Turn 063 is up.
Read the OOC.
Questions, comments, and/or suggestions?
Game on!
PS: let's suspend the Wound Threshold Rule for now until we discuss it further. I think it may be too brutal for the way the encounters are 'balanced'. However, I like the concept. How about if once you are below 50% hitpoints, you get a -1 penalty on 'stuff'?
, hit
, hit but deflected
, miss
One of her claws glowed with arcane energy; she yelled at Eirik, “Get away from him! I swear if you killed him I will burn you all!”
Eirik hid his surprise as a flying foe landed before him. He took note of the mystic glow bleeding from her clawed hands. He had heard a whoosh of flames when he charged ahead, and the warpriest’s voice raised in pain. Though he had not had the moment to spare turning around to see what had befallen.
”I rarely strike to slay, unlike some,” Eirik grunted, shrugging his injured shoulder slightly to draw attention to the bolt sticking out of his flesh. ”He still breathes.” His gaze flickered from the winged woman to the two archers on the roof, his hands weaving the air before him, ready to bat aside further bolts aimed at him. Now that he saw the thieflings, he felt reasonable confident he could keep himself from developing yet more holes. But a spellcaster… that could be nasty. Though he did sense the bared emotion in her voice. She did seem to truly care for the well-being of the archers... perhaps there could be some negotiated settlement available after all.
”Perhaps if all of you who have weapons would consider lowering them for a moment, and we could *all* go about breathing for a while longer?” Eirik said aloud, his eyes fixed on the winged spellcaster for a moment, trying to gauge her willingness for a temporary truce.
But now you have company. :)
Seriously though, I think the encounter turned out to be way more difficult than I anticipated and it's got to do with all the missed perception rolls. Being caught flatfooted and losing initiative is no fun, even though I eased up on the sneak damage that these rogues would do.
Have no fear, it's too early in the game for me to kill anyone. Unless someone wants to introduce another character...
Game on!
With her hand still raised and dripping with arcane energy, she barked orders, "Do not tell me what to do. I give the orders here."
She then turned to one of tieflings, "Tibeau, go see to Janus."
The rogue slowly neared his downed comrade, made sure he was indeed Ok and told his boss so.
At that time Tillia appeared next to Rowan. The tiefling next to them came down to the roof and pointed his loaded crossbow at her face, "No, no pretty girl. Step away from her."
The plumed humanoid, "So you come to my turf, at night, with violent intent. Tell me now, why should not kill all of you and take your stuff?"
”I believe you shall find one of us struck with deadly intent, and that wasn’t us. Some of us have yet to do so,” Eirik said, feeling a surge of nostalgia at the verbal sparring. Granted, the surroundings were far from grand halls of High Court, and this time it might be their lives at stake, not his client’s.
”We bear greetings to you from our masters, the Silver Ravens,” he went on, giving the woman a half-bow.
Yes, both Caleb and Rowan are stable (at 0 hit points) and able to speak.
I'm still listening to pros and cons about the wound threshold rules..
Game on!
"Came... to offer you... a job..." gasped out Caleb.
Conversely at 20th level, -3 CL is nothing.
Better would be to affect the to-hit (done through 'attack roll') and save.
I think maybe wound penalties need to move around with the level.
That's not a bad idea actually. Something like... if under 50% of hit points then you get a '1/4 level' penalty rounded down. So from 1st to 4th level, the penalty is -1; from 5th to 8th level, the penalty is -2, etc.
I'll wait for one more IC post before replying.
Questions?
Game on!
Seeing that Rowan was alright for the moment Tillia carefully put the battle away and slid back from the priestess. She listened to the winged woman's words and her friends replies before she spoke up, "They're right, we did come to speak with you and while deadly intent was not the preferred option it was a possibility. Still we did not attack first and with good reason. We've heard of the troubles you've been causing the people of this city, the muggings, robberies, you've incited terror in a populace who already have enough to fear from Thrune. We came in the hopes of finding a way to work together as representatives of the Silver Ravens. Our organization has been striking back at the agents of that maniac Barzilai and has been trying to build up a resistance. We know that your actions have been ignored by the dottari and we were tasked with finding out why and trying to convince you to join the cause. Even if they don't come for you today, they will eventually. You have a much better chance of surviving this mess with us than against us."
