View RPoL: Swedish Forks - Game Discussion/OOC by The Founder's Ghost (group 0)

The Founder's Ghost

GM, 1 post

Boo

Sun 12 Feb 2023
at 00:23

msg #1

Game Discussion

To talk about the game and such

The Founder's Ghost

GM, 2 posts

Boo

Sun 12 Feb 2023
at 01:22

msg #2

Game Discussion

Welcome P1

Since we talked about a small group game, I am approaching a couple of other potential players who had expressed some interest.

P1

player, 1 post

Sun 12 Feb 2023
at 02:42

msg #3

Game Discussion

Very cool. Im not rushing you.

P2

player, 1 post

Sun 12 Feb 2023
at 02:45

msg #4

Game Discussion

In reply to P1 (msg # 3):

Waves, no worries on time;-)

The Founder's Ghost

GM, 3 posts

Boo

Tue 14 Feb 2023
at 04:33

msg #5

Game Discussion

Okay folks. We may have another player join us later. May not. But let's get started.

First, I'd like to use 5ed. Ars Magica. I am going to play a little loose with the cannon per se. But nothing too earth shaking.

So what I am proposing is this:

I would like to run you through a mini-campaign of sorts. It's a travelouge type adventure. You'll traipse across parts of Central and Eastern Europe as well as someplace a little more exotic before it's over.

By the end of it, you'll have seen at least two potential covenant sites, possibly gained some valuable resources, and maybe allied with or pissed off some of the Hermetic powers that be. If we are still of the same mindset, by the end of this game we can transition into a more typical AM troupe style game. Recruit some more players. And have you guys set up a covenant.

To start with, I'd ask for you both to generate magi. You can choose to either be 3 years out of gauntlet or roll a 1d10-2 and say you are that many years out of gauntlet (a -1 or 0 counts as being fresh out of gauntlet). You will be starting as low ranking members of Fengheld Covenant in the Rhine.

I'd also like you both to generate at least a grog a piece. You may want to generate two a piece. Parts of the storyline will need to be played by non-Magi.

That sound doable/appealing? I am not married to this idea, so please feel free to make alternate pitches.

Thanks.

P2

player, 2 posts

Tue 14 Feb 2023
at 04:48

msg #6

Game Discussion

Sounds fine with me. I like the idea of traveling and carving out a new covenant.

Can we start with a freshly gauntleted magi if we like?

I'm thinking of doing a magi with a bit of a 'troublemaker' initial reputation so one that left him little option but to leave Fengheld and no options to join an established covenant.

The Founder's Ghost

GM, 4 posts

Boo

Tue 14 Feb 2023
at 04:52

msg #7

Game Discussion

In reply to P2 (msg # 6):

If you'd like to start spanking fresh outta gauntlet, I am fine with that.

P1

player, 2 posts

Tue 14 Feb 2023
at 13:02

msg #8

Game Discussion

Note to start: this is brilliant-

https://timothyferguson.wordpr...-ars-magica-players/

I'd like Friderich to be a few years out; I think Bonisagus is the right house, though I could be convinced Tremere.

Any range for starting year?

P2

player, 3 posts

Tue 14 Feb 2023
at 18:49

msg #9

Game Discussion

In reply to P1 (msg # 8):

I was thinking of having Seeker leanings, but how do you see the relationship between our magi? Friends, common interest or goals, adventuring spirit or...? Figure a Bonisagus could find a covenant (and gild) if they wanted one, so what drives yours to go on a bit of a road trip (and carve a new one out)?

I'm leaning Ex Miscellenea and a little low on the Hermetic totem pole because of rep (scandal with master/gauntlet?).

The Founder's Ghost

GM, 5 posts

Boo

Tue 14 Feb 2023
at 22:11

msg #10

Game Discussion

In reply to P2 (msg # 9):

You usually can't go wrong with Tim Ferguson's stuff.

I'd also recommend Issue 11 of Sub Rosa. They have an interesting Magi builder based on the approach from the Grogs supplement.

For starting year...let's go with 1190. That will give us a good gap with the official starting year.

I will let you two decide how your PCs know one another. It would probably be a decent idea to assume your parens are members of Fengheld. P2, you almost don't have a choice. But if you'd like to have your parens be a member of a different covenant, I won't stop ya.

I will try to work in any Story flaws into the game of course.

One note: if you take the "Outsider" flaw, I tend to be a little brutal about it. Mythic Europe was not kind. Please be forewarned.

Other questions?

P1

player, 3 posts

Tue 14 Feb 2023
at 22:35

msg #11

Game Discussion

Know of a good character builder site or program?

The Founder's Ghost

GM, 6 posts

Boo

Tue 14 Feb 2023
at 22:41

msg #12

Game Discussion

In reply to P1 (msg # 11):

I use Metacrator. But do not know if Alter Ego Software is still in existence. Their store page on DriveThruRPG doesn't exist any longer.

P2

player, 4 posts

Wed 15 Feb 2023
at 00:02

msg #13

Game Discussion

In reply to The Founder's Ghost (msg # 12):

Nope, Alter ego software retired.

P2

player, 5 posts

Wed 15 Feb 2023
at 01:00

msg #14

Game Discussion

In reply to P2 (msg # 13):

Here's a creator for grogs...

https://och.nu/tesla/AM/grog.html

Redcap listed that the Metacreator program was still available if you googled it but so far I haven't found a good link.

The Founder's Ghost

GM, 7 posts

Boo

Wed 15 Feb 2023
at 02:48

msg #15

Game Discussion

In reply to P2 (msg # 14):

https://alteregosoftware.com/ArM5Features.php

But when you try to follow the link for the Ars Magica package, it just takes you to the defunct DriveThruRPG page.

Looks like Metacreator has gone the way of the dodo.

P1

player, 4 posts

Wed 15 Feb 2023
at 13:56

msg #16

Game Discussion

I think a talk about our friendship & motivation for leaving might be the catalyst I need to build a character - the story approach.

One thing I am thinking is moving from Bonisagus to Tremere - the key is really with you, Founder's Ghost - is your Tremere a sketchy group with low esteem and a nefarious agenda? Or is it a structure = power type place?
If the former, then Bonisagus is my house. Friderich, being a bit older, was at one point a proctor of a lab, and floor guardian for some younger members, and befriended P2 along the way. Who can forget being chased by Klaus for stealing cheese - and the fumbled spell that made the kitchen cat into a rat? At least temporarily...

As we grew up within the Covenant, we later worked together as I was a tutor, trying - somewhat successfully? - to help 'break' his Ex Mis mind to that of a proper scholar. While it didn't work, we came to an understanding, and I learned something about the Arcane.

It could be as well then, as I had completed my gauntlet, that I was accused of helping you with yours. A charge unfounded, and though even while I was ultimately cleared of that, some whiff of disrespectability remains.

And that could be why - if you're _just_ out of your gauntlet, that you and I are to travel together?

-OR-

As House Tremere, I have at times, growing up in the covenant, worked with him, and we are friendly, if not friends. As I became more entrenched in Tremere, my mentor, the witch Margilt, often had me focus on where I could gain my advantage - a point that brings other points into focus. I began to look at who I could work with, who I could trust, who could help me, Tremere, and all Magi be better and stronger. P2 - of course. A man with no agenda, and who, because of an...issue with his gauntlet, is open to the idea of a sojourn.

House Tremere - and Margilt - will provide some of the backing, but there is a place or three to the East that needs looking into...

The Founder's Ghost

GM, 8 posts

Boo

Wed 15 Feb 2023
at 17:00

msg #17

Game Discussion

In reply to P1 (msg # 16):

I have to admit one of the things I don't like about 5ed Cannon is the treatment they gave Tremere. It just seemed to be the preferred house for many of the line developers. They seemed to write Tremere as the house where everyone's toned and has perfect hair.

My take on Tremere is that they are a structure=power type in principal. But in organizations like theirs, there's all these little crevices the sketchy can hide.

In other words, yes Tremere talks the talk. As to whether they walk the walk is a magi by magi basis.

P1

player, 5 posts

Wed 15 Feb 2023
at 17:57

msg #18

Game Discussion

Ok, well - maybe l could get a hint from you ? Generally prefer a social, diplomatic PC - ambitious, bright, too clever for his own good. If you feel like Margilt and I are Boni, great. If you like some of the machinations of Tremere, then great!

P2 - do you have a preference for friends vs partners vs acquaintances?

P2

player, 6 posts

Wed 15 Feb 2023
at 19:16

msg #19

Game Discussion

In reply to P1 (msg # 18):

I can work with what you like. 'Emrys' has a few motivations to go out to search for a place to make a new covenant...not the least is that he's at the bottom of the social status ladder (making founding a covenant easier than joining an established one).

Part of Friderich's motivation for doing the road trip with Emrys is of course 'safety in numbers' and he found a interested (or desperate) party in Emrys (regardless of the status of their relationship) but the larger question in my mind is why does Friderich take to the road? It'd be far less risky to play the Gild game and find a spot in a nice safe covenant in the Rhine tribunal.

Oh....side note... the initial turb of grogs. How are they recruited or connected to us? Friends, 'assigned'/gifted by mother covenant, some other connection?
This message was last edited by the player at 19:19, Wed 15 Feb 2023.

The Founder's Ghost

GM, 9 posts

Boo

Wed 15 Feb 2023
at 19:46

msg #20

Game Discussion

First, are ya'll set on the names "Fredrich" and "Emrys"? If so, I'll get your names switched over.

Second, Fredrich/P1: it sounds to me that you are leaning towards a social/political character.

If you go Tremere, the pros/cons as I see them are:

-You will have a superior.  So expect to get some orders at some point
-You may be able to leverage the Tremere's network on occasion.
-Some players really like the whole "work your way up the ranks" aspect.

Pros/Cons of the Bonisagus route as I see them:

-You have more control over your own agenda
-You do not have as much House support for your agenda

My personal choice would be the Bonisagus route. But that's me. I've always been more of a Tytalus guy than a Tremere guy.

The Grogs. I'd like you each to come up with two grogs a piece for a total of four.

First, I'd like for you to run each other's shield grogs. You can assume these grogs were issued to your magi from Fengheld's troops and that grog is now the magi's to control. Consider it a perk for being part of Fengheld.

Second, I'd like two other grogs and that's a bit up to you two to decide. I'd recommend one more soldier and maybe one servant. Some additional muscle and someone who can act as your agent in dealing with the mundane folks. But that's a suggestion. I wouldn't try designing a craftsman or anything like that. Leave that for post-game/covenant building.

Questions?

P2

player, 7 posts

Wed 15 Feb 2023
at 19:53

msg #21

Game Discussion

In reply to The Founder's Ghost (msg # 20):

On names, it's been a while but parens give their apprentices names don't they? So a magi has a birth name (and potential arcane connection) and a name their master gave them typically?

The Founder's Ghost

GM, 10 posts

Boo

Wed 15 Feb 2023
at 20:01

msg #22

Game Discussion

In reply to P2 (msg # 21):

Typically, yes. The parens gives the magi a new name, though most masters allow their apprentice some say in the matter.

P2

player, 8 posts

Wed 15 Feb 2023
at 20:24

msg #23

Game Discussion

In reply to The Founder's Ghost (msg # 22):

Emrys then.

On a grog related note past the shield grogs...one a burly teamster (to fill the 3rd combatant slot) or blacksmith? Or should we go with 1 'face' grog for the mundanes and keep the other one tightly combat focused?

The Gentle Gift in the cards for Fridrich?

The Founder's Ghost

GM, 11 posts

Boo

Fri 17 Feb 2023
at 05:45

msg #24

Game Discussion

Okay. You guys names should be updated.

Couple of housekeeping items I should have gone over before. Sorry.

I am generally offline Wednesdays and one day during the weekend. I do try to check boards at least once a day, five days a week. If I know I will be offline other than that, I will post an update.

Just updated your names. So you should be Frederich and Emrys now.

Questions on the magi building or anything up until now?

Thanks.

Frederich

player, 6 posts

Fri 17 Feb 2023
at 11:38

msg #25

Game Discussion

Ok - A gentle gift sounds great, but I am feeling some hierarchy, so im going to opt Tremere.

I have one last place to look for my AM pdfs, but if not there, I'll need a hand.

Emrys

player, 9 posts

Fri 17 Feb 2023
at 14:30

msg #26

Game Discussion

In reply to Frederich (msg # 25):

Are you saying that you're planning on taking the Gentle Gift with Fridrich (you may only pick up to one major hermetic virtue) or that it sounds great that one of us has the gentle gift? I'm fine with taking it with Emrys unless you want to take it.

Here's a link index of all the published virtues for Ars Magica by Atlas btw...

https://www.atlas-games.com/pd...rage/ArM5VFIndex.pdf

Emrys

player, 10 posts

Fri 17 Feb 2023
at 14:54

msg #27

Game Discussion

I usually whip up my own sheet but here's an ArM5th sheet I snagged from rpol's resource thread.

Character: | Decrepitude: | Warping:
Player: | |
Age: Size: Confidence: | |
------------------------------------| |
Birth Name | |
Year Born | |
Gender | |
Race/Nationality --------------------------------------------
Place of Origin Height Weight
Religion Hair Eyes
Title/Profession Handedness
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CHARACTERISTICS | ABILITIES SPECIALTY SCORE XP
|
Intelligence: 0 |
Perception: 0 |
Strength: 0 |
Stamina: 0 |
Presence: 0 |
Communication: 0 |
Dexterity: 0 |
Quickness: 0 |
|
------------------------------------|
VIRTUES |
|
|
|
|
|
|
FLAWS |
|
|
|
|
|
|
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PERSONALITY TRAITS | REPUTATIONS TYPE SCORE XP
|
|
|
|
|
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ARMOR SOAK LOAD

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FATIGUE | WOUNDS
PEN RECOV | PEN RANGE
Fresh X | Light Wounds -1 1-5
Winded 0 2 min | Medium Wounds -3 6-10
Weary -1 10 min | Heavy Wounds -5 11-15
Tired -3 30 min | Incapacitated 16-20
Dazed -5 1 hr | Dead 21+
Unconscious 2 hr |
|
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WEAPONS INIT ATK DFN DAM LOAD RANGE

Dodge
Fist
Kick

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EQUIPMENT

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MAGICAL ARTS

TECHNIQUE SCORE XP | FORM SCORE XP | FORM SCORE XP
Creo 0 0 | Animal 0 0 | Ignem 0 0
Intelligo 0 0 | Aquam 0 0 | Imaginem 0 0
Muto 0 0 | Auram 0 0 | Mentam 0 0
Perdo 0 0 | Corpus 0 0 | Terram 0 0
Rego 0 0 | Herbam 0 0 | Vim 0 0

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SPELLS

(Example)
Frosty Breath of the Spoken Lie, InMe 20 (+23), Eye/Conc/Ind
AM5 p.149
Mastery 1 (5) : Penetration

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
POSSESSIONS

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Frederich

player, 7 posts

Fri 17 Feb 2023
at 15:07

msg #28

Game Discussion

In reply to Emrys (msg # 26):

Well we both don't need it! I am always best as an interactive character, so I was thinking of taking it. A generalist is also my style, so not being called to focus on one art or form suits me too.

I would like to sketch out more our relationship. Are you covenant born or recent? What ideas do you have about our connection? You more a free spirt kinda ExM? Or a buck-authority kinda ExM?

Emrys

player, 11 posts

Fri 17 Feb 2023
at 16:19

msg #29

Game Discussion

Emrys will have a reputation as a 'troublemaker' in hermetic circles but that doesn't necessarily mean he's a full on 'buck the authority' type either. His curiosity and adventurous nature would likely be more the source of his troublemaker rep. That said he'd also be a bit devoted to founding and building up a covenant.
I haven't decided yet to go with a 'Hedge Wizard' reputation. I'm leaning against it I think but I'm cool Frederich (or Fridrich?) taking the lead/face job as far as relations with the Order of Hermes/other covenants is concerned. Internally we can sort out those dynamics as play progresses but Frederich at least starts as the 'senior partner' of the pair;-).

Emrys is not covenant born and his master brought him in at a young age after poaching\kidnapping him somewhere in the Byzantium Empire (iirc they call themselves Roman). His native tongue is Greek though he'd have at least some German but he'll have Latin at 4 (at least) for a lingua franca.

He will not be a lab rat magi. He will have the Seeker flaw (You are a self-proclaimed member of the Seekers, a loose organization of competitive magi searching for ancient magic and arcane artifacts. Much of your life is spent in pursuit of these items. Your interests may occasionally clash with other interests of your House.). All thing considered, founding a Covenant takes priority but Emrys will be motivated towards that sort of stuff.

Beyond that, his Ex Miscellanea tradition has something to do with the Titans. Still nailing down details but between being a seeker and this is the major reason why I'm leaning against a 'hedge wizard' reputation. He may be a bit Tytalus adjacent.

As far as Emrys relations with Frederich, well with the age difference we probably aren't quite Mutt & Jeff;-). Though friendship is workable...the idea that Frederich was tasked to tutor the idiot new kid Latin (and/or German) works as a foundation for their relationship. Post Gauntlet, Emrys may not quite be given the GTFO boot but circumstances mean he can't stay at Fengheld and joining an existing covenant a very unlikely option with the hint that he 'should go make trouble somewhere else, preferably in another tribunal';-).

Founding a new covenant with Frederich can be something they talked about (and planned for) and given that Emrys is no longer an apprentice, the trigger can finally be pulled on those plans. Or Frederich just wants some safety in numbers as he follows-up on something he's discovered in his time at Fengheld. Or as a Tremere he's been instructed to set up something to the East and his acquaintance with Emrys and that Ex Miscellanea's circumstances made him an easy recruit. I'm fine if there are ulterior motives in the mix.

Frederich

player, 8 posts

Sat 18 Feb 2023
at 00:13

msg #30

Game Discussion

In reply to Emrys (msg # 29):

ok cool! I am seeing Friderik as coming to the covenant, a youngster from a good, but large family, a barge captain's family along the Elbe, under the employ of the Archbishop of Magdeburg. But young Friderik never was...right, somehow, and it was probably through connections of his father, and from there, maybe one of his men, that the boy was sent discreetly to Fengheld. With his father absent for long stretches, and his family so large, being unnoticed was somewhat common to the lad, and adapting to covenant life came quickly. That, and his affable nature, willingness to structure, and - as some elders would describe it - his mediocre gift, made him an apt choice to work with newcomers, and provide an extra set of eyes and ears when dealing with some mundane folk.

It was in this manner that he met with Emrys - the latin, the incident with Klaus and the giant rat, that time they went and visited Erfurt under the guise of looking for a perfect stollen for christmas. Though not religious per se, knowledge of custom is critical...and stollen is delicious.

Regardless, for Friderik, I think the real turn of the relationship into a trust-based was prior to his gauntlet, he would practice his parma and certamen with Emrys, in part because Emrys had different ways of approaching spellcasting, but also because he felt that Emrys would know when to stop, because even though he was older and stronger, magic was not to be taken lightly...

Additionally, with his wider view of the world, owing to his gentle gift, and him also not being a lab rat, especially, he's found, not working for another's experiments (caughMargilt) and perhaps on the suggestion - or 'request' - from his parens or from another source inside Tremere, he too is interested in the eastern frontiers, and perhaps building something anew!

OCC: I know nothing of these seekers, but if it makes sense to have us both a part of that, I accept.

I will need some help in character creation - the only pieces of my AM collection I've found are AM3...

But I'm simple & not very particular. I am joining the Ars Magicaa club here, so I bet I can get some help there, but would rather work with one of you, if you have the time.

Emrys

player, 12 posts

Sat 18 Feb 2023
at 00:57

msg #31

Game Discussion

In reply to Frederich (msg # 30):

Okay, maybe they are a little Mutt & Jeff like;-).

With Fridrich the more 'respectable' of the pair.

One suggestion for an Ars character is to at least pick a form and technique to sort of specialize in from the start. You can generalize after but you'll want something your good at from the start.

I'm not taking this virtue due to background) but it's one you might consider (and it's popular with starting Rhine tribunal players-

(Gild) Trained: You have been trained for a number of seasons at the covenant of Durenmar during the end of your apprenticeship in the Rhine Tribunal. In addition to a season of training by a magus of House Bonisagus, you have also been inducted into one of the Rhine’s political gilds, receiving two or more seasons of training by one of its masters. You gain an additional 30 experience points, which may be spent on Order of Hermes Lore, Intrigue, and Durenmar Lore (or, rarely, the Lore of another covenant where you were trained by your gild). You gain a further 60 experience points that may be spent on any General or Arcane Abilities, Arts, and spells (one point per level) that are appropriate to
your gild. For example, the Ash Gild Trained Virtue can confer Hunt, Penetration, and battle magics, whereas Elder Gild Trained might grant Etiquette, Faerie Lore, and faerie spells. This extra training may negate the effect of the Weak Parens Flaw, in which case the Virtue and Flaw cancel out and both can be dropped. With the approval of the storyguide, it may be combined with the Skilled Parens Virtue.

This Virtue is not compulsory for Rhine magi — not all magi apprenticed here opt to receive this training and join a gild immediately, although many do. A magus who joins a gild post-apprenticeship usually still receives gild training, but in this case the Virtue should not be taken instead the magus must spend seasons of time to be trained, for which experience points are gained as usual according to the Long Term Events chapter of Ars Magica 5th Edition.

----
We're leaving the Rhine tribunal behind but the various Gilds can help you shape some things. They're named after trees. I can copy & paste some snippets up if interested.

