Hey, great to have you back, Meowzebub. I think my games would be a lot less fun without our dynamic duos of plucky short people. I must, however, admit some disappointment that Bastagar won't be able to steal Caerb's red cap. Anyways, you've been missed and it's good to have you back, and I hope things pick up for you soon.
Gastro family over the last couple of days - updates coming over the course of today.
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As a side note - The Banner Saga is very nice... it's kind of like Oregon Trail, just with vikings.
I just wanted to drop in a note to say that things have been kinda crappy for me so far this year. 2014 has been unkind to me. I won't get into all of the details, but I just wanted to explain why I haven't been very active in and out of game. I'm still totally interested in all of my campaigns, heck, I'm even DMing that Eberron campaign now. I'm just... well, to be honest, trying like hell to keep myself from becoming seriously depressed and get my crap in order. Please excuse my slowness to respond to things.
Sorry to hear 2014 has been less than kind thus far T-Rose.
Sure us Black Hus'ers can step up where necessary :)
VoV - thanks for your generosity on the magic item 'power up'. I'm not in a hurry to get it done so it can wait until a reasonable breather in the campaign. Guys, if you don't object, I'll take the spear for powering up Riimukirjain. Just take whatever cash share was mine and split it among yourselves. Unless I've got my math wrong, I'll be owing you all much more cash from future takes... if we can do that 'on account' I'd be grateful. Maybe we can track the accounting on the booty list? I'm happy to pay full price, I just can't do it right now.
I was out of town Tues-Thursday and so only got one post in. I've also had to get a good internet connection in the rural location where I am sequestered, something that was completed last night. Lastly, my updates still take over an hour each as I have to both choose my words very carefully and make sure my chants don't suck. The last is harder than one might think.
I'd like to hear from the rest of the party as to what we want/have gotten from this conversation.
1) Hilde stated clear opposition to the endless snows as well as the winter fey. She has clearly shown herself to be an enemy-of-my-enemy if these humans oppose the witches.
2) Hilde and Bastagar have both revealed their origin. Hilde's appearance should make this very clear, just as the forallen's. If they oppose the witches, this should give the humans confidence just as it would lead servants of the hags to assume they are in opposition.
3) Hilde has stated that they have fought winter fey and therefore revealed that they are not simply passing through, but are active participants in this fight.
Hilde's current assumptions:
1) The forallen is with the winter court. She assumed this in the beginning and has taken her defense of their dominance in Irrisen as support for them. She is extremely bigoted toward the forallen, so this was not much of a leap for her.
2) The humans want something from us but are afraid to ask for it. She feels that it is her responsibility to find out what they need. As she is already on a mission however, she is not duty-bound to follow up on their needs until her current mission is done.
3) The rest of the group doesn't particularly care whether we work with these humans or not but are willing to take them up on their offer for disguises.
Hilde considers the conversation with the humans to be on hold until we arrive at their base. She expects the conversation with the forallen to be a fishing expedition on the part of the fiend and predicts that they will trade barbs back and forth for a bit until the outnumbered villain leaves. She does not expect to learn anything from it and will not reveal anything further to it.
I am willing either to end both conversations or to continue them. If they end, it is extremely doubtful a relationship will be made with the forallen, something Hilde is just fine with. If the party wants to forge a relationship with the fiend, I recommend someone else step forward as I will not.
I'm also beginning to suspect that we are far behind Black Hus regarding the story. This doesn't bother me too much, as long as we don't stagnate.
Hilde you and the circus of little folk are indeed behind us Black Hus'ers - but fret ye not as that's more to do with our brand of "gunboat diplomacy" lol.
Am cool with just having Rikka claim the spear... the cut is trade value right? Skane's already gained a heap of gear hence why I think the others should ID what they fancy from the trader and we barter for them. There's plenty that would be useful and if necessary we "liberate/borrow" items in the name of fighting the good fight ;)
Endure Elements - Duh. Hella useful but not exactly sexy or damage-bringing. Still potentially worthwhile.
Enlarge Person - Increases the mayhem capabilities of our front-line... which could be all sorts of fun. And you don't have to worry about saving throws. :) Much to love here.
Magic Missile - Not sexy but useful for hammering those floating fey at range (where we are thin on attacks), and softening or polishing off baddies.
Obscuring Mist - Situationally useful.
Ray of Enfeeblement - Decreases the attack and damage ability of hard targets. Even with a save they still lose some of their STR which is nice, but the damage is swingy.
Shocking Grasp - Nice close-up attack and since I can cast it through Kettu, it can be used as a guided missile of sorts. Respectable damage (4d6). Unfortunately my hand touch attack is not as good as my ranged one.
