OOC Chat

[BigRedRod]

It's a brand new OOC thread for 1992!

Given that only Lade was really involved in the game prior to it stalling (Kjetil was around, but never actually made contact with the party) I thought I'd have a little spring (or Autumn) clean to highlight this as a fresh start.

The only remaining thread is the Story So Far which I will one day get around to dealing with. Oh yes. I will.

So, as a reminder, here is the chargen information (nobody should need this, but just in case).

Level 5:
Starting gold: 4500g (half standard)
Stats: 4d6 discard lowest
Books: Ask
And one Exciting Bonus(tm):

+4 Points added to your attributes in any way you fancy
A single feat
A magic item of some wonderful origin which would otherwise be outside your grasp (you'll need to talk(argue) about this with me)


At the moment, we just need Treehouse to finish off his sheet and I need to give them all a quick once over to make sure nothing has slipped through the net. Then we can kick off, as you try to stem the tide of the apocalypse.

[itches]

Boo! We already have one! In with the old, out with the new! Attica! Attica!

[Stringbean2142]

itches is just mad that a thread full of his genius (read: insanity) has been buried in a subthread. Look at it this way, you now have a brand new blank canvas to claim as your own. Except it's really BRR's and we're here also, but if you shut your eyes really tight you can pretend it's your own.

[itches]

So, why do we not have a cleric?

[Gralhruk]

We really should have a cleric. Why did you tell me to be a rogue?

[Stringbean2142]

I have some healing as a druid, so we're not entirely boned here. I was planning on focusing on support spells, including healing spells. I just won't have the wonderful "make any spell heal" ability.

[BigRedRod]

It's more the "constant threat of incorporeal undead" I think that itches is getting at.

[itches]

We dont need healing, we need Turn Undead. Also known as "Save The Party From The Army Of Ghosts"

[Gralhruk]

This falls into that wonderful category of information that would have been beneficial last week.

[treehouse]

It's not too late to turn Karthas into a dark cleric of Slightly Less Evil Overgod #17. Background wouldn't change much.

[Stringbean2142]

Oh. Yeah, that's probably gonna suck. I'm going to shut up and sit in my corner until Ernie Hudson arrives.

How could I forget about the ghosts? I feel shame.

[BigRedRod]

No, no, no changing. The Warlock stuff we came up with was gold.

[Stringbean2142]

Gold we can use to line your coffin when we're all murdered by ghosts.

[Gralhruk]

No, no, no changing. The Warlock stuff we came up with was gold.
Yes, yes, I'm sure that's the reason. Not like you'd enjoy kicking the crap out of us with ghosts when we can't defend ourselves.

[treehouse]

'Murdered by ghosts' is an acceptable conclusion.

Or a segue into a Ghostwalk campaign!

-loads ectoplasm cannons-

Uhhh, working on background.

[treehouse]

Hey BRR - is it okay if I swap out my invocations? I am not sure where I was going with the 'create tons of darkness that only I can see through' build, but I think that would probably end up annoying the rest of the party.

Would take earthen grasp and see the unseen instead of devil's sight and darkness.

[BigRedRod]

Yeah, still time to merrily change your sheets.

[Gralhruk]

Too bad magic weapons are so freaking expensive. Double weapons even more so.

[treehouse]

Karthas will happily make you a badass magic weapon once he gets Craft Weapons and Armor. His asking price is merely...

your soooooouuuuuuuuuul

[treehouse]

Hey BRR would you take a gander at what I have so far for Karthas' background? I stopped at 'he arrives at Edinway' to make sure I'm okay so far.

The next chapter in his zany whirlwind adventure involves him becoming an acolyte of the wizard university.

[BigRedRod]

Yes, it's on the list. I will hopefully get to it in the next hour or so.

[Gralhruk]

In light of this new revelation, I think I am probably going to opt for a masterwork chain shirt instead of magical mithril. The 2000gp will allow me to get one side of my urgosh enchanted, which may just be more important in saving my life.

[Tashalar]

Oh, wow. A spicy new OOC! And I'm here at last...

So. What do we need ghosts for? ... or wasn't that the question? In any case, we'll just hit them with our guns.. erm.. weapons. They'll dissipate and we'll be heroes. Can we all get free rings of sustenance, BRR? I don't really think anyone will want to sleep for longish periods of time when ghosts are about.

... yeah.

Btw - my laptop is still being repaired (hopefully), but I'm here every now and then. Kjetil's ready as said before.

[treehouse]

In light of this new revelation, I think I am probably going to opt for a masterwork chain shirt instead of magical mithril. The 2000gp will allow me to get one side of my urgosh enchanted, which may just be more important in saving my life.

If by revelation you mean 'Karthas taking item creation feats', I am not actually married to the idea yet. I'm still mulling it over.

[Gralhruk]

Nope, "revelation" as in "we may need to fight ghosts soon and often" and "I'm not counting on anything magical except what I can buy right now".

[itches]

one side of my urgosh enchanted

One side?

[Tashalar]

Well, both sides would cost double - he has to enchant both sides as if they were separate weapons.

... just take care to hit the ghosts with the enchanted side, Gralhuk. You better not forget. Or Kjetil will have to save your character's ass. With his non-enchanted weapon (which I remembere just now). Ugh. :tsk:

[itches]

Yeah you might want to tie a ribbon around the magic end or something.

[Gralhruk]

Eh, I think I'm just going to stick with the armor and let Lade handle the ghosts. Maybe we'll find a +1 dagger or something.

[Tashalar]

That's classy. The big guys cannot hurt the ghosts and here comes the wizzie with his dagger +1...

