...looking at gear, I realized that Gath's club-flavored doshko is an unwieldy weapon -- no AoOs or full attacks. So I actually cheated on two of Gath's signature combat moments. Sorry, guys.
Nothing to apologise for - they provided some awesome moments! The question is, how can we capture that same flavour with a weapon that is not unwieldy?
The flame and storm doshkos aren't unwieldy, although they have smaller damage dice (1d8). They are powered, dealing energy damage. I could see these not quite fitting your vision as I imagine both the potential for big damage and it being kinetic damage being part of the appeal of using the tactical doshko to masquerade as a really big club.
Second level is really underwhelming for mystics. It's almost enough, but not quite, to make me want to multiclass.
I feel like this every level with my mystic, too. The thought of even further delaying better abilities and spells always deters me. I took longarm proficiency to help bump up some of the damage.
On the note of giving the Starfinder weapons thematic flavour:
I mentioned that the weapons I purchased for Locket were selected based on fitting his theme.
The shuriken would be obvious, but on paper it might not be entirely apparent with the battle ribbon and the shadow chains.
My visionistic flavour for the shadow chains were along the lines of a kusari-fundo and for the battle ribbon more like nunchaku (although I am not quite settled here given the battle ribbon does slashing damage).
Bad work day, but just wanted to say that Gath is mostly ready at second level. SuperS, thanks for the ideas. I'd like to get Gath into a nice curve blade downstream some time. Right now I feel like I need to do another level with him and the club, playing the rules right.
I'll be working on phase 2 of this this weekend. Already have some slides prepared. I need to get a few notes down on some NPC's.
New and UpDated!
Anybody want to borrow 1500 credits?
Here's something copied and pasted from the other group that apply here:
Honestly, I have had some frustration lately. Not only was I busy with Paizocon, but I have a couple of other worries right now--one good thing, and one bad thing.
1. I have been experiencing some moderate shoulder pain. My assumption is that it's arthritic. Well...that makes it hard for me to type and write, despite my best intentions. The set up for the first scene requires me to have a fair amount of notes on several NPC's and their secrets, and in the evening my shoulder and arm have not been up to it.
2. Here's a good thing: I work for a fairly large library system. I am running Dungeons and Dragons for our teen department each Tuesday. As my wife astutely pointed out, I am now a professional Dungeon Master! This requires some work each week.
Bottomline: let me make some decisions on what to do here. We may need to come up with a plan B--something I can do some copy and pasting from to give you all a good experience while my shoulder heals. Obviously this may mean an AP. I'm interested in your feelings on this matter. I'll be making a similar post in the other group.
*perk* AP, you say? I'm game!
Yes.
And not that there isn't work I need to put into running an AP well. It's just that I wouldn't have several sessions of pen in hand writing or typing to have what we need to have fun and be successful.
An AP requires me to spend an evening reading, then create a good set of slides to begin with.
The question is which one? I wish that new stand-alone that takes place on Akiton was available, but that's not out until August/September.
Edit to add: It's called Junker's Delight, and it should be available July. It's not an AP, but it will take PC's up to 4th level.
Sorry to hear about your shoulder. Tend that and we'll figure out the rest. I really like this group, and am sure we can work something out.
I invited the three remaining players from the other group here to discuss this matter. There are 8 players, and there are a myriad of different ways we can go. I can run the same AP for two different groups of 4. I can run two different AP's. I am also planning to run the complete Starfinder Society "Frozen Ambitions" series, so I would be happy to reserve a spot for you in that game if you would like (it's four different low level adventures).
Let's proceed this way--why don't you all do a quick check-in and let me know your interest. Answer the following questions:
1. Are you interested in remaining in this group and playing an AP or other adventure?
2. Please list your top choice for a first level adventure path book. You may include the upcoming Horizons of the Vast as a choice. You may also include the upcoming standalone adventure Junker's Delight.
3. Please list your second choice.
4. Would you be interested in the four Frozen Ambitions Starfinder Society adventure? You would need a second level Starfinder Society character for this to work (third could work too), as the last adventure is level 3-6 (so the first three could get a second level character to level 3).
One note: I have no problem with any of you continuing with your second level character that you used in this adventure. I may adjust the chosen AP slightly to accommodate higher level characters.
