Arctaris' Rise of the Rune Lords PbP


Play-by-Post Discussion

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Alright, since we seem to have gotten the roster mostly figured out I decided it was time for the discussion thread.
So far we have:
Mevers, possibly a druid
TwiceBorn, undecided
Torillian, playing an elven fighter
gurps, playing a human shadowcaster
Evil Genius, playing a binder
Radavel, playing a cleric

On the list of back-up players are:
Jeremy LeGrue
Santinj@
TerraNova

Everyone, if you could post the reasons for your coming to Sandpoint and how long you've been there that would be great.
Hopefully we can start later this week.


DM Arctaris wrote:


Everyone, if you could post the reasons for your coming to Sandpoint and how long you've been there that would be great.
Hopefully we can start later this week.

My character's reasons for coming to Sandpoint are mentioned in the background portion of my character sheet, but here they are again in a little more detail:

Spoiler:
Khev fled from Magnimar in an attempt to escape persecution at the hands of clerics of Sarenrae. His unnatural powers, and the callousness and carelessness with which he used them, caused him to be labeled by the church as an abomination. In desperation, he followed the road along the coast and, not but a very short time (as in, only a few hours or less) before the adventure begins, arrived in Sandpoint.


Male Half-Orc Monk 1

Here is Tzek, Half-Orc Monk ready to go. Still need to finalise Background, but it will be pretty similar to what I posted in the other thread. Just need to work out the details.

He is in Sandpoint, cause that's where he lives :) Don't worry there will be a bit more details in Background.

Arctaris, are we able to use Fractional BAB from Unearthed Arcana?


DM Arctaris wrote:


Torillian, playing an elven fighter

Actually, it's TORILLAN, and he is a half-elf (I took him only for the extra feat ;-) )


Male Human (Chelaxian) Cleric 1

This is so cool!

Anyways, the reason I gave at the gates is that I'm supposed to attend the re-dedication of the new church.

presents symbol of Abadar

Have been in town for a week.

Spoiler:
Real reason - to find out the state of military preparedness of the town of Sandpoint and to prepare dossiers on its leaders.


Looks good, mevers. Definitley an interesting character.
Sorry about the name thing, Torillan, I do that on a semi-regular basis.

Dark Archive

DM Arctaris wrote:


On the list of back-up players are:
Jeremy LeGrue
Santinj@
TerraNova

I've got a Human (Varisian) Spellthief rolled up in case TwiceBorn and Jeremy LeGrue drop. I apologize for chomping at the bit like this. I'm really trying to not be obnoxious about this, it just seems like this would be a fun group to join. I'll stop now, though.


Female Vasirian Shadwocaster

I'm new in town - just got in, and tried to find the black deer inn - I heard from my shadowmaster, that there should be someone, who could help me in my studies of the lightless. He said "You will recognize him, little shadow. He will help you, sharpen your apprenticeship - so as he did with me, many many years ago." - so I guess I will, if I am worthy enough.


Well, maybe you'll be lucky.

Sshanterea, I'll try to work elements into the campaign to fit in with that.


Female Vasirian Shadwocaster
DM Arctaris wrote:

Well, maybe you'll be lucky.

Sshanterea, I'll try to work elements into the campaign to fit in with that.

thnx - need someone who teaches new mysteries, I guess, so I thought "he" might be handy :)

Might be a vague contact "off scene" - or a real NPC contact.

ed: oh, and I completed my char


Female Vasirian Shadwocaster

combat:
what about a combat order in the sequence of our time-zones? Would make some things easier ...


santinj@ wrote:
DM Arctaris wrote:


On the list of back-up players are:
Jeremy LeGrue
Santinj@
TerraNova

I've got a Human (Varisian) Spellthief rolled up in case TwiceBorn and Jeremy LeGrue drop. I apologize for chomping at the bit like this. I'm really trying to not be obnoxious about this, it just seems like this would be a fun group to join. I'll stop now, though.

