Ongoing Games (In-Character)Play-by-post games are going on in this forum as we speak (well, read). All threads on this board are actual games, so please, only post on a thread if you are a player of that game.
The last thing: I'll start the game off in medias res. Why? Because it's just easier to get a game started that way and it's a lot more fun than "Okay, so you're all in a tavern."
Ah crud.
Anyway, you are all in a tavern. One of you (whoever posts first, actually), looks around and realizes that it must have been raining and darn does his head hurt. A lot. Wait, that's not rain. Hmm... getting your bearings, you hear a constant "chop, chop, chop" come sporadically and realize that you are in a large cauldron with your hands tied behind you back, floating around with some random vegetables and pieces of meat that you probably don't even want to know what they are. Your weapons and armor seem to be missing. Worse yet, the water seems hot and you can hear the crackling of a fire from directly underneath you.
Peering around, you can see that there are 3 others that are also bobbing in the water and one who is tied up onto a spit. The chopping noises are coming from 4 female orcs that are busy chopping up some random carcasses (although one of them is a goat) and vegetables. The place is a mess, as bits of food that either can't be used or is too bad for even orcs to eat is strewn about the place.
The water is hot but not boiling. (Everyone takes 1 point of damage.)
What do you do?
Spoiler
Just some fyi's - I borrowed (shamelessly stole) this beginning from a thread a few months back in the gaming section. I like it because it's a good way to get the players together in a sort of "bonding" situation. Nothing says "Hey, let's stick together" than being thrown into hostile territory and having to help each other survive.
Also, I am very, very flexible with skill challenges and combats. With combats, if you prefer to avoid them, well, that's fine. If you prefer to creatively dispatch with them, that's fine too. For example, with this one, if you can manage to get everyone "untied" and out of immediate danger without alerting the cooks, then wonderful! I never want you guys to think that I'm forcing you into something. ... Well, other than this beginning. But it had to start somewhere, yes? With skills, just let me know how you are using them and have it make sense. Obviously, right now you are tied up and I can think of several ways to get out of it using different skills, but I'd still like to hear "how" you are using each skill, rather than saying "I'll use History. I rolled a 15." (Also, mad props to you if you know a way to use History to get out of a binding.)
The icons that I've used to show the players are, well, nothing like the players. I chose them because they all have a different color background (except for the fighter dude who doesn't have one). I figured it would be easier to do that at first until I find more appropriate pogs for everyone.
One final request: can you please put OOC information into spoiler tags to make it easier to read and differentiate between IC and OOC? Thanks!
/edit - I added a little bit of information that I forgot to include.
/edit 2 - And ... I forgot to include the map. I knew I'd forget something important.
I made the hero pogs go into the background, so they are mostly covered up by the fires. There's a whitish/beige color, a light blue, the guy holding the sword, the dark blue, and a brown ... I'm ignoring the pictures and just saying what color they are shaded in. Obviously, the 4 orcs are ... the orcs.
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Thank you Ceika for the wonderful Avatar avatar!
Spoiler
I am a:
Lawful Neutral Elf Wizard/Sorcerer (3rd/2nd Level)
Ability Scores:
Strength- 12
Dexterity- 19
Constitution- 13
Intelligence- 17
Wisdom- 12
Charisma- 16
Link here
The dice roller doesn't work on an edit (or at least, that's what I've heard). You'll have to make a new post. And yeah, nobody ever accused an Orc of being intelligent.
Zanshin: Shifty easily manages to get the bindings off of you. You realize that you weren't being bound by ropes, but by tied-together pieces of husk from corn as they crack and pop some, falling into the fire beside you. It's hot, but you are able to quickly craw out before the fire burns you too badly.
Even though that made a little bit of noise, you notice that there's already a lot of noise coming from downstairs. It seems to be a lot of general hooting and hollering. The Orcs seem to be distracted by their own methodical cutting of other foods, possibly to add with whatever stew they are making you guys out of, possibly as a supplemental dish.
