came for both. Well, I enjoy Savage Worlds and have never played the Rise of the Runelords AP. Also, I did the Savage PF kickstarter and this is my first chance to actually play it. :)
Please GM whatever you do, don't die trying as that would be a horrible ending to this wonderful adventure ;-)
I guess I came for both, but I guess mostly to experience SW a bit more although RL does have a draw and I am interested to see how this GM puts a different twist on things (or at least I hope they do).
Ag d8. Sm d4. Sp d6 Str d10 Vi. d6 | Pace 6 Parry 6 (+2w/ shield, +1 w/ 2H Sword) Size 1 Toughness 9 (3)
FYI: I'll be headed to a local convention this weekend. I will have a computer with me and will be checking in but my gaming schedule for Saturday in particularity is pretty full so I may be delayed posting Friday through Sunday.
Male Human Monk Ranks 0, Card: TBD Bennies: 1, Convictions: 0, Pace: 6 (running die d8), Parry: 7, Toughness: 8, Wounds: 0, Fatigue: 0 | Map
Feel free to raid any of my other maps for tokens. Click on any of the following profile links. There are links to all the maps I've used in various fantasy games. If you see a token on a map you like, select it, copy it, and then go to the map you want the token to be added and paste it.
If you need more tokens I can make them fairly easily however not sure how to get them on the map once made. But I am on Discord and can pass the image to whomever can get it to the medium to be used.
Male Human Monk Ranks 0, Card: TBD Bennies: 1, Convictions: 0, Pace: 6 (running die d8), Parry: 7, Toughness: 8, Wounds: 0, Fatigue: 0 | Map
Everyone who has access to the map link can make edits to the map, including adding tokens and any other adjustments. If you have a map token, for example, it should be relatively small, less than 250 pixels square. Any jpg or png image you can copy to your clipboard, you can then paste to the map. It will show up in a new layer at the center of the document. You can size it and move it from there.
There is also an option to upload an image from a file location.
This is a good point to remind people that if your token is behind another map element you can bring it forward. Right click on the image, select Order/Bring to the front.
Male Human Monk Ranks 0, Card: TBD Bennies: 1, Convictions: 0, Pace: 6 (running die d8), Parry: 7, Toughness: 8, Wounds: 0, Fatigue: 0 | Map
It can be from a file, like an upload (jpg or png type images). Or you can copy and paste it. No link necessary. I've also be able to add animated images that can be fun for things like fire or smoke.
Human CG KIN7 | 94/94hp | AC20 (T13 F17) | CMB +3 | CMD 16 | FRW 10/8/3 | I+3 Perc +10 | Conditions: FORCE WARD
Team Sandpoint,
I want to thank you all for the opportunity to try to play in this AP; whether it is Savage or Classic PF, it's always been a favoite story of mine.
That said, 4 months in, the party is still dealing with one of the most iconic first encounters of an AP ever, with no end in sight. That's tough for me. Not saying I haven't been in even slower campaigns, but my enthusiasm here is depleted.
I think you will all have a great time eventually; very best of luck to everyone.
Ag d8. Sm d4. Sp d6 Str d10 Vi. d6 | Pace 6 Parry 6 (+2w/ shield, +1 w/ 2H Sword) Size 1 Toughness 9 (3)
Cev,
Sorry to see you go. Hopefully we'll ramp up here soon. Check back if you want, check things out!
If not, good luck and hope to see you in another game!
Male Human Monk Ranks 0, Card: TBD Bennies: 1, Convictions: 0, Pace: 6 (running die d8), Parry: 7, Toughness: 8, Wounds: 0, Fatigue: 0 | Map
It would help if the GM would update us when not able to post with a prediction of when the next post will come. Also are the things in RL that are preventing progress likely to change soon? It's not costing me any time to stay in the game and I'm willing to wait, but it helps if we know what's happening.
Human CG KIN7 | 94/94hp | AC20 (T13 F17) | CMB +3 | CMD 16 | FRW 10/8/3 | I+3 Perc +10 | Conditions: FORCE WARD
Jzero Katzu wrote:
It would help if the GM would update us when not able to post with a prediction of when the next post will come. Also are the things in RL that are preventing progress likely to change soon? It's not costing me any time to stay in the game and I'm willing to wait, but it helps if we know what's happening.
This is a helpful perspective Jzero; I have been in a similar position in other campaigns and you are right, I was willing to wait. Our GM came to us in one of them, was super forthright about battling depression, and every last one of us was like, "then that's the fight we fight, let us know when you are feeling up to it"
I do also appreciate the "not costing me anything" perspective, but I can't claim the same experience, at least not completely. When I log on to my Campaigns page, and I see all the campaigns with no new posts, it does cost me something. Doesn't send me into depression myself, but I would be lying if I said it wasn't a total downer. No harm, no foul, just a bummer.
