Companions of an Uncertain Fate

[Nolgroth]

MapTool Server Status:
My previously unnamed Colonial Fantasy HERO game finally found its name. As a result, I created this thread to better organize the disparate elements that have accumulated over in the Question: Anyone running any online games? (http://www.herogames.com/forums/78533-Anyone-running-any-online-games/page7) thread.

Discussion Topic: Should we change Skills? Outcome: Overall consensus leave things as they are mechanically. Implement bonuses for Cinematic, Dramatic and detailed descriptions of skill use.

Discussion Topic: Should I hide NPC stats on Tokens from Players? Outcome: No strong feelings either way. For now things will proceed as they have.

Update: Removed MapTool Server Status. I wasn't updating it to coincide with when I had the server up anyway.

[Nolgroth]

Companions of an Uncertain Fate
Recruiting Status: Closed
Start Date: Thursday, March 11, 2010. Game days will always be Thursdays unless the group elects to change them at a later date.
Game Time: 5 PM - 9 PM Pacific Time. Hours will adjust for Daylight Savings Time transitions.

Character Creation Guidelines
Base Points: 175
Matching Complications: 25

Starting Campaign Power Levels
CHAR Range: 8-15 (1)
Speed: 2-3
CV: 2-6
DC: 2-9
Def/rDef: 4-8/2-4
Active Points: 10-45. Recommend 25 Active Points for most powers. (2)
Skill Points: 10-50 Starting. Experience can exceed these numbers.
Skill Roll: 8-/13- (3)

Special:


All of the base Characteristics start out at 5 and must be bought up from there. Presence will have a much higher utility in the game, so the cost has been increased to 2 points per increment. Characteristics and Skill rolls have a base roll of 8 + CHAR /4. This gives a little more range of rolls. For Player Characters, there is a GM Freebie of +5 Body (for a starting value of 10).
Some powers that are not immediately useful for combat may be higher at the GM discretion. Mostly this rule is intended for GM created powers withing a narrow range of effects (magical protection circles). Other uses may be considered on a case by case basis.

Each character may select a Specialized Skill and up to two Expertise Skills. All of these skills must be related to the character's raison d'etre and be tightly related to each other. The Specialized Skill may be purchased up to 15- (with skill levels and/or raw improvement of the skill). The Expertise Skills may be purchased up to 14-. Example groups might be Burglar (Lockpicking, Security Systems, Stealth) or Gunsmith (Weaponsmith, Inventor, Mechanics). These two examples are generalized and not necessarily required skill combinations. Skill sets subject to GM approval. As a note, I want each character to focus on different specializations so I may not approve two characters with the same skill specialization. Right now I see JD as the Thief, Rotman as the Inventor, and Hardesty as the Sailor. Not sure where I would classify Lulu or Cael, in terms of archetypes, at this point. This is not a required option. If you see your character as a generalist, this may not be the option for you.
STR Minimum for weapons has been reduced by 5 across the board. 1 is still the lowest STR Minimum allowed for non-natural weaponry.



Starting Funds: 5 Guilders or Shillings. Perk option for additional starting funds. Income Perk to be added soon.

Setting Inspirations: Ars Magica, Colonial America, Lovecraft, Ravenloft, 7th Sea, Dresden Files, Treasure Island, Pirates of the Caribbean.

Actual Setting: Using Theah, the setting for 7th Sea, with the addition of a New World / Colonial America continent.

Warnings:


The 7th Sea setting, which I have heavily adapted for this game, portrays very Christian-like religions. While generally portrayed in a positive light, the very presence of them may offend some readers. If you are one of those people, this is probably not your thread.
The magic rules tend to lean heavily into detailed descriptions of rituals.

[Nolgroth]

Here are the HERO Designer Template and Campaign rules files. When creating a character use the ColonialFantasy..HDT file.

File > New Character > New Character (custom/non-standard rules) > Choose File Browse to where you saved ColonialFantasy..HDT.
Then apply the ColonialFantasy..HDR campaign rules to the character.

Current Character > Campaign Rules > Load Campaign Rules Browse to where you saved Colonial Fantasy..HDR.
Those two files set up the base characteristics, modified Skills, Skill Roll calculation, Perks and Talents, and the base Points.

The final step is to add in Powers

Characteristics +5 BODY Custom Adder (renamed to GM Freebie) -5. Make sure Add to Base Characteristic is checked.

[Nolgroth]

The forum limits file attachments to five per post. Savienien's character Rotman Woss will be posted elsewhere.

Here are the following PDF versions of the characters. The +5 Body rule was added after characters were initially constructed so I had to improvise and provide alternate abilities for some of the characters. Anything with the title Heroic Resilience is part of the GM bonus package.

Note to Players: If you see anything weird or incorrect regarding your character sheet, please let me know so I can correct the HDC file.

[Nolgroth]

Reserved for Campaign Source Material.

Presently I am in the process of revising the Magic document. Will post update when it's complete.

[Nolgroth]

Links to External Resources:

7th Sea Pricelist (http://members.ozemail.com.au/%7Eiandl57/equip.html)

7th Sea Maps (http://www.tlucretius.net/7thSea/Maps/index.htm) (Note: this cover the "Old World" and not where we are presently situated.)

7th Sea Calendar (http://members.ozemail.com.au/%7Eiandl57/calendar.html)

[Nolgroth]

And now, as a general topic of discussion, I want to bandy Skill Roll value around. From my side of the screen, I notice that there are a LOT of failed skill rolls. This is bothering me a great deal and I wonder if the present skill roll mechanic (8 + CHAR/4) is the problem, the cap on Skill Rolls (and thus the lack of Skill Levels) is the problem, or the method in which I use skills. I would greatly value your input on this.