You have the 4 orcs busy cooking in front of you and your allies floating in hot water just to your side. While 3 of the orcs are facing away, one of them turned to the side in a profile view. It isn't hard to figure out that if you move too quickly or gain too much attention, she'll spot you.
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Thank you Ceika for the wonderful Avatar avatar!
Spoiler
I am a:
Lawful Neutral Elf Wizard/Sorcerer (3rd/2nd Level)
Ability Scores:
Strength- 12
Dexterity- 19
Constitution- 13
Intelligence- 17
Wisdom- 12
Charisma- 16
Link here
Brigna is NOBODY'S dinner. She comes to and quickly climbs out of the pot, look around for anything that remotely resembles a hammer (or just a club) to start beating the tar out of these orcs.
'Remarkable... I lost my senses. This must be what humanoids feel like when they sleep. I will have to further analyze it later.' thought Relic as he took stock of what was going around him. 'Temperature is reaching critical levels, I must release myself from these bindings.'
He reaches for the primal energies bestowed upon him and begins to transform into a giant snake so the ropes will fall off as his arms shrink into his body. As they do so, he reverts the process to return to his true form.
'And now to exit this container'. He tries to climb out without too much noise that would alert the orcs.
Spoiler
Not sure if this method is acceptable. I couldn't really find any restrictions on what animal druids could turn into, and a snake seemed the one most likely to be able to get out of the ropes. Let me know if I need to change it and do something else.
Brigna is NOBODY'S dinner. She comes to and quickly climbs out of the pot, look around for anything that remotely resembles a hammer (or just a club) to start beating the tar out of these orcs.
Looking around for a hammer, you see that your weapons and armor (as well as clothing, for that matter) have been placed on one of the cooking tables on the other side of the room. (If you look on the map, it's where I've placed a spear, quiver, and two crossbows).
If you want to get out quietly, I'll need some sort of roll. You can get out noisily/loudly, but I'll forewarn you: that will alert the cooks to your presence.
Relic is easily able to snake out of the bindings (pun intended).
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Thank you Ceika for the wonderful Avatar avatar!
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I am a:
Lawful Neutral Elf Wizard/Sorcerer (3rd/2nd Level)
Ability Scores:
Strength- 12
Dexterity- 19
Constitution- 13
Intelligence- 17
Wisdom- 12
Charisma- 16
Link here
I'm going to try to body check the pot and knock it over.
At the same time that your allies have managed to mostly free themselves, you knock over your pot of water. The cauldron spills hot water onto the floor with a loud crash, drawing the attention of all the cooks. They see what is going on and look at each other confused. One of them screams and turns to flee, two of them look at their cleavers and decide to charge in, and the last one looks shocked for a moment before picking up cutting knives to throw.
Now I'll need initiatives.
(1d20+3)[6] Orcs init.
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Thank you Ceika for the wonderful Avatar avatar!
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I am a:
Lawful Neutral Elf Wizard/Sorcerer (3rd/2nd Level)
Ability Scores:
Strength- 12
Dexterity- 19
Constitution- 13
Intelligence- 17
Wisdom- 12
Charisma- 16
Link here
Brigna makes a B-line for her weapon, double moving and heading straight for it, taking whatever attacks of opportunity may come. She hefts her warhammer, not even bothering to grab her shield.
Brigna makes a B-line for her weapon, double moving and heading straight for it, taking whatever attacks of opportunity may come. She hefts her warhammer, not even bothering to grab her shield.
"I'll teach you to cook me!"
(The rest of the parties actions will play out first, but I'm sure you saw your init and figured that out. heh However, talking is a free action....)
Orc #2: "I do it wrong? Should Berkla use more spice? I thought Dwarf need lots cumin and salt?"
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Thank you Ceika for the wonderful Avatar avatar!
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I am a:
Lawful Neutral Elf Wizard/Sorcerer (3rd/2nd Level)
Ability Scores:
Strength- 12
Dexterity- 19
Constitution- 13
Intelligence- 17
Wisdom- 12
Charisma- 16
Link here
Which pog is each person? Also can I use prayers without my hands?