@Velrek - I dont mind keeping my ear to the ground, thanks for suggesting :)
Male Human Monk Ranks 0, Card: TBD Bennies: 1, Convictions: 0, Pace: 6 (running die d8), Parry: 7, Toughness: 8, Wounds: 0, Fatigue: 0 | Map
No doubt about it, a campaign that hums along with lots of daily posts is the best case scenario. Sometimes you just have to look elsewhere.
At the moment, almost all the games I'm in are slow posting, often with the GM as the main hold-up. I've been in a lot of games where the GM seems to have great ambitions, but then RL intervenes with a job change or final exams, and suddenly the PBP goal goes to the back burner and sometimes then to oblivion.
I am waiting on the action starting. I placed the Icon where I felt he ought to start, but was not told to start my action, do not even recall what the Initiative order is now or even if one was established.
Basically I am waiting for the DM to chime in so I know what I need to do next.
In his last game post, PWGM made a spoiler called "Initiative" which shows everyone's order in this round. While sometimes spoilers are not meant to be read by everyone, the Initiative one is. It shows that you are first in initiative this round.
It would help if the GM would update us when not able to post with a prediction of when the next post will come. Also are the things in RL that are preventing progress likely to change soon? It's not costing me any time to stay in the game and I'm willing to wait, but it helps if we know what's happening.
This is a helpful perspective Jzero; I have been in a similar position in other campaigns and you are right, I was willing to wait. Our GM came to us in one of them, was super forthright about battling depression, and every last one of us was like, "then that's the fight we fight, let us know when you are feeling up to it"
I do also appreciate the "not costing me anything" perspective, but I can't claim the same experience, at least not completely. When I log on to my Campaigns page, and I see all the campaigns with no new posts, it does cost me something. Doesn't send me into depression myself, but I would be lying if I said it wasn't a total downer. No harm, no foul, just a bummer.
@Velrek - I dont mind keeping my ear to the ground, thanks for suggesting :)
Well that is depressing. Several things that are not relevant here hit at the same time and like Jzero said things went south. I apologize, it is entirely my fault.
Assuming this game survives my goal is posting several times a week. I can't predict when the posts will go up or even if I will maintain that standard. I am still new to P-B-P GM'ing.
"Paying close attention" isn't a reason to automatically get a Smarts roll. The rules say "a viewer only gets a Smarts roll if they "contact an illusion or doubt it’s real". Since magic can do many different things, it's not unreasonable that things pop up out of thin air whenever a caster is around.
It seems to me this cuts both ways. If given person is aware enough of magic to know a wall can be summoned out of nothing, they'd presumably also be aware that magic can create illusions. To me it seems a little selective about what people in general might know about magic to say one piece of knowledge is more likely to be known than another.
A Smarts roll seems like the perfect solution. A wolf won't know magic is a thing, so a wall is a wall. Middling, say average person, may be aware of magic and a few things it does, could go either way. Highly intelligent whatevers would know it's magic and wonder "what kind?", then probably test to see.
Trying out the SW app at savaged.us, I discovered I included a skill for Jzero that doesn't exist in the SWPF rules: acrobatics. I guess that's part of athletics. So I redistributed the points and his skills are now as follows:
I also made a few changes to Jzero's equipment. I removed the Katana, as I'd like to get a MW Cold Iron Katana, which will take a bit of saving up. That way he'll have a weapon to use vs. creatures that require cold iron to harm.
I also got some cold iron Shurikens for the immediate need and added some cold iron arrows.
I'm still not sure how SW plays the monsters that in PF normal get some kind of DR. Let us know if there is any real advantage to having particular materials or types of weapons when dealing with creatures that in PF have DR.
The savaged.us application works well for PF characters, although it doesn't have the player's handbook or other PF books yet. I've only found one issue with what shows up on the pdf character sheet. The rules list the damage of a shuriken as Str + d4 but the pdf lists it as just d4. Otherwise, looks good.
I haven't looked at or thought about limitations or trappings until you mentioned them. I'll think about it and see what I can come up with.
They are not required by any means but the can be fun. And they can have mechanical effect. Things like "Doing it for the fans: Ignore raise effects unless another person is present" would net you some mechanical benefit. A drop in power cost at least unless a better idea can be found.
Trying out the SW app at savaged.us, I discovered I included a skill for Jzero that doesn't exist in the SWPF rules: acrobatics. ....
And I looked right through that. Well they say egg in good for the complexion. Sorry about that.
Skills look good.
Re:dr SWPF does not do anything like Pathfinder DR. The general trend the SW is to replace penalties with bonuses where possible. So for example a Clay Golem in PF has"DR 10/adamantine and bludgeoning" in SWPF they have no special resistance to any weapon but take +4 damage from adamantine or bludgeoning. Same idea but less granular.
I think I found a mistake. I took Darksight but now looking again it seems that isn't a Bard option. I guess I'll need to switch that one out for something else. I'll think about it, but Confusion looks good.