... but I still won't buy a magical weapon. Just... too... expensive. We'll just ignore the ghosts.

... which reminds me of a favorite moment of one of my friends during rp ages ago. Well, it's not really that great, but they had a good laugh: The party was riding somewhere and the GM went into a big description of how a bear suddenly appeared to somewhere to the side... their reaction? We ride on quickly... or something of the like. That's how we'll handle ghosts. We'll just ride on. On imaginary horses. Stick our weapons between our legs, make that special noise and off we go.

... I think I might be catching the flu. My brain is all strange already.

[BigRedRod]

Sorry, work spiralled out of control at the last minute on Friday.

So to backgrounds,

Tree: The early stuff is fine. It gives me things to work with, so carry on.

Gral: Super thorough sheet by the looks of it. Nice work. The background is also excellent. We need to decide quite how he came to be working with the party. Possibly, he just stumbles upon the raising of the obelisk?

String. Nice work. Although with the Guarding Thorns, why are there so many kidnapped bear cubs that need rescuing? It seems a little odd to me. Some interesting little stories there too, I have ideas. Nice work on making a +1 staff interesting.

The plan is, we start tomorrow.

[itches]

Are we aware of any other non-rat, non-ghost groups still operating within the city?

[treehouse]

Hmm I bought a Cloak of Charisma for 2000g, but it costs 4000g...I'll switch it out for some more wands and then bank what's left shortly here. Still working on the background. I might gloss over a couple of things and come back later to make sure I have a good lead-in before we start. Sorry for the delay, I've been rather uninspired this week.

[itches]

That brings up a question. What's happening with the group gold from before?

[Gralhruk]

We give it to me so I can buy cool toys for my dwarf.

[itches]

Bugger that, we need a replacement Feather Token: Tree and there is enough gold from the previous session to pick one up.

[treehouse]

That brings up a question. What's happening with the group gold from before?

:nervous: -whistles innocently and walks away, pockets a jinglin'-

[Tashalar]

*pounces on tree* Give that back, I wanted to steal that!

[BigRedRod]

Do you want Lade feat. Kjetil(we can assume he joined up with the Cathedral survivors short after the Red Cloaks made their truce) to have been up to anything in particular over the last few days? Guarding the Cathedral? Out hunting rats? Shouting "We don't have time"? Distilling cheap booze in the basement? Watching the Magewright's for activity.

Are we aware of any other non-rat, non-ghost groups still operating within the city?

Well there is the Magewright's Guild (you just haven't seen them), various groups of men who decided not to abandon their city and to fight it out (these are dying off rather quickly or coming to the Cathedral and begging to be let inside, which they of course are). Nothing particularly stand out

That brings up a question. What's happening with the group gold from before?
I suppose it'd be cruel not to let you and Kjetil invest in anything you may think we need,
It came to 683gp 2sp 7cp in the end

[itches]

I think Lade has been in his spare time doing the following:
drinking
scouting out where the rats are spreading too
killing some when we can do it without dieing
drinking
mentioning to any folk that the Cathedral is a safe place
drinking
drinking


Also rules question. Does the +1 from an Adamantite weapon include the +1 from being MasterWork?

[BigRedRod]

Also rules question. Does the +1 from an Adamantine weapon include the +1 from being MasterWork?

Masterwork weapons have +1 to hit
+1 Weapons are masterwork and magic, and have +1 to hit and damage

So they don't stack.

[itches]

I'll go downgrade the key

[BigRedRod]

This is quite important I suppose,

itches: also the question you hate. how many people at the cathedral?

me: I don't know. The hammers, Some research types, The Moonbringers, Random clutch or two of civilians

itches: more then 100 less then 500 ?

me: Here in the Cathedral, only a scant few were left. Although nothing had been officially stated since Father Drohan left, Abbot Balthasar, leader of The Sun's Hammers, was now in charge of the remains of church. A dozen warriors, the same number of acolytes, perhaps a score of sages dedicated to finding a way to seal the portal and the Abbot himself. The corridors of the cathedral were cold and silent.
So there are maybe 30 Pelor types. Lade, Kjetil, (with Danny and Link's characters joining the research crews possibly). Moon cultists.

At least three score all in red robes. Impossible to gather any more specifics at such a distance, but the lines look rather like an army marching upon an enemy fortress.

And about sixty red cloaks

and then maybe twenty-five to thirty civilians

itches: less then 200

[Tashalar]

Do you want Lade feat. Kjetil(we can assume he joined up with the Cathedral survivors short after the Red Cloaks made their truce) to have been up to anything in particular over the last few days? Guarding the Cathedral? Out hunting rats? Shouting "We don't have time"? Distilling cheap booze in the basement? Watching the Magewright's for activity.Well, the storm was something like a sign of the Gods to Kjetil and he's staying no matter what to uncover his destiny. So... he'd probably look for people he feels 'comfy' around - an old fighter-type would fit that much better than cultists, researches or stupid civilians. Or kids.

So... yes, Lade and Kjetil could have been spending some time together - even though Kjetil is much too involved/interested in what is going on to spend as much time drinking. Remove three of the four 'drinking' entries of Lade's 'journal' and all is good for Kjetil.

... if Lade and Kjetil have fought a few rats, then we can assume that they know how the other fights. Nice.

[Stringbean2142]

String. Nice work. Although with the Guarding Thorns, why are there so many kidnapped bear cubs that need rescuing? It seems a little odd to me. Some interesting little stories there too, I have ideas. Nice work on making a +1 staff interesting.

