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Got asked this by a blogging friend last week. The post got picked up by High Level Games. Give it a read: http://www.highlevelgames.ca/blog/3-ways-to-deal-with-a-troublesome-player What other ways do you guys handle really troublesome players? Not just little issues, but really problematic, often leads to violent argument-type players.
Hey everyone, my posting here today is two-fold. First, I featured a dice/board game on my blog today as an unusual game took for GMs and players alike. Some of you out there probably came across similar suggestions for Rory's Story Cubes before. For those that haven't, please give my review of the Story Cubes a read. If anyone would like to see more unusual game aides featured, let me know and I'll dig up some others. The second reason I am starting this thread is because I am in the midst of redesigning the skill system for That Pathfinder Roleplaying game (the system grandfathered to us from D&D 3.X). I am looking to make it something more akin to AC and hitpoints, but for skill checks. I am working on this project because I feel it becomes meaningless to roll a skill check for certain skills at different levels. I mean, with current options you can make a character that almost never can fail an Intimidate at level 1. I do understand that in a game where you have magic that covers almost everything, skills can become irrelevant anyways. I am not looking to make skill DCs more difficult, but rather, to create a range of success as well as a system where multiple checks might be required. I have browsed the forums for different approaches others have taken as well as concerns that had been presented. If there are any concerns anyone has (especially about an AC/HP system for skills), I would love to read them. I know that such as system will slow down the game at different stages due to the extra die rolls. I will post a link to the new system when I am finished (hoping around mid-July). If anyone would like to playtest the new system before they are posted, please notify me. Thanks everyone! 
Hey guys, I know that there are not very many people here that know me. I run a small-time blog, The DM Doctor. I do mostly free stuff to help out GMs and players. Recently, I started working (okay, free help) with different up-starts and random groups. One such group is a podcast group that has yet to launch. They brought me on board to help get them going in the right direction (or really a reasonable direction). To cut things short, I am looking for anyone that has RPG material (preferably Pathfinder Compatible) in need of playtesting. This means adventures, classes, spells, feats, etc. If you are needing some feedback and playtesting, please post here, send me a PM, or send me an e-mail (contact@thedmdrDOTcom). I've scoured the boards and a bit online looking for any requests that seemed recent-ish. Thank you everyone!
Currently, I am planning out a line of free, Pathfinder Compatible Adventures. I want to tailor many of them towards aspects that are seen very rarely. Because groups are all different, I am trying to find out what aspects of adventures people would like to appear in an adventure, but that they struggle to find. Mostly, I am looking for virtually anything, themes, monsters, you name it. Thus far, I have been given a suggestion of a Darklands-type adventure. It was noted that there are very few "underdark" type adventures for Pathfinder. Any other wishes or suggestions would be appreciated. Again, these adventures will be made available for free (no memberships, user accounts, or anything).
Working on a new adventure. It will be Pathfinder compatible and free for everyone to use (Currently have one available right now, "The Call of Adventure"). A quick note on my free adventures, because they are free and I don't hire anyone out, illustrations are rare and only appear when necessary (like maps). I am outlining at the moment, but in my brainstorming, I thought that perhaps I'd poll the masses and find out what things people would like to see in an adventure. I am not looking for the basics here, but rather, things you wish you would find in an adventure or challenges/monsters you would really like to face. Perhaps there is a certain genre or story-line you wish you could see come into fruition. So the real question is, what would you really wish to see in an adventure?
Congrats, top 16! Make some awesome monsters now!
Blazing red décor bedeck this gaudy balcony. Rajah Ajit Kulkarni, leader of a small independent Vudrani nation and disguised hakima rakshasa, often leads prey his here. In battle, the rajah takes advantage of the fifteen-foot tall staircases and thirty-foot drop awaiting enemies pushed over the southern balcony.