First, the only one that's been picked thus far has been Zanshin as the top-most pog (the tan/beige one). When it comes your turn in init, just pick which pog you'd like and that'll be yours.
For future combats, can you guys please declare your actions while you roll init? I realize things can change by the time you get to go, but if you know what you basically want to do, if you declare it in advance, we can get the combats over that much quicker.
As for your second question - yes, you can. Implement attacks can always be made without an implement. If your implement was magical, you will lose 1 from your attack and damage rolls, but that's not insurmountable for implement classes. If you use a weapon? Well, I imagine those people will be going for their weapons first thing.
Finally - not everyone broke free of their bindings. I remember specifically that Relic (Virachoca) and Bodny (Zanshin) did, although I might be forgetting someone.
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Thank you Ceika for the wonderful Avatar avatar!
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I am a:
Lawful Neutral Elf Wizard/Sorcerer (3rd/2nd Level)
Ability Scores:
Strength- 12
Dexterity- 19
Constitution- 13
Intelligence- 17
Wisdom- 12
Charisma- 16
Link here
Bodny points to the Orc-ette closest to the top wall* and yell Everyone knows ya cook dwarf with garlic and a hint of parsley. Maybe we should carve the recipe on yer back. Or can't you read?
Spoiler
Casting 'Cutting Words':
Attack roll: (1d20+7)[11] versus Will
Damage: (1d8+5)[8]
If I hit, I pull the orc down-right, then right (2 squares total).**
Spoiler
Move
Bodny rushes towards the table with his weapons, moving diagonally up-left twice, then left along the wall (so he is in the square with the middle barrel)***.
Spoiler
Minor
Finally, Bodny says, [COLOR="rgb(75, 0, 130)"]Shifty, get yerself ta' safety![/color] Shifty flies to the square to Bodny's right.
Spoiler
Starting with the bottom-left square of the room as 1,1:
*7,5 Orc starting point
**9,4 Orc ending point (on hit)
***9,6 Bodny's ending point
The Orc cries out in pain, your words causing her to move in anger closer to you.
"GARLIC?! Berkla HATES garlic! Berkla hates you! You recipe bad, you bad, you say mean things to Berkla!"
From one of the orcs to the bottom, you hear, "Ooohhhhh, you gonna get it now. No one tell Berkla how to cook! She been cook for, uh..." (the orc looks down and begins counting on fingers, then looks confused when she runs out of fingers) "uh... hunard years! She crankier than dragon with tooth falling out!"
I'll take the light blue pog, since its kind of a cleric color.
Im going to move up 2 squares then cast daunting light on the orc closest to me. (1d20+3)[23] vs reflex
Damage: (2d10+3)[14]
give the combat advantage to the avenger if he shows up, if not give it to Brigna
The burning column of light burns Berkla, forcing her momentarily to her knees in pain. (Note: not prone, just flavor. Also, she's bloodied.)
"Aahh! That burn Berkla! For that, I cook you slower! Make you in pain long time!"
Spoiler
I'm not updating the map after every action. I was going to aim for every round, but I think that might not be enough. I might just do it every couple of actions, for instance. Or when the whim strikes me. It seemed more important to do it after Zanshin's turn since he also caused the monster to move.
Also, I plan on rolling all the monsters and putting them on the same initiative (for all combats). The reason for this? To make it easier and faster. It allows all the players to go, then all the monsters. That way the order you guys do things in isn't as important and we aren't stuck with something like monsters - King Tius - monsters, and then King Tius doesn't show up for a day. If need be, we can always skip someone and let them fill in their action later.
__________________
Thank you Ceika for the wonderful Avatar avatar!
Spoiler
I am a:
Lawful Neutral Elf Wizard/Sorcerer (3rd/2nd Level)
Ability Scores:
Strength- 12
Dexterity- 19
Constitution- 13
Intelligence- 17
Wisdom- 12
Charisma- 16
Link here
Is it my turn now? I think we're still missing one person rolling initiative. Maybe in your spoilers you could say who's up next? Makes it a bit easier to track.
