imjohnnyrah's page

"It seems your meeting with the Cass-Mons went well, but not well enough. You think they may be up to something?"

”Probably,” Jack admits without hesitation. ”Ira is a power thirsty f#%+. His men use brutality to compensate for their subjugation to drugs and authority. A tired, tried and true example of man's most base instincts. Adrian seems to get whats going on. Smart kid. Dangerous due to business savvy. What buys us time is the separation of head and hands. The hotshots they're sending with us are likely their higher ranking people; an example of them at their best but not what they're actually packing. Lucky for us they're disorganized... for now. If they're planning something, it'll be some sort of power play. Wouldn't put it past them to take the lead on our plan so we have to keep the important details hidden.” He pauses and gives Kalyna a severe gaze. ”These aren't people to be trusted. They're fodder. Expendable. If they're sharp or sober they'll recognize it. Do... Not... Trust... Them... Understood?”

Fast forward >>

”...Let me know if I can help in anyway other than just supporting the cause."

Jack didn't like the idea of Kalyna spilling the beans to some random hooligan she'd been using to smack her lady-parts into for an easy distraction.

Insight (gauge if Kojo is trustworthy): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 8 = 17

”You can keep your f%+@ing mouth shut. You don't know a goddamn thing. Understand? Not a goddamn thing.

I'd like to use that cash to buy 6 packs of cigs, some rope, and as much 9mm ammo as possible.

"What's in the purse Jacky-boy?"

”Your balls. Follow orders and maybe I'll give em back when we're done.”

Jack examines the four soldiers before him. Two Cassidy's, two Monroes, two of us... Not much of a wholesome group, here, is it? What are you doing, old man? Gonna get yourself killed by these a*%%$**s or the freaks out there roaming the streets.

”This is a simple job. Don't start a f@!%ing thing unless I give the word. Guns are last resort. Silence is the difference between life and death, got that. Silence is everything. Avoid conflict at all f&$@ing cost. Know your place. Follow me and live to see another f+&!ing needle in your arm. Do that or die. Your call. Any questions, now's the time; otherwise we get rolling.”

Insight (feel these b%*&&es out): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 8 = 25

Dorp! Gonna lvlup and convert my sheet, y'all

OK! So, Kieran's down. A whole buncha shit went crazy and then it went crazier... Got it!

Here's a roll because I don't know what else I should do to say: 'I'm back from limbo' and contribute in some small way.

1d20 ⇒ 20

Good omen!

Azeban, you're up! Next will be....

1: Cecil
1d1.... Cecil!

Yes! And they say I have shit for luck...

I thought you loved bears. I remember that time you told me that you met a bear at a bar and he was the sweetest guy. Didn't you go home with him that night?

May as well roll a reflex save now:

Reflex vs GM's heterosexual security: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23

Thanks everyone,

Twas brillig and the slithy toves did gyre and gimble in the wabe;
all mimsy were the borogoves and the mome raths... well, really. And in public as well!

O frabjous day! Callooh callay!

Sounds like a good time :-)

Jack studies each move his prospective "associates" makes with the focus of a master chess player. The treatment shown to the interested girl only served to increase her value to Jack, though what it meant in placement was still to be discovered.

"Why didn't your friend come?"

The former detective takes his time with his reply, sloshing the beer around his teeth all the while eyeing Ira with a confident aura of indifference.

"A strong organization has one voice. If I had her tag along, might be the wrong proposals be made or the wrong terms agreed on. I'm sure you understand." Jack, again, takes a snail's pace with his toxic intake - first beer then cigarette - allowing his listeners to digest the mixed message his answer suggested.

"I need men; not boys, not a bunch a f%%#in' idiots lookin' to cause mayhem for a laugh. Soldiers. Take orders; that means they don't do anything they aren't ordered to do. Word is: the Cassidy-Monroes are a mixed bag. Your reputation... inconsistent. My plan is simple and all I need are numbers. I guarantee whoever makes up those numbers will find themselves cozy n' powerful. Why should I give this gift to the Cassidy-Monroes?" he asks Ira with unflinching decisiveness.

