GM Nightmare Knight's page

Also, while we have the site up for now, are we done with shopping? If not then let's try and finish that up.

Also, I'd like my current players to send me discord handles via PM in case the situation doesn't improve so we can stay in touch.

Everyone, in case the forum is dying or isn't fixed soon, please send me your discord handles via PM so we can stay in touch or come up with a backup plan.

Good idea, Jacques. Please PM me your discord handles in case the worst happens.

Due to the BS of the forums lately, I'm going to give Ramada a couple more days to post pending the state of the site.

I will ask my current players to keep tabs - as best as we can in these trying technological times - on the new recruits, as I will ask you to voice opinions in favor of or against any of them.

@Liliyashanina, as stated by the "lucky halfling", background skills and EitR are in use.

@pad300, I'd allow retraining.

The gold split is each btw

I am aware, lamentably. Unless you were warning your party members, in which case good reminder.

Is a Spiritualist capable of being used and utilized?

I will almost never say no to occult classes. Yes and yes, I'd say.

My first thought was Wizard but that seems like a waste of such good stats.

Play/submit what you want, but don't disrespect my wizards like that, lol

I should finish watching Dark.

No, that was a typo. I don't f#~~ with time travel.

MAY 28 not May 21!

Welcome to the Sleepless Building, the Thrushmoor office of the Sleepless Detective Agency. We are looking into the activities of one Count Haserton Lowls IV and four known associates of his. We suspect the Count of several conspiracies and need agent to get to the bottom of them. Four known associates of his have returned to Thrushmoor. Investigate them, join their group, and find out what they know and what Lowls has been up to. This is your assignment, should you chose to accept it:

-----

The survivors of Briarstone are looking for at least one more party member to replace the tiefling wizard. The party just made lvl 4 escaping Briarstone Asylum, and is composed of:

Enoch, the aasimar tortured crusader paladin
Ethyl, the half-elf vivisectionist alchemist
Iosif, the human musket master gunslinger/warpriest
and Nyarai, the sylph ashiftah/hedge witch

While new recruits will not be amnesiac, you may still take campaign traits and work them into your character. See the initial recruitment post for character creation with the following caveats:

Health is max at first, roll for level ups.
Use average wealth for level 3 PCs. The current party didn’t have a lot of loot in the asylum.
You aren’t in a fugue state or amnesiac, but you or a loved one were hurt by Count Lowls, you suspect him of some kind of conspiracy, or you are an agent of the Sleepless Detectives and investigating him is just another job. Think CotCT’s Lamm for inspiration.

I’ll be opening recruitment till May 21, announcing the chosen that day.

No offense meant to the Pallid Princess, I prefer her over the likes of Calistria. I had a moment where "Pharasmommy" popped into my head and I had to balance it out by doing something to Urgathoa's name too.

That'll get you a resell of 80% rather than 50% or 60%

NO Urgawhora and Pharasmommy are classic bitter exes. I'm running cosmic horror, not a soap opera; I'm not going to invite that kind of interparty drama in this adventure.

I'll open recruitment back up and we'll see who bites. Looking for at least one more, maybe two if we need/want more bases covered.

Jacques sees them first. A pair of large, clawed, eel-like fish swimming towards the foragers.

Initiative: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 121d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19
The order is the reefclaws, then those in the water.

One swims at Ramada, the other at Leralesti. The beast attacking Ramada finds the slippery doctor hard to get a hold of, while Leralesti is taken in both claws and grabbed by her assailant. Leralesti takes 4 points of damage and needs to make a DC 13 Fort save to avoid poison

Green Claws: 2d20 + 2 ⇒ (1, 10) + 2 = 131d4 ⇒ 11d4 ⇒ 2
Yellow Claws: 2d20 + 2 ⇒ (15, 16) + 2 = 331d4 ⇒ 11d4 ⇒ 3
Grapple: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16

Party's turn, the others on deck can attempt DC 20 Perception to see a fight breaking out in the reef, at least a full movement action to reach it

If none of them appeal, I'll just reopen recruitment, no worries on my end...

Got ninja'd by Paizo site maintenance.

I, as a GM, don't mind 4-6 players, so if the party wants more I'm cool with that. I don't really have anyone in mind - other than Corbin Leach and Voica - but if it were up to my preferences for party comp I'd cast a divine caster/healer and an occult class. Was real sad with Elyssa dropped out, the only occult submission sob.

Do any of you guys have votes from the list?

I'm sorry to see you go, Alvar. I hope things improve and you can return to gaming when you are ready.

@The Party, assuming we want to reopen recruitment do we want a full deck of six or are we cool with five? I think we can have new player(s) be introduced as investigators looking into Lowls, thus having a reason to be in the party while not being fugue states in the asylum.