Just one cub, but it took Ren two tries to get the cub back without getting mauled in the process. Each initiation is dreamt up by the apparentice's master; in this case, Thorian is the one who set it all up from Ren. Different Guarding Thorns have gone through different initiations, but all are based around the idea of surviving nature's wrath and thriving in the dangers of the wild. That wasn't meant to be the initiation everyone goes through. For one thing, druids are not organized enough to have standardized tests. Sorry, should have made that clearer.

[BigRedRod]

Yeah, I see now. I just read it as the standard initiation was rescuing bear cubs, which seemed odd.

[Stringbean2142]

That's actually how I wrote it, but not how I intended it. Although, it does open possibilities. The worldwide beastiality-driven pedophile ring, smuggling bear cubs to its depraved members. Against this threat to bears' cubhoods stands a small line of druids, devoting to stopping the cub-sex at all costs. The Guarding Thorns, keeping you out of bear cubs since 2009.

Great, now that thought will be stuck in my head all day. Where's that brain bleach?

An actual game question: does the cathedral have a roof one could sleep on? If so, that would be where Renaltus's spending his nights. Buildings make him uneasy when he's in them. If not, anywhere close that would be (relatively) safe from rat attack? Or is he stuck sucking it up and staying inside with everyone else?

[BigRedRod]

No, it's your classic gothic cathedral with super slopey roof.

He's pretty much stuck inside, as outside there are ghosts and rats and worse.

[Stringbean2142]

Well, on the plus side I get to roleplay being really uncomfortable, which is always fun (since it's not me that's uncomfortable!). Thanks for the quick reply; it let's me know what his attitude will be when the game restarts. Cabin fever with a side of grumpy.

[BigRedRod]

Excellent.

Right, I just need to figure out with Gral how we're introducing his character and we should be able to start (I also need to put together a map actually).

These things will wait until I get some work done this evening, but fingers crossed there will be time for everything.

[itches]

as outside there are ghosts and rats and worse.

Wait, worse?

[Stringbean2142]

Wait, worse?

Tax collectors.

[itches]

I suppose it'd be cruel not to let you and Kjetil invest in anything you may think we need,
It came to 683gp 2sp 7cp in the end

So Tashalar, I'm of the strong opinion that picking up a Feather Token: Tree is a good idea, but it costs 400gp and wouldn't leave much money for anything you'd want. Thoughts?

[Tashalar]

Feather token: Tree - what else can there be? We'll grow a tree inside the cathedral for String's druid. So that he'll be less grumpy.

I bow before your wisdom as the senior in this game, itches. I beseech you to consider a wand of vigor, lesser, though. That would heal 11 hp for one charge which is awesome.
... not that we'd get it because we couldn't use it though. Ahem.

[itches]

If push comes to shove I'm sure the Hammers could spare us a heal. Or we can steal Gral's belt. I mostly want the tree because it's come in useful before (http://online-roleplaying.com/forums/showthread.php?p=276055&highlight=tree#post276055).

[BigRedRod]

Less useful and more "has been used".

[Gralhruk]

I think we should hire a trio of background vocalists instead. Really hot ones.

[BigRedRod]

I know I keep claiming we're starting. I'm just waiting for the last fluff bits. How Gral and Tree's characters end up in this mess.

[Gralhruk]

Maybe a dragon shows up and we all seek shelter in the same basement.

[BigRedRod]

Oh shit, I had a half written post for DK. I just need to roll damage.

[Gralhruk]

That sounds promising.

[Stringbean2142]

Maybe a dragon shows up and we all seek shelter in the same basement.

You just want to be able to use your tools.

[Gralhruk]

Am I that transparent?

[Stringbean2142]

Your title is "Ghost of ORP Past." Your avatar is what looks like a transparent ghost horse.

Yep, I'd say you embody transparency here on ORP. ;)

[itches]

Oh shit, I had a half written post for DK. I just need to roll damage.

So time to rush out my post in that game huh

[Gralhruk]

So we can expect that post next month then, eh?

[itches]

It depends mostly on how busy and frustrated I get with work.

[Gralhruk]

My advice is: stay in the basement.

[itches]

The basement doesn't exist anymore, someone blew it up.

[Gralhruk]

Are you suggesting I brought this on myself?

[itches]

Maybe if we kill all of the PCs in DK, BRR will start NS sooner.

[treehouse]

I know I keep claiming we're starting. I'm just waiting for the last fluff bits. How Gral and Tree's characters end up in this mess.

I swear I haven't forgotten about this game. Creativity dried up for a few days, and my weekend was packed. I am almost done with Karthas (updated to right before the part of his life that I am calling 'Deterioriation'). He isn't a viable party member until I finish it, so I will try to work on it late tonight after my father-in-law's birthday bash. The society of warlocks that I am tentatively calling 'the Covenant' will be detailed in a separate post, but I will try to get some bare bones basics to you before we get started. He should have a really good lead in after I finish the bio, though.

[itches]

You people are putting way too much thought into your characters.

[treehouse]

No, sir, you aren't putting enough thought into our characters. I just realized that I spelled Deterioration 'Deterioriation'.

[itches]

What's to think about. There's druid dude, dwarf dude, and the other one.

[treehouse]

I am fine with 'eeeeeeeeeeeeeeevil dude'. With 15 e's.

[treehouse]

Currently working on final bits of Karthas' background. Should be done tonight.

If I take any item creation feats for him it won't be until at least level 12; I was re-reading the warlock write-up and they don't get Imbue Item until then. I would most likely grab Craft Wondrous Item, and then maybe Craft Magic Weapons and Armor if I decided to take a second one.

Warlocks don't have tons of great feat options, so we will see...

[itches]

Haha, level 12. Oh man, it's taken 8 years to make the jump from level 2 to level 5. Level 12!