And yes, I know, the MapTool dice roller is altogether EVIL.

[Daltwisney]

I don't think there is a mechanical problem. The difference in Skill Roll values for 9 + (CHAR/5) and 8 + (CHAR/4) are pretty insignificant at our CHAR range.

I think the relatively low occurence of skill rolls makes it seem like most of the rolls we are asked to make fail, because we are generally making them only when it is important, so failure is more noticeable.

I wouldn't change anything, in the longer run, I think you'll see things even out.

[Ragnarok]

Great work boss, looking good.

Honestly, I think the current skill roll cap is fine in theory. When I roll by hand, I get routinely acceptable results for a 13-. It's just that this dice roller, through whatever evil machinations occur, seems to skew the average results toward the bottom of the scale. I'm not sure what is and isn't possible with fiddling with the code, but maybe a small built-in bonus to skills to try to bring it back into an acceptable range would work. This would also apply to NPCs to make it balanced. Or, one could increase the cap to make successful rolls more plausible. The only problem there is that it would only apply to skills, and attack rolls would still be difficult.

Wish I could be more useful, but I'm no MapTools wizard.

[Grymour]

Just my own opinion here. If I read things correctly you lowered base stats to 5, under the old (and your own rules) this gives a 9- with no points spent. Normally under standard rules that would be 11-. So already the characters are at a slight disadvantage. As they will only gain one point over a familiarity with a given skill.

I think that this is probably the root of the problem, unless you allow for a lot of Skill levels or reset the normal 9+stat/5 (or 4 for that matter), the characters are not going to fair well on their skill rolls.

Personally I like what you have done, but IF you wish for more successes on the skill front, you may wish to rework it a bit.

[Ragnarok]

Also, Cael should have the "Cut" martial arts maneuver. (3 points total: +2 OCV, +1 DCV, half-phase weapon strike)

[Nolgroth]

Also, Cael should have the "Cut" martial arts maneuver. (3 points total: +2 OCV, +1 DCV, half-phase weapon strike)Noted and will add. Right now. Okay, not right now. How about Real Soon. Cuz Right now just passed by.

EDIT: Updated PDF posted in message 4.

[Nolgroth]

Just my own opinion here. If I read things correctly you lowered base stats to 5, under the old (and your own rules) this gives a 9- with no points spent. Normally under standard rules that would be 11-. So already the characters are at a slight disadvantage. As they will only gain one point over a familiarity with a given skill. You know, now that you mention this, it stirred a memory of when I was building the campaign. When I was going through the planning stage I was comparing how I wanted to run this campaign versus my older campaign. In the older campaign I had high limits and applied a lot of penalties. I wanted to do this in an inverse style. Give more bonuses and have a lower initial skill roll limit. Thanks for your comment. It helped me a lot in figuring out "what went wrong." Not that it is wrong, but something to keep note of.

[Lezentauw]

No matter how you figure the skill rolls, the biggest limit is the skill roll maxima. Right now you have it at 13-. That is no different than what Valdorian age did. Here is the question you need to answer. What is the top percentage that you want people to succed their skill rolls at? A roll of 13- is 83.8%, 14- is 90.74%, and 15- is 95.37%.

When it is all said and done, the PCs and the NPCs are affected the same. You just need to find the top percentage that you want.

I think that there just have been a lot of high rolls, that you are seeing.

[Nolgroth]

I wouldn't change anything, in the longer run, I think you'll see things even out.The let's keep on "keeping on" unless or until it becomes apparent that things are intolerable.

[Nolgroth]

No matter how you figure the skill rolls, the biggest limit is the skill roll maxima.Right you are. Okay. I feel better overall after all these replies. I'm all for sticking with what we have and reassessing later.

Thanks for all the input everybody.

[ghost-angel]

I like the lower Skills, it will make those few skills that do eventually go higher seem to be worth much more, and if each Character spreads that out across different skills you'll truly see Niche Shine - the guy who is uber-stealthy will be so without needing an insane roll.

If you do want more success, I suggest a more liberal approach to positive modifiers. Here's one idea: the more specific a character is when making a Skill Roll, the more bonus they can get. Especially 'soft' skills like Interaction and Intellect; as example "I'm going to talk my way past the guards" vs "I'm going to chat up the guards about local events, to gain their confidence, and see if they're the type to take a bribe" -- both could be Beaurocratics or Charm Rolls; but the second could get bonuses, and possibly a Synergy from Bribery based on the players description.

Not saying the Player needs to go into detail - after all sometimes we want to play the smooth-talking rogue when we can barely type our own names - which is why we buy the Skills, but reward players for clever ideas more often. Sometimes even behind the scenes (after the roll and the player sees a failure that might actually be a success).

[Ragnarok]

I like the lower Skills, it will make those few skills that do eventually go higher seem to be worth much more, and if each Character spreads that out across different skills you'll truly see Niche Shine - the guy who is uber-stealthy will be so without needing an insane roll.

If you do want more success, I suggest a more liberal approach to positive modifiers. Here's one idea: the more specific a character is when making a Skill Roll, the more bonus they can get. Especially 'soft' skills like Interaction and Intellect; as example "I'm going to talk my way past the guards" vs "I'm going to chat up the guards about local events, to gain their confidence, and see if they're the type to take a bribe" -- both could be Beaurocratics or Charm Rolls; but the second could get bonuses, and possibly a Synergy from Bribery based on the players description.


Not saying the Player needs to go into detail - after all sometimes we want to play the smooth-talking rogue when we can barely type our own names - which is why we buy the Skills, but reward players for clever ideas more often. Sometimes even behind the scenes (after the roll and the player sees a failure that might actually be a success).

