JSL's Runelords - Discussion

[santinj@]

JSL wrote:

Therefore, I think I've convinced myself that the Pathfinder RPG heal with turn is unnecessary given the other modifications we have already adopted. Does that seem acceptable?

That's good by me.

[Arctaris]

JSL wrote:

Therefore, I think I've convinced myself that the Pathfinder RPG heal with turn is unnecessary given the other modifications we have already adopted. Does that seem acceptable?

Cool with me; I was just curious.

[Ragadolf]

santinj@ wrote:

JSL wrote:

Therefore, I think I've convinced myself that the Pathfinder RPG heal with turn is unnecessary given the other modifications we have already adopted. Does that seem acceptable?

That's good by me.

Same here. (Though I have a few ideas for custom feats that we could create that would use a turn undead attempt to heal instead. That may already exist, I wouldn't know.)

My (current) stand on the whole 3.# vs 4E,
AT THIS POINT I am on the not-excited about 4e. Other than giving wizzies the ability to zap at things all day without a crossbow, i have not YET read anything that makes me excited about it. Most of what I have read has turned me off completely. [/rant]

I have just joined a group PbP here to try out some of the new PFRPG rules and see if I like the changes they made. I will let you know how that goes.

I enjoyed reading your above posts. I may make further comments once I have a chance to think about it some. But it seems like you all have covered it pretty well so far! Thank you!

[santinj@]

Ragadolf wrote:

I have just joined a group PbP here to try out some of the new PFRPG rules and see if I like the changes they made. I will let you know how that goes.

I'd be really interested in updates. I've wanted to do the same, but I'm already in this PbP and one other, so I'll live vicariously through your experience. What are you playing in the other game?

Ragadolf wrote:

AT THIS POINT I am on the not-excited about 4e. Other than giving wizzies the ability to zap at things all day without a crossbow, i have not YET read anything that makes me excited about it. Most of what I have read has turned me off completely. [/rant]

I have to say, most of the class/race changes in 4e didn't really get me interested in the game at first, either. I thought that there were too many fundamental changes to core races and classes for my liking.

It was really the podcast on monsters, of all things, that started to fire me up. I think the concept of exception-based monsters (a term I'm not totally proficient with) is awesome and overdue. In 3.5, the monsters are too confined by the rules that govern PCs, specifically feats and spell-like abilities. There's just so many feats and spells, after all. It'll be cool to see monsters that are built concept first, rules second.

[JSL]

santinj@ wrote:

In 3.5, the monsters are too confined by the rules that govern PCs, specifically feats and spell-like abilities. There's just so many feats and spells, after all. It'll be cool to see monsters that are built concept first, rules second.

That's a big one for me, too, and again a place where the "organic" or "simulationist" aspects of 3e get in the way of a good game, IMO.

In this AP, specifically, I noticed that in HMM the monsters start gaining a ton of class levels to make them suitably challenging for the PCs. The difficulty is that, along with the class levels, you add a ton of extra prep time to a creature that is going to "live" for 4-5 rounds of combat. Also, despite (or maybe because of) the class levels, the monsters start to all look the same.

Look, it's an ogre fighter with power attack and cleave. And look, another ogre fighter; this one with power attack and cleave. Here comes an ogre. Guess which feats he has!

Making monsters follow the same rules as PCs results in dull monsters, IMO. Basically, every ogre (or other large, brutish critter) is going to have power attack and cleave. Why? Because they are good feats, of course, but also because they are prerequisite to some other good feats.

Problem here is if I want a monster with a feat like Spring Attack (because its a very bouncy monster, like Tigger), I have to either break the rules or give the monster Dodge and Mobility, too. What if I don't want to give it Mobility? What if I want it to be a 3HD monster instead of 6HD? What if it really needs Weapon Finesse and Weapon Focus to be the right level of challenging - do I suddenly have to make it 12HD just to get the monster I want? That is silly.

I have really enjoyed making the monsters that you guys are fighting because, while they follow a majority of the 3e mechanical rules, I haven't limited myself in determining their abilities.

Consequentially, I can scale the monsters up or down pretty easily without relying on class levels and I can give each monster a focus - something it does best - that sets it apart from other monsters in the adventure.

