The Curse of Strahd (Inactive)

Game Master Quirk, Private Eye

No problem with tuning down the stats.

However, Sven was conceived as an intricate and minutely calculated combination of classes and feats - actually, you might have noticed he's had the Dual Wield feat for two levels without getting any use from it. Thus, yeah, now that I know that there'll be no room for some stat increase, I might need to rethink my initial idea and adapt to a more down to earth concept.

Nice slides, yeah, and functional.

Sven, take your time making this decision. We're still the better part of two weeks out from making posts in gameplay. Ideally, we would work together regarding the background of a theoretical new character so introductions to the existing characters makes sense.

I'll try as much as I can to keep the core, because I'm loving the reskin I did of the Artificer. I know it sounds petulant, but I really, really love it. And I'd like to keep it.

But there wasn't any ASI planned until level 7, and the Int bonus to armour which was core for the tank build will be much less significant (2 points less, to be exact).

What's more, I know which is the expected top up level of this campaign, and I know expecting certain kinds of gear improving (i.e. full plate) might be a somewhat optimistic approach.

But I swear I'm trying!

I'm okay with nerfing Blaze. Does the centaur still work for you? I know it's a weird race for something like this.

Love the slides!

Oof - took a hit to the AC. Might need to find some armour. I think I've finished making the changes, if you want to check and see if I missed anything.

Not much change, should be fine for me.

Are Tasha's optional character creation rules in play?

Are Tasha's optional character creation rules in play?

I don't know all the ins and outs of the Tasha's rules, but it's likely I wouldn't have a problem with them.

Blaze: yes, a centaur is fine. You might get a few surprised looks here and there, but hey, if you live in Ravenloft you've certainly seen weirder things than a centaur...

Couple more questions.

We received a bonus +2/+1 to stats at creation due to something in the Van Richten's Guide. I don't own that book. Can you confirm that we ought to remove those as well?

How viable would be that Sven can craft his own plate armor, being a blacksmith/tinker/artificer/all that shit? I mean given how the tempo in the campaign goes and what kind of access to materials, proper place, etc.

I think what I am more inclined to do is offer more ability score bonuses upon leveling. Perhaps instead of just 4th and 8th level, maybe get you another one at 6th level.

So anyway, for now, let's stick with a straight 27 point buy.

As far as plate armor goes, I think it has to happen. It won't happen in the village you're currently in, but there is a larger town that you'll be traveling to at some point.

Or...maybe you'll come across a suit of plate somewhere...

One more thing: in looking at the Van Richten's book, I was reminded of the "dark gifts" section. Some of you may earn one of these gifts...

Alright, Vel is all set again.

Sven should be ready to go. After too many hours in analysis-paralusis status, I've decided to follow the path I had planned to begin with: multiclassing into Bladesinger and use both gauntlets to sting like a bee. I hope I'll be able to tank good enough for you guys.

That means I won't necessarily need a heavy armor (though the AC would probably be around the same anyway).

Planning to make a post or two this weekend. I feel like I am close to being able to make gameplay posts. Having slides set up was a bit of a hurdle. Now I feel like I need to review a chapter or two of the book.

The maps I'll be using are from a patreon I discovered. "DM Andy" is going through all of the maps from Curse of Strahd and creating good 2D maps that work for online work, whether it be Roll20 or my humble little google slides. It's just $3 a month. If we ever meet in person, one of you can buy me an ice-cold Pepsi! :)

Hope everyone has enjoyed their weekend.

Just a few odds and ends to bring up.

First, I have not seen any indication from Paizo support that I have inherited GM duties for this group yet. I'm not particularly concerned. If we don't see anything by the end of this week, I'll simply create another game.

Speaking of which, we are still on target for some new gameplay posts at the end of this week. I have a pretty good handle on what may happen immediately in this mysterious village you have stepped into.

Is there anything anyone needs? Any concerns you have thought of over the past few days? I think things are looking good. I have slides ready, and I have a plan for jumping off, so I feel pretty good. I'm also optimistic that this will be a lot of fun.

Sounds amazing! Thank you so much for adopting us, and all the work you've already put into our game. I'm excited to pick up again.

I'm camping this week from Wed-Mon, but after that will be ready to rock. Depending on signal, I may be able to squeak a phone post in from the campground.

Yay! All ready here, I think :)

I'm ready whenever :3

Hey hey! I'm officially the GM! Paizo made the change!

Hey hey! I'm officially the GM! Paizo made the change!

WOO HOO! You're official!!

I'm ready!

Posting in gameplay Sunday evening!

Awesome. As well, a spot opened up in a PF1e custom campaign and we are looking for a replacement if any want in.

Just added the slides button at the top. Sorry about forgetting that!

We'll be adding some things to the slides soon. If any of you are so inclined, go ahead and copy and paste your character's token to the "work space" slide.

The new slide 2 is the exterior of the Burgomaster's Mansion.

Edit to add: slide three and four and now interior maps of the mansion.

Thank you, Blaze, for reaching out to Redemption. I'm hopeful he returns.

Should he not, I we should consider opening recruitment. Of course we can put that decision off for at least a few more days.

We'll continue with your interactions in Ismark's home.

That Ireena...hubba hubba!

Yes...I am slowing the exposition down somewhat until we figure out if Redemption is coming back, or if we decide to recruit one or two more players.

