Welcome all. Here begins the OOC thread for Adventures in Darkmoon Vale!
Boomer:Alchemist and Cook
Rhylis:Mysterious Elven Conjuror
Cameric:Eagle Knight Wizard with a Bastard Sword
Kornin Underbough:Halfling Cavalier
Durgan Stoneshield:Cleric of Torag
Valaerdrel: Elven Ranger from Kyonin
Please continue our discussions here. I need some time to learn the characters and prepare the opening chapter....I'll be back soon.
Ohh, I'm mysterious. Awesome!
A fairly typical adventuring party. 6 people who under the vast majority of other circumstances would likely not even know that each other existed. Exactly the kind of party Boomer loves.
Looking forward to this - will flesh out my character tomorrow and Sunday. Hope everyone has a Happy New Year!
Haha, I love that one of my defining features is that I wield a bastard sword. Priceless!
Lol nice i'm the only one with no interesting addition to my character description i'm just a short cavalier ;). I will try and get my character fleshed out soon. I need to get done flying and all these storms and layovers are making it hellish for flying :p
Edziza, I updated Boomer's profile to include all relevant stats; I did not include all the weights on the misc gear, but when I calculated it earlier, I figured it was just enough weight to put him at the limit of light, spending most of the left over gold on buying higher quality, lighter equipment.
Quick Question: I can wield a bastard sword two-handed when attacking and hold it in one hand when casting spells, right?
A couple more quick questions.
(1) How would you like us to roll hp at first level?
(2) What XP progression are we using?
Rhylis, I'm copying your stat block format for my profile - hope you don't mind! :)
That's quite alright! I copied it from Hero Lab, after all. (And it would be okay if it wasn't, too.)
HP at first level are maximized as normal, I believe. At least that's how I did it. I don't remember if there was any explicit directive to do so.
Updated Durgan's character sheet quite a bit. Still a few things to tweak like Skills, Feats, Equipment...
Updated Durgan's character sheet quite a bit. Still a few things to tweak like Skills, Feats, Equipment...
So did anybody else enter RPG Superstar this year?
Haha, I love that one of my defining features is that I wield a bastard sword. Priceless!
Well, Cemaric Eagle Knight you'd better kick ass with that thing! cackle
Quick Question: I can wield a bastard sword two-handed when attacking and hold it in one hand when casting spells, right?
That make sense.
Pfsrd: To cast a spell with a somatic (S) component, you must gesture freely with at least one hand. You can't cast a spell of this type while bound, grappling, or with both your hands full or occupied.
That's quite alright! I copied it from Hero Lab, after all. (And it would be okay if it wasn't, too.]
...You've got hero lab going. Wicked. I need something I can use to post simple maps and graqphics onto the thread...something simple
I will require day or two for the next post.. Each and every character is great. I need time to think about them...the Vale awaits!
And its the holidays...
Based on what I have read: The Darkmoon Vale offers much if we proceed slowly. But I have seen how hard it is to keeps things going by post for any length of time these days. I vote to go slow. There are 7 of us. Let us vote.
If we are indeed voting, my vote is towards fast since I imagine things tend to run a bit slow in PBP (this is my first), and I'd definitely like to get the sense that the characters are making progress.
Out of curiosity, what time zones are we all dealing with? I'm on PST and I go to bed pretty late.
That's a hard question to answer straight up. While it gives higher numbers for levels, it's also relevant to know how much XP you're planning to award, and for what. Just for monster encounters? Are you going to reward good roleplaying, or give extra XP for 'solving' a situation non-violently, or for trying to find a better solution than the easiest one?
And yeah, Herolab is pretty neat and easy to use to keep track of everything. I just got it for Christmas. Oh! If you guys want, I could enter all of our characters so that we can all have the same profile format for stats.
Lol I just bought hero lab, xD its pretty neat so far but adding a mount is a bit annoying =/ since it demands I give my wolf a character class T.T;
That's weird, I didn't have that problem with my Ranger's Animal Companion.
well thanks to Herolab Kornin is finished =) and looking good! Although his Ac is 1 lower then what I had previously but that was because it wasn't so clear on the Armored Kilt but now its all cleared up and a 20AC is still not bad for first level. Especially with armor I can don as a move action xD. That is awesome!
Valaerdrel is also finished! I've put up his physical description and personality, though the latter is hidden (as is his background) with a spoiler tag in case folks prefer to learn about him via roleplay.
I've done pbp for years now (mostly on Plothook.net) and things do move very slow even with an active group. I have been in games which went on for 3 years or so and we might have gotten to 4th level. So I would vote for either a medium or fast progression, depending on how XP will be awarded (as Rhylis notes).
