Well, this one is easy. I've just got to type up some inconsequential welcome message to the OOC area, and it is done. The actual IC thread will take "slightly" more work.
I'm pumped this adventure's finally beginning! Eager to see how this interesting range of characters interacts with whatever goodies I know our GM has in store for us ;-)
GM:
Do you mind if she has a utility knife(not a dagger) and whetstone though?
Love the bit with the guards. Now she gets to be snippy for a bit!
Also, please let me know as soon as I do something wrong for a PbP game. First time and all.
I wish there were some female Shoanti icons to choose from though. I don't know when the batch from the issue with the Shoanti culture article will be up.
GM:
I wish there were some female Shoanti icons to choose from though. I don't know when the batch from the issue with the Shoanti culture article will be up.
Oh? You mean she Doesn't have Ram's Horns on her head?? Well! Zalen's gonna be Really interested in her Now! lol =D
(PS, I'm assuming you've looked through them all? I'm sure there must be Something a bit more like your character in appearance, no?)
Oh? You mean she Doesn't have Ram's Horns on her head?? Well! Zalen's gonna be Really interested in her Now! lol =D
(PS, I'm assuming you've looked through them all? I'm sure there must be Something a bit more like your character in appearance, no?)
I've seen a couple that had faces I liked, ironically I think they're both Seonis.
http://paizo.com/image/avatar/stone_battleCMYK2.jpg
http://paizo.com/image/avatar/FINAL_carlisle_PF3_2.jpg
Unfortunately the closest match hair wise is a female stone giant. ;) I might just be best to wait.
I have another question I guess is general: Will there be some periods of "down time" where the characters are just living their lives between the big dire moments?
There will be downtime moments, but i try not to overdo these. Good way to have different player speeds and different degrees of "offscreen involvement" create weeks where some players can literally watch the movie with no influence. I wanted to avoid that for the very startup of the game.
I will allow you to get acquainted (and even get into the room) before starting the story proper. Feel free to play out sniffing around each other for a while, I'll jump in once things begin to get stale.
GM
I forgot to add my languages. With a Int of 14 means I get two more right? But as 'half shoanti, half varisian' how does that work? I wasn't sure in my reading what it meant when it said that shoanti and vasarian and their bonus languages. What is says exactly (in the RotRL pdf.)is "Humans of the Shoanti(Varisian-says same) decent gain this tongue as a bonus language"
Does that mean it's an option for them or it's free? What's your ruling on this?
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Regarding languages: Since i am none too keen on Mwangi-Ulfen hybrids living in Absalom in my next campaign, I'd say you gain at most one bonus language from your ancestry.
Regarding common: Common Tongue, also known as Taldane is the official language in Cheliax, Taldor and many lands under their influence. So if you have either of these, you don't need to buy "Cheliax" or any other such language. :)
GM:
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Sure thing. Just so everyone knows, I'll continue storywise once introductions are more or less settled. Assume little time passes. This is a little more crowed due to double the normal PC number, but Zellara will make her appearance tonight or tomorrow, depending on how much PC conversation is still going on.
Alright, cool. Even though there is a sizable amount of characters, interactions are seeming to be pretty smooth. I'm excited, and this is only the very beginning. ;D
And took out Cheliax from my languages. Don't have any base items either, hope that's okay.
I wonder what Zellara's like...
I wonder what Zellara's like...
It looks like the issue's getting pushed forward now. :)
I just learned not to construct posts in the message box too. Notepad from now on for me!
Another question: How much of our character's internal thoughts should we be posting? None at all and showing just whatever feelings may be readable from their expressions, voice, etc?
How much of your characters you reveal is essentially up to you. I know good players who include lots of internal monologue, and i know good players who only go with the "physically observable". Feel free to find your own style as it suits you best.
I'm rather busy at the moment, so I'll post in about 5 hours - but when i post, it will have substance.
I just did a Knowledge (local) roll in the thread. First time using a skill in a PbP, wasn't quite sure how to work it out, so I hope that was how it was supposed to go. Go ahead and shout at me if it's wrong. ;)
Ok, long wall of text. Sorry, but this will not be as rare as i would normally hope. Message reply times and all that.
I don't know about everyone else, but I personally don't mind long walls of text. It makes for a nice read and generally speaking, more description/dialogue creates a better adventure.
