Welcome to a DM Patcher experience. To recap:
Deevor - Parneth Servias (Human Cleric)
The Dorf - Pace Gambol (Human Fighter)
DreamingWarforged - Djal (Half-Elf Ranger)
Hu5tru - Iolana (Human Bard)
michaelane - Chavakala (Human Oracle)
I will start the campaign tomorrow. Please get comfortable.
You're welcome. No need to speak in OOC in this thread - after all, this is where we discuss everything and meta-game too.
Which brings me to a preference: If you have questions to ask in regards of actions while you're otherwise writing an RP post, then by all means, OOC it, but please refrain from entire posts containing only OOC in the in-character thread. I hope this isn't too much to ask.
Thanks for having me!
I'll finish up the equipment shortly.
Thanks for selecting my character! I'm out of town this weekend at a wedding, but I will be checking the boards and posting as I can on my phone. I can't wait to get started! I had one question about using the campaign traits. I wont have the players guide in front of me until Sunday though, so I will ask it then.
Excellent timing, as my current bard campaign is going on hiatus to give my husband and GM a break, another one opens up for me.
I will work on editing my sheet so that all the particulars are accessible. I do a sorta modified version of the classic NPC stat array which I am getting more familiar with as I am designing NPCs.
At the moment, I cannot think of what I might be missing, but will take a look soon.
It is closing on 2AM where I am, so I will be heading to bed shortly - if any of you wish to know one another in-character, feel free to discuss the possibilities. Anything from acquaintanceship to friendship to more works - though if you prefer to not know anybody until you meet them IC, then that works too.
I have to do some work with this tomorrow before we can start - but when the topic opens, I will link it here in this thread.
I will do my best to give you a worthwhile experience.
In my profile I will keep a summary of the journey ahead of you, of notable NPCs you might meet, and other tidbits of information if you have any suggestions. As for levelling, I feel I should ask: do you prefer being rewarded experience individually - that is, if 3 of you fight while 2 are scouting (example), only the 3 fighting get exp for combat;
Or do you prefer to be rewarded as a group - that is, same example as above but all 5 receive the same experience;
Or would you simply prefer to not deal with the experience business and have me grant you levels as the plot carries on?
Or would you simply prefer to not deal with the experience business and have me grant you levels as the plot carries on?
+1 for me. I have gotten used to being told it is okay to level my character rather than sit and tally experience points.
Norway, hmm? Time difference will be easy to remember, because my husband resides in Vestfold.
Or would you simply prefer to not deal with the experience business and have me grant you levels as the plot carries on?
+1 for me. I have gotten used to being told it is okay to level my character rather than sit and tally experience points.
Norway, hmm? Time difference will be easy to remember, because my husband resides in Vestfold.
Vestfold, huh - I'm all the way up in Nordland here. Live in the Arctic circle. Unfortunately it isn't cold in the slightest - the heat is getting to me.
Or would you simply prefer to not deal with the experience business and have me grant you levels as the plot carries on?
+1 for me. I have gotten used to being told it is okay to level my character rather than sit and tally experience points.
Norway, hmm? Time difference will be easy to remember, because my husband resides in Vestfold.
I would also prefer that.
I traveled to Sweden around five years ago, went up to Kungsleden near Sarek. Really enjoyed it and hope to go back one day. Of course, this was summer...
I also prefer that we level up together.
I agree. Prefer to simply level together at appropriate spots.
Then by majority of vote, we will forsake the concept of experience and simply level up as the plot moves on.
I am working on the introduction and reading through the necessary material right now - and I want to ask: where do your characters plan on living during the course of the campaign - and where do they currently reside (if anywhere)? While I don't require this question answered right away, it would be easier for me to know if you were planning on pitching in on a house together, or had your own houses or hovels or manors, or planned to stay at a temple, or any variation thereof. If this is too much to ask for in this early stage of the campaign, feel free to say so.
Also, I realised that Deevor/Parneth did declare that he(she?) would be busy this weekend in the recruitment topic, and as such we will wait for him to return. I apologise for the delay - though in return it allows me to guarantee the introduction will be thorough.
I imagine that right now Pace is renting a room in a seedier area of the city to make it easier to canvas the area looking for Celia.
Reading through the AP, I realise that the Harrow deck is very central in the entire campaign. Unfortunately the mechanics seem to confuse me. Is anybody here experienced with the Harrow points mechanics?
Also, I must express great joy that you are all Good-aligned.
Equipment done! I spent almost all of it. (1 gp, 1 sp, 1cp left...) Let me know if I should have some cash left. I'll adjust.