[treehouse]

Okay, background is done. I still need to write up something on warlocks in general, but that may take some time. I shot you a message with details about Karthas' lead-in, BRR. Let me know if you have any questions or concerns.

I am trading out his Cloak of Charisma for a Hat of Disguise and banking the rest of the gold for later.

[itches]

Are we holding money in a party bank, or keeping it seperate?

[treehouse]

I'm not...unless I have to.

[itches]

We were just doing it last time to keep things simple when it came to us getting gold and not having to split it up between people, just using the money for basic expenses like Inns. We weren't spending much time buying new gear for our characters.

Not communist, just lazy.

[BigRedRod]

It made things much easier, but it's up to you I suppose.

itches, where is your axe story?

[itches]

Somewhere between the plans for a Moon Base and the train timetable

[BigRedRod]

Tree, I'll get on looking over your new history.

Work is spiralling out of control and I'm in France at the weekend, so it looks like this could be another delay. Booooo.

[itches]

Does that mean I dont have to rush with the axe story?

[Gralhruk]

The masses want an axe story!

[treehouse]

I'm in France


Bummer, man.

[BigRedRod]

I like it, I plan on moving there once I burn down my lab and salt the earth where it once stood.

[treehouse]

-insert playfully lambasting remark full of uneducated stereotypes here-

http://jamieatlas.files.wordpress.com/2008/07/stereotype.jpg

[Gralhruk]

I almost didn't recognize BRR with that moustache.

[treehouse]

They got to him fast.

[Stringbean2142]

The extended pinky is a nice touch. It's just a hint of sophistication, although what's not sophisticated about that mustache?

[treehouse]

Ze only theeng zes peecture eez meessing eez ze Eiffel Tower and ze Louvre een ze background! Oh ho ho ho!

[BigRedRod]

Yes, yes, antagonise the DM.

I actually grew a moustache once. Or more, I grew a beard and shaved it away to leave just the tasche. I'm going to be an amazing embarrassing Dad. Speaking of which, I should be growing another for Movember, but I accidentally shaved the other day because I'm an idiot.

[treehouse]

Wait...you're going to be a dad?

[Gralhruk]

He's still looking for Mrs. Rod. In Paris, it seems.

[treehouse]

Damn, I really wanted to break out Mazel Tov kitty.

BRR Edit: Aw hell, no.

[BigRedRod]

Wait...you're going to be a dad?

Not in the immediate future. I'm much too young for things like responsibilities. I just can rest safely with the knowledge that when the time comes, I'll be able to grow the correct moustache to cause my children to die of embarrassment whenever I'm presence of their friends.

[Stringbean2142]

BRR Edit: Aw hell, no.

Best edit reason ever.

[treehouse]

I didn't know that BRR had a problem with Jewish kitties.

http://files.myopera.com/fearphage/forums/the_more_you_know.jpg

[BigRedRod]

How are those backgrounds coming?

Do we all have reasons to present at the anchor site and/or involved in making it happen?

[treehouse]

My background is done. I have a couple of PMs in the mail to you that I haven't heard back on yet.

[Gralhruk]

We sort of stopped mid-conversation on mine last week. We should pick that back up.

[BigRedRod]

Good, I wanted to check where we were. Back in the real world buy work is remaining a sodding nightmare. I have a fifteen minute window though so I'll get cracking on those PMs, Tree.

[Gralhruk]

IM me when you have time and we can work out the details of operation heirloom.

[Tashalar]

I'm still around! I still haven't heard back from my laptop yet and my access will therefore remain spotty for now - but that doesn't seem to be an imminent problem atm. :)

[treehouse]

Can I have all of Tashalar's stuff?

[BigRedRod]

I'm still around! I still haven't heard back from my laptop yet and my access will therefore remain spotty for now - but that doesn't seem to be an imminent problem atm. :)

Sorry, been working twelve-thirteen hour days at work. So I'm not about too much.

[Tashalar]

No problem at all - that wasn't intended as a criticism. I still hope my laptop will be saved somehow and will be back with me soon.

Treehouse... no. I mean... why? Actually it'll be Lade and Kjetil who will kill the newbs and take their stuff. That's the deal we made with BRR which you don't know of. *nod*

[BigRedRod]

Right, hopefully I won't need to work all day on Saturday, so that is when we are beginning.

There. I said it.

And I'll do it.

[Gralhruk]

Fix Tash's laptop while you're at it, eh?

[itches]

Want some apples? Apples! Three for a ha'pence!

[Gralhruk]

Rats on a stick! Get 'yer stuck rats here! Crispy rats! Rats on a stick! Get 'yer rats here!

[itches]

At work we have about 780 apples in our storage cage, which we're not sure what our client wants us to do with.

[Gralhruk]

Two words:

William Tell.

[Tashalar]

Yay! The beginning is near!

Apples and rats on a stick galore for BRR!

[itches]

You know with most of the food having gone out of the city with the people, we may have been eating rats.

Also another annoying question BRR. You mentioned in the city description that there were orchads in the centre of town used to grow food. What happened to them?

[BigRedRod]

It's winter. There are lots of dead looking fruit trees in the Noble's Quarter.

[itches]

Right, I keep forgetting that this is set in a place that has a real winter. Downside to living in a magic land of fire, things grow all year-round.

[BigRedRod]

I'm heading to work. I should be back late this afternoon to make the game start.

Woo.

[BigRedRod]

Back, just on skype now and I'll post right after.

[BigRedRod]

Hopefully that post makes sense. I'm a bit tired but the idea was to give a bit of an introduction to the scenario.