Shortened my name. Anyway, Santinj@, assuming TwiceBorn returns, you TerraNova and I can start our own game. Maybe recruit one or two more and rotate the DMship from module to module.

Dark Archive

JSL wrote:


Shortened my name. Anyway, Santinj@, assuming TwiceBorn returns, you TerraNova and I can start our own game. Maybe recruit one or two more and rotate the DMship from module to module.

That's a great idea. I'll try to start another Forum so that we can get out of Arctaris' way here. Perhaps we could find a way of contacting FabesMinis and see if he wants to join as well. Stay tuned for a link to another forum.


Male Half-Orc Monk 1

Arctaris, I have been thinking a bit more about Tzek, and he is really the sort of person who would strongly believes in relying on himself, not other people, and especially not stuff. As such, he would prefer to avoid using magic items if possible, instead preferring to improve himself through contemplation and introspection. I was trying to come up with a way to achieve this in game. I had 2 thoughts.

The first was Vow of Poverty (from BoED). However, that is an arguably broken option, especially for a monk / Druid. But I don't think it is so broken if you remove the bonus exalted feats. All it basically otherwise does is give you some AC, Save and Ability Score Bonuses. Although i understand if you still say now.

Although the other problem, is that it requires being exalted, which my character clearly isn't, and wouldn't be. But with the suggestions to power it down, it shouldn't be unbalancing at all to allow him to not be exalted.

The second option involves some info in the Magic Item Compendium. In the MIC, they break down items into "levels" (roughly equivalent to the level a PC should get their hands on the item). Basically at each level, you should have 2 items of your level, and 1 of each of the levels below that. So, at level 5, you should have 2 level 5 items, and 1 each level 4, 3,2 & 1.

The idea I had, was to instead of actually buying Magic Items, I instead (through contemplation and ritual etc), manifest the benefits of Magic Items of the appropriate level. However, as this is obviously more powerful than straight Magic items, to balance it, how about I don't get two of the highest level? So, at level 5, instead of 2 level 5 items, I would only have 1.

To give you some idea of the level of various items, I am AFB ATM, but I think from memory, a +2 Stat boost is about a level 6 item, while a +4 Stat boost is about a level 14 or so. I am ok if this costs me a feat (or two even)

Again, I understand if you don't want the added complication, but I would like to work out a way for my character not to be reliant on magic items, but able to get by with just the clothes on his back. Of the two options I presented, I think I would prefer the second.


My characters stats are done in the profile, but I need to add background info.

Torillan's reason for being in Sandpoint is merely chance. He has been making his way down the coast to find passage to Korvosa, as his chances of finding employment as a bodyguard or soldier there are improved. But he will take almost any job at this point, as funds are beginning to dwindle...


Tzek wrote:
Arctaris, I have been thinking a bit more about Tzek, and he is really the sort of person who would strongly believes in relying on himself, not other people, and especially not stuff.

Another way to model that may be using the Legacy items rules from Weapons of Legacy. This directly addresses the "golf bag of magic swords" problem and provides a way through legacy rituals to roleplay and balance the development of greater power. Now you are still stuck with one item, but maybe it is your meditative focus: a simple wooden idol ... or a big evil-looking gemstone embedded in your forehead.

Dark Archive

JSL wrote:


Shortened my name. Anyway, Santinj@, assuming TwiceBorn returns, you TerraNova and I can start our own game. Maybe recruit one or two more and rotate the DMship from module to module.

Here is the link to the new forum. Thanks for the idea, JSL.


Torillan wrote:

My characters stats are done in the profile, but I need to add background info.

Torillan's reason for being in Sandpoint is merely chance. He has been making his way down the coast to find passage to Korvosa, as his chances of finding employment as a bodyguard or soldier there are improved. But he will take almost any job at this point, as funds are beginning to dwindle...

Two quick things.

