I think... we are waiting for Lydia? Yes?
Do we want to continue going?
To be clear, as a player, I am ok with resting. It's just, we haven't really been given any information that makes Ailis think anything but GOING UNTIL DEATH is ok.
I think the answers to all three of these points are yes. Since I'm still getting to know you all, I didn't just roll for whoever took Daehalya's potion, but I absolutely would have/will when we've all been playing together again. PBP can't let one person hold things up.
And, yes, I'm also under the opinion that we should keep pushing on as long as we can, since we're in a race. If we have to rest at some point, we can, but I don't think we're there yet.
--
Now, all that said, I'm off to NYC tomorrow to bring my wife home after she's finished med school, so I may not be posting until Saturday evening/Sunday. Please feel free to bot me (if one of the other players wants to do so to take a little off the GM's shoulders, I'm perfectly fine with that) -- Daehalya's a bit headstrong so may rush forward into situations a wizard usually wouldn't, but otherwise I trust you to do what you think best. Feel free to use any spells you want. :)
I only have 1 Str damage so I'm good to go. I'm okay with continuing on if we don't need to rest.
Great. Then Lesska should quaff the last potion and off we go.
Sounds like a plan. My day-job at the office has been overwhelming me the last couple of days, but I've been following along with everything you guys sorted out among yourselves. Lesska can roll in the game thread for the last lesser restoration potion to see how much more Strength damage she can recover (or was it neutralize poison?). Either way, she can recalculate her modifiers...
Also, feel free to engage Aiyana (or even Zyler) if you want any NPC interactions on my part...or with one another if you want to deepen the in-character PC roleplay. Otherwise, let me know your stated actions (outside of combat now that the spiders are dead) and I'll steer us onward accordingly. Also, don't forget to mark off the resources you've used, as well as update your available spells, etc. Since you're pressing on without resting, I want to make sure we're tracking it...for...reasons and stuff. ;->
Oh, that reminds me -- I'm not always great at marking stuff off on my character sheet. I typically go back in my posts to see my most recent "quick stats" and go from there. That'll always be up to date.
See you all Saturday night.
I will be on a cruise next week from 4/1-4/6 without Internet access. It will likely take me till the following Monday or Tuesday to get caught up and resume posting.
GM, please bot me as necessary.
I will be on a cruise next week from 4/1-4/6 without Internet access. It will likely take me till the following Monday or Tuesday to get caught up and resume posting. GM, please bot me as necessary.
Will do. Travel safe and have fun!
So...corporeal weapon, incorporeal wielder. Neil, you may want to consider how that interacts with the disarm rules now, to save time.
It's most likely a ghost touch weapon, so I would think disarm rules work as normal. Incorporeal creature still have a CMD, even if it doesn't come up that often.
It's most likely a ghost touch weapon, so I would think disarm rules work as normal. Incorporeal creature still have a CMD, even if it doesn't come up that often.
A ghost touch weapon - and subject to normal disarm rules, you say? Delightful! Hey Lesska, get ready to pick up a new toy!
Yes. :)
A festering spirit can manipulate corporeal objects that weigh up to 25 pounds as if those objects had the ghost touch special ability.
Question - Vital Strike and Haste? Still a no go to make more than one attack?
Question - Vital Strike and Haste? Still a no go to make more than one attack?
Correct. You need to make a full attack to benefit from the additional attack.
In essense, Vital Strike is for all the attacks where you are forced to move, spend time to draw a weapon or otherwise can't make a full attack. Except charge, which can't be combined with Vital Strike either.
GM, I'm gonna need you to adjudicate war chant well.
Bodyguard on everyone gives everyone +2 AC for each ally within reach. In addition, haste gives +1 AC.
GM, I'm gonna need you to adjudicate war chant well.
Bodyguard on everyone gives everyone +2 AC for each ally within reach. In addition, haste gives +1 AC.
Noted. I'm ruling that not everyone is within Ailis' reach, but haste is definitely in effect for everyone.
No, I mean: Each ally within reach of the target.
Like this:
We know that at least Lydia is in reach of Suetonius, and Suetonius is the one getting attacked. Probably Bastian, too? So when Suetonius gets attacked, both of them can expend an AoO to aid another on Suetonius' AC. Each success grants +2 to his AC.
Also, please remember that Aiyana gets haste as well - +1 to hit and an additional attack.
