Love the act and the character idea!
If you want to switch your background, you can have an animal that acts as a pet, and you can train it to do things for you.
This is actually a better AP than most to have a random animal, since you can let your circus friends take care of the animal on the adventure.
That said, I don't mind if we have more than one seer in a circus--that even makes sense if you folks ever guest star with each other.
Ooooh, that's a really cool idea! I wouldn't mind actually maybe even dipping Druid for a few levels or two, but I will need to see how it works.
I will have a look and play around with some animals, and see if the idea sticks. I just like the idea of having lots of different lore between the group, as to cover more basis.
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I don't mind switching my background. Thelonious's character hasn't been gelling for me, though it sounds like Madame Papillon's has already. I might switch our bard over to Charlatan.
Maybe a bigger question for party composition is whether we need 2 buffbots. Would it be better for me to make a fire swallower out of a sorcerer? We'd lose a lot of skills but gain more offense.
As usual, I have more character ideas than I can play!
Up to you guys, of course, but I think there's enough room for a cleric and a bard.
If you're not feeling bard, though, I think you can still cover most of the skills. It's not as hard to manage as in 1e.
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I'm happy with bard, though I think I'm going to change my background to Charlatan. Here's my big trick:
Signature Trick: - The Electrifying Elocution of the Towering Mind
Description: A stack of books 20' tall and swaying precariously is wheeled out on a cart. (A springy metal rod runs through the center of the books, holding them together, but giving them the illusion of being about to topple over.) Professor Junebug, in scholarly attire, accompanies it together with a smaller bookcase.
He explains to the audience that he, Professor Thelonious "the Onliest" Junebug, will demonstrate an intellect which is one in a hundred billion--a mind which has read more books than there are stars in the dark tapestry. He then selects an audience member (a plant) and has her choose a book from the bookcase.
He then "reads" the selected text--an epic classic or a racy vignette at an incredible speed (like the Micro Machines guy).
The culmination of his oratory is actually him casting Mage Hand, whereupon he flings the book toward the top of the stack, using the cantrip to guide it gently into place.
Check: Spell Attack Roll
Trick Trait: Agile
I'm having an issue (big surprise) with the website. Whenever I go to edit my character and put in the info or to add a pic, I get an error message. Anyway, Orm's done, but have to get him posted.
A bit of background since the circus has been together, Orm is a Ghoran, a plant creature, but not small and cute like a leshy. I hate to say I'm playing Groot, but I'm not not playing Groot. He has the Rigger background, and has just been helping to set up tents, load wagons, etc.
Signature Trick Can YOU Fell the Tree that Walks?!
After some fellow performers break some (precut) boards across Orm's stomach,he then allows an audience volunteer to punch him in the stomach as hard as they can; Orm is seemingly impervious due to superior breath and muscle control. Part of the show certainly is that most folks will never have seen a Ghoran before, so that can be played up by the Ringmaster in hyping the act.
Check: Fortitude
Trick Traits: Agile and Injury
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Derrikk the Dwarven Wolf Lord, banished from his clan as a child due to what they saw as an unnatural connection to wild animals, raised himself among a pack of wolves he now calls his family. Full grown now, Derrikk has come to us with his wolf brother, Celery, ready to reenter society and amaze and delight all who enter.*
*This is all complete fabrication.
Signature Trick Tricks with his wolf -
Check Nature
Trait Animal
Looks like we are good to go! Could you folks fill in the [url=https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1Qj0Ng4sL3gFXi9RdQIO83ehU009fjxFbvO4B51O5Xf0/edit#slide=id.g47851ca6bd_0_10]this slide[/ul] when you get a chance?
Maybe would could start the Gameplay with a description of what you are doing as you are waiting for the circus to begin?
Also, it seems like the website is getting wonky again. I can change some stuff about characters, but not profile pictures.
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Derrikk's act involves some common animal tricks with Celery jumping between platforms and through rings. The finale, though, involves something a little more complex as Derrikk urges Celery through the final hoop and Celery balks. Derrikk then approaches him and plays at getting flustered and frustrated before Celery leaps at him with teeth bared, seeming to attack him. After a short tussle on the ground, it clearly turns into playing, and Derrikk and Celery get to their feet for a bow.
Haha yep thats fine! Madame P can help front line, or throw her star from a distance so she is hapoy to go in whatever order.
We'll need to decide a few things for the first performance:
First: Is anyone going to take a non-performing role for the show? If so, what role?
After non-performing roles are set, I'll roll the random circus event.
Second: You'll need to pick performers for the acts. In total, you'll need 7 tricks in the circus, and performers can only appear once during the show.
The acts are:
Act 1: Opener (1 performance)
Act 2: Build Up (2 performances)
Act 3: Big Number (1 performance)
Act 4: Finale! (3 performances)
You will start with 15 Anticipation for this show.
More details about the circus are in the Running the Circus document.
So the only impact on the way the acts are broken up is the degree to which others can help the person performing via costar or send in the clowns? If that's right, then we'd want the strongest performers for the opening and big number, and slot others and ourselves in the other 2 acts, which from the Chart would be the Dwarven Throwers and the Feather Fall Five, with +10.