Seeing that Rowan was alright for the moment Tillia carefully put the battle away and slid back from the priestess. She listened to the winged woman's words and her friends replies before she spoke up, "They're right, we did come to speak with you and while deadly intent was not the preferred option it was a possibility. Still we did not attack first and with good reason. We've heard of the troubles you've been causing the people of this city, the muggings, robberies, you've incited terror in a populace who already have enough to fear from Thrune. We came in the hopes of finding a way to work together as representatives of the Silver Ravens. Our organization has been striking back at the agents of that maniac Barzilai and has been trying to build up a resistance. We know that your actions have been ignored by the dottari and we were tasked with finding out why and trying to convince you to join the cause. Even if they don't come for you today, they will eventually. You have a much better chance of surviving this mess with us than against us."
The strix laughed and it reverberated throughout the roofs of both buildings. "Hah, some organization you belong to. It clearly is in need of better operatives."
Her claw still glowed, "I'm not impressed by you or your Silver Ravens. We are doing just fine by ourselves, staying low enough under the dottari's care but making ourselves rich in the meantime."
The tiefling rogue previously hurt coughed up some blood but seemed to be recovering.
The strix seemed relieved, "You're lucky he lives."
She pondered the situation and added, "Here's what we are going to do. You will relinquish all weapons and valuables and I will let you go back so you can inform your Silver Ravens that the Red Jills are not impressed. From now on, you stay away from this area."
Her clawed feet scraped the roof as she neared her tiefling lover, "Refuse and I will send your bosses your heads!"
Tillia considered the offer and said, "Had you not attacked us he wouldn't have been injured, the harm your people took lies on you. I'll give you my weapons, the scrolls I carry, and the three healing potions I have on me, those should be sufficient to heal your wounded. Should you kill us it doesn't end well for you as it makes you a rather large target for the Ravens to take out as a warning to others who would try such a thing." Tillia began to withdraw the items she stated carefully as she approached the strix woman slowly and with caution, "As for staying away, fine, but it's mutual, and don't come begging for help when the dottari finally come for you. We've tried to reach out and it is obvious you don't care for your own long term survival," she looked at the tieflings gathered around as she finished, "for that I'm truly sorry." She held out the items and waited for the deathblow she felt sure was coming her way.
Caleb shook his head, wincing at the pain "You've made three mistakes there. First - we're offering you three gold to just change a few of your targets to people with more money anyway. Second, you're assuming THRUNE aren't going to come down on you - and this plan only narrowly beat out "attack THRUNE dressed as the Red Jills". Lastly, you're assuming we're the combat operatives. You've seen us - rag tag, obvious, but very pretty. We're not the fighters." the light above Caleb's head suddenly sprouted a crossbow bolt "We're the mother----ing decoys."
Caleb coughed wetly as a two inch thick worm wriggled a yard of body out of his neck "Three and a half." he offered.
OOC
It is late here so I am reading in bed but I will not post until tomorrow. However, you cannot call in the backups since none were set up. I am trying to make this work somehow for you guys but don't push me into a corner.
Caleb,since there is no backup, please review your actions.
Rowan?
Eirik?
Eirik kept his distance to the enemy leader and frowned under his silver veil. His companions were giving ground fast. Too fast to his liking – he couldn’t think but a thief would keep asking for more if one simply caved in to their every demand. But adding one more voice into the negotiations would serve no purpose save to shatter the image of their unity of purpose. Not that losing material goods to secure safe retreat would be a great loss in his mind – for him, the deal would mean losing out on two kukris he used for distraction rather than weapons.
While the others haggled the monk kept staring the winged woman in the eye, gauging her as best he could. Was she as sure of her position as she appeared? Did she felt no remorse or regret when threatening them with execution? She did seem to care for her own men, at least, but was that the limit her heart was able to encompass?
See, that's the way to turn this 'unfortunate event' into something good. Now you are wanting to get back at the red Jills!
I'm fine with this. Remember that 'I'm slow' so make sure you spell out things very clearly for me. :)
Turn 064 is up!
Read the OOC (merry Christmas) :)
Questions, comments, and/or suggestions?
Game on!
