That seems fair to me GM.
I think modifying the DC with the perception check table, anybody looking may be distracted (heat of combat) and/or have unfavorable conditions (Sveng facing away from them). If anybody is interested in checking I will make the SoH check in gameplay.
Yeah, I will assign the DCs if needed, but figure if no one was watching closely we just hand wave it.
Hargus isn't, that's for sure. He's a bit too focused on the rats.
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SVENGORBER replying to doubting members of the party...
...or mmmmmaybe Sveng can play his PC a little bit more like Megatron?
I can tell you Piri would not be attempting (at this point) to try and determine the nature of his holy symbol. He hasn't any suspicion at this time.
SVENGORBER replying to doubting members of the party......or mmmmmaybe Sveng can play his PC a little bit more like Megatron?
Maybe at high levels when I can make entire crowds of people bow to me with a spell, but right now we're level 2 and my highest physical stat is 12 so I'm going to play a little safer :P
Lol fair but without being a total Megatron you could try to role play your love of Norgorber and attempt to sell the party that he's not that bad...
This way we avoid the tedious in-party subterfuge which given some of our skill mods, does not really stand a chance in the long run. Also while cool RP-wise I can forecast the cloak and dagger stuff taking some of that precious GM bandwidth... ;)
Meh, I don't have an issue with it. Will be some interesting RP when it gets discovered, but I don't see it being too much of an issue. Though, as I imagine is the case here, when people are fighting for their life as long as Sveng is helping, which he really did here, people aren't going to care to much why or how.
Now if we had a Paladin of Iomedea or something, then there may be problems.
I wonder what the Perception DC is to spot the symbol from... wherever Adrian is. :P
Since it's quasi-related, I suppose I should go ahead and put it out there. Adrian is liable to try to spot what the symbol is, particularly if Sveng isn't very forthcoming about it, but part of Adrian's concept involves him trading and brokering information. Part of his deal with coming over to this game is that he was the source of a lot of Martella's information about everyone else. So he'd probably know a good bit about you, but probably not as much vice versa.
Anywho, he'd probably try to find out, but it's also conceivable he might already know or have suspicions. So I put to Sveng and everyone else: how much would you be comfortable with Adrian knowing about your characters?
Ah, I understand your concern. Well I had a larger post written up but I'd rather handle this stuff in character, as I think it will be important to character development.
Sveng is also in the business of trading and brokering information. To that extent, he also values information about himself extremely highly. I don't think I would like anything more than suspicions at most at this point. Sveng earns a different reputation at different levels of social hierarchy, which ranges from abusing closet skeletons to manipulation to useful introductions. Overall, if somebody was paying attention to his deeds from a high-perspective level, one thing would be clear; you hire a fighter if you need something physical done, you hire Sveng if you need anything else done.
Yeah in the case of Sveng Adrian, he is one of the people you didn't gather intel on for Martella.
I've got a spoiler with everything from my backstory I think you would reasonably know, Adrian.
-Eregos broke a lot of rules and frequently drank, gambled, and visited brothels in school, along with the sons of several other minor noble families. [Minor Scandal]
-Eregos and his father had a falling out after he graduated, and Eregos was disowned. [Minor Scandal]
-His father opposed Maxillar Pythareus politically, and the family was ruined because of it. Pythareus accused the family of demon worship and conspiracy to overthrow Grand Prince Stavian, and used Eregos's behavior as part of his evidence. His father was killed in a "riding accident", and the family estate was sold, with his brother Marcus shunned by the nobility. [Public Knowledge]
-Eregos Villarius and Hargus Kryn are one and the same. Hargus Kryn is supposedly from a small estate near the World's Edge Mountains.
-Whether there is or ever was a real Hargus Kryn is unknown.
-You would not know Eregos's motivations in creating the second identity, nor how he got him so accepted, but you would suspect the possibility of some degree of legerdemain to have been used.
Hey, fair enough, that's why I wanted to make sure. :)
So is Sveng a person whose name he might know at least? Or are we coming in as total strangers? Either works for me. Or maybe Adrian is in the dark while Sveng isn't? Lots of possibilities.
Adrian doesn't have the same underworld connections Sveng has, but I'd say he's been at it in the info business for a few years now, and the Merosett name and upbringing don't hurt when it comes to maneuvering in noble circles.
