Character and World Creation

Aug 13, 2021 5:18 am
Follow the rules listed in the resources page.

We will discuss and build characters here. You have the final say on your own character, but this is a collaborative effort.

Don't bargain on leveling up.
Your character sheet is both prescriptive and descriptive. using XP to buy a Skill or Ability adds it to your sheet and means you get it in the fiction (tell us how); but if you gain a Skill in the fiction you get to add it to your sheet.

Silver spent while adventuring does not count towards XP, but can still make you stronger ---through purchase of items--- or keep you alive.

You can often 'throw money at a problem' to safely overcome a threat.

Everyone is human. Other races need to be discovered before they can be played.

For now, you are all Fresh Faced Adventurers, never having gone more than a day's travel from the main (and largely undefined) town, and new to this life.
Aug 13, 2021 5:19 am
In order for us to be able to see the contents of the sheets, you all need to mark the grey 'note' icon that says Add to Library on your character list.
https://i.imgur.com/NhDSgLT.png
Red means others can see the sheet.
Aug 13, 2021 4:00 pm
Wold of Dungeons leans more towards 'sword and sorcery' style games than 'high fantasy; --think Conan rather than Lord of the Rings. Magic is probably a bad idea, don't try use it unless you want to be corrupted by it and judged by others.
Aug 13, 2021 9:27 pm
I'm going to roll in order of stats and roll with what I get.

Rolls

Str - (2d6)

(44) = 8

Dex - (2d6)

(51) = 6

Con - (2d6)

(66) = 12

Wis - (2d6)

(65) = 11

Int - (2d6)

(31) = 4

Cha - (2d6)

(53) = 8

Aug 13, 2021 9:37 pm
So I've got
Str: +1
Dex: +0
Con: +3
Wis: +2
Int: +0
Cha: +1

I'll be a fighter picking Alertness, Slayer, and Tough
Martial weapon (30s), shield (10s)
20ft rope, iron spike, flint/steel, torches{4}, tent, bandages, travel rations, waterskin (16s)
Last edited August 13, 2021 10:58 pm
Aug 13, 2021 9:52 pm
STR +0
DEX +2
CON +2
INT +0
WIS +1
CHA +0

So, I think I'm going with a Thief. I'll take Deception and Stealth as skills, and Reflexes and Tinker as abilities.
Last edited August 13, 2021 10:01 pm

Rolls

STR - (2d6)

(22) = 4

DEX - (2d6)

(65) = 11

CON - (2d6)

(65) = 11

INT - (2d6)

(33) = 6

WIS - (2d6)

(62) = 8

CHA - (2d6)

(31) = 4

Hit Points (3HD) - (3d6)

(536) = 14

Aug 13, 2021 10:29 pm
Remember Don't Edit.
We have no way of knowing that a post has been updated and that there is new stuff.
Aug 13, 2021 10:33 pm
Speaking of notifications. Emails from GP are taking many hours to come though at the moment (they are always a bit slow) so I am checking manually.
Therefore, when you submit a character to the game, drop us a note here so I know to accept it.
Aug 13, 2021 11:02 pm
vagueGM says:
Remember Don't Edit.
We have no way of knowing that a post has been updated and that there is new stuff.
My bad, x/ still learning
Aug 13, 2021 11:04 pm
No worries. It is a common habit.
Aug 13, 2021 11:09 pm
HP roll

Rolls

HP roll - (4d6)

(5324) = 14

Aug 13, 2021 11:28 pm
I've submitted a character
Aug 14, 2021 1:02 am
OkumHart: Leiland should have 5 HP, not 14. You only keep dice equal to your level, so only one for now. Sorry.
Aug 14, 2021 1:27 am
Got it, not a problem
Aug 14, 2021 1:32 am
It is also probably redundant to list 5/5 since 5 is not your 'max HP' or anything , it is just how much you have right now.
It is fully possible that the next time Hit Dice are rolled (you reroll when eating and resting and receiving healing) the number will be lower. Yes, I know, it can turn out when you try to heal that your wounds were worse than you thought.
Aug 14, 2021 3:01 am
Sorry, yeah, my bad on the editing as well. I have submitted a character now.
Aug 14, 2021 4:04 am
Mhm, so much to learn, so much to learn...
Aug 14, 2021 5:51 am
I can't remember what I rolled last night, but the stats I got were:
STR +1
DEX +0
CON +1
INT +2
WIS +0
CHA +1

Noob question: How do I decide what kind of character though? Should I be guided by those stats, or just pick what I like and use skills and abilities to round it out? If the latter, I'd been leaning towards a thief, but is it better to instead round out the types we've got in the group?
Aug 14, 2021 1:10 pm
Anyway I reckon I'll go with a ranger, caled Meht.

STR +1
DEX +0
CON +1
INT +2
WIS +0
CHA +1

Hit dice 2

Skills: Survival, Heal
Abilities: Volley, Wild
Equipment: Bow, shield, 20ft rope, 4 torches, flint/steel, waterskin, rations, 10s for contingencies

Let me know if I've missed anything!
Aug 14, 2021 3:12 pm
theatreofcomets says:
Noob question: How do I decide what kind of character though? Should I be guided by those stats, or just pick what I like and use skills and abilities to round it out? If the latter, I'd been leaning towards a thief, but is it better to instead round out the types we've got in the group?
Both are valid strategies.
If you primarily want to be 'effective' it helps to use your stats for guidance. A common strategy is to look at the highest stat and maybe the lowest stat and see what you are ideally suited for and not suited for at all, then use those suggestions to help you pick.

It can be fun to have a character with weird stats, maybe your highest is not a thing people would associate with your profession and comes from an unrelated hobby you have? Maybe people assume you should have street-smarts but you actually have book-smarts.
Picking a class or profession that relies on your weakest stat can seem amusing at the start, but can get frustrating later, it is a risk.

In your case, a Ranger with high INT and low DEX might be more of an investigator/tracker than hunter/shooter. Traditionally shooting (bows) uses DEX, and Survival and Healing use WIS, but I can see someone using INT for Heal and Survival, you just have to sell it in the fiction. Just because it says 'Ranger' on your employment form does not mean you need to take the Skills or Abilities from the Ranger list, though.

I worry a bit that you might have focused a lot on the bow and ranged damage, and that might be disappointing with your low DEX. If you are happy with that I have no problem, I am not saying "don't", but if you want to rethink or discuss a reroll we can do that.
Remember that even a +0 gives you a 58% chance of a hit, though a low chance of doing so with no consequences.
Aug 14, 2021 10:52 pm
vagueGM says:

In your case, a Ranger with high INT and low DEX might be more of an investigator/tracker than hunter/shooter. Traditionally shooting (bows) uses DEX, and Survival and Healing use WIS, but I can see someone using INT for Heal and Survival, you just have to sell it in the fiction. Just because it says 'Ranger' on your employment form does not mean you need to take the Skills or Abilities from the Ranger list, though.

I worry a bit that you might have focused a lot on the bow and ranged damage, and that might be disappointing with your low DEX. If you are happy with that I have no problem, I am not saying "don't", but if you want to rethink or discuss a reroll we can do that.
Remember that even a +0 gives you a 58% chance of a hit, though a low chance of doing so with no consequences.
These are good flags, thank you. I was originally leaning a more druidy/trackery ranger with Pet rather than Volley - someone more comfortable with animals than people, preferring the forest to the city, and the Heal coming from knowing herbs and plants. Rather than re-roll can I change back to that kind of use of the available stats? And if I'm clever but not very dextrous, it suggests I rely on snares and traps for hunting, rather than a bow. How does that sound?
Aug 14, 2021 11:15 pm
theatreofcomets says:
... Rather than re-roll can I change back to that kind of use of the available stats? ...
I am not quite sure exactly what you mean by 'use of the available stats', but you are free to change any of the decision you have made so far, nothing is set yet.
Also, if after playing a bit, we find that something does not work as we thought it did and want to change out a choice for a thing that does do what we wanted, we can talk about it, even if it breaks the story so far a little. Even so far as to be a completely new character. No one should be forced to play something they are not enjoying.
Aug 15, 2021 10:35 am
vagueGM says:

I am not quite sure exactly what you mean by 'use of the available stats'
Oh I assumed 're-roll' meant 'roll all those dice again' - I was just saying I'd keep the same 6 core stats and change the skills, abilities and equipment. Anyway have chanegd Meht to:

Class: Ranger

STR +1
DEX +0
CON +1
INT +2
WIS +0
CHA +1

Hit dice: 2
Hit points: 6 (Is this right? I rolled one d6 plus another because my CON is +1, and kept only one value because I'm a level one. I rolled 6+3 and kept the 6)

Skills: Survival, Heal
Abilities: Pet, Wild
Equipment: 20ft rope, 4 torches, flint/steel, waterskin, rations, hatchet, animal trap, fishing pole, shield, dagger, hand axe, bandages, 6s for contingencies
Aug 15, 2021 10:37 am
..oh and the pet is a stoat.
Aug 15, 2021 7:10 pm
theatreofcomets says:
Oh I assumed 're-roll' meant 'roll all those dice again'
That was what I meant yes. Keeping the rolls and changing the chosen bits is fine.
theatreofcomets says:
Hit points: 6 (Is this right? I rolled one d6 plus another because my CON is +1, and kept only one value because I'm a level one. I rolled 6+3 and kept the 6)
Correct.

You can add rolls to the posts. If you hit the Advanced button below the post you can Add a Basic roll, you can enter a description in the Reason field (useful in case what you are doing was not clear from the post) 'Hit Dice' would be an appropriate Reason here and add 1d6,1d6 to the Roll field. (You could say 2d6 as it is easier to write (and remember), but then it will add them up and that can get confusing.)
When you Post, the site will then do the rolling and all the math (well some math; the above it can do, much more complex than that and it struggles:).
theatreofcomets says:
..oh and the pet is a stoat. ...
Of course it is. :)
I am refraining from puns.
Aug 17, 2021 3:09 am
FYI I've deleted the old Meht character and recreated (exactly the same stats &c) in a new character, and submitted it to the game - will see if that works better.
Aug 17, 2021 3:44 am
If we want to, we can add a portrait to our characters, it will show up in the RP threads when we post as the character and can make it easier to track who is speaking or to find a post by that character at a glance.

There is a Change Avatar link at the top right when editing the character sheet, it opens a dialog which lets you choose an image on your computer to upload. It automatically resizes the image down quite a lot, so don't use anything with too much detail as it will get lost. You may have to experiment with image formats and sizes, and might need to change it later if the resize does not turn out as you liked.

Finding an image that fits the character in our heads can be hard. Sometimes I just go with an abstract image that distinguishes them instead of a portrait.
Aug 26, 2021 7:46 am
Following on from may previous:

In truth I am mildly irritated by this game still using the six stats. I keep wanting to rewrite it to only use three (or maybe four), maybe using the ones from John Harper's other WoDu game Breakers, also called World of Dungeon Turbo. But I worry that there are a number of things that need to change, and some of them impact each other and it might break things.

The Turbo attributes are:
„ „ Insight: Awareness, understanding, smarts.
„ „ Prowess: Fighting, athletics, might.
„ „ Resolve: Willpower, fortitude, toughness.

If we are up for it, we can maybe experiment with a Turboed WoDu? Here or in a new game?

We would need to change the way Attributes are generated, of course, though we can still just throw dice three times instead of six if we want to keep the random element (possibly reducing the values by 1?). There is a certain elegance to Breaker's rule that your Attributes add up to your Level (Breaker's max Level is 4), but that does not work with WoDu's assumption of 10 Levels. WoDu still only gives you three Attribute increases, but they may come too late with typical DnD style level progression speed, we could adjust if needed.

I am trying to see what else might break, but can not see why I resisted this so long.

Do we want to try?
Aug 26, 2021 5:23 pm
Couple questions. 1) could we transfer out current characters to breakers and continue the same story? 2) If we can't, then if we do end up starting a new game of breakers, can we keep playing this one? 3) Is what we have been playing in this game not base rules? Or is it more that your preferred game style is the 3 stat condensed versions?
Aug 26, 2021 5:38 pm
I was thinking we could just keep playing here, with these character, but reduce the complexity/messiness of the six stats down to three. We would keep a record of the six stats (possibly on the sheet, but they are also in the chat) for if we don't like it and want to go back, or if we wanted to use them as guidance about what to roll.

We would just take the character concepts we have and assign the three attributes appropriately. As per Breakers, they should total +1, so we could go with +2 +0 -1, or +3 -1 -1, or +1 +0 +0, or +1 +1 -1, or whatever. We would probably increase them as per the World of Dungeons progression table, but can look at that as we play. We would be playtesting a new game, if we like it I would officially change the rules here for anyone else who joins in the future.

I might feel a bit bad about giving everyone the same +1 total, what with how well our fighter rolled, if we want, we could talk about giving him a 1 point boost.
All new character would probably be based on the starting with +1. Though we can look into rolling for stats there as well, I worry that, with only three, we can end up with wonky results, six rolls allows things to mostly average out.
[linebreak[

If we want to play Breakers, we can do that in another game, but it would have nothing to do with this game and does not need to be with this group. It is a fairly different game, Urban Fantasy is not Fantasy.
Sep 17, 2021 1:58 pm
So..
What I had in mind is a younger, weaker person than those who usually go adventuring, but who overcomes her vulnerabilities through equipment and supernatural abilities.

In general I am a bit of big lover for odd and occasionally over the top fantasy things, in relation to this specific case it's the image of chaos warriors from Warhammer Fantasy lore: while vile nature and grim role of theirs in original stories are not something I would enjoy my character sharing, the powerful armor and patronage of Greater Beings has definitely been very enticing and inspiring, plus it might bring unique appearance and create bonds for character.

As a raw concept it would be something like this:
- Game-wise: A heavily-armored hybrid of warrior and mage archetype, primarily enduring rather than damaging;
- Narrative-wise: A young lass, whose naivete and idealism leads her to less than safe lifestyle and contact with strange powers, but she goes out to try and put her personal views and hopes against uncertain gloom of the calamity that befall the lands;

I believe she could be a more honorable/good person in the group, as well as perhaps provide unique opportunities for roleplay, hence why I would try playing her. Also, she could fill the supportive slot, if group doesn't have such a character at the moment.
Sep 17, 2021 2:14 pm
I don't know Warhammer Fantasy lore, so I don't know what much of that means.

What sort of 'magic' were you thinking about? Have you read how magic works and the warnings about it corrupting the user? Magic users are looked upon with suspicion and may not be welcome and may need to hide their shame (magic) in many places.

I am not sure how a 'mage' fills a 'supportive' slot.
Are you a 'cleric' type? That might fit 'heavy armor' and 'supernatural'. I don't want to push you in that direction, I am just trying to get a clearer idea.
The 'classes' are just examples, you can mix and match Skills and Special Abilities from the lists in any way you like (though not all combinations will work well together or be affordable).

Do you want to roll for your Abilities and see if this character idea can fit what you end up being?
Sep 17, 2021 2:24 pm
vagueGM says:
I don't know Warhammer Fantasy lore, so I don't know what much of that means.

What sort of 'magic' were you thinking about? Have you read how magic works and the warnings about it corrupting the user? Magic users are looked upon with suspicion and may not be welcome and may need to hide their shame (magic) in many places.

I am not sure how a 'mage' fills a 'supportive' slot.
Are you a 'cleric' type? That might fit 'heavy armor' and 'supernatural'. I don't want to push you in that direction, I am just trying to get a clearer idea.
The 'classes' are just examples, you can mix and match Skills and Special Abilities from the lists in any way you like (though not all combinations will work well together or be affordable).

Do you want to roll for your Abilities and see if this character idea can fit what you end up being?
If you are familiar with what Warlock is, from D&D, I believe it would fit the idea alot, just as cleric would sure!
I would like to roll the dice and see what I get for the character stats, before writing down further.

Rolls

STR - (2d6)

(12) = 3

DEX - (2d6)

(61) = 7

CON - (2d6)

(33) = 6

INT - (2d6)

(66) = 12

WIS - (2d6)

(55) = 10

CHA - (2d6)

(24) = 6

Sep 17, 2021 2:57 pm
We have spoken a little about maybe changing the character stats/attributes for this game. Six is too many and it is unclear what does what in some cases (how exactly is Wisdom different from Intelligence?)

If you want to try those out we can see how they work. It might be strange to have both systems in play at once, but I am sure we can work it out.
Sep 17, 2021 3:00 pm
Now the hit points roll;

Rolls

HP - (1d6)

(6) = 6

Sep 17, 2021 3:03 pm
vagueGM says:
We have spoken a little about maybe changing the character stats/attributes for this game. Six is too many and it is unclear what does what in some cases (how exactly is Wisdom different from Intelligence?)

If you want to try those out we can see how they work. It might be strange to have both systems in play at once, but I am sure we can work it out.
Hm, well, I have personally never found more attributes an issue, but it could simplify things, I suppose. Besides the ability to more specifically shape out our concepts from mechanical perspective, it seems fine to change or leave it be - six is more what I am used to, but not necessity.
Sep 17, 2021 3:06 pm
LizzyPinkHood says:
... six is more what I am used to ...
No worries. Just making the offer. Stick with the six if you are comfortable with that. You have a +3 on INT, which is as high as it ever gets, and a +2 on WIS which is almost tops, so magic is indicated.
Sep 17, 2021 3:58 pm
Character sheet so far:

Leesha Diacos
============
Race: Human
Age: 16 years old
Gender: Female
Looks: Thin built human girl with pale complexion and platinum blonde hair. Besides appearing as an unlikely fortune seeker, her most noticeable trait is occasional otherworldly pink glimmer in the grey eyes.
===
Short bio: Curious about the world and the powers that be, young soul Leesha has left her home behind, following the command of mercurial being.
She is inexperienced and might yet witness the grim reality, though to call her completely naive wouldn't be fair: Leesha was bestowed with gift of power because she possesses an intuitive grasp of how to tap into and call upon that which resides beyond the veil. That said, physically unimposing and of younger age she isn't exactly great combatant, yet what strength of will Leesha got she puts to use to protect the others in the field with her shield and magic.
Mysterious patron bestowed upon their faithful a power to cleanse body and soul with mere touch, as well as knowledge of but two litanies - texts of power, that summon the being's pressence into the world, albeit in a limited form.
===
Class: Devoted
Level: 1
Hit Dice: 1
Hit Points: 6
Armor: 2
===
Attributes:
STR +0
DEX +1
CON +0
INT +3
WIS +2
CHA +0
===
Skills:
- Awareness
- Leadership

Special Abilities:
- Cure (you can attempt to neutralize poisons, remove curses, or heal wounds with a touch);
- Ritual (you may perform occult rituals -- detailed in ancient tomes and scrolls -- and begin with two known rituals);

Known rituals:
- "Protector's Blessing": Temporarily envelops chosen being with a mantle of protective magic (grants +1 Armor);
- "Dissolution": Infuses chosen being with destructive energies, allowing to harm enemies with mere touch (allows dealing damage to creatures and objects with touch as if wielding light weapon; uses INT);
===
Equipment:
- Scale armaments (light, 1 armor, 30s);
- Large shield (shield, +1 armor, 10s);
- Simple garments and small bag (contains book with litanies written down, 20s);
===

EDIT: changed appearance description a bit
Last edited September 17, 2021 3:59 pm
Sep 17, 2021 4:30 pm
How does Leesha avoid being burned as a heretic?
Sep 17, 2021 4:31 pm
LizzyPinkHood: Once you create a character (using the custom sheet option) you can submit it on the Details page.
Drop us a message here when you do, notifications from the site can be slow.
Sep 17, 2021 4:53 pm
vagueGM says:
How does Leesha avoid being burned as a heretic?
Firstly, I imagine she has yet to run into a particularly angry mob or inquisitor, and since she pretty much treats her powers and relationship with patron as basically a service to god, her powers are majorly what is commonly associated with gods, namely rejuvenation, protection, and 'purging' of evil, I imagine from outwards it is hard to tell arcane magic from divine for untrained eye. Then again, if realism is important, no church servant besides madmwn would bring her straightforward to flame for auto-da-fé, at least that's my opinion: in a dying world, people are just as likely to accuss and destroy each other, as they are to cling to hopes, true and false, and Leesha tends to apparently be able to persuade those around her to cease violence, at least temporarily.

I shall send charsheet soon.
Sep 17, 2021 5:17 pm
LizzyPinkHood says:
... she has yet to run into a particularly angry mob or inquisitor ...
Fair enough. We will deal with it when it happens.
Try to keep that pink glow under control and you might be OK for a while. :)
LizzyPinkHood says:
... she pretty much treats her powers and relationship with patron as basically a service to god, her powers are majorly what is commonly associated with gods ...
But are they actually 'godly powers'? It is fine to fake it, but the consequences of eventually failing to fake it will get the church on your ass as well as the fearful people. You would just need to be more careful, plot armor will only get you so far. :)
LizzyPinkHood says:
... namely rejuvenation, protection, and 'purging' of evil, I imagine from outwards it is hard to tell arcane magic from divine for untrained eye.
Indeed they would be hard to tell apart --if they even are different.

Do bear in mind that Rituals take time to perform. If you try to do one under pressure you will have to roll and that means things can go badly.
LizzyPinkHood says:
... in a dying world, people are just as likely to accuss and destroy each other...
Most people don't think of the world as 'dying', most are ignorant of the fact that anything is wrong at all.
But, aside from that minor detail, you are probably right about how people tend to react.
LizzyPinkHood says:
I shall send charsheet soon.
No rush.
Sep 17, 2021 5:48 pm
LizzyPinkHood says:
I have posted the character ...
In order for us to be able to see the contents of your sheet, you can mark the grey note icon that says Add to Library on your character list. Red means other can see the sheet.
https://i.imgur.com/NhDSgLT.png
You can also add a small portrait using the Change Avatar link (top right of sheet). It does not need to be a picture of the character, but having something distinct displayed with your post does help us keep track of characters.
LizzyPinkHood says:
... How do you think she can be introduced?
The other PCs have taken a job as caravan guards on a trip to an unknown city. Would Leesha have signed on for such a task? Why?
If not we can work out a rescue situation of some sort, or something meeting on the road.
It does not have to be too strong, but we do need some semblance of a reason for us all to be adventuring together, sticking with the caravan will do for now, and 'bonds formed' can work after that.
Sep 17, 2021 7:27 pm
vagueGM says:
LizzyPinkHood says:
I have posted the character ...
In order for us to be able to see the contents of your sheet, you can mark the grey note icon that says Add to Library on your character list. Red means other can see the sheet.
https://i.imgur.com/NhDSgLT.png
You can also add a small portrait using the Change Avatar link (top right of sheet). It does not need to be a picture of the character, but having something distinct displayed with your post does help us keep track of characters.
LizzyPinkHood says:
... How do you think she can be introduced?
The other PCs have taken a job as caravan guards on a trip to an unknown city. Would Leesha have signed on for such a task? Why?
If not we can work out a rescue situation of some sort, or something meeting on the road.
It does not have to be too strong, but we do need some semblance of a reason for us all to be adventuring together, sticking with the caravan will do for now, and 'bonds formed' can work after that.
I think she would, or they could meet along the road and she would tag along: Leesha is fairly friendly, and mysterious places attract her curiosity, and that of her patron too, I imagine.
Sep 17, 2021 9:31 pm
If she's religious, or even simply posing as religious, a pilgrim travelling with the caravan probably wouldn't be out of place. Maybe Leadership skill is preaching?
Sep 17, 2021 11:09 pm
Rezart says:
If she's religious, or even simply posing as religious, a pilgrim travelling with the caravan probably wouldn't be out of place. Maybe Leadership skill is preaching?
She is devoted, so she could be following with them and sharing some ideas regarding her patron, this would work well too, I think. When should I write post?
Sep 18, 2021 5:03 am
- Leesha -

Signing on as a healer might make more sense than being a guard, since you have no weapons and don't look like a fighter even with the armor (am I right?).