What he said. ^^

Detail certainly, and cool factor also. For example, "While running away from the guards, I jump up and grab a tavern sign pole, swinging myself onto the roof" deserves a bonus whereas "I use acrobatics to get on to the roof" does not. The more cinematic it is, the more the players should be rewarded for it (within a reasonable limit.)

[Nolgroth]

Cinematic and detail oriented bonuses to skill checks sounds like a great idea. Thanks for that.

[Nolgroth]

Next topic question: Should I hide the NPC stats from Players?

Currently, all PCs and NPCs (except the GM token) use the same Campaign Properties. This means that on a MouseOver action (hovering the mouse pointer over the token) some of the combat ready stats are displayed. Should I change that so only I can see those stats.

From the GM side of the screen.....

Pros: Maintains a sense of uncertainty when encountering bad guys. Allows me to "fudge" things by adjusting the difficulty "on the fly" for too easy or too difficult opponents.

Cons: Violates the "open" table atmosphere of the game. Tempts me to "fudge" things even when not necessary.

Discuss.

[ghost-angel]

While I'm indifferent to the matter, I play both online and offline and am used to the table top where I can only see my sheet, occasionally see another players, and never see the characters the GM controls. So, if you hide them from us I wouldn't notice the difference.

[Lezentauw]

If you want the open table feel, then you can leave them.

I really do not mind them being only visible to the owner of the token though. If you were playing at an actual table, you are not going to see all of that information.

[Ragnarok]

I would not mind hiding NPC stats. Like other have said, it's what I'm used to.

[Daltwisney]

I don't particularly care either way.

Seeing the mechanics is not why I play the game. The only time I actually look at any tokens with any interest that aren't mine is while working on macros. While I admit there are times when seeing an enemy token might remove some sense of 'mystery', I don't ever go out of my way to look, and I certainly don't base my actions around anything I might see.

So, basically, if you feel it's necessary and will improve the game, go for it. It won't lessen my enjoyment any, or alter my participation.

[Nolgroth]

Well then, in the interest of getting more important things done, I'll leave it as is. There are no strong feelings expressed so far in either direction so it makes no difference to the quality of the game.

[Nolgroth]

As we go along, I want to index our major topics and what the outcome of those topics are. On the first post, you'll notice that I started doing that already.

[Ragnarok]

A small revision: Cael's PDF lists Cut as +1 OCV, +2 DCV when it should be +2 OCV, +1 DCV.

Not that I mind it the other way, but just thought I'd bring it up for consistency's sake.

[Ragnarok]

Also, I'm not seeing the server on the list. :)

[Nolgroth]

Just restarted the server.

[Nolgroth]

Announcement:

I am taking this Thursday (6/17/10) off to spend some quality time with my family away from monitors and computers. I plan on doing so again in July and August. I'll post dates for July and August as they become more set in stone.

See you on 6/24/10.

-James

[ghost-angel]

XP spending:
2pts - +1 to Divination
4pts - Parry maneuver (Block maneuver) picked up as part of her sparring with Cael.

1pt unspent

[Savinien]

Anyone else ready to Host/GM?

Have a good Thursday, James!!!!

[Ragnarok]

Enjoy the family time, James.

Lez, I hear you are considering a monsters campaign, yes?

[Savinien]

Enjoy the family time, James.

Lez, I hear you are considering a monsters campaign, yes?

I think he was, but he has a 'whiz-quiz' on Monday. He's been out of a job for over a year and this possiblity is second shift. As far as I know, he's dropped his game plans.

I'm going to open a server so we can all chat since we all seem to be about. PM me for name and pw.

[Savinien]

Heh. Never tried hosting a server before.

It is:

Name: Aerth
PW: ominous

[Ragnarok]

Not seeing the server on the list.

[Savinien]

Dang. I have no idea what I'm doing.

[Savinien]

Try now.

[Ragnarok]

"Could not connect to campaign."

[Savinien]

Dang. We need a better system. Do you have a Hero Central log on?

I don't know what I'm doing wrong.

[Ragnarok]

My handle on Hero Central is Kryptik.

[Lezentauw]

Well first of all, I was considering a monster campaign. As Sav kinda pointed out, my intentions looks to be changed due to a job offer.

On the job front, I do have a 'wiz-quiz' and lift test on Monday. As long as I pass those, I should have a job offer. The job being offered is a 2nd shift job, so my availability for gaming looks to be changing. Right it looks like the only good day may be Sunday, and I am not sure at how good that is. Sunday is always the last day for tests and projects to be turned in. The day shift during the week is not always the best, as that where I hope to do the bulk of my studying.

Oh yeah, with summer here, Saturdays are just bad.

[Nolgroth]

Good luck on the job situation. Unemployment sucks and it is always more important to take care of life matters over gaming. Job = money = important life matter. I will hate to lose a good player, but I'd rather you get your financial situation taken care of first. Maybe there will be an opportunity to game together some time in the future. We'll leave a light on.

Edit: Let me know when it is official so I can move Geoffrey from the Active list to the Inactive list.

[Nolgroth]

XP spending:
2pts - +1 to Divination
4pts - Parry maneuver (Block maneuver) picked up as part of her sparring with Cael.

1pt unspentHDC and PDF updated. PDF Update posted in the characters message.

Thank you.

[Lezentauw]

Well it is official. I have orientation this Thursday, and I start working on Monday.

[Nolgroth]

Well it is official. I have orientation this Thursday, and I start working on Monday.Congrats!

[Daltwisney]

Well it is official. I have orientation this Thursday, and I start working on Monday.

Gratz on the job. Sorry to see you leave us.

[Ragnarok]

Hooray for employment! Boo for losing Geoffrey.

[Nolgroth]

Campaign guidelines in message 2 have been edited to be closer to my original notes.

