All right, the game is up and running! You have one round's worth of actions to take, and initiative rolls to make. Also, on your character sheets, I'd like you to post standard tactics and actions in combat. I'm going to run this with a 24-hour policy; you have 24 hours to post. If you can't post within that time frame, I will assume you take your stated actions, resolve them, and continue. If the stated actions are inappropriate to the situation, you will simply be skipped so that the game keeps moving. Of course, prior notice of upcoming absences is appreciated (I myself will be out of town next week for the Holidays, just a couple of days).
Good! Seems that our player base is free more in the evening (at least, that's what it is in my time zone), so it may be a few hours before people start getting into it.
Also, Fakey, what does your spellcasting look like? Typically I depict sorcerers as drawing raw power from around them, with lots of motes and veins of glowing light; a real display. Of course, if the player wants a more subtle look to his spells, that's certainly acceptable as well. Also, feel free to describe the spell effects which remains after the casting is over; more detail is always appreciated! :)
Excellent! I'm at work now, but I'll definitely post in the evening. Saern, we're playing by the honor system right? I still have to pick out a nice set of bones for Marcellus.
Yes, I trust all of you to make legitimate rolls.
Further, we have an issue of languages to resolve. Harmen and Armaros don't have theirs listed anywhere, but have enough of an Intelligence bonus to be speaking several (in addition to Common and, in Harmen's case, Halfling). Marcellus should have Ariol on his list, but also has enough of an Int bonus to speak one more of his choice (Ariol is free). It's not listed, but I know Azuma only speaks Common and Ariol, and Rugrok speaks Common and Orc. I just thought I'd point that out before it became an issue.
Huh? Their is a place under the profile information set asside for languages, but it doesn't show up unless you are editing your profile.
Well anyway I moved the info to someplace visible
And, Fakey, if you want to describe that spellcast, go ahead. Your sorcerer has the time to cast it.
OK I did the combat program thingy, hope it's what you were looking for.
I'll be in transit tomorrow but I'll have net access while I'm on holidays.
Good! I'm still waiting for Gadreel and DragonNerd to post; I'll give them until about midday tomorrow before moving along.
I'll wait until around midday tomorrow before rolling for Azuma and Rugrok, in case they haven't posted by then.
Sorry. At least you're not alone. :(
Oh goody! I get to spend the first combat of the game paralyzed with fear! Yeah!
At least you got to cast a spell. I'm just the frozen midgit paperboy.
Thanks, Gadreel! Since DragonNerd hasn't posted yet (not sure why- his computer's back online), you were the only one left. You picked the vargouille that hadn't screeched yet, which is important because everyone who saved against the first one is now immune to its further cries, but wouldn't have been against the one you stabbed. You just swung the tide of battle. Just thought I'd congratulate a job well done. Nice description in your posts, by the way.
Oh, and by the way, you need to hit DC 25 to go through his space. But, there was sufficient room to go around and still get into flanking, so I re-routed you and you did get a sneak attack in.
Good work, Luke. Unfortunately, I forgot to describe the horses. The reason the ponies didn't bolt is that they were paralyzed with fear as well. Meant to throw a description of that in there. :(
Well, I'll be back after Christmas. Happy Holidays!
I'm back, and with bad news. I've been speaking with DragonNerd, inquiring about his lack of posts. For some reason, he no longer has interest in participating in this game.
I will play his character until I can find the earliest opportunity to retire it (shouldn't be long).
In the meantime, we have an open spot that needs to be filled! DragonNerd was playing the healer, and it would probably be a good idea for whoever takes his place to fulfill the same role (though I certainly won't require it). Whoever's interested, please post and let me know!
Actually I might have someone interested in the role
I'll need a little time to confirm though
I saw the thread inquiring about a replacement player and I'm interested in filling that slot (unless Sexi Golem's friend has prior claim to the slot).
What is the party lacking?
don't worry about my friend. He wants to do some more reading through the core books before he jumps in a pbp. Knowing his study habits he'll take his time on it. I'm not going to hold a spot someone else could enjoy while he studies.
But thanks for giving me time to find out Saern.
No problem. Arctaris, welcome to the group! Glad to have you. DragonNerd was playing a cleric (i.e., the healer), so something along those lines would be nice. But, the choice is up to you; go for whatever you want.