Summon Monster I - Not the toughest creatures, but they can serve as a good distraction and another attack.
Vanish - Decent defensive spell for both snooping and gaining a tactical advantage.
Thoughts,guys?
In all honesty, he strongly suspects that the creature is not to be trusted - after all, travelling *alone* in Irrisen, and being inquisitive about obvious outsiders, smacks of being, at the very least, some kind of informant.
If he had his druthers, he would prefer to make sure that the creature was *permanently* dealth with, quickly and quietly, but he does not want to create intra-party strife, so he is keeping his mouth shut for the moment ;-)
The humans seem friendly enough, and can probably be trusted (a little, at least); I doubt informers would be trying to help the party hide...
In terms of synchronicity - the Sidhe are only a hop, skip and jump behind the Black House at any rate.
Mr Black Dow (and any other curious parties) - can you see where I'm leaning with the following... or is it too vague?
“Of course, that’s when the bandits struck again. “The healers say I’ll keep my arm. But enough of that—let me tell you about sunrise service at the Lambent Citadel!” —Rehema Nasreen, Sarenite pilgrim
This is a recruitment thread for a Homebrew Campaign set on Golarion in Katapesh. The campaign will start in Solku, at the start of the month of Pharast.
Campaign Summary:
Give me a year and a hundred of my kin and I would make this a place that armies would break upon like water. ...Sleep! I feel the need of it. Yet my axe is restless in my hand. – Gimli, Son of Gloin
The quotes that I’ve included for flavor throughout this post should give you a reasonable inclination of what sort of game I’m likely to have play out in the long term. Hopefully it will be a game of three parts, with the beginning short and sharp, middle section dense and pressing and the final a slow dragging over hot coals as skin blisters and throats grow hoarse from screaming… should be a hoot ;)
House Rules / Restrictions / Points of Note:
The street is no longer measured by meters but by corpses…Stalingrad is no longer a town. By day it is an enormous cloud of burning, blinding smoke; it is a vast furnace lit by the reflection of the flames. And when night arrives, one of those scorching, howling, bleeding nights, the dogs plunge into the Volga and swim desperately to gain the other bank. The nights of Stalingrad are a terror for them. Animals flee this hell; the hardest stones cannot bear it for long; only men endure. – Un-named German.
Nothing that needs be known for the start of the PbP. Assuming that we move past the opening chapter then we can discuss some additional systems that might be applied for the middle section, and then eventually for the end. I’m expecting that they’ll predominately be qualitatively driven though and easy to get your head around.
Secondly I will note that ultimately I intend for this to be a campaign suitable for good characters – or at least ones with the welfare of the common man close to heart. You can be pragmatic, enigmatic, magnanimous or any other description – but a desire for
Posting Requirements:
“What are you going to do?’ whispered Temple.
‘There was a time I’d have gone charging over there without a thought for the costs and got bloody.’ Lamb lifted the glass and looked at it for a moment. ‘But my father always said patience is the king of virtues. A man has to be realistic. Has to be.’
‘So what are you going to do?’
‘Wait. Think. Prepare.’ Lamb swallowed the last measure and bared his teeth at the glass. ‘Then get bloody.” ― Joe Abercrombie, Red Country
I am looking for people that can check in on the thread at least a couple of times a day, and post at least 1/day on weekdays. Weekends are more relaxed, as I can generally only get online in the evenings due to the entanglements of a couple of young boys. My weekday posting can occasionally get a bit spotty as well depending on how my workload goes.
Feel free to pop into my profile and take a peek at the campaigns that I currently DM if you’d like to get a read for how I go about things.
What do you Need to Post Now for an Application:
Nine-tenths of tactics are certain, and taught in books: but the irrational tenth is like the kingfisher flashing across the pool, and that is the test of generals. – T. E. Lawrence, The Evolution of a Revolt
The last couple of times I went about recruiting I had a fairly onerous response requirement, but this one will be much tighter and less demanding… so much so that I don’t actually want any written background or personality from anybody at this point. All I need are the following:
- A paragraph description of what your character looks like.
- Why are you in Solku?
- What are your plans for the next seven days?
- A summary of how your character will be mechanically built (abilities, class, major character choices).
Oh, and for frame of reference – you’ll be building 4th level characters, core races, 20pt buy, average wealth.
Recruitment Timeline:
First, we ate the horses. We weren't riding anywhere, not with the castle surrounded. We couldn't feed them, so fine. The horses, then the cats-I've never liked cats, so fine. I do like dogs - good animals, loyal - but we ate them too. Then the rats... The night before you slipped through, I thought my wife was dying. She couldn't speak anymore, she was so frail. And then you made it through the lines, slipped right through in your little black sail boat with your onions... – Stannis Baratheon
The recruitment thread will stay open until Friday 24th. I also will give a 24 hour warning before shutting the gates to applications.
