Marconis D'monius's page

Ooh, England sounds fun. Live in Missouri, not by Missouri. I live in central Missouri, city of Fulton, home of the Missouri school for the deaf, and the state loony bin, I mean nut house, I mean psychiatric hospital. *Evil Grin*

Killer_GM wrote:

At the original poster, I wouldn't have done anything differently. After giving them a fair appraisal as to what they could expect, and they chose to ignore your recommendations, you were absolutely right to mop the floor with them. Good for you.

I have played the game for 30 years, and I've GM'd more than my share of whiny players who want GM's to cater to their every whim. Sorry, that's never been what D&D was intended to be. Problem being that these sorts of players eventually become GM's and then start running these types of games, and then you've eventually got tons of players who expect their GM's to cater to them.

While you have to compromise with your players to keep them happy and around for a prolonged game, when you as GM tell the lads how it is, and they choose to ignore your advice, then the gloves come off, and the consequences are what they are. That is a "referee GM." You impartially apply natural consequences of player choices. "Guide GM's" as Monte Cook refers to them, candy coat things and provide lavish player-friendly RP sessions where the group always comes out on top, no matter the insane risks the players take or the bad decisions them make. Nonsense. That type of DM'ing isn't even D&D.

Given time and consequences, they'll either figure out that they've got to play intelligently by the rulebook, and use basic common sense decision making skills, or they're going to get greased repeatedly. And if they don't like this, they're going to need to go look for a GM that's going to run the game the way the players dictate to him. Hardly a game at that point, and with no real risk, you're playing something other than d&d/Pathfinder. At that point, Recommend Candyland or another GM to your players in that case...

It's nice to hear both sides to be honest. And I do appreciate having someone tell me that I don't suck as a DM and tell me that I need to step down for a change.

I for one would be happy to have either of you as a GM, I have not played at a table with a decent GM in so long, I miss having a good group.

I would have to say the worst character I have ever seen was one of mine, after I had been gaming for years. It was not for a bad build, it was a Rogue, optimized for finding and disabling traps, and he set off every trap the party encountered. Not because I didn't search, but because I failed every check to find them, and then walked right into them. I didn't get it, I did not build him for combat, but got more crits than the Fighter of the group, and even healed the Cleric when he fell in battle. Ultimately, he died to a trap.

So, anyone here happen to live in mid Missouri by chance? I'm looking for a real life group too, mine has kinda fallen apart.

I hope it didn't die, I was looking forward to more encounters. I really wanted to push past level 9, starting at level 10 is where most characters get the best abilities.

Did our game die?

DM, have not seen you post in awhile. Are you ok?

"Well then, I thank you for your time." Marconis places his right hand on his chest, giving a small bow to the pirate, and turns to go rejoin the others. "Nothing exceptionally useful there, did you all turn up anything? I believe whatever did this is either still in town, or possibly passed through. Though with some of the children still having nightmares, my bet is still in town."

Still speaking to the Raft Pirate, "Do you happen to know what kind of equipment she sold, weapons, armor, magic jewelry, or was it just odds and ends? It may help to know if there were any reason for her death, other than she was just in the way."
Let me know if you need another check, or if you're just going to stick with the last one.

The 'witty sunglasses removal puns' got a chuckle from me, first laugh I had in weeks, thanks.
"This scene looks pretty worked over, and as alien as the creatures we fought at the tannery were, I am not sure anything here would fall into my planar or magical expertise. You all have a look, I am going to talk to the adventurers and see if I can find anyone that was around at the time this occurred."
Trying to gather information from adventurers.
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (12) + 12 = 24

As Judd rushes over to talk to the old farmer, Marconis turns to Cellen, "I do believe you embarrassed the young man, I have never seen a Paladin blush so."

"Sounds like a grand idea to me Judd, but will he sell it? Some folk are less concerned with money, and more concerned in keeping with what they know."

Moving about with the crowd, Marconis gathers all the info he can about the site, and reports all back to the group. "Hard to believe owlbears used to be a civilized race."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (19) + 12 = 31

"Master Dretch, I am no con-artist, I would never try to pass something off as something it is not. I am merely trying to provide for my family, and as long as we have an accord, I will not hide these things from you either. Consider these two coins a gift, Master Dretch, a symbol of our mutually beneficial arrangement. Good day, sir." With that, Marconis will return home to grab a quick bite and retrieve his travel pack. With his belly fed and his gear retrieved, he will head out to meet his fellow deputies. When everyone is present and accounted for, he will let the team know of his encounter with the cultist. "This Setsin Dretch fellow offered to give platinum for any future pieces we find, if you would like to go that route for anything we could get money from. Possibly the more harmless items, as I do not fully trust this cult."

