Trial game...possible trainwreck :)
Only possible trainwreck?
So what level and such are you thinking?
Level 3 to 5? Somewhere in that range. Personally I dislike starting as a first level character plus one would need some experience already for the backstory to make sense.
Lower level is easier for you and easier for me to build. Let's go with level 3?
Ok, what other things? Any race/class restrictions? How do you want me to do HP? Point buy? And if so, how much? Alignment requirements?
Alright, level 3.
No race restrictions. I'm not familiar at all with occult classes so I'd probably say no to them.
For first level, full HP + modifiers. Subsequent levels you get half+1+modifiers.
20 point buy
No evil alignment
I am thinking a rogue. Haven't play one of those in awhile, and they have good abilities for a solo game. They can fight, run and have skills.
Do you have a canon location in mind? I won't go crazy with the background for this trial game, but a sense of place is helpful.
Cool!
It'll be mainly in Varisian cities Riddleport and Magnimar, I think.
Ah, Magnimar, one of my favorites! Varisia, perfect place for a rogue. I'll probably get the build together tomorrow.
Excited!
Ok, here is the first draft. Any objections,thoughts,confusion?
Doumane
N Small humanoid (halfling)
Init +4; Senses Perception +8
DEFENSE
AC 18, touch 15, flat-footed 13 (+3 armor, +4 Dex, +1 size)
hp 26 (3d8+3)
Fort +3, Ref +8 (+1 vs. traps), Will +2; (+2 vs fear)
Defensive Abilities evasion, blade sense +1
OFFENSE
Speed 30 ft.
Melee masterwork dagger +7 or +5/+5 (1d3+4/19–20)
Ranged hand crossbow +6 (1d3/19-20)
Special Attacks sneak attack +2d4 (+2d8 sneak stab), bleeding attack (2 bleed)
STATISTICS
Str 8, Dex 18, Con 13, Int 12, Wis 10, Cha 16
Base Atk +2; CMB +0; CMD 14
Feats Extra Rogue Talent, Two Weapon Fighting, Weapon Finesse
Traits Axe To Grind, Successful Shirker
Skills Acrobatics +10, Bluff +9 (+2 when benefiting from concealment or cover, +3 when avoiding punishment by a lawful authority), Climb +5, Diplomacy +9 (+3 when avoiding punishment by a lawful authority), Disable Device +10, Knowledge (local) +7, Perception +8, Sleight of hand +14 (+2 when benefiting from concealment or cover, +4 to conceal a weapon, +1 to conceal a light blade), Sense Motive +6, Stealth +15
Languages: Common, Halfling
SQ rogue talents (bleeding attack, underhanded), evasion, finesse training (daggers), blade sense +1
Equipment: masterwork studded leather, 2x spring-loaded wrist sheaths, 2x masterwork daggers, 3x daggers, 1x sawback dagger, masterwork thieves tools, hand crossbow, snapleaf, rogue's kit (This kit includes a backpack, a bedroll, a belt pouch, caltrops, chalk (10), a flint and steel, a grappling hook, an iron pot, a mess kit, a mirror, pitons (10), rope, soap, thieves’ tools, torches (10), trail rations (5 days), and a waterskin.)
Cash:1,204
Axe to Grind
You gain a +1 trait bonus on damage against foes who are threatened by only you.
Underhanded 3/day
Deal maximum sneak attack damage during the surprise round using a concealed weapon that her opponent didn’t know about.
No objections to the character. Once I realized you chose an archetype, there wasn't any confusion :)
I didn't crunch your numbers. It looks good to me at quick glance. Do you usually go over people's characters in detail?
Also, feel free to take background skills. I think the usual is 2 points per level. That may cause you to change around some of your skill points, up to you.
Did you have a little bit of a background in mind? Or did you want to settle on the crunch first before giving me fluff?
Argh, I should have put the archetype above like this
Doumane
N Halfling Rogue 3(Knife-Master)
Sorry about that.
I usually don't re-crunch the numbers unless something looks really odd. This is a game not a tax return.
Ah, wasn't sure about background skills.