If so, then you have been there the whole time and may well have signed up before the others.

You can post a bit about what your day was like yesterday (including possibly about your sign-on interview) --and I can react as required-- or start with this morning and have everyone involved. Since the other PCs were late arriving on the first day of the trip, you can be meeting them for the first time at breakfast, so we can do introductions there, either way.

Just following along to proselytise can work, but does not provide a very strong connection to the caravan, and they might ask you to leave if your 'religion' does not fit with their ideas.
Sep 26, 2021 2:46 pm
Here go the bones!

Mystic or no?
Last edited September 26, 2021 2:47 pm

Rolls

STR - (2d6)

(13) = 4

DEX - (2d6)

(24) = 6

CON - (2d6)

(51) = 6

INT - (2d6)

(32) = 5

WIS - (2d6)

(36) = 9

CHA - (2d6)

(43) = 7

HP - (3d6)

(156) = 12

Sep 26, 2021 2:52 pm
Valdus says:
... Do we have a monk? I always default to a monk so why not. Even better would be a mystic from the ye olde Rules Cyclopedia?
'Monk' is a flexible concept (and we don't have Classes to limit us) so you can probably make it work.

I don't recall specifics of the the Rules Cyclopedia 'Mystic', but we can talk about it if you want to go that way with your WIS and CHA roll.
Sep 27, 2021 2:03 pm
Well I don't have to do a direct translation. I like to play quick & dirty, loose and fast, so just a monky feeling pc would be fine.
Sep 27, 2021 2:09 pm
Valdus says:
Well I don't have to do a direct translation. I like to play quick & dirty, loose and fast, so just a monky feeling pc would be fine.
Indeed.

All you need to do is pick two Skills, and two Special Abilities from the list. We can discuss what they mean, and how they would be interpreted on a 'monk' type character, and can even make our own if the ones in the book don't quite work for us (the GM reserves the right to veto any broken homebrews, now or later).
Sep 27, 2021 2:31 pm
I think the most monky skills would be Athletics, Awareness- and Reflexes with Slay for specials?
Sep 27, 2021 2:52 pm
Valdus says:
I think the most monky skills would be Athletics, Awareness- and Reflexes with Slay for specials?
Sounds about right. Do you need/want input from us on this?
If not, then make the character and Submit the Sheet. Drop us a note here, the site's notifications are temperamental, and I might not notice a character submission immediately, but I check for new posts from time to time.

I don't know if this is relevant to you 'monk', but bear in mind that attacking with empty hands can be severely limited by the fiction. We could make a Special Ability ('Iron Fists', maybe?) that allows us to ignore this fiction. Or we can add a fictional restriction on using weapons and say your fists are 1d6 without a Special Ability. Either do tend to remove the option of using fun weapons, so I might hesitate to take something like that if it were me.
Rook: Are you OK with another taking Reflexes? It makes it a little less special if more than one person 'always goes first', but, given your higher DEX, you will go first... first.
Valdus: Do you have any thoughts about how you wish your character to be introduced?
You can easily have been with the caravan all along, as one of the guards, that is simple to slot you in as the action starts.
Or you can be a prisoner (or something) that we arrange to have freed. Given your bad state of health at the start (1 HP) this fits the fiction, but Leesha can help with this.

Any other options you can think of, we can make it work. It is more important that we get you into the game than that we make it make the best possible sense in the fiction.
Sep 28, 2021 1:42 pm
I am not really attached to reflexes I can think of something else.

In a side note, for inspiration, I found this on the wonders of the internets:

Monk Playbook!
Sep 28, 2021 2:10 pm
If there is anything in that DW Playbook that we need to take into account, let us know. I don't pay much attention to third-party/homebrew playbooks, they are almost all unusable/unbalanced, and assessing them is more work than it is worth. This is one of the benefits of WoDu over DW.
Sep 28, 2021 4:59 pm
Oh I don't see it as biblical or anything. Its just a source of inspiration, maybe grabbing a special ability from there to not overlap the other guys or something.
Sep 29, 2021 3:42 am
I have no real objection to someone taking Reflexes if they want. I think Rook is going to be a very standard Thief when all is said and done, so even if there's a little overlap it won't be a problem as long as nobody else is doing a thief.
Nov 9, 2021 11:00 pm
My life has apparently opened up, is there space, and more importantly, what does the party need?
Nov 10, 2021 4:32 am
Valdus says:
My life has apparently opened up, is there space, and more importantly, what does the party need?
Thanks for the offer.

I don't think we have any particular need. The game will shape itself to fit whatever you make.
Tell use what you feel like and we can chat about it.
Does anyone else have anything they think we could use in the party?
Nov 12, 2021 1:21 am
I think we could use a big front-line fighter type.
Nov 12, 2021 2:56 am
Door opener?
Nov 12, 2021 6:05 am
Rezart says:
big front-line fighter type
Only if we plan to get into big front-line fights. :)
The game does not have to go that way unless we want it to.
Nov 12, 2021 3:41 pm
Here is a concept:
Quote:
Magi and those other users of magic need help in the dungeon. To get to the forgotten artifact they need a someone to shield them from the arcane spray. What is a thief, other than dead without a meaty partner that opens the doors once it is disarmed?

Who is going to take the arrows, scare the minions, open the doors, and point to the fastest exit?

Runar a retired champion trying to make a living on a dwindling pile of old gold.

Working as an escort is tedious work, coddling or controlling those spoiled in cities or towers, but Runar has found a niche for his unique abilities, a veritable treasure chest of opportunities. In some cases he has even advised his clients on where to spend their riches once they have all survived the mayhem.
Must/should I reroll, I can play an old retired dungeon warrior. I don't need no stinking mystic.
Nov 12, 2021 4:00 pm
Valdus says:

Quote:
Magi and those other users of magic need help in the dungeon. ...
Remember that 'magic users' are not common and are not accepted in society. If you worked for a magic user you might want to keep that quiet so you don't get burned at the stake by association.
Valdus says:
Quote:
Runar a retired champion trying to make a living on a dwindling pile of old gold.

... niche for his unique abilities, a veritable treasure chest of opportunities. ...
... I can play an old retired dungeon warrior.
Remember: The premise of the game is that you are Fresh Faced Adventurers, this is the first time you are leaving the city or its surrounds or going on an adventure.
Valdus says:
Must/should I reroll, ...
If you are dead set on playing a particular type of character we can talk about swapping your +1s from WIS and CHA to something else, but there may be a cost.
Nov 12, 2021 4:45 pm
Then Ill simply play a farm boy. I feel like this is a funnel adventure? Tis only a character concept, I am not really attached to the concept.

If those rolls up there were natural, then I will work the character to the rolls, Gygax style.
Nov 12, 2021 4:50 pm
Valdus says:
I feel like this is a funnel adventure?
It is not a funnel.
Valdus says:
If those rolls up there were natural, then I will work the character to the rolls, Gygax style.
I don't know what you mean by 'natural', but they are 'in order' as that particular interpretation of Gary's wording goes (I have thoughts about what he meant or what his English means, but they are not relevant to this game where is spelled out).

I don't want to force anyone to play a character they are not wanting to play, so we can always discuss things if they dice are hurting.
Nov 12, 2021 5:00 pm
Quote:
Rolls
STR - (2d6)

(13) = 4

DEX - (2d6)

(24) = 6

CON - (2d6)

(51) = 6

INT - (2d6)

(32) = 5

WIS - (2d6)

(36) = 9

CHA - (2d6)

(43) = 7

HP - (3d6) (156) = 12
So based on these rolls and a slight nod to what the party needs, what would you suggest I construct. I can play just about anything. If we do mystic, I can play a cloistered battle-monk, or a wise and charismatic librarian curious about this world and what is underneath it.
Nov 12, 2021 5:32 pm
Valdus says:
So based on these rolls ...
For reference (link):
Quote:
To assign your Attributes: Roll 2d6 for each. On a 6-, the value is +0. On a 7-9, the value is +1. On a 10 or 11, the value is +2. On a 12, the value is +3.
Hit Dice: You have 1 Hit Die (d6) + extra hit dice equal to your CON.
Translated Attributes:
STR +0
DEX +0
CON +0
INT +0
WIS +1
CHA +1
HP 1 (1d)
Valdus says:
... and a slight nod to what the party needs ...
The party does not need anything, (unless Rezart has a reason to actually want a fighter). The game will shape itself around the characters.
Valdus says:
... If we do mystic, I can play a cloistered battle-monk, or a wise and charismatic librarian curious about this world and what is underneath it.
You expressed a liking for 'monks', which is not unfeasible with your high stats being WIS (and CHA). I am not sure what a 'mystic' is or how it is different from a mage, but the above ideas can all work, (as can 'cleric' but we don't need to focus on labels).
Low current HP does not mean you are a squishy, they are not fixed at that and can change within the range of 1-6 each time you can heal.

Starting low can tell us that you have been sick recently or that you were just mugged, or that you were injured in the fight (in which case: were you with bandits? Guards? Someone else?). Maybe you are a prisoner and we need to free you (explaining the low health and how you come to join the group). Maybe you are just out of shape and need to acclimate to an adventuring life? Or maybe we don't focus on that for now, we don't need to explain it.
Nov 12, 2021 8:53 pm
Rook would like a big burly type, because he's tired of being chased around with clubs. As a player, I'm fine with whatever.
Nov 12, 2021 8:55 pm
Rezart says:
Rook would like a big burly type, because he's tired of being chased around with clubs. As a player, I'm fine with whatever.
If we add a character focused on fights we will also focus the gamed more on fights. If we don't have fight-focused characters we will avoid fights.

Rook can try find an NPC meatshield if he wants.
Nov 13, 2021 2:33 am
I can play him like "Fudge on the Fly" no abilities or points until he needs them aside from the core ability scores/bonuses. Ill get a concept it will happen.
Nov 30, 2021 2:20 am
Giving it a go.

Rolls

Str - (2d6)

(14) = 5

Dex - (2d6)

(42) = 6

Con - (2d6)

(35) = 8

Int - (2d6)

(32) = 5

Wis - (2d6)

(31) = 4

Cha - (2d6)

(54) = 9

Nov 30, 2021 2:26 am
Oooh, sickly.

Maybe a garrulous but beloved grandmother that cusses and drinks whiskey? The runt of a craftsman family, not an artistic bone in his body, sent out to sell the family creations? Maybe an ox pulling one of the wagons. Will wait to hear back on what we have at this point.
Nov 30, 2021 2:37 am
paladintodd says:
Oooh, sickly.
"Sickly"?

+1 CON and +1 CHA is not bad. But below average, overall.

Hale, hearty and charming (relatively). :)

Shout if you need help interpreting these results.
Nov 30, 2021 3:15 am
How about a former magic user that was caught by the Inquisitors. He would have died during interrogation if not for a stellar CON. The CHA is mostly pity others feel when looking at this bent and broken man.

I don't see a special ability that jumps out. Command, I guess. He can boss spirits around still. How about some sort of Magic Disruption type ability? He can't do magic himself anymore, but magic in his presence tends to go wonky. If not that, I'll go Lucky.
Last edited November 30, 2021 3:23 am
Nov 30, 2021 3:23 am
paladintodd says:
How about a former magic user that was caught by the Inquisitors. He would have died during interrogation if not for a stellar CON. The CHA is mostly pity others feel when looking at this bent and broken man.
That can work. Both your CON and CHA may have been 'stellar' before the 'inquisition', and are now merely 'above average'.
paladintodd says:
... some sort of Magic Disruption sort of ability? He can't do magic himself anymore, but magic in his presence tends to go wonky...
Magic is rare, and frowned upon by most, so such an ability (we would need to homebrew it) may not come up very often.
It would be rare enough that we can leave it as a narrative element that exists and not have it be one of your two Abilities.
We also don't want to disrupt any PC magic users if we ever get one, so let's not mechanise it.
Nov 30, 2021 3:39 am
I've submitted Cook, as everyone calls him. Perhaps he is a cook on the caravan or even a cook for the bandits.
Nov 30, 2021 3:45 am
paladintodd says:
... Perhaps he is a cook on the caravan or even a cook for the bandits.
Which would you prefer?

If you want to have been a bandit who survived (there was one who we lost track of in the aftermath) we can work on getting you accepted.
Maybe you lie your way in? "I was always the old cook's assistant, but they are dead now..."
Maybe you are just lucky and convince them to take you on?
Commanding Spirits you did not Summon is VERY risky. Both the risk of in game danger and the risk of not meeting any very often.
Nov 30, 2021 4:05 pm
Cook wouldn't have been *A* bandit, too feeble for that. He could have been the bandits' cook though, back at their camp. Sounds like you have some story going with a bandit (Cassum?) - don't know if being at the camp would mess that up or not. Whichever is the more interesting story.
Nov 30, 2021 6:52 pm
paladintodd says:
Cook ... the bandits' cook though, back at their camp. ... don't know if being at the camp would mess that up or not...
The only problem with Cook being back at the bandit's camp is that you may have to wait for us to get there before you can start play. If we need to get there we will hop to it toot-sweet, but might not have gone there otherwise.

It need not be the 'camp' as such, but anywhere related to the 'bandit mystery', wherever the players' choices lead them.
paladintodd says:
... Sounds like you have some story going with a bandit ...
Merely 'potential for story', if the players choose to pursue it. Cook probably would not have much knowledge of whatever is at play there, just to keep things interesting and so that we can improvise on what we find.
paladintodd says:
... Whichever is the more interesting story.
Agreed. We can make whatever seems most interesting happen.

If you are keen on the idea, we can work out the details. If the others don't want to mount an expedition to the bandit camp we can find any number of ways to get Cook from there to here. Or we can fast-forward the expedition to get you into the fray ASAP. Whatever we need to do, we can do.
Nov 30, 2021 8:22 pm
Then let's make Cook a flunky of the bandits. Maybe he's near by, tending the horses or something. Maybe he's hiding in a bush, an unfired crossbow laying on the ground beside him. Whatever brings him directly into the story and gives the PCs a reason not to kill him.
Nov 30, 2021 8:30 pm
paladintodd says:
... make Cook a flunky of the bandits... Maybe he's near by... Whatever brings him directly into the story and gives the PCs a reason not to kill him.
What does everyone else think?
Is there interest in going to the bandit camp, or exploring their activities more?

theatreofcomets: Does Meht pursue the map (or tattoo)? They are your details, what do you (the player) want to see come from them?

We can derail the story as much or as little as we want, it is not precious. This is a good time to change direction, what with introducing new PCs and all.
Dec 1, 2021 6:16 am
So I noticed that scattered around several areas, there's the idea that Magic is dangerous and you shouldn't just be using it willy-nilly, but the WoD rules on the subject seems a bit more interesting/different than the usual "just toss fireballs from your hands" that I'm used to in other fantasy systems so I do want to interact with it as such. I assume the Wizard's "Summon" ability would be the main form of spellcasting in this world and thus what is being shunned?

My character concept would be a young noblewoman whose family lineage rose to prominence due to the secret usage of this ability in its early days, but has fallen on hard times in present day. The method of utilizing such power is taught down through each generation but using it is something reserved for only the most dire of circumstances... or at least done in a way that they can attempt to cover it up as just an unfortunate incident.

Due to the financial collapse of the family, the eldest daughter (my character) has been forced to make her fortune as an adventure. These are the skills/abilities for the concepts I am thinking of

Leadership - Due to my interest in interacting with hirelings and such later on when the character has more pocket money and in theme with her character background, this seems rather appropriate. Would there be any other areas this skill could cover (roughly the same areas that Diplomacy would in D&D?)

Decipher - That being said, since her ability to use Summon is a secret, and perhaps bringing someone on an adventuring party whose sole purpose is to order people around might be a bit strange, this skill would be used for her "cover job", as it were. Since WoD is very rules light, I'm actually a bit uncertain of what "decipher" entails - reading foreign/ancient languages perhaps? Analyzing magic items? If my character had some merchanting background, perhaps the ability to "decipher" contracts for fine print etc? Do let me know

(Lore was my other candidate for this slot but I see that one of the other players has selected it, and as such it makes my decision on selecting decipher easy)

Summon - I believe Magic is not completely outruled, but rather that I simply can't use it openly, and thus I will have opportunities to bring this into play if I choose it, yes? I will come up with the Spirits later - I'm thinking one of them would be Shadow / Flame and the other, Love / Hatred as their domains.

Pet - Going with the noblewoman theme and nothing that another partymate has also picked a pet, I have decided on a Falcon due to her being trained in Falconry as is a noble pastime.

WoD seems very rules light in regards to Pets given that there's no section for it, so I believe it's definitely a 100% Fiction First thing? I figured a Falcon could of course, scout, deliver messages or ferry objects and perhaps hunt small game for sure. If combat breaks out, it certainly won't be taking on even a goblin in a head-on fight, but I figured it is trained for battle somewhat, perhaps to harry the enemy as a distraction for someone else or go for their throat when their guard is down, sort of like a Rogue-Bird.

Rolling for stats now (if I understand the interface correctly) - as I stated I'm mostly only hoping for a positive Cha and maybe Con (due to building resistance to Quicksilver usage), and the rest can fall where they may.

(Incidentally while I have some idea of money expenditure, I honestly have no idea how much adventuring gear to buy - or should I let the more hardened adventurers in the party take care of all the roping and 10 foot pole-ing?)

Rolls

STR - (2d6)

(16) = 7

DEX - (2d6)

(24) = 6

CON - (2d6)

(53) = 8

INT - (2d6)

(61) = 7

WIS - (2d6)

(24) = 6

CHA - (2d6)

(45) = 9

Dec 1, 2021 7:15 am
Nanoka says:
... Magic is dangerous ... more interesting/different than the usual ...
Yeah, there are risks and costs, and it is frowned upon (possibly for reasons of superstition).

Magic can be very interesting, and it is 'allowed' OOC, just be careful. A noble background would have allowed a lot more leniency in the past. How well are you and your family coping with now having to deal with the need for secrecy?
Nanoka says:
... Wizard's "Summon" ability would be the main form of spellcasting in this world ...
Yes, most 'magic' requires summoning and possibly commanding a spirit.
Nanoka says:
... and thus what is being shunned?
Presumably so. The corrupting influence of these spirits has probably contributed to the stigma.
Nanoka says:
... financial collapse ... forced to make her fortune as an adventure ...
Did you sign up as a caravan guard because the money seemed worth it or is this an attempt to gain credibility as an adventurer, and a supposed stepping-stone to what comes next?

Are you a caravan guard or are you out here on your own and will be forced to join the party for 'reasons'?
Nanoka says:
Leadership ... interest in hirelings ... when the character has more pocket money ... Diplomacy...
Leadership seems like it would cover 'diplomacy' and such, yes. See below about a possible hireling at the start.
Nanoka says:
Decipher - ... sole purpose is to order people around might be a bit strange ... - reading foreign/ancient languages ... Analyzing magic items ... contracts ...
'Ordering people around' is less likely to be successful now that you are no longer a wealthy noble. You may have to resort to the more subtle forms of Leadership.

Those all sound like exactly what Decipher could be used for.

Remember that you can still try to do any of these things. All the skill does for you is soften the worst outcome, making it a little 'safer'. They add flavour to the character, but should not limit the character.

'Leadership', for instance, means people will tut and ignore you ("She does not know how to behave") rather than get angry and fight you on a miss.
Nanoka says:
Summon - ... not completely outruled ... can't use it openly ... domains.
Indeed. Those sound like interesting domains. I always worry about 'love' it can be very rapey. Tread carefully.
Nanoka says:
Pet - ... another partymate has also picked a pet ... Falconry ...
theatreofcomets: Would you be happy with another Pet in the party?

Nanoka: Are you taking a Pet instead of Command? Summoning spirits and then not being control them proves why everyone is right to mistrust these magic users.

Without Command, the spirit will probably only do what it wants, as dictated by its nature. I don't know if you can reason with (or Lead) spirits.

paladintodd: Would you be happy with another player taking Command? Are you still wanting to go with that? If you are still set on 'magic disruption' why does it not work on this noblewoman? ("Because she is PC" is not a good enough reason, but we don't need to know the answer, yet.)
Nanoka says:
WoD seems very rules light in regards to ...
Yes, it does. :)
Nanoka says:
...
... Falcon could: scout, deliver messages or ferry objects, hunt small game ... harry the enemy as a distraction ...
Most of those seem reasonable, and fit the idea of a falcon.

'Delivering messages', though? It is not 'intelligent', can not follow complex instructions, so tying something to its leg and sending it to someone you can see seems reasonable, but sending to find someone elsewhere is hard to justify, unless it is 'go home', and then it is gone.
Nanoka says:
... sort of like a Rogue-Bird ...
I don't know what that is.
Nanoka says:
... only hoping for a positive Cha and maybe Con ...
Well done. Nice roll overall.

CHA would also be useful for Commanding these spirits, if you choose to do so.
INT is good for Deciphering, including 'contracts' for the spirits.
Nanoka says:
... no idea how much adventuring gear to buy - or should I let the more hardened adventurers in the party take care of all the ...
How recently were you still a 'noble'? Does your character have any idea what to bring?

Do you want to blow most of your starting money on a 'loyal retainer' (hireling) who we don't need to worry about paying, for now?
Dec 1, 2021 7:56 am
vagueGM says:
Magic can be very interesting, and it is 'allowed' OOC, just be careful. A noble background would have allowed a lot more leniency in the past. How well are you and your family coping with now having to deal with the need for secrecy?
Perhaps the reason for the dire financial circumstances would be because the situation in their domain is currently too "hot" in terms of anti-magic superstition fever such that they have not used the Summoning arts in a while, and thus could not compete in business deals / dealings with rival houses etc without supernatural aid.
Quote:
Did you sign up as a caravan guard because the money seemed worth it or is this an attempt to gain credibility as an adventurer, and a supposed stepping-stone to what comes next?