Piri is an open book as to motivations and history. I included it in his bio section. It is a little simple but it evolves as I play it.
You could definitely know his name. That's actually something he tries to get out there. As for knowing about you, well I suppose that's a question for you. Sveng will certainly try to learn as much as possible.
Thanks all.
Let's see. His background will stay mostly the same, with only slight adjustments to account for him coming into things a bit ahead of where one normally starts off. Here's what I'm thinking (obviously GM can change/veto if you want):
Most of you would probably recognize his family name if nothing else. There's basically nothing in the books about the Merosett family besides what's in the player's guide, but my impression is that they're probably pretty low-key for a major noble family. His family is large and something of a fixture in the Opparan bureaucracy, which could color your impressions of him. You might also recognize his personal name and the fact that he's the heir apparent of that family if you're the sort of person to care about that kind of thing.
If you run in similar circles, you would know he's a spellcaster, and that he moves around in noble and scholarly environments comfortably.
If you're more plugged into the political scene and some of the scheming that goes on there, you're probably aware that he's someone who buys, sells, and otherwise trades in information. It's something he downplays and is otherwise pretty circumspect about, but Adrian doesn't go to great lengths to hide this fact. He is quite careful to hide exactly where his information comes from, where it goes, and how large his own network actually is.
I can really only think of a couple things that are really hidden about Adrian. The first is his connection to Martella and the pro-Eutropia movement. He's been quietly aligning himself with the Loyalists for a bit of time, but until now he's been very subtle and careful about it. A few carefully placed words here and there, some information making its way to sympathetic parties, etc. With enough time and effort one might be able to pick out this pattern of behavior, but it's unlikely anyone has done so. Of course, by this point he's going to have to be more open about it, so it hardly matters. :P
The second hidden thing isn't even in his background and has to do with his archetype. A lot of Adrian's magical study is focused on looking to extraplanar entities for knowledge. His particular extraplanar research is known to no one but him at this time. There's only one little clue, but it won't come up until Adrian actually casts the spell, and even then it doesn't suggest much.
It sucks that Knowledge (nobility) isn't a class skill for the Vigilante. You think it would be, given the clear Batman influence on the class, and yet.
Eregos recognizes that you're a member of the Merosett family. He doesn't know anything else about you.
It is more likely that Sydney's familiar might notice the unholy symbol and understand the significance, given his true (eventual) nature and the fact that it isn't trying to participate in the battles. But with Sydney down, I think this fight would have kept the bird plenty distracted.
Of course, even if the bird notices, he is unlikely to tell anyone else for quite some time.
[dice=Knowledge (nobility)]1d20+3
It sucks that Knowledge (nobility) isn't a class skill for the Vigilante. You think it would be, given the clear Batman influence on the class, and yet.
Eregos recognizes that you're a member of the Merosett family. He doesn't know anything else about you.
Take Additional Trait feat next level... make it class skill. Also, if you plan a PrC, check out if that skill is class skill for it... it will pay off in the long-run.
Or be like Sveng and have such a complicated combination of abilities that grant you class skills that you need an entire spoiler just to keep track of it all.
Hazel is unlikely to recognize the unholy symbol in battle, and tho she might be a little put off, she doesn't really care who Sveng worships as long as he remains helpful.
She's probably heard of the Merosetts, but knows little else since she doesn't really care for noble politics.
Some lesser known info that, being an information broker, you could have pieced together is Hazel's family history. She's technically a very minor noble, but was all but disowned by her family for fear of scandal and accusations of devil worship. She's not talked to them in probably 30 years, and they try their damndest to disavow all connection to her.
Valeria knows about the Merosetts, and you would know everything about her backstory if you have ranks in Knowledge Nobility and have been in Oppara in the last 3 months.
Almost finished the boost to level 3. All that's really left is gearing him, I think.
Level 3?
My guess is that Adrian will be meeting us in a little while and the GM let him know that we would be level 3 by that point.
Correct. The group isn't quite there yet :D
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On the loots/notes link there is a tab to keep track of loot. Obviously we use the loot we can for party benefit, but rubies and non-useful items can be sold and split when (if) we get back to civilization.
Okay, acknowledging Valeria's request, my suggestion is that we go back, get the other nobles, and bring them at least this far before we do anything else, especially since we know this is a relatively safe place now. Then, we can send someone stealthy (probably Piri) to scout the stairs and see if there are any enemies at the top. If there are, we can rest before taking them on. If there are not, we can see about getting everyone out of the building and resting later.