1. Instead of changing your profile, you may prefer to instead add an alias to your profile, enabling you to play a few different characters in different PbPs, or at least a character with a differnt name (if you want to).

2. I normally try to avoid giving character build advice, so ignore this is I am out of line. That said, your character really looks ready made for a few levels of Swashbuckler (Complete Warrior). Three levels of Swashbuckler will give you Weapon Finesse (1st), Int bonus to Damage (3rd), and 4 + INT Skillpoints per level. With INT to damage, you don't have to focus on STR so much, even able to drop it to 10, up your int to 14, and your DEX to 18.

After Swashbuckler, if you return to Fighter, you can take the feat Daring Warrior (Complete Scoundrel) which allows Fighter and Swashbuckler levels to stack for Swashbuckler bonus to Reflel saves and Dodge bonus to AC. Sounds like a pretty good deal to me.

Or, you could also go with Dervish (Complete Warrior again), which is one of the best melee PrCs out there.

But it is your character, so your decision. If you have more questions, I'll try to answer them, but otherwise, I won't mention this again.

Oh, except one more thing. If you do decide to take Swashbuckler, it is best to take it at level 1, to take advantage of the 4 skill points a level (as opposed to the 2 of fighter).

OK, done now, unless you have other questions.


Male Half-Orc Monk 1
JSL wrote:
Tzek wrote:
Arctaris, I have been thinking a bit more about Tzek, and he is really the sort of person who would strongly believes in relying on himself, not other people, and especially not stuff.
Another way to model that may be using the Legacy items rules from Weapons of Legacy. This directly addresses the "golf bag of magic swords" problem and provides a way through legacy rituals to roleplay and balance the development of greater power. Now you are still stuck with one item, but maybe it is your meditative focus: a simple wooden idol ... or a big evil-looking gemstone embedded in your forehead.

Yeah, a weapon (at least item) of Legacy could work. Sort of. The problem I find with the weapons of legacy, is that the benefits they give usually at least struggle to be worth the drawbacks, or worse, flat out aren't worth it. And come much later than just buying equivalent magic items to do the same thing. (Although this last point is no as big an issue for Tzek.)

Oh, I don't mean to be rude, but who are you? I got your first post up above, but couldn't work out who you were.


Mevers, I'll think about that. I'll try to put together a mechanic for it and see if it works (if you already have such a mechanic please email it to me at wraith6@raresteeds.com and I'll see if it'll work).

We will be using the fractional BAB advancement.

I believe that he is one of the more eager and persistent of our back-up players.


DM Arctaris wrote:

Mevers, I'll think about that. I'll try to put together a mechanic for it and see if it works (if you already have such a mechanic please email it to me at wraith6@raresteeds.com and I'll see if it'll work).

We will be using the fractional BAB advancement.

I believe that he is one of the more eager and persistent of our back-up players.

Thanks Arctaris. I'll put something together and email it to in a day or so. I can't wait for this adventure to start.


mevers wrote:

Two quick things.

1. Instead of changing your profile, you may prefer to instead add an alias to your profile, enabling you to play a few different characters in different PbPs, or at least a character with a differnt name (if you want to).

Good to know. My original sig is from a character name I made when 3.0 first came out. He too was a half-elf.

mevers wrote:


2. I normally try to avoid giving character build advice, so ignore this is I am out of line. That said, your character really looks ready made for a few levels of Swashbuckler (Complete Warrior). Three levels of Swashbuckler will give you Weapon Finesse (1st), Int bonus to Damage (3rd), and 4 + INT Skillpoints per level. With INT to damage, you don't have to focus on STR so much, even able to drop it to 10, up your int to 14, and your DEX to 18.

Unfortunately, I don't have Complete Warrior any longer. Otherwise, I most likely would have gone in that direction. So I figured I'd stick with Core. I'm truly OK with that, but I definitely appreciate the advice. And no, you aren't out of line at all.

mevers wrote:


But it is your character, so your decision. If you have more questions, I'll try to answer them, but otherwise, I won't mention this again.