Fire away with any questions that you might have and I shall endeavour to answer them.
Lastly… please remember this is a Recruitment Thread; and not a Roleplay Tavern.
Duiker saw Coltaine there… his round shield a shattered mess on his left arm, his lone long-knife snapped to the length of a short sword in his right hand, his feather cloak glistening as if brushed with tar. – Deadhouse Gates, Steven Erikson
Mr Black Dow (and any other curious parties) - can you see where I'm leaning with the following... or is it too vague?
** spoiler omitted **...
When this wall comes down, there will be no quarter. If you throw down your arms, your families will die. We can break this army here! So I say let them come! Let them come! - Balian of Ibelin, Kingdom of Heaven
Intriguing :)
DMVoV - would you allow the flagellant archetype from Kobold Press? If so I'd be going down the penitent/flagellant route... That the siege is punishment for our sins, and in breaking it so shall we be redeemed...
Consider me throwing my kettle helm into the mix :)
Base value is 500gp and purchase limit is 2,500gp
What exactly does that mean?
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This section lists the community's base value for available magic items in gp. There is a 75% chance that any item of this value or lower can be found for sale in the community with little effort.
A settlement's purchase limit is the most money a shop in the settlement can spend to purchase any single item from the PCs. If the PCs wish to sell an item worth more than a settlement's purchase limit, they'll either need to settle for a lower price, travel to a larger city, or (with the GM's permission) search for a specific buyer in the city with deeper pockets.
Ah, thanks DMVoV.
I'll be casting 6/day. Rikka gets to learn 1 new first level spell and knows Mage Armor for free as a bloodline spell. So my current list is: Shield, Mage Armor, Burning Hands, and Grease. My basic plan is to trade in shield when I can and since I'll be getting 2nd level spell next levels, I'll be able to stack up on first level spells with my favored class bonus.
So, am I right in thinking this is a gritty war campaign?
It would be, yes - but I'm still in the throes of putting together some background material and padding out the forward plan. Want to make sure I get my current PbPs humming along before piling another one atop them as well.
A new campaign, huh?
It certainly looks good; I really enjoy the way you set up and run your games, so I'll definitely take the time to toss something your way.
How much will you be playing up the cultural aspects of the region? That might be something for prospective players to consider as well.
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Heh - cultural aspects will obviously play into it in varying ways. The venue got a very helpful run-down in the recent Towns of the Inner Sea as well that shall be ruthlessly plumbed for ideas.
Thoughts on my musings DMVoV??
Am mulling some ideas but the above cleric is top of my list.
Cheers
Too early for those sort of specific musings BD :P
[ooc]Sorry for the unexplained absence yesterday, Black House… monday was weird.
I would think the best use of that spell selection would be to pick up a spell to fit into one of our weaknesses. Magic Missile certainly isn’t sexy, but it’s effective.
i do like the idea of the Shocking Grasp into Vettu then delivered into the baddie approach… does Vettu have weapon finesse?
I guess go with what you like, though I'd prefer not to waste one of your slots on Endure Elements. Kló can prep that a few times if necessary, as your combat spells should be far more useful than Kló's in general. Plus, maybe we can find some scrolls or potions of it?
Too early for those sort of specific musings BD :P
Mmmm never noticed ;)
Perhaps an altered version?? Food for thought... Will PM you on it.
As always, VoV, nice recruitment. Wish i had the bandwidth to toss my hat in. :)
I looooove Solku as a setting. Its a bit of a step away from arabian nights and more Crusades-era Jerusalem. My tendency to play characters that thrive on the sidelines is something I'm looking to shake, and I always enjoy the recruitment and strong thematic content of your games. I'll definitely pitch in with something, having read over the Towns of the Inner Sea writeup last night.
Keep us posted!
Concept is developing nicely, tinkering away with the nitty gritty. Shall probably revise the recruitment post as I go - most likely to include a required attachment to a group within Solku or surrounds... something like:
Guardsman within the Town Militia
Enforcer at First or New Market
Adventurer staying at the Breakstride
Usher at Gilded Dreams
Researcher at the Archive of Eminent Tomes
Sergeant within the Condor Company
Officer of a Trade House
Sergeant within the Serpentine Blades
Ranchhand in The Pens
Acolyte of the Temple of Iomedae
Street leader from Dustyfoot
Bandit from The Beehive
Outrider from Fort Longjaw
Boatman for the Current Runners
Pesh Farmer from Commonfield
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I"m still hoping we'll run across some dragon hide armor somewhere... breast plate or full plate or some such. I'd sell a Rikka to get my hands on some of that. :P
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annalisa, that's gotta be one of the most promising Aid Another attempts for Diplo i've seen in a while.
