Lost Lands: Grimmsgate OOC

[Ghostfoot]

LOST LANDS – GRIMMSGATE

https://c0.iggcdn.com/indiegogo-media-prod-cld/image/upload/c_fill,w_695,g_auto,q_auto,dpr_0.9,f_auto,h_460/skgo9kixyajfysjuhfjq

Deep in the wooded wilderness, the village of Grimmsgate is an outpost town on a seldom-traveled trail, right at the edge of nowhere. The village’s half-ruined temple of Law, dilapidated inn, drunken blacksmith, exiled trader and a few fur-trappers are enough to keep the bloody-minded denizens of the dark forest at bay, but nobody really expects the village to still be there in another ten years. The woods have become too dangerous for the trappers who once caught animals for fur, and merchants no longer travel the poorly- maintained road.

What great evil and what fabulous treasures are to be found in these lands? A brave band of adventurers might make their fortunes here. Or perhaps they might never return . . .

1. What game system are you running (D&D, Call of Cthulu, Palladium, GURPS, etc.), and if applicable what edition (Original, Classic, Revised, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 5th, 10th, etc.)?

Pathfinder 1E

2. What 'type' or variant of game will it be (i.e. "Shadow Chasers" or "Agents of Psi" for d20 Modern)? What is the setting for the game (eg. historic period, published or homebrewed campaign setting, alternate reality, modern world, etc.)?

"Grimmsgate", a stand-alone adventure in the "Lost Lands" campaign setting by Frog God Games. The intention is to eventually segue into the “Cults of the Sundered Kingdom” series of adventures but it’s all a bit sandboxy, so who knows where we’ll end up going.


3. How many Players are you looking for? Will you be taking alternates, and if so, how many?

6 (I have 2-3 Players, looking for 3-4 more)

4. What's the gaming medium (OOTS, chat, e-mail etc.)?

Here - GitP forums.

Posting rate will be relatively gentle, say 1 or 2 posts a week. Sometimes I will have more time to post, frequently I will be occupied for a week or two with life.

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

Level 1 (0 xp). Slow experience track.

6. How much gold or other starting funds will the characters begin with?

Average per class as per Core Rules.

Local technology in starting region is classed as "Medieval" so most items except firearms are available.

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?

All official Paizo classes are allowed, except for Core Summoner.
All Unchained classes are allowed.

No homebrew.

No Spheres, no Path of War. Other third party content by request (must be on PFSRD).

Of special note is a new Cavalier Order presented on Borderlands Provinces. Message me if you want mechanics:
Cavaliers who join the Order of the Swan dedicate themselves to protecting civilized folk from the chaos and depredations presented by the barbarous horrors of the wild. In many ways the Order of the Swan is similar to the Order of the Shield (see Pathfinder Roleplaying Game Advanced Player’s Guide), but whereas the Order of the Shield protects the common folk of the land from marauders and hungry monsters, the Order of the Swan from its initial founding among the dark forests of Yolbiac Vale, extends its shield of protection to all of civilization against the predators of the wild and horrors of the night that would feast upon it. Rather than serve as guardians among the folk they protect, cavaliers of the order routinely journey into the depths of the wild to find the creatures they hunt in their lairs to confront and slay them there.

Many of the knights are paladins, although the majority are cavaliers. A few rangers are also attached to the Order, but those not of the knightly class are not full members. The Order of the Swan is not attached to any particular religious denomination with paladins representing several different holy faiths, although they are universally of lawful good alignment.

Edicts: The cavalier must stand as shield against the beasts (human and creature alike) that would bring death and ruin to civilized folk. He must patrol the edges of the wild and actively seek out these threats in their own lairs before they can threaten civilized lands. He must avoid engaging in conflict with civilized authorities whenever possible except to preserve the life of the innocent, even if those authorities are tyrannical or incompetent — even the worst of those in positions in power are better than the lawless violence of the wilds. Cavaliers of the Order of the Swan must be of lawful good alignment.

8. What races, subraces, species, etc. are allowed for your game? Will you allow homebrewed races or species? 'Prestige' races or species?

Core races preferred https://www.d20pfsrd.com/races/core-races.

Non-core races from SRD and new races from World of the Lost Lands Pathfinder Addendum are allowed as a minority in the party.

No homebrew. Third party content by request (must be on PFSRD).

9. By what method should Players generate their attributes/ability scores and Hit Points?

3d6 (in order, no altering, reroll if net bonuses are 0 or less), or
PF 15 point buy.
Roll below in this thread & then choose which result you prefer.

Max hp for 1st level. Half max + 0.5 (rounded up) thereafter.

10. Does your game use alignment? What are your restrictions, if so?

Standard alignment rules, but you have to be broadly capable of working together. Non-evil preferred.

11. Do you allow multi-classing, or have any particular rules in regards to it?

Standard rules. You may use variant multi-classing (https://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/character-advancement/#Variant_Multiclassing) for your character (VMC) if you wish.

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?

All die rolls on the GitPs forums - either in the OOC forum or in spoilers in the IC forum please. I will roll initiative, saves and certain skill checks for you. Basically anything reactive I will roll in order to speed play up. You can do all of the proactive rolls for your character.

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.

2 traits allowed
1 drawback (+ 3rd trait) allowed
I reserve the right to veto any wackiness.

Background skills (https://www.d20pfsrd.com/skills/background-skills/) are in effect.

Other optional rules considered on request.

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)?

A basic background is required. Nothing too extensive.

The game will start in the city of Troye, the capital city of the Duchy of the Rampart on the eastern border of the stagnating Kingdom of Foere.

A map of the area can be found here (https://www.worldanvil.com/w/the-lost-lands/c/southeastern-akados-category) (starting city of Troye is to the NW)

15. Does your game involve a lot of hack & slash, puzzle solving, roleplaying, or a combination of the above?

Hack & slash, RP, heroism, bravado!

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?

The following sources are approved:

Any PF1e publication from Frog God Games or Necromancer Games
d20pfsrd.com (http://www.d20pfsrd.com) Paizo content
Michael Mars (https://www.drivethrurpg.com/browse/pub/18364/Michael-Mars) published content

Other sources by request.

A couple of Player's Guide are available for purchase here (https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/176546/Cults-of-the-Sundered-Kingdoms-Players-Guide?term=cult+of+sundered+kingdoms) and here (https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/176134/Borderland-Provinces-Players-Guide) but are not required reading. These Guides contain only fluff no “crunch”. I'll provide info on anything relevant.

The Duchy of the Rampart is a stable and well-guarded realm, with a strong sense of chivalry and feudal obligations. However, a certain decay is setting in, and strange things lurk in the shadows. The creeping advance of dark and dangerous matters is subtle and isolated here, but very much present. The people of the duchy know in the backs of their minds that the Rampart is declining, but they do not understand why, or how to counter the process.

The high granite walls of Troye are resplendent with banners, and lines of colorful shields are affixed to the battlements, representing the various noble houses of the Duchy of the Rampart. Great towers stand at intervals above the walls, some crowned with trebuchets and ballistae, others with high, pointed roofs. Over it all rises the vast citadel of the Duke, greatest and most formidable structure in a city designed for war.

Troye is the capital city of the Duchy of the Rampart, founded in the Hyperborean era. The city is a major destination city for caravans, whose merchants sell their cargos here to buy goods from faraway places for the return journey. Merchants planning on making the whole trek from the western Kingdom of Foere into the independent eastern provinces and back (most likely to Manas, but sometimes to Endhome) stop here to enjoy one last taste of city comforts before heading off into the wild.