The Founder's Ghost

GM, 12 posts

Boo

Sat 18 Feb 2023
at 01:30

msg #32

Game Discussion

Frederich: tried finding some online stuff about Seekers.

https://www.redcap.org/page/Seeker

https://www.redcap.org/page/Ancient_Magic

But the upshot is Seekers are searching for lost magical lore. They are the Hermetic version of Indiana Jones. Or Howard Carter if you're more reality minded.

And will be happy to give you all the help I can. Sounds like Emrys is as well. As a heads up, we may yet get that third player, and he will be completely new to AM. Will keep you posted.

My personal theory is to start with your virtues and flaws. The link Emrys provided is a good place to start. Though, it will not give you the details on what the Vs/Fs listed mean.

You get Minor Magical Focus (Certamen) for free.

There were some changes and consolidations between 3rd and 5th, but the upshot is:

Minor Virtues/Flaws are worth 1 point (Virtues cost a point/Flaws gain you a point, etc.)

Major Virtues/Flaws are worth 3 points

Gentle Gift is a major Hermetic virtue. So you're already at 3 points.

You mentioned that you came from a large family. Since you have a gentle gift, and you mention he has a good relationship with his family, you can take the story flaw "Close Family Ties". From the book: Your family is one of the most important things in your life, and still supports and aids you whenever possible, even at personal risk. Family members do not hesitate to do you any favor that is within their power, and can call on their friends and neighbors to help you. It works both ways, however; your family may require help from you some day.

You could also say some of your grog characters come from Frederich's family.

"Close Family Ties" is a minor flaw.

That's a suggestion.

Without worrying about what virtue/flaw it is, list two strong points and two weak points you think Frederich has. Ones that could get him in trouble and help him get out of it. They can be personality traits, strong physique, some aspect of magic you'd think he'd excel at, etc.

Emrys

player, 13 posts

Sat 18 Feb 2023
at 01:33

msg #33

Game Discussion

I guess another question is there something about House Tremere you really like and want to play out?

Atlas' stewardship is a little different from Lion Rampart/White Wolf that they aren't quite as focused on stereotypes that would be the hallmark of latter White Wolf products. Tremere are still a bit of a hierarchy type group as Ghost laid out in his pros/cons list.

Honestly, with Emrys a Tytalus may work better since the Tytalus could have had closer relations with an Emrys' Ex Miscellanea master (who as I mentioned is Titan focused). They could have been fellow members of a Titan focused mystery cult (perhaps more an offshoot of the Titanoi, House Tytalus & Tremere had a common master...Guorna the Fetid...Tremere are more necromancy focused and on the priesthood of Pluto while Tytalus 'sought out those spirits imprisoned in the Underworld by those gods'...the titans).

If Emrys and Fridrich are more friends than that would be a very easy tie-in. We wouldn't necessarily be initiated members into the mystery cult but our masters could be. And Fridrich got tied up in Emrys' trouble that going to parts unknown made sense for both of them.

As far as the seeker flaw...you just have to declare you are one. It's sort of like an archaeologist/scholars drive to uncover lost magical secrets and while I think Seekers can cooperate there is some competition among them. Not sure if that is what you want.

The Founder's Ghost

GM, 13 posts

Boo

Sat 18 Feb 2023
at 02:35

msg #34

Game Discussion

In reply to Emrys (msg # 33):

Emrys has a good point. Some of the Houses got a real make over by Atlas. Tremere isn't as sweeping, but there are some changes. One is Atlas did away with the whole Vampire corruption point.

Another thing is Atlas' version of Tremere is much more of a detailed paramilitary organization. That was where my observation in the pros/cons came from. That's not a bad thing at all. But the whole hiearchy thing is much more set in stone. What I think is the best summation of the Atlas version of Tremere comes from their write up in Houses of Hermes:

"House Tremere would like to rule the world. This
attitude alienates many of their sodales. Their desire for
domination is not, however, born directly from pride.
Tremere magi believe that a global government would
make life less chaotic. Fewer tragedies would occur, and
crises would swiftly dealt with. Great accomplishments
would be easier if magi pooled their efforts. The
Tremere magi do not, however, trust anyone else to rule
the world wisely"
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:40, Sat 18 Feb 2023.

The Founder's Ghost

GM, 14 posts

Boo

Sat 18 Feb 2023
at 02:38

msg #35

Game Discussion

And since I mention Houses of Hermes: True Lineages, here is a blurb from that book about recommended V/Fs for Tremeres:

Some other virtues have a particular resonance with
the history of the House:

All Tremere magi have a Minor Magical Focus in
Certamen. This makes them excellent duelists, but
means that they cannot, age for age, match the power
of other magi with similar interests. Like their
Founder, they work around this problem with diplomacy, preparation and supporters.

Most of the House’s practitioners of Mercurian magic
died in the Tempest, the decisive battle of the Schism
War. Four hundred years on, their descendants still
exist, but the virtue is not required for membership of
the House.

The Heir, Mentor and Close Family Ties virtues can
be used to modify a Tremere magus’s relationship
with his tribune or conciliarius, with the Storyguide’s
approval.

Entrancement, Skilled Parens, Piercing Gaze, Self
Confident, Second Sight, Social Contacts, Cautious
Sorcerer and Temporal Influence are common, as are
affinities in Guile, Bargain and Finesse.

The Shapeshifter and Skinchanger virtues may
explain some of the stories about the wolves of
Coeris. Tremere Shapeshifters also often take the
form of owls.

Dark Secret (Diedne Magic) is not appropriate for
Tremere characters. Tremere is the House most likely to react violently to the re-emergence of a druidical lineage of magi.

Berserk magi cannot fight to doctrine and so are ineffective soldiers.

The attitude of the House toward most characters
with Flaws is based on the magus’s capacity to serve as a
soldier in times of crisis. Few Tremere magi would accept
an apprentice with any of the following flaws: Hedge
Wizard, Faerie Upbringing, Noncombatant, Softhearted,
and Reclusive. A Weak Parens would not train a child,
although a master might become Infamous during or after
an apprenticeship. Apprentices with physical disabilities,
or who are Tainted with Evil, would not be selected for
training, but those who developed these flaws after they
were accepted might not be sold to other Houses. Magic
Addiction, Painful Magic, Fury and many physical disabilities prevent a magus from serving effectively, and most
Tremere magi would see them as humiliating.
A second group of flaws make a magus suboptimal on
the battlefield, but can be hidden by sufferers. They are
likely a cause of embarrassment, particularly if they seem
to indicate a lack of self-control. These flaws include
Rigid Magic, Short-ranged Magic, Unstructured Caster,
Careless Sorcerer, Slow Magic, Unpredictable Magic,
Warped Magic, Weak Magic, Weird Magic, Weakness,
Afflicted Tongue, Motion Sickness, No Sense of
Direction, Obese, Palsied Hands, Poor Eyesight, Poor
Hearing.
The Clumsy Magic flaw would cripple a Tremere
magus in sagas that use the dueling rules provided later in
this chapter.
The Favors flaw creates an obligation in addition to
that caused by membership of the House.

Please note, I provide this info just to help you with ideas. I am not requiring you to stick to cannon per se. So if you wanted to take Faerie Upbringing, I wouldn't quibble about it.

Emrys

player, 14 posts

Sat 18 Feb 2023
at 21:59

msg #36

Game Discussion

Yeah...looks like metacreator is scrubbed everywhere. I looked a lot of places to see if anyone squirreld away a copy, but nope.

Anyway this site will help you calculate points for your ArM5 pc

https://rpg.ekkaia.org/ampcc/

Frederich

player, 9 posts

Mon 20 Feb 2023
at 20:02

msg #37

Game Discussion

Thanks! I did sign up for the free AM4 from Atlas, and do have the AM spreadsheet...but that still puts me a bit behind as far as building a PC. I expect that it'll be vastly easier when/if AM4 arrives. I remain willing to work with folks to build characters swiftly.

I am using the Grugulator (https://och.nu/tesla/AM/grog.html)

And here's one of my favorite candidates for a shield grog

Characteristics
Int 2 Str 0 Pre -1 Dex 2
Per 1 Stm -1 Com -1 Qik 2

Traits
Score
Calm 1
Easily Offended 1
Brave 2

2 Athletics

4 Awareness

1 Bargain

5 Charm

5 Folk Ken

3 Guile

Language:
Czech
5
Lore:
Holy Roman Empire 4

Lore:
Weather phenomena 1

Profession:
Guard 2

Ride 4

Weapons: Single 4

Just an autocreaate, but a nice character - Even, 27, M, originally from near Brno. Blonde hair, soft brown eyes, and speaks Czech and German

The Founder's Ghost

GM, 15 posts

Boo

Tue 21 Feb 2023
at 03:41

msg #38

Game Discussion

In reply to Frederich (msg # 37):

He seems less a shield grog and more a "face" man. He's better at talking to people than he is with his single weapon. That said, my only question is "Guard" as a Profession. I just can't think of what skill set that would encompass. He already has Awareness. Off the top of my head, I would think that would cover anything that the Profession: Guard would cover. Maybe it was covered in a supplement and I'm forgetting about it.

But in any case, I'd say reassign the points in Guard to something else. You may also want to consider bumping the Folk Ken and Charm a level. But that's a general suggestion. I think the basics are good for a "Hey You. Go Talk To 'Em" guy.

Grogs can have up to 3 points Virtues/Flaws. They're not required, but can give them more depth or add some bonuses to areas as needed.

If you took Puissant (Charm or Folk Ken), you'd give that single ability a +2. So you could knock the score down to a 3 or 4, apply the bonus, and end up with a total score of 5 or 6. Then you can apply those XP you freed up from downgrading the score to other abbilites.

I highly recommend taking something like Tough for a grog. That +3 bonus to soak can save his life.

As far as flaws to pay for whatever virtues you may consider, I'd say it would depend on his personality. Maybe he's a bit too sociable and has a Weakness (Pretty Face).

Anyway, I think you've got a good start to a good Grog. Let me know if I can answer any questions. Thanks.

The Founder's Ghost

GM, 16 posts

Boo

Tue 21 Feb 2023
at 06:05

msg #39

Welcome P3

Please welcome P3 to the game. He is new to Ars Magica in general. So please help him out as you can. Say hello P3.

We're looking at having him start off as a companion character. We'll start sketching things out. I was thinking of recommending a non-magi Redcap. Thoughts from Frederich and Emrys?

Thanks Ya'll.

Emrys

player, 15 posts

Tue 21 Feb 2023
at 06:53

msg #40

Welcome P3

In reply to The Founder's Ghost (msg # 39):

Welcome to the game;-)

Non-magi redcaps are cool with some interesting choices including enchanted items.

Emrys

player, 16 posts

Tue 21 Feb 2023
at 08:27

msg #41

Welcome P3

Heh...Shapeshifting as a supernatural ability might be an interesting ability for a Mercere as well...like a bird to start with (Crow or Raven?). And maybe a magic bag to go with it?

Would make traveling a snap and also have tons of other uses down the road.

P3

player, 1 post

Tue 21 Feb 2023
at 16:17

msg #42

Welcome P3

Hello P3. (Sorry.)

Frederich

player, 10 posts

Wed 22 Feb 2023
at 02:27

msg #43

Welcome P3

In reply to P3 (msg # 42):

lolz welcome! this should be a lot of fun. AM is a very different kinda game. But at it's core, it's the medieval paradigm that defines it. Wrap your head around that and the rest is easy.

Frederich

player, 11 posts

Wed 22 Feb 2023
at 03:07

msg #44

Game Discussion

In reply to The Founder's Ghost (msg # 38):

Ok! I got the AM4 pdf. Quick question before I mock up a Trem - do I have my sigil or no? If yes, what's a level of cert that makes you happy?

The Founder's Ghost

GM, 17 posts

Boo

Wed 22 Feb 2023
at 03:56

msg #45

Game Discussion

To You All.

Found a good looking resource:

https://thealexandrian.net/wor...n-system-cheat-sheet

Click the "Click for PDF". Someone finally came up with a cheat sheet for AM5. May the angels watch over them.

Highly recommend downloading it.

The Founder's Ghost

GM, 18 posts

Boo

Wed 22 Feb 2023
at 04:01

msg #46

Game Discussion

Frederich,

One of the things that changed between 4ed and 5ed is Certamen.

First, there is no longer a Certamen skill.

If you look at that cheat sheet link I sent you I think the formulae for Certamen is on page 8.

Simply put, due to your Tremere Minor Magical Focus (Certamen), when you are in Ceramen, you will double the lower of the Form or Technique being used in the contest. So if it's a CrIg contest, and your Creo is 8 and your Ig is 5, your Form/Technique total would be 18 (8+5+5).

If it helps, we can roleplay out a certamen using some fake scores on another thread. That might give you a chance to get the formulae and new process down before we use it in game.

The Founder's Ghost

GM, 19 posts

Boo

Thu 23 Feb 2023
at 01:06

msg #47

Game Discussion

In reply to The Founder's Ghost (msg # 46):

Okay. P3. Let's hear what kind of companion you'd be interested in. I was suggesting a Redcap because I feel it's a good starting point. But that's just a suggestion. Other possibilities are

A Knight
A Merchant
An Itinerant Friar
Bored Young Noble

Frederich, you need anything from me thus far?

Thanks Folks.

Frederich

player, 12 posts

Thu 23 Feb 2023
at 02:23

msg #48

Game Discussion

In reply to The Founder's Ghost (msg # 47):

I'm good - I should have you all three tomorrow. I will need some help in adapting it, and a concept-check on the virtues/flaws. I tend to be very conservative, and that's not always the right choices. Anyway, I still think a machivellian tremere, probably more in the intellego focus. I still like gentle gift, but we'll see about the cost.

Emrys

player, 17 posts

Fri 24 Feb 2023
at 01:29

msg #49

Game Discussion

In reply to Frederich (msg # 48):

Any idea what you're doing with Fridrich's arts and spells yet? Primarily asking if you are going to take Aegis of the Hearth or what form you are primarily looking to focus on.

Frederich

player, 13 posts

Fri 24 Feb 2023
at 02:51

msg #50

Game Discussion

Ok, so I have a skeleton Magi, but I'm going to need a hand squishing it into AM5.

I love the characterization of House Tremere as the house where everyone's toned and has perfect hair, so I'm going to run with that.

Friderich Wasserman, aka Nicolas of Tremere, from large family of Magdeburg (which tragically burned very badly in 1188, as written 'burnt down', ooof. Highly likely that several of his family members perished.

Regardless, Friderich, at that point his gauntlet passed, returned and reconnected with his family, such that remained, and was able to help some get resettled and rebuilt. (and bringing the flaw Close Family into play.)

He continued to stay at the covenant (Either working off some additional debt to Margilt, his Parens, or something similar with the House or with the Seekers (Though which at this point is not decided).

But now, with his friend Emrys recently passed, and the attachement (for whatever reason/s/) to this dashing redcap aka P3, the time has come to venture forth!

I see Friderich with some broad stats - +2 in Int, +1's in Perception, Stamina, Presence & Communication. And then for virtues, Gentle Gift is the centerpiece, with Luck, Inspirational, and Minor Magical Focus in Certamen to balance. Flaws sees Ambitious (and maybe also self-confident?), Close Family. Incompatible Arts (CrAn, and maybe another XXAn) Mentor (Is this a virtue or flaw?), Offensive to Animals (the just don't like me version) and Susceptible to Divine.

I confess to being a lil confused on skills as well, but I'd like Friderich to have a little skill with Disputato, Sword (or Mace?), Dagger, Swim, Boating, and legend lore, and some skills with Ettiquite and Leadership. I'd like improved skills with Finesse, Intrigue, Parma, Bargain and Guile. I expect that the standard skills (if they are in AM5) in Magic Theory, Org Lore House of Hermes, Scribe & Speak Latin, and Speak German.

In part because of his own path, but also heavily influenced by his parens, he is very strong with two Techniques, Intelligo 11, and Rego 10. Creo, Muto, and Perdo is only a 1. For Forms, Animal alone is zero. The elemnts are generally very weak - Ignem, Aquam, Auram, and Herbam (and Imaginem) are all a 1. Terram alone is a 3, as is Corpus and Mentam. Vim is a 2.

I think we can leave spells and gear for later. but I think we see - or I do, anyway - a better picture of the Magi Nicolas. I'll send the things I have in the format via separate message.

Emrys

player, 18 posts

Fri 24 Feb 2023
at 03:11

msg #51

Game Discussion

Thanks;-) Even if's two years or so til we settle down with a covenant site I don't want to go trading for Aegis of the Hearth so I'll pick that up.

I'm thinking an Aegis of 25 to start but no lower than 20.

So he'll have a higher score in Vim (and Rego).

As a side note Fengheld's local spoken language is High German (and I think it's in the Saxony region).

<cut & paste>

Germanic Languages
Germanic: Bavarian German, Dutch, English (Old English, Anglo-Saxon), Frisian,
High German, Low German, Yiddish
West Scandinavian: Faeroese, Icelandic, Norwegian
East Scandinavian: Danish, Gotlandish, Scanian, Swedish
[N.B. The various Scandinavians languages became distinct starting in the 12th century. Old
Norse is still the language used for the Icelandic sagas. You may consider the Scandinavian
languages presented to all be dialects of Norse.

Dutch includes Flemish dialects in Belgium. I do not know how widespread Yiddish might be
in Mythic Europe given how Jews are treated by society at large, but it is probably prevalent in mostly Jewish villages. High German dialects include Franconian, Swabian, Swiss, and Rhenish. Old English (Anglo-Saxon) and Frisian are still very closely related. English has probably begun to absorb some elements of French in the 150 years since the Norman invasion, but this French influence is most prevalent in the southeast. Also, most English nobles at this time speak French in court. Major English dialects include Mercian, Middle English, and Northumbrian. ]

P3

player, 2 posts

Fri 24 Feb 2023
at 03:13

msg #52

Game Discussion

Are all of the redcaps messengers, or do certain individuals play other specialized roles?

Emrys

player, 19 posts

Fri 24 Feb 2023
at 03:32

msg #53

Game Discussion

From Guardians of the Forest-

LANGUAGES IN GERMANY
The following Living Languages are spoken in Germany and bordering lands. Each consists of several distinct regional dialects, which are given in parentheses; most characters should take the appropriate one as a specialty. For West Norse and French, only the dialects commonly encountered in Germany have been listed. Educated or well-traveled speakers will
have tried hard to rid themselves of their dialect, and may have standard specialties (see Ars Magica 5th Edition, page 66).

High German (Swabian, Franconian, Bavarian, Swiss, Yiddish)
Low German (Saxon, Pomeranian, Friesian, Flemish)
West Slavonic (Sorbian, Polish, Czech, Slovak)
West Norse (Danish)
French (Norman)

High German is spoken by the largest number of people, in the central and southern areas of Germany. Yiddish, a hybrid of High German and Hebrew, is the mother tongue of German Jews, who mostly live in city enclaves. Low German is spoken in the northern lowlands of Ger- many, and the Saxon dialect is becoming the lingua franca for Baltic trade. Norman French (a dialect of the northern French language referred to as Langue d’oil) is spoken in the western parts of Lower and Upper Lorraine. Sorbian (Wendish) is the language of the Sorbs (Wends), and is spoken in Lusatia and Rügen, and partly in Brandenburg and Pomerania. Czech is spoken in Bohemia and Moravia. However German migration into the Eastern Marches means that either High or Low German is likely to be understood to some extent by the middle and upper classes.

These languages are inter-related to some extent, and the speaker of one language may ﬁnd the speaker of another language intelligible. The following modiﬁers apply to the base language (ignore dialect specialties, if applicable):

Same language, different dialects: –1 penalty to both speakers

High German vs Low German: –2 penalty to both speakers

High German (Yiddish only) vs Hebrew: –2 penalty to both speakers

Low German vs West Norse: –3 penalty (only –2 if Saxon dialect) to both speakers

Low German vs English: –3 penalty (only –2 if Friesian dialect) to both speakers

High German vs West Norse or English: –4 penalty to both speakers

Exempli gratia: A character with High German 5 (Bavarian) speaks to fellow Bavarians with
an effective score of 6, High German speakers with no dialect with an effective score of 5, Franconians with an effective score of 4, all Low German speakers with a effective score of 3, and can even communicate basic concepts to Englishmen (effective score 1).

DEAD LANGUAGES
East German (Gothic, Vandalic, Burgundic)

The Founder's Ghost

GM, 20 posts

Boo

Fri 24 Feb 2023
at 03:35

msg #54

Game Discussion

Redcaps do come in more than one flavor yes. The typical redcap (unGifted member of House Mercere) serve as messengers. But the House also performs other functions for the Order.

If you want to invest the dollars, you can pick up Houses of Hermes True Lineages. Mercere is one of the houses covered in that one. But I can give you the short course here.

The Redcaps fall generally into four buckets:

Messengers and Heralds Kind of the default model
Primary role is to insure communication
between covenants within a Tribunal

Usually travel solo.
Usually trained to protect themselves, in
stealth, and survival skills.

Merchants and Bankers The Redcaps run a bank for the Order
that focuses on Vis rather than money. This vis
exchange is sort of their primary financial
service for the order. But they also hold
a wide range of mercantile interests.

For example, there is a trading company that runs
along the length of the Rhine River that is in
fact owned by House Mercere. They use it as a
front for moving across Eurpoe. But they also
do a lot of legitimate merchant business as well

One of the other houses, Verditius, specializes in
magic items. Because of the rules of the Order
they can't sell magic items directly to mundanes.
So they go through brokers. House Mercere is heavy
involved in this as well.

