Brilliant Gameologists Forum
Playtime! => Retired PbP Games => Play by Post General => [D&D 3.5] Mote in the Titan's Eye => : dither May 31, 2009, 05:06:44 PM
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This thread is for asking questions to get answers (from me or anybody else) and OCC discussion.
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So... are you not allowing the Autohypnosis skill, then?
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So, are you still doing a blue mage revision, and if so when can I reasonably expect to see it? I'm a little unable to do anything until I see my class...
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So... are you not allowing the Autohypnosis skill, then?
Um, Autohypnosis is okay with me. Did I suggest it wasn't?
So, are you still doing a blue mage revision, and if so when can I reasonably expect to see it? I'm a little unable to do anything until I see my class...
I've attached version one of my "magician" class.
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So... are you not allowing the Autohypnosis skill, then?
Um, Autohypnosis is okay with me. Did I suggest it wasn't?
In the recruiting thread you said "I use the 10 skills from the PHB", and then talked about merging Psicraft and Spellcraft, etc, but didn't specifically mention Autohypnosis. So I wasn't sure.
I'm still debating on that horse... On the one hand, they are pretty awesome. Decent fighters in their own right at the low levels, can carry stuff, and they can give tactical advantages in combat due to mobility. On the other hand, having to constantly worry about thieves and "challengers" sounds like a bit of a pain... Maybe I should get a mule? :P Or I guess I could carry my heavy-assed backpack around, but drop it the instant combat starts. Pretty much everything in there is cheap crap, anyway.
Suggestions for developing my backstory further are welcome, too. I know more than the average Joe about ancient Greece, but that's still not saying much. :bigeye
Edit: Hmm... I think I will get a mule. They have almost exactly the same stats as a light warhorse, except their Wisdom is 2 lower and they don't have a bite attack (which will usually miss, anyway), and they are a lot slower. Could I get it trained for war? :lol
(An aside: We used to own a horse farm, and I think mules are actually smarter than horses. I think they should actually have the higher wisdom, and probably a higher strength and con, too, but the horse should be faster, and the mule should have a lower charisma. The old "strong as a mule" and "stubborn as a mule" sayings are very much based in reality. ;) )
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In the recruiting thread you said "I use the 10 skills from the PHB", and then talked about merging Psicraft and Spellcraft, etc, but didn't specifically mention Autohypnosis. So I wasn't sure.
I was referring to the 10 Knowledge skills listed in the PHB, particularly because you'd listed a "Knowledge (law)," and I wasn't sure if anyone else might want something like Knowledge (psionics) or something like that. I mentioned the Psicraft --> Spellcraft thing because it's handy to know. Autohypnosis is uneffected by the changes. Martial Lore will probably be merged with Knowledge (history), but I'm not sure yet.
I'm still debating on that horse... On the one hand, they are pretty awesome. Decent fighters in their own right at the low levels, can carry stuff, and they can give tactical advantages in combat due to mobility. On the other hand, having to constantly worry about thieves and "challengers" sounds like a bit of a pain... Maybe I should get a mule? :P Or I guess I could carry my heavy-assed backpack around, but drop it the instant combat starts. Pretty much everything in there is cheap crap, anyway.
A horse (or any beast of burden) will cause the same problem. People are kinda lazy, and like having big, strong, easily manipulated creatures to do their heavy lifting. Dragging a mule around will have the same basic effect -- you'll be a target for thieves and con-men who want to take your beast and sell it to someone else. You get off a little easier with a "less desirable" creature like a horse, in that people won't automatically assume you're a great prince, king, or general based solely on the fact that you're traveling around with a large, expensive beast.
Just imagine how much cooler a paladin's mount becomes when you realize how people swoon about him not only having a horse, but a magic horse, to boot.
Suggestions for developing my backstory further are welcome, too. I know more than the average Joe about ancient Greece, but that's still not saying much.
I'll send you a PM tomorrow. I'm turning in soon, but I've got some ideas for you that I'll send your tomorrow morning.
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On a separate note, the magician class isn't quite finished, but I'd like to think of it in "beta." My primary sources of inspiration for the class were Merlin (of Arthurian legend) and Jafar (Disney's Aladdin). I'm still working on some higher-level class abilities to shore up the dead levels and make sure that there's a decent capstone ability. If anyone's interested, I made a lotta, lotta notes on the creation of the class, that I might be willing to transcribe (well, some of them, anyway) for a better understanding of how the class features and spell list came about.
Actually, I'm thinking a 20th-level capstone ability like: "spells in your Spell Repertoire no longer require a full-round action to cast, but instead require the normal casting time of the spell" would be almost sufficient in and of itself.
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So I'm still debating between straight Druid and Wiz 1/Druid 6/Arcane Hierophant. The big item of... contention isn't the word, but it'll do... contention within my mind is the vast difference in starting HP's. As a straight Druid I'd start with 25 or 26 HP's. As a first level Wizard I'd start with 13 HP's... That's a huge difference.
I've got an idea/question that may help in that decision and let me play the AH I'd prefer, without gimping my HP's. I have absolutely no problem with you saying "no," as it is a variant rule from the 3.0 DMG. It is the 1st-Level Multiclass Characters variant on page 40 of the 3.0 DMG (if anyone still has a copy of that book).
What it does is give you limited abilities of the first level from your two classes. You also choose one class as "primary," and that is the class that grants your HD, skill list, and skill points for 1st level. The other class is "secondary" and grants the HD, skill list and skill points when you become second level. Once reaching second level, you are then just a normal 2nd level multiclassed character.
If I were to use this to start as a 1st level Druid/Wizard (diviner), I'd start with the following:
d8 HD (for this campaign it would be 24+ Con HP's)
Skills as a 1st level Druid
BAB +0
Fort +1
Ref +0
Will +2
Wizard Spells: Two 0th level spells, 0 normal 1st level spell slots per day, 1 1st-level divination spell slot, and my bonus spell slot from Int
[Total 0th- 2, 1st- 1 divination +1 Int Bonus]
Druid Spells: Two 0th level spells, 1 normal 1st-level spell slot +1 slot for Wisdom
[Total 0th- 2, 1st- 2]
A normal 1st-level Wizard's spell book
Both Caster Levels would be 1st
Adding Precocious Apprentice would also give me the two 2nd-level Wiz Divinations.
I would not have an animal companion, or the ability to get a familiar. I wouldn't have Scribe Scroll, Wild Empathy, or Nature Sense. I would gain those upon gaining 2nd character level.
So, thoughts on that? If it's a no-go, I'll probably just go with straight Druid 20; I don't think I can justify starting with 12 fewer HP's.
Also, for Precocious Apprentice, I see that with my current Stat array (S 12, D 13, C 13, I 14, W 17, Ch 10) I can't qualify...[Requires Int 15]
Since we can pick our stats anyway, I'll probably alter them to this:
Str 12, Dex 13, Con 14, Int 15, Wis 16, Cha 8
Effectively losing 2 "points" [as if per point buy] for the benefit of shifting stat points around.
Being a Diviner would be okay. When I originally made an Arcane Hierophant (for a game that didn't work out) I did it with a Conjurer. Conjuration has a lot more useful spells, but I wouldn't be opposed to taking the weaker Divination school if it fits into the setting better. Being a part of the Apollo/Artemis cult sounds like an excellent way to implement this character.
Oh, I gave some thought to my character's motivations. My thought was that one of my parents was a Druid who opposed one of the armies of Western Greece (we're Eastern, right?) that was moving through and trampling the countryside on their way to Troy for the war. The result of that opposition was despoiling of the land and the death of my parent. I'm seeking to become skilled enough to search out and kill the captains of that army regiment. Overall I'd be True Neutral or Neutral Good, but I do have this one desire for vengeance.
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The big item of... contention isn't the word, but it'll do... contention within my mind is the vast difference in starting HP's. As a straight Druid I'd start with 25 or 26 HP's. As a first level Wizard I'd start with 13 HP's... That's a huge difference.
In all likelihood, (unless I've vastly overestimated the roleplaying skill of this group), the party will reach 2nd level before there's any life-threatening combat. I don't know if this would be a factor in whether you're willing to start with fewer hit points.
My only real objection to the variant you're requesting is that it's "messy." I realize that you have to take Precocious Apprentice at 1st level, and that there is a large difference between the starting hit points of a 1st-level wizard and a 1st-level druid. If you like the "cult of holy siblings" idea, then I think I'd be willing to just spot you another +6 starting hit points and save us both a headache.
They're only hit points, after all. I like providing the extra hit points because they're a confidence booster, not because I'm a killer DM (http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/KillerGameMaster). I can also be kind of lazy when handing out healing items like potions, because I expect the party to rest and recover on a reasonable basis, so those extra hit points can help. :smirk
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On a side note, I appreciate input from my players at all times. Please PM me with anything you'd like to do insofar as "personal" character development is concerned, and post here if you want to see "more X" or "less Y" (unless you want to PM that to me). Let me know if you really, really want to fight a displacer beast ('cause you've always wanted to) or if you want your character to fall in love and be married before they're 30. Y'know, stuff like that. I'll do my best to tailor the story I've got to your requests.
On another note, if your character has a "personal objective," like killing the six-fingered man who murdered your father or finding your long-lost grandmother who's actually an immortal fey creature (don't ask), then I anticipate goals of that nature to start being fulfilled in the middle-ish-levels (6-12). The early levels I expect to fill with character development and mission-based adventuring (and some lesser personal quests, like getting your first +1 magic weapon, gaining a cohort via the Leadership feat, etc.).
edit: Oh, and obtaining flaws or traits. That'll probably happen in the early levels, too, if you want to take some flaws (probably no earlier than 2nd level, though, unless you have a clever idea).
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That's cool. I'll just start as a Wiz 1 then (yea +6 hps!) I think I'll also plan on taking Improved Toughness.
Thoughts on Conjuration over Divination? I'll admit, Abrupt Jaunt is tasty...
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My first impressions of the class, in no particular order. I hope it doesn't seem too harsh - that certainly isn't my intent.
Only two spells at first level? Ouch.
Your repertoire ability looks like a more complicated version of the spell point system, with the odd twist that higher level slots are slightly less valuable, since getting "exact change" is important. I'm not entirely certain why there's a spell list at all, instead of a list of "default repertoire spells", since the odds of using the normal casting mechanic after the first three levels are practically nil, given the repertoire is casting+.
Essentially, it's a class with a spell point system that grows as follows:
1 2
2 3
3 4
4 11
5 13
6 15
7 27 > the jump in spell slots available here is surprisingly large.
8 30
9 33
10 48
11 51
12 54
13 75
14 80
15 85
16 108
17 114
18 120
19 126
20 126
That doesn't progress spells known if prestige classed, has no chance of ASF, and uses the spell-like ability versions of metamagic feats. Having a low will save is kinda weird, too. I assume that I still would have to pay GP/XP components, unlike normal SLAs, because otherwise it would be completely broken.
The spell points available are comparable to the variant spell point system, except while in that system spells cost (Level*2-1) points to cast, this one costs (level) points. Given that the spell point system is pretty unbalanced (thirteen ninth level spells!), and this system appears to be slightly worse, I'm not sure I can in good conscience accept using this class. It could probably take on a lightning warrior and win easily.
Oh, and I can't cast cantrips. Ever.
I'm also a little unsure about how the familiar would fit in with the greek setting, since, IIRC, the familiar myth was invented in dark ages England.
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Thoughts on Conjuration over Divination? I'll admit, Abrupt Jaunt is tasty...
Sketchy. Divination fits the prophesy-theme of Apollo better, and generally fits the themes of Greek mythology better.