Orm will take on role of security guard. He's not ready to perform.
That's my 2 cents.
Also, probably unable to update between now and Monday evening, FYI.
Anyone else want to do a non-performing role?
Animal Handler: Trick checks with the animal trait gain a +2 circumstance bonus, and a PC whose signature trick has the animal trait can perform twice in the same show (though not in the same act). If the animals break loose event is rolled on Table 3: Random Circus Events (below), reroll on that table instead.
Backup Clown: Performers can Send in the Clowns one additional time per act.
Bandleader: After each trick is completed, the bandleader can choose to generate Anticipation equal to half the bandleader’s level rounded up. The circus must have the acoustics permanent upgrade before a PC can choose the bandleader role.
Carnival Barker: The carnival barker draws in more audience members as the show goes on and increases the show’s maximum Anticipation. For every successful trick check performed, the carnival barker can choose to increase the show’s maximum Anticipation by 5.
Clown Coordinator: You can Send in the Clowns as a reaction instead of using 1 action.
Costumer: Performers get a +1 circumstance bonus to trick checks with the audience trait.
Lighting: Performers gain a +1 circumstance bonus to Deception and Thievery trick checks. The circus must have the spotlights permanent upgrade before a PC can choose the lighting role.
Medic: Performers can’t become injured from critically failing tricks with the injury trait.
Pyrotechnic: Trick checks with the fire trait generate double Excitement.
Security Guard: Any rolls of hecklers or scalpers on Table 3: Random Circus Events are negated and have no effect on the performance.
Ive always thought Madame P to be a finale act, so i guess thats where she would slot in. And for the other acts, she will help by acting as the medic. Does that work, GM?
Being in the finale is fine, but you can't do it AND be a medic. Your role lasts through the performance.
All good, then Madame P will be a finale act at a +8 to the roll. I apologise, still trying to work out how all these circus mechanics are going to work.
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sorry, I haven't been able to fully figure this out yet, and now I'm kind of swamped with birthday obligations for my daughter. I'll try to get back to this soon, but if someone wants to decide for me, that's fine too. I'd have a +7 (nature) on my roll for my act if it gets used. most of my other skills are +6 or +3.
Thanks
Looks like so far:
Non-performing
Orm - Security Guard
Circus
Act 1: Opener (1 performance) Dwarven Throwers: Athletics +10
Act 2: Build Up (2 performances)
Act 3: Big Number (1 performance) Feather Fall Five: Athletics +10 (agile)
Act 4: Finale! (3 performances) Madame P: Will +8
Derrikk with Nature? +7 (+1 for the Animal Trait)
Thelonius, what are you feeling?
Sounds good. We'll put Derrikk in the build-up as well; you have a decent chance of assisting him in his act.
Let me roll the random event, we'll see if anything needs to change, then I'll start the circus. You'll need to decide the other 2 acts in the Finale when we get to them.
Equipment Malfunction: The NPC with the highest trick level (chosen randomly in the case of a tie) cannot perform in the show.
Something is wrong with the Flamboni Sister's torches--no matter how hard they try, they can't get them to light!
Madame Papillon who has stayed calm throughout this whole ordeal see's the Flamboni Sisters struggling with their equipment. She comes over with some straw she collects off the barrels next to the horses and grabs some flint, "Excuse me ladies, but I noticed you were having a few issues with your torches. Here, let me take a look. You know, it's an old performer trick, but if your torches don't have enough oil to light, you should add some fuel to help it ignite. Here, like this."
Madame Papillion: You are not able to get the torches to light, but you successfully determine the reason for the malfunction: Someone has deliberately sabotaged the torches! Their combustible ends have been replaced with a cunningly disguised moss that will not catch fire.
With enough time, and your advice, the sisters will be able to repair them easily.
Yes, you can perform it up to 3 times. The second try takes a -5 and the third takes a -10.
No worries about questions. At least it's not the mass combat rules!
Whichever act you are performing in, you get three actions. Which act you are in only determines how many people are performing at the same time as you. (This mostly matters for Costar and Send in the Clowns.)
Example Performances:
1) Regular Trick!
1-Action: Perform a Trick (Full Bonus)
1-Action: Perform a Trick (-5)
1-Action: Perform a Trick (-10)
1) Agile Trick!
1-Action: Perform a Trick (Full Bonus)
1-Action: Perform a Trick (-4)
1-Action: Perform a Trick (-8)
2) Whoops, I Failed Once!
1-Action: Perform a Trick (Full Bonus)
1-Action: Perform a Trick (-5)
1-Action: Send in the Clowns
3) I'm a Bard!
1-Action: Cast inspire courage
1-Action: Perform a Trick
1-Action: Perform a Trick (-5)
You can also just choose to take fewer than 3 actions, if you are afraid of getting a critical failure.
During your act, you can also take the Costar reaction once to assist anyone who is performing in your act. (This is going to be a little weird in PBP, but we'll manage.)
I've assumed some standard investigation tactics by you guys to speed things along. Feel free to take your own avenues of exploration as well!
Matt, would Orm have taken 2 less damage due to Tough Fiber since swarm was piercing damage?