Mercenaries and Soldiers Pretty much what it says. The muscle of House Mercere
Usually paid to escort other Redcaps but can be hired
by any magi

Minstrels and Wanderers This is a catch all bucket.

Some messenger redcaps aren't real enthused about
about their day job and so like to wander.

Others wander intentionally, more or less acting as
spies and gathering intel on the mundane world
for the Order.

I once played a Redcap who's primary goal was
to find Covenant sites. He was very sensitive to
magic and wandered Europe just looking for magical
areas.

I played another one who ran a band of smugglers. His
real goal was to control the underworld of a certain
region and make it safe for Redcaps to travel through
as well as supply a source of income for his local
covenant.

So usually Redcaps are messengers. But there's other aspects we can look into if you'd rather.

Emrys

player, 20 posts

Fri 24 Feb 2023
at 03:46

msg #55

Re: Game Discussion

P3:

Are all of the redcaps messengers, or do certain individuals play other specialized roles?

Annnnd cut & pasted from Houses of Hermes- True Lineages...

Redcaps
After the death of Mercere, the House suffered a period of great decline. While the Founder lived, his unGifted followers were respected by association, but without his inﬂuence they soon came to be regarded as a plebeian class within the Order. For decades they remained a small and insular House, before they began to take on many of the administrative duties that are now associated with the term “Redcap.” They performed these duties so well, in fact, that the other Houses came to depend upon them. In particular, a Redcap named Belin became famous for always getting her messages through even the most dangerous of wars and weather, and it was because she wore a loose red cap like Mercere’s that those without the Gift came to be favorably associated with the title.

As magi relied more on Redcaps, so the Redcaps relied more upon magi, and many began to join other covenants, leaving the Mercere-only houses in which they had always gathered. They maintained strong ties to their House, usually spending about half of the year serving the Order and carrying messages, but the rest of the time they were devoted to their covenants, and greatly contributed to their growth. Many magi beneﬁted from this association, and a lot of them came to think of the Redcaps as their sodales, rather than as lesser citizens in their magical community, some even going so far as to consider themselves their patrons and protectors.

By the time of the Schism War, House Mercere had become so integral to the smooth running of the Order that it was able to inﬂuence the outcome of the conﬂict in very small ways. Some Redcaps learned that by controlling the ﬂow of information — taking a long time to deliver unfavorable news, or conveniently losing some messages while expediting others — they were able to help those whose causes they favored, and hinder those whom they did not wish to succeed. In this way, the Merceres believe that they were able to prevent many atrocities from occurring, and brought about peace much more quickly than it otherwise would have come to pass.

In 1220, House Mercere is probably too disorganized to unite like that again, though groups of them certainly have great inﬂuence, and one or two Redcaps working together can disrupt enough communication to be a major hindrance to their enemies. However, Redcaps don’t generally get involved in politics, and prefer if anything to use their positions to maintain the status quo. Many Redcaps have developed a peculiar independence, though they still serve the Order, and are notoriously indifferent to any personal causes but their own.

Thus, Redcaps are something of an anomaly in the Order of Hermes. They are not really part of Mercere’s lineage, in that not all of them are descended from the Founder. Some of them are, however, so they cannot be said to belong to a completely independent society, either. Redcaps may not have the Gift, but they do have full rights and privileges, and while they do not usually vote at Tribunal out of respect for true magi, they have sigils and could participate in a vote in dire need. In effect the Redcaps are like Hermetic companions: their role in the Order is to support magi, and help them perform the tasks that The Gift makes difﬁcult.

To fulﬁll this mission, Redcaps take on many different duties, described below. Most of these duties do not exclusively belong to Redcaps, not in the same way that, say, Quaesitorial duties belong to ofﬁcial Quaesitors. Redcaps just tend to be the ones who do these things that other magi would think beneath them, to justify their membership in a magical Order. Since Redcaps visit almost every covenant, and any covenant might have a resident Redcap, the ideas that follow can also easily be adapted into story hooks for any saga.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:46, Fri 24 Feb 2023.

The Founder's Ghost

GM, 21 posts

Boo

Fri 24 Feb 2023
at 03:48

msg #56

Re: Game Discussion

You are Mr. Cut and Paste today, ain'tcha Emrys?

Thanks

Emrys

player, 21 posts

Fri 24 Feb 2023
at 03:51

msg #57

Re: Game Discussion

In reply to Emrys (msg # 55):

If you are interested in a particular 'bucket' I can cut and paste that particular bit of text.;-)
This message was lightly edited by the player at 03:52, Fri 24 Feb 2023.

Emrys

player, 22 posts

Fri 24 Feb 2023
at 10:45

msg #58

Game Discussion

In reply to Frederich (msg # 50):

Mentor is a Minor Story Flaw. You are generally limited to 1 story flaw and two personality flaws (no more than one Major Personality flaw). You may not take more than one Major Hermetic Virtue (for you that's the Gentle Gift;-). Up to ten flaws total and no more than 5 minor flaws.

Not sure what's changed from 4th edition.

If you are short on xp, skilled parens is a minor hermetic virtue that will add an additional 60 xp and 30 spell levels during apprenticeship. It pairs well with Mentor but winning your voting sigil may be a bugger;-)

Additionally I already cut & pasted (Gild) Trained in this thread (msg #31). We're starting in the Rhine tribunal so it's an option for another 30 xp (Order of Hermes Lore, Intrigue, and Durenmar Lore (or, rarely, the Lore of another covenant where you were trained by your gild)) and a further 60 xp that may be spent on any General or Arcane abilities , arts and spells appropriate to your gild.

I pretty much have Emrys done. Below is what I'm planning. The Aegis of the Heath I can manage is 20 to start.

If your rego isn't set in stone would you consider moving it over to Creo? The healing rituals start at CrCo 20 and Emrys is a waster of vis (we only have to cast Aegis once a year but healing can be multiple times even in a season;-).

Magical Arts
Creo 4
Intellego 4
Muto 4
Perdo 4
Rego 6

Animal 1
Aquam 1
Auram 1
Corpus 2
Herbam 1
Ignem 1
Imaginem 2
Mentem 1
Terram 1
Vim 6

Aegis of the Hearth 20 (ReVi) ArM5 161
Maintaining the Demanding Spell 20 (ReVi) ArM5 162
Gather Essence of the Beast 15 (ReVi) ArM5 162
Scales of the Magical Weight 5 (InVi) ArM5 158
Sense the Nature of Vis 5 (InVi) ArM5 158

Wizard's Sidestep 10 (ReIm) ArM 147
The Unseen Porter 10 (ReTe) ArM 156
Bind Wound 10 (CrCo) ArM 129
Rise of the Feathery Body 10 (ReCo) ArM 134
Piercing Shaft of Wood 10 (MuHe) ArM 137
Pass the Unyielding Portal 5 (MuHe) ArM 137
This message was last edited by the player at 10:55, Fri 24 Feb 2023.

The Founder's Ghost

GM, 22 posts

Boo

Fri 24 Feb 2023
at 18:58

msg #59

Game Discussion

I'll take a look at the character drafts I've gotten tonight/tomorrow.

P3

player, 3 posts

Sat 25 Feb 2023
at 13:33

msg #60

Game Discussion

Now that I think of it, I probably don’t need to worry about making my character unique. This is all so complex and new to me that playing a ‘generic’ redcap should be fine.

I’ll pick up that book later today.

The Founder's Ghost

GM, 23 posts

Boo

Sat 25 Feb 2023
at 22:21

msg #61

Game Discussion

Let's start with the first character that go posted. Good ol' Even

quote:

Characteristics
Int 2 Str 0 Pre -1 Dex 2
Per 1 Stm -1 Com -1 Qik 2

Traits
Score
Calm 1
Easily Offended 1
Brave 2

2 Athletics

4 Awareness

1 Bargain

5 Charm

5 Folk Ken

3 Guile

Language:
Czech
5
Lore:
Holy Roman Empire 4

Lore:
Weather phenomena 1

Profession:
Guard 2

Ride 4

Weapons: Single 4

Just an autocreaate, but a nice character - Even, 27, M, originally from near Brno. Blonde hair, soft brown eyes, and speaks Czech and German

I commented before in general. Don't have an issue with Even per se. Few comments/questions:

-First he needs a virtue to take martial abilities. He'll need to take the Warrior Virtue. And he needs at least one flaw to balance that
-"Profession: Guard" just doesn't make much sense to me. I think Awareness and Athletics would cover anything needed under a "Guard" skill. I think the points would be better spent elsewhere, like another Single Weapon or Bows or Thrown Weapon or whatever you guys fits best.
-What are his specializations? Remember, giving an ability's a specialization gives it a +1 under those circumstances. So Single Weapon (Longsword) is going to give him a +4 with most weapons and a +5 with a longsword.
-As is, he seems less a shield grog and more the spokesman of the group. But po-tah-to po-tay-to.

The Founder's Ghost

GM, 24 posts

Boo

Sat 25 Feb 2023
at 22:38

msg #62

Game Discussion

Emrys-I think your sheet looks alright.

Two comments:

1) Regarding Favors: What we discussed before was that Emrys would owe favors to a magi of Tremere or Tytalus due to them intervening to help him get settled in the Rhine. Are we still going with that? If so, then I would prefer to say those Favors are owed to Frederich's parens. Just makes things tidier.

I am not married to that idea. Just a suggestion.

2) The specialization on Font of Knowledge. Just to set levels, Emrys will need to know what skill/knowledge he is drawing on in order to get the best use of it. So for example, if you come across some writing on a wall in a language you don't recognize, you could use the Font to interpret it. You'd be able to read it (or at least read it as well as can expected with a score of 2), but you wouldn't know what language it was necessarily.

I would say you could use the Font to learn the language but that would be a lab type activity and would require enough examples of the language to work out a lexicon. So for example, you could use Font to ask directions from someone in Portuguese. And if you head enough texts in Portuguese, you could learn the ability Portuguese using Font to interpret the texts and figuring things out on your own. But that of course would take time. Hence, be a lab activity.

Thoughts on this?

Thanks.

The Founder's Ghost

GM, 25 posts

Boo

Sat 25 Feb 2023
at 23:42

msg #63

Game Discussion

Alright Frederich. I responded to your PM. You can copy me back on the PM or post it here.

P3, you can always use the "Vanilla" Redcap to test drive the companion and swap him/her out for another companion later. So I think that is a wise move.

Let me know if there are questions/comments from anyone.

Thanks Folks.

Emrys

player, 23 posts

Sun 26 Feb 2023
at 03:12

msg #64

Game Discussion

In reply to The Founder's Ghost (msg # 62):

Yeah I'm fine with favors owed to Friderich's parens (an aside I've seen you spell it Fridrich and Friderich...and it's Frederich for your handle...which do you prefer?).

If you have something specific in mind for favors I'm all good with it. I didn't take hedge wizard with Emrys (nor the seeker flaw either Friderich) but he's certainly told Friderich of his dream to found a covenant (whether its Rhine or elsewhere) if they can find the right spot.

Friderich's parens could have provided enough help to get him started. I decided against any problems with his own parens (like tormenting master or weak parens) and more that A) Emrys parens doesn't have the clout or resources to help to any degree even with the basics, and B) Custennin is more focused on the Titan cult than his (now useless to him as free lab labor) newly gauntleted apprentice.

A note on grogs. Friderich's shield grog is likely going to be a big man who is more personally loyal to Friderich himself and the Wasserman family. I'm not sure what the family did for a living but his family likely worked for the Wasserman's as laborers in some enterprise or another and after misfortune struck he was sent to Fengheld to watch over Friderich (and the fact the hit to family fortunes likely made it harder to feed him. He made a place for himself in Fengheld's turb as 'the bear grog', and wherever 'Friddie' goes he follows;-) If that's alright.

Other grog would be covenant raised and more a woodsie/archer type. His motivations for leaving Fengheld on some harebrained scheme would partially stem from chaffing with Fengheld's grog captain and somewhat the turb overall and partially he wants to 'do something' other than watch a gate the rest of his life (not that it's a bad life, compared to being a serf/peasant;-)

On Font, yeah I figured it would be something that you had to have some clue that it actually existed and had an immediate task tied to it. For instance, you couldn't use it to "I want to know Chinese" it would have to be tied to speaking to someone to communicate in Mandarin or read a bit of script. Lab activity (assuming the roll could be made for an entire season without botching it...I guess you could fail the roll up to so many days and it would be considered like 'distraction' (page 165) on the failed days for the season's limits on how often he could fail the test) would be to 'translate a specific text' or I guess he could theoretically 'teach' a language but the gain limit would still be 2 limit (um...though a source quality of 17 with 1 student or 14 with 2).

Hrm. I was thinking more on crafts if we needed an extended period where we needed a base level carpenter. Not that I want my magi to do carpentry for an entire season...but if you teach a covenfolk to do carpentry... That actually fits theme too. Heh

The Founder's Ghost

GM, 26 posts

Boo

Sun 26 Feb 2023
at 04:31

msg #65

Game Discussion

In reply to Emrys (msg # 64):

Sorry Frederich. For some reason I keep mistyping your name and never quite catch all the typos.

Emrys

player, 24 posts

Sun 26 Feb 2023
at 04:45

msg #66

Game Discussion

In reply to The Founder's Ghost (msg # 65):

Well you spell it Frederich only that I noticed....Friderich has spelled it that way and Fridrich. I'm good with any all but I do try be consistent with names 'cuz with my friends sometimes I tease them with a bit like this... https://www.youtube.com/shorts/dxxTMCQlG1M

The Founder's Ghost

GM, 27 posts

Boo

Sun 26 Feb 2023
at 05:21

msg #67

Game Discussion

In reply to Emrys (msg # 66):

Ah Emrik. What's a little -erich between friends? ;p

I mentioned the lab example on Font for precisely this discussion. I need to consider how it would work in this context. Would it default to the text quality? Function as a teacher with a score of 2? Somewhere in between?

I need to think that over.

Why not have Frederich's shield grog be a relative? His big bro or "little" bro who grew up to be a bear? It'd fit with Fred's Story Flaw (assuming that's the one he ends up taking). But it's your grog so run with him how you like.

I would think that outside your shield grogs, the grogs you could convince to come with you are ones who would be fed up with something about Fengheld or know they need to move on before someone fires them...figuratively or literally. Their bosses are wizards after all.

But again: your characters. You decide how they roll.

I will give ya'll a bit of a tip off. As I plot things out, including the Rhine, we'll be hitting a total of six locales. I'll be giving ya'll access to two potential covenant sites. Maybe three. Also, the "treasure" fits in with your whole Seeker vibe. So I think it'll be worth it.

In game time, we're looking at maybe a year to two years of your magi's lives. I will give you a chance to study a season in a foreign covenant or two. Assuming you're willing to pay the price.

Thanks.

Emrys

player, 25 posts

Sun 26 Feb 2023
at 05:51

msg #68

Game Discussion

In reply to The Founder's Ghost (msg # 67):

Yeah, will have have the seeker vibe and very interested in that. It'll just play second fiddle to his other two personality flaws in order of importance;-)

As far as the shield grog...if Friderich wants him to be a family member I can work with that. I haven't worked up some stats for him yet but his loyalty will be to Friderich first. I'm not sure if he'll be simple yet and I don't think Friderich is interested in a 'tell me about the rabbits again Friddie' scene (seriously I'm j/k,... I think;-) but his defining characteristics besides being a big man is that he'll be tough and strong as an ox...and willing to commit serious violence on Friderich's say so or behalf.

On Font...well it just provides a skill level of 2. To use it for an season would mean he'd need ...pg 165 on Distractions....61 successful rolls to acquire the skill each day (target 6, or 9 if he fails the first roll). I don't know what a botch would do with a supernatural ability in that case (I've been looking at Atlas' forums)

The most levels anyone could gain from anything Emrys could teach them would be up to level 2 (to the teacher's score in the ability). The quality of him teaching someone 1 to 1 would be 17 but they could not raise the skill higher than 2 (since that would be Emrys limit). He could take 2 students and provide a source quality of 14. Any more and it would be a source quality of 11. I can see potential in that with trying to get a covenant off the ground...a bit of a sacrifice on Emrys part (unless he stuffs an adventure in the seasons where he teaches and the adventure takes him less than a month), but it's a big reason why I removed seeker as a main personality flaw for him...other things are more important to Emrys;-)

Writing a book...Emrys could make a level 1 summa for any skill he picks up with font so the quality would never be higher than 5 (since that gets you a level 1 skill). A tractus would be a source quality of 9...don't think good teacher applies to tracti (and Emrys could write 1 tractus for any skill that was provided by Font). I could see a use for a tractus, but a summa...no.

The Founder's Ghost

GM, 28 posts

Boo

Sun 26 Feb 2023
at 06:10

msg #69

Game Discussion

Dunno. Just seems like Font should be an ability you could use as an aid to teach yourself something. But I'm probably overthinking it.

Emrys

player, 26 posts

Sun 26 Feb 2023
at 06:42

msg #70

Game Discussion

In reply to The Founder's Ghost (msg # 69):

Well you can't learn from your own tractus;-) Summa he could but again a max level 1;-). He could get exposure xp I think...even practice xp if he had no particular task to do with the ability except to 'practice'.

He could teach someone a ability up to 2 and then have them teach him a following season as an indirect method.

Emrys

player, 27 posts

Fresh

OK

Sun 26 Feb 2023
at 10:41

msg #71

Game Discussion

With the exception of incidental equipment (past a knife & robes), Emrys is done.

Scanning around for botching a Supernatural ability, I couldn't find anything that supernatural abilities would make a botch worse than what a normal ability botching would do as a penalty. I mean I guess the nature of the botch would be supernatural..so maybe he temporarily loses 2 skill levels in an ability or maybe learns something useless or whatever else you can devise...but considering in most extended Font use Emyrs won't be using it under stress so likely he'd be checking with 1 botch die most usages if I understand things correctly.

The only place I could find anything on a supernatural ability botch reference was with the ability Enchanting Music on page 65 as a side note.

Other than that I have a physical description done for him though background wise nothing beyond what was pm'd and mentioned in this thread since it ties into a few things including Friderich's background (and parens & background) and the set-up. Emrys core is essentially he wants to leave Fengheld and go looking for a new covenant site with friend Friderich (and redcap involved in this mad scheme;-). It's his dream but he's willing to share or even play second fiddle.

P3

player, 4 posts

Mon 27 Feb 2023
at 16:41

msg #72

Game Discussion

quote:

As far as the shield grog...if Friderich wants him to be a family member I can work with that. I haven't worked up some stats for him yet but his loyalty will be to Friderich first. I'm not sure if he'll be simple yet and I don't think Friderich is interested in a 'tell me about the rabbits again Friddie' scene (seriously I'm j/k,... I think;-) but his defining characteristics besides being a big man is that he'll be tough and strong as an ox...and willing to commit serious violence on Friderich's say so or behalf.

And we'll live off the fat of the land...

Frederich

player, 14 posts

Mon 27 Feb 2023
at 17:02

msg #73

Game Discussion

Yum yum. Im hoping that we can establish the first mechanized hog farm so it's all bacon all the time. & we'll just ensorcel the cholesterol away!

& sure, with 12 brothers and sisters (originally) there's a solid shot at one being big big.

The Founder's Ghost

GM, 29 posts

Boo

Mon 27 Feb 2023
at 20:05

msg #74

Game Discussion

P3, you are now Affare Acisculu. Or should be. We'll find out next time you post.

Thanks.

The Founder's Ghost

GM, 30 posts

Boo

Mon 27 Feb 2023
at 21:39

msg #75

Game Discussion

Hey All.

Any objections to a fourth joining us? He would start as a companion like Affare.

Thanks.

Frederich

player, 15 posts

Mon 27 Feb 2023
at 22:23

msg #76

Game Discussion

No objections from me.

Emrys

player, 28 posts

Fresh

OK

Mon 27 Feb 2023
at 23:47

msg #77

Game Discussion

In reply to Frederich (msg # 76):

All good.

Emrys

player, 29 posts

Fresh

OK

Tue 28 Feb 2023
at 04:44

msg #78

Game Discussion

What is Friderich's native language? High German, Low German, ...?

The Founder's Ghost

GM, 31 posts

Boo

Tue 28 Feb 2023
at 05:06

msg #79

Game Discussion

I would imagine High German. At least that's what I think was spoken in northern Germany.

Emrys

player, 30 posts

Fresh

OK

Tue 28 Feb 2023
at 05:19

msg #80

Game Discussion

In reply to The Founder's Ghost (msg # 79):

Low German is for the northern part of the HRE

High German southern & central.

Think of it in terms of elevation (High up in the hills, low on the coast). Magdeburg is a bit on the border between the higher central regions on the Elbe so not sure. And the dialect maps I looked at so far are no help, but figure it might be more Low German because more barge traffic that way...but can see it going the other way too;-).

Granted each have their subdialects too...Bavarians I thought sounded a little shit-faced to me even when sober and I guess the rest of Germany makes fun of their dialect as well (and I've overheard a few of them making fun of the Amish as well a long time ago;-). And folks from Prussia sound a bit more nasally from what I recall;-)
This message was last edited by the player at 20:54, Wed 01 Mar 2023.

The Founder's Ghost

GM, 32 posts

Boo

Tue 28 Feb 2023
at 06:08

msg #81

Game Discussion

In reply to Emrys (msg # 80):

Gotcha.