I'm thinking about how conjuration appears in Greek myths ... well, if your reason for wanting to specialize in conjuration were solely for the purpose of travel, I could justify an obscure cult, or an individual/personal worship of Hermes that practices arcane+druid magic in the wild (hermits -- Hermes is the root of the word hermit). Then, however, it becomes difficult to figure out how/why you'd come to the city seeking a job from ... people. Of course, it's easy enough to say that "Hermes told you to get off your ass and go see the world," since he's fickle like that, and the Order of Orion is offering travel to an exotic locale at the low, low price of *free*.
Actually, since Hermes is a patron of magic, invention, trickery, and travel, I'd say you could probably get away with being an arcane+druid devotee of Hermes, with the same excuse as the above: Hermes told you to get off your ass and do something with your devotion, you crazy, crazy dude. I imagine the message was delivered via a helpful (if cryptic) centaur, since they're among Hermes's heralds and allies.
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Sweet. I'll get my character sheet together.
Two final questions:
Your limit on 2-3 splat books per character, is that for spells too? As of right now I'm planning on Alternate Class features from Complete Mage (Focused Specialist) and PHBII (Abrupt Jaunt), and taking the Precocious Apprentice feat from Complete Arcane. Would this prevent me from using the Spell Compendium and possibly one other book for spells?
Would anything from Frostburn be okay, spell-wise? I realize Greece probably doesn't see much snow, thus why I'm asking.
The spell I'd like to take for my Precocious Apprentice feat is Ice Darts from Frostburn (effectively Magic Missle, but conjuration, deals half cold damage, and requires ranged touch attacks). I can pick something else without a problem - that's just the one I'd had planned with my previous Arcane Hierophant. I also love the spell Bloodsnow (combined with Drifts of the Shalm, PHBII). But, it won't break my heart if you disallow it.
Edit: Crap, I just remembered I'm also using Races of the Wild for Arcane Hierophant.... I'll probably cut the Abrupt Jaunt if it's too much.
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Only two spells at first level? Ouch.
Oops, that's a typo. Whenever a new spell level is gained, it's supposed to go 3-4-5-6 for the first four levels. Fixed that on my master.
Your repertoire ability looks like a more complicated version of the spell point system, with the odd twist that higher level slots are slightly less valuable, since getting "exact change" is important. I'm not entirely certain why there's a spell list at all, instead of a list of "default repertoire spells", since the odds of using the normal casting mechanic after the first three levels are practically nil, given the repertoire is casting+.
Ah, I realize that I forgot to include the major balancing feature there ... Spells in a the magician's repertoire are only supposed to remain in her compliment of spells for 24 hours. I see that I forgot to include that bit. :rollseyes I imagine it probably looks a tad ridiculous without it...
That doesn't progress spells known if prestige classed, has no chance of ASF, and uses the spell-like ability versions of metamagic feats. Having a low will save is kinda weird, too. I assume that I still would have to pay GP/XP components, unlike normal SLAs, because otherwise it would be completely broken.
In my hurry, it looks like I also forgot to mention that although the spells in Spell Repertoire are treated as SLAs, they still require verbal and somatic components, like a warlock's invocations, and therefore are effected by ASF as normal. Therefore, a magician's personal spells are unaffected by wearing armor, but spells cast from her Repertoire are effected normally. The idea I'm trying to convey with Spell Repertoire isn't that it's powerful and somewhat unreliable, unlike the magician's primary spellcasting ability.
I'm working on cleaning up the rules text as we speak...
The spell points available are comparable to the variant spell point system, except while in that system spells cost (Level*2-1) points to cast, this one costs (level) points.
I'm taking inspiration from the Spellfire Channeler PrC (which, while probably not the best example to follow) uses spell levels, though in this case, they can't be "absorbed" by the magician, and must come from her personal power. Though, now that I think about it -- the spellfire channeler only converts spell levels into an eldritch blast-type attack. Hmm.
Oh, and I can't cast cantrips. Ever.
lol, not any that you know. I ought to include a bit that lets you duplicate cantrips via Spell Repertoire... :p
I'm also a little unsure about how the familiar would fit in with the greek setting, since, IIRC, the familiar myth was invented in dark ages England.
Let me ponder that one for a bit...
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Two final questions:
Your limit on 2-3 splat books per character, is that for spells too? As of right now I'm planning on Alternate Class features from Complete Mage (Focused Specialist) and PHBII (Abrupt Jaunt), and taking the Precocious Apprentice feat from Complete Arcane. Would this prevent me from using the Spell Compendium and possibly one other book for spells?
Would anything from Frostburn be okay, spell-wise? I realize Greece probably doesn't see much snow, thus why I'm asking.
The spell I'd like to take for my Precocious Apprentice feat is Ice Darts from Frostburn (effectively Magic Missle, but conjuration, deals half cold damage, and requires ranged touch attacks). I can pick something else without a problem - that's just the one I'd had planned with my previous Arcane Hierophant. I also love the spell Bloodsnow (combined with Drifts of the Shalm, PHBII). But, it won't break my heart if you disallow it.
As a rule, the fewer splatbooks I have to reference when I review any information on your character, the happier I'll be. I don't want to have to check 6 different books if I ever need to figure out how something your character does works. Spells get to be a real pain in the butt when they come from any of a zillion different sources, so if you pick up spells from a zoo of splatbooks, please include the EXACT spell description in your character sheet (plus book and page number).
<edit>Consider this a practical limitation. If you LOST your character sheet and needed to recreate it, how much fun would you be having if you had to flip through a dozen different sources to try and cobble the character back together? I like to be well-versed in the PCs' abilities so I can provide interesting challenges, and the harder you make me work to come up with challenges, the more likely it is they won't be specially geared towards your character. So, at your discretion. If your character's just going to tag along and you aren't interested much in character development, then in theory you could use as many splatbooks as you like, though you're tempting fate by doing so. </edit>
Sandstorm would probably be more appropriately thematically, if that helps. If you'll accept a mysterious (TBA) roleplaying-based hindrance to your character to occur at an unspecified time, I'll let you use those spells. I won't give you any hints; the challenge will just show up, and depending on how fun/interesting it is, it may become a recurring thing. I might tell you eventually what it is ... maybe.
Your choice. :D
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Oh, and my wealth:
Wiz avg gold 75 gp = +1
1 Rank Profession (Apothecary) = +1
Roll for wealth (2d4=4) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/2096837/)
Bah! So Wealth Level of 6.
So that means I can take 10 to get anything with a wealth level of 1st (DC 15), right? And then I could cap things off by rolling to try to get a 2nd level item (DC 17), which would decrease my wealth level by 1, regardless of success or failure?
Wait, no, now I think that's wrong as I read over the d20 modern stuff.
5 gp or less I can buy all I want. I get the two free 1/2 level and 1st level items. If I buy anything with a DC higher than 6, then my wealth bonus decreases by 1, right? Arg.... I thought I was understanding this, but now I'm lost.
All I'm planning to take from Complete Arcane is the Precocious Apprentice feat, and Complete Mage is only for Focused Specialist. Those basically only serve to allow me to qualify for Arcane Hierophant with a single level of Wizard. Other than that, I'll limit myself to Races of the Wild (Arc. Hierophant), PHBII, and Spell Compendium. That cool?
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Wait, no, now I think that's wrong as I read over the d20 modern stuff.
5 gp or less I can buy all I want. I get the two free 1/2 level and 1st level items. If I buy anything with a DC higher than 6, then my wealth bonus decreases by 1, right? Arg.... I thought I was understanding this, but now I'm lost.
All I'm planning to take from Complete Arcane is the Precocious Apprentice feat, and Complete Mage is only for Focused Specialist. Those basically only serve to allow me to qualify for Arcane Hierophant with a single level of Wizard. Other than that, I'll limit myself to Races of the Wild (Arc. Hierophant), PHBII, and Spell Compendium. That cool?
Regarding equipment:
Two free 1/2 level items, plus two free 1st-level items. These can be traded up/down using normal rules as in Magic Item Compendium (eg. get four 1/2-level for your two 1st-level items, or trade in both to get one 2nd-level item, etc.).
Items costing 5 gp or less are effectively free, though please don't abuse this. Imagine the sword of Damocles (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sword_of_damocles) over your head when I say this.
Hard & Fast rules regarding Wealth:
Anything you buy with a Purchase DC higher than your Wealth costs you 1 point (stacking).
Anything you buy with a Purchase DC of 15 or higher costs you 1 point (stacking).
(11-15 points higher than current Wealth bonus costs an additional 1d6 points of Wealth; if it's 16+ points higher, it instead costs 2d6 additional points of Wealth.)
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Regarding spells & character, that sounds good to me. Please don't think of me as tyrannical or anything for asking that things be kept simple. I mean, that *is* the whole point of using the Wealth system instead of the normal system. Less bookkeeping for me. :p
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Hard & Fast rules regarding Wealth:
Anything you buy with a Purchase DC higher than your Wealth costs you 1 point (stacking).
Anything you buy with a Purchase DC of 15 or higher costs you 1 point (stacking).
(11-15 points higher than current Wealth bonus costs an additional 1d6 points of Wealth; if it's 16+ points higher, it instead costs 2d6 additional points of Wealth.)
Ok, so in my case, where I have a wealth of 6, anything I buy with a DC higher than 6 (which is just about everything at this point), drops my wealth to 5.
And if I buy anything with a DC of 15 (a first level item), that lowers my wealth level to 4 (-1 for DC 15, -1 for higher than my Wealth)? So I could Take 10 once and hit a DC 15, but thereafter my wealth would be 4.
Okay, assuming the above is right, what happens when you try to buy something (via rolling to hit a DC 17, for example) but don't hit the DC? You just can't afford the item, but you don't lose wealth. Right?
I'm not trying to be dense, honest. I think the thing that's screwing me up is how the 1st level item DC (15) fits into the rules from the d20modern SRD. The idea is that a first level item is somewhat difficult for us to get right now (it will lower our wealth by 2, thus limiting us to one or two of them, depending upon our wealth), correct?
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Ok, so in my case, where I have a wealth of 6, anything I buy with a DC higher than 6 (which is just about everything at this point), drops my wealth to 5.
And if I buy anything with a DC of 15 (a first level item), that lowers my wealth level to 4 (-1 for DC 15, -1 for higher than my Wealth)? So I could Take 10 once and hit a DC 15, but thereafter my wealth would be 4.
Okay, assuming the above is right, what happens when you try to buy something (via rolling to hit a DC 17, for example) but don't hit the DC? You just can't afford the item, but you don't lose wealth. Right?
I'm not trying to be dense, honest. I think the thing that's screwing me up is how the 1st level item DC (15) fits into the rules from the d20modern SRD. The idea is that a first level item is somewhat difficult for us to get right now (it will lower our wealth by 2, thus limiting us to one or two of them, depending upon our wealth), correct?
You're correct on all three accounts; you'd take a -2 hit to Wealth for a DC 15, if you don't hit the DC, you can't afford the item and you lose nothing (except some time), and acquiring items of your level is intended to be a "challenge," so that only a couple can be acquired at a time.
And don't worry about being dense on the subject. I don't mind reiterating the rules in this case, because the system is fairly new to me, too, and I've never really tried to implement it in a game before (just something that's been kicking around in the back of my mind for a while).
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Wow, 24 hours is a severe limit. I'm like Gogo.
Given the amount of downtime that I see in most PbP campaigns, it looks like I'll be going into virtually every encounter with no offensive spells whatsoever...
And it looks like I can't learn from items, either, so plan "buy scrolls" is permanently shelved... and since you specified other casters, I can't mimic myself and cast the spells I don't want to forget every day.
