I'll refer back to a previous post in here. In short, though, it depends on generally how much Piri generally keeps up with this stuff. At the very least you'd probably recognize his family name, that they're one of the major families in Oppara, and that the Merosetts are something of a fixture in the bureaucracy.
Whether there'd be personal recognition versus simply knowing a name and broad history would depend on how long ago Piri's family had its decline.
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...
I will note that this house isn't the Merosett family estate, though. This is just where Adrian lives most of the time.
Just to note, I am here following along. Feel free to RP and let me know when you head off to bed to move on to tomorrow.
I am so sorry, I thought it was discussion, I didn't mean to post that to Gameplay.
Adjusting for Piri's MW Thieves' Tools:
3526gp - 50gp = 3476gp
Buying a Wand of CLW for party use: 3476gp - 750gp = 2726gp new party loot
Divided by 7: 389gp each
If anyone needs healing beyond what will be recovered by a night's rest just post the healing in your own post and I will keep track of all charges used. Assume Valeria is doing the casting.
With her gold Val buys 2 antitoxins and a waterskin.
Moving this to discussion because it's starting to get long-winded.
I tend to avoid splitting the party as well, but I hardly think the justification of "The writers don't expect a lone wolf" is a very strong one. For example, very recently in Hell's Vengeance I turned what should have been a deadly boss fight into a one-sided massacre because my character went in solo and set the stage for the rest of the party to go in. Obviously splitting doesn't always work, with Piri's recent fate being a prime example, but I can't agree with your hard line in the sand. I have also been playing a long time and have seen plenty of examples of it working nicely in written APs.
However this isn't a hill I'm willing to die on. If we would rather approach this the classic way of kicking down the door and rolling the dice, I'm on board. I'm just trying to leverage Sveng's assets in a creative way for a game that's supposed to be more about intrigue rather than combat. Thoughts from the others?
Seems like there is still some discussion revolving around the plan of attack. I'm not going to say either way which would be better, but I will add that I have seen stealth work and I have seen it fail miserably. What I will say is that I would imagine you characters (not players) for the most part haven't had a lot of experience in the stealth approach to things and in Piri's most recent situation that wasn't as much an issue of stealth being a problem as it was deception from him thinking the halflings were not a threat.
In any case once it is decided just make note that the group is heading to the warehouse and I will pick it up from there.
@GM Dak: please move the action forward. I have issued fair warnings to my fellow players but if they wish to stealth alone, I will not oppose it. In-character, Valeria will be b%%#+y about it and argue against it, but if something goes wrong she will not miss an opportunity to say 'I told you so' to the character in question, following the (75% chance) failed scouting attempt. I, the player, however, do not wish to tell other players how to play, so please proceed with Sveng's lone wolf plan. Val and the rest will be far on the other side of the street, perhaps half a block away so that no guards spot us coming forward in the streets?
As I understand it, we have someone meeting us and waiting for us at the warehouse with Pathfinders to aid. I would think they might have a plan already. As I have said before, I am not experienced in the game and I like just doing what I'm told and doing it the best I can. Many times it is the roll of a die. It is purely coincidental that Piri has Stealth. I have rarely been successful as most GMs I've played with say that "...you don't really have the opportunity to stealth, you're out in the open, you can be quiet but there is still a + on perception to see you because you are opening a door or standing in a field or whatever."
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I agree, let's move along. If the Pathfinders are in position, then they may have more information about the Glorious Repository for us - like which door we can go in, how many guards there are, and where they are positioned, which could then shape our plan and tell us whether or not Sveng's solo plan will even have a chance of working. If all the doors are locked, he's going to have a hard time getting in position without us unlocking the doors.
What might be best is if we can draw the guards to one specific entrance so that Sveng can get in position unnoticed through another. That would take most of the danger away from Sveng, while still giving us the rest of us the opportunity to do something while Sveng gets in position.
I like Hargus' plan. In reality, you can't just 'stealth' your way into anything... you always have to create a distraction and mitigate chances of discovery for the infiltrating members of a team. This kind of plan mitigates the danger for Sveng if something goes wrong!