Honestly, I'm fine with us just calling it "German" and assuming the difference is more regionalisms and accents.

Affare Acisculu

player, 5 posts

Tue 28 Feb 2023
at 17:12

msg #82

Game Discussion

Let’s check.

Indeed, I am Affare.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:12, Tue 28 Feb 2023.

Emrys

player, 31 posts

Fresh

OK

Wed 1 Mar 2023
at 07:17

msg #83

Game Discussion

Name:	Leonard	Family Name:	Wassermann	Intelligence:	+0
Covenant:	Fengheld	Ethnicity:	German	Perception:	+0
Gender:	Male	Role:	Grog	Strength:	+3
Height:	6' 7"	Hair Color:	Brown	Stamina:	+2
Weight:	252 lbs.	Eye Color:	Brown	Presence:	-1
Age:	19	Handedness:	Right	Communication:	-2
-Born:	1171	Religion:	Christian	Dexterity:	+1
-Apparent Age:	19			Quickness:	+1

Vital Statistics	Score	Notes
Decrepitude	0 (0)
- Effects of Aging
Warping	0 (0)
- Effects of Warping
Size	+1
Soak	+2
Encumbrance	0 (0)
Fatigue Levels	Fresh	0 (Winded 2 min), -1 (Weary 10 min), -3 (Tired 30 min), -5 (Dazed 1 hr), Unconscious (2 hr)
Wound Penalties	OK	-1 (1-6) Lgt., -3 (7-12) Med., -5 (13-18) Hvy., Incapacitated (19-24), Dead (25+)

Personality Traits	Score
Brave	+3
Loyal	+3
Stoic	+3

Reputations	Score

Virtues	Type	Notes
Laborer	Free, Social Status	(C&G 53) The character is a trained worker who practices a trade that is a valuable service to his community, but by which no finished good is produced. Unlike a peasant, who is an agrarian worker who works at a variety of jobs, a laborer concentrates on one specific endeavor to earn his livelihood, be it hauling wood, washing clothes, cleaning latrines, carrying luggage, or serving food.
Cautious with (Single Weapon)	Minor, General
Enduring Constitution	Minor, General
Large	Minor, Large
Flaws	Type	Notes
Afflicted Tongue	Minor, General	(Damaged Voice from the Fire of Magdeburg)
Social Handicap	Minor, General	(Menacing)
Weakness	Minor, Personality	(Family)

General Abilities	Specialty	Score	Experience
Area Lore()
Animal Handling
Athletics	Climbing	3
Awareness	Light Sleeper	3
Bargain
Brawl	Dodging	5
Carouse
Charm
Chirgury*	Treating Burns	2
Concentration
Craft ()
Etiquette
Folk Ken
Guile
Hunt
Intrigue
Leadership	Intimidation	5
Legerdemain*
Living Language* (High German)(Native)	Slang	5
Living Language* ()
Music
Organization Lore
Profession (Bargeman)	Smuggling	3
Ride
Stealth
Survival
Swim	Rivers	3
Teaching
Academic Abilities	Specialty	Score	Experience
Artes Liberales*
Civil and Canon Law*
Common Law*
Dead Language*
Medicine*
Philosaphiae*
Theology*
Arcane Abilities	Specialty	Score	Experience
Code of Hermes*
Dominion Lore*
Faerie Lore*
Finesse
Infernal Lore*
Magic Lore*
Magic Theory*
Penetration
Martial Abilities	Specialty	Score	Experience
Bows
Great Weapon
Single Weapon
Thrown Weapon
Supernatural Abilities	Specialty	Score	Experience

Armor	Soak	Load	Notes
Full Metal Scale	9 (7)	7

Weapons	Initiative	Attack	Defense	Damage	Str	Load	Range	Notes
Dodge	1	n/a	7	n/a	n/a	0	n/a	Brawl
Fist	1	6	6	3	n/a	0	n/a	Brawl
Kick	0	5	4	6	n/a	0	n/a	Brawl
Knife	1	7	6	5	-6/-2	0	5	Brawl or Thrown
Sap	1	8	6	5	n/a	1	n/a	Brawl
Long Sword and Heater Shield	3	5	5	9	n/a	3	n/a	Single Weapon

Equipment	Location	Load	Notes
Woolen clothes & Einhard Boots	Worn	0	with belt
Knife	In sheath on belt	0
Heater shield & Long Sword	Back	0
Sap	tucked in clothes	0
lantern and 2 candles	marching pack	0
five paces of hawser	marching pack	0	stout rope
Leather Coin purse	Tucked in clothes	0
Leather Flask	at belt	0	ale & 2 parts water, at belt
Flint and tinder	Marching packl	0
Linen Bandages and leather thongs	marching pack	0
Scraps of cloth	marching pack	0	to repair clothes
Small flask of oil & sharpening stone	marching pack	0	weapon and armor care
Strong thread and a bodkin	marching pack	0	for making repairs
Heavy Cloak	worn	0
Marching pack	carried on one shoulder	4	Carried on pole with two forked tines and easily dropped at a moments notice
Woolen Blanket	Backpack	0
Leather cup, wooden bowel & eating utensils	marching pack	0	Wooden spoon and iron skewer
Cheese, salted meat & hard baked biscuits	Marching pack	0	food for 5 days
Short shovel	marching pack	0
Leather tarp	marching pack	0	for tenting
Iron pot	marching pack	0

This message was last edited by the player at 07:41, Wed 01 Mar 2023.

Emrys

player, 32 posts

Fresh

OK

Wed 1 Mar 2023
at 07:37

msg #84

Game Discussion

Friderich's little big brother. He came to Fengheld after the fire (after he recovered with damaged larynx).

He doesn't start with any martial abilities and for some reason no one was really eager to train him;-). And he was really good at picking things up and putting them down...

Figured between Friderich (and his parens influence) he would be equipped though limited to normal full metal scale.

Leadership 5 with specialization in Intimidation to reflect he's a scary scary man and likely not cut out for the bargeman's life for a few reasons. Moreso after his voice changed to a harsh whisper (which would really sound lovely in German;-)

Edit- and Leonard does like cute little fuzzy animals but grogs shouldn't have more than one personality flaw so family first;-).
This message was last edited by the player at 20:57, Wed 01 Mar 2023.

Emrys

player, 33 posts

Fresh

OK

Thu 2 Mar 2023
at 01:02

msg #85

Game Discussion

Name:	Wulfgang	Epitaph:		Intelligence:	+0
Covenant:	Fengheld	Ethnicity:	German	Perception:	+3
Gender:	Male	Role:	Grog	Strength:	+2
Height:	5' 9"	Hair Color:	Black	Stamina:	+1
Weight:	138 lbs.	Eye Color:	Green	Presence:	+0
Age:	22	Handedness:	Right	Communication:	+0
-Born:	1168	Religion:	Christian	Dexterity:	+0
-Apparent Age:	22			Quickness:	+0

Vital Statistics	Score	Notes
Decrepitude	0 (0)
- Effects of Aging
Warping	0 (0)
- Effects of Warping
Size	+0
Soak	+1
Encumbrance	0 (0)
Fatigue Levels	Fresh	0 (Winded 2 min), -1 (Weary 10 min), -3 (Tired 30 min), -5 (Dazed 1 hr), Unconscious (2 hr)
Wound Penalties	OK	-1 (1-5) Lgt., -3 (6-10) Med., -5 (11-15) Hvy., Incapacitated (16-20), Dead (21+)

Personality Traits	Score
Brave	+3
Loyal	+3
Yearning to Explore	+3

Reputations	Score

Virtues	Type	Notes
Faerie Blood (Padfoot)	Minor, General	(Padfoot Blood) A padfoot is a faerie that takes the form of an immense black dog with glowing green eyes. Padfoots are commonly believed to be hostile to man, perhaps because a number of other faeries and demons take a similar form, but in actual fact they take it upon themselves to protect travelers from dangers such as treacherous bridges and bandits. Those whom they ward from these dangers are often terrified of the hound and oblivious of the danger they are in until later. Pregnant women who are protected by a padfoot may have a child who bears animal features.

		Benefits: +1 bonus to Perception, but not to more than +3.
Second Sight	Minor, Supernatural
Wilderness Sense	Minor, Supernatural
Flaws	Type	Notes
Branded Criminal	Minor, Social Status	(For 'Poaching' as a youth)
Covenant Upbringing	Minor, Personality
(Infernal Realm) Stigmata	Minor, Supernatural	(Grogs: 83)(Eyes glow lambent green and shadow looks like a large padfoot) The character occasionally manifests physical phenomena in the presence of supernatural powers. Pick one of the four Realms of Power; whenever he enters an aura of strength 4 or more aligned to that realm, or is affected by a power greater than fourth magnitude (20th level) from that realm, he suffers from the stigmata. Every individual suffers from stigmata differently, but the most common variants are dark marks appearing on the skin, blood issuing from oriﬁces, spontaneous eruption of wounds, minor twisting of the limbs, or the acquisition of minor animal features. Whenever they manifest, the character loses a Long-Term Fatigue level that he cannot recover while he remains under the inﬂuence of that Realm. When he recovers the Fatigue level, the stigmata fades. If he ever takes a Warping point from exposure to his sensitive Realm, his stigmata erupt so violently that he takes a Light Wound as well as Fatigue, and the stigmata remain until he recovers from this wound.

General Abilities	Specialty	Score	Experience
Area Lore()
Animal Handling
Athletics
Awareness	Searching	3
Bargain
Brawl	Dodging	2
Carouse
Charm
Chirgury*
Concentration
Craft ()
Etiquette
Folk Ken
Guile
Hunt	Tracking	1
Intrigue
Leadership
Legerdemain*
Living Language* (High German)(Native)	Eavesdropping	5
Living Language* ()
Music
Organization Lore
Profession
Ride
Stealth
Survival	Forests	4
Swim
Teaching
Academic Abilities	Specialty	Score	Experience
Artes Liberales*
Civil and Canon Law*
Common Law*
Dead Language* (Latin)
Medicine*
Philosaphiae*
Theology*
Arcane Abilities	Specialty	Score	Experience
Code of Hermes*
Dominion Lore*
Faerie Lore*
Finesse
Infernal Lore*
Magic Lore*
Magic Theory*
Penetration
Martial Abilities	Specialty	Score	Experience
Bows	Long Bows	5
Great Weapon
Single Weapon	Heater Shield	3
Thrown Weapon
Supernatural Abilities	Specialty	Score	Experience
Second Sight	Invisible Things	5
Wilderness Sense	Resources	3

Armor	Soak	Load	Notes
Full Metal Scale	8 (7)	7

Weapons	Initiative	Attack	Defense	Damage	Str	Load	Range	Notes
Dodge	0	n/a	3	n/a	n/a	0	n/a	Brawl
Fist	0	6	6	3	n/a	0	n/a	Brawl
Kick	-1	1	2	5	n/a	0	n/a	Brawl
Knife	0	3	2	4	-6/-2	0	5	Brawl or Thrown
Long Bow	-2	9	5	10	n/a	2	30	Bows
Long Sword and Heater Shield	2	6	6	8	n/a	3	n/a	Single Weapon

Equipment	Location	Load	Notes
Woolen clothes & Einhard Boots	Worn	0	with belt
Knife	In sheath on belt	0
Heater shield & Long Sword	Back	0
Long Bow	Back	0
Quiver	Back	0
lantern and 2 candles	marching pack	0
five paces of hawser	marching pack	0	stout rope
Leather Coin purse	Tucked in clothes	0
Leather Flask	at belt	0	ale & 2 parts water, at belt
Flint and tinder	Marching packl	0
Linen Bandages and leather thongs	marching pack	0
Scraps of cloth	marching pack	0	to repair clothes
Small flask of oil & sharpening stone	marching pack	0	weapon and armor care
Strong thread and a bodkin	marching pack	0	for making repairs
Heavy Cloak	worn	0
Marching pack	carried on one shoulder	4	Carried on pole with two forked tines and easily dropped at a moments notice
Woolen Blanket	Backpack	0
Leather cup, wooden bowel & eating utensils	marching pack	0	Wooden spoon and iron skewer
Cheese, salted meat & hard baked biscuits	Marching pack	0	food for 5 days
Saw and Axe	marching pack	0	to prepare fireword
10 paces of thin rope	marching pack	0
5 empty sacks and 5 empty pouches	marching pack	0

This message was last edited by the player at 06:17, Thu 02 Mar 2023.

Emrys

player, 34 posts

Fresh

OK

Thu 2 Mar 2023
at 02:36

msg #86

Game Discussion

As a thumbnail-

Wulfgang's mother was protected by a padfoot from tormenting infernal entities before she was rescued by Friderich's parens. She was brought back to the covenant where she gave birth to Wulfgang (and she continued to serve Fengheld as a servant).

Wulgang was raised in the covenant and while he was still a youth wandered off from collecting berries (a seasonal vis for Fengheld) (following an invisible Faerie hunting party). He lost the Faerie party but a nobleman's hunting party found him instead (near a dead stag the Sidhe left behind). The magi with the vis collecting party managed to keep Wulfgang from hanging from a tree (for poaching) for the mere price of a branding.

The incident alerted the magi of Fengheld that Wulfgang had the second sight so he was trained to watch Fengheld's gate. Where he's remained ever since (and deemed too valuable to use as a disposable shield grog).

Through Leonard (who he's become friends with the big man over his stories of the river, then through Leonard he got on Frederich and Emrys radar. The pair leaving Fengheld is the perfect opportunity for him to see more of the world than just the covenant.

The Founder's Ghost

GM, 33 posts

Boo

Thu 2 Mar 2023
at 03:55

msg #87

Game Discussion

Thanks for taking point on some Grogs Emrys.

The Companions sound like they will be a Redcap/Magister and either a Knight or Merchant. But those are both still in draft stages.

Fred is coming along.

Working on NPCs at the moment.

So ya'll know:

I usually take Wednesdays and one of the weekend days off from games.

Hoping we can start the game up by a week from tomorrow (Thursday). But we shall see how the PCs shake out.

Please let me know if there are any questions or concerns. Thanks Ya'll.

The Founder's Ghost

GM, 34 posts

Boo

Fri 3 Mar 2023
at 05:21

msg #88

Game Discussion

In reply to The Founder's Ghost (msg # 87):

Okay. Think we're getting closer. May be able to start the prolouge sooner than anticipated. Will let ya'll know.

Thanks.

Emrys

player, 35 posts

Fresh

OK

Fri 3 Mar 2023
at 17:00

msg #89

Game Discussion

In reply to The Founder's Ghost (msg # 88):

Cool looking forward to it:-) Friderich, Leonard work with how you envision your family? Any other background notes to know about that direction?

Frederich

player, 16 posts

Fri 3 Mar 2023
at 21:21

msg #90

Game Discussion

In reply to Emrys (msg # 89):

Works enough. Friderich is a middle-ish child, and with that huge fire in Magdeburg in 1188, I'm still trying to think about who survived and who did not. Apparently, it was a pretty devastating blaze, so it's likely that there were fatalities in his family.

The Founder's Ghost

GM, 35 posts

Boo

Fri 3 Mar 2023
at 22:59

msg #91

Game Discussion

So here's how we're stacking out thus far.

Emrys and Frederich. Our magi.

Affare, our merchant/face guy.

Maybe Sir Vinter, your strong arm. Player is still deciding between concepts I believe.

We have three grogs.

The unnamed Grog from Message 37.

Leonard, Frederich's younger/older brother.

Wulfgang, our Padfoot blood.

We may have two fae blooded PCs. Interesting.

I would say, assuming P4 goes with Sir Vinter, you guys may want a "servant" type grog. But that's just your humble SG's opinion. Go with what works for you.

Fred and Em: if you guys want to hash out Message 37 Grog please do so. I think the Grogulator uses a prior edition's engine. So I think he needs some updating.

If you want to consider what you want for Grog 4 as well, go ahead.

I'll be working on getting PCs finalized with everyone this weekend (not you Emrys. Outside equipment I think you're good). And I need to finish some planning and NPC building.

Let me know if there are questions/etc.

Thanks

Emrys

player, 36 posts

Fresh

OK

Sat 4 Mar 2023
at 02:51

msg #92

Game Discussion

In reply to The Founder's Ghost (msg # 91):

Well if we had a big covenant or pool of grogs I'd fine with handwaving a random generated grog, but honestly don't like doing any of the initial set of grogs that way for a few reasons.

It doesn't actually take that much to spend the xp to pick out some abilities. Or flaws or virtues to give them some character or whatnot. And when we aren't playing our magi, this initial core group of grogs are going to see some play. They may be disposable but totally random makes them a bit too 'Oh...there's goes whatshisname. Too bad, break out the next grog;-)'

Role is another consideration. The only main character of our group that has a social malady like the Gift so far is Emrys;-). Between Affare, Friderich, or a knight I'm sure we'll have no shortage of played characters to act as the 'face' so we don't need a face grog.

When not playing Friderich, what sort of grog do you want to play I guess is the question. When Emrys is doing something else, I'll be playing Leonard (since he'll stick like glue to his older brother). And I think Leonard has a lot of potential as a bodyguard (one season's training by Emrys will get him to Single Weapon (heater shield)-2) and I think the leadership (intimidation) thing might be fun.

Emrys is going to want a grog to fill the shield role as well but maybe thinking in terms of 'why do these grogs want to leave Fengheld' (with two inexperienced magi) would help figuring things out? I'm figuring when Friderich isn't being played on board by you, you'd be playing one of these grogs so they should be something you're interested in.

But think another combat capable (or ready) grog would be a nice round out. And a proto-autocrat or servant grog I think makes a sensible 4th.

The face grog could be reworked to a 'teacher' or 'drill instructor' grog given Emrys capabilities. With 5xp to get to teacher 1, Emrys could teach 2 people in a season any Ability up to level 2 (15 Source Quality for 2 characters). If he has a grog with 'Good Teacher' to teach to, it means he can teach that grog (as one of the two pupils he could teach to level 2) and they can pass along the instruction. So if we need farmers or miners or any specialized craft of any sort we can develop a baseline as long as we can find a willing and able recruitment pool even if they are virtually unskilled.

It's not going to burn down the world but it will save us some recruitment time hunting down carpenters or stonemasons for simple work (they'd still likely need a higher skilled supervisor) but also things like scribe or papermaking or bookbinding skills are also not the easiest skillsets to find in the wild;-).

If the Teacher/Drill instructor had a skill of 5 in Teaching, with the Good Teacher virtue and a communication of +2 they could teach up to 25 students a skill up to Level 2 with a source quality of 15 (and starting character points left over to fill any other role you'd want).

Edit- and 'Apt Student' would make the DI grog just as capable learning new abilities from others besides Emrys (esp. after teaching everyone Teaching;-).

Just some thoughts.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:45, Sat 04 Mar 2023.

Frederich

player, 17 posts

Sat 4 Mar 2023
at 03:49

msg #93

Game Discussion

He most definitely had a name! Gracious ;)

Even, 27, M, originally from near Brno. His father worked at an inn/tavern type place, where his mother worked too. He worked there as well, and for only a fraction the wage. Done some work with the Prince's army for a time. Caravan guard, failed merchant. Came to the covenant the usual/unusual way - a man who didn't mind the odd job, the odd client, the unusual. Somewhat jaded, friendly enough, can make conversation, plan ahead (a least a week or two) and still hold a warhammer.

But, yes, he should be more than a grogulator...

The Founder's Ghost

GM, 36 posts

Boo

Sat 4 Mar 2023
at 17:50

msg #94

Game Discussion

And P4 has become Sir Vinter. Welcome Vinter.

Frederich

player, 18 posts

Sat 4 Mar 2023
at 18:29

msg #95

Game Discussion

Welcome Sir Vinter!

Emrys

player, 37 posts

Fresh

OK

Sat 4 Mar 2023
at 18:45

msg #96

Game Discussion

In reply to Frederich (msg # 95):

Waves;-)

Affare Acisculu

player, 6 posts

Sun 5 Mar 2023
at 04:46

msg #97

Game Discussion

quote:

Affare, our merchant/face guy.

We’re the magical (okay, not in my case, but still) A-Team!

The Founder's Ghost

GM, 37 posts

Boo

Mon 6 Mar 2023
at 04:00

msg #98

Game Discussion

Sorry Folks. Had a bit of a thing this weekend and just got back into town. I'm exhausted. Will catch up on posts tomorrow. Thanks.

The Founder's Ghost

GM, 38 posts

Boo

Tue 7 Mar 2023
at 00:27

msg #99

Game Discussion

In reply to The Founder's Ghost (msg # 98):

Thanks for the patience folks.

For those still waiting for me to give feed back on PCs, I will get that tonight.

Fred just needs spells I think.

Affare still has abilities to get through and finalization on the V/Fs.

Vinter? I think you just need equipment right? And we need to decide on how you're connected to the Order.

I'll reach out to everyone over the next couple of days with a few last minute items. But we should be able to start the Prologue on Thursday.

Let me know if there are questions or concerns.

Thanks All.

Sir Vinter

player, 1 post

Wed 8 Mar 2023
at 01:42

msg #100

Game Discussion

Hello everyone. Thanks for letting me join the group!

Sir Vinter is a troll-blooded knight. He is not much of a looker, and not the kind of beastly man you want to bring home to meet your mother. However, he is the strong, tall, and tough. He is exactly the kind of brave man you want on your side in a fight in a bar or on the battlefield. Sir Vinter has much more to share and explore in game.