[Savinien]

Okay... Two things. With one of those wussy Avalonians finally gone from the group, can I hear an Amen?

Just kidding. That wasn't one of the two.

Are we still gathering on Thursday, or is everyone taking the night off? If the Celtics win tomorrow, a night off on Thursday may be perfect for the finale of the NBA Finals. Let me know what you all think.

Second... I'm thinking of adding some Taint to Rotman to give him a sense to Magic to help make up for Geoffrey.Thoughts? I only have four points.

Any ideas, Nolg?

[ghost-angel]

I was planning on seeing a movie with the wife on Thursday unless there's something going on.

[Daltwisney]

With Nol saying he was taking the night off, I basically planned on it being just that, a night off.

[Starwolf]

Wow this thread is filling fast. I just found it and it's already on page two... Ok my catchup post ;D

On skill rolls, I like it the way it is with the suggestion for liberal use of GM mods. Maybe in the spirit of making each character "shine", the GM could on occasion allow a player to buy a single skill above the cap if it fits with the story, the character concept, and did I mention the story?

On the hiding of NPC stats... I am of no real opinion. I don't look at the NPC stats, as 99.999% of the time I have my own token selected to keep my macros handy. I know I could get a quick glimpse by hovering over the token, but I am usually too busy just trying to follow the chat, and manage my own character.

On the game this week. A break is ok. I can use the time to prep some camping gear. I am going to miss the nigt of July 15th as Terrie and I are heading off to a family reunion. I will be back for the game on the 22nd of July.

[Nolgroth]

Blog updated with last session we played.

And I had a great time at the Armstrong Redwoods state park. It was pretty lovely all in all and did wonders to recharge my batteries.

[Starwolf]

I am glad you had a good time, the redwoods are indeed invigorating.

Of course with your batteries recharged... oh wait you have batteries? Holy crap!!! Our GM is a cyborg :D

[Nolgroth]

I am glad you had a good time, the redwoods are indeed invigorating.

Of course with your batteries recharged... oh wait you have batteries? Holy crap!!! Our GM is a cyborg :D

<Indignant Response> What do you mean "cyborg" meatbag?

[Starwolf]

Not advocating a Maptool upgrade, BUT, just FYI...

Maptools 1.3b70 is out and whatever bug was bugging us when you tested with 1.3b68 has been fixed. I loaded 1.3b70, then I loaded my copy of your campaign file, and I was able to change maps, move tokens, and fire all of Hardesty's macros.

And who you callin a meat bag, you duracell dandy...

((makes note to self: don;t poke the sleeping GM with sharp sticks before game time :D ))

[Nolgroth]

Too late. Special Guest Star: Elvis the AI Robot in full on Mechanon mode. In this episode, Hardesty dies.


:D

[Starwolf]

Crap and me with UNLUCK... I guess the group is doomed :D

((Last time I shot Elvis he just looked at me like... "Is that all you got?", I feel trepidation :help: ))

[Nolgroth]

Yeah, well I'm joking. See what tangential joking (calling my a cyborg) does to my train of thought. Totally derailed. I mean totally.

So where was I again?

[ghost-angel]

Shooting us from orbit with the waiting battlecruiser. . .

(always remember, Elvis killed the one character he may have actually liked, or at least tolerated... don't make the GM too angry. :D )

[Savinien]

Can we add what we talked about to Rotman?

Do we need to discuss our plans for thursday? I mean IC plans, or is there no need since the weird boarding house lady has a job for us already?

[Nolgroth]

Yes. I'm pretty sure I confirmed that, but sometimes the voices in my head lead me astray.

A job is merely an offer until accepted. In other words, discuss all you want. I will, in true Nolgroth form, adapt and destr....overcome. :)

EDIT: Sorry if my responses seem flippant. Well they are flippant. Did you have something in mind. I am always open to ideas above and beyond what my mind cooks up. I was not kidding about being adaptable. Let me look up the thread for details on exactly what we wanted to do in game terms.

[Savinien]

Yes. I'm pretty sure I confirmed that, but sometimes the voices in my head lead me astray.

A job is merely an offer until accepted. In other words, discuss all you want. I will, in true Nolgroth form, adapt and destr....overcome. :)

EDIT: Sorry if my responses seem flippant. Well they are flippant. Did you have something in mind. I am always open to ideas above and beyond what my mind cooks up. I was not kidding about being adaptable. Let me look up the thread for details on exactly what we wanted to do in game terms.

I don't know what you're talking about.

[Nolgroth]

I don't know what you're talking about.Really?

EDIT: On the chance that I am just being obtuse. It happens sometimes...

Yes. I'm pretty sure I confirmed that, but sometimes the voices in my head lead me astray.Translation: I thought we had settled on getting that Tainted Vision thing going for Rotman. I just didn't remember what it was we decided. The Voices comment was just pure strangeness. Sorry about that.


A job is merely an offer until accepted. In other words, discuss all you want. I will, in true Nolgroth form, adapt and destr....overcome. :)This was a directly indirect response to your question about planning for the next session. You essentially asked if we should or would the fact that I ended the last session with a job offer make that a moot point. I was in a strange mood when posting, so I continued my weirdness. In all honesty, you and the other players are always welcome to talk about, request or in other ways influence where the game is going. Just as Dalt mentioned that his Urban-based character was not able to shine in the wilderness around the town of Squall, you too can make a suggestion on where to take the adventure to.

The Edit was just me trying to bring some sense back into a mostly nonsensical post. I think I covered everything in the preceding paragraphs. Sorry about any confusion.

It's those darn voices.....

[Savinien]

Translation: I thought we had settled on getting that Tainted Vision thing going for Rotman. I just didn't remember what it was we decided. The Voices comment was just pure strangeness. Sorry about that.