Like this: We know that at least Lydia is in reach of Suetonius, and Suetonius is the one getting attacked. Probably Bastian, too? So when Suetonius gets attacked, both of them can expend an AoO to aid another on Suetonius' AC. Each success grants +2 to his AC.
Oh, I see now. That's an incredible amount of potentially stackable +2 AC bonuses, especially if someone is flanked on either side and then others have reach weapons standing behind them. That feels a bit overpowered to me, but I do better understand the interpretation of the war chant with Combat Reflexes and Bodyguard combo now. If I'd fully understood that combination, I'm not so sure I'd have been comfortable approving it during character generation...but I don't fault you at all for wanting to build the character that way.
Also, please remember that Aiyana gets haste as well - +1 to hit and an additional attack.
Will do. Thanks for the reminder. There's a tremendous amount of bonuses to track in these combats. It's very easy to miss something. :)
Yes, well, it works well when you're dwarves and you're standing in a defensive line against an infinite line of goblins, but it does take 2 rounds of bardic performance per round.
Anyway, I'm just wondering if you could automate it, since we don't have a map and you're the only one who's totally aware of the positioning. If someone gets attacked, if you could roll aid checks for every ally that's adjacent to them (the bonus is a melee attack roll). That way, we won't bog down combat by waiting for everyone to roll an aid every time this guy attacks.
I'm a big fan of trying to make things easier for the GM. Can I suggest those who are in likely melee position just make an AoO at the end of their posts with an OOC comment about if they get a chance to use Bodyguard? I think that might take a little responsibility off of Neil.
Sure: If everyone is willing to actively do that, that would be great.
The rules text of Bodyguard state (my emphasis):
Benefit: When an adjacent ally is attacked, you may use an attack of opportunity to attempt the aid another action to improve your ally’s AC. You may not use the aid another action to improve your ally’s attack roll with this attack.
So it's not enough to be within reach, you have to physically be standing in an adjacent square. Still enough to generate at least one, if not more attempts to boost Suetonius' AC for this attack.
I'm off to NYC, so probably won't post again before Sunday.
Looking at everything in front of me as the GM right now, I think I've come to the conclusion that it's going to be pretty much impossible to run this game as "theater of the mind". There are just so many tactical positioning concerns arising that it's straining my ability (and probably yours, as well) to keep up with it under this type of game. From adjacent Bodyguards and AoO's due to the sharing of Combat Reflexes to reach weapons on top of reach weapons along with enlarge effects, I really need a map to lay everything out for it to make sense. Otherwise, many of you are left waiting to take your actions based on rulings from me on how close the various opponents are to your PC. And that's all fair and valid. I know you guys spent a lot of time (and imagination) on crafting your character builds, and these are the characters you want to play...some of which depend on those abilities and combat tactics. However, what drew me to select all of you for the game was the story behind your characters, not their particular stats and abilities.
Bottom line, this isn't how I wanted to run a play-by-post, story-over-combat kind of game. But now the combats are dominating the posts and I don't know how everyone else is feeling, but the roleplay doesn't feel especially robust yet...in story terms, at least. Intra-party roleplay and NPC interactions haven't developed very much over the course of the game. There's been a little of it, but not a lot. Some of that might be the slow posting rate, and some of it may be that the story hasn't really drawn anyone's passion (other than mine) yet. I don't know. What do you guys think? How should we proceed from here? Many of you have GM'ed play-by-post here on the boards. What advice do you have? I'm going to hold off advancing the current combat round until we've had a chance to discuss it here.
I think it is difficult for me to get into a 'heavy roleplay' type game when pretty much what it's been like so far has been 'wander down hallway', 'get ambushed by a creature lunging out of the darkness' 'roll initiative!' and then rinse, repeat multiple times. If there is a section of the adventure that is more social, then I think you will see a lot more roleplay from this group. I know that several of us are pretty prolific writers when it comes down to it, it's just hard for me at least to feel like writing some in-character interactions and some interesting actions is worth it when we just have to slog through X more "i get ambushed!" combats.
I've got a couple thoughts, one more general, one more specific:
For some reason, I think modules struggle the most when it comes to PBPs, at least in my experience. I think it's because they're one shots so they don't offer as many opportunities for development (i.e. change) for characters as APs, or a string of PFS scenarios can. Not sure how relevant that is here, but is something I've noticed. I've cut at least one module PBP short and felt like getting through another one was like pulling teeth.