Are you a caravan guard or are you out here on your own and will be forced to join the party for 'reasons'?
Would it be more logical to be part of the caravan "handling the books" / hunting with my falcon and other such logistical matters before being thrust in the limelight, as it were?
Quote:
Indeed. Those sound like interesting domains. I always worry about 'love' it can be very rapey. Tread carefully.
I don't think I would use said domain for purposes that lean in that direction, that being said, if it feels like it could be a worry, perhaps I could change it to "Secrets / Hatred" instead. The family would have used said spirit to learn secrets about their rivals and perhaps used said secrets to stoke the fires of hatred amongst their house - and hey, it's just so unfortunate that the peasants learned something about their Lord that they absolutely couldn't stand for.
Quote:
Nanoka: Are you taking a Pet instead of Command? Summoning spirits and then not being control them proves why everyone is right to mistrust these magic users.

Without Command, the spirit will probably only do what it wants, as dictated by its nature. I don't know if you can reason with (or Lead) spirits.
Hmm, is that how the Summon ability is supposed to be interpreted? My reading was that the Summon ability allowed you to give a single Command to whichever Spirit you summoned, and that they would interpret it "evil genie" style where if you weren't very specific, they would definitely take a reading of the instructions that had the highest annoyance factor for you. The Command ability, on the other hand, would let you command ANY wandering spirits or supernatural beings that you may come across, as it were.

I read it that way because the sample wizard builds have to take Summon as a required ability but also have a choice of several other abilities to acquire, and it would certainly be odd for them to design it this way where a class would not be able to utilize one of their abilities without another ability as a pair.
Quote:
'Delivering messages', though? It is not 'intelligent', can not follow complex instructions, so tying something to its leg and sending it to someone you can see seems reasonable, but sending to find someone elsewhere is hard to justify, unless it is 'go home', and then it is gone.
Hmm, I'm trying to go with what has been done with trained birds in real life - yes, it would not be able to e.g seek out a specific person if said person was taking a walk in the marketplace and some such, though I assume that it would probably have several places it could be trained to travel to/from, "home" being one of the more logical areas.
Nanoka says:
... sort of like a Rogue-Bird ...
Quote:
I don't know what that is.
It's a bit of a joke - I'm just saying that if forced into combat, the Bird combat tactics is somewhat like that of a Rogue (look for opportunities to catch someone off guard etc)
Nanoka says:
... no idea how much adventuring gear to buy - or should I let the more hardened adventurers in the party take care of all the ...
Quote:
How recently were you still a 'noble'? Does your character have any idea what to bring?
She hasn't been living a cushy life of comfort for a while now, though outright adventuring is still a new concept to her. Falconry is a bit of an outdoor sport I think, so I believe she could probably have some knowledge of how to camp in the woods and such (though it would be more peaceful maintained "hunting grounds" forests rather than the savage wilds). Actual Dungeon Delving experience, nah. (Also Nanoka the player doesn't know anything about camping.)
Quote:
Do you want to blow most of your starting money on a 'loyal retainer' (hireling) who we don't need to worry about paying, for now?
How much would it cost and what would his scope of tasks be? It's a tempting offer.
Dec 1, 2021 8:52 am
Nanoka says:
Would it be more logical to be part of the caravan "handling the books" / hunting with my falcon and other such logistical matters before being thrust in the limelight, as it were?
You're a PC. Limelight is where you belong. But it is up to you, we can make it work however it works.
Nanoka says:
... My reading was that the Summon ability allowed you to give a single Command to whichever Spirit you summoned, and that they would interpret it "evil genie" style ... The Command ability, on the other hand, would let you command ANY wandering spirits or supernatural beings that you may come across, as it were.
Yep. Pretty much. With Command you can Command them to do things (including 'leave this place!'), without it they only do the things they were summoned for, per their domains. If you are happy with just summoning them, it can work the way you describe.
Nanoka says:
... not be able to e.g seek out a specific person ... would probably have several places it could be trained to travel to/from ...
Sounds fair. No 'send them a raven'.
Nanoka says:
... (Also Nanoka the player doesn't know anything about camping.)
Nor of Summing Spirits, one presumes. We muddle on with our imperfect knowledge of our characters lives. :)
Nanoka says:
How much would it cost and what would his scope of tasks be? It's a tempting offer.
I don't know. We can come up with something reasonable once we know what else you just have to own.
The retainer would need gear as well, but need not be much better kitted for adventuring than you are.

I was just floating the idea. If you are interested we will need to discuss it and make sure we don't screw you over later.
Dec 1, 2021 9:15 am
vagueGM says:
You're a PC. Limelight is where you belong. But it is up to you, we can make it work however it works.
Right, I meant this line in a more "I was always retroactively with the Caravan, but now X happened and thus I step into the open to be known by the rest of the party and be a PC from here on out"
Quote:
Yep. Pretty much. With Command you can Command them to do things (including 'leave this place!'), without it they only do the things they were summoned for, per their domains. If you are happy with just summoning them, it can work the way you describe.
Yeah, this works for me - I'm sure the consequences of being too careless with this power is probably a lot more interesting than if I had a comparatively easy way out.
Nanoka says:
... not be able to e.g seek out a specific person ... would probably have several places it could be trained to travel to/from ...
Nanoka says:
How much would it cost and what would his scope of tasks be? It's a tempting offer.
Quote:
I don't know. We can come up with something reasonable once we know what else you just have to own.
The retainer would need gear as well, but need not be much better kitted for adventuring than you are.

I was just floating the idea. If you are interested we will need to discuss it and make sure we don't screw you over later.
The only thing I believe this character absolutely needs is 1 or perhaps 2 doses of quicksilver, which would be 10-20sp. She might have a light weapon in the form of a hunting/skinning knife (y'know, to finish off all the rabbits that the Falcon's gonna bring back) but I would not expect her to actually stab people with it unless absolutely cornered, so this is technically optional.

(Funny thing that she has a higher than average Strength score if I interpreted the rolls right - perhaps purchasing more martial-like gear could in the cards in the future, but as for now, keep the expenditure of myself low in favour of the hireling)

Let me know about any further discussion on the subject.
Dec 1, 2021 9:32 am
Nanoka says:
... was always retroactively with the Caravan ...
That is the simplest. We can just assume you were there all along, but we can also do something more complex if you want. The more complex the longer it might take to get you into the story. It's your call.
Nanoka says:
... but now X happened and thus I step into the open ...
We can also assume you were as active as you want to be, over the past day and in the fight. You can have met the other characters and we can shoehorn in any past interactions, or play them out in a flashback.
Nanoka says:
... light weapon in the form of a hunting/skinning knife ... I would not expect her to actually stab people with it ...
A Light Weapon would be another 10s, but a knife is not a dagger and would only be 2s for Adventuring Gear, but would not have inherent mechanical damage.
Nanoka says:
... higher than average Strength ...
Yeah, STR, CON, INT, CHA are all +1. Makes sense that a noble would be healthy, educated, and refined.
Nanoka says:
... more martial-like gear could in the cards in the future ...
Indeed.
Nanoka says:
... hireling ...
Tell us a bit about what sort of hireling you (the player) would like. We can try make it happen. They might not be the sort of hireling your character would like, but that can be fun, too. :)
Dec 1, 2021 1:25 pm
vagueGM says:
Nanoka says:
... was always retroactively with the Caravan ...
That is the simplest. We can just assume you were there all along, but we can also do something more complex if you want. The more complex the longer it might take to get you into the story. It's your call.
Nah, simple is best, I think. :)
Quote:
A Light Weapon would be another 10s, but a knife is not a dagger and would only be 2s for Adventuring Gear, but would not have inherent mechanical damage.
Well, today I learned, I suppose. :o

(Though that being said, I noticed that the most basic of weapons deal d6 damage but I have no frame of reference to judge that against, or what using a "not suited for combat" knife gets me)
Quote:
Tell us a bit about what sort of hireling you (the player) would like. We can try make it happen. They might not be the sort of hireling your character would like, but that can be fun, too. :)
Hmm, I will probably go with an old cliche - an older manservant who used to be the house's spymaster before "retiring" to his current position. Outside of Butler-like duties, he's spry for his age and still has knowledge/training from his ex-spy days. He can run interference/distraction if the mistress needs to slip away, cover up any traces of her summoning, deliver a dagger to the back of a thug threatening the young lady, deliver secret message and all that jazz.

He would be equipped with a dagger (for amusement sake, let's say that our noblewoman character also does not understand the distinction between a dagger and a knife in this instance), light armour (perhaps some sort of padded jacket that wouldn't draw attention?) and perhaps lockpicks.
Dec 1, 2021 3:14 pm
Quote:
paladintodd: Would you be happy with another player taking Command? Are you still wanting to go with that? If you are still set on 'magic disruption' why does it not work on this noblewoman? ("Because she is PC" is not a good enough reason, but we don't need to know the answer, yet.)
I'd happily switch back to Magically Disruptive. For a fellow PC, what if it was just fiction rather than rules? Any fails on her casting get interpreted as Cook interference.
Dec 1, 2021 9:16 pm
Nanoka says:
... basic of weapons deal d6 damage but I have no frame of reference to judge that against, or what using a "not suited for combat" knife gets me
Weapons differences, and such, are mainly narrative, and have effects in the fiction. There are situations where a long weapon would give one an advantage, and there are situations where a small weapon would give one an advantage. These advantages are much more significant than the +1 or +2 damage.

Similarly, a knife would do about the same damage as a dagger --if it landed a hit-- but would be much harder to use in a fight. If you can arrange the fiction such that you get to use it, it can still be brutally effective.

Since people might not expect it to be used as a weapon, it can have advantages as well. If you can sneak a knife (or a screwdriver, or knitting needle) into someone's bed chamber as they sleep and put it into their ear, they are probably dead, no need to think about damage and dice, the fiction of the situation comes first.
Nanoka says:
knowledge/training from his ex-spy days
Do keep in mind the concept behind this campaign. You are all Fresh Faced Adventurers, none of you have any experience with the sorts of things you are going to face and lack the knowledge of how to deal with such things. This should apply to long-term NPCs as well.

This is one of the big issues with hirelings, they can often overshadow the PCs. This guy seems a bit too specifically useful. He might qualify as an 'Expert' which would cost you 20s per day.
Nanoka says:
He would be equipped with...
Your whole budget is gone on gear for these two. :(

Let's try focus on an interesting person rather than a useful person for this experiment. You are not making two PCs, after all.

Also think about how this retainer would affect your starting position and what you are doing in the caravan. They complicate things, but simple is not always best. :)
Dec 1, 2021 9:17 pm
paladintodd says:
I'd happily switch back to Magically Disruptive. For a fellow PC, what if it was just fiction rather than rules? Any fails on her casting get interpreted as Cook interference.
Ha, yes. That is quite cool. And yes, it is just fiction, not an Ability.

Nanoka: You happy with that?
Dec 2, 2021 2:12 am
I'm fine with the magical interference thing.
vagueGM says:

Do keep in mind the concept behind this campaign. You are all Fresh Faced Adventurers, none of you have any experience with the sorts of things you are going to face and lack the knowledge of how to deal with such things. This should apply to long-term NPCs as well.

This is one of the big issues with hirelings, they can often overshadow the PCs. This guy seems a bit too specifically useful. He might qualify as an 'Expert' which would cost you 20s per day.

...
Your whole budget is gone on gear for these two. :(

Let's try focus on an interesting person rather than a useful person for this experiment. You are not making two PCs, after all.

Also think about how this retainer would affect your starting position and what you are doing in the caravan. They complicate things, but simple is not always best. :)
Hmm, my quickest "tone him down" attempt would be "background still the same, but he's old so that knowledge does mostly nothing if he doesn't have the physical prowess any more" - lean mostly fully on the butler part, equipment pared down to just a light weapon in extreme self defense cases.

That being said, would you have any suggestions for "interesting"? I would be willing to go with any idea you might have.
Dec 2, 2021 2:30 am
Nanoka says:
Hmm, my quickest ...
PbP is about long-term, patient play. 'quickest' should be one of the last considerations. :)
Nanoka says:
... "background still the same, but he's old so that knowledge does mostly nothing if he doesn't have the physical prowess any more" ...
With the assumption that the PC will provide the 'action' and the hireling would provide the support, having him have all that very-not-fresh-faced prior knowledge goes against the grain.
Nanoka says:
... lean mostly fully on the butler part ...
Why not just make him a butler?

He can still have practice cleaning up (covering up) after you.
Nanoka says:
... would you have any suggestions for "interesting"? ...
I would not.

They are your NPC, it is all about what you would find interesting to play alongside, and I can not predict that.
Dec 2, 2021 2:39 am
vagueGM says:

Why not just make him a butler?

He can still have practice cleaning up (covering up) after you.
I think I'll go with that then. Rolling for HP (I assume it's 2 dice keep one) then I'll make the char sheet.

Rolls

HP - (2d6)

(36) = 9

Dec 2, 2021 2:44 am
Nanoka says:
... Rolling for HP (I assume it's 2 dice keep one) ...
Yep.

Having full health might suggest you were not involved in the fight? (Or not very.) It is up to you.
Dec 2, 2021 9:17 am
Hey all, just catching up on this thread, welcome to the new players! I'll weigh in on the things relevant to Meht in a sec, will just check I've got everything.
Dec 2, 2021 9:20 am
theatreofcomets: Letting us know your thoughts/desires about the map/tattoo might help finding ways to introduce the new characters. They could be wherever those send us, if we plan to follow up.
Dec 2, 2021 9:20 am
vagueGM says:
paladintodd says:
... make Cook a flunky of the bandits... Maybe he's near by... Whatever brings him directly into the story and gives the PCs a reason not to kill him.
What does everyone else think?
Is there interest in going to the bandit camp, or exploring their activities more?

theatreofcomets: Does Meht pursue the map (or tattoo)? They are your details, what do you (the player) want to see come from them?

We can derail the story as much or as little as we want, it is not precious. This is a good time to change direction, what with introducing new PCs and all.
I'm interested in the bandit camp, and in the storyline hinted at earlier in the game (I think it might have been when Rook was talking to his mates under Leesha's influence) that the bandits did what they did because they were under some terrible threat.
Dec 2, 2021 9:21 am
vagueGM says:
theatreofcomets: Letting us know your thoughts/desires about the map/tattoo might help finding ways to introduce the new characters. They could be wherever those send us, if we plan to follow up.
That's a great idea!
Dec 2, 2021 9:25 am
theatreofcomets says:
... because they were under some terrible threat.
GM jots down some notes. :)
Is there any speculation (in or out of character) what this 'threat' might be? Anyone should answer.
Dec 2, 2021 9:27 am
re another Pet, I am very happy with that! It also opens up the questions of how Oli and the Falcon will interact, which are interesting too. They're both hunting animals, and both able to scout, but I think Oli would generally be more vulnerable to a falcon than the other way around.

I'd generally like to work Oli into the game more (I've been forgetting about him on occasion), and would appreciate any other characters or NPCs interacting with him, as well as any prompts/questions/suggestions from the GM re what he's up to at different moments.
Dec 2, 2021 9:31 am
Quote:
Is there any speculation (in or out of character) what this 'threat' might be? Anyone should answer.
I've been wondering about this. Whatever it is, it was able to compel a decent-sized band to attack a reasonably well-guarded caravan, and at least a couple of them were afraid to turn back before Meht freaked them out.

Perhaps there is something or someone demanding a tribute the bandits can't otherwise afford to pay, but must if they want to avoid a bad fate. Perhaps people they love are held hostage? Perhaps there's one of those feared and shunned Wizards somewhere? Perhaps both?
Dec 2, 2021 9:35 am
theatreofcomets says:
... I'd generally like to work Oli into the game more ... would appreciate any other characters or NPCs interacting with him, as well as any prompts/questions/suggestions from the GM re what he's up to at different moments.
Will try to do that.
How visible is he normally? I got the impression he was normally hidden away (in Meht's clothes?), but people may have seen more of him during the fight, so they will have reason to ask about him going forward.

You can also have him initiate things with other characters.
Dec 2, 2021 9:36 am
theatreofcomets says:
... demanding a tribute ... people they love are held hostage?
Always a good option. If there is time, follow up with the captain and the merchant, there is more there.
theatreofcomets says:
... Perhaps there's one of those feared and shunned Wizards somewhere?
I will leave it up to the 'magic user' player if there is another wizard in play at this time.
Dec 2, 2021 9:42 am
Do we have two magic users though? Is magic still part of Cook's skills/background, as well as Nanoka's character? Or did it get dropped?
Dec 2, 2021 9:45 am
I believe Cook is an 'ex magic-user'... in more than one meaning of the word. :)
His ability to shut down magic makes a wizard foe attractive, but I am more concerned with our 'current magic user's' view on the topic.
Dec 2, 2021 9:53 am
vagueGM says:
..I am more concerned with our 'current magic user's' view on the topic.
Ah OK, understood.

Other wonderings, while we're discussing ideas:

- I wonder if whoever is behind it might have amassed a bit of treasure through these kind of tactics, and how a fallen noble and a thief might work together, or against one another (or both) to help relieve them of it
- does Bast have any foes? Rival faiths who don't approve of a party god?
vagueGM says:
Will try to do that... You can also have him initiate things with other characters.
Thanks! I'll try to do what you've suggested too.
vagueGM says:
How visible is he normally? I got the impression he was normally hidden away (in Meht's clothes?), but people may have seen more of him during the fight, so they will have reason to ask about him going forward.
When Meht reckons it's safe, he likes Oli to run around, but he keeps him close while he's sizing up a situation or unsure how safe it is (so, most of the time recently).
Dec 2, 2021 10:41 am
theatreofcomets says:
... amassed a bit of treasure...
I would assume there is treasure to be gotten, and that it is coveted by all the PCs.

More successful results on the fight would have gotten you all more, and revealed more opportunities to get more. I feel a bit bad at how little reward you all got, but just surviving was something.

With WoDu I always have an idea of offering a 'One Thousand Silver!' quest for level ones, just to temp the players into taking on more than they can chew on the hope a whole level in one go.
theatreofcomets says:
When Meht reckons it's safe, he likes Oli to run around, but he keeps him close while he's sizing up a situation or unsure how safe it is (so, most of the time recently).
Remind us in scenes if he is hidden or not. Those who know (of) Oli may engage with him anyway, but if he is out, there will be more opportunities.
Dec 2, 2021 11:10 am
Quote:
I will leave it up to the 'magic user' player if there is another wizard in play at this time.
Just to clarify, is that me?
Dec 2, 2021 2:56 pm
Quote:
Is there any speculation (in or out of character) what this 'threat' might be?
Idea -- the "bandits" are a group of prisoners that escaped the Inquisitors. They were looking for food & transportation to continue their escape.
Dec 2, 2021 7:54 pm
paladintodd says:
Quote:
Is there any speculation (in or out of character) what this 'threat' might be?
Idea -- the "bandits" are a group of prisoners that escaped the Inquisitors. They were looking for food & transportation to continue their escape.
Yeah I like that! It could make sense of the tattoo, too, as a mark of faith. Perhaps they're heretics? If they were pagans or nature-worshippers of some kind, it'd make Meht's feelings towards them more complicated, too.

For a yes-and, combining with my earlier suggestion: they could be on the run from the Inquisition, in unfamiliar territory, and a local power-holder of some kind (warlord, wizard, bandit) has taken advantage of their vulnerability and pressed them into doing some of their dirty work. Then the tattoo could be either a mark of faith or a mark of bondage. And it'd explain the map, too - if they were experienced local bandits they'd hardly need a map to the best local spot to ambush caravans, would they?
Dec 2, 2021 8:26 pm
Bigvyner says:
Just to clarify, is that me?
No, not unless you think it also applies to you.

I meant Nanoka's noblewoman mage (who does not have a name yet?).
Dec 2, 2021 8:27 pm
paladintodd says:
... prisoners that escaped the Inquisitors ...
Could be.

This inquisition is suddenly coming into prominence. Will need to think about their status in the region, I think they may not be all that official, but still be powerful, this causes less problems later, down the line.
Dec 2, 2021 8:28 pm
theatreofcomets says:
... tattoo, too, as a mark of faith. Perhaps they're heretics? ...
Could well be. Or just suspected by the Inq.
theatreofcomets says:
... heretics ... pagans or nature-worshippers ...
Bast would be 'pagan', making that not a bad thing. And 'heretics' has little meaning in a polytheistic system. But it could be something like this.
theatreofcomets says:
For a yes-and, combining ... tattoo could be either ...
Indeed. We are just spit-balling ideas and talking about rumours.
theatreofcomets says:
... explain the map ...
Might do, but there is more to the map as well.
With all this stuff, we will play to find out.
Dec 3, 2021 4:54 pm
Sorry I was a bit busy and my character involves me having to come up with a lot of descriptions I noticed lol, I should have submitted now (her name is Alycine)

Regarding whether there should be another magic user in play, having an enemy one might serve as a barometer for how the party feels about the concept as a whole - ideally Alycine's secret would not be discovered by anyone else, so rather than trusting the party implicitly because they're the party she's probably going to wait and see if they would NARC on her before considering any sort of summoning at this moment.
Dec 3, 2021 11:58 pm
Nanoka says:
Sorry I was a bit busy ...
No worries. That's the way it goes.
Nanoka says:
... another magic user in play, having an enemy one might serve as a barometer for how the party feels ...
It does give Alycine something to compare to, and a view of how bad things can get. This implies she does not know, first-hand, about the negative reactions she is likely to get?
Nanoka says:
... how the party feels about the concept ...
In order to make the game work: We know (OOC) that the party will be accepting (enough) of her magic. This includes those NPCs we adventure with long-term (most fellow guards, for now, and any who persist after the guard-guest).

So, do you think Alycine would be using this to test the waters, out in the 'real world'?
Nanoka says:
... see if they would NARC on her before considering any sort of summoning at this moment.
That means we will push the group to a place where she has to make a choice between keeping it 'safe and secret' or 'saving everyone, but revealing the awful truth'. Let us know (even adjusting as we play) how hard that will be pushed.