This great metropolis at the far reaches of the Kingdoms of Foere offers a vast array of interesting sights, sounds, cultures, clothes, music, merriment, purchases, people, and pickpockets. It is wise to keep one hand on the belt pouch when walking through crowds in Troye. Tourist attractions include the University of Subtleties, the Great Stone Rabbit in Lapin Square, the smoke-snorting iron bull atop the temple of Mithras, the great Marchantal market, the dried remains of the six tall thieves (at the Citadel’s Gate), and the Court of Thespians.

In any of the city’s hundred small markets, mostly temporary affairs blocking crossroads, one can find herb-crusted breads, baskets of the dark purple, dream-inducing apples grown in the Yolbiac Vale, puppets, trained cats, dwarf-crafted trinkets, colorful surcoats, stolen items available for quick sale, clay idols painted with symbols, and all manner of merchandise culled from traveling merchants of the world.

Shells are a particularly popular item of jewelry, a curiosity in a city so far from the sea, and are often seen adorning wealthy merchants and nobles when they ride through the city’s narrow streets.
You have decided to travel into the independent Borderland Provinces to the village of Grimmsgate, ~400 miles distant (~a month or so by horse), seeking adventure.

1. The characters have been charged by the priests of Thyr to discover what has become of an old Elder Temple near Grimmsgate.
2. The characters are hired by a nearby baron to see if a small group of adventurers can do a better job of discovering and rooting out the evil in the area than a (already failed) military approach using knights and men-at-arms.
3. A relative or friend has been deeded one of the abandoned houses in Grimmsgate, and the PC is traveling to the village to check it out. The contact might have won the house in a card game, inherited it, or bought it cheaply from someone who left the village due to the growing sense of hopelessness and defeat there.
4. Other. If you have another preferred motivation it should work as long as it involves you "seeking adventure". Ask if you're not sure.

The Borderlands Provinces sourcebook contains tables to generate random names in keeping with the theme. I'd call it fantasy faux-French for the Kingdom of Foere and most Provinces that used to be part of the Kingdom, and fantasy faux-British for other Provinces. If you're stuck for choice feel free to use the following for inspiration in the local area:
Pierlou Fintz
Cleomarc Redmont
Martin Meratz
Suarvier Vidal
Cluvien Surlenetz
Jacques Tarsentier
Guilcamon Perroket
Raielh Bonfilh
Toussaint Talacar
Juliac Carnelot

Peyrovanne Fintz
Clespia Redmont
Marcabrine Meratz
Seleia Vidal
Daania Surlenetz
Jenivere Tarsentier
Guilcamet Perroket
Polbassine Bonfilh
Toussaintine Talacar
Julienne Carnelot


Common religions of the City of Troye:

Sefagreth, God of Commerce, Trade, and Cities
Vanitthu, God of the Steadfast Guard
Archeillus, God of Rightful Rule; Protector of the Nobility
Mithras, God of War, Battles, and Soldiers
Vergrimm Earthsblood, Dwarven God of Miners
Mick O’Delving, God of Halflings
Thyr (declining), God of Law and Justice
Mitra (rising), God of Law, Justice, and the Sun
Darach-Albith, High God of the Elves
Jamboor, God of Knowledge, Magic, and Death
Muir, Goddess of Virtue and Paladins
Solanus (declining), Goddess of the Sun and Healing
Quell, God of the Sea


An extensive list of the religions of the setting can be found here (https://www.worldanvil.com/w/the-lost-lands/c/the-religions-category). I think this is 5e content – I have PF domains etc available as needed, just ask.
Common languages of the City of Troye:

Common,
Gasquen (traditionalist court tongue of Old Foere),
Dwarven,
Halfling,
Elven,
Gnome,
Orc,
High Boros (archaic and all-but-dead language of ancient Hyperborea)




Party roster



Player
Character
Alignment
Race
Class


Cephor
Riaghan Meadowbrook (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2374369)
NG
Undine (https://www.d20pfsrd.com/races/other-races/featured-races/arg-undine/)
Sorcerer (https://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/core-classes/sorcerer/) (Seaborn (https://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/core-classes/sorcerer/archetypes/paizo-sorcerer-archetypes/wildblooded/mutated-bloodlines-paizo/seaborn/))


DrK
Elethielle (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2369882)
LG
Half-Elf (https://www.d20pfsrd.com/races/core-races/half-elf/)
Unchained Summoner (https://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/unchained-classes/summoner-unchained) (Wild Caller (https://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/base-classes/summoner/archetypes/paizo-summoner-archetypes/wild-caller-summoner-archetype))/ VMC Druid (https://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/character-advancement/#Variant_Multiclassing)


DarkOne7141981
Philemon Cooper (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2372091)
NG
Human (https://www.d20pfsrd.com/races/core-races/human/)
Ranger (https://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/core-classes/ranger/) (Skirmisher (https://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/core-classes/ranger/archetypes/paizo-ranger-archetypes/skirmisher)/Guide (https://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/core-classes/ranger/archetypes/paizo-ranger-archetypes/guide))


Farmerbink
Artaith Forgeheart (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2372054)
NG
Hill Dwarf (https://www.d20pfsrd.com/races/core-races/dwarf/)
Warpriest (https://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/hybrid-classes/warpriest/) (Shieldbearer (https://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/hybrid-classes/warpriest/archetypes/paizo-warpriest-archetypes/shieldbearer-warpriest-archetype/)) of Yngret Yellow Hair


RCgothic
Eponine Caron (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2373650)
LG
Human (https://www.d20pfsrd.com/races/core-races/human/)
Paladin (https://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/core-classes/paladin/) of Archeillus



NPCs speak in blue.



Player
Character
Alignment
Race
Class


Mark_Elderfire
Felix Millaud (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2371516)
TN
Human (https://www.d20pfsrd.com/races/core-races/human/)
Unchained Rogue (https://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/unchained-classes/rogue-unchained/)


Ancient
Macelan Roarke (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2373309)
LG
Human (https://www.d20pfsrd.com/races/core-races/human/)
Inquisitor (https://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/base-classes/inquisitor/) of Mitra

[Ghostfoot]

Dramatis Personae


Lucius Palejohn: Caravan Master. Hired the party as guards for the trip from Troye to Mirquinoc
Perault Vane, Gillaina Fenberry, Guraldo Silvercoin, Hugh Featherstock, Louis Ambrose: Merchants in the caravan of Lucius Palejohn
Vaeleus "The Veiled Mistress": An elven sorceress with an allergy to clothing and a pet snake. On a quest for ancient powerful relics.

[Ghostfoot]

placeholder 2

[Ghostfoot]

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[DrK]

So I'll see what dice god's offer...
Str [roll0]
Dex [roll1]
Con [roll2]
Int [roll3]
Wis [roll4]
Cha [roll5]

Edit: As I suspected a 15pb is attractive. I think I'll look at lady of the lake Fey related half-elf summoner if thats okay? More Fey enchantress than summoning beast. WIP (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2369882)is here

[RCgothic]

Thanks for selecting me! Subscribed!

I don't generally do coloured speech as I usually post from a mobile and it's one more awkward [code] tag, but I'll choose something if that's the preference.

[DarkOne-Rob]

Glad to be here and playing with all you great people. Philemon Cooper will speak in brown.

@Ghostfoot, what do you need from us to finalize our PCs and get the IC thread started? I know I mentioned the possibility/hope that Phil would be a resident of Grimmsgate - do you want to coordinate this?

Thanks for selecting me!

[DrK]

Hey Folks. I'm looking forward to the world of Frog God Games

[Mark_Elderfire]

Hello everyone! Very excited for this game :) I suppose I'll stick with Goldenrod, it's what my other characters are using.

