Seems like the GM ghosted on us.
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Glad you had a safe trip. I hope everyone's doing okay, everything considered.
Nope. :(
I wonder what a PF1e or D&D5e based game would be like if instead of adding a bunch of feats, traits, spells, and archetypes it instead introduced different systems, something like what GURPS does with its different magic and power systems or what the Spheres line does for PF1e/D&D5e. The Words of Power system in ultimate magic is the exact kind of thing that I'm talking about in this case. It gives characters options while leaving room for the GM to explore. It also seems like it'd be easier to balance a system than it would be to balance a whole slew of options, ironically enough.
Always is. Take whatever time you need. Trust me, I understand what it's like to lose a loved one to that kind of battle. I'll pray for him and his family, along with you and yours.
And that's why it's a convenient way to get rid of trouble. We probably won't be coming back.
I got started in Pathfinder 1e about 12 years ago now, so I never played the older editions of the game. I have played 5e before, and it can be deadly depending on how you structure the encounters. Generally the side with more actions wins in that game. In Pathfinder, the same encounter isn't as deadly, though it largely depends on luck at lower levels. I like 5e because it does a lot to simplify character creation and gives some more flexibility in the classes, admittedly while making them feel less distinct. Personally, I would love to see a classless version of Pathfinder or D&D where you have a number of abilities that your character can have and you build a character by picking out a few abilities instead of having everything decided when you pick a class. Archetypes are pretty close to that already. If I had to pick out my biggest gripe about PF1e and D&D5e, I'd have to say that as the systems gain more options it feels like rules are stifling creativity at the table. When you have a feat for just about anything you could want to do, it makes it harder to be creative with what you have. Want to do X? Sorry, there's a feat for that, and you don't have it. It's not as bad in 5e from what I can tell, but it's definitely an issue with Pathfinder. I think that's why I'm drawn to simpler systems. You have more freedom to come up with creative solutions and do crazy stunts without the rules getting in the way. I realize that GM fiat is a thing, but not every GM is going to be comfortable with exercising that authority and overriding the rules. When rules get really complex and specific, it's easy to fall into the trap of assuming that if a character doesn't have a feat or ability that explicitly allows an action, then that character can't do that action. When you have so many, it makes it almost impossible to keep track of everything. I think that's part of the charm of OSR and rules-light systems. They strip away the cruft and let players and GMs have some freedom to be creative within the rules. Anyway, that's my two cents. Sorry if it came off as a rant. (Which to be be totally fair, it kinda is.)
Yeah, that tracks. :D
If Studley's Spongebob, then who's Squidward and who's Patrick?
Gwyn listens intently, and as she does, she feels the bottom of her stomach sinking past the floor. Specially chosen she can believe, but she doubts its for any skill they may have. Sounds more like a convenient way to get rid of a bunch of potential trouble.
Wait, we're doin' introductions and what we do? Oooooh boy. "I'm, uh, Gwyn. I'm... a... a scout."
Welp, the priestess ain't spooky. Nope, not one bit. She's gonna give me nightmares, ain't she?
Oh, that explains a lot, Gwyn thinks as she hears Baazil mention his vocation. Mages always seemed to have an overinflated opinion of themselves. "Um, G-geoffery, right," she asks the bald guard once she has herself back under control. "What is it ya need us for?"
Hearing Chipluck, Gwyn quickly turns away and puts her hand over her mouth. From the halfling's point of view, it looks as if the elf is trying to stifle a cough or a sneeze. What Gwyn is actually doing is trying to keep from bursting out in laughter. Re-spectacles! I have to remember that one.
Gwyn looks around as she's called out, not quite believing that they wanted her until the guard shouts that yes, he meant her. Not one to make an enemy needlessly, she decides that it's better to obey for the moment than to try slinking off somewhere. Seeing the bald, portly guard, she wonders if they were picked less for some apparent skill and more because they seemed to be a bunch of misfits. When she sees Sandikar, she moves to the other side of the group, lest he try offering his godsawful holy drink again. She doubted a second reckless halfling would run a donkey into the wall to save her this time. Speaking of, she looks to where the hafling had made her entrance, and smiles as she sees a kindly ranger helping her move towards the group. Perhaps being out here in the wilds wouldn't be so bad if most people were like him.
Oh thank the gods! I'm saved! Gwyn wastes no time excusing herself to go see what is causing all the ruckus.
Holy drink? Oooooooh no. Gwyn swallows the bile rising in her throat and puts on a smile as she lowers her hand. "Sorry, Sandikar," she apologizes, "You know how cranky I get when I don't have a full day's sleep. Besides, I am, uh, forbidden by the, dammit, wasstheword? Ten-yeah! tenets of my faith to drink 'til at least four hours of waking up." Yeah, that's how you use them big words, right? That sounds all priest-y and pious-y.
It's all Gwyn can do to keep from gagging as the smell assaults her nose. "Gah! That's where that godsforsaken smell came from," she says, her voice muffled by the hand covering her nose. Now wide awake, she gives Sandikar a glare that should, by rights, immolate him on the spot.
Feck it - just going with the Penitent-Sister Oh this will be fun! I don't think I've seen you play a "burn the heretics" type. (Unless I've totally missed on her personality. It just seemed that way to me from what you said.)
And not again, but "...was still." Slight relapse, but in a better place now. Sounds like one persistent bug. Glad you're feeling better now.