Secrets don't last long in a party that works together to overcome challenges.
Dec 4, 2021 2:46 am
Quote:
Letting us know your thoughts/desires about the map/tattoo might help finding ways to introduce the new characters. They could be wherever those send us, if we plan to follow up.
That also works for me, happy to be rescued near a bandit camp, or found trying to sneak into it myself.
Quote:
Bast would be 'pagan', making that not a bad thing. And 'heretics' has little meaning in a polytheistic system. But it could be something like this.
Perhaps the inquisition is members of a monotheistic religion, requiring people to only worship the almighty [insert god here] ? They might lack political backing and power in this region but be sent here to 'bring the light of [insert god here]' and basically destabilise the area. Could come from a neighbouring country...
Dec 4, 2021 2:55 am
Bigvyner says:
... happy to be rescued near a bandit camp, or found trying to sneak into it myself.
That could be interesting. In this scenario, were you meant to come to the caravan and got sidetracked (possibly by religious commitments?), or was there no prior affiliation with the caravan? If none, we will need to manufacturer a reason for continued association after the rescue, but that is never hard.
Dec 5, 2021 10:46 am
vagueGM says:
Nanoka says:
... another magic user in play, having an enemy one might serve as a barometer for how the party feels ...
It does give Alycine something to compare to, and a view of how bad things can get. This implies she does not know, first-hand, about the negative reactions she is likely to get?
I think Alycine is well aware of the negative reactions magic usually gets and it's more of a "can I trust my current traveling companions to be understanding"
Quote:
In order to make the game work: We know (OOC) that the party will be accepting (enough) of her magic. This includes those NPCs we adventure with long-term (most fellow guards, for now, and any who persist after the guard-guest).
I suppose this probably answers my question.
Quote:
So, do you think Alycine would be using this to test the waters, out in the 'real world'?
An "evil" magic user could serve as a foil for her to witness the dangers of summoning abuse and hopefully not reach that state.
Dec 5, 2021 10:52 am
Nanoka says:
vagueGM says:
[quote]In order to make the game work: We know (OOC) that the party will be accepting (enough) of her magic. This includes those NPCs we adventure with long-term (most fellow guards, for now, and any who persist after the guard-guest).
I suppose this probably answers my question.
Alycine might not know yet that she will be accepted. And only the PCs really need to be accepting.

If you want to have the NPC guards or the merchant/captain have problems with you, just say so and we can make that happen. They higher up the chain this distrust goes, the more we will have to work to keep things together, but we can leave the caravan if need be.
Nanoka says:
... witness the dangers of summoning abuse and hopefully not reach that state.
Cool. Noted.
Dec 14, 2021 1:03 pm
Rolling some stats

Rolls

str - (2d6)

(25) = 7

dex - (2d6)

(61) = 7

con - (2d6)

(13) = 4

int - (2d6)

(35) = 8

wis - (2d6)

(56) = 11

cha - (2d6)

(26) = 8

Dec 14, 2021 8:35 pm
TheGenerator: Did you pay for your broom? If you want to take it for free, then we can add the 'fragile' tag to it and you accept the possibility of it breaking and forcing you to make a new one from time to time.
Dec 14, 2021 9:05 pm
Moving this here since it is more about the character than the player. :)
TheGenerator says:
Albert is at the camp already. He had recently been told to "shove off" and waited on the outskirts until he noticed the bandits leaving. The perfect time to give them a taste of their own medicine.
He'll probably be spotted while trying to make it out with some loot he just got from one of the tents. So the caravan would find him pretty much red handed, trying to loot the place.

I'm guessing that, with +2 wisdom, Albert would be able to tell that the caravan people are not part of the bandit crew when he sees them. Especially when he notices a familiar face.
TheGenerator says:
If it fits the timeline better, He can also try to sneak into the camp while the party is meeting Cook. Stumble upon them and be like "crap... I thought this place was gonna be empty"
Timing is a bit tricky. It is now sunset, the ambush happened this morning, so they probably had to leave last night, or very early morning. This only breaks the 'noticed them leaving' detail, since that was many hours ago.

It can have taken you time to get here after you noticed them on the road back? Or your arrival at an empty camp could be just coincidence?

It does not matter to us if you arrive before or after the crew (it is not the whole caravan, just a few volunteer guards (the PCs and maybe two or three NPCs?)). Whichever suits you better, we can do.

I don't mind, but is 'stealing' the best first impression? Maybe you are doing something else to the bandits stuff? They are also poor bandits without many resources (aside from the muscle you found useful before), so you might not have come here with the intent of looting. Your call.
Dec 14, 2021 9:32 pm
vagueGM says:
TheGenerator: Did you pay for your broom? If you want to take it for free, then we can add the 'fragile' tag to it and you accept the possibility of it breaking and forcing you to make a new one from time to time.
It's definitely an old broom, so fragile is fitting. I'm also going to add a dagger.
vagueGM says:
but is 'stealing' the best first impression? Maybe you are doing something else to the bandits stuff?
How about if it's stuff they "borrowed" from the bar in the past? Like mugs with the bar's name on it. Albert just came to get his stuff back. It's not about the stuff though... it's the principle of the thing.
Dec 14, 2021 9:44 pm
TheGenerator says:
It's definitely an old broom, so fragile is fitting.
Consider the broom free, even if it does act like a full-fledged weapon. Even a new broom would not hold up against a sword or axe for very long.
TheGenerator says:
How about if it's stuff they "borrowed" from the bar in the past? Like mugs with the bar's name on it. Albert just came to get his stuff back. It's not about the stuff though... it's the principle of the thing.
Sure, all that needs is a little recognition of Albert and that it is his bar's stuff. That takes the stigma out of the 'stealing in front of caravan guards' even if some of them might be a little stealy themselves (not naming names).

Did you bring the broom with you or find it here?

What was your bar called? Was it an inn as well? Would the others know it was destroyed or would this be devastating news to some of them?
Dec 14, 2021 10:09 pm
vagueGM says:

Consider the broom free
Thanks!
vagueGM says:

Did you bring the broom with you or find it here?

What was your bar called? Was it an inn as well? Would the others know it was destroyed or would this be devastating news to some of them?
Albert's bar was called "The Deer's Antlers" with, obviously, an antler as a symbol on the sign outside. It was only a bar, however staying the night for a small fee was possible. Either because they had already passed out, or they had nowhere else to go. There were no beds, anyone sleeping there would be on the floor or on a bench at best. They could get a makeshift pillow from the bar.

He managed to save a few bits and pieces from his ruined bar. The broom was one of them, although at that point it was pretty much just a stick. It has emotional value.
Dec 14, 2021 10:11 pm
Good stuff.
Dec 14, 2021 10:24 pm
If anyone wants to know the bar or Albert, I'll leave that up to them. I'll try to roll with what's thrown at me :)
Dec 14, 2021 10:44 pm
How did Albert avoid the cook (Cook) who remained at the camp, cooking, and the injured man left back at camp?
Dec 14, 2021 10:45 pm
By the way, paladintodd, I don't believe the others can see Cook's sheet, if you could set it to to visible, that would be useful.
Dec 14, 2021 10:51 pm
I guess that depends on how big of a camp it is. If it's not walled off and big enough not to immediately notice each other, that would be the simplest explanation.
If not, I'm fine with rolling for a sneak and possibly having to talk my way out of it.
Dec 14, 2021 10:54 pm
TheGenerator says:
... not walled off and big enough not to immediately notice each other, that would be the simplest explanation.
Sounds feasible.

We all have to meet up in the end, but I am not seeing clean ways to associate Albert with Cook other than via the other characters first.
Dec 14, 2021 10:58 pm
vagueGM says:
I am not seeing clean ways to associate Albert with Cook other than via the other characters first.
Cook might have overheard the bandits getting rid of Albert when he first showed up. That'll probably be the only interaction they've had.
Dec 14, 2021 11:03 pm
TheGenerator says:
Cook might have overheard the bandits getting rid of Albert when he first showed up. That'll probably be the only interaction they've had.
Sure, Cook would have seen Albert come in, begging, and seen him get tossed out.

Given Cook's tragic recent history he is unlikely to know Albert 'from before'.
But you could have met at the camp and formed a friendship?
Dec 16, 2021 10:57 am
I got a general RP question.
How far can I go in terms of assuming I would know about things.
As an example; Cook mentioned tending to a wounded bandit who has been moaning. Is this something I can just assume Albert would have heard while in the camp or is it best to always discuss this with with the party first?

I'm happy playing it quite loose and adjusting to what others say and do. Only discussing things in case of conflicting ideas.
Dec 16, 2021 11:31 am
It is always a balancing act, especially with PbP. If it seems reasonable to you that your character would know a thing, you can assume they do (possibly with a few words saying how they know).

In this case, we can assume Albert knows a bit about the camp --from being here before, or from watching for a few minutes-- so knowing about the injured man and the cook, and that they are (supposed to be) the only ones here at the moment, is completely reasonable and even expected.

While non-ideal, we can always go back and change things if they present a problem.

I find myself regularly using phrases like "There is no way your character would know this, but behind that door...". In these case I assume it is clear that your characters don't not know this. But, since I told the players, it is also reasonable for them to start taking precautions about that off-screen badness. Taking reasonable actions that would give the characters opportunities to learn about the impending doom is fine, having the character move to avoid the situation they don't know about is not. I seldom find this to be a problem
Dec 16, 2021 4:59 pm
TheGenerator: With your next post (or backfill it into an existing RP post) you will need to roll to determine your current HP, for you it is 1d6.

I am not, in any way, implying that you are going to need to know this piece or information soon. :)

These are just 'current HP', not a permanent MAX. Yes, by the rules getting healing can reduce your current HP (healing reveals you were worse off than you thought, rather than actually hurting you).
Bear in mind that +0 is average, so, while your bad lungs are fun, they are not mechanically enforced. Feel free to use them whenever they seem relevant, and we can bring them is reasons for consequences on 6-s, but you can also get fitter (without any need for mechanical change) as you get out in the fresh air.
Dec 16, 2021 5:00 pm
Could we get portraits for Rook and Alycine. It will help us distinguish them in posts.

Shout is you need help.
Dec 16, 2021 10:47 pm
vagueGM says:
I am not, in any way, implying that you are going to need to know this piece or information soon. :)
Right... wink wink :D
I've added it here.
vagueGM says:
..but you can also get fitter (without any need for mechanical change) as you get out in the fresh air.
Makes sense, I'll have good and bad days, I guess. And it surely makes for an easy excuse sometimes :)
Also, if there would be a situation where having bad lungs specifically would be a down side, I'm fine with having some sort of penalty on my roll. I'll leave that up to you. It might be more fun/fitting with the fiction.

Everyone: feel free to call me Gen for short.

Rolls

HP for Albert - (1d6)

(6) = 6

Dec 16, 2021 10:50 pm
TheGenerator says:
Also, if there would be a situation where having bad lungs specifically would be a down side, I'm fine with having some sort of penalty on my roll. I'll leave that up to you. It might be more fun/fitting with the fiction.
Noted.
Dec 17, 2021 12:10 am
OK, I have a portrait now for Rook
Dec 22, 2021 2:21 am
Alright, I'm going to roll my stats (I hope).

Rolls

STR - (2d6)

(46) = 10

DEX - (2d6)

(16) = 7

CON - (2d6)

(33) = 6

INT - (2d6)

(64) = 10

WIS - (2d6)

(54) = 9

CHA - (2d6)

(23) = 5

Dec 22, 2021 2:23 am
Wolfwerty33 says:
Alright, I'm going to roll my stats (I hope).
STR +2; DEX +1; CON +0; INT +2; WIS +1; CHA +0.
Seems like I'll be making a wizard?
Dec 22, 2021 12:02 pm
Wolfwerty33 says:
STR +2; DEX +1; CON +0; INT +2; WIS +1; CHA +0.
Seems like I'll be making a wizard?
The dice sure seem to be telling you to... even if the world tells you not to. :)
But then, equally high STR, and good DEX and WIS give you all sorts of options. Play what you want, not what the dice suggest, we can make it work.
Jan 10, 2022 4:32 pm
paladintodd: I don't see your HP listed. Did you ever roll them? (Not saying you are gonna need them, or anything:).

With Cook's +1 CON you roll two dice and keep the highest 1d6,1d6
Jan 10, 2022 4:58 pm
Oh, looks like I never got around to finishing Cook. Oops. Will get equipment and what not done this afternoon.

Rolls

Hit point, dice don't fail me now! - (2d6)

(56) = 11

Jan 10, 2022 4:59 pm
6 HP!
Surprisingly healthy. :)
Jan 29, 2022 11:31 am
Alrighty, gonna roll up my attributes

Rolls

STR - (2D6)

(63) = 9

DEX - (2D6)

(24) = 6

CON - (2D6)

(44) = 8

INT - (2D6)

(62) = 8

WIS - (2D6)

(33) = 6

CHA - (2D6)

(55) = 10

Jan 29, 2022 11:35 am
Cool, I'm really charismatic. Rolling my HP now.

Rolls

HP - (2D6)

(31) = 4

Jan 29, 2022 11:59 am
Dirk Tsoil the grave robbing amateur archaeologist

I submitted my character, hopefully I did it all right. I'll sketch up a portrait for him in a bit.
Jan 29, 2022 12:16 pm
Dirk looks good.

How do you think he ends up with the party?

Was he part of the caravan and with the party all along, through the whole experience?
Was he with the bandits and joined back then?
Have his grave robbing archaeological activities brought him to this hidden and long forgotten place?

All are valid ways to get a new character into the story. Meeting now, at the temple, means we have to do a little work to build trust (we can all ignore the obvious suspicion engendered by their most recent --though short-lived-- addition), but we can make that happen. We can play it out, or just declare it done, whatever we choose.

If you know some of the others from before it can help. Rook is a thief, so you may have moved in similar circles, and Albert was a bartender, till recently, so he is easy for anyone to know.
Jan 29, 2022 12:19 pm
Except, Dirk's HP are 3, not 4. You roll 2 dice, but only keep 1 when you are level 1.
Jan 30, 2022 11:49 am
I'm having a blast reading through the adventure so far, just finished reading "On the Road" and the OOC commentary on it. Right now I just started reading "Off the Beaten Track". I know I don't need to read the whole thing but it's a nice little learning experience for me since the only PBP experience I have so far is bowlofspinach's tutorial.
vagueGM says:
How do you think he ends up with the party?
Trying to come up with an idea of how to introduce Dirk, I might just go with your suggestion on meeting at the temple, not sure yet.
vagueGM says:
Except, Dirk's HP are 3, not 4. You roll 2 dice, but only keep 1 when you are level 1.
Ah gotcha, the wording was a little confusing in the rules but this clears it up. I also changed out Zigzag the dog with the tinker skill.
vagueGM says:
Skills: if you have an applicable skill, you can't miss. A roll of 6 or less counts as a partial success, but with a bigger compromise or complication than a 7-9 result.
Does the "can't miss" thing apply to both abilities and skills? Or just skills?
Jan 30, 2022 12:17 pm
sunnyVoid says:
... don't need to read the whole thing ...
While it is not necessary, reading what has gone before can be very worthwhile. There is also a summary which can be referred back to (it can be depressing how short those summaries are:).

One of the reasons I prefer to keep games public is so prospective players can read them to get a feel for the game's style, and prospective GMs can take a look at a the player's style. But most games don't get read by anyone who is not --or not going to be-- involved. We are not writing a book, so don't fret about the quality of language, being creative is the most important bit, though beaten by being clear. A clear but boring way of saying something is vastly better than a beautiful but hard to understand one. :)
sunnyVoid says:
... Trying to come up with an idea of how to introduce Dirk ...
Also: Those were also only examples --though they were pretty all-encompassing in their generality-- any other ideas you can come up are welcome.
sunnyVoid says:
... meeting at the temple ...
Maybe Dirk was out near here, archiologing, and had a dream last night that drove him to seek what is beneath the temple? So he abandoned what he was doing and came looking?

If so: What is he seeking? What is beneath the temple that drives him?
sunnyVoid says:
... the wording was a little confusing in the rules ...
Yes, the rules about HP are a constant source of confusion.
sunnyVoid says:
... changed out Zigzag the dog with the tinker skill ...
Also, don't stress too much about getting the exact right picks now. If you find during play that something is not working the way you thought it did, we can always swap it out later after some discussion.

Rook does already have Tinker. Rezart, you still happy with such duplication?
sunnyVoid says:
... Does the "can't miss" thing apply to both abilities and skills ...
Just Skills, that is all a Skill does (well, that and provide fictional positioning to do things others would have a harder time justifying).
Special Abilities provide extra options or items (the dog for instance, or better armour and such). If you have to roll for an Ability, then a Skill can apply there as well.
Jan 30, 2022 3:25 pm
sunnyVoid says:
Trying to come up with an idea of how to introduce Dirk, I might just go with your suggestion on meeting at the temple, not sure yet.
If you need someone familiar within the group, my character "Albert" was a bartender at a bar just outside of town. Feel free to have him as a friend or acquaintance. I find it's much easier to be accepted (and trusted) in a group when there are existing bonds.
Jan 30, 2022 3:32 pm
While PCs are better, Dirk could also know either of the NPCs present (Asha or the guard captain). This only eases the acceptability right now, a bond with a PC last even if the NPCs depart.
Feb 1, 2022 3:08 am
It seems a bit redundant to have two trap springers on the team, but it won't hurt my enjoyment of the game in any way if that's what you want to go with. With something like a graverobber, I'd think you'd could go for some sort of cooler ability like spirit command or something though. Or maybe Slay, from building up those digging muscles? But like I said, I'm fine with whichever way you want to take it; Rook is more of a street rat, and his Tinker is much more useful for picking locks and pockets
Feb 1, 2022 8:17 am
Rezart says:
Or maybe Slay, from building up those digging muscles?
You raise a good point, it makes more sense for Dirk to have a different skill other than tinker, especially since his DEX is 0 (I know there isn't a mechanical connection between DEX and Tinker, it just makes sense narratively) He also does a lot of manual labor so he would be more tough than sneaky. I replaced Tinker with Hardy.
vagueGM says:
Rook is a thief, so you may have moved in similar circles
TheGenerator says:
"Albert" was a bartender at a bar just outside of town. Feel free to have him as a friend or acquaintance. I find it's much easier to be accepted (and trusted) in a group when there are existing bonds.
I think I'll try to connect Dirk with both Albert and Rook.

Dirk frequently visited Albert's tavern, I propose Albert would recognize Dirk as the guy who would talk about tall tales and strange theories(equivalent of Ancient Aliens stories) to other patrons. Dirk would always tell these stories in a tongue-in-cheek way, as if he didn't really believe the stories and was mainly trying to entertain people.
I have this idea that he would tell Albert his real thoughts on matters, and would discuss privately with him the strange things he found on his "exhibitions". He tries keeping his grave-robbing activities a secret to Albert but I think Albert figured out Dirk's true "occupation" by piecing together clues from his stories.

I propose Rook and Dirk worked together one time, I don't know exactly how, but it was probably a job that required the expertise of an experienced grave-robber. Other than that job, Rook would see Dirk a few times at the tavern.

I have an idea that both Albert and Rook wouldn't be TOO surprised at finding their grave-robbing, weird lore enthusiast acquaintance at this old temple.
vagueGM says:
What is he seeking? What is beneath the temple that drives him?
Dirk has been following a strange trail he picked up from the last few jobs he had, where the bodies he found had the same tattoo. How he made the connection between the tattoos and the location of the temple I haven't yet worked out. He does know about the "ancient foul sorcerer".

He suspects that the temple has an artifact called the "Horn of the Star" which is said to grant "eternal life" to those who drink of it, he believes that this is one and the same as the object known as "the chalice". However, he might be wrong about a few of these details since he arrives to his conclusions based on a lot of unreputable sources and his own wild conjectures.

Last night he had a dream where he saw the "Horn of the Star", only it was different than what he imagined. He wants it because he's deathly afraid of dying and wishes to have eternal life.

Let me know if that makes sense
Feb 1, 2022 8:43 am
sunnyVoid says:
... mechanical connection between DEX and Tinker ...
While it could be argued otherwise, most of the things Tinker allows would probably use DEX.

Hardy makes sense. Even if it is a little boring. :)
Hardy and Lucky together might say something significant about the character. I wonder how that factors into their fear of death? Very Interesting...

I was going to ask about why Dirk's HP were already low when he arrives, but being down by 3 points from 9 does not seem as noteworthy as being at half health, so it is not a big deal.

Note that HP are not your 'max'. They represent your current, right now. The HP mechanics are a bit weird, you can roll for healing and end up with less (or is it fewer?) HP than before you rolled, this represents discovering that things were worse than you thought. If rolling in a completely safe place, we might allow the old number to be kept.
sunnyVoid says:
... connect Dirk with both Albert and Rook ...
If they go for it, both those connections --especially Albert's, since he knows you as an archaeologist and as close to an 'expert' on the sort of situation they are in as there is-- would make their immediate acceptance of Dirk make sense.
sunnyVoid says:
... "Horn of the Star" which is said to grant "eternal life" ...
GM scribbles a note and smiles 'mysteriously'.
sunnyVoid says:
... Last night he had a dream ... saw the "Horn of the Star" ... different ... afraid of dying and wishes to have eternal life ...
Good luck with that. Those searches never turn out well for the seeker (one must assume, since they are all dead... one assumes:).
sunnyVoid says:
... Let me know if that makes sense ...
Really good stuff.

You want to bring Dirk into the story? Before they enter the tower would be easier than after.
Feb 1, 2022 8:50 am
sunnyVoid says:
Dirk frequently visited Albert's tavern, I propose Albert would recognize Dirk .... Albert figured out Dirk's true "occupation"
Sounds good. Albert will keep the truth on the down low ;)
sunnyVoid says:
Albert and Rook wouldn't be TOO surprised
Judging by what Albert knows about Dirk, I was thinking the same thing.
Feb 1, 2022 8:53 am
All of this 'connected character building' really makes me hanker for some Traveller, with its whole --sometimes multiple-session-- character creation minigame (no, you can not die in character creation anymore).
Feb 1, 2022 9:07 am
vagueGM says:
hanker for some Traveller
I've never played that, but might look it up sometime :)
I'm wondering what would be a good place to "find" Dirk. If we go into the tower, is it likely for him to be there? Or is it something we don't really have to worry about cause we'll make it work either way?
Feb 1, 2022 9:17 am
TheGenerator says:
vagueGM says:
hanker for some Traveller
I've never played that, but might look it up sometime :)
I would take a look at the latest version from Mongoose Games, looks like they just released a 2022 update to the core book which includes everything to get started.

It is on the other side of the crunchy spectrum to this one, or even to most of the games use (having to go back 'Initiative' order will be a blow:), but space games can benefit from crunch and it is tried and tested.

I also have the version from 1977, which is really impressive for its day, but I don't think I would use Classic Traveller these days.
Feb 1, 2022 9:18 am
TheGenerator says:
I'm wondering what would be a good place to "find" Dirk. If we go into the tower, is it likely for him to be there? Or is it something we don't really have to worry about cause we'll make it work either way?
Wherever it happens we will just make it work. We can not apply too much 'realism' to such things.

From the roof, you call can see a short ways around the temple building, so spotting Dirk and having him join your party before you go into the temple will be easy.

Finding him in the temple tends to raise suspicions. The temple is not a good place, and anyone there is... well, you are there, but you know what I mean. :)
Feb 1, 2022 9:36 am
We can also always flashback and say they met up on the ground, before climbing. That way you don't need to come back down or play out more details than we want.
Feb 8, 2022 10:16 am
Can we get an update of the current party thread? Some characters are now inactive/gone and there are a few new ones too :)
Feb 8, 2022 10:19 am
It's a 'wiki', so I think y'all should be able to edit it. Let me know, else I will do it later.
Feb 8, 2022 10:26 am
I only have the edit option for my own posts it seems. Same thing in summary of recent events thread. Maybe a settings issue?
Feb 8, 2022 11:01 am
Well... Drat! Apparently I need to give players 'Moderate' powers not 'Edit' powers to allow them to edit. I suppose it makes sense.