Turning to Adrian with the same intensity, "What reason do I have to trust you'll carry it through?"

Persuasion (influence 'tude): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25
Perception (cop a crowd feel): 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (9) + 12 = 21

Just a note: his being so blunt is to show authority and leadership. This may not seem like the right sort of statement for a diplomacy check but gangs are a bit like dogs - they follow the Alpha.

Kieran takes his place on the bed nearest him. He rummages through his pack retrieving a worn journal, a quill, ink, vial, and blotter; then quickly sets about his writing.

Kieran folds the paper in thirds, seals it in wax, and then stows it safely in his bag. He looses another sheet to his lap and begins a second letter. Erec, it began, though Kieran hesitated to continue. Instead, his mind turned to the vision the scales inflicted on him: the vulture clutching a glowing brand in its talons; Erec strapped to an alter, screaming as the abomination gleefully plunged him again and again, futile pleas for his father to rescue him. By the time he returned to the present, his only written word was absorbed into the ink that had bled out of his pen. Taking it as a sign, Kieran disassembles his materials and packs them away.

In his rummaging, the sack of scales had managed to slip out and clank onto the floor. No better time than now, I guess. Course, you silver shit stains know it too, he thinks as he stares at the scales. He leans over to scoop them up and carries them to the middle of the room.

”Y'might, all, wanna take a look at these. Silver scales. Come from the dragon, most like. Enchanted, they are, but... well... Guess y'all can see fer yerselves what they's worth.” He drops the bag at his feet, steps back, continues. ”I didn't like what I saw when I touched em,” his countenance showing signs of falter, ”That... Y'take a risk with these. That much I know.”

*This* is a close estimate of my artistic abilities. I admire anyone who can draw/paint/render a picture because I know it's something totally beyond my skills as a human.

The best advice I can muster up - given a history with music - is generic advice! (My favorite kind of advice).

• Own your mistakes/shortcomings
  
• Practice
  
• Find joy in challenges
  
• Practice
  
• Push the limits of your comfort zone
  
• Practice
  

***********

Anyway, about Tawn'Garth's suggestion to split the group - does anyone feel this would be beneficial to us or should we move on as a whole?

We shouldn't have to worry about Cid's school responsibilities anymore. Last time I talked to him he said he dropped out so he could sell beads at concerts out of the back of his van. Sounded like he was doing pretty well for himself. He can post when he gets wifi or goes to the library to "freshen up".

Unless I'm mistaken (I suck at figuring AoE's), Ethyra's channel got the majority of the group, right?

The first complete thought Kieran eventually formed was: ”How in Hell did I end up this drunk?” This, of course, was before he remembered the whirlwind of colors that the skinny dwarf had assailed him with. He set to open his eyes but realized they were already so; they, as well as the rest of his body, had been rendered completely useless by those twisted magics. He struggled without motion in a peculiarly comical/terrified fashion until, one by one, function returned to his appendages and he was able to push himself to his feet.

Quickly surmising that the dwarf was not among the heaps of fallen enemies, Kieran grits his teeth. ”How longs it been since that rat-f++*er midgets been gone?”

Happy to hear you're finally getting that higher edjucation. I really hope it lands you in a less disastrous place than you're working now. Maybe a pillow factory or a kitten ranch or something. Any case, I got my fingers crossed for you!

No need to worry, DM. Me n' Tyrn go waaaaaaaaay back. By now he knows I can take him in fisticuffs any day of the week. He jus front'n. ;-)

Dude! Awesome! I had a similar experience in a kingmaker game. It's pretty frustrating.