I'm up for more posts like this, so don't hold back. :)
We're a team!
And we're taking the law into our own hands!
...probably shouldn't celebrate that second one too hard, huh?
And yeah, I like text too, so big GM posts don't bother me. :)
I'll pipe in with my two cp as well GM; I love the aspect of RPG that is group creative story telling. So not only do i not mind long postings, I quite enjoy them (as long as they're good ;-) With that in mind btw, I know Zalen's already exhibiting a tendency to carry on, but that's his nature. If anyone truly has any problems with it though, I have no problem toning it down a bit. :)
PS Does everyone know about this OOC thread? Hey! Everyone not here raise their hand! =D
I made a link to it in the first IC posting, so everyone should know. :)
I would like to address an issue that recently came up. Regarding intra-group Sense Motive / Diplomacy / ... checks: Since the social system is admittedly rather weak, i would not like to force PCs to play absolutely by the numbers. I sure will not have a major antagonist drop their swords and kiss a characters feet because he managed a 50 in a rushed diplomacy check in the banter before combat. Maybe fall in love with that character, but... duty comes first :P
That said, feel free to post check numbers. They are not straightjackets, but might help you get a feel how glib one of the characters comes across, how well they make their point, and so on.
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Only just found the thread sorry. I wasn't really looking for an ooc thread.
I enjoy long blocks of text as well, so much so I occasionally write my own if I get carried away with something to say :)
I think it's a dangerous road to go down making social interaction rolls within a party. Having said that, I play in a group where the elf thief always lies to the half giant psychic warrior and constantly hides his stuff. It makes for some great moments. We limit ours to bluff checks and sense motives. Tends to be bad for group coherence if you allow diplomacy and intimidate into player dynamics. That's my thoughts anyway, happy to play however the GM calls it.
A question oh mighty GM, how close are we going to monitor alignment here. I know as neutral good going after Lamm and killing him off might be acceptable but will lawful good have to play their algnment to the letter?
Also, is there a quick way of tracking threads, like linking to them so you get an update message when someone posts. ATM I just keep following my recent messages link for my avatars to find everything. It gets a bit tedious after a while.
Cheers
One idea could be to add the thread into your favorites. That's what I do, just takes a click or two, and then a scroll down the page to see if there's an update.
You might just subscribe to the Thread by RSS, this usually is the nicest and easiest way to get informed of updates. Nice feature. :)
As for intra-group social rules, as i said. You can post results, and other players may take them as a rough guide, but i will not enforce that rule, or really expect you to follow it to the letter. After all... not much fun if your every action is determined by the dice.
As for alignments, if Miko from OOtS can be Lawful Good, there is no problem. :) Seriously though, there is a huge range in each alignment, and they are more descriptive of tendencies and general outlook than of "how do you act in this one given situation". I'll keep a rough eye out for characters which always act differently from what their alignment would indicate, but anything less than a full module will probably not tilt the scales, unless you are acting absolutely grossly differently.
That being said, there is one thing i need to add: Roughly 30% of people on Golarion will be evil (Maybe with Korvosas tendencies, the breakdown might be more like 25 / 40 / 35). Yes, and they won't eat babies. They'll just be more self-centered and generally look out for number one above others. Smiting them might not be the best way to go.
That Harrowing sequence was great, even if some of us got fortunes like a punch in the stomach. Which just made it even greater.
Sorry to go comatose in there. In-character and all. I promise it won't happen during the heat of battle! ;)
Without really good reason, that is.
I agree with Paine, even though Nayr got some pretty eye-widening readings, it made it all the better. I'd rather have some negative twists and challenges than a good reading that makes everything easier. ;D
As for the old Fishery, for the sake of simplicity, i would assume one of you (maybe Krek) knows way to the place.
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Bye the way, the Harrowing was done fairly, and... well. One evil role card the only card with any real meaning in the past, one good role card as an opposite match, and one evil role card true match does not make for a very joyous reading. Maybe the next one will be better. .)
Also, is there a quick way of tracking threads, like linking to them so you get an update message when someone posts. ATM I just keep following my recent messages link for my avatars to find everything. It gets a bit tedious after a while.