Looks like we have a solid disagreement here, and mind you my disagreement may well be with Messrs. Buhlman, Cook, and Jackobs for writing what I consider a bad rule.
In play I don't see it making that much of a difference. The most common extras for a novice party to face run a d6 smarts at best so a 50-50 chance. If you get a raise (40% with a d10/d6) or use the Strong modifier the success rate drops to 17%. Raise and modifier drops it to 14%. Even a 50% chance for effective invulnerability seems worth it.
Accepting that there is no recourse other than Dispel to counter a flying illusionist lobbing death from within a fake smoke cloud is simply a bridge too far. The interpretation the an archer does NOT get a smarts roll when targeting an illusion cloaked target that they are aware of makes the novice level Illusion massively superior to the seasoned level Invisibility. The archer targeting the Invisible target will face at most a -6 modifier with a raise by the caster. This gives our d6 shooting/smarts extra an 8% chance to hit TN 4. Very unlikely but not impossible. By the more strict interpretation of when Smarts rolls are allowed this archer would have a 0% chance to hit. Illusion should not be superior to invisibility
Under the more liberal interpretation the same d6 smarts/shooting archer has a 50% chance to see through the illusion and then a 50% chance to hit tn4. That is they have a 25% chance to hit. With a raise or the Strong modifier the chance to see through the illusion drops to 17% with that same 50% to hit tn4 the archer is looking at an 8.5% chance to hit. Both and the chance to hit drops to 7%. In other words Illusion in combat conditions can effectively duplicate Invisibility by spending 2 more power points or taking a -2 shorting penalty on the skill roll.
Interestingly Both Invisibility and Illusion with the Strong modifier cost 5 powerpoints and grant an 8%/8.5% chance to be hit. Call me crazy but that seems pretty balanced.
It pains me to disagree with you Zenfox42 but we will be using the more liberal interpretation for when Smarts rolls are granted.
I think I found a mistake. I took Darksight but now looking again it seems that isn't a Bard option. I guess I'll need to switch that one out for something else. I'll think about it, but Confusion looks good.
Bards don't have Darksight!? <grabs book>
Well today is not a day for making me look competent. Thanks for catching that and Confusion is a good power and it <grabs book, double checks> is on the bard list.
I also got some cold iron Shurikens for the immediate need and added some cold iron arrows.
...
The savaged.us application works well for PF characters, although it doesn't have the player's handbook or other PF books yet. I've only found one issue with what shows up on the pdf character sheet. The rules list the damage of a shuriken as Str + d4 but the pdf lists it as just d4. Otherwise, looks good.
The shuriken thing is odd. The book is correct of course. Thrown weapons allmost allways are Str+ whatever. I think the net is the only non-magic exception
Not seeing the cold iron gear on your sheet. Did you decide against it?
~Name. Will you be making a new alias or will we keep seeing "Velrek Savage PF" in the play thread? no issue either way, just wondering.
~Hindrances. What is your Secret? What hindrance do you see it changing to if the cat escapes the bag?
~Attributes. All good.
~Edges/Powers. All good
~Skills. All good.
~Other stats and abilities. All good.
~Gear. All good
Note. You might want something to remind yourself that your medium shield can provide -2 cover. It's easy to forget.
Note II: I am assuming you mean hooded lantern?
~Background. Your background mentions the Pathfinder Society and arriving in Absalom. Is this correct?
Overall review. Except for the Secret question you are good to go. Let me know when you have the juicy details.
Mirri, Ciri, Velrek, Lucien, Rhodel, and Jzero head on over to the discussion thread, talk among yourselves and finalize anything that needs finalizing. Everyone with powers make sure you choose your Complex Cantrips.
Go time is two days at the latest Pacific time. Less if I don't hear from Evindyl or Inrk. So if either of you see this get a move on!
I also got some cold iron Shurikens for the immediate need and added some cold iron arrows.
...
The savaged.us application works well for PF characters, although it doesn't have the player's handbook or other PF books yet. I've only found one issue with what shows up on the pdf character sheet. The rules list the damage of a shuriken as Str + d4 but the pdf lists it as just d4. Otherwise, looks good.
The shuriken thing is odd. The book is correct of course. Thrown weapons allmost allways are Str+ whatever. I think the net is the only non-magic exception
Not seeing the cold iron gear on your sheet. Did you decide against it?
I will update the gear soon. It's on a spreadsheet so I can check the math.
PWGM - regarding Complex Cantrips, I'm confused by your statement "for those w/o the book/pdf if you use an Arcane Background (Mystic Power users need not apply) you get to choose 2 of the following and an additional one whenever you take the Additional Powers edge."
I took that to mean that only PC's who took plain-vanilla AB qualified to take these, and those with the Mystical Powers Edges could not?
Just double-checking...
Also, you present solid arguments for doing Illusions the way you want to, but as we advance in Rank, our opponents will almost certainly have higher Smarts dice, and so my illusions will become less and less useful.
Just curious : how much of a penalty would a smoke cloud provide to hitting the target within it?