Matt, would Orm have taken 2 less damage due to Tough Fiber since swarm was piercing damage?
Yes, definitely. Sorry, I forgot about it!
Sorry for the delay, friends. Busy weekend and sick kids at home. Luckily, everyone seems to be holding together today!
No worries. Things are a bit squirrely here as well.
Sure, that is fine with me!
Matt, do I understand correctly that the GP we earned from the performance isn't our PC's directly, but is a pot we use as a circus to make improvements?
That's correct. All of the money from the show goes to improving the circus. I'll put up something about spending circus money before we start putting another show together.
Big post coming tomorrow morning. Hopefully I'll answer most of your questions from the mayor and give some new info.
In the meantime, there are some other members of the circus that are about to make an appearance. You would know them, and they are great, so I thought I'd introduce them now.
The Sideshow of Everyday Marvels
The Circus of Wayward Wonders has, by mutual agreement of its ringmaster and performers, refused to encourage the spectacle of putting bodies on
display for sensational titillation. Yet the Circus of Wayward Wonders does have a sideshow: the Sideshow of Everyday Marvels is devoted to the
idea that anyone can be fantastical, interesting, and extraordinary. The sideshow sets up outside the big top, entertaining patrons with extraordinary tales about its stars.
Due to their commonplace appearances when dressed as typical townsfolk, the performers of the Sideshow of Everyday Marvels are good at moving
unnoticed among a town to pick up (or spread) rumors. The current roster of the Sideshow of Everyday Marvels is as follows:
Professor Zarlian Kyosophus: Formerly a juggler and fire-eater, the Professor has grown old and frail, and few people now realize he ever had a name other than “the Professor.” Years of fire damage to his throat have rendered him hoarse and unable to raise his voice, but he remains a compelling speaker to small crowds. The Professor is both the narrator and organizer of the sideshow. He introduces each performer to the audience and augments their stories with funny and incredible historical anecdotes that “prove” the veracity of each story.
Gidarron Elbus, “The Bearded Man”: A 6-foot-tall, broad-shouldered man with long brown hair, a full beard, and thick mustache that thoroughly obscure his features, Gidarron is skilled at portraying accents and mannerisms from all across Avistan. The Professor claims the “Bearded Man” is an exact double of a significant political figure who must conceal his identity and live on the run. Assassins want to kill him and rival agents want to kidnap him for their own nefarious purposes. The Professor tells exciting stories of the Bearded Man’s many narrow escapes, but he will not confirm which important figure Gidarron is purported to look like; the Professor teases several potential candidates (the most common being the missing Gyr of House Gixx), and Gidarron is swift to adopt matching accents and mannerisms as needed.
Tahala Roadwatcher, the “Tattooed Woman”: Tahala is a middle-aged Shoanti who left her quah, or clan, in Varisia years ago, acting upon omens she received. Like many Shoanti, Tahala is bald, fit, and covered in complex tattoos—notably the roc that spreads across her back and several resembling gemstones. She normally wears a simple cloak with a hood, revealing each of her tattoos before explaining what the illustration represents. A gifted storyteller, Tahala does more than show off her elaborate tattoos to sideshow gawkers; she has wise and witty stories to tell, each with morals about caring for the earth, revering ancestors, and other aspects of Shoanti spiritualism. Tahala sees her position in the Sideshow of Everyday Marvels as an opportunity to enlighten as well as entertain.
Hesper and Meitas Jaxis, “The Unjoined Twins”: Identical twin sisters in their thirties, Hesper and Meitas enjoy the traveling life of the circus. The Professor spins elaborate tales of how the Unjoined Twins were separated at birth and never knew the other existed until very recently, when they met at the circus (a lie, as they grew up together). According to the Professor, the twins’ lives have nevertheless seemed incredibly parallel as a result of bizarre coincidence. One married a miller named Smith, while the other married a smith named Miller. Each was cursed by a different witch on her wedding day: one sister for not inviting the witch to the wedding, the other for disturbing the witch with too many invitations. Both have had four children; one had an eldest child drowned, but other’s youngest child died of thirst in the desert. Both of these deceased children were named Tavi. The list of strange coincidences goes on and on—and grows with every telling.
Cubby, “The Dog-Faced Dog”: This large male beagle was just a puppy when he was the subject of an awaken animal ritual that gave him human intelligence and the ability to speak Common. Cubby is offended by the idea that he might “belong” to anyone, but the Professor has been his best friend for years. According to the Professor’s outlandish tales, Cubby has traveled the world; survived uncounted amazing adventures; and dined with heroes, villains, religious leaders, and monarchs. Cubby doesn’t dispute anything the Professor claims, but he’s also quick to lavish praise on his traveling companions. The dog therefore comes across as lucky, brave, and humble. He enjoys encouraging others to live their lives to the fullest.
Totally - most wholesome side show ever.
My suggestion for investigation order based on location and danger:
1) Church yard -> 2) Orchard -> 3) Mill -> 4) Hermitage
I'm in no rush to enter a den of thieves with 4 circus performers. Plus it sounds like a joke: A gnome, a halfling, a dwarf and a ghoran walk into a bar. . .
You got it!
No worries Alex! Hang in there.