If I'm doing my job right, the wrathspawn, the goblins, the undead dudes you are fighting now, and the other monsters will all feel very dissimilar from each other even if they are all basically doing the same thing mechanically; i.e., hitting you and reducing your hit points.

[Ragadolf]

santinj@ wrote:

Ragadolf wrote:

I have just joined a group PbP here to try out some of the new PFRPG rules and see if I like the changes they made. I will let you know how that goes.

I'd be really interested in updates. I've wanted to do the same, but I'm already in this PbP and one other, so I'll live vicariously through your experience. What are you playing in the other game?

Once we get rolling I'll post interesting tidbits if you like.

What am I playing? Well, let's see,... I'll give you 3 guesses, and the first 2 don't count! ;P

santinj@ wrote:

It was really the podcast on monsters, of all things, that started to fire me up. I think the concept of exception-based monsters (a term I'm not totally proficient with) is awesome and overdue. In 3.5, the monsters are too confined by the rules that govern PCs, specifically feats and spell-like abilities. There's just so many feats and spells, after all. It'll be cool to see monsters that are built concept first, rules second.

Yeah, I haven't actually read the details of building a monster in the monster manual, but I thought that there were rules in place for modifying monsters without totally adhering to teh PC rules. But I think that giving the monster his abilities without worrying if he has EVERY prerequisite feat is a good thing. (Of course, I wouldn't go giving every first lvl monster Whirlwind Attack, but you get my drift.) :)

[Ragadolf]

Just checking in,
Everyone ok?
I know I'm busy at work, I'm just making sure we're all still here!

:)

[santinj@]

Sorry all. I'm holding up the works. Will be able to post Vesh tomorrow.

[Ragadolf]

santinj@ wrote:

Sorry all. I'm holding up the works. Will be able to post Vesh tomorrow.

No worries, just making sure everyone is ok.

(I read so many of these now, I can never remember WHO said that they are going on a trip, or will be away for a few days!):)

[Dreamer]

Ragadolf wrote:

santinj@ wrote:

Sorry all. I'm holding up the works. Will be able to post Vesh tomorrow.

No worries, just making sure everyone is ok.

That depends on how you define "ok"! ;) I'm just taking it for granted that my life will be simply crazy until school is out in June.

[FabesMinis]

Not Vesh!

[santinj@]

It's okay. I've got Vesh's affairs in order. If we must let go of Vesh, I am as prepared as I'll ever be--no unfinished business.

*sob*

----------------------------
BTW, as you can see, JSL wasn't messing around with his all-or-nothing comment in the game thread. I recommend that the party take care of business before concerning itself with Vesh (he's got 4 rounds to die--that's four rounds of poignant out-of-body posts at worst). No TPK's on his account! I can roll a new character. And think of the funeral! Naelah coming back to throw herself on the coffin. The inevitable cat-fight between her and Shayliss. Oh, yeah!

[Ragadolf]

Vesh? VESH! Holy Spit!

Nope, looks like @JSL wasn't kidding even a little bit,...

(Note to self, do NOT let those things touch you!)

And also remember, not only do you have at least 4 rounds to die, that's also 4 rounds to stabilize! Or better yet, get at least a cure minor or heal attempt to stabilize you.

And the way you write, 4 rounds of out of body posts is not to be missed!

I also want to thank you, as you just gave Slidell the boost he needed to unlock his new abilities.
(My original concept was for him to discover them when HE was wounded, but this'll work too! Assuming that the ladies haven't torn them to shreds before I get a chance to act! ;P)

Still, when all is said and done,...

OUCH! ;)

[JSL]

santinj@ wrote:

...And think of the funeral! Naelah coming back to throw herself on the coffin. The inevitable cat-fight between her and Shayliss. Oh, yeah!

Should we schedule a rainy day so there is plenty of mud? I'd Better shut up now, after all, my wife reads this thing, too... ;)

Seriously, wasn't Sli looking for an excuse to find his new abilities? Since the crossbows and such aren't even denting their DR, it looks like time for new tactics. At any rate, not much misses these losers, so you should be able to cut them down (hint hint) well before Vesh dies.

[Dreamer]

I just spent 19 of the last 36 hours working with people dealing with grief and loss issues and/or other emotional problems, and come home to THIS?!? Good grief!