P.S. - but if I'm being honest, despite your reasonable arguments I can't help but feeling cheated by the serious nerfing you've given to the Illusion power compared to what I was expecting...
Complex Cantrips Many class edges grant an AB. Take a look at PFSW core pg 64. The first bullet point in the Sorcerer edge grants an AB so anyone with the Sorcerer edge has access to Complex Cantrips. Go back a couple of pages to pg 60 and you will see the Mystic Powers Edge (Veteran, Ranger). This edge grants a few powers but it is not an AB and operates under different rules and therefore does not allow access to Complex Cantrips. Make sense?
Smoke Take a look at Smokesticks on pg 113 of teh core book foan one example of how a smoke cloud could work. Something they neglect to mention in this listing though is that the Dark modifier created by the smoke is NOT an illumination change but a physical one so it applies to things like low light and Darkvision. The exact same way that say a fog, mist or being inside a burning building might.
Advancing foes SW does not have CR or anything like monsters appropriate for level X. So you cannot depend on your foes getting higher smarts dice as you move up in rank. But for the sake of argument lets look at a mid level for from another PF ap to see what they consider a mid level foe. <hmmmm... Mummy's Mask, Book 4 of 6. That is mid-ish level..hmmmm Vrocks!> Ok Pf considers Vrocks a good threat for mid level pc's . SWPF gives Vrocks a smarts of d6. Elder elemental d4. Tarrasque, wild card, but smarts d6. Sure a Pit Fiend has smarts d10,and a Lich a d12 but do you really expect to fool these folks that easily?
I do not see illusions falling off in usefulness but if you feel otherwise we could easily adapt the Research or Training downtime activity to allow you to swap out the Power.
I am sorry you feel Illusion was nerfed. I have confidence that in play it will not feel nerfed but I fully understand if you want to rework your powers or indeed your entire character if you wish to do so.
Any concept nudges? I was all excited to build a telekinetic, but then I read all the prior posts and that seems like it has been done.
My next thought tho, which could be super Varisian & super Elven AND super cool given the game system, is to build a build which creates a Brightness Seeker. These rules could make that both incredibly cool, and eliminate the need for it to be a prestige class versus really just assembling a cool slate of "powers"
Existing characters already have all the usual essentials covered: rogue, fighters, spellcasters, healer. I'd create what you'd enjoy playing. Elves are always cool and there are lots of different types of elves in the region. We've got a half-elf and I think a half-orc, but no elves.
Any concept nudges? I was all excited to build a telekinetic, but then I read all the prior posts and that seems like it has been done.
My next thought tho, which could be super Varisian & super Elven AND super cool given the game system, is to build a build which creates a Brightness Seeker. These rules could make that both incredibly cool, and eliminate the need for it to be a prestige class versus really just assembling a cool slate of "powers"
As Jzero said, we have the 'essential' roles covered so play what you want. :)
PWGM - thanks for the clarification on cantrips and smoke. I'll stick with the Illusion power - this may be the only time in my life I'll get to play with illusions, so I'll take what I can get.
I will happily take a look at Cevendyl. In the meantime would you kindly post your Interlude?
Interlude
Your Interlude - Four of Clubs. Riff on one or more of the following:
~Downtime. Your hero broods or is angry about something. What is it, and how do they resolve the issue? Do they do something they regret? Or does the issue still rankle?
~Backstory: Tell a tale of misfortune from your hero’s past, perhaps revealing something of their Hindrances or a dark secret.
~Trek. Tell of hardship you endured on your way - The tragic death of a favored companion, spoiled or lost supplies, a mechanical breakdown, abysmal weather, and so on.
I will happily take a look at Cevendyl. In the meantime would you kindly post your Interlude?
Interlude
Your Interlude - Four of Clubs. Riff on one or more of the following:
~Downtime. Your hero broods or is angry about something. What is it, and how do they resolve the issue? Do they do something they regret? Or does the issue still rankle?
~Backstory: Tell a tale of misfortune from your hero’s past, perhaps revealing something of their Hindrances or a dark secret.
~Trek. Tell of hardship you endured on your way - The tragic death of a favored companion, spoiled or lost supplies, a mechanical breakdown, abysmal weather, and so on.
It was a very very very long way from Kyonin to Varisia, even as the hawk flies. Cevendyl couldn't always fly, but his friend Rising Star could. Their journey arund the Lake had been without incident, they each scavanged what they could, not ready to be with other elves, not really prepared for non-elves, and feeling like the wilds were probably more manageable.
In Korvosa, Cev spent much of his time scouting, as a little bird, coming back to the rooftops to rest with Star. It was easier; close to people, but not too close. He learned names, he saw thieves, he could tell who was happy or sad. But he didn't let it matter, because he & Rising Star were the whole world.
Then they left Korvosa. He wanted to head straight to Magnimar. He wanted to learn about the Empyreal Lords and their Mystery Cults. He thpught maybe some of the answers to the Brightness were there ...
