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Welcome to my table of one of the Retrocon Specials 5-00: The Siege of the Diamond City! I hope you have a blast playing!
First, a couple of ground rules:
1) Please post at least once a day! I will be trying to hold my self to 2 or 3 posts a day, and this is a special, regular posting is necessary or we will get left behind by other tables. If you are going to be away, please let me know in advance if possible, and we can work something out. On a related note, I will aggressively bot your character as needed to keep things moving along, generally if you haven't posted in a 24 hour period.
2) On a related note please have a 'Bot Me'-esque section in your character sheet with common actions in combat and preferably some dice expressions as well!
3) If you have any disagreements over some of my GM calls or interpretation of the scenario, or feel like I might be missing something please bring feel free to bring it up here or, even better, pm me.
4) I'm planning on using Goggle Slides for the maps, images, and combats and will provide a link at the top of the page and in combat posts, but if you have nay difficulties with them please let me know (and give details so someone else can move you if in combat)
5) I plan on using the PBP gold standard block initiative format with combat and rolling initiative and perception rolls for the purpose of determining surprises (if any). It really does help PBP run smoothly.
6) I really do enjoy good roleplaying (e.g. giving a good description of how you search for a trail, come up with creative ways to befriend a hostile NPC, give a very rousing speech etc.) and am willing to give some bonuses for it, or allow skills that might normally not be applicable.
7) Please have your full character sheet either up on your character's profile page or link to it. Also, please keep your stat block and tag line updated with the key information.
8) Finally, playing by PBP provides many advantages compared to face-to-face games, the chief one being having the time and space to flesh out your thoughts and actions. So please make use of this and have posts that are more than simply dice rolls. :)
Alright, with the ground rules out of the way, there are a few clerical things I need from you.
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First, please Ninja-dot the gameplay thread. (There are more detailed explanations there).
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Second, please fill out the following information:
Name you want on the Chronicle:
Character name:
PFS#:
Fame:
Class(es)/Level(s):
Perception:
Initiative:
Day Job Roll, if any:
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Third, please take a moment to answer the following questions:
1. Are there any special rules, boons, or corner cases I should know about with your character?
2. A few sentences about what kind of person your character is, such as 'Why are they a pathfinder?' or 'What makes them tick?'
3. I listed it earlier, but just in case, Do you mind if I bot your character for combat or a skill check? We will need to keep a quick pace.
4. As related to number three, What are your usual actions in combat?
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Name you want on the Chronicle: kuey
Character name: Takumi Kamizo
PFS#: 215076-14
Fame: 24
Class(es)/Level(s): Arcanist (Occultist) 6
Perception: +14
Initiative: +7
Day Job Roll, if any:
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1. Are there any special rules, boons, or corner cases I should know about with your character?
The occultist archetype allows Takumi to expend arcane reservoir points to cast summon monsters as a standard action. Quite costly though. I style it as him quickly folding origami which morphs into the summons.
2. A few sentences about what kind of person your character is, such as 'Why are they a pathfinder?' or 'What makes them tick?'
Takumi outwardly appears as a very formal Tian elf from Jinin, but that is all a front. He is fascinated by the free-spiritedness of the West and joined the Pathfinder Society partly to experience it. Without, of course, losing form.
3. I listed it earlier, but just in case, Do you mind if I bot your character for combat or a skill check? We will need to keep a quick pace.
Nope definitely don't mind, but...
4. As related to number three, What are your usual actions in combat?
As a spell-caster, he can be complicated to bot. In combat, should it look challenging, he'll open up with summon monster (level depending on the challenge), then with haste, then other L1 and L2 spells depending. As default, he would fire magic missiles with his wand.
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Name you want on the Chronicle: Greenclaw
Character name: Zyneste Daiku
PFS#: 74677-4
Fame: 32
Class(es)/Level(s): Monk (Zen Archer) 6
Perception: +15
Initiative: +6
Day Job Roll, if any:
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1. Are there any special rules, boons, or corner cases I should know about with your character? Pretty standard zen archer build.
