Out of Character

This thread is an open dialog, perhaps about the game, but not necessarily.

Hello, hello.

One of my players have invested in the Symbaroum rulebook. Have just linked him the game details.

Hi CC, thanks for helping me explore this great world, and extra thanks for bringing a crew with you.

Thumbs up.

No problem Qrall. Looking forward to be a part of this!

Thanks for being willing to run this and welcoming a total noob!

Crew came to salute. Greetings to everyone.

I'm looking to find out what is possible with the game. I told Chingo about a rough outline of a character idea I had before even looking at the system. Darthon Carolus, adventure seeker and self proclaimed master sharpshooter. But that can easily be molded as I figure out more about the game.

Welcome to GP, Drome1, and to the game. My limited experience playing the game revealed archery to be pretty effective. There isn't a ranged PC in the pre-gens but if you don't have the book we can hammer one out together. It's not a hard system

I think I have the book, just need to finally get time to read more than just couple bits at a time. But I wouldn't be against figuring things out together.

Hi everyone! Thanks for letting me join. I cant wait to get started.

Hi HeWhoGames. Nice to meet you, and me neither. I think this is going to be an awesome game!

Glad to see some new names/faces. Also Jabes, woot woot.

Since we don't know each other, I'm a 40-something dude from Canada. I've been gaming since 1981 or so. While I've played more D&D than anything else, I'm also big into the White Wolf "World of Darkness" games (Vampire: the Masquerade, etc.). But mostly I'm a whore enthusiast for trying new games. I'm sure that I've played more than 70 different RPGs. Gamers Plane has introduced me to a metric (hey, I'm Canadian) shit ton of awesome games.

I like the dark, I like horror, but I mostly like the heroic. Victory snatched from the jaws of defeat sorts of things. Symbaroum seems to hit that intersection.

For Gamers Plane games, I like to set some expectations: I don't know what I'm doing, haha. SRSLY, though, I've played Symbaroum maybe 4 or 5 sessions over Google Hangouts, so I'm no expert but lets explore this cool game together.

Nice to meet y'all I have some similarities and some differences. I'm in my 20's and got into d&d roughly 2 years ago, since then I've tried out more systems than I can remember off the top of my head.

Like you I'm a fan of dark and horror stuff, but an even bigger fan of heroic stuff, especially in the face of dire situations. I think it's less heroic if the stakes are low or repercussions are unlikely, so dark settings like this with the close threat of death seem perfect for it.

Well I'm 30 something from Michigan and have been playing D&D for most of my life with detours to try out new systems along the way. I played a lot of the old world of darkness games (mostly V:tES) and I love to try out new systems. I love when the heros barely make it through and victory comes at a dire cost.

About me:
I'm Jabes, also in my 40's, avid gamer and pastry chef. At my cake shop we like making geeky cakes. Here's a few D&D-themed ones.

I was introduced to D&D almost 30 years ago (AD&D back then) and to this day I still play with the same group of guys, my best friends. We played 3.5E when that came out and spent 10 years on a campaign, skipped 4E, and started a 5E campaign as soon as it came out. I've been on GP since early 2015, and I'v been a very active member of the community ever since. It's been fun trying out new game systems and character concepts I would never have gotten off the ground in my IRL games.

Whenever I play I try to do something new. Sometimes that means something a little unconventional, but other times that just means something I myself have never tried before.

I know nothing about Symbaroum, but when it came out and I saw some of the concept art online my curiosity was piqued! Thanks for running this, Qralloq!

Looking forward to gaming with you all!

Cheers!

Jabes.... Your cakes are amazing! Wow...

Yeah, awesome cakes Jabes! Thumbs up!

A little about me: I'm from Denmark. I am 29 about to turn 30 soon. Started roleplaying with a bunch of friends when we were around age 11-13 right when 3E/3.5 books were raining from the sky.

Then took a long break from it, and didn't resume playing until in my twenties, and since then I've solely played on the internet.

I enjoy roleplaying, game-mastering and world-building, and am currently working on my own RPG setting and rules system.

Just waiting for characters from ChingoChaplo, Drome1, and eugenemarshall. If you need any help, please reach out, as I'm keen on getting this going.

In the meantime, I'll start posting some gameplay stuff for those without the books.

I'm still deep into reading the setting and stuff, but so far I've got the mechanical stuff in a sheet. Added it to the game. The rough character idea is so far that he was a noble once, but the house fell apart. He now tries to rebuild his family.

I've approved it but Ill check it over later today.

Have had an eventful weekend. Will put the time in to work out Eferneya's sheet now. She should be ready within a couple of hours.

Submitted Eferneya for approval. Only thing I haven't done is spend her five thaler.

