So we made it onto page 2, eh? Must be doing something right!
Thanks for get in so quickly, Vin - do you mind posting from your profile in the IC thread like the others?
Here's where I have to learn how to pace things - I don't want to cramp you getting to know each other, but at the same time want to keep it moving, so I'll post a bit more later to give you something to think about ;)
Sorry for the huge anticlimax guys, but on the 'D12 rumours' (for those of you old enough to remember old school D&D adventures), you leapt all over the one that was complete nonsense, and despite my attempts to prise your fingers off it, just wouldn't let go ;)
I must say I found it pretty amusing, but if I dragged it out any longer I could imagine people starting to get annoyed if there was no pay off.
I hope you don't mind me taking over your PCs like that, but I thought it was the best way of tying up that line.
It's probably time to head to your lodgings for the night; maybe tomorrow will prove to be more productive?
So, seeing as we have been at it for a week, how does everybody feel about the game? Please be honest, if you think 'this wasn't quite what I had in mind' then please tell me.
Yes, it is slow going for those of you new to the medium of pbp. So far our post rate has been pretty decent, and I have the advantage of being able to update all day to keep things moving - handy given our vastly different time zones.
I have resisted the urge to invite another player because with 3 we can keep going at a better pace than having to wait on a big group, and it gives you all more time in the spotlight. I would be open to having a fourth if you guys want; and we can discuss how to do it together.
I hadn't really prepared for having to take control of the thread to keep things going, but having read some advice from more experienced pbp GMs I hope you don't mind that I did that?
I have to say though from my point of view, as the purpose of this 'scene' so far was to get you together, get you comfortable with each other's posting style, the format etc and find out more about your PCs, I think it has definitely been a success. The minor setback has given you a reason to bond as a group so the artificiality (if that's a word) of the usual 'you are in the tavern' type set up has been dealt with.
It's all a bit new for me too but so far I'm enjoying it. I've also read a lot of doom and gloom about games failing, which apparently is more often down to the GM than the players. Given our progress so far I've got weeks worth already written, so I'll be here for a while if the game is to your tastes.
Any other comments, fire away either here or by e-mail.
Haha, a wild goose chase (or rat chase?). I don't have a problem with the way things turned out - the signs were there from the beginning, but I guess we all got a bit excited at the prospect of doing a little monster hunting. You taking control of the characters doesn't bother me in the slightest when it's necessary/in the interests of advancing the game.
I agree, everything is going well so far. As for another player, I'm easy either way, but as you said, things seem to be progressing well with three.
Thanks guys, I really appreciate the thumbs up
OK, I say we continue with three for now as we're geting on at a decent rate.
OK, not quite what I'm sure you were hoping for!
That was all off the cuff after the incident with Joenso to see where you wanted to go - and to be fair, I hadn't given you any sort of steer as to what came next so you were perfectly entitled to pursue whatever you wanted.
Reading the thread again, do you feel the Councillor's reaction was reasonable? I based it on:
- the 3 of you *aren't* the most personable bunch ever. Total party CHA bonus is -1, you've got 1 rank in Diplomacy between you, and the 2 Diplomacy checks that were made were pretty poor. And you also rolled really badly on the Sense Motive checks to realise the initial approach was all wrong and change tack - sometimes there's nothing we can do about bad dice rolls so that was very unlucky.
- Rath has been openly walking around with his sword on display; the only person in town doing so. He also attempted to Intimidate Joenso in a very public place
- it really was a pretty classic protection racket pitch: 'we can't guarantee the safety of your guests/property unless you pay us money'
- which was all the more unfortunate as there was nothing more sinister going on than the equivalent of a simple county fair. Imagine something like the original copy of the US Constitution was to be put on display - that's pretty much what is going down here.
- and looking for some ballpark fantasy economics, I came across this link
By my reckoning, after a couple of days you could have bought a sizeable portion of the town at the rates you were proposing ;)
But fear not, as I said: the 'real' campaign awaits. We've found that maybe you aren't cut out for careers in the Diplomatic Service, perhaps something that plays a little more to your strengths will present itself...
That was sweet! I was totally amused and delighted by our two amateurish attempts to land work. I love how three honest folks naively looking for work ended up hours from being rounded up. In retrospect, everything was natural, and the results were golden. Thanks for the great experience thus far. I'm looking forward to more! Hopefully with more success, of course. Guys, you two are great. I agree that we could probably keep with the three for now for the pace. If we feel we can continue to go at a good pace, we can try adding a fourth then.
Yeah, this is hilarious, and totally justified. I figured I was asking way, way, way too much even before I posted, considering the rough values given in the SRD - i.e. our "standard rate" being the price of one hundred sheep each, per day. In the interests of staying true to the character, I figured Rath would sooner ask for way too much than too little, since he doesn't really care about this festival (or its security) in the least and is proud/arrogant enough to rate his own services pretty highly. He's greedy, and he probably figures if they won't pay him what he feels he's worth, he'll look elsewhere.