2. A few sentences about what kind of person your character is, such as 'Why are they a pathfinder?' or 'What makes them tick?' The daughter of Andoran farmers, Zyneste was a shy but curious girl, seeking answers and meaning in life. From an early age she was also a handy hunter, unusually adept with the bow. One day when joining her parents on a trade trip to Absalom she caught the eye of a visiting diplomat from Tian Xia named Juro. The two fell deeply in love, both sharing a passion for wisdom and seeking the path to enlightenment. With reluctant permission from her parents who knew the young girl would always be restless at home, the two returned to Juro's homeland to be married.
After a few short, happy years, however, Juro fell tragically ill. Despite Zyneste's best efforts she could not return him to health, and her young husband passed away in his prime. Zyneste, distraught and alone, decided to continue her search for enlightenment and spiritual perfection. Entering a secluded tian monastery she devoted herself to the teachings of Irori (the God of Perfection) and to meditation on life. The one thing that helped her stay centred and serene, was an object from her childhood, the bow. Practicing for countless hours as a form of meditiation, her and her weapon have almost become one.
Deciding at last to return to her homeland she found that her parents too were no longer alive, so instead she has joined the Pathfinders in an attempt to bring meaning to her life and to continue her quest for perfection.
3. I listed it earlier, but just in case, Do you mind if I bot your character for combat or a skill check? We will need to keep a quick pace.
No, not all. Go ahead if it helps keep the game moving at a good pace.
4. As related to number three, What are your usual actions in combat? Zyneste is pretty simple. She will shoot as many arrows as she can, using flurry whenever possible, as well as deadly aim and point blank shot. She will look to have someone use her wand of mage armor on her on a regular basis to keep her AC up.
Okay, looks like people are checking in with some regularity! I'm working on getting the maps together right now, but one quick question, where do you like to be in marching order? At the front or towards the back?
Also, now might be a time to start looking at purchases! I am going to warn you, this is a combat heavy campaign and you WILL be fighting demons, oh so many demons, so a couple of oils of align weapon or the like might not go amiss!
Okay, looks like people are checking in with some regularity! I'm working on getting the maps together right now, but one quick question, where do you like to be in marching order? At the front or towards the back?Oh at the back. Definitely at the back. Where all squishy spellcasters should be. :)
What? You don't want to be tanking with the same amount of hp as your lvl 3 friend above you? ;P
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Name you want on the Chronicle: hiyami
Character name: Kaya Yoshida
PFS#: 208483-1
Fame: 24
Class(es)/Level(s): Rogue 5
Perception: +8 (+2 Trapfinding)
Initiative: +4
Day Job Roll, if any:
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1. Are there any special rules, boons, or corner cases I should know about with your character?
Trapspotting! And Trapsense :D
Also, Kaya has a porter, is part of the Thieves' Guild, and has both the light and read magic cantrips on her wayfinder. Aside from that, she's a straightforward rogue, if occasionally clumsy.
2. A few sentences about what kind of person your character is, such as 'Why are they a pathfinder?' or 'What makes them tick?'
Kaya became a pathfinder in search of a better life for both herself and her adopted mother, but ultimately, she remains one because she wants to use money to help those who cannot help themselves, but who are inherently good. The actions she takes in the process may be less than, ahem, good, but she strives to make things work out because she ultimately wants people to be okay.
Her mother died trying to defend their humble abode from robbers the day Kaya joined up with the Pathfinder Society, but she's been trying to do as she things her mother would've wanted -- trying to be happy and share the theoretical wealth. Granted, Pathfinders are definitely a bit stranger than she'd originally expected, but she's kind of comfortable with the more eclectic than not group.
3. I listed it earlier, but just in case, Do you mind if I bot your character for combat or a skill check? We will need to keep a quick pace.
By all means, go for it! My work hours are a bit more irregular than I'd like, so I'd hate to be the one to slow anything down!