I am pretty sure that I only need equipment and to finalize some background information.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:43, Wed 08 Mar 2023.

Affare Acisculu

player, 7 posts

Thu 9 Mar 2023
at 17:17

msg #101

Game Discussion

Welcome, Sir Vinter.

My (character’s) mom is Italian; I think she can handle it.

The Founder's Ghost

GM, 41 posts

Boo

Thu 9 Mar 2023
at 21:48

msg #102

Game Discussion

In reply to Affare Acisculu (msg # 101):

Alrightie. I will be posting a lead in thread later tonight. Also, some of you may get some PMs from me.

If you haven't finalized your PC, that's fine. This is just a prologue. So I don't imagine we'll be doing too much die rolling just yet. I do want to try to have all main PCs (magi and companions) finalized by the end of this weekend. Let me know if you feel that is an issue/concern.

You will meet Velum later tonight.

Thanks.

Frederich

player, 22 posts

Mon 13 Mar 2023
at 18:08

msg #103

Game Discussion

I don't see a grand reason to delay a yes here. Friderich is not impulsive but his is ambitious. While this doesn't get him anywhere in particular, ambition-wise, it does get him out and about, potentially paid well, with some extra notoriety. All if successful, of course. Seems like a good idea.

Emrys

player, 41 posts

Fresh

OK

Mon 13 Mar 2023
at 18:15

msg #104

Game Discussion

In reply to Frederich (msg # 103):

Emrys is eager to say 'yes' here, but as the junior of the pair he's trying to restrain himself for the Tremere;-).

Plus I figured Friderich might want to nail down payment. Velum might have 24 pawns of vis in an account but he hasn't said that's what he intends to pay...and it would undercut Friderich if Emrys jumped at the job before Friderich clarified;-)

Frederich

player, 24 posts

Mon 13 Mar 2023
at 18:55

msg #105

Game Discussion

You should be free to opine on $ - expenses, partial success, and full success. There could be other gains, which could if under a certain value, be all for us, and if over a certain value shared between Velum and us.

Long term, and in a worst case scenario, we might seek to become heirs of the cattus domesticus.

Emrys

player, 43 posts

Fresh

OK

Mon 13 Mar 2023
at 19:04

msg #106

Game Discussion

In reply to Frederich (msg # 105):

Emrys isn't reckless but he's very green\inexperienced about these matters. And likely would do the job as presented for virtually nothing promised;-). If Friderich is doesn't have an issue with payment, Emrys certainly doesn't;-).

The Founder's Ghost

GM, 46 posts

Boo

Tue 14 Mar 2023
at 02:56

msg #107

Game Discussion

Hey Fred (and for those of you who haven't had a chance to post dialogue yet), please shade your dialogue. Any color except Orange or Yellow

Please shade any OOC comments/material like die rolls made in game using Orange. Remember: If it's shaded in Orange, I will consider it an OOC comment.

Thanks.

The Founder's Ghost

GM, 47 posts

Boo

Tue 14 Mar 2023
at 02:59

msg #108

Game Discussion

In reply to The Founder's Ghost (msg # 107):

Hey Emrys, you may know this off the top of your head. Do you recall where in City & Guild there is a listing of monetary units? I could swear there was one, but now I can't find it.

I am going to assume 50 pennies=1 shilling and 20 shillings=1 pound.

Thanks.
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:15, Tue 14 Mar 2023.

The Founder's Ghost

GM, 49 posts

Boo

Tue 14 Mar 2023
at 20:04

msg #109

Game Discussion

Sorry folks. Will catch up on posts tomorrow.

Emrys

player, 45 posts

Fresh

OK

Tue 14 Mar 2023
at 20:24

msg #110

Game Discussion

In reply to The Founder's Ghost (msg # 108):

1:20:240

1 mythic pound is 20 mythic shillings or 240 pennies.

The Founder's Ghost

GM, 50 posts

Boo

Tue 14 Mar 2023
at 23:10

msg #111

Game Discussion

In reply to Emrys (msg # 110):

Thank You Emrys. Sorry to trouble you. Been sick as a dog these past couple of days and it's gotten in the way.

Emrys

player, 46 posts

Fresh

OK

Tue 14 Mar 2023
at 23:11

msg #112

Game Discussion

In reply to The Founder's Ghost (msg # 111):

No worries. This is for fun, not a job, so whenever you're up to it, will be here;-).

Frederich

player, 27 posts

Thu 16 Mar 2023
at 17:07

msg #113

Game Discussion

Do we make a case now with ... Margild?...about bringing other characters, or should we/can we expect to use this 'portal' as a taxi cab?

The Founder's Ghost

GM, 54 posts

Boo

Thu 16 Mar 2023
at 19:13

msg #114

Game Discussion

In reply to Frederich (msg # 113):

Since you are magi, it's almost expected that you would take a grog or four with you when you travel. You don't necessarily need to clear it with Margildt.

Whether or not you want to report in to Margildt is up to you. She did seem unconcerned about the whole matter, but you know Margildt well enough to know that's just because she is distracted by her other projects.

I leave it up to you to decide if Fred ever left her in the dark about something before. If he did, she never said anything. So she either never found out about it or just didn't care. I mean, she wouldn't have an agenda, would she?

I will give you two hints to start with.

First, you're getting a freebee on this first leg of the journey. You'll get to Valnastium easy enough. All travel after that though...

Second, I will be keeping an eye on how you react/relate to all the various NPCs along the way. Up to and including Margildt and Horst. What you tell them/don't tell them/do to or for them can and may have an impact later in the game.

Speaking of grogs.

Did you guys decide on the final versions of 'em?

Emrys

player, 48 posts

Fresh

OK

Thu 16 Mar 2023
at 21:05

msg #115

Game Discussion

In reply to The Founder's Ghost (msg # 114):

Leonard and Wulfgang are set.

I believe Even was as well.

I'm not sure if Friderich is more inclined towards Olga or to go with Felix. I'd prefer to save Olga with first batch of grogs recruited from whatever nearby community is close to our future covenant. And she'd be tapped into things outside the covenant with Gossip and/or virtues like Social Contacts (and speaking the local language at the covenant we found if it isn't German). Maybe not outright spymaster (or mistress) but likely a pretty good aide to Friderich eventually.

Felix I could see developing well into the covenant's steward but initially someone who will handle making sure our food supplies are safe and we don't lose much to wastage, and the drudge cleaning work;-). Likely the go to person for labor in the first couple years of founding as well since he's a natural at craft and profession abilities. Though he won't travel well by horse or barge (which could be entertaining) until we settle into a covenant..

My 2 cents. Fred?

The Founder's Ghost

GM, 57 posts

Boo

Fri 17 Mar 2023
at 03:59

msg #116

Game Discussion

In reply to Emrys (msg # 115):

Also, would you guys be interested in a short lead in story for the grogs? You will be playing them in some of the planned scenarios. So it may give you a chance to try them out.

Thanks.

Emrys

player, 49 posts

Fresh

OK

Fri 17 Mar 2023
at 04:07

msg #117

Game Discussion

In reply to The Founder's Ghost (msg # 116):

Sure.

Frederich

player, 28 posts

Fri 17 Mar 2023
at 14:51

msg #118

Game Discussion

That sounds good. We can even do them concurrently.

Frederich

player, 29 posts

Fri 17 Mar 2023
at 14:53

msg #119

Game Discussion

Re: felix v. olga. I have less a voice for Felix than I do for Olga, but I agree that at this point, Felix probably a better add-in than Olga. I hope to speak to Margild, perhaps she has some opinion on the matter.

The Founder's Ghost

GM, 63 posts

Boo

Sat 18 Mar 2023
at 04:46

msg #120

Game Discussion

Alright. Added the grogs to the Grog Pool so they are located in one central place.

Each of you pick one grog to play for the lead in (Affare, you too).

Working on a few things so we'll do the Grog Story/Reporting to Margildt/and one or two other little threads starting tomorrow.

Thanks.

Emrys

player, 50 posts

Fresh

OK

Sat 18 Mar 2023
at 10:41

msg #121

Game Discussion

In reply to The Founder's Ghost (msg # 120):

I'll take the one that is left after everyone chooses.

Frederich

player, 31 posts

Mon 20 Mar 2023
at 13:52

msg #122

Game Discussion

Sry, was away for weekend. I'll give Even a whirl.

Emrys

player, 51 posts

Fresh

OK

Mon 20 Mar 2023
at 19:39

msg #123

Game Discussion

Affare, which of the three remaining grogs do you want to try?

Vinter hasn't logged in since the 13th so if he hasn't shown up shortly after you pick, I'll pick 3rd and the last grog can go to Vinter when/if he posts.

The Founder's Ghost

GM, 66 posts

Boo

Mon 20 Mar 2023
at 20:25

msg #124

Game Discussion

In reply to Emrys (msg # 123):

I am probably going to look into recruiting a new 4th. If Vinter comes back, all well and good. But I would like ya'll to have a strong arm companion type.

In the meantime, we will proceed. New thread up later tonight.

Thanks.

The Founder's Ghost

GM, 69 posts

Boo

Tue 21 Mar 2023
at 03:19

msg #125

Game Discussion

In reply to The Founder's Ghost (msg # 124):

Okay.

Fred is Evzen.

Affare will take Wulfgang.

Em? What's your grog poison?

Emrys

player, 52 posts

Fresh

OK

Tue 21 Mar 2023
at 03:33

msg #126

Game Discussion

In reply to The Founder's Ghost (msg # 125):

I'll go with Leonard then;-)

The Founder's Ghost

GM, 71 posts

Boo

Tue 21 Mar 2023
at 04:27

msg #127

Game Discussion

Alright. Assuming I didn't screw things up, you should have your selected grog added as a secondary character.

Please feel free to post as your grog on the "Where There's A Whip, There's A Way" thread.

Let me know if there are issues accessing your PC.

Thanks.

The Founder's Ghost

GM, 77 posts

Boo

Sat 25 Mar 2023
at 01:39

msg #128

Game Discussion

Emrys/Leonard: You want me to roll Leadership test for you?

I would say your Social Handicap actually isn't a handicap in this situation. The Afflicted Tongue is. So you'd be at...what? A total of +2 (Afllicted -2+Leadership 5+ Intimidation 1 -2 Communication)

You can take my mystery roll result or roll yourself. Whichever you prefer.

On a side note, the potential new strong arm I was chasing can't commit. So I will post an ad this weekend. If you know someone who might enjoy the game, feel free to send them my way.

Thanks.

Leonard

player, 7 posts

Fresh

OK

Sat 25 Mar 2023
at 01:54

msg #129

Game Discussion

In reply to The Founder's Ghost (msg # 128):

Didn't know if you wanted a stress or simple die. Or a roll at all...I'll take your mystery roll though.

The Founder's Ghost

GM, 78 posts

Boo

Sat 25 Mar 2023
at 05:26

msg #130

Game Discussion

In reply to Leonard (msg # 129):

Good point. As a general rule of thumb, outside combat or casting rolls, all rolls will generally be simple. I will make a point of indicating it becomes a stress test.

Good choice on taking the mystery roll Leo. I got a 7 so you're at a total of 9.

Evzen

player, 6 posts

Sun 26 Mar 2023
at 16:39

msg #131

Game Discussion

In reply to The Founder's Ghost (msg # 128):

Mystery!

The Founder's Ghost

GM, 82 posts

Boo

Mon 27 Mar 2023
at 03:25

msg #132

Game Discussion

In reply to Evzen (msg # 131):

We should be able to finish up the grog storyline fairly quickly I think. We'll see how those rolls go.

We'll get back to the main storyline Thursday one way or the other. I'll write in our fourth as we go.

Questions? Thanks.

The Founder's Ghost

GM, 86 posts

Boo

Wed 29 Mar 2023
at 19:50

msg #133

Game Discussion

Okay. We are welcoming Alfred and Ranulf the Vast to the game.

Everyone say Hi.

Alfred

player, 1 post

Wed 29 Mar 2023
at 19:54

msg #134

Game Discussion

Greetings! I'll be playing a Danish ship captain for my companion!

Ranulf The Vast

player, 1 post

Wed 29 Mar 2023
at 19:57

msg #135

Game Discussion

Hi everyone! Glad to be here!

Emrys

player, 53 posts

Fresh

OK

Wed 29 Mar 2023
at 20:08

msg #136

Game Discussion

Welcome to the game! I'm Chris and right now I'm playing Leonard. While I've collected ArM since it was first published by Lion Rampant but little opportunity to play (or even run) it. So really looking forward to see how this game develops.

Frederich

player, 36 posts

Thu 30 Mar 2023
at 18:14

msg #137

Game Discussion

Glad you're here Raynulf!

Alfred

player, 2 posts

Thu 30 Mar 2023
at 18:19

msg #138

Game Discussion

In reply to Emrys (msg # 136):

It has always been an easier game to collect than actually play.
I've played in a few chronicles through the years, but not as many as I'd like to have been in.

Leonard

player, 14 posts

Fresh

OK

Thu 30 Mar 2023
at 18:33

msg #139

Game Discussion

Does Evzen want to go straight across or to the right (or left)?

Evzen

player, 10 posts

Thu 30 Mar 2023
at 18:43

msg #140

Game Discussion

No reason to second-guess the big guy in front. Right is right.

The Founder's Ghost

GM, 88 posts

Boo

Fri 31 Mar 2023
at 01:18

msg #141

Game Discussion

Quick Update: Ranulf is now Reynard

The Founder's Ghost

GM, 90 posts

Boo

Fri 31 Mar 2023
at 05:06

msg #142

Game Discussion

As a side note, I am adding a couple of lurkers who are on the waiting list to join us should I decide to open up more slots. With 5 of you, I have my hands full.

If that makes anyone uncomfortable, please PM me.

Thanks.

The Founder's Ghost

GM, 92 posts

Boo

Mon 3 Apr 2023
at 02:09

msg #143

Game Discussion

In reply to The Founder's Ghost (msg # 142):

Alrightie. We will finish up the Grog thread soonish. But we have our two new companions almost up and ready to go. So unless there are objections, I will plan on starting the Switzerland thread probably Thursday. We can finish the Grog thread as we go.

Questions or concerns?

Thanks.

The Founder's Ghost

GM, 93 posts

Boo

Mon 3 Apr 2023
at 22:29

msg #144

Game Discussion

Hello. Will be offline unexpectedly tonight. Will catch up on posts tomorrow.
Thanks.

Reynard The Vast

player, 2 posts

Thu 6 Apr 2023
at 01:14

msg #145

Game Discussion

I really feel sorry I can't help y'all with those big heavy boxes and the mean 'ol soldiers...

The Founder's Ghost

GM, 96 posts

Boo

Thu 6 Apr 2023
at 02:24

msg #146

Game Discussion

In reply to Reynard The Vast (msg # 145):

Don't worry Reynard. You and Al will get your chances to move heavy loads starting tomorrow.

I'll post a new thread for Switzerland. So magi and Affare will be double playing.

Let me know if there are questions/concerns please.

Thanks

Reynard The Vast

player, 3 posts

Thu 6 Apr 2023
at 03:36

msg #147

Game Discussion

No worries, I just felt bad for the little guys. I love seeing the contrasting scales of problems, it's one of the more interesting facets of this game, and I haven't often seen it highlighted.

The Founder's Ghost

GM, 99 posts

Boo

Fri 7 Apr 2023
at 02:27

msg #148

Game Discussion

In reply to Reynard The Vast (msg # 147):

I'm a big fan of Companion/Grog oriented stories. One of the most memorable game sessions I GM'd came about because the Magi twilighted hard on his first magic roll in that story line. The rest of the story were the grogs that were with him trying to get his comatose body back to the covenant while being hunted by a werewolf. It was just a blast.

Switzerland thread is up. Welcome to Valnastium.

Reynard The Vast

player, 4 posts

Fri 7 Apr 2023
at 04:53

msg #149

Game Discussion

That sounds like a lot of fun.

Did they find out at the end that the werewolf was another of the magi (with Lycanthropy)? That would've been a cool twist, popped into my head.

Frederich

player, 37 posts

Wed 12 Apr 2023
at 00:41

msg #150

Game Discussion

Not abandoning anything just a huge headcold that I might die from. One every ten years or so. Gimme a day or so more.

The Founder's Ghost

GM, 105 posts

Boo

Wed 12 Apr 2023
at 01:42

msg #151

Game Discussion

Sorry folks. On a deadline. Will answer posts tomorrow.

Thanks.

Affare Acisculu

player, 15 posts

Wed 12 Apr 2023
at 03:51

msg #152

Re: Game Discussion

Frederich:

Not abandoning anything just a huge headcold that I might die from. One every ten years or so. Gimme a day or so more.

Get well soon.

The Founder's Ghost

GM, 113 posts

Boo

Sat 22 Apr 2023
at 02:50

msg #153

Re: Game Discussion

I am looking at bringing in a few new players. So everyone knows.

Thanks.

The Founder's Ghost

GM, 116 posts

Boo

Mon 24 Apr 2023
at 03:07

msg #154

Re: Game Discussion

Please welcome the new Alfred and Wulfgang the Grog to the game all.

Another new player joining us soon.

Alfred

player, 7 posts

Mon 24 Apr 2023
at 03:11

msg #155

Re: Game Discussion

In reply to The Founder's Ghost (msg # 154):

Hello!

Wulfgang

player, 11 posts

Mon 24 Apr 2023
at 11:16

msg #156

Re: Game Discussion

Hey all!

*waves*

Emrys

player, 66 posts

Fresh

OK

Mon 24 Apr 2023
at 18:30

msg #157

Re: Game Discussion

Welcome to the game;-)

The Founder's Ghost

GM, 120 posts

Boo

Tue 25 Apr 2023
at 01:48

msg #158

Re: Game Discussion

Reynard, I adjusted my last post in the Switzerland thread. Still want an Awareness check please. Let me know if there are questions. Thanks.

The Founder's Ghost

GM, 121 posts

Boo

Tue 25 Apr 2023
at 22:46

msg #159

Re: Game Discussion

Hey Folks.

Seems like Tuesday is turning into my "you need to work late" night.

I will update posts and respond to PMs tomorrow, Wednesday.

Thanks for your patience.

The Founder's Ghost

GM, 122 posts

Boo

Thu 27 Apr 2023
at 00:02

msg #160

Re: Game Discussion

Due to the storms here in Texas, my internet has been going up and down all evening long. I am working on updates and will update ASAP.

Thanks.

Alfred

player, 9 posts

Thu 27 Apr 2023
at 01:00

msg #161

Re: Game Discussion

No worries! Stay safe!

Affare Acisculu

player, 23 posts

Thu 27 Apr 2023
at 01:54

msg #162

Re: Game Discussion

Stevie Ray Vaughan’s ‘Texas Flood’ immediately springs to mind. I hope things dry out for you soon.

Wulfgang

player, 13 posts

Thu 27 Apr 2023
at 11:13

msg #163

Re: Game Discussion

Alrighty, then. First post. Hopefully that works out; still trying to feel everything out here :)

The Founder's Ghost

GM, 124 posts

Boo

Fri 28 Apr 2023
at 03:33

msg #164

Re: Game Discussion

And we will be joined by Glasera ex Merinta, probably this weekend.

Ya'll say hi.

Glasera ex Merinta

player, 1 post

Fri 28 Apr 2023
at 11:28

msg #165

Re: Game Discussion

Salvete Sodales, glad to be here.

Emrys

player, 70 posts

Fresh

OK

Fri 28 Apr 2023
at 15:41

msg #166

Re: Game Discussion

Cool, welcome to the game;-)

Glasera ex Merinta

player, 2 posts

Fri 28 Apr 2023
at 18:05

msg #167

Re: Game Discussion

Thanks, I'm only about 92,000 questions away from being completely finalized. But I hope to be playing in character soon.

Wulfgang

player, 14 posts

Fri 28 Apr 2023
at 19:54

msg #168

Re: Game Discussion

Woo, another new person!

Alfred

player, 10 posts

Fri 28 Apr 2023
at 20:12

msg #169

Re: Game Discussion

welcome!

The Founder's Ghost

GM, 133 posts

Boo

Wed 3 May 2023
at 03:27

msg #170

Re: Game Discussion

Sorry folks. Evening got away from me. Will answer posts tomorrow.

Thanks.

Wulfgang

player, 16 posts

Wed 3 May 2023
at 15:50

msg #171

Re: Game Discussion

Sorry for the delay! I forgot for a second that I was actually playing and thought I was still a lurker! Oops!

Glasera ex Merinta

player, 3 posts

Sat 6 May 2023
at 04:32

msg #172

Re: Game Discussion

Wooo, my character sheet is basically all approved. See you guys IC soon.

Wulfgang

player, 17 posts

Sat 6 May 2023
at 12:10

msg #173

Re: Game Discussion

Wooo!

Alfred

player, 11 posts

Tue 9 May 2023
at 17:51

msg #174

Re: Game Discussion

Hi all,

I'm currently working on a character (to get a feel for the system, since GM asked me to), and i'm not sure what his abilities would be. I'm thinking a priestly/monk sort of character - here is his sheet: https://docs.google.com/spread...BU4/edit?usp=sharing. Do you all have any suggestions?

Glasera ex Merinta

player, 7 posts

Tue 9 May 2023
at 18:11

msg #175

Re: Game Discussion

There is a priest on page 23 of the Core book.

