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We use hero points and an occasional extra feat to keep 'em in line, nothing Mythic about it.

Awesome, thanks for the tips. We are having a new player join up, so we might use this one as a little side track to bring him into the fold, storywise.

Yeah I read your rant, and I might be able to find my way into all of it, but still going to run it.

I'm going with the Hero Point system instead of the Mythic paths probably, and they gain a feat when they would normally gain a tier. We'll see how it goes.

I have yet to run *any* AP without making adjustments, so I guess this one won't be a surprise.

Any suggestions on a nice 3-hour sessions thing I can do before the FALL
#cue dramatic music

I'm planning on doing it with Hero Points and dropping the mythic rules, and maybe adding some extra feats whenever they achieve the next level of mythic tiers.

Since most character are usually "Damn, I want all these feats" I think it would be nice to build more and give them the choice :)

I had thought of running the festival, but I have already run one before so can't use the same. I want to try a one-session thing where they are sent back and forth across the city, maybe encountering people and places they will find later on.

I'll look at Giantslayer, thanks for the tips. Any more great ideas?

Little bump.

I'm trying to have an introductory adventure (since one of my four players won't be able to join until the second session) to get everyone into the feel of Kenabres.

Anyone know of a suitable level 1 "adventure" that I could use that would fit into a city like Kenabres. I'm also going for the whole "get to know your npc allies before fallling down the hole" a tinybit. Rumours and all that. :-)

Been GMing for ages. I believe it would be near ten years now. Damn, getting old :D

Not particularly, but thought it might be fun to have "extras".

Players range from 4/10 tot 10/10 on the experienced chart.

Read parts of the Path, but not completely. Been browsing the forums here though.

Thinking of running it...
Any advices on what to take from those DM's that have already ventured so far? :-)

I simply have the regular guys' initiative on a pad, and will roll for the new guys to see where they end up. They then get to act for the first time on their initiative count, even though it's round 5 or so. They will still count as flatfooted, since they have a "What's going on?' vibe until they have acted.

Sounds very interesting :)

As around you the murmuring starts of a crowd getting riled up, you notice you have something in your eye...

As you rub it, you notice the sounds and smells have all but changed, and you don't recall taking of your armor... And why are you on your back..

Then you hear a cock crow outside.

It would seem so... Oh well, sometimes life gets in the way I guess..

Hope everyone had good fun :)

Sad to see you go, Anja. :(

The guards eye you suspiciously when you start casting, and bar you the way.

"What is that magic there?" they say, lances slightly more in your direction.
"Don't want no trouble here sir, if you know what we mean? Strangers in these here parts have a tendency to cause them, and we're not too fond of them."

At the same time, people on the 'streets' are looking at you, and your magic. Not just noticing, but looking at it...

You're outside the tent, somewhere around 11 o'clock. The guards are stopping you from going inside.

Where you going? :)
Long time no hear Valeeran?

By asking questions and listening at the right moments, Jacen learns a few things

The slave in question looks at you, not used to you not ordering him around.

"The nightpeddler, si.. ma'am? He is the.. boss of this encampement. Nothing around here gets done without him, ma'am. Deals are made, and get his blessing, ma'am. He has a large tent, in the center, can't miss him. Of course, the purple skin also tends to make it easier to find him, ma'am."

All right, august is over, so let's get this ball rolling again!!

The centaur moves into the crowd, and you find yourself standing in front of a fairly large yurt. The innkeeper who had spoken to the centaur comes towards you, while gesturing some of his slaves to help you with your gear.

Fast forward to after your sleep.

Servants come to wake you as instructed, and you sit down for a hardy meal. Life outside is continueing as usual, and before you know it you are once again on the busy streets of the Nightpeddler's tent-city.

The centaur nods, as he moves into the crowd.

I enjoy the play, but work has been a hassle this last month. Not much time to post, but I try :)
Should be better in september, when I can go back to teaching :)

Terry
The slave looks at you, the expression on his face blank.

Jacen.
The centaur told you along the route that water and a place to sleep are free here, and food is on him.