Stealth can be a very useful thing, but as others have mentioned, it can also be quite deadly. It is very dangerous being the forward scout.
From a character perspective, Sydney would always rather see diplomacy win the day, with stealth as a second approach, and kicking the door in as a last resort. But he has hopes of being Senator and does not find glory in battle (in fact, he has been rather useless in battle). Selfishly, he probably also prefers some "one" takes the risk rather than all in it together.
From a player perspective, though, I will say that I think stealth characters can be rather annoying to the rest of the group. While one goes ahead and gets the fun of exploring, risk (and sometimes reward), the rest are stuck twiddling their thumbs waiting to get to do something. As a social game, I think it just is more fun to work as a group. But I think this is only relevant where the lone wolf is lone a lot. Just saying "I scout ahead and report back" seems perfectly fine to me.
I'm probably gonna vote to get to the warehouse, assess the situation, and choose from the available options then. I've seen stealth work before, but I've also seen it blow up in the group's face, so I'm pretty ambivalent about it generally. I would be concerned about the length of real world time it might take given the slow nature of PbP, though.
I agree with going to see what the Pathfinders have uncovered. More information can give us insight on what our next move should be.
However let it be known that Sveng can get past a locked door if he needs to through clever use of his Young Reformer trait, essentially giving him 1/day disable device of +14. Probably the funnest and coolest trait I've ever seen.
You can stealth your way into almost anything with an invisibility spell, which Sveng has. But yes, he is suggesting a two-pronged attack, where Sveng would be the contingency for keeping Lady Lotheed from becoming a bargaining chip. Or at the very least could ambush them with powerful spells from the back.
I wouldn't be concerned about real world time. If we did end up going that route I would probably jump on discord or roll20 with Dak and quickly hammer it out, precisely so the rest of you don't have to wait. And if Sveng encountered significant resistance or an obstacle he couldn't overcome (multiple locked doors, guards physically blocking his advance, a trap he couldn't disable) he would simply come back and report.
I agree let's move forward for now and learn more information.
GM, what is your take on casting spells without being noticed? I know it's a hotly debated topic and I was considering casting my owl's wisdom spell while inside and invisible to get the maximum duration/use out of it, but if it would make my invisible form sparkle like a lighter I would rather cast it now.
Just wanted to post this in all my games. Please bare with me over the next month. Some life stuff has complicated my schedule so my posting is a bit slower than usual if you haven't noticed :D.
Long story short, I'm not in my usual office at work, my work hours have changed for the summer and I have one of my graduate classes that meets 2 nights a week for 5 hours each night. Suffice to say its a little hectic. I will do my best to get in at least one post a day but it may be ever other day at least for the next few weeks.
@Sveng Casting invisible wouldn't light you up, but they would potentially get a perception check to hear your casting.
I think we can take two of the guards on the ground, while our friends attack from above. That can get us in the building. I would like to get moving. I am going to take aim and shoot an arrow at one of these ground guards by this afternoon unless I am told differently. We need to move off of nothing.
With the GM's posting rate slowed, I'd hold off on shooting any of them yet. Especially since Valeria is triggering a fascinate bardic performance to try and distract one of them. We should wait to see if that's successful, then take out whichever one she doesn't distract - or if the Pathfinders can get all of the perimeter guards.
Yes. :)
I'm waiting for the results of Round 1 from the GM... Round 2 will be greatly impacted by Round 1! :)
@Hargus: please do not attempt to 'take out' anyone, as the sight of weapons will cancel the distraction and anything else I have planned for Round 2. Your best bet is to appear like a bunch of people having fun, following the belly dancer, and clasping your cloaks shut to hide any weapons and backpacks and anything too adventury...
Just to note, I'm still here too. Had a busy weekend and all the relevant questions have already been asked, so Adrian's just waiting. :P
Valeria, I'd like to find out whether or not the Pathfinders intend on taking out all the perimeter guards before you burn a round of bardic performance.
Besides, you haven't shared your plan apart from using bardic performance to fascinate one guard. What's step two?