4. As related to number three, What are your usual actions in combat?
Kaya will typically attempt to scout with her Stealth +11. If possible, she'll alert her allies to any dangers -- ambushes, traps, etc. -- but she's entirely too happy to fade in and out of combat with her rapier (+7, 1d6) to try and get those sneak attacks (+3d6) in. She also has combat reflexes, so if she's defending an ally, she'll really defend them.
5. Marching order?
She'll try to scout, so, uh... the front? :D
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Name you want on the Chronicle: Kate
Character name: Eugressia Biogon
PFS#: 215650-9
Fame: 23
Class(es)/Level(s): Psychic 5, but she might level if I play her at a con this weekend. I'll update promptly if that's the case.
Perception: +4
Initiative: +4
Day Job Roll, if any:
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1. Are there any special rules, boons, or corner cases I should know about with your character?
She is an amnesiac psychic with the abomination discipline. Short version: I get a few rounds of "psychic rage" per day and I can remember spells of my choice off the psychic list with my amnesiac spell slots.
2. A few sentences about what kind of person your character is, such as 'Why are they a pathfinder?' or 'What makes them tick?'
Eugressia was found by agents of the Concordance of Elements a few years ago. The only creature aboard an airship drifting aimlessly, she was covered with blood, but couldn't remember anything about herself or how she got there. Her memory is still an issue, but the Concordance and now the Pathfinder Society (which she joined at the behest of the Concordance) have helped her to figure out who she wants to be.
3. I listed it earlier, but just in case, Do you mind if I bot your character for combat or a skill check? We will need to keep a quick pace.
Please do! I added Mind Thrust 1 and Magic Missile rolls in a botting spoiler.
4. As related to number three, What are your usual actions in combat?
Casting spells, mostly. I have a wand of magic missile to help stretch out my spell slots.
5. Marching Order
Away from the front line, please!
An amenisiac psychic! I have been tempted to play one of those for forever. I'm really going to be interested to see how it works in mid-to-higher level play!
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Name you want on the Chronicle: Dennis Muldoon
Character name: Kahru Kuun
PFS#: 215589-15
Fame: 29
Class(es)/Level(s): Barbarian (mad dog) 6
Perception: +5 human form/+6 were form
Initiative: +1
Day Job Roll, if any:
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1. Are there any special rules, boons, or corner cases I should know about with your character?
Kahru is a coldborn skinwalker (via a GM boon). His war beast is an owlbear named Nokka (via a scenario chronicle boon), which is based on the grizzly bear frame from Ultimate Wilderness. A few notes on Nokka:
2. A few sentences about what kind of person your character is, such as 'Why are they a pathfinder?' or 'What makes them tick?'
Kahru is a member of the Shoanti Shriikirri-Quah (Hawk-clan). When the Pathfinder Society helped his people explore a forbidden Thassilonian ruin that had become active, the tribe decided to Kahru to the Society as a sort of emissary. He's very glad to adventure once again with Eugressia and Oiur.
3. I listed it earlier, but just in case, Do you mind if I bot your character for combat or a skill check? We will need to keep a quick pace.
I hope it won't be necessary, but feel free. I included dice expressions in spoilers.
4. As related to number three, What are your usual actions in combat?
Flanking with Nokka, Power Attacking, Raging.
5. Marching Order
Right up front.
And here's Nokka.
And here's Nokka.
.... For some reason, (maybe because it's the archetype name?) I thought Nokka was going to be a dog. Owlbear, huh? This'll be interesting!
Alright that's everyone checked in, and completed profiles for 5 of the 6! We should be ready to start then!
I tend to have the animal move directly after the player's initiative, and just roll for the pair once. I however could roll them separately if you prefer. Nokka would have to delay until you can give them orders, if they rolled higher than you.
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Name you want on the Chronicle: Andrew
Character name: Oiur
PFS#: 182256-2
Fame: Not 100% sure!t was 16 before applying credit from Into the Lost Continent (Ruins of Azlant book 2), Assault on Absalom, and Haunting of Hinojai. I don't do a ton of org play and most folks don't write fame on the chronicle, so I've never been quite sure how it works.