The two women and two men descend into the calm waters, relieved from the sun and manual labor to marvel if only for a short while in the myriad sights of the coral reefs. The crabs pay you no more mind that the fish and small eels above them. Go ahead and make three of those four DC 10 Perception and Swims, followed by a general Perception check.

Jacquelyn, from her vantage point, laments being unable to join the foragers. However, her keen eyes are kept open and aware. Please make a Perception check as well.

FYI, it is a heavy flail, not a mace, not that I imagine it matters.

@Ethyl, the Thrushmoor marketplace stats are as follows: Base Value 2,000 gp; Purchase Limit 10,000 gp; Spellcasting 5th; Minor Items 3d4; Medium Items 2d4; Major Items 1d4

"The Silver Wagon should have at least have enough space for you." Trilliss comments. "It is on the other side of town, and the Sleepless Building would be on your way." She will give directions marked on the slides map of Thrushmoor.

@Jacquelyn, that would be a correct assumption. You were chosen for lookout duty.

I really hate to sell the adamantine mace though. It's the only means we have vs. certain things at this point. Can we get a better price with a Profession (Merchant) or Diplomacy check?

You can certainly try.

"I have no reason to doubt Sister Klaczka, she was chosen to accompany a Royal Accuser. Very well, I will try and rally aid to evacuate Briarstone, if things are that bad there, but I must warn you things are not well here, either.

Trilliss glances west, into Thrushmoor. "We find ourselves leaderless. The Count is not responding to pleas or questions, both Iris Hill and Fort Hailcourse are sealed off and refusing entry, and there are stranger things occurring here the last few days. Bringing in ... merciful Lady, that many patients?" An asylum staff member states that almost fifty patients need to be moved. "We must keep this controlled. I hope none of the violent patients are coming?" She relaxes when confirmed the worst ones are dead or thoroughly restrained.

"I will be busy trying to organize relief and find housing. Feel free to head into Thrushmoor and attend to your own needs."

The ninth day ends with the hobgoblin hobnobbing with the crew, making no enemies. Sandra makes a point to introduce herself, but let's the others do their own introductions. Day 10, being allowed rest, is a return to form, with Leralesti being assigned as a swab and joins Lily and Ramada scrubbing decks or running errands.

DAY 11
The Wormwood reaches the Slithering Coast, heading into shallow waters with tricky navigation. Harrigan himself tends to the helm, ignoring everyone else except to bark irritably at anyone - even officers - that get too close. Most of the sails are tied off, slowing the pace of the ship to accommodate the need for caution. Scourge sends Jacquelyn up to the crow's nest to watch and warn for reefs three DC 13 Perception checks.

Plugg descends into the galley carrying four buckets, tossing them at Jacques and Kroop's feet. "Here. Cap'n wants crab tonight. I want each of these filled by shift's end." He points at Jacques. "Take three other swimmers with ye and get it done." He then departs, stopping to speak quietly to Grok before returning to the cabin.

Looking out over the reefs, the waters are still DC 10 Swim check and clear up to 100 feet of visibility. Amid the reefs are plentiful colorful fish and an abundance of swarming crabs. Each bucket will carry about four crabs acquiring a crab will require a DC 10 Perception checks followed by a DC 10 Swim check.

GM Screen: 1d4 ⇒ 3

Leralesti, yes it would be "nighttime action" time, so if you want to attempt a quick "ingratiate yourself" Diplomacy or Intimidate roll you may. Otherwise I'll move us along.

With the third - highly coveted - site confirmed for the Vulture Court, they are free to spend the last few hours of daylight selling what they will before heading to the Tooth and Hookah for the reception.

"Besmara's favor be fickle, wench." Plugg sneered, standing up to his full height. Scourge slipped the confiscated dagger into his belt and glanced over his shoulder before whispering into Plugg's ear, earning him a box to his own. "I have not forgotten, Mister Scourge!"

Turning around to face the crew, he cleared his throat. "Alright, mateys! This here wrench claims to be Leralesti. Another lost soul on the Fever Sea. Since we lost our knife ear in the storm, Besmara's seen fit to replace him with this sorry excuse for a sailor. And just in time, as we need to show 'er what happens when ye don't pull yer weight on the Wormwood. And to show we don't discriminate here, either..."

He snaps his fingers and Scourge, Narwhal and Maheem head over to Jacquelyn. However, a sudden outcry from the crew stalls their advance. "Now hold on! She warned 'bout the storm! We're all tired! Gonna whip us all?" The voices outnumbered Plugg's cronies and he blanched.