Also, D is Karthas, and K is Kjetil. And maybe the dwarf will kill you all. Although you don't know he's there.

Lade is as in charge of this situation as anybody is likely to let an axe-wielding alcoholic. So don't defer. Bear in mind that you need to put the anchor somewhere, and you need to be building a support for getting it into the air. So I sure hope somebody invested in craft skills.

The cart has hammers, nails, saws, and enough planks to build a skeletal structure about a dozen feet high that you can sit the crystal atop of.

Errrr, and that is all I can think of.

[Gralhruk]

I have tools! And craft skills galore! Alright, I'm not so good with wooden structures, but damn it, I know how to use a hammer.

[itches]

That's a very pretty post.

[Tashalar]

Craft skill. Yes. ... wait. Craft skill? NO! ;)

And I second itches remark.

Post coming from me - but maybe not quite now.
Edit: It'll be now, but it'll be short. But I'd rather get this going!

Oh, and awesome map, BRR!

[BigRedRod]

I can take no credit, it was one I discovered and just popped a grid onto.

[BigRedRod]

So that server move ate some posts. Lovely.

[itches]

I think it was just treehouse in this game, IC wise. He approached the two of us and asked if he could help.

[treehouse]

Damn, it took me a while to get into Karthas' crazy zone to finish that post.

I'll try to rebuild it today sometime if I am feeling up to it.

[Gralhruk]

I think it was something like:

Kill kill kill kill kill!

Maybe I should bring them doughnuts and coffee

No!!!!!! Kill kill kill kill kill!

"Hi, do you guys need some help with that big rock?"

[treehouse]

Yeah, it was pretty much like that.

You see...he hears voices...

That reminds me, I still need to revise his background per your modifications via PM, BRR. I'll get on that as soon as I can.

[Tashalar]

Whoever is posting in the OOC should get to posting IC asap. Move. *nod*

This is just my personal opinion, but I'd rather have frequent posting with posts that might some times not be quite as extensive as BRR's intro than Eidolon-style posting which is awesome but where the players wait until they have an inspiration and the time to post in such a manner. :)

[BigRedRod]

Tree said he's ill a the mo. Stringbean has not been around which is a little worrying. So that just leaves us staring at itches and Gral.

Also, I concur with Tashalar's sentiments. Also, I'm glad you all seem to like the opening post. It felt a bit confused to me.

[Gralhruk]

I was waiting for the ward builders to post before I did something.

[Tashalar]

I was waiting for the ward builders to post before I did something. Which is understandable. I do like it so much when players also post when they are still waiting for information to post their action. Even if your character does not have much to do right now, you could give us a little intro - which we might then react to.

Also, on reading my statement in my last post, I think I voiced my opinion in a rather confusing manner. In any case, it seems BRR got it. Which means... something. ;)

And maybe the dwarf will kill you all. Although you don't know he's there.We are many and he is but one. That won't work. Nu-uh.

[Gralhruk]

Honestly, I would have but BRR seems to have covered what's going on in his mind. Which is why I was waiting for activity below to respond to.

[itches]

Yeah I think we're waiting on me. I have a post in mind but I lost most of my freetime at work this week so ...

[BigRedRod]

Karthas' voices referencing the hidden dwarf would be hilarious.

[Gralhruk]

Maybe our voices could talk to each other.

[treehouse]

Wait someone else is doing the 'I hear voices' shtick?

I do like it so much when players also post when they are still waiting for information to post their action. Even if your character does not have much to do right now, you could give us a little intro - which we might then react to.

Well, aren't you opinionated? ;)

I'm on the mend now, fever is actually breaking occasionally and I have an appetite again. I'll be back to my posting self soon.

[itches]

I'm on my lunch break, and it's a toss up before posting in here or putting my head on my desk and quietly having a nap.

[itches]

Tash, I invented some backstory for the two of us. We used to have a friend called Col. He was a young guardsmen who lost his family when the rats overran part of the city, so he decided to stay when everyone else left. He had an astonishing knowledge of and passion for vintage cheese. And he's dead.

RIP Col. You will be missed.

[BigRedRod]

Excellent. One zombie Col, coming up.

[itches]

I'm getting extra XP for that right?

[BigRedRod]

Only if you agonise a lot while killing him.

[Tashalar]

Well, aren't you opinionated?
Don't hate me. I just cannot help myself. ;)

Tash, I invented some backstory for the two of us. We used to have a friend called Col. He was a young guardsmen who lost his family when the rats overran part of the city, so he decided to stay when everyone else left. He had an astonishing knowledge of and passion for vintage cheese. And he's dead.
Awesome. I like the part that he died and we didn't. Can you do stuff like this for the future as well? As in... others die but none of our group do?

[treehouse]

Don't hate me. I just cannot help myself.

/continueshatingquietly

[Gralhruk]

Wait someone else is doing the 'I hear voices' shtick?
Not really. Grimjaw doesn't actually hear voices, he just has lots of memories that aren't his.

[Gralhruk]

Oh, and with my into post I'm trying desperately to win Tashalar's most opinionated approval :). Am I one step closer?

[treehouse]

Not really. Grimjaw doesn't actually hear voices, he just has lots of memories that aren't his.

Gotcha.

Edit: There, intro posted (again). I actually like that one better than the original anyway.

[BigRedRod]

There's no dwarf sticking out like an anything. He's on the cliff, and nobody rolled high enough to spot him.

[BigRedRod]

So, if I get time to post. Here are the actions I'm interpreting:

Grimjaw - Looking at the party

Kjetil - Setting up some kind of camp? Lighting a fire and the like? And then going to look inside the tower.

