The Savage Tide [OOC]

[lostsole31]

... aaaand, the OOC for The Savage Tide. Welcome to the Varsity Squad, adventurers!!

Colors are getting out-of-hand for me. So, re-doing the chart found at the beginning, but starting here...

All other NPCs are Red for male and Magenta for female.

Re-print of the Questionnaire for posterity ...
The Questionnaire ...What game system are you running, and if applicable what edition?
Pathfinder, with faint D&D vestiges as well, the latter slowly being absorbed by the latter. Ask me about anything that might be 3.5 that you want to use.

2. What 'type' or variant of game will it be? What is the setting for the game?
Fantasy Gestalt. The setting is the tropical high seas of Oerth, on the way to the Isle of Dread to set up a colony there.[B]

3. How many Players are you looking for? Will you be taking alternates, and if so, how many?
[B]This is gestalt, which means power is concentrated in a few. I have three players, so I am just looking for one more. There are plenty of NPCs. That's just the way things worked (some may advance levels, others are just fleshed out non-advanceable NPCs).

There will be no alternates. If we lose a player for some reason, then I will conduct recruiting again on this site.

4. What's the gaming medium (OOTS, chat, e-mail etc.)?
This site (PbP). However, I will use E-mail for sending information back-and-forth such as non-battle maps for general reference, fun handouts and visuals, and for conversations. PM only for a quick burst of information. If it is likely to become a "conversation" then we shall move to E-mail.

And yes, that means if chosen you must give me your E-mail, and vice-versa. If we have in-depth conversations, PMs not only take up storage space, but following the conversation is annoying

5. What is the characters' starting status (i.e. experience level)?
5th level.

6. How much gold or other starting funds will the characters begin with?
WBL. So, 9K gold. And, yes, I do stick to the "no more than half starting gold on any item" down to the last gold piece, so please don't ask.

7. Are there any particular character classes, professions, orders, etc. that you want... or do not want? What are your rules on 'prestige' and/or homebrewed classes?
Pathfinder sources, WotC sources, and ... possibly ... 3rd party sources found on the d20pfsrd (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/) site.

8. What races, subraces, species, etc. are allowed for your game? Will you allow homebrewed races or species? 'Prestige' races or species?
See above for guidelines on official vs. homebrewed. You still must contact me with anything that strays too far from core. If there is a race that might work within the given guidelines, but has too high a monster HD/ LA, then submit the idea anyhow, and we will see if we can't work out a "monster progression" (a la Savage Species and later of the same style). Also, you will submit to me - via post, PM, or on your character sheet ... your level-by-level breakdown of your character of classes, HD, BAB, Saves, and Skills. Put that in "Other Notes".

9. By what method should Players generate their attributes/ability scores and Hit Points?
Here is where you get to make "powerful" characters. There are three, flat, non-negotiable methods of generating statistics for your characters, and two which are rolled, as follows:
Array #1: 14, 14, 14, 14, 14, 14. Assign as desired.
Array #2: 18, 18, 16, 12, 12, 8. Assign as desired.
Array #3: 18, 16, 16, 12, 12, 10. Assign as desired.
Array #4: Best 3 of 6d6 for each ability. Assign as desired.
Array #5: Sliding scale of best three of each roll of 4d6 to 9d6 (the best three dice of each roll). Unlike the other methods, the player must choose the ability that is matched with each die set before knowing the outcome of the dice. This means that before you roll, you would have to set up something similar to this example (using a traditional fighter build) ...
Str - (9d6b3)
Dex - (7d6b3)
Con - (8d6b3)
Int - (4d6b3)
Wis - (6d6b3)
Cha - (5d6b3)

If you opt to roll, you only get one set of rolls. Rolling must be conducted on this thread using giantitp roller. Period. Also, there are no re-rolls. Period.

If you choose to roll, you do not get to default to Arrays 1 through 3 unless the total, unmodified bonuses of all statistics is under +9. At that point, you don't get to reroll but you must choose Array 1 through 3 for your character. Period.

Array Five usually develops some of the best overall statistics, but you might find yourself "playing against type" with a warrior who has high Int, but mediocre Strength. A rogue that has a high Con but mediocre Dex (who is still a fantastic character a couple years later in my home campaign). You will not get to negotiate to change the assignment of statistics if you choose Array Five unless that statistic is less than 10. Period.

Hit points are always maximum. This is a tough campaign, and there will be blood, and the saltwater spraying on it doesn't help.

10. Does your game use alignment? What are your restrictions, if so?
Alignment is used, as are "tendencies" to one adjacent alignment. You cannot be evil - or even evil-ish, as the storyline effectively has your characters as the heroic counterpoint to an evil group that exists. No matter how clever or compelling your story for why your delightfully diabolic character would be helping the heroes . . . no, you may not be evil. And any attempt to make a neutral character who is really evil and tries to "balance" that out in some manner will receive the Godshammer. This is an 1st through 20th level campaign involving heroes, and maybe some disinterested types. But not evil. And don't feed me a line telling me that burning an orphanage down one day is okay if you are usually nice to people. That's not neutral. That's inconsistent evil.

11. Do you allow multi-classing, or have any particular rules in regards to it?
Standard rules for multi-classing apply with no XP penalties . You can have no more than four base classes. You cannot have more than one prestige class .... EVER ... until such time that PrC is finished at its highest level before you can move on; no dipping. Whatever side of the gestalt a class appears ... forever must it stay on that side of the gestalt. Any prestige classes chosen will be found on the side of the gestalt in which the classes which most contributed to that gestalt appear.

For monster races: You can put HD and LA (separately) on different sides of a gestalt - regardless if they are even. You can put LA and HD all on one side of a gestalt, or you can put HD on one side and LA on the other, but you can't mix and match sides or change this choice once chosen.

12. Will you be doing all of the die rolling during the course of the game? Will die rolls be altered, or left to the honor system? If players can make die rolls, which ones do they make, how should they make the rolls, and how should they report them?
Most die rolls will be made by the players. Half the fun of D&D is getting to roll dice, and that fun is already truncated by using these unsatisfying computer rollers. Dice are not left "to the honor system." However, in the interest of plot development there are a lot of things I will roll for the players. There will never - unless I am trying to clue you in to something - be a time when players get to roll things when I don't want them to know that they failed some manner or roll, usually because they are unaware that a roll would be needed.

EDIT: I actually an in-depth rules system on this. I will find the writeup and post it later. Most rolls out of combat (Perception, Sense Motive, Bluff, Diplomacy, Knowledge, etc.) will be rolled by me. I will tell you what you know or sense or how well you think you did (Stealth), but you don't get the advantage of looking at a die roll and conducting metagaming supreme. Who knows? You might think one thing, and actually be well off the mark.

13. Are there any homebrewed or optional/variant rules that your Players should know about? If so, list and explain them, or provide relevant links to learn about these new rules.
See above for skills.

I do use Weapon Group Feats. Also, I allow characters to trade in Armor/ Shield/ Weapon Groups for feats. Yes, you heard that right folks. But be careful, because the cheesier you make yourselves, the bigger the cheese-grater I bring ... and I just might not even choose your character.

14. Is a character background required? If so, how big? Are you looking for anything in particular (i.e. the backgrounds all ending up with the characters in the same city)?
This is a game, not a writer's guild. That said, I would like you to have a clue about personal background, trade background, and class background; in addition some sense of your personality and what drives you to be a colonist/ sailor-cook so far from the safety of a city. Unless you are familiar with Oerth and can give a compelling reason otherwise, you should be from Sasserine (a large coastal city) or the nearby plantations (think New Orleans). Honestly, you won't be going back to Sasserine anytime soon, so it shouldn't be too in-depth.

15. Does your game involve a lot of hack & slash, puzzle solving, roleplaying, or a combination of the above?
A combination, as it is the well-written Savage Tide adventure path, tweaked by yours truly. If anything, there is a lesser amount of puzzle solving so much as a need for resourcefulness and hack-and-slash.

16. Are your Players restricted to particular rulebooks and supplements, or will you be allowing access to non-standard material? What sources can Players use for their characters?
See above Machiavellan-style pronouncement. Any contraband items will be posted here ...
Energy/ Damage/ Boon Color Markers

Weapon (Manufactured/ Natural) and Unarmed = Black

Acid = Lime
Cold = Blue
Electricity = DeepSkyBlue
Fire = Red
Sonic = Green

Bleed = DarkRed
Force = DimGray
Positive Energy/ Healing = DarkOrange
Negative Energy/ Death Effects = Indigo

[PersonMan]

I think I'll nab Royal blue for my color.

Now...time to work through everything I've got to fine-tune on Celiss...*Cracks fingers*

------

Considering the (physical, not mechanical) build of Celiss, I thought that it would be more a thin build-she's definitely strong, but she also tones her muscles through acrobatics so that it's less of "huge wall of muscle" and more of "definitely strong-built, but not much thicker than average".

As for clothing, she'd be going for loose clothing that would be fairly easy to move around in, probably a faded pink-red color. I've always imagined her light cloth wrapped around her hands, for whatever reason.

I'll be going for items now. Afterwards is backstory.

EDIT: Or...not. I'm just barely awake at the keyboard, so I'll be finishing Celiss' sheet once I'm...not blinking into alseep as I try to work on it.

[Denomar]

Good morning. As per usual I will be acquiring the color Sea Green.

May the winds be at your back, and may the horizon be ever distant!

[lostsole31]

I think I'll nab Royal blue for my color.
The following is reprinted from the recruiting thread by permission of the author...
As for my new players, you may choose colors now, with the exception of Black (obviously), Red, Dark Slate Gray, Dark Olive Green, or Royal Blue.
Sooo, another color.

Of course, being smaller and thinner might be something she always wished to be ... as many women people are not always happy with who they are.

EDIT: Oh, and remember what I screwed up with Denomar, please ... you get either one extra skill point to go into a class skill relating to what you state is your 'favored class' or one extra hit point. Again, please make sure you annotate how it came to be on your sheet somewhere for when I make my second pass.

Like Denomar, I must have been auditing/ adjusting your sheet when you were tweaking, as well, as some of the changes I made were not saved. Just re-updated those changes.

[lostsole31]

Tacitus ...


Name?
Are you one of the 'alignment is above the deities' types, and that's why you specifically placed a dash under "Deity?"
One thing I didn't mention, is that feats that provide a flat number of hit points permanently (dragontouched, [Imp] Toughness, etc., favored class bonus) are doubled. Therefore, you receive 2 hp's for dragontouched, vice just one.
No shield, not even a buckler, is ever 'in your pack.' It might be hanging from your pack, sure. Shield placed in Shield section block, but marked as carried, not worn since you noted that it was 'in your pack.'
Your dragontouched save bonuses are marked under the "Protective Item" block under your shield.
You mark a 'concealed dagger' with location of 'clothing' under your equipment. Is this the same dagger that is in the wrist sheath that you marked in the Weapons block?
"Spells/ Powers" ... I understand that in the middle of the table, the melds on the right hand side are what are currently shaped in the slot listed on the left column. Okay, but help me out with all of the rest of the shorthand, please.
As with most game mechanics, the economy (and therefore starting gold and cost of items) is still v3.5. With starting gold of 200 gp, you would be tapped out as soon as you purchased your chain shirt (100 gp) and your masterwork thieves' tools (100 gp). You would have no daggers, no slick wrist sheath (cite the source for that, please), no backpack, or any survival gear. Please revisit your equipment with 200 gp in mind, for D&D 3.5 pricing.

[Tacitus]

Ugh, I do hope you didn't make any new changes and save them after I had opened the sheet and before I had saved again. That would be such unfortunate timing.

1. Name is one of those things that comes to me as I write the fluff, and always has. The sheet title rarely has anything to do with the name. XD
2. I was still deciding on that, actually. Partly because I was going to see how the character felt once I fleshed out the fluff some more and partly because yeah, as an Incarnate its more Chaos than Gods. Might on the outside pay lip service to trio of sea gods in the Azure District.
3. Ah, I was wondering where the other 1hp came from. I figured you'd lost the Frail flaw somewhere along the way, as it seems to no longer be listed.
4. Right. >.> I knew that, I swear. >.>```
5. Eh, thats probably a better place for it. Easier to notice, I suppose.
6. Sorry, that was an extra dagger, noted.
7. In the Melds/Essentia/Binds area (I) denotes from Incarnate and (F) from a feat, the numbers in the left side's Level Column is his probably essentia investment (I'll be including an Incarnum spoiler with his stat block when this changes), the +? and + is to denote the Expanded Soulmeld Capacity Feat, and Bind? with Ns is to denote whether or not a Soulmeld is Bound to that Chakra. As I have 0 available binds they are all Ns, for no. T would mean yes.
8. Ah, sorry, was using the Rogue of Pathfinder for starting wealth and kinda forgot that 3.5 doesn't get quite that much. XD I'll go rip out the MW Thieves Tools and recalculate. Most of my equipment was taken from the PFsrd site, so I'll go grab some links and then rework my gear.

Wrist Sheathe: 1 gp 1 lb.1
http://www.d20pfsrd.com/equipment---final/goods-and-services/adventuring-gear#TOC-Wrist-Sheath

Pickpocket's Outfit:
http://www.d20pfsrd.com/equipment---final/goods-and-services/clothing#TOC-Pickpocket-s-Outfit

I'll either edit or post again when I've reworked my gear.

Edit: Alright, cleaned up my gear and swapped out the Dragon Mantle for the Worg Pelt. Really wouldn't have reason to have the Mantle yet. The pelt? Oh yeah. Sneaky sneaky. The Kruthik claws might be better for sneaky, but I'd get moreuse out of the pelt.

Also, how ye feel about a Navy? My color, I think yes.

Edit2: I'm working on stuff on the sheet at the moment, so if you tinker with anything and save it, please let me know with a post here, I'll be checking before I save.

[lostsole31]

1) Got the name.
2) That might work, we'll have to see. At least you know the campaign area.
3) Frail's back on the sheet.
4 & 5) .....
6) Wrist Sheath is noted with Dagger (Special Properties), and the ammo and weight adjusted for two daggers + sheath. Extra dagger and wrist sheath removed from "Equipment".
7) We'll see how that system works out ...
8) No pathfinder equipment or prices. All prices must come from 3.5 sources. However, I a good with the wrist sheath and pickpocket's outfit ... but the pickpockets outfit cannot be your 'free clothing' since it provides mechanical benefit. You have to purchase it.

EDIT: Why did you delete the Indigo Strike feat I had written in with your INCARNUM writeup under "Other Notes?" Please re-type it in, that way I have a quick-look. Also, I noticed that deleting "0" for the same feat and putting in "0/1" in the cast-mem section is good. At this point, I think we were mucking with your sheet at the same time.

Let me know when you're done, yes.

ALCON: Please update (or re-attach) a short background for your character (preferably in spoilers). Also (in spoilers), please include a description ... be specific, and don't disinclude things that someone would notice ... type of sword, decorative items, blue, glowing incarnum melds, etc.

[Tacitus]

blargagrHGR

Yeah, we've been editing over one another. >.< Quite a bit, it seems.

[PersonMan]

Ah. I got mixed up and thought that those were the colors we could take.

I'll go for Dark Slate Gray then.

[Tacitus]

Dark Slate Grey is also on the list of ones you can't take. >.>

[lostsole31]

*ninja'd*

This is perversely humorous. Next it will be red. :smalltongue:

[Tacitus]

I've more or less fixed up my sheet and now have a backstory appended to it, which will be reproduced below after my stat block.

