[Gameday X] GM Zin's CORE Blood Under Absalom (Inactive)

Game Master Zin Z'arin

Sorry, Belladonna for your loss. I help with a doggie rescue and have a house full of critters, most of them old animals that need a couch and regular meals for as long as they have left.

It never gets easier, but once you’ve healed and think you are ready, there’s always another pup out there that needs a new best friend.

Thank you, Pau. My wife and I have been considering doing that very same thing. "End of Life" fostering. There's a rescue shelter here in Denver that will pay for the dog's food & medical expenses just so it can have a home with a loving family until it passes.

Ralphie was a very sweet Chihuahua with very bad congestive heart failure. He was 8 years old when we got him and they told us he only had a year to live. We had him for 2 and a half years!

We also had 2 boxers several years ago that also passed away from congestive heart failure. They, too, lived much longer than expected.

Bella, I'm so sorry to hear about your pup. Dogs are incredibly special; I don't know how I'll handle the loss of mine. Hugs.

Thank you, Zin.

I had a little old small poodle that passed last year from congestive heart failure. I had her for a LONG time. She was close to ten, my guess when I got her and she lived a good seven years or so with me. Her medication helped a lot, and she was still a firecracker until the end. My brother in law is a vet and was amazed Bernie hung on so long!

Thank you, Pau. My wife and I have been considering doing that very same thing. "End of Life" fostering. There's a rescue shelter here in Denver that will pay for the dog's food & medical expenses just so it can have a home with a loving family until it passes.

I work a ton and am pretty sedentary, so young, active dogs aren’t great matches for me. I started by taking in some of the bigger old dogs, since in my rural area, no one ever wants them. And it’s worked out wonderfully. They appreciate a warm doggie bed and full food bowls for the few years you get with them. It’s sad when they pass, but you know you’ve made their final time as good as possible.

Condolences on Ralphie's passing. All good dogs go to heaven.

I haven't had the time (thanks to work) these last four years for a dog, but I have shared quarters with a great many of them over the years. Just now it wouldn't be fair to them.

As for what I do for a job, it is the most iconic profession one can think of for a denizen of the "Motor City". ;)

It was a good question and locate object is a core spell available to Kaya and she does diversify a ton. But it is so dang situational I never even considered picking it up.

I don’t even know if it would apply here either, it probably would depend on the writing of the scenario and maybe a GM call. Either way, that’s moot. Invisible flying owl to the rescue!

Condolences by the way on your recent loss Belladonna and to all those that have lost pets. It is not an easy thing to go through.

Locate Object is one of my domain spells, but, like Kaya, I never prepare it due to never needing it.

Lol - no worry

Was just asking in character since Viridian probably saw someone cast it before. I know it is VERY situational. In the AP I am running the party cast it to great effect but even then had to wait to rest overnight. In PFS we rarely get advanced notice like this.

We should try to work on posting more than once/day so we can finish these challenges. I'm able to post several times each day and usually more on weekends.

I'm in US Mountain time, if that matters. I think that's -7 GMT.

Agreed, especially if these events are each only lasting 2-3 real world days. That is barely enough time for init and two rounds on most PBP games. :(

More posts across the board will help. From my end, there's a balance between wanting all of the players to be engaged with the posts and keeping the pace up. In a normal game, I want to see everyone post before I advance the action; I've probably stayed a bit too true to that in this game. In combat, I obviously still need to wait for everyone to post their actions in initiative order, but out of combat, Rule of Two will now become strict, and may often become Rule of First Idea if it seems like something nobody would object to.

This has the unfortunate side-effect of perhaps leaving one or two players steering the ship, because it definitely seems like we have a disconnect between when I can post most frequently (M-F between 9-4:30pm US Eastern time) and many (most?) of the players. The players who are posting closer to my schedule may end up making most of the decisions, but I don't see a way around that if we want to keep the pace up.

Suggestions are welcome!

I've been working 10-hour shifts (usually 4pm-2:30 am EST, plus 40 min. commute) 6-7 days a week since mid-September.

I did actually check in on break yesterday... a half-hour after Lady posted. :(

Okay, combat is started!

Whether or not you as players saw this coming, springing a night-time ambush on players is somewhat awkward. I hope you feel I've done this fairly. FWIW, I never mind players inspecting my GM Screen spoilers; I apply all modifiers off-screen, so there's no information there that you shouldn't have. Pau came very close to hearing something in the hall, but just missed the DC, and Gwen rolled as poorly as possible.