And at the rate this game has been moving, I probably won't even get a turn to cast a Turn Undead, Heal, or Light of Lunia spell until tomorrow.

What's really frustrating is I only get ONE of the above.

So, hang tight, Vesh, Salome will get to you when she can... Whatever you do, DON'T go toward the light! :)

EDIT (plus a rant after a very long last couple of days of work): Maybe I'm missing something here, but am I the only person with an effective tool against these guys? JSL doesn't seem like the kind of DM who would make a battle completely dependent on just one player, but I'm feeling a lot of pressure to get rid of these creatures AND heal everyone who is hurt in the process. Could someone please enlighten me?

[santinj@]

Thanks Sli! I forgot about stabilizing! And, I guess as I read the rules, Vesh technically has three more rounds, not four. He'll go down to -7 at the end of this round if he fails his d% roll, etc.

[Arctaris]

Just a (somewhat belated) heads up; I'm not going to be able to post regularly until Saturday. I might be able to make a quick post a few times but for the most part I'll be AFK. Sorry for the late warning and the inconvienence.

[FabesMinis]

Ehlissa has just been unlucky with dice rolls in this combat, otherwise she too would be smashing them.

[Ragadolf]

Dreamer wrote:

I just spent 19 of the last 36 hours working with people dealing with grief and loss issues and/or other emotional problems, and come home to THIS?!? Good grief!

And at the rate this game has been moving, I probably won't even get a turn to cast a Turn Undead, Heal, or Light of Lunia spell until tomorrow.

What's really frustrating is I only get ONE of the above.

So, hang tight, Vesh, Salome will get to you when she can... Whatever you do, DON'T go toward the light! :)

EDIT (plus a rant after a very long last couple of days of work): Maybe I'm missing something here, but am I the only person with an effective tool against these guys? JSL doesn't seem like the kind of DM who would make a battle completely dependent on just one player, but I'm feeling a lot of pressure to get rid of these creatures AND heal everyone who is hurt in the process. Could someone please enlighten me?

First, my sympathies AND congratulations on having a job like that. You must be a very big-hearted, sympathetic person to be able to do that for a living. (Or training for a job like that, I remember you said you were in college?!) Either way, you get extra kudos in my book!

As far as the rest, Our DM is diabolical, but not unfair. You are not the ONLY person with an effective attack against these creatures, just the person with the SINGLE MOST effective attack (Turn Undead) Which is where Clerics shine. (You can basically drop a low-level Fireball in the middle of a fight and hurt only the bad guys. Wizzies would kill for that sort of selective attack!) While Piercing weapons , like arrows and bolts, ( a low lvl wizzies only backup under the current rules) basically have no effect.
We are slightly inconvenienced from a loss of a 'heavy' hitter, Corran, but if it were not for your lower roll on the second turn undead, and Ehlissa's attack, these guys would already be toast.
Also, Vesh would still be laughing at these guys if he had only rolled a LITTLE higher on his tumble roll,
The fickle fate of the dice is (to me) what makes this fun.
Frustrating sometimes, but fun! (OK, there's also the fact that i get to hang around nice/cool people that for the most part accept me for who I am, that's fun too!)

I think you're doing just fine!
Having multiple options is what I like about 3.# rules. Remember, (IMHO) there is no WRONG choice! Some choices may turn out 'better' than others, and certainly there are tactical considerations, but if you are playing this game for the ROLE playing (as you seem to be!) then no matter what happens, we win!
If we manage to physically hold off the remaining monsters so you can heal Vesh, great! If they turn out to be tougher than we thought, and Vesh dies before we can get to him, we get to mourn, take our revenge on the undead beasties and their boss, and Santinj~ gets to make a new character. Frustrating, but still fun.

OK, ramble /off. Thanks for reading!

[Dreamer]

Ragadolf wrote:

First, my sympathies AND congratulations on having a job like that. You must be a very big-hearted, sympathetic person to be able to do that for a living. (Or training for a job like that, I remember you said you were in college?!) Either way, you get extra kudos in my book!

I have a masters degree in counseling psychology and am near(?) the end of the 4-6 year-long internship process that allows me to pay the state hundreds of dollars to take diabolical tests to see if, after years of commitment to my education, service to hundreds of clients, and thousands of hours of basically unpaid labor, I'm actually qualified to become a licensed therapist.