[Farmerbink]

Hey there, folks! Also, oh my! 7 players! You're ambitious, Ghostfoot! XD

Artaith Forgeheart will speak in plum, because I'll probably get it wrong otherwise. Looking forward to getting the metaphorical ball rolling!

Copypaste background info:
Artaith Forgeheart (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2372054)

Artaith was born under auspicious circumstances, the 4th child, 2nd daughter of a wealthy merchant. Her father always traveled a lot, so she quickly developed an understanding that the woman of the house was the foundation on which it stood. It has served her well so far.

She was... never a bright child. She struggled to learn even the simplest of crafts, and only barely learned her letters to any reasonable degree of ability. Books will never be easy for her, but she can manage- with time and effort. Even needlework, mending, cooking, and generally tending the house proved to be challenging tasks for the young woman, to her constant shame.

However, she was always capable when it came to simple tasks requiring more muscle than brains. She was always quick to help brace the wagon while the carpenter drove the last nail, or load the cart with good when her father was starting another journey. She was eager and pleased to be helpful, so she began to search out opportunities in which she could excel. One such opportunity was serving as guard for her village.

It was more honorary than practical, as nighttime violence had long since dwindled to the occasional ruffian or pickpocket, and a handful of armed guards was always enough to quell any such foolishness, but Artaith took to the work and training with undisguised fervor. She quickly set herself apart, but never quite lost her spark for the domestic.

One evening, she was stationed (again, out of custom rather than need) to watch over a local religious envoy. She listened and watched, as guardsmen are supposed to, and heard tales of a goddess with blonde flowing hair who watches over the Dwarves with an iron resolve. Dedicated and capable, Yngret Yellow-Hair protects the weak and comforts the hurting. Before she knew it, Artaith had a calling.

With her parents blessing, a few days later she left home to join the envoy at her home parish. She took what she knew about discipline and dedication and applied it to her training within the church. Other than the sacred texts, over which she pores with great fervor but perpetually lacking ability, she found that the training was easy. She could fight, she could call down blessings of her Goddess, and above all, she could protect those who needed it. It would have been perfect, if she could have just kept her mouth shut a few more times than not.

Instead, she criticized her superiors for lacking the sternness to be that solid bedrock, that foundation on which all things could rely. She was quite sure of herself, and perhaps just foolish enough to press when she should have submitted. As a result, when the priests of Thyr sought adventurers, the matron was quick to volunteer "young" Artaith.

Only a few moons into her fourth decade, Artaith is confident that Yngret Yellow-Hair has called her to greater things. Though she knows she's essentially being sent into political exile, she knows just as well that she carries blessings and hope into the darkness. Through her faith, she plans to root out any evils that leave the populace trembling. Through her strength, she plans to vanquish it.
https://cdnb.artstation.com/p/assets/images/images/020/179/067/medium/lily-abdullina-feb.jpg?1566729507Artaith has almost blonde hair, with a smattering of strawberry in the mix. She's got faintly ruddy skin, giving her the air of someone perpetually embarrassed. Wide set, muscular shoulders give away her strength and she moves with the confidence of someone trained in combat.

She nearly always scowls at least a little, either out of distrust or confusion is anyone's guess.
Artaith is actually a nice woman, though she's often tough to get to know. She's a bit of a firebrand, to her superiors everlasting dismay, but she's got a protective streak a mile wide, and considers it her divine calling to be motherly to everyone she can.

[Ghostfoot]

Hey there, folks! Also, oh my! 7 players! You're ambitious, Ghostfoot! XD

Hi all!

Yeah I figured that, with the best will in the world, someone always has to drop.

[Cephor]

Hey all!

I'll be posting my sheet and thumbnail/avatar update tomorrow sometime and finishing my backstory and other details over the weekend (Mon or Tue at latest in case something comes up). Despite having the more peculiar race of the bunch, I don't plan to snowflake this guy anymore beyond that. Doing some extra homework on fitting into the setting to try and soft land the concept. Thankfully, a lot of coastal areas to work with. :)

[Ancient]

Hello all, Macelon will be speaking in a Bloody Red

[RCgothic]

Hello everyone! Very excited for this game :) I suppose I'll stick with Goldenrod, it's what my other characters are using.

Hey Mark, while we're waiting is there anything we can do to align Felix and Eponine's backstories?

As both rich/noble kids of Troye there's a good chance they know each other. We could increase the connection by maybe bumping some of the relatives into the same age range to be close friends? Maybe if Felix's cousin were older? I've also had in mind that Eponine had multiple sisters, one of whom (I'm going to call here Cordelia, lol) could be 23.

If we do both then they'd be firmly in each other's social circles.

[Mark_Elderfire]

Hey Mark, while we're waiting is there anything we can do to align Felix and Eponine's backstories?

As both rich/noble kids of Troye there's a good chance they know each other. We could increase the connection by maybe bumping some of the relatives into the same age range to be close friends? Maybe if Felix's cousin were older? I've also had in mind that Eponine had multiple sisters, one of whom (I'm going to call here Cordelia, lol) could be 23.

If we do both then they'd be firmly in each other's social circles.

Yeah I think we can definitely do that! I guess i don't have a problem making Antonio older (I was kinda making him a fake twin brother even if he's his cousin lol) But with a younger sister would work really well. Our family's would sure know each other lol mine would give out loans to people who more than likely tried purchasing from yours.
Perhaps you even met him while he was out collecting debts and you were patrolling the city (as a paladin, even a noble one, I can only assume you patrol the city from time to time.)

[RCgothic]

Yeah I think we can definitely do that! I guess i don't have a problem making Antonio older (I was kinda making him a fake twin brother even if he's his cousin lol) But with a younger sister would work really well. Our family's would sure know each other lol mine would give out loans to people who more than likely tried purchasing from yours.
Perhaps you even met him while he was out collecting debts and you were patrolling the city (as a paladin, even a noble one, I can only assume you patrol the city from time to time.)

Passing acquaintance isn't that interesting RP-wise. I'm thinking they'd be at least friends, and they've known each other a while. Maybe Eponine dated Antonio for a bit as a teenager. And then her younger sister (not named Cordelia, I've got that as an entry in another game now and it would be confusing) Manon was in Felix's class at school. And it was a fairly exclusive school for noble and rich kids, so the class wasn't big. Now that they're older the age gap is less significant, and they actually friends in their own right, rather than just friends of friends.

I don't really see Eponine as the patrolling type though. Paladin isn't really a job description, it's more of a style for her.

[Farmerbink]

I'm also quite interested in developing character ties with Artaith. Further, I'm not super tied to any particular location, and could easily amend "serve as guard for her village" for "Troye" and leave the rest of her background intact- so long as it makes sense for her to have lived there. She might have interacted with Felix a handful of times, on or off-duty.

Alternatively, if there's any working relationship between the followers of Archelius and any of the Dwarven dieties, it's plausible that Artaith and Eponine may have worked together, or at least know of each other through professional channels.

I know it's absolutely barebones connections, but maybe better than nothing? As the only Dwarf among Humans (mostly), Artaith is bound to stick out at least a little.

[DarkOne-Rob]

Well, assuming that Ghostfoot is alright with Phil being the guy who comes to town to get help, I don't think he will have connections to everyone, but it couldn't hurt for him to know someone. Who makes the most sense for him to know from a previous interaction and go to to help collect people to help Grimmsgate?

[Ghostfoot]

Just taking me a couple days to get my thoughts together for the first IC post. All sorted now I just gotta find time to get the post done.