This start certainly skirts the edge of reason, but I think is supported by the rules and rolls.

In the interest of maintaining the pace, I assumed some things that I would normally have asked about. If you feel that there's something else your PC would have done to be more prepared, feel free to suggest it; I'll entertain retcons within reason for that very reason.

(Note: don't bother suggesting you'd have checked under the bed, though. The scenario is a little railroady there; I would have just had to find a different location for the assassins to attack from, but it would have been something. In this case, you all were just too tired and put off from the sewers; even if you check under the bed in your dorm in the Grand Lodge every night, you forgot to do it this night.)

FYI, this encounter is scheduled to conclude on Oct 8; GM Ladile is pretty consistent with the time of day of her Overseer posts, so expect it around the same time as the last one on that date.

Yep. I usually cannot post until 9-10pm Central US , so I am usually delayed vs others.

Why does Bella have the delay action next to her name in initiative?

What's the Rule of Two?

I'm fine with everything else, though. ;)

Why does Bella have the delay action next to her name in initiative?

I'm fine with everything else, though. ;)

Because she rolled higher in Initiative than the Baddies, but didn't wake up until she heard the attack. Basically, the "delay" action is how I explain that the Baddies are ahead of her in initiative when she actually rolled better.

She's bold, she can act. :)

Ah cool. Now, What's "The rule of Two”?

Also, spent 3 charges from wand of cure light, at average (5 hp/charge), to heal Bella to full after sewer challenge.

The rule of two is a PBP creation, when two people in a group post and agree with an action, it is deemed that the remainder of the group would do the same (to save time waiting on everyone else to post).

Oh! Never heard of it referred as "Rule of Two". I've seen it done, though.

Works for me!

I'm a bit confused. If neutralize poison is on the cleric spell list and I have it in the wand, don't I automatically have the ability to cast it?

What is the caster level of a wand of neutralize poison?

Yes, you can cast it.

The Caster Level Check is for the spell itself to beat the poison. Remove Disease also has a mechanic like that.

Caster Level for that Wand would be +7.

Kaya is correct; the caster level check is like an alternate save vs. the poison; it's not automatic. It has nothing to do with it being a wand. You would also need to make a caster level check if you were casting it from your own memorized spells; it's part of how the spell functions.

The good thing for you here is the caster level in this case is actually higher than yours, since it's a wand (CL 7 for a level 4 cleric spell).

Oh. Duh. I didn't fully read the spell.

Regardless of what happens with the antitoxin and future saves, Gwen is going to need a lot of lesser restoration to get back up to battle-readiness (and Bella will likely want at least one for herself, as well). You're in Absalom, so anything is available if you don't have it already. Wanted to start the conversation off-screen here, so that we're ready to hit the ground running when the next scene starts.

Lesser restoration is a 2nd level spell, giving it the following costs:
- potion: 300 gp
- scroll: 150 gp
- wand (50 charges unless it's on a chronicle with fewer): 4,500 gp (90 gp/charge)
- spellcasting service: 60 gp
- Prestige: 1 PP

I have a scroll of lesser restoration I would be willing to throw onto the pile to be used. I'll be getting a wand with 8 charges from a chronicle after this session so I certainly don't need to hoard the scroll.

Regarding scroll of Restoration, I thought it would just get rid of the poison and heal the ability damage. I'll look it up again. I guess we should wait until the poison runs its course or Gwen makes a save?
My wand of neutralize poison is a special chronicle item. It only has 3 charges, well, only 2 now. I'd hate to fail at the CL check 2 more times.

No problem rolling for healing. I wonder why many GMs allow it? I never do when I GM because, like you said, there aren't any rules.

Edit: Ahh. Ok. I see now. Restoration doesn't neutralize the poison.

Edit edit: I think I thought the poison was done since it didn't say "poisoned" after Gwen's name in the initiative tracker.

What should we do, guys?

No problem rolling for healing. I wonder why many GMs allow it? I never do when I GM because, like you said, there aren't any rules.

Sounds like D&D 5th Edition thing.

Regardless of what happens with the antitoxin and future saves, Gwen is going to need a lot of lesser restoration to get back up to battle-readiness (and Bella will likely want at least one for herself, as well).

How else will Gwen be able to don her plate mail, and wield her huge morningstar and tower shield tomorrow? ;)

A character's Strength Score determines their Carrying Capacity, but Strength Damage does not (by the rules) affect it.