Or maybe it just proves I'm crazy, too!

With apologies to Gilbert and Sullivan and inspired by the song-and-dance of a few months ago, I've been working on this:

Spoiler:

I am the very model of a modern psychotherapist
Versed in theory psychoanalytical and cognitive behaviorist;
Object-relations, Jungian, and somewhat existentialist,
I am the very model of a modern psychotherapist.

I can speak in language that is Adlerian and Freudian,
Therapist-speak and lingo that can make you quite annoyedian.
Ainsworthian attachments and family systems Bowenian and Minuchin,
I can even talk about experiments with Harry Harlow's capuchin.

I'm well acquainted with the manual Diagnostic and Statistical
My documentation's flawless and my work is highly clinical
I know the list of mental illnesses both modern and historical
And can describe them both specifically and in groupings categorical.

I write detailed assessments, diagnoses, and focused treatment plans,
Manage cases and collaborate with my most professional élan.
I explore the client's psyche and would you believe that I even dare
To dabble in the endless maze that makes up modern managed care.

In private practice, agencies, and schools my job is to assist
Clients plagued by dysfunction or whose lives have simply gone amiss
Make sense of current circumstance and labyrinthine thoughts untwist
I am the very model of a modern psychotherapist.

Dealing with pathologies of varying severity,
I show a combination of compassion and temerity,
Requiring boundaries clearer than a turtle's carapace,
I am the very model of a modern psychotherapist.

My work combines the environmental, cognitive, and physical,
Personal-historical, spiritual, and may veer toward the mystical.
I help clients self-actualize, help them each become their best,
And celebrate their progress and thrive on each minor success.

Part philosopher, confidante, teacher, and neurologist,
Analyst, advisor and part-time psychopharmacologist,
I listen to my clients with great empathy and interest,
I am the very model of a modern psychotherapist.

This, of course, in addition to raising a busy young family!

[santinj@]

Dreamer wrote:

I have a masters degree in counseling psychology and am near(?) the end of the 4-6 year-long internship process that allows me to pay the state hundreds of dollars to take diabolical tests to see if, after years of commitment to my education, service to hundreds of clients, and thousands of hours of basically unpaid labor, I'm actually qualified to become a licensed therapist.

You just listed all of the reasons that, after getting my master's in counseling, I am not working in the mental health field. I remember my first encounter with the pay rate at a local non-profit. "I can make what!?!!" I suspect that the only way a full-time therapist at many of these agencies can make ends meet is to sell pot on the side.

On the upside, my grant-funded projects are going away in the next couple years, so I am pounding the pavement now to look for another job. BTW, the OSU job prospect fell through. Damn Beavers! So, now I am looking at a position at this really cool alternative high school (they have D&D as a one credit class) in town. Definition of insanity: applying for a job for which one would have to take a 12k-per-year pay cut to accept. The things I do for love.

[Ragadolf]

Holy Smokes!
(That applies to BOTH of you two!)

Dreamer- LOVE the lyrics! I actually sang them all the way through!
And yes, that DOES prove your crazy too! (Don't fret, at least your in good company!)

Santinj- Sorry that the OSU job fell through.
Definition of crazy- If YOUR crazy for applying for a job that gives you a 12K pay cut, what does ACCEPTING a job that equals an almost 15K pay cut make me?!?!
(On second thought, don't answer, I don't really wanna know. I'm having a hard enough time dealing with the reality of the family's monetary situation right now!)
My wife, a public school teacher, makes more than me at this point! (That's just SAD!)

;P

[Ragadolf]

While I of course hope that scene ends well for Vesh, (IE= DON'T DIE!)
I would like to thank you for the opportunity for Slidell to 'discover' his new abilities. I always felt that moments like that are best when brought out trying to help others. It somehow just feels more 'noble' or 'heroic' to me than discovering a new power while trying to protect yourself!
(If I was mugged in the French Quarter of New Orleans, I'd probably just hand over my wallet, but let anybody LOOK like they might even THINK about hurting my wife or kids, and watch me make the Hulk look like Ghandi!)

As you can tell by the post, I have been over-thinking this for a while! (And I trimmed it down a bit (thank goodness!) from my original rough draft.)

And the funny part is, the only character who I know saw it was Malcolm! I'm actually 'behind' the others, and they are occupied with the zombies and Vesh!