I wasn't sure about the background without knowing more about the game, but I can come up with something. I didn't want to overdo it if the game was to be a short trial. I am thinking is a Magnimar local who is a local fixer for various gang-leaders and merchants. Often used to transmit delicate messages, for example, or find people and things stolen. Sometimes has dealt with criminals but who doesn't in Magnimar?
So how much did you want to know about what I was thinking? I also didn't want to make your character fit into what I was thinking. I'd rather build the specifics around how you see your character.
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Got it.
Doumane is driven by two things. One is an intense dislike of being seen as foolish and the other is a driving patriotism for his city, Magnimar.
He was born to a lower class family of porters, and grew up near the infamous Magnimarian docks. Unlike his rather stolid and work a day family however, Doumane soon gained a reputation as being a clever and not very respectful child. He was always getting into things, exploring places and talking to people. Even as a kid he had a knack for finding lost things, be it a misplaced broach or a deliberately mis-cataloged manifest. It was hard to get Doumane off the trial of something. What make the halfling stand apart was his desire to always return things to their rightful owners.
This was not out of an innate sense of duty or goodness. Instead it was tied to his love of the city. He loved Magniamr, with it's sweeping cliffs, standing ruins, the cosmopolitan city streets. To the young halfling it was everything city should be, and his part of making it great was not being greedy (at lest for things not his own. He certainly enjoyed being paid for things).
In adulthood he turned his childhood passion into a career. Mainly he found goods that been stolen and fenced, then recaptured them (sometimes this was strictly illegal) to be returned to rightful owners. This ranged from everything from simple cutlery to expensive pieces of art. He maintained a network of contacts throughout the city who he regularly canvassed for information. When 'retrieving' business was slow, he also sometimes hired himself out as a tour guide to tourists or those interested in seeing the city. Doumane specialized in the seedier parts of town and had even taken nobles when they felt a desire to 'slum it'.
How's that for a sense of the man? I am picturing as gregarious, friendly enough, but also private and given to silent brooding at times often enjoying being an observer to the bustling city rather then participating.
That's good. I can work with that.
So, do we just dive in now? Do you plan encounters as the characters interact or do you have a bunch of smaller ones planned to go before we even start? I would assume that it isn't just go from point A to point B and finish, correct?
I usually have a rough arc in my head. For example, for Shalina's game, I have a general idea what the route will take for her to get to the Chelish diggings. What places/people/big set piece encounters still we meet. This storm, for example, is one of them.
I don't get too involved however, for who knows how you'll deal with each problem? But a general idea, so you can guide the story correctly, is essential for me. But since PBP gives you so much time, I tend to fly light and just make things up as I go.
For example, I had no idea how you would interact with Amon or Sivvek and just let that flow naturally. Both have plot purposes they will carry out (probably) but there is alot of RP there that is entirely organic.
Am I making sense?
Makes sense. Then how many key encounters do you usually plan on? It probably depends on how long you're planning the game for but for a short game like we're planning, what would you suggest?
Also, I will read the Gamemastering part on the d20PFSRD website but I thought I'd ask...how do you decide how difficult to make encounters?
Two good questions with no good answers I'm afraid.
The first one: I use encounters for two things. First, to serve plot purposes. To introduce a threat, to act as a cost to some choice or to set a scene. For example, in Unknown Shadows, the various abominations you fought in Sothis was to show how 'End of Days' things were getting. In Rayka's game, the horrid attack by the aberrations was to show that despite Shaliana's success, there were still nasty things around that the Chelish hadn't bothered to get rid of. It also served as a bonding moment between you and the White Jackal gang.
Second, to have fun. The game is, in many ways, a tactical combat simulator and it can be fun to explore that using an interesting and innovative combat. For example, Shalina will soon be fighting on top of a rain tossed ship. That should be fun and make for good imagery.
So as many as will serve those purposes without slowing things down. I tend to err on the side of 'less is more', because PBP is so slow and combat is the slowest thing of all.
Difficulty is a crapshoot, doubly so in solo games. CR, Challenge Rating is supposed to give every monster a value. That value is supposed to be what level a well-balanced party of four should fight.
