I'll say that I appreciate that. Most GMs will see a kobold and immediately write them off for being too weak to contribute properly. So thank you.
Odd. When I see an unusual race my worry is that they will overpower the rest of the players. I remember lurking a Legacy of Fire Campaign a while back. It had both a Gnoll and a Halfling barbarian. The Halfling kept pace with the party power-wise but the Gnoll left them all in the dust in terms of combat effectiveness. So much so that the Gnoll player became bored and ultimately retired the character.
That is what I think about when I see an unusual race anyway. I hope we both make the cut. I would love to see how your lizard plays.
Race: Dual Talent Human.
Class: Rogue 1/Ranger(freebooter) X
Campaign Trait: On the payroll.
Mechanically most suited for the Martial/skill slot
Mechanical details:
Hywel begins as a rogue and switches to ranger (freebooter) at 2nd. The one level dip is to get Sneak attack and trapfinding as Hywel is going two-weapon style with a quarterstaff and can use the damage boost.
Tactically Hywel exploits the unique Freebooters bane and bond abilities to grant significant untyped bonuses to the party. With that in mind Hywel would function best in a party with Animal companions/fighting mounts/summoned minions/etc as the static bonuses provided by Freebooters Bane/Bond will help in keeping low level summons viable.
Rough background:
A frequent Passepartout/guide/doer of shadowy deeds for Professor Lorrimor in his travels round Lake Encarthan (including one rather eventful trip through the River Kingdoms). Hwyel learned of his friends death when his ship docked in Caliphas. (more to come)
High Concept: Proletarian Boatman, Senior student of Salle St Maurice.
Trouble: Hot-Blooded.
Arrest.....ish.
I should know better than to go to one of Pongo's birthday parties. I remember,.... singing. Rowing down a pitch black canal and singing something. Too many people in the boat and all of us drunk.
remember something about strangers and a light that wasn't and wine.
I remember lots of wine... running red over white marble. And Mirable? Was she real? Or was she wine as well.
and now I am in pain, in motion. A boat? No, that was a cobblestone. A wagon, wagons hurt more..
The supine figure raises a hand to rub it's eyes...
"..and apparently I have a new tattoo."
History Member of the Mawr family a scattered and largely illegal grouping of families claiming tenuous decent from Jaque "Bloody" Mawr, a well known pirate a couple of generations gone. Hywel works as a boatman when he can and as anything else when he can't. He largely lives at the Salle St.Maurice a school which would have long ago washed it's hands of him infavor of richer students except the masters all agree Hywel is the best fencer they have seen in generations.
The conflict was fun. Excellent RP of a true CN gnome. Amoral and just that little bit random. Well done. I look forward to our next chance to game together.
This DM has a history of dropping campaigns. This is the third of Dewn/Rizzenmagus's campaigns that I have been in that have just suddenly died for no decently explained reason.
The only reason I joined this one was because Dewn asked me and assured me that he had a "special interest" in seeing this one last. I do not expect to be joining any more of of his campaigns.
Though I suppose in a way ending the campaign suddenly and with little reason does fit with the stated goals of introducing new players to the world of pbp. Campaigns do end suddenly, Gm's and players vanish, it is a fact of the media so in that at least well done Dewn.
Note the above message may contain snark. Please see your physician if bitterness lasts for more than four hours.
Hywel has no intention of letting a prisoner be murdered.
Henry V, act 4, scene 7 wrote:
FLUELLEN
"Kill the poys and the luggage! 'tis expressly
against the law of arms: 'tis as arrant a piece of
knavery, mark you now, as can be offer't; in your
conscience, now, is it not?"
Of course the Orc is going to doublecross us it is practically a narrative necessity but that is no reason to kill the goon. Just let him go home and we'll deal with him after we've settled the goblin issue.
Assuming Hywel can see the murderous Mr. Blackwater.
"What the Hell!" Hwyel hurls himself in the path of the shot to cover the orc.
The -4 for shooting in to melee should mean a miss. If we are in actions then an aid other to boost the orc's AC should help.
.
Also Blackwater you should be aware of this
PRD equipment wrote:
"If the character has a penalty for low Strength, apply it to damage rolls when he uses a bow or a sling."
Your 8 strength translates into a -1 damage penalty with the bow. So even if you hit you only did hp. It might be important later.
.
.
DEWN PVP alert. I need a way/reason not to flatten the gnome if he kills a prisoner. Thoughts?