CHARACTER ADVANCEMENT
Please provide the new additions in a format similar to the one below:
+1 Dex (4th Level)
+6 HP (class)
+1 HP (constitution)
+1 HP (Toughness)
+1 Bab
+1 Fort
+1 Will
+1 Ref (From Stat Increase)
+1 Divine 2nd level Spell/Day (cleric Spell List) CL 4
+3 Skill Points (2 Class,+1 Human)
+1 Intimidate
+1 Perception (1 skill rank)
+1 Climb (1 skill rank)
+2 Stealth (1 skill rank, +1 Dex increase)
+1 to Acrobatics, Ride, Escape artist (+1 Dex increase)
Sacred Weapon (enhance weapon 4 rounds per day)
Channel energy
Favored class bonus (3/6 of a new feat)
So did they take our bags/pouches/etc? Or just weapons/magic items?
Good thing I don't carry my spellbook or money on these trips.
So did they take our bags/pouches/etc? Or just weapons/magic items?
Good thing I don't carry my spellbook or money on these trips.
Yes, they took all your valuables on your person, including weapons and magic items. Your spellbook was back at the coffeehouse so it's still there.
More questions?
Game on!
Can't recall, were we doing half+1 hit points per level?
I went with half+1 for the hit point roll unless told otherwise and this is what I'm looking at for my level up.
If crafting is something you'd rather us avoid then I'll change that feet. I also spotted that I miscalculated my diplomacy bonus though I'm not entirely sure how.
+4 HP (class)
+2 HP (constitution)
+1 HP (Toughness)
+1 Fort
+1 Ref
+4 Arcane 2nd level Spell/Day (Wizard Spell List) CL 3 (+1 for level, +1 for stat mod, +2 school spells)
+8 Skill Points (2 Class, +3 int, +2 background, +1 favored class)
+12 Diplomacy (1 skill rank)
+9 Knowledge (arcana) (+1 skill rank)
+7 Knowledge (planes) (+1 skill rank)
+7 Knowledge (nobility) (+1 skill rank) (bs)
+7 Knowledge (engineering) (+1 skill rank)
+8 Linguistics (Strix) +(1 skill rank)
+9 Spellcraft (+1 skill rank)
+6 use magic device (+1 skill rank)
Feat (3rd level) craft wondrous item
New Spells:
Unnatural Lust
Glitterdust
Missing favored class bonus from the first two levels so I'll add them as skill points if acceptable.
Can't recall, were we doing half+1 hit points per level?
Yes that is correct.
Lol, I updated that post right after you posted it seems.
Rowan was still in a lot of pain but maybe she could help smooth things over - even though Tillia was doing a good job. "Janus is still hurt. Let me help him."
Tag winged lady
+6 HP (class)
+2 HP (constitution)
+1 Bab
+1 Will
+6 Skill Points (4 Class, +1 Human, +1 Int)
+1 Acrobatics, Climb, Knowledge (History), Perception, Sense Motive, Stealth
Bleeding Attack feat
Fast Movement (+10 ft), Ki pool 4,5 (+2 Wis, +1 Trait), Ki Strike (Magic)
”Let me be the first one to say it; that could have gone better,” Eirik signed, taking a sip of hot tea. ”Their ambush was expertly executed, though – I wonder what they would have had in store for us had we opted to assault through the orphanage. But at least we learned some things.”
The monk leaned forward, nodding his thanks to the overworked priestess who had once again patched up their wounds. ”It is unlikely the Jills are in Dottari pockets; instead, I am now convinced they are simply protecting themselves by avoiding poking the hound that might bite back. And secondly, their leader is a force to be reckoned with. But there are some thing we might take to, if not turn this into a victory, at least mitigate our losses.”
”We know their preferred weapon,” Eirik mused, fingering the bolt that had been dug out of his own flesh. ”I suggest we instruct our teams to begin a campaign against the Dottari by crossbow hit and run attacks during hours of darkness. We take it slow, and avoid doing the deeds in the Temple district their call home. Instead, we strike in the neighboring districts, and to wound and scare, not to kill. Two people armed with crossbows, ambushing patrols. They both shoot once, then immediately break and get away while the Dottari are still in shock. We do this twice in one night, then let three pass by without incident.”
”A few days later, we start a rumor, in the furthest corners of the city from the Temple district so it has got time to take root before the Jills are likely to hear it repeated near their haunts. Rumor that the Jills are behind the attacks. That they too have had enough of the Thrunite reign. The Dottari, finding crossbow bolts the like which have no doubt been found in some Jill crime scenes of old – and we can make sure that people believe that is the case, if there is not proof in truth – and hearing the word on the street confirming the theory, should at least take the possibility of a gang targeting their personnel and property seriously. That should divert some of the government’s attention from us and people we would protect, and possibly weaken the Jills enough that we might take them out later, or perhaps force them to seek our help against a now common foe.”