OOC1: Rolling the monsters into one initiative is a great idea
OOC2: In my games I usually "stagger" the rounds so that when I post as a DM the order lines up with the monsters' actions last. In game this works out with the first round being a kind of "half round" so the initiative gets restructured. It lets my players react to the monsters' actions better. Just a helpful suggestion that I picked up from another DM.
Is it my turn now? I think we're still missing one person rolling initiative. Maybe in your spoilers you could say who's up next? Makes it a bit easier to track.
Spoiler
We are still waiting for our 5th, but I wouldn't wait for him right now. Out of the people that have shown up so far your next.
"Mediation seems to be impossible right now, we must resort to other tactics."
Relic unleashes a vortex of water close to two of the orcs.
Spoiler
I'll take the brown one on the bottom right.
Using grasping tide, area burst 1 centered to the left of the right most orc (can we get some coordinates?). Attack on the right one: (1d20+6)[16]. Attack on bottom one: (1d20+6)[10]. Both vs Fort. Damage: (1d6+4)[10].
If they get hit and move away from the area burst before the end of my next, I can make a secondary attack vs reflex to knock them prone.
He moves away from the cauldrons, closer to his equipment.
Spoiler
Move 3 squares left. Is there any squares we can't enter or are difficult terrain?
OOC2: In my games I usually "stagger" the rounds so that when I post as a DM the order lines up with the monsters' actions last. In game this works out with the first round being a kind of "half round" so the initiative gets restructured. It lets my players react to the monsters' actions better. Just a helpful suggestion that I picked up from another DM.
I'm not sure what you mean here. Can you give me an example, please?
Quote:
Originally Posted by Viracocha
Can we get some coordinates?
I'll see what I can do. It's a good idea, I'll just have to figure out how to make legible labels.
Quote:
Attack on the right one: [roll0]. Attack on bottom one: [roll1]. Both vs Fort. Damage: [roll2].
That's a hit and miss. (32 damage total against that Berkla. She's staggering, and obviously just holding on because of the anger she feels right now.)
Quote:
If they get hit and move away from the area burst before the end of my next, I can make a secondary attack vs reflex to knock them prone.
Go ahead and make the attack roll to help speed things up, because unless King Tius ends his turn adjacent to her, she'll be moving (or trying to).
Quote:
Is there any squares we can't enter or are difficult terrain?
No and yes, in that order. Consider anything with a table to be difficult terrain (but easy enough to jump onto to avoid having to make Athletics checks. The exception? If you are a small creature, you can walk right under the table and in fact get cover from it. The squares with barrels are not difficult terrain, but I'll allow you swashbucklery types (or just anyone who wants to do it) to balance on it (difficult terrain to get ON the barrel, just not if you walk into the square normally) (Acrobatics DC 12). The fires are difficult terrain. The bones in the almost upper-left corner is also difficult terrain, as they've been stacked up pretty high. Don't these Orcs ever clean up after themselves?
Spoiler
Sorry for the slow reply this morning! Also, one last question i- King Tius, what was the Athletics check for, exactly? I saw that you were wanting to run to get your hammer, but I wasn't sure if you were planning on using Athletics to help you get there faster, to use it as an impromptu attack (DMG page 42, yay!) or something else entirely.
Here's the original initiative:
(17) Player 1
(13) Player 3
(12) Monsters
(9) Player 2
(2) Player 4
I have players 1 and 3 post their actions, at which point I do a big post/map update saying what the did and what the monsters did. This is the "half" round that starts every encounter. The "new" initiative becomes:
(9) Player 2
(2) Player 4
(17) Player 1
(13) Player 3
(12) Monsters
That way, everyone posts their actions (and can see what their friends are doing), I don't have to update the map as often, and everyone gets to react to the monster's actions. Makes it easier on the players and easier to DM
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