Chaotic Neutral here. I failed my intimidate, and got intimidated in return, but I intend to follow through with my threat. He's not helping us, he's evil, and he's indirectly threatening us. I'm going to kill him.
How do you know he is evil? As I doubt our prisoner is either a cleric, an anti-paladin, or fifth level the poor bastard does not produce a detectable aura. It is true that most orcs are evil however that does not hold true for every orc. This one has been rude and unhelpful but neither behavior is a strong evil indicator. At most they indicate a low cha chaotic alignment. Not a condition deserving death I hope. To be truthful killing a prisoner is an act far more indicative of evil when looked at in isolation.
"Just between you, me, and the stone walls I would rather face goblins than Orcs. I say we take the death door."
assuming agreement
To the orc: "Goodbye, you are free to go. I am afraid your help was not valuable enough to warrant a reward of weapon or armor but you can keep the manacles. Goodbye."
Ignoring the insults Hywel considers the offer.
"Well you will have to be able to walk in order to lead but freeing your hands would only get you in trouble. As far as arms and armor I am sure payment can be arranged once you prove your usefulness. What aid can you offer? Your yourself said that your mighty tribe has not found the exit in.. what was it again? Thirty Five generations. Your 'farthest point' could well be four steps beyond the door. Poor return for our investment."
Could always dip a level into Rogue. The d6 sneak is nothing to sneeze at. Esp. with your illusions granting concealment ect.
But as a spell focused person it might not be worth it. I've considered it myself but the core Fighter simply does not have the skill points to support the dip. Mind you the Tactician archetype is another story and a rogue dip works VERY well there.
I am running a Rogue / Tactician Fighter in a Kingmaker game. Only first level now but when he switches to Tac fighter at 2nd he is looking at 8 {4+2(int)+1(human)+1(fast learner)} skill ranks/level. An effective near full bab skill monkey.
I just want to point out that Hywel is bluffing.Killing in cold blood is generally not in his play book. I also take exception to the all orcs are evil meme good orcs are rare but LN/CN/N orcs are far from unknown. I am hoping Mr. Leaky here will offer useful info or offer service in exchange. An orc guide/footman/lantern bearer would be VERY useful.
To the orc "Well come on then, are you brave enough and smart enough to do what your ancestors could not or are going to die in this hole like they did?"
Having an orc flunky also sets up a replacement PC if needed not to mention a future cohort should we reach the vaunted heights of 7th level.
"Well if you are any reflection of your esteemed ancestors then I expect the exit is clearly marked. Insulting the people who just saved your life argues against you or your tribe having much in the way of brainpower. Now tell us worm, why should we let you live? What do you have to bargain against your life?"
His hands soaking in blood Hywel replies to Mr. Blackwater. "Noted, but not helpful. Maybe you should try to find an exit. After all you might need one later."
(Come on unskilled aid others. Bleed boy here might know the local area.)
To the orc, in Common, Giant and Kelish. "Don't die on me. You Orcs are tough, not gonna let a little thing like this stop you?"
"Never picked it up but I've see spear wounds at least.."
Hywel Rushes to the wounded Orc.
(Is the Orc dying? Dead? Resting? If dying Hywel will try using heal skill to stabilize. Heal 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14 Rabbits one short. Aid other anyone?).
@Calas Craft staff requires caster level 11, and here I thought I was getting ahead of the plot for organizing gear and such. That said getting Dewn's thoughts on crafting custom items in general would be a good idea.
@Dewn Mou'tain; Any word on the relative? And will we be replacing Shortcloak? If you like I can post the opening in the recruitment thread.
Once through the magic portal Hywel first looks back. Is there a door on this side? Perception if needed 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6
If no door on this side
Quietly:"Well we will not be returning that way."
He takes a quick headcount.
To Calas and Shaldar, quietly:"At least we know what the bag was for now. They were not planning on leaving for some time. Have either of you heard of a place like this? Glowing stone, vanishing doors, this place stinks of magic. Begging your pardon m'lady."
If the door is 2-way
Hwyel promptly tries to go back to Coen's landing, establishing if the portal is two-way or not.
Taking the subtle hint Hywel allows himself to be borne along by events, and seawater, to Coen's landing and through the portal.
Dewn do I need to note that 1 you rolled at all? Was it damage?
Also what are the walls and floor of the Arrival room made of? Or at least what do they appear to be made of/ Stone? Wood? Metal? Magic? Rough carved or polished smooth?
