I know his recent lack of posting has simply been because of his honeymoon, I wonder if what happened was simply a mistake?
And this last week has apparently sucked for everyone. The biggest problem is that in combat, things can come to a grinding hault if just 1 or 2 people can't post. :/
I'd say at least for this combat DK plays as Durn just to finish this battle up. And if we don't hear from him in the next few days, I'll see if I can find him up at the Bookery on Sunday.
DK should have his email addy. I know I would like to see him return.
Durn: If you are still reading... please come back! :)
Once again, I apologize if my exuberance has caused any distress (ie frequent posting, large posts, excessive role playing / party conflict etc). It is why I have asked in the past if I need to dial things back, and I do so again.
If anyone feels that I am hogging the spotlight, posting too much etc. Please let me know! I want everyone to have fun and contribute. I wish you all could post as often as I can, but I know that isn't realistic, so I again offer to dial things back if people so wish.
Cheers
No Durn definitely deleted his guy and all of the character stuff including his contact information, I assume that means he doesn't even want to be contacted. That is fine, if that is the way he rolls, I would hope that anyone else who needs to bow out due to life events or whatever wouldn't just disappear in the middle of a combat but everyone has their issues.
Eadric, the only thing I would say is that so far you are not playing a Lawful Good Paladin, more like chaotic good with Neutral tendencies. I have tried to be leniant since I allowed you to have a Paladin of Cayden, even though from what I have read, he really doesn't have any, but I would't stray too far from LG.
An example is your last post, leaving the rest of the group to possible harm while you ride away without seeing to their safety. I kind of liked the alchohol angle and troubled personality though.
Other than that I like everyone's roleplaying and interaction. The adventure picks up after the Bandit Camp and this feels like the biggest grind part (I am a player in a Kingmaker game myself and this is a grind there as well, looking forward to completing the bandit camp myself). I really wanted six players so I will probably play Durn through the Bandit encounter and then move his guy out from there. Dependent upon the rest of the group we can continue with the rest of us. Too bad about him, he seemed to be a good PBPter.
If you really think we need six people, I feel that Oleg's Trading Post or a repenting bandit would be the way to get one in. The ex-bandit wouldn't be trusted much, but that could appeal to some people.
EDIT: Prestige class for Eadric? DM DK, if anything is allowed from that site, let me know, there are some fire spells I like! ;)
Please accept my apologies in advance for the length of what follows. I would also hope that you would read it with a mind towards constructive discussion, as this is how this dialog is offered.
I'm not sure I follow you. I have put a lot of thought and effort into developing Eadric's character. I have attempted a rather complex, unorthodox and difficult paladin concept to play to be sure, but I'm not sure that I understand your assessment of his alignment.
As to the example you pointed out, Eadric's abandonment of the party in the face of harm, what threat are they in? It is my understanding that all the active and aggressive boars are dead. The only boar remaining has been calmed and will remain so, most likely, long enough for us to leave the area safely. Is it lawful good to stay and slay a wild animal (that I would point out is Neutral) that is only acting normally, protecting it's young and territory from us, when it is no longer a threat? Eadric all along has had no quarrel with the boars and only acted in self defense when retreating was not an option.
I would also like to point out that Eadric hasn't actually completed any action to leave just yet. I have stated my intention to leave, but as you previously ruled, this would actually take a couple of rounds to accomplish. My action is still interruptible, as it indeed has already been. When I first posted that I intended to leave (it is in fact the same post with minor changes, reposted) did I not change Eadric's actions to reflect the change in the timeline and alter my actions to protect my comrades while putting myself at risk of personal injury or death? That seems pretty in line with lawful good to me. This is in line with Eadric's previous actions in combat. Given Durn's (your) posted comments regarding Eadric's desire to leave, Eadric is still able to change his intended course of action. There has been no abandonment of the party thus far.
I would also like to hear what some of the other party members have to say about staying to slay the boar (ie. Bellis). I believe that I could counter argue that slaying the non threatening boars for no reason other than revenge or completeness, could be construed as an evil act and almost certainly a chaotic one. Just by being a paladin in no way makes me responsible for the party any more than they are responsible for me. If party members act contrary to my code or alignment I don't feel that I should be punished for attempting to steer them into a certain direction of action. Would it be easier if I only post when it is my "turn"?
As to your other comment. I pored through the books as well and found no indication that paladins have any restriction when choosing a deity. They aren't required to select a deity at all (pg 47 of the Golarion Campaign Setting). There are no alignment restrictions put upon paladins like that of clerics and their patron deity (ie one step on each axis of alignment). Eadric is free to be a paladin devoted to a cause or ideal with his deity choice secondary in consideration. This is my understanding anyhow. If the campaign is going to operate under a different assumption, then I will understand and change accordingly.
