And, yes, GMQ, congratulations on your anniversary. I wish you the best for the future.
GM, which cabin on the upper deck belongs to Iom?
Doc: "b" on slide 2.
While we're importuning -- can we get the passenger cabin assignments?
Passenger Cabin Assignments
A. T'sorkel
B. John
C. Professor Benjam
D. Yariel and Dr. Flint-Bridge
E. Rar'Gul
F. Beauregard
G. G is for Goblins!
H. Trostinek
What's the first rule of adventuring?
LOL. Actually, on the surface, what you all decided to do wasn't that bad of an idea. Nobody's dead.
I'll let you read the following regarding the robot if you would like.
It's a minor spoiler that you might guess anyway.:
What's the first rule of adventuring?
LOL. Actually, on the surface, what you all decided to do wasn't that bad of an idea. Nobody's dead.
Well, when I suggested we split up, I didn't expect DEADLY TRAPS BEHIND EVERY DOOR. This is a luxury cruiser, not a dungeon!
Seriously, though, at least this way no one gets hurt twice. Doc will patch everyone up later.
I know I promised there would be a lot of RPing early in this adventure. Here's a minor spoiler on that. Read if you wish.
|
Yeah, I'm sure everyone was aware of the 'never split up' rule and was secretly cringing when we decided to do it anyway (at least I was).
But we were all playing the situation per what our characters would do, so it's all good!
Plus, the ship ain't that big so it would only be a coupla rounds of movement to get back together. I'm just ecstatic Yariel made the save or she woulda been dreaming of electric sheep (while bleeding out on the floor).
We'll see if we can reset things when I do some posts tonight, perhaps set some priorities on what is next (deal with robot, search Algiada's room, help Kiiv an perhaps ask him a few questions, buying Guaranteed Used Elven Underpants from vending machine, etc.).
Yariel is busy taking a 10 minute rest at the moment, but I'm fine with that being retconned if it's decided it's important to convene near the cargo hold immediately.
Meanwhile, feel free to RP any desperate comm traffic with regards to what you're seeing.
I love that T'sorkel got shot. Welcome to violence, grad student!
Sorry, GMQ, your post ninja'd mine, and I never checked after making my post so I didn't see yours. It takes me a while to compose so I do get ninja'd often.
Guys, I've no firm opinion about the grenade scrambler at this time. Who's more likely to be in a tight group, our frontliners or the combat support guys?
I have no preference for it, either.
That is one way of deciding, Yariel. A good suggestion.
On a different note, I was after everyone's thoughts on one of Rar'gul's racial abilities, bulwark.
Bulwark When a trox fights defensively or takes the total defense action, he can grant half the bonus to AC granted by that action to an adjacent ally.
Do you think this reads as him retaining the full bonus while granting half to an adjacent ally, or that the bonus is effectively split between he and his ally?
My first read was Rar gets the total defense and gives half to a friend, but it could easily be interpreted that the bonus is split. If full bonus + half, a battle-line of trox begins to look fearsome indeed. Splitting the bonus seems more in line with powers granted by other racial abilities.
Yeah, I'm sure everyone was aware of the 'never split up' rule and was secretly cringing when we decided to do it anyway (at least I was).
But we were all playing the situation per what our characters would do, so it's all good!
Plus, the ship ain't that big so it would only be a coupla rounds of movement to get back together. I'm just ecstatic Yariel made the save or she woulda been dreaming of electric sheep (while bleeding out on the floor).
Splitting up seemed so natural, it never blipped my radar. I certainly wasn't expecting trouble on this scale either. Yariel's and T'sorkel's damage seem to be one time events, unlikely to kill even a lone PC because NPCs were present at both. The robot, on the other hand, might wipe the floor with a lone PC.
The valve being stripped -- bad maintenance, or sabotage?
Probably just give it to someone who can afford to waste a move action in combat. So whoever is least combat oriented probably.
John, T'sorkel and Doc Flint-Bridge were the least obviously effective combatants in our first fight.
Probably just give it to someone who can afford to waste a move action in combat. So whoever is least combat oriented probably.John, T'sorkel and Doc Flint-Bridge were the least obviously effective combatants in our first fight.
Doc wouldn't be keen to lug around something so heavy, but she would be a good choice.