As far as spells go, I always have a .doc on my computer with all my spells' information available. I'll PM you a copy when I make it. Makes for easy referencing.
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Wow, 24 hours is a severe limit. I'm like Gogo.
Given the amount of downtime that I see in most PbP campaigns, it looks like I'll be going into virtually every encounter with no offensive spells whatsoever...
And it looks like I can't learn from items, either, so plan "buy scrolls" is permanently shelved... and since you specified other casters, I can't mimic myself and cast the spells I don't want to forget every day.
As far as spells go, I always have a .doc on my computer with all my spells' information available. I'll PM you a copy when I make it. Makes for easy referencing.
You're welcome to use the blue mage you linked me to. As I said before, I just wanted to play with the concept. I won't stick you with the magician class I came up with if it doesn't sound appealing to you, I just wanted to take a crack at rebuilding it and see if you fancied it more.
Though -- I think I managed to squeeze Use Magic Device on the magician's class list, so that doesn't mean you can't use offensive spells from wands and scrolls. *shrug* I won't push it, though, if it isn't what you're looking for.
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Well, the game thread is up now, so I'll quit stressing about how/where we're going to start. jameswilliamogle (I think that's his full SN) should be joining us by tomorrow, IIRC. If you have anything else you need with to get your character ready, feel free to ask. :)
I'll just putter around and try not to reply to too many of my own posts. :D
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So, I've got a question to ask everyone, as far as the spell I'll take for my Precocious Apprentice feat. I'm specializing in Conjuration, thus the need for it to be a Conjuration spell. The two top contenders at the moment are Ice Knife and Baleful Transposition, both from the Spell Compendium. In general I'm going to take a lot of spells that do battlefield control, inflict ability damage, and inflict status effects, so Ice Knife leans toward that goal (it has the possibility of inflicting Dex damage).
I also have the Abrupt Jaunt alternate class feature from the PHBII. My thinking on Baleful Transposition (which I will get eventually, but it may be a while, as my next Wiz caster increase will be character level 8 ) is that I could use it in combination with Abrupt Jaunt to help get party members out of grapples or swallow whole situations (among other things). I could swap with you via BT, then Abrupt Jaunt as an immediate action, getting you and I out of the clutches of death. I'm sure there are also ways of utilizing this to put our foes into danger in some way.
So, which does the party feel would be most useful to the group?
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Isn't Benign Transposition a 1st level? I swear I just looked at that a couple of days ago, and was complaining in the recruiting thread about how it was 1st level and even better than the 2nd level psionic version (bigger range).
I think that is an awesome spell, and if you don't take it, I definitely would like to get wand of it at some point, and trying to trick out my psicrystal so it can use it. (I may do that even if you do take it. :P ) Since JWO is going with a charger, and I'm going with a damage soaker, I think that would be an awesome spell to complement us. He charges, then we use BT to swap he and I, so I take the punishment and hold the bad guy in place (Stand Still), and then he is positioned to charge again on the next round.
Don't forget that Glitterdust is a 2nd level Conjuration, also. :D
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Isn't Benign Transposition a 1st level?
yeah, I meant Baleful Transposition, sorry. :embarrassed
I probably will also have Benign Transposition as one of my first level spells, but I'll have to see how many spells I'll have - there's quite a few I want.
I think that is an awesome spell, and if you don't take it, I definitely would like to get wand of it at some point, and trying to trick out my psicrystal so it can use it. (I may do that even if you do take it. :P ) Since JWO is going with a charger, and I'm going with a damage soaker, I think that would be an awesome spell to complement us. He charges, then we use BT to swap he and I, so I take the punishment and hold the bad guy in place (Stand Still), and then he is positioned to charge again on the next round.
Glad to see I'll be able to help with that :)
Don't forget that Glitterdust is a 2nd level Conjuration, also. :D
Good point. Which of the 3 do you all prefer, then?
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You mentioned limiting vestiges known? How will you do this?
Also, someone just want to roll / etc and tell me what my "wealth" is?
Same for HP?
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Transposition sounds like the better option.
My spells known at first level will be
0:Zap Trap
Read Magic
Prestidigitation
Deathwatch
1:Gaseous Form
Dispel Magic
Arcane Sight
Wieldskill
That's 6/7ths of my total available spell slots. I should be decent at skill monkeying, and the best part of zap trap is the 3'' diameter size of the rune makes it possible to put it on the business end of weapons for one-time bonus damage.
Obviously, I'll be using wieldskill to boost my spellcraft check to learn the other spells...
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You mentioned limiting vestiges known? How will you do this?
Also, someone just want to roll / etc and tell me what my "wealth" is?
Take the average wealth of your starting class, and divide that by 50. Round down. Now roll 2d4, and add it to the first number. Having at least one rank in profession adds another +1. This is your wealth bonus, which you add to a d20 check to procure items. You can also take 10 or 20 on this check. The item DCs are given in a table in the Magic Item Compendium based on their normal cost.
You get two free "1/2" level items (5 to 50 gp), and two free 1st level itels (51-150 gp). Items below 5 gp are free. Items beyond your free items will require checks and lower your wealth bonus by an amount dependent on how high of a level the item is.
Same for HP?
Binders get a d8, right? Triple the max of that (24) and add your Con bonus once. You still only count as having 1 HD for game effects, though.
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You mentioned limiting vestiges known? How will you do this?
Also, someone just want to roll / etc and tell me what my "wealth" is?
Same for HP?
Assume that you know all 1st-level vestiges and we'll go from there.
Your starting Wealth bonus is 2d4 (+2 for Binder) (+1 for Profession if you have at least one rank).
- Choose two 1st-level items* (a la Magic Item Compendium)
- Choose two 1/2-level items* (a la Magic Item Compendium)
- Choose any number of items worth 5 gp or less (within reason)
* If you're familiar with how equipping a character via Item Levels works, you may trade these items up and down levels according to the rules presented in the Magic Item Compendium)
To purchase any additional equipment, you must meet or beat the Purchase DC. The Purchase DC of an item of your character level (ie. 1st-level) is 15. You must make a DC 15 check to purchase the item in question. Adjust the Purchase DC by +/-2 for each Item Level above or below your character level (ECL); the minimum Purchase DC is 5, for an item 5 levels below you (once you reach 5th-6th level). You may take 10 or 20 on a Wealth check (though taking 20 requires 20 times as long, as normal, which could be days...)
When you purchase items, use these guidelines to figure out how much Wealth you lose:
- If the item's Purchase DC is greater than your Wealth, lose 1 point (stacking).
- If the item's Purchase DC is 15 or greater, lose 1 point (stacking).
((Additionally, if the item's Purchase DC is 11-15 higher than your Wealth, you lose an extra 1d6 points; if it's 16+ higher than your Wealth, you lose another 1d6 points.))
You triple the hit points you get from your starting Hit Die before you add your Constitution bonus.
Wizard (1d4) = 12+CON
Bard (1d6) = 18+CON
Ranger (1d8) = 24+CON
Fighter (1d10) = 30+CON
Barbarian (1d12) = 36+CON
That's right, the barbarian starts with triple the WIZARD'S starting hit points. :lmao I Love it.
Two things to note: firstly, this benefit applies only to PCs. You won't see any monsters or NPCs with these extra hit points. Secondly, this benefit increases ONLY hit points, not Hit Dice. You simply have abnormally high hit points for a 1st-level character.
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edit: ninja'd
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Can I get two 0th level scrolls instead of one 1st level scroll for a half level item? The item level system sort of breaks down at very low prices.
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Can I get two 0th level scrolls instead of one 1st level scroll for a half level item? The item level system sort of breaks down at very low prices.
I don't see why not. 0th-level spells tend to be treated as 1/2 a 1st-level spell anyway. :p
Though, the DMG describes minor (1-3 spells), medium (1-4 spells), and major scrolls (1-6 spells). A major scroll with ×6 cantrips or orisons would cost 75 gp, wouldn't it? I know about it 'cause it's how I always got around the stupid "scribe one scroll per day" jazz.
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So, how are spell scribing costs accounted for with the wealth system? Are we going to assume that a spell of a level one could normally cast (ie - a 1st level spell at 1st level, a 3rd level spell at 5th level, etc.) is an item of that level?
Now, looking at the MIC, that seems a bit steep - a 5th level item is roughly 1500 gp. Scribing a 3rd level spell is 300 gp, which seems to fall somewhere between a 1st and a 2nd level item's general price. Thoughts?
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So, how are spell scribing costs accounted for with the wealth system? Are we going to assume that a spell of a level one could normally cast (ie - a 1st level spell at 1st level, a 3rd level spell at 5th level, etc.) is an item of that level?
Now, looking at the MIC, that seems a bit steep - a 5th level item is roughly 1500 gp. Scribing a 3rd level spell is 300 gp, which seems to fall somewhere between a 1st and a 2nd level item's general price. Thoughts?
Oh, um, I thought it would be more obvious. My thought would be that the Purchase DC is directly based on how much the character would have to pay, ie. half the base cost. If the base cost of 1st-level scroll is 1×1×25=25 gp, and you'd pay half that (12.5 gp), then it would be a 1/2-level item (Purchase DC 13 to a 1st-level character). Since the range of a 1/2-level item goes up to 50 gp, it's more cost-effective to scribe a "medium" scroll with ×4 spells on it, since the Purchase DC is the same (base cost 100 gp, scribing cost 50 gp).
Using the Wealth system, scribing multiple spells on a scroll is more cost effective than scribing single-spell scrolls, at least at lower levels. I haven't compared the pricing at higher levels but I imagine as the wealth-per-level increases, it becomes more and more advantageous to scribe maximum-capacity scrolls.
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That's interesting. I've never actually played in a game where we had multiple spells per scroll... I guess it's a holdover from 2e, or something, as I was completely unaware of that option.
That means I can double by scrollventory! Excellent!
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That's interesting. I've never actually played in a game where we had multiple spells per scroll... I guess it's a holdover from 2e, or something, as I was completely unaware of that option.
That means I can double by scrollventory! Excellent!
Really? That's interesting, 'cause I've always used it to get around the bass-ackwards "one magic item per day" crafting rule.
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It would be helpful to know how comfortable everyone is around sex in a campaign (suggestive or otherwise). It's part of the culture, so if it's something that's going to bother you, let me know and I'll tone it down. I don't intend to throw it in anyone's face, but I think it'd be anything but hidden (lol, unlike in some modern *cough*USA*cough* cultures).
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It would be helpful to know how comfortable everyone is around sex in a campaign (suggestive or otherwise). It's part of the culture, so if it's something that's going to bother you, let me know and I'll tone it down. I don't intend to throw it in anyone's face, but I think it'd be anything but hidden (lol, unlike in some modern *cough*USA*cough* cultures).
Heh, I have no problem with this... :rollseyes
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So, how are spell scribing costs accounted for with the wealth system? Are we going to assume that a spell of a level one could normally cast (ie - a 1st level spell at 1st level, a 3rd level spell at 5th level, etc.) is an item of that level?
Now, looking at the MIC, that seems a bit steep - a 5th level item is roughly 1500 gp. Scribing a 3rd level spell is 300 gp, which seems to fall somewhere between a 1st and a 2nd level item's general price. Thoughts?
Oh, um, I thought it would be more obvious. My thought would be that the Purchase DC is directly based on how much the character would have to pay, ie. half the base cost. If the base cost of 1st-level scroll is 1×1×25=25 gp, and you'd pay half that (12.5 gp), then it would be a 1/2-level item (Purchase DC 13 to a 1st-level character). Since the range of a 1/2-level item goes up to 50 gp, it's more cost-effective to scribe a "medium" scroll with ×4 spells on it, since the Purchase DC is the same (base cost 100 gp, scribing cost 50 gp).