Yes. We did agree with it, but I left the costs in your capable hands. I was just wondering where you might have gotten with it. Trying to take care of stuff in this medium as opposed to waiting til the game starts.

Which, I may be late for. It is no excuse, but I blame it on my ex-wife.

[Nolgroth]

Ex-wives. Uh-huh.

*Nods head sagely.*

[Nolgroth]

Not advocating a Maptool upgrade, BUT, just FYI...

Maptools 1.3b70 is out and whatever bug was bugging us when you tested with 1.3b68 has been fixed. I loaded 1.3b70, then I loaded my copy of your campaign file, and I was able to change maps, move tokens, and fire all of Hardesty's macros.Jeez. Got so caught up in the banter that I totally left out the substance of this message. Color me an idiot. Not sure what color that is, but there you go.

In regards to a MapTool upgrade, I will test it out over the coming week. I am not in any hurry at this point. b63 seems to be a very stable release and I want to be absolutely certain that b70 will be a worthy upgrade. If I am satisfied that it will be as stable as b63, then I will put it to a group vote.

If Dalt or anybody also wants to play around with a separate install of b70 and give me their feedback, I would appreciate that as well.

[Nolgroth]

Also, I am coming up with a backup plan, but due to some furniture rearrangement, I am stuck in my bedroom on a WiFi connection. I don't foresee a problem, but if it comes down to it, I will have to host on my son's computer. I will have that contingency in place so that if we get to that point, we can enact it.

Just wanted to give a heads up.

[Nolgroth]

Yes. We did agree with it, but I left the costs in your capable hands. I was just wondering where you might have gotten with it. Trying to take care of stuff in this medium as opposed to waiting til the game starts. How about this...


Tainted Vision:
Detect Magic 12- (Sight Group), Discriminatory (10 Active Points); Requires A Roll (EGO roll, -1 per 5 Active Points modifier; -1), Side Effects: (1/2d6 PRE Drain, Delayed Return Rate: 6 Hours), Side Effect occurs whenever Power is successfully used (-1/2) Roll: 8- Real Cost: 4.The special effect of this is that Rotman has been touched by his spiritual contact with the Hag. Now he can see magical energies from time to time and even will himself to. The problem is that the supernatural frightens him requiring him to force himself (EGO roll at -2) to try and see these things and leaves him shaken (PRE Drain) once he does see them.

The overall affect I am imagining is like Constantine's ability from the movie of the same name. The only thing is that Rotman has to focus himself and steel his courage in order to look into that world.

Note that PRE costs 2/1 in this campaign so that, at most, Rotman will be down 2 points (rounding up in this case).

I may also, from time to time, invoke GM fiat and have Rotman see something even without trying.

[Nolgroth]

Updated Campaign Guidelines on Page 1, Message 2. These changes may be implemented at any time before the next session (if you have the spare XP) or at the next XP award.

[Daltwisney]

As an FYI, the server is listed as up in Maptool, but gives a connection timeout when attempting to connect. (Not a big issue at this time, I just still want to test the modified Attack macro). If this is not just me, it might need looking into before Thurs.

[Nolgroth]

Hurm. Let me restart the server.

EDIT: NOT the server. Got a new IP when I switched back here to the bedroom. Had to change the Port Forwarding on the ol' router.

EDIT 2: I am so tempted to just set up the laptop as the server and plop it down out there with an ethernet connection and a bottle of wine. Okay, maybe not the wine. That way I don't have to worry about things exploding mid game. If my wireless connection drops, only I get affected.

[Starwolf]

Updated Campaign Guidelines on Page 1, Message 2. These changes may be implemented at any time before the next session (if you have the spare XP) or at the next XP award.

Neat idea! I would like to invest 2 points in my Master Helmsman: Combat Driving (sailed vessels only) bringing the roll to 13-, this would be my specialized skill. I would also like to invest 2 points in my Navigation (Marine) bringing the roll to 11-, this would be my first expertise skill. My final expertise skill I will designate as KS: Knots and Rope Use. For now I not add any to the KS skill, this should leave me with one point of XP banked.

See you guys tomorrow :D

[Nolgroth]

Ok. The way I am going to designate is to add a character at the beginning of the displayed name. Specialized skills is with a *. Expertise skills with a +.

Edit: The PDF Print filter flaked out with that method. Instead I added Specialized and Expertise in parentheses at the end of the skill description. It's a little cumbersome, but much less ugly than random math characters at the end.

[Nolgroth]

Hardesty updated and uploaded.

[Savinien]

Ex-wives. Uh-huh.

*Nods head sagely.*

In another interesting turn, my time with my daughter got nixed altogether so, I should be good to go at the regular time.


How about this...

The special effect of this is that Rotman has been touched by his spiritual contact with the Hag. Now he can see magical energies from time to time and even will himself to. The problem is that the supernatural frightens him requiring him to force himself (EGO roll at -2) to try and see these things and leaves him shaken (PRE Drain) once he does see them.

The overall affect I am imagining is like Constantine's ability from the movie of the same name. The only thing is that Rotman has to focus himself and steel his courage in order to look into that world.

Note that PRE costs 2/1 in this campaign so that, at most, Rotman will be down 2 points (rounding up in this case).

I may also, from time to time, invoke GM fiat and have Rotman see something even without trying.

I am cool with this. I don't know how often I'll have him try, so a bit of fiat may be required at first before he even knows he can do it.

[Nolgroth]

In another interesting turn, my time with my daughter got nixed altogether so, I should be good to go at the regular time.Mixed feelings here. While I am glad that you will be at the game, I hate to see time with your child(ren) nixed. I'm a father myself and I would hate to not get to spend time with my kids. So "yippee" and "sorry to hear that" all at the same time.