1. I am definitely game for playing an AP. I like this group, and any opportunity to explore Starfinder more is a good one.
2. Attack of the Swarm seems cool and any chance to survive something that reminds me of the "Skyllian Blitz" ought to be cool.
3. Against the Aeon Throne for no reason other than encountering Azlanti stuff.
4. Potentially, but I'm not a fan of the reduced flexibility, and I do not have a Starfinder Society Character.
Hi Anton. Welcome and make yourself at home.
GMQ - Sorry to hear that your shoulder is still giving you trouble. Don't stress too much about the game, caring for your shoulder definitely comes first.
Like Thom and Me'mori, I enjoy playing with you all so I am happy to chill and work something out.
1. Yes!
2. Junkers Delight. I'm really keen to see the new format in action!
3. Attack of the Swarm.
4. Indeedily doodily. Already registered interest.
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1. Possibly, but on the other hand I'm already in three APs (Dead Suns, Against the Aeon Throne, and Dawn of Flame), and Senkuviene's honestly not a good thematic fit for the remaining ones.
2. Junker's Delight. All I'd need is an excuse for Sen to want to leave Absalom Station, and the scrap/salvage theme aligns with her character best.
3. Fly Free or Die. It'd be the easiest one to rationalize Sen doing apart from the former: her parents made her get a "real" job with EJ Corp.
4. Possibly. Would it be required for Sen to actually JOIN the Starfinder Society?
I guess a lot of this hinges on the fact that I had a very specific style in mind when creating Sen (I expected this to be a sort of "slice-of-life" sort of story) and her main passion, racing and doing sick zoomboard tricks, doesn't really lend itself well to the kinds of stories APs tell. Starfinder seems to treat races the way Star Wars treats them, rather than how F-Zero does. :P
... Starfinder seems to treat races the way Star Wars treats them, rather than how F-Zero does. :P
Aaaand now I have Big Blue stuck in my head...
That's a valid point, however. As I am still relatively new to the Starfinder setting, I am very much poking at all of the things. I have challenged myself to play a character of every class alphabetically, though... Mystic is up next, and I'm digging the Epiphanies.
Hello everyone! I'm joining with Anton from the other game.
I was going to write over there but since this seems to be where the smart kids hang out I'll join the discussion here and add that I have also experienced shoulder pain lately, and I've come to realize it's from using my mouse and not extending my arm enough while I work. Just an age thing for me and stretching helps - hopefully it's something simple for you, GM.
To your questions:
1. Yes! I'm game.
2. I have to read about the new adventures, but I'm good either way. This character has built-in flexibility to go wherever necessary for whatever reason.
3. No first choice, so no second choice - I'll play whatever.
4. Probably not. I'm currently playing Frozen Ambitions with another character.
Let me manage some expectations here. Getting through a full 6-volume adventure path is a noble goal, but it is very difficult to do in play by post games.
On the other hand, getting through a single book can be very satisfying and it may tell a good story on it's own.
It would be my position that we take things one book at a time. I have no problem assuming that we will attempt to get through multiple books over the course of time. Like I said, it's a noble and worthy goal.
With the hope of starting to build some consensus here, let me comment on all of the first level adventure path books (so we would be leaving out Signal of Screams and The Devastation Arc).
1. First, the original. Dead Suns remains an excellent choice, and since it starts on Absalom Station, it would be reasonable for your characters jump right in to this adventure. There are a few concerns though. First, Thak is a local friend of mine, and we just started the adventure here in our city. Also, your character would have to be open to joining the Starfinder Society. Finally, since it's been around, I bet a few of you have played it already.
2. The second AP is Against the Aeon Throne. To me, this is a strong candidate. Yes, your characters would be getting on a ship and piloting it across the galaxy, but story-wise, there is a reasonable way for your character to want to do this. Also, since it's only three volumes, there is a pretty good chance we could finish this AP! One concern is that I know Thak has also played this one. I have both played and run it, but I have no problem getting it out again. It's actually a very good set of adventures.
3. Dawn of Flame is the third AP that came out. The first book is actually one that I have never GM'd or played. I am playing in the second book as a PBP game here. This is a strong story, and an interesting setting. It's a little more magic heavy than some of them, but that's okay I think.