... and then Varisia swallowed them up. It was hard. The Sanos Forest turned them around and spit them out; it was a thankful thing that Cevendyl spoke Druidic and could call on his masters in nature to help them out. They were pointed to Sandpoint and were happy to make their way back to civilization.
Figures stats: Issue
.Parry should be 4 {(fighting d4/2)+2 = 4}
Hindrances: Issue
.how did you spend your 4 hindrance points?
Edges: Issue
.one too many.
Powers: check
Gear: Issues
Armor:
Darkwood Leather Jacket (Armor 2) base 11lb 20g +150g(mw) +110gp -5lb (dw). tot 280g 6lb
Darkwood Leather Leggings (Armor 2) base 8lb 20gp +150gp (mw) +80gp -4lb (dw) tot 250gp 4lb
Weapons:
Darkwood Staff/Quarterstaff base 4lb 0gp +300(mw) +40gp -2lb (dw) tot 340gp 2lb
General gear: issues
Courtier's Outfit, not on gear list. cost and weight?
Healer's Kit 50g 1lb
3x Potion of Minor Healing and Neutralize Poison or Disease 200gp ea x 3potions = 600gp 0lb
Spell Component Pouch, not on gear list. cost and weight? also what does this do?
Current Wealth: 60gp
total gold 1580gp(+outfit and pouch) out of 300gp you appear to be rather overspent.
total weight 13(+outfit and pouch)
Languages: check
Comments, Mechanical: Several critical issues to resolve before you are mechanically all there. But I think I can see where you are going.
Comments, background: You do not actually have a background here but taking you interlude as a guide brings up some questions. What is "Brightness?" Who is Rising Star and are they still alive?
Comments, Mechanical: Several critical issues to resolve before you are mechanically all there. But I think I can see where you are going.
Comments, background: You do not actually have a background here but taking you interlude as a guide brings up some questions. What is "Brightness?" Who is Rising Star and are they still alive?
Great entry spot happening right now! Move fast and you can get in on the first combat of the game!
Comments, Mechanical: Several critical issues to resolve before you are mechanically all there. But I think I can see where you are going.
Comments, background: You do not actually have a background here but taking you interlude as a guide brings up some questions. What is "Brightness?" Who is Rising Star and are they still alive?
The Brightness:
“The Brightness” is an often-discussed but rarely explained
aspect of elven life. Beginning in childhood, most elves set out in search of a clear, ecstatic, semi-divine enlightenment known as the Brightness. This search is in fact one of the reasons some elves travel so much, although others contend that physical travel is unnecessary and thatthe Brightness can be found by journeying within. The
searchers seek signs and personal guidance leading toward
revelation; those close to their Brightness often experience
supernatural good fortune and have been known to will
themselves beyond death to find it.
The nature of the enlightenment varies by individual,
but all elves who embrace this philosophy firmly believe
that the Brightness will be obvious once found. Some
elves who find their Brightness never manage to verbalize
it. A few can narrow it down to what sound like simple
aphorisms, such as “Peace is knowledge” or “All change is
growth.” These are inadequate, shadowy representations
of the true enlightenment experience.
The change in an elf ’s behavior is the true indicator of
the Brightness. Elves who have discovered the Brightness
are unflappably serene, facing horror and death with the
same calm as they would reading a good book. Elves are
hardly perfected in this state, but imperfection seems to be
less of a burden, with the enlightened elves striving less,
yet working more. Aiding friends becomes paramount,
and the dictates of honor cease to be a struggle.
Some elves devote years to trying to find the Brightness;
along the way, a few go as far as to pick up levels in the
Brightness Seeker prestige class to aid them in this
journey (see page 28).
Rising Star is Cevendyl's animal companion, named after one of the companions of the elven god Ketephys
Ketephys (The Hunter): This long-faced elven god rarely speaks unless coordinating the efforts of other beings in a hunt
for a dangerous or especially prized creature. In holy art, he is shown barefoot, wearing form-fitting brown and forestgreen
to prevent snags and excess noise. He is usually accompanied by his dog Meycho and his hawk Falling Star,
though he keeps them for companionship rather than assistance, as he prefers to succeed or fail on his own skill.
His symbol is a hawk on a silver crescent.
Comments, Mechanical: Several critical issues to resolve before you are mechanically all there. But I think I can see where you are going.
Comments, background: You do not actually have a background here but taking you interlude as a guide brings up some questions. What is "Brightness?" Who is Rising Star and are they still alive?
TBH that website ate the first draft of Cev, so I will redraft him with all of these things in mind, and cite what its output doesn't cite.
However - the 3 edges come from being a Druid, the Beastmaster edge is included. Cev's hindrances purchased: a 2nd edge, and additional starting cash.
I will have Cevendyl v2 done in just a sec
(and I would still like him to have been shapeshifted into the bird from the opening of Gameplay ...)