Lade - Having a look inside the tower to check for ghosts/goblins/goblin-ghosts

Karthas - Helping one or both of the above

Renaltus - Likely helping out with this too.

So, what do you mean by setting up camp and where are you doing it?

[Tashalar]

That's for Lade to decide. ;)

Kjetil would do it a little bit to the left of the tower - we don't want to be stuck with our backs against it with nowhere to flee in case of attack. And the others are supposed to set camp mostly. As soon as it has started, Lade and Kjetil would take a short look inside the tower, just to be sure. I guess.

He cleared his throat. "Anything I can do to help?"
What a friendly man. *casts detect thoughts* Waaaaaa!

[BigRedRod]

It's Kjetil's idea, so it's on you to define this camp.

[Tashalar]

Okay, I'll get to it once I'm home (in 1,5 hours approx.).

I've already got a willing (even though unstable) helper. ;)

... could you give me the info on what we've got exactly? A open cart or a closed cart? What structures actually offer protection (how high is the wooden structure on the right for instance?) and so on?
Thanks!

[BigRedRod]

Open cart (wood inside is covered with a tarp).

The wooden structure is another tarp over another much larger pile of wood than you brought along. So not a building at all, I can see how it's ambiguous though.

The farm house has most of its roof. It's a single floor. The former gatehouses are also single floor affairs. The tower is by far the most intact structure.

[Tashalar]

Thanks. Arrgh. Editing. But have to run very soon, soo...

Edit: Actually, no edit needed, hm? Camp is more or less in front of the tower, next to the tarp on the right. After he's got the fire going and in case Renaltus is willing to take care of it, Kjetil will stand watch.

[treehouse]

There's no dwarf sticking out like an anything. He's on the cliff, and nobody rolled high enough to spot him.

Grimjaw is a dwarf, isn't he? Or am I being dense, and the dwarf we don't see on the cliff is Grimjaw? Edit: yep, just being dense.

I was just being funny with the internal dialogue - Karthas doesn't believe anything the voice says unless he has a lapse of (more complete) insanity, and the voice may very well be referring to an imaginary dwarf.

you see, he sees and hears things that aren't there because he's craaazy

[Tashalar]

I posted in a hurry... more or less. Therefore I didn't think of the effect a fire could have. IE: Attracting rats. No matter - either one of you others interferes or we just risk it. BRR - there's a lair of snow everywhere, right? Otherwise the whiteness wouldn't make much sense.
IC, fire is life for Kjetil. So... yeah.

[BigRedRod]

Yeah, it's not snowing right now but everything is covered in a fairly thick layer.

And which structure is Kjetil using? The farmhouse or one of the two gatehouses?

[Tashalar]

Oh noes. Fairly thick layer? That means we're slower than normal, hm?

Kjetil is using the gate house to the right (or the lower one as you will), right between it and the stack of wood (he's looking both for a little shelter as well as some cover and wants to have to directions in which to retreat in case of an attack).

[BigRedRod]

With near comically short notice it looks like I'll be shipped off to the colonies for two weeks come Tuesday. I'll take my laptop as I think they have innovations like electricity and maybe even the internet these days.

We'll see.

[itches]

Does this mean I'm off the hook for posting?

[BigRedRod]

No.

[Tashalar]

A good time at... the colonies? What exactly are you up to, BRR?

itches - you heard the DM. Why aren't you posting? Just because tree could be posting as well (not Gralhuk though - he has to wait for BRR), doesn't mean you shouldn't go ahead and let Lade have his say.

[BigRedRod]

Well right now I'm drinking coffee in the hotel but after I have a little time off, I'm going to be speaking at a conference. So if you happen to be in Boston and want to hear me talking about Surface Charge Lithography for n-type Gallium Nitride*, then you know what to do. Posting might be tricky before I actually get to Boston (in New York at the mo).

*I am fully aware that nobody outside of my parents wants to see me present my fumbling attempts at science.

[Gralhruk]

I'm blinded with science!

Edit: And as you requested:

Belt of Healing
This broad leather belt is studded with three moonstones.
While wearing a healing belt, you gain a +2 competence bonus on Heal checks. This is a continuous effect and requires no activation.
In addition, the belt has 3 charges, which are renewed each day at dawn. Spending 1 or more charges allows you to channel positive energy and heal damage with a touch. (You can also use this ability to harm undead, dealing them an equivalent amount of damage instead.)
1 charge: Heals 2d8 points of damage.
2 charges: Heals 3d8 points of damage.
3 charges: Heals 4d8 points of damage.

[itches]

This game is on my to-do list for today. Work stopped being crazy and I finished DragonAge so I might have time.

[Gralhruk]

It's nice to get moved to the "to do" list from the "I'm not really going to do" list. How long before you move it to the "I might actually do" list?

[itches]

Well I have a week off work on the 21st of December, but we'll see.

[Tashalar]

Awesome. Now... if tree were healthy again and could reply, then all would be ready for BRR to continue with the snowy-ratty madness.

[Tashalar]

Still sick, might be in the hospital this weekend. Don't expect any posts from me for a while.
Oh noez. Get well soon, tree!

... so. Instead of having five active players and one DM, we're down to two active players, itches and a DM shipped off to the colonies. :S

I guess Kjetil could be the one to check out the tower instead, BRR. Or he'll get a fire going and then stand guard in case some loony dwarf wanders by while Lade kills that beast with the eight tentacles which can paralyze back from 2nd edition that is rumored to live inside the tower. Right?

[treehouse]

Turns out I had tick fever pretty bad. Stupid dog tracking in diseases and parasites... I'm on a two week treatment that is actually working (fever free for two days, and I'm eating again), so as soon as I get settled down on the other side of Thanksgiving festivities I will be posting again here and in my other games.