As for other examples you might point out, like the Lupus incident in the tavern or the hanging of the bandit or Eadric's true intentions towards Ula (which couldn't possibly be known yet), I feel confident in my assessment that these acts are in line with a lawful good stance. Eadric may have approached the line, and even possibly pushed the line, but he hasn't crossed it, in my opinion. If you feel otherwise, we can discuss it, but in the end, please be assured that I will defer to your judgement as this is your campaign (and if DMing for the last 30 odd years myself has taught me anything, the buck stops with the DM). If you feel it necessary to add an "ex-" in front of Eadric's paladin status, he will continue on as straight fighter and be none the worse for wear.
I'll end with quoting the Core Rulebook regarding alignments:
"Good implies altruism, respect for life, and a concern
for the dignity of sentient beings. Good characters make
personal sacrifices to help others."
"Lawful characters tell the truth, keep their word, respect
authority, honor tradition, and judge those who fall short
of their duties."
"Law implies honor, trustworthiness, obedience to
authority, and reliability. On the downside, lawfulness
can include closed-mindedness, reactionary adherence
to tradition, self-righteousness, and a lack of adaptability."
"Lawful Good: A lawful good character acts as a good
person is expected or required to act. She combines a
commitment to oppose evil with the discipline to fight
relentlessly. She tells the truth, keeps her word, helps
those in need, and speaks out against injustice. A lawful
good character hates to see the guilty go unpunished.
Lawful good combines honor with compassion."
This to me sounds a lot like Eadric. He may have emotional issues, a drinking problem and a temper, but none of those things detract from the fact that he is honorable, dependable, respectful of life, lawful and good. In fact, he is the way he is because of what has happened to him in his past and that he was lawful good at the time these things happened.
Cheers
The loss of Durn will mean even more creatures beating on the party's only "tank". :(
Please accept my apologies in advance for the length of what follows. I would also hope that you would read it with a mind towards constructive discussion, as this is how this dialog is offered.
** spoiler omitted **...
Through a select, worthy few shines the power of the divine. Called paladins, these noble souls dedicate their swords and lives to the battle against evil. Knights, crusaders, and law-bringers, paladins seek not just to spread divine justice but to embody the teachings of the virtuous deities they serve. In pursuit of their lofty goals, they adhere to ironclad laws of morality and discipline. As reward for their righteousness, these holy champions are blessed with boons to aid them in their quests: powers to banish evil, heal the innocent, and inspire the faithful. Although their convictions might lead them into conflict with the very souls they would save, paladins weather endless challenges of faith and dark temptations, risking their lives to do right and fighting to bring about a brighter future.
Role: Paladins serve as beacons for their allies within the chaos of battle. While deadly opponents of evil, they can also empower goodly souls to aid in their crusades. Their magic and martial skills also make them well suited to defending others and blessing the fallen with the strength to continue fighting.
Basically you get your spells from your god, just like a cleric does since they are Divine spells. I haven't used the optional rule that a "cleric" can be non-aligned to a god and have whatever Domains they want. Part of the conflict in my eyes is that Cayden Cailen's chaotic nature is the antithesis of the Paladin, and this is where you get your spells from.
Anyways, it is fine, I don't mind people pushing the edges of your alignment, I just don't want people playing a chaotic character with a LG alignment.
I did get a quick e-mail from Durn, he is out.
DK
Well, although I'm sorry to hear that, it is good to know that he left for sure... I agree with Obi about the places another character would join in. He can also be some prisoner in the bandit camp - as suits you all.
By the way, I hope I'm playing Ellaria well according to her alignment and personality - pretty labile according to the situations.
I think that Eadric is attempting to live up to those lofty goals but that he currently epitomizes the "challenges of faith and dark temptations" bit. It is a conscious effort on my part to role play this internal conflict as realistically as I can and see how Eadric develops. If this means he loses his paladin status, then I/we will deal with it then. Is that ok with you?
I rechecked Gods and Magic last night (along with the aforementioned bit in the Golarion Campaign Setting which states that "paladins who serve no specific god are actually more common") and I would point out that there are a just as many LN and NG gods who have paladins as do LG ones. I realize that they are only one step away on the alignment axis, but I thought that it would be interesting to play a paladin who is completely the opposite in their philosophy from their deity in terms of how they achieve the same goal. Again, I assumed that this would be ok since you approved the character. I would have been fine with playing Eadric as a LG fighter, with everything else the same.