Darrius Wavebreaker
Male CN Amphibious Human Incarnate//Rogue, Level 1,
Init +3
HP 13/13, Speed 30 ft (Land), 15ft (Swim)
AC 17 Touch 13, Flat-footed 14
Fort +6, Ref +5, Will +5
BAB/Grapple +0/+2
Abilities Str 15, Dex 16, Con 18, Int 16, Wis 16, Cha 12
Condition Amphibious
Resistances +1 save vs sleep/ paralysis (racial)
Immunities

Soulmeld Effects
Essentia: 2. Capacity: 1, +1 Capacity Feat
[0] Dissolving Spittle: Ed6 Acid Damage as 30ft Ranged Touch. Provokes AoO
[1] Theft Gloves: Insight to Disable Device and Sleight of Hand of 2+2E
[1] Worg Pelt: Competence to Stealth of 2+2E

Incarnum Feats Capacity: 1
[0] Indigo Strike: +2E damage on Sneak Attacks

Class Features
Detect Law: At-Will

Appearance:

From a distance Darrius looks to be a human or darfellan monk of some sort but upon approaching him his dark skin is neither black nor a deeply tanned brown but a shade of blue so dark that it nearly drinks in the light. His eyes have vibrant blue irises with a faint hint of a lighter cerulean around the few prominent veins in the sclera of his eyes. Though hard to notice, when he becomes angered the gills on his neck flare and the pink flesh within shows quite obviously that he can breathe both water and air. As if born from the deeps, his hands and feet are slightly webbed, allowing him to swim through the water with relative ease. He generally wears clothing which dries quickly and is not damaged by exposure to salt water. He is almost never seen without his pair of swimming goggles, usually perched on top of his shaved head.

Under his fairly baggy clothing he wears a chain shirt and has a lightweight wooden shield hanging from his side, but shows no visible weapons. Most often is seen wearing some sort of shaggy animal pelt with what looks like a wolf's head perched atop his own. Those that recognize the dark fur and red eyes would no doubt identify it as a Worg, but may possibly mistake it for a sea-wolf. More often than not he wears a pair of black leather gloves and a blue-green torc depicting a black and green dragon's head meeting at his throat, each items of fairly fine make, but when not wearing them he does not seem to have them in his possession at all.

Other strange items he has been seen with include the following:
A pair of silvery bracers that are almost clear, shot through with veins of azure. (Astral Vambraces)
A coil of blue fire in the vague shape of a dragon coiled about his skull. (Elder Spirit)
Simple leather bands about his wrists. (Sailor's Bracers)
A large crystalline helm of pure white. (Crystal Helm)
Lenses , goggles, or spectacles of blue crystal (Keeneye Lenses, Truthseeker Goggles, or Mage Spectacles)

Background:

Many races of the sea, especially those who live quiet lives without much interaction from outside races, name their children according to tradition. In this manner most children are named after a deceased grandmother or grandfather in the belief that the sea is returning the spirit back unto the community. However, there are those who are named as a sign of honor and trust in an outsider, sometimes even a landwalker. Darrius Wavebreaker is one of these exceptions in that while his two brothers have the traditional names for his bloodline of Eemel and Marriton he is named after a landwalker. He grew up in the reefs and deltas from rivers out of the Amedio Jungle, just outside the city of Sasserine in a small settlement of his kinsmen who created what amounts to underwater caves within some of the coral formations found there. Tales were often told of branches of the Wavebreaker Clan mingling with the other races of nearby sea-folk but the reason for the family's preference of the reef over finer living arrangements was never made clear to the public.

As he matured it was explained to him that his name was bestowed upon him because of a man who called himself Darrius Cross. Cross was a landwalker who enjoyed spending time both at sea and under the waves, often bringing supplies and trinkets to trade with the fairly reclusive clan. Cross had always befriended the Wavebreakers while maintaining peaceful relations with the people of Sasserine. Though he never voiced his opinion he found pity in his heart for the Wavebreakers, assuming they had been exiled from their peers for some terrible deed.

This was not true in the sense that Cross assumed. The Wavebreaker family was one of strange mutation and even more bizarre power they could only guess stemmed from the power of draconic blood. Some of the earliest Wavebreakers were said to be half dragons of some sort of dark dragon, presumably black, with roots in the merfolk and human races. They hid themselves away in the reefs and silt plains not far from Sasserine in hopes that their strange bloodline would not bring fearful commonfolk to their door with harpoons and fishhooks.

Cross helped to reintroduce the Wavebreakers to the outside world, and more specifically the nautically inclined folk of Sasserine. No harsh words were exchanged and there was only acceptance of the long-lost clan. Cross eventually sailed off into the sunset and the Wavebreakers began slowly reintegrating into a real community. Despite an increased interaction with the port city of Sasserine, the majority of the Wavebreakers remained in their compound. One of the chief reasons was the young children, Eemel, Marriton, and Darrius, who would be kept inside the compound during their early years for safety concerns.

At first they considered Darrius's strange appearance some sort of sign from the gods of the sea or as a black mark on their family. The others in the family all had skin tones in a healthy variety of tans and peaches, but none had the bruised, almost black skin of the young Darrius. Even into his teens they did not allow him to leave their coral home under the fears that he might be seen as an ill omen among the various clergies of Sasserine. Despite this, the young man became fairly well versed in fleeing from the compound after the sun had set upon the seas in order to visit the nearby city. He gravitated towards the Azure District so as to be among those well acquainted with the sea, but also frequented the Merchant District to palm various trinkets. By day he practiced aquatic swordplay with light blades and stabbing instruments or taught clownfish to not be so cheeky. By night he was yet another of the many youths on the streets of Sasserine, doing his best to stay away from the disreputable Shadowshore establishments.

He soon noticed that, despite his gills and odd skin, no one really paid him any attention. While it was true that he was the odd man out in most instances there were many fantastical races abundant in such a port city. He even heard tales of men born of killer whales and how his skin was oddly reminiscent of their own, though Darrius never met such a man himself. In his first expeditions to Sasserine he had tried to find the man of his namesake, Darrius Cross, but with the many years since he had even been seen few even recognized the name. After years of odd jobs around the Merchant and Azure Districts, most often as a messenger due to his ability to take more direct paths through water than running about the city, he finally found a lead. He was directed to one of the elder merchants who in turn mentioned that the last time he had seen Cross he was headed to a place called Fairwind Isle.

He departed as soon as he was able, taking up temporary employment aboard a merchant vessel by the name of the Silver Duchess. They never made it to their first stop, Port Joli across the Jeklea Bay. They were set upon by pirates and the Duchess was mortally wounded in the battle and began to flounder. The crew was able to fight off the pirates, but only barely, and boarded their ship in return in order to save their lives from the sinking merchant vessel. Darrius was not concerned about potential drowning so much as the distance from shore and the fact that the bay held many predators that would no doubt enjoy a delicious young man. Even as the fighting raged aboard the pirate's ship he fled below deck to find and fortify a position where he could hide until combat had ended. He had unfortunately chosen one of the private holds reserved only for the captain, who had also made his way down after being gravely wounded. The two exchanged blows and the young man was on the edge of death when he got in a lucky swipe with his knife that split open the captain's belly.

Not knowing who he had slain, other than that it was indeed a pirate, he tried to hide the body when several of the valiant sailors of the Duchess came below decks to flush out any remaining pirate scum. With his hands covered in blood, both his own and that of the captain, he was indeed caught red-handed. He stammered excuses and tried to slip away but he was dragged to the deck to see that the pirates had been subdued and that Darrius of the Wavebreaker Clan had bravely killed the captain. He was all but carried back to Sasserine and set aside several of the true heroes of the battle to be commended for bravery. He's actually done his best to duck the limelight, with so much vigor and skill that his stealth throughout the city of Sasserine might well have caught the attention of the less reputable types he had once tried so hard to avoid.

[lostsole31]

Tacitus, very nice background for how your people might have come to be. Also, nice life-build to current. Appearance is likewise pretty good.

The thing I need to really know is ... what are you doing with your life. I mean, you age the same as other humans ....

@ALCON: Speaking of which, while the max gold-yadda-yadda helps the characters and shows in drastically different ways, I realize the absurdity of all-27-year old characters. So, I am going to randomly roll ages based on Age Column 1 (roll dice for that column) + Age Column 2 (roll once more). Some might have learned faster than others ...some might have had to learn faster than others ... and still others might have spent an easy youth but the weight of middle age less then a decade away spurs them to action. The maximum age for anyone will still be 27, though.

Celiss Nightrom (PersonMan): 15 (base) + [roll0] (monk) + [roll1] (wizard) = 27
Wanderfar (Denomar): 15 (base) + [roll2] (cleric) + [roll3] (warblade) = 25
Darrius Wavebreaker (Tacitus): 15 + [roll4] (incarnate) + [roll5] (rogue) = 26

[lostsole31]

... back to business.

Tacitus (and others), what is going to make you 'available' for employment? Why are you not swiftly scooped up to go sailing the seas? Is it that you actually got in trouble (bringing you minor notoriety vice minor fame ... which is still workable)? I mean, on one hand you're a rogue; on the other hand, you are a chaotic incarnate dedicated to tearing down tyranny and the established rule of law. So while you have a capable mind and are very wise, yet your philosophy (and the other roguish half of you) likely gets you into trouble.

Also, since you are familiar with the setting (thank you for excellent background interspersion, btw), you can choose a background feat no ... but it has to make sense. Otherwise, if you wish, you can hold off on that, but then it is chosen for you based on play.

Again, for others, what is it about your relatively peon characters that makes them 'noticeable' for hire? See the recruitment thread for ideas, but you should be well into having ideas about that yourselves now, right?

[Tacitus]

Huh, I knew I forgot something. XD The five/fifteen minutes of fame. >.> I blame it on getting interrupted during writing by the powerful need to eat. I hate it when that happens. Time to break out the wrench and get back to tinkering, I suppose.

[Denomar]

Because as of right now I really can't afford the exorbitant fee to actually buy a transoceanic ticket.

That and Wanderfar always stops in new places for at least a week.

[PersonMan]

*ninja'd*

This is perversely humorous. Next it will be red. :smalltongue:

No! I-I...D-dark pink-no! Bright...yellow!

...Fine, I give up. I'll just use LIGHT Slate Gray.

EDIT: On 5 minutes of fame...I'm not really sure what kind of thing to choose. I'm in a bit of an idea roadblock about it, since much of my creative energy has been rerouted to the generation of a new campaign setting/character.

Concerning the sheet audit, I mostly implemented/noted the stuff you mentioned, apart from the age which I changed to be a bit more in line with the original concept. Also, I can't find the Pathfinder starting ages(which are apparently different from normal 3.5 ones since the maximum starting age for double-complex classes is 27 instead of 39) in the SRD so I used the 3.5 ones. Nevermind, found 'em.

Also, according to the pathfinder SRD I can take Arcane Strike-the only prerequisite listed is "ability to cast spells". If it isn't mistaken, I'll probably replace Scorpion Strike with it.

I have another question, this time concerning the setting. Are we going to be starting in a big city of some sort, or a smaller town/village? This, combined with things I have yet to decide upon in my background, will influence gear choices.

[Tacitus]

I've done my tinkering and moved around some of my funds. Downgraded the chain shirt to Studded Leather to upgrade the Shield to Heavy and Thieves Tools to Masterwork. As for the background feats, looking over them again the Water Rat fits to a certain degree, despite the fact that the swim speed thing I can already do. Child of Shadows doesn't really fit given where Darrius would currently be in his life, but I can see him growing into it quite well. Merchant one doesn't fit this concept at all, Champion ones don't fit, Nobles certainly not, and the Cudgel one while useful and probably able to be explained probably isn't a fit. I'm figurin' on probably just waiting to see what awaits me, honestly.

PersonMan, Sasserine is described as a Large City with a Population of 15,650 with an average of NG alignment, assuming that is indeed where we'll be starting and not someplace else for some random reason. I think the nearest cities are... 200miles south through jungle and mountains or much further across a bay

[lostsole31]

Tacitus tactly tacked the tacky talk towards travel tactics.

So, yeah ... Sasserine.

[lostsole31]

Tacitus, given your background - because they are background feats - you have the Water Rat feat. This free feat isn't meant to be a whopper, so if itsn't 'optimal' ... I reiterate, it was free. However, because you lose half of the benefit, you will get double the bonus: +4 on Swim checks. Added to your +8 racial bonus for Swim checks, and you are more than good to go. In fact, swimming in stormy seas on the surface is a moderately easy task for you.

[PersonMan]

Since I'm still feeling all but empty of ideas, I think that I'll take what you've given me background-wise.

The reason for travel is:
Celiss, during either her studies or from another source, heard of a source-a book, or a library, it wasn't specified-of vast volumes of knowledge. During her journey to the city for more clues to its whereabouts, she spent a lot of time considering what sort of overarching goals she would have-eventually deciding that she would use the knowledge of this place to bring the world into a new Golden Age of sorts-to spread prosperity and happiness across the plane.

To this end, Celiss has set up multiple minor goals for herself-including finding a ruler and system of ruling for this new world.

[lostsole31]

...eventually deciding that she would use the knowledge of this place to bring the world into a new Golden Age of sorts-to spread prosperity and happiness across the plane.

To this end, Celiss has set up multiple minor goals for herself-including finding a ruler and system of ruling for this new world.
... finding no one worthy enough to suit her idea of a utopian Oerth, Celiss realizes that she just can't be the architect - but the leader as well.

She takes on the name Victoria von Doom. The birth pangs are difficult as she must initially work with a thoroughly disreputable lot. But after a demonstration of your power (killing the orcish barbarian horde leader), they quickly fall in line. Nevertheless, you manage to crush those narrow-minded, so-called 'paladins' and 'holy priests' and their other allies who refuse to see the beauty of your plan or the brilliance of your leadership. You are able to garner enough of the more civilized folk to your banner, such that the humanoids you had to use can themselves be vanquished ... because such evil is not to be trusted, of course!

You usher in a golden era of peace. Sure, it might be peace with an iron glove, but it is peace. Some of those misguided 'good' folk demand for concessions of the individual in relation to the state. But you always figured that 'human' rights was a racist term, and you want all peoples of the world to be 'included' into the society you have forged ... for them.

How's that for an epilogue to the story you mentioned?

EDIT: Despite the specific question asked of Darrius by Vakrissa, don't let that mean that you all wait for that information, please. Ask whatever questions you need ... several at once if you feel you must.

[PersonMan]

stuff


Eh, not really. Her plan is more to uplift society through technology/magic. She knows that there will be wars, but hopes that she can steer the development of the world in a way that will allow for most of everything important to be provided for, eliminating the reasons for most wars.

Although I do have some characters who would do that sort of thing, Celiss is a bit less of an idealist than they are.

[Denomar]

When you are asking what my plans are as I level do you mean things like feats that I plan to choose, or what class levels I plan to take?

For the former I'll likely be acquiring persistent spell at third level to increase my buffing efficiency and then working my way into the vital strike line of feats.

For the latter, I'll probably be going warblade/cleric straight to 20, unless opportunity presents itself and he is pushed towards a specific prestige class. Like I dunno, The Purple Dragon Knights recruit him or something like that.

[lostsole31]

When you are asking what my plans are as I level do you mean things like feats that I plan to choose, or what class levels I plan to take?

For the former I'll likely be acquiring persistent spell at third level to increase my buffing efficiency and then working my way into the vital strike line of feats.

For the latter, I'll probably be going warblade/cleric straight to 20, unless opportunity presents itself and he is pushed towards a specific prestige class. Like I dunno, The Purple Dragon Knights recruit him or something like that.
1) Yes to both.