As an aside to the rest of the group: roll better! >:(
:P
I'll think about a character concept and post more tomarrow.
I think a way to speed up the game is for me to roll low-impact rolls myself. By that, I mean things like the Wisdom check I just asked for, or perhaps Spellcraft checks to identify spells; things that don't have a huge effect on your actions and are quick at the table but slow online. Spot an Listen checks, saves, etc., all that will still be in your hands. That sound okay to you all?
That would be just fine by me.
Personally I'd be fine with you rolling saving throws as well or stuff like a tumble check to reduce damage after being knocked off of something. Seems like an easy way to speed things up if you handle reactions and we make all the concious decisions. I just get the feeling that any battle with multiple saves would take days longer if we all have to roll, post ,then wait just to resolve one action.
Just a thought though and I'd be fine rolling my own saves still.
How would a Paladin/Knight going for Grey Guard (Complete Scoundrel) work? Its pretty light on the healing so if you want something with more healing capabilities let me know and I'll probably play a Cleric/Wizard.
You rolling things like spellcraft checks and saving throws would be fine with me.
Hey, this is Sexi G's friend. I've gotten a hold of a few books that I need to get through before I feel good about jumping in, but maybe I can catch you guys next time!
Have fun Arctaris
That would be just fine by me.
Personally I'd be fine with you rolling saving throws as well or stuff like a tumble check to reduce damage after being knocked off of something. Seems like an easy way to speed things up if you handle reactions and we make all the concious decisions. I just get the feeling that any battle with multiple saves would take days longer if we all have to roll, post ,then wait just to resolve one action.
Just a thought though and I'd be fine rolling my own saves still.
I'd be fine with this as well- how much do ya'll trust your DM? ;)
How would a Paladin/Knight going for Grey Guard (Complete Scoundrel) work? Its pretty light on the healing so if you want something with more healing capabilities let me know and I'll probably play a Cleric/Wizard.
You rolling things like spellcraft checks and saving throws would be fine with me.
I don't own the Complete Scoundrel, so I can't really comment on the Grey Guard. Unless it's in the SRD (which I'm 99.9% sure it's not), I can't check on it, so I'll have to turn the option down.
Cleric/wizard is fine by me. I'm guessing Mystic Theurge would be the goal, right? Let me know what style of cleric you'd like to be, whenever you get that figured out, so I can provide deity info (yay!).
Hey, this is Sexi G's friend. I've gotten a hold of a few books that I need to get through before I feel good about jumping in, but maybe I can catch you guys next time!
Have fun Arctaris
Good to hear from you- maybe if Sexi has time, he could launch his own PbP in the future. I'd love to play in it if/when it happens!
I'm thinking a cleric/necromancer who's fascinated by death. Not evil, just fascinated by death and accepting of the undead. Is there a god that is not necassarily evil (or if evil, not choatic) and has access to Death and Magic domains, maybe kind of like Wee Jas?
If you don't want a necromancer than that's fine and I'll probably play a Cleric of a some kind of War diety; maybe multiclassing Fighter instead of wizard or just going for a straight Cleric. The necromance is my preference.
Anyway, a Grey Guard is a Paladin who is given more freedom in the pursuit of good. Kind of an 'ends-justify-the-means' paladin.
I have no problem with non-evil necromancer characters.
Saernic deities with an interest in death include: Azuun, an ascended lich and arch-rival of the faith of King Arias (and a far, far less subtle god than Vecna); Nergal, Baal god of hexes and curses (and, by extension, undeath); and, the only non-evil one, Thetos, goddess of prophecy, time, and fate.
Thetos is Lawful Neutral. She grants the domains of Death, Knowledge, Law, and Luck. Her holy symbol is an infinity symbol stood upright and made into an hourglass. Typically, a symbol of life and a symbol of death (the image of each varies) are each held within a loop of the hourglass. Her favored weapon is the quarterstaff. Thetos appears as a robed woman with flowing hair. She wears a blindfold. Her images and temples are often monochrome shades of gray or white, but when color is used, black and dark or faded blues feature prominently.
Thetos is a mysterious deity. She is the mistress of divinations; of dreams and visions; the flow of time; and of destiny. Her faith is one of mystery and spectacle, often accused by other, "more respectable" faiths of using cheap tricks and theater to enthrall the masses.