Use Spellsong feat to cast sleep on the two guards as part of my performance so that they won't notice any spellcasting. It doesn't really matter if they get fascinated or not. :P
Okay, at least we are talking. What am I supposed to do?
I think currently we just wait for the Pathfinders to take out the guards, after that we're up to start moving in.
Here's what I think the plan is:
1. The Pathfinders take out their six guards.
2. If any perimeter guards are left, we go with Valeria's Fascinate plan, and then she uses Spellsong to cast sleep. The rest of us pretend we're following along with the belly dancer girl, having a good time, and maybe pretending to be drunk.
3. Sveng goes invisible, we get in through a door (maybe he goes through a different one) and draw attention while he gets close to Lady Lotheed to keep her safe.
Anyone have any modifications to suggest?
I think that sounds perfect Hargus. I will go in through the same door as the party and will simply move fast and ahead to scout. If Lady Lotheed is in a compromised position I will stay with her, if not I will simply report back. Sound good?
I like that. I especially like that we have a plan. So no, I'm not going to Leroy Jenkins.
Just an update. Only have 4 more classes left (2 more weeks) so should be able to start getting back into a more consistent posting routine again shortly after that.
Make sure you update your HP in Roll 20
I will be on vacation starting tomorrow through Wednesday. I will have my phone, but may be unable to post. Please bot me if necessary.
Enjoy!
Hey, so I haven't gotten notifications from this WFTC thread in a while and just realized that I've missed quite a bit; I've also just started a new and busier schedule at work and unfortunately I just don't think I have the time to catch up and keep up with the pace of this game any longer. My apologies and best of luck to y'all.
Okay, that explains some.
Hey Major! take care and good luck at work. We'll miss you.
Now, we need to find ourselves a new martial character. A rondelero duelist or rondelero swashbuckler would be nice and thematic from a Taldor point of view...
That is sad to hear Major. Best of luck!
Although our party size is still rather large, we have a distinct lack of frontlining ability now.
while we are here, let's discuss the next step in the plan. Is Sveng now inside invisible? Am I supposed to go up to the double doors and pick the lock? Are we going to await the next patrol and take them out? (Obviously, after we get a participant in the martial category.)
I will wait until we open the first door to get into the building, then will buff myself and move in. No point in trying to be all sneaky if they're all waiting behind the door and immediately blow our cover.
Okay, I will do standard ops on the door in which I am closest to. Please update you positions on the map. I will let Hargus or the major/sub, open it if I find it to be safe.
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Sorry for the delay all. I'm almost done with this life sucking class. Will try and catch up soon.
Hey, I’m back. Also, hi, Avenger Vigilante. I have full BAB, and can grab heavy armor proficiency with a Vigilante Talent.I am a fully capable frontliner.
I didn't realize you could also grab heavy armor proficiency that easily, or even if you were interested in taking punches. If so then I think we are fine as is.
Yeah, with the right talent selections, I can end up with more feats than a Fighter. The Vigilante is crazy modular. I've actually got the Heavy Armor Talent planned for level 8, so I don't even need to alter my plans for the character.
Sorry for the delay all, my class is over so I'm going to work on getting back in the routine of checking the boards regularly. Just wanted to provide an update on my games I am in.
Hey GM Dak,
Mind if I control Hazel in this battle since the player (but not the PC) is no longer in this campaign? if so I'll assume it's ok she would have picked up two MW punching daggers with her loot, and I wont RP her just roll the combat attack rolls (i.e. Punching dagger +8 or TWF +6/+6 or trip attempts)
Let me know if that would be ok.
Regards,
GM_PDK/Valeria
That's fine, saves me from having to do it. :D
As a side note, I'm glad you brought up Hazel. So when we get to a point to introduce another player which will likely be a bit. Since we currently have 7 (including Hazel) I would rather not bring in a person to replace Hazel. It would be optimal if instead, someone would be willing to change characters to a more melee/front liner (if that is still what the party feels it needs). This way we can go back down to 6.
Thoughts?