Anja
You notice he doesn't like to talk about it, but tries none-the-less.
"Death comes in many ways. Ilness comes in many ways. By accepting this as payment, the Nightpeddler has given my family a way to live, without the illness. I am grateful for this chance."
Other question
"DOn't know the waxworks."
Other other question
"It's part of the deal. If the Nightpeddler chooses to let me out of my bonds, the deal will be invalid and a new deal must be made."

Terry:
"Don't worry, these guys will surely point you in my direction, should you want to find me."

Jacen:
"There is food here, water and lots of shelter." he says, with a little irk in his voice.
"I have delivered what I promised."

Anja:
The slave looks at you, and speaks plainly: "A deal was made and I honour it. In return for 'this' my family has escaped a certain death."

Poke!
Is it slowly dieing? :(

"The Peddler is someone who can see value in anything, including the lives of men who have nothing else to pay with."

He looks a bit strange when Terry looks disgusted, but doesn't go on about it.

"See you later, yeah?" he asks, going up into the crowd (unless someone stops him).

Who? :)

You arrive at a desert "camp", although it looks nothing like you had expected.

This colorful collection of tents and draft animals settles comfortably into the dunes. Dozens of humanoid figures wander about, and the rattle of chains is omnipresent.

It seems like it is essentially a small, selfsufficient village. Nothing would seem amiss if not for the large slave pens and the shackles hobbling most of the residents.

Most of the camp’s slaves, employees, and slave masters are simple, humanoid storykin.

Going on holiday till Sunday.
Bot me if you need to (if I'm a player).
Roleplay without me if you want to (if I'm the dm).

:)

As Terry passes the umbrella, the drizzle on his head evaporates in seconds, due to the absurd heat from the desert sun above, and the desert sand below.
It is refreshing though, and you feel very happy to have had it, if even for ten minutes.

Anyone want to do anything? Ask more questions?
I feel the boredom of the desert has ben adequately brought across by now, so I won't mind continueing to the next bit: the ****** ;)

"Best place to rest and freshen up is at the Nightpeddler's camp, si..m'lady. Sure as rain, that is.
Lots of room, fresh water and fruit and vegetables, ... can all be found there."

He keeps up the pace.

"Oh, I know this guy. Where's a lot of black, lives on an island. This looks likee just the blade for him: right length, right weight, not too much ornaments. The rust is a nice touch too."

He starts walking, and you follow him. He leads you down dunes and up dunes, around dunes and most of the time in a straight line. For Terry, he has a sun-umbrella, as he calls it, so he can walk in the shade.

Any more questions, else I'll skip to the next bit.

"Deal!" the centaur says, while extending his hand to shake it.

"If you accept, you can ask me the questions while we walk."

He seems to accept the fact that you do not wish to part with it, until an idea pops into his head.

"Food, water, shelter, the answer to five questions, and a guide through the Trackless Desert." he states as an offer.

;)

Upon you drawing the sword, the centaur smiles and holds it in his hands, turning it over and taking a few practice swings.
"THis is a fine piece of weapon, a shame you are not interested in selling this. I would know the perfect person to sell this to."

He seems to accept the fact that you do not wish to part with it, until an idea pops into his head.
"Food, water, shelter, the answer to five questions, and a guide through the Trackless Desert." he states as an offer.

After examining your gold, he indeed finds nothing particularly interesting or valuable about them.

"It's foreign currency, kinda hard to know what they be worth?
Ain't you got gems, maybe special magical stuff that does things. Things I can see, and I can sell?"

"I seek all, and I seek little. Do you have anything to trade that I might find interesting enough? Showing you the way is a small effort for me but a big help for you, so maybe something that means little to you but might aid me?" the centaur suggests, looking at Jacen as he walks away but thinking nothing of it.

"And here I was just beginning to like you guys." the centaur says as he puts away his drink and the few cups that were still empty.

"Your prowess in battle must surely be great if you wish to fight me after surviving Eric.
It is not the way I do business, but I will defend myself and my wares." he says stoically, without drawing a weapon of any kind.