‣ Can you edit them now?

It is hard to check these things as the GM, I can not see what they players see, none of the permission apply to me. :(
Feb 8, 2022 11:06 am
Yes, that did it! :) Thanks! I'll update the thread.
If you need me to check anything else, let me know.
Feb 8, 2022 11:13 am
TheGenerator says:
If you need me to check anything else, let me know.
Thanks. Hard to know what needs to be checked till players report problems.

I know that the Help! thread is not writable, but its function kinda changed from a place for requesting help to a 'Help Document'. I should go back and make sure the language reflects that.
Feb 8, 2022 9:01 pm
My stats are Str 0 ,Dex 1, Con 3, Int 1, Wis 2, Cha 1

Thinking woodsman a better title as the trees I manage must all be near the town. Perhaps the trees are dying and I want to find why.
Feb 8, 2022 9:02 pm
My stats are Str 0 ,Dex 1, Con 3, Int 1, Wis 2, Cha 1

Thinking woodsman a better title as the trees I manage must all be near the town. Perhaps the trees are dying and I want to find why.
Feb 8, 2022 9:19 pm
'Forester' literally means 'someone who makes forests', so it is a perfectly fine title. 'Woodsman' just means someone who spends time in the woods. But the title is not that important. :)

You don't have to have been all that near the town, your forest could be way out here --a days travel from town-- but, to maintain the theme, you would not have ventured too far your lands. Basically, you are not 'well traveled' or experienced in the other types of wilderness.

Having your trees showing signs of dying over the past few weeks fits with the events we have seen. Has that led you to the temple alone,? Or did you join up with Dirk who may be known to you if he spent any time in your forests practicing archaeology?

If you came in with Dirk we can very easily slot your character into the current events, else we will need to come up with another way to get you integrated, but we can handwave a lot of it to get the story going.

The site has a dice roller (see the red ADD below on this page). Rather make use of that in the future.

‣ Does anyone object to us keeping the excellent 'Str 0 ,Dex 1, Con 3, Int 1, Wis 2, Cha 1' roll. PM me and I can be the bad guy.
Feb 8, 2022 9:28 pm
I think the link with Dirk digging round the old ruins in my forest seems fine. Do you want me to re roll with the dice roller?
Feb 8, 2022 9:36 pm
One advantage of rolling publicly is that we can see if mistakes are being made and provide guidance. If you are happy you followed the instructions (took two dice, rolled them, added them together, consulted the chart, and then assigned that number as your STR score, then did the same for DEX, and so on down the line in order) then I am happy to let them stand. I don't think we think you are cheating or anything.

Or, if you want to reroll them, you are most welcome to do that, too.
Feb 9, 2022 12:12 am
I have re rolled them as follows
d6+d6, d6+d6, d6+d6, d6+d6, d6+d6, d6+d6

d6+d6 : (4) + (1) = 5

d6+d6 : (1) + (3) = 4

d6+d6 : (4) + (5) = 9

d6+d6 : (1) + (3) = 4

d6+d6 : (6) + (6) = 12

d6+d6 : (2) + (2) = 4
Feb 9, 2022 8:08 am
Still not bad stats. And work for a woodsman/forester/ranger/(or druid?.

You can type `2d6` and it will add them together, or `1d6,1d6' to roll them separately with no math. `d6+d6` does the same thing as `2d6` but is longer. :)
Feb 9, 2022 9:37 am
Thank you. I will stick to my original forester if that is ok
Feb 9, 2022 11:26 am
'Stick with' as in: go with that original idea? Sure, tell us about them.

We will use the new roll, though, since it was made. When we roll, we take what it says, we don't get to pick after the roll that we would rather keep previous results.

You can create a character using the Custom sheet, and submit it and make it viewable. We can work on the details once they are in. I just accept, the sheets, and then look at it as we work.
Feb 9, 2022 7:41 pm
I have created a forester character
Feb 9, 2022 7:43 pm
Cool. You can submit them to the game on the details page. Then we can take a look.
Feb 9, 2022 11:06 pm
Here we go
Str +1
Dex +1
Con +0
Int +1
Wis+1
Cha +1

Looks like I'm gonna play somebody quite average 😉
Since we already have a cleric, thief and a ranger in the party, maybe a fighter is the way to go?
I could take the skill that augments my hitpoints... What do you think?
Last edited February 9, 2022 11:53 pm

Rolls

Str - (2d6)

(61) = 7

Dex - (2d6)

(26) = 8

Con - (2d6)

(42) = 6

Int - (2d6)

(34) = 7

Wis - (2d6)

(35) = 8

Cha - (2d6)

(61) = 7

Feb 10, 2022 9:07 am
Airshark says:
... Looks like I'm gonna play somebody quite average
...
+0s are 'average'. +1s are quite above average. I would say you are 'well-rounded'.
Airshark says:
... maybe a fighter is the way to go?
Sure, can do... If you want to. With those stats you can be almost anything you desire. :)
Airshark says:
... I could take the skill that augments my hitpoints...
Given that CON is your lowest Stat, that can make sense. Or --and completely optionally, and I am just stpiballing-- you can lean into what the dice are saying and do something else to shore up your HP?

Tough give you +1 Armour, which can add up to more than the +6 HP after 6 hits. It rather depends on how often you think you will be getting hit, if you are a 'fighter' then we will have more fights, so far there has not been a lot of getting hit, (and I doubt the combined PC losses were much more than 6 Hp, total:) But that will change with a fightery character. :)

Skirmish might allow you to kill things faster --ending it early is generally the best way to stay alive in a fight-- and allow you to wear better armour (with the benefits mentioned above). If you are interested in going this route we can talk about how you gained those skirmish skills and possibly how you gained your 'better armour' and who you owe for it.

Or you could take something unexpected. It is up to you, we will adjust the game around your choices.
Feb 10, 2022 9:10 am
Stampman49 says:
I have created a forester character
I see them. Tell us about bit about them.

Incidentally: Your HP should maybe be 4, and definitely not 7. You roll 2, but only keep as many of those dice as your level, so 1 at this level.
Feb 10, 2022 9:34 am
Airshark says:
I could take the skill that augments my hitpoints
vagueGM says:
Or you could take something unexpected.
Remember you can pick any 2 abilities. You don't have to stick to the example builds. (Correct me if I'm wrong, vagueGM)
So even Tough+Cantrips is a valid option, for example.
The skills within the fighter 'class' do work well together, though.
Feb 10, 2022 9:39 am
TheGenerator says:
Remember you can pick any 2 abilities. You don't have to stick to the example builds. (Correct me if I'm wrong, vagueGM)
Quite right. Any two Abilities and any two Skills.
Feb 10, 2022 3:26 pm
vagueGM says:


Given that CON is your lowest Stat, that can make sense. Or --and completely optionally, and I am just stpiballing-- you can lean into what the dice are saying and do something else to shore up your HP?

Tough give you +1 Armour, which can add up to more than the +6 HP after 6 hits. It rather depends on how often you think you will be getting hit, if you are a 'fighter' then we will have more fights, so far there has not been a lot of getting hit, (and I doubt the combined PC losses were much more than 6 Hp, total:) But that will change with a fightery character. :)

Skirmish might allow you to kill things faster --ending it early is generally the best way to stay alive in a fight-- and allow you to wear better armour (with the benefits mentioned above). If you are interested in going this route we can talk about how you gained those skirmish skills and possibly how you gained your 'better armour' and who you owe for it.

Or you could take something unexpected. It is up to you, we will adjust the game around your choices.
Here is what I had in mind.

Roald is the son of the town butcher, but he hates his job (though he's fairly good at it) and he hates his father who's always pushing him to get better and never has a kind word. All Roald wants to really do is see the world. He is a friendly person and has a good heart, but a very bad drunk. When he's not working you can find him in a tavern, or drunk in the street next to it, kicked out after another drunk barbrawl. Alcohol has an awful effect on Roald. He has made quite of a name for himself that way, not in a good way.

After kicking someone nearly to death he spend sometime in jail, that's where his eyes opened. He swore never to touch the liqour again and leave town. Starting with a clean slate.


Maybe the skirmish ability is indeed a good idea, I could make Roald the son of a blacksmith, this could explain why he has armour. I would also pick tough. Am i correct that all fighters have athletics and I can choose one more skill? Decipher seems interesting. I would then play it in a way that Roald doesn't even know he is good at code cracking, he never encountered a situation where he needed his intelligence. He probably thinks of himself as a dumb person, given his father always talking him down.

Is this something you can work with?

I hope my English is good enough for this RPG, checking every word in google translate kinda takes out the fun for me.
Feb 10, 2022 4:08 pm
Airshark says:
... son of the town butcher ... drunk ... spend sometime in jail ...
That all sounds most excellent. Butcher skills can transfer to fighting skills, it is all cutting stuff. :)
Airshark says:
... son of a blacksmith, this could explain why he has armour ...
You would OWE someone a serious favour for the armor if you could not already afford it. Nothing comes for free.

Unless you want this to be owed to your estranged father --keeping them in the story-- having it be another NPC who can make demands on you is fine, we can just make someone up, you can tell us about them. This 'loan' is outside the rules, but we can stretch things.
Airshark says:
... all fighters have athletics ...
Treat those 'builds' as examples. You can pick any two Special Abilities and any two Skills, from any list. Mix and match those combinations as you please.
Airshark says:
... Decipher ... never encountered a situation where he needed his intelligence ...
We can do that. With or without Decipher. If you let us know that you are interested in exploring a certain storyline, we can try to make it happen. Opportunities will arise, and you can make your own opportunities.

Tell us --now and/or as we play-- what you are aiming for and we can help. We are on your side, we are fans of your character and want to see them shine.
Airshark says:
... hope my English is good enough ...
It has been fine so far. No worries. Let us know if anything we say is unclear, we will do the same for you.

If it helps, you can also take a look at this thread about games in other languages and using that to learn.
Feb 10, 2022 4:56 pm
Airshark says:
in a tavern, or drunk in the street next to it, kicked out
Sounds like Rook, Dirk and Albert would know him :)
Feb 10, 2022 5:16 pm
TheGenerator says:
Airshark says:
in a tavern, or drunk in the street next to it, kicked out
Sounds like Rook, Dirk and Albert would know him :)
If so, then there will be some mistrust. Roald's reputation might not give him the benefit of the doubt. Maybe we should find a way for him to prove he is a changed man.

@vagueGM I will take another look at the skills and abilities, and adjust my background accordingly.
Feb 10, 2022 5:22 pm
Airshark says:
... find a way for him to prove he is a changed man ...
To ease the inclusion of the character, maybe we can say he already had a chance to prove he is a changed man. Trust is hard to come by out here.

As a bartender, I am sure Albert has known plenty of drunks. Both Rook and Dirk are criminal-adjacent (and might even have done time with 'Roald', if they ever did time).
Feb 10, 2022 9:52 pm
Can you explain the awareness skill?
Feb 10, 2022 11:02 pm
Airshark says:
Can you explain the awareness skill?
The Skills are deliberately left vague --as with most of the rules. We are free to interpret how it works, and when it works based on the situation.

If a situation arises where you think you can make the dictionary definition of the word apply, then it probably does. The terms are broad ideas and concepts and should be applicable to many situations.

Mechanically: Skills mean that, when you are doing that thing, a 6- does not mean you 'fail' (but the cost is still similar to all 6-s (the GM makes a Move and something (normally undesirable to the characters) happens)).

If you can't think of situations where your character would use a Skill or are not sure how it would work, then picking it might not be your best bet. We will try to find places where you all can use your characters' abilities, but only you are looking at and thinking about own sheet as a first priority.

'Skills' also justify your character doing things in the fiction, things that might be considered unreasonable for those without the Skill. A classic example is Heal: If you have it you can reasonably attempt to do medicine or medical stuff, if you don't you probably don't know enough to about what the stuff means to examine medicines or bodies for clues, but also you can attempt to make people better. Anyone could attempt to do fist aid, but having Heal would remove some of the risk, and mean it makes sense to come to you for it, NPCs may ask for your help if you are know Healer, for instance.

Things that synergize with the rest of the character are easy to bring into the story, but not required. Our Cleric, for example, also gets flashes of insight from his god, based on the combination of his faith and his Awareness Skill. That is a unique situation and not under the player's control. It makes sense in the fiction, though.
Feb 10, 2022 11:30 pm
I'll go with Athletics and decipher. Skirmish and tough.
Though these are mostly fighting skills, you don't need to adjust the game to my skills, as I said before, it's usually more satisfying to solve a situation without violence.

About the armor. What if I stole the armor from my father who served in the military in his younger days. Maybe he put a bounty on my head when he found out, which results in me never being able to go back to the town as long as I'm wanted.
I'm having a problem with the idea of owing someone, but if you think that's the best way to go, I trust your judgement.

Also: I suspect the armor is something like a breastplate or chainmail and a pot Helmet. Not a full plate one.

Roald is open to embrace a (new) religion. This might give him some credit with Albert later on in the game?
Feb 10, 2022 11:33 pm
Airshark says:
If so, then there will be some mistrust.
vagueGM says:
maybe we can say he already had
a chance to prove he is a changed man
Albert's a pretty nice guy. I'm sure he'd forgive a few broken chairs for a regular customer. Maybe you've helped him "take out the trash" a few times too.
Feb 10, 2022 11:55 pm
Airshark says:
... What if I stole the armor ...
Could do.
Airshark says:
... never being able to go back to the town ...
That presents the problem of your not being able to back to town and limits our ability to play there. Maybe something less overt?
Airshark says:
... father who served in the military ...
There might be something there with it being 'military' armor, and them having expectations of you based on assumptions that you are one of them. But that might not work when they find out you are not one of them.

We will have to think on this.
Airshark says:
... I'm having a problem with the idea of owing someone ...
Then we can just skip it and you can starting spend your money on Light Armor, and save up for Full. Depending on it goes, you you might be able to upgrade what you have to Full Armor instead of needing to sell it and buy new (an in-fiction perk of specialising in armor stuff). If you can upgrade you might also be able to pick and choose which bits you wear when, varying between just a chain shirt at some times, and then adding the breastplate and vambrace and greaves as needed.

Skirmisher would mean you can move as easily in Light Armor as others can in no armor, or sleep in Light while others would need to doff it, which might be even better than being less slowed (but still some) by Heavy. You might not ever want to upgrade.
Feb 10, 2022 11:57 pm
TheGenerator says:
... helped him "take out the trash" a few times too.
Since we know that Roald is:
Airshark says:
... a friendly person and has a good heart ...
that might be in keeping with the character?
Feb 11, 2022 12:02 am
vagueGM says:



Then we can just skip it and you can starting spend your money on Light Armor, and save up for Full. Depending on it goes, you you might be able to upgrade what you have to Full Armor instead of needing to sell it and buy new (an in-fiction perk of specialising in armor stuff). If you can upgrade you might also be able to pick and choose which bits you wear when, varying between just a chain shirt at some times, and then adding the breastplate and vambrace and greaves as needed.

Skirmisher would mean you can move as easily in Light Armor as others can in no armor, or sleep in Light while others would need to doff it, which might be even better than being less slowed (but still some) by Heavy. You might not ever want to upgrade.
This works for me. This way we don't overcomplicate things in my first game.

Any other aspects we should handle? Or is Roald good to go?
Should I write a short background in the characters thread?

The ''taking out the trash'' idea is also ok for me.
Feb 11, 2022 12:14 am
Airshark says:
This works for me. This way we don't overcomplicate things in my first game.
Cool. Simple is better. :)
Airshark says:
Any other aspects we should handle? Or is Roald good to go?
I think he is good. Put all these detail on the sheet so we can check.
Airshark says:
Should I write a short background in the characters thread?
Include something like what you have here in the sheet, for easy reference.

Add a summary to the characters thread.
Airshark says:
The ''taking out the trash'' idea is also ok for me.
How did you end up with the party?

We can make it as simple as 'you joined the caravan as a guard' (makes sense with the history you gave) and just say that you were with the party the whole time, and came with them after the bandit ambush. There is no need to mention how quiet you have been or anything, we can assume that the way you react going forward is the way you reacted and that it made sense to still end up where we ended up.

That gets you in without needing to concoct a way of meeting out here. We can handle any details of that in flashbacks if we need to, or just pretend it makes sense and skip those details. They shouldn't have too much effect on the current events and also should not be a problem if we go back to the caravan (we can just assume those there know you).
Feb 11, 2022 2:19 am
vagueGM says:





How did you end up with the party?

We can make it as simple as 'you joined the caravan as a guard' (makes sense with the history you gave) and just say that you were with the party the whole time, and came with them after the bandit ambush. There is no need to mention how quiet you have been or anything, we can assume that the way you react going forward is the way you reacted and that it made sense to still end up where we ended up.

That gets you in without needing to concoct a way of meeting out here. We can handle any details of that in flashbacks if we need to, or just pretend it makes sense and skip those details. They shouldn't have too much effect on the current events and also should not be a problem if we go back to the caravan (we can just assume those there know you).
Perfect.
If possible I would like to have an in game starting point. Somebody asking me to do something, or the other way around. It's kinda weird for me to join the conversation out of the blue.

HP roll:


Edit: wow I got Lucky there!
Last edited February 11, 2022 2:20 am

Rolls

Hp - (1d6)

(6) = 6

Feb 11, 2022 10:41 am
Airshark says:
... an in game starting point. Somebody asking me to do something, or the other way around ...
Good point. Who do you think is the best fit? Albert?

Or, maybe you can write a few sentences summing up what you did or thought as the story happened? If you do, maybe you can tell us what you dreamed last night, what object of your desire do you now believe is down there that you want to go and get? This helps tell us why you are willing to risk your neck (in addition to 'saving the world') and will guide me in the types of treasure we find down there.
Feb 11, 2022 10:55 am
@Stampman49 Falur looks good.

I assume you rolled a 4 and a 3 on your HP dice? At level 1 you only keep 1 one of the dice (presumably the best one:). The extra dice you get to roll for the +1 CON still help to increase the average numbers for the dice you keep.
Tell us a sentence of two about the character and what their life is normally like.
Then we need to integrate them into the party.

Did you arrive with Dirk? You already know him from before and may have met him in the forest on his way to the temple. If you came in with Dirk, did you have a dream last night that this was the place, or are you relying on Dirk's dream to guide you? Aside from 'putting a stop to whatever is killing your forest', is there any object you are hoping to find down below (that can help guide me towards the sorts of treasure that will be down there).
Feb 11, 2022 11:03 am
vagueGM says:
Airshark says:
... an in game starting point. Somebody asking me to do something, or the other way around ...
Who do you think is the best fit? Albert?
Maybe we can assume Roald is higher up the stairs? I could just yell a "heads up" to him, or Asha could go get him.
Would that do?
Feb 11, 2022 7:21 pm
I am a forester looking after the trees in the nearby forest. Most of the time I am by myself living in a hut but about once every two weeks I come to the town for supplies and a drink in the bar. My trees are getting diseased so I have said to myself that I need to get out look for a cure but really I am bored and lonely and want a change.

I had met Dirk in the past when he was digging in some ruins in my forest. I bumped into him again the other day and he told me about his dream. I remembered when I was little my mother told me of fabulous treasure buried in ruins far away including a lost bow of power, I wonder if these were not just stories but maybe Dirk was really on to something. Anyway going with him was better than staying in a dying forest!

How do I get into the game do you think?
Last edited February 11, 2022 7:22 pm
Feb 11, 2022 7:35 pm
Stampman49 says:
... How do I get into the game do you think?
Maybe we just say you arrived with Dirk, and have been with the party since then? Maybe you climbed up to look at the bell and your ears are ringing, or you stayed with the ladies by the window; either way you are now down with the others as Albert (whose bar you frequented?) is hitting invisible ropes with a broomstick.

Do you want to do anything before we resolve those actions?
We can also come back and say you did it, if we need to. Timing can be a bit weird in PbP and sometime we post out of order and have to be flexible.
Feb 12, 2022 8:23 am
Yes I know Albert from the bar. Yes resolve it as you suggest, thank you for the help
Feb 12, 2022 1:11 pm
Stampman49 says:
... resolve it as you suggest ...
Let's assume you are with them.

I added a little woodsmanly element that can bring your character into the foreground for the fist time. There will be not immediate answers to the 'fun..' issue, but you can show us Falur's thought-process and reactions and interactions with the other characters while not being sure of the exact nature of the threat. Assume your character know at least as much as we (the players) do about general fungal growths. :)
Feb 12, 2022 11:15 pm
Rolling up my character Deoring:

Rolls

STR - (2D6)

(22) = 4

DEX - (2D6)

(26) = 8

CON - (2D6)

(65) = 11

INT - (2D6)

(65) = 11

WIS - (2D6)

(64) = 10

CHA - (2D6)

(32) = 5

Feb 12, 2022 11:20 pm
So,

STR 0
DEX +1
CON +2
INT +2
WIS +2
CHA 0

I've started a character sheet. Will add these stats to it and submit it.
Feb 12, 2022 11:25 pm
Oh, I have a question about the hit dice. WoDu rules say "You have 1 Hit Die (d6) + extra hit dice equal to your CON. Roll all your hit dice and keep a number equal to your level to determine your HP."

Does this mean with my Level 1 PC's CON of +2, I roll 3D6 and choose the highest one to keep?

Rolls

HIT DICE - (3D6)

(314) = 8

Feb 12, 2022 11:30 pm
Quote:
Does this mean with my Level 1 PC's CON of +2, I roll 3D6 and choose the highest one to keep?
Yup, that looks correct to me :)
With that roll you'd have 4HP (unless you have an ability giving you more HP)

Nice stats btw! :)
Feb 12, 2022 11:59 pm
TheGenerator says:
Quote:
Does this mean with my Level 1 PC's CON of +2, I roll 3D6 and choose the highest one to keep?
Yup, that looks correct to me :)
With that roll you'd have 4HP (unless you have an ability giving you more HP)

Nice stats btw! :)
Thank you! I am taking Hardy to get me up to 10HP. My character sheet is ready, except I need to find an avatar. Any suggestions on places to find good fantasy character images?
Feb 13, 2022 7:55 am
TrailHead says:
... I am taking Hardy to get me up to 10HP ...
Remember that that 4HP is not permanent, it is merely your current HP and can go up or down the next time you get to Rest and Heal.

You are welcome to take Hardy if that fits your character concept.
TrailHead says:
... suggestions on places to find good fantasy character images?
Not really. My first port of call is Google, many like Pinterest, Deviant Art and Art Station feature prominently in the Google image results and are therefore a good place to look next (or first, for some).
TrailHead says:
... My character sheet is ready ...
Go ahead and submit it on the Game Details page. I just accept them without looking. Then we can all look at it and discuss the details. Character creation should not be 'solo-fun' but a group activity over which you have final say.
Feb 13, 2022 9:27 am
Sorry I realise I should have posted as the character not me
Feb 13, 2022 10:25 am
Stampman49 says:
Sorry I realise I should have posted as the character not me
you can still change it with the edit link. I forget it often as well
Feb 13, 2022 12:45 pm
Stampman49 says:
Sorry I realise I should have posted as the character not me
It does happen, all the time. There may be a change where the site remembers who you are posting as in a thread and defaults to using that. This will cut down on the times we post as the player instead of the PC. It might need more people to chime in on it before it is implemented.