For example, a gelationous cube is CR 3. In theory, it should be a standard fight for a party of level 3 characters.
In practice, I find it only useful in the most general sense. For one thing, they are designed for a very different game then ours. The game designers imagine lots of small combats (over a dozen!) in the course of a day, while my games generally do not.
Secondly my games are solo games, so rarely is there a party.
So yeah, it is really tough and I've messed it up a few times. A handy trick is to simply add more of the monsters mid-fight if things are too easy.
All good information. This weekend is a long weekend here in Canada and I foresee some hibernating on my part because today we got 30cm of snow and it's still snowing. Blech! So I'm hoping to get some more info together.
Although I'm beginning to realize that I'll probably never feel ready so should we start and see what happens?
Sorry for the delay, I was in a dark mental place for a few days.
Snowing...already? Gods help you, how far north do you live?!
Anyway, yes, I'm ready!
This is the account, I'll get all the information and avatar changed tonight.
No apologies necessary. Hopefully the darkness has passed.
We got totally hammered by a freak storm. Definitely not normal for this time of year. I wouldn't have batted an eye if it was December but it's only the beginning of October. I don't actually live that far north...Calgary, Alberta is where I call home but I'm originally from Saskatchewan so I'm no stranger to snow.
I hope to get us started this weekend.
And for that, I have a question. What does Doumane like - either to do or to have or to be with?
I mean, I live in an area that gets a good bit of snow too. Snowbelt but usually not till late November at worst.
I've never been to Canada. Wife and I are debating a Quebec City trip maybe next year...
As for Doumane.
I would say he likes either seeing/touring/learning about things that make Magniamr special or being around large crowds (but not in them, as an observer). So people watching on a busy street, watching a parade or rally, festivals, but never really taking part.
That make sense?
Do you want me to come up with some NPC friends/allies?
And first post is up. I had planned to provide you with a NPC for story purposes. You are more than welcome to make up whatever NPC friends/allies you like. This is a story that you should enjoy.
As for Canada...I've heard that Quebec City is absolutely beautiful. But be prepared for a slight language barrier if you don't speak French. They may know English but it doesn't guarantee they'll speak it :)
As a westerner, I would highly recommend Banff and Lake Louise - especially if you like the outdoors. Hiking in the summer, skiing in the winter. Victoria, BC (and the rest of Vancouver Island) is also quite beautiful. The maritime provinces are still on my bucket list of places in Canada to visit - especially Newfoundland.
Nice hook!
Thanks! Sorry for the huge chunk of text. I was a little worried it may seem contrived.
Nemeia was killed when Karlov was taken - mother trying to protect him and all. It was mentioned in the text but like I said, it was a huge chunk of text.
I will provide answers to your post later tonight. I'm usually busy Tuesday nights so it'll be after I get home. And I need to consult my notes so I can't do it on the fly from work.
I'm an idiot.....Sorry!
You are free to go about gathering info however you would like.
Although I do have a question - as a GM, how much info do you decide to give out based on the rolls?
I generally fudge it. I usually have three 'tiers' in mind. Bad rolls, good roll and very good roll and have a general idea of how much information I'll give out based on rolls. Also, depending on how involved I want to get, I'll RP some of it out which then depends entirely on how the PC operates and questions he asks.
Am I abstractly rolling or are we RPing me going to shady taverns and such? I'm fine with either.
Sorry! Busy couple of days.
Since you don't get to play much as a player, I thought I'd leave it up to you with what you'd prefer. But if I'm giving you too much latitude then let me know and I'll adjust.
Hopefully I'm not boring you.
Boring?
we have a man returned from the dead, a kidnapped child, a network of shadowy foes including physical and political dangers and a promise of distant cities to adventure in. Hardly boring, its great!
Way better then my first game attempts.
I just hope that the ideas deliver and that you have fun.
There are still some specifics that are fuzzy - like when to throw in encounters. I just keep hoping that it will become more apparent as we progress.
