PotA OOC Thread

[SuperCommando]

Several things.


CHAPTER 2

- Seraph , I won't actually roll an Intimidation check on Kardesh since he's a PC, so don't wait for one. Go ahead and just RP his reaction normally according to however you feel he'd act.

- LaxKnight , I'll give you your History check here since it's not enough to warrant a full post.
MERI INTELLIGENCE (HISTORY) CHECK: (1d20+2) (8) [10]
As a resident of Red Lark, you put two and two together to realize that this person before you is the mysterious recluse who showed up in town some years ago. You know the information written in the bio of Kardesh's character sheet.

- As far as Perception goes, Meri and Nivara can see Kardesh and Elloai, but Meri is succeeding in hiding from them. The cottage is just a blurry shadow in the background.


GENERAL STUFF

- I have both Draconic "dialects" linked in the Info Thread. As a general rule, you guys can assume that whenever you link something like that here, I'll go and put it in that thread as well for easy one-stop reference.

- Since rolling initiative was mentioned, I want to let everyone know before combat starts that that's not actually how we'll handle initiative in this game. Having an initiative order works fine for live tabletop games, but with a play-by-post medium like we're doing it would be a recipe for disaster. Long story short, it would take way too long to get anything done. So we'll be using my concept of "real initiative" from my beta test RPs instead.

For those of you who didn't participate in or follow the beta test RPs (although a good number of you did), or if you just need a refresher: Rolling initiative and then taking turns in order is what I call "simulated initiative", because it uses stats and mechanics to determine how soon characters act in combat. "Real initiative", on the other hand, is exactly how it sounds - the sooner you post, the sooner your character can act. If you don't post soon enough, you'll be skipped that round (and might suffer due to your inaction). So keep that in mind.

[edtosivaree]

Uhm... If we are doing this, then the Intimidation roll should be made. My intimidation + Any modifiers that exist against his wisdom I believe + any modifiers. Intimidation isn't a conscious act. You can't control if you're intimidated, just like you can't control if you're hit with a sword at the end of the day. If it was a conscious, thought-out action then I would agree, but whether or not someone is intimidated is the exact opposite. You can intimidate anyone ((Lest they were lobotomized)), it just depends on how effectively they can resist the intimidation. Hell, Kardesh could counter intimidate if he wanted to.

Please don't set aside the system because of PC or NPC, or things can get inconsistent. IF I could intimidate a elder red dragon, but I can't intimidate Meri then that would cause an inconsistency within the game. Intimidation shouldn't be in the players control.

[SuperCommando]

Hold up. I think I see what's going on here...

Are you thinking that because I dismissed the Intimidation check with the words "since he's a PC", it means I just ignore game mechanics that effect player behavior? If so, not true.

The reason I said that is because I figured the check wasn't necessary. Since both characters involved are controlled by players, you guys could just RP it out like normal without getting numbers involved.

Page 179 of the Player's handbook describes the skill as follows: "Intimidation: When you attempt to influence someone through overt threats, hostile actions, and physical violence, the DM might ask you to make a Charisma (Intimidation) check. Examples include trying to pry information out of a prisoner, convincing street thugs to back down from a confrontation, or using the edge of a broken bottle to convince a sneering vizir to reconsider a decision."

So in our scenario, we've got Nivara being her usual scary self demanding to know if Kardesh is responsible for the suspicious fog. What would the Intimidation check really change? Either Kardesh looks up, thinks "whoa, you're scary", and then responds; or he thinks "oh hey look, visitors" and then responds. Same result, just perhaps the way he delivers the response might change.

To me, that doesn't really need numerical arbitration and it's fine if Seraph makes the call for himself.

However, if the two of you would like the numbers as a reference for how Seraph decides to formulate Kardesh's response, I'm okay doing that too. Now I take it that Edto clearly wants the numbers. What about you Seraph?