It all makes sense so none of it worries me, and I'm having a blast. Glad to hear you feel the same, Leco.
Sorry if I went way overboard there, Johan. I think your character should definitely fill the party "face" role, having the only rank in diplomacy and a decent charisma score. Although intelligent, Rath is more of a thug who does the dirty work, and his self-serving nature could get in the way of any kind of diplomacy/negotiations (i.e. demanding prices that would bankrupt the town).
I'll let one of you folks post first.
Seeing as I'm as charming as you are Rath, I think Johan will have to be our de facto leader if we don't want to get run out of this town (that is, if it's not too late already...).
OK folks, thanks again for kind words and dealing with in-game setbacks with such good grace.
I feel it is time for a reward, although it's probably a bit early to be levelling up. Rate of progression is not something I've thought about, but given I said my face to face group could look at a level roughly every 4 sessions, we have a way to go yet.
I certainly like this sort of level as the PCs have plenty to do without being able to finish fights in one round - once spellcasters start throwing about 3rd and 4th level spells that becomes more of a possibility.
So I've devised a sort of staggered level progression system - details are in my profile. Would you like to have a look and give me comments? It allows me to give you a reward for good play (like the last little passage) and hopefully allows you to develop your PCs a little at a time rather than having to wait an age for a new level and then getting it all at once.
If everyone is happy with the idea, then go ahead and use it.
I'll make another IC post later in the day to tell you what is next for our intrepid trio.
Owner - Johnny Scott Comics and Games
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Grufflehead, your system works for me.
As for our predicament, it's pretty amusing that the naive Rogue/Cleric is the only one with Diplomacy in the group. I'll have to add ranks to it if Johan becomes the face of the group.
Rath, I deferred to you as your character seems more about the money that Johan or Leconair, and you came through admirably! I had a feeling you would price us out of the job, but didn't think the Councilor would go as far as he did.
Leconair, adding that bit about payment in advance for an additional discount was inspired! Well done!
I think it's hilarious that we're in the process of building a reputation as greedy men running a protection racket when all we're really after is a job.
I posted a response to the councilor, but (once again) rolled horribly on my Diplomacy check (a natural 1!). We'll see how he responds. This campaign may become about 3 outlaws on the run!
I'm absolutely enjoying this, and think we've got a great group so far!
Alas, the great dice gods have chosen to frown upon your efforts ;)
Well done all on a noble effort.
I seem to have had the honour of starting page 2 of the IC thread - we should give ourselves a pat on the back at having got this far so quickly.
I'll hopefully raise your spirits later in the day!
The character advancement system in your profile works fine with me, DM. So, is this a "character advancement opportunity"?
Personally, I kind of like the way things have turned out. It's certainly more interesting than the standard fare. I like that the townspeople are realistic small-town folks, wary of strangers and not about to be pushed around by some adventurers - it's certainly different from the standard "helpless villager" archetype. You may laugh, but it reminds me a little of Rambo: First Blood. Will be interesting to see where we go from here.
Yes, this is a chance to 'advance' so please all go ahead and select one of the minor bonuses. I presume it's all clear enough - I guess it does rather force you decide which class you will level in next but as long as that is OK with people then make whichever selection you wish.
I'll probably try and let you do make advances at the same rate (it's been about 10 days playing time so every 1 - 2 weeks), and after 5 or 6 of those we'll just go ahead and level up if that doesn't sound to slow for people?
Sounds good. I'll update the profile and make a note of the selection somewhere (on the profile) as well.
Edited to add: For HP, are we adding max hp, or average hp, or rolling?
You can keep adding max HP for whichever class you select.
I've just noticed a slight flaw in the advancement, so I'll make a few changes to it when I get the chance. Won't affect your initial choices though so go ahead as is.
Sometimes, it's nice to be a know-it-all. I'll have to keep pumping those knowledge skills for Leconair so that the DM has an excuse to feed us information and guide us into, er, I mean, keep us from the errant ways.
OK, hopefully clarified the advances idea. Realised it didn't work well for casters to changed it to reflect that.
Done! I took the Skill Points option as a Rogue (next level up class) and maxed out Diplomacy - God knows we'll need it!
Just so you know, I've gone with the saving throw bonus (Will).
And I took the HP. Funny how we each took a different one.
Howdy folks
I've got something to run past you for approval. I answered a post on one of the other sub-forums from a guy who finds himself in the same position as me: a complete novice pbp GM looking to run his first game. He was asking for tips and advice, and felt my experiences (!) would be more useful than some of the more seasoned hands.
I've floated the suggestion that to dip his toe in and get a feel for what is involved, he might like to sit in with us. But rather than have him join as a player (as we've agreed that we stick to 3 for now), I've suggested he plays one of the NPCs - as you're about to hit a town (and then potentially off to the gnome festival) there are a variety of people he could take on, although it will all have to be approved by me.