Cool cool cool. I'll review her and aim to get this going tomorrow evening.

Everything alright Q? Are HeWhoGames and Jabes.plays.RPG still with us?

I'm not sure. Things on GP are often quiet on weekends, and I've been hoping those two would jump into the scene. Certainly I'd like to know they're active before triggering the inevitable battle.

Yup, I'm here. Just been crazy busy this holiday season. Will post something in a bit.

(Late) Merry Christmas everyone! Look out for an Eferneya post later today! :)

Bouncing Boxing Day to you!

Never heard that before... Boxing Day, heh. Here we just call it 2nd Yuleday. A shame HeWhoGames has disappeared on us. You might want to look for a replacement player(s)...

Happy new year everyone.

Happy New Year 2u2!

Happy New Year! :)

Going to post later today. Sorry for my absence.

I'm not sure I trust the crew with the night watch, with what happened the night before.

Yeah let's def set our own watch.

and then kill them in their sleep. muhahaha - oh wait, we are the good guys. no killing then.

Haha

So, we sleep in 3 hour shifts and one takes the extra one for the 10th hour, or is there a better method?

Sounds good to me.

Cool, someone post the order and everybody roll Vigilant and Initiative checks.

No problem on the delay Drone1, it was only a couple of days. People sometimes ditch games with no warning, particularly at the beginning. HeWhoGames hasn't been on GP since November - should we kick him and see if anyone wants his spot?

I'm excited to see this adventure play out and hope you three stick with it.

What are the effects of fighting from prone? If I scramble to my feet does that impact my movement rate, or does that take up my entire round or something?

Each round, you get one Combat Action and one Movement action. The Movement Action can be used to standup from prone, (requires a Quick test). If you fail the Quick test, then it takes the whole round to stand foregoing your Combat Action.

There is no explicit penalty to your attack if you are prone. However, if you are attacking a prone thing that gives you +2 attack and +1d4 damage. For a NPC attacking a prone player, that means -2 to your defense roll and +2 damage.

After successfully scrambling to my feet am I close enough for melee or must I throw? Mechanically does it matter or is it just Accurate rolls regardless? On my turn does Kverula get to attack too?

The deck is small... melee or ranged is okay.
Accurate is used for melee or ranged "to hit" rolls, unless you have a trait that says otherwise.
Yes, Kverula attacks with you.

Not sure how it all works, so I'll ask. Could I attempt to stab him and try my acrobatics skill to move away, or is the monster holding onto him?

Try the stab first, and roll Acrobatics too. If you kill it, it doesn't matter. If you don't, we'll figure out the rules after I get home from work.

You asked if we should look for a player to replace HeWhoGames. I think that is a good idea.

Cool I'll post in the old game interest forum.

The dice be mocking me XD

Tractor has applied to join our game. I've accepted, so if Tractor, you have any questions, there are some pregenerated characters in a separate thread or you can make one from the books.

Welcome, Tractor! :-)

welcome from me too

Heh, uhm.... I'm not near my book, but 3 is Darthon's damage threshold and I think I have to then choose to either drop prone or give him an additional attack. I'd prefer the prone option.
But even more, with the damage from before he doesn't have any toughness left... I guess that's bad.

If you're out of Toughness, then you're unconscious, but not yet dead.

Welcome Tractor!

I've sent Tractor a PM with links to these forums. The inn (assuming it isn't haunted or ruled by monsters, mwa ha ha) would be a serendipitous spot to slide in somebody new.

Note: I apologize for the random alliteration... it's my particular weakness.

Ive been PMing with Tractor, and he has made a character, but has had some problems submitting it.

We're experiencing technical difficulties but we're working on it so please stand by.

Well, let's move on without Tractor. I haven't heard from him again, and he hasn't posted in these forums. If he shows up, we can find a way to integrate him into the story, but until then...

Booted Tractor. I'll continue to recruit, but I don't want to wait. Three is fine to run with.

It's been quiet here. Any concerns about proceeding?

Welcome WalkerOfSorrow

Hi hi, everyone! Forgive me for being a colossal noob, but I hope to pick up quickly and be a valuable contributor to the game.

Welcome Walker, you'll fit in pretty well, it's the first time for me playing too.

Thanks! Medieval fantasy tends to be my forte, save for that one Dungeon World experience where unpleasant circumstances kinda screwed me. Ever since, I've never played a rogue in any system unless I was very familiar with the Game Master.

Haha, that sounds like a painful but interesting story, Walker.