Of course, that does not help for the first post. :)

As TheGenerator says (I so like having helpful players like this, so we don't have to wait for the GM:) you can change who you posted as. The system does not consider this an edit.

As with all edits. If it changes the meaning of the post, be sure to make an OOC note so we know things changed. It should be clear from the text of the post who is being referred to. Don't rely on the sidebar or formatting, be explicit, both with who is involved and with quoted text (the bold is optional, the "quotation marks" and 'Falur says' bits are not:).
Feb 16, 2022 3:38 pm
vagueGM says:
I just accept them without looking. Then we can all look at it and discuss the details.
I see that @Trailhead added his character to the game. Is there a way for us to see it?
Feb 16, 2022 7:23 pm
TheGenerator says:
I see that @Trailhead added his character to the game. Is there a way for us to see it?
Trailhead will need to make them visible. Then you will be able to view the character sheet.
Feb 16, 2022 8:00 pm
Quote:
Trailhead will need to make them visible. Then you will be able to view the character sheet.
Done (I believe)
Last edited February 16, 2022 8:00 pm
Feb 16, 2022 8:13 pm
How far back in the story line do you recommend I read to get a good feel for the setting and current characters?
Feb 16, 2022 8:24 pm
vagueGM says:
Done (I believe)
Yup, I can see it. (I like the layout! :) )
Feb 16, 2022 8:24 pm
I’ve read the current roleplay thread and understood where the party is at the moment, but is there a good place in the previous thread to get a little more context?
Feb 16, 2022 8:26 pm
TheGenerator says:
vagueGM says:
Done (I believe)
Yup, I can see it. (I like the layout! :) )
Thanks, since I couldn’t find a WoDu template, I just used a Dungeon World template and simplified it.
Feb 16, 2022 8:28 pm
I don't know why my quote said "vagueGM" lol, probably a bad copy/paste.
Feb 16, 2022 8:35 pm
TrailHead says:
I’ve read the current roleplay thread and understood where the party is at the moment, but is there a good place in the previous thread to get a little more context?
These references are useful to know.
Besides that did you read the summary?
Feb 16, 2022 8:56 pm
TheGenerator says:
These references are useful to know.
Besides that did you read the summary?
Thank you very much!
Feb 16, 2022 9:07 pm
I would think that just reading the current thread and the summary is enough (but it is hard to judge). There are no other immediate events that you need to know about for what is happening.

If you have questions about any of it, ask us and we can point you to relevant posts or explain, as needed.
I think it might be simplest to say Deoring has been with the party all along --rather than coming up with a reason for them to be out here in the uncharted wilds. Maybe they were one of the caravan guards, or one of the bandits who changed sides?

Tell us a bit about them. Just a sentence or two.
Feb 16, 2022 9:51 pm
OOC:
I think it makes sense that Deoring was one of the caravan guards. He’s not strong (STR = 0) but he’s in good shape (CON = +2). Working on caravan guard duty has built up his endurance.
He grew up in a fair sized town (Lund) and although he had a decent home (miller’s second son) he liked roaming the streets and tended to get in trouble. He got picked on at first but gradually learned to be a scrappy fighter and is good with a blade. After getting pilloried several times by the local constable, he signed up as a guard for a caravan and that was his best decision ever. Got him away from his home town that was starting to feel a bit small and enabled him to use his street smarts and fighting skills in a focused and productive way.
OOC:
Does that sound like a good fit?

I’ll need to think a bit on what dream he would have had about the temple.
Feb 16, 2022 9:52 pm
Is the "true name" mentioned in the rules something we’re using? If so, I’ll add one to my character sheet.
Feb 16, 2022 10:05 pm
TrailHead says:
... not strong (STR = 0) but he’s in good shape (CON = +2) ...
He is also cleaver and wise (+2 INT and WIS). We don't have to explain that, but it is interesting.
TrailHead says:
... liked roaming the streets and tended to get in trouble ...
Interesting contrast with his apparent level of education. Did he also receive schooling, or are his brains just a natural gift?
TrailHead says:
... Working on caravan guard duty has built up his endurance ... grew up in a fair sized town (Lund) ...
Remember you are all Fresh Faced adventurers, none of you have ventured far from where you grew up, and have no experience adventuring, or of the wider world.

If you are not from the large town the others came from, maybe 'Lund' is nearby and you have guarded the caravan on the route between those two places?

How long have you been a caravan guard?

What is your relationship like with the guard captain (who is one of the two NPCs with the party)?
TrailHead says:
... need to think a bit on what dream he would have had about the temple ...
We can also leave that for later, it was mainly a tool to help the GM know what sorts of things to use as rewards for later. Having been with the party the whole time removes the need to worry about why you are coming along.
Feb 16, 2022 10:08 pm
TrailHead says:
Is the "true name" mentioned in the rules something we’re using?
Can you point me to a reference?

I would assume that is something only magic users care about? Most people avoid magic.
Feb 16, 2022 10:14 pm
It's in the manual.
Quote:
names
True names have power. If you tell someone your true name, they can attempt to have you
raised from the dead if you met your end before your time. Choose a true name below
I noticed it too while I was making my character.
Feb 16, 2022 10:17 pm
TheGenerator says:
It's in the manual.
Ah. I assume I had a reason for removing that section when I copied the rules to the site.

That seems like a specific setting element that we don't need to worry about unless we want to. If it comes up we can sort it out?
Feb 16, 2022 10:27 pm
Yeah, it seems to suggest that it's important to keep your "true" name secret, but then it doesn't really explain it.
Last edited February 16, 2022 10:27 pm
Feb 16, 2022 10:32 pm
TheGenerator says:
... important to keep your "true" name secret, but then it doesn't really explain it.
Yeah. That is a fairly standard fantasy trope. We don't need to use it any more than any other trope.
Feb 20, 2022 12:53 am
vagueGM says:
He is also clever and wise (+2 INT and WIS). We don't have to explain that, but it is interesting.

Interesting contrast with his apparent level of education. Did he also receive schooling, or are his brains just a natural gift?
Good question. Let’s just see if this emerges in play.
vagueGM says:
Remember you are all Fresh Faced adventurers, none of you have ventured far from where you grew up, and have no experience adventuring, or of the wider world.


If you are not from the large town the others came from, maybe 'Lund' is nearby and you have guarded the caravan on the route between those two places?
Understood about being Fresh Faced. Sorry, I didn’t realize everyone was from the same large town or that there were large towns in the setting. I can be from there as well. Suits my character getting street smarts. Let’s say my high CON is due in part to running errands all over town for my Da when I was young, then running the streets when I was a teenager.
vagueGM says:
How long have you been a caravan guard?

What is your relationship like with the guard captain (who is one of the two NPCs with the party)?
Let’s say I was hired on to guard the caravan when it arrived in the large town where the rest of the party joined it. So however long that’s been — not very long, I gather?

I’m going to roll a D6 to determine my relationship with the captain. Low rolls are negative and high rolls positive with a 1 or a 6 being very much so.
TrailHead says:
... need to think a bit on what dream he would have had about the temple ...
vagueGM says:
We can also leave that for later… Having been with the party the whole time removes the need to worry about why you are coming along.
Sounds good.

And I won’t worry about my "true name" unless it becomes relevant.

Rolls

Relationship with the guard captain - (D6)

(2) = 2

Feb 20, 2022 1:00 am
So I rolled a 2, meaning a somewhat negative relationship with the captain. More than a little but not the worst. That negativity can flow either way or both ways, but my hunch is the captain doesn’t care for Deoring’s lackadaisical work ethic and Deoring chafes at the captain’s disciplinary measures. Would that fit with the established story for the captain?
Feb 20, 2022 1:07 am
TrailHead says:
... everyone was from the same large town ...
You don't have to be from the same town. It is just that you have not been far from your home town, hence your home town can not be too far away.

It would be fine if you come from a town a little ways away and only really traveled the road between there and where we started. That is still pretty 'fresh'.
TrailHead says:
... Let’s say I was hired on to guard the caravan when it arrived in the large town where the rest of the party joined it. So however long that’s been — not very long, I gather? ...
Less than a day. :)

But you are welcome to have been a caravan guard before that.
TrailHead says:
... relationship with the captain ...
This question was only really relevant if you were a guard from before, and therefore may have known the guard captain.
TrailHead says:
... captain doesn’t care for Deoring’s lackadaisical work ethic and Deoring chafes at the captain’s disciplinary measures. Would that fit with the established story for the captain? ...
That can fit, though it is mostly your perception that she is strict. If you are new to the guard life, you don't know her very well.
Feb 20, 2022 1:16 am
Oh wow, less than a day! Okay, then, how about sticking to Lund which is a mill town a day or two from the larger town. Then Deoring has only been a guard for a few days, and as a noob it’s his perception that the captain is strict.

So, is there anything else with my character’s backstory or character sheet that needs refining before he suddenly appears in the roleplay thread?
Last edited February 20, 2022 1:17 am
Feb 20, 2022 1:33 am
TrailHead says:
... Oh wow, less than a day! ...
Yep. :)

They joined up, then got ambushed the next morning. Then they ran off on their current quest --which has taken about a day as well. The plan is to return to the caravan, but the plan was not to get lured into ancient underground temples.
TrailHead says:
... sticking to Lund which is a mill town a day or two ... Deoring has only been a guard for a few days ...
You are welcome to have done a few trips back and forth. Maybe with your father if he did his own deliveries to the large town? Maybe only for yearly markets? Up to you.
TrailHead says:
... anything else with my character’s backstory or character sheet ...
I think we have enough to get started. We can learn more as we play.
TrailHead says:
... he suddenly appears in the roleplay ...
Yeah. :)

• Where is Deoring in the marching order? He feels more like a 'at the front' than a 'taking up the rear' type, right? But you tell us.

• Did he have any opinions on the strategies for the exploding mushrooms?
May 8, 2022 10:14 pm
Let my character creation begin!

Stat rolls:

Str +1
Dex +0
Con +2
Int +1
Wis +0
Cha +0
Last edited May 8, 2022 10:16 pm

Rolls

Str - (2d6)

(62) = 8

Dex - (2d6)

(51) = 6

Con - (2d6)

(56) = 11

Int - (2d6)

(16) = 7

Wis - (2d6)

(42) = 6

Cha - (2d6)

(22) = 4

May 9, 2022 6:45 am
Looks like something tanky maybe? Any idea on skills and abilities?
There's a list of the current party here. That way you can see what the party could use, but don't let it limit you.
May 9, 2022 6:58 am
TheGenerator says:
... see what the party could use, but don't let it limit you.
Agreed. The party does not 'need' any particular type of character. The game adjusts to fit what the party has.

Play whatever you feel like.
May 9, 2022 4:32 pm
Erasmè
https://i.imgur.com/3iSmMFH.png
Provisional Character History Outline:
- Was born into a secluded conclave within the Mountains of Cythonis. A settlement strictly controlled by the elite clairvoy-casters of the Council of the Sovereign. Ascetic mages who were able to view and project illusions of the near future of every person or creature within the conclave. They used this power to enforce their totalitarian reign over the conclave, but it was mostly directed at the underclass who could not afford any protections from the remote viewing.

- Erasmè was part of the trodden underclass and at the age of 8 was on the brink of starving with his mother after his father died fighting a neighboring people at the will of the elite. At this time he was remote viewed to have stolen a precious gem dropped by one of the Council to try and feed his family. For this offense he was taken before the Council and sentenced to death, but right before it was done the Sovereign herself saw something in the boy and took him into the custody of the Council.

- Eande, the Sovereign saw that Erasme had the gift locked within him to also speak to the clairvoy-spirits and something more. The council secured his power in the region through the secret training and use of assassins trained with a forbidden life-draining spirit. With no other choice Erasme was taken into the ascetic training to become a tool for the Council, they at least took care of his mother after that.

- After growing into a young adult and going on many missions for the Council, without a known reason Eande and the Council turned on him. They sent their best soldiers to kill him and he was able to view the event in an odd way, almost on accident he got around the surely magically concealed intent of the council. He barely made it away with his life.

- Never being able to go back home, Erasme has travelled a long time on foot and in the back of wagons looking for whatever work he can do to keep living. He ponders his odd past - What caused his masters to turn on him? What does it mean to be a normal person and not a tool of disconnected mages?

- Now he has signed on with a group of adventurers he is still trying to understand and uses his skills to make some coin and protect his companions.
OOC Voice:
Alright sorry, might have gone a little overboard on character background, but I tried to leave some blank spaces too haha. So for skills I was thinking Stealth as my class skill with Summon and Command as special abilities if that works.

Spirits (Still working on name and look.):
Spirit 1: Time/Lightning
Spirit 2: Shadow/Death

Let me know if you have anyone has any questions or concerns. :)
May 9, 2022 4:44 pm
Q: How did ya'll get a snazzy character sheet template?

Rolled hp:
Last edited May 9, 2022 4:47 pm

Rolls

Hp = - (1d6+2)

(5) + 2 = 7

May 9, 2022 5:13 pm
Bitbam says:
Q: How did ya'll get a snazzy character sheet template?
I added my character sheet here, if you wanna use that one.
May 9, 2022 5:21 pm
TheGenerator says:
Bitbam says:
Q: How did ya'll get a snazzy character sheet template?
I added my character sheet here, if you wanna use that one.
Thank you!
May 9, 2022 6:15 pm
Also, if ya’ll think this character might be too much off of the tone of the game so far, I’m totally down to do something else. But I think I could work it out. :)
May 9, 2022 6:24 pm
Bitbam says:
... might have gone a little overboard on character background ...
Yeah. Not gonna read all that till we have had a chat. :)

The premise of game is that you are Fresh Faced Adventurers. None of you have ever been this far from your homes (presumably the big city where the caravan set off from (but which we have not seen much/any of) or somewhere near enough to that we don't violate the Freshness).

This means you have not been 'going on many missions' nor receiving elite training. If your character thinks they have been, they will be in for a ride awakening. :)

You can be a magic user if you want, but remember that this is a low magic world where magic is distrusted or outright hated. Letting those who you don't fully trust and who don't already trust you know you dabble with magic will get you burned at the stake.

People are right to fear magic, it corrupts and 'causes nothing but problems'. But maybe you will be the exception? You have it under control, right?

We do not want PvP (or CvC), so the party will accept your deviant choices. And if you corrupt out, you will get replaced.

You might benefit from ctrl-f ing for 'magic' in the whole Character Creation thread, to get an idea of what has been discussed so far.
Bitbam says:
Rolled hp:
Not quite.

You roll would roll 1d6, plus one extra d6 for each + to you CON, you keep as many as you have levels (so 1).
Normally you would roll `3d6h1`, but you already have that 5, so you can try you luck with `2d6h1' to see if you can better it.
May 9, 2022 6:26 pm
Whoops, I was too late. Never mind 😅
Last edited May 9, 2022 6:27 pm
May 9, 2022 6:45 pm
Whoops, got a little too excited and missed the premise sorry haha.
vagueGM says:
This means you have not been 'going on many missions' nor receiving elite training. If your character thinks they have been, they will be in for a ride awakening. :)
Yeah that missions part was kind of an afterthought also, but I would think he would need some training in the magic that he uses which is rare like all magic in the world.

Is it mandatory that I am from the central town? I could make that work also, but my initial idea is that he comes from a secluded settlement where this one type of magic is secretly practiced. He would still not know much of the outside world.

I'm all for magic being corrupting and can get down with the sword and sorcery style of things. Erasme would hope he has it under control, but he also associates it with the evil people that taught it to him. They are a living symbol of the corruption that comes with that kind of power. So, he tries his best to keep anyone from seeing him use it if possible and only uses it in dire circumstances.

Ahh ok I see how rolling hp works now. Let me add those two more dice.

Rolls

hp - (2d6h1)

(63) = 6

May 9, 2022 6:50 pm
If you prefer I am from the town, his upbringing could have been in association with a secret cult or something. And to clarify further he might have some training, but never has had to actually adventure before the game and as we all know training does not always equal competence in the field.
May 9, 2022 7:05 pm
Bitbam says:
... got a little too excited and missed the premise sorry ...
No worries. Many stumble over that bit.
Bitbam says:
... I would think he would need some training in the magic ...
Bitbam says:
... ... some training ... never had adventure ... training does not always equal competence in the field.
Makes sense. It has not set him is very good stead for the adventuring life, so --like everyone else-- he is having to learn a lot about how things work in the world. He may be learning a fairly different set of things to the rest, but still learning.
Bitbam says:
... Is it mandatory that I am from the central town? ...
No, not at all. We need to find a way for you to have gotten involved with the group and the caravan is a good meeting point. Maybe --if you want to use the caravan-- you joined up as it passed by where you were (running) from and you have seen the road from there to the central town and not much more?

Or, you may have made own way to town? Or you may have joined the party somewhere else (makes it a little harder to trust you, but we can work it out).

Think about who you might know in the party, that will make it easier. Maybe you know Albert? Maybe you have not been to the town but stayed with him in his inn --before it burned down? (No one is accusing you of being responsible for that 'accident', why are you being so defensive?)
Bitbam says:
... my initial idea is that he comes from a secluded settlement where this one type of magic is secretly practiced ...
Can do. Though enclaves within the city can be just as interesting. No pressure though.
Bitbam says:
... the evil people that taught it to him ... living symbol of the corruption ...
Why use so many words to just say: 'magic users'? :)
Bitbam says:
... he tries his best to keep anyone from seeing him use it ...
That is best.
Bitbam says:
... only uses it in dire circumstances ...
Slippery slope that one. :)
Bitbam says:
... I see how rolling hp works now ...
By far the most complicated part of this game. And it gets more complicated when it comes to healing (actually not 'more complicated' just 'hard to believe':).
Bitbam says:
... Let me add those two more dice ...
Well done! You got a whole extra 1 HP! :)
May 9, 2022 7:09 pm
If you were part of an evil cult, and trying to get away from evil ways, perhaps you would know my character (Albert) who is was a bar-keep who used to be an initiate of the temple of Raynor, god of conquest.
It's always useful to have a tie-in with one or more existing PCs.
May 9, 2022 7:11 pm
I swear there's an echo in here. :)
May 9, 2022 7:20 pm
Yes, upon some further thought I think an enclave within the city makes things a bit more interesting. :)
vagueGM says:
... if you want to use the caravan...
I think this the best bet. Did the Inn burn down and then Albert took to the caravan? If so I could see Erasme trying to hide in the inn as merely a shady customer before it burned down and then happened to end up on the same caravan. Maybe there is a little tension between him and Albert, but could learn to trust each other in the hardscrabble adventuring life.

Possibly since I have stealth and magic he could try to sneakily use magic too? Would it be possible to use my spirits as if they are only visible to me unless for some dramatic event or they are effecting the world?
Last edited May 9, 2022 7:23 pm
May 9, 2022 7:21 pm
Oh also, I saw the wiki hasn't been updated in a while. Is there anywhere else where I can get a brief idea what has happened so far? I just read the last few rp pages, but maybe a bit more context might help. :)
May 9, 2022 7:22 pm
Ah, good point. Let me see if I can update it.
May 9, 2022 7:32 pm
Thanks!

In my previous post I guess what I meant as "magic" would be commanding my spirits stealthily. I understand that to summon them I would need an hour of ritual and I doubt that could be done stealthily, but could be done in private.

(Sorry, I think my clarity is usually better than this. Feeling a bit off today.)
Last edited May 9, 2022 7:33 pm
May 9, 2022 7:37 pm
Added an update, let me know if you need any more info.
May 9, 2022 7:38 pm
Awesome, I'll check it out.
May 9, 2022 7:50 pm
Ideas for Erasme's connection to Albert:

- After fleeing the conclave, Erasme lived on the streets for a bit disguised as a bum trying to find his way in the town. He found himself broke and needing a place to stay at The Deer's Antlers and offered to clean up the place for Albert for a closet to sleep in. He was quiet, but a good worker during his time there until it burned down. Albert might have caught glances of some of the few possessions Erasme has during this time, like a vial or one of his daggers.

- What do you think Albert? How do you think Albert thinks of Erasme? Any ideas for how Erasme would end up in the caravan too? My initial idea was that it is a coincidence.

- Also if anybody else wants a connection to my character I'm down to talk about it. :)
May 9, 2022 8:00 pm
Bitbam says:
... upon some further thought I think an enclave within the city makes things a bit more interesting ...
Please don't feel forced to go that route, unless you actually think it will be interesting.

It also probably won't matter too much unless we make it back the city (I am sure we gave it a name, somewhere... or it might have been more of a description?). If we do get back then having some nefarious connection there could make things more interesting.
Bitbam says:
... Inn burn down and then Albert took to the caravan ...
Albert was never with the caravan, he was in the area trying to retrieve goods some bandits stole from the inn to try to recoup his livelihood. His god got him involved with this part of the quest.
Bitbam says:
... Any ideas for how Erasme would end up in the caravan too ...
Maybe you came with Albert to get his stuff back from the bandits? Joined up with the group when he did (skipping the caravan)?

You and TheGenerator can sort out those details while I am away.
Bitbam says:
... stealth and magic ... try to sneakily use magic ...
That is a handy combination. Sneaky magic is the best magic... if one wants to avoid the stake.
Bitbam says:
... spirits as if they are only visible to me unless for some dramatic event or they are effecting the world ...
Possibly? Sure. The dice may say otherwise, and we will need to look at how the Stealth Skill would come into play there, but that seems reasonable off the top of my head.
Bitbam says:
... commanding my spirits stealthily ... summon them ... in private ...
Sounds feasible. Often we will be able to assume it was done offscreen.
Bitbam says:
... little tension ...
Tension can add to the fun, but does not help us get the character integrated into the group quickly. If we do say you were part of the caravan, then your integration is pretty much taken care of (or assumed to be take care of).

The group has not been together for very long, though, so maybe we will need to see your first use of magic and work through the interparty issues that arise? This is guaranteed to work out, though, for the sake of the game.
Bitbam says:
... Is there anywhere else where I can get a brief idea what has happened so far? ...
Thanks, TheGenerator, for the summary (depressing how short they end up being after what we went through to generate them:). If you want more detail you can probably ignore everything not in the current thread and the later part of one from right before it.
Bitbam says:
... Feeling a bit off today ...
No worries. It is a lot to take in. Take your time.
May 9, 2022 8:14 pm
Ah ok, that makes sense about Albert and the Caravan. I'm imagining there relationship might be that Albert saw Erasme was reliable and a good worker so there is some respect there, but also knows there is more he doesn't really know about Erasme. It could make sense that after all that happened Erasme would offer to help get the goods back from the bandits and get roped into the quest.

