I'm sorry, but I too have to bow out. Life is gonna be really busy for me for the next few months and I'm not sure I'll have time.
I'm sorry so much happened to you, and thank you for the first little bit of the gameplay.
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Oh sure! Send me a note when you start recruiting.
I wish you luck with that.
Life has been getting busier, so I have to retract my offer to GM for the foreseeable future. If anyone else would like to take it up, feel free (and I'd love to play), but otherwise I wish you all luck in your gaming endeavours.
Mm, perhaps. I recalled it as an urban adventure, but I was flipping through it this morning around half of the book appears to be a massive dungeon. We should probably wait for Veronica to say something.
I understand your point, and have unfortunate news. Shattered Star parades itself as an urban adventure, but really turns into a superdungeon halfway through. So both of those are off the table. I'm not against buying Crimson Throne, but it may take a little time.
8 threads? That is a lot. No wonder your standards are so much higher than mine. You are a professional. This is only my second play by post game. I'd been planning to start GMing a game here in a few weeks, albeit one set very far from Steampunk Golarion. I wouldn't mind taking over (although I was enjoying Tasche) except that I have nowhere specific to go. Thankfully, we're actually at a nice break point in the campaign. The search for the two missing kids gives us a lead to go anywhere the replacement GM wants. Pulling APs of my shelves, I have both Shattered Star and Mummy's Mask available. Both actually lend themselves fairly well to an adaptation. Shattered Star is an urban adventure (like we were already doing) and adventuring in pyramids is a tradition for some steampunky/pulpy adventurers (The Mummy, Indiana Jones, etc). I could also look into getting Crimson Throne, or writing my own material (quality not guaranteed). So to be a little more concise, I don't mind. Urhal can take over. I could too. Lets see what the others think, and take a vote (I won't cast a vote until I know the full list of volunteers and options). And of course, DM Waz Up could return at any time and force us out of this near baseless speculation and wild hypothesizing.
I am too. As much as I'm really enjoying this roleplaying, this conversation is starting to get far too philosophical for the middle of a crime lord's hideout. DM Waz Up does have a history of abandoning games. While I truly hope that isn't the case here, it is a possibility. If he doesn't come back, what will we do? Abandon it? Try to hire a new GM? Have on of ourselves step up?
"Nethys, the god of magic, cares about how we use magic? That is strange. I had always assumed he would support magic in all it's forms. I suppose that's why I'm not particularly religious " He sighs and cocks his head sideways. "Well, what would be an improper usage?"
"Capable? Try terrifying. Perhaps excessively so." Imagining the monster such a combination would create, Tasche grins and starts flipping through his spellbook. "I don't have Enlarge Person in here. Not my speciality. However, just for you, I'll see if I can't pick it up from a friend, especially if we're gonna keep working together." He grins at Arratu.
Tasche starts at Veronica's comment. Oops. Caught. He quickly recovers "Well, uh, I'm a bit too unorthodox for them. As I said, people have accused me of being a blood mage, and you know the Acadame's opinion on them. Still. She must be brilliant." He smiles gently at Veronica. "I'll help you find her. I promise. She's probably in the same mysterious place Augusta is, anyway" Tasche laughs at Urhal's rejection "What about fancy spells that make you strike stronger and faster? Surely with some magical support, you could get much further with standing up for the good and punishing the wicked."
"Heh. Good question. Study, although there have been those who have accused me of being naturally talented. I was formally trained at Anomanexus. Those Acadamae bastards felt I wasn't, ah, 'noble' enough. Wouldn't take me." He shakes his head, to clear the memories. "So yes, I study. I have a workshop actually. I'm trying to unify an ancient style of magic used by a group known as 'The Magi' with modern firearms. It's an interesting project for sure. Keeps me busy. But I still enjoy studying other forms of 'the magicks' when I get the chance." Unconsciously, he traces his hand down the barrel of the revolver that represents years of his research.
Glancing around to ensure the rest of the party is absent enough to ensure a requisite level of discretion, Tasche replies. "Hm. I have heard of skinwalkers before. Never had the chance to meet one. At least, that I know of." He chuckles. "I'm sorry for prying. Studying strange forms of magic is my career. It's impressive. I do wonder how else it can be harnessed." He trails off, and frowns in concentration. "Hm. Maybe if you... no, that wouldn't quite... hm. Well, perhaps if... no. Hm." Shaking his head, Tasche realizes he's fallen behind and hurries to keep up. "Sorry. I just find magic so fascinating."