Cheers
Hey Wrath, just in case it wasn't clear, (and using RSS feeds is a completely new thing to me I just started using a few days ago) depending on what browser you have, just click on the little orange RSS tag and Add it. The browser will then automatically keep track of all new posts that come it for that thread, the new posts always move to the top. You can add as many as you like (I currently have like Ten being monitored!) It's great and saves a Ton of time.
I also thought the Harrow scene was great (although Zalen obviously wasn't too thrilled to get such 'low billing' ;-)
As for what to do, Zalen will suggest they (once they find out where it is ;-) make their way over to the fishery and scope the place out. Perhaps the more sneaky ones (himself and Jillian) can do so first..?
Sounds good to me,as long as everyone else agrees
No problem here.
Ayedah's going to have a request a few of the characters will probably be in no mood to humor though, not that she could blame them.
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Thanks for the assist on linking threads all.
I'm all for getting the place scoped out. However, I'm thinking Lamm has a number of roguish types working for him so be careful you guys don't get spotted.
He may not actually know some of us so we might be able to use that to our advantage in getting a look at the place as well.
Also, should we get some supplies? I'm thinking rope, alchemist fire that sort of thing. I've only got 10 gold left but we can spend that to supply more of what we might be needing for this little venture.
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Keep in mind Korvosa does not have many 24 hour convenience stores yet. You are solidly moving into times that most decent people sleep, and whoever walks the streets is either bawdy, desperate or suspect.
Purchases of equipment will have to wait until tomorrow, unless you wish to knock some shopkeeper out of bed.
As for scouting out the area, there is probably not much trouble with that. Doing so by night will surely rouse suspicions if you are caught. Lesson: Do not get caught.
Alternatively, you could wait until tomorrow, but how much fun would that be ;-P
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Keep in mind Korvosa does not have many 24 hour convenience stores yet. You are solidly moving into times that most decent people sleep, and whoever walks the streets is either bawdy, desperate or suspect.
Heh, good point. I'm not about to go knocking folk out of bed so we can buy stuff, that'd just rouse suspicions. :)
I hope you all realise that dwarves in armour, of any type, aren't really "sneaky". I do hit things hard though, so that'll be useful eventually I guess.
Cheers
I hope you all realise that dwarves in armour, of any type, aren't really "sneaky". I do hit things hard though, so that'll be useful eventually I guess.Cheers
Ha, don't feel alone there. I think a couple of us are in the same boat. Ayedah has one foot in it at the very least.
GMTerra:
Being broke in D&D is actually kind of worrying when you have obligations to take care of. ;)
Is it agreed that Zalen and I will sneak ahead of the group in attempt "case" the fishery?
A few words on the mechanical side of things. While i would like to have you examine the Fishery in detail, and play it out, keeping 6 people waiting is not a good idea. So once your "advance scouts" go out, I'll do a few fancy rolls, and post a result.
Ahhh, I did not think of this. Always ever so bright, TN.
Good idea TN, I'm all for it.
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Ok, I'll let you duke this out on your own. For the moment, i assume you are all still well within earshot of Zellara's home, so anything now discussed is more or less private to the group. I'm invited to a party tonight, so any update will come a bit later than you're used ot.
I guess we're holding where we are until everyone has a chance to confirm they agree with the plan?
Hey all, this is regarding Zalen's plan.
I understand that this is to be the first battle and that we are all excited to participate. Please understand that my intent with this plan is not to get 'more action' or 'first dibs' or anything for myself. I understand how it might seem frustrating to 'stand around' and wait while some others go off to get the Action. But this is just the best idea I can come up with at the moment. I'm more than willing to consider any other plans anyone may have that may offer us a good or even better chance of getting that slimy bastard Lamm.
Thoughts?
Edit: Oh wait, I just re-read Terra's earlier post. I'm not sure how you will work that out might GM but if you have some 'fancy way' ;-) of rolling that out so no one is waiting too long than of course that is beter. :)
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The biggest problem with the plan i can see is not waiting around but more you guys getting slaughtered before the rest of us move in. 10 minutes is a huge time in this game, plenty of time to get overwhelmed in fact.
My thinking is we let the two rogues go stealth mode while the rest of us move through the rooms methodically. They can hide until the overseers show themselves then team up on that person and drop them. The rest of us can do crowd control and intimidates etc until the overseer is gone.