No experience with Harrow Points, but I could look it up if you want (I don't want to spoil unnecessarily).
Chavakala, Djal has strong connections with Desnans. as an oracle of heaven, perhaps we hang out with the same crowd, or you've asked about Lamm and we figured we shared the same thorn? Also, you seem to have used a 15-point buy for your stats.
Iolana (very nicely written personal history btw), Djal is perhaps aware of your husband's murder and looking for clues. He could have met the widow to discuss whether he had enemies and such.
Pace, not sure how we could know each other yet.
Also, you seem to have used a 15-point buy for your stats.
So much for me combing every application. You are 5 points short, Chavakala, as Dreaming Warforged pointed out, unless I am mistaken by the following math:
STR 8 (-2)
DEX 13 (+3)
CON 12 (+2)
INT 12 (+2)
WIS 10
CHA 16 (+10) (+2 racial bonus)
TOTAL (15 / 20)
I assume this is how you did your stats:
STR 8 (-2)
DEX 13 (+3)
CON 12 (+2)
INT 12 (+2 racial bonus) (or swapped with Con)
WIS 10
CHA 18 (+17)
TOTAL (20 / 20)
I won't ask you to redo your stats - but if you prefer the former calculation, feel free to redo your abilities.
Reading through the AP, I realise that the Harrow deck is very central in the entire campaign. Unfortunately the mechanics seem to confuse me. Is anybody here experienced with the Harrow points mechanics?
Also, I must express great joy that you are all Good-aligned.
Ha, allow the Varisian Oracle to try to explain!
Harrow is going to work great as a PbP because it will give you more time to put time into the readings. In terms of mechanics, here is what happens:
1. Each of the Crimson Throne adventures is keyed to an ability: Strength, Dexterity, Constitution, Intelligence, Wisdom, Charisma. You start the Harrow reading by selecting the nine cards representing that ability for the deck. Shuffle those cards.
2. The Choosing: Each character selects one of those cards. You can probably do this for us or have us simulate it by rolling. But, each character gets a unique card. The adventure keys each of these cards to a specific encounter and any character that drew that card gets a specific bonus for that encounter. You will provide an interpretation of the reading of that card to the character in question.
3. Next, you recollect all of the cards and reshuffle them into the deck.
4. The Reading: You lay out a 3x3 grid of 9 cards (face down). The left column refers to the Past, the center column represents the Present. The right column represents the Future. The positions in the grid are also keyed to alignments. Upper left is LG and represents positive future. Upper center is NG and represents positive present. Upper right is CG and represents positive future. Center left is LN and represents unclear past. Center center is N and presents unclear present. Center right is CN and represents unclear future. Lower left is LE and represents negative past. Lower center is NE and represents negative present. Lower right is CE and represents negative future.
5. There are three types of matches. True matches are when the card alignment and the position alignment match. Opposite matches are when a card appears in a position diametrically opposed to its alignment. Partial matches occur when the card matches one row or column, but not both.
6. You turn over one column at a time. You must interpret at least one card per column. True matches and opposite matches must be interpreted. If you don't get one, use a partial match or just pick a card. Good cards in the bottom row are interpreted in their most negative light. Evil cards in the top row are interpreted with a positive spin. You use the interpretation to foreshadow future events, but not in a concrete sense.
Harrow Points
Each character gets one harrow point for the card the selected in the choosing. Additionally, each character gets an extra harrow point for each card in the Reading that represents the current alignments suit. So, if the adventure was keyed to strength and you happened to draw all 9 strength cards in the Reading, the characters would get 10 harrow points - one for The Choosing and 9 for The Reading. We get to use those harrow points for specific actions that are dictated in that adventure.
If you have more questions, let me know. I've GM'ed part of this adventure for an in-person group, but we moved on to other things. I'm pretty good at separating player and character knowledge so I don't think it will be a problem, so I'm happy to help with questions as things proceed. I really want to have a chance to play this all the way through.
Also, you seem to have used a 15-point buy for your stats.So much for me combing every application. You are 5 points short, Chavakala, as Dreaming Warforged pointed out, unless I am mistaken by the following math:
Goodness, how right you both are. I shall make a few adjustments. Thanks!
Reading through the AP, I realise that the Harrow deck is very central in the entire campaign. Unfortunately the mechanics seem to confuse me. Is anybody here experienced with the Harrow points mechanics?
Also, I must express great joy that you are all Good-aligned.