Tasche watches curiously as Arratu throws the corpse to the reptile, making sure to keep well out of reach. He needs all of his limbs intact, thank you very much. "I'm no druid, but I didn't think crocodiles were native to these parts. Any idea where he got it from? Or what he uses it for?" He frowns in concentration, and then chuckles. "I would hazard a guess at body disposal, same as we're doing." "You're quite right Ms Veronica. Mayhaps once it is clear, we should even consider burning down this horrible place. But first, no stone shall remain unturned!" He begins trying to assist Arratu on his search, starting with the dock and then moving indoors.
Well that was a particularly average identification attempt. Hm yeah, Crenshaw probably would've noticed Lamm was dead before casting it.
"Makes sense to me. A crime lord who hides behind others? Seems weak." Tasche examines the body, trying to gauge the items if Crenshaw lets him. He doesn't try to take any of the items however. "Hm. A nice profit. But no children." He hums, frowns, and turns back to the building. Scratching his head, Tasche stretches. "I suppose we must continue looking, to make sure no one here stands to inherit his empire. And of course, Augusta." He then walks back towards the building, and calls over his shoulder. "Would anyone care to express a particular preference as to where we start?" After he gets some of the way down the dock, he dramatically spins, coat flaring out. "Stop worrying. We'll hide the body after we search, unless any individual would care to carry it."
Which is kind of fitting for such a crime lord. A reminder about the importance of who you have around you.
If he's awake, he could talk about what I owe. But... Tasche glances at the stoic faces of his companions. They will be unswayed. "Fine. He lives. For now. Although I'm not wasting a healing potion on this scum."
"Indeed. Well done Mr Urhal." Tasche claps Urhal on the back, grinning. "Why wait?" Tasche trails off. "What answers could he have beyond lies?" He shakes his head and beads his revolver on the corpse. "We should 'properly deal with' him now." Swallowing nervously he continues, "I'm sure a casual search of the facility will turn up our missing children. I'm sure."
Grinning, Tasche calls after Arratu "Crush him!". His revolver tracks Gaedren as he falls, and as he splashes into the water Tasche fires, the bullet sparking with magic power. He will not escape. I can't afford that.
The worst part is that we can't even roleplay while we wait for the GM because we're in the middle of a war zone. Ah well.
"He's heading for the boat!" cries Tasche, ducking the oncoming fire. Again, he forces his power into his hand, causing it to glow with power. You know, I've never actually done this outside of testing. Here's hoping it doesn't blow up. He brings his hand to his revolver, charging it with power. It glows brightly, the runes holding the excess well. "Remember Ada? She sends her regards".
He pauses only momentarily to shoot, before continuing to chase the human monster.
Daily Abilities Remaining: 1st level - True strike 0th level - Dancing lights, Daze, Mage hand 3/4 Arcane Pool Points
Crenshaw, I think he implied that there's multiple people in there. And given that both Veronica and Tasche haven't found their missing kids yet, I'd assume that's where they are. preferably we save the kids either way, but still something to consider.I guess a good elephant rifle shot between the eyes would do. It certainly would! Would you care to do the honours? If no one catches him this round, then my heightened speed will let me next turn.
Sounds like a plan. Certainly increases the dramatic tension and mystery. I'm game.
Blue lightning dances over Tasche's hand, and slams it downwards in one swift motion accompanied by a sharp cry of a strange arcane language, before dashing forwards with unearthly speed. Ignoring anyone in the room, he heads straight for Lamm, pushing his way past his companions. "I can catch him" is the only yelled explanation given. Tasche knows full well that he can't afford to be distracted by the possibility of encountering Augusta at this time, so he charges without looking.
Crenshaw, I think he implied that there's multiple people in there. And given that both Veronica and Tasche haven't found their missing kids yet, I'd assume that's where they are. preferably we save the kids either way, but still something to consider. That's a good point Evans. I didn't even notice. Not sure why it should be a fourth level spell anyway though. It doesn't feel that overpowered.
Tasche drops the elephant gun, concluding that he doesn't have time to reload it. In it's place, he takes up his handy revolver, with a grim look adorning his face. "LAMM", he roars, about to remind the monster who exactly had come to kill him. Then he pauses. Augusta is in there. Don't let him know that he has power over you. And besides, you don't want him to mention your debt in front of the others. Do not tell him who you are. He swallows, and concentrates. With a lack of a better plan, he continues the conversation to buy Veronica time. "What goons? If you had goons capable of stringing us up by our intestines, they already would have done so. The only thing you have left is a bunch of scared children." He laughs without humour, and advances towards the door. We'll form a plan after we know more
Tasche's hand glows with magical power as he drags it down the barrel of the gun, leaving little glowing runes behind. "Bang." Two glowing bullets streak out of the gun, tearing into the door.