He has;
Artes Liberales, so he can read and rhetoric is also covered.
Brawl, not necessary
Charm 5, makes sense for a person who talks to a lot of people.
Church Lore, which isn't a thing. but seems like they wanted area Lore of his parish.
Civil and Canon Law, sensible since he is covered by canon law and it would be nice for him to know the difference.
Dominion Lore, Makes sense, it covers the supernatural aspect.
Etiquette, makes sense for someone who has superiors and may interact with nobility.
Folk Ken 6, again this guy is a people person.
Intrigue, probably not necessary but there are political maneuverings within the church.
Latin 4, they gave the example of the bible but it is the core book so Church Latin is probably more appropriate given later stuff about language. Basically there are three Latin Dialects; Church, Hermetic, and Academic.
Leadership, priests are sometimes in charge of deacons or what have you but in practice there isn't a need for a high score.
Living Language, by default.
Area Lore, since priests should know about their parish.
Sense Un/Holy, that character has the virtue for it but most won't.
Theology, sensible for a priest.

Alfred

player, 12 posts

Tue 9 May 2023
at 18:18

msg #176

Re: Game Discussion

In reply to Glasera ex Merinta (msg # 175):

Alright, thanks! I guess I was thinking leaning more towards a monk but I like it!

Glasera ex Merinta

player, 8 posts

Tue 9 May 2023
at 18:57

msg #177

Re: Game Discussion

Ya a monk may or may not have the social skills and might have more academic skills if he's a monastery type or maybe more area lores and some survival/athletics as a traveling type. There are a lot of types of monk and friar in ME.

Alfred

player, 13 posts

Tue 9 May 2023
at 19:02

msg #178

Re: Game Discussion

In reply to Glasera ex Merinta (msg # 177):

Right, I guess I'm not sure what type he is

The Founder's Ghost

GM, 140 posts

Boo

Wed 10 May 2023
at 02:37

msg #179

Re: Game Discussion

Hey All. Have a last minute business trip. Should catch up on posts by Thursday.

Thanks.

Alfred

player, 14 posts

Thu 11 May 2023
at 01:55

msg #180

Re: Game Discussion

Ok, I think i got an okay setup for a priest if someone doesn't mind looking over the google sheet? I'm brand new and thinking he's a young man, but should be done

Glasera ex Merinta

player, 9 posts

Thu 11 May 2023
at 18:21

msg #181

Re: Game Discussion

Not sure on the mathc, but you filled out an apprenticeship section? I would think you would just stick to early life or later life. I'm not sure how the sheet is handling the XP for that section.

I also find the sheet sort of incomprehensible. Like, why is general information so spread out?

Alfred

player, 15 posts

Thu 11 May 2023
at 19:00

msg #182

Re: Game Discussion

In reply to Glasera ex Merinta (msg # 181):

Right, i'm not sure why it's so spread out.

Emrys

player, 80 posts

Fresh

OK

Fri 12 May 2023
at 20:04

msg #183

Re: Game Discussion

Adapted from a 15th century English poem- https://interestingliterature....ymous-medieval-poem/

and few pub songs;-) And a hammer to try to get the scheme into shape.

Affare Acisculu

player, 33 posts

Sun 14 May 2023
at 01:11

msg #184

Re: Game Discussion

I hope nobody sets me on fire, like that poor bastard in Vincent Price's 'Masque of the Red Death'.
This message was last edited by the player at 06:46, Sun 14 May 2023.

Glasera ex Merinta

player, 15 posts

Mon 22 May 2023
at 03:32

msg #185

Re: Game Discussion

What season is it in game. I'm fishing for ACs so it would be nice to know what might still be active.

The Founder's Ghost

GM, 149 posts

Boo

Mon 22 May 2023
at 17:03

msg #186

Re: Game Discussion

In reply to Glasera ex Merinta (msg # 185):

Hi All.

Will be offline tonight. Should catch up on posts tomorrow, Tuesday, but there is a chance I will not be back online until Wednesday.

I appreciate your patience. Thank You.

The Founder's Ghost

GM, 150 posts

Boo

Mon 22 May 2023
at 17:03

msg #187

Re: Game Discussion

In reply to Glasera ex Merinta (msg # 185):

Glasera: We are currently in late spring.

The Founder's Ghost

GM, 151 posts

Boo

Wed 24 May 2023
at 15:47

msg #188

Re: Game Discussion

Hello All.

Sorry for the delays. Flight got back in later than I thought.

Need to make an announcement to all my games: There will be a (hopefully) temporary to my posting schedule. For at least the next month, I will answer game boards Wednesdays through Saturdays. Will also try to post on Sundays as possible. I will be offline Mondays and Tuesdays.

Hoping that this will sort itself out before the end of June. Will let everyone know.

Again, my apologies for the disruption. Real Life happens.

Thanks.

The Founder's Ghost

GM, 158 posts

Boo

Thu 1 Jun 2023
at 23:00

msg #189

Re: Game Discussion

Hello.

Just as a follow up to all my games:

It looks like my Off-Monday/Tuesday-Sundays-Are-Maybes schedule will last at least through the end of July.

My apologies for the inconvenience.

I hope to be back to my former schedule as soon as possible. But RL happens.

Thanks for your patience.

The Founder's Ghost

GM, 159 posts

Boo

Thu 1 Jun 2023
at 23:06

msg #190

Re: Game Discussion

One additional announcement for this game:

I am considering reversing my decision regarding Mythic Companions and allowing them.

I would be placing restrictions on them. Yes, they would take your Magi slot. And No, I would not allow them to be as strong as Magi. The decisions on how those limits would apply would be on a case by case basis.

Wanted to ask for player feedback. I know one of you at least would like to go the Mythic Companion route. Any one else have any thoughts/concerns/questions about it?

I do want to give anyone who wishes to comment a change to do so before I make any final decisions.

Thanks.

Glasera ex Merinta

player, 19 posts

Fri 2 Jun 2023
at 00:27

msg #191

Re: Game Discussion

Significant danger if you allow for Magic Might characters without restrictions.

Otherwise MC's are just worse than Magi generally so it's on the players to accept that.

Granted some hedge stuff is written in the form of a Mythic Companion so that might get weird.

Emrys

player, 95 posts

Fresh

OK

Fri 2 Jun 2023
at 00:36

msg #192

Re: Game Discussion

I have very limited experience with ArM but I have played a number of games that had big disparities between character power levels (like in ArM) so really have no problem with Mythic Companion characters if everyone else is fine with it.

It's a magi centric game though, so would want to see more magi as the 'magi tiered character' rather than Mythic companions.

Bernhard

player, 16 posts

Fri 2 Jun 2023
at 01:11

msg #193

Re: Game Discussion

I am brand new to AM so I'm fine either way.

Glasera ex Merinta

player, 22 posts

Sat 3 Jun 2023
at 15:35

msg #194

Re: Game Discussion

quote:

Sorry for the confusion. I thought all this was happening in and around Gustav's chambers.

That was what I thought too? Did we move?

The Founder's Ghost

GM, 162 posts

Boo

Sun 4 Jun 2023
at 01:41

msg #195

Re: Game Discussion

In reply to Glasera ex Merinta (msg # 194):

Glas and Reynard: You guys are in a parlor near Gustav's old chambers.

Affare and Emrys left. They are breaking into Amis' sanctum, though you don't know that.

Sorry for any confusion. We have a lot of moving parts at the moment.

The Founder's Ghost

GM, 165 posts

Boo

Mon 5 Jun 2023
at 01:34

msg #196

Re: Game Discussion

In reply to The Founder's Ghost (msg # 195):

Hello.

To avoid any confusion:

I am starting off some new players on a separate thread for Riga.

Glasera, Reynard, Affare, Emrys, and Wulfgang: You guys are still on the Switzerland thread.

Bernhard and Kylli: You guys are on the Riga thread.

By the by, please welcome Bernhard and Kylli officially to our group.

Thanks all.

Glasera ex Merinta

player, 23 posts

Mon 5 Jun 2023
at 03:54

msg #197

Re: Game Discussion

Salvete Bernhard and Kylli

Bernhard

player, 17 posts

Mon 5 Jun 2023
at 14:57

msg #198

Re: Game Discussion

In reply to Glasera ex Merinta (msg # 197):

Hello!

Kylli

player, 1 post

Kyllikki, Musician

Faerie Wizard

Mon 5 Jun 2023
at 16:06

msg #199

Re: Game Discussion

Hi. Thanks for the welcome.

Reynard The Vast

player, 43 posts

Wed 7 Jun 2023
at 20:14

msg #200

Re: Game Discussion

Does Reynard have any insight about the figurine?

The Founder's Ghost

GM, 167 posts

Boo

Thu 8 Jun 2023
at 01:22

msg #201

Re: Game Discussion

In reply to Reynard The Vast (msg # 200):

Reynard, if you have an ability/lore you think might be relevant, you can give it a roll. Simple test.

I'm not seeing anything that would make me think he would have. But that doesn't mean you can't give it a shot.

Glasera ex Merinta

player, 26 posts

Thu 8 Jun 2023
at 01:39

msg #202

Re: Game Discussion

Was worth a shot. He's more akin to the owner than the other PCs that looked at it.

The Founder's Ghost

GM, 170 posts

Boo

Thu 8 Jun 2023
at 02:03

msg #203

Re: Game Discussion

In reply to Glasera ex Merinta (msg # 202):

I agree. It's always worth a shot. And if he wants to give it a roll, who knows? If he gets a phenomenal roll, he might surprise us.

Glasera ex Merinta

player, 31 posts

Sun 11 Jun 2023
at 05:14

msg #204

Re: Game Discussion

FYI I didn't read the old thread. I had no idea that Vellum existed as a character.

The Founder's Ghost

GM, 175 posts

Boo

Thu 15 Jun 2023
at 03:14

msg #205

Re: Game Discussion

In reply to Glasera ex Merinta (msg # 204):

No worries Glas. I will let the others fill you in In Game...or Glasera to make her own mind up.

I'm back by the way. Working on catching up with posts now.

Thanks for you patience All.

Kylli

player, 4 posts

Kyllikki, Musician

Faerie Wizard

Fri 16 Jun 2023
at 15:05

msg #206

Re: Game Discussion

Long road trip. Will be back online significantly tomorrow.

The Founder's Ghost

GM, 179 posts

Boo

Fri 16 Jun 2023
at 17:09

msg #207

Re: Game Discussion

In reply to Kylli (msg # 206):

Just got off one of those myself Kylli. No worries.

As a side note, I should be online Monday since it's a holiday. Will still be offline Tuesday though.

Thanks.

Glasera ex Merinta

player, 35 posts

Thu 22 Jun 2023
at 16:59

msg #208

Re: Game Discussion

Might be overstepping on some of the extreme spell casting. Maybe I should have taken Overconfident rather than Optimistic!

The Founder's Ghost

GM, 191 posts

Boo

Wed 28 Jun 2023
at 20:07

msg #209

Re: Game Discussion

Hello All. I'm back. Sorry for disappearing Saturday. There were unexpected doings.

As an update to my schedule: it looks like me being off Mondays and Tuesdays will last at least until the end of the summer. My apologies for that. It kind of came out of the blue. I will try to post as often as possible Wednesdays through Saturdays, with Sundays just depending on whether I have to fly out Sunday afternoon or Monday morning.

I can say this is not a permanent situation. So I do appreciate your patience and understanding.

Please let me know if there are any concerns. Thank You.

Bernhard

player, 24 posts

Wed 28 Jun 2023
at 21:01

msg #210

Re: Game Discussion

In reply to The Founder's Ghost (msg # 209):

No worries!

The Founder's Ghost

GM, 197 posts

Boo

Fri 30 Jun 2023
at 03:43

msg #211

Re: Game Discussion

As an aside, I will be home this coming Monday and Tuesday. I do plan on trying to post at least one of those days. Hopefully both.

If you are off due to the 4th of July holiday, Happy 4th. See you when you get back.

The Founder's Ghost

GM, 201 posts

Boo

Wed 5 Jul 2023
at 01:13

msg #212

Re: Game Discussion

Hey All.

Please do me a favor. If I do not respond to you on something within 1 day, please kick me. Work's just been a bit chaotic and it's got me loopier than usual.

Sorry for the trouble. Thanks.

Reynard The Vast

player, 52 posts

Wed 5 Jul 2023
at 05:21

msg #213

Re: Game Discussion

I think it should be noted, Valnastium is way closer to Riga than Fengheld is. And I think they have a portal to Venice.

Emrys

player, 113 posts

Fresh

OK

Wed 5 Jul 2023
at 05:46

msg #214

Re: Game Discussion

Not seeing how Venice could be faster.

Riga is in Latvia. Fengheld is in Northern Germany from what I recall (or Frankfurt...but regardless all those big German trade towns are on a major trade artery like Main going into Rhine for Frankfurt). Valnastium is in the Alps (not a factor due to Portals but not grokking how the Greater Alps tribunal is closer to Riga than the Rhine tribunal geographically).

Venice is Northern Italy off the Adriatic. I suppose you could go from Venice, 'round Greece, up the Bosporus, into the Black Sea, then up rivers (& canals iirc) past Kiev all the way up to the Baltic but I'm not sure of the exact river water route.

But without doing some in depth digging I would bet going up a German river hit a trade port and going from there to the North and then Baltic Sea to get to Riga would be a lot faster than leaving from Venice.

Bernhard

player, 28 posts

Wed 5 Jul 2023
at 19:46

msg #215

Re: Game Discussion

I'll be out of town from Friday to Monday.

The Founder's Ghost

GM, 204 posts

Boo

Thu 6 Jul 2023
at 01:56

msg #216

Re: Game Discussion

In reply to Bernhard (msg # 215):

Understood Bernhard.

Reynard and Emrys (and everyone):

If you go by Venice-you can probably hook a Hermes Portal from Valnastium to Venice, yes. But then you have to board a ship, sail either west to the end of Spain and then north, up along Spain and then into the Baltic and then east to Riga.

If you take a portal to Fengheld, you will have somewhat of a land journey yes. But you can also make use of the river trade to shorten your journey.

https://forum.atlas-games.com/...-tribunal-map/167614

Using the Rhine map, you could for example go

-Fengheld to the town of Halle
-Charter passage on a boat heading upriver to Hamburg
-Either try to catch a ship going east in Hamburg or
-Go overland to Lubbeck and catch a ship going east from there

One aspect of this game is you guys will need to come up with an itenirary to get from place to place. I gave you a freebie with the Portal to Valnastium. But as you will find out, some of your destinations are a bit trickier to get to. And yes, there will be travel dangers.

But I will leave that to you guys. For now, we still have a little bit left in Valnastium.
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:57, Thu 06 July 2023.

Glasera ex Merinta

player, 40 posts

Thu 6 Jul 2023
at 02:48

msg #217

Re: Game Discussion

I miss my flying ship already...

Reynard The Vast

player, 53 posts

Thu 6 Jul 2023
at 06:09

msg #218

Re: Game Discussion

My bad, I was thinking of Slovenia. Sorry!

Emrys

player, 115 posts

Fresh

OK

Thu 6 Jul 2023
at 06:17

msg #219

Re: Game Discussion

I was thinking 'is there another Riga?' but didn't find one (except in the US:-). Or that you had info that going up through the river & canal network up through Russia was actually historically faster somehow;-).

Glasera ex Merinta

player, 42 posts

Thu 6 Jul 2023
at 13:02

msg #220

Re: Game Discussion

So it seems like I can talk to Gustav remotely. But if he keeps on like this I might start pulling answers from his mind.

Emrys

player, 116 posts

Fresh

OK

Thu 6 Jul 2023
at 13:24

msg #221

Re: Game Discussion

Well... cold calling someone you don't know, especially someone who has had a decidedly negative experience with magi recently and also just recently decided to quit the whole business (and get as far away from magi as possible)....yeah.

Honestly I think it's gone exceptionally well all things considered.

I did find the approach a little bit funny and wouldn't bring this up in OOC, except in cases where it can affect game direction overall. We're still sortof just jelling up a troupe and hopefully laying the foundation for a covenant. And there are OOC reasons to go to Riga at this point that I'd really prefer things not take a certain turn;-)

Glasera ex Merinta

player, 43 posts

Thu 6 Jul 2023
at 14:02

msg #222

Re: Game Discussion

This is probably only about as bad as talking in person given the Gift, tbh. But I can basically at any time pull answers straight from his head. This just gives opportunity to get other non specific information. Like if he got MIB flashy things when he left the covenants service or something.

The Founder's Ghost

GM, 206 posts

Boo

Thu 6 Jul 2023
at 23:00

msg #223

Re: Game Discussion

In reply to Glasera ex Merinta (msg # 222):

Hi All. Will need to work late tonight, so I will catch up on posts tomorrow afternoon.

Thanks.

The Founder's Ghost

GM, 207 posts

Boo

Thu 6 Jul 2023
at 23:02

msg #224

Re: Game Discussion

In reply to The Founder's Ghost (msg # 223):

I like that optimism Glas. I'll let you know his reaction tomorrow when I catch up on posts.

Thanks.

The Founder's Ghost

GM, 209 posts

Boo

Sun 9 Jul 2023
at 00:27

msg #225

Re: Game Discussion

For those of you who are in Valnastium: we will wrap that up this weekend. Feel free to post what you need to. But I will be starting the first "Intermission Thread".

What I will need is for ya'll to decide if you are heading back to Fengheld via the Hermetic Portal, or heading to Riga through some other means.

You may take a season at Fengheld to study. That includes you companions and grogs as well.

If you prefer to charge ahead, you may. If you wish to go somewhere other than Riga, you may.

It's all about you.

So think on that. I'll try to get the thread up tomorrow (Sunday). I will also be looking at XP over the coming week.

Questions?

Thanks.

Glasera ex Merinta

player, 44 posts

Sun 9 Jul 2023
at 01:39

msg #226

Re: Game Discussion

https://orbis.stanford.edu/

Seems potentially useful.

Sorry I've been quiet I'll be home tomorrow to post.

Emrys

player, 118 posts

Fresh

OK

Sun 9 Jul 2023
at 05:33

msg #227

Re: Game Discussion

In reply to Glasera ex Merinta (msg # 226):

Yup, at least for Western Europe since medieval tradeways used those Roman roads as well. Roman era Germania was a lot more wild and wooly though;-).

Glasera ex Merinta

player, 49 posts

Sat 15 Jul 2023
at 03:58

msg #228

Re: Game Discussion

Well... Shit is getting pretty wild on my end of things. Hope you all have a safe journey!

The Founder's Ghost

GM, 223 posts

Boo

Thu 20 Jul 2023
at 00:14

msg #229

Re: Game Discussion

Regarding my schedule: I will be back to my regular posting schedule as of 8/7.

That is, I will post M,T,Th,F, and either Sat or Sun as I can.

Thanks for bearing with me.

The Founder's Ghost

GM, 226 posts

Boo

Thu 20 Jul 2023
at 03:39

msg #230

Re: Game Discussion

Hey Folks.

I will be working on XP from the Valnastium thread this weekend.

Since you elected to press on rather than resting/studying at Fengheld, I will probably be awarding Exposure XP for any ability you may use during your travels. So do consider what abilities you think we can justify awarding exposure XP to as well.

Let me know if there are any questions.

Thanks.

Glasera ex Merinta

player, 50 posts

Exhausted

1 Light Wound

Fri 21 Jul 2023
at 12:19

msg #231

Re: Game Discussion

I really hope I live so I can tell you guys about this BS that is going on. I didn't mean to abandon you guys. It just sort of seemed like the thing to do at the time.

The Founder's Ghost

GM, 230 posts

Boo

Sun 23 Jul 2023
at 02:39

msg #232

Re: Game Discussion

In reply to Glasera ex Merinta (msg # 231):

We shall see Glas. We shall see.

Everyone except Bernhard: You should have received a PM about XP from the Valnastium thread.

If you have questions about it, please respond back on the PM thread.

Let me know if you did not get a PM.

Thanks.

The Founder's Ghost

GM, 233 posts

Boo

Sun 23 Jul 2023
at 04:52

msg #233

Re: Game Discussion

Just to clarify something on XP:

Story XP is XP I'm assigning for your activity in one of the story threads. It's my belief you may use Story XP in whatever way you wish.

Exposure or Seasonal XP is XP you get from seasonal activities. You can only apply it to abilities or arts you studied or used during the season.

Ex. The XP I assigned you for Valnastium is story XP. You may apply it as you wish to your PC.

Ex. During the travelouge, you may gain XP just due to your travels. You could only gain XP to an ability you used frequently or well during the travels. As an example, Folk Ken since you'll be dealing with a number of people during the trip. We will get more into it when we wrap up the current Travelouge thread.

One last point: Story XP belongs to the player not the character. So you may bank the XP you just got from the story thread and apply it to a new PC later on. If Emrys wants to bank his story XP and use it when he builds his companion character he may.

Exposure XP must be used on the character who earned it.

Once you spend XP, it's gone. If you spend your story XP on Fred, and Fred dies, you don't get it back once you work up Bill to replace him.

Clear as mud?

The Founder's Ghost

GM, 235 posts

Boo

Sun 23 Jul 2023
at 22:49

msg #234

Re: Game Discussion

Emrys, Affare, and Reynard: Need a favor please.

Pick one grog a piece: Felix, Evzen, and Leonard. Please assign 5 XP to the one you picked.

Grogs can be found in the Grog pool thread.

Wulfgang, we spoke about your XP earlier.

Let me know if there are any questions please. Thanks.

Emrys

player, 128 posts

Fresh

OK

Mon 24 Jul 2023
at 03:30

msg #235

Re: Game Discussion

I have Leonard.