Using the Wealth system, scribing multiple spells on a scroll is more cost effective than scribing single-spell scrolls, at least at lower levels. I haven't compared the pricing at higher levels but I imagine as the wealth-per-level increases, it becomes more and more advantageous to scribe maximum-capacity scrolls.
I was actually asking about the cost of scribing spells into my spellbook, but this info is good to know too :)
And sexual references are cool. We're all adults here (I think...)
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I was actually asking about the cost of scribing spells into my spellbook, but this info is good to know too :)
And sexual references are cool. We're all adults here (I think...)
Oh, well, apart from the gp cost to buy the scroll, it's 100 gp worth of materials to add a new spell, isn't it? So that's the equivalent of a 1st-level item. It'll be a bit pricey (DC 15) at first, but after you've got a couple levels under your belt, you'll be able to add new spells to your spellbook like nobody's business (-2 to DC for every level above first, min. DC 5). :D
The scroll cost will remain based on the cost to buy the scroll, assuming you're adding scrolls to your spellbook from ... uh ... scroll vendors or something. So a 3rd-level scroll will cost 3×5×25=375 (is that 2nd- or 3rd-level item?). I'm sure once we're a couple months into the game, we'll have the price range of the early item levels known like that back of our respective hands.
edit: Oh, and the sexual references thing. Yeah, I'd love to be able to go wherever the wind takes us in that particular venue, but I have to maintain a minimum level of SFW, so in the game thread, we can lay on thick layers of innuendo, but I'm going to have to keep it a "strong PG-13." :smirk
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I'm going to have to keep it a "strong PG-13.
That works for me.
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My hope is, by the end of this first scene, your characters will have *plenty* to talk about and discuss.
Actually, I suppose that depends on how friendly your characters are. It makes sense to try and get to know the people you're going to be stuck with on a ship for the better part of two months, but I understand if there are things you want to do in the week you have to yourselves before you leave.
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On a similar note, has everyone gotten a feel for how I tend to DM/describe the situation. I'll try and have most of my NPCs at least this detailed (though for everyone's sake, they won't all be this long-winded). You're welcome to discuss things amongst your characters in front of NPCs -- imagine this "meeting" as a semi-casual get-together. Also, since this is an RPG, you're welcome to pretty much do whatever the hell you feel like ... I don't recommend wandering around and punching out random strangers, but please don't think that you have to stick with just what I've given you.
I think part of the first challenge here, if you find you don't like Virgil and are feeling apprehensive about the adventure, is to see if you can find a reason why your character might go along with it anyway. Not just "well, it's what the DM planned," but if you can find an actual in-character REASON why your character might go along with this venture if you find the Order's representative unsavory. (Then again, you guys might be laughing your asses off and love this guy -- I know I lol every time I write a bit of action for him. :p)
Anyway, I don't want you to feel like I'm railroading you in a particular adventure. True, some of roleplaying is trying to find excuses and reasons why your characters WOULD risk their lives for things like excitement and treasure, but you're also the master of your character's fate.
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*hollers from the peanut gallery* Don't do it Khas!
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*hollers from the peanut gallery* Don't do it Khas!
:evillaugh :evillaugh :evillaugh
edit: Is everyone else offline, or just watching and waiting to see what happens to Khas? lol, 'cause I'm thinking to myself "I know there's more people in this game than just me and PhaedrusXY..."
edit2: I can't take the silent treatment. What's going on with everyone else!
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lol, I kind of feel guilty for hogging the thread, too, but I am definitely enjoying it. :D I think we're pretty much done with this scene though, no?
I need to go work on some papers, anyway. So someone else post. :P
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It would rapidly get confusing if we shifted between scenes every few posts, so I was delaying a little bit, since the interlude didn't look like it would take too long.
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lol, I kind of feel guilty for hogging the thread, too, but I am definitely enjoying it. :D I think we're pretty much done with this scene though, no?
I need to go work on some papers, anyway. So someone else post. :P
Done already, huh? Well, that was over quick. We'll have to work on your stamina. :lol
Anyway, if anyone has questions, they're welcome to ask -- if you had questions before the little interlude, please don't let that stop you from asking them. Jeez ... one little spilled drink just killed the mood! :rollseyes
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I don't know 'bout everyone else, but I think this is going to be a fun game, n'est pas?
It would rapidly get confusing if we shifted between scenes every few posts, so I was delaying a little bit, since the interlude didn't look like it would take too long.
Ah, it's appreciated. It did get rather eerily silent, though, and I was getting worried.
edit: In the future, if you want to continue posting normally while I carry on an aside, you're welcome to. As long as you quote part of the post you're replying, I should be able to follow it without any problems, though I don't mind if you prefer to wait. It might be prudent to have little asides like that in a separate thread, though. What are everyone's thoughts on this?
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edit: Is everyone else offline, or just watching and waiting to see what happens to Khas? lol, 'cause I'm thinking to myself "I know there's more people in this game than just me and PhaedrusXY..."
edit2: I can't take the silent treatment. What's going on with everyone else!
For some sad reason, I couldn't log in during the day (damn training in work :banghead)... so let's get some RP going now...
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For some sad reason, I couldn't log in during the day (damn training in work :banghead)... so let's get some RP going now...
I'm all for that. And, we are reaching some kind of end of this "scene." We just need to ... end it. *shrug* Of course, if your character still have questions that Virgil can answer, you can keeping asking away. Though, he might start getting kinda grumpy. The old man needs a nap. :D
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On another note, did anyone have any interest in the wiki idea? As in, a wiki for the game? If you want to wait until things get off the ground a bit more first, that'd be fine, but I thought I'd bring it up again. A wiki can be something you can show off to friends and/or family and/or fellow gamers that doesn't require necessarily paging through ... pages of a forum. Also, it gives you a place where we can collate resources for the game. I'm not saying we can't do that in the forum; just putting it out there, as it's an option.
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For some sad reason, I couldn't log in during the day (damn training in work :banghead)... so let's get some RP going now...
I'm all for that. And, we are reaching some kind of end of this "scene." We just need to ... end it. *shrug* Of course, if your character still have questions that Virgil can answer, you can keeping asking away. Though, he might start getting kinda grumpy. The old man needs a nap. :D
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On another note, did anyone have any interest in the wiki idea? As in, a wiki for the game? If you want to wait until things get off the ground a bit more first, that'd be fine, but I thought I'd bring it up again. A wiki can be something you can show off to friends and/or family and/or fellow gamers that doesn't require necessarily paging through ... pages of a forum. Also, it gives you a place where we can collate resources for the game. I'm not saying we can't do that in the forum; just putting it out there, as it's an option.
I don't mind... but I'm not very knowledgeable about this (I barely use this sort of .... service).
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I would be willing to help Risada. I don't make wikis very often (...EVER), but maybe if we let everyone in the group edit it?
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I would be willing to help Risada. I don't make wikis very often (...EVER), but maybe if we let everyone in the group edit it?
That's what I'm thinking. I have experience with working on maybe a half-dozen wikis before, and they can be a fun distraction while you're waiting for the next GM post... :eh
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Anyway, I've been caught: The_Mad_Linguist caught my reference to The Birds, of all things. I'd never considered whether I'd drop Aristophanes into the past, though, I'll have to think of it. Maybe Aristophanes got the idea from the Order of Orion. Anyway, I'll give you some fu.
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The worst part is, I was planning on referencing it ever since I started making my character sheet (the script's on my equipment list between "Holy Symbol" and "Changes of clothing".
Great minds run in the same ruts, I guess.
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The worst part is, I was planning on referencing it ever since I started making my character sheet (the script's on my equipment list between "Holy Symbol" and "Changes of clothing".
Great minds run in the same ruts, I guess.
HAHA. I had a fantastic idea for a high-level build for Aristophanes. I'm thinking of making him a gnome divine bard with the divine prankster PrC from Races of Stone. I've always loved that class. I think it would be hilarious!
Anyway, I'll need a bit more time to consider how the revelation effects the game, but you can assume that Aristophanes is alive in out day and age (or at least, was recently alive?) and there's an obvious connection between the two.
...maybe Divine Prankster/Contemplative?
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Contemplative of what though?
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*hollers from the peanut gallery* Don't do it Khas!
:evillaugh :evillaugh :evillaugh
edit: Is everyone else offline, or just watching and waiting to see what happens to Khas? lol, 'cause I'm thinking to myself "I know there's more people in this game than just me and PhaedrusXY..."
edit2: I can't take the silent treatment. What's going on with everyone else!
I'm sick and trying to spend as little time on the computer as is required by work right now.
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edit2: I can't take the silent treatment. What's going on with everyone else!
I had the day off of work and my wife took a "sick" day. My boards time gets thrown all to hell when that happens. Well, that combined with the recent delivery of 9 Stargate SG-1 seasons to my home...
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Contemplative of what though?
Probably Hermes.
God of innovation and invention? Check.
Consummate trickster? Check.
Name forms the root of the term "hermit"? Check.
Hermes is probably one of the better deities for a Greek contemplative.
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Sealed Prediction:
[spoiler]Before the campaign is over, at least one character will be told "The great god Pan is dead"[/spoiler]
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I was thinking of how it'd be fun to create builds and "character backgrounds" for some of "those famous Greek dudes.". Since the setting is a great big anachronism stew (http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/AnachronismStew) of Greek history/mythology, it'd be a lot of fun to slip different historical figures in as characters in the game. (eg. Aristophanes).
Are there any other major Greek historical figures that come to mind? I was thinking that Pythagoras, for example, might be the founder of the Geometer class. Maybe one of his students (?) becomes the gnome who's that "Angel in the Angle" vestige.
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Mm, I thought I should mention now (this will eventually go into the "Setting Discussion" thread) that the way I see most of the Greek gods (apart from the 9 that are available for cleric domains) range from Aspects to Demigods, generally being either 12-20 HD outsiders, as the aspects presented in the Miniatures Handbook and later sourcebooks, or humanoids who've "ascended" to demigodhood by means of the Demigod epic destiny.
Of course, this sort of thing isn't anything resembling common knowledge; mortal man has virtually no understanding of the nature of divinity and the hierarchy of divine beings -- such things require a minimum of 12-15 ranks in Knowledge (arcana), (religion) or (the planes) in order to grasp. Deities are all invoked as if they were normal gods, and clerics of demigods are granted spells just as anyone else is -- just not from the divine entities they think they're praying to.
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Neutral Binder. I prefer to start neutral, and drift as necessary for the game from there.
Also - damn you guys post a lot! I'm going to have a hard time keeping up!
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Neutral Binder. I prefer to start neutral, and drift as necessary for the game from there.
Also - damn you guys post a lot! I'm going to have a hard time keeping up!
it was just some lighthearted chat. :) Nothing more. The good stuff starts now :smirk
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During the week, my ideal posting time is 8 AM to 5 PM MST (mountain time).
Just thought I'd throw that out there.
edit: Oh, I thought a bit more about the binder background and how acceptable they are in the world. I think they'd generally receive about the same amount of consideration and/or discrimination that any class that the general populace didn't understand too well, but the real thing you have to watch out for are the Mystery Cults themselves that bind the vestiges. Most of them are like mini-version of Fight Club.
"First rule of Eleusinian Mysteries (http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/LongList): you do not talk about the Eleusinian Mysteries. The second rule of Eleusinian Mysteries: you DO NOT TALK ABOUT the Eleusinian Mysteries (http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/DepartmentOfRedundancyDepartment). And the third and final rule: if this is your first time at Eleusinian Mysteries, you have to participate in the orgy (http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/Ptitle0t9r68ih?from=Main.DontExplainTheJoke)."