Gwyn stirred from where she'd curled up in the back of one of the wagons. She'd offered to help keep watch through the night on the way here. In exchange, she was allowed to sleep in the back of one of the wagons during the day. "We're here," one of the other caravanners called out as he slapped the side of the wagon. Gwyn yawned as she climbed out from between a sack of potatoes and a stack of blankets. Her pack feels heavy on her back while her purse feels far too light for comfort with only four coins in it. She waits patiently for her turn to enter the keep, still half-asleep and her appearance disheveled with sleep-tousled hair and bleary eyes.
The request has to be repeated again before Gwyn answers with more than a inquisitive hum. "Gwynethiel. Most call me Gwyn. I'm *yawn* lookin' for work," she answers after getting roused from her half-sleep.
Yeah, he said he'd get the game started this past weekend. I'm hoping he didn't get sick again.
So are we starting a betting pool on how long before Chipluck burns down the first tavern? ;)
Got my start back in 2011, so sadly no. @Black Dow: You know me, I'm probably going to like whatever character you wind up playing. Sounds like this one will be a fun one.
Yep. I think I'm ready to go. Crunch is done and background is in place.
That "habitual arsonist" in your stats line has me worried.
Given that this is old school D&D, what's everyone's backup character?
oof. Get well soon! Being sick ain't fun. :(
...a 3hp character :D Yes! I'm not the squishiest character! :D
I'm ready to go whenever. Fair warning, Gwyn's background is probably to get expanded a lot during gameplay. It always happens with me. Just let me know if I go too overboard.
@Baazil: Thanks for indulging my nosi-er, I mean- curiosity. He's going to be fun to interact with. Ironically @ CHA 12 - the old goat Baazil is our party face :) Now that is terrifying. Gwyn certainly isn't face material, though she is a pretty elf. I can see some poor sap walking up to her and Baazil stepping in.
So, what's Baazil's story? There's gotta be one for him to be called "the crotchety." *Pokes repeatedly like a little kid wanting to hear a bedtime story.*
Yoes! glad to be starting! I've dotted the gameplay thread, and I'm ready to rock.
She is terrifying....I would probably think twice before asking for any healing from her...lol, but seriously...!! Only twice? :P Gwyn's certainly going to be cautious around the good sister.
@Black Dow: My friend, you have opened my eyes to how close Kuthites and Ilmateri are with that avatar. I really wish you hadn't.
Nice thing about doing a rogue is you really don't have to worry about that kind of thing. Now I'm wondering if your character is going to be like the friars from the third Drizzt book, Sojourn. That could be interesting.
@Black Dow: Are you doing a cleric of Ilmater? That should be interesting.
Alrighty. I think I'm good to go.
Here's Gwyn complete with backstory. Completely forgot that we had to pick a skill specialization. I picked Wisdom, since that makes the most sense. I also wrote up a short background for Gwyn. (Well, it's short for me, anyway.) Gave the GM a hook for trouble on down the line.
Hey, I'm just happy that it's not worse. Here's hoping things go well with your surgery.
Gwyn gives Helena a sorrowful look as she slowly puts the wand away. "Don't tell her that!" Fluff squeaks, "She'll roast me for sure!" "Too bad this isn't a tavern or I really would," Gwyn mutters as she turns to enter the nettle hedge.
"Okay, sounds like we should be okay as long as we don't go for a dip. As for the brambles," Gwyn grins wickedly as she whips out a wand that has Fluff's eyes bugging out in fear, "burning them is always an option!"
Gwyn waits for Cerinnibert to come back with the all clear for all of five seconds before turning to the mouthy thrush that's her familiar. "Fluff, do you think you could fly around and see if any goblins have set up shop again in the fort," she asks. "And face horrible, arrow-y death? No thanks!" "Please?" "Nope! Not doing it." "Not even if I promise you your pick of a pastry when we get back?" "If you think that'll get me to do it, why don't you go risk you sweet little elf-buns yourself! I've seen what these goblins do to birds. It ain't pretty!" "Okay, I tried doing it the nice way," Gwyn says before turning to Orik. "Hey, would you like try some roasted thrush? I'm sure it'd make for a tasty snack!" "Alright! Alright! I'm goin'! I'm goin' already!" Soon the grumbling thrush is out of sight and earshot as she flits over the brambles. "I shoulda listened to my master and gone with something that couldn't talk,"
"Sold," Gwyn laughs before pulling out her purse and handing her bow over to Savah.
"Why thank you Kyrian. Now that you have taken care of the arrows I can take care of my bow, mainly by getting a better one," Gwyn says with a curtsey and a wink. She turns to Savah and pulls out the bow she'd been using. "You wouldn't happen to have anything better than this, would you? It's good enough, but it's not the finest bow ever made."
Gwyn, her argument with Fluff temporarily forgotten, begins examining the shield with child-like wonder. Her delicate fingers trace the outlines of the scales as they drink in the texture. "It is beautiful," she mutters, so softly that she isn't even away that she's spoken aloud.
"Or it could be Gwyn's new hat," Fluff chortles. Which sounds quite odd coming from a thrush. Gwyn just narrows her eyes at the bird and prods her in the breastbone. "I still haven't forgiven you for what you did to my old hat," the elf growls.
Gwyn looks over the shield, her eyes glittering with curiosity. "Oh no," Fluff groans, "I know that look. Don't let Gwyn touch that shield, she'll probably blow it up." "Hey!" the elven mage protests as she snaps out of her ponderings, "I do not blew up everything I touch!" "You're right, you set fire to the rest," the thrush snickers.
Hey, it's all good. Hope you at least have fun at the fun things.
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