[edtosivaree]

While it may not change anything on a base level, as in I will get the information I require, it will change other things as well. ((No Offence or anything)) Seraph could decide that Kardesh isn't intimidated, but if you rolled the check he would be intimidated. If we start this it gives players the potential ability to alter PC to PC interaction. Numbers remove that possibility entirely. I either Intimidate or I don't. There is no middle ground, and there is no personal bias because it's a set of dice. What am I going to do? Demand a new set of dice?

I'll be brutally honest, if we went the "No Numbers" way, and Kardesh just soaks this like a baws I would be pissed. He may be fully capable of doing that but it's the fact that Seraph chose that his character did not feel an instinctual, unconscious reaction to a potential adversary. If dice are rolled though, then there is no choice. I fail my Intimidate or I succeed my Intimidate. There is no player choice in the unconscious decision.

I could go on and explain how each social skill would and would not work on a PC to PC level if you want. I've had this discussion hundreds of times on plenty of other websites who run everything off systems and dice.

[Seraph]

Sheesh. We're talking as if I actually did something. I haven't even posted yet, eh! XD A description on a page doesn't entirely reflect the depth of a character's guaranteed response, just their tendencies. A reaction can also be very based on other circumstances that weigh on an outcome as well. Like trespassing on his land, threatening him in front of his daughter, etc. People tend to get a bit knackered even if they are influenced to back down. I have an idea of how I'll handle it and I do consider fairness in the role-play. So don't worry I got it covered. I've just been busy to post. I'll get something up tonight and we can play it out reasonably.

SC is the DM though and if he wants to wave dice off that's okay. Think of it as more freedom to play and be creative. I see it as still a ropleplay. Its no sweat, man.

[SuperCommando]

Jan 28, 2016 16:51:12 GMT -6 edtosivaree said:

I could go on and explain how each social skill would and would not work on a PC to PC level if you want.

You know what, I think that could be useful. If you don't mind doing that, I'd appreciate the intel.


EDIT:
lol Seraph, posted at pretty much the exact same time.

Sooooo, just to be 100% clear, did you want me to roll the check or no? I couldn't quite tell.

[Seraph]

It couldn't hurt.

[SuperCommando]

Done.

I'm glad I did the numbers, too. Since Kardesh won the opposed check by a margin of 7 points, it gave me the idea that not only is he not intimidated, but his wisdom also allows him to read more into the situation. That wouldn't have been possible if I just waved the check. So good call both of you.

[edtosivaree]

At the end of the day, it's fully based on whether or not the skill is revolving around a voluntary or involuntary action. Aggressive skills that would enact the fight or flight instinct within someone. If someone snuck up behind Nivara and screamed really loud right into her ear... Well, they would probably be dead, but she would be frightened. She didn't think about being frightened, it just happened. If someone who was bigger and stronger than her rolled an intimidation roll on her and she failed, she would be intimidated. Period. I have no control over that outcome because I wouldn't have control over it in a similar situation.

However, Diplomacy is a totally different story. You can't /force/ a PC to consciously agree with your character if the player doesn't want the player to agree. You can't roll a diplomacy check and suddenly force a character to agree with your position.

You could bluff them, though. Unless of course the target character just already states they will not believe anything that comes out of someones mouth, you can be lied too effectively and it may get past your defences.

Social check I will admit is a little dicey on a player level. I was on a site where I made a Socia Fairy. Maximum Reaction Bonus, Maximum Speech, Maximum Charisma. No one else on the site was as good as talking as my character was. However, because I was so unpopular with several of the players, /no one/ would play as if they were talking to a speech buff.

So, the site made it that all situations that would call for a speech check on an NPC would put PC's to a Speech Check. The site went haywire with cries of god-modding and the like. "Oh, this person could convince me to shot myself in the head" blah blah blah. A Dice system removes control of your character in some aspects. So long as the failed check would cause an involuntary reaction. Believing a well-told lie, or being intimidated by someone who s just better at intimidation than you.

As for you Seraph, I'm not trying to be hostile towards you, but you're the best example I got ((If that makes sense)). It's more the idea and capabilities "You" as a strawman has in this situation given SC's allowance of me and you dealing with this without numbers. Everything I said about you was a senseless strawman to give examples, and sorry if I didn't convey that properly.