Also, wow. I'm so used to having all the cards, I am really really out of practice. Sorry if I bungle this one...
Wow, good? or wow, bad? I think if anyone is going to bungle something, it's me.
Wow bad for me.
Also, my legendarily bad dice have stuck with me. I played a game once where I never rolled about a 10 for weeks.
The dice roller is extremely fickle. Some characters I play always roll well and others always roll horrible. Or they roll well when it doesn't really matter and then when it does, I roll a bunch of low numbers.
At least your bad roll amused me :)
So I see you believe in the critical fumble idea for skills, eh?
You practicing your Canadian for your trip to Quebec? Eh?
I'm sorry...too much? That's totally what I pictured when I saw your roll so I went with it.
I don't hold tightly to the idea of critical fumble for skills. Although I've often played with GMs where something would happen if you rolled a 1. That's why my cleric eventually got a locking gauntlet so that she wouldn't throw her weapon across the room anymore. Granted she wrenched her shoulder a couple times but she always had her weapon :)
No, it is fun! Doubly so when it is just flavor like this. Doumane is going to smell like onions and beef for a few hours.
None of the official temples are really close to where you are but the Seerspring Garden isn't too, too far and a temple to Erastil borders it. A little bit of a walk but not out of the question.
As a GM, would you just make a place up even though it isn't an official location? I personally don't think it has to be an official location listed for Magnimar in Pathfinder but I'm not sure how much liberty I'm allowed to take.
Rule Zero, also known as GM fiat, is the common RPG rule that the GM has the ultimate say in all rules matters and can thus introduce new rules or exceptions to rules, or abolish old ones at their leisure. To put simply, it means the GM is like the god of the game. The Rule is commonly used to help ensure the written rules can always be changed to improve the realism, narrative, game balance or other appreciated qualities of the game.
I am a big believer in it. You have total control. Make up whatever you want to help the story go faster/smoother/more interesting/tell a better story.
As for this instance, you basically did exactly what I would do. I'd offer 2-3 canon places and see what they picked. Different players do different approach. I, so frequently a GM, are hesitant to just make up places and gum up any plans you have. Most players are better at forging their own paths.
I always assume everyone else knows way more specifics than I do so I'm a little afraid to make up stuff and have the other person tell me that it's completely wrong.
I also don't want to destroy any pictures you may already have of what Magnimar is.
But thanks for Rule Zero. I wonder if they'll let me post that at work...
I am really enjoying this. Not knowing how much anyone knows...such a change from when I'm GM!
I'm glad I haven't disappointed you...yet :)
That being said, is there anything that you'd like to see changed? How's the pace of the game for you?
Pacing is fine. I think I was overly cautious and you were trying to signal Evelina is a safe contact to share information with.I could have opened up to her earlier, I think. I'm a bit paranoid.
Any suggestions? Anything you're not liking? Anything you feel is missing?
So where are you thinking of heading? By my count you can go home, try to find the Black Cyphers, or wait a bit and go to Usher's Hall. Or there's always super secret option 4.
I choose secret option #4!
The Black Cyphers are based in Riddleport, do I expect to find info on them in Magnimar?
What time is it now/what time can I meet my Usher's Hall contact?
Wow...going toe to toe with Razvan. Now that is ballsy. But the player gets what the player wants ;)
The Black Cyphers are based in Riddleport but have a branch of the operation in Magnimar because they're trying to expand down there.
I would say about an hour or two and Usher's Hall will be open. But that also means that you've been up most of the night.
Hopefully you weren't at the court house for anything serious...or did that have to do with when you were threatened at work?
Everything good?
Anything you want me to change? Any suggestions. I think I can take it... :)
Oh, just complaining about them sending people to the library for legal assistance. I am not qualified.
Game is good so far, hopefully I am not veering too far off the rails..yet.
You can't derail something that isn't entirely on the rails :)
But please, if you're ever bored or not enjoying yourself or have suggestions - please feel free to speak up. I want to learn and I want you to have fun.
Even if it's after the fact - like 'in this situation I would have added...' or 'in that situation I wouldn't have done that...'