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I don't much care for replying to my own posts, but hopefully it'll be easier to spot that I've posted something new.
PhaedrusXY posted a question in the Game Thread that I think deserves answering where everyone can see it:
You're welcome to walk around town dressed however you please, in armor, or not, armed to the teeth, or not. Most people won't bother you. People are even less likely to bother you if you're armed, and it might come off a bit stand-offish. People are likely to assume you're military or mercenary, and that may get you in trouble with the kinds of people who do tangle with those types; wearing armor and carrying weapons may actually make you a bigger target for badness. Imagine Marty McFly (Back to the Future) wandering around in the 50s wearing his "life preserver" vest.
A basic tunic, likely wool, is pretty much the standard for people here, especially pilgrims and commoners. Carrying a dagger, shortsword, or other relatively light weapon is less likely to attract attention, following the lines of common sense. Light weapons are less likely to set people off if you DO happen to wander into an area where weapons are banned. I imagine all of your characters have been around town long enough to have figured this out for themselves. I'll probably pretty this up and post it in Setting Discussion.
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Ok, Khas is going to wear his armor
, and have his club with him (he doesn't need a weapon. I forgot his armor is a weapon. :p ) He is a bit stand-offish, so that's ok if people perceive him that way. ;) He's also lived through seeing his home city burned to the ground, and lived much of his life as a bodyguard, and so places a premium on being prepared for battle.
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Dammit. I'm going to have to keep a copy of the image I use for my avatar at work so I can re-upload it whenever it disappears.
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Well, it's currently hosted on BG, so you just need to reupload it to imageshack and PM yourself a link.
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Well, it's currently hosted on BG, so you just need to reupload it to imageshack and PM yourself a link.
I lucked out. I've used this avatar on at least *one* other board that I can access from work, so I was able to skip over there and snag it. Now it's safely stored on my PC as "forum_avatar." The rightful order has been restored.
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On the use of bows:
I don't know if anyone had intended on using bows, but I'd like to make a couple changes to see how they work out:
1.) Shortbows and Composite Shortbows only. Longbows are rare and unpopular in the Aegean, and are seen as "inferior."
2.) Differences between bows are thus: both bows allow their user to add 1-1/2 their Strength, "as normal" for a two-handed weapon (ignoring that garbage about "mighty" composite bows; bows are frequently just as deadly, if not more so, than melee weapons); composite shortbows allow the user to use Power Attack, while shortbows do not. This use of Power Attack is exclusive to composite bow attacks, and doesn't apply to thrown weapons or non-composite weapons. Instead of the price being +100 per "strength bonus" of the composite bow, I think it's +100×(2d4) gp, and imposes a -4 nonproficiency penalty on anyone for whom the bow wasn't specifically crafted (similar to how full plate is made for a specific owner).
note: Archery in the Ancient World is serious business (http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/SeriousBusiness).
3.) The Ranged Pin feat is altered thusly (requirements remain the same):
As a Standard action, you can fire a single arrow that deals damage normally; if the attack hits, the target must make a Reflex save (DC 10 + 1/2 BAB + DEX) or take a cumulative -1 penalty to attacks, saves, and checks until the arrow is removed with a DC 20 Heal check.
note: This is modeled after the howler's quills. I like the flavor, and really, no matter what Hollywood tries to push on us, it's DAMNED hard to fight with a shaft of wood sticking through you. The -1 penalties assume you're trying to fight WITHOUT BREAKING THE ARROW.
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Let me know your thoughts.
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I like your ideas.... it's such a shame I never intended on using bows....
About armor: damn, I will just have to tough it out with the armor (and repel any guy with funny ideas) until going back to the barracks...
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Instead of the price being +100 per "strength bonus" of the composite bow, I think it's +100×(2d4) gp
I dislike random pricing. Why would I ever pay +800, when I can walk next door and pay +200 for the exact same thing.
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I dislike random pricing. Why would I ever pay +800, when I can walk next door and pay +200 for the exact same thing.
That's for "re-fitting" the bow to a new user, sorry. Further, it should be 50×(2d4) gp. By Item Levels, we would consider it a 3rd-level item. I got a little carried away. :rollseyes I was thinking along the lines that a composite shortbow should probably cost in the vicinity of 200 gp, except that it's one of those things that "must always be masterwork," so you're looking at spending 500 gp on a composite shortbow (which, since I can't imagine anyone buying one that *isn't* masterwork, given they're already so expensive, and they'd want to turn around and have the thing enchanted ASAP, it's comparable to buying a standard "masterwork mighty [+2] bow").
I was reading the Archery Handbook because a couple of the NPCs are serious archers (http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/SeriousBusiness), and thinking how I might go about making archery a little easier and a little more flavorful. It seems like the common complaint about archery in D&D is that it sucks for damage, and I've noticed that archery tends to get nerfed in a lot of video/computer games. I think the reason it gets nerfed so bad is that, like guns in many respects, bows are freaking broken.
I was participating in an SCA group that did archery, and I can tell you that it's freaking hard. I managed to get a 6-arrow cluster of less than 20 cm (all your arrows hitting in the same general area) a couple times, and that's only when I went and practiced every week, at least once a week. I don't know if I agree with the which is more difficult to master: swords vs. bows, but there is an old adage that says "when you want to train a longbowmen, start with his grandfather." I can believe that.
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Does making masterwork sling bullets go under craft(Bowmaking) or craft(weaponsmithing)?
I'm planning on crafting some, casting zap trap on them, and dealing +1 electricity damage with my masterwork sling bullets to compensate for low strength.
Fight smarter, not harder.
Plus I can put all sorts of different words/phrases on it. Like "Dexas"!
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Does making masterwork sling bullets go under craft(Bowmaking) or craft(weaponsmithing)?
I'm planning on crafting some, casting zap trap on them, and dealing +1 electricity damage with my masterwork sling bullets to compensate for low strength.
Ugh. Probably (weaponsmithing). It's all about pouring lead in a mold, right? I don't think it's appropriate for (bowmaking).
Zap trap bullets, huh? Sounds to me like it's "setting your sling to stun."
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I was also considering using it to fish as well. :D
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The Cerberus vestige is now in the Setting Information thread. I thought I'd post it here, to, maybe for some feedback. :smirk
I should probably note that if any of the vestiges I make seem a little "overpowered," I am actually trying to increase their overall usefulness/effectiveness. Ever since I picked up the Tome of Magic, I've been disappointed how uninteresting the vestiges are. The binder class itself always had more flavor to me than any of its class abilities. *shrug* Maybe I'm weird, but from what I've seen, I don't think I'm alone. The binder was stuck in what, tier 4? (Unless it had access to the online vestiges.)
I should point out that I'm not trying to actually MAKE the vestiges overpowered. Just ... y'know ... better. Without breaking anything. :D
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edit: One final note about the vestiges I'm designing -- it's my intent to break up a number of the vestige abilities and distribute them across the new vestiges. I have two more that are currently in the works, one 1st-level vestige based on the first Marathon runner, and the second one is a 2nd-level vestige based on Hestia. (Besides those two, I actually have three others that I'm gathering ideas for, one more 1st-level vestige, and two more 2nd-level vestiges.)
Without further ado:
Cerberus (DC 20; 2nd-level vestige)
Cerberus is a massive, three-headed dog with a mane of venomous snakes. Born to the abominations Echidna and Typhon, Cerberus is the legendary guardian of the entrance to the Underworld. He has an insatiable appetite for living flesh, and bars all entrance to the Underworld for the living, and allows none of the shades who reside there to leave.
Legend: Echidna and Typhon are two of the most dangerous of Gaia's children, and their offspring are among the deadliest monsters known to man. Apart from Cerberus, there is the hellhound Orthrus, the many-headed creature known as the Lernean Hydra, the savage Nemean Lion, and the Lycian Chimera. Hades is the master of Cerberus, and this is perhaps the reason why Cerberus has escaped the fate of his siblings, for they have all been slain by heroes of the past. In his tenure as guardian of the Underworld, Cerberus has been thwarted twice: once by the bard Orpheus, who lulled the beast to sleep with music, and once by the mighty Heracles, who was bound by his Labors to capture the beast and present him to a king.
Special Requirement: Cerberus can only be summoned by a non-good, non-chaotic binder. Several other vestiges take issue with Cerberus, and thus, can't be bound by a summoner who has any of the following vestiges already bound: Eros, Heracles (this list will include most of the hero vestiges and an occasional titan).
Manifestation: Cerberus is heard before he is seen. A low rumbling sound begins, like distant thunder, before you realize that the sound you're hearing is the breath of an enormous creature. Cerberus bursts onto the sign in an attempt to frighten off his summoner, and growls inaudibly. This vestige doesn't speak, but growls intermittently during the pact-making process.
Sign: Your posture becomes stooped forward and you grow a muzzle, complete with fangs.
Influence (DC 20): While under the influence of Cerberus, your demeanor becomes more abrasive, and your attitude makes you unfit for polite company. As a result, you take a -2 penalty to Charisma-based skill and ability checks.
Granted Abilities:
- Faster Ability Healing: You heal 1 point in each damaged ability score every round, and 1 point in all drained ability scores every hour.
- Improved Unarmed Strike: While bound to Cerberus, you gain the benefit of the Improved Unarmed Strike feat. Your unarmed strikes deal damage as those of a monk of a level equal to your effective binder level. A binder may apply her full Strength bonus on damage rolls for all of her unarmed strikes.
- Snake Bite: Once every five rounds, as a Standard action, you can use an unarmed strike to deliver a virulent poison, reminiscent of the snakes that wreath Cerberus's head. This poison has an initial damage of 1d6 points of Constitution damage and deals no secondary damage. The Fortitude DC to resist the effects of the poison is equal to 10 + 1/2 your effective binder level + your Constitution modifier.
- Vicious Bite: You can use the fangs that you gain from Cerberus's sign as a natural weapon that deals 1d8 points of damage (plus your Strength bonus). At 5th level, and every 5 levels thereafter, your bite attack deals an additional 1d8 points of damage, to a maximum of 5d8 damage at 20th level. You can't use this ability if you don't show Cerberus's sign.
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There are numerous entrances to the Underworld in Mythical Greece. Many great heroes have entered the Underworld to retrieve loved ones. I have an idea that I might treat the Underworld as a mix of the Underdark and the Plane of Shadow -- also, I have a copy of the Ghostwalk Campaign Setting. Does anyone have any interest in, should their character unfortunately meet a gruesome end before their time, adventuring as a ghost? I rarely see Ghostwalk mentioned in CO, let alone ... anywhere else, really. As I understand it, it was one of the last books to come out for 3.0 before the 3.5 changeover, and thus garnered almost no attention/interest.
Anyway, it exists as a possibility for some/few/any character who might be interested.
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Ghostwalk is notable for having a glove of storing for 3600 in it. I think I'm right in saying it also gives you true strike 1/day.
I wouldn't be too worried about adventuring as a ghost, but remember that it comes with a host of things like incorporeal, which will make hitting it frusturating to say the least.
The main problem with being a ghost is the LA.
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I don't particularly care for how so many mechanics in ghostwalk are tied to regional properties of the campaign setting. I want to like it, but...
I guess it's partially also that it tends to make death more boring than anything else...
EDIT:The LA isn't so bad in the savage progression, anyway...
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I wouldn't be too worried about adventuring as a ghost, but remember that it comes with a host of things like incorporeal, which will make hitting it frusturating to say the least.
The main problem with being a ghost is the LA.
I don't particularly care for how so many mechanics in ghostwalk are tied to regional properties of the campaign setting. I want to like it, but...