Aw well, At least that's out of my system now!

Go get'em Salome!

[JSL]

I've posted twice to the game thread, but they aren't showing up. So this is just a test.

Sli destroyed Z2. Mal is holding. Salome is up.

[Ragadolf]

Yep, the thread monster strikes again,

I can now see at least one of your posts

[FabesMinis]

I see all.... much like "spirit Vesh" as I now think of him.

[santinj@]

Ooooh. "Spirit Vesh." As Homestar would say, "Me likey. Me Likey."

[FabesMinis]

Well, let's see how this goes down. I'd really like Malcolm to attack the blighters.

One successful heal check. I thank you. Why do I feel I might be next?

[Dreamer]

Maybe "Spirit Vesh" could haunt Naelah's dreams...There could be some fun to be had in that transient state.

On a more practical note, how many rounds does Vesh have left? If Slidell doesn't finish off the last zombie, Salome might have to cast one more Turn Undead before she can cure moderate wounds (2d8+4 HP might help). I don't have anything for raising the dead yet (except perhaps the noise generated at my house during the witching hour before dinner, but that's something else).

[santinj@]

Dreamer wrote:

On a more practical note, how many rounds does Vesh have left?

That is the question! Which is why I've heightened the tension through judicious use of spoilers.

[Ragadolf]

Remember, you don't have to heal him all at once, (Though I am sure that he would appreciate it!) You only have to stabilize him, either through a cure (0-lvl/1-pt Cure minor will do it) or a successful heal check.

That aside,... Hang in there Vesh!

EDIT- I always read this thread first, then the game thread. SO, 'Hang in there' should have been, "Good Job Ehlissa!' :)

[FabesMinis]

Oh for Radavel, to share a Transformers the Movie (1987 animated version) reference:

"You got the touch, you got the power! Yeah!"

[Ragadolf]

Tried to post last night at work, attempts eaten,... (big surprise)
Will try to post this morning by noon, CST, American time.

[santinj@]

On behalf of Vesh, thanks Fabes! BTW, I am again out of town but may have access to the internet, or maybe not. Will resume regular posts (a.k.a. not working at work) on Tuesday.

[JSL]

santinj@ wrote:

On behalf of Vesh, thanks Fabes! BTW, I am again out of town but may have access to the internet, or maybe not. Will resume regular posts (a.k.a. not working at work) on Tuesday.

No problem. Between post monsters and work/school it seems everyone is away from their computers more than they were during the cold winter months.

Just because I'm not into suspense, I will let you know that between Slidell and Ehlissa, the last zombie has taken enough damage to go down. The only issues are whether Salome kills it before Ehlissa has the chance (not likely based on expected damage) and whether it hits on its turn before Ehlissa finishes it (even odds, but not likely to do enough damage to take Ehlissa down).

I think Dreamer will probably post later tonight or tomorrow morning, so we'll be able to wrap up the fight and move on after that.

Note that I designed the zombies based on a little 4E preview blurb that I read many months ago. It basically said that they are slow and hit very hard. So I removed the goofy single action per turn restriction, but reduced the base speed to compensate. I also boosted the strength and lowered the dex to give them all the subtlety of giant slabs of meat gone wild. I'm happy with how the turn undead worked out - it was powerful and allowed Salome to shine (ha ha) in the battle, but it was not so powerful as to completely overshadow the other characters or to turn an EL 2-3 encounter into a complete laugher.

I did notice, however, that two zombies would probably overpower a first level party just because they do enough damage to drop most first level characters with one hit. However, 4-5 zombies seemed to be just the right challenge for a 3rd level party. I'll chalk it up to the mysteries of the CR/EL system and cross my fingers that this kind of stuff will be better in 4e.

One ability that did not come into play is that, if the zombies hit someone, they can immobilize them and give other zombies a bonus to hit them. It's not as powerful as a stun - the affected creature can still act - but it does represent the zombies being fearsomely strong and more deadly in packs.

It didn't come up because the zombies only hit on AoOs and (keeping with the 4e flavor) you mostly can't use special attack thingies on AoOs.

[Ragadolf]

Zombie upgrades, interesting.
What you've said sounds cool. I agree they probably would have turned us into hamburger at 1st lvl!