I would like to see the results of that disable before I do fire. If you guys don't mind waiting a little... Eh. Turns out I mind waiting. Tasche is the impatient sort...
"Hah!" Tasche laughs at "gun wizard". "Good one big guy. You are certainly most comedic." Snickering, he shakes his head. "Nope. No spells. Door magic ain't really my thing, although I do know a guy." He glances around, and pauses staring at the entrance way. Eyes gleaming with menace, he whirls around. "No spells. But a good wizard uses the right tool for the right job". He pockets his revolver and aims the elephant gun at the door. A wickedly amused grin covers his face. He whispers to the room, unable to keep his excitement out of his voice. "Hey Madam Belle. Stand back and watch this"
Yeah, that's my interpretation too. Thanks. I might just stick with the revolver. What it loses in damage, it makes up for in not needing to be reloaded every round.
Tasche narrows his eyes, contemplating the possibilities. Concluding that the lock picking detective may be ever so slightly better than him at identifying the nature of this trap, he decides to stay out of her way. I've annoyed that poor woman plenty today. She doesn't need more problems. He stays back, but lowers his gun a little such that he isn't pointing it at her workspace. "We could go around. Try and flank them. They're expecting us to come through here", he whispers.
I apologize for my inability to use Google Sheets, but I just can't make the vertical purple lines do what I want them to. Can someone give me a hand? I'm trying to remove the ones between each value column and the quantity column.
Rules question: I have a ranged weapon bond, which functions as a wizards favoured weapon. At somepoint, it may be appropriate to designate a slightly higher powered gun as the bond. Am I paying 200 gold per level and performing the ritual to designate another one? I think that's what the rules are saying, but it doesn't really talk about just wanting another item.
"Uh", Tasche whispers, glancing around. "Ideas?" He shrugs, and points his revolver at the door. His new toy is slung over his back, fully loaded.
Barely making any progress on his goon, thanks to his abysmal strength, Tasche gives up dragging it and watched the gnome. "Woah. I really hope that filled 'im up. I do not want to be next on the menu." He tosses the wand to Veronica. "Acid splash", he calls out, hoping she'll agree with his analysis. "Could be useful as a backup. Probably better sold to cheap street magicians who can only emulate the real thing. Definitely not as powerful as this beauty", he remarks while tapping his new gun. Thinking about the economics, Tasche decides he has to chime in "Woah there big guy. Give the money to Doctor Evans? With his faith in the establishment, I think that's the worst place for it. We'll decide later, but I too vote to start a charity of some sort." Noting that Arratu is in trouble, he starts reloading the elephant gun, eager to try his new toy.
Yeah, I agree. Do you mind if I add a value column so we can approximate how much everyone is carrying?
Yes it does. Thank you very much.
I'm gonna pocket the wand for now, and the big gun if no one else has any objections. We should probably divy up the rest of the weapons based on what we can use and what we'll sell, and create a communal money pool. Dex to damage would be really nice. It's what's making me really consider a spellslinger wizard dip. I would lose a level of magus casting though, so I'm still not sure.
Tacshe jogs into the cleared room, making a beeline for the gun. He grabs it and zones out to the world, lost in rapturous examination of the weapon. This ignorance of his surroundings thankfully causes him to miss the children leaving, a subject he would otherwise complain about. After a few minutes, he comes to and shakes his head to clear it. "Nice gun." He glances around, taking in Veronica's frustration. "I think we're past talking. The only information we need comes from the man himself." He grins and reloads his revolver, affixing the large rifle to his back. [b]"Good idea Arratu! But that one's tiny. Tell you what, I'll get you some more.[b]" He moves back and checks the first goon's pockets, before dragging the corpse towards the pool making slow progress. Tasche takes a good look at the wand while he attempts to move the body.
Tasche follows Urhal into the room, keeping the imposing half orc between him and the gnome. As much as he admires the large gun, Tasche would very much prefer not to study it from the business end. Moving sideways a little for a clear shot, he touches his gun momentarily to charge it with his own power.
"Hm. That's one heck of a gun." Tasche drags a finger along the barrel of his gun, causing a few of the runes to light up. He then leans around Veronica and fires through a hole.
Leaning back into the safety of the sides, he grins wickedly at no one in particular. "I want it."