Oh yeah! I could regale you about how my shadow assassin, endowed with the remarkable ability to fade into and teleport through any shadow, fell to an untimely and embarrassing death because the Game Master railroaded us onto the roof of a high tower, locked me into a super unbalanced fight I had no chance to win, without my party members, and when I tried to leap from the tower and fade into its shadow, the Game Master said that I couldn't (even though the RAW did not rule it out whatsoever). In the end, he made me roll something arbitrary for it (I think a percentile chance) which of course I failed. The tower was like 20 stories tall, no survival.

That was Session 1, btw. Never played Dungeon World since.

That sounds like a pain. I had a DM for a while that seemingly was only interested in moving along the plot. Every NPC couldn't care less about what is happening around them and any attempt at character development that was longer than a sentence was squished. We once talked in character who should be carrying the bag of holding we found (using that chance to talk other stuff too), but after not even 5 minutes he had a god come down, take the bag away and tell us to get on with the quest.

Those sound like great GMs, heh. I suppose I've made players mad, too, but I hope it isn't remembered as being that blatantly unfair.

We all make mistakes, and sometimes only realize them a long time after. I had fun times with that GM too. Like when we lied our way into an evil cult to get some artifact, instead of fighting, despite the murderhobo of the group constantly proclaiming that he is readying his weapon.

As a male player, there was one GM where I never repeated the mistake of playing a female character. I typically play female and male about 50/50, so it was a change. In his case, it was really a warning sign about his gaming style in general and an overbearing, domineering attitude.

Hi! I'm still interested. Just been super busy at work.

Excellent news!

What's public opinion like regarding goblins in this world? Is it normal for someone like Fenya to be travelling with the group? Are goblins (and their pet pigs) normally welcome inside inns and other establishments?

Still here as well. Sorry for my absence these last several days. Posted in the game thread. And welcome to the game WalkerofSorrow.

Thanks!

Damn, my dice haven't adjusted to 'low rolls = good, high rolls = bad' yet xP

Heh. Send Keleth a PM.

Should I roll for the Adept Marksman ability to stop the shot guy from moving? [Accurate < - Strong] I think it was.

Good call. Make the roll.

Accurate against his strength to pin him to the ladder.

That's some good humor the dice have. XD

The goblin is free to move I'd assume. C'mon guys, let's fight them off.

Lots of goblins... Eferneya has decided to prioritize getting Melga in safety inside the inn.

I'll be chanting "clever boar" for you jabes ;)

Thanks, but no, Kverula isn't even going to try it. If those were stairs, maybe. But a ladder? Nah.

Oh, okay, then she'll be down to take care of any goblins that get down on the inside.
Don't know if there are rules for that, but maybe you can even every so often pull one of them over and throw them down for Kverula to kill.

I believe it's the enemies turn then, unless I forgot someone who didn't act yet.

Yeah something like that. :-)

Hey Qralloq, what does Polearm mastery (adept) mean, and does it apply to my spear?

I threw a look into the book, and I can always be wrong, since I'm new to the system.
But from my understanding 'long' weapons give you a free attack when one enemy moves into melee range with you or you go into melee with one enemy. The Polearm mastery level gives you a free attack on all enemies when they engage you or you engage them. (both of those have the qualifier 'as long as the enemy isn't carrying a long weapon themselves).

It's just my guess, but I think it is intended to make you more dangerous to be engaged.

POLEARM MASTERY
The character is initiated in the secrets of long-shafted weapons. The spear is a simple weapon and anyone can quickly learn how to make good use of its length. For this reason, the militia armies of the plains and forests are often armed with spears.

The character’s advanced skill with long weapons really shows that a simple shaft of hardened wood can be a fearsome weapon in the hands of a Trained warrior.

Novice. Passive. The damage dealt by Long weapons is increased one step, to 1D10 for spears and halberds and to 1D8 for staves.

Adept. Reaction. The character has truly mastered the long thrust. The character receives a Free Attack against all enemies who come into range of melee combat – whether it is the enemy who engages the character or vice versa is irrelevant. The only exception is when the enemy also wields a long weapon; in such a situation the character receives no Free Attack.

Master. Reaction. As a Master of long weapons, the character has the skill to keep his or her enemies at bay. The character can use the Free Attack with a polearm to keep an enemy from coming close enough to attack. For as long as the character succeeds in hitting the enemy, the enemy remains unable to attack the character with melee weapons – whether or not the damage penetrates the enemy’s armor.

Optional Rule - Perfect Hits - if a player rolls a 1 on a 1d20 for an attack, then they do an additional 1d6 damage. Similarly, a 20 on a Defense roll would result in receiving a critical.

I am loathe to institute the rule, without player feedback as these sorts of rules sometimes operate against the players more often than not. This occurs if the players are often outnumbered (which could be the case depending on this scenario, if the goblins get over the wall).

What do you all think?