Short version - expect me to return to regular posting by Saturday evening.

[Gralhruk]

How steep is the ridge? Like, would I need to physically climb down, or can I walk? And what is it like in terms of cover - that is, can I approach undetected?

Edit: And glad to hear you are feeling better Tree. I've had Lyme twice, and it sucks. Thankfully you caught it early.

[BigRedRod]

Those cliffs are both approx fifteen feet down and quite sheer, so you'd need to climb down if you want to stay on the map. If you fancy taking your time then you could likely find somewhere you could walk down. Cover is sparse but should generally be okay so long as you don't follow the edge of the ridge exactly but give yourself some space. Unless somebody climbs the tower and looks out I suppose...

[treehouse]

Oo ooo me, I'll climb to the top of the tower! Pick me! Me!

[itches]

Gah do I need to post again? Again?

[treehouse]

Karthas needs help making this tower fabulous. What is Lade's proficiency level in interior decorating?

[Tashalar]

Lade's awesome at anything.

In any case... itches - why aren't you happy you can post? I don't like your negative attitude. So... change it. And post. :roll:

[BigRedRod]

Fast post. Hope it makes sense.

[Gralhruk]

"Hrmmm! Away put your weapon, I mean you no harm!"

[Tashalar]

Fast posts are good. We'll make sense of them (or manipulate them and afterwards you cannot change anything!). :)

Short posts from myself - I'll get a longer post in from time to time, but I'd rather get a post in at all (even if it's a short one) than none. I hope you don't mind, Grim.. uh... Gralhuk. ;)

[Gralhruk]

Posts=Momentum

Momentum=Good

:)

[treehouse]

Unless we're racing towards an apocalypse!

[Tashalar]

Yes, but we wouldn't know!

[Gralhruk]

So, does Grimjaw know anything about the rats?

[BigRedRod]

He's encountered travellers heading away from Edinway, but other than their stories nothing.

[BigRedRod]

"Aye, an invitation has been accepted. Grimjaw, of the clan Khorvek and family Morgadin. I've a strong back and I'm good with my hands, if there's aught I can do."
Those dwarf carrots can be motherfuckers.

[itches]

Okay, Stone hold. There is a formal dwarven blessing: "May the stone hold upon your path" - which is basically 'I hope the tunnel doesn't fall down and crush you.' Over time it was dumbed down from casual use to "Stone Hold" and became an informal greeting and farewell.

I get extra XP for coming up with that right? I did it all on my own. Don't give any to Gral.

[Gralhruk]

Well, I suppose we didn't use my axe-fighting-greeting idea.

[treehouse]

Well, I suppose we didn't use my axe-fighting-greeting idea.

Karthas forgot his axe :(

[Gralhruk]

That's how we tell the dwarves from everyone else. Non-dwarves don't fare so well in these kinds of greetings.

And I came up with a formal dwarven response!
"Let the stone endure beneath your feet" - which is pretty much 'Don't stub your toe on your way out'.

XP for me!

[BigRedRod]

It's an impressive number of posts without any need for DM input. I salute you with both hands.

[Tashalar]

Hey, my fellow players have realized what this game is all about… XP!! ;)

Yep, there's no real need for any DM input, agreed. Since Renaltus' player seems to be MIA (or rather MBA - someone figure that out), a little input on Mr. NPC Renaltus and how the Red Robes react would be nifty. Not necessary, but nifty.:)

[BigRedRod]

It's looking like stringbean was yet another BLC alt. So signs up, looks good on paper and then vanishes into the night. Pain in the arse.

[Gralhruk]

Yes, I'm not happy.

[treehouse]

He seemed pretty enthusiastic to play in the two games I share with his empty seat, and it's only been two weeks and some change since his last post. Entirely possible he's experiencing an IRL crisis of some sort. Let's not hang him just yet...

[Gralhruk]

Well he hasn't posted in the game he's GMing here in over a month. Real life I understand, but it takes less than a minute to drop by your game and post an OOC note saying "Hey, I had stuff come up and I won't be around for a while".

[treehouse]

I only say this because I've had similar 'drop off the face of the Earth' circumstances, so I understand how it can occur.

[Gralhruk]

Yeah, I'm not saying we should hang him :).

[treehouse]

We could hang him for having so many numbers in his name! I'll have to check with itches to make sure that is a hangable offense.

[itches]

It's an impressive number of posts without any need for DM input. I salute you with both hands.

I hadn't even noticed you weren't posting. Perhaps it is time for a revolution, to throw off the GM shackels

[BigRedRod]

Do I now need to post? I'm not quite sure what I can throw in here. A dragon attack?

[roll0]: A green dragon attack.

[treehouse]

Make sure it's a great wyrm, I want good loot.

[Gralhruk]

Tashalar mentioned that perhaps a little post about what Renaltus and the red-robed priesty people are doing would be nice. Personally, I'm waiting for Lade's reaction, mostly so I can blame itches for the lull.

[itches]

I'm not sure there is much to react to. He wants to look around, we've established we're not going to fight each other, ...?

[treehouse]

I think we're ready for swarms of ratlings.

[Gralhruk]

Track +7, Search +9. I'm looking for anything and everything. Once done with the house, I'll move on to the outbuildings and finally back to the tower that the dude hung himself in.

[Tashalar]

I'm not sure there is much to react to. He wants to look around, we've established we're not going to fight each other, ...?

You're so lazy, itches. Why not post another small tidbit to round things off, Grimjaw starts searching, Kjetil stands guard and Karthas helps Renaltus cook (right?). Then BRR at least knows for sure it's his turn to post.