Speaking of combat, should we take out this bot next? Mechanically, I don't think there's a huge difference in what order we complete these tasks, but narratively I think it's the most urgent.
Beauregard, should your token be "large" like Rar'gul's is? At that moment, it's not that big of a deal, but maybe it will later.
While T'sorkel might be the least combat capable, he would refuse a grenade at this stage.
It's a grenade scrambler. I had to look it up. It stops grenades from detonating and requires an action to activate. 1 bulk.
A bottle cap has been awarded for excellent timing in rolling a natural 20 to find what might be a key piece of evidence (or is simply a red herring?). Oh, and for getting shot, too.
Whoo hoo! See, prizes for getting shot, everyone!
OOooo! Me next!
Sit tight everyone.
Thursdays are crazy for me at work. I suspect I may be able to update after I take my dinner break later today.
I usually do days, but I do afternoon/evening on Thursdays and one weekend a month.
On the whole I am quite impressed with how fast we are moving.
Yariel, rocking the overheat!
Sit tight everyone.
Thursdays are crazy for me at work. I suspect I may be able to update after I take my dinner break later today.
I usually do days, but I do afternoon/evening on Thursdays and one weekend a month.
On the whole I am quite impressed with how fast we are moving.
It only seems fast 'cause we split the party and be damaged three times faster.
Seriously, I agree we're moving fast, but what I really like is the quality of the posts. ~ tips hat to everyone~
|
Alright, I've updated my character sheet.
Couple questions:
That 300 credits we got from the professor, was that 300 apiece, or 300 total?
Also, is there an engineering bay on this freighter? A place where people can make something with an Engineering check? There are a couple more Kits I'd like.
Or an Arcane Workbench? I forgot I can make a kit for myself.
The 300 was divided among you, so only 50 each I'm afraid.
I am thinking of a solution for improving your equipment situation, at least slightly.
Number one, there may be a few odd credits you find on the ship. Keep your eyes out.
Number 2, I think I will add "matter printing" functions to the vending machine. You'll need the requisite credits and a couple hours, and it will print any level 1-3 item you can afford, though nothing magical (other than what might already be in the "normal" part of the vending machine).
In fact, we'll just say right now that this is the solution.
Wow, I think that's the quickest I've ever seen a level go by! Despite the conventional wisdom, I think splitting the party was a success.
Doc is picking up her first level of Biohacker, cementing her status as the super-support and grabbing a collection of nice skill bonuses.
Honestly, I decided to have you all level just -a little- before the AP says to, but it won't make much difference for the investigation mode that you are all getting to next.
I don't think there should be any concern if our posts slow down a little between now and Sunday evening. I have a couple of characters to get ready for a few Paizocon games I am playing in, and I finally have Near Space in my hands (FLGS has been open for a couple of weeks, but game warehouse has only been open since this past Monday).
So, bottomline, I have some cool stuff to do.
That said, if you would like to make some posts about where your character is headed, what questions they're asking who, and anything else they're up to, I can do some heavy-duty posting Sunday evening.
|
I don't think there should be any concern if our posts slow down a little between now and Sunday evening. I have a couple of characters to get ready for a few Paizocon games I am playing in, and I finally have Near Space in my hands (FLGS has been open for a couple of weeks, but game warehouse has only been open since this past Monday).
So, bottomline, I have some cool stuff to do.
That said, if you would like to make some posts about where your character is headed, what questions they're asking who, and anything else they're up to, I can do some heavy-duty posting Sunday evening.
How is the Near Space Book? Anything good in it?
This should be a level 2 T'sorkel. I picked up Wisp Ally to be more help in combat.
At some point, I think a level or two in Operative might be good for him. But it will delay spell progression, so I'm not settled on it. Envoy could be another option and make him total support.
Also, does anyone want this ice carbine? It's a pretty sweet weapon for right now, but it's longarms and there's no way T'sorkel will ever be effective with it. If not, then we might put it in the recycler for a small arms option.
Seriously, I agree we're moving fast, but what I really like is the quality of the posts. ~ tips hat to everyone~
Agreed. I'm thoroughly enjoying the game so far and have been blown away by everyone's role play.
I've updated Rar'gul to 2.0 - that was an unexpected surprise to learn we'd already reached those lofty heights!
Also, given the proposed slow weekend, I took some time to put my post together. It is finally done, and posted.