Leonard puts 5 xp into Awareness

The Founder's Ghost

GM, 241 posts

Boo

Wed 2 Aug 2023
at 22:19

msg #236

Re: Game Discussion

Hi All My Games.

Have some bad news/good news.

First, I will be offline tonight, Wednesday.

Second, this will be it for my summer schedule. Starting on Thursday I will be back posting TH, F, either Sat or Sun, Mon, Tue and off on Wednesdays.

I appreciate the patience with this. Glad it is over.

Thanks again.

Wulfgang

player, 37 posts

Thu 3 Aug 2023
at 20:30

msg #237

Re: Game Discussion

Thanks for the update!

The Founder's Ghost

GM, 245 posts

Boo

Tue 8 Aug 2023
at 04:10

msg #238

Re: Game Discussion

Hello.

Since this game is not only an Ars game but a teaeching/learning game for myself as well as some of you, want to talk about a couple of things. And this is me throwing this out to the group, asking that ya'll check me to make sure I have this correct. So if you feel I have any of this wrong, feel free to pipe up.

So Ars Magica is pretty serious about wounds. Magic cannot permanently heal unless it's Divine or vis is used to back the spell. What Emrys did was just field dressing. Until the wound is healed, Affare and Felix will be suffering the wound penalty.

First, Reynard. Your question/statement about Chiurgy applying to Affare and Felix's recovery tests. That is correct. Each time Affare and Felix make a recovery test, your Chirurgy score will be a bonus to their recovery test.

However, you can also use it as a skill to handle immediate issues. In this example, Leonard removed the arrows from them. Removing them without the use of a chirurgy skill roll would have had complications. Emrys spell wouldn't have taken care of the arrow. All it did was seal the wound from bleeding until the magic fades, at which time it will start bleeding again.

So you may still need to roll for chirurgy post battle. It can depend on circumstances. In this case, I would say you did. Leonard took care of it. But so you know.

Second, Emrys. Mastery will reduce the number of botch dice by the score level. But there may be times you will need to roll multiple dice. I would say you tending a wound would be a stressful event if Leonard hadn't removed those arrows. So good call on that.

One thing I have been lax about is setting the number of botch dice in a given situation. Going forward, assume you need to roll at least one botch die (Emrys, include an extra die for vis use if that comes up). I may then ask you to roll additional botch die on my next post. That will let us keep the game moving forward.

Any one have any questions or concerns at this point?

Glasera ex Merinta

player, 51 posts

1 Light Wound

Tue 8 Aug 2023
at 05:44

msg #239

Re: Game Discussion

Ya, that all looks right. Bind wounds is one.ofnthe enchantments I'm using semi-permanently. You still take wound penalties and you are still stressing your body out so you aren't healing.

Basically until you get somewhere safe surgery isn't going to do much since the wounds are magically sealed over and you patient is doing all the wrong things to get better.

All of us can share a nice comfy +18 recovery roll circle when I catch back up. Assuming I live and escape.

Also, I'm not sure on who was injured but you can't cast fatiguing spontaneous spells while suffering a wound penalty (typically seen that ruled similar to wounds worsening so it only after the combat). Looks like Emrys was doing the casting and he got out unscathed?

The Founder's Ghost

GM, 247 posts

Boo

Wed 9 Aug 2023
at 01:04

msg #240

Re: Game Discussion

In reply to Glasera ex Merinta (msg # 239):

Thanks Glas. And yep. Emrys was not one of the ones who took a hit.

Reynard The Vast

player, 62 posts

Thu 10 Aug 2023
at 05:21

msg #241

Re: Game Discussion

You can cast fatiguing spontaneous magic while wounded, you just have a penalty.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:21, Thu 10 Aug 2023.

Glasera ex Merinta

player, 52 posts

1 Light Wound

Thu 10 Aug 2023
at 11:36

msg #242

Re: Game Discussion

Not according to my book

Reynard The Vast

player, 64 posts

Thu 10 Aug 2023
at 19:45

msg #243

Re: Game Discussion

Those are the activities that can make wounds worsen, check the beginning of the section. "Activities While Injured". You can, it's just dangerous.

Glasera ex Merinta

player, 53 posts

1 Light Wound

Thu 10 Aug 2023
at 19:55

msg #244

Re: Game Discussion

Sure, so if they are already Bound then you can play through the pain.

The Founder's Ghost

GM, 249 posts

Boo

Fri 11 Aug 2023
at 03:02

msg #245

Re: Game Discussion

In reply to Glasera ex Merinta (msg # 244):

To be honest, I think that section is a little oddly written. But yes, I would agree with Reynard. You can do those things. But you're probably going to wish you hadn't.

So Affare...no jumping jacks for now.

Emrys

player, 139 posts

Fresh

OK

Fri 11 Aug 2023
at 03:09

msg #246

Re: Game Discussion

Well it's Ars Magica, wounds are just brutal. And corpus vis doesn't grow on trees....well maybe herbam latter if we're lucky;-).

Glasera ex Merinta

player, 54 posts

1 Light Wound

Fri 11 Aug 2023
at 03:13

msg #247

Re: Game Discussion

Light wounds heal off quickly enough. My entire character is built around taking wounds pretty often and healing them when it's convenient.

The Founder's Ghost

GM, 259 posts

Boo

Mon 21 Aug 2023
at 15:00

msg #248

Re: Game Discussion

Hey All. Power in my building has been off most of the weekend and may not return today. Will update games as soon as I can. Thanks

The Founder's Ghost

GM, 266 posts

Boo

Wed 30 Aug 2023
at 02:51

msg #249

Re: Game Discussion

In reply to The Founder's Ghost (msg # 248):

I will be advertising for this game. So if you know anyone who might be interested, please send them my way.

I'll let ya'll decide about the time of departure and we will continue on Thursday.

Thanks.

Emrys

player, 152 posts

Fresh

OK

Wed 30 Aug 2023
at 08:30

msg #250

Re: Game Discussion

I've done one pass through all the other games I played already. Ars Magica though doesn't seem to be a hard game to recruit for in my experience of actually trying to get in one that was starting up. It's more keeping them going for some reason (with ghosting players from what I can tell after looking at a number of dead ArM games).

The Founder's Ghost

GM, 271 posts

Boo

Wed 6 Sep 2023
at 01:59

msg #251

Re: Game Discussion

Sorry All. Have a deadline at work. Will update games tomorrow.

Thanks.

The Founder's Ghost

GM, 276 posts

Boo

Tue 12 Sep 2023
at 02:03

msg #252

Re: Game Discussion

Sorry All. Back on deadline. Will catch up posts tomorrow.

Thanks.

The Founder's Ghost

GM, 288 posts

Boo

Wed 27 Sep 2023
at 03:08

msg #253

Re: Game Discussion

Sorry All. Very long day at work. I will catch up on posts tomorrow.

Thanks.

Wulfgang

player, 44 posts

Tue 3 Oct 2023
at 22:31

msg #254

Re: Game Discussion

Wooow, work is slamming me. Sorry for vanishing, I'll try to do better!

Leonard

player, 31 posts

Fresh

OK

Sat 7 Oct 2023
at 11:44

msg #255

Re: Game Discussion

In reply to Wulfgang (msg # 254):

Hi all,

Will be joining the game as Leonard, for now, but am working up a magi with input from the GM. Looking forward to playing some Ars with you all.

FMB

Bernhard

player, 40 posts

Sat 7 Oct 2023
at 16:18

msg #256

Re: Game Discussion

In reply to Leonard (msg # 255):

Welcome!

Emrys

player, 170 posts

Fresh

OK

Sat 7 Oct 2023
at 16:53

msg #257

Re: Game Discussion

Welcome to the game;-) Leonard's a fun grog in the meantime... he was originally meant to be the shield grog of another magi (who had the gentle gift and staked out the face role). Leonard was his younger brother (since the magi still maintained a strong connection to them), and after the Fire of Magdeburg, Leonard was sent o Fengheld.

His name is a minor joke reference to Lennie from Of Mice and Men though he isn't a simpleton;-). Honestly more a not quite intentional Sandor Clegane with a handicap that has played in his favor a few times.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:22, Wed 11 Oct 2023.

The Founder's Ghost

GM, 298 posts

Boo

Wed 11 Oct 2023
at 00:33

msg #258

Re: Game Discussion

Hello.

Please welcome New and Improved Alfred to the game.

Also, I am going to be travelling through 10/16. I should be able to check boards a few times during my travels, but I ask for your patience and understanding.

We will definitely be plowing ahead when I return.

Thanks All.

Alfred

player, 3 posts

Wed 11 Oct 2023
at 21:25

msg #259

Re: Game Discussion

Hello! I am the new and improved Alfred, happy to join you on the quest to find my brother.

Glasera ex Merinta

player, 55 posts

1 Light Wound

Wed 11 Oct 2023
at 21:47

msg #260

Re: Game Discussion

Lol, that quest is getting really complicated at this point.

Bernhard

player, 41 posts

Sat 14 Oct 2023
at 01:45

msg #261

Re: Game Discussion

I will be out of town from the 19th to the 22nd.

The Founder's Ghost

GM, 300 posts

Boo

Mon 16 Oct 2023
at 21:59

msg #262

Re: Game Discussion

In reply to Bernhard (msg # 261):

And I'm back. Thanks for the patience.

Working on updates tonight. Any questions?

Bernhard

player, 43 posts

Mon 16 Oct 2023
at 22:37

msg #263

Re: Game Discussion

In reply to The Founder's Ghost (msg # 262):

I had sent you a question privately. No worries about delays, life happens!

The Founder's Ghost

GM, 310 posts

Boo

Tue 24 Oct 2023
at 04:03

msg #264

Re: Game Discussion

Please welcome Calliope Podarces to the game. She will be joining us soonish.

Thanks.

Calliope Podarces

player, 1 post

Tue 24 Oct 2023
at 04:16

msg #265

Re: Game Discussion

Hello everyone, I will be playing Calliope, an original Companion that I've created for this game. This is also my first time playing Ars Magica in probably several years, and I'm not a super veteran player, but I look forward to meeting you guys in game eventually once the time is right. :)

Bernhard

player, 46 posts

Wed 25 Oct 2023
at 17:53

msg #266

Re: Game Discussion

In reply to Calliope Podarces (msg # 265):

Welcome!

The Founder's Ghost

GM, 314 posts

Boo

Sat 28 Oct 2023
at 04:13

msg #267

Re: Game Discussion

Welcome Matteo di Brunatti. He will be joining us soon.

Emrys

player, 179 posts

Fresh

OK

Sat 28 Oct 2023
at 04:25

msg #268

Re: Game Discussion

Welcom to the game!;-)

The Founder's Ghost

GM, 315 posts

Boo

Sun 29 Oct 2023
at 01:10

msg #269

Re: Game Discussion

Hola.

As we come into the Holiday season, wanted to say my usual.

First, I will be a little catch-as-catch can in the coming week (through 11/6). Should be able to stick to my usual posting schedule, but will beg your patience if I am off a day or two.

Second, I will be offline the week of 11/19 for Thanksgiving in the USA. Happy Turkey Day to all who will be turkey-ing.

Third, I should be at home all of December.

I will understand if attendance is down during the next couple of months. If you can let me know of any vacations/absences ahead of time, that would be much appreciated. But I do understand how it goes.

Thank You All for gaming with me. It is much appreciated. Thanks.

Calliope Podarces

player, 2 posts

Sun 29 Oct 2023
at 04:07

msg #270

Re: Game Discussion

Thank you, Emrys. I'm...literally foreseeing we'll have a good time gaming together! ^_-

I'm just working out a few final details with the GM about the character. I think we have it down pat now, though.

Emrys

player, 181 posts

Fresh

OK

Sun 29 Oct 2023
at 04:10

msg #271

Re: Game Discussion

In reply to Calliope Podarces (msg # 270):

Very cool;-) Looking forward to you working into it;-)

The Founder's Ghost

GM, 329 posts

Boo

Mon 13 Nov 2023
at 02:38

msg #272

Re: Game Discussion

Sorry all. Got noticed this afternoon I have to deal with a project at work due in the AM. So I will catch up on posts tomorrow.

Thanks.

Leonard

player, 36 posts

Fresh

OK

Mon 13 Nov 2023
at 21:48

msg #273

Re: Game Discussion

In reply to The Founder's Ghost (msg # 272):

Apologies all if it seemed I ghosted. Insane week at work, followed by several days of horrible plague.

The Founder's Ghost

GM, 330 posts

Boo

Tue 14 Nov 2023
at 03:30

msg #274

Re: Game Discussion

In reply to Leonard (msg # 273):

It is going around Leonard. No worries.

Calliope Podarces

player, 7 posts

Traveling Olive Merchant

Attractive, but weird

Wed 15 Nov 2023
at 01:52

msg #275

Re: Game Discussion

I got food poisoning this Sunday and am still getting over the tail end of it, some pun intended. It's been a weird week.

Evzen

player, 6 posts

Thu 16 Nov 2023
at 01:39

msg #276

Re: Game Discussion

Can someone give a synopsis of what happened in the main Travelouge thread? We were off to see the burger and now we are escaping town with an olive merchant? I feel I missed something. I also feel like you are having a lot more fun without my maga there.

Emrys

player, 195 posts

Fresh

OK

Thu 16 Nov 2023
at 06:07

msg #277

Re: Game Discussion

Gratz had appeared in town after the old burgher died and the old burghers son left to inform the local lord but never came back (with the old burgher's wife and his sister departing for parts unknown afterwards...i.e. dealt with by Gratz). Gratz claimed he was the new burgher and had the local lord's seal on the writ appointing him over Halle.

When we snuck into the Burghers residence/office we found a very abused woman (who had suffered for months) that was the daughter of the old burgher. Figuring that was enough to nail Gratz we left Halle after loading her up onto the wagon (with a drunk bully boy that was asleep in the hall).

On the way out a few guards tried to stop us and Calliope intervened. Up to this point the guards or goons had been distracted by a fight on the docks that apparently got a little out of hand;-). Currently we have left town with a lead on the guards, heading (hopefully) to where the local lord's man is waiting.

The Founder's Ghost

GM, 337 posts

Boo

Sun 19 Nov 2023
at 02:23

msg #278

Re: Game Discussion

As previously mentioned, I will be travelling next week. Will try to post when I can, but cannot guarantee I will be able to.

For those in the States, Happy Thanksgiving.

For those not in the States, Happy Work Week.

I will catch up on posts when I return Monday 11/27.

Thanks.

Calliope Podarces

player, 12 posts

Traveling Olive Merchant

Attractive, but weird

Sun 19 Nov 2023
at 08:28

msg #279

Re: Game Discussion

Thank you for letting us know, and I wish you safe travels! We will be here when you get back so don't worry if you can't post. I know how it is to like RPOL but have to set it down for a few days due to going on a trip etc.

Calliope Podarces

player, 13 posts

Traveling Olive Merchant

Attractive, but weird

Sun 19 Nov 2023
at 16:48

msg #280

Re: Game Discussion

Affare, did your character seem to understand or follow Calliope when she was speaking in Greek? She is wondering if you also are able to speak even a little bit of the language or not so that's why I her player am asking on her behalf.

Affare Acisculu

player, 117 posts

Mon 20 Nov 2023
at 15:58

msg #281

Re: Game Discussion

Affare knows ancient Greek at an intermediate level, but I don't know how close that is to medieval Greek. (And I know very little Greek in real life.) His Latin is MUCH better.

Calliope Podarces

player, 14 posts

Traveling Olive Merchant

Attractive, but weird

Mon 20 Nov 2023
at 16:34

msg #282

Re: Game Discussion

I know none in Real life. I use Google translate for the flavor-text in these initial posts lol.

I honestly am thinking its quite close or probably even the same language. Medieval times is much closer to "ancient times" than say today is in modern times, lol. But her Languages are Greek 5 Latin 4 High German 3 to facilitate Gameplay as well as her background as much as possible.

She's quite educated, especially for a woman during these times, and I was inspired a bit by the Female Scholar companion template although this is not a copy-paste and there's a LOT about my companion that's different. It was just an initial inspiration.

The Founder's Ghost

GM, 339 posts

Boo

Tue 28 Nov 2023
at 03:17

msg #283

Re: Game Discussion

Hello All.

I am back. Working on trying to catch up on posts.

Thanks.

Calliope Podarces

player, 15 posts

Traveling Olive Merchant

Attractive, but weird

Tue 28 Nov 2023
at 22:53

msg #284

Re: Game Discussion

I also had a long 5-day weekend and today is my first normal day again.

Calliope Podarces

player, 17 posts

Traveling Olive Merchant

Attractive, but weird

Sun 3 Dec 2023
at 15:16

msg #285

Re: Game Discussion

GM: I have a question. Was she not able to bring along Pomegranate somehow? I'd really like to keep her if possible.

The Founder's Ghost

GM, 346 posts

Boo

Mon 4 Dec 2023
at 04:17

msg #286

Re: Game Discussion

In reply to Calliope Podarces (msg # 285):

I forgot about Pomegranate. But a horse on a river barge would be kind of a problem.

I'll give you a choice: the wagons and horses would have returned to Fengheld, Emrys' covenant. We can say Pomegranate returned with them, and you will see (him? her?) again.

Or we can make a roll and see what happens. It would be against the rivermen's ability, so I'm figuring that would be a simple test at +8. If you'd like, you can make the roll and we will see what happens.

I'll give you a freebee: my advice is to stable Pomegranate in Fengheld for now. If things go like I think they'll go in Latvia/Estonia, it would insure Pomegranate's long term survival.

Emrys

player, 201 posts

Fresh

OK

Mon 4 Dec 2023
at 06:48

msg #287

Re: Game Discussion

Buuut...if we get trapped in a siege we won't have Pomegranate to eat;-).

Calliope Podarces

player, 18 posts

Traveling Olive Merchant

Attractive, but weird

Thu 7 Dec 2023
at 00:21

msg #288

Re: Game Discussion

GM: Pomegranate is definitely a her, as she is totally inspired by Xena's Argo. :P

And I will take your "deal" of stabling her for now, but putting her under "GM protection" in exchange. Her in-game excuse? She foresaw this as being the most safe option for the horse.

Emrys: She's not for dinner! Bad Magi, Bad! *swats*

The Founder's Ghost

GM, 352 posts

Boo

Fri 8 Dec 2023
at 02:26

msg #289

Re: Game Discussion

In reply to Calliope Podarces (msg # 288):

Yep. NPC'd characters/co horts are under my almighty protection.

Calliope Podarces

player, 20 posts

Traveling Olive Merchant

Attractive, but weird

Fri 8 Dec 2023
at 02:36

msg #290

Re: Game Discussion

Awesome great one! *kowtows*

We'll do that then.

The Founder's Ghost

GM, 356 posts

Boo

Wed 13 Dec 2023
at 02:45

msg #291

Re: Game Discussion

Sorry folks. Have an unexpected work deadline. Will catch up on posts tomorrow. Thanks.

The Founder's Ghost

GM, 364 posts

Boo

Tue 19 Dec 2023
at 03:04

msg #292

Re: Game Discussion

Hello All My Games.

My apologies for the lack of updates yesterday and today. Everyone here caught the flu this weekend, and it wen through us pretty hard. I need to get some sleep. Will update tomorrow.

Thanks for your patience.

Evzen

player, 7 posts

Thu 21 Dec 2023
at 13:51

msg #293

Re: Game Discussion

Am I still with Emrys and co? srry all been a bit busy.

Emrys

player, 213 posts

Fresh

OK

Thu 21 Dec 2023
at 17:31

msg #294

Re: Game Discussion

Yep Evzen is onboard the ship heading towards Riga. Glad to hear from you;-)

The Founder's Ghost

GM, 369 posts

Boo

Fri 22 Dec 2023
at 03:59

msg #295

Re: Game Discussion

Hi Evzen. Yes, you are in the ship with Emrys, Calliope, Affare, and Wulfgang (Alfred too if he's still with us).

Wulfgang

player, 50 posts

Fri 22 Dec 2023
at 15:44

msg #296

Re: Game Discussion

Woo!

Bernhard

player, 53 posts

Fri 22 Dec 2023
at 22:18

msg #297

Re: Game Discussion

In reply to The Founder's Ghost (msg # 292):

No worries!

I'll be out of town from tomorrow through Wednesday.

Alfred

player, 11 posts

Sat 23 Dec 2023
at 15:41

msg #298

Re: Game Discussion

Alfred is still with you, I've been reading the posts.

The Founder's Ghost

GM, 371 posts

Boo

Sun 24 Dec 2023
at 03:36

msg #299

Re: Game Discussion

Safe travels Bernhard, and everyone else on the roads/in the air/in submarines/etc.

And Hey Alfred. I hope to have something more for everyone in Riga.

Speaking of opportunities for roleplay, I have been toying since this game started with running a seperate AM campaign based on the Four Seasons supplements. If you have never played through Four Seasons, they were a set of supplements designed to take a troupe through the life cycle of a covenant.

I will probably open up said campaign. Shooting for February/March. So if you want to take part in another AM game, please keep it in mind.

Thanks All.

Calliope Podarces

player, 31 posts

Traveling Olive Merchant

Attractive, but weird

Mon 25 Dec 2023
at 20:37

msg #300

Re: Game Discussion

I hope you all have a happy, safe holiday and a pleasant lead-in to the near year!