4. Attack of the Swarm is next. I see above that a couple of you have some interest in this one. That's great, and as I glanced at this book last night, I see that it is perhaps a better adventure than I first thought. Though it is military in nature, there are a number of very interesting NPC's and the first book is much more than just shooting swarm creatures. The concern is that I am not sure there is a good story as far as why most of your characters would go across the galaxy to fight the swarm. Maybe Yoro? In any case, I am game if we start to see a few more of you take interest in this one.
5. The Threefold Conspiracy. I have ran the first book of this via PBP, and it went great! The players really embraced the mystery, and it was probably the best PBP experience I have ever had. That group is continuing, and we are barreling toward the end of book 2. The problem is that Gath and Locket are both in that group and have been through the first book (Thak is also in that group, though he did not play through book one, he joined later). That said, I would love to see how a different group of players handle the adventure.
6. Fly Free or Die. I love this adventure. I have played through book one and the first half of book two in a home group. I have not GM'd it. This is an adventure that I could see most of your characters being a part of. It starts in the Pact Worlds, so it would be easy even for those of you with a real connection to Absalom Station to get pulled in. One concern is that Thak, once again, is in this group at home and has played it.
7. Junker's Delight. I love what I have read about this. It's not an adventure path, but it is a little longer than typical AP books. It might be a good choice for us. One concern is that it currently is not supposed to be available until mid July. I could see that being pushed back with all of the recent shipping delays.
There are numerous possibilities here. If all 8 of you (the five from this group, and the three remaining players from group 2) are interested in continuing it may be that there is a group A and a group B.
Three books? Aeon Throne sounds doable.
Hi, sorry for the delay in getting over here. To answer your questions:
1. Yes, I'm interested in continuing to play Yoromishtali.
2. Top choice, considering your mention of some people already playing some of the adventures, is Dead Suns.
3. The second choice would be Attack of the Swarm -- though I'll just go with a tie and say Dawn of Flame too. Basically I'm least interested in Against the Aeon Throne since I'm playing that on these forums as well. Though if the group really wants to play it, I think playing it with Yoro would be fine. Like being a different character in the same play.
4. I'm interested in the starfinder society adventures, but I don't have a character of the right level. I do have a SFS PC but have never played him in a game.
I just like this group and game. I'm in for anything.
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Some thoughts:
1) I'd be against Junker's Delight for just the reason that you state: Almost a month of waiting (after we've already had a lull) combined with the definite possibility of more delay is not something to be desired. Not with so many good offerings on the table.
2) I've never given much heft to the point of "but how would we convince your character to go here and do the thing??" Beseems that each AP has its own Looming Bad Thing that will happen if its not stopped, and having a character learn of that, it's not to hard to see an Intrepid Hero care deeply about stopping the Looming Bad Thing, no matter the logistics of getting there.
So too, I've made it rather easy in my case. I've intentionally enacted the "R2D2 as Macguffin" trope, and having Viv suddenly show interest, or hint that the indicated direction might someone involve her origin/Lord Borak the Despoiler/The Order of the White Angel/why she's so important or somesuch would have Anton hoping the next ship there, no matter how arcane or tiny the hint.
(Srsly, have you ever considered how A New Hope was just R2 playing Xanatos Sped Chess? 'Oh, I need this Luke guy to remove my restraining bolt. Imma just show him this chick and he's gonna do it.' "Message? What message? I totally don't know what you're talking about. Totally.")
Anton, I agree with your points.
I would love to see our first posts by this time next week. I suppose that means we need to come to an agreement on what we are going to play.
As far as Junker's Delight goes, it looks like a great adventure. I believe I'll be running on these boards shortly after it becomes available.
But you're right--I want to get things started for all or most of you very soon, so that means we choose an AP and run with it.
I think there are plenty of option as far as how to get characters involved. A recruiter to go fight the swarm? Something in your past that motivates you to leave Absalom Station? A secret programmed within your drone?
And in the end, I would be fine with someone purpose building a new second level character, particularly if we go with Attack of the Swarm.