If Gwen wakes up after 8 hours rest with 9 Strength damage, she will be at a -4 penalty to: climb, swim, melee attack and strength-based damage rolls, combat maneuver checks and defense. It also makes her more vulnerable to being KO'ed by attacks that deal strength damage.

Bella looks as though she only requires 8 hours of sleep to loose one of the two points of Strength damage she's taken, and avoid any strength penalties.

Sleep will also heal everyone their level in hp as well.

Belladonna of Desna wrote:

No problem rolling for healing. I wonder why many GMs allow it? I never do when I GM because, like you said, there aren't any rules.

Sounds like D&D 5th Edition thing.

I had GMs do this since I started playing PFS in 2010.

My guess is it is a very commonly used house rule to speed up downtime healing.

Or it was a thing used in DnD 3.5 that matriculated over.

That really sucks about Gwen's platemail. She's really gonna have trouble tanking for us in the next fight. :P

Posting this here, but what is the ruling on taking any of the mundane gear of the Aspis? I noticed the PreGen does not have a dagger, and would like to take a couple if they are just left laying around. And, understand the guards could confiscate for 'evidence' if that is easier. But since his gear is somewhat limited, I was not sure what options exist to supplement from unchronicled items for the duration of the show.[/ooc]

Posting this here, but what is the ruling on taking any of the mundane gear of the Aspis? I noticed the PreGen does not have a dagger, and would like to take a couple if they are just left laying around. And, understand the guards could confiscate for 'evidence' if that is easier. But since his gear is somewhat limited, I was not sure what options exist to supplement from unchronicled items for the duration of the show.[/ooc]

I don't have any objections, but in this case there are no daggers; the assassins were equipped with darts and shortswords.

Thank you no worry

Bella has lesser restoration as a daily spell. I think I have 2 castings of 3rd level spells left. If we get 8 hours rest and I get my daily allotment of spells for the next day, I'm willing to cast 2 more. That should be enough for us and we can use the scroll of restoration on Gwen.

Bella probably doesn't need lesser restoring if she can get 8 hours sleep she'll heal one point of damage, and there's no real penalty for having 1 point of Strength damage.

Even then a -1 penalty on 2 skills, and melee attack and damage rolls for a PC who has in the main avoided melee combat is probably not a big deal... unless of course we are facing Misty in the Water Pokemon Gym and everyone has to swim to move.

That said GM, how long until the characters have to appear in the Thunderdome?

That said GM, how long until the characters have to appear in the Thunderdome?

Obviously I am Master.

"Whoo rules Bartertown?"

There will be an overseer post moving us along to that tonight; I would expect it roughly at the same time as the post last night.

Unless someone says so otherwise, I'll assume we're using the restoration scroll to remove Gwen's Str damage. Bella can get by on the overnight healing for her Str damage (she'll start the next scene with 1 Str damage which incurs no penalties), or she can use a lesser restoration if she wants to start completely fresh.

If you want to heal up Gwen's physical damage (everyone else heals to full overnight), let's get that done before the Overseer post, too, if we can.

Can Bella use a lesser resto on herself now before sleep, then wake up & pray for full allotment of spells?

Sorry. Really busy day hauling heavy machinery throughout Denver today. Will make proper post in gameplay tonight.

There will be an overseer post moving us along to that tonight; I would expect it roughly at the same time as the post last night.

I was talking in-game, but it sounds like we have the night and some morning at least. And again, Gwen does not need more than 4 points of Strength damage removed, of which she will automatically get at least one.

Can Bella use a lesser resto on herself now before sleep....

And again, you really don't need to, but then I am not conscious to say so. Whatever everyone wants to do is fine by me up to and including letting Gwen sleep for a couple days.

You make the call. ;)

And you only have a few hours left.

There will be an overseer post moving us along to that tonight; I would expect it roughly at the same time as the post last night.

Unless someone says so otherwise, I'll assume we're using the restoration scroll to remove Gwen's Str damage. Bella can get by on the overnight healing for her Str damage (she'll start the next scene with 1 Str damage which incurs no penalties), or she can use a lesser restoration if she wants to start completely fresh.

If you want to heal up Gwen's physical damage (everyone else heals to full overnight), let's get that done before the Overseer post, too, if we can.

I approve of this route.

Regarding the performance, are there suggested roles or can we be anything we want?

GM Zin wrote:

There will be an overseer post moving us along to that tonight; I would expect it roughly at the same time as the post last night.