When Anja drinks and talks of Marzalee, the centaur seems to relax a little.
"Ant babies? Aaahh those larvae thingies. Yeah, I reckon I heard them Night Peddler has them. Don't know why, but it's quite valuable they say. I know where his camp is yes, but like I said before, I'm a trader, not a giver. I want to help you, but only if you 'help' me.."

An idea just occurs to him: "Besides, if you slay me, how will you find the Night Peddler? Men are often found in the trackless dearth, that have been wandering for a lifetime..."

Some rolls to help you assess how well that sounded.
Intimidate: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13
Diplo: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (17) + 13 = 30

Waiting for input from the others.

Helpful doesn't necesarilly mean "Take my children and my life savings". He's giving you free booze, inne? :p

"Magic that brings people back from the dead? That would be..."
He strains to think about it, and then continues by shrugging.
"Bit unneccesary no? Everyone knows Marzalee rebuilds you when you die, so why spend resources on that?"

When you remark about the funds, he counters by saying.
"You have a point, but in my experience selling below the price is also a way to ruin your business, no?" whereafter he slaps you friendly on the back.

"Smart one, aren't you?"

"Ah, you're talking about Eric? He would hae kicked me about a bit, but wouldn't kill me. Who else would provide him with his ales?" he says while casually pouring Anja a drink, and taking some for himself.

"What do you mean, you gave me my life? My life has been mine to begin with, ever since I was given life by my creator. 'T was always thus..."

He seems confused of the idea to "give life", but is looking around his saddlebags for bottles and flasks.

"I have plenty, what do you seek?" the centaur says, seemingly oblivious to the sun's scorching heat.

"Little one, if you offer something, I can offer something in return. That's how the system of bartering works." he smilingly says.

Jacen, what source is honey-eyed tongue from?

The centaur looks at Jacen suspiciously for a few seconds, when he starts casting, but doesn't think too much of it.

"If it is a guide you seek, I can be of service. If it is shelter you seek, I know of another merchant who can be of service. That is, of course, if you have goods or services to trade. Can't be doing nothing for nothing now, see?"

Skitter enjoys the patting on the hat, but after the 7th one he bites you slightly, as per protocol.

The centaur starts walking towards you as Anja sheathes her sword.

"Hello there, strangers! It sure was luck running into y'all around here. Thanks for clearing up the problem with Eric, he can be quite a hassle when he's had a few."
He makes a gluck-gluck gesture with one hand.

"What can I do you for, gentlemen and mi'lady. You wouldn't be interested in buying desert roses, ornamental chewn statues of Mydion lions, or a set of cooking pans, only been used by an old lady who only used them on sundays?"

The centaur is slowly walking towards you...

Giving Anja and the little guy some time to reply :)

Little one?

Even though Anja is slowed and tries to get the creature to pick her up, she can't focus on it enough and automatically fights back.

She still charges forward, keen to slice the whirlwind in half, when her blades connects to something again. The howling is amplified, but the creature seems to...stop spinning..

In mere seconds, it dissapears completely.

On a nearby dune-top, the centaur is watching the entire thing.

Noted, Valeeran!

As far as the roll: I'll use the solution I use on the tabletop all the time, in case of dunno-syndrom.

Even means you can fail it: 1d20 ⇒ 17
Sorry :(

Yes, vs spells I know of some cases. It's similar to lowering your SR (as a std action).

When it's normal saves, I wouldn't think so. Since you make a reflex save in the 100% open desert terrain, while prone and dazed, I would rule that this is a case where "luck" also has to be part of it. The wind might not catch your body/garments as effectively while on the move, as it did while it was centered around you, for example.

Others? Any ideas?
((and gameplay actions? :) ))

Euh, that's a good idea you had there Anja, but I'm not sure you can "voluntarily" fail your save? It's something you are always entitled to, so....
Anyone here good at finding rules? ;)

Also: yes, Anja, all the previous attacks misse...hit ;)