Is the 'immobilize' supposed to be a non-wrestling grab?, indicates how they get a grip on you that slows you down, making it easier for the rest to pile on you?

Interesting, I'm not sure that's necessary with all the bonuses available with 'aid anothers' and teamwork bonuses, including those from some of the newer feats I've heard about.

Meh, half-dozen of one, 6 of the other. Zombies are more dangerous together than alone. Certainly jives with all of the movies about them! Just one more reason that Sli doesn't hang out with the necro crowd!

[santinj@]

Ragadolf wrote:

Just one more reason that Sli doesn't hang out with the necro crowd!

What are some of the others? Just curious.

Side note: I'm in Northern California right now...what is this bright, warm sphere in the sky? We don't have one in Oregon.

[JSL]

santinj@ wrote:

Side note: I'm in Northern California right now...what is this bright, warm sphere in the sky? We don't have one in Oregon.

Yeah. It's nice. It hit 85 in parts of the Bay Area yesterday and its supposed to be warm all weekend. I already had the kiddos out for an hour and a half this morning and I'm going to take them out to play again after "trash-your-room" time. "Trash-your-room" time is what we have during nap time when no one sleeps.

[JSL]

Ragadolf wrote:

Is the 'immobilize' supposed to be a non-wrestling grab?, indicates how they get a grip on you that slows you down, making it easier for the rest to pile on you?

In this case, yes - it is like a grab. I have heard that the 4e grapple rules basically allow you to "immobilize" an opponent for one round. So think of it that way.

There are a variety of other ways immobilization could be RP'd. For example, two of the new Dungeons of Dread minis that have immobilization power are the Goblin Picador, who can immobilize an enemy with a thrown harpoon, and the dire wolf, which basically replaces the 3e wolf "trip" ability with a conditional "immobilize" ability that triggers if it hits a target that it adjacent to a second wolf. The Picador's immobilize ability is great because it works at range. He can immobilize someone while they are distant from him and run away to avoid being caught in melee.

Ragadolf wrote:

Interesting, I'm not sure that's necessary with all the bonuses available with 'aid anothers' and teamwork bonuses, including those from some of the newer feats I've heard about.

That's a fair comment. Though in the case of the zombies, this basically is their way of aiding another. Also, they don't have feats. (Because they are mindless, not because in 4e monsters don't have feats).

Ragadolf wrote:

Zombies are more dangerous together than alone. Certainly jives with all of the movies about them!

I think that is both the 4e intent and my intent. And it couples nicely with Turn Undead's ability to push them. They try to swarm you; cleric pushes them back. They are slow enough that a mid-level cleric can actually push them back farther than they can move forward in a round. Thus, it is possible to outmaneuver them, rather than fight them, in a Resident Evil sort of way.

[Ragadolf]

Cool,
The 'push' and 'Dmg' version of Turn undead also sort of duplicate's 1E version of turn, which was if you were high enough lvl compared to what you were facing, you auto-destroyed them.

In this case, a low lvl undead (skelly, zombie) goes up against a 3 or higher lvl cleric, with a high enough dmg roll, they pretty much disintegrate!

Nice! (Seeing Salome stalking angrily toward a necromancer/evil cleric, skellies and zombies basically disintegrating around her as she closes in on him, hehe)

[Dreamer]

Ragadolf wrote:

Nice! (Seeing Salome stalking angrily toward a necromancer/evil cleric, skellies and zombies basically disintegrating around her as she closes in on him, hehe)

I have that effect in real life, too. I just give 'em "the Look." :)

[Neil Spicer]

Hey everyone! Sorry to crash your discussion thread again. I posted awhile back just to comment on the success of the game and my interest in following along. I too was playing in a RotR PbP, but it fell through as the GM became too busy. I've since joined another midstream and managed to maintain the same character.

But, I'm also curious if there might be room in this game? As I said, I've kept up with your progress. And I noticed both Talion's Corran and PsiFox's Naelah are now absent. Occasionally, some of you have mentioned the lack of melee power (mostly as a result of Corran's departure). And, since I'm interested in expanding my gaming, I just thought I'd ask if there was an opening somewhere down the line? I'd be willing to fill whatever niche seems most appropriate. And, in terms of PbP experience and consistency, I believe I'm sharing a game with both Arctaris and FabesMini at the moment. Hopefully, they can vouch for me if there's an opening...