I guess it's partially also that it tends to make death more boring than anything else...
I'm sure these are all things we can fix if someone (anyone/everyone) wants to continue playing their character after death. Could be fun. I try and think about whether my character would have "unfinished business" or not, in case they ever die.
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I glanced through everyone's forum profiles, and it seems to me that almost everyone is +2 hours ahead of me.
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I glanced through everyone's forum profiles, and it seems to me that almost everyone is +2 hours ahead of me.
Well... I'm at GMT -3...
Just asking... Where are you in the world? :)
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Well... I'm at GMT -3...
Just asking... Where are you in the world? :)
Oh, that's quite a bit different than I estimated.
I'm in Salt Lake City, Utah, USA (Mountain Standard Time; GMT -7).
(I'm not Mormon. I moved here from California.)
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I lived in SLC for three years. I'm not Mormon, either. :P
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I lived in SLC for three years. I'm not Mormon, either. :P
Where are you now?
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I lived in SLC for three years. I'm not Mormon, either. :P
Where are you now?
Albuquerque, NM for the next... 7 days. :P Then I'll be in Blacksburg, VA.
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I lived in SLC for three years. I'm not Mormon, either. :P
Where are you now?
Albuquerque, NM for the next... 7 days. :P Then I'll be in Blacksburg, VA.
Exciting! I think? Is it? I don't know! :smirk
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I'm GMT -7 too, but I'm in Canada. Banff, actually.
Oh, and I'm not Mormon either.
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Oh, and I'm not Mormon either.
Are you sure? :eh Maybe the got you while you were sleeping, or something.
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We have no mormons in Canada. they all die at something like -15.
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Southern Baptist here.
You may now return your eyeballs to your sockets, and unblow your minds.
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Methodist, then Born again Baptist, then no church for a while, then Methodist again, now not attending.
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I consider myself "more spiritual than religious." I don't practice a religion, which I think pigeonholes me in the agnostic/atheist category.
I've experimented a little with Buddhism, along with some yoga (not the aerobic kind) and some guided meditations, though. Oh, and I like incense. :lmao That's about as far as I take it.
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Are people having a hard time finding stuff to write/post? Is now a bad time of day?
Or is this the normal pacing of most games on the forum?
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I'm just extremely busy for the next week or so (finishing up a 2 year research project, packing to move...).
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I'm just extremely busy for the next week or so (finishing up a 2 year research project, packing to move...).
I see. That's probably something I'd let my DM know... :p
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I'm still posting. Just not as much. :P
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Due to work (I'm on work right now), I can't post as much... but I will try my best to post more, if this might help we move on...
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yeah this is much more posting than im used to. like, 1 post per day is all i expect from anyone, and 1/2 is more typical, and this had like 2 pages in one day. i really dont have the time / energy to read it all and do interaction all the same. w.r.t work, i'm > full time.
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yeah this is much more posting than im used to. like, 1 post per day is all i expect from anyone, and 1/2 is more typical, and this had like 2 pages in one day. i really dont have the time / energy to read it all and do interaction all the same. w.r.t work, i'm > full time.
Okay, I can chill then. I really didn't know what to expect, since I've been on the forum for all of two weeks, as of yesterday.
I tend to roleplay a LOT and write a LOT and post a LOT. If there's anyone who can match pace with that, I'll try and post several times per day. Otherwise, I'll try to set an even pace. I just want to make sure that people aren't bored. Because that = death of me. I don't want people to be bored by how slowly the game's going. Up to this point, I've been checking the threads several times PER HOUR, while I'm at work. (I might point out I work full time, as well. I just ... find the time.)
(You might be able to tell how willing to invest in the game I am, by the fact that I've gone and put every PC's name, alignment initials, gender, race, and class in my signature for quick reference. It's good to know a DM's willing to make the effort, yeah?)
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Yes, yes it is. I check the forums... probably once before 9AM, then im on basically all the time after 5PM.
Where are you getting those pictures? you've had like 3 in a week...
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Where are you getting those pictures? you've had like 3 in a week...
Since the forum tracks the time you're logged in, I figured I'd change my avatar each time I passed a 24-hour mark. I've apparently been logged in for just over 72 hours at this point (not bad for two weeks old, huh?).
The pictures come from Suicidegirls.com. Don't try and visit the site during work hours. It's ... um, porn, so it's definitely NSFW.
I crop the pictures in Photoshop 5.0 LE. It's ancient, but it was FREE, so I'm not complaining. I've been meaning to try and figure out how to put the little SG logo on my avatars, so I can call them "free advertising" if anyone from the website complains. I don't expect them to, though. (Well, hopefully, I guess! I've been a subscriber for years...)
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(You might be able to tell how willing to invest in the game I am, by the fact that I've gone and put every PC's name, alignment initials, gender, race, and class in my signature for quick reference. It's good to know a DM's willing to make the effort, yeah?)
Or in my character's case, some of the effort. ;)
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Or in my character's case, some of the effort. ;)
Well, I have this idea that it's really the player's job to make the DM's job as easy as possible, while it's the DM's job to make the player's job as difficult as possible. This translates to "help me help your character suffer so s/he can overcome the challenge and develop." I know a LOT of the rules for D&D 3.5, and I like to think that I have tapped into the spirit of the game (tap: Add U to your mana pool.), but I don't know every rules item, as much as I might wish I did.
So, that's where I think a certain amount of laziness on my part should be acceptable. If you want to create a character whose abilities fall outside my area of expertise, I'll try and meet you halfway. Just realize that since I'm DMing, I expect my half to be downhill, since I have a lot of other things to consider including your character.
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Sorry for my recent absence. Work has been particularly draining recently, and there was the weekend, which was chock full of stuff.
For those that don't know, I work 12.5-hour shifts two days at a time. Yesterday I worked almost 14. Needless to say, I didn't have the energy to follow several pages of game after that.
Oh, and I'm Lutheran :p
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Or in my character's case, some of the effort. ;)
Well, I have this idea that it's really the player's job to make the DM's job as easy as possible, while it's the DM's job to make the player's job as difficult as possible. This translates to "help me help your character suffer so s/he can overcome the challenge and develop." I know a LOT of the rules for D&D 3.5, and I like to think that I have tapped into the spirit of the game (tap: Add U to your mana pool.), but I don't know every rules item, as much as I might wish I did.
So, that's where I think a certain amount of laziness on my part should be acceptable. If you want to create a character whose abilities fall outside my area of expertise, I'll try and meet you halfway. Just realize that since I'm DMing, I expect my half to be downhill, since I have a lot of other things to consider including your character.
I was more pointing at my "N?" alignment. No need to look into anything beyond that.
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I was more pointing at my "N?" alignment. No need to look into anything beyond that.
Oh, I see. You have your alignment listed on your (whatever that site is called) character sheet. Now I can fill in that little bit. It wasn't immediately obvious, so you made me have to look for it...
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I don't usually describe what the NPCs look like physically, so it's fun to see how they get described by the PCs.
Mostly, I'll just describe a character's quirks, maybe drop a hint or two about their appearance, and maybe a bit of an accent, and I let the player's minds work out the rest.
Funny how all the male NPCs seem to range between skinny young guys and dirty old men, and all the female NPCs are attractive young women. *shrug*
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I think I'm right in saying that most DMs are one way or the other. Most males have a breadth of Male characters, but stick to only 4 or 5 archetypes. Most females have a breadth of female characters, but not as many males who are noticably different. There are exceptions, of course. And most people can roleplay characters who act like their friends pretty well.
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And most people can roleplay characters who act like their friends pretty well.
Yeah, I get that. It's funny, sometimes, when I'm roleplaying an NPC, and someone asks me "is that based on so-and-so?" when we both know the person. It's worth a laugh when they're right. Sometimes, though, I'll have an NPC just like one of their own previous characters, and so it'll be a little bit of "Hello me, meet myself." That's fun, too. :lmao
Just had one of those happen, actually. Had a player run into an NPC based on one of his previous characters. It took a while to realize it, but when he did, we had a great laugh over it, accompanied by lots of proclamations of "It's so true!" and somesuch. Poor guy...
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Mm. I think I'll let in one or two more posts, if anyone wants to quip or chat, and unless someone strongly objects, I'll advance the game to the next day. (Let me know if you plan on doing something during the night.)
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By the way, if anyone asks about Toll's somewhat unusual name in game, his father was a bit of a prankster and numerologists, and it anagrams to a particularly horrible pun.
I assume that having a few drops of god's blood in you isn't something you tell anyone other than your most trusted confederates, so I'm not going to bring it up until it becomes relevant (if ever).
Sorry that it's taking me while to nail the characterization on Toll. I imagine the style will even out a bit after I do some more writing with him. I'm definitely going to be playing high charisma as more "strength of personality" and "manipulativeness" than "prettifulicity".
As for the high stat distributions, think of it this way - you said we'll end up being challenged by other people with similar high stats
Consider the relative fatalities of
Strength: Arm wrestling/fisticuffs. Moderately lethal
Dexterity: Dodging Arrows/Crossing shark-infested river on sharpened rocks. Rather lethal
Constitution: Anything I can possibly imagine to compare constitution is extremely lethal
Intelligence/wisdom/charisma: Riddles and stuff. Not likely to be dangerous, and something that's easy to resolve in a PbP format. Plus, if the wisdom challenge is ridiculous, you can say that by declining to compete in a foolhardy challenge you're showing yourself to be wiser than your opponent.
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You need a high wisdom just to decline all those offers!
Seriously, who would want to sharpen rocks so you could jump on them? In a shark infested river no less.
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Intelligence/wisdom/charisma: Riddles and stuff. Not likely to be dangerous, and something that's easy to resolve in a PbP format. Plus, if the wisdom challenge is ridiculous, you can say that by declining to compete in a foolhardy challenge you're showing yourself to be wiser than your opponent.
Only problem is, the gods don't like a spoil-sport. If you deny too many challenges, they'll tag you as being full of hubris.
The idea is to be good at what you do and not gloat too much. Prove yourself to be worthy and do it with grace (spirit fingers!).
edit: Does anyone want a character development thread? Maybe an "in-character chatter" thread?
Anyone have any question/suggestions/comments/recommendations? Chastisements?
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Since this is my 5th PbP game, I have no experience about the in-character chatter (none of the games I joined had one), so I don't know...
Aside from that I have nothing to rant/whine about...
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I won't be posting much in the next week or so (maybe not at all). Feel free to NPC Khas, or whatever.
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I won't be posting much in the next week or so (maybe not at all). Feel free to NPC Khas, or whatever.
Mmkay, if something occurs to me. :devil
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Ya, so i'm just waiting for someone else, or maybe dither, to set up the next post. Someone else would be getting up and coming with myself and Risada' character and Khas, or dither would be advancing the story, and letting everyone else catch up. Or something. I dunno.
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Ya, so i'm just waiting for someone else, or maybe dither, to set up the next post. Someone else would be getting up and coming with myself and Risada' character and Khas, or dither would be advancing the story, and letting everyone else catch up. Or something. I dunno.
Sorry, trying to give everyone an opportunity to say/do something between the NPC chatter and the progressing story. Obviously, that's not always possible, because I'm a little impatient. :blush
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Ya, i know, I'm impatient too. Is this challenge part of the blessing, or something else altogether?
Also, i seem to recall something about Bronze Breastplates and Platemail. would you care to put that on the setting info thread? I can't remember exactly where i saw it, though i'll find it and put it in there if you want.
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Ya, i know, I'm impatient too. Is this challenge part of the blessing, or something else altogether?
Also, i seem to recall something about Bronze Breastplates and Platemail. would you care to put that on the setting info thread? I can't remember exactly where i saw it, though i'll find it and put it in there if you want.