2) Right on. You will probably need to do some schmoozing with clerics in town to help teach you this manipulation of divine magical forces. The other can easily be learned at the arena.

3) Copy that, nice and simple. And even though I use an Oeridian allegory to something like the Purple Knights, this campaign really won't be a good training ground for that (and only of limited use).

[lostsole31]

I just attached pictures of Lavinia, the portrait of her brother, and the plans of the Blue Nixie to your E-mails (minus Tacitus, whom I am waiting to hear back from).

Denomar, are you going to pick up Weapon Focus [Bastard Sword] at any time? The reason I ask is doing so will give you the ability to pick up Weapon Specialization at 6th level. Regardless, not taking any feat like this means that you are forgoing one of the advantages of being a warblade - that is, weapon aptitude.

[Denomar]

hadn't thought that far ahead. Frankly 2 static damage for a character that plans to go into the feat stream that encourages one attack a round doesn't sound all that fantastic.

[Tacitus]

Aye, I was hoping for any massive mechanical benefit from a free feat, I was just expressing that nothing seemed t really jump out at me at the time as something obvious. And, indeed, with that +4, even without the +8 racial, if I took off the armor I'd be able to take 10 (as a swim speed allows) to hit DC20s all day long.

Bleh, so tired today... face to face Mage game ran until 1am last night and I had to be up super early for CES crap. Bleeeeeh.

So far It looks like Incarnate 20//Rogue 1/Dark/Draconic/Rogue +17 (maybe?)

I might also go for both LA at second level if you'd allow it, but I'm not entirely sure on that one yet. Seems... less than ideal. The only reason I thought of it was because when I don't have rogue on the other side the majority of my skills would lose the +3 Class Bonus, unless I'm mistaken.

If I take a prestige class at all, it would probably be Umbral Disciple, taken as my 6th level onward.

[lostsole31]

hadn't thought that far ahead. Frankly 2 static damage for a character that plans to go into the feat stream that encourages one attack a round doesn't sound all that fantastic.
True, when I see that you are going for the Vital Strike series ... yeah, not that great.

Aye, I was hoping for any massive mechanical benefit from a free feat, I was just expressing that nothing seemed t really jump out at me at the time as something obvious. And, indeed, with that +4, even without the +8 racial, if I took off the armor I'd be able to take 10 (as a swim speed allows) to hit DC20s all day long.

Bleh, so tired today... face to face Mage game ran until 1am last night and I had to be up super early for CES crap. Bleeeeeh.

So far It looks like Incarnate 20//Rogue 1/Dark/Draconic/Rogue +17 (maybe?)

I might also go for both LA at second level if you'd allow it, but I'm not entirely sure on that one yet. Seems... less than ideal. The only reason I thought of it was because when I don't have rogue on the other side the majority of my skills would lose the +3 Class Bonus, unless I'm mistaken.

If I take a prestige class at all, it would probably be Umbral Disciple, taken as my 6th level onward.
1) Yeah, you rock in the water.

2) CES?

3) Looks good. Seems fair that you keep your incarnum melding maxed and let the rogue side slack off some. I recommend you keep that build for that very reason. So, you don't have the skills ... you'll have enough regardless, believe me. Maybe not to be the 'god of all things' but enough to solidify your niche in a team, for sure. I would allow LA to go to both sides, sure, but that "less than ideal" is a massive understatement. You get some cool and interesting abilities as a rogue, but advancement as an incarnate really is much more crucial for the endgame. (Not that you'll ever get that far, of course. :xykon: )

4) So, what will you get out of Umbral Disciple? Your skills diminish a little, though your sneak attack progression remains the same. The assumption is that it will go on your rogue side - because that class' prereqs mainly come from there; that, and rogue//umbral disciple really won't do anything for you.

Reading it, there are some cool abilities. It's up to you, through your recognition of tactics and the like, if it suits you or if overall you take a dive for little gain ... the gain is what you perceive.

However, please note that just like mixing any two other classes ... anything offered by the class is compared to the other class' best offer for that level. I mention this because your essentia pool probably won't increase at all because it will be matched/ exceeded by the incarnum side.

[Tacitus]

Hmm, yeah, if interpreted in that manner, the lack of an essentia gain from Umbral Disciple but more options to spread essentia around would result in likely spreading too thin, and I'd miss out on quite a few PF-Rogue specific things. Though seeing as thats a ways off anyway, I've still got time to really nail it down. 1-3 is definitely Incarnate 3//Rogue1/Dark/Draconic.

I do appologize for not getting an IC up yet, I've been running around like a chicken with my head cut off doing various things leading up to the Consumer Electronics Show, and "T.H.E. Show" (The Home Entertainment Show) that are coming up here in Vegas. I didn't expect to be quite this busy, but apparently some people have forgotten almost everything needed to set up.

Eight foot tall electrostatic speakers in an elevator. No. Just no.

[lostsole31]

Yeah, if your character had a 'grand career goal-plan,' great. But in a specific campaign that isn't 'vanilla' (or at least, has a very specific geography and such - and a lot of water), you have to be willing to change that if the campaign's direction doesn't go the way you initially thought.

"Yes, I was squire in the army, and hopefully through vainglorious battle I would achieve knighthood and an even greater glorious death in battle. Sadly, this was not to be. But, friends, where would I be if not with you and the adventures we have had! and, oh, such adventures!"

Anyway, I at least want to definitely know what's in the works for 2nd-level. After that, I like to know those 'long-term' projects that supposedly you would be working on through all levels, not just the level before achivement. by this, I mean feats, ability score adjustments, and specifications of class abilities (and choice of spells, powers) one level past the next. Things still change, of course ... but that guideline is there for player and DM.

It also keeps a player from suddenly going from being 'not a scholar,' to being able to recite, categorically, all of the Kings of Furyondy from that nation's inception ... including the Lost Years ... without having actually done anything to earn it despite it being listed in a book somewhere as a 'class level.'

Because, yes ... I am just the large, diminutive form (oxymoron!) of a Richard that will tell a player that he can't have this or that for a skill or a feat or even blowing into a PrC ... just because he points to a book. The story of how it happens needs to make more sense than the mechanics of building some numbers on an (electronic) sheet.

A buddy of mine works in Sin City in IT.

[PersonMan]

I forgot what you said you wanted for dice...We roll active skill checks here, right?

I think I remember you saying something about you rolling attack/damage rolls, or...?

As an aside, I'm in a good mood because school isn't happening today. I thought it was starting yesterday, so all in all I feel like my winter break is 2 days longer.

EDIT: Working on my long-term build, I've found that if we go to level 20 I'm going to have a total of 20 feats. Other than multiclassing fighter and another bonus-feat-heavy class, I don't know any other way to get this many feats.

[lostsole31]

I don't start school until the 18th, but auditions for the last main stage production (THE WEDDING SINGER) begins on the 18th.

What level of school are you?

As far as dice ... actually, I'd much rather you roll 'active' dice (good term, btw) should actually be rolled in the IC. That way, I don't have to switch between IC and OOC just to get results. This, of course, includes attack dice, damage dice, and saving throws that I direct you to roll. So, since we opened this can of worms ...

... darn near anything that is 'out of combat' is often (though rarely not always) something like stealth, perception, interaction, knowledge ... and thus not something you would roll anyway. However, if you think I've overlooked an ability of yours, in spoilers don't ask "Did you take into account my [x]?" because that requires a response. With you waiting for my response, my sending a response, and you getting around to receiving that response, and then acting on that response ... we've wasted a lot of game time. I'd rather (again, in spoilers, keep IC 'in character' as best as possible) you simply say, "Hey, just reminding you about my K: Arcana." You can even do that OOC, but because it might affect direct narration of the story, I should read it right there in IC.

Now, if there is some type of 'active' roll to make out of combat - sleight of hand, for example, wherein it is obvious whether or not you were successful - then go ahead and make it.

Now, I am not going to demand the following, but I have found a shorthand that really makes things run swimmingly between players and DMs in combat.
.................................................. .....

This 'white space' is where you print your fluff and what you actually say. Then, in spoilers you would mention the actual mechanics affecting what you're attempting in the fluff. I use a shorthand of 1RA (1 round action), FRA (full-round action), FAA (full attack action), SA (standard action), MA (move action), FA (free action), SA (swift action), and IA (immediate action).

For example ... here is an example of such an exchange:

Though wounded, Darrius knows he has to take out the roving guard quickly so he cannot get off a scream, else the entire party has to retreat from an alerted and numerically superior force. Knowing what's at stake, he makes sure his line of soul energy to his dissolving spittle is smoothly in flux.

He tenses his body, then relaxes. As soon as he hears the guards lazy steps strolling a few feet from his position, Darrius jumps out and sprays outwards, his soul energy transferring into a corrosive form that catches the unexpected guard in the face. Assuming he drops the guard, he then waves to his allies on the side that the job is done.
FA = 5' step to move out from behind cover.
SA: dissolving spittle ranged touch [roll0]
damage = [roll1] acid damage + [roll2] sneak attack.
FA = signal to allies
Then, after you see the results of the roll, if you are sure of what happened, you can EDIT and then update your results. Obviously, you are not committed to a following action if it is dependent on the first. For example:

EDIT: Missing horribly at a flat-footed opponent is one more bad bit of luck in an unlucky day. Knowing that he might yet get the jump on the guard, he draws his dagger. "Just. not. my. day." MA: changed to draw weapon.
.................................................. ..........
Feats for gestalt? How about fighter// rogue? Remember the rogue abilities you get every other level? They could go to combat feats as well.

[PersonMan]

Sent you the classes/feats as they're planned so far.

I expected there would be some combination of classes to get even more feats, but this is the first time I've had 20 feats to distribute.

I'd say you're lucky for starting that late, but there's probably some sort of tradeout. Going from nearly 10 hours of school or school-related(i.e. transportation to/from) stuff to about 5 hours of it is enough for me, even if they have about half as much summer break here.

I'm going to the Realschule, hoping to switch into the Gymnasium here, once my German gets good enough. I'm not sure how to relate that in other terms, but I think that it's roughly equivalent to secondary school, or middle/highschool in American terms.

Thanks for the info. It'll be nice to know that in the future.

[lostsole31]

Perhaps, but with an 18-credit courseload (again) in my second semester of college (transfer, as I have a double-AA), it is significantly more round-sphere-breaking than high school.

Army/ Air Force brat?

[PersonMan]

I'm mainly dealing with the whole "switch from a language you've mastered to one where you have less-than-average vocabulary and bad grammar" at this point-the reason why I'm going to the Realschule for a while instead of going directly to the Gymnasium.

Nope.

My parents met in London, I was born there. We moved to America so I could become a citizen, lived there until a few months ago before coming to Germany so I can be a citizen here.

When it comes to things like drinking, driving and ratings I have an odd position. Do I activate my German half when dealing with drinking(16 is legal for "soft" drinks like beer), my American half for driving(16 instead of 18) and my American one for video games(recent example-T in America but 18+ in Germany)?

It's a bit odd, but it does have some advantages, like not having to pay tons for college.

[Tacitus]

So I'm curious, just how much local knowledge should I let slip from my brain to Darrius's brain before having to roll? I'm assuming what the player's guide has on the Azure and maybe the Market Districts, but I've tried not to plug anything in yet in case you wanted to pare that back some or let dem bones fly to make a few determinations on precise knowledge.

Right now I'd be thinking (ie, DM secret knowledge rolls!) of the harbormaster and this Vark guy, if my +7 in Local and your die can pull anything out of the IC brain that my OOC brain would not have.

[lostsole31]

Merely prodding me like that makes me check to see what you know.

You don't know anything about Vark, as you didn't deal enough with the harbormaster at all (captains and vessel masters and owners, and their officers and yeomen, worry about that "high-level" administrative stuff). You don't even have to roll to know who the Harbormaster - Lord Keltar Islaran, but you don't know anything more about him than that.

[lostsole31]

Edit to Celiss' fluff ... a quasi-visible field of force shimmers all around her briefly once she finishes casting, but just as quickly becomes invisible.

Mage armor and shield are. Invisible in my game, but can be noticed with physical interaction (such as combat). As above, their shape is outlined like heat shimmer when first cast.

[Tacitus]

I'm assuming this is not surprise round (and therefore actions are unrestricted)? Also, at the gunwale will there be an additional action to hoist myself up onto the deck? If I get there successfully would staying there to ready an action for a spit be possible? If I do not climb aboard would that position allow me a hide check at the end of my movement without using additional actions? (Also, R1T21 is Round One initiative 21?)

Also, I'm currently tinkering with the T&G you sent me. I should have it done before I head to bed. Hopefully. >.<

On that note, if a class has Climb but not Jump as a class skill, is it just a class skill, or does the +3 bonus only apply to one application? I have no points in it currently, but its a future question as I tinker with this T&G thing.

Edit: Grumble grumble, took longer than I expected and the maintenance ate my post. Anywho, I only noticed it after I sent my email, but Trap Spotter would also be a Rogue Talent possibility, and probably preferential to Canny Observer.
I'll have a fairly hypothetical IC up soonish.

[lostsole31]

I'm assuming this is not surprise round (and therefore actions are unrestricted)? Also, at the gunwale will there be an additional action to hoist myself up onto the deck? If I get there successfully would staying there to ready an action for a spit be possible? If I do not climb aboard would that position allow me a hide check at the end of my movement without using additional actions? (Also, R1T21 is Round One initiative 21?)

Also, I'm currently tinkering with the T&G you sent me. I should have it done before I head to bed. Hopefully. >.<

On that note, if a class has Climb but not Jump as a class skill, is it just a class skill, or does the +3 bonus only apply to one application? I have no points in it currently, but its a future question as I tinker with this T&G thing.

Edit: Grumble grumble, took longer than I expected and the maintenance ate my post. Anywho, I only noticed it after I sent my email, but Trap Spotter would also be a Rogue Talent possibility, and probably preferential to Canny Observer.
I'll have a fairly hypothetical IC up soonish.
1) Correct.
2) Sadly, yes, it is another action to swing over onto the deck.
3) You can either spit right away - you will still be up enough to see over the gunwale and have cover. Or, you can ready your action to spit. However, readied actions are extremely specific ... specific or general types of action as a stimulus, from another ... but who you shoot at must be specific. You can't say, "I ready an action to spit at the next person that..."
4) Clambering up now is your huffing and puffing (read: not moving half speed) to get up there ... noticeable. Popping your head up for any reason won't allow you to 'hide while looking' as you will be 'directly observed' (combat ... no facing, everything noticeable in range is relatively observeable). But if you are looking for that sneak attack, then you can come up now - without seeing what's happening on the other side - and making a Hide check. Next round, you can take a pot shot and get your sneak attack damage if your target didn't notice you. Making that hide check is an action, however.
5) It doesn't matter what was originall listed for class skill; a Climb means Athletics (full skill ability), and Jump means the same. That is for class skills, however, and not always skill bonuses. For example, tons of incarnum things give you skill bonuses ... but they are for 'particular' uses of a skill. If something gives you big ears, you don't see better (Perception).
6) It really comes down to you concerning your rogue abilities ... and once chosen they really come to define what your rogue role happens to be.

[PersonMan]

The problem with longish posts like this is that there's no way to say "I get ready to do X if they do something hostile" or the like-we were warned that this would probably result in combat, right?

Right now it isn't much of a problem, but we may need to come up with a way of dealing with things like this later-retaining speed without losing player response capability.

[lostsole31]

If you have any ideas, let me know .... otherwise, this is the curse of the medium in which we work (pbp).