The Founder's Ghost

GM, 374 posts

Boo

Wed 27 Dec 2023
at 02:17

msg #301

Re: Game Discussion

Looks like I forgot to mention to the main group that we have switched up threads. Please reply to The Cornflower thread moving forward.

Calliope and Emrys, if you wish to continue your discussion on the Travelouge thread, please feel free to do so. I will assume anything you say there occurs before the events on the Cornflower thread.

Thanks.

Calliope Podarces

player, 33 posts

Traveling Olive Merchant

Attractive, but weird

Thu 28 Dec 2023
at 23:30

msg #302

Re: Game Discussion

Gosh this new website layout is weird. :(

Okay, I was wondering what happened to Emrys since he didn't respond to her big reveal. I'll continue it in the Cornflower thread then.

The Founder's Ghost

GM, 376 posts

Boo

Fri 29 Dec 2023
at 02:12

msg #303

Re: Game Discussion

Yeah, I'm gonna need time to get used to this layout. It's different. And that's always bad.

Emrys

player, 217 posts

Fresh

OK

Fri 29 Dec 2023
at 02:37

msg #304

Re: Game Discussion

In reply to Calliope Podarces (msg # 302):

I just continued it in the Cornflower thread (before the Founder said to we could continue in the other thread). Second paragraph-

Emrys:

Returning his attention to Calliope the magus adds, "Well as I said you are welcome to travel with us as we are sure to deal with other magi in our journey. I can't promise they'll be helpful but if you don't find answers during this quest I am planning on setting up a covenant in the near future that you'd be more than welcome to stay at. ..."

If it's not clear, Emrys is uncertain about a few things, particularly if he can actually help (and is really hesitant about making an open ended commitment to solve the problem considering it may take 40+ seasons of work;-)

Calliope Podarces

player, 34 posts

Traveling Olive Merchant

Attractive, but weird

Fri 29 Dec 2023
at 05:30

msg #305

Re: Game Discussion

Ah okay. Understood. And this is all new for Calliope too, and she doesn't know if you can help or not either but right now you're her best chance of at least learning more information, trying something different, etc.

Plus, having mages indebted to her and having a positive/friendly networking and working relationship is valuable all unto itself too. And It's not 1-sided either; she's already helped several times so far so I'd say it's a truly symbiotic relationship they've got going on.

It will be fun to see how things proceed as the story progresses. :)

I've got to get to bed now, and am sleeping on Calliope's responses to the GM and Emrys alike and will post tomorrow after work now that I understand things moved to Cornflower better (lol).
This message was last edited by the player at 05:32, Fri 29 Dec 2023.

Affare Acisculu

player, 129 posts

Fri 29 Dec 2023
at 17:03

msg #306

Re: Game Discussion

Happy holidays, all.

Yeah, I’m not sure I’m crazy about this new format. It doesn’t really put me in a sword and sorcery mood. More like a visiting the dentist’s office sort of vibe, maybe.

Emrys

player, 218 posts

Fresh

OK

Fri 29 Dec 2023
at 17:31

msg #307

Re: Game Discussion

Took me a few days to get used to looking to the right for the menu tbh.

The Founder's Ghost

GM, 378 posts

Boo

Sat 30 Dec 2023
at 03:15

msg #308

Re: Game Discussion

Yeah, there is definitely a learning curve with the new format. I kind of both like and dislike it. But the dislike may just be from unfamiliarity.

One way or the other, I'm just glad I have somewhere to do this for free.

Emrys

player, 219 posts

Fresh

OK

Sat 30 Dec 2023
at 04:48

msg #309

Re: Game Discussion

Well I like the fact that now the gms at least can upload portraits. Trying to get one uploaded by the site moderator for years now was nigh impossible.

Calliope Podarces

player, 35 posts

Traveling Olive Merchant

Attractive, but weird

Sat 30 Dec 2023
at 08:12

msg #310

Re: Game Discussion

Oh I didn't know we could upload profile portraits ourselves now!

Emrys

player, 221 posts

Fresh

OK

Sat 30 Dec 2023
at 08:33

msg #311

Re: Game Discussion

The GM can...so have to mail him the portrait to put up for you.

Calliope Podarces

player, 37 posts

Traveling Olive Merchant

Attractive, but weird

Sat 30 Dec 2023
at 08:44

msg #312

Re: Game Discussion

Oh thats good to know!

Are they game specific, or if I am a GM in another game can portraits carry over?

Emrys

player, 222 posts

Fresh

OK

Sun 31 Dec 2023
at 02:02

msg #313

Re: Game Discussion

I haven't tried it but I don't think so.

The Founder's Ghost

GM, 379 posts

Boo

Mon 1 Jan 2024
at 04:00

msg #314

Re: Game Discussion

Happy New Year.

Note to all my games: starting this week, my posting schedule is going to change slightly.

I plan on posting Monday through Wednesday, off Thursday, and post Friday. I will post either Saturday or Sunday as my weekend schedule allows.

It's a slight change up, but I will try to update four to five times a week.

Thanks for your patience and your participation. Hope we all have good games for the coming year.

The Founder's Ghost

GM, 380 posts

Boo

Mon 1 Jan 2024
at 04:04

msg #315

Re: Game Discussion

Keep in mind your SG is pretty technophobic. So emailing him the portrait and him figuring out how to upload it are two different things.

But send it along when you like Calliope. I will see what I can do.

Thanks.

Emrys

player, 225 posts

Fresh

OK

Mon 1 Jan 2024
at 04:17

msg #316

Re: Game Discussion

Just be sure it's sized for avatar size I think. I don't remember how big that is to be honest;-)

Calliope Podarces

player, 39 posts

Traveling Olive Merchant

Attractive, but weird

Tue 2 Jan 2024
at 17:12

msg #317

Re: Game Discussion

I quite enjoy calliope's portrait right now. I was more just commenting broadly in an academic sense.

Calliope Podarces

player, 46 posts

Traveling Olive Merchant

Attractive, but weird

Sun 14 Jan 2024
at 07:56

msg #318

Re: Game Discussion

I will post my action tomorrow evening (well...today later since it's now Sunday lol). I'm just considering my options.

Emrys

player, 236 posts

Fresh

OK

Mon 15 Jan 2024
at 07:54

msg #319

Re: Game Discussion

In reply to Calliope Podarces (msg # 318):

I believe you have Leonard as well in the room with you. Felix is essentially a kitchen boy from Fenghold. He's our cook;-). Leonard is a former bargeman smuggler burned by a fire (and is a brother of a magi that was at Fenghold) but he's more of a brawler to start with (and when trained will be a shield grog).

Karl is a peasant (swineherd) that turned to banditry because of the fake Burgher at Halle that was recruited after his group of bandits tussled with the group.

Calliope Podarces

player, 48 posts

Traveling Olive Merchant

Attractive, but weird

Tue 16 Jan 2024
at 02:11

msg #320

Re: Game Discussion

Halle is where we rescued the abused noble girl from, right?

And GM can you please confirm where Leonard is? If you're unsure, just put him with Emrys.

The Founder's Ghost

GM, 390 posts

Boo

Tue 16 Jan 2024
at 02:49

msg #321

Re: Game Discussion

In reply to Calliope Podarces (msg # 320):

I actually had forgotten about poor Leonard. Sorry about that. Thanks for reminding me Emrys.

Since Emrys says Leonard is in the room with you, he's in the room with you Calliope.

He had fallen asleep but just woke up and is getting out of bed.

A deep sleeper that Leonard.

Calliope, if you want to change your tactics due to Leonard getting up, you may. They aren't going to get through the door in this round anyway.
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:52, Tue 16 Jan.

Calliope Podarces

player, 50 posts

Traveling Olive Merchant

Attractive, but weird

Tue 16 Jan 2024
at 06:27

msg #322

Re: Game Discussion

Acknowledged!

I posted and just seamlessly retconned a perfect excuse for Leonard lol! :P

But I have my Oracle-style counter-ambush set up about as good as I think I can get it. If they try to overwhelm our other grogs and run, we will come out the door like bats out of hell. And if they break through the door, they get to enjoy tripping on the bed and falling into Calliope's counter-ambush.

So Emrys? Mow them down. :)

Wulfgang

player, 55 posts

Thu 18 Jan 2024
at 02:14

msg #323

Re: Game Discussion

Goodness, I blinked and a lot happened. I will try to get a post up later this evening.

The Founder's Ghost

GM, 393 posts

Boo

Thu 18 Jan 2024
at 04:22

msg #324

Re: Game Discussion

We live by the sword in this game Wulf. And the sword flies fast.

No worries.

Affare Acisculu

player, 130 posts

Fri 19 Jan 2024
at 18:32

msg #325

Re: Game Discussion

But will we die by the same?

Affare Acisculu

player, 131 posts

Fri 19 Jan 2024
at 18:38

msg #326

Re: Game Discussion

Ummm, btw… am I anywhere near this combat that’s going on?

The Founder's Ghost

GM, 395 posts

Boo

Sat 20 Jan 2024
at 03:08

msg #327

Re: Game Discussion

In reply to Affare Acisculu (msg # 326):

You were asleep in the room with Calliope. You just woke up.

Deep sleeper that Affare.

Calliope Podarces

player, 53 posts

Traveling Olive Merchant

Attractive, but weird

Sat 20 Jan 2024
at 23:04

msg #328

Re: Game Discussion

So a question: is Affare a grog, or a Companion? He seems to be a Grog to me but I'm unsure.

And is he being controlled by a separate player from myself and Emrys? I just want to make sure, because if so Calliope may still issue him commands etc as needed in-game, but I the player won't take liberty to control him or even roleplay his reactions etc if I know he is being "piloted" by another player.

Affare Acisculu

player, 132 posts

Sun 21 Jan 2024
at 01:07

msg #329

Re: Game Discussion

I’m a real live player. Affare is a Redcap, not a grog.

Emrys

player, 247 posts

Fresh

OK

Sun 21 Jan 2024
at 02:29

msg #330

Re: Game Discussion

:-) Yup Affare has been here from the beginning. As a redcap he's a member of the Order of Hermes...and Emrys treats him as such;-). The ex Miscellenae's been real curious what sort of magical goodies the Mercere has been carrying but hasn't asked and won't take a peek for example. Then again Emrys is probably a little bit egalitarian anyway;-)

Karl is a grog or 'unofficial grog' since he was recruited at Halle rather than part of the Fengheld crew. Evzen, Leonard, Felix, and Wulfgang are all grogs from Fengheld.

If anybody wants to know any side detail or wants a thumbnail sketch of who they are just give a yell. Wulfgang has a player so development & more backstory is up to them but pretty much all the grogs have at least some little reason why they are travelling on the road with us rather than staying nice and safe back in Fengheld (besides someone telling them to 'go travel with these idiots and the cat until the job is done';-).

Calliope Podarces

player, 54 posts

Traveling Olive Merchant

Attractive, but weird

Sun 21 Jan 2024
at 06:08

msg #331

Re: Game Discussion

Thanks for the clarification, Emrys.

So Affare is a non-mage Redcap companion then? Just making sure I'm following.

Emrys

player, 248 posts

Fresh

OK

Sun 21 Jan 2024
at 07:05

msg #332

Re: Game Discussion

Non-gifted magi of House Mercere;-). Mechanically he's built like a magi, Affare had to do a 15 year apprenticeship and gets 300 xp to spend and another 50 from the well-traveled virtue which redcaps get for free (where a companion gets 15 xp a year...so 225 xp for 15 years plus whatever is picked up with virtues). He starts with 50 levels in magic items and generally gets 2 more levels in magic item upgrades a year. Voting rights in the Order of course and nominally he puts in a season or two a year delivering messages.

As a magi he's protected by the code (not mention the Mercere mafia;-) so scrying on them could lead to trouble (like using a 'detect magic' spell on him;-).

But just point out how companions and redcaps are different.

The Founder's Ghost

GM, 398 posts

Boo

Sun 21 Jan 2024
at 17:43

msg #333

Re: Game Discussion

Sorry folks. Computer issues. Hang tight please. Thanks

Calliope Podarces

player, 55 posts

Traveling Olive Merchant

Attractive, but weird

Mon 22 Jan 2024
at 14:09

msg #334

Re: Game Discussion

Thank you Emrys, that is helpful!

Wulfgang

player, 57 posts

Mon 22 Jan 2024
at 23:06

msg #335

Re: Game Discussion

I am indeed a Grog!

I'm largely here to lurk silently and stoically in the background. What I'm best at is stuff pertaining to survival in the forest, and shooting things with my longbow! I'm a bit two-note, but I'm here to support y'all when and where possible!

Emrys

player, 249 posts

Fresh

OK

Tue 23 Jan 2024
at 03:54

msg #336

Re: Game Discussion

Wulfgang has some fun bits to him;-).

Calliope or someone else you want to handle Leonard? He's fire scarred, speaks in a croaking whisper (because of a scorched throat), and is a very big menacing man. Not quite Sandor Clegane (and he actually loves his family for one;-). I imagine he uses less coarse language but they way he says it comes out that way;-).

Calliope Podarces

player, 56 posts

Traveling Olive Merchant

Attractive, but weird

Tue 23 Jan 2024
at 05:34

msg #337

Re: Game Discussion

Yes, I'll handle the grogs in "my" room for now still, including Leonard but excluding Affare of course, as now I know that he's a player-controlled companion. :)

Affare Acisculu

player, 135 posts

Tue 23 Jan 2024
at 19:09

msg #338

Re: Game Discussion

He he ever told the king to his face to F himself?

Emrys

player, 252 posts

Fresh

OK

Tue 23 Jan 2024
at 19:12

msg #339

Re: Game Discussion

In reply to Affare Acisculu (msg # 338):

Sandor in the books? No I don't think so.

Calliope Podarces

player, 63 posts

Traveling Olive Merchant

Attractive, but weird

Wed 31 Jan 2024
at 14:05

msg #340

Re: Game Discussion

Okay, so guys please tell me about Alfred.

Is he a companion like Affare, or is he a mage like Emrys? I haven't had an opportunity to interact with him really so don't know, but from the in-game posts it seems he is backed by a player so Calliope currently knows more about him than her player does. :P

The Founder's Ghost

GM, 406 posts

Boo

Thu 1 Feb 2024
at 03:56

msg #341

Re: Game Discussion

Alfred is a companion.

Just to give you the current run down:

Magi

Emrys

Companion

Affare
Alfred
Calliope

Grogs

Leonard
Karl
Evzen
Wulfgang
Felix

Did I forget anybody?
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:59, Thu 01 Feb.

Calliope Podarces

player, 64 posts

Traveling Olive Merchant

Attractive, but weird

Thu 1 Feb 2024
at 07:11

msg #342

Re: Game Discussion

I see the following in the cast list that haven't been mentioned yet:

Bernhard
Glasera
Kylli
Matteo

----------

Question: Is our Alfred really related to Gunther, the guy we're looking for?
This message was last edited by the player at 07:14, Thu 01 Feb.

Emrys

player, 259 posts

Fresh

OK

Thu 1 Feb 2024
at 07:21

msg #343

Re: Game Discussion

We haven't met most of them yet except Glasera.

Glasera we met at Valnastium (for a short time). She is a ex Merinta magus (the house is more faerie focused). Gustav (not Gunther after looking back at the threads) contacted him via magic and there was some sort of kerfuffle on Gustav's end (in Riga, we were in Switzerland). Glasera *booped* to Gustav and we haven't heard from her since. So likely she's a prisoner with him (maybe).

The Founder's Ghost

GM, 408 posts

Boo

Sat 3 Feb 2024
at 04:44

msg #344

Re: Game Discussion

Yeah it is Gustav. Sorry about that. Been so long since I typed his name, forgot myself.

Bernhard and Glasera are on sabbatical. They may rejoin us at some point.

Kyli and Matteo are probably AWOL. I am leaving the players active in case they want to come back or until the end of this month.

Alfred is Gustav's brother, yes.

The Founder's Ghost

GM, 411 posts

Boo

Tue 6 Feb 2024
at 02:05

msg #345

Re: Game Discussion

Sorry folks. Will need to catch up on posts tomorrow. Thanks.

Calliope Podarces

player, 72 posts

Traveling Olive Merchant

Attractive, but weird

Tue 20 Feb 2024
at 07:41

msg #346

Re: Game Discussion

Sorry, this weekend going into Monday was President's day here so I got absorbed into the extended weekend. I will be posting a proper update tomorrow/later today (Tuesday) sometime. I need to get to bed right now!
This message was last edited by the player at 07:42, Tue 20 Feb.

The Founder's Ghost

GM, 425 posts

Boo

Wed 21 Feb 2024
at 03:00

msg #347

Re: Game Discussion

No worries Cal. Know how it goes.

Calliope Podarces

player, 74 posts

Traveling Olive Merchant

Attractive, but weird

Wed 21 Feb 2024
at 04:44

msg #348

Re: Game Discussion

What is Alfred's background, in a short summary like 1-3 sentences? Like is he a knight, or what is he (as a companion I mean) and why is he traveling with the troupe?

Alfred

player, 15 posts

Wed 21 Feb 2024
at 22:34

msg #349

Re: Game Discussion

Alfred is a merchant adventurer, seeking profit where he can. However, he is searching for his brother, who the troupe are also searching for, so their interests are aligned.

Calliope Podarces

player, 76 posts

Traveling Olive Merchant

Attractive, but weird

Thu 22 Feb 2024
at 00:41

msg #350

Re: Game Discussion

Calliope is going to want to talk to you more over time I think, given she also has mercantile interests!

She is assuming for now that you have been so quiet with her till now simply because her big personality combined with recent crazy events about your brother have got you quiet and brooding, reflecting, etc.

The Founder's Ghost

GM, 427 posts

Boo

Sat 24 Feb 2024
at 00:57

msg #351

Re: Game Discussion

Hey All Games. Sorry for the two day delay. Had Internet issues the past few days.

Will catch up on posts tonight.

Thanks.

The Founder's Ghost

GM, 443 posts

Boo

Fri 15 Mar 2024
at 03:04

msg #352

Re: Game Discussion

Sorry folks. Flight was very delayed and I didn't get in until very late. Will catch up on posts tomorrow.\

Thanks.

The Founder's Ghost

GM, 458 posts

Boo

Mon 1 Apr 2024
at 00:27

msg #353

Re: Game Discussion

Hi All Games. Hope you had a Happy Easter or Happy Weekend.

I had an unexpected family emergency over the weekend. I will get back to posting tomorrow, Monday. Sorry for the delay. Things happen.

I appreciate your patience. Thanks.

Emrys

player, 299 posts

Fresh

OK

Mon 1 Apr 2024
at 01:06

msg #354

Re: Game Discussion

Happy Easter everyone!

Calliope Podarces

player, 96 posts

Traveling Olive Merchant

Attractive, but weird

Mon 1 Apr 2024
at 03:06

msg #355

Re: Game Discussion

Yes happy Easter, or holiday weekend to those of other faiths.

The Founder's Ghost

GM, 463 posts

Boo

Sun 7 Apr 2024
at 03:30

msg #356

Re: Game Discussion

Hello All. Happy Post-Easter.

I am working on XP awards. Just taking me a bit longer than I would have liked.

In the meantime, I am awarding everyone a confidence point. Consider it a thank you for putting up with my weird game.

So please update your PC sheet. I hope to have XP done by mid week.

Let me know if there are questions or concerns. Thanks.

Emrys

player, 303 posts

Fresh

OK

Sun 7 Apr 2024
at 04:20

msg #357

Re: Game Discussion

Emrys:

Basically fatiguing spontaneous version of Eyes of the Cat (MuCo level 5, base 2, +1 touch, duration sun page 131)

Emrys has a Muto of 4, Corpus of 2, Stamina of 1 so fatiguing he'd have to roll a 3 or better with 2 minutes of rest between each casting but with the long duration and cautious sorcerer he'll get there eventually. He'll cast it on himself and comrades as well. Wulfgar esp.

And a Aurum spell to create a light haze in the sky to dim things up a bit. Creo Auram 1- Create a minor weather phenomenon with range of sight (+3) and duration of concentration (+1) so level 5 spell.

Creo of 5 and Auram of 1 with +1 stamina so need a 3 or better here as well. Hrm...not sure on target here...I can create '1 cloud' with the target guidelines under aurum but not sure if that would cover a wide area.

I could do something similar with Ignem...creo ignem 1 creates a light equivalent to moonlight while perdo ignem 2 greatly reduces the amount of light in an area.

If I used perdo ignem on the moon's moonlight to eliminate/reduce it) would it be perdo ignem 1 (the counterpart of creo ignem 1)? That would still come out to a magnitude 5 spell I think with +3 sight and +1 concentration.

The Founder's Ghost:

So I get the Eyes of the Cat. But that spell has an Animal req. So your casting total would be 1 less I think. You'd only have to roll a 4 or greater, but that is going to up the exhaustion levels a bit.

Yeah, 1 less cuz I forgot about the requisite thing with Animal 1 lower than Emrys Corpus. Since the duration is sun I figured he could take 2 minutes in between casting to recover and still have hours of duration left. He fails on a roll of a 2 or a 3 (since 1 doubles the next roll and Emrys needs a little bit more difficult circumstances to botch). Granted I'd like to get our 'fightin grogs' with Eyes of the Cat and any other of our group that wants it covered by that spell before the fun begins.

The Founder's Ghost:

With the Auram spell, you're forgetting target. The base target in your proposed spell would be Indiv. wouldn't it? You need to affect a larger area. Same would be true with the PeIg/CrIg. I'd say you would need to affect at least a Room in size.

If I can make a suggestion: