Sorry for the delay, guys. I was out of town and then got sick on my return. I'll post tonight or tomorrow at the latest.
Sadly, guys, I must tell you that Ben (Xing) will not be returning to the game. His job responsibilities have changed recently, requiring a lot more travel and time than he anticipated so he is out of gaming for the foreseeable future.
Now, we have to figure out how we want to proceed from here. If Xing has to leave, this is probably not a bad point for it to happen. My adventure is nearly done and Choon is ready to take over in what is sounding to be a very intriguing next adventure for our characters. We can exit Xing as we transition between DMs.
As I see it, we have several options on how to proceed:
1. We exit Xing from the game and play on with four characters.
2. We exit Xing from the game and look to add another DM/Player to the game, during Choon’s tenure.
3. We could also NPC Xing for awhile longer, if that is needed.
4. Of course, if you guys aren’t enjoying the game and just want to stop, that’s an option as well.
So, how are we all feeling about the game (seems a good time for a check-in) and how would you like to proceed?
Thoughts, outbursts, and criticism will all be appreciated.
"Game good. Onward."
Yash, "onward" isn't two words.
"Shut up."
Well put. I agree with Yash. I'd like to continue. Leaving Xing in Threshold to continue her bar training seems like a viable option, at least to me. I think adding another player would be good, as long as it's the right player, and no, I don't have someone in mind. New blood can keep things interesting.
I'm glad Yash is enjoying the game and his English lessons are coming along fine!
I'd like to continue on. I'm flexible about how we handle Xing's departure, but some observations.
1. Continuing Xing as an NPC does add some to the GM's burden.
2. Four players is the Paizo standard for APs so it should be okay. I'm not sure this is really a thing, but I have noticed that odd numbers of players tend to be more RP dynamic in PbP. I think even numbers tend to form dyads or triads over time, with the groupings mostly being social among themselves rather than crossing lines.
3. @Stormraven: I think we both know someone who has experience as both a player and a DM who might be interested, especially since this is a gestalt game, and who did us a major favor elsewhere. It could be a nice little 'thank you' for stepping up if they have the time for another game.
I can't disagree with the NPC burden argument. I chose to throw out all the obvious options, even the less-than-ideal ones. :P
Regarding your second point... so are you more inclined to go with 4 characters or 5? Or are you non-plussed either way?
Regarding the "WHO" question, RD, you make a very good point. I was wracking my brain for anyone on the board that is a really solid Player and DM that I've played with a fair amount. Unfortunately, the folks I know well aren't active on Paizo at this point. The person you aren't naming is somewhat of an unknown factor BUT my gut says he/she may be a good fit.
Let's see if the rest of the crew have a good nominee or two before we settle on who we should approach.
As for my two cents, I'm good with 4 or 5. I've DM'd for more and less. I'm sad to Xing go, but 100% understand. Love comes first.
I don't really have anyone that springs to mind as a replacement.
I'm looking forward to taking the helm!
OK, so Yash likes 5 players and it sounds like Sable is leaning that way while Choon and I are good with either option... so it seems like 5 players is the decision.
Since Sable and I know someone who might be interested... I'll approach them and see what happens.
I've reached out... no response yet.
I’m chatting with our potential new teammate.
Hey guys, I'm doing cash reward calculations. Is there anything from the list of mundane gear that you'd like to keep?
Here are some of the items I thought were maybes...
MW Banded Mail
MW Kukri
MW Greataxe
Battered Sextant
If no one wants to claim any of these, I'll toss them into the sales calculations.
Nah. I'm good.
The sextant might be a nice keepsake if it's an inexpensive and still functional piece. If it broken or worth a bunch of money, selling it is fine.
The sextant is battered but still works fine. Base cost of a sextant is 500GP, so you can sell it for 250GP. Let me know if you want to keep it.
Eh, why not? I'll keep it.
Done!
Yash, wanna keep anything?
Certainly the mw great axe!
Done! It is yours!
I finished calculating the sales price for all the goods you've recovered. The only appropriate summation is:
"DAAAMN! We going to Appleby's after this!" (43 seconds)
"Not Sizzler?"
Only if you are in the Central to Pacific time zones.
"Yash sad."
We have Sizzlers? I never knew.