As far as spells go, I'm totally fine if you want to withhold them from Eadric. If you don't wish to do that andiIf it helps make more sense, you could consider Eadric a paladin dedicated to good, bravery and strength, who pays homage to Cayden as opposed to a direct follower of Cayden. I am already following an unofficial vow of poverty, so the loss of a few spells wouldn't impact him all that much. :)
Thanks for listening.
I did get a quick e-mail from Durn, he is out.
DK
Did he give a reason? <drops his gaze to the ground, sheepishly kicking a pebble back and forth with the toe of his boot.>
Well, although I'm sorry to hear that, it is good to know that he left for sure... I agree with Obi about the places another character would join in. He can also be some prisoner in the bandit camp - as suits you all.
Eadric would be fine with another hand to hand focused combatant joining the party! ;)
By the way, I hope I'm playing Ellaria well according to her alignment and personality - pretty labile according to the situations.
I don't know, is there an alignment more LG than LG? XD
By the way, I hope I'm playing Ellaria well according to her alignment and personality - pretty labile according to the situations.I don't know, is there an alignment more LG than LG? XD
RLG?*
*Really Lawful Good
We actually still have 6 players, we were playing with seven. As I mentioned we will continue with Durn for the short term.
** spoiler omitted **
We might be a little light on up front strength but I see you making it up in magical ability between Cleric, Bard, Wizard, and Sorcerer.
Well, Obi's next level is going to be either rogue or sorcerer(I think I'll flip a coin) because Arcane Trickster is starting to appeal to me more and more...
RLG?*
*Really Lawful Good
Yeah, it is pretty obvious that Eadric is not RLG! :)
We actually still have 6 players, we were playing with seven. As I mentioned we will continue with Durn for the short term.
I take it there is no chance at Durn returning? No chance to convince him to give it another go?
** spoiler omitted **
No worries DK. It is good that we discuss these things. We don't have the luxury of knowing each other in person, so assumptions about how things are working are bound to be made. This is a work in progress. An enjoyable one for me at least. :)
We might be a little light on up front strength but I see you making it up in magical ability between Cleric, Bard, Wizard, and Sorcerer.
This still sounds painful for Eadric! XD
Yes, yes it will be....luckily you focused on defense!
Beasties dont HAVE to attack eadric! just have them rush past him to attack us squishies :) that should ease up the pressure on ol' eadric.
Hey, hey, hey. I object to the fact that everyone is saying that Eadric is the only frontline fighter. I've engaged every opponent we have faced thus far in hand to hand combat. Knowing Eadric is the only traditional tank, I'm pretty much going to be playing my bard as throwing up a buff or two, then rushing into the thick of things.
While Eadric is going to most certainly be the one in the center of things, I'm trying my bestest to provide him with a flanking buddy, and protect his back.
And I thank you my good friend Vanion! It is indeed comforting to know that you have my back!
I will do my dutiful best to keep the enemies busy, and the creatures occupied chewing upon my flesh, that you might strike the killing blow! And after? We drink to victory, bravery and good friends of course!
I was just thinking about some house keeping that we have neglected to do. Who is carrying the 3 potions that Oleg gave us? 2 potions of cure light wounds and a potion of shield of faith-minor (+2).
This paladin is going to still cause some problems... ;)
Perhaps Eadric could be convinced to hang back until the rest of the party has "infiltrated" the camp (looking to rescue Imeria, of course) and then he could charge in on horseback when needed.
Maybe I could knock you out with a color spray and say we've decided to join the bandits, and as truth of our intent, we bring a paladin that would have caused trouble!
Or you could get them all drunk and engage in the outdoors-equivalent of a bar-room brawl!
Maybe I could knock you out with a color spray and say we've decided to join the bandits, and as truth of our intent, we bring a paladin that would have caused trouble!
Or you could get them all drunk and engage in the outdoors-equivalent of a bar-room brawl!
What is this going to turn into? An episode of A-Team? Every time something unsavory has to happen we need to knock out the paladin? :)
What is this going to turn into? An episode of A-Team? Every time something unsavory has to happen we need to knock out the paladin? :)Maybe I could knock you out with a color spray and say we've decided to join the bandits, and as truth of our intent, we bring a paladin that would have caused trouble!
Or you could get them all drunk and engage in the outdoors-equivalent of a bar-room brawl!
You every see Dorkness Rising? I imagine that is a more accurate picture of our paladin plans. ;)
ha. ha. ha.
Well, no one is doing a very good (any) job of convincing him otherwise. :)
I really, really don't want to have to play lawful stupid....
I'm not sure it will work, but I may have just helped your case a little bit Eadric.