Daylight Diadem
The wearer may use the full brilliance of the daylight diadem in a single burst. With a command word, any remaining flowers radiate a bright light in a radius of 60 feet that counters or dispels any darkness spell of 4th level or lower and is treated as natural sunlight for 4 rounds. While within the area of this light, attacks from weapons with metal striking surfaces are treated as good-aligned (bypassing the corresponding damage reduction) and ignite with divine flames dealing an additional 1d6 points of damage per flower. Half the additional damage is fire damage, but the other half results directly from divine power and is therefore not subject to being reduced by resistance to fire-based attacks. The divine flames only deal damage to creatures of evil alignment. After the four rounds have passed, all flowers on the crown burn away to ashes. Once all four flowers have been used, the crown can no longer be activated; however, every 24 hours spent in natural sunlight allows a new flower to bloom (up to a maximum of four flowers). Construction
I have started a new web series. I know, many of you are tired of seeing this stuff. It is called, "So You Think You Can GM?" This series will be targeting new GMs as well as those struggling. I hope that experienced GMs will learn something, but also be willing to offer their support as well. I will be trying to stay broad in therms of RPG systems, but the advice will factor mostly into Pathfinder and D&D. Part I is some of the "Before you begin" type of information that I think is overlooked when giving advice to new RPG gamemasters. I cover choosing a game system, knowing which rules to learn, picking an adventure, and the most important tip (IMHO) having fun. Part II will cover "Tough Calls", or basically, the non-rule mechanic based decisions GMs are faced with. Part II should come out later this week (either Thursday or Friday). If you have suggestions for GMs, or if there is something you want me to cover next, please comment.
I now have my blog up and running. It is quite new, so please excuse the low amount of content currently available. I will be making new, free content mostly for Pathfinder, but also for D&D. Resources will include: Adventures, Class Archetypes, Monsters, Traps, Spells, Feats, you name it. My focus will be geared towards helping GMs, but I will also work towards player help as well. If you would like specific help or would like something custom designed (you name it), let me know. This is an entirely free blog with all free products. All I ask is that you spread the word (I am not taking donations of any kind). This is a part-time project for me. You can find the blog by going to: www.TheDMDR.com You will find my twitter as well as a contact email for specific requests or questions/advice requests. Again, everything is entirely free and I currently have no plans in charging anyone for the content or help. Please help me make this a success by visiting and subscribing. I will continue to frequent the Paizo forums as well (though I do remain quiet most of the time). Also, if you see any errors or wish to make any comments (good, bad, constructive, whatever), please do so. You won't hurt my feelings. :) Just no DDOS attacks, I would rather not test the protective protocols. Also, to any other RPG bloggers, game designers, etc, please send me PMs and emails! I would love to get in touch with others out there, but don't want to bug anyone as a small start-up.
Okay, game is set. Please make your way to the gameplay section.
Perched at the edge of civilized lands, the small town of Falcon’s Hollow has always had to rely on itself to solve its problems. Meanwhile, the uncaring lumber barons squeeze the common folk for every last copper, deaf to their pleas. Now the hacking coughs of the sick are heard throughout town. The plague has come to Falcon’s Hollow and the town’s leaders can’t be bothered to stop it. Seeking a way to make a name for yourselves, the group decides to make their way to the impoverished, lumber town of Falcon's Hollow. Though you know coin and other rewards will be scarce if any found at all, this tough, poor town sees plenty of travelers and caravans. This could be the perfect place to get word out of the fledgling guild, and a gate way to the big times.
As the subject line says. I have been having some crazy thoughts lately. Though this is not very likely to follow through, I thought I would ask so I can save myself a lot of wasted time and effort. Can't really do a poll here, so just looking for basic responses such as the follow:
Hi all, I am planning to add a simple "campaign" to my game list. I am going to take some level appropriate adventures and string them together to a light plot game. I am currently running a homebrew, so this will be a light-prep game to go alongside that. This will be a steady-paced, not break-neck speed. I'm looking for roughly 4-5 posts a week, but won't sweat it if some players are more along 2-3/week. I am planning to be a little bit more lenient than normal in character creations. Some of the adventures I am looking at for now are: Hollow's Last Hope/Master of the Fallen Fortress (both level 1)
This game, like my other will be run on private forums just for ease of organization (and for anyone like in my current game that can't access Paizo at certain times). I admin the forums, so you won't get spam or anything like that. Character Creation:
- Backgrounds can be as in-depth or light as you wish. Unlike the homebrew I am running, backgrounds will have very little impact. - Starting Level: 1 (Unless I decide to skip the level 1 adventures) - Stat Array: 15 point-buy (but might change my mind depending on some of the adventures). - Races: All Paizo races with 16 or less race points (no custom races or third party races). - Materials: All Paizo books (if I don't have the book, please link to a prd, or send me a scan/screenshot of whatever page you are using upon request). I will allow third party classes, but not spells, feats, or traits. Will need to be able to see the class in whole. Third party classes will be less likely to be chosen over the paizo classes. I'd be okay with a full party of vigilantes, if there are takers, lol. J/k... maybe. - Traits: Two traits (any including campaign), and you may take a drawback in exchange or a third trait. Trait category restrictions still apply (unless you take the additional trait feat). - Starting gold: 100 gp (or less) for classes starting with a free item, 150 gp for all others. - Hit points: Max at 1st level through 3rd level. No racial HPs. - Players: 5-6.
Game to start in roughly around the 16th of July. Questions? (And as I know it will come up: Psionics- I would rather not mess with psionic powers unless the player is willing to link everything. But for simplicity, the restrictions to spells, feats and traits still stand unless absolutely necessary).
We recently lost another player (RL friend has dropped out due to RL issues). We have enough players to have a normal play, however, the one that dropped was the primary (and really only) melee-oriented character. I am looking for 1 (maybe two) players. First and foremost, we need a melee-focused character. A second, not as important, but would still like to look for one: a divine caster (preferably one focused on healing, if not just brings a bit of healing). I'll take either one of each, or two people that can fulfill both roles at the same time. We can do without the divine caster (NPC healer with party now), but melee would be greatly appreciated. Party consists of:
The HP will make up for lower than high adventurer stats, not allowing a true dump stat, and will increase survival ability across the board. IMPORTANT: I will be basing decisions on two things: 1- Role Fulfillment. 2- Backgrounds. Backgrounds are very important as that is what I am using to drive the story. There is an interwoven plot-line that ties everything together. I can work with each person on backstories as soon as I get the rough concept of your character's background. One additional requirement is that the campaign is hosted on private forums. Once accepted, you will need to make a user account there. Links will be provided. I am the admin for the forums so you shouldn't have any issues. The reasons for this are for organization and to allow players to access the game from sources that block Paizo forums. In the spoiler, you will find something that may help flesh out your background. It was given to us by a former player. Usage is optional. Background Form:
Step 1: Write 5 background and concept elements that you feel are important to your image of the character. These can be a concept overview, a list of important life events, a physical description, a personality profile...whatever you need to get an image in your mind. 5 is just a minimum...more elements are encouraged! 1) 2) 3) 4) 5) Step 2: List at least two goals for the character. At least one of these goals should be one that the character has, while another should be one that you, as a player, want to see developed over the course of the game. 1) 2) Step 3: List at least two secrets about your character. One is a secret the character knows, one is a secret that involves him but that he is not actually aware of yet. This will help me in creating plots that center around your character. 1) 2) Step 4: Describe at least three people that are tied to the character. Two of them are friendly to the character, one is hostile. If you like, you can include an enemy of yours here as well, so I have an instant NPC nemesis to throw at you. 1) 2) 3) Step 5: Describe three memories, mannerisms, or quirks that your character has. They don't have to be elaborate, but they should provide some context and flavor. 1) 2) 3)
Feel free to pm me or ask your questions here. Edit: Adding a list of the gods for anyone that would need it. Deities List: Adad or Ishkur - god of storms Alû, demon of night Anu or An - god of heaven and the sky, lord of constellations, and father of the gods Asag - monstrous demon whose presence makes fish boil alive in the rivers Enki or Ea - god of crafts, water, intelligence, mischief and creation Enlil or Anshur - god of the wind and divine ruler human Ereshkigal - goddess of the Underworld Gallû, underworld demon Hanbi or Hanpa - father of Pazuzu Humbaba – Forest Guardian Inanna or Ishtar - goddess of fertility, love, and war Lamashtu - a malevolent being who menaced women during childbirth Lilû, wandering demon Marduk - patron deity of Babylon who eventually became regarded as the head of the Babylonian pantheon Mukīl rēš lemutti demon of headaches Nabu - god of wisdom and writing Nanshe - goddess of social justice, prophecy, fertility and fishing Nergal - god of