I am cool with this. I don't know how often I'll have him try, so a bit of fiat may be required at first before he even knows he can do it. :sneaky:

[Nolgroth]

Rotman updated and uploaded.

[ghost-angel]

Not sure where I'd place Luludja's specialties just yet... I'm going to think up on this one.

[Nolgroth]

Minor Update:
Server Related
-Moved the server to my laptop and set the laptop up with a cabled connection. If I lose Wi-Fi connection, then only I get booted.
-Changed the name of the Server to Companions of an Uncertain Fate. Same password.

Campaign Related
-About halfway through rewriting the Magic document. So far I think the expansion and clarification will be worth the effort.

[Daltwisney]

Server either exploded or just booted me off.

[Nolgroth]

Server was fine, unless you mean the laptop that was serving died. :(

Running on my son's computer now.

[Nolgroth]

Blog updated with last night's session.

[Savinien]

I actually posted in your Unending City thread and likely downloaded the pdf at some time or another. I probably have a copy of it somewhere.

[Nolgroth]

I actually posted in your Unending City thread and likely downloaded the pdf at some time or another. I probably have a copy of it somewhere.That would be so cool if you did.

[Nolgroth]

Announcement: I have been running the latest version of MapTool (version 1.3b70) all weekend. It has proven to be just as stable as our current version (b63) and seems to have a few additional features. As such, I am going to officially upgrade to that version. Please go ahead and upgrade. If you need any technical related help, let me know. Easy steps;



Download MapTool version 1.3b70
Create a new folder MapTool_b70
Extract archive into new folder.
For Windows users, run it just like you did before. I use the launcher program.
I don't know if you had to do customizations ghost-angel, but I would suggest you set up to run with a stack (-Xss) of 3. Sorry that I have no practical Mac experience to lend a further hand.

If there is any other help you need, let me know. I suggest keeping the current version as well as the new one in case Really Bad Things (TM) happen. I honestly believe they got this build right, but you never know until engage.

[Savinien]

I don't know why I didn't let you know sooner, but we have a family vacation coming up this week. Which means Woss will be gone again this portion of the game. We actually have a concert Thursday night, so it isn't a simple matter of taking my laptop and logging in from Michigan. Sorry. Don't get killed without me.

[Nolgroth]

I don't know why I didn't let you know sooner, but we have a family vacation coming up this week. Which means Woss will be gone again this portion of the game. We actually have a concert Thursday night, so it isn't a simple matter of taking my laptop and logging in from Michigan. Sorry. Don't get killed without me.Who says it is the group that has to worry about getting killed? :sneaky:

Seriously, have fun. I think you did mention it. Or was it Starwolf that mentioned a separate commitment? Soon I'll be down to JD and Lulu. Then you will have to worry about death in the party. :p

I found a piracy/maritime site for the 17th century. Haven't read it all, but dang does it look interesting. Posted a different thread here in the Fantasy HERO forum called Piece of Eight. Enjoy.

[Nolgroth]

Reminder than I've upgraded to version 1.3b70.


Announcement: I have been running the latest version of MapTool (version 1.3b70) all weekend. It has proven to be just as stable as our current version (b63) and seems to have a few additional features. As such, I am going to officially upgrade to that version. Please go ahead and upgrade. If you need any technical related help, let me know. Easy steps;


Download MapTool version 1.3b70
Create a new folder MapTool_b70
Extract archive into new folder.
For Windows users, run it just like you did before. I use the launcher program.
I don't know if you had to do customizations ghost-angel, but I would suggest you set up to run with a stack (-Xss) of 3. Sorry that I have no practical Mac experience to lend a further hand.

If there is any other help you need, let me know. I suggest keeping the current version as well as the new one in case Really Bad Things (TM) happen. I honestly believe they got this build right, but you never know until engage.

[Savinien]

I did/am having a great time! Do any of you watch/did watch American Idol in Season 10?

[Lezentauw]

I watched parts of American Idol...

[Savinien]

I watched parts of American Idol...

Recognize any of these people?

Nevermind. I don't have any of the pics hosted.

[Ragnarok]

Question: Since the range penalties are automatically figured, how will Cael's Range PSLs be calculated into the mix? Maybe by factoring that into the weapon stats for me?

[ghost-angel]

I would simply add them in as Positive Skill Levels when they're appropriate to use.

[Nolgroth]

What g-a said. In the near future, PSL's will be coded in. In the meantime, you are going to have to "eyeball" the distance and put in the RSL as appropriate.

[Daltwisney]

I'm hoping to be there tonight. I felt like crap all day at work, now that I'm home we will see if a couple hours of temperatures 20-25 degrees cooler gets rid of this headache and makes me feel like doing something besides sleep.

[Nolgroth]

I'm hoping to be there tonight. I felt like crap all day at work, now that I'm home we will see if a couple hours of temperatures 20-25 degrees cooler gets rid of this headache and makes me feel like doing something besides sleep.Right there with you. Been fighting a migraine for three days now. Not much done in either macros or campaign development. Might be better if I call it for the night. Not sure if I am 100% or even 33%.

I'll go ahead and start the MapTool server. If by game time I need to call it off, I will post a message here indicating as much. I took some meds, so maybe it will get me back up enough to give it a whirl.

[Ragnarok]

Nolgroth, I am going to PM you Cael's snippet of side job backstory.

[Savinien]

No server?

[Starwolf]

Not yet

[Savinien]

Not yet

I guess you'll have to run a one off, SW. Two weeks without a game and I could explode!

[Starwolf]

I guess you'll have to run a one off, SW. Two weeks without a game and I could explode!