Comments, Mechanical: Several critical issues to resolve before you are mechanically all there. But I think I can see where you are going.
Comments, background: You do not actually have a background here but taking you interlude as a guide brings up some questions. What is "Brightness?" Who is Rising Star and are they still alive?
TBH that website ate the first draft of Cev, so I will redraft him with all of these things in mind, and cite what its output doesn't cite.
However - the 3 edges come from being a Druid, the Beastmaster edge is included. Cev's hindrances purchased: a 2nd edge, and additional starting cash.
I will have Cevendyl v2 done in just a sec
(and I would still like him to have been shapeshifted into the bird from the opening of Gameplay ...)
Sweet. I thought that version looked a little rough. So you are taking Beast Master rather than Attuned. Cool.
Comments, Mechanical: Several critical issues to resolve before you are mechanically all there. But I think I can see where you are going.
Comments, background: You do not actually have a background here but taking you interlude as a guide brings up some questions. What is "Brightness?" Who is Rising Star and are they still alive?
TBH that website ate the first draft of Cev, so I will redraft him with all of these things in mind, and cite what its output doesn't cite.
However - the 3 edges come from being a Druid, the Beastmaster edge is included. Cev's hindrances purchased: a 2nd edge, and additional starting cash.
I will have Cevendyl v2 done in just a sec
(and I would still like him to have been shapeshifted into the bird from the opening of Gameplay ...)
Sweet. I thought that version looked a little rough. So you are taking Beast Master rather than Attuned. Cool.
Looking forward to v2.
Give me just a sec, I will upload the crunch AND paste a URL to the character sheet for v2. He's a little simpler ... he's young, curious, and loyal, all of which will be fun to play (103 years old, young for an elf)
[ I am also pretty sure that the Parry calculation was based off of having selected that the staff was equipped ]
Background
Cevendyl is like the Doogie Howser of Iadara in Kyonin ... and in principle, was banished for it. In practice, the Queen suggested that the very very talented young elf might could need a walkabout to continue his search for The Brightness.
Revered as seers, able to channel memories and even physical features of prior incarnations as people and animals, Brightness Seekers devote themselves to the pursuit of enlightenment. During their uniquely personal journeys, they learn how to interpret signs and portents that allow them to make uncannily accurate predictions about possible actions for themselves and others. Over time, as they forge ever-deeper connections with their past lives and approach an ultimate state of oneness with the world around them, they develop the capacity to manifest the abilities and eventually the actual forms of many different animals. Eventually, Brightness Seekers even gain the power to shrug off death itself should it interfere with their quest for enlightenment, and their ability to reincarnate themselves with their memories intact offers them a chance to eventually reclaim their original form.
Powers: issue missing complex cantrips. see advanced guide pg 98 or my 15 July, 05:30 pm post in recruitment "Everyone with an AB/Power using character". you can choose 2.
Gear: unknown
Armor:
Weapons:
General gear:
total gold
total weight
Languages: check
Comments, specific. Darksight only gives you a benefit in Pitch Dark conditions because you already have Low Light. Are you reading it that way or am I missing something?
It would be helpful though not required to have Rising Star's stats on your sheet somewhere. This will become required if you use more edges to boost them beyond base stats.
Comments, general. Add gear for the final review and this looks good to go.
I do want to make sure we are on the same page about just how fragile Cevendyl is. Even with 2 points of armor an average arrow to the knee will cause a wound and has a good chance of causing 2 if either of the d6 ace or the arrow hit with a raise. A d4/d6 vigor at -1 means you will miss soak rolls half the time. I am not saying this is a bad character, it is unusual and creative and I like it. I just want to reassure myself that you are aware that they are not a combat monster. Rising Star and the Shapechange power will mitigate you fragility a good bit, but Starr cannot be everywhere and you can only maintain Shapechange for one 4 minute stretch per 5 hours at best unless you burn bennies to recharge. Again not a bad character just a bit challenging and I want to make sure we are seeing the same things here. Please toss me a clue if I have missed anything.
Moving forward. Once you finish with gear and any final tweaking you might want to be ready with your entry/what the bird saw post (I have no problem with you being the bird), an interlude on how you spent the first day of the festival up until the sunset dedication speeches (see my post Sat, Jul 22, 2023, 07:56 pm. This is optional but if you do it you get a benny) and finally a post detailing your reactions to the dedication speeches and your one action in the chaos. Do not post in game play until approved but if you have these ready you can hit the ground running once I let you through the gate.
The party is about to start in gameplay. It would be REALLY convenient if a certain crazy young elf was ready to make the scene......
I have like a 90 minute drive to Anaheim and dinner with a colleague ahead of me
BUT
I did stay up all night and buy stuff, so that is done
PLUS
I can type some responses in the car while we are driving
Don’t type while driving. A pbp game is not worth driving distracted. I’m mainly a pedestrian so I’ll hold the game a bit and you keep your eyes on the road. Get to this stuff when you can. Worst case you are in at pt 2 of the furball.