Ha, allow the Varisian Oracle to try to explain!
Harrow is going to work great as a PbP because it will give you more time to put time into the readings. In terms of mechanics, here is what happens:
** spoiler omitted **...
Thank you for the explanation - though I am still a little unsure how to utilise it in the campaign. Could you give me an example of how this would be used in the game? I am a little daft - I have difficulties with concepts and theories.
Goodness, how right you both are. I shall make a few adjustments. Thanks!Also, you seem to have used a 15-point buy for your stats.So much for me combing every application. You are 5 points short, Chavakala, as Dreaming Warforged pointed out, unless I am mistaken by the following math:
Ok, things are now corrected. I'd been fretting about the impact of the dump stat in strength on encumbrance, so that gives me a chance to get that fixed. Thanks!
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Just signing in...and thanks for the kind words and picking Parneth. Got a bit of time back as family schedules changed, but not aoround much tomorrow.
I see Parneth living and working in the Temple normally. If he knows any other characters, then it might be from either attending a family at the death of someone, or through his healing and potion making...alternatively he might have met another party member during some investigations into Lamm. I'm just as easy, if he is a stranger to the rest of the party.
Thank you for the explanation - though I am still a little unsure how to utilise it in the campaign. Could you give me an example of how this would be used in the game? I am a little daft - I have difficulties with concepts and theories.Reading through the AP, I realise that the Harrow deck is very central in the entire campaign. Unfortunately the mechanics seem to confuse me. Is anybody here experienced with the Harrow points mechanics?
Also, I must express great joy that you are all Good-aligned.
Ha, allow the Varisian Oracle to try to explain!
Harrow is going to work great as a PbP because it will give you more time to put time into the readings. In terms of mechanics, here is what happens:
** spoiler omitted **...
Equipment done! I spent almost all of it. (1 gp, 1 sp, 1cp left...) Let me know if I should have some cash left. I'll adjust.
No experience with Harrow Points, but I could look it up if you want (I don't want to spoil unnecessarily).
Chavakala, Djal has strong connections with Desnans. as an oracle of heaven, perhaps we hang out with the same crowd, or you've asked about Lamm and we figured we shared the same thorn? Also, you seem to have used a 15-point buy for your stats.
Iolana (very nicely written personal history btw), Djal is perhaps aware of your husband's murder and looking for clues. He could have met the widow to discuss whether he had enemies and such.
Pace, not sure how we could know each other yet.
Yes, I was thinking along the same lines when I saw Djal's background. I was thinking about sketching out a couple Korvosan locations that are important to Chavakala to help bring the character and city to life (if DM Patcher is game for that). Perhaps you and I could collaborate on a temple or other Desnan location that we would know each other from
@Iolana: I'm not sure if Iolana is intended to be from a Varisian caravan or more of a trading one. If the former, it is quite possible that she and Chavakala are acquainted from a meeting when both passed on the road or in a major city like Korvosa, Kaer Maga, Magnimar or Riddleport.
Stuff
Parneth Servias - The Midwife
Chavakala - The Unicorn
Iolana - The Theatre
Pace - The Keep
Djal - The Big Sky
Djal would hang out at Desnans temples or shrines, sometimes offering protection in exchange for food and lodging, sometimes crashing at other fellows place. He would reside mostly in North Point.
Stuff** spoiler omitted **
@Iolana: I'm not sure if Iolana is intended to be from a Varisian caravan or more of a trading one. If the former, it is quite possible that she and Chavakala are acquainted from a meeting when both passed on the road or in a major city like Korvosa, Kaer Maga, Magnimar or Riddleport.
Originally from a traveling and crafting family caravan, her husband was some minor player in a trading one until she, with her easy charm and management skills upjumped the outfit. They met at some crossroads down the line, I cannot see why she and Chavakala would not be at least passably familiar with each other being two outstandingly attractive Varisian gals.
@ djal - yeah, i can see her talking to someone about it, but i don't know that should would be very forthcoming with details to a stranger. Maybe she has been checking up on Djal after his visit to see if his interest is legit?
I can see that she would have visited a temple to Pharasma shortly after the event to leave an appropriate tithe to whomever prepared him for burial, and offering and her prayers that he should ascend without difficulty.
As for her current whereabouts, Iolana lives fairly humbly. She probably takes in sewing based on recommendation, sings in taverns when it is especially cold, otherwise she's probably camping out with the dregs of society to avoid bringing too many people any harm. She's trying not to stay too much in one place on the off chance that there is someone greater than Lamm giving the orders.