[Tacitus]

@email: Huh, I was figuring because it lists a wide range of Evasion-granting classes, and that Complete Mage was published before ToB, it was intended to fit any class with evasion.

On the topic of initiative, it may reduce some of the verisimilitude and possibly increase workload on your part, lostsole, but using "Initiative Blocks," or 'they go and then we go' or some close approximation (maybe blocks of PCs, Allied NPCs, Mooks, Named Foes) often leads to much faster pbp because the wait time is drastically reduced.

Myself, I can't often get online in the am hours and I usually reply to threads fairly late in the evening, while ya'll seem just the opposite. Maybe. >.> Going one PC at a time with initiative leads to some very slow PbP.

Let me rummage for a link if you are not yet convinced... ... ... ... ah! http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=110323

[lostsole31]

Re: Evasion. Nope.

Not going the full route there. For pure hack-and-slashers, it works okay.

The problem comes down to those who like to play characters who are adaptable to circumstances (like many of mine), wherein a "stated" action posted long before my turn would, by the time my turn comes, be changed. I've heard DMs try to use the lame excuse that 'you would be committed to your action, there's not enough time.'

I find that ludicrous, especially since I usually harp on what you can do within 6 seconds of time (usually related to what you can say). Having been in over a hundred fights - one of them mortal - I can assure you that a trained person can switch mental gears within tenths of a second; in fact, they might not even think but react to the changing environment of combat and then realize later (they still realize on an elemental level, btw, I don't believe in the ridiculous "I blacked out" excuse of some criminal defendants) fully what they've done.

No, and not to alienate any players (I hope), I will continue to be using my format. That said, it is okay if you want to post your actions, and then I run it in the proper order. But if something happens that changes the possibility - or even the feasibility - of continuing that posted action, we have to wait again, anyway.

Many players like that ... and feel to post your next action whenever. That can go a long way to speeding up the action. What I won't do is enforce the "everybody post your action and then we'll see" because it doesn't allow for several seconds worth of ability to change to a rapidly changing situation .... and it isn't fair to the type of player that tends to be more fluid and improvisational (vice the "I'm gonna hit that guy come hell or high water! player).

EDIT: Every game I've ever started on giants is still running, save one. That was a solo game where the player took on a second job while his girlfriend came to live with him from Ireland.

True, there's some 'in-breeding' with players in one game being players in another. Actually, this is one game I didn't advertise ... wanting to be open to 'fresh blood.' I run five games and one live game, so I doubt that (with some 11 pbp players) that the system is a failure in the long-run, but part of a particular player's - not DM's - desires (or lack therof). So, have some faith, and if it still doesn't work for you ... that's just part of the process. There are plenty of other games, I'm sure, that will be more to your liking.

That said, I hope we will enjoy playing this game for the next few years! :smallwink:

[Tacitus]

Hmm, so I take it that in order to get out of reach of the Anti-Dwarvite I had no real options but to be in AoO range? Cause as noted in my post, if I had the action left to Spit I'd be attempting to get as close as possible... without being in AoO range. If we had locations on maps with grids and whatnot I'd have done a better job at describing path and end location, not that I'm going to demand a map or anything. >.>

Huh, my stat block is wrong. AC is 16, T 13, FF 13. I forgot to update the block when I changed out my items. (I'll change it after the above is addressed so the post remains unedited until then.)

Also, my rolls for spitting have been terrible. Jeez.

[lostsole31]

It sounded like you wanted to get right up on her ... sorry. Yeah, it is difficult to make maps. And to be honest, while even this battle carries in it a sense of danger (look at Vakrissa), this battle is more of a blowout and wasn't worth all the work of a map.

[Tacitus]

Ugh, the only two dice that have been rolled at half or above on the die itself are the climb check, a bit of wasted acid, and a single sneak attack die. The dice gods are hating on me something fierce.

[lostsole31]

Ugh, the only two dice that have been rolled at half or above on the die itself are the climb check, a bit of wasted acid, and a single sneak attack die. The dice gods are hating on me something fierce.Naah, they just want you to understand that however cool you think you might be ... you're only 1st level. :smallwink:

[lostsole31]

Cure minor wounds is gone, folks. Taken off the spell list. Because orisons can be used limitlessly, PF (in their wisdom), now has the orison stabilize. It does not have cure in its name, and therefore there is no 0-level spell with which to spontaneously cast. Ergo, there is still a top-end limit to healing. People still need to recover from battle if the healing magic is low ...

[Denomar]

Just a heads up. My laptop's fan has begun to sound something like a Wheat Thresher. So I may have it in the shop come the weekend which means my posts will drop dramatically for a bit. If for some reason Wanderfar disappears. Assume that he has been struck by a case of adventuring ennui and just can't come up with anything really all that interesting.

[lostsole31]

How about this ... give me a likely block of time in which you will definitely be MIA. If it looks like the party is going to do "general investigation and other stuff," you will simply tag along. Otherwise, you really want to get to the arena to find out what you need to enjoy training ... and what it's going to cost.

Considering the latter part, you may well have noble sponsorship if you guys end this initial adventure (not encounter) righteously.

Otherwise, if we are in the middle of something, as I said during recruiting I will helm your character to the best of my ability ... but there are no 'magic bubbles.' We'll see based upon where everything is, and you should be relatively easily insertable wherever if you Wanderfar takes a detour.

That said ... you have given him an appellation, nickname, and nom du sanct of "Wanderfar," and yet in your posts you constantly refer to him by his last name. How do you want the world at large to know and address you?

[Denomar]

likely block is next week. I guess.

[PersonMan]

It looks like nobody really know what to say.

I'm not really sure how to continue...I may have a post up by early tomorrow, depending on how 'flehh' tomorrow is.

[lostsole31]

It's a tough thing to deal with ... Rabbi Cohen definitely has the makings (and the training) of a fine leader. He seemed mild-mannered, but he definitely stepped up in battle. If you (plural) want to let someone else (the NPC) lead with the major decisions, that's up to you ... but Celiss is a stunning genius, Wanderfar is extremely insightful, and Darrius (presumably) is down to earth.

I'm just looking for some input, before I have the NPC simply run the action ... which would make you more passengers. I guess I need to know what you - as the players - look forward to in the game.

There is the 8' tall thing (and whatever in its arms), drugged and sleeping in the hold. No doubt it is dangerous.

Several prisoners tied up on deck.

You have the signet ring (and some other kind of clue) and Lavinia's payment to Vark. With the ship, she can now go to Castle Teraknian to get to her family vault ... and then she would be able to pay you.

[lostsole31]

Darrius, as many clues as are thrown out there ... the business about a kraken mantle, and 'binding to a polar bear totem spirit' ... mean nothing to you. You neither have the knowledge, nor the experience, to know what the player knows. Which falls right in line with him being a 'mutant' incarnate, rather than a 'learned' one.

[PersonMan]

I believe this is a moment for: "Oooh, a plot hook!" or even "Yes! We found the plot!"

This will be interesting.

[lostsole31]

Dunh-dunh-dunh!! :elan:

Of course, you realize from what is being asked (if accepted), is a long-term plot development in caring for this man-imal, Korian. The primary plot you've already started upon with Lady Vanderboren.

Think of this as Babylon 5, which was brilliantly constructed by J. Michael Straczinski (sp?). Every episode stood alone and was obviously the 'primary', but there existed a slowly unraveling, longer-term mission there. :smallsmile:

[PersonMan]

I see.

I'd post, but I want to give someone else a chance to do something before jumping in again.

[lostsole31]

Please don't ... I know that seems equitable, but if you speak first, you speak first. Now, if you pose a question to another PC (or they obviously must respond as well), there you go. But please don't hold off responding if you have something to say. Sometimes other players wait to answer until someone else says something. Never can tell, so go with your instinct to act or speak if you have the ability .... which, it being out-of-combat, you do.

[PersonMan]

Please don't ... I know that seems equitable, but if you speak first, you speak first. Now, if you pose a question to another PC (or they obviously must respond as well), there you go. But please don't hold off responding if you have something to say. Sometimes other players wait to answer until someone else says something. Never can tell, so go with your instinct to act or speak if you have the ability .... which, it being out-of-combat, you do.

Hmmm.

I can't actually think of anything to say-it might come to me later today, or tomorrow, however.

[lostsole31]

Tac, whether you realize it or not, that was a perfect answer for a chaotic neutral ..... It made all the sense in the world, but boils down to "find a reason for me not to have responsibility".

:smallwink:

[lostsole31]

Alright, folks. Are we still in this, or what?

[Tacitus]

Aye, I was just hoping for somebody else to have input. I'll make an IC here soon.

Edit: Hahahaha, lies. >.< Sorry.

[PersonMan]

Yes!

I swim to shore!

I'll probably have a reply up by late today.

I was going to make a comment on the length of Celiss' commentary, but then I realized that it isn't a long as it seemed while I was typing it.

I'll have to make it longer.

Done.

[lostsole31]

Denomar .... do you have anything to say to all of this?

EDIT: I noticed Denomar hasn't done anything in Savage Tide for 12 days (January 13th). I have PM'd him, asking his status, as he has been active on other threads.

[PersonMan]

Hmmm.

I'm a bit tired myself, so I don't remember if we ever really specified where Celiss is staying.

This is related to my IC post because she'd probably want to move in fairly quickly/soon.

[lostsole31]

Just so you know ... I usually roll Initiative for you. If I am already using the RxTx format, then you can bet I've already set up the initiative chart.

[PersonMan]

I knew something like this would happen.

Otherwise you wouldn't have stopped just before the vault.

Now, let's see what's happening...

[lostsole31]

Actually, we stopped outside the vault because of interesting info/ subplot goodness. The encounter came afterwards.

[PersonMan]

Actually, we stopped outside the vault because of interesting info/ subplot goodness. The encounter came afterwards.

Eh.

Honestly, I was half expecting the vault to be empty.

[lostsole31]

Well ... this large room with the two columns doesn't have anything in it but a few stunned adventurers and an animated braided steel cable (the iron cobra). You don't see an exit other than the way you came ... and no gobs of rich-folk cash, either.

[PersonMan]

Well ... this large room with the two columns doesn't have anything in it but a few stunned adventurers and an animated braided steel cable (the iron cobra). You don't see an exit other than the way you came ... and no gobs of rich-folk cash, either.

The cobra is obviously the family fortune.

Don't you read any good books? :smallwink:

EDIT: Worst case scenario, we carve the symbol off the ceiling and sell it as art. Done.

And the iron cobra...While we're at it, we might as well take some of the columns.

By the way, it's obvious that both are stuffed with either:
a)treasure or
b)iron snakes. Of doom.

[lostsole31]

Tac, it's been your turn for close to three days ....

[lostsole31]

Tac, I don't pay an incredible amount of intention to your stat block, since I run your character sheet. However, I do check for round-by-round things like essentia, but I'd rather you merely point out changes rather than just shift them into your stat block. If you need to, though, be sure to remind me of any pertinent info that might be needed.

I had you start out the day with 1E each in worg pelt and dissolving spittle. I imagine it would be pretty silly for you to start with any E in indigo strike, since you can shunt it there as a swift action, and once there it can't be brought out that day. On your last turn, I re-allocated both (2) E to dissolving spittle, since it may be the thing to do a better job against metal creatures. That, and from the 'perfect stroke' you saw Vakrissa give to her target (read: woulda' been a successful hit), you realize these things don't have living organs to disrupt.

Also, I already had your shield as readied ... which is how you would see that both "Wielded" and "Carried" are checked for it.

[Tacitus]

>.< I must seem like a babbling idiot sometimes. XD I forgot you can tinker with me sheet and use that. The stat block thing is mostly a habit, and I just quoted it from the last one I had up. The 1 in Indigo Strike is because of the bit on only changing the amount invested every 24 hours and not being entirely sure how long its been.

Anywho, having the shield already readied doesn't change the post much, as Darrius is now assuming the snakes belong there and doesn't want to break them. Debating a few things for future rounds to see how the cobras react...

[lostsole31]

ALCON: Training and equipment break. Review your TG sheets to see what you need to do to get up to next level. Everyone is over the 'halfway hump' - in fact, is just at 3/4 of the way to 2nd level. So, take this time for personal business.

A lot of you will/ can be working with each other. Yup, do so ... good idea. Others of you need to contact the arena or a local library or learning center of wizard's guild or what-have-you.

If there is anything else you need to investigate .... now is the time.

Also .... we will not progress the game further until all of you finally choose what skills you'll be taking for next level. If it seems you are holding up the game, then either your character will hold off on the next part of the adventure while your character figures out what they want to do with life ... or simply will earn no experience.

Anyone else who has any other side business, now is the time to do it. Remember to be succint, as we don't want to hold up the game for side stuff, but it is a fun part of the game and you shouldn't shun it, either.

Next ... you'll notice you all have 300 gp added to your gold. You now have some spending cash to help you with business in town (as above), but also for the purchase of equipment.

Denomar: Korian wasn't kidding ... he's familiar with weapons, but it isn't a matter of 'preference' that has him using his claws. He just came from slavery and has nothing to his name. Also, he wasn't paid for the job, and Lavinia is still a little leery of him ... he is your charge. You will find that his training encompasses pretty much all simple weapons and all martial melee weapons. He was well-trained. Also, he claims he was trained to wear light armors.

Next, you are a priest of Fharlanghn, and the church of the same doesn't even know you are in town. Don't "play the PC" .... pop in and do your part. Also, are you going to tithe anything. Over time, tithing (and service to the church/ faith befitting a priest of Fharlanghn) has actual tangible benefits. (Actually, this goes for everyone.)

What do you do?

Tacitus (ALCON): I saw that you put 200 gp under "Party Treasury." I rubbed my temples over this trying to figure out where this came from, until I realized it was the original amount offered to each member of the party by Lady Lavinia. Don't do that, please. You can put a note under "Private Notes" (and Rabbi Cohen got her to go up to 300 gp anyway, so you were behind the times), but please do not make any notations like that.

At some point, of course, the party will earn treasure and have to name someone to be the party treasurer (be it carrying and/ or accounting). Without extradimensional storage, Denomar is likely the brute, and Rabbi Cohen likely the accountant. Celiss is brilliant, but Rabbi Cohen has more accounting experience.

So, what does everyone do ........ ???

[Tacitus]

Actually, I had no idea where the 200 came from, and assumed you put it there for some reason or another. >.> I honestly can't recall doing it myself, and haven't ever seen the need to do such a thing myself.

Anywho, I'll not be able to make an IC this evening, I'm otherwise occupied with something I should have had done weeks ago. >.<

[PersonMan]

I'm sick at the moment, so my working out the level-up stuff may be a bit delayed. However, I'll be getting to it as soon as I can.

[lostsole31]

Alright, gang .... whassup? I know Person was sick. What about Tac and Denomar?

[Tacitus]

Feeeeehk, I've been caught up with other stuff and have spent like no time able to be online in the last few days except for like earlier today and the last hour and a half, which I really shouldn't have because its like 3:30am, but I needed to get on and see if there were any fires that needed putting out. Like, huge ones.

I've not forgotten about the game in the slightest and I swear I'll try to get something up tomorrow, but jebus thats a long post. XD

[Denomar]

Deciding what to do. Wanderfar's faith and relationship with his diety is a little more personal than the catholic inspired one that you're suggesting. If he prays, its more likely to be at a road side shrine than in the middle of town. If he gains divine insight, its through faith and communion with his god, not from the mother superior.

I'm also still confused by Korian's motives. He doesn't act like someone who needs a teacher. At all.