Class(es)/Level(s): skald 5
Perception: +8
Initiative: +6
Day Job Roll, if any:
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Third, please take a moment to answer the following questions:
0. I wanted to note that Oiur’s nonbinary and uses they/them pronouns!
1. Are there any special rules, boons, or corner cases I should know about with your character? About the only potentially complicated things I have are Raging Song/Inspired Rage (buffs for folks, but with rage's "can't concentrate" drawback) and gallant inspiration, an immediate action 2nd level spell that adds 2d4 to failed attack or skill rolls. I haven’t used it in PbP before! In live play I tend to save it for “high stakes” rolls, but that’s a harder thing to interject with during asynchronous play. I’m open to ideas!
2. A few sentences about what kind of person your character is, such as 'Why are they a pathfinder?' or 'What makes them tick?' Oiur either left or was exiled from their Quah for an as-yet-undetermined event—some kind of breach of tradition or expectations. Their training was to be some flavor of diplomat, and the Pathfinder Society seemed like a good way to see a variety of cultures and learn how to diffuse a diverse set of problems; the fact that it’s also its own sort of community has helped ease Oiur’s loss of home.
They’ve developed a keen interest in other planes of existence, as well as an appreciation for the random knowledge they pick up in their line of work.
They’re empathetic and protective, using droning songs and steady percussive rhythms as a baseline to bolster their friends. They’re also good friends with Eugressia, and have adventured with Kahru Kuun once before!
3. I listed it earlier, but just in case, Do you mind if I bot your character for combat or a skill check? We will need to keep a quick pace. Go for it! There are sample rolls at the top of my profile.
4. As related to number three, What are your usual actions in combat? Start raging song, hit things with an earth breaker, or cast saving finale/gallant inspiration to help folks succeed at saves/attacks/skills.
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However you'd like to run it is fine. I make players roll separately, then delay their animal if they go first, so that they can't shenanigan Initiative bonus for their PC into free bonuses for their combat-monster companion.
That being said, Nokka isn't too much of a monster, and Kahru has crappy initiative. I'm perfectly happy running it however you'd like.
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Fame: Not 100% sure!t was 16 before applying credit from Into the Lost Continent (Ruins of Azlant book 2), Assault on Absalom, and Haunting of Hinojai. I don't do a ton of org play and most folks don't write fame on the chronicle, so I've never been quite sure how it works.
It's the total of all the prestige you've ever earned with the character. Add up the number written in the Prestige Earned field on all your chronicles (2 for most, 4 for the AP books), that's your fame.
0. I wanted to note that Oiur’s nonbinary and uses they/them pronouns!
Ah, perfect, you preempted my next question! I meant to ask you after you posted the complete info. Yay for representation! Though I do have to ask, how do you pronounce 'Qiur'? That's definitely an unusual spelling. I need to make sure I switch the U an I in the GM notes.
That being said, Nokka isn't too much of a monster, and Kahru has crappy initiative. I'm perfectly happy running it however you'd like.However you'd like to run it is fine. I make players roll separately, then delay their animal if they go first, so that they can't shenanigan Initiative bonus for their PC into free bonuses for their combat-monster companion.
Ah, gotcha. I'm actually not too worried about the latter scenario as Nokka actually has the better initiative. For the sake of simplicity, I think I will just bundle the two of you together. If this wasn't a special It'd be interesting to try.
Eugressia did level, and her fame is now 27.
Noted Thanks!
Also maps, images and the gazetteer (it's mostly words, sorry) have been posted! You can find them under my avatar name.
I also leveled and have 27 fame! Sorry for the posting delay, taking longer to settle back in after the con. I'll have something up in an hour or two.
No worries about the late posting and thanks for the heads up on the level up.
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On a different note, this is going to be a longer slog. There are 14 different possible encounters for this act and, while there's a fairly good mix of fighting and skill based encounters, it will likely be a drain on resources. Luckily, the Starrise Spire has some supplies for healing and recovery in the face of so great a threat, and the Society will make them available for you. You can take advantage of the Pathfinder's Supplies twice during this act, though you can earn more. Between scenes each of you can choose to receive one of the following: 2d8+5 points of magical healing, an oil of align weapon (good), or the effects of a lesser restoration spell.