Kind of frustrating that we've got no one that can use a weapon that cool or powerful. When I level John, I have the option to take long arm proficiency as my combat trick. But I couldn't trick attack with it, so how would that work out?
Speaking of trick attack. I haven't run an operative for a while and forgot to try it in the last fight. Someone please remind me if I forget in the next. -- Or better, when I level up I'll note trick attack on John's sheet.
***
ET, I really loved how you described T'sorkel's use of the akashic record for spell casting. Awesome idea, well executed.
Maybe you should keep the carbine as a memento. Not everything need be sacrificed on the altar of maximum efficiency.
***
It's been a busy few days. I'm going to go post. I'll level John tonight or Monday.
So there you go. That credstick should allow everyone to upgrade at least one piece of equipment. 750 credits each, AND the 50 from Benjam's advance.
You can use it in Captain Rameem's Vend-o-matic, which now features a matter printer. It can print any level 1-3 item, though no magic or hybrid items. It will also slag your old gear and give you the standard 10% back.
Please note that the printer takes 2-4 hours to create your item. It's unlikely, but I suppose there could be circumstances where you might want your item, but it might not be available yet. Please keep that in mind.
|
Pretty bold to assume that I, a good Abadaran who values proper rewards for work, would share wealth, which I on my own iniative, found while the others did nothing. The Little Red Hen is the first childhood scripture we're told in Abadarcorp's company nursery schools.
Or alternatively that , as a strict follower of law, that I wouldn't turn it in to the ship's lost and found.
I'll talk to John about the finer points of being a team player.
Oh, I had thought of that. And RPing that out might have fun with this group. I figured it might help to keep this game running at the nice place it's going if you guys could start making arc pistols, freebooter armor, or autotarget rifles right away.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
In addition to the Near Space book I finally have in my possession, I also finally have the second Threefold Conspiracy adventure. I did know a bit about this, as I splurged on the PDF back in March when the lockdowns began and I was off work.
I have to say that it presents some interesting challenges, and has a MUCH more satisfying ending that this adventure. I can't see any reason why we wouldn't want to jump right in to it in a couple of months when we are ending this adventure. Of course I am asking for no commitment yet. Finishing ONE book via PBP is challenging and worthy of celebrating when it wraps up. Two would be an amazing feat.
SPEAKING OF THE NEAR SPACE BOOK, Beauregard asked me about my thoughts. Though I can only give my cursory thoughts (as I haven't read it through yet), I think I can give it a rundown, with very few major spoilers.
I would say about half of the book is dedicated to the Veskarium. The first 40% is background about each planet in the system, and a good portion of the character section is clearly related to gear and races in the Veskarium.
The portion on other near space planets is a gold mine if you are running a sand box style game and the players like to set their nav computers for the "third star from the right".
There is a starship section, and I don't think it's a surprise that much of it dedicated to Veskarium ships. There are other ships, and I'll leave them as a surprise. Hint: if you play a lot of Starfinder Society, you'll recognize some of the ships.
There is about 30 pages of player options at the back of the book, including race options, new themes and archetypes, and some new gear. A few new spells too.
FIrst plan to share the stick, fumble the sleight of hand, has probably failed. I have a backup.
ET, I really loved how you described T'sorkel's use of the akashic record for spell casting. Awesome idea, well executed.
Ditto to this. This really blew me away - I almost went Akashic with my mystic the idea intrigued me so much, but I would have never even come close to anything like this. Awesome.
@thom - thanks for taking the time to give input on Rar'gul's bulwark ability. I'm still not sure, I keep arguing with myself one way or the other. Mostly because the other abilities I've seen (for example, some Mystic abilities) specify that each character takes half, or that it is shared... I might try a bit more searching/asking (unless of course GMQ gives their infallible ruling in the meantime).
GMQ - thanks for the updates. And the info on Near Space.
Remind me what the issue was with bulwark. I remember that coming up, but I think perhaps the only sad part about moving so fast is that occasionally a post will get by me.
Thanks GMQ. No problem.
Bulwark When a trox fights defensively or takes the total defense action, he can grant half the bonus to AC granted by that action to an adjacent ally.
Do you think this reads as him retaining the full bonus while granting half to an adjacent ally, or that the bonus is effectively split between he and his ally?