The party is about to start in gameplay. It would be REALLY convenient if a certain crazy young elf was ready to make the scene......
I have like a 90 minute drive to Anaheim and dinner with a colleague ahead of me
BUT
I did stay up all night and buy stuff, so that is done
PLUS
I can type some responses in the car while we are driving
Don’t type while driving. A pbp game is not worth driving distracted. I’m mainly a pedestrian so I’ll hold the game a bit and you keep your eyes on the road. Get to this stuff when you can. Worst case you are in at pt 2 of the furball.
It is 11:19 and I am all yours.
I am going to review Gameplay, review the "Flight of the Bird"
and as fragile as Cev is, he's going to find the best insertion point where he will be on deck to heal someone ...
(AND Cev will replace Darksight because GM kinda sorta didn't ridicule it but did that dad-thing where you coach an elevated view of something to drive a stronger outcome - yayyyy us!)
Well If you are looking for something to replace Darksight you might want to consider Beast Friend. In Pathfinder terms it combines Speak with animals and Charm animals. The main use I see you getting out of this power is using it to verbally direct Rising Star (and later Animals summoned if you take the Summon Nature's allies power) in combat/stressful situations.
Rising Star is loyal and will try to do what you want but they are not a familiar. They do not understand any language. So they cannot relay anything they saw while scouting or hunting. They cannot understand complex instructions without an action and a persuasion or intimidation check by you. "Go get that key" for example would take a roll as a hawk has no idea what a key is.
Beast Friend bypasses all of this as Rising Star could understand you and vice versa. There has been some discussion about the worth of the Beast Master edge given that the Beast Friend power exists. And I will admit that there is some overlap. I think the best way to resolve the issue is to allow a Beast Master's pet while under the effect of the Beast Friend power to understand complex instructions and interact as if they did not have the (A) after their smarts. In other words the spell makes them fully intelligent though they can still only speak to the caster of Beast Friend.
For comparison a non-Beast Master's pet animal while under the effect of Beast Friend can communicate and is loyal to you but is still limited by their (A) animal intelligence so some concepts may be too complex to them.
This is all off the top of my head so It probably needs more work. What do you think Rising Star should be able to do for you both with and without help from Beast Friend?
Well If you are looking for something to replace Darksight you might want to consider Beast Friend. In Pathfinder terms it combines Speak with animals and Charm animals. The main use I see you getting out of this power is using it to verbally direct Rising Star (and later Animals summoned if you take the Summon Nature's allies power) in combat/stressful situations.
Rising Star is loyal and will try to do what you want but they are not a familiar. They do not understand any language. So they cannot relay anything they saw while scouting or hunting. They cannot understand complex instructions without an action and a persuasion or intimidation check by you. "Go get that key" for example would take a roll as a hawk has no idea what a key is.
Beast Friend bypasses all of this as Rising Star could understand you and vice versa. There has been some discussion about the worth of the Beast Master edge given that the Beast Friend power exists. And I will admit that there is some overlap. I think the best way to resolve the issue is to allow a Beast Master's pet while under the effect of the Beast Friend power to understand complex instructions and interact as if they did not have the (A) after their smarts. In other words the spell makes them fully intelligent though they can still only speak to the caster of Beast Friend.
For comparison a non-Beast Master's pet animal while under the effect of Beast Friend can communicate and is loyal to you but is still limited by their (A) animal intelligence so some concepts may be too complex to them.
This is all off the top of my head so It probably needs more work. What do you think Rising Star should be able to do for you both with and without help from Beast Friend?
Have read the entire power desc on pages 176-177; this is brilliant. Can spend an additional Power Point to communicate telepathically, can spend another PP to extend duration as well (basically spending 2 point for 3 points worth of time). This is MUCH more versatile that Darksight, thank you!
Rising Star knows when Cev is hungry, and tries to feed him, like to the point that Cev makes sure he doesn't feel hungry, because Star will just show up with dead stuff to give him. Because of this, they frequently hunt together; a very very classic Man & Hawk activity, which Cev spent some time in Andorran training with Star (Andorran Falconry is a thing).
I think this will be more useful if less colorful than naked carrying a lot of platinum ...
v3:
Cevendyl
Novice Male Elf, Brightness Seeker
Background
Cevendyl is like the Doogie Howser of Iadara in Kyonin ... and in principle, was banished for it. In practice, the Queen suggested that the very very talented young elf might could need a walkabout to continue his search for The Brightness.
Revered as seers, able to channel memories and even physical features of prior incarnations as people and animals, Brightness Seekers devote themselves to the pursuit of enlightenment. During their uniquely personal journeys, they learn how to interpret signs and portents that allow them to make uncannily accurate predictions about possible actions for themselves and others. Over time, as they forge ever-deeper connections with their past lives and approach an ultimate state of oneness with the world around them, they develop the capacity to manifest the abilities and eventually the actual forms of many different animals. Eventually, Brightness Seekers even gain the power to shrug off death itself should it interfere with their quest for enlightenment, and their ability to reincarnate themselves with their memories intact offers them a chance to eventually reclaim their original form.