Also aid tokens exist in this special, but they run slightly different than latter editions. I'll give more details when we get one, but a quick overview is that Seeker tables generate them and they disappear when used. We can't boost them and don't need to pass them on.
Sad thing is pathfinders aid from 7th level on allows people to benefit from a pearl of power 2nd level as well as the other benefits.
Condolences on the funeral, that must not be a pleasant time. Make sure to get some proper sleep too!
One a different note, we got an aid token! As I mentioned earlier, they are a bit different in this special than most others, as this is the first time using aid tokens and they were a bit experimental. The tokens can be used to:
Aid Another: A seeker performs the aid another action for someone in the party. In Subtiers 5–6 and 7–8, the bonus granted increases by 1
Allied Offensive: A seeker strikes a creature at the same time as someone in the party, increasing the damage dealt by one attack by 2d8 points.
Burst of Healing: A seeker heals all the party of 3d6 points of damage.
Spellcasting Synergy: A seeker casts a spell at the same time, increasing the save DC of someone’s spell by +2.
However the biggest difference is that aid tokens can only be used once. Meaning that we don't pass it on when we are finished but it disappears, so holding onto it for a good opportunity might not be a bad idea. But each player at a seeker only table (we have two in this special) generates one per encounter finished, so we might be seeing them a little more commonly than usually!
If you are using a token please state it explicitly, otherwise I might miss it!
I am heading to bed and won't be able to update for another eight hours. I didn't want to force a decision on this, but I thought I would warn you that I will be offline for a little bit if one is reached.
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Sorry, just realised there are somethings I should clarify.
GM, Takumi is able to counterspell as an immediate action by
1. Identifying the spell (Spellcraft +15)
2. Spend an arcane reservoir point
3. Expend either a higher-level spell slot, or the exact same spell being counterspelled (if he has it prepared)
4. Attempt a dispel magic check (1d20+6), vs (DC + CL of targeted spell) (with +5 bonus if using exact same spell)
In PBP format, this gets messy because if I only post after you post, you might end up having to retcon. Alternatively, I could let you take care of it by stating in advance what kind of situations he would use it. Which way would you prefer?
For everyone else, I should have asked earlier. I have some buffing spells. Let me know if you like (1) being enlarged, and (2) being vanished.
Sorry, just realised there are somethings I should clarify.
GM, Takumi is able to counterspell as an immediate action by
1. Identifying the spell (Spellcraft +15)
2. Spend an arcane reservoir point
3. Expend either a higher-level spell slot, or the exact same spell being counterspelled (if he has it prepared)
4. Attempt a dispel magic check (1d20+6), vs (DC + CL of targeted spell) (with +5 bonus if using exact same spell)
In PBP format, this gets messy because if I only post after you post, you might end up having to retcon. Alternatively, I could let you take care of it by stating in advance what kind of situations he would use it. Which way would you prefer?
Meant to respond to this earlier! I don't mind if I have to retcon, but try not to take advantage of 'after the fact' too much. It would also be very helpful to know what kind of spells you are most likely to counter.
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I'll be targeting, in order of priority, depending on how much resources (arcane reservoir points, spell slots) I have left:
1. Save or suck spells, e.g. those that lead to paralysis, frighten / panick, etc
2. AOE spell that would affect many of us
3. Major debuffs and/or controls, e.g. stinking cloud, that would severely affect our ability to fight
In all honesty though, it would likely not come up too much since I can at this time only effectively counterspell up to level 2 spells which really aren't that bad.
I have found out that one of the seeker tables has two paladins and a barbarian and has been proving to be a bit of a combat blender, so we might be seeing tokens coming by more commonly and thus we don't need to be stingy with them.
I also forgot to mention that they only last until the end of this Act.
..... Wow! That took me forever to realize. Sorry for getting that wrong the entire time.