A crack of thunder silenced all aboard. Eyes turned to Captain Harrigan as he stepped out onto the deck from his cabin, lowering a smoking pistol. "ENOUGH!" He looked around with a deep frown, taking in the scene. Upon seeing the hobgoblin, he strides and looks her over. Plugg whispers to him. "Fine. You work for me now. I hope that'll be clear as shoal waters." Harrigan then turns on his heel and leaves. Plugg's mouth works wordlessly as his authority walks away, finally snarling and stomping off. Scourge and his allies also vanish.

Feel free to mingle with the crew, Leralesti, including the other PCs. Otherwise we're moving along to main events rather than the day-to-day grind of tasks.

GM check-in, how are we doing?

Marwanun leads the Court into the Grand Mausoleum and to the infamous vase holding the locations of sites to explore. Two Voices and a scribe stand by as Marwanun reaches inside and dramatically feels around for a tile. Withdrawing it she takes a look, her smile waning a tad.

"Ah. Looks like we have the Sanctum of the Erudite Eye." She hands off the tile to the scribe, who nods knowingly and makes a note on a papyrus. "This one we've not heard the end of. A temple to Nethys abandoned due to the Plague of Madness. We don't have any more reliable information about the temple, so as always any information you can bring back is welcome."

Picking Leralesti, the hobgoblin kineticist. Do welcome her aboard as Plugg and Scourge will not be kind hosts.

As the crew stumbles through tasks, often nodding off mid scrub or knot, an alarm rouses them to sluggish action. "MAN OVERBOARD!"

In the now still waters, amid the wreckage of a small, ruined vessel, a gray figure is seen bobbing in the surf, clinging to debris. A rope is tossed and a sopping hobgoblin is hauled aboard. Plugg and Scourge arrive and postpone punishment, waiting for Ramada to make an assessment.

Scourge snatches the hobgoblin's dagger as she comes to, and Plugg leans down in her face. "Ye look more waterlogged than an eel. Who are ye?"

This was not an easy choice. However, I must choose one and I choose Leralesti Murellin. Thank you all for your time and concepts and I wish you best of luck in gaming and life.

"Very good." Akina's former handler bowed to the Garundi woman before departing, returning with an a writ that he handed to Marwanun. "If you will all excuse me, I must return to my original, mundane duties."

"Fortunately, we aren't as banal as the Abadarans when it comes to these kinds of things." The Court's handler chuckled. "Whichever gods watch over you, may they continue to do so, friends. Welcome to the Vulture Court, Akina of the Burning Sands. Would you all like to draw another location or would you like to wait to tomorrow?"

While Luke is no longer with the Court, you may recall a party of sorts being hosted at the Tooth and Hookah, the establishment you are staying at for a discounted rate. Those groups remaining were to gather and celebrate both good and ill fortunes.

"I see." Trilliss frowned. "Of course, we will offer whatever aid we can."

The patients are unloaded and the orderlies request aid in sending more boats to Briarstone to evacuate the island. Trilliss herself looks over the five of you to ensure you aren't suffering physical or mental aliments that should be addressed. She continues to ask questions, confused as to this situation.

"I believe such an earthquake would have been felt here in Thrushmoor if Briarstone were deemed unsafe to remain. Again, Sister Klaczka only left yesterday morning. Have you no more information? And what of Klaczka, is she safe?"

You don't have to actually write out your info dump, just stating you fill her in is sufficient ... or don't and say you lie/withhold info. Don't want to bog y'all down.

I don't have a strong opinion on who to select. If I had a lot of experience with the players I might but I don't in reality.

No one who has been voted upon thus far has received more than 1 vote. It's a real "Each pirate only votes for himself" moment right now.

I have two of you voting on replacements. Anyone else? Two more days left.

Returning to the Grand Mausoleum, the Court finds a large crowd starting to disperse, priests of Pharasma kindly but firmly sending the masses home. Marwanun is seen among these mediators, and she gives a weary grin as you approach.

"Welcome back, friends. The Lady, you look like you've had a day of your own. Another site checked off the list, at least?"

She'll take any notes and sketches traded for the 10% discount of healing services and items. Seeing Luke absent and Akina in his place, she will depart and return with the male priest who was the Sisters' handler.

"I'm sorry for your loss, Akina." He will place a comforting hand on Akina's shoulder. "Such dangers are to be expected. May the Lady of Graves judge them fairly. I could not in good conscience allow you to continue the Lottery alone, and Marwanun tells me the Vulture Court is missing a member of their own. I am willing to be witness to a merger of the Sisters of the Sand and the Vulture Court, if that is your wish."

Marwanun nods. "I'd hate for two parties to suffer. Perhaps it is the Lady's will the survivors band together?"