”Your thoughts, please? I know I am much better at planning things on paper than executing cunning plans, but I think something like this would have merit.”
I have no desire to hurry you guys up on planning or anything else. But a PBP is all about momentum.
What I don't want to see is something like the following:
----------
Day 1:
Eirik proposed a plan.
Rowan agrees.
Day 2:
Caleb and Tillia disagree.
Day 3:
Vandomir proposes a modified plan.
------------
Stuff like the above will kill a PBP and, as silly as it sounds, I have had the unfortunate experience of playing in games like that (not for long).
What I do want is active posting from everyone; all of the above posts to occur in 1 day.
I think that as long as I get at least one post from everyone in 24 hours, the game will be fine. We are lucky enough to have people in different time zones so that helps as well.
And remember that your posts have to 'move the game forward' and/or 'involve other PCs/NPCs', preferably both.
Thoughts?
Game on!
Yeah, I've seen planning kill PbPs before.
Not sure why it happens, but it does lead to a lot of 'scream and jump'.
Caleb Cage
3rd level
+0 BAB
+0 CMB
+0 CMD
+1 Fort
+1 Ref
+0 Will
+4 HP (1d6)
+1 HP (+1 con)
+1 HP (+1 favoured class)
+5 Skill ranks: stealth, perception x3, lore:callistria x1 (+2 class +2 int +1 unchained) +2 Spells Known: Coin Shot and Heightened Awareness (+1 Mind Thrust I becomes tattooed spell). Coin Shot is because of the spell he improvised facing the Lemures.
+1 1st level spell/day
+Mental Resistance: +2 untyped on saves against mind-affecting effects (psychic bloodline)
+Intensified Spell (3rd level feat)
Caleb's precautions against tracking on the way back pass simply paranoid and reach into delusional madness.
"Hang on. It sucks that we were beaten - but they dealt well by us. Revenge aside, we agreed to a truce. I mean, it seems wrong to go breaking that on purpose. I was willing to get them killed when I thought they were allied with THRUNE, but they're obviously independents - and loyal to their friends. I'm not convinced we can't become those friends. Shouldn't we be concentrating on the actual enemy?"
"Actually, I believe we agreed to take their kind offer to our masters, being only lowly minions ourselves, nothing more," Eirik pointed out. "And if we can't become allies, why not try to use them as a diversion for the Dottari, if we can?"
"Besides, bear in mind that we sought to bring down the gang for a reason - they are hurting the citizens with their attacks. Anything we can do to stop or limit their actions - whether we could encourage the Dottari to target them, or force them to limit their criminal ventures in the fear they might - is time well spent.
As they began to discuss the issues of the Red Jills, Tillia's look became rather vicious as she said, "I think using the Dotari and Jills should be set against each other. Having seen the Jill's up close I cam create an illusion of them, and especially their leader. If we stage an attack on a few Dotarri at night I can have the illusion in place. We act as though they've begun to drive the Jill's off we can lure them to where they see the illusion of the Jill's leader flying away to safety. If we stage a few of these we could set the Dottari after them."
Eirik nodded his head at Tillia's suggestion. "Illusions would be very helpful, but I think subtlety should not be ignored. We have time to work this out, increase the pressure slowly. I'd start the random attacks first, then spread the rumor, and once at least some people are already willing to believe, add the illusions."
Sorry for ignoring you but I haven't gotten around to the level stuff yet. But yes, that should be fine.
I'll try and wrap this up in the next 24-36 hours so we can move this forward. At least run a week of the Raven's stuff to see where that goes even if you guys continue 'planning' about the Red Jills. I'll also provide another hook to move this along.
I'll also start looking at level up stuff and we'll catch up as necessary because not everyone has their stuff in.
Questions?
Merry Christmas!
Game on!
"I don't know. It sounds a lot like snitching. I mean, if they were in league with THRUNE and we were turning their toadies on each other, that'd be one thing... but these are just honest criminals."
We are using scalable items 'light' meaning no real method, but I am OK with previously held items to 'go up in level' so that we don't have to get new items or end up throwing away magical items.
I would think it would be OK to send letters to the Red Jills. I would also expect the Jills to be extra careful for the next couple of days but I think they'll trust the 'underworld pact' they made.
What is 'buying Lore'?
Questions?
Game on!
We also have the fact I can begin making things for us to use as well.