Happy to give it a try?
Sounds good to me too.
Sure, no problemo.
Excellent, thank you for being so willing to try it out.
Expect an appearance from my new co-GM very soon ;)
Excellent, thank you for being so willing to try it out.
Expect an appearance from my new co-GM very soon ;)
Seems the boards lost my reply to this from this morning...but I'll repeat it:
Thanks much for the opportunity! Looking forward to it, and any feedback is appreciated.
I've been waiting with baited breath all day to see who is going to make IC post #100 ;)
Me! I'm number 100! Leco pats himself on the back.
But a round of applause from me to us all. I think we've achieved something very nice together and I've greatly enjoyed our journey so far.
Here's to continued success *cheers*
*cheers*
Nice roll Johan, I am assuming this is more of leading-him-on tactic. I don't normally like the out-of-sequence stuff, but I thought people could get a good intro in to Asko and Co without being out of place due to posting availability and such, should anything else occur.
OK folks, it is with regret that I have to announce our 2nd (Greyblade being the first) 'casualty'.
Got a mail from Rath's player this morning to say he's taking up a new opportunity and that will rule him out of the game. Hopefully, he'll reply to the mail I sent him which gives me some longer terms plans for Rath before he heads off.
So, the floor is open for options. JustaGM, do you want to change that to JustaPlayer? ;) If you'd prefer to stay on my side of the screen (as it was pbp GMing experience you originally wanted) then that's fine and Larry and Vin can let me know if they have any preferences for recruitment (as I think maintaining the group at 3 would be my preference).
I'd be more than happy to play. Let me know if thats OK, or if you have players from the alt list you want give the opportunity.
Heh, taking the plunge I see, Justa ;)
Unless Vin raises any objections, spot 3 is yours here. Welcome to the game (again!). Have a think about a character - don't worry about what the others are playing, I'll hopefully match the challenge to the group.
Now, of course this leads us to an interesting series of choices:
- as our merchant friend is your creation, would you like to do the next bit of RP from the GM side?
- if yes to that, would you like to keep playing him for continuity until we get to the festival? I think we'd worked out a nice little line to pursue if the game goes in that direction.
- I see the festival itself as probably the best spot to introduce a new PC, so although I would have loved to see you keep working with Asko and his chums, I'll take over from there and I'll contact you by e-mail to set up your own entrance.
Meanwhile, I'll take over Rath as a DMPC and will try and find a place for him to logically depart. If I hear from his player, I'll work with him in case there is any chance he rejoins at some point in future.
How does that sound to everybody?
And don't think I haven't noticed you applying for other games, young master Lichman ;) Obviously I haven't put you off pbp!
<Justa GM> This is my concept. Started on him this morning, 'bout 85% done. He's a armor crafter and armorer by trade, so he'd fit in at any town or fest. I don't have a background complete, but he was an adventurer who gave it up after his friends were wiped out in an ancient tomb, but the wanderlust has bitten him again...
Let me know where to start, and I can jump in.
You might as well take the NPCs from here. I suspect I'll have my hands full enough. Besides, I haven't even really gotten in to the merchant yet.
Your call, but it might be a week or so (real time) til they get to the fest, and if that time is largely spent with the merchant you can still be involved by playing him.
Otherwise, let me know when you finish up your PC. He's certainly fairly beefy compared with our current 2! There are some house rules buried in the thread somewhere (max HP IIRC was one of them), and there's some pseudo-levelling info in my profile so go ahead and read up and select 1 of the basic options.
Your call, but it might be a week or so (real time) til they get to the fest, and if that time is largely spent with the merchant you can still be involved by playing him.
Otherwise, let me know when you finish up your PC. He's certainly fairly beefy compared with our current 2! There are some house rules buried in the thread somewhere (max HP IIRC was one of them), and there's some pseudo-levelling info in my profile so go ahead and read up and select 1 of the basic options.
Go ahead and take on the merchant. The week will gave me time to finish him.
I read most of the rules. By max hp, does that mean max at EACH level? 'Cause I rolled for 2 thru 4. I did the 20 pt buy for him, so he shouldnt be overly beefy, I put the 4th lvl stat bonus and human bonus into str. As far a choosing a basic option, is that in addition to what I have? And I was going to pick 2 traits as well.
Yes, max HP at each level.
Basic option adds to what you have - HP, skills or saves as if 1 level higher.
2 traits is fine. Larry - I never did see if you picked traits for Johan. If not, go ahead and select 2 as everyone else has them.
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Owner - Johnny Scott Comics and Games
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Yes, max HP at each level.
Basic option adds to what you have - HP, skills or saves as if 1 level higher.
2 traits is fine. Larry - I never did see if you picked traits for Johan. If not, go ahead and select 2 as everyone else has them.
I have not picked traits. I'll get them up today.