[lostsole31]

That's fine. You are an itinerant priest. However, it is important to note that as a major port - and therefore overseeing the most dangerous form of travel known to man (without the aid of magic, i.e. sea travel) - there is a large shrine here. Even an itinerant would check in just to trade stories of his own travels abroad, determine any news of the faith that may be gleaned, and trade knowledge .... this isn't necessarily about a 'mother superior' aspect, but about not being the typical PC that feels - unless it impacts the most specific realms of the adventure you are in - that he has no connection to the world at large. If nothing else, travel promotes community (strange dichotomy as that might be) and networking is networking, regardless of campaign world or reality-vs-fantasy.

[I am impressed you used the adjective of catholic ... not as the Catholic church, but in its oft-overlooked and unknown meaning of "universal."]

Concerning Korian, keeping him on the path and helping him focus and not to stray is the best thing you can do ... that's why you were chosen. To help him to continue to live a moral life and providing an external check-and-balance in case his animal nature overwhelms him.

From another standpoint .... have you ever seen the movie "LE PACTE DES LOUPS" ("BROTHERHOOD OF THE WOLF")? He would be a Mani to your Gregoire.

[lostsole31]

Guys, did the game die?

[PersonMan]

I don't think so.

At the moment, I'm a bit unsure of how to continue-I've never used level-sheet-things like this before, so I'm sort of waiting for someone else to demonstrate. I'm also away from the computer with the sheet on it until tomorrow, anyways...

[lostsole31]

Okay *looks at sheets*, this is a lot simpler for you than you realize, because every time you level-up you do this. All I do is add the dimension of the means by which you learn what you need, and who or what agency (teacher) you need to get with to make your advancement relevant.

Otherwise, we would be playing an online MMORPG wherein you magically boost your skill ranks and such ... which doesn't fly with me. Also, while many things might be learned "in-house" from each other (such as basic combat training, regimens to increase saving throws, etc.), there may be times that to learn what you want you are sent "out of the house." This creates RP opportunities, attaches you to persons and places, and makes you part of the campaign world instead of a strangely detached passenger.
................................................
Celiss Nightrom

Looking at the last incarnation of your sheet, you are putting 1 SP (skill pt) to Concentration, Spellcraft, and K:Religion. You have 7 SP's open after that. Where will you want them to go? You don't have to worry about "how" unless you already have an idea .... in that case, by all means let me know since it is better that you provide the idea. But even if you don't know, tell me where you want your SPs to go for level-up ... and I can fill in the rest.

The next thing I need from you ... what two 1st-level spells are you going to put into your spellbook for spells known at 2nd-level?
..................................................
Darrius Wavebreaker

Similar to the above. You are putting 1 SP towards Acrobatics, Disable Device, Perception, Stealth, Athletics, K:Arcana, and K: Religion. You have 5 more SPs to spend after that. Where are they going?

You were up in the air for your 3rd-level feat: Darkstalker vs Shape Soulmeld [Dragon Mantle]. Darkstalker is allowable, but it is such a strange feat, you would need (as the player) to find a means of learning that feat. You CANNOT be gratis-ed that feat with 'PC Glow'. Also, what is your rationale for such a feat? I mean, you have no dealings whatsoever with the creatures for which that stealth school was created. It should be something that you 'fall into' and find available to you without having actually looked for the feat itself.

Here's an idea ... you want to learn abilities that go beyond mere wharf-rat thief skills - skills that are commensurate for a man who intends to live a life of adventure. To that end, I wouldn't look at the thieves guilds, but at some organization or guild - hint, hint, hint - that is known for dealing with adventurers. Of course, seeing as you yourself mentioned checking up on that lead with that building that had the same eight-pointed star - the symbol of "The Seekers" - that will be a fine place to start for dramatic irony. :smallcool:

Otherwise, go with the soulmeld. Which may require you to do some academic study on the nature of your abilities, including talking with Quickslayer again. He may not have the answers for you, but drawing from the same source of energies, he can point you in the right direction and give you basic "jargon" that you don't even have. (Remember, you don't call yourself an "incarnate", or understand the terms "essentia", "melding", or any of the other incarnum-technical jargon. So far, your powers are simply 'mutant' in nature.)
.......................................
Wanderfar

Again ... you have 5 SPs. Where are they going?

Also, what warblade abilities for 2nd level?

One word for the majority of your non-clerical training: "Arena"

The big reason I wanted you to stop by the Shrine to Fharlanghn: clerical training. Listen, all of the priests worship Fharlanghn ... so it doesn't make sense that there would be a "mother church" concept. All the priests want to travel. It is likely that those who maintain a fixed place are one of two types: a) those who stop in for awhile and help out before they move on, and b) those too old to travel anymore. The latter types are most likely very senior ... or at least well-traveled and knowledgeable ... and perfect to learn from. It was never a standpoint of "present thyself for summary gruntwork." However, yes, as with category 1 ... that is how people get help from Fharlanghanites in town. Just as waystations and hostels, it stands to reason there is some place a person can know about to stop in for some advice on travel or perhaps a big city hostel for travellers.
.................................................

That's all, folks. It's really that simple. Of course, if you have any more questions .... just ask.

[PersonMan]

Put one addition point into: K(arcana), K(history), athletics, acrobatics, K(planes), along with one in Perception and Search-the search of the ship and the iron snakes' surprise attack have convinced Celiss to put ranks in those.

[lostsole31]

Put one addition point into: K(arcana), K(history), athletics, acrobatics, K(planes), along with one in Perception and Search-the search of the ship and the iron snakes' surprise attack have convinced Celiss to put ranks in those.
I can't seem to get to Tangled Web at all right now, but I've written this down on your sheet.

Because Search is actually part of the Perception skill now, and because you've shown a real desire to boost this, shall I assume 2 skill points in Perception vice two? If this were true, you would still have 1 SP to spend.

Also, what two 1st-level spells are you picking up for 2nd level?
................................................
EDIT: I have regained access to Tangled Web stuff.

Celiss, you are sponsored by Lady Lavinia Vanderboren for independent, advanced academy training, including special classes taught by a senior arcane caster. The lion's share of your training will come from this.

In addition, you will be given very specific training at the Arena for defensive combat training, which will be augmented by Vakrissa and Wanderfar.

Everything else is taken care of by independent focus and 'in-house' training. (In-house meaning one of the other PCs can train you.)

Please answer the above (2 spells and extra skill point), and see the E-mail I'm sending you with updated list.

EDIT-EDIT: You will have no need to spend any of Lady Lavinia's coin for you to work with ruffians at an arena. Korian, it turns out, can teach you the Dodge feat. (In fact, that is his ONLY feat beyond weapons and armor.)

[Tacitus]

X.x Had my face to face Mage game today and only recently got home, give or take. Ran waaaay late, and the storyteller had this moment (okay, 2 minutes) where he could do nothing but stare at us as we helped the big bad evil guy complete his xanatos gambit. The Magnificent Bastard that ordered the death of 3 of our cabal mates and who has been constantly rubbing our own mortality in our faces. He even lectured us on how utterly backwards we seemed to be acting. From my perspective, he is a Master (capital M) in Time, Fate, Matter, and Prime, and I fear the hell out of that and like his views on destroying the established consilium in our city. Why would I want a 4th degree master who hates the dictatorial (Tarkin-esque, really) regime and has all sorts of supernaturals under his thumb, mad at me? Let him finish his damn master plan!

And now, the Faeries have to go through the werewolves to get to the human world, because he wished for it with a wish the faeries gave him as part of an elaborate contest that they started. I even asked him if he started the games just to win them. He may have convinced the Faeries that starting the Games again was a good idea, but he didn't pick where or the participants, so... a damn near Faerie answer in itself that is almost entirely a yes in my book.

Our Adamantine Arrow Moros Powersmith charged 3 vampires and killed them all with a buttlefly knife that had like a +8 equipment bonus while they bounced off his insane armor. Before this session I'd never have thought the Matter arcana could be that disgusting.

... yeah, I'm done ranting now. XD It was an awesome session. XD Had one of the best trap rooms the storyteller has ever come up with, but I've seen it before (or, well, helped design it in a D&D setting instead of nWoD) so I couldn't add anything. >.>

Side note, uh... I have 2+Int skill points this level. I doubt I have 5 left over. I thought I was picking up a Level Adjustment this level across from Incarnate? Darkstalker was mostly from the fact that he's developing ties to darker places as in the Plane of Shadows, and as it already grants Hide in Plain Sight. (If Dark was at 2 like I recall, the following is true. If not, uh, well, no Darkstalker I guess. XD) Pretty much over the course of the next bit, after he gets used to the fact that he can pretty much disappear into shadow whether he likes it or not. Once he's accustomed to his shadowy hero powers I was hoping to start drawing on that power even more to see if I can't effectively HiPS against everything, ie, Darkstalker.

But uh, it is 3am now, and my head is a jumbled, so I might not make much sense, so theres that.

[lostsole31]

Tac ... yup, you're right. I had to remember to look at the file you sent back to me. I deleted the original so as not to get confused.

Concerning Disable Device ... you have no ties to any thieves "guild" or the like. Lady Lavinia, understanding the need for someone to be 'knowledgeable in practical mechanics for the safety of the group' has hired a gnome expert to tutor you.

I'll let you take the Darkstalker feat - based on the rationale you gave above - but only if you swap out one of your intended skills to take 1 skill rank (+3) in Knowledge: Planes.

Also, even though your chart is figured for full incarnate-rogue progression (minus LA on rogue side), you do have that note concerning a swordsage switcheroo on the rogue side. Humans don't suffer multi-classing penalties.

[PersonMan]

Arg. People complain about having too few skills, but I feel like I have too many. How about Balance? This is a port, after all, it might be good to learn to keep your footing, in case of further ship-based missions.

EDIT: Oh, yeah, and spells...

I'll get to those a bit later, I have a bit of schoolwork to do first.

[lostsole31]

Person, Balance is now part of "Acrobatics".

[PersonMan]

AGGHHHHHHHHHHH-

I mean...er.

Whatever, +1 rank in Perform(Sing).

[lostsole31]

Ahhh, yessss .... because of your time as a monk singing chants, of course.

[PersonMan]

Ahhh, yessss .... because of your time as a monk singing chants, of course.

Or she just likes to sing. Or maybe she trains her singing voice to assure a steady, strong tone during spellcasting. Or maybe I'll come up with a good reason later, and at the time I chose that because of music I was listening to and possible future in game stuff. Maybe.

(If anything, she'd be a nun.)

[lostsole31]

(If anything, she'd be a nun.)
And you'll develop a new style of martial arts, and call it .... Wing Chun.

Denomar? We have yet to hear from you ....

[Tacitus]

I'll let you take the Darkstalker feat - based on the rationale you gave above - but only if you swap out one of your intended skills to take 1 skill rank (+3) in Knowledge: Planes.

Aye, can do. I'll wait on Religion, in that case, and pick up Planes instead.


Also, even though your chart is figured for full incarnate-rogue progression (minus LA on rogue side), you do have that note concerning a swordsage switcheroo on the rogue side. Humans don't suffer multi-classing penalties.

Aye, we've discussed that since I emailed that to you. I think I settled on Rogue 8/Swordsage 10, not necessarily in that order. That side should end up R/Da/Dr/R/S/S with the next 12 levels going R/R/S/S and the last two as Swordsage. Mostly for the way Initiator Level works, honestly. Ends up with an IL of 15 at level 20 with 4d6 sneak attack, +4 to find traps with Perception, 4 rogue talents, and a bunch of other stuff I can't go look up right now. XD

I have, as of now, started writing up the start of my training montage in Word, but I won't get it done tonight and probably not tomorrow night as I've plans that will take up the majority of my evening.

[lostsole31]

It's great if you go the full twenty .... but honestly, I am just looking for the next couple levels ... which you've already more than done.

[Denomar]

Argh. I keep running into brick walls here with my motivations. I'm pretty certain I'd stay vanilla warblade/cleric straight till the end, but I'm still not sure what I'd like to do as a character. Sorry for the delay.

[lostsole31]

I only care about next level .... I mean, the campaign itself might determine your future motivations.

[Denomar]

I've an essay to finish today, then I'll see about leveling up and the logic behind my choices.

I don't really want to do this, but I need to face reality at this point. I'm trying to do to much and I'm paying for it. I'm getting ready to start a practicum as part of my studies in professional baking which means that my availability is about to sink like the Titanic.

Combine that with a healthy case of writers block and just a bit too much stress and I'm going to have to drop out of this game. Its not fair to the rest of you guys to have to wait for me a solid three weeks to even think about posting.

So, sorry. I'm not just dropping out of this game. I'm also dropping contention for another game, and limiting myself to one game that I've had a significant investment of time. I do wish you guys best of luck and I hope that the tides aren't too savage.

[lostsole31]

It's been three days since I posted IC .... and more than that since anyone else posted in OOC.

Is this game dying or not?

I'm not looking for a "Yes, I wanna game" ... I'm looking for a "Yes, I still would like to game AND here is the answer to your questions about my character."

The first option is what we call a "non-action stall."

[PersonMan]

I want to continue it, but I have no idea what to do. Apart from studying and interacting with the others, Celiss wouldn't do all that much until the mission rolled around. So I don't really have anything to post, at this point.

EDIT: Choosing spells now.

Chosen. True Strike and Shocking Grasp.

[lostsole31]

I think choosing spells is all you had to do. Again, Celiss is given noble patronage (via Lady Lavinia) to study there.

I am just curious if Darrius is going to follow up on a side thing or not.

Much of what I'm waiting for comes from Denomar.

I'll start posting either tonight or in the next few days. If he doesn't catch up, Wanderfar will be 'in training' or 'on errand' and sitting out the next portion until he catches up.

[Denomar]

Reposting since you seem to have missed it.


I don't really want to do this, but I need to face reality at this point. I'm trying to do to much and I'm paying for it. I'm getting ready to start a practicum as part of my studies in professional baking which means that my availability is about to sink like the Titanic.

Combine that with a healthy case of writers block and just a bit too much stress and I'm going to have to drop out of this game. Its not fair to the rest of you guys to have to wait for me a solid three weeks to even think about posting.

So, sorry. I'm not just dropping out of this game. I'm also dropping contention for another game, and limiting myself to one game that I've had a significant investment of time. I do wish you guys best of luck and I hope that the tides aren't too savage.

[lostsole31]

Sorry, Den, I never saw it. I viewed that post before it was edited.

Sorry, bud, and you'll be missed. But being a middle-aged, course overload, full-time college student with lots of extracurricular and practicum myself (pursuing a BFA in Acting) .... I more than understand.

Good luck in all of your endeavors, buddy.

[PersonMan]

Good luck. Hope you do well.

[lostsole31]

Soooo .... Question was posed in IC to Celiss and Darrius IC, so I will assume there's nothing on their plates. In which case I shall move forward with the game....

.... hopefully to provoke a response or some signs of life.

[PersonMan]

I thought my answer here would be sufficient.

I eagerly await story advancement.

[lostsole31]

*Wham!*

How's that for advancement? :smallbiggrin:

[PersonMan]

Good.

Also: Lazer? Awesome name for a dwarf. It's an awesome name for anyone, really.

[lostsole31]

Good.

Also: Lazer? Awesome name for a dwarf. It's an awesome name for anyone, really."Lazer" is the actual Jewish diminutive (nickname) form of the name "Eliezer". :smallcool:

[PersonMan]

"Lazer" is the actual Jewish diminutive (nickname) form of the name "Eliezer". :smallcool:

This immediately brings the term "Lazer Jews" to mind.