Hmmm... I have an idea. But let's see what happens first. I don't have a really prepared adventure, but I can run one off the cuff for a campaign idea I have been fooling with for a while. for anyone interested I need you to send me or post a list of 4 possible character fantasy character types you would be interested in playing. Hi Fantasy... Epic adventure. But you the player will start with almost no information. The actual character you are playing... including your characteristics, skills, perks, talents, powers, and equipment will be revealed during the course of play, so it could be handy to keep a blank character sheet or some note paper handy. :D

[Ragnarok]

I'm going to go out on a limb and predict it's not going to happen. And I'll take Spain to win the World Cup.

I'll PM you the character idea list, Starwolf.

[Starwolf]

Ok, I have launched a server called Wolveslair. Usual passwords.

[Savinien]

Ok, I have launched a server called Wolveslair. Usual passwords.

I got a time out error. This is the first time I've tried this version, though...

[Ragnarok]

Could not load campaign. Connection timed out.

[Starwolf]

Ack!!! I am having a port forwarding issue... working on it

[Savinien]

I sent the PM as well, Rag.

[ghost-angel]

I'm afraid I'm going to punk out on the pick-up game and attend a lecture on Nepal at the coffee shop up the street if the normal game doesn't materialize. Sorry.

[Savinien]

I'm afraid I'm going to punk out on the pick-up game and attend a lecture on Nepal at the coffee shop up the street if the normal game doesn't materialize. Sorry.

No need to apologize as far as I'm concerned. Enjoy!

[Starwolf]

Well I can't seem to get the dang router to set UPnP or port forwarding. I will get it resolved (probably have to call Qwest tech support), but I don't think I am going to get this going tonight. I will keep at it, and next time we need a one off I will be ready.

One other note. I will not be here next week. We are going out of town to a family reunion and I will be camping out in the middle of nowhere Utah. The nearest town is 50 miles away and no hot spots for net connection.

Sorry for the tech problems.

[Savinien]

Well I can't seem to get the dang router to set UPnP or port forwarding. I will get it resolved (probably have to call Qwest tech support), but I don't think I am going to get this going tonight. I will keep at it, and next time we need a one off I will be ready.

One other note. I will not be here next week. We are going out of town to a family reunion and I will be camping out in the middle of nowhere Utah. The nearest town is 50 miles away and no hot spots for net connection.

Sorry for the tech problems.

No problem. Thanks for trying. And, like you say, we'll be ready next time!

Rag... You got anything?

[Ragnarok]

Enjoy camping.

I'll see the rest of you next week, hopefully.

[Nolgroth]

Sorry folks. Fell asleep right after I posted the last message. Not feeling well even now so I doubt that I could have been an entertaining GM tonight. I will see you all next week. Stupid migraines.

[Nolgroth]

P.S. I loaded up my server so if you want to play you can.

[Starwolf]

Well I didn't give up. I think I got my server up if anyone wants to give it a whirl. I probably won't run a scenario but we can test my settings. And I learned a bit about my router and firewalls. If not I'll see you all in two weeks.

[Savinien]

Well I didn't give up. I think I got my server up if anyone wants to give it a whirl. I probably won't run a scenario but we can test my settings. And I learned a bit about my router and firewalls. If not I'll see you all in two weeks.

I stepped afk to watch The Decision. I checked for your place too, but it wasn't on the list.

[Starwolf]

Sorry about that, I took the server back down so that I could log in to Nol's server, but found the room empty. I figured that everyone had moved on for the night so I gave up and watched America the Story of US. But I got the character lists for Sav and Rag, and I now know what happened to my port forwarding so now I can correct on the fly if it comes up in the future (my internal IP changed so I needed to add the new IP and delete the old one from the router table).

In a couple of days we are off to Pine Lake where we own 10 acres and have setup a private camping area. It is on the north west rim of Bryce Canyon in Utah's red rock country. We are going there this year for a family reunion, and expect about 30 people from around the country. I will be home on Wed 21 July and ready to game again on the 22nd. I would try and make next weeks session, except there are no current bushes around to plug in my laptop, and I am pretty sure the only hotspot will be the coals in my campfire. :D

I'll see you guys in two weeks... don't die while I am gone :D

[Nolgroth]

General Update: It has been an interesting two weeks. When I say interesting, I mean that in the "there's a shark chewing my arm off while zombies eat my brain" way. First of all, the Independence Day weekend was murder. Posting a general update to the MapTool Campaign File was the last fun thing I've done. In the meantime and in-between time, work went crazy with stress and added hours. One of my fellows went down with a knee injury that required surgery so we started training a fill-in candidate in case somebody else got injured or a supervisor slot otherwise opened. Just as he is about 75% ready, we had another supervisor go down with a heart attack. Long story short, I have been busy.

These changes don't directly affect the game schedule in that I still have Thursday's off. The quality of the game is probably going to suffer in the short-term. So I ask of you this boon; would any of you have any hard feelings if I held off getting back to the game until Starwolf returns from vacation? It would give me time to get work stuff back to a manageable level and then I would have much more time to devote to the game. I am somewhat prepared to run (meaning that I have stats, maps, etc) ready. I am still a little fuzzy on how to write Rotman in and Hardesty out for one session, but I could probably manage if needed.

[Daltwisney]

If you need time, take it. Things happen, and I don't mind waiting for the dust to settle.

[ghost-angel]

I'm cool with waiting if you need to get your life less hectic to run more sanely, or at least with less sleep deprivation.

[Nolgroth]

And while I am thinking about it, are there going to be any more planned absences in the next couple of months? I know GenCon is coming up. Is that going to require an absence from anybody here. I would like to try to head things off at the pass rather than "writing" myself into a corner again.