Anyway, sorry to interrupt or intrude if the game's full. I just figured if I didn't ask now, there might never really be another chance. And there's a couple of things I like about this game as I've followed along that I don't see in some of the others. One, is the sustainability that comes from a close-knit, experienced, mature set of gamers. I think you've got a great group that could definitely see the AP through to its conclusion because of the amount of progress you've made. And two, I like how JSL has made the game unique by tweaking it to keep it fresh for those who are already subscribed to Pathfinder.

So, if there's an opening, let me know. And if not, I'll just continue lurking...

Thanks,
--Neil

[JSL]

NSpicer wrote:

But, I'm also curious if there might be room in this game? As I said, I've kept up with your progress. And I noticed both Talion's Corran and PsiFox's Naelah are now absent. Occasionally, some of you have mentioned the lack of melee power (mostly as a result of Corran's departure). And, since I'm interested in expanding my gaming, I just thought I'd ask if there was an opening somewhere down the line? I'd be willing to fill whatever niche seems most appropriate. And, in terms of PbP experience and consistency, I believe I'm sharing a game with both Arctaris and FabesMini at the moment. Hopefully, they can vouch for me if there's an opening...

I have no problem with adding a character, even at this juncture you could easily be worked in as a guardsman sent to check on the PCs or an errant knave who snuck into the tunnel complex in search of treasure.

However, I will leave it up to the players and allow them to chime in as they get the chance.

[Arctaris]

I'd be cool with NSpicer joining us; its been fun gaming with him in our CotC game.

[Ragadolf]

Having posted a few with Arctaris hither and thither, I respect his opinion. And I wouldn't mind adding another to replace absent comrades.

Allow me to chime in and say I'd like to keep the group manageable. I am in a couple of others PbP that have (much) larger group sizes, and while it's good because you never really slow down waiting on someone, it can be frustrating to post in the AM, check back at lunch and find you have 2 pages to read, and you've missed an entire battle! :)

In short, (too late!) If everyone else is willing, I will happily accept NSpicer. I just want to keep the same group dynamics we have going character-wise, which in my experience becomes MUCH more difficult to do once you pass a certain number.
(BTW, the other groups are fun too! They are just a TOTALLY different dynamic, feel and experience! They are like my YANG to @JSL'S~ YIN,...) ;P

[santinj@]

I'm hip to NSpicer joining. Sorry to be short--it's late.

[FabesMinis]

Nspicer may join our merry family. Forthwith. Let it be so.

[Dreamer]

As someone who joined the group mid-stream (after months of following along -- at least in the game thread), I certainly won't prevent someone new from joining our merry band when there is a space available.

In addition to the fact that he's already familiar with our game and style of play, reading NSpicer's recent posts I've noticed some things that I believe will make him a good addition to our group:
- Consistent presence and regular postings
- Thoughtful discussion of rules
- Adaptability and problem-solving skills
- And he's a GOOD SPELLER! (That scores bonus points with me.) Now watch how my typos I come up with...

I think it would be useful for us to figure out what we most need to balance our party (muscle/power has come up; when I joined, the most urgent need at the time was a healer). From there, I figure NSpicer would have a number of options for character class/background/etc. He could make a spoilered proposal to JSL, and they can hammer out how/when he shows up.

Beyond that, it sounds unanimous. Welcome aboard, Neil!

[JSL]

From a metagaming perspective, I see Vesh as the ranged guy and Malcolm as an effective skirmisher/light fighter.

Salome has tank-worthy AC and will soon come into more effective damage-dealing spells.

Rags could maybe elaborate on future spell selection, but it looks like he is going for some energy-based spells to use with Energy Substitution. That will give the party some good auto-damage capability.

I'm not sure what Fabes' objective with Ehlissa is, but both Knight and Paladin are more finesse than brute.

That leaves an opening for a character who can get milage out of Power Attack, Cleave, etc. We already have a pretty high group AC, so a blocker/meat-shield role isn't as essential. I think that leaves some flexibility.

[FabesMinis]

JSL wrote:

I'm not sure what Fabes' objective with Ehlissa is, but both Knight and Paladin are more finesse than brute.

Neither am I! :D She veers between being death scythe, and surgical strike.