I apologise for my delay in starting this - it's getting late here so I'm soon going to go to bed. I will begin the adventure tomorrow, though.
More on Harrow reading for DM Patcher
I've put together a web page to show a sample Harrow reading and how the Harrow points would be calculated. If this doesn't help, let me know and I can fill in more info. Also let me know if the images don't come through for the cards. I'm pulling them from a secured site, but the page is open. Sample Harrow Reading
More on Harrow reading for DM Patcher
** spoiler omitted **
Thank you - though there appears to be something missing. When I reload the tab it looks like there are supposed to be pictures there, but I see none.
Will go through today's daily chores and then I will get this started. Thank you for your patience.
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OK, just looked up the details, so Parneth is one of the living residents of Gray, living in the cathedral there.
@Iolana, yes it would be a good thing for Parneth to have been the primary cleric in the resting of your husband. In your description of the life and death of your husband, to prepare his introduction to Pharesma he would have been touched by the love she showed her husband and even in her grief, a steely determination forming to seek out her husband's killer. He, may well have encouraged this, with his story of his parents death. If this is OK with Iolana, then it could fit nicely into the background.
Am writing up the introduction now. I am making some assumptions of your day-to-day life (nothing grand), so before I post it I will summarise what I have gathered from your post, and where you "stayed last night", so to speak.
Parneth - living in the temple of Pharasma.
Chavakala - living in the temple of Desna as a guest.
Iolana - Currently renting a room at a tavern (recently switched place to stay to avoid Gaedren).
Pace - Currently renting a room at a tavern.
Djal - Living in the temple of Desna.
Are those living conditions correct / acceptable?
Good for me.
Thank you - though there appears to be something missing. When I reload the tab it looks like there are supposed to be pictures there, but I see none.More on Harrow reading for DM Patcher
** spoiler omitted **
Ok, try again, I think I have it fixed.
Ok, try again, I think I have it fixed.Thank you - though there appears to be something missing. When I reload the tab it looks like there are supposed to be pictures there, but I see none.More on Harrow reading for DM Patcher
** spoiler omitted **
Thank you very much - great job, it made perfect sense for me. I now understand how it works.
I apologise if you feel as though your character has been poorly represented in the intro - and I apologise if something is inconsistent. I will retcon that if necessary, but for now, let us venture into Korvosa together.
I apologise if you feel as though your character has been poorly represented in the intro - and I apologise if something is inconsistent. I will retcon that if necessary, but for now, let us venture into Korvosa together.
Fixed that for you :-)
Stupid parenthesis.
Fixed it as well.
Love how it starts!
Really? Thank you very much - I was anxious about how to start it.
You don't have to spoiler anything, by the way - I compressed it to make it less of an essay to read. I also apologise for the different level of effort I put in each of your introductions. It will be equal from here on and out, though.
Finally got my sheet all sorted out, formatted to my liking, and has all the relevant info I could think of. Thank goodness.
Oh just read that we weren't supposed to spoiler our stuff, but I thought that
Sorry if that is a bit surly, the campaign that just went on haitus has taught me to be extremely careful in highly politically charged settings.
No worries, no need to apologise.
This recently came up in one of my LoF games.
And I quoth:
oops. I tend not to make checks unless asked. It seems presumptuous somehow. Would you like players to suggest checks? Things like perception are usually made in secret so the player doesn't realize they rolled a 2 and that may be why they found nothing. In any case i will presume only a cursory search and look again later.This eventually boils down to preference. I agree that sometimes perception checks would be better made in secret - but when taking the effort to personally search, I think a declared roll from said player is better. Spamming skill checks constantly to cover every base would be presumptuous. But when Durant went to examine the wagon and search for clues, he is deliberately searching - when specifically doing actions like these, I would prefer that you declare your skill use, and roll / take 10 / take 20.
Is my logic flawed? Any objections?
Stuff about gratuitous skill checks.
Message received.
I will wait for everyone to make their opening post before I continue.
Anyway, if I can switch that around it would be great, but I am not unhappy with it as is either.
I was pleased with my character's opening, as well. It's a good hook, and I like the Harrow Card tie in.
** spoiler omitted **
I was pleased with my character's opening, as well. It's a good hook, and I like the Harrow Card tie in.
Thank you very much.
** spoiler omitted **
Thank you very much.
I corrected my profile as we discussed.
Ouch, dat stealth!
Well, I can guess what my next post will be - that's right, banging pot lids together as I approach house no. 3 on Lancet Street, or "HEY YOU GUYS!"