Other than that... what Gral said.

[treehouse]

Karthas helps Renaltus cook

Yeah...I don't think you want Karthas touching your food supply.

[Gralhruk]

Grimjaw is very resistant to poison :).

[itches]

I've been playing DragonAge too long. I read Gral's post and mentally added: Gramjaw Disapproves (-2)

[Gralhruk]

Yes, you're going to have to work really hard now to unlock the romance quest.

[itches]

Fortunatly if DragonAge taught me one thing, it's that I can just buy people stuff and pretend to listen to them instead of doing things they like.

[Tashalar]

Actually that might work pretty well in RL, too, itches.

[BigRedRod]

Yes, I should post a hilarious accident for the Druid and something for the evil cultists. Good gooood.

[itches]

I knew the cultists were cannibals. I said it, you all heard me.

[Tashalar]

Maybe they'll start eating each other. Arm by arm, leg by leg? Or we feed them to the rats.

Btw - now we are once again without a healer, right? That is, we'll soon to be without one, heh. That's... dangerous. But hey - didn't we agree to get that wand of vigor, lesser, that no one can use?

[treehouse]

Karthas can use any wand without issue.

though I wouldn't trust him as your medic...

[Tashalar]

Well, obviously we will trust him. He seems like a nice fellow. :nod:

[treehouse]

The voice was ecstatic.

Foooooooooooooooooools!

[Tashalar]

Yes, I should post a hilarious accident for the Druid and something for the evil cultists. Good gooood.
Yes, please.

Btw - I'll be around more or less 'between the years' as one says in German. So I'm ready to continue posting here! Just waiting for DM input at this point. :)

[BigRedRod]

Yeah sorry, been busy. Should have some time after Tuesday.

[BigRedRod]

Speeeeeeeeeeeeeed postin'

[Gralhruk]

Happy Holidays, everyone. I'll be scarce for a few days, so don't expect posting from me until next week.

[Tashalar]

Happy Holidays, everyone.
+1! :)

I'll be around for posting - not every day maybe, but it doesn't seem that'll be necessary.

[treehouse]

I'm back. Hope everyone everyone had a good Christmas/Hanukkah/Kwanzaa/Winter Solstice/Evening of Pagan Rituals Possibly Involving Human Sacrifice. But followers of the Flying Spaghetti Monster can fuck off.

Is there anyone here who is actually in charge of getting the ritual going? Karthas would want to go talk to that person and see if there is any way or reason for him to get involved personally.

[itches]

Well I don't know what we're meant to be doing. I presume our characters do. Best guess, we need to build a little mini tower thing and then the cultists will take over.

[Gralhruk]

Search the tower (Track +7, Search +9) assuming I can get there without being attacked by drunkards, barbarians, cultists, psychotic sorcerers, or rat men.

[BigRedRod]

Well I don't know what we're meant to be doing. I presume our characters do. Best guess, we need to build a little mini tower thing and then the cultists will take over.

Yep. I just need to know exactly where and how much care you'll be taking.

You've got all that extra wood, so you can build something fast and get the ritual cracking or you can build something sturdy that might take longer. Or do the former and then try and reinforce and so forth. Just fast / medium / job well done, is all I need.

[Gralhruk]

I plan on having Grimjaw get irritated with the craftsmanship of whatever thing they happen to be constructing and then feeling compelled to offer his opinion on how it can be done better.

[BigRedRod]

I hear they're building it from wood.

[Gralhruk]

Still, he's +3 untrained - and I'd like to think he's learned something about engineering from having spent some points on those other useless craft skills. Plus he has a shovel. And an axe. And at least two hammers.

[BigRedRod]

I was pointing it out as the most obvious criticism from a Dwarvern point of view.

[Gralhruk]

Right, stupid humans.

[itches]

Does it matter if we build it inside or outside? For the ritual I mean.

[Gralhruk]

It really ought to be underground. Stupid humans.

[BigRedRod]

Does it matter if we build it inside or outside? For the ritual I mean.

It needs to be as far from Aos (the "earth") as possible. It could be inside, but you may have issue with exactly what it is inside.

[itches]

So it could just be on a roof? I'd suggest inside the tower but that seemed fairly unsteady.

[BigRedRod]

It could be, although which did you have in mind? Most are quite decayed. And building atop the tower would be a feat of engineering.

[treehouse]

And building atop the tower would be a feat of engineering.

-checks feats-

Goddamn it :bored:

[itches]

If we hide it in a building it seems like it will be less likely to be found and destroyed. So either inside the farmstead, or just inside one of the empty shells. Either way I'm a big fan of the middle ground, we get something up fast and then make it better once we get going.

[Tashalar]

Lade's the boss. Kjetil will intervene only if he finds his plans to be (too) faulty. ;)

[itches]

You know what would make building this faster? Fire. Lots of fire.

[BigRedRod]

Sorry such a mundane post took so long.

Option D: Building the Anchor at the top of the tower is a good choice too. It'll be protected, but the ritual itself will take longer given that they need to account for the stone of the tower itself. And you'll need to reinforce the wooden platform at the top, as right now it could give with every little step upon it.

[Gralhruk]

So, is there any way for Grimjaw to retrieve the corpse without falling through the floor? Maybe climb up onto the roof beams (if those are more solid)? Pull him in with my urgosh? Lasso him with my rope?

[treehouse]

Karthas could burn him to cinders for you - ashes in an urn are a lot more convenient for the discerning traveler to carry with them than a corpse.

[Gralhruk]

Yes, but they are harder to talk to.

[treehouse]

Karthas would disagree...then again, he's coo coo for coco puffs.