Also: I don't think the giant Wham from earlier was necessary. It(the story advancement) wasn't very wham-y, in my opinion.

[lostsole31]

I wasn't meaning *wham* from a plot exposition, but *wham* from a point that I was writing a pretty big post at the very time you were asking for the story to continue.

In other news, I PM'd Tac to let him know he's up.

[PersonMan]

I see.

Well, then...Until Tacitus posts, it's time for awesome thumb-twiddling ACTION!

[Tacitus]

>.> Well then. I wish I'd seen that PM earlier in the evening. >.< It'll have to wait until I've slept, I'm sorry. >.<

[lostsole31]

Re: PersonMan's OOC question IC.

Sorry, but there is no hivemind here. If you aren't sure (IC), you should ask (IC). Even in game, there might be mixed messages or poor communication. That should be solved in game, rather than hive-minded.

[PersonMan]

Although my Wisdom may be on par with Celiss', I have no doubts about my lack of a 20 Intelligence. As such, I was thinking that her massively superior intellect might allow her to understand something I don't.

Essentially, I was just checking to see if his meaning was any clearer to Ms. SuperGenius.

[lostsole31]

Fair enough, but .... her knowledge of personal interactions is what limits her in this case.

[lostsole31]

Back from spring break, and back to my books! Sorry, guys, and thank you for being patient.

[PersonMan]

Temptation to go into Full PC NPC-Murder Mode...being fought.

Interesting development. But it was inevitable-Shefton stayed, which was contrary to his word.

It's obvious that Vanthus is this guy's alias(given before birth by his secret organization that we'll spend our later levels fighting), and that his real name is probably Mark Jakhqhan. He spend his time hunting down liars and criminals. Shefton was his latest victim and now he's trapping us on the island with the vengeful ghosts of his fallen allies. Yes. (http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/InsaneTrollLogic)

[lostsole31]

I <3 TV Tropes. :smallcool:

Actually, Shefton would've been fine, if only .... he was up top and spoke out loud (but not loud enough for everyone to hear), "Yes, after this job I'm going to retire to Montana. Perhaps have a family, and a few children. Maybe have the time to ... *GACH!*"

That was his foolish, foolish end right there.

[PersonMan]

During the (of course) Wiki Walk following my opening of ITL, I've actually swung back to a thread on here. The Emerald Legion, to be precise.

[PersonMan]

Celiss wishes she prepared Magic Missile this morning.

Yeesh.

[lostsole31]

Tacitus, Correction to my post .... you actually have a surprise round action. Only you, though, since you are the first through the door and the others aren't aware (of either chamber or occupants).

You still will have initiative, though. So, feel free to take a single, surprise-round action ... and then take your full action as well. Recommend on your main action you let the others know what you see.

[PersonMan]

Forgot to roll my sneakydie.

Sneak:
[roll0]

[lostsole31]

[For above...]Stealth is one of those things, like interaction and senses, that I roll for you. Just be clear that you are attempting to be stealthy when defining your actions. You never know just how stealthy you might be, but as you are prejudiced for your own skill.

Next item .... the next morning, a faint dinging sound is heard above Darrius, Celiss, and Eliezer. :smallsmile:

[PersonMan]

1st: HATE HATE HATE DR.

2nd: Cool. I checked my sheet earlier and noticed I was just a few XP from levelling.

[lostsole31]

Yeah. Don't mess with your sheet right now .... drop it from view. Otherwise there's a chance that what I save on it while it's being viewed from an editable source doesn't save after all. I've had that problem before.

Same goes with all. I'll let you know when I'm done muckin' with your sheets.

PersonMan, I am dropping your sheet as soon as I am done here. The one thing we still never figured out ... what two 1st-level spells are penned into your book with your advancement? Be thinking about next level as well.

You get one more 1st-level spell/ day, and one more choice of a cantrip (again, used an unlimited number of times). Take a look at your Carmendine Monk SLA's. They can only be used once a day, but you already have crossover with Eliezer. I recommend that you swap out your cantrip list to get greater overall coverage. You guys 'discuss' spells .... he's a healer class so look at that spell list.

Then, once you've chosen your new spells ... set up your spell array for the next day to save time.

[Tacitus]

Hmm... in the interests of seeking out additional protection, could I call upon the awesome power of the Astral Vambraces (http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/psm/20060217a) for today?

I'm thinking of the following melds, assuming we can take an hour to shuffle.
Astral Vambraces (Arms)
Dissolving Spittle (Throat, Still with the extra capacity here)
Worg Pelt (Feet)
aaaand either Crystal Helm or Soulspark. The enigma helm doesn't interest me, the necrocarnum circlet is impossible, the diadem of purelight is counterproductive to a stealthy guy, and if I go outside of MoI I can't recall anything I'd want. Elder Spirit would be nice and all, but a serpent made of blue soulfire suddenly appearing on his head would likely scare Darrius half to death.

[lostsole31]

For now, I'm going to say no to Astral vambraces. Not because you can't get them as an incarnate, but they're something you should find with research because they are very uncommon soulmelds and nothing Quickslayer could inform you of.

Set up your soumelds on your sheet.

Celiss, set up your spells, please.

[Tacitus]

Alright, swapped out Theft Gloves and swapped in Crystal Helm and Adamant Pauldrons. DR E/Law isn't quite as good as DR 2+2E/Magic at this level, but oh well.

I once played a first level azurin incarnate with Astral Vambraces and the +1 capacity feat and some other Incarnum feat. DR 6/Magic alongside a +1 Incarnate Weapon is silly. I tanked the hell out of some goblins.

[lostsole31]

Meh. You just finished fighting DR 5/ slashing zombies as 1st-level characters, where those zombies do 1d6+3 damage. So one can argue both sides of the fence there. True, slashing weapons are much easier than magic, but I imagine it works out in the long run.

[PersonMan]

True Strike and Shocking Grasp are the spells I chose.

As an additional 1st level spell, I'll go for Magic Missile.

I just got back from my second day of internship, so I'll do the rest later.

(Although, where would I find the C-monk SLAs?)

[lostsole31]

The SLAs are listed at the top right hand side of your spells section.

[PersonMan]

Ah.

Alright, then.

Traded out Prestidigitation for Resistance. Left Light because I might need it more than once. For my new cantrip I'm choosing That's on hold until I understand what you mean. I can take a cantrip from the Healer list?

[lostsole31]

Okay, no. You don't need to take any Sor/Wiz cantrips because the ones in the PHB are all in your book (others you'd have to research). 0-Level spells have unlimited casting per day.

The reason I meant the Healer's list is so that you and Eliezer (Healer class, if you haven't figured it out by now) can have a maximum spread of spells without overlap. Since he can cast any 0-Level spell on the Healer's list, as a spontaneous caster, an unlimited time/day ... he can do the same with the light spell.

[PersonMan]

Aaaaaah, that's what you meant.

I'll choose spells prepared after dinner.

EDIT: Celiss prepares two Mage Armors, one Shield and a True Strike as her first level spells.

Cantrips are Detect Magic, Flare, Daze and Resistance.

I also changed the durations of the spells in the Armor/Shield categories.

[lostsole31]

For both of you .... remember (I think I told you) that you can retcon conversations, even though plot progression moves forward. Conversations and the like - assuming they occurred previously (during rest, at the bar, what-have-you), can be made for general RP in getting to know others of finding out simple things which do not bear on the task at hand. Depending on what those things are, I might still require them to be in-situ.

The way to retcon is to have FLASHBACK as a header for a post. If putting in the middle of the post, that's fine, but be sure to offset main body of IC from the flashback with a line of periods or asterisks above and below. Then, just put the flashback info in spoilers.

For example, assume this that I'm writing is the primary point of an IC.

Speaking of which, Korian climbs up the wall and sits on top of the ledge. He readies an action to jump down on the next enemy that passes by his position, cleaving him with his two-handed battleaxe.
...........................................
FLASHBACK"Well, since I was an orphan in the care of the Moradin chasidim," says Lazer, "the Vanderborens sponsored me since they knew my parents. That's how I got the academy training that I did."
............................................
The whole purpose of this is to allow conversations that are neither plot-pressing nor immediately relevant to the issues at hand. Still, they may provide other general information ... or just be a fun RP diversion.

[PersonMan]

So, the moment we stop fighting undead Celiss will either:

1) Roll horribly
or
2) Crit on every other hit, basically

Seriously. One damage...gah.

[Tacitus]

Huh, something just occurred to me. Why doesn't Celiss use one of Darrius's daggers? Blunt force isn't working, but daggers can either stab you or cut you up, so...

[PersonMan]

She actually has a masterwork short sword with her(it's her bonded weapon), which she'll be using as soon as she doesn't provoke an AOO for taking it out.

...Fleh. Pretty sure that doesn't hit. Still, it should be doing more damage on average than just spamming punches like I was before.

[Tacitus]

Yeah, but a short sword is a pointy weapon, not a slashy weapon.

[PersonMan]

Flerg.

What if I don't want to fight like a Roman with my sword?

[Tacitus]

That is certainly a massive pile of text, with a fair sized pile of loot stuck inside.

I suppose my biggest question is whether or not Dissolving Spittle works underwater as it is supernatural, or if the whole water thing will be negatively affecting it. Probably want to take that masterwork dagger with me in case the spit doesn't work and I need to stab something...

Essentia updated. 1 in each meld, 0 in the feat for now. Hope you were editing the sheet for other purposes. >.< I only had it open briefly.

Also, I'm going to be busy tomorrow (well, today, seeing as its almost 2am and I should have been asleep hours ago), so it'll probably be fairly late before I get back. Yay for wasted saturdays. :smallsigh:

[lostsole31]

Korian (above whom was heard a faint dinging sound, as if you couldn't figure it out from the text) will be happy to hand over the very sharp dagger for Darrius' underwater foray.

However ...

[PersonMan]

Good grief. Almost every PbP game I'm in updated while I was asleep.

This'll take a bit of time to work through...

[lostsole31]

This is why sleeping is bad for you. :smalltongue:

[PersonMan]

Wow.

I think that this is the first time Celiss has actually taken damage. Is it?

[lostsole31]

I think she might have taken damage from the rhagodessa on the Blue Nixie, but I'm not sure.

[PersonMan]

Crit confirmation: [roll0]

See? When Celiss is fighting FOR SCIENCE(or FOR MAGIC, or whatever) she does far better! These things are in the way of a more thorough investigation of Korian's sudden abilities, so they must be eliminated. Swiftly.

14(or 21) damage should do so pretty well.

[lostsole31]

See? When Celiss is fighting FOR SCIENCE(or FOR MAGIC, or whatever) she does far better! These things are in the way of a more thorough investigation of Korian's sudden abilities, so they must be eliminated. Swiftly.
I know there's a joke in there .. but I just don't get it. :smallconfused:

[PersonMan]

Sort of. Basically I find that Celiss suddenly started rolling really well after I mention that she wants to get rid of the crabs so she can study Korian.

Basically, imagine a scientist ripping through a bunch of monstrous crabs to get to something they want to study. That sort of badass/humor hybrid.

[Tacitus]

Is that like accidentally exploding the homeless because you're trying to remove the abyss from them? Some stains never come out, btw... >.> Sheesh, I'm not even going to be playing Mage for a week and a day (we alternate Mage and Vampire) and I'm already exited for the next one. XD Still totally have a year-long timeskip to write up for the storyteller...

>.> [/random] Sorry. >.< Not relevant to the game at hand, but the idea of SCIENCE! triggered some things about my Mage. XD

[PersonMan]

This is why I hate undead. Them being nearby blocks the flow of awesome into my characters.

Or something. If I keep rolling 19s I'm going to take Improved Critical for my unarmed strike at some point...

[lostsole31]

Sadly, the karmic rules of the universe are such that when you finally do get around to taking Improved Critical, you will have used up all your 19s.

[PersonMan]

That's true.

I was thinking that this game moved rather fast and realizing that it was already almost my turn again when I realized that we're just three people. I'd never really deeply thought about that before.

For some reason, my mind feels blown by this.

[lostsole31]

More to the point, only two players.

[lostsole31]

Time will be given for figuring out loot ... A couple of rows back to Parrot Island, and treasure will be recovered.

Treasure Recap
Dead Man's ring: worth 120 gp.

In the first chest, there are 7500 cp and 1500 1150 sp in all.

In the second chest, each of the 10 bags of gold contain 100 gp (1000 gp in all). The gems, all told, are worth about 250 gp.

3 potions are the same: potions of cure light wounds.
4th vial: potion of lesser restoration.
5th vial: potion of invisibility.
6th vial: potion of barkskin +3.
7th vial: potion of cure serious wounds.
8th vial: elixir of swimming.
White Birch stick: wand of mage armor, 11 charges remaining.
Elemental Earth Gem: When crushed, smashed, or broken, a Large earth elemental appears to serve the one that crushed the gem.
Lazer recommends that a share actually be given to a "party fund" - separate from "party treasury." Party treasury is what is held from loot that has yet to be distributed or shared. Party fund will be after distribution, a share of its own (as a member to itself). This will be for party purchases, which include expensive material components for spells used for the party's purposes (though spellcasters should not go crazy here). Identify spells (as the party arcane caster does not yet know that spell, come out of party funds before distribution. Luckily, Lazer knows a dwarven diviner that keeps things at a minimum cost (110 gp/ casting).

7500 cp (worth 75 gp) and 350 sp (worth 35 gp) is spent to identify the 6th vial - a potion of barkskin +3.

1100 sp (worth 110 gp) used to identify the 8th vial, which is an elixir of swimming.

RecommendationsLazer recommends the following distribution...
Lazer: elemental earth gem (a, he's a dwarf; b, he needs protection). P - lesser restoration & CSW. The two potions in his care since his medical knowledge is good for figuring out who needs it most - these items are more 'party' items than 'personal' items for this very reason.
Darrius: Potions - CLW; invisibility.
Celiss: Potions - CLW. Elixir of swimming. Wand of mage armor (11).
Korian: Potions - CLW; barkskin +3.Monetary treasure split five ways (each of you + 1 for party funds) = 275 gp/ share.

PersonMan and Tacitus, I need both of you to tell me if you have any problems with the recommended split of treasure.

[Tacitus]

Waitwaitwait, why are we using Identify on Potions when Spellcraft checks can do the same? Would it be more cost effective to have someone Spellcraft them? Or hell, can Darrius do it, or would he have tried already? He can boost his check up to +15 if he's got Mage's Spectacles and has put his Expanded feat into it for the day (obvious, it'd require a day or two of downtime).

If he can't, I'm fairly certain theres a table somewhere for Specialist services, and its waaaaay cheaper than spellcasting. Like, single digit GP costs per each.

I don't mean to sound antagonistic, but as I'm more or less the Party Rogue Resource Acquisition Specialist, I have to stay on top of these things. XD

[lostsole31]

The basic spellcraft failed. However, I don't memorize every meld there is ... so, yeah, figuring out the potions will be no problem. In which case, there is 319 gp/ share.

How are you with equipment apportionment?

BTW, Lazer is very good at Appraise (and Diplomacy). I mean, c'mon, he's a Jewish Dwarf! :smallamused:

[Tacitus]

If its a skill, you can generally assume theres an app elf meld for that. Exceptions are the strange ones like Iaijutsu Focus and Lucid Dreaming, as well as some of the knowledges, any craft, any profession except Sailor, Martial Lore, and whatnot. Without homebrew, of course. With homebrew you could justify just about anything.

Other than that, aye, the loot distribution looks fine.