Maybe the challenge is part of the blessing ... with a Knowledge (local/religion) check? I won't make a big deal about Knowledge checks if/maybe/unless they directly involve a PC. I like to give people the opportunity to use those rarely-seen skills. :D
I'll put the bronze weapon/armor stuff in the Setting Info thread, fo' sure. Hard and fast rules for bronze/iron:
Bronze equipment costs the same as PHB stuff, has -1 hardness/-10 hp.
For iron equipment, follow the rules for "cold iron" weapons (double cost, more expensive to enchant, etc.).
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Maybe the challenge is part of the blessing ... with a Knowledge (local/religion) check? I won't make a big deal about Knowledge checks if/maybe/unless they directly involve a PC. I like to give people the opportunity to use those rarely-seen skills. :D
You got it!
1d20+5=9 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/2122402/)
And... apparently I don't.
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And... apparently I don't.
:facepalm You can take 10...
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On knowledge checks? I didn't think so. If i can amend that, 15.
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On knowledge checks? I didn't think so. If i can amend that, 15.
[spoiler]
Hm, it is indeed part of of the blessing. You imagine that the process involves Orusc taking challengers, who then try to sunder the first weapon created on the forge.
[/spoiler]
I might have to ask for rolls and stuff in the OOC thread. It seems to make so much more sense. (Give it a try, maybe?) That way, I can give commentary in OOC, and y'all can incorporate it into your posts.
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OOC
[spoiler]Do I have to roll something to notice the challenger is pulling his punches?[/spoiler]
To answer Risada's spoilered question:
[spoiler]He isn't pulling his punches. The challenge is to break the sword.[/spoiler]
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You know... If i was a beguiler, i would love this. Just cast still+silent spells and watch everyone around freak out as a group of people fall asleep for no reason at all...
Would be funny stuff.
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You know... If i was a beguiler, i would love this. Just cast still+silent spells and watch everyone around freak out as a group of people fall asleep for no reason at all...
Would be funny stuff.
It would be funny. Very funny. :smirk
Funny if suddenly the party fell asleep and woke up missing items of value...
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I'm sorry, i can't engage in such immoral acts as stealing. Well, not with this character.
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To clarify, I was trying to identify the more exotic creatures, like the wingéd lizard...
They shouldn't have more than three hd, right?
Also, what do I know about the ritual with a take 10 of 13?
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To clarify, I was trying to identify the more exotic creatures, like the wingéd lizard...
Also, what do I know about the ritual with a take 10 of 13?
Knowledge (arcana):
[spoiler]
The winged lizard is a pseudodragon, a tiny magical beast the resembles a real dragon, for all tense and purpose, but isn't one. They have a stinger on their tail which produces a hallucinogen that induces a sleep-like paralysis.
The snake-creature made of bone is a type of homunculus (artificial construct) called a necrophidius. They are popular guards in some cultures for their snake-like appearance and can hypnotize opponents with the rhythmic movements of their body.
[/spoiler]
Knowledge (nature):
[spoiler]
The largish cat is a fey creature known for its shapechanging abilities, called a grimalkin. Intelligent and loyal to their companions.
[/spoiler]
Knowledge (religion):
[spoiler]
The ritual the dwarf seems to be engaged in doesn't appear to have a specific religious significance, but may actually be a form of ritualized combat specific to the dwarven culture.
[/spoiler]
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Wanna buy the Grimalkin!!!! But first, forge blessing.
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Wanna buy the Grimalkin!
Oh, I know. Ever since I saw the little bastard in the MM2, I was thinking ... "How could I fit something like that into a game? It's hardly a good combat encounter ... srsly." :smirk
Anyway, so I forgot about it for the longest time and then I was flipping through the MM2 recently, looking for low-CR monsters, and I was like ... "Hey! I have an idea for that!"
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Theres alot of low CR encounters that never get used. It sucks. One of my favourites is the Corellax from the MM3 (i think) Colour Spray at-will=Broken at CR 1/3.
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There's a lot of low CR encounters that never get used. It sucks. One of my favourites is the Corellax from the MM3 (i think) Colour Spray at-will=Broken at CR 1/3.
My favorite part of the game is probably character levels 1st-4th. I think that's where the character's personality is really made, and where some really exciting stuff happens. I mean, not that exciting stuff doesn't happen at higher levels, too. I mean, all the epic stuff takes place at the highest levels, it's just ... so much more epic when the characters are really interesting/awesome. And I think the first 4-6 levels are where you lay the foundation for the AWESOMENESS to come.
I'd love to actually take a game from 1st-20th some day. The farthest I've gotten a group is from 3rd to 12th over the course of a year and a half (weekly game). Looking back on it, I slightly regret starting at 3rd instead of 1st but I was a brand-new DM at the time. I can forgive myself for such mistakes. :smirk
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I've taken a game from 1-15th, and then come back when it was at 17th and finished it up. That was a good one, and it took about 3 years. It was biweekly. Technically, i didn't DM every single session, but i DMed most of them.
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I've taken a game from 1-15th, and then come back when it was at 17th and finished it up. That was a good one, and it took about 3 years. It was biweekly. Technically, i didn't DM every single session, but i DMed most of them.
I've run several long-term games during my tenure as DM. My first campaign ran 3rd-12th (back in '03-'04); a campaign I ran from March '08 to October '08 went 1st-9th; it was the first game I ever tried to run via Skype and we managed to keep the game running with a couple month-long breaks. I started a game back in November that's currently APL 6 (the sole survivor of the initial party is 8th, the rest are 6th) and that game's also had a couple month-long hiatuses.
Each successive time I've started a new 'long-term' campaign, I've made an effort to stretch out the levels as long as possible to give the players time to use their skills and class features and to give them the opportunity to grow into their next level.
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What skill can I roll to identify the moves the guy used? Martial Lore? Int check?
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What skill can I roll to identify the moves the guy used? Martial Lore? Int check?
Do you have ranks in Martial Lore? If so, I'll let you merge that skill with Knowledge (history).
I'd say Knowledge (history) or (local) or (geography) for legends, or for martial arts and combat styles.
Hmm. Maybe a Perform (weapon drill) modified by INT instead of CHA?
Maybe a BAB check? *shrug*
Actually, I like the idea of a "BAB check" modified by INT. In theory, your base attack bonus represents your knowledge and ability to wield weapons (including your fists and improvised weapons) in a *dangerous* way. I think BAB should be worth more than just granting iterative attacks and qualifying for prestige classes (you know, apart from modifying all of your attack rolls ... duuuhh).
How about this:
To identify combat styles or martial maneuvers and the like, how about BAB + INT bonus, with a +2 synergy bonus per weapon proficiency? (+2 for martial weapon proficiency, period, with an additional +2 bonus for each exotic weapon proficiency?).
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Hmm... that guy is good.
Almost too good.
Sense motive on the fire guy (1d20+2=9) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/2133124/)
Wait, is sense motive even the right skill for that? Would that be a knowledge or spellcraft or what?
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Hmm... that guy is good.
[snip]
Wait, is sense motive even the right skill for that? Would that be a knowledge or spellcraft or what?
I don't know, maybe if you want to tell me what you think you might learn from him?
If you're going for "a hunch," I think the Sense Motive DC is 20. Otherwise, I have no clue what you hope to learn?
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Hmm... that guy is good.
[snip]
Wait, is sense motive even the right skill for that? Would that be a knowledge or spellcraft or what?
I don't know, maybe if you want to tell me what you think you might learn from him?
If you're going for "a hunch," I think the Sense Motive DC is 20. Otherwise, I have no clue what you hope to learn?
I was trying to figure out if he was using merely human skill, or had some sort of supernatural enhancement...
sense motive is looking stupider and stupider.
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sense motive is looking stupider and stupider.
Did you notice the following post, which was right above yours?
Do you have ranks in Martial Lore? If so, I'll let you merge that skill with Knowledge (history).
I'd say Knowledge (history) or (local) or (geography) for legends, or for martial arts and combat styles.
Hmm. Maybe a Perform (weapon drill) modified by INT instead of CHA?
Maybe a BAB check? *shrug*
Actually, I like the idea of a "BAB check" modified by INT. In theory, your base attack bonus represents your knowledge and ability to wield weapons (including your fists and improvised weapons) in a *dangerous* way. I think BAB should be worth more than just granting iterative attacks and qualifying for prestige classes (you know, apart from modifying all of your attack rolls ... duuuhh).
How about this:
To identify combat styles or martial maneuvers and the like, how about BAB + INT bonus, with a +2 synergy bonus per weapon proficiency? (+2 for martial weapon proficiency, period, with an additional +2 bonus for each exotic weapon proficiency?).
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Oh, those are martial maneuvers? I hadn't noticed.
That would be a 12 on the BABint check, then
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How about this:
To identify combat styles or martial maneuvers and the like, how about BAB + INT bonus, with a +2 synergy bonus per weapon proficiency? (+2 for martial weapon proficiency, period, with an additional +2 bonus for each exotic weapon proficiency?).
Err... wait.
So I'm confused with the bard's proficiencies. He doesn't have all martial proficiency, and I have some exotic as well... what bonus do I have? :twitch
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How about this:
To identify combat styles or martial maneuvers and the like, how about BAB + INT bonus, with a +2 synergy bonus per weapon proficiency? (+2 for martial weapon proficiency, period, with an additional +2 bonus for each exotic weapon proficiency?).
Err... wait.
So I'm confused with the bard's proficiencies. He doesn't have all martial proficiency, and I have some exotic as well... what bonus do I have? :twitch
He said martial weapon singular, so I suppose being proficient in at least one martial weapon is enough for a synergy...
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How about this:
To identify combat styles or martial maneuvers and the like, how about BAB + INT bonus, with a +2 synergy bonus per weapon proficiency? (+2 for martial weapon proficiency, period, with an additional +2 bonus for each exotic weapon proficiency?).
Err... wait.
So I'm confused with the bard's proficiencies. He doesn't have all martial proficiency, and I have some exotic as well... what bonus do I have? :twitch
He said martial weapon singular, so I suppose being proficient in at least one martial weapon is enough for a synergy...
Hmm...
So, If I'm right, I get a total of +5 (+2 martial prof, +2 whip and +1 Int)?
Can I take 10? Otherwise: 1d20+5=12 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/2133631/)
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So I'm confused with the bard's proficiencies. He doesn't have all martial proficiency, and I have some exotic as well... what bonus do I have?
He said martial weapon singular, so I suppose being proficient in at least one martial weapon is enough for a synergy...[/quote]
Anyway, I'm thinking that proficiency with any martial weapon (or all martial weapons) is worth +2, and synergy with each exotic weapon is worth +2 each.
So yeah, I'm thinking that proficiency with simple weapons is kind of the norm for most adventurers, and with commoners only getting one, maybe they have a penalty. :lmao
the result:
[spoiler]
He's using blade magic.
You know how truenaming magic has "reverses" of recitations? Well, you can imagine the technique he's using as a "reverse" of some basic Desert Wind strikes. Rather than creating flames, he's extinguishing them.
[/spoiler]
He also looks like your standard desert hermit.
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My posting has been slowing down markedly and I wanted to give everyone a head's up that I won't be available to post most of next week.
I'm flying out to California to staff at Anime Expo July 1st-6th. My computer access will be limited at best.
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'tis cool. Enjoy yourself.
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'tis cool. Enjoy yourself.
Oh, I will. I will indeed.
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Nah Risada, that was more of a general comment to the performer.
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Oh crap... forgot this thread :banghead
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I'm back, but busy and trying to catch up on reading the game thread. :P
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Don't worry, since dither is gonna enter vacation soon, you will have plenty of time to read all the chatter you want :p
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:P
Let's give dither a couple things to talk about in one go.