I am vey happy to be running this game. Lost Lands and Frog God now definitely my favourite setting/ content shop. I hope that this is the first of many (well, second anyway, thanks Northlands Saga) set in this world. Classics such as Rappan Athuk, Slumbering Tsar need to be run by Ghostfoot!

I'll do a quick check of characters when I get a moment. Of initial note:


DrK, Cephor, Ancient: can you check your point buy (15) please (I'm checking vs the Mythweavers calc)?
RCgothic: yes fine for Eponine's family to have assets 'out there'. Be aware that Grimmsgate is NOT in Duchy of the Rampart it is out in the independent Gaelon River Valley area of the Borderland Provinces.


Also a heads up that a lot of this FGG stuff is based on OSR thinking. So cast your mind back to Keep on the Borderlands etc, or whatever your anchor point is. This is not an AP with a bunch of similar-CR-level encounters. It is linked adventures and much more sandboxy to play in, and erratic in terms of difficulty. Bad stuff is out there and you can stumble across it.

Now, I have an idea of where I'd like this game to go. But I also have 100+ adventures set in the campaign world. So if you go off-piste that is fine with me. We will be driven by what drives you.

[DrK]

Corrected, sorry had done 20pb in error.

I agree with you, the FGG setting seems really well developed. More I read the more I like it.

[RCgothic]

RCgothic: yes fine for Eponine's family to have assets 'out there'. Be aware that Grimmsgate is NOT in Duchy of the Rampart it is out in the independent Gaelon River Valley area of the Borderland Provinces.


I've added an "and nearby regions" that should cover that. :smallredface:

The point that we may not encounter level-appropriate situations is well-noted! We can run away if we have to!

[DarkOne-Rob]

Also a heads up that a lot of this FGG stuff is based on OSR thinking. So cast your mind back to Keep on the Borderlands etc, or whatever your anchor point is. This is not an AP with a bunch of similar-CR-level encounters. It is linked adventures and much more sandboxy to play in, and erratic in terms of difficulty. Bad stuff is out there and you can stumble across it.
Noted. Do you want to introduce a mechanic to help us as players understand what our PCs might perceive about the relative threats of encounters? Something like a check of some kind to help identify the CR of a given enemy or encounter? Knowledge check DCs do this indirectly, but do you want to set this as a Perception check, or Sense Motive, or something like that?

If not, no biggie, but if that sounds like something you want to establish I know I will have Phil use it often to try and demonstrate his natural concerns and instincts for danger.

Thanks!

[Cephor]

DrK, Cephor, Ancient: can you check your point buy (15) please (I'm checking vs the Mythweavers calc)?



Oops! You are correct. I took another stab at it and I think we're correct now. Important to run those numbers before racial bonsues.

With that change, I'll have only one other bonus language. I'm all finned-ears to what I should take here to help fill any gaps. I'll be checking out your all's backstories one more time to find a possible connection as well. So you all know, my origin will start me in Southwestern Libynos, then effectively becoming a wanderer. So I'm happy to join up with one or two of you as a traveling companion if it works.

Riaghan will speak in teal.

Finally, how the heck does one change their forum avatar? The one to the left here is for a campaign I was in years ago. I've looked all over the settings and found nothing.

[RCgothic]

Finally, how the heck does one change their forum avatar? The one to the left here is for a campaign I was in years ago. I've looked all over the settings and found nothing.

Forum actions > General Settings

Scroll down to miscellaneous settings.

Avatar, Order of the Stick Avatar, and Custom Avatar URL are the bottom three settings.

[Farmerbink]

Noted. Do you want to introduce a mechanic to help us as players understand what our PCs might perceive about the relative threats of encounters? Something like a check of some kind to help identify the CR of a given enemy or encounter? Knowledge check DCs do this indirectly, but do you want to set this as a Perception check, or Sense Motive, or something like that?

I was going to ask this question as well. I, as a player, very much like the idea you've presented, but also recognize that more traditional role-playing games frankly do a piss poor job of it. With an understood underlying "things you encounter are of reasonable challenge difficulty," it's easy to get into a frame of mind to punch first and ask questions later.

I'm.... a bit concerned, actually, about how to confirm our characters ability to assess relative danger, indeed whether or not they are able to do so reliably, and then translate that into player knowledge. I'm not exactly going to say that I built Artaith expecting the other (which may already be player error), but I did (obviously) build her with the expectation that someone else was going to cover basically all the skills. If knowledge skills are the direction we go with this need, she's going to be sorely incapable. Alternatively, if some sort of intuitive sense is more at play (sense motive/perception?), she may at least develop some competence along the way.

[RCgothic]

DrK, your character picture is getting a little bit squished on your sheet - it's a slightly wider format that mythweavers accepts natively. Here's a cropped and rescaled version that should work better:


https://i.ibb.co/Qvxp9j5/Elethielle.jpg
https://i.ibb.co/Qvxp9j5/Elethielle.jpg

I can't really think of a prior connection between Eponine and anyone other than Felix. I don't think they'd really move in the same circles without some prior reason for their meeting.

[DrK]

DrK, your character picture is getting a little bit squished on your sheet - it's a slightly wider format that mythweavers accepts natively. Here's a cropped and rescaled version that should work better:


https://i.ibb.co/Qvxp9j5/Elethielle.jpg
https://i.ibb.co/Qvxp9j5/Elethielle.jpg

I can't really think of a prior connection between Eponine and anyone other than Felix. I don't think they'd really move in the same circles without some prior reason for their meeting.

Oh thanks. Much appreciated.
If you're looking for a link then if Eponine has been travelling "doing" good she may well have met Ethenielle who does much the same and float in and out of the lower echelons of court as a of druid type figure.

Also, did you at one point host old Vindicare assassin Avatar picture? I thibk you did once kindly and then after a coupke of years it stopped working. Probably time for me to get an avatar back!

[RCgothic]

Oh thanks. Much appreciated.
If you're looking for a link then if Eponine has been travelling "doing" good she may well have met Ethenielle who does much the same and float in and out of the lower echelons of court as a of druid type figure.

Also, did you at one point host old Vindicare assassin Avatar picture? I thibk you did once kindly and then after a coupke of years it stopped working. Probably time for me to get an avatar back!

This quest is really the start of Eponine's do-gooding. Up until now she's very "silly caucasian rich kid likes to play with swords". But if Elethielle has made appearances at court she'd have definitely been interesting enough for Eponine to take an interest.

Took me a little bit of digging through OOC threads, but I found a link that still worked. I've downloaded it and re-uploaded to IMGBB. Take your pick!
https://i.ibb.co/fXydCrf/NIdPL.png
https://i.ibb.co/fXydCrf/NIdPL.png

http://sk.uploads.im/t/NIdPL.png
http://sk.uploads.im/t/NIdPL.png

Edit: And here's a version in 120x120 in case you prefer.
https://i.ibb.co/bHvPNXH/NIdPLsq.png
https://i.ibb.co/bHvPNXH/NIdPLsq.png

[Cephor]

Thanks RC! You saved me pulling more hair out.

Below is finally my character folio, open for tweaking as needed. I'm still trying to decide on my bonus language, so open to suggestions there. Props to HeroForge's creator web app for my mini design.


Riaghan Meadowbrook

https://aqualith.media/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Riaghan-Grimmsgate-450x536-1.jpg

Description
Before you draped in mage's attire, a stalwart, confident male humanoid with pale blue skin. If the hood attached to his mantle is down, you will see fish-like fins in the place of ears. Usually held in one hand is a nicked and travelworn quarterstaff. Worn on his back is a pack strapped down and loaded with the accoutrements you would expect for such a journeyman.
Personality
Calm, collected, and not easily provoked, Riaghan prefers to think and process before taking definitive action if he can help it. This could lead to being too analytical and meticulous. But, he does try to lend a helping hand despite his shortcomings. To unwind and rest after a day's activity, he will often be found pouring over a personal tome on hydromancy or journaling about where his travels have taken him.