@Alvar, it would be like one spellbook into another, no worries.

Princess Bride AND Independence Day? Bruh

Are we allowd to take a drawback for an additional trait?

Yes, yes you are.

Stretchers and what remains of the faculty help bring the most in need outside. A wagon is pulled up to the entrance, pulled by the four strongest aids. The creaking of the wheels sends familiar shivers down the party's spines, and a flash of being brought here dances across their sight:

A man - Barnellus - bowed his head to a hooded, fur-cloaked man. "Losandro has briefed me on the situation. As per your agreement, we will receive your associates."

"Good." The hooded man's face is now visible, wearing darkly tinted spectacles and his black and gray-striped beard spilling neatly from the hood. "I'm glad Losandro and I could reach an ... understanding. I do hope this will satisfy Losandro."

Barnellus runs his hands over the cover of The Chain of Nights as a smile grows on his lips. "If this book does all you've claimed, then it will."

Frustration, anger, betrayal, mayhaps even a murderous intent or two simmer as you make your way down the path to the boathouse. A wide, half-covered ferry sat within, large enough to take the half-dozen critical patients, the five of you, and the two orderlies. Boarding, Enoch and Iosif and a tag-teaming orderly raise the single sail and begin the fortunately smooth few hour trip towards Thrushmoor.

The boat set off about late morning, sailing a total of three hours down the Danver and along the shore of Lake Encarthan. The town of Thrushmoor is first encountered by a gallows on a small islet. The sturdy wooden scaffolding is balanced with a tight metal cage with a few days old cadaver stuffed inside. A murder of crows pick at the mildew-riddled corpse, cawing as the barge nears their feast.

A few other fishing boats hail you as you slip into the docks of Thrushmoor, directing you to New Chapel another 1200 ft east along the town's coastline. The rumor mill must have heralded you, as a severe looking woman and a handful of aides await your arrival on the shore and help unload the patients and wounded.

"I am Priestess Trilliss Mavaine," the woman introduces herself. "Are you from Briarstone? I must ask what has happened, since Winter's party left but yesterday."

Only a week, closing May 14th at the latest. I'd like opinions/votes after the weekend.

Dot. I've recently come. Back to tbe boards after having to step away, and this seems a good place to settle into. I'll have a think and return with a something something.

Welcome back.

Greetings, I'm working on my aasimar investigator. He's going to be a real fish-outta-water kind of guy, and I'm not sure what Campaign Trait to take. What suggestions do you have?

Depends on the flavor/build of this investigator.

Is he/she a knowledge buff? Perhaps Ancient Explorer.
Good with people skills? Barroom Talespinner.
Scrappy in a fight? Dockside Brawler.
Rooting out corruption? Ilizmagorti Native.
More support/extract based? Ship's Surgeon.

Or is the focus aasimar? Besmara's Blessing, a celestial-blooded agent of a chaotic goddess born for such a time as this.

@Akina, welcome to the Court, have a tomato to the face, lol.

Returning from whence they came, the Court and their plus one retrace their steps from the Hill to the necropolis gates. Today, a greater crowd, dozens strong, has assembled, held back by the Voices of the Spire now joined by a detachment of the city's watch.

As the party passes through the gates, a furious chorus of insults and jeers greet them. "Thieves! Vandals! Defilers! Heretics! Traitors!" Watians - priests, farmers, merchants, beggers - accuse the "adventurers" of crimes against the gods, specifically the Old Gods.

GM Screen: 1d6 ⇒ 1 oof

A piece of rotten fruit is hurled from the crowd, striking and smearing across Akina's face. Two Voices jump the assailant, but the deed is done and it encourages more insults to be thrown the party's way. The city watch and the rest of the Voices move against the crowd, intent on dispersing them before anything else happens to the sanctioned explorers.

As the Voices bind the fruit thrower's hands, you recognize him as the one from yesterday after returning from Akhentepi's tomb. However, yesterday he only had his handful of fellow drunkards. Some of you were aware of the tense relations between the devotees of the Ancient Osiriani Pantheon and the ruling gods of Pharasma, Nethys, and Abadar. However, things appear to be escalating.

"The Old Gods will rise again!" The assailant barks as he's dragged away. "They will bury you for your crimes! The Old Ones will bury you!"

I'd like my crew to have a vote/opinion on who who'd like to come aboard. Please keep an eye on the new potential recruits and speak up if you think one or two catch your eye.

As the GameMaster, I do try to be mindful to have my party's bases covered, but I also want my players to play a concept they enjoy and will for the duration of the AP. Please submit what you'd want to play, I'll worry about balancing.