I also understand that there are things that would change a response, but if you're angry and you meet someone who /scares you/ at an instinctual level, you'll be a little less likely to bite back at the person. What they are doing at the time, be it something that makes you angry or not is actually rather irrelevant. It means nothing if the person scares you enough to decide not to press the issue. Like how I wouldn't tell a bunch of gangbangers with baseball bats and shit to stop spray painting the school. I would be terrified. I would be Intimidated, and that would certainly have a powerful decision on what I do and do not decide to comment on. I might leave that nasty insult alone simply because "I don't wanna get my ass beat". That is the core of intimidation. I don't want to be hurt, so I will hold my tongue/do what I'm told.

In the same breath, all the roll would do is say if you are intimidated or not. It won't tell you what to do, just tell you to keep in mind that subconsciously you are scared of this person ad should tread carefully

ADDITION

So my internet wasn't cooperating with me until all the rolls happened by I am still posting this post. I didn't intimidate. It is also clear why I didn't intimidate. This is why I like rolls.

[SuperCommando]

Saw you posted in Chapter 2 Seraph. Got a Chapter 1 post coming too? Otherwise I'll update again (probably) within the next 24 hours.

[Seraph]

Eh, I got nothing for chapter 1 right this moment. I was waiting for anyone else that wanted to throw one in, but I guess no one wants to make an action sooooooooooooooo...

[SuperCommando]

Map Updated.

Added a little more detail this time. Now all unmarked players and Doran & sons have letters (A-I)and unmarked enemies have numbers (1-5).

In your next post, please specify which letter you are. And if combat starts, in your post summaries identify exactly which enemy you are engaging.

Also going to quickly edit my last RP post to include a breakdown of enemy movements.

[Faclan]

Going to let someone else post first since Gonff has been doing lots lately and I'll let someone else take the first swing :3


So Gonff can totally not cower with his little mouse paws over his big mouse ears.

[SuperCommando]

Changed my mind. BetaWülf , Faclan , Zenith , Remnant , please sound off here in this thread with which letter you are at your earliest convenience.

Huka told me he's having issues logging in or something like that. So he granted me permission to take control of Lorban if needed. I'll assign him and Doran & sons letters after the rest of you take one.

Jan 30, 2016 18:52:33 GMT -6 Faclan said:

Going to let someone else post first since Gonff has been doing lots lately and I'll let someone else take the first swing :3


So Gonff can totally not cower with his little mouse paws over his big mouse ears.

If you wish. I advise you don't wait too long though. If nobody posts in a day or two I'll have the bandits get away uncontested.

[Seraph]

Well I'm in the best position to secure Hawthorne. That leave pretty much everyone else to take action as they please.

[BetaWülf]

Jan 30, 2016 19:04:12 GMT -6 SuperCommando said:

Changed my mind. BetaWülf , Faclan , Zenith , Remnant , please sound off here in this thread with which letter you are at your earliest convenience.

B is for BetaWolf and that's good enough for me! (yes I sang it as I typed it >_>)


Edit: But yes, I would like to be the letter B please.

[Faclan]

I'll go with F, and if people do want to have combat I'll happily post. Just didn't want to be the one to decide that if thats not what the group wanted :>

So once that is known either yey combat or yey cowering shall post.

[Remnant]

I'll go with I.

Sorry for the lack of posting, been rather busy lately. plus was laying back to observe what was happening IC. Everything's fine now, though.

[Zenith]

I'll take position G on the layout SC, that or if that is taken position H would also be awesome. *Thinking this out through her close proximity to Gonff and the clearance for Justran to walk straight up to her without having to go around people.* 

[Seraph]

I guess the bandits are just going to get away. :/

[SuperCommando]

Not just yet. Thanks to Crucible's post my next update will be talking as they prepare to leave, instead of skipping straight to getting away.

[BetaWülf]

Before I post SuperCommando, are there still Crossbowmen inside of the wagons? Or are all of the Cultists out on the bridge now?