I have no problem with it (says the guy who jut rolled perfect hit, of course). I guess it's a holdover from being so used to the critical hit / critical fumble mechani I'm pretty sure most if not all of us know.
I'm guessing knocking him prone will knock him off the ladder? Is falling damage a thing in this system?

Falling damage is totally a thing. However, the other goblins on the ladder might simply prop him in place (but I think the possibility of some kind of hilarious domino effect would be in order.)

That's what I was hoping for! Let's do that then! :-D

Okay, how about you edit your post, add a 1d6 Perfect Hit damage, and then roll a 1d20 against the goblin horde's Strong.

Critical rules can put some extra spice into combat. And so far I have always come to like them.

I'll see if Darthon can shoot the other one and maybe try to get some info out of the troll, when I have some time.

Made a post. In case the goblin is not visible from Darthon's perspective, let me know and I'll change it.

Totally visible

As posted to the Absences Thread:

Thanks, Jabes. This scene is going slow, your absence may not be missed, heh.

It's actually a pre-canned one. The next scene will be my own creation, so should flow better.

Heh, premade stuff can have that happen I guess. I'll have a look where we dropped the ball, maybe I can post something.

Hi guys.

First of all, I would like to apologize for my absence(s) AND for my lack of communication. Secondly, I sadly have to withdraw from the game. I think the game has been great so far, I just have too much other stuff going on in my life right now, and I feel bad for not posting for long periods and holding the game back.

I really appreciate you being patient and overbearing with me and apologize for not communicating better OoC. I should have come to this realization and decision earlier, so you could have found a replacement player instead of the game being slowed to a halt, and I hope you will do so now and continue on without me.

Lastly, you guys rock! Was a pleasure gaming with you and I hope to be able to do so again some time in the future. I am posting this same message in both of the games where I am a player as the above applies to both.

Take care and all the best.

- Chingo

Thanks for the thoughtful message, ChingoChaplo. Sorry to see you go.

Sad to hear Chingo, it was fun to play with you. Let me know when you get back into activity.

@Qralloq - Me too, but with everything as it is right now I would drag the game down and I don't want to be the cause of an excellent game dying.

@Drome1 - Likewise Drome. And most definitely! :)

Made a post and a couple rolls. Let me know if it's too much :)

Looks okay to me. Just got back from traveling so I'll post a response tomorrow.

Hi everyone! First of all I'd like to apologize for my two-week absence. I'm back with some sad news (sad for me anyhow).

The day I was hoping would never come has arrived: Due to recent changes in my life (some good, others not so much) I am going to be forced to drastically cut back on my game involvement, and this includes withdrawing from this game.

Thank you for the opportunity to play in your game, Qralloq, and teaching me the basics of the system. I wish I could continue but I can't. I think I owe it to everybody as well as to myself for my character to die or depart in a way that makes sense to the story rather than just drop out. I'm willing to work with you on exactly how.

Hi Jabes, thanks for participating.

I don't think we need to do anything drastic, story-wise, as Fenya could simply choose to stay at the inn when the party moves on.

Darthon is gonna shoot the goblin again when I have some free time to make a post.

I'm about ready to jump back in again as Eferneya.

Alright! I don't think much has happened, haha.

Good to be back. Now I know Bartalom failed his Medicus check, but my wounds are at least bandaged up right?

Sorry...

Got actual bandages or should we say strips of cloth?

Got actual bandages or should we say strips of cloth?

Actual bandages is fine.

No worries Walker. And thanks.

You're welcome! I did good roasting the Nightblade, so I'm okay flubbing a roll. It's not like you died.

True. :)

Sneaking up on the goblin horde might be tough for Darthon with the sneaky stat being his second lowest. But we can always try ;)

While I like the feel of Symbaroum, it seems difficult to maintain any traction on this game. Part of that is on me, of course.

What can we do to make this game more active, or should we just call it an adventure?

Sorry I have been inactve so long. I had messaged Chingo that he might want to post for Eferneya and completely forgot to reply further myself.

I could post more often, but I always fear that I start hogging the game for myself.

No need to apologize, this is a group effort. I'm happy to continue, but sometimes slow games mean that something isn't working so it is good to touch base now and then in order to re-evaluate and adjust course.

Well, I'm going to call this one. Thanks everybody for participating.

Sorry to hear this didn't pan out.

Thanks for jumping in and helping us out.

Damn. I had a lot of fun while it lasted and want to thank everyone for it. Best of luck in the future everyone.

Happy to! Invite me to any neat projects you start in the future!

Thank you for the game everyone, especially you Qralloq. Sorry I couldn't be more active. Had nothing to do with your GM'ing Q. Too much going on currently. Take care and see you around everyone.

Thanks again, all. I'll retire the game now.