- Might come up with a nick name he took on to disguise himself.

- How I'm imagining time magic per your suggestions and approval: I'm thinking mechanically it might be like a limited magical version of the Discern Realities move from DW. Where Erasme get's "lightining" flash visions of brief/vague events from the past/future that answer questions like the DW move. I can post the move here if you aren't familiar.

- And with that I'll take a break from the rapid fire posting.
Last edited May 9, 2022 8:17 pm
May 9, 2022 8:26 pm
vagueGM says:
Albert was never with the caravan, he was in the area trying to retrieve goods some bandits stole from the inn to try to recoup his livelihood. His god got him involved with this part of the quest.
Very true. A bit of forced coincidence was involved there. You're welcome to say that Erasme was on the road with Albert. Just like Albert's faith drew him to the dark temple, maybe the temple also draws your character near with a link to his magic.

Roald was a frequent visitor of the bar, it's likely Erasme knows him too.

Deoring was in the caravan. So if you want to go that route, you could discuss a connection with TrailHead.

Also, don't be afraid to leave some blanks to fill in later. We might get into a situation where a certain background trait would fit perfectly.

One more thing to think about: All of us had a dream on the first night inside the temple. A vision about one of our deep desires hidden inside this temple. You can read about it here.
May 9, 2022 8:39 pm
Bitbam says:
- How I'm imagining time magic per your suggestions and approval ...
Ah, maybe I should have gone back and read the wall of text.
Messing with Time tends to make things complicated to keep working and making sense. So no 'time-travel', please.

Precognition might not be the most interesting form of magic. It either requires us to actually know where we are going to end up (which is OK(ish) in a novel, but impossible in a free-form RPG), or ends up not being able to answer anything and therefore being useless. Automatic 'give me an answer' type abilities just remove the need to roleplay the task of getting the answer, so that takes the fun out of it.

Maybe some other magic instead?
If you want to submit a character sheet with what you have, we can take a look and see what works.
I don't actually 'approve' the sheets, I just accept it and then we take a look and start to collaborate.
May 9, 2022 9:11 pm
vagueGM says:
Maybe some other magic instead?
Ah okay, I think that was kinda a lynchpin for that character. I'll go back to the drawing board and come to you with something more simple and we can build from there.
May 9, 2022 9:22 pm
Next idea: Orset, the Glum Miner

- Worked with a mining troupe outside of town until his entire troupe but him was murdered by goblins in the mine they worked in.
- Feels like a coward for barely escaping the mine while all his friends died and wants to become an adventurer so he can get his revenge against the the hobgoblin who commanded the goblins.
- I can recycle my connnection to Albert. Orset went to work at the Inn briefly while trying to get started as an adventurer then hit the road with him.

- I'll figure out character sheet stuff and submit it in a bit.
Last edited May 9, 2022 9:22 pm
May 9, 2022 9:35 pm
Submitted Orset.

Couple of questions:

- Is it ok if I use a pick axe as a martial weapon?
- And for iron spikes is that 2s per spike or is it a few iron spikes for that price?
May 9, 2022 10:22 pm
Bitbam says:

- Is it ok if I use a pick axe as a martial weapon?
- And for iron spikes is that 2s per spike or is it a few iron spikes for that price?
- I don't see why that would be an issue. I don't think it would fit the description of "light" weapon
- Seeing as that list contains "torches (4)", I'd say it's 2s per spike
May 9, 2022 10:28 pm
Makes sense. Then if I wanted to use a spike in a dungeon I might need a hammer, but don't see one on the tools list. Could I assume it would be a standard 5s tool?
May 9, 2022 10:35 pm
Sounds correct to me :)
May 10, 2022 8:02 am
Bitbam says:
vagueGM says:
Maybe some other magic instead?
Ah okay, I think that was kinda a lynchpin for that character.
Sorry about that. I am also adding Time shenanigans as a hard line in the (inappropriately named for this) Safety thread.
Bitbam says:
... entire troupe but him was murdered by goblins in the mine they worked in ...
I think I heard a rumour about that. You sure it was 'goblins', that is not what I heard, but is more believable, after all, you were there and saw what happened. :)
Bitbam says:
... revenge ...
But that will have to come later? When you have powered up?
Bitbam says:
... I'll figure out character sheet stuff and submit ...
Got it. The other players can not see your sheet till you share it by 'adding it to the library'. [instructions]

Also, remember you get two Skills.
Bitbam says:
... might need a hammer ... assume it would be a standard 5s tool ...
What TheGenerator said. Thanks for picking up the slack.
Bitbam says:
... pick axe as a martial weapon ...
Yep. Those lists are just examples.
May 10, 2022 8:49 am
TheGenerator says:
... I don't think it would fit the description of "light" weapon
Technically all of our weapons have become light weapons, now that I think about it :D
May 10, 2022 9:20 am
TheGenerator says:
... Technically ...
/groan
May 10, 2022 11:51 am
If only there was someone with a pickaxe that we could use as a crowbar to get this bloody door open.

If this doesn't work I will start shouting ''Mellon''.
May 10, 2022 12:17 pm
Airshark says:
If only there was someone with a pickaxe that we could use as a crowbar to get this bloody door open.

If this doesn't work I will start shouting ''Mellon''.
:D
May 10, 2022 12:39 pm
Patience. :)
May 10, 2022 5:33 pm
vagueGM says:
I think I heard a rumour about that.
"Aye, ugly, foul smelling little gits and a big loud furry one... goblins.. demons.. Same thing right?! Foul creatures..." Thousand yard stare.
--
But yes it is his main personal goal to get that revenge, but first he needs to learn how to be an adventurer and test his courage.

- Two skills done.
- Going to add a couple notes about his appearance, then we are just about ready to go make this pickaxe useful? :)
Last edited May 10, 2022 5:37 pm
May 10, 2022 5:47 pm
Bitbam says:
then we are just about ready to go make this pickaxe useful? :)
Hurray! :)
May 10, 2022 5:59 pm
TheGenerator says:
Bitbam says:
then we are just about ready to go make this pickaxe useful? :)
Hurray! :)
No, no. No need to hurry. We only have a stuck underground door that could use both your underground survival expertise and tools...

Oops, I missed that 'a'.
May 10, 2022 6:34 pm
Oh great, I'll be sure to take my time then. :)
May 10, 2022 7:22 pm
Bitbam, we can't see your character sheet atm. If you don't mind sharing, you can make it visible to us by pressing the grey paper/notebook icon on the "All Characters" page next to your character. It'll turn red when you do.
https://i.imgur.com/9EdwkkN.png
May 10, 2022 7:44 pm
I did it earlier but it didn't seem to stick. Is it working now?
May 10, 2022 8:01 pm
Bitbam says:
Is it working now?
Yes. The players should be able to see the sheet now.
May 10, 2022 8:01 pm
Yes, that did it! Thanks :)
May 10, 2022 8:13 pm
Since Orset worked with (or for?) Albert, does Albert know about what happened in your mine? Is there stuff you specifically kept secret? Just so I don't mention anything Albert wouldn't know.
May 11, 2022 2:44 am
Yes, Orset worked for Albert after the mine event. I think Albert always knew there was something off or wrong with Orset the whole time, he would get the shakes or have a thousand yard stare often in those early days trying to pull himself together. But then one night Orset got really drunk and told Albert all about the experience, and Albert is the only other person who knows about what happened.

How does that sound?

And he probably has some history with Roald at the Inn, but he probably doesn't know the story because Orset doesn't like to talk about it.
May 11, 2022 6:03 am
Bitbam says:
Yes, Orset worked for Albert after the mine event. I think Albert always knew there was something off or wrong with Orset the whole time, he would get the shakes or have a thousand yard stare often in those early days trying to pull himself together. But then one night Orset got really drunk and told Albert all about the experience, and Albert is the only other person who knows about what happened.

How does that sound?

And he probably has some history with Roald at the Inn, but he probably doesn't know the story because Orset doesn't like to talk about it.
Roald would have been too drunk to remember anyway.
May 11, 2022 6:48 am
Bitbam says:
How does that sound?
Alright, that works :)
May 11, 2022 8:52 am
Bitbam says:
... and Albert is the only other person who knows about what happened.
Maybe we say that the job board notice only went up after Albert's life fell apart and after his faith returned, which is why he did not immediately crusade down there to deal with the 'demons'. Or it might not have been in a location either Albert or Orset ever saw. We can worry about it when we --the players-- are ready.

We can also remove the demon confusion/misimpression from the job, that was because of Albert's talking about demons. They are now 'goblins' which is not a really a better defined taxonomic term. :)
May 24, 2022 4:23 pm
Stat rolls for a whole new character.

Update to rolls

STR +1
DEX 0
CON 0
INT 0
WIS +1
CHA +2

Well at least the character is perty!

Suggestions on what to play welcome!
Last edited May 24, 2022 4:28 pm

Rolls

STR - (2d6)

(26) = 8

DEX - (2d6)

(15) = 6

CON - (2d6)

(12) = 3

INT - (2d6)

(24) = 6

WIS - (2d6)

(35) = 8

CHA - (2d6)

(46) = 10

May 24, 2022 4:55 pm
Looks like we're getting a smooth talker character joining the party 😁.

Welcome to the crew, Valdus :)
May 24, 2022 7:09 pm
Valdus says:
STR +1
DEX 0
CON 0
INT 0
WIS +1
CHA +2

Suggestions on what to play welcome!
STR and WIS? Looks like a 'monk'? CHA looks like a hot monk?

But don't let that limit you. Play whatever you want (even against type) and we can make it work.
May 24, 2022 7:20 pm
Any requests on what the party needs?
May 24, 2022 7:26 pm
We have no 'needs'. The game will adjust to fit the characters.

But anyone is welcome to suggest anything they would like to play alongside.
May 24, 2022 9:44 pm
@Valdus, Maybe check out the current party to see who you could be connected to, that might trigger a good idea for a character.
May 25, 2022 1:23 pm
Looking over the other sheets, there is a lot of iron in this party. Might there be a space for a charismatic scholarly magical type. With that charisma he could charm some.
May 25, 2022 1:26 pm
TheGenerator says:
@Valdus, Maybe check out the current party to see who you could be connected to, that might trigger a good idea for a character.
I think my bar-hopping tavern trickster might know the Bar-priesta?
May 25, 2022 1:31 pm
Sounds good. Do we go way back or just superficial?
Do you have a link to your char sheet? Maybe Albert hired you for some entertainment at the bar?

I believe that vagueGM has said before that magic is kinda frowned upon in this universe. So keep that in mind.

Edit: see here
Last edited May 25, 2022 1:35 pm
May 25, 2022 1:55 pm
Valdus says:
... charismatic scholarly magical type. With that charisma he could charm some.
Valdus says:
... tavern trickster ...
Being a trickster might help with hiding your magic behind magic... one of those magics are not like the other.
May 25, 2022 11:50 pm
Some concept if others would like to bond with it...

The Tavern Trickster

It started with long nights never drinking, while warriors and bards filled to the rafters of the mead hall turned tavern. The man entertained them all with tricks and illusions both simple and profound depending on the levels of ale or mead consumed by his audiences.

Never a bard, never for a story, Wunjo, the Joyous plied his odd craft of tabletop games and illusions to always a growing crowd. The man sometimes felt the need to disarm some of the ill-gotten gains- gold coins smeared with humanoid blood, or something else. It was when things began to change for this tavern trickster.

The magic, and he never called it that, turned and coiled stronger, louder, more obvious; until some users of the arts even identified it as something else, something familiar. Maybe there was something to this adventuring stuffs.

So here Wunjo is, thinking he is some sort of adventurer, not really knowing his abilities outside of his ancestral hall- now nothing but a simple town tavern.
May 26, 2022 12:06 am
Valdus says:
... while warriors and bards filled to the rafters ...
Since adventuring is not much of an established thing, they are all possibly overstating their status as 'warriors and bards' but that is fine. 'Soldiers and storytellers' may be more true, but less apt for the sagas. :)
Valdus says:
... the ill-gotten gains- gold coins smeared with humanoid blood, or something else ...
'Something else' indeed. Remembering the low level premise. These were not actual 'adventurers' you were dealing with, often these were, in fact, well-gotten gain from working in the abattoir and 'covered in pigs blood'. But think about the stories!
Valdus says:
... some users of the arts ...
'The arts' are illegal and frowned upon and would get anyone identifying as such burned at the stake. So this would have to be very clandestine, and Wunjo would have to be very clever --or lucky-- to avoid getting identified as such himself, with the subsequent burnings.

Prior reputation as a 'magician' and 'conjurer of cheap tricks' would have helped keep the suspicion away. But be careful.
Valdus says:
... Maybe there was something to this adventuring stuffs ...
Maybe it will let things cool off back home? What did you do that maybe got you more scrutiny than you wanted?
Valdus says:
... not really knowing his abilities outside of his ancestral hall ...
Tell us about his 'abilities' and his 'ancestry'.
May 26, 2022 12:43 am
Updated?

The Tavern Trickster

It started with long nights never drinking, while so-called/ self-declared warriors and bards filled to the rafters of the mead hall turned tavern. The man entertained them all with tricks and illusions both simple and profound depending on the levels of ale or mead consumed by his audiences. Never using the word magic, if anyone pointed a finger, Wunjo simply blamed the spirits in the cups and not the ether.

Never a bard, never for a story, Wunjo, the Joyous plied his odd craft of tabletop games and illusions to always a growing crowd. The man sometimes felt the need to disarm some of the ill-gotten gains- gold coins smeared with humanoid blood, or something else. In his mind, pigs became monsters and warehouses became dungeons.

It was when things began to change for this tavern trickster.

The illusions turned and coiled stronger, louder, more obvious; until some consumers even identified it as something else, something familiar, something illegal. That was the time to get out, to get to making tales instead of just hearing drunken stories.

So here Wunjo is, thinking he is some sort of adventurer, not really knowing his abilities outside of his ancestral hall. Once the focus of a mighty lands under a distant horned ancestor. But with time and its losses it is now nothing but a simple town tavern.
OOC:
I have not thought of his abilities besides a slight of hand, distraction and bait and switch kind of illusion.
May 26, 2022 12:49 am
Shall we say Wunjo joined the caravan when it left town and has been with the party since the beginning?
That simplifies the task of integrating a new character in the middle of a dungeon.

You can have made friends along the way, or you could have already known (or been known by) any of the other party members.
May 26, 2022 1:10 am
sounds fine to me.

Which character sheet do we use? Classical Dungeon World?
Last edited May 27, 2022 4:59 pm
May 28, 2022 10:39 pm
Valdus says:
sounds fine to me.

Which character sheet do we use? Classical Dungeon World?
@Valdus
I recently uploaded mine here
Does that help? (sorry for the late reply)
May 29, 2022 12:33 am
Valdus says:
...

Which character sheet do we use? Classical Dungeon World?
If you edit a post, it does not tell us that you did so. So we did not know that you had added a question to this one.

Don't Edit, rather just add a new post so we can know that we need to respond to something.
May 29, 2022 12:35 am
@Valdus: Let us know when you want us to look at your character, it is still a little empty.

The other players can not see the sheet, you need to make it viewable.

In order for us to be able to see the contents of the sheets, you all need to mark the grey 'note' icon that says Add to Library on your character list.
https://i.imgur.com/NhDSgLT.png
Red means others can see the sheet.
May 29, 2022 12:58 am
I think both are done and sheet updated.
May 29, 2022 1:59 am
Valdus says:
I think both are done and sheet updated.
OK. Other should be able to view it.

You need to roll HP, with a CON of +0 you roll `1d6`.

So, no magic after all?

Tell us about the character, add the biographical stuff to the sheet so we can see it when we need.
Keep it short so we can know what is important, or add a summary if you want to go into more detail (but don't expect anyone to read more than the summary:).

Maybe change the 0s on the stats to '+0' so they line up with the rest?

We will trust you manage your starting silver and buying equipment. Give us a shout if you need help with that.
May 29, 2022 3:27 am
I hadn’t seen a space for magic. Perhaps for now it can just be illusion/Luck. But if ya want to throw magic my way, awesome.
May 29, 2022 3:43 am
Valdus says:
... I hadn’t seen a space for magic ...
Not sure what you mean.

You mean space in the game? It is tricky, and you would need to be careful, people don't like magic.

You mean space on the sheet? Forget the sheet, that is just an example, don't let it limit you, just write down what your character has and what it means.
Valdus says:
... if ya want to throw magic my way ...
It is up to you, I thought your description implied 'arts' as magic. Apologies if I misunderstood.
Valdus says:
... for now it can just be illusion/Luck ...
Lucky just let you treat 1 6- as a 7-9 per day. But you are welcome to describe that any way you like when it happens.

Athletic Deception and Reflexes could easily pass for magic of the stage variety. It is up to you how you will make that useful in your new adventuring life.

Ask questions if you are unsure how something works. The rules themselves don't provide much guidance, but also don't provide much by way of restriction, we have to work together to define how things work.
Jun 1, 2022 5:29 pm
Valdus says:
(elsewhere) Rialto has noticed his illusions, tricks becoming something to magicks.
When? Before coming down here / before leaving to go on adventures?
Valdus says:
... from an RP perspective it would be cool to play those powers emerging.
As it stands, your character has no 'powers', though. They don't have any of the requirements to perform 'magic' that is more than just slight-of-hand trickery.

Don't bargain on leveling up to play those powers emerging, that will take a long time and is not the focus of this game for new players. If you want to have a thing in the game, you had better take it from the start, then you are welcome to RP it emerging.

You have spend all your resources on physical stuff (arms and armour, and bodily Skills and Abilities). I am not sure what you are try to make. Can you explain?
Jun 1, 2022 8:38 pm
I read over the magic section. I do not see Rialto summoning spirits or conjuring any way. So let us see what he does with what I have given him so far. Trickster is no wizard, I repeat Rialto is no wizard. Is there anything I have to sign?
Jun 2, 2022 6:29 am
Valdus says:
... Trickster is no wizard ...
Alright.
Valdus says:
... Is there anything I have to sign? ...
You need to roll HP.

Change your official name in the name field to be what you want us to use. You can add the long Rialto the Trickster [WoDu] in the sheet text, but that field is what we get pasted here when we click on your character quill in the Characters Menu below. This name is not related to the label you use in My Characters.

Your Background & Notes still makes mention of your magic 'becoming something else, something illegal'. What is that all about? What is that illegal thing?

How did you get involved with this ragtag group? Do you know any of them from before? Did you perform in Albert's bar before it burned down, or was your establishment a competitor of his?
Jun 5, 2022 1:42 am
Hitpoints here I come.

One, was he wounded. no plus on CON so I throw myself at the mercy of the GM.

Unless he dies by looking at an enemy blade. I think my guy is DONE?
Last edited June 5, 2022 2:58 am

Rolls

HP - (d6)

(1) = 1

Jun 5, 2022 7:09 am
Valdus says:
Hitpoints here I come.

One, was he wounded. no plus on CON so I throw myself at the mercy of the GM.
Often the question if why someone starts with low HP is an interesting one to explore, leading up to their adventure. Given this in media res insertion of the character it might just be that Rialto the Trickster [WoDu] was hurt in the fight 'last night' and did not heal up well.

You tell us if there is some underlying issue that he is overcoming. If so, you can revel in your newfound health and fitness when you manage to claw back some HP later.
You are part of the party, go ahead and react to what is happening (and ask for clarification on anything that is unclear). Fill out some relationships with the other characters as we go, maybe focus on that in the first few posts, so as to make it easier to react to him.

You can come back here to flesh out any detail that are missing.
Aug 26, 2022 2:42 pm
Here comes Norbert:

Rolls

str - (2d6)

(12) = 3

dex - (2d6)

(25) = 7

con - (2d6)

(35) = 8

wis - (2d6)

(35) = 8

int - (2d6)

(43) = 7

cha - (2d6)

(16) = 7

Aug 26, 2022 2:55 pm
Norbert is a very average young man. No one realy notices him very often. He could be standing in a small group of onlookers and you would have to look twice to notice him. On the other hand, he wil have noticed you. He is the youngest son of a local sheepfarmer. The family trade is handed down to the eldest son for generations, but with having 4 older brothers, Norbert is not keen on staying on a a stable boy. His trusty dog will always be at his side.
Norbert doesn't mind staying outdoors for several days.

He carries:
A short axe (10s)
20ft rope, iron spike, flint/steel, torches{4}, tent, bandages, travel rations, waterskin (16s)

Skills:
Awareness and Survival

Abilities:
Pet and wild

Str: +0
Dex: +1
Con: +1
Wis: +1
Int: +1
Cha: +1
Aug 26, 2022 4:33 pm
Those survival skills will be useful. We only barely survived the last encounter 😁😅

Are you a stranger to Albert and Roald, or do you know one of us somehow? It's always easier to have some level of trust already.
Albert used to own a bar near the bigger city, feel free to establish a connection. If not, that's fine too. We'll make it work.
Aug 26, 2022 6:27 pm
Norbert doesn't know Roald and Albert, but has of course heard about the bold adventurers who are sent out to settle the feud between the barons. And he sees them as his ticket out of this small town.

I will also roll a d6 for my hp:

Rolls

hp - (d6)

(2) = 2

Aug 27, 2022 12:24 am
fossball says:
... Norbert is a very average young man ...
+1 is slightly above average, and 5 +1s is quite a bit above average, though this group is all in that realm. :)
fossball says:
... No one realy notices him very often ...
We can try to include that going forward, but it is not mechanically enforced (via Deception, maybe?). While he may feel that way, and it may be a part of his past experience, that is likely to change once he too becomes a 'famous adventurer'.
fossball says:
... local sheepfarmer ... handed down to the eldest son ...
Sounds like they are still trying to make a go of it under the barons.

• Which of the two barons holds sway over your family lands? The one we are seeing first or the other? It does not matter much, but might flavour your interactions/reactions.
fossball says:
... doesn't know Roald and Albert, but has of course heard about the bold adventurers ...
Cool. So you are joining them with Daryl and his people?

Daryl sounds sorta like a farmer or farmhand.
• Did Daryl work for your family, or for a different farm?
• Did Daryl bring you into this, or did you join on your own? Would Daryl have invited you or is he upset you joined?
• What is your relationship like with Daryl, or with the mayor's son?
fossball says:
... he sees them as his ticket out of this small town ...
You are not alone in that. :)
fossball says:
... I will also roll a d6 for my hp ...
+1 CON means you roll an extra HP Die and keep the highest one (you get to keep more at higher levels).

Roll another d6 for HP.