Rhylis and Kornin, would you say that Herolab is accurate, complete, and user-friendly enough to be worth the money? It looks like it would cost about $40 to have the core Pathfinder stuff including the APG, and things could get expensive if you keep adding on racial or campaign-based supplements. But I'm also playing in a face-to-face game and running a second, so perhaps it would be worth it. I'll have to try the demo at some point.
Well for me I think it was worth it since it takes me awhile to type up all this text just for a single character, but with Hero lab it took me only 10-15 mins tops and it pumped out a the text with all the [i] and such ready. (Which kills me when I type it up myself! xD)
Also as DM I think it will work out nicely since you can print out in character sheet format I believe, so you can create PC's/NPC's for a campaign with relative ease.
As for user friendly I really think it is, it only took me a few minutes to figure out what to do or how to output a character in text based. The only downside is the fact that you have to click and download each update one at a time, but the downloads are fairly quick with decent internet. Its just repetitive ^^;.
I suggest downloading the free version and look it over, it may lack alot of the normal stuff of a liscensed version but that is how it will look and you can at least get a feel for it. ^^d
hopefully that helped~
[b]Edit: Time Zone -9 GMT, I'm up here in Alaska =D, I can usually post at least 1-5 times a day depending if i'm at work or not (I work a 2 weeks on 2 weeks off, 12+ hours a day, work rotation.)
I would love to visit Europe or somewhere else someday~ Just too broke to do it right now lol.
Based on what I have read: The Darkmoon Vale offers much if we proceed slowly. But I have seen how hard it is to keeps things going by post for any length of time these days. I vote to go slow. There are 7 of us. Let us vote.If we are indeed voting, my vote is towards fast since I imagine things tend to run a bit slow in PBP (this is my first), and I'd definitely like to get the sense that the characters are making progress.
Out of curiosity, what time zones are we all dealing with? I'm on PST and I go to bed pretty late.
I've been playing in pbp's for years and I too vote for at least a medium progression, if not a fast one.
I'm on the East Coast in NC. And starting tomorrow, (when we return to work after Christmas break) I will only be able to post in the early mornings and late evenings.
I think it's brilliant, myself. It lets you create characters a lot faster, automatically incorporates all the class skills, etc. It's just a shame that you have to buy stuff separately -- it would be nice to just pay for the basic program and get the license automatically if you bought the book yourself. But that'd probably only work if the program was made by Paizo themselves.
You can auto-generate character sheets, too, and it allows you to apply all sorts of battle conditions, extra modifiers, etc. to your character to keep track of everything during combat, too. You can effectively manage your whole party, in theory, with one install -- the extra work is minimal (you're the one who has to keep track of things since you have the program license, after all), but it's really easy and convenient to do.
All in all, I recommend it. Largely because I'm lazy and hate to keep track of everything myself and this is perfect for me. The only flaw I'm seeing so far is that in the sheet you can read out into bbcode it says 'Spells Known' rather than 'Spells Memorized' for the Wizard and doesn't actually list the spells in your Spellbook.
I'm European. Vienna, Austria, specifically. I'm operating on a GMT+1 timetable.
Thanks, both of you - sounds like something I would get good use out of. I'll try the demo soon.
I'm in New York state, Eastern Standard at the moment (that's GMT-5, I think). Like Hedgeknight, I'm likely to post early or late in the day.
For xp, my experience is that the medium xp track is pretty good; it's a nice balance of progress and taking enough time to enjoy the lower levels. I tend not to use things like Herolab personally, as I find that I like to personalize my character sheet based on the individual character's needs. Central Time Zone for me, with the most likely post times being around noon or later in the evening.
That's a hard question to answer straight up. While it gives higher numbers for levels, it's also relevant to know how much XP you're planning to award, and for what. Just for monster encounters? Are you going to reward good roleplaying, or give extra XP for 'solving' a situation non-violently, or for trying to find a better solution than the easiest one?
I will be rewarding XP for problem solving in general. For example, by slaying the beast who is attacking. Or by tricking your way past an enounter etc..
At first I intend to follow suggestions in the published material. The consensus appears to be for medium progression = perhaps that is safest.
I don't think I will reward XP for just roleplaying per se. There has to be a challenge to the characters. There are other kinds of rewards as well.
Regarding level progression: We will follow the written rules when progressing, however I think that characters should activley work on the skills, feats and abilities in which they are progressing. Use role playing to demonstrate aspects of training and preparation as you advance the character to the next level. Drop some hints here and there.
Abilities should not just magically appear from nothing when you reach a level.