:: slow claps ::
Well she doesn't have diplomacy so I figured trying to roll it would just end up hurting things, she is a barbarian after all, lol. Point her at something to destroy, she's on it, ask her to play nice with the locals, she's gonna make a mess of it even with the best intentions.
Regarding the shield, I say if you want it, take it. You're right that the belt would be more awesome, but i guess every little bit of AC helps when you're a barbarian. I tend to view my barbs as seeker missiles and strikers (and just be okay with poor AC), but thats my play-style... obviously not the only way to skin that particular cat.
I didn't mean to deter you. I probably just should have kept my mouth shut. :)
Nah I value the input, thanks :)
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Also, ; BOOM
I'll update Kló's page fully when we sleep.
And thirdly, regarding our signature weapons. Kló actually now has access to Masterwork Transformation. So given enough time and resources, he could upgrade all our signature items (or other items, if desired) to masterwork versions.
DMVoV, Idon't know if you had specific thoughts around this, there it is. :)
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Agree either the Studded Leather +2 or the Belt are the best bets for Annalisa. Elephant in the room of course is that we just take either or all... or make the shopkeep an offer they can't refuse ;)
Skäne's level up info:
+9 HP (Average +1 [6], +1 Favoured Class, +2 CON)
+1 BAB
+1 REFLEX Save
+1 WILL Save
gain Skjǫldr Vǫrn (Shield Defence) Class Ability
Undecided on my feat pick... thoughts anyone? Nae going for Power Attack - will let Klo & Annalisa be the heavy hitters...
selected ranks in the following skills:
1 rank in Climb
1 rank in Intimidate
1 rank in Perception
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breast plate or full plate or some such. I'd sell a Rikka to get my hands on some of that. :P
You better hold out for a set of full plate if you are selling Rikka. I is worth it!
Here is the full list of Rikka's improvements:
HP: +6 +1 (Favored Class) +1 CON
Fort Save +1
Ref Save +1
Cast 1st: 6/day
Class Spell: Magic Missile
Bloodline Spell: Mage Armor
Bloodline Power: Dragon Resistence (+1 AC, Resist Fire: 5)
Feat: Spell Focus - Evocation (Burn, baby, BURN!)
Concentration Check: +9 (total)
Favored Class (Fast Learner): +1 Skill / +1 HP
Skills (5 pts):
Craft Tattoo +1
Perception +1
Bluff +1
Prof:Tattooist +1
Stealth +1
Kettu - 11 HP
AC +1
INT to 7
Deliver Touch Spells through familiar
… and keep ripping face until they kill you stone dead. I can think of nothing more appropriate for our boy Skäne. Though I guess Iron Will is always a strong option (given that our enemies are witches).
You better hold out for a set of full plate if you are selling Rikka. I is worth it!
Lol. In that case, i’ll hold out for +5 Wild Dragonhide full plate of Rhyme-bustin’.
BAB +3, Fort +3, Ref +1, Will +1
Trap Sense +1
Skills:
Knowledge (local) +1
Bluff +1
Diplomacy +1
Perception +1
Intimidate +1
I'll update my sheet after they've slept in game.
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Shared resources Annalisa... reckon we all just chip in - benefits us all nei?
Rikka taking the spear reduces each of our shares to 945.78 GP.
I then split and divided Rikka's share (which I rounded up) into four chunks for division to you guys... which gives you an additional +236.5 GP. I also threw in Rikka's extra 300 GP (again split 4 ways) which comes to +75 GP. So, at this point each of you guys has:
945.78 + 236.5 + 75 = 1257.28 GP
And Rikka has contributed 1246 (946 + 300) GP to the price of the Spear (1962.5) which means I still owe the group: 1962.5 - 1246 = 716.5 GP
Does that sound about right?
:: looks at Rikka's financial breakdown. scratches head. punches self in face ::
Black House: The current loot tracking/distribution process is becoming tedious (says the guy who suggested it).
What say we scrap it for a simpler model. Let's keep what' useful (give it to whomever can make the best use), sell the rest, divide evenly, and just generally keep an eye on everyone's effective wealth at any given time to make loot decisions.
Sound good? Aye or nay!
I'll still keep the loot tracker updated so we know what we've looted, but it'll simplify the use and distribution of said wealth.
Also, i'm great using Kló's resources to upgrade Annalisa's defenses.
Good maths makes you want to punch yourself in the face... that's how you know they're good. :p
Let me think on your suggestion for loot divvying.