I'll post tomorrow. End / beginning of the month tends to get really crazy at work, and last weekend was the most perfect weather we can probably expect all summer so I split for the beach.
Tangent here... are any of you guys having problems with PMs?
Also, Sable, thanks for the heads-up!
Good news, guys, we have a new player!
Say howdy to Polyfrequencies!
He'll be joining the game when his character is totally squared away... which should be relatively soon. You may be curious about his build. Poly is under directions to NOT disclose that info. Surprises are fun (for the DM)! And Choon gets the privilege of unveiling the character as best suits his nefarious plans.
Speaking of up-coming events... I expect I'll be wrapping up my stint as DM either this weekend or early next week (depending on how frequently you guys post). I'm trying to avoid railroading you through the next few scenes. If anyone would prefer me to hit the Fast Forward button, I can do that, just let me know.
As always, the majority vote wins.
Doot doot hello!
The build is secret, but I do have a question for the group.
I am planning to bring in a fetchling character. They are typically medium-sized and humanoid-appearing, but I was wondering if it might be possible to downsize to small.
There is lore precedence for this in 2E, as one of the fetchling heritages is the Wisp.
I'm more interested in this from a roleplaying perspective than a mechanical one, but if there are mechanical changes they'd probably be the typical:
+1 size bonus to their AC, a +1 size bonus on attack rolls, a –1 penalty on combat maneuver checks and to their Combat Maneuver Defense, and a +4 size bonus on Stealth checks.
Along with smaller weapon damage die and the like.
Thoughts? Excitements? Objections? Horrors?
Welcome!
Personally I think the Wisp is fine, sounds fun, and doesn't hurt play balance. I'm a 'yes' on that.
Welcome aboard! Always excited for fresh meat.
I have no objections to a small fetchling.
I'm ok with it. I'll make you pretty sneaky in the dark!
With more than a simple majority… Wisp away, Poly!
But wait! Fetchlings are so.... washed out, like a slimy dead fish. Oh fine, never mind. I'm fine with a wisp fetchling. Just stand on the other side of the group in photos please. I'm sure we'll go somewhere with cameras eventually. :p
Wisping away!
I will absorb the light and simply not show up in photos.
He can be our imaginary friend!
I'm running into a rather interesting problem in that I don't really know of anything I want to buy yet?
You can always leave the cash in the bank and save up for a bigger purchase later. For Senna, I had some 'low hanging fruit' to buy.
Ok, Choon has become GM! Here are a few quirks you'll see while I run the game!
1) Initiative. I tend to run block Initiative. Meaning Init is rolled by me, then I let everyone who beat the foe's roll go, then the foes, then the entire party and back and forth from there. My schedule can be tight at times and this lets me keep the combat rolling.
2) Battles. Tend not to be throw away. If I'm going to take your time in posting replies and rolling dice I'm going to make it worth your while. This also means my fights can get a little tough. But don't worry. I'm a Neutral Good GM. I won't kill you unless the dice demand it.
3) Atmosphere. I love it. I'll probably add a bunch of descriptors to my posts describing the smells, sounds, and feels of the moment. Let me know if something gets to be too much though and I'll tone that dial back.
I'm happy to start this new adventure, and Many Thanks to stormraven for kicking us off!
I am looking forward to appearing...in the past in Ustalav! How dreadfully exciting!
Choon, I'm loving the atmospheric descriptions. Well played, sir!
Choon, I'm loving the atmospheric descriptions. Well played, sir!
Thanks!
Lady Sable, it does say two hours. ;)
Ah, a mere two hours is almost an insult to their stellar professionalism. Well, unless they disagree, in which case okay.
Just so you know, Poly, You'll be brought in on the docks!
I guess it is a drydock now. :D
Hurray!
Picking up NPCs from another GM is an interesting challenge
LOL. We’re expanding your improv skills.
You’re welcome. :p
LOL. Lady Sable is being a bit cagey with them, but she does have a nebulous potential agreement with them about an exclusive arrangement with Donal and Violetta when she's rich enough to afford taking them on in that way. Might be worth something in the present.
It's one of her two great ambitions along with being a rich and famous author. She's just a simple girl with simple dreams.
In case you forgot: Proposal Letter