My big fear is that we need to remember as first level characters we're pretty fragile and really shouldn't split up that much in combat. We're certainly not a fully trained SWAT team :) It only takes one failed stealth check for you guys to land in the doodoo. Only two of the proposed first groups are rogues with any real training in stealth.
The other issue also is that we now have two buildings to control. The Fishery and the Boat.
So my idea is this
a) The rogues go and open the doors and check for traps etc at main entrance (no fancy ropes or climbing, too risky for most of us). Once they check it out and give the all clear signal the rest of us come in.
b) As we move and engage enemies, the stealthed rogues move slightly ahead of the band. As the distracted combatants attack the main group these two sneak attack the overseers (who may or may not be at the back)
c) One of our clerics and fighter types needs to be ready to move and help the rogues if they get stuck outside the safety net of the party. I'm happy to be that role, ie willing to take Aoo's to get to the rogues if required for some more muscle support.
Don't know how to post this up in character without taking up huge amounts of time again. Hopefully people will read here and have a vote.
Cheers
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My big fear is that we need to remember as first level characters we're pretty fragile and really shouldn't split up that much in combat. We're certainly not a fully trained SWAT team :) It only takes one failed stealth check for you guys to land in the doodoo. Only two of the proposed first groups are rogues with any real training in stealth.
I have the same concerns. I am also worried about the stealth advance getting in trouble, so I agree the others should follow behind room by room. Alandra is willing to go with the rogues to provide them with divine support, but she would feel much more comfortable if the others were not far behind.
So my idea is this
a) The rogues go and open the doors and check for traps etc at main entrance (no fancy ropes or climbing, too risky for most of us). Once they check it out and give the all clear signal the rest of us come in.
b) As we move and engage enemies, the stealthed rogues move slightly ahead of the band. As the distracted combatants attack the main group these two sneak attack the overseers (who may or may not be at the back)
c) One of our clerics and fighter types needs to be ready to move and help the rogues if they get stuck outside the safety net of the party. I'm happy to be that role, ie willing to take Aoo's to get to the rogues if required for some more muscle support.
Don't know how to post this up in character without taking up huge amounts of time again. Hopefully people will read here and have a vote.
Cheers
This sounds right to me. As of now I think the advance party consists of the two rogues Zalen and Jillian and the cleric Alandra (more of a caster than a fighter). Alandra already suggested a that fourth, stronger fighter type join it.
Yeah, Ayedah has agreed to tag along a bit behind them but her attention is going to be a bit divided between being stealthy and looking out for whatever kids may be inside.
Nayr's fine with whatever position he's in, more of the noisy type though so it's well suited that he's with the backup group.
Also, I thought I should say, I am leaving for California tommorrow and will be gone for the next week or so. I'll have my laptop with me, and the resort I will be staying at should have an internet port, so it shouldn't be a problem.
In the case I don't and combat starts without me, feel free to NPC Nayr.
Just wanted to say, I think the roleplaying between characters has been stellar, and I just want to thank you for making it an exciting experience so far! I'll be back soon, ready to get that dastardly Lamm~
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Have a safe trip, you.
Anyone knows what is up with Jillian? I'll NPC her for the time being.
Other than that, I'll post a description of the scouting trip either within the next two hours, or tomorrow at noon (14 hours from now). I'll give you a bit more time to object in either case.
As for rolls, i am going to do something akin to a 4th Edition "Skill Challenge", but the rolling will be done on my side. Sorry, but otherwise we'd lose more time than we gain. Once that is settled, I'll narrate the results. Since it is a stealthy scouting mission, beyond a few "Watch out" and "Over here", i expect little conversation anyway.
I'm good to go! I'll follow along a bit behind as soon as Zalen and Jillian come back to get us, if that's still the plan.
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Heya TM. I realise the scouts have gone out and come back for the initial reconissance of the place. I was under the impression that we now were going to implement our plan of one group in to open the doors then the other group to follow in and back them up.
From all the chat so far it seems like the party is going to split into two groups. An advnace group that is now going to enter the place and try to sneakily take out an overseer or two, and the backup group which is going to come in and try to provide backup.
It's not how I'd do it but I don't want to slow the progression of the game down any further with more planning talk so my post in game was about group 1 going in now that we've looked at the building properly.