"Hm. Our mutual acquaintance, Doctor Evans, mentioned that you were quite secretive. I suppose you would mind telling me who you are and what magic surrounds you then? I only ask from an academic perspective. I'm a bit of a scholar when it comes to obscure forms of magic. Perhaps it is something we can discuss at length at a future, less pressing, date." Tasche's followup question to Arratu is strangely lengthy given the hastiness of the situation. He tries to look and sound serious, well aware he probably he won't get a meaningful answer. Tasche frowns a little as the children leave. "One can never get used to starvation, fear, and doubt. I just hope those of them with families find their way back to them. Heh." He chuckles and his tone becomes lighter. "At least they won't have to deal with accidental gunshot wounds. But Crenshaw is right." He turns to look at each other person in turn. "We should do our job. Everyone ready?" Tasche takes up a readied position behind the kneeling lockpicker and raises his pistol towards the door. He listens carefully to try and make out the words. "Break it down. We need to move."
Tasche considers. "Right. I just hope Lamm doesn't run out the back while we wait. He is a slippery one. Staying together. Okay. I can do that." Nodding, he approaches the next door. Perhaps too closely, he watches Veronica work, fascinated by the lock mechanism and her talents. Never great at locks, Tasche's passion for technology and machinery means he finds them fascinating, and anyone skilled at unlocking such delicate machinery even more so. He studies her delicate movements, trying to commit them to memory. "Are you mad? Tasche hisses at the terrifying creature before him. "You can't just push them out on the streets. Someone else, mayhaps someone worse, will take them in!" He pauses and then adds in a small voice "Not that there really is anyone worse. He sighs, as no obvious solutions come to mind. Finished, he notes the beast's new digits. "How are you doing that? Magic? Alchemy? The shape shifting I mean. That's very impressive. I've witnessed very talented magicians spend years trying to achieve what you just did."
So, I'm not saying we should split the party, but I'm also not saying we shouldn't...
Tashe points at the where the gnome disappeared to, in case someone missed it. "Well, now they know we're here. Could one of you strong folk bash the door down? We ain't got time for finesse anymore." He sheathes his rapier and glances at the body. Then he pauses and frowns in thought. "I'm gonna go try those doors from the main room. Anyone care to join me?" Tasche jogs back to the room with Bloo's corpse and tries to open the left door we haven't touched.
Tasche glances at the fight, and waves his pistol around looking for a good shot. After a few seconds, he grimaces and lowers it. He steps forwards and in one smooth, graceful motion draws his rapier. Seeing that the massive beast, such an impressive specimen, has Urhal's immediate opponent covered, he tries to place himself between the children and the half-orc. "Yah! Flee before us!" He waves his sword dramatically, before trying to hit one gently. The child dances out of the way of his strike, and he grunts. "I'm a little rusty. Haven't touched this blade in years. Give me a few moments to warm up", he quips trying to seem lighthearted despite his disappointment at the lack of his niece.
Is that the first crit of the game? Well done Urhal! We really have lost the stealth approach, huh? I just hope we find Lamm before he disappears into the night. Perhaps we should split up. Or perhaps not. I wouldn't worry Veronica. I expect most of them to run from the screaming monster. I hope. Otherwise we're all gonna be taking a lot of -4's.
Tasche grins wickedly at the monster. "Ah, this must be the good doctor's ally. Friends in low places indeed", he mutters to himself. Thoughts and speculations start bubbling up. Doesn't really look human despite his nice hat. I wonder what he is... Shaking his head to clear it, he moves into the workroom, deliberately keeping the monster between him and the kids. Noting that Urhal has the man, Tasche raises his revolver to the ready for any more trouble and yells. Augusta? AUGUSTA?" He scans the room resperately, half for trouble and half for his niece.
Tasche was right about to fire his gun. His finger was on the trigger, and he could feel magic and adrenaline flowing through his veins. That woman is quick on her feet. And convincing! Even I almost believe her, and I know she's lying. Hm. She's already angry at me for disobeying instructions. I suppose she'll only get worse if I shoot him. With a sheepish grin, he lowers his gun, and then grimaces momentarily and he forces his magic back into a dormant state. Upon opening his mouth to add corroboration to her story, Tasche experiences a sudden flashback to every time in his life he's tried and failed to talk his way out of trouble. Realizing it's out of his hands, he closes his mouth and tries for a friendly smile. Of course, he keeps his pistol at the ready, just aiming it at the ground until Veronica finishes. Urhal hit this stranger pretty hard, and violence breeds violence. And before the night is out, he will definitely shoot someone. Ah well. Such is life. Tasche grins madly, and tries to look intimidating.
Oh right. I am not doing well for knowing my character options thus far. Sorry. I'm going to review my sheet and be more careful. |