The temple of Thetos is divided into castes and by gender. The lowest ranking members of the clergy are acolytes. This position is open to (and must be passed through) by both males and females. Women then advance to Seers and then Oracles. After their time as acolytes, men are promoted to Prophets, and then Fates. Several subranks are available within each of those categories (for example, there are High Fates, Grand Fates, and finally Arch Fates). Women give up their identities when they rise above acolyte. They no longer have an name other than their position (Seer, Oracle, etc.). They are cared for by acolytes and exist most of the time in a trance-like state recieving visions and spewing out their dreams to the masses. It's unknown whether they even comprehend what they are saying (critiques claim they do and manipulate the world around them in this way). Yet these women are also seen to be in direct communication with the goddess and are thus considered to be her favored ones.
The men retain their identities, though they rarely choose to use them. They are the caretakers, beaurocrats, and faces of the temple who communicate in an intelligible manner with the faithful. They do not recieve as many visions as the women, but often find omens and get uncanny hunches about the world around them. Their divinations are considered infallable by the laity.
There is another branch of the temple of Thetos, those not tied directly to any specific temple: Weirds. These clergy travel from place to place, seeking the will of their goddess independently or on orders from a Fate. They are an intermediate rank, with neither the high priveleges nor weighty burdens of Fates. Weirds retain and embrace their original names and identities more than any other branch of the temple (though many also choose a new name when they enter the faith).
Many priests of Thetos interpret their scriptures with a focus on death and the soul. They feel that the body and/or soul may have a purpose or destiny to fulfill after death, or that the soul and body may and should remain active after death to complete an unfulfilled mission or prophecy. These priests also often feel that they have the legitimate authority to call such souls and bodies to service (their own or the priest's) through necromancy.
Shiny. Thetos is a pretty cool diety. She makes being a cleric fun (I usually shy away from the clerical role).
I'll work on a Cleric (Weird) of Thetos/Necromancer going for Mystic Thuerge and try to have it up by day after tomarrow (I have no internet access tomarrow.
Do you have the Libris Mortis? There are a couple of feats and spells I'd like to use. What about Unearthed Arcana? There's a variant necromancer I'd like to use. Are flaws allowed?
If you don't have access to a book, can I still use material from it if I post the materiel for you to review first?
hey saern are we skipping past Harmens request that the party stick together?
I realised the town didn't seem messed up when I made the post but Harmen has plans to associate himself with some heroic figures.
Nevermind this is working out good!
By the way I didn't see anywhere that we had introduced ourselves to one another yet. But from here on out I'll just assume Harmen knows what your names are"
Unless Aramos wants to use an alias or something.
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Nevermind this is working out good!
By the way I didn't see anywhere that we had introduced ourselves to one another yet. But from here on out I'll just assume Harmen knows what your names are"
Unless Aramos wants to use an alias or something.
I just assumed that anything about us and our backgrounds(besides spoilers) was discussed while traveling on the back of the cart for days.
I just assumed that anything about us and our backgrounds(besides spoilers) was discussed while traveling on the back of the cart for days.
Works for me
Shiny. Thetos is a pretty cool diety. She makes being a cleric fun (I usually shy away from the clerical role).
I'll work on a Cleric (Weird) of Thetos/Necromancer going for Mystic Thuerge and try to have it up by day after tomarrow (I have no internet access tomarrow.
Do you have the Libris Mortis? There are a couple of feats and spells I'd like to use. What about Unearthed Arcana? There's a variant necromancer I'd like to use. Are flaws allowed?
If you don't have access to a book, can I still use material from it if I post the materiel for you to review first?
I have Libris Mortis. Just run anything you want to use by me and I'm 90% likely to okay it. I do not have Unearthed Arcana, but it is part of the SRD, is it not? Can someone post a link to the relevant section so I can look over it?
I don't allow flaws.
It depends on the material from the book. A single feat, for example, or a piece of equipment; anything that can be easily written up online here I'm fine with reviewing and allowing even if I don't have the source material. Races I'm less likely to okay, just because I typically don't like supplement races, but Azuma has proven that this isn't a hard and fast rule. PrCs and full classes I'm not likely to allow, simply because there's too much data involved which I don't have easy access to.