Other Gear:
Adventurer's Kit 50g 10wt
Current Wealth: 401gp
Total 1605gp wt20
Powers: check
comments. I do not have access to the Cevendyl v3 file so I used the version under the "v3" spoiler. You overspent a bit but your cash on hand will cover it. Otherwise all correct.
Just put this into an alias so we know what token to make for you and I will weave you in.
Please post your arrival (bird) post, your initial Interval, festival Interval if any, and your reaction to the speeches post behind spoiler tags to limit disruption as you catch up to the current moment.
You are not present in the courtyard with the other players yet. You will be entering soon though. I have not determined your entry point so do not mention anything about where you start in your posts. You will not get a Chaos action as the other players did but if there is something you want to do to prep that does not rely on being in the square and does not draw on player knowledge of the Goblin attack then run it past me and it will likely be fine. I realize this is a very slight disadvantage but consider it the price for coming in mid conflict.
The most likely reason for you not being present for this part of the excitement is that you were swept up with the exiting crowed. But if you can come up with a better reason for your delay I am open.
I made an error. Luckily it had no impact. The roof goblin does not have a d10 shooting. I am away from my info at the moment so I cannot verify but I think that should be a d6. I am letting the total of 2 stand. Sorry for the error.
That error is perhaps made up for by your excellent catches on the gear costs, which I totally went back and looked over: savage.us was using the FINAL weight of the items rather than the original weight as a multiplier. Adjustments are made. Cevendyl will eliminate a touch more cash, and his spoilers are forthcoming.
I have always had a sweet spot for what I consider Paizo's first AP. I have played in a campaign or two making a run at it but they went the way of all flesh as PBP's tend to do. So when I saw that Savage Worlds had created a licensed version of Pathfinder and were adapting this campaign I thought I would try my hand. As I am still rather new at running play-by-post game I am focusing on Burnt Offerings as a way to find my feet. If this works then we can consider the rest of the AP, and if the game crashes in flames, well at least it will have been different.
Normally at this point I would ask you to answer a bunch of questions about your character or from their perspective but this is a savage worlds game so I'm going to run an interlude.
For those of you who have the book open to pg 157 and go for it.
For those of you who do not have the book yet grab a standard deck of playing cards or a deck simulator online and draw a card. Tell me what it is in a post below and I'll reply with a prompt related to your character. Write as much or as little as you like based on the prompt. In my head I see this as a snippet from you characters pre-game life. Maybe a story they told around a campfire or something that happened on their way to Sandpoint, but it can be anything really. And rest assured that nothing in the interlude actually commits you to anything. So if you write an interlude about a ship's wizard who was kicked off their ship in for sins as unforgivable as they are undisclosed but then decide to play a Nature Oracle with a souped up murder hound. No problem. Do not be too surprised though if you later meet an ex-ships wizard playing cards in the Rusty Dragon.
Don't worry about creating a full character right now unless you want to. Though if you do then the character generation is book standard as detailed on page 19. We will be using the updated rules from the Advanced guide so if you do not have that then a couple of your powers might not work exactly like you expect them to.
Also if you are new to Savage Worlds don't worry too much about diving in. I am pretty good with the rules and the game really does not have any 'trap' choices. Besides if you make a choice you hate then ret-conning is easy enough to manage.
This is also the space where you can ask me questions or try to talk me into house ruling something that annoys you.
That is likely too much from me. Come on in grab a seat, let Ameiko get you a drink and tell us all a little story.....
I'm one of the current players of this fledgling campaign. If you are familiar with Pathfinder but not Savage Worlds, I'd encourage you to give this campaign a try. The source book recreates all the basic classes and familiar options from the Pathfinder rules, but condensed into one core rule book (with an optional companion book). Gone is the need to check a dozen different source books to find just the right features. Creating character is fairly straightforward and Poor Wandering GM is very good at helping you select what you want to play. Use the interlude idea to present the type of character you would fancy playing and helpful suggestions will flow from the GM and current players.
Savage Worlds takes a little getting used to, but I've run in a number of different genre games and it is an effective system that can function in a variety of genres. I've played a cyberpunk character, a superhero, a supernatural investigator, and a monk (this game).
There are still a few goblins to bash if you can get up to speed quickly!
Are you in need of a quality player or two -- I might could fill the spot with whatever role you fill would help augment the group and/or the game.
Familiar with both Pathfinder and Savage Worlds (which set of guidelines did you end up using for this?)
Great! We are using Pathfinder for Savage Worlds. Details and links a couple of posts up thread of here.
I’m out of net access for a couple of days so go ahead and post your interlude and then start in character generation on the discussion page. I’m sure the other players will be able to answer any questions.
Have fun
Back soon
PWGM