Having a conflict on character progression, over here. (1) Continue with Lore Warden, (2) Dip into Rogue (fits the character) or (3) Longshot, but dip into Scholar (w/ DM approval on the class). Ugh! They need to make a Rogue archetype with Bardic Knowledge (Gary G just rolled over in his grave and, somewhere in NY, my dear friend Dan just threw up a swarm of hellwasps and gave them my address). I'll sleep on it and post to this craziness when I'm on a real computer in the morning.

Thanks, Cori!!!

Fair enough, Dan's a purist. I would have loved to watch his face when he read the description of the Urban Barbarian archetype.

Grinding his teeth as he reads the passage through narrowed eyes, "BLASPHEMY!!!"

Sulphur rains from the sky and the book bursts into flames

Yeah, bone. If Grant and/or Cori sign on, I'd be happy to just play as Cosic. I have stuff in mind for Gwen but Jack is my primary and has been treated as such. We can still introduce her just for some perspective then arbitrarily kill her off after the point is made. George RR Martin would be proud, lol!

The catalytic converter in my suzuki is covered by warranty, my son went to the sitter's without having a full-blown mental and/or physical collapse AND all of my morning meetings at work went pretty well! Nearly all major articles of my recent woes seem to be turning around.

Everything's coming up Milhouse!

Now, lets see what my newfound optimism can do...

1d3 + 15 ⇒ (2) + 15 = 17 = 17
1d10 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16 = 16
4d6 ⇒ (6, 4, 2, 3) = 15 = 13
4d6 ⇒ (2, 6, 6, 3) = 17 = 15
4d6 ⇒ (1, 1, 4, 1) = 7 = 6
4d6 ⇒ (4, 3, 5, 5) = 17 = 14

6... 6... 6!?!? SIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIX!!!!

*reverse slide whistle sound*
**cries in the shower**

Eh, whatever. Maybe I'll just stat up a barbarian and play him like Lenny from Of Mice and Men. Anyone want to be my caretaker and - eventually - tell me about the rabbits?

I like the boot blade. I've always been a fan of boots with an unnecessary amount of belts and buckles. Fantasy inspired Victorian garb is my favorite.

As for favorite character, well... I really enjoy writing for Cassian but Diyeana is my favorite to read. Donovan's story was shaping up to be really enjoyable but, y'know, PbP attrition and whatnot.

So what happened to Tyrn? You're giving me a bad wrap, brother.

Cecil looks at Vincent with a noticeable worrisome expression. "Let him live. We'll need a scapegoat for the orders we've ignored. He'll likely be discharged but left with enough gold to live life however he pleases."

To Vincent, "This will be for the best, my brother. You need to distance yourself from this war before it saps away the kindness in your heart."

Another crash sounds somewhere nearby, signaling Zellec's advance. Cecil stands over the chest residing the well sought after artifact. "If you're going to leave, I suggest you do it now." He slides his hand over the ornate, alien inscriptions detailing the case and edges hesitantly towards the latches locking it shut. "You won't want to be here when they arrive."

HUZZAH! And oh boy... battle with nothing but my birthday-scepter to fence with!

Lol!

I removed one because I thought that last post was GM Guidance. I'm not very used to Hero Points. In my experience, I'd start crying like a child or threaten to seduce my GM's sister (totally could have, Tyrn) whenever I was stuck.

Diy - I think the biggest problem with the archetypes is balance. The Spellhammer could be helpful but it's really lacking when you compare it to some of the others like the Youxia or the Harrier which could easily be the groundwork of full blown classes on their own.

I guess the question you should ask yourself is: what kind of character do you want to create? A sniper who casts spells or a sorceress with a rifle? Judging by your feats and spells Diyeana seems to lean towards the martial side of things (but I've been wrong before).

I looked into the Arcane Archetypes when I was trying to find something for Cassian but they're all a little weak. The only one that looked interesting was the Minstrel which gives you a very very limited list of Bard spells and a couple extra skill ranks per level but I eventually settled for Weapon Champion because it felt like the most fitting for my character. It's boring and adds no real versatility but it allowed Cassian to do what he already does with a slight bonus. I only wish they had a book of Skill-type Archetypes. Fighter is a pretty dull class comparatively so I would have preferred something to give me a little Umpfff, so to speak, outside of combat.