I'm usually a strong proponent of giving XP not for combat or beating monsters, but for completing stories, quests and specifically for good roleplaying, but I can live with that.
I agree on abilities not magically appearing. Heh.
So, any idea when we'll get started?
Well I think for the most part Kornin is complete, let me know what you think when you get the time Edziza~ no rush! I will be lurking nearby~ ;)
I think Durgan is about done too - do you need a more extended background? If so, I'll work on it. If not, I'm ready to roll whenever you are.
I just need to shop for equipment and put my backstory one paper if the DM so desires.
Edziza, one last question before we get started, I swear! Would you prefer our posts to include or exclude what's happening with our characters mentally (thoughts/emotions/reactions/etc.)? I've seen it done both ways. When it's included it feels a little more like reading a novel because you get a peek inside the heads of the PCs, but without it, everyone is reacting to what they observe only - we can only guess at what the others are thinking and feeling from facial expressions, body language, and the like - which is perhaps a little more true to life. Any preference?
Just got Hero Lab and love it - very user-friendly and seems complete, best character developer I've seen. Thanks for the recommendation, Rhylis and Kornin!
Edziza, one last question before we get started, I swear! Would you prefer our posts to include or exclude what's happening with our characters mentally (thoughts/emotions/reactions/etc.)? I've seen it done both ways. When it's included it feels a little more like reading a novel because you get a peek inside the heads of the PCs, but without it, everyone is reacting to what they observe only - we can only guess at what the others are thinking and feeling from facial expressions, body language, and the like - which is perhaps a little more true to life. Any preference?
May I suggest the following conventions?:
Plain text is for third person narration of observable events(description).
"text in quotations is in first person"
"use bold when quoting character speech"
text in italics is for omniscient third person narration. Character thoughts may be described here or "quoted"
eg.
The DM wants to make sure that the players are free to express themselves as they see fit. He thinks, "That was a good question Valardriel asked. I often wondered about this when reading other pbp threads. I am delighted that he brought it up here"
He types his response.
"Here is how I see it. Others may wish to weigh in on this.
I see PbP as a collaborative storytelling excercise. Everyone brings something unique to the thread. Some prefer to show the emotions of their character through the description of the characters' external actions (show don't tell). That works very well. Others like to describe the inner thinking of their character. I do not wish to restrict any player from exploring a style they like to narrate in.
If you do like to show a character's thoughts, please make sure that the distinction between interior thoughts and exterior actions is very clear. That way other players can be clear on what their characters do or do not know about your character. "
Sure thing, Valaerdrel. I'm hoping that'll be up to the players themselves, as I like to change whether I include inner monologue, feelings, etc. depending on the scene. It does enrich both story and text passages by a pretty big amount, though.
I have to say I am not very fond at all of these format differentiations.
They just seem lazy to me -- it's done in neither books nor novels and I personally see no reason why they should be used in roleplaying. To differentiate between inner monologue, dialogue, feelings or expressions should be done the same way it is done in novels: by making it clear, in writing, that they are one and not the other.
I'm usually a strong proponent of giving XP not for combat or beating monsters, but for completing stories, quests and specifically for good roleplaying, but I can live with that.
So, any idea when we'll get started?
Good roleplaying is has its own rewards. I can't judge how well you play your character. I hope you play the way you like without worrying about how I feel about it.
Maybe I can award something for "style". Just for fun. I have to think about that.
But I can reward your character's success or failure to meet a challenge.... It will not be all combat, either.
I plan to start action by Friday. I will open a thread even sooner to introduce the characters.
Thanks for your patience. Hope it's not too slow for you.
I have to say I am not very fond at all of these format differentiations.
They just seem lazy to me -- it's done in neither books nor novels and I personally see no reason why they should be used in roleplaying. To differentiate between inner monologue, dialogue, feelings or expressions should be done the same way it is done in novels: by making it clear, in writing, that they are one and not the other.
You make a good point. Those differentiations can be messy and bothersome. Everyone here can write well enough without needing them. I'll wait to hear what others have to say and then make a ruling.
I think Durgan is about done too - do you need a more extended background? If so, I'll work on it. If not, I'm ready to roll whenever you are.
Durgan's background is simple, but perfect, hedgnight. I'll add a few more details in the opening posts of the coming narrative. Thanks.
I think the bold or italics for actual speech coming from the character, otherwise, everything else in character can be handled by effectively in regular text. Considering that the ooc stuff is also going to be there, limiting the variations in the text will help emphasize them when they do occur and keep them from getting overlooked.
Good roleplaying is has its own rewards. I can't judge how well you play your character. I hope you play the way you like without worrying about how I feel about it.
Maybe I can award something for "style". Just for fun. I have to think about that.