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Just got back in tonight, I'll get some replies up tomorrow morning.
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Coo. How was your trip?
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Fun and exhausting.
Got to hang out with my brother, my dad, and my best friend, each of whom I see maybe 2-3 times a year.
The convention itself pulled in over 45,000 unique attendees this year; I worked as part of the Cosplay Events division, editing the audio and stage managing for the convention's masquerade, which is one of the major events (45 entrants, 3,000-4,000 attendees). I also performed as part of Whose Line is it Anime? which pulled in its largest audience yet, something like 2,500 people.
There should be a video for Whose Line? online within a week or two. I'm not sure.
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I wish Whose Line is it Anyway? was still playing. That was a funny show.
I never get to go to cons, since so few stop in interior BC. I could drive to calgary, but that's like 7 hours... or Vancouver, but that's 6 and a half...
Any other highlights?
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Any other highlights?
Many highlights, indeed, though it'll take a bit to post 'em. I've got a lot of work to catch up on from the couple days of work I was out. :bigeye
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Where are our gifts? :smirk
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Where are our gifts? :smirk
Have you ever tried to ship something to Brazil from the USA? I do that as part of my job and believe me, the tariff would cost more than any gift I got for you. :rollseyes
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Where are our gifts? :smirk
Have you ever tried to ship something to Brazil from the USA? I do that as part of my job and believe me, the tariff would cost more than any gift I got for you. :rollseyes
I know how it is... I'm shipping a copy of ToB and other goodies here from Amazon and it took already 3 weeks (and a natural 20 from a greatsword on my pockets)...
EDIT: at least post pics from the event, or the girls in there, or both :smirk
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EDIT: at least post pics from the event, or the girls in there, or both :smirk
lol, okay, I get it now.
Well, within a week or two, I should be able to get you some pictures and/or videos. I mean ... all you really have to do is Google "Anime Expo 2009" and you should get plenty. I don't actually carry a camera because I simply don't ... use ... cameras. Apparently there were a bunch of pictures taken of the people in our department, though, so I should be able to yoink some of those to share.
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EDIT: at least post pics from the event, or the girls in there, or both :smirk
lol, okay, I get it now.
Well, within a week or two, I should be able to get you some pictures and/or videos. I mean ... all you really have to do is Google "Anime Expo 2009" and you should get plenty.
Well I know about that, but maybe you could smuggle some pic not meant to be taken, or one about to be hidden away.... anyway, I'm just bored here at work.... that's why I am posting all this nonsense... :banghead
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Hmm. Why don't you go do work? That's what I should be doing.
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I wasn't clear enough... I'm doing the work just fine, but the fact that I'm WORKING on the place I am now is the reason I'm bored...
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Is there anyone else waiting on me to post/reply/advance a description?
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Can I be the first person to come up with the idea of the immovable rod?
An object at rest
CAN
NOT
BE
STOPPED!
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It's the summer, isn't it? I found my ability to keep up with PbPs was diminished about this same time last year.
Would anyone object if we jumped to the evening, or perhaps the next day?
It would help if there was something specific that someone wanted to do that involved two or more party members.
If I see some dice rolling, I can also give people more stuff to discuss.
It's also possible, if no one has any particular interest in milling about in town for the next couple days, we can jump straight to the beginning of the voyage and retell the last six-odd days you spent in town in flashback?
It's up to you guys.
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Whatever you want. Posting has slowed right down, so maybe if we jump to the next "section" that you wanted to highlight, since no one seems to be worried about pursuing this one.
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A couple of days of timeskip might be good. Just because there isn't that much to do in a city full of NPCs we probably won't see again...
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True...
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A couple of days of timeskip might be good. Just because there isn't that much to do in a city full of NPCs we probably won't see again...
+1
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*looks around*
Is everyone alright? :twitch
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Is everyone alright? :twitch
Yeah. Still kicking. Just slowly.
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Alright, posted time skip. :)
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Coo.
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Coo.
Pigeons?
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Mine?
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Or an Owl? :p
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Or an Owl? :p
Who?
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Or an Owl? :p
Who?
Coo.
This.
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This.
Coo.
Who?
Or an Owl? :p
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There was some cartoon when I was just a brat where the owl made a "Coo" sound.
...Lame, I know. Might as well just ignore my lack of sanity...
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There was some cartoon when I was just a brat where the owl made a "Coo" sound.
Ah, that makes sense. In English-dominant parts of the world (at least the ones I'm familiar with) owls say "who." It hadn't crossed my mind that they'd likely make different noises in other languages. :p
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There was some cartoon when I was just a brat where the owl made a "Coo" sound.
Ah, that makes sense. In English-dominant parts of the world (at least the ones I'm familiar with) owls say "who." It hadn't crossed my mind that they'd likely make different noises in other languages. :p
Spanish dogs apparently say "Gua" instead of "Woof". That's one of the gems I remember from two years of Spanish class in HS...
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Spanish dogs apparently say "Gua" instead of "Woof". That's one of the gems I remember from two years of Spanish class in HS...
And French dogs say "waugh" or something like that. I remember that from reading Tintin.
edit: Oh, and Japanese frogs say "gero" or "kero," I think.
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My knowledge of onomatopaiea is surprisingly lacking. Despite being able to almost fluently speak in three languages, I, apparently, only know the english versions of animal noises.
Hmm. Essentially, the only reason for spelling differently is because the letters make different noises in different alphabets. For instance, in english, v sounds like vee and w sounds like double you. In german, v sounds like ff and w sounds like vee. (Wurstbude is pronounced Vurstbude. it means sausage stand, essentially. Another example is Volkswagon sounds like Folksvagon.)
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Another example is Volkswagon sounds like Folksvagon.
This one I learned about from a friend who spoke German. It's one of my favorites.
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My favorite German word is Schmitterlink (sp?) [Butterfly... it sounds so much more evil in German].
Anyway, leaving on a week's vacation tomorrow. I'll try to check in when I can, but no promises.
And also apologies for being rather absent lately... life gets damn busy at times.
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And also apologies for being rather absent lately... life gets damn busy at times.
Understood, I'm in pretty much the same situation right now.
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Funny, myself also. I'm in Belize right now. :) Unfortunately, that limits my computer access, but Scuba diving is nice too.
Butterfly translates to Schmetterling, but ya, it does sound evil.
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Funny, myself also. I'm in Belize right now. :)
My mom went to Belize for an archaeology dig. Watch out for guerrillas! And scorpions!
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I'm back. Life has been crazy. A week's vacation, a friend dying unexpectedly, my wife moving to Kansas City (I'll be following in a few months), and making an offer on a house. Hopefully things will settle down here eventually.
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I'm back. Life has been crazy. A week's vacation, a friend dying unexpectedly, my wife moving to Kansas City (I'll be following in a few months), and making an offer on a house. Hopefully things will settle down here eventually.
Wow, that's a lot of stuff on your plate. Congrats on the house. My wife and I just moved to another state and bought one ourselves. And sorry about your friend.
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Craziness indeed. My best friend had a near-fatal heart attack back in June after he was misdiagnosed with acid reflux. It all worked out in the end but he gave us one hell of a scare.
I hope the thing with the house works out. I helped my mom pick out of a house -- I understand it can be very stressful.
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Just out of curiosity, no one's put off by the lack of combat so far, are they?
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I'm not. I've found this interesting.
I should mention that I very much doubt that JamesWilliamOgle will be continuing to participate. He told me via e-mail that he's taking a break from D&D, and may not return to the forums.
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I'm not. I've found this interesting.
Yays. :D
I should mention that I very much doubt that JamesWilliamOgle will be continuing to participate. He told me via e-mail that he's taking a break from D&D, and may not return to the forums.
Sad-making but not heart-breaking. If/when he returns to the game, he's more than welcome to ... uh, return to the game. :D
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I think I forgot to assign my psicrystal a personality. I'm thinking of taking either Nimble (+2 to Initiative), or Sympathetic (+3 to Sense Motive). I don't remember if Sense Motive is a class skill for Ardents, though...
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I think I forgot to assign my psicrystal a personality. I'm thinking of taking either Nimble (+2 to Initiative), or Sympathetic (+3 to Sense Motive). I don't remember if Sense Motive is a class skill for Ardents, though...
Whoa, what? Psicrystal personalities actually do something? Since when? I must have missed something in the book. :lmao
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:D
http://www.d20srd.org/srd/psionic/classes/psion.htm#psicrystalPersonality
Is it ok if I take the Sympathetic (Sense Motive) one? I usually take the Nimble one (Initiative), since I find Initiative to be invaluable, but in this game I get the feeling that Sense Motive will come in pretty damn handy...
I'm planning on going towards the Slayer PrC later, and that does have Sense Motive as a class skill for sure. So even if Ardent doesn't (no book handy to check), I can get by on Wisdom + psicrystal bonus for now, and catch up on skill points later (if we ever get that far...).
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http://www.d20srd.org/srd/psionic/classes/psion.htm#psicrystalPersonality
Actually, I remembered what it was I was thinking of. It was the Spirit Shaman's spirit guide class feature. The spirit guide can have a personality but it doesn't make a difference what it is.
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I'm going to respond to this in the OOC thread where there's a little more room for discussion.
And I don't really understand Bios' last couple of statements: Why would saying that the Achaeans beat the Trojans make him unpopular here? We are in Greece, right? Isn't this a commonly known fact?
While we are in Greece, of course, we're in the part of Greece that fought on the side of Troy. Troy lost. Historical accuracy aside, you can hardly expect someone who goes about saying that, based on the evidence, it was apparent the Trojans were going to lose, and trying to sell the book to the people who lost, might be worried about himself. Also, little hints dropped in his speech here and there, Bios is also borderline paranoid. Just sayin'. :smirk
Anyway, to break it down even simpler:
a) The party is in Thracia (Northeastern Greece)
b) Thracia fought for Troy, against "the Greeks"
c) Bios's opinion falls under the headline of "Trojans had it coming"
Bios figures his book wouldn't be popular in Thracia. It's political. It'd be kinda like rubbing it in the faces of the fans that their favorite sports team LOST 10 years ago. Oh, and their team died.
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Ah, ok. I had overlooked that little tidbit. Makes more sense, now. :D
And Bios should be paranoid, if from nothing else than knowing the things he knows. I think he probably has more to be paranoid about than that, though... :P
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And Bios should be paranoid, if from nothing else than knowing the things he knows.
Oh, you mean the things man was not meant to know? Yeah, it has that effect on people. :smirk
edit: Oh, and I'll give you a freebie. He doesn't know anything about Khas's romantic interludes, I was taking a swipe at you for not picking up the not-so-subtle hints (about Bios's paranoia and reasons for not publishing his book).
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Oh, awesome, Ajax the lesser took improved familiar
"According to a tradition in Philostratus, Ajax had a tame dragon, five cubits in length, which followed him everywhere like a dog."
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IC dice roller is back up. Added Khas' sense motive check here: http://brilliantgameologists.com/boards/index.php?topic=4610.msg181606#msg181606
I'm hot tonight! :P Should go buy a lottery ticket...
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So... we done here?
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Quite Possibly.
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Quite Possibly.
Quite possibly. :(
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Quite Possibly.
Quite possibly. :(
:(
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:(
I'd still *like* to play. I don't know that it'd happen.
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i'd *like* to play, but with my computer partially-functional as it is, I can't really expect to be able to post anything long.
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People are still checking the forum, so I'd recommend 'kickstarting' the game by moving us forward a bit. Then send all the players PMs, and you should be able to reset.