If you're still at a complete loss just take Youxia. Seriously. It gets Lay on Hands. LAY ON HANDS! Sharpshooter would be nice if we weren't already playing with the Called Shots variant so that whole mechanic is practically voided.

hey everyone, lets play gestalt characters!

What!? Who said/wrote that? I've had enough of you hooligans hacking my keyboard!

Jeeeez, bud. Sucks that work is being such a drag for you. All you can really do is hold your head up and power through all that bureaucratic bs. I hope you're able to shield some of your coworkers from those heartless axe-swingers upstairs. Times are hard enough as is.

I think I'm going to blame Havak for this... :-P

I hate when the dice screw you in climactic situations. Especially when you roll great damage but a dismal attack. My heart goes out to you Amara.

I see that you're critiquing as we go so here's a link to my Work In-Process Character Sheet for Alton Mace. I'm shooting for the Bodyguard position and I'm working with an LE alignment, which is a pretty bid deal for me. I don't see it as permission to be a self-interested a$$**** but rather the kind of person who indiscriminately follows orders (shamelessly channeling Sandor Clegan for this guy). Basically, he's a guard for hire. This weeks patron could be next week's victim if circumstance favored it.

Let me know how everything looks. I'm certainly interested in a role play heavy campaign.

Jeeze... I should stop sleeping so I can keep up with this friggin' thread.

My thoughts:

If this is a vote, I'd stay Option 1.

Reminder to Americans: VOTE! It's the only illusion of power we have!

Can we have whatever we want as part of our outfits? As long as it doesn't give any mechanical benefit? I want pink glitter gladiator armor and a steel chastity belt, with razor blades in the crotch. I also want to get my hair done in corn rows.

Dear lord! As if the first image you linked wasn't scarring enough, now this!?

"I figured you for a tough little tart. Be glad you're not dead yet, we've still got a use for you." Ganit tells the unconcious bandit queen. He then quickly retreats back to rumage through Felicity's saddlebags and retrieves a lengthy peice of rope. He cuts it into five roughly equal sized pieces and hands three of them Cambyl. "Move quickly. If the Orc didn't run that last one down we can expect to have four more coming after us."

He looks over disarms Kressel while she remains asleep and makes sure to keep the confiscated items well out of her reach before actually using a peice of rope to restrain her. Afterwards he will tie up the last remaining bandit after making sure he is entirely without weapons. Taking 20 on Perception to search for weapons, Total: 29.

Hemp Rope: STR DC 23 to burst
Escape Artist DC: 23 (or 25 if you want to count Favored Enemy)

It was a bit of researching to find this but I figured I'd post a link for everyone's benefit. 3.5 players will remember that situationally useful USE ROPE skill that Pathfinder had gotten rid of was ideal for stringing up prisoners, but now we don't have to roll anything anymore. Scroll down a little ways from this link and read under the title: Tie Up. So it's basically 20 + CMB for an escape artist DC and whatever the rope's stats are for STR checks. Now you know, and knowing is half the battle! G-I-JOOOOOOOOE!!!

**Edit**
Nonlethal Unarmed Strike in case either one wakes up while I'm using the rope:

Kressel Attack vs Flat Footed: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (16) + 9 = 25
Kressel Damage: 1d3 + 4 + 1d6 ⇒ (1) + 4 + (6) = 11

Bandit Attack vs Flat Footed: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (17) + 9 = 26
Bandit Damage: 1d3 + 4 + 1d6 ⇒ (3) + 4 + (4) = 11

Base: +3/+2, Favored Enemy +2/+2, Helpless Opponent +4/+1d6 Sneak attack; Total: +9/+4+1d6.

Several of these obituaries specifically call out my 6 player conversion. Makes me happy to read them.

I hope you sleep well at night :p