On the whole, I am enjoying this. Thank you all for having me.

I suspect that things will move much more quickly once we have decided on the player situation.

Well that certainly helps us build up the anxiety of not knowing if he's gonna change to Crinos and eat us whole! XD

As for recruiting, that'll depend on what players we've got left and if we can cover all scenarios more or less properly. Having read the campaign book yourself, Quirk, what do you think?

If you think we need a healer I can easily adjust, could do that quickly since it's a build I've been working on before. As you wish.

My honest opinion is that we try to add at least one new player. Should we create a recruitment thread, it may behoove us to go ahead and take in two new players. That way if one someone leaves, we would still have five players.

I do think a cleric is a necessity in this adventure. It's not just about healing--I can load you all up with healing potions or other magic. There are also NPC's that can do some healing.

It's more about having a strong presence who can turn undead, buff all of you, and stare into the abyss without losing their mind! :)

Sometimes it's hard to find a cleric. I could bill the recruitment thread as us "looking for a STAR!"

Should we find two players, we could also lean heavily toward someone who can be sneaky.

What do you all think? Should I make a recruitment thread tomorrow night?

Sure, I'm open to new players, esp if our DM is recommending it. I wish I had somebody I could recommend to the game.

Advertise it as "Pinch Hitter Cleric need and others" XD

Sometimes it's hard to find a cleric.

Shall I change to cleric then?

GM Quirk wrote:

Sometimes it's hard to find a cleric.

Shall I change to cleric then?

No, no, not unless you feel like you would enjoy that. I LIKE what you have done with Sven.

My preference would be to see if we get someone excited about playing a cleric via recruitment.

On the other hand, of course I am happy to give you the OPTION of making the change, but only if you find yourself excited by that.

I don't mind, really. I like Sven, and since you said he's fine, I would keep on with him. Just if you can't find anyone, or if people are gonna feel shoehorned into a cleric, I just want to be known there's that option.

Typing up a recruitment thread now.

Of course I would enjoy all of your input should we get several submissions. It might be good to send your thoughts via PM, as sooner or later our potential new players will be reading these threads.

I will continue to add somethings to your role playing with Ismark and his mysterious sister over the next week, but feel free to slow down. We don't a new player to have to read too far back.

HERE is the new recruitment thread. All of you are encouraged to post on that thread and keep an eye on things. As I posted above, your input on any prospective player is valued.

This is your game, and I am privileged to be a part of it.

Thank you Quirk! You're really putting all your ketchup in the burger here!

(Yeah, I made up the saying. I'm hungry. Sue me! xD)

I like Belmont and Raz, though a Pally ain't a full sub for a CLeric.

I am keeping an eye on that thread. I think we could make any of the three work. I am hoping to get 2-3 more submissions before we make a choice. Anyone want to make a short post there about the game to give it a bump?

Also, while I have slowed down gameplay temporarily, I am hoping to make at least one more post over the next couple of nights. Just more exposition from Ismark and his sister.

I don't want to go too far, as I would like our new players to learn much of this at the same time you are.

I would advise everyone to take a look at the recruitment thread. There are four submissions, and all four are acceptable. I definitely have an opinion on two that I think fit best.

Please send me a PM with you ideas.

LINK TO RECRUITMENT THREAD.

I have extended an invitation to Shurq the cleric to join us. I'm hopeful he'll be along soon to introduce himself.

I am fairly certain which direction I want to go for the second character we'll be adding. Look for another post here soon, and then posts about how to integrate these characters into the game.

Hi guys,

It's Shurq's player!

Thanks for allowing me to join your game.

I see a couple of familiar faces here already! <waves>

About me.....I've been playing RPGs since the early 80s, and here on the Paizo boards for about 10 years. I live in Canada (EST) and work in IT from home. Married , 3 girls, 2 dogs and 2 cats.

I'll read up on the gameplay and get a profile made up.

Cheers
Al

The second player I have invited is Darrien, the ranger.

Hopefully he'll be along soon to introduce himself.

Welcome, Spaz!

@Everyone:
I'm on a holiday trip to Vienna until Sunday and thus my posting will suffer. Sorry all.

One of us, one of us.

Welcome

greetings and salutations!

Thanks for the chance to break the mist.

I've played TTRPGs for little over 10 years now, largely around pathfinder and Shadowrun, and collectively about 5 years on the boards. I work for UPS and have a dog (Malamute/husky mix for those who wish to know)

I live in the USA, EST time.

However, I'll be unable to post from later today to about Saturday/Sunday (24th/25th) due to a trip thats come up.

Greetings to all who have arrived! Carriage is leaving for Borovia the other day. You won't need sunscreen, just sedatives and antidepressants.

Greetings and welcome! Glad to have you both aboard. I'm looking forward to getting this game going in earnest!

Hey , It's Spazmodeus's cleric.

Apologies, was under the weather for a few days there.

Still have to do the fluff. GM Quirk, should I have Shurq hail from Faerun/Sword Coast?

Thanks

Alright, I'm back:

Wienerschnitzel: checked
Tafelspitz: checked
Apfelstrudel: checked
Sacher Torte: checked
Kaiserschmarrn: unchecked

So I still have homework for next time, but anyways...

It seems I arrived just in time! Welcome to all the new cannon fodder recruits!

Should be all good now.