Sound good?
I agree with Hargus's suggestion in its entirety.
I think we should rest 8 hours, come back here to find the exit, then 'out of combat' go back to the nobles to give 'em the all clear. Bringing these nobles right by unexplored rooms is asking for trouble... all you need is a stray arrow to end a low level NPC's life...
I understand that concern as well. We don't want to be worn down and get into a fight, but also if we're at the end of the dungeon and only need to walk out the exit, I'd hate to kill an entire night by resting. That's why I think scouting is the prudent choice so we know what lies ahead of us.
Forgot if we have a wand of CLW or not... if so, let's plow through the exit now then get the nobles. If not, check your HPs carefully and let's rest if necessary. Valeria healed herself earlier.
Here's my proposed order of operations:
1. Get the nobles and bring them to the room we are in now (where the stairs up are located).
2. Piri scouts and sees if there are any signs of enemies at the top of the stairs.
3. If there are enemies, we rest 8 hours.
4. If there are no enemies, we move forward, carefully, and we see if the way is clear.
5. Once we know the way is clear, we come back to the room we are in now, get the nobles, and escort them out.
Basically, I don't want us to go out the exit, clear any bad guys there, then have to backtrack the entire way through the dungeon to retrieve the nobles. We are in a room we KNOW is safe. We can bring them this far. That way they also don't think we abandoned them or are all dead, then blunder around in the dark trying to find a way out and get killed that way.
I'm not saying "let's go out the exit with a train of NPCs" who might die if we get in a fight, I'm saying, "let's get the NPCs closer so we don't have to backtrack too far".
Okay, Piri is +7 for stealth, I can check the stairs, and try to be stealthy. I'm not sure we are decided as to when to bring the nobles up. I think there is a threat here. If the decision gets made for me to use stealth, please bot my roll I cannot keep track of where we are and what I am doing. I just know I am keeping my eye on lantern guy.
I agree with Hargus' detailed plan.
Will move ahead with Hargus' plan tonight then unless there are objections before then.
Just to confirm: Hazel took 22 dmg from the trap, and Sveng and I healed her back 13 points, leaving 9 damage on her yes?
Now it seems someone else took damage (scream of pain was Piri's yes?)
I mentioned I was out of healing with that last spell cast on Hazel.
OOC- are there other sources of healing I'm not aware of? (wand, potions, etc.) before we proceed with this fight?
I am definitely out of healing.
Zubari, Trants buddy, can heal.
Fellow adventurers... pretty serious medical procedure I'm going through on Monday and Tuesday... please bot me as I won't be available during those days... if you don't see me post by Wed or Thu, May 1 or 2... consider replacing me with someone else... wish me luck!
Good luck on your procedure. I hope it all goes well for you.
OMG, Good luck, I'll say a prayer.
What was a routine procedure turned out to be a nightmare... eat your vegetables folks, and check your cholesterol. Do it early, and do it often. I'm still shaky, but no longer in negative HPs! you might want to bot me if I'm slowing you down in the next few days though...
Thank you all for the wishes of good luck as they may have made the difference! Also send a thank you prayer for Mike: a guy who had wisely listened during his classes and maxed his ranks in Heal. Without his expert knowledge and his leadership with another half-dozen wide eyed professionals who had NOT maxed up their ranks in Heal (and had instead cross-trained in Performance: Drinking Games), I probably wouldn't be here today.
Glad you're out of the negative...and what a way with words...
Glad to hear it worked out ok in the end. Welcome back!
Take some days to recover. Last time I went under, I was mistakenly thinking I would be back and going the next day, but I was useless for 3-4 days at least!
Get some rest and take care.
Sorry for the delay all, busy weekend and forgot my laptop at home today. Will get an update up this afternoon/evening.
Ok gents. As much as I like intrigue, this is obvious the GM is pushing for a fight here. Let's leave Trant and other NPCs to guard the Senators and let the whole party move into Piri's room at ONCE. Good?
Recommend: total defense (standard) + move
@GM: fair to say that with Valeria's light no one will be flat-footed upon entry? (due to extensive awareness and preparation?)
No one will be flat-footed, but let me know the order you plan to go in.
Sveng is kind of freezing right now. The party is acting strangely but he assumes they're not incompetent.