But I can reward your character's success or failure to meet a challenge.... It will not be all combat, either.
I plan to start action by Friday. I will open a thread even sooner to introduce the characters.
Thanks for your patience. Hope it's not too slow for you.
That it has. By rewards for roleplaying I'm not refering to playing in a specific style or to please someone in order to get rewards, but rather for ... well, it's hard to describe without going on at length. Rewards for getting involved beyond just a superficial level of interacting with NPCs and other characters, for reacting in an understandably human (elven/dwarven) way or just for particularly well-handled and described scenes. It's largely done in Storytelling games like the World of Darkness games (which is where my main roleplaying activities are focused: Vampire the Masquerade, Mage the Ascension, etc.).
But that may not mesh too well with D&D and the modular level system, I suppose.
If I can get my home computer working properly tonight when I'm back I'll see about writing down Rhylis' history and personality proper, not just the cliffnotes from before.
I think the bold or italics for actual speech coming from the character, otherwise, everything else in character can be handled by effectively in regular text. Considering that the ooc stuff is also going to be there, limiting the variations in the text will help emphasize them when they do occur and keep them from getting overlooked.
Where would you like Boomer to come from, Sunshadow? Since he is so well travelled he need not be from the region. There is a noted gnomish alchemist who resides in Adamas, near Olfden. I might involve him in some kind of plothook for Boomer. The unusual Geothermal activity in the region could be a potential draw for an alchemist as well.
I think the bold or italics for actual speech coming from the character, otherwise, everything else in character can be handled by effectively in regular text. Considering that the ooc stuff is also going to be there, limiting the variations in the text will help emphasize them when they do occur and keep them from getting overlooked.Where would you like Boomer to come from, Sunshadow? Since he is so well travelled he need not be from the region. There is a noted gnomish alchemist who resides in Adamas, near Olfden. I might involve him in some kind of plothook for Boomer. The unusual Geothermal activity in the region could be a potential draw for an alchemist as well.
That sounds like as good a place as any for a place of origin; more recently I see him thinking of Absalom as a home of sorts, but that would be a very recent development gained only in the last few years while training to become a Pathfinder. What region is Adamas and Olfden in, so I can look up the basic information of the area in my primer?
Just got Hero Lab and love it - very user-friendly and seems complete, best character developer I've seen. Thanks for the recommendation, Rhylis and Kornin!
The Arthfell forest used to be far greater in size than it is today, but has not been home to Elves since elder days. It is told that old and fey power still gathers in the northern, Darkwood groves near Falcon's Hollow - which are now sundered from the larger forest to the south. The fate of theses unique forests might interest an elven traveller. May I devise a plothook for Valaerdrel along these lines?
What region is Adamas and Olfden in, so I can look up the basic information of the area in my primer?
Olfden is the main town in the Darkmoon Vale region. Adamas is a significant military fortification nearby and home to the Diamond Regiment, who follow the banner of Iomedae.
The adventure will likely begin on the road from Olfden to Falcon's Hollow - a lumber town at the eaves of Darkmoon Wood.
If Boomer is travelling in from Absalom - that would work. There is also a large Gnomish settlement - the city of Brastlewark - which lies West of Andoran on the other side of the Aspodell range.
Just got Hero Lab and love it - very user-friendly and seems complete, best character developer I've seen. Thanks for the recommendation, Rhylis and Kornin!The Arthfell forest used to be far greater in size than it is today, but has not been home to Elves since elder days. It is told that old and fey power still gathers in the northern, Darkwood groves near Falcon's Hollow - which are now sundered from the larger forest to the south. The fate of theses unique forests might interest an elven traveller. May I devise a plothook for Valaerdrel along these lines?
This would actually be very interesting to Rhylis, as well. She might well be interested in where she comes from (even if she won't admit it to others), having grown up in human society.
Sounds like a fun plot development; place of origin would actually be somewhere completely different, probably not even of much concern to Boomer at this point, as I picture this as his first trip to the area, as being a brand new place for him to visit would have been part of his reason for being here.
Edit: After all, after 100 years of traveling around, one's sense of place and its importance is going be rather distorted.
The Arthfell forest used to be far greater in size than it is today, but has not been home to Elves since elder days. It is told that old and fey power still gathers in the northern, Darkwood groves near Falcon's Hollow - which are now sundered from the larger forest to the south. The fate of theses unique forests might interest an elven traveller. May I devise a plothook for Valaerdrel along these lines?
Sure, that sounds good. I'm still relatively new to Golarion so I appreciate the suggestion/plothook.
I agree with Boomer that bold (or italics) used for speech, with everything else in normal text, is sufficient.