[Seraph]

I believe they are now out of their wagons and are moving for our wagons to take. I counted only six cultists in total and all the pips are on the map around the group.

[SuperCommando]

Feb 1, 2016 18:30:31 GMT -6 BetaWülf said:

Before I post SuperCommando , are there still Crossbowmen inside of the wagons? Or are all of the Cultists out on the bridge now?

ALDER WISDOM (PERCEPTION) CHECK: (1d20) (14) [14]

You detect no movement coming from within the wagons.

Feb 1, 2016 19:40:38 GMT -6 Seraph said:

I counted only six cultists in total

Are there, though? Are there really...?

[Faclan]

So the Cult is taking one of Dorans wagons and they told Morgana to come with them since they have an open position? o:

Letting BetaW post next since he probably wants to try and do some smashing now that he can get angry

[BetaWülf]

I posted to initiate the encounter, I hope the post works for everyone.

Here are the stats for Owlbears SuperCommando just to make your life easier, I hope it's okay that I have it also entering the fray(I can remove that if it is actually a problem though).

SPOILER: Click to show

Large monstrosity, unaligned
Armor Class 13 (natural armor) Hit Points 59 (7d10 + i 1) Speed 40ft.
STR 20 (+5)
DEX 12 (+1)
Skills Perception +3
CON 17 (+3)
INT 3 (- 4)
WIS 12 (+1)
Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 13 languages Challenge 3 (700 XP)
CHA 7 (-2)
Keen Sight and Smell. The owl bear has advantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on sight or smell.
ACTIONS
Multiattack. The owl bear makes two attacks: one with its beak and one with its claws.
Beak. Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one creature. Hit: 10 (1d10 + 5) piercing damage.
Claws. Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 14 (2d8 + 5) slashing damage

[SuperCommando]

And so the first fight of the campaign begins!

Thank you for posting the Owlbear stats Beta. I do already have the page in my Monster Manual marked for occasions such as this, but I do really appreciate it when players make my life easier.

And yes, it is totally okay to bring said Owlbear (does it have a name?) into the fray. I was actually really hoping you'd think to do that too, but I refrained from saying anything about it because I didn't want to impose any ideas. It's still tied up to the wagon and thus can't really go anywhere right now, but I'll say it has enough slack to enable it to reach the bandit with a swipe of its claw.

[Faclan]

Shall do my best to post after I sleep

Gonff may try to free the Owlbear, but we shall see how the sleep treats me.

[SuperCommando]

Okay Seraph , you got Justran (Note: that's with an "n" at the end. Not an "m"...) with your Thorn Whip. But I'm not sure what's supposed to happen to it (the whip) after your turn. The rules don't mention anything after the target is pulled back 10 ft, so what I'm wondering is:

Does the whip remain in existence? (Keeping the target grappled)

or

Does the whip just disintegrate and dissapear?

We can figure it out and apply that to your next post. But either way, no matter what happens to the whip you're position kinda near the oxen is why I had you make the reflex save too. In your case you wouldn't have been actually run over, more like just clipped as they rush past you. But you avoided it anyway, so you're all good.

I'll work on maybe updating the map after all this has happened, or maybe I'll wait until after people react to the latest update.


EDIT:
By the way, that Owlbear actually got the first kill of the game.

So BetaWülf , have some Inspiration. I was going to award it to the first PC to get a kill, but it's your Owlbear so close enough.

[Seraph]

Try to save one guy and I pretty much kill someone else... -.-"

Well anyway I imagine in the case of Thorn Whip the result of the role depends on the IC outcome. A failed save against it wraps around a target which the caster could pull the target closer (Not exactly knock them over, but that would be a cool effect for a massive failure.) On a successful save its more possible for the target to probably break the grip of the vine, but still take the damage. Or they avoid getting grabbed yet still get lashed by the thorns.

As to the flavor of how the target escapes the hold depends on what you think fits the situation. Otherwise I would say the vine crumbles away after the turn ends.