Great idea. I'll gladly step up and be a front-liner. I thought Adrian was an occultist but realize now that he's arcanist. The idea of a bard was to boost a large group of martials but since we're all mostly casters, I'll do the switch.
I think since Hargus plans on taking up some frontliner responsibility (and this isn't supposed to be a combat heavy AP anyways) I think we are fine as is.
If I may be so bold... since Valeria has 'Scion of War' and the Tanessen family is military in nature... would you mind if I just jiggle her stats around and rebuild her into a martial character? I would prefer that for continuity and story reasons. It's early in the campaign and could even keep one level of bard to keep it real... (if I can make it work, but no promise! ;) if I find a combo that gives makes her martial while keeping a 'bardy' feeling I might switch to that instead...)
I think since Hargus plans on taking up some frontliner responsibility (and this isn't supposed to be a combat heavy AP anyways) I think we are fine as is.
I'm running this AP F2F and we are at the end of book 2 and I'll agree with you on that statement... battles have mostly been a cake walk for the PCs, but there are some that will be challenging without a proper tank. Is Hargus planning to tank it, keep up with AC upgrades, etc.?
As an Avenger Vigilante, I have the following features:
1) Full Base Attack Bonus
2) Access to the Armor Skin Vigilante Talent:
Armor Skin (Ex) (Ultimate Intrigue pg. 13): The vigilante’s armor is like a second skin. He doesn’t apply the armor check penalty for light and medium armor on Acrobatics, Escape Artist, or Stealth checks. This penalty applies on other skill checks as normal. At 8th level, he can move at full speed in medium armor.
3) Access to the Heavy Training Vigilante Talent:
Heavy Training (Ex) (Ultimate Intrigue pg. 14): The vigilante gains Heavy Armor Proficiency as a bonus feat, if he does not have that feat already. The armor skin vigilante talent also applies to heavy armor. At 16th level, if the vigilante has the armor skin vigilante talent, he can move at full speed in heavy armor. Only an avenger vigilante can select this talent.
4) Access to the Shield of Fury Talent:
Shield of Fury (Ex) (Ultimate Intrigue pg. 16): The vigilante gains Improved Shield Bash as a bonus feat. If he already has the Improved Shield Bash feat, he can immediately swap it for another feat for which he qualified at the level he chose Improved Shield Bash. In addition, if he is at least 6th level, he is treated as if he has the Two-Weapon Fighting feat as long as one of the weapons used is a shield. This allows him to take feats that require Two-Weapon Fighting as a prerequisite without meeting the Two-Weapon Fighting or Dexterity prerequisites, but these feats only apply while he is wielding a shield as one of his weapons (unless he takes Two-Weapon Fighting as normal, in which case this restriction is lifted).
The intent of this character was to create a PC who fights in the Rondolero fighting style (buckler + falcata), but is Strength-based and does so wearing heavy armor. To that end, I have already taken the Taldan Duelist feat, which will boost my AC with a buckler, and will be taking the Upsetting Shield Style feats, which allow me to shield bash with said buckler. Of the talents listed above, I already intended to take all three of them, starting with Armor Skin at level 4. Heavy Training was intended to be taken at level 8, but can easily be done at level 6 if it would be better for the group to do so.
The Vigilante talents give the benefits of a lot of feats, and count as those feats for the purposes of filling prerequisites. The Avenger Viglante can, potentially, wind up with as many feats as a Fighter has, while simultaneously having a better Reflex save and more skill points. The only thing I don't have that a proper tank would have is a d10 hit die.
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That being said, if you would like to switch to a more martial character, however, yet still maintain a little "bardiness", as it were, might I suggest the Exemplar Brawler? The Standard Bearer Cavalier into the Battle Herald prestige class would accomplish the same thing, and you'll need a level of bard to qualify for the prestige class anyway.
My only hesitation in going away from bard is that Sveng is not a healing type of cleric. I fear we will soon meet a horrible end due to lack of channeling positive energy and lack of memorized cure spells.
Therefore, it is perhaps best I remain a bard to be the backup healer.