I will be able to make an Amulet of Mighty Fists next level, though some cure wands would be mighty handy, I could do with one in case (heavens forbid) Cellen should go down. Sorry I didn't post yesterday, I had a tournament run over and was exhausted.

Marconis will look quite displeased with this mans declaration, but hands the coins over none the less. "Very well, might I then inquire as to if there will be a reward for such relics? I am currently investigating a series of murders, and it seems the creatures carrying these coins was responsible for one, I may find more."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (4) + 12 = 16

What color is his other eye?

Marconis wakes with the sun, having left the drapes open to catch the mornings first rays. He sits up slowly at first, rubbing his eyes. Then, remembering the business with the coins he springs to his feet and hurriedly gets dressed and runs down the stairs, stopping only long enough to grab his cloak and hat. "Good morning ladies, be right back, he calls to his family, and leaving before giving anyone a chance to respond.

Marconis heads straight for the Technic League, hoping to get the proper permission to display his fascinating coins, and hoping they won't just take them. As soon as he gets a chance to talk to someone, Marconis will ask if there is any way he would be able to garner permission to to display the coins. Explaining how he came into possession, but leaving out the part about there being more. Let me know if I get to talk to someone in charge, that's who I'm going for.

Marconis will let out a long sigh, "I suppose you are right Anna, I will take them to the league tomorrow, maybe I can get permission to display them as art, if not, then get paid for their retrieval." Marconis will head to bed with a saddened look, knowing Anna was probably right. I can not win for losing, this league does not sound like the friendliest group.

"Thank you," Marconis says, "the day has indeed been rough. But look what I have to put on display in the shop, Numerian coins." Marconis says, pulling the coins from a pouch in his back pack, which he then hangs in it's usual spot in the corner, along with his cloak and wide brimmed hat. "I am thinking of getting a display case for them, so I can put them side by side to show off both sides of the coin. Also, in the morning I will need to add about a dozen books to the list of supplies to be ordered. Since the river rout is shut down, we will have to send for these by land, but they are essential for my studies." Marconis will visit with his family for a couple hours, talking about his day, and asking about theirs, then head to bed a little early.

"A fund sounds good, I could do with replacing some ammo." Marconis says, patting his bolt case. "Not to mention, I have been thinking about learning how to enchant weapons, which takes money. This could be a boon to all deputies, not to mention eventually helping my shop, and thus my family."

It's like I said in char, all I want is a couple of the coins to display in my shop. If we are going to even split all the treasure, then deduct their value from my share.

Addressing Tabitha, Marconis says, "I have a theory on how they may have gained their current state while remaining unnoticed this long, but to prove or disprove we would have to examine the crater." Turning to his companions, "I may be able to figure out the rod, given time, and a safe place to activate it. Aside from that, the only thing I really want is a couple of those Numerian coins, to display at my shop. Once we figure out what the rod does, I would be fine with giving it up to whoever it would best serve." Marconis says, with a hint of excitement while mentioning the coins. Looking to Dion, "It amuses me, sometimes others too."

Dang man, sorry to hear that, hope your stuff is ok. I hate when my place gets flooded, I feel your blight.

"Then, I guess we are to investigate the third crime scene next. Should we make camp, or rest up at our own homes before heading there? I don't know about the rest of you, but I am going to need to rest a bit to recover my energies. To accentuate his point, Marconis will hold up a hand that will crackle slightly with arcane energy.
Special effects are a result of Prestidigitation, cast while Letka and Tabitha are looking things over, to amuse himself and whoever else happens to watch.

"Thank you Judd," Marconis says accepting the treat. "I normally try to stay away from sweets, but after our recent endeavor, I think I can indulge a little."

Feeling much better now thanks, I think it may have been a stomach flu or someone I ate.

Marconis takes a look at the strange rod when Cellen finishes his own examination, turning it slowly between his fingers to try to get a feel for it.
Spellcraft: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (3) + 11 = 14

"I am afraid I am lost on this one."

"Are we going to camp out here when Judd gets back, or are we for traveling towards the next crime scene?"
Sorry for not posting yesterday, I was in bed sick most of the day.