While he is proud of his upbringing and does not shy away from his ancestry, he's well aware that sometimes his presence could draw unwanted attention and does not see a problem shrouding his features with a hood; its comfort from the other elements in traveling has seen to that in actuality.
Background
Riaghan Meadowbrook was born into a small unmarked village of undine in Southern Libynos near what is known as the Delta. There he dwelt with his family as part of a mages guild comprising of various ancestries and species with a particular focus on water elemental magic, or hydromancy, as its members commonly refer to it. A lifetime of study of this magic drawing it's power from the Plane of Water has lead Riaghan to focus his abilities inherent in his own marid ancestry. He understands the restorative and destructive force that is water can never fully be understood in a single lifetime.

A desire for travel and researching the relationship to water in the world around him set his feet on the path he is on today. Now that he is of age, he has spent the last few years observing the landscapes and meeting the peoples of the world around him. Journeys are not without cost, and Riaghan's personal stores dried up with one gold left to spare upon his arrival to the city of Troye.

To make ends meet for the next part of his journey (wherever that takes him!), he's taken to checking out the job boards and keeping a finned-ear out for town criers requesting helps. Looks like one has just turned up, and with a party of other individuals no doubt.

Character Sheet (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2374369)

[DrK]

This quest is really the start of Eponine's do-gooding. Up until now she's very "silly caucasian rich kid likes to play with swords". But if Elethielle has made appearances at court she'd have definitely been interesting enough for Eponine to take an interest.

Took me a little bit of digging through OOC threads, but I found a link that still worked. I've downloaded it and re-uploaded to IMGBB. Take your pick!
https://i.ibb.co/fXydCrf/NIdPL.png
https://i.ibb.co/fXydCrf/NIdPL.png

http://sk.uploads.im/t/NIdPL.png
http://sk.uploads.im/t/NIdPL.png

Edit: And here's a version in 120x120 in case you prefer.
https://i.ibb.co/bHvPNXH/NIdPLsq.png
https://i.ibb.co/bHvPNXH/NIdPLsq.png


Thank you. You're internet Fu is much stronger than mine!

[Cephor]

I went with Gasquen as my additional language as it looked like only one other party member had it thus far. If anyone petitions I should spend it another way, I'm genuinely open to hearing it!

[RCgothic]

Thank you. You're internet Fu is much stronger than mine!

Glad you like it! I just went through all seven OOC threads seaching for "avatar" until I found a post that said thank you for it, and it was only a small amount of browsing from there! I'm not entirely happy with how that last one has turned out on certain high-contrast screens, so here's a slightly better version with the edges blended a bit better:

https://i.ibb.co/6sD3rYx/NIdPLsq.jpg
https://i.ibb.co/6sD3rYx/NIdPLsq.jpg

[Ancient]

DrK, Cephor, Ancient: can you check your point buy (15) please (I'm checking vs the Mythweavers calc)?


Original array was:
Strength: 16 (10 pts) ((+2 Racial for 18))
Dexterity: 9 (-1 pts)
Constitution: 13 (3 pts)
Intelligence: 10 (0 pts)
Wisdom: 15 (7pts)
Charisma: 7 (-4 pts)
10+7+3=20 - 4 -1 = 15 pts

[Ghostfoot]

Constitution: 13 (3 pts)

Cool thanks - I thought you might be 1 point short as your sheet has Con 12 not Con 13? Don't want to to be short-changed at the outset!

[Ghostfoot]

I'm.... a bit concerned, actually, about how to confirm our characters ability to assess relative danger, indeed whether or not they are able to do so reliably, and then translate that into player knowledge. I'm not exactly going to say that I built Artaith expecting the other (which may already be player error), but I did (obviously) build her with the expectation that someone else was going to cover basically all the skills. If knowledge skills are the direction we go with this need, she's going to be sorely incapable. Alternatively, if some sort of intuitive sense is more at play (sense motive/perception?), she may at least develop some competence along the way.

Good question - I haven't really thought about that. I shall ponder. I guess in the 'old days' you'd send your hirelings in first and see how many got wiped on round 1.

As a related point, interesting to note your smartest party member is the rogue on 14 Int. If it wasn't for Felix you'd have a net party Int mod of +0. Good luck with that! :smallwink:

[DarkOne-Rob]

Good question - I haven't really thought about that. I shall ponder. I guess in the 'old days' you'd send your hirelings in first and see how many got wiped on round 1.

As a related point, interesting to note your smartest party member is the rogue on 14 Int. If it wasn't for Felix you'd have a net party Int mod of +0. Good luck with that! :smallwink:
No way that could go wrong!

[Cephor]

Common languages of the City of Troye:

High Boros (archaic and all-but-dead language of ancient Hyperborea)



Now I'm considering swapping Gasquen with High Boros. It seems plausible given my bookishness. Kinda forgot about that one. I think I'll grab it and then regret the change later :P

[RCgothic]

Well there aren't many attribute points going spare at 15pt buy, and other than wizards there isn't really anyone who needs INT for class features or saves! It's actually a wonder INT wasn't dumped harder!

[DrK]

Good question - I haven't really thought about that. I shall ponder. I guess in the 'old days' you'd send your hirelings in first and see how many got wiped on round 1.

As a related point, interesting to note your smartest party member is the rogue on 14 Int. If it wasn't for Felix you'd have a net party Int mod of +0. Good luck with that! :smallwink:

THat average Int is why we all thought it was a good idea to head to Grimmsgate :smallsmile:

[Farmerbink]

Good question - I haven't really thought about that. I shall ponder. I guess in the 'old days' you'd send your hirelings in first and see how many got wiped on round 1. :

THat average Int is why we all thought it was a good idea to head to Grimmsgate :smallsmile:

1: laugh
2: *gulp*
3: ????
4: profit
:smallcool:

[Ghostfoot]

THat average Int is why we all thought it was a good idea to head to Grimmsgate :smallsmile:

Also ‘Career choice = Adventurer’

[Farmerbink]

In my defense, I wrote Artaith's backstory so it's more like political exile.

She's just trying to maintain a good face.

[Mark_Elderfire]

Passing acquaintance isn't that interesting RP-wise. I'm thinking they'd be at least friends, and they've known each other a while. Maybe Eponine dated Antonio for a bit as a teenager. And then her younger sister (not named Cordelia, I've got that as an entry in another game now and it would be confusing) Manon was in Felix's class at school. And it was a fairly exclusive school for noble and rich kids, so the class wasn't big. Now that they're older the age gap is less significant, and they actually friends in their own right, rather than just friends of friends.

I don't really see Eponine as the patrolling type though. Paladin isn't really a job description, it's more of a style for her.

hahaha you're so right, my imagination just wasn't flowing enough lol Yeah I definitely like that idea. That way we definitely know much more about the other rather than just going in blindly with strangers XD



Good question - I haven't really thought about that. I shall ponder. I guess in the 'old days' you'd send your hirelings in first and see how many got wiped on round 1.

As a related point, interesting to note your smartest party member is the rogue on 14 Int. If it wasn't for Felix you'd have a net party Int mod of +0. Good luck with that! :smallwink:

HA! Definitely no pressure on his weak shoulders at all! XD This will definitely be interesting.

[Ghostfoot]

Hoping to have the IC thread ready for you all tomorrow. Sorry for the delay I got caught up taking the background info and making it accessible/ appropriate for you.