plague, war, and the sun in its destructive capacity Ninhursag or Mami, Belet-Ili, Ki, Ninmah, Nintu, or Aruru - earth and mother goddess Ninlil - goddess of the air; consort of Enlil Ninurta - champion of the gods, the epitome of youthful vigour, and god of agriculture Pazuzu - king of the demons of the wind; he also represented the southwestern wind, the bearer of storms and drought Rabisu - an evil vampiric spirit Shamash or Utu - god of the sun, arbiter of justice and patron of travellers Sin or Nanna - god of the moon Tammuz or Dumuzi - god of food and vegetation The edimmu - ghosts of those who were not buried properly Zu - divine storm-bird and the personification of the southern wind and the thunder clouds
Currently, I am running a slow (and had been fairly steady) homebrew campaign on my group's private forums. We have lost a few players due to real life complications. After conversing with the remaining players, we have decided together to look for a few more players to fill in the gaps. I would also like to encourage newer players (either to PF, RPGs, or just PBP), and will be strictly picking characters based on backgrounds and concepts (for concepts, mostly just things that work or will not overshadow the other players). This campaign is set to be at a comfortable pace. I am looking for people that can check in at least 3 times a week. We are looking to have around 6 players, but I am comfortable with large groups and small groups (the remaining solid players would like company). The posting speed is variable, mostly up to the players and their time commitments for the day. Some days we go with posts, some days we see several posts. Weekends are normally low activity due to my schedule, but I update as soon as I can. We would mostly prefer to use our private forums as some people can access them at work, but not Paizo. IF we have to, we can move them to the Paizo forums, but we lose some of the extra organizational stuff that the private forums allows (such as each character gets their own thread, and different discussion sections). I make my own maps (I am not super artistic though) when I can, or for important things. Otherwise, I pull in some free to use maps. Now that some of that is out of the way, let me get to the campaign. The campaign is set in a homebrew world of my creation. This is actually the third game I have run from this world (each from different time periods). The campaign is heavily influenced by the PCs as there is only a little bit of plot to move the story along and keep things cohesive, but the story-line is centered entirely on the players and I write along as needed to reflect their decisions. The world is currently in a state of peace and has been for some time. There are no monsters (in the inhabited portions of the world) or mythical creatures really. Please keep this in mind when you make your characters. The characters are currently level 2 (and a bit). Solid players that are locked in are a witch (specializing in charms, enchantments, etc), and an archer-based fighter. There is also a sword and board fighter and a necromancer-ish wizard that I have not confirmed with them if they wish to continue. The story as of this point is mostly only important to the current players. New players will not be required to make their stories match up. I have some minor helper NPCs currently with the party, but will remove them from the game later if they are not needed. Classes:I am looking for a complete party, but more importantly, I want characters people would like to run. If there is no healer or whatever, I can and will supplement as needed. Again, I would prefer everyone gets to play concepts that they wish. As far as stats and character generation go:
-20 point buy, No 7's can be purchased (Anything below an 8 must come from racial). -You can be young, but no young template will be applied. -Every Ability Score increase by level (4, 8, 12, etc.) you can increase two different ability scores instead of one. -We will use Racial HP from the beta rules. Which are basically as follows: If your race has a -2 Con modifer (or greater penalty), add +4HP to your hit points at 1st level.