Taking a step back into the corner, Marconis waits and watches to make sure the others get out safely before moving down the stairs.
Perception: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 1 = 19
Do I see anything that may be able to stop the spread of the flames?

Hp: 1d6 ⇒ 6 +1Con +1Toughness
Lvl 4 stat increase to Con; +4 Hp, +1 Fort save
No new skills, all current skills +1
Spells gained; L-0: Acid splash, L-2: Scorching Ray
Base attack +1
Base Will save + 1

Will: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13
Once again resisting the feelings of rage, Marconis readies another shot at the king.
Ranged: 1d20 + 5 - 4 ⇒ (13) + 5 - 4 = 141d8 ⇒ 3

Will: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13
Pushing past the feelings of rage, Marconis loads for another shot on the king.
Ranged: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 101d8 ⇒ 2

Will: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17
Forcing his rage into focus, Marconis switches weapons, loading and firing his crossbow at the hideous monstrosity, with another whisper to his father. "Father, please help me end this evil."
Range: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 61d8 ⇒ 4
Damn to the hells, this creatures influence is strong.

Marconis takes note of the thing laid about, but at Judds comment silently nods and follows to the stairs. I must be sure to grab one of those Numerian coins, that would make an excellent display piece for the shop.

Marconis grabs the Sunrod from the middle of the room, and falls in line a few feet behind Judd.
If the sunrod is out, I will ready another one.

Marconis turns to the senor deputies, "Judd, Calli, we climbing stairs or opening another possibly trapped door? I am good to go now, thanks to Cellen."
Sorry it took so long to post, it's been one of those days.

I would put it in my class line, but then I would have to change it every time I take a hit, and my computer bugs out about 9 out of ten times I pull up a profile. I will try to make sure my status tracker gets up more frequently though, sorry for my old clunky pc.

"I am for camping here, assuming we can fortify a good spot to rest, I am hurting pretty bad."

GM, how do you handle natural healing?

Perception: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 1 = 21
Figures, all those misses with the attacks and I roll 20 on the loot search.
Marconis gives the twisted creatures a quick check to insure everything of interest is discovered, saying to Judd, "I do not feel it wise to press on at this time, as for leaving things unchecked, I agree we can not do that either. Perhaps we should fortify a position to get rested, and keep an eye out for what else might be here."

With a thought Marconis dismisses the latest Grease spell, stepping in behind the creature to take full advantage of Cellens distraction.
Dismiss spell free action, five foot step for flanking, attack.
Sickle: 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 3 + 2 = 111d6 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5
Once again Marconis curses the speed of these creatures, and the numerous tumors that seemingly serve to protect them.

Dentist appointment today, will still try to post.

Marconis moves once again, hoping to get at the distracted creature with another successful blow. Five foot step, and sickle attack.
Sickle: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 101d6 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
Marconis curses the thing for moving at the last moment, causing a miss, and prepares for his next strike.

Welcome back Dion, I was afraid we lost you.
Marconis feared his grease may become ineffective, and left with no other recourse, he steps forward to strike.
Sickle: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 191d6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
Damned to the hells with these tumors, I hope that bit deeper than it felt.

I forgot about the vacation, just want to get along with this part of the story.

I realize Calli is down, but where is Dion? I kind of want to move again, no rush, just want to make sure we did not lose another player.

Orange is at the doorway, it shouldn't be blocked, but if you want to rule it as such, I'll take it.

Marconis reels back at the sensations washing over him, streaming from the proximity of the hideous creature before him. Well, at least it's not a stench like the dogs had. He thought to himself as he moved back a step, switching weapons, then casting yet another spell to conjure the slippery substance he hopes to confound the creature with yet again.
Five foot step, drawing my sickle as part of my move action, casting Grease yet again to effect orange and yellow. DC 16 Ref or fall prone.

Celen, you were at the doorway, unless you can reach through walls you won't heal Calli there. Sorry, just thought I would point that out in case you got back to this before GM.

What about orange, did he save too?

Marconis sidesteps to stay out of range of the dangerous creatures and their strange weapons, and tries once more to put the creatures off balance with more grease.
Grease orange and yellow, overlapping into Dions grease, Ref DC 16 or fall prone.

"So close Father, let us try again." Marconis whispers, as he reloads his bow.
Move action to reload, and attack action shooting for yellow this time.
Ranged: 1d20 + 5 - 4 ⇒ (18) + 5 - 4 = 191d8 ⇒ 5