Speaking of which, I am tabulating the votes we have so far. A first choice is worth 2 points, second choice 1 point. Here's what I have:
1. Attack of the Swarm 4 points
2. Junker's Delight 4 points
3. Dead Suns 2 points
4. Against the Aeon Throne 1 point
5. Fly Free or Die 1 point
This includes votes from four of you. Chiaiese, Gath, and Anton have indicated they have no preference (but please update us if you start to lean one way or another). I have not heard from Thak, though I do know he was busy with an online convention this past weekend--I'll rattle his cage today.
To recap: I'll be starting an AP in about 5-7 days. I will also be starting Junker's Delight mid to late July. If you choose not to play in the new AP, I am happy to reserve a spot in Junker's Delight for you.
I suppose there is the potential that there will be 8 players for this new AP (!). If this were live and in person, I'm not sure this would be wise. That said, online we can make it work. Of course that means there will be some tougher encounters.
If we do Attack of the Swarm! would it be okay for me to make a brand-new character?
Yes.
As I see it, each of you will have three options:
1. Continue to run your current character.
2. Create a new second level character.
3. Create a new first level character--this might be a desirable option if you truly want to make the character your own. Perhaps I might offer somewhat higher starting credits as acknowledgement of your work as a player on Absalom station. It would be my goal to have everyone be the same level by midway through the second book.
Senk, if we do play Attack of the Swarm!, perhaps you WILL want to continue with Senkuviene. There are interesting role play opportunities for shirren, even in the first book.
The other thing I could offer is the chance to retcon some of the choices you would have made for your character. Switch out a feat, or maybe move a couple of skill points around. Choose different gear.
Hmmm. We should have a talk about starship combat. I need to look at the leading AP's and see how important any possible starship combat encounters are to the story. In any case, you WILL need a competent pilot and a competent engineer (I'm guess the engineer part is covered with Anton an possibly Senkuviene).
My priority is to continue playing this character. Assuming that, my first choice is Against the Aeon Throne, which I see as the most likely to see through to the end.
"My friend Senk is a great engineer. He built a really cool zoom board thing all by himself."
GMQ, I've had shoulder issues. The first set, oh man 16 years ago, was a posture issue. The set two years ago were solved with physical therapy. Hopefully you can be healed with something as simple as goofy little exercises.
One more thing worth noting:
Should we go with Against the Aeon Throne, I would likely put a few curveballs in. I know at least a couple of you have played it. I'll need to anyway because most or all of you would be 2nd level, and there will be potentially 8 players.
...and there will be potentially 8 players.
Eesh... That is a lot to manage for one PBP. If it is too cumbersome, I'll voluntarily retire to help lighten the load.
...and there will be potentially 8 players.Eesh... That is a lot to manage for one PBP. If it is too cumbersome, I'll voluntarily retire to help lighten the load.
Let's see how things shake out. I have not heard from Thak yet, and it sounds like Gath and Senk -might- be more interested in Junker's Delight.
I admit that 5 or 6 is ideal, but we'll see how it goes.
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And thanks Gath and Chiaiese for the advice and encouragement on my shoulder. This past weekend was much better. I have been doing stretching, pausing my computer use to get up and move, and watching my posture.
I have also used good, old fashioned Ben Gay. The cat stays away from me when I do, as he doesn't like the smell.
IT LOOKS LIKE we are down to either Aeon Throne or Attack of the Swarm. I'll give it some thought. My initial urge is to go with Aeon Throne. I think those three books are excellent adventures.
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Thak is late to the party, as he sometimes is.
You know how he loses track of time when he's around the gnome princess of his world. :)
To the question at hand, I'd be up for
1. Dawn of Flame
2. Against the Aeon Throne (Already played book 1, but I have a replay)
3. Attack of the Swarm
4. Whatever else the group wants to do, as long as it isn't Signal of Screams. (I still have nightmares about my android and his data jack...)
Sorry about the shoulder, QMQ!
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1) Imma gonna concur that I think Aeon Throne is the best play here. From the initial description it sounded like "finish-able" was a good selling point on it. My philosophy about PbP orbits around "do small well rather than do large bad".
Also, the GM has already ran this, and success once is a good indicator of success again. (Personally, I'd be worried that the GM wouldn't want to run something a second time, but if that's not an issue then that's not an issue. I have an entire bookshelf full of Conan books that I've read more than once so I'm not one to talk against repetition. =)
2) Ya, I have my mouse pad waaaaaaaaaaaay up near my monitor so my elbow is actually on the table when I use it and I've found that's helped that arm a LOT. Highly recommend.