The HP will make up for lower than high adventurer stats, not allowing a true dump stat, and will increase survival ability across the board. Alignments: The Characters have mostly been of Good alignment. That being said, this is not a strictly "good only" campaign, but it does make things easier. Your character's origins can be of your own choosing, but make sure that it is something realistic for a level 1 or 2 character. Deities:
The main Gods/Demons of the world are centered (and taken) from the Ancient Sumerian/Akkadian/Mesopotamian deities. Most people in the world are not religious or have little to do with the gods. The gods and demons almost never mettle with mortals anymore. Adad or Ishkur - god of storms
Races: Because of the nature of the campaign world, only core races and very human-like races will be accepted. I may make exceptions, but it will be in very special cases. Materials::
I am sticking strictly to Paizo material only that is linkable. I have most of the corebooks/ultimate line for reference, but not the spat books. If using something outside of the core/utlimate/advanced books, then I may need links to the material. Third-party products are not banned, but will be heavily decided upon. If it is non-Paizo Pathfinder material, then it will need permission first. All the Paizo products that I have or can view the material are allowed. Traits: Each character will be starting with two traits following normal rules. If you would like a campaign trait or something tailored for background reasons, let me know. Starting Gold: New players will use the maximum wealth for level 1 characters based on their class. I know you are level two, but the current players are not far off of this and I'll get things fixed and sorted soon. Backgrounds:
As I stated above, keep things down to a level 1-2 character and remember that the world is at peace. There is very, very little in the way of adventuring in the current state of affairs. Thus, you may wish to work a non-adventurer life into your character (though not required). I would like a lot of thought into your backstories as from there will be where I pull most of my ideas for the campaign. The map linked above shows the current location that they players are leaving form right now. They are currently in transit to a new location and I'll introduce the new players appropriately (and quickly). You do not have to be from this region. This is a global view with only the major points and areas listed. You can give me a region, or terrain area you like, or an idea of the place you came from (I have almost everything available) and I'll help you choose. Those wishing to have backstories close to the other players, PM me as there are lots of different events and the characters came form different walks of life and backgrounds.
One of the previous players shared the following form with us. You are by no means required to use it, but it might give you an idea of some things to include. Step 1: Write 5 background and concept elements that you feel are important to your image of the character. These can be a concept overview, a list of important life events, a physical description, a personality profile...whatever you need to get an image in your mind. 5 is just a minimum...more elements are encouraged! 1) 2) 3) 4) 5) Step 2: List at least two goals for the character. At least one of these goals should be one that the character has, while another should be one that you, as a player, want to see developed over the course of the game. 1) 2) Step 3: List at least two secrets about your character. One is a secret the character knows, one is a secret that involves him but that he is not actually aware of yet. This will help me in creating plots that center around your character. 1) 2) Step 4: Describe at least three people that are tied to the character. Two of them are friendly to the character, one is hostile. If you like, you can include an enemy of yours here as well, so I have an instant NPC nemesis to throw at you. 1) 2) 3) Step 5: Describe three memories, mannerisms, or quirks that your character has. They don't have to be elaborate, but they should provide some context and flavor. 1) 2) 3)
I think that is everything (or at least everything I can think of for now). If you have any questions, you can post them here or PM me. I'll keep this open until at least noon (CST) Monday 2/23 or until I'm satisfied with the party. Edit: Knew I forgot something as soon as I hit submit. Here is the old recruitment thread if you would like to see what was discussed previously.
As myself and another in my group do not have the opportunity to attend regularly to our IRL weekly group, I am planning to set-up a PBP game. Things are still in the works as I plan them out. I am looking to get things off the ground in 1-2 weeks. Things than I am uncertain about:
What I am certain about:
For all the stuff up in the air, it is going to depend on the group. I plan to make this campaign fairly catered to the PCs and really focus on character backgrounds and story. The amount of role vs. roll will depend again on the group. Post here or pm me if interested/want more info.
Somewhat important info:
Someone new(ish) to my group is wanting to run Rappan Athuk. I've never played or GMed it so not entirely sure what to expect.
Our group is a little larger than normal. Somehow, it came down that we didn't have a healer (there was someone going to be a life oracle/pld celestial summoner guy, but he changed him mind when he realized that he was going to be railroaded into a healer). We were also down someone that could find and disarm traps (beyond just burning summons or the like). As is quite normal for me, I tend to fill whatever role(s) is(are) needed. So in keeping in line with how I normally do things, I have chosen to try to take up both roles. Other Characters: Future Champion of Irori (the Enlightened), Paladin (Undead Scourge), Wizard (transmuter), Wizard (conjurer), Inquisitor (don't have more info on this character). There are at least 2 (maybe 4) more people, but not sure if they'll play. Knowing these players they will most likely be martial characters (another pld, a rogue that focuses on combat and never trapfinding, heavy martial DDs (melee and ranged) for the others). We don't have all the character creation info just yet, but I do know that it is 25 point buy. No word on restrictions yet, so this might have to change later. Level 1 Info:
Spells @ 1st: 0- Light, Create Water, Guidance, Detect Magic. 1- CLW, Bless, Protection from Evil. Skills: Disable Device, Heal, Perception, Spellcraft.