[RCgothic]

Looking forward to getting started.:smallsmile:

[DrK]

Bring on the adventure!

[DarkOne-Rob]

/cheer! Bring it on!

[Farmerbink]

I'm sure I speak for all of us when I say that we're happy to provide any help we can. I'm excited to take Artaith out for a spin!

[Cephor]

Let's do this!

[Ghostfoot]

And, we're up!

IC is here (https://forums.giantitp.com/showthread.php?625366-Lost-Lands-Grimmsgate-IC).

[Farmerbink]

Woohoo!

And more characters. XD

edit: AAaaaaand the toddler's awake. I'll post later :smallsigh:

[RCgothic]

Subscribed! I'll read tonight and try and post tomorrow.:smallsmile:

[DarkOne-Rob]

I'm planning a post with the generic idea that Philemon came to town to find adventurers to help his town survive. Nothing concrete, cause Ghostfoot hasn't shared anything with me for that purpose (if you want to have Philemon know anything, I am game - if not no biggie).

[Ghostfoot]

Just added a couple of extra snippets of info for DrK & Farmerbink re: druids & dwarves.

I'll add all of this info into the OOC for reference, too.


I'm planning a post with the generic idea that Philemon came to town to find adventurers to help his town survive. Nothing concrete, cause Ghostfoot hasn't shared anything with me for that purpose (if you want to have Philemon know anything, I am game - if not no biggie).

Cool, that's fine for Philemon to be from Grimmsgate. It's a fair distance away, but perfectly conceivable that he's been wandering looking for assistance but given it's such a backwater nobody has been interested.

I'll provide a little extra info shortly to represent Phil's knowledge as a 'local'.

[DarkOne-Rob]

Cool, that's fine for Philemon to be from Grimmsgate. It's a fair distance away, but perfectly conceivable that he's been wandering looking for assistance but given it's such a backwater nobody has been interested.

I'll provide a little extra info shortly to represent Phil's knowledge as a 'local'.
Sounds good! Thanks!

[Cephor]

Ghostfoot, Thanks for getting this started. I'm excited!

Question before I post tomorrow: assuming we were told at this point, how much can we expect the caravan master to charge for us for the service? Is he paying those who choose to guard? As Riaghan's arrival in Troye has him low on coin, it'd be on his mind.

[Ghostfoot]

Ghostfoot, Thanks for getting this started. I'm excited!

Question before I post tomorrow: assuming we were told at this point, how much can we expect the caravan master to charge for us for the service? Is he paying those who choose to guard? As Riaghan's arrival in Troye has him low on coin, it'd be on his mind.

Let's say that net pay for guards is 1gp per day (2gp gross less food & lodging costs of ~1gp per day).

Cost for passage (ie not hired guards) will be 6gp each to Mirquinoc, plus food & lodging costs. You get to ride on a wagon :smallsmile:.

By wagon/ caravan the trip to Mirquinoc will take ~3 weeks.

[Mark_Elderfire]

Sweet :) I shall read through the IC here shortly.

[Ghostfoot]

Looks like we’re keen on a caravan solution. I’ll get that posted up tomorrow.

[DarkOne-Rob]

Is everyone alright? I had trouble keeping up all week, but now I'm done and trying to politely poke at every game and ensure it isn't waiting on me. I hope everyone is well!

[RCgothic]

All good. Ready to depart with the caravan. :smallcool:

[Ghostfoot]

It’s with me to kick us off again. Sorry, last week got busy at work and it rolled into my weekend too.

[Ghostfoot]

Sorry for the wall of text! Figured it was best to just get on with things.

[Cephor]

Awesome! I might try to fill in some journal-like entries to help myself to get to know my character during the montage leading up to this caravan of wizardry we're encountering. Glad to see our group size was enough show of force :)

[Ghostfoot]

Yeah definitely. Backfilling some interactions etc is to be encouraged :-)

[Cephor]

Ugh. Today was a wash. Will post tomorrow when I have more energy.

[Cephor]

Annnnd yesterday just wasn't it for me either. But my post is up. Thanks for your patience. :)

[Ghostfoot]

Annnnd yesterday just wasn't it for me either. But my post is up. Thanks for your patience. :)

Happens to me all the time :-/

Working on an IC post now.

[RCgothic]

I'm getting 55gp and 280lbs supplies for 30 days' travel (a little contingency). Eponine can just afford that, and can carry just 120lbs of it.

A mule would cost 39.5gp for its own supplies and can carry an additional 142lb (not hugely useful).

If we forage for water the weight comes right down, but Eponine's not going to be keen on that idea. Limiting to a week's water is 32gp and 96lbs. Eponine could (grumbliningly) carry that much herself, but not everyone is as strong. A mule's cost comes down to 16.5gp and could carry an extra 326lbs, enough for 3 characters.

So I propose 30 days' rations (inclusive of a few bits to liven up trail reasons) and a week's worth of water as sufficient contingency.

[Ghostfoot]

Oh, for completeness I should have highlighted that there is another town (Old Lawson Town) 2.5 weeks through your 3 week journey. Doesn't really change the math of rations materially, but still.

[Farmerbink]

In-and-out of character, I plan to have Artaith provide whatever water we need by magical means (https://www.d20pfsrd.com/magic/all-spells/c/create-water). We still need to have containers for it to be practically usable, but there's no reason to stress overmuch about that.

[Ghostfoot]

Hooray for orisons getting used!

[DrK]

I'm getting 55gp and 280lbs supplies for 30 days' travel (a little contingency). Eponine can just afford that, and can carry just 120lbs of it.

A mule would cost 39.5gp for its own supplies and can carry an additional 142lb (not hugely useful).

If we forage for water the weight comes right down, but Eponine's not going to be keen on that idea. Limiting to a week's water is 32gp and 96lbs. Eponine could (grumbliningly) carry that much herself, but not everyone is as strong. A mule's cost comes down to 16.5gp and could carry an extra 326lbs, enough for 3 characters.

So I propose 30 days' rations (inclusive of a few bits to liven up trail reasons) and a week's worth of water as sufficient contingency.

I'd be fine with that. Elethiell currently has 21gp to her name so not sure what she's owe for her share of that

[Cephor]

Hey all,

How're things going? Seems posts are a bit stale thus far. Arguably, not a whole of action is happening yet, but it's been awhile since the last post. Any idea if our rogue and inquisitor are still planning to join us?

[Farmerbink]

I wouldn't expect it, to be honest. Ghostfoot is a fabulous writer, but a lot of folks on these boards can't or won't handle a game that doesn't move at a certain pace or higher.

Personally, I'd rather get invested in the characters and quality of writing (and it so happens that this lull has coincided with a truly hideous season in my life, so the pace hasn't been an issue for me at all), but I'm not really surprised that we've already lost a few.

I'm looking forward to seeing the party (of however many remain- looks like at least 4?) head north into the wilds, but I can be patient until Ghostfoot has the time to devote to it.

[Ghostfoot]

Yeah my capacity waxes & wanes depending on work and family...tending to the busy side over Mar/ Apr.

We started with a big party as we always lose a few over first 6 weeks or so. I'm ever hopeful that people will pop up again (& they're welcome to) but you guys will be more than fine with 5.

Good news is I'm on holiday now. Will try to get us to the action over the next few days.

[Cephor]

Sounds good. And my schedule has been insane too, so personally glad it hasn't been break neck speed. I too am looking forward to seeing this story play out. Slow burns tend to have great payoffs for me :)

[DarkOne-Rob]

I like how Phil and Artaith are sort of polar opposites regarding their attitudes. It makes for some nice contrast.