Submit your character, and make them visible.
We can start with what you have done so far, and we can work out the details later, but don't feel pressure to jump in if you still have questions, and you can still change things if you need to.
Aug 27, 2022 9:28 am
vagueGM says:
We can try to include that going forward, but it is not mechanically enforced (via Deception, maybe?).
Small comment on the skills. Albert has both awareness and deception. I have no issue with someone else having them too, but it's probably more useful to have at least 1 new skill in the party :)
Aug 27, 2022 9:37 am
TheGenerator says:
... Albert has both awareness ...
I should maybe have checked, but I assumed you would be OK with someone duplicating your Skill.
TheGenerator says:
... and deception ...
@TheGenerator: I forgot you had Deception. Are you still happy with that choice? It has not really come up in the game, but then there has not really been opportunities for it.
TheGenerator says:
... it's probably more useful to have at least 1 new skill in the party ...
I am not convinced about that logic, but I have also not seen all that much value from Awareness, this is not DnD, so Perception (or Notice in Savage Worlds which is even more overpowered) is not such a standout power.

We have added Survival to the Skill roster. Is there anything else you would want to see?
Aug 27, 2022 12:07 pm
I'm hoping deception will come in handy with the barons somehow. However, it's true that it's not a good word to describe Albert with. Do you think I should switch it to something more fitting? I'm not unhappy with my choices.
I believe that, inititally (long ago), I wanted to pick Lore, but somebody else already had it, so I decided to pick something else.

I think my awareness wasn't as useful because Albert isn't the one at the front of the group through the dungeon. It's definitely not like DnD Perception, since you can't ask "do I notice anything?" and roll for it. It seems like a reaction based skill, rather than actively using it. So it's difficult when there's nothing to react to.
vagueGM says:
We have added Survival to the Skill roster. Is there anything else you would want to see?
Nothing in particular that I have in mind.
From an RP standpoint, I think Roald would be well served with the Leadership skill. I've seen him throw out some orders lately :)
Aug 27, 2022 12:26 pm
TheGenerator says:
... I'm hoping deception will come in handy with the barons somehow ...
Agreed, which is why I was explicit that about it not being useful so far.
TheGenerator says:
... it's not a good word to describe Albert with ...
Again, not so far. To the point where I had forgotten you had it, so figured I would float the option of not having it.

If you want to keep it, and see if it works out with the barons, that is fine, if you don't find it fits the character you can look at changing it after that.
TheGenerator says:
... wanted to pick Lore, but somebody else already had it ...
It can suck when we are cut off from options by people who don't stick around. Which is another good reason to not try to avoid duplication and to just go with what we like in the moment.
TheGenerator says:
... my awareness wasn't as useful ...
On the other hand, I have given you information directly 'from your god' on the basis that you had Awareness and were 'devoted'. Without Awareness I would not have done that (as much).
TheGenerator says:
... awareness ... seems like a reaction based skill ... difficult when there's nothing to react to ...
That might be true. There have been a few occasion where players said outright "can I use Awareness" in a very DnDesque way and we had to remind them that Skills --by RAW-- only influence dice rolls. We can try work on that and give it more chances to shine, but I tend not to hide information, and feel I have given it about as much use as any other Skill.

I am not saying it is useless, just that it is not 'the most powerful Skill' as it can be in DnD or SW.
TheGenerator says:
... From an RP standpoint, I think Roald would be well served with the Leadership skill. I've seen him throw out some orders lately ...
There is truth to that, but that seems like a thing he has grown into, so it would make a lot of sense to take that as a Level Up, but I also often hand out Skills (or Feats) or such as rewards for RP. (Albert has already had some free 'Bless' --or Bless-like-- Special Ability which he may be able to make permanent through practice.)

@Airshark: If you are interested in perusing a Leadership role, show some initiative and then maybe speak to the captain (your friend) and get some pointers and maybe you can pick that up as a reward.
Aug 27, 2022 2:23 pm
The family of Norbert still own the sheep but has to use the fields "owned" by the first baron we visit.

Norbert knows Daryl and his friends. He sometimes hangs out at the same inn and hears them dream of a life full of adventure. Daryl also helps out when it is time to shear and they have worked together. Daryl knows Norberts older brothers who are know to speak with their fists and the end of an evening of drinking, but the last few years there hasn't been much time for merry making. Seeing the youngest brother join the group wil make them smile at each other and maybe wonder a bit, but if he keeps out of the way he will be welcome.

Being the youngest of four boys he knows how to take a punch. (I will exchange awareness for tough).

And I roll an extra die for hp:

Rolls

second die for hp - (d6)

(3) = 3

Aug 27, 2022 3:01 pm
fossball says:
... own the sheep but has to use the fields "owned" by the first baron ...
Interesting. The baron may have other opinions about who owns what, but we can make that as relevant/part of the story as you like. It need not come up unless you are interested in having it come up.
fossball says:
... Norbert knows Daryl and his friends ... Seeing the youngest brother join the group wil make them smile ...
Is Norbert with the group waiting for Albert and Roald? That makes for a smooth entry into the party.
fossball says:
... I will exchange awareness for tough ...
Don't feel pressured to change. But Tough can be nice, especially if you don't have armour. Roald has Tough as well.

I know you are short of funds, but if you really do want to start with armour (light) you might be able to arrange a loan to cover the difference, but that will add some complications to the story that you have to deal with.
fossball says:
... And I roll an extra die for hp ...
That makes it 3 HP total. You only keep one of the dice.
Aug 27, 2022 3:22 pm
Norbert is waiting with Daryl and the mayors son, but he and his dog will be standing a bit to the side. I don't think he would be wearing armor as a shepherd.

I updated the sheet.
Aug 27, 2022 10:46 pm
I like the leadership level up. Thanks for the suggestion, both of you.
Aug 28, 2022 1:48 am
Airshark says:
I like the leadership level up. Thanks for the suggestion, both of you.
You only get a new Skill at Level 3, so if you want this sooner, RP in that direction and it (or something like it) may be given to you.
Jun 25, 2023 8:48 pm
I've got a couple of more pages of the "Two Barons" IC thread that I'd like to get through before I try and fit a character to the following rolls.

I was wondering if I might stretch the definition of "Fresh Faced Adventurers" to include stale (old) faced new-to-adventure types. Would that be OK?

Rolls

STR - (2d6)

(65) = 11

DEX - (2d6)

(64) = 10

CON - (2d6)

(21) = 3

INT - (2d6)

(65) = 11

WIS - (2d6)

(35) = 8

CHA - (2d6)

(32) = 5

Jun 25, 2023 9:07 pm
Yeah that's totally fine. It should just be someone new to adventuring, as you say, and someone who hasn't been to many places.

There's a summary of relevant events thread. But it's not been updated recently. I'll try to do that in a bit :)
Jun 25, 2023 9:10 pm
palemantle says:
I might come up with a cleric-y character just to keep Albert on his toes a bit :D
Sure. That could be fun ;)
Don't know if you still want to do that with the stats you rolled. But feel free.
You should be able to see all of our character sheets either by clicking on the portrait in the RP threads or in the red bar at the bottom of the page. If you click "Characters" you can see the list and click them there.

That red bar is very very handy and it took me a while to realize that, so thought I'd let you know ;)
Jun 25, 2023 9:11 pm
Please let me know if there are skills attributes (or indeed other things) that you think might be handy for the group. If not, I'll be back in a few to flesh something out character-wise. Quick question please. I vaguely remember a post somewhere mentioning Raynor and one other deity/god. Could someone help please?

And here's the HP roll to go with that awesome CON of 3

Rolls

HP - (1d6)

(4) = 4

Jun 25, 2023 9:20 pm
palemantle says:
a post somewhere mentioning Raynor and one other deity/god.
Oh boy. I know what you mean, but I think that was over a year ago :D
I may have written it down in one of the wiki pages. Let me check.
Jun 25, 2023 9:31 pm
Larinia, godess of the moon
(edit: If you just want to make one up, go for it :) )

How much of this game did you read? o.O
palemantle says:
Please let me know if there are skills attributes (or indeed other things) that you think might be handy for the group.
I'd say have a look at the party at this moment. There are definitely some skills we don't have in the group. But also don't feel bad about something we've already got. Just be aware you'll have to 'share the spotlight' for that skill.

Not sure if you read this, but you can pick from any 2 skills and abilities, it's not limited by anything else you pick.
Last edited June 25, 2023 9:32 pm
Jun 25, 2023 11:06 pm
palemantle says:
... before I try and fit a character to the following rolls ...
Sure, that will give an idea of how things play. But make whatever you want, don't try to fit into what you have seen. The world fits itself around the characters, what you pick and what you do with them will define what sorts of things happen and what you and the party need to overcome. You are defining the world when you make a character.
palemantle says:
... stretch the definition ... new-to-adventure types ...
Perfectly fine. It is only your 'adventuring face' that is 'fresh', your actual face might be old and wrinkly. You can be whatever you want to be, but you have not been adventuring before and have have not wondered far from your home. The wide world is new to you.
palemantle says:
... Please let me know if there are skills attributes (or indeed other things) that you think might be handy for the group ...
They are all handy. Take what interests you. We will adjust the world to make them relevant. There is benefit to taking things that others have not taken, both so we can spread our skills around, and so we don't step on each others' toes, but there is also benefit to doubling up on something so the game can focus on where the party is competent.

It is good manners to first ask other players if they are happy with us taking what they have already chosen.
palemantle says:
... Raynor and one other deity/god. Could someone help please? ...
Calling out to the gods for help during Character Creation?! Wow! No wonder you got three +2s.

We don't have any setting-established gods, the players come up with that themselves. For Raynor you can ask @TheGenerator for details.

If you also end up being a 'cleric' of Raynor, then you will share creative responsibility for defining what they are like. It is OK if you each experience different aspects of your god. If you worship another god, define them, but we don't want animosity between PCs or their gods.

The 'classes' in the rules are just examples, so don't pay too much attention to the terms 'Fighter' and 'Cleric' and such. Make whatever you want from any combination of two Skills and two Special Abilities.
palemantle says:
... awesome CON of 3 ...
Your CON is actually +0 since you rolled less than 6. Nearly half the rolls on `2d6` will be less than 6, so it is 'pretty average'.

Your Attributes:
STR - +2
DEX - +2
CON - +0
INT - +2
WIS - +1
CHA - +0

Which is pretty good. Lots of +2s which are one-off from the highest any can ever be.

You can make a character (use the Custom sheet) and Submit them, I will accept them (without review) and then we can have a place to store your values and see how they are developing.
Jun 25, 2023 11:07 pm
We can work out how you are part of the party. We can do anything to get you in, including saying 'you were with them from the start'. Since we are in an area where it makes easy sense to have you join, that is simpler, but not required.

Maybe you are a friend of Norbert's? He is from this area and might know your character lives nearby and suggest we get your help? It will depend a lot on what sort of character you make as to why you are helpful, and that might not even be apparent from the start. Already knowing one of the PCs is always useful for building trust within the party.

I can also see ways to have an old NPC bring you in, but that gets complicated, while having some benefits.

Maybe you have your own reasons for being out here in the forest, or your own reasons to want to deal with the problem the party is facing. Be careful of tying your character too closely to the current events, that can make it hard to justify them staying with the party afterwards, but also don't worry about it too much, we will make it work.

Don't create a character who 'solves' the current problem, that both spoils things for everyone else, and leaves you at a loose-end once it is done.
Jun 25, 2023 11:08 pm
TheGenerator says:
... That red bar is very very handy and it took me a while to realize that ...
There is a chance it was only added after you had started playing, those things are easy to miss. :)
Jun 26, 2023 2:39 am
TheGenerator says:
Larinia, godess of the moon
(edit: If you just want to make one up, go for it :) )

How much of this game did you read? o.O
Thanks all for the tips. I'm reading through the entire "The Two Barons" thread - it's loads of fun - and have read the summary for the earlier adventures. I'll have a character created and shared in a couple of hours.
Jun 26, 2023 4:44 am
Submitted a character. Reasonably sure there's not too much skill/ability duplication with others in the party. I've tried to sketch a background that I wouldn't mind RP-ing and also something that reasonably justifies his stats (I think). Olden is cleric-y but not the most devout around. Cooked up a new god after reading a bit about the two currently in play. Went with an older character for a bit of byplay with the young bloods, and with another "cleric" for a bit of fun with Raynor's chosen one. Happy to update anything at all as per your suggestions.

I don't know the best way to get him into the story. For what it is worth, he used to run a wayfarer's shrine, basically an inn without overt commercial transactions, but with a tiny bit of religious mumbo-jumbo thrown in, so it's conceivable caravan guards or one of the heroes might've been past his place some time. Also fine with the "he was always there" assumption. Happy to leave that with you all.

I still haven't finished reading the RP thread. Will get back to it now.
Jun 26, 2023 5:42 am
palemantle says:
... Submitted a character ...
Accepted. If one of the other players could confirm that they can see the character sheet, that would be great, as the GM I can always see the sheets, and it is very hard to tell if they have been set up correctly so that others can.

I have added a new note to the Help! Thread with the instructions that may have been lost deep in this old thread.
palemantle says:
... Reasonably sure there's not too much skill/ability duplication ...
Almost everyone seems to be taking Tough. Albert has Cure, which an instant Magic version of Heal, but we have missed having someone who knows what they are doing in regard to medicine.
palemantle says:
... reasonably justifies his stats ...
63 and still +2 STR and DEX? Wow. +2 is one less than 'the best anyone has ever been'. +3 is the MAX, really. This is fine, just making sure you are interpreting the Attributes right, this is not DnD, and definitely not DnD 3.5 with its +58s. :)
palemantle says:
... I've tried to sketch a background that I wouldn't mind RP-ing ...
That's fine. I assume you mean mean 'play on from' since you won't be playing the background.
palemantle says:
... Olden is cleric-y ...
Just to make sure you are not taking that out of misunderstanding. We have a fair bit of clericy stuff going on, but that is because we have active cleric-interested characters. Don't make something to try to fit in with such past events, whatever you choose to make will get similar levels of focus. Make another 'cleric' if that is what you want, of course.
palemantle says:
... Cooked up a new god ...
That looks good.
palemantle says:
... Went with an older character for a bit of byplay with the young bloods ...
Albert is also on the older side, but you will make him feel young by comparison. :)
palemantle says:
... I don't know the best way to get him into the story ... one of the heroes might've been past his place some time ...
Only Norbert is from around here, but they could easily know about you. There was a recent (brief) search for a shrine of some sort, but that went nowhere, we can revisit that and have Norbert remember about your place and we seek you out.

Or --once you have caught up with the story-- you might feel that the current events are enough to have gotten you involve.

Or you can just be wandering by. Maybe you get caught up in the miracle on the road.

Just say the word as to what you would like and we will come up with a way that makes sense (enough).
palemantle says:
... he used to run a wayfarer's shrine, basically an inn ...
Albert was an actual commercial innkeeper, so you have that in common as well.
palemantle says:
(in sheet)... taking in the arts where possible ...
Not likely in these parts over the last few decades. Maybe you come from outside this valley? Maybe on the road in and out? Then you could be passing this place on your new pilgrimage?
palemantle says:
(in sheet)... His parents did not approve of his behaviour one bit ...
But you are still a priests of Selusia? Same as they were? What did they not approve of? Just that you did it your way?
palemantle says:
(in sheet)... Olden's first impulse would be to heal a companion in need ...
Remember that Cure is the 'magical heal them now' 'spell'. Heal is not a Special Ability, it is a Skill. Skills mean that when you are doing something everyone can do, you don't 'fail' on a 6-, it mostly-works, but there is still a cost --as with all 6-s. This is 'medicine' and herbs and 'first aid' --as befitting that INT +2-- it can stop people from getting worse and dying, but does not directly give them back HP.
Feel free to change anything that you find is not working the way you expected, even after we have started playing when you have seen it in action a few times and realise.
Jun 26, 2023 5:55 am
Quote:
Accepted. If one of the other players could confirm that they can see the character sheet, that would be great, as the GM I can always see the sheets, and it is very hard to tell if they have been set up correctly so that others can.
I can see Olden
Jun 26, 2023 5:58 am
Cool. That means everyone can. Thanks.
Jun 26, 2023 8:26 am
Sorry, my brain's stuck in a 3.5e mindset where Attributes are concerned :) Didn't realize just how outrageously high my STR and DEX rolls where. Equally so, taking "Tough" was a panic reaction to the CON value of 3.

I'm going to flesh out his DIY get-hands-dirty handyman background a bit more to account for the former. For the latter, I'd like to drop "Tough" and take "Tinker". Olden would look at "Tinker" as mechanical aptitude rather than as a thief-skill to do with locks/traps. Will also try and give him some basic medicinal lore while I'm at it.

I think I'm OK with the cleric-y nature of the build. It wasn't a reaction to recent happenings really. That said, Roald's sudden religious awakening has left me a bit confused :)
vagueGM says:
palemantle says:
... I've tried to sketch a background that I wouldn't mind RP-ing ...
That's fine. I assume you mean mean 'play on from' since you won't be playing the background.
Yes that's right. Starting from where he currently is.
vagueGM says:

palemantle says:
(in sheet)... His parents did not approve of his behaviour one bit ...
But you are still a priests of Selusia? Same as they were? What did they not approve of? Just that you did it your way?
Same god but different approaches/philosophies, yes. Olden appreciates the human side of his religion and doesn't care much for the orthodoxy, a view that his parents, clearly, didn't appreciate, being high falutin' priests of some sort.
I've got a small preference for the "just wandering by drawn by the miracle" mode of entry. Please let me know if that works for everyone, let me know when Olden should make an appearance, and I'll try and follow everyone else's lead. Thanks very much for your patience @vagueGM.
Jun 26, 2023 8:43 am
palemantle says:
... my brain's stuck in a 3.5e mindset ...
You are not alone, that is a common issues when coming from such games. :)
palemantle says:
... I'd like to drop "Tough" and take "Tinker" ...
I thought about suggesting Tinker when reading the farrier/handy-man bit.
palemantle says:
... as mechanical aptitude rather than as a thief-skill ...
Sure. Though such mechanical skill also helps with locks. I am not a big fan of 'traps', for complicated reasons to do with them not actually working in RPGs.
palemantle says:
... Will also try and give him some basic medicinal lore while I'm at it ...
Lore and Heal should cover that from a mechanical standpoint, your backstory as a wayside succor provider should cover it from a in-fiction standpoint, but go ahead and enforce that in play as and when you want it to come up.
palemantle says:
... Roald's sudden religious awakening has left me a bit confused :) ...
'Confused' how? Can we help?
palemantle says:
... I've got a small preference for the "just wandering by drawn by the miracle" mode of entry ...
Cool. We can make that work.
palemantle says:
... let me know when Olden should make an appearance ...
If we are going with meeting on the road we can do it any time you are ready. Don't rush though. We can fill out more details as we play, but we are all happy to wait for you to be as ready as you need to be. No hurry.
Jun 26, 2023 8:52 am
Raynor has come to our aid in the past. He provided us with light emitting weapons when undead are near. He has shown his gift of healing many times through Albert. So Roald at his wit's end called to Raynor for help, and he responded...

Roald is confused as well at this point ☺️

You seem like a native English speaker, if something I write is unclear or just completely wrong, I'm not offended by any corrections or if you ask for a clarification.
Jun 26, 2023 8:55 am
Airshark says:
... Roald is confused as well at this point ☺️
...
Poor Roald, he know nothing of these mythical 12s that you roll. :)
Jun 26, 2023 9:43 am
Airshark says:
Raynor has come to our aid in the past. He provided us with light emitting weapons when undead are near. He has shown his gift of healing many times through Albert. So Roald at his wit's end called to Raynor for help, and he responded...

Roald is confused as well at this point ☺️

You seem like a native English speaker, if something I write is unclear or just completely wrong, I'm not offended by any corrections or if you ask for a clarification.
Oh no, nothing to do with language. My first language isn't English either. My stupid brain had all these stereotypical notions of Roald as a fighter-type and was going, Hold on, I thought Albert was the one who could tap into Raynor's blessings/assistance? as I read the thread.


I've read at least a couple of the RP threads in full now including "The First Sacrifice" so I'd like to jump in now IC if I may, please? Will keep an eye on the OOC thread for tips/corrections/suggestions/nudges/smacks on the head.
Jun 26, 2023 10:03 am
palemantle says:
... stereotypical notions of Roald as a fighter-type ...
Yeah. We are not limited by such outdated ideas. :)
palemantle says:
... thought Albert was the one who could tap into Raynor's blessings ...
Albert has the Cure Special Ability, he can always use that gift from his god (dice willing, of course). Roald asked for help and Raynor deemed him worthy in this moment, that is not guaranteed to happen again. Similarly, Albert showed particular faith in Raynor at a previous time of need, and got the equivalent of a sort of Bless Special Ability in the form of undead-fighting glowing weapons for the whole party (eventually).

If it is on your sheet you mostly control it, if it is not part of your sheet and character then any such Special Abilities can still happen with GM discretion.
palemantle says:
... as I read the thread. ...
There is a real downside to discussing things in a separate OOC thread. Someone reading the RP thread has no indication that there might be more happening. I still think it works better than having long, multi-post discussions in the middle of the RP thread, and the OOC parts should not be needed to follow the RP, but sometimes it can help.

For reference, the relevant OOC part starts here.
palemantle says:
... I'd like to jump in now IC if I may ...
By all means. Narrate your character arriving on the scene.

Maybe your medical and religious explanations of what just happened (exhaustion leads to shock) could be helpful, but think about what your character might do that leads the others to accept or even invite you along on their rescue mission. We don't need a very good explanation for your joining --though it does help a little-- it will work no matter what.
palemantle says:
... Will keep an eye on the OOC thread ...
You and fossball can work out in the OOC thread if there is some preexisting connection between you, but if you are not from this valley then ignore that, he may have heard of you at best.
Jun 26, 2023 10:09 am
I think we are set up for Norbert to remember some old guy or familyfriend to live by a shrine in the wood. He seemed tough as old leather. And maybe smelled it a bit like it too :)
Jun 26, 2023 10:11 am
It feels a bit like ropeskipping: we are spinning the rope and are ready for you to jump in.
Jun 26, 2023 10:12 am
fossball says:
I think we are set up for Norbert to remember some old guy or familyfriend to live by a shrine in the wood. ...
Unless he is from outside the valley. It may be easier in the long-run to not have him attached to this place that we are probably about leave? It's up to palemantle.
Jun 26, 2023 10:30 am
I'll second that and would like to suggest that Norbert knows of Olden but hasn't met him? Jumping into the RP thread now.
Jun 28, 2023 4:58 am
@palemantle: When did Hilde pass away? Less than a year ago? More than a few years ago?
Jun 28, 2023 2:01 pm
Sorry, missed the above. I'd say less than a year ago but perhaps a few months in the past. In my mind, Hilde was the half of the partnership that was the out-and-out devout one with Olden acting more in a facilitation/support role, and he's been feeling a bit lost.
Jun 28, 2023 11:31 pm
palemantle says:
... Sorry, missed the above. ...
No worries. It happens. Give a shout if you need any help with tips and tricks for tracking new posts, like Subscribing for email notifications, or Favorites.
palemantle says:
... I'd say less than a year ago but perhaps a few months in the past ...
Cool.
palemantle says:
... Hilde ... was the out-and-out devout one ...
Yeah, that is why I asked. This may factor into events you will soon encounter.

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