So how does this peacebonding thing work mechanically if we get into a combat situation? Is it a standard action to remove the strips so a weapon can be drawn? Is there some kind of legal issue with drawing the weapon to defend yourself?
Yes, a standard action will cover removing the peacebonds. Drawing and using weapons in self-defense is perfectly acceptable. And it should be noted that once in town, many people completely ignore the peacebonding rule. Guards have better things to do than checking every sword they see (and most look the other way if there's a little "donation" to the watch), and few who carry weapons in the first place wish to risk actually needing one and not having it readily available. Typically, a violation results in a minor fine and the weapon being confiscated (and easily returned by paying another small fine).
All this is common knowledge your characters would have.
Works for meI just assumed that anything about us and our backgrounds(besides spoilers) was discussed while traveling on the back of the cart for days.
That's what I had assumed as well. Sorry for not making it clearer to start with!
Regarding relfexive rolls, I will roll everything but saves.
Personally I'd be fine with you rolling saving throws as well or stuff like a tumble check to reduce damage after being knocked off of something. Seems like an easy way to speed things up if you handle reactions and we make all the concious decisions. I just get the feeling that any battle with multiple saves would take days longer if we all have to roll, post ,then wait just to resolve one action.
Just a thought though and I'd be fine rolling my own saves still.
What he said.
This will be interesting, a Wierd of Thetos. I wonder how Azuma will take this? No doubt as pretty serious sign from his goddess.
Okay my character sheet is finished but I need a little more information before I finish up my backround.
What god would be close to Pelor in regards to hatred of the undead?
What responsibilities would a traveling Weird of Thetos have?
Orran is the closest deity I have to Pelor. He is Lawful Good. Knowledge and education are part of his portfolio, earning him the epithet "The Light of Knowledge." Like Pelor, Orran's faith is opposed to undeath. Also of note is Myra, goddess of the earth and life, who likewise reviles those who have passed through death yet still move.
I like Talia's story and stats so far! Just one thing- I think you're shy some skill points. In Saern, half-elves recieve +1 skill points per level, just like humans.
As far as responsibilities, Weirds work the will of Thetos. They do not have the gifts of prophecy to the extent of Seers or Oracles, but they feel her presence and guiding hand at all times moving through uncanny events and compelling them here and there, to this and that. Dreams are an important guiding influence. More mundane, however, are the orders of their superiors within the faith. The amount of freedom an individual Weird has varies greatly. Some are on tight leashes in service to a Prophet or Faith, some recieve and interpret visions from Seers and Oracles, then decide what course of action to take for themselves. The amount of time a Weird spends "in the field" also varies greatly. Many are on any given task for a week or two at the most. Some recieve a vision or order from an Oracle or Fate and spend years completing it and/or ancillary objectives that arise during their travels and sojourns.
Weirds expect and are expected to follow Thetos' will (and serve the temple) in mysterious ways. So long as they continue to heed and respect the authority of the temple and do not stay out of touch for too long without due reason, they are left to walk where the goddess wills.
Kindly Weirds take an interest in solving murders, crimes, and finding missing persons whose destiny is at risk of going unfulfilled. Other Weirds often simply follow tales of strange events, particularly those involving undead. They see these as whispers from their goddess, moving them in the right direction. Evil Weirds seek to ride the currents of fate and destiny by serving as diviners for villains rising to power. Powerful Weirds typically find their way to important and historical events. Social currents and momentous happenings draw them like moths to the flame. Historical accounts are filled with mentions of Weirds standing on the sidelines, observing (or directing?) events. Many such accounts were penned by the Weirds themselves.
Alright, I think I'm done. How do you want to introduce me?
Arctaris:
Also, here's something I wrote up, taking your backstory and integrating it more fully into the world. Let me know if you want to change anything, or if you think it's okay as written:
Talia was born in Hestfall, but has few memories of that first home. She was but a small girl when the drow necromancers of Ash Telsai unleashed magic and death upon the land. Fortunately or not, she was taken in by a fellowship of priests, devotees of Orran. When the war was over, they returned with their new charge, sailing back to Arionor. They happened to come from the city of Dyn in Korinal. It was here that Talia spent the latter part of her childhood and all of her adolescent years. She was devout, called to the service of the deity. But Orran was the wrong god. Talia was marked for Thetos, and it was but a matter of time before the young woman realized this and placed her faith where it belonged. She did well as an acolyte, and took up both a friendship and apprenticeship with a local grave keeping wizard, Gerivor.