Again, I appreciate your tips and the opportunity to play. I hope to finish background info by tomorrow evening.


Alright, I'll post whatever I come up with and we'll see which system works.


Torillan wrote:
Unfortunately, I don't have Complete Warrior any longer. Otherwise, I most likely would have gone in that direction. So I figured I'd stick with Core. I'm truly OK with that, but I definitely appreciate the advice. And no, you aren't out of line at all.

Yeah, Core is alright. I would suggest however adding one feat from PHB2, Melee Weapon Mastery. Gives you +2 to attack and damage with either slashing, bludgeoning or piercing weapons. It will go well with dual wielding short swords.


mevers wrote:
Yeah, Core is alright. I would suggest however adding one feat from PHB2, Melee Weapon Mastery. Gives you +2 to attack and damage with either slashing, bludgeoning or piercing weapons. It will go well with dual wielding short swords.

Sounds good! What are the pre-req's? And I can assume from the name of it that it qualifies for a Fighter Bonus feat?


I'll be using this new profile for postings from now on. I still need to add some background info.

EDIT: added background


The prereqs are Weapon Focus, Weapon Specialization in the same weapon and BAB +8.

The character and backround look good, although you forgot the bonus feat that can be chosen from those found in the PDF Player's Guide to RotRL.

I believe that's everyone except for TwiceBorn, who, if he can play, won't be able to join for a few days. I'll try to get the game thread up by Friday night/Saturday morning.


DM Arctaris wrote:
The character and backround look good, although you forgot the bonus feat that can be chosen from those found in the PDF Player's Guide to RotRL.

Oops! I'll go ahead with "Country Born". Added Will save bonus to profile.


Male Half-Orc Monk 1

I started working on a method for going without Magic Items. However, it soon got very complicated, especially trying to balance it, and not really worth the effort. So I'll just not worry about that aspect, and just use magic items as normal.

So I'm ready to go when everyone else is.

Edit: Are any of our mage types capable of casting Mage Armor, or a similar spell. Those of us that don't wear armor would greatly appreciate it :)


I believe that we have a binder and a shadowcaster, and I don't think either of those have access to such a spell or ability.


Sshantera wrote:

combat:

what about a combat order in the sequence of our time-zones? Would make some things easier ...

Sorry, I just saw this. Do you mean not rolling initiative and just going by time zone? That would be more complicated than is probably necassary. I play in a lot of PbPs and many of the players are in vastly different time zones. It rarely presents much of a problem.

I should be able to start the game thread by Thursday evening/Friday morning. Sorry its taking a while.


Male Human (Chelaxian) Cleric 1
Tzek wrote:


Edit: Are any of our mage types capable of casting Mage Armor, or a similar spell. Those of us that don't wear armor would greatly appreciate it :)

I don't know about the capabilities of the other spellcasters but I usually prepare "shield of faith" (+2 or higher deflection bonus to AC). I can cast that on you, if you will permit it.


Female Vasirian Shadwocaster
Razghul of Korvosa wrote:
Tzek wrote:


Edit: Are any of our mage types capable of casting Mage Armor, or a similar spell. Those of us that don't wear armor would greatly appreciate it :)

I don't know about the capabilities of the other spellcasters but I usually prepare "shield of faith" (+2 or higher deflection bonus to AC). I can cast that on you, if you will permit it.

I can't use my Caul of Shadows (AC+1) on other persons - it's just for the caster.


Okay, can I know where everyone is in Sandpoint.I'm still working on the introductory post and it would much easier if I knew where everyone was.
Again, sorry its taking a while but I've been busy with school.


DM Arctaris wrote:

Okay, can I know where everyone is in Sandpoint.I'm still working on the introductory post and it would much easier if I knew where everyone was.

Again, sorry its taking a while but I've been busy with school.

Torillan is relaxing in the Rusty Dragon's common room, sipping an ale while perusing the "Help Wanted" board for that one big break...


My character has just walked into town after following the Lost Coast Road from Magnimar. He probably is just entering the Rusty Dragon Inn, as that's the tavern nearest to the south entrance.

EDIT: Do you want a roll for my binding check of the day? I usually bind Naberius when I know I'm going to be in a town.


Male Half-Orc Monk 1

I will be either at Madame Mvashti's, or joining her on one of her many long walks across the countryside.

There is a small chance that I am at the Monastery, but it is unlikely these days.


No, we'll assume you successfully made the check for today.


Male Human (Chelaxian) Cleric 1

I'll be at the local church, presenting my credentials to Father Abstalar Zanthus.


Male Human Bard 1/Ranger 1/Expert 3

Hi Arctaris,

I'm afraid I won't be able to join this PbP after all. I was really excited about joining your RotRL campaign, but realistically speaking, my current commitments don't allow me to participate in more than 2 PbPs.

Thanks for holding my spot as long as you did, Arctaris, and my apologies for the inconvenience. Good gaming to all of you!


Sorry to hear that, I was lookig forawrd to having you as a player.

So, shuld we recruit another player and introduce them in a little late or continue with the five of you?


Male Tiefling Rogue 3/Transmuter 8/Evil Genius 4

I noticed that you put the symbol of Asmodeus as being the Ruby Rod on your character's sheet, Radavel. The Paizo guys actually put a list of holy symbols on the Paizo Blog, and Asmodeus's symbol is a red pentagram (for now, at least).. This is, I'm pretty sure, because the whole ruby rod thing is fluff owned by WoTC.

Dark Archive

Evil Genius wrote:
I noticed that you put the symbol of Asmodeus as being the Ruby Rod on your character's sheet, Radavel. The Paizo guys actually put a list of holy symbols on the Paizo Blog, and Asmodeus's symbol is a red pentagram (for now, at least).. This is, I'm pretty sure, because the whole ruby rod thing is fluff owned by WoTC.

Thanks for the advise.

Arctaris, I'll make the necessary changes to my sheet to reflect this.


Female Vasirian Shadwocaster

... searching for the Black Deer Inn, so I'm maybe in another inn or - after getting the information about the fire in town - on my way to the white deer inn. Feel free to put me where I am needed to begin the game :)

DM Arctaris wrote:
...but I've been busy with school.

So You are younger than I thought or a teacher :)


DM Arctaris wrote:

Sorry to hear that, I was lookig forawrd to having you as a player.

So, shuld we recruit another player and introduce them in a little late or continue with the five of you?

Perhaps we can start, then introduce someone a bit later. Anyone else?


Sounds good to me. I think we're fine the way we are, though. Not really missing anything except for maybe a way to identify magical items, but we can always pay an NPC wizard for that service...


Well, I'd rather not use the pentagram, as that isn't actually an evil symbol (damn you, Hollywood).
Radavel, you can continue to use the Ruby Rod as a symbol or use the pentagram, whichever you prefer. If you like you can create your own symbol and use it instead.
I am not a teacher so yes, I'm most likely younger than you thought.
Sshantera, I'll probably have you start of in the White Deer Inn (primarily because I've already got that part of the introductory post written.
I'll start the game thread tonight and If someone else shows up who is interested we can add them in later.


DM Arctaris wrote:

Sorry to hear that, I was lookig forawrd to having you as a player.

So, shuld we recruit another player and introduce them in a little late or continue with the five of you?

Sorry, didn't see this post earlier (stupid Board Gremlins).

It would be nice to have someone capable of finding / disarming traps, but I don't think it is essential. We should be able to get by just fine without it.


mevers wrote:
It would be nice to have someone capable of finding / disarming traps, but I don't think it is essential. We should be able to get by just fine without it.

My character may be taking a few rogue levels at some point, so that may help somewhat.


Alright, game thread is up.

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