I chose Consumed for my curse for the Auto-stabilize perk. I know that +1/2 non-lethal damage every time I take lethal damage is going to suck (especially once I pull up life link). Luckily, since I'll be curing myself often, the non-lethal should go away quickly enough. I am looking at Taking the following Revelations (some will come from extra revelation feats):
Haven't decided if I'll burn more feats for revelations or not. I am not sure what direction to take for other feats (debating between Eldritch Heritage or grabbing a couple of pld levels for LOH for extra channels). A lot of the later choices will be affected by how things go in the adventure. Thoughts? Suggestions? Things that might I want to consider taking into account the nature of the adventure (not asking for spoilers).
I have a player making a new character for an on-going game. He is really trying to break the rules (and my patience), but I am trying my best to work with his concept. I am sticking to Paizo-only pathfinder. His main concept is using Twin Spell and Arcane Fusion. I've been able to solve the twin spell dilemma, but having trouble with the Arcane Fusion. Since apparently "No" is not a correct response, I promised I'd try to find something equivalent to what he wants. I have addressed using "quickened spell" and also the quickened meta-magic rods, but he dislikes the idea of still needing to use 2 spells slots (either 1st and 4th, or a 5th and 4th) vs using only one (5th level). Anyone know of other equivalences? This can be spells, class features, feats, items, etc. Any help is appreciated.
The Recruitment thread can be found here (with the game linked):The Ataxic War This is a level 20 starting game. The game is currently active and continuing to run during this recruitment period. I am looking for a max of 5 players to be added (there are currently two applying). The party set-up is: barbarian, oracle, dragonrider, monk/sorcerer. Some 3rd party is allowed, but trying to get things to a minimum. Due to time constraints, I'd prefer not to insert systems that I am not familiar with in order to save time while evaluating characters. I have already ruled out psionics because it would take awhile to evaluate the balance-play. Please note, I try to be thorough when evaluating characters, so please do not take offense with my comments. Also, the current party members will be aiding me in choosing which players/characters will be joining. You may apply here or in the old recruitment thread. Concepts are fine, but characters cannot be approved until I have seen a full build. I try to avoid as many "house-rules" as possible. I will make calls as I see them, but please expect things to be fairly RAW. Some of the build guide-lines are as follows:
Note for #2: This is basicaly no permanent enhancments that are purchased. You cannot benefit from wish/miracle/tomes/manuals, etc for increased stats. Items such as the belt of physical perfection or headband of mental superiority are allowed because they can be disenchanted/removed/cease to function in anti-magic fields.
This section will be for further discussion once we are finished with character creation.
(OoG) Welcome everyone! I hope to get this up and running within 1 week. It might take a little longer depending on character submission and how RL situations go. You will also have to excuse me as I get used to these forums. You can finish posting your characters in the recruitment section. I will look over them. As we get closer, and I know more about what everyone is playing, I will post a small introduction to the adventure itself.
I am going to be playing in a Second Darkness, Pathfinder only (no 3.5) pbp game. There will only be 3 PCs. GM might be throwing in a GMPC if we need it. There might be a 4th actual member if anyone shows interest, but so far doesn't look like it. So far, one member wants to play a half-elf monk and the other a dervish dancer bard. Before hearing of their choices I had originally thought to play: Elf Magus (Hexcrafter, maybe witch/magus multiclass)
Due to their choices, I'm shying away from magus, melee oracle, and melee ranger. I know that we will need more heals, utility/control, a way to deal with traps, and probably some sort of ranged/blasting. So to cut to the chase - the advice that I am seeking. What would you play if you were in the adventure path and didn't know what to expect? I really don't want any spoilers or meta-gaming here. I've played almost every role you can think of in a party (some way more than others...*cough*summonfocuseddruid*cough*). Just looking for ideas as I am feeling a little jaded on character building at the moment (been in a co-op mega-dungeon and I am on my third character after only 5 dugeon levels). |