His death was significant to her, though for someone like Talia, being affected by a death meant something most people couldn’t understand. Talia was sure this was a sign from her goddess. She appealed to her Fate to become a Weird. He administered the required tests, of mind, body, and soul. Talia passed easily and was ordained. Dyn’s Oracle gave Talia a vision: “When seven stars fall upon the bridge over Telwynd, seek the hand of death in the blackest heart.” And so she left Dyn for Versonton last year, ordered by her Fate to serve at Thetos’ temple there until the goddess’ words came to pass. Talia has been in Versonton ever since, though she knows little of the recent disturbances; a stranger called the Green Wizard came to town just a week ago, and then the nights were filled with the shrill cries of the “Shrieking Ghost.” And now, at last, it appears the seven stars have indeed come to the bridge over the Telwynd. Whatever her fate, it lies with them.
Also:
The Clock Tower of Thetos: The Clock Tower of Thetos dominates the open space known as the Promenade. The Clock Tower looks like a tall, round, crenellated fortress turret with a clock facing the open plaza. The clock is, in essence, non-magical and of gnomish make. Twin images, women of bronze in flowing gowns with blindfolds over their faces, wrap their arms around each side of the clock’s face, holding it. Ornate hands tick out the minutes and hours, chiming every quarter, half, and full hour. Though it is primarily mechanical, rather than magical, the clock is said to act erratically before momentous events. The three resident Seers dwell within the body of the Clock Tower itself, but give services from the underground sanctuary.
The sanctuary is a half-circle. Masked, cloaked acolytes open and close doors and curtains inside the flickering half-light cast by rows of multi-colored flames. The Seers appear behind curtains in their stage-alcoves, rocking back and forth and spewing prophecy (or gibberish, depending on your inclinations).
The Sepulchers: The rich of Versonton have their own private graveyard. The grounds behind the Clock Tower of Thetos are cordoned off with a wrought-iron fence. Within this open field stand numerous mausoleums, all of which descend underground to private family crypts. These are known as the Sepulchers. Aside from helping with church services, the acolytes’ main job is to tend to the Sepulchers. Thanks to their constant vigil, undead are virtually unheard of within the tombs. At least, so far as the populace knows.
Arctaris:
Spoiler:Now would actually be a really good time. Xendril has just asked to know what the creatures are. Unfortunately, he wants to use Knowledge (arcana) when Knowledge (the planes) is the proper skill. I took the liberty of rolling your check already- you know they were vargouilles from the descriptions given. Stepping in to answer Xendril's question would be a good introduction, I think.Also, here's something I wrote up, taking your backstory and integrating it more fully into the world. Let me know if you want to change anything, or if you think it's okay as written:
Talia was born in Hestfall, but has few memories of that first home. She was but a small girl when the drow necromancers of Ash Telsai unleashed magic and death upon the land. Fortunately or not, she was taken in by a fellowship of priests, devotees of Orran. When the war was over, they returned with their new charge, sailing back to Arionor. They happened to come from the city of Dyn in Korinal. It was here that Talia spent the latter part of her childhood and all of her adolescent years. She was devout, called to the service of the deity. But Orran was the wrong god. Talia was marked for Thetos, and it was but a matter of time before the young woman realized this and placed her faith where it belonged. She did well as an acolyte, and took up both a friendship and apprenticeship with a local grave keeping wizard, Gerivor.
His death was significant to her, though for someone like Talia, being affected by a death meant something most people couldn’t understand. Talia was sure this was a sign from her goddess. She appealed to her Fate to become a Weird. He administered the required tests, of mind, body, and soul. Talia passed easily and was ordained. Dyn’s Oracle gave Talia a vision: “When seven stars fall upon the bridge over Telwynd, seek the hand of death in the blackest heart.” And so she left Dyn for Versonton last year, ordered by her Fate to serve at Thetos’ temple there until the goddess’ words came to pass. Talia...
DM Saern
[spoiler]Does she know that the drow necromancer was behind the plague?
I'll incorporate this into my backstory soon.