[PersonMan]

I mean, c'mon, he's a Jewish Laser Holy Underwater Action Hero Dwarf! :smallamused:

Although I'm not much of a "bury others in praise" person, I think this is a more accurate description of the abilities he's displayed.

I can't wait for Hasted Flurry of Blows, though. I once made a gestalt barbarian/wizard/FB/swiftblade build that could nova for +lol damage and the like, but I could never use it. It's up there with the one that technically breaks gestalt rules and combines four systems/types of magic and used Ur-Priest for flavor.

I'm fine with the loot distribution.

[lostsole31]

All utility, though. No offense. 9 Str and no attack spells or abilities.

[PersonMan]

All utility, though. No offense. 9 Str and no attack spells or abilities.

It depends, actually. Due to meldshaping, Ur-Priest casting and binding she can rearrange her abilities each morning. The arcane slots would probably mostly be utility stuff, though.

I've never actually used her, though.

[lostsole31]

Sorry. I was referring to the Lazer Underwater Action Hero.

[PersonMan]

Ah.

Still, it seems like he's going to have some interesting stuff happening to him. Like Darrius. And Korian.

...Is anything happening to Celiss besides Swiftblade?

[lostsole31]

She's the rock, the anchor, the ... no. Unless, of course, you want me to take liberties with your character. The interesting things happening to Darrius are a part of what was planned by player, but "discovered" by character.

Now, again ..... if you give me the keys to your character kingdom. Mwu-hahahahahaha! :nale:

[PersonMan]

Ah-ha.

Well, I'd definitely like for something to happen, although I'm not quite sure about what yet.

I have an idea, though, which I'll PM you.

Also, the keys to my characters kingdom are huge and you'd probably get lost in it-what you want is the smallish shack/apartment that each one gets-I have far too many characters to have a kingdom for each one!

[lostsole31]

No, just looking to see if I have the keys to one kingdom ... Celiss'. Or, at least her two-room flat in Chelsea.

[PersonMan]

No, just looking to see if I have the keys to one kingdom ... Celiss'. Or, at least her two-room flat in Chelsea.

I don't have room for a dozen kingdoms.

You can have the key to her house, though-careful, it's in the middle of getting a new expansion built.

Obscure, hardly logical metaphors! Woohoo!

EDIT: Awesome.

EDIT 2: Pretty sure that this could be a trap, but...alright.

[lostsole31]

PersonMan: Yup, it was a trap. :redcloak:

And don't bother trying to look through real D&D books to figure out what you are. In real life, you are now in the realm of "DM created/ homebrew." In game, however, shouldn't stop you; though in truth, it is so rare that you likely will not find anything in (obviously) planar sources until you have gained many ranks in K: Planes.

I need you to be thinking about next level's skills. At next level, you will be getting 12 skills points, vice 11. Here is your combined class skill list: Acrobatics, Appraise, Bluff, Concentration, Craft, Diplomacy, Disguise, Fly, Gather Information, Intimidate, Knowledge (All), Linguistics, Perception, Profession, Sense Motive, Spellcraft, and Stealth.

Please choose 12 skill points worth of skills, and quickly, too ... you are fast approaching 3rd level and there won't be a ton of downtime for a little while. Needless to say, by giving me keys to the kingdom, your ability to advance as a monk has been left far, far behind. Life has changed, and now you have to change with it. This is the one time wherein plot requirements suborne a player's choices of (one side) character development. On the other hand, you get the chance to get what few players get ... a real, plot-driven discovery - real discovery, not dramatic irony discovery such as with Darrius - to unlock unknown abilities.

Welcome to the world of the unknown in character development mechanics, a place few PCs have gone... :smallwink:

Other things .... your skin is itching badly enough, and you flake it off constantly. You try to stop yourself, but any time your mind wandes to another task, you realize what you're doing. This happens all over your body, and it starts to get red from irritation and developing that shedding white stuff. If you ask Lazer about it, he says it is some form of advanced and sudden psoriasis, but neither he nor anyone Lavinia might contract knows what to do. Remove disease does not help. (Yuk.)

Your fingers are hurting all the time, especially at the fingertips. Most drastic, eating anything that isn't meat makes you ill. Breads, vegetables, dairy products ... they all now make you retch at the taste. If you try to force any of these non-meat products, or take them with meat but take them nonetheless, you vomit violently within a minute. Meat that isn't fresh is miserable to you, but edible. You find that you no longer prefer meat well done, but rare ... very rare.
................................................

Darrius, in the same vein of training, you have 7 skill points coming to you for next level. Where are they going?

[PersonMan]

Well, this isn't quite what I expected.

Skills:
Acrobatics +1
Appraise +1
Concentration +1
Diplomacy +1
Disguise +1
Intimidate +1
Know(Arcana) +1
Know(planes) +1
Linguistics +1 (Infernal)
Perception +1
Spellcraft +1
Stealth +1

Definitely interesting...

[lostsole31]

Linguistics: Infernal isn't needed. You still have a skill point open.

[PersonMan]

So I get it for free? Cool.

She'll take Linguistics (Celestial) then.

If not, then Perform (Sing). Because...well, why not?

[lostsole31]

PersonMan ... Gotcha, thanks. By the way ... no in-game reaction or actions? Are you going to keep this secret with Lavinia, or are you going to tell any of the party?

What about you, Tacitus? Skill points?

[Tacitus]

Hmm, the skillz...
1. Acrobatics
2. Disable Device
3. Knowledge (Arcana)
4. Knowledge (The Planes)
5. Perception
6. Spellcraft
7. Stealth

Which is actually very similar to last time. Planes instead of Religion and Spellcraft instead of Athletics.

As for feats...
Now assuming we have downtime, he's going to be looking into this crazy shadows bull****, or if no downtime then looking into it while also poking around for other purposes I suppose. He wants to figure out why exactly he can just flat out disappear in front of someone... and take advantage of it to get even better. He'll become a stalker in the dark, because he's Dark. A... Darkstalker? >.> Yeah, yeah, terrible setup, failed execution.

In addition, as I'm picking up Draconic, would there be time to Retrain the Dragontouched feat into Shape Soulmeld (Dragon Mantle), or would that have to wait until after the changes are more obvious?

[lostsole31]

Tacitus ...

A) Looks good.

B) Retraining is just fine. He doesn't necessarily know that he's dragontouched, it just helps him be a little tougher and observant. It's a just a stopping point on the way to developing his next template. Next, you wouldn't consider it "retraining" for the above reason; it's just that you seem (strange, isn't it?) to have an affinity for things draconic (for whaddever reason) and have been working towards that feat. It just will seem to come to you sooner than later.

[Tacitus]

X.x I'm sorry I haven't been able to get a post in over the last few days. I've been keeping strange hours and not many of said hours have been my own to actually keep. Its now... 8am and I haven't slept yet, so.... g'night. XD

I'll try to get a post up tonight.

[lostsole31]

Dude. S'okay. I'm in finals prep week. Last night, I had more sleep in one sitting in a week (a whole 5 hours)!!!

Next week (finals week itself) will actually likely be less stressful.

[PersonMan]

Ah.

Well, compared to that, my reason is fairly mediocre. I just can't really think of anything to do-it's a sort of natural 'long DM post' moment for me.

[lostsole31]

Sorry guys, just finished Finals week, ended the term, and moved into a new place. I've been swamped the last two weeks, which is why things were falling behind here. Thanks for your patience.

[PersonMan]

Don't sweat it-a lot of my other DMs have been moving around the same time, too. I guess moving prices are low...

And you came back at a good time-it's a nice feeling to have 15+ emails, all notifications of different PBP threads being updated...

[lostsole31]

You guys set up for melds and spells for the next day?

[PersonMan]

I'll take care of that ASAP tomorrow. Just about every other PBP I'm in has been filling my inbox with updates, so I've been fairly busy.

[Tacitus]

Aye, the probable list at the end of my last IC is what I've settled on for melds.

[lostsole31]

Aye, the probable list at the end of my last IC is what I've settled on for melds....

I'm inclined to go with Worg Pelt, Soulspark Familiar, Lightning Gauntlets, and Truthseeker Goggles, with the Capacity feat dedicated to the Familiar, which would be Bound, turning it from a Least Soulspark into a Lesser Soulspark (which makes it more bad-ass than Darrius).
Okay. Where is the Essentia located?

[Tacitus]

I've made the changes for melds and essentia on my sheet, including a quick reference stat block for the familiar.

[PersonMan]

Spells have been chosen(Mage Armor, Burning Hands, Shield and Charm Person).

[lostsole31]

Tac, please provide me with a link to Shape Soulmeld [Worg Pelt]. Long ago, I had copied the writeup for that (and for Indigo Strike) onto your character sheet, but it was removed. It could've been that we were both on your sheet at one time and it didn't save as a result (seen that a few times). However, if something shows up on your sheet and you didn't put it there, please don't remove it yourself. If you have any questions, ask me. It is likely I put things there for my own easy reference.

[Tacitus]

Hmm, I've been careful not to remove anything from the sheet, and also to not make any edits while you've been online on Giants, so I'm not sure how that might have happened, but oh well.

http://www.realmshelps.net/cgi-bin/featbox.pl?feat=Shape_Soulmeld

And awww, why does it have to be blue? The one in the book is purple, and green is suitable Chaotic. XD

Thank you for the clarifications.

[lostsole31]

Tac, that's not what I was looking for. I have Magic of Incarnum, the book. I have Magic of Incarnum, the book, on .pdf as well. What I need is the writeup for Worg Pelt on the D&D site. I tried searching for it but I can't find it.

[Tacitus]

Ah, Worg Pelt specifically. I must have misread your meaning.

So... copypasta from the PDF?

WORG PELT
Descriptors: None
Classes: Totemist
Chakra: Feet or hands (totem)
Saving Throw: None
You gather worg spirits around you to form a cloaklike garment. It strongly resembles the pelt of a worg, from the top of the beast’s head perched atop your own to forelegs extending down your arms and rear legs hanging behind you. The fur is dark and thick, and glassy red eyes smolder in its face.

Worgs are quintessential hunters—stalking predators, quick runners, and fierce combatants. Totemists who shape worg pelt soulmelds hope to emulate some or all of these qualities, and sometimes the worg’s malicious evil as well.
Your worg pelt grants you a +2 competence bonus on Hide and Move Silently checks.
Essentia: Every point of essentia that you invest in your worg pelt increases the competence bonus on Hide and Move Silently checks by 2.

Chakra Bind (Feet)
The hind legs of your worg pelt fuse into your own legs, lengthening your feet and shins while shortening your thighs, enabling you to run on your toes like a predatory animal. Your legs are totally covered in the dark gray fur of a worg.
Your base land speed increases by 5 feet, plus an additional 5 feet for every point of essentia you invest in your worg pelt.

Chakra Bind (Hands)
The forelegs of your worg pelt fuse into your own arms, adding weight and bulk to your hands. Your arms and hands are completely covered in the dark gray fur of a worg.
When you hit with a bite attack—whether it is a bite attack you naturally possess, one granted by binding this soulmeld to your totem chakra, or one granted by another soulmeld, spell, or special effect—you can attempt to trip the opponent as a free action without making a touch attack or provoking an attack of opportunity. If the attempt fails, the opponent cannot react to trip you.

Chakra Bind (Totem)
The head of your worg pelt becomes one with your own head. Your eyes begin to glow red and replace the glassy eyes of the pelt, while your lower jaw extends to join the upper muzzle of the pelt, granting you a fierce bite attack.
You gain a bite attack that deals 1d6 points of damage. You can use this bite either as a primary attack (in which case it uses your full base attack bonus and adds your Strength bonus on damage rolls) or as a secondary attack (with a –5 penalty on the attack roll and applying only half your Strength bonus on your damage roll).
Every point of essentia invested in this soulmeld grants you a +1 enhancement bonus on attack rolls and damage rolls with your bite attack

[PersonMan]

I feel like a Wizard now, instead of a buffed Monk. Although, having my first AOE spell of the game completely fail is a bit of a bad start...

[lostsole31]

Who says it failed? I mean, he could have more than 5 HD .... :nale:

[PersonMan]

5 or more HD=stunned for 1 round.

Doesn't seem like he was stunned to me...

[Tacitus]

Oh hey, electric crit.

Confirmation: [roll0]
More Shock Therapy: [roll1]

Gotta love touch attacks!

[lostsole31]

Nice crit, Tac ... and good battle.

Yeah, I know ... long post. But I want you to enjoy the story aspect as well as the actual interaction. That said, if you remember way back when, I mentioned that I wanted to do a lot of 'pushing' so as not to bog things down at these lower levels. I hope you both are still having fun!

P.S.: Last night was 'humpday' ... as you are both halfway to next level. I am E-mailing each of you your T-G sheets just to make sure that things are still as you want them. If you want to make any adjustements, please let me know. Obviously, it is too late to make any adjustments based on race ...

[Tacitus]

Alright, I've made a few comments on the T&G sheet and will be sending it back as soon as it lets me sign into my mail again.

Noted changes to Essentia and Melds on my sheet. Adamant Pauldrons (+) [2], Crystal Helm (B) [1], Lightning Gauntlets [1], Worg Pelt [0].

[lostsole31]

Tac (and Celiss) .... I know, I know. I won't be happy until your souls are mine.

Anyway, continuing with my anal-retentiveness. When I send you TG sheets, please don't make corrections and send them back to me. I then have to compare between sheets and see what has changed. It sounds minor, but it is more important than you might think. Or, keep that initiative (because you did actually do a good job, Tac), but give me a blow-by-ounce of what you changed. These little details may seem silly, but they actually have "pay no attention to the man behind the curtain" effects in-game.

Obviously, PersonMan, there is nooo way you can do that - because it's way too much work for me. The very fact that your TGS has gaps and the file ends with "player view" should tell you that you definitely need to give me a narrative. I'll adjust and re-send after 'spooking' it out again, and let me know how it is.

Next, and this is mainly for Tac .... I'm cool with you guys moving essentia or re-setting spells, especially when I ask for it. The problem with Darrius is that his abilities are so manifold and various with his melds that a change in essentia might change several things (skills, especially). But swapping out melds (I know, I asked you too, sorry) can totally change other things on a character sheet.

So, Person you are fine for now. Tac, please always be sure you let me know exactly how much essentia is moved from A to B (and former and current totals). However, when it comes to melds, either tell me what you want to switch to ... or, tell me what you had before (and how much essentia was last in it) and what you have now.

The reason for this is that it is too much for me (as a DM) to try to remember all of your character's abilities. That said, both the adrenaline of a situation (yup, even in pbp), or even the disconnected nature of pbp, is enough for players to often short-change themselves on attack bonuses, damages and damage bonuses, skills, saves, etc. And let me tell you now, nothing screws up a story and throws a brick through the window of illusion and suspension of disbelief we weave together when a player says, "You know, I went back and refigured and I noticed that I actually could have ...."

It happened before when we switched from the Parrot Island setup to this prior one, Tac, and I had to basically review your character sheet from the bottom up so I could correct out the changes I had made. Also, please remember .... owing to the fact that my middle name is Moloch and people feed me their children ... let me make those changes . If nothing else, conducting those changes is like writing your notes again - it helps me be aware of your abilities. They are probably easily remembered by you, but my updating your sheet with these constantly shifting numbers makes the Rain Man in my heart smile.

P.S.: I am sooo sorry about the bit about the worg pelt. I don't know what the hell my problem was. I remember having to look up something on the D&D Website (it was Draconic melds), and I flipped too quickly through MoI and overlooked worg pelt in the text. It was like looking for a pair of glasses that were on top of my head.