[RCgothic]

How many charges:

[roll0]
[roll1]
[roll2]

Two was enough.

[Farmerbink]

How many charges:

[roll0]
[roll1]
[roll2]

Two was enough.

This is for Savage Tides, no? XD

[RCgothic]

:smalleek:

Um, yes. Oops.

[Ghostfoot]

Alright team, we are officially arrived in Grimmsgate. Game on! :smallsmile:

I'll see if I can upload some clearer maps later, when I get another moment.

[Cephor]

Will catch up tomorrow. Hard to find time in from off my computer on the weekends.

[Cephor]

Finally got a chance to post! Looking forward to this. Thanks again, Ghostfoot.

[Ghostfoot]

Apologies for delays. Last week was extremely busy at work and this week only marginally better.

I'll try to fit a quick update in when I can.

[Cephor]

Made a slight change from my post yesterday, realizing I mentioned preparing spells yet I'm playing a spontaneous caster. Whoops! But at least it's now fixed.

[RCgothic]

Eponine is totally getting a circumstance penalty to diplomacy, isn't she?:smallredface: #stophelping

[Farmerbink]

So is Artaith.

Unfortunately, Artaith's circumstance is "she's a jerk." And the penalty is permanent. XD

[RCgothic]

I forgot it's a valorous lance, so it should have an extra X1 damage when used on a charge.

[roll0]

[Ghostfoot]

Does Philemon recognize anyone? Can I get a rough idea of who he knows, and maybe have their names in the DM posts? Once we are really adventuring and everyone knows the significant NPCs it won't be a big deal, but I wrote Phil to try and make these introductions easier, since presumably Philemon and the NPCs would at least know each other somewhat vaguely. He's a bit of a loner and and outdoorsman, so they're probably not close friends, but he would at least know faces in a tiny village like this, right?

Yeah, sure. That's fair.

Given his low Cha, lack of social skills and no Knowledge Local I'll keep it pretty brief:

He recognises this guy, Pantro Panga, the local merchant. He will have bought stuff off him before as there is nowhere else to buy stuff (other than from the blacksmith). The guy is quite self-focused and doesn't recognise Phil (he never did).

The other faces he recognises, the guard (name?) and the two elderly farmers Yorbin & Melly Trake.

He knows there is an unreliable, drunken, blacksmith and that there is an old priest in the temple he's not had much to do with (0 Know Religion). The innkeeper (Ralmar Prath) and his family are friendly and run a welcoming tavern for the village folk.

The rest of the village are mostly farmers and trappers.

[DarkOne-Rob]

Would Philemon know the best person to meet to get us moving towards saving Grimmsgate? The Priest? Ralmar Prath? Is there a town-leader?

And shall I just name the previously-unnamed guard?

[Ghostfoot]

Would Philemon know the best person to meet to get us moving towards saving Grimmsgate? The Priest? Ralmar Prath? Is there a town-leader?

And shall I just name the previously-unnamed guard?

Grimmsgate is a small village of trappers & farmers. There is no real 'town leader' per se. The innkeeper Ralmar Prath is probably as good a start as anywhere, as the tavern is the only real coming-together place that the village has.

The relationship with The Priest probably depends a bit on your background. Grimmsgate is not a particularly devout place (at present) so unless you have any strong religious ties I was kinda thinking you'd view The Priest as 'that old loner guy that hangs in the ruined church'. But if you want there to have been a background connection we can build one easily enough. Up to you.

The guard we shall name "Giles".

[DarkOne-Rob]

I may have Philemon develop a relationship with Giles after this encounter - it might be fun.

Philemon is religious, but not knowledgeable. No previous relationship with the Priest makes sense.

[DarkOne-Rob]

So, I am Active Duty US Navy, currently on "shore duty," but will be going underway for about a month starting mid-June. I will be back, but won't have consistent access to forums or Discord (or any at all) until mid-July. Until I leave I will keep posting, but if/when I drop off it isn't forever. Please BOT Philemon as necessary.

I will remind everyone of this a day or two before I leave - just wanted to put it out there for planning purposes and so that no one was surprised.

Thanks!

[Ghostfoot]

Cool thanks for the heads up

Hope it goes well

[Ghostfoot]

So I'll assume that you spend the evening here at the inn and head out tomorrow morning towards the last known location of the missing farmers.

I'll aim to post that tomorrow - let me know if you'd prefer to do something else prior.

[Farmerbink]

That sounds good to me

[DrK]

So I'll assume that you spend the evening here at the inn and head out tomorrow morning towards the last known location of the missing farmers.

I'll aim to post that tomorrow - let me know if you'd prefer to do something else prior.

Sounds good to Elethielle

[Ghostfoot]

Sorry got caught up with a few things over the last few days. Will be on to this shortly.

[Ghostfoot]

fyi you're currently at spot X on the map:

https://i.ibb.co/2h89rPd/Grimmsgate-Environs-2.png

1 square = 1/2 a mile
Travel speed (@ base 20ft) = 2 miles per hour

You have currently used 1/2 hour of your 8 hour day.

[DarkOne-Rob]

Thank you for the map! What is the square? Can we get a legend for everything we see?

[Ghostfoot]

Thank you for the map! What is the square? Can we get a legend for everything we see?

Sheesh you don't ask for much ;-)

The square is Grimmsgate village.

The rest hopefully pretty self-explanatory for now - trail, forest, fields/ open ground.

You arrived at the village on the trail leading south.

[DarkOne-Rob]

:smallbiggrin:

Thank you - I figured all that, but it's always good to confirm.

[Ghostfoot]

Apologies for delay....life happened (as usual).

[Farmerbink]

Is the rest of the party clear to post? I'm starting to think Ellie hasn't been paying attention.

[RCgothic]

Maybe poke DrK on Discord

[Farmerbink]

Maybe poke DrK on Discord

Lol, I think I noticed it was him a few days ago, but didn't have time. I'm reached out to him. We'll see :smallsmile:

[Ghostfoot]

Maybe poke DrK on Discord

Done just now :-)

[DrK]

apologies, did the classic "read and not repky" and then forgot. Updated now, I released the eidolon

[Ghostfoot]

Hi team

I feel this game is going a little slow compared to my (typically meandering) pace, not helped by having to home school the last two weeks as my country locked down. But also there's been some good roleplay in there so I've been entertained.

I do promise we're going to get to some more action reasonably soon, if you want to that is.

So a question, which you may answer if you choose to. Would you prefer I:


Speed it up, get to the good stuff
As you are, we'll get there in good time
WTF are you doing? Fix this game by doing this:*********.

[Farmerbink]

I'm content with a gentle 1 or solidly happy with 2.

I learned a long time ago that PBP is a marathon. You've got time to re-read posts and get your head back in the game, but if you're looking for fast-paced play, this medium will always let you down.

That said, I've also considered putting together a sort of hybrid game play method- I actually prefer PBP for role-play and out-of-combat action. I'd really like to find a way to coordinate maybe 1 or 2 a week, 30-minute zoom sessions or something for combat purposes and "session zero" discussions, but if I could get that schedule to work, I'd probably have a face-to-face game somewhere.

[DarkOne-Rob]

I have had a really trying couple of weeks, so wasn't feeling too bad about the delay in this case. Usually I try to post nightly in games I play. I'd be able to keep that up here, but agree that it's more important that the game keeps going and no one quits (or anyone who leaves is replaced effectively).

If I had to choose from the options, I'd say a little bit of #1 but mostly #2.