So Hywel is in the entry cave. The cave that opens to the beach and had the dry, stacked wood in in right? If not he will continue on to that cave.
You say the water is rising from the cave entrance. Do you mean the water is coming in from the beach? Is the storm still going and forcing the water up to the cave or are we below the tide line somehow. The last makes no sense as the driftwood was stacked. Pointless to stack wood in a wet place.
~Hywel the confused. Oh and I PM'd Shortcloak, no response as yet.
"Can't be the tide, wood upstairs was dry and it is too clean here. Maybe storm surge, but we should go up not down. Make yourself usefull and see what the problem is"
Hywel helps refill the bag. First in: food and water, second books and scrolls then bottles and potions followed by camp and adventuring gear finally weapons and armor. If he can Hywel will reserve a longbow and one full quiver for his own use.
If and only if all the bag gear is recovered and stowed.
Hywel runs back to the entry cave. Where is the water coming from?
I would skip summon monster 1. The duration is too short to make it that useful but you may have other ideas.
I suggest a look at Glitterdust, a very nasty save or die at low-levels, and Flaming sphere, 1d6 less damage than scorching ray but you do not need to hit and it can serve as the fire source for pyrotechnics another very nasty low level control spell. Then there are the workhorse spells like Mage armor, Grease, and my personal favorite Unseen Servant. US is not the biggest combat spell but at 1 hour per level and the ability to drag 100lb it has 1001 household uses. Do not overlook the illusion school either. Simple image can block line of sight even if they make the save. It is an effective anti archer shield.
If you want to summon before Summon Monster III take a good look at Summon Swarm. This spell kills fighters dead. At the levels it will be useful fighter types rarely have effective area effect attacks. Most swarms are immune or highly resistant to weapon damage. With a duration of concentration +2 rounds this can easily be the only spell you cast in a major fight and if you can talk Dews into allowing the various pit spells from the APG the synergy is rather amazing. Imagine trying to climb out of a pit through a cloud of attacking bats.
And of course the humble Enlarge Person. As a fighter I cannot recommend this spell highly enough. It is also surprisingly effective at stopping pursuit, cast this on the Orc chasing you and then squeeze through a 5' passage. By the time the spell wears off you are in the next county.
As an Evoker you will be raising the DC of your Evocation spells as a priority. Do not overlook Shatter the single non-magical object of less than 10# per level easily includes all non giant weapons and armor. Fighters hate this spell.
Well this is going on too long.
If you found this useful I would be happy to offer more advice.
~H
I going to grab a dagger and hold on to it; just in case, everything else... Shalder, while we are waiting for others to decide what to do, would you like to help me identify the scrolls and potions?
Hywel tosses Calas one of the 50 daggers that litter the floor.
"Catch. Hmmm strange mix of goods for bandits or sellswords but you are likely correct."
Hywel starts repacking the magic bag as the casters clear items as non-magical/unintersting. Checking, if he can do so by weight or decoration, to see if any of the weapons, armor, or tools are masterwork.
"Care to lend a hand Mr. Blackwater?" Hywel continues as he hands the gnome a set of thieves tools. "Mr. Axehand, are you keeping an eye out? Not a good time to receive guests."
Anvil, size? Given the bar silver assuming a silversmith's anvil.
Bathtub, collapsible
Bellows
Blankets 10
Charcoal, 10 bags
Hammers, 5, various sizes
Rations 15 weeks for 2 people : or 210 person/days or 42 days for the 5 of us. (210)
Soap 20 bars
Tent, Single person
Tongs, one pair
Waterskins, filled 300 :(1200)
Wineskins, filled 300 :(1200)
Wealth?:
Silver, 3 bars
Exploration/adventuring gear:
Chalk, 100 pieces
Charcoal, rubbing, 100 sticks
Climbers kits, 3
Ladders, 2, ten feet long
1 spell book, full
2 scrolls with red ribbon
2 scrolls with black ribbon
2 scrolls with yellow ribbon
2 scrolls with green ribbon
2 scrolls with blue ribbon
1 scroll within a scroll case
10 bottles fiery red liquid
10 bottles of yellowish green liquid
20 potions of bright yellow liquid
100 potions of dull yellow
10 bottles of neon green liquid
10 bottles of brownish liquid
Housekeeping.
Proposed loot division rules:
(1)Take what you use, use what you take. Take what you think you will need or find useful.
(2)Don't hoard. Take only what you need. Someone else might need it too.