Thanks for the understanding. I could very well run this Thursday. It occurs to me that Hardesty could remain a "silent" team member and split the combat/mechanical chores amongst the others. Or he could be eaten by a Thresher Maw (http://masseffect.wikia.com/wiki/Thresher_Maw). :D

[Starwolf]

Well I for one don't mind if you wait til Starwolf returns :D

Especially as I am pretty sure Hardesty is allergic to being eaten by Thresher Maws (what ever they are :D )

Seriously though, If you do decide to run, you can use Hardesty in any way you desire (be gentle), or have him sit it out as the story dictates. I'll see you guys on the 22nd.

[Savinien]

Whatever you feel the most comfortable with is great with me, Nol. It would be fun to do something on the side, but with Sw being our pick-up guy and in BFE, we'll have to punt or spend time with our families.

[Ragnarok]

Well, I would like to do something, as a three week dry spell is a bummer. But as Sav noted, our pickup option will be enjoying the beauty of the outdoors (something which is far overdue for me come to think of it.)

What is most important, however, is that all involved are having fun. If running would be stressful or otherwise less than fun for you, then the choice is clear. RL sanity certainly takes precedence, without a doubt.

See you gentlemen on the 22nd, then.

P.S. - I will gladly take on a Thresher Maw if I have a krogan at my side.

[Nolgroth]

General Update 07/16/10:
Things are starting to settle down on the work front. I still haven't had time to delve deeply into campaign/game prep but I have read the "blue book" stories submitted to me. Good stuff that I might be able to use to build upon later. I do not see any issue with starting the game up again on the 22nd. Sorry about the dry spell, but as always, these things suck while they happen but give the necessary break to rebuild some of the creative juices.

I wish to repeat my request for notification of any planned/known absences from the game. That way I can plan for the absence and include it into the game. I realize there are always unplanned things that crop up. Since nobody can predict those, I don't sweat when those happen.

See y'all Thursday.

[Nolgroth]

Just a quick note, the Server name is now Nolgroth's Server. I figure with the eventual inclusion of the space opera campaign, it would be easier to stick with a non-specific name.

[Savinien]

Space Opera campaign? I don't know that I've heard the specifics of that...

[Nolgroth]

Space Opera campaign? I don't know that I've heard the specifics of that...

No specifics as of yet. Sorry I missed you when you logged on earlier. Catching my 18.7 winks (40 winks being a luxury :) ).

[Nolgroth]

Okay. We are at a cross-roads here. I think it best if we hold off on the space opera campaign until all is ready (characters and such).

So for the moment we continue with the fantasy campaign? At least until we reach a good story point to stop at?

[Ragnarok]

Sounds fine to me. I feel like we should at least finish the fight we've been waiting a month for.

[Nolgroth]

Server is up. Nolgroth's Server. Same password.

[Nolgroth]

NOTICE

I have to work Thursday. I was just advised that I have to work for somebody who is going to a funeral on Thursday. Sorry about the inconvenience and yet another missed session. If you all want, I can start up the server and let you all play a one-off or something.

[Ragnarok]

Are we on for tonight?

[Nolgroth]

I have the server up right now. :)

[Daltwisney]

I have the server up right now. :)

I don't sees it.

[Nolgroth]

Nolgroth's Server? Not there? Let me reset.

[Daltwisney]

this is dalt's roomate, he got stuck working over, not sure when he'll be home, he wanted me to post this.

[Nolgroth]

Thanks.

[Starwolf]

Guys I have to apologize for the no show tonight. As some of you may know I work for the US Air Force, and we had an incident at work and were on base lockdown. I just got home. Man 17 hours makes for a very long day. Barring another idiot claiming threats against the base I will be there next week.

[Nolgroth]

Hey no problem. JD and Hardesty were locked in a box and shipped off to Timbuktu. They should be arriving in about a week. There, the voracious, cannibal natives are awaiting on arrival of the package before starting their dinner festival. :D

On a serious note, no problem. I have been thinking of putting this campaign out of its misery and moving on. All of my energy is elsewhere and honestly I think we would have a better game by just moving on. Let me know what you, all of you, think.

[Daltwisney]

I would hate to see it end, as it honestly has been fun.
That being said, I am pretty much screwed over availability-wise for at least the next month.
At my job, I typically produce 30-40 'units' a week. Now that same military that kept Starwolf away last night has decided that they want 300 units... in 3 weeks. And, a month ago, they cut the work force at my job to the point where there are 4 departments, and I am the only one in two of them.


BUT: I do think that the Hero 6th Maptools project is worthwhile, and do not plan on stopping contributions, time and energy permitting, of course.

[Nolgroth]

I did not mean to stop playing. I just meant this specific campaign. Losing two players and all the gaps, combined with my focus elsewhere and I think this campaign is suffering. I am thinking something a little more D&D-ish in style. See my blog for a couple of example characters.

[Ragnarok]

Through various events, most understandable but some not so much, I think it's safe to say that this campaign is gut-shot. I will miss what it once was.

"Finish him!"

[Starwolf]

Dang Dalt! One the one hand that sucks from a gaming perspective, but from a work perspective that could be a good thing... job security and all that, with the current economy. If we do roll into a new campaign, by the time we get new characters created and submitted, and what not, perhaps your work will settle down to a low roar and you can jump back in with little time lost.

If we re-visit GA, Terrie would like to join in. I explained that Doc is long dead, and she would need to create a new character. I also warned her that the roster might already be full, and she is ok if it is, but she is interetsted.

I will take a look at the blog. If you are feeling fantasy-ish Nol, I am good with it. I just need to give some thought to a character type.

[ghost-angel]

I'm about 1/2 way into a Epic Fantasy Character as decsribed last chat because I got a neat idea. I could change gears if needed.

[Starwolf]

SO are we on for tonight... if even to just work on characters