[Tacitus]

Because I use it so much, I often forget how... complex Incarnum can be. Its somewhat of a problem, and something I've noticed in regards to myself with complex systems. Most notably in part of a meta-game system for a free form RP multiverse I take part in on another forum, the virtual currency is called Energy Points. I run the system because no one else will and to me its simple as cake. Everyone else hates it and I can never see why.

>.> But I digress.

This is the first game I've played where the DM wanted more access to our sheets than just public permission, and while I rather like the idea of it, its still somewhat foreign. I consciously know you've got access, but I don't always think about it when I go in and tinker with things. The melds, especially. From this point forward I'll do my best to keep any tinkering on the sheet to an absolute minimum, and if I make changes maybe put up a sort of a changelog in the notes section or something. If I remember, anyhow. XD

[PersonMan]

Because I use it so much, I often forget how... complex Incarnum can be. Its somewhat of a problem, and something I've noticed in regards to myself with complex systems. Most notably in part of a meta-game system for a free form RP multiverse I take part in on another forum, the virtual currency is called Energy Points. I run the system because no one else will and to me its simple as cake. Everyone else hates it and I can never see why.

It took me two reads to really understand it, so I can definitely understand it being funky in play. I once planned out a character fusing Incarnum, Binding and several other classes, which would probably end up being 90% bookwork, due to spell selection, etc. It's nice to see how Incarnum works in a 'real' game.

[lostsole31]

It's good stuff, but in pbp it takes a lot more focus. At a table game, we just wrote on a little white board with dry erase markers (or on the map with wet-erase markers) of the breakdown and it was just fine.

And thanks for being understanding, Tac. Another reason for wanting to be on the front lines of everyone's characters, is that invariably there is an NPC in the group who is pretty savvy, and might be better at knowing how to implement your PC's abilities into a team than yourself ... assuming they know what you can do in the first place.

[PersonMan]

See? What did I tell you?

This'll be just like the Zombie Pirate Caverns-I'll get a staggering number of crits against "immune to crits" monsters...

[lostsole31]

See? What'd I tell you ... a hit is a hit is a hit.

[PersonMan]

Finally, something that pierces(heh heh unintentional pun) DR. And max damage.

Also, until now I was waiting for one of your big mid-combat update-posts, as you usually have one of those in situations like these.

[lostsole31]

I know most (all) of you will get this message in several posts, but I want to make sure I cover my bases.

I will be going on 'vacation' from Friday (6/10) through the end of July. I will have access to the Internet, but among long-distance travelling, spending time with my bestie in VA, attending a 3-week stage combat intensive in NC, and seeing family I haven't seen in over two decades in NC/SC, I will not be effectively 'attached' to my computer like you've enjoyed in game (or player) turnaround over the last few weeks.

If I am playing in one of your games, vice DM-ing, I'll still check things often enough to at least say, "DM, can't give response right now, please cover." I would post/not post like this because my phone makes BBC codes extremely cumbrous and I have to type very slowly and can't even cut-paste for security in case a post doesn't get through. It isn't unless I have time in the evenings that I'd be able to actually post.

Gamers in mine? Yup ... patience. And chocolate ... preferably Godiva.

[PersonMan]

Hopefully, once you return I'll be sleeping better, as recently it's been getting annoyingly difficult to not wake up tired...

Well, I hope you have fun in (NC/SC? Is that where you're going?).

[lostsole31]

Virginia (VA) first to spend a week with my best friend.

Then, Winston-Salem NC (North Carolina) for stage combat intensive.

Then, about a week between NC and SC (South Carolina) to spend time with cousins.

Then, home again, home again jiggity-jig to NM (New Mexico).

[PersonMan]

Ah. Well, that certainly sounds like fun.

[Tacitus]

Well have fun. I'm not much for chocolate these days, but I've got a fair amount of patience laying around. XD

Totally thought about making a patients joke somehow, but eh.

[lostsole31]

Well have fun. I'm not much for chocolate these days, but I've got a fair amount of patience laying around. XD

Totally thought about making a patients joke somehow, but eh.
You just told this game's godhead (yeah, that's right ... I have a god-complex; what DM doesn't?) that you don't like chocolate.

This is a grave, grave blasphemy against the sanctity of chocolate, and worthy of immediate destruction.

On the other hand, your sacrilegious disdain for the Food of Foods means that you shall not compete with me for the same divine substance.

This means that you are to be ignored, rescinding the order for your immediate destruction.

Still, I got my eye on you. Tac. I got my eye on you. :mitd:

[Tacitus]

I didn't say I didn't like chocolate, I'm just doing my best to stay away from it. I tried staying away from caffeine, but, well, that didn't work at all. So one thing at a time, I suppose.

[lostsole31]

Tacitus, PersonMan .... one of my RL friends in the military is looking for a new game. He actually has familiarity with the calendar (because he is playing in the parallel Shackled City campaign I am running). Are either of you adverse to me adding a new player? (Leave when and how to me, of course.)

[PersonMan]

Sure, sounds good to me. As long as he can keep up our normal posting rate, it should be fine.

[Tacitus]

I don't mind a new addition in the slightest.

Bleh... I am so damned sick right now...

[lostsole31]

I'll be E-mailing pictures of Rowan Kellani and her pet.

[PersonMan]

I've made similar mistakes before, but I can't help but wonder what she sounds like when she says "How would you like to work for me instead of Lavinia." It just sounds so...odd, without the question mark. I'll assume it's a typo, though, because otherwise Celiss would have a lengthy rant about how she isn't joining because of the utter grammatical failure that the woman is...

[lostsole31]

We'll let the Freudian punctuation go ... I mean, she said it more as a statement than a question. Either this means that you 'have no choice,' (do or else) or that choosing her offer is a foregone conclusion because it makes sound financial (or continued living) sense.

Tac, I'll wait for a reply from you...

[lostsole31]

Conducting rolling tests ...


[roll]3b6d6

[Tacitus]

Hmm... my IC showed up, but didn't update the subscription. Annoying.

[lostsole31]

PersonMan ... the last paragraph comes as the first action, not the last. Your arcane-bond sword is your Harry-Potter-wand. You need it out to cast spells (reliably).

[PersonMan]

Hand on the hilt works for casting, though, right? Or do I actually need to be holding it, rather than just in contact?

[srgonzo]

Hi guys, I'm a friend of Lost's from back in his Navy days. Just so you know, I'll be doing a little lurking, as I enjoy these games quite a bit.

[lostsole31]

Hand on the hilt works for casting, though, right? Or do I actually need to be holding it, rather than just in contact?
No less than a wand to use it ... yes, you must be holding it. Even though rings and things can be 'worn', "wearing" the sword doesn't work.

[PersonMan]

No less than a wand to use it ... yes, you must be holding it. Even though rings and things can be 'worn', "wearing" the sword doesn't work.

Well, there goes my amazingly awesome idea for a sword-headband.

Alright, then, I'll remember that.

[lostsole31]

Well, there goes my amazingly awesome idea for a sword-headband.* Palm slap to forehead *

BTW, posting is going to be terrible. I get up for school at 7 am, and we finish classes at 9 pm. This is for the next three weeks, inclusive of this one. So, after a day of pure physical punishment, I am in shellshock and not as like to have my head fully there. I will post when I can.

[PersonMan]

* Palm slap to forehead *

Yeah, that's one of the reasons why I was thinking that it wouldn't work anyways...


BTW, posting is going to be terrible. I get up for school at 7 am, and we finish classes at 9 pm. This is for the next three weeks, inclusive of this one. So, after a day of pure physical punishment, I am in shellshock and not as like to have my head fully there. I will post when I can.

Ah. The closest I've come is 7 AM to 4 PM, although I woke up at 5.30, so...

Sounds pretty rough, though. I'd rather wait for a while than have posts like:

'rown attks wit sord [roll0]

iz hit. iz [roll1] dmg.

you see she iz not good swordperson.

celiss iz up.'

EDIT: Also, to add to my new IC post:

"Aside from 'awesome', that is."

[lostsole31]

DM's purposes ....
[roll0]
[roll1]
[roll2]
[roll3]
[roll4]
[roll5]

[PersonMan]

DM's purposes ....
[roll0]
[roll1]
[roll2]
[roll3]
[roll4]
[roll5]

You know, my first response was "OSHI-BLAAARG", followed by "why can I not stop thinking that he's rolling stats for something?".

[lostsole31]

I'm sure I have no idea what you mean.

[PersonMan]

Due to a...slight error during my post, I'll be rerolling one of my attacks here.

[roll0]

[PersonMan]

Although I'd rather not double-post, I don't want to start a side conversation in the IC and think this is fairly important.

Loststole, are you familiar with GoogleDocs? I've found that using its spreadsheets allows for(after a quick set-up period for resizing the cells) easily made maps, which could avoid situations like these.

[lostsole31]

I am using googledocs in two other battles ... well, one just ended. A fight like this - I know it doesn't seem this way to you - doesn't merit the time spent futzing with it given my limited schedule.

WALL Celiss .............Korian ............. Rowyn .... WALL

WALL Gut Tugger/ .... Vakrissa ........ (where Celiss was) WALL
..........Darrius

WALL ...WALL ........... Lazer ............. WALL ... WALL

Exit

[PersonMan]

Odd. For me, it's seemed rather useful-I set up one map, copy it a few times and just clear out colors whenever I need to use one for something else, so I have one map for a game, rather than one fight.

[lostsole31]

True comment you made about a 'wasted 20', however, that gives you Aid +3, vice just a +2.

[PersonMan]

True comment you made about a 'wasted 20', however, that gives you Aid +3, vice just a +2.

Well, at least there's some additional benefit...

I'll probably keep AAing, mainly because 1)Korian's damage output seems higher than mine and 2)the moment I attack, I'll be getting max damage and a bunch of terrible attack rolls.

[srgonzo]

Wow, it sure would have been nice NOT to roll a natural 1. :smallfurious:

[PersonMan]

and Ka'Xet and the bizarre humanoid with the strange 'fake' sword of light

I'm wondering: why'd you cross this out? Quickslayer said "Ka'Xet" and then this guy came in-it'd be reasonable to assume that his name is Ka'Xet, right?


Gut Tugger goes limp as Quickslayer drops him. Quickslayer takes a 50-foot step into the area where Vakrissa lies (bounded at diagonals by the new humanoid and Korian).

Also: omghax.

:smalltongue:

[lostsole31]

I'm wondering: why'd you cross this out? Quickslayer said "Ka'Xet" and then this guy came in-it'd be reasonable to assume that his name is Ka'Xet, right?:smalltongue:
Ummmmmm ...... uhhhhh ... the noise of battle kept you from catching his name right, especially since it is so exotic? I mean, that does happen to me all the time, and I'm always messing up new names. You have that problem, too, right?

Right?

Right?!

Anybody! Can I get an "Amen" on this?!?

:smallsigh: Players are so damn demanding. :smalltongue:

[PersonMan]

Do I have to roll for a coup de grace?

Not to hit, just damage.

[lostsole31]

There is a faint dinging sound above the heads of Celiss, Darrius, and Lazer! :miko::roy::durkon:

You don't enjoy the benefits of levelling up until a night's rest, though. (And as before, I adjust the sheets.)

I'll get to what you find in searching the room and back room later today. I've had a long week and I need to sleep now.

EDIT: With the denouement, a faint dinging sound is also heard above Korian's and Ka'Xet's head as well. :mitd::belkar:
..........................................

PersonMan:
* We never defined what two 2nd-level spells you learned. Please let me know as soon as you can.
* Take a very careful look over your sheet ... including spells/ powers. Except from the obvious (scales = NA, claws, you can see in the dark = darkvision), everything else about you is a mystery even to yourself. This means that your languages - the ones that weren't there before, will surprise you should you ever find the need to read or communicate as such. I want every other first-time use RP'd as 'mutant manifestation' other than "I use my such-and-such because it was on my sheet, I've read the PHB description, and my character now is as good and knowledgeable about it on the first 'accidental' use as a veteran D&D player."
* Also, even though mage armor supercedes it, notice Ring of the Telgakaar under "Armor". Please note that the armor bonus is NOT force armor. The only special thing it stops that armor of equivalent value would not is brilliant energy weapons, not touch attacks. It just comes down to whether or not you want to use a spell on mage armor, or on something else.
****You are allowed to reduce it to +1 armor bonus, and the other +1 can be put towards a magic property (of +1 value) useable by armor (but not shields). For example, it could be used for light fortification, balance, silent moves, etc. As you grow in level, you will be able to 'reformat' it, but only on a level-by-level basis, not each day or anything like that.
.............................................

Tacitus

You never defined your 3rd-level feat, so I'm going to help you .... you lose your Frail flaw. Shape Soulmeld [Dragon Mantle] replaced Dragontouched when you got the draconic template.

[Tacitus]

Huh, I had thought I'd specified something or another for the third level feat. >.> Oh well, that works well enough.

Also, @[email protected] Wall-o-text. My eyes are far too ****ed up to read all of that right now. >.< I'll try to get back into the swing after my face to face game tomorrow, though I might just get home and collapse. >.<

[PersonMan]

I'll be doing...all of that. Soon.

4 hours of exercise=too tired for higher thought, for now.

[lostsole31]

Tac, Person ... please address the above when you can.
......................................

srgonzo, here is the info I need from you regarding Ka'Xet before we go further, regarding levelling up. He now has 9 more skill points to spend. Where are they going? Mental Focus is a no-brainer (or very much the brain, but I digress...), leaving you 8 skill points to spend (no more than 3 ranks in any skill.
You get a feat for reaching 3rd level ... where's it going?
You get two more 1st-level powers as a Nomad. What are they, to be chosen either from Psychoportive-specific or general Psion?

[srgonzo]

Tac, Person ... please address the above when you can.
......................................

srgonzo, here is the info I need from you regarding Ka'Xet before we go further, regarding levelling up. He now has 9 more skill points to spend. Where are they going? Mental Focus is a no-brainer (or very much the brain, but I digress...), leaving you 8 skill points to spend (no more than 3 ranks in any skill.
You get a feat for reaching 3rd level ... where's it going?
You get two more 1st-level powers as a Nomad. What are they, to be chosen either from Psychoportive-specific or general Psion?

Acrobatics: 1
Athletics: 1
K: Geography: 1
K: Dungeoneering: 1
K: Nature: 1
K: Psionics: 1
Psicraft: 1
Perception: 1

Feat: Psionic Weapon
Powers: Float, Catfall

[PersonMan]

You mention that Celiss' eyes are inverted-does this mean they're black with an amber ring near the center, or...?

Also: I like where this is going.

Additionally, I'll start doing my level up stuff.

Alright, new spells are Blur and Bull's Strength. Since I'll probably be using Mage Armor a lot, I'll reduce the Ring of T. bonus to +1. I'll look for a good property to get.

...Well, it looks like L. Fortification is the only one I can use, so I'll get it.

[lostsole31]

Hey, gang ... sorry I haven't been much of a poster, but I was gearing for finals which were yesterday. I am now going on travel, and I won't have very good connectivity for about a week until I get back to Santa Fe.

[srgonzo]

*Sigh* Rusty traveling sucks. Yeah, I know real life gets in the way, but things have finally slowed down on this deployment to where I can actually pay better attention to the game, and well, nobody's responded to anything. There's even a gaming group on the ship, but I wasn't invited, and I worked too many hours to be able to game with them anyway.

[PersonMan]

Maybe your timing's better than you originally thought-lostsole should be getting back to Santa Fe around now.