Speaking more specifically, I think we've probably missed a couple opportunities for deeper role-play, but I do kind of agree with Ailis. We're in a dungeon-crawl right now, and one where I think we feel a little pressed for time so we're not having our characters stand around for longer, deeper conversations, but rather are pushing forward as quickly as we can. I can also definitely see that changing if/when we get to Lyrudrada.
I certainly get where your're coming from, Neil. At this level of play, the "bookkeeping" from abilities and feats starts to add up. Some of us have complex builds and a lot of moving parts that are designed to be used on a battle-mat with a clear view of adjacent characters and threatened areas. Like you say, we have put considerable effort into these builds and would like to use them. And with the monsters we've faced so far, it feels like we have to utilize all our skills to make it out alive.
On the other hand, the premise for this game, including the "theater of the mind" style combat, was clear from the beginning. I think we have to respect that, and find a way to dial down the nitty-gritty details and need for constant clarifications and retcons. Preferably without us getting killed by the fairly deadly opponents in the process...
Like the others have pointed out,I think the roleplay will pick up a bit once we're out of dungeon-crawl, race-against-the-clock mode. Just voicing these thought alone ought to help nudge us all in a more story-focused direction.
In terms of combat, I propose that we all strive to play along with Neil's narrative, even if it means missing an opportunity to use a specific ability or make an AoO. On the flip side, I hope that will allow for us to attempts some occasional heroics that are in line with our character concepts, but not strictly rules-as-written. Like for instance something that might save our friendly neighborhood cleric from getting skewered by an angry ghost...
In terms of combat, I propose that we all strive to play along with Neil's narrative, even if it means missing an opportunity to use a specific ability or make an AoO.
Can you be more specific about this? I'm not really sure what you mean.
I imagine Bastian means, using Lesska for example, that I just make an attack, and desist from waiting for clarifications as to availability of FRA's or whether I have the necessary reach. In some ways, theater of the mind can be a little "yes, and..." and we can therefore assume we can attack until told otherwise, and can be informed if there is scope for FRA by Neil.
I'm roleplaying Lesska to the hilt! I don't expect a lot, but I guess I don't believe the paradigm that RP comes from social encounters more than dungeon crawls - I'm pretty happy so far and I do think PbP can be a little stifling - sometimes it is amazingly rich with interparty interaction, other times less so.
Re: Daehalya's point about modules/one shots: Totally agree. Even in RL, these suffer from lack of supporting experience/prior bonding. Relationships build over time, and those higher levels didn't come from shared events, so we have less to draw from as a group. We're getting there! :)
Yeah, I agree that you should generally take actions without waiting for the GM to answer your question, but I think that we've been doing that.
I imagine Bastian means, using Lesska for example, that I just make an attack, and desist from waiting for clarifications as to availability of FRA's or whether I have the necessary reach. In some ways, theater of the mind can be a little "yes, and..." and we can therefore assume we can attack until told otherwise, and can be informed if there is scope for FRA by Neil.
Yep, pretty much this. Or me not pressing for clarification about the size of the room, just trusting that I'll be allowed to make an AoO when the situation calls for it.
I agree that by and large, we're doing this, but stuff like Bodyguard and flanking does seem to call for frequent clarifications.
What do the rest of you think? Still a couple who haven't voiced an opinion.
FYI, I'm monitoring the discussion. All good points. Completely agree on the "not waiting for clarification" and trusting the process/GM. I'm not going to arbitrarily wipe out anyone due to any sub-optimal combat choices or AoO/positioning issues. So, I hope no one has concerns around that. I'm not what you'd call a "killer" GM or someone who revels in TPKs.
I also support the notion that roleplay (especially intraparty roleplay) can take place at anytime, not just during social situations. So, despite the early part of the adventure feeling like a combat-heavy dungeon crawl of one ambush encounter after another...and that's a valid criticism...I think the character interaction can still take place, whether among yourselves or the NPCs that are traveling with you. Haramil's tomb is meant to be an exploration mystery hampered by poor lighting conditions, and that tends to cloak/mask your adversaries a bit further than usual, resulting in the ambush impression, but it's also meant to heighten the tension/fear factor a bit. Maybe too far? I don't know. I'm still assessing as we go...
Regardless, I'd love to hear from the rest of the crew if anyone else wants to chime in...