[RCgothic]

1 or 2. Not going anywhere. :smile:

[Cephor]

2 fits me fine. I've got plenty other short term PFS games starting up soon as part of Gameday X, so as long as not ALL of them are firing on all cylinders each day while I manage a business and/or contracts, I'm happy as a clam. Should you not hear from me after an inordinate amount of time and it's indeed my turn in initiative or the like, don't hesitate to hit me up on Discord or the like.

[DrK]

You know me Ghostfoot, happy to potter along. In for the long run same as the other ones. PbP games always wax and wane during the years

[Ghostfoot]

Good, we’re all on the same page. The journey is the adventure :-)

[Ghostfoot]

I’ll do a Take 10 for now. Take 20 will take a bit (a lot) longer depending how much you want to search.

[DarkOne-Rob]

@Ghostfoot - you waiting on anything? I was hoping for a response to Philemon's continued efforts to track...

[Ghostfoot]

@Ghostfoot - you waiting on anything? I was hoping for a response to Philemon's continued efforts to track...

It's with me I think.

I spent the last few days catching up on work in my 'spare time'. With that out of the way, I will aim to update tonight.

[DrK]

It's with me I think.

I spent the last few days catching up on work in my 'spare time'. With that out of the way, I will aim to update tonight.

That sounds much like my spare time sadly

[Cephor]

Will be playing my turn either late tonight or tomorrow morning.

[DarkOne-Rob]

I assume since several of us are in melee that Philemon is close enough to go to town with his sword. If this is a bad assumption, please let me know and I will correct it.

[Ghostfoot]

I assume since several of us are in melee that Philemon is close enough to go to town with his sword. If this is a bad assumption, please let me know and I will correct it.

Yeah that's cool. They're 40ft to one side and 60ft to the other, so a charge double move should reach either. Although is his speed 30ft or 20ft? I guess with that attack roll it doesn't really matter too much :-/

[Farmerbink]

Yeah that's cool. They're 40ft to one side and 60ft to the other, so a charge double move should reach either. Although is his speed 30ft or 20ft? I guess with that attack roll it doesn't really matter too much :-/

lol. He'll roll well...

Someday.


maybe.

[Cephor]

The dice roller is not playing nice here. Not sure why I can't roll correctly. Doing nothing different than the last two rounds. Thoughts?

I even just tried it here in OOC and it fails.

[Farmerbink]

The only thing that comes to mind is be sure you don't preview the posts. It breaks the formatting, for some reason.

[Cephor]

Yeah, I was sure not to do that. Totally befuddled, but ghostfoot clarified for me I didn't even have to roll for concentration in that instance anyway.

[DarkOne-Rob]

Did Philemon's "20" miss? Or was his target already dead? Could he have 5-ft stepped to reach the next and hit?

[Ghostfoot]

Did Philemon's "20" miss? Or was his target already dead? Could he have 5-ft stepped to reach the next and hit?

Philemon hit & dispatched his opponent with that 20.

The only remaining opponent is now 20ft away from him, hiding behind a tree with a bow.

[RCgothic]

When we get to 2nd level Eponine will get much better at this sort of emergency healing. :smallredface:

[DrK]

Sorry for the delays, I've reached my holidays so can catch up on all things forum related

[Ghostfoot]

Sorry for the delays, I've reached my holidays so can catch up on all things forum related

I am jealous...couple more days for me

[RCgothic]

Squish? I'm thinking squish. :thog:

[Farmerbink]

I just want to mention that I'm keeping track still. :smallsigh:

[Ghostfoot]

Squish? I'm thinking squish. :thog:

Very nearly...I didn't create a map, which is not helpful, but because he's behind the tree you miss out on the +2 charge. Meaning you miss by 1.

But the good news is the eidolon has a flank on him & will put him down. Updating now.


I just want to mention that I'm keeping track still. :smallsigh:

Ah, the thrills of being first level :-/

[Ghostfoot]

Do you folk want a Discord channel set up for this game?

You're all on Discord, I'm going to try to set one up later today for easier chit-chat.

[Ghostfoot]

Do you folk want a Discord channel set up for this game?

You're all on Discord, I'm going to try to set one up later today for easier chit-chat.

All set up (thanks Farmerbink).

Cephor, I've sent you an invite to the server.

[RCgothic]

I think natural healing occurs at 2hp/day plus 1 in the subsequent 8h, so Artaith should be able to recover by herself if we just wait a little.

We have the skills to forage, we're right by a river for water, so a little camping while we wait shouldn't be too onerous. I don't think going back to the village will accelerate her healing, we'd just be retracing our route.

[Ghostfoot]

Also:


Stable: A character who was dying but who has stopped losing hit points each round and still has negative hit points is stable. The character is no longer dying, but is still unconscious. If the character has become stable because of aid from another character (such as a Heal check or magical healing), then the character no longer loses hit points. The character can make a DC 10 Constitution check each hour to become conscious and disabled (even though his hit points are still negative). The character takes a penalty on this roll equal to his negative hit point total.

So assuming you Take 20 on Heal to help Artaith, eventually she will recover consciousness and can then cast healing on herself to get back into positive hp.

[Ghostfoot]

DC13 Con check (1d20+2)[8]
DC13 Con check (1d20+2)[6]
DC13 Con check (1d20+2)[8]
DC13 Con check (1d20+2)[21]

=> Artaith conscious after 4 hours

no wandering monsters :smallbiggrin:

[Farmerbink]

because 1 HP is only just barely better than dead, we'll use the other spell too. [roll0]

[DarkOne-Rob]

Up to you if you want to investigate the sound, otherwise we'll fast-forward to morning wake-up.
I am 100% onboard with either leaving it alone or checking it out, but I do beg that any investigation happen after waking up at least one or two of the other PCs. Philemon doesn't prepare spells, so I think he's the least likely to be upset (mechanically) should that be your decision, DrK.

[RCgothic]

I'm good either way, but it's on Elethielle. :smallsmile:

[Ghostfoot]

Ogre Ref saves vs Water Blast DC13
[roll0]
[roll1]

[DrK]

Ogre Ref saves vs Water Blast DC13
[roll0]
[roll1]

Well thaht bodes well its rolling as well as we are

[RCgothic]

Critical threat: AoO [roll0][roll1]

[DarkOne-Rob]

Next steps:

Do you want to fast forward to tomorrow morning, or do you have anything that you would like to do in the afternoon or evening?

What are your intentions tomorrow morning?
Philemon doesn't have anything much he can mechanically do, though he'd try (and likely fail, due to his low Charisma and people-skills) try to learn what he can about the abandoned temple.

Given he is a "local" but not actually well connected he might know something...? [roll0] (not sure how to modify this roll...).

[Ghostfoot]

...and RCG shows us how it's done!

I belatedly realised it was a stab not a whack, but the sound effect is more satisfying so I'm sticking with <thwack!>.

[RCgothic]

I thought I'd mix it up. :smallbiggrin:

[DrK]

Apologies for keeping you waiting, hopefully eidolon pounce and supporting spear stab has sorted out the 2nd mole monster

[RCgothic]

Oh dear. Will [roll0]
Edit:😐

[DrK]

Will saves Vs Bane

Eliethelle [roll0]
Eidolon [roll1]

[DarkOne-Rob]

Everyone Will DC13 or Bane: -1 attack, -1 save vs fear.
Philemon's Will Save: [roll0]

[Farmerbink]

Will save: [roll0] vs DC 13

[RCgothic]

Eponine will save DC10 [roll0]

[Farmerbink]

another will vs DC 10: [roll0]

[DarkOne-Rob]

Will save vs DC 10: [roll0].

[Farmerbink]

AoO mentioned in discord:
[roll0] axe
for [roll1] damage