Considering Aeon Throne again, I just want to be clear that I'm perfectly happy to play that adventure. Probably with Yoromishtali, but perhaps not. Leaning maybe...80% in keeping Yoromishtali.
it sounds like Gath and Senk -might- be more interested in Junker's Delight.
Add Locket to that list. Who wouldn't do anything to help Gath? And Locket would never miss an opportunity to grumble at/to Senk.
I don't mind waiting - in RL I anticipate the next 2-3 weeks to be very busy marking end of term assignments, and I'm already approaching (at?) my maximum bandwidth with the two current APs + this game.
That should also hopefully help address the following:
... there will be potentially 8 players.
That said...
6. Fly Free or Die...
Although my earlier preferences don't reflect it, out of all the Starfinder APs released to date, Fly Free or Die is numero uno on my list to play (the upcoming Horizons of the Vast being a close second). If you (ever) decide to run with this, I am in in a heartbeat. Bandwidth be damned!.
Yep.
I'm thinking it's looking like it will be Aeon Throne. Yoro, I know you're playing this, and I know Thak has played it. Though I'll not be changing the story, there will be a few new twists thrown in with many of the encounters.
I think the question is whether Senk, Locket, and Gath play. I am happy for them to be the first three in Junker's Delight in July should they choose to not join this.
Who volunteers to create a cool tier 2 spaceship? Only requirement is that it can include everyone for crew (so no shuttles), and it must have at least one cargo hold.
Also, who is our pilot? I'm happy for anyone to rearrange some skill points if necessary.
Tonight or tomorrow you're all going to hear about a special person named Cedona. Not only has she been a resident of the Gallery on Absalom Station in the recent past, she has been a friend and mentor to most or all of you. She has assisted in acquiring this ship for a routine cargo run out into the Vast.
Routine.
Heheh.
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And Super, Fly Free or Die IS a terrific set of adventures. Out of the 8 or so different AP's, it would be in the upper tier after Threefold Conspiracy, Dead Suns, and Signal of Screams.
We'll see what happens. We may need to find someone else to run it, then I could play too! (although I am playing it in a home group).
Let's make a shipbuilding a team exercise. Here's a template I've used before to step-by-step through the build. Starfinder Ship Calculator I took a first run at the build.
There's also this site if we think we want more options.
My philosophy on starships is that speed and range are paramount.
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As I'm already playing Against the Aeon Throne with this guy I'll sit this one out and wait till you're ready to do Junker's Delight. Have fun in the meantime, though! :D
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Have to share a brief story with everyone:
I work at a busy downtown library. On Tuesdays this summer I will be running D&D for our teens department. This is for middle school and high school kids.
Tonight was week one. We have 90 minutes to play, so I made a quick adventure where the characters have to escape from an orc jail. Here are three highlights:
1. The ranger used her speak with animals ability to get a bird to come through the window and get the keys off the hook while the wizards set stuff on fire to distract the two orc guards.
2. Nobody had their equipment, so they had to use spells or unarmed combat at first. One player, a boy of 11 or so, said "on my turn I run out of the cell and run up to the orc and KICK HIM IN THE BALLS!" Of course all 8 kids just cracked up.
Sigh. I did too.
3. For 90 minutes, none of the 8 kids had their noses in their phones. They sat with me at a table and talked to each other and rolled dice.
That brought tears to my eyes. In an entirely different way than for the poor orc jailor.
Just thinking about our dramatis personae for this adventure:
1. Goldenarms Android Biohacker 2
2. Thak Brenneri Envoy 2
3. Yoromishtali Vesk Soldier 2
4. Chiaiese Lashunta Technomancer 1 / Operative 1
5. Anton Human Mechanic 2
Of course this is assuming you all stick with these characters.
Maybes:
1. Gath Shobhad Mystic 2
2. Locket Pahtra Soldier 2
Probably not (though waiting for Junker's Delight):
1. Senkuviene Shirren Mechanic 2
I'll be swapping my theorem it for the Medic Archetype. Waay closer to the core idea.
In case you have not taken a look at the draft build of our starship, it's here, under the Build sheet. Looking for discussion/input.