I agree with much of what has been said already. The nature of the dungeon crawl has somewhat limited RP opportunities. I'm not as keen on my character's build and abilities as some of the others. I'm fine wit theater of the mind, just stating my actions and leaving it up to the GM to interpret them. I trust him to do so in a way that favors our PCs.
My free time has been somewhat limited lately so my posts have been more concise and infrequent than they might be. I will try to work to remedy that in the future.
I am not really comfortable playing in a game where combat is determined by GM Fiat. When I read 'theater of the mind', that is not my interpretation. Even if you are not a 'killer GM', for me, it removes the satisfaction of winning if the circumstances of combat are decided by GM whim.
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Well, "theater of the mind" definitely means there's going to be GM interpretation of the character/monster positioning since we're not using a map. I'm not sure I'd call that GM fiat or GM whim, since dice rolls still matter. But, if you're not comfortable with that, I understand. That type of game isn't necessarily for everyone. So, if you want to drop out now that you have a better understanding, I certainly won't hold that against you.
In the meantime, I haven't seen Suetonius weigh in with any additional thoughts. I'm prepared to move the game along tomorrow if he doesn't chime in. FYI for everyone, I have a family beach trip this weekend, but I believe I'll still have wifi, so I plan on bringing my laptop with me to keep things going. If something unforeseen happens and I can't get a connection, I'll return on Sunday evening.
That might be best, if you're unwilling to adjust. Thanks for understanding, I suppose.
Sorry to see you go, Ailis.
I'm in a strange place because:
A) I'm waay out of my comfort zone with this [80's movie trailer voice] *ultra high-level* [/80's movie trailer voice] character that has all the things, but I a) already used them up today; b) can't use them as clearly as on a grid and c) am unused to using them anyway.
BUT
B) Lesska, and the game is incredibly fun. Given she has few kewl powarz left today AND is weakened, she's now a beatstick ready to soak up damage that otherwise might flay her friends while plinking away with her 1d8 damage. At 8th level! I obviously know my way around the ruleset.
I'm super OK with "GM fiat" because I pretty much respect that GM fiat is how the game is run behind the facade of rules and rolls. Maybe my definition of GM fiat is broader while being less negatively connotated - I'm happy to ask for clarifications and to work on a compromise if things get messy, but mostly I expect the GM to make a ruling, hope that it makes sense to me, and I act accordingly. It could be the grognard in me also - I pretty much expect every combat to kill half the party while the rest run away to be disintegrated by demonic mouths on the walls or have their gender changed by archways. This tomb is like being in my favorite, ripped up, comfy armchair by the fire.
For me the satisfaction comes from a fulfilling story and me playing my character true to their spirit. If I can contribute meaningfully to combats or skill challenges then so much the better. I just wish I could add my level to damage all day and not 3/day according to Challenge. ;) If Lesska dies or fails then I can blame...nothing...except perhaps that she should have stayed away from nasty, smelly, disturbing adventures that make you late for dinner. Or had a better, more capable meaty bag of mostly water suffering under a benign user illusion making decisions for and about her.
Oh. I didn't realise you meant you were leaving by that Ailis! I very much enjoyed your bardic renditions and your relationship with Lesska. I tried not to ham it up too much, and to do the bond justice.
Family beach trip is done. Turns out I couldn't get my laptop to connect to the condo's WiFi. It would "connect" but then indicate there was "no internet" due to the DNS server being unavailable. So, apologies that I couldn't keep things moving. I'll be rectifying that tomorrow, so hopefully everyone's still on standby. If you're still committed to carrying through with the game, please chime in here and I'll prepare accordingly. And if I need to recruit anyone new or NPC some folks, I'll adjust to that, as well. Thanks.
Ready to proceed.
Still ready to keep going.
Still here.
Yep, here.
Alright. Looks like we might be down two then. Ailis is departing and I haven't seen Suetonius check in for a few weeks now. I checked his last post and it was pretty recent on his other alias. I just don't know why he hasn't found his way here yet. Thoughts?
Sometimes a thread will stop updating (I tend to check all my games daily if possible just to make sure). You could send him a PM; otherwise I guess he decided to ghost, which unfortunately does happen way too often in PBP.
PM sent. We'll see if he's able to make his way back. If not, I think it's imperative that the team have a cleric along, so I'd definitely look to recruit one.
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Hey, sorry guys - no posts were showing up as 'new' on my home page (in the discussion thread, at least), and with nothing happening in the Gameplay thread, I assumed that this game was on hiatus :-/
I am definitely still interested in continuing :-)