(3)Let the god's decide. If 2 or more folks want the same gear and cannot decide IC then all concerned roll d100 and the gear monkey or appointed unconcerned party rolls the die of their choice. If the Gear die is even high roll among the d100's takes the prize. If odd then low roll wins. Gear monkey die rolls after the d100 rolls have been posted.
(4)Cards on the table. Our individual equipment/loot lists are open to public inspection at all times.
(5)Report trouble immediately. If you feel something is inequitable either post or PM the gear monkey and it will be resolved ASAP.
I volunteer to be gear-monkey. I can keep a google doc or spreadsheet for loot & supply tracking.
"They must have been fighting over the bag."
Hywel says softly as he lays the bodies out and covers them in their cloaks.
DEWN: Age, race, and genders for the corpses? Any indication of how long they have been dead? Liquid blood, still warm vs. dry blood, rotting stench and cloudy eyes. Any armor or gear other than the swords? Uniforms or other insignia? Pockets? Rings or jewelry? Taking 20 on any Perception check since we appear to have the time. Total 21.
DEWN: Re. those torches in the bag from the beach. Can they be dried out and used or are they firewood at this point?
Course taking the scroll case means you are mapping, that is why I am carrying the case, ink, and paper after all. Pity the mapmakers kit and compass are in the APG and out of reach.
To all: I am assuming we met/introduced ourselves on the boat. Kosher?
Pausing a moment to raise an eyebrow at the apparently angry Gnome, Hywel speaks in a soft and friendly tone.
"Looks to be just the two ways out, Mr. Blackwater. One to the beach and the other that door." Hywel indicates the large door with a nod.
"I haven't checked it yet but anything coming through would give us warning. Though you are welcome to barricade it should that be your fancy."
Once the investigation of the bodies is finished.
"What say we move this unfortunate pair up to the cave. They are not too bad now but in a short time they will cease to be pleasant company."
Hywel rises and dusts off his hands. "Mr. Axehand? If you would lend your muscle to this endeavor we will be done quickly. If Mr. Blackwater or Mr. Dermain would be so kind as to join us with their arcane light? Perhaps we could gather the other dead from the beach at the same time. I am sure their families would appreciate the effort."
Hywel follows the Gnome down the stairs.
Softly: "That sack looks a little heavy for you. If you like I can take it. A little more won't matter with the steel and seawater I'm already lugging."
On reaching Coen brothers landing.
Quietly:"Hello again, looks like we are the only one to make it. There are bodies on the beach. Maybe we should bring them into the cave so the tide does not carry them away. "
"Thought I smelled blood"
Hywel kneels by the corpses and examines them.
...
"Friends of yours?"
DEWN: Age, race, and genders for the corpses? Any indication of how long they have been dead? Liquid blood, still warm vs. dry blood, rotting stench and cloudy eyes. Any armor or gear other than the swords? Uniforms or other insignia? Pockets/ Rings or jewelry? Taking 20 on any Perception check since we appear to have the time. Total 21.
Hywel, I think you're mistaking my lack of knowledge about Play by Post as my not having anything. I've got my equipment, spells, etc outlined in the recruitment thread for when I posted my character. Is there anywhere in particular that I'm supposed to put that stuff? I just kind of figured that as things changed it would be updated and thrown into this discussion thread or something.
Aha! I was hoping that was the issue. The discussion thread is a viable place for such things but it is pretty easy to loose things there. At least I tend to.
Under the alias generally works better, at least for me, as there is no need to search through pages of discussion thread to see if you purchased that sewing thread that suddenly became vital six months into the game. Under the alias is also a great place to keep things like feats and spells known that do not change all that often. I have even seen spontaneous casters, like bards, keep notes about the spells there as well. Thinks like range, area of effect, damage, DC and save type, etc. That way they do not need to look up say, grease, to know that as a 2nd level caster the range is now 30' and it lasts for 2 minutes.
From a GM standpoint having everything under the alias also makes it MUCH easier to keep track of party resources. Things like "Do I really want to toss something with DR5/magic at them? Does anyone even have a magic weapon?"
Mind you this is all just friendly advice. If keeping info in the discussion thread works for you then more power to you.
So Shaldar. I was taking a look at your character sheet and I could not help but notice that you have Empower spell. You realize you will not be able to use that feat until 3rd level right?
It is a cool feat esp. for the more vigorous casters but carrying it for two levels before you can use it on cantrips is a heavy load.
Forgive me if this is stepping over a line. Your character and all but it seemed unusual.