Unless someone says so otherwise, I'll assume we're using the restoration scroll to remove Gwen's Str damage. Bella can get by on the overnight healing for her Str damage (she'll start the next scene with 1 Str damage which incurs no penalties), or she can use a lesser restoration if she wants to start completely fresh.

If you want to heal up Gwen's physical damage (everyone else heals to full overnight), let's get that done before the Overseer post, too, if we can.

I approve of this route.

That sounds great! Now who is actually going to do anything about it?

Approval is not action, and some of the actions listed are choices so which does Bella approve of? Again, (again, again) you really don't need to do most of it (or any of it) but it's not my character's spell slots or expensive scroll. ;)

I’m fine with expending the scroll. It’s no biggie. I’d rather have Gwen active in the next part, than the scroll.

Okay, let's put some actions in Gameplay regarding the healing that you're doing, both for ability damage and hp. Gwen is currently unconscious from Str damage.

1st pick: Gwen
Kaya
Pau
Viridian
Bella

In the interests of speed, since this is PbP, you may make your picks in any order. If you are picking before your turn, make as many picks as you are down in line, in the order of your preference (i.e. if Kaya posts before Gwen, she should make two picks, so if Gwen chooses Kaya's first pick, Kaya still has a live pick available and we don't have to wait for a repost. Make sense?

The costumes are as follows (all damage listed assumes Medium creatures; reduce by 1 size category for Small PCs). The costumes are gendered, but actors my play a role of the opposite gender.
Leading Male (Sheng) There are two leading male roles for the performance, the General and the Monkey King. The General wears a long beard and fights with a wooden sword (1d8 nonlethal) and armor (treat as splint mail). The Monkey King wears an elaborate monkey mask. The Monkey King is portrayed as an acrobat and trickster and is permitted to cast spells.
Leading Females (Dan) There are two leading female roles, the Warrior Woman and the Wizened Crone. The Warrior Woman wears full armor (treat as splint mail) and peacock feathers, and fights with a dulled, bladed polearm (1d8 nonlethal). The Wizened Crone wears long robes and walks with a cane. She is permitted to cast spells.
Painted Faces (Jing) The Jing role represents a strong and forceful male. The two choices for this performance are the Noble Warrior and the Cruel Bandit. Noble Warrior wears red face paint and full armor (treat as splint mail), and wields a large club (1d10 nonlethal). The Cruel Bandit wears blue face paint and wields a long wooden knife (1d4 nonlethal), specially balanced to allow a capable individual to make nonlethal sneak attacks with it.
Clowns (Chou) These humorous characters are allowed to speak with the audience in order to make jokes at their opponents’ expense. Chou are also permitted to cast spells. Male Chou identify their characters by painting wide white circles around their eyes. Female Chou paint their faces red with black circles about the eyes. Clown costumes do not include weapons; however, Chou can carry and wield a broom or stick (treat as an improvised weapon dealing 1d6 nonlethal damage), claiming it to be whatever weapon they desire for the sake of performance and comedic value.

Pau will choose the Monkey King costume. He doesn’t want to be weighted down by the armor most other male roles use.

Okay, let's put some actions in Gameplay regarding the healing that you're doing, both for ability damage and hp. Gwen is currently unconscious from Str damage.

** spoiler omitted **

1st pick: Gwen
Kaya
Pau
Viridian
Bella

In the interests of speed, since this is PbP, you may make your picks in any order. If you are picking before your turn, make as many picks as you are down in line, in the order of your preference (i.e. if Kaya posts before Gwen, she should make two picks, so if Gwen chooses Kaya's first pick, Kaya still has a live pick available and we don't have to wait for a repost. Make sense?

Doesn't make any sense to me. Bella just wants to read one of the scrolls of restoration offered to her and cast it on Gwen. Then CLW with wands or spell on hp damage to whoever needs it so that everyone is at full health before leaving the inn.

The pick order is for costumes; it has nothing to do with the healing. Bella picks last, so you should rank your first five choices for a costume. You will get the highest ranked choice that's left after everyone else chooses costumes.

For healing, Bella can do those things; just make a post in Gameplay and it will happen! Let me know which scroll you are reading and make the rolls for clw so we know how many charges it took. Gwen can make the rolls for healing too, since the spells are landing on her; whatever works, just get the post in so it's real. :)

The poison has run its course. It was 9 rounds total, and those are long since over.

Wizened Crone, Female Chou, Male Chou, in that order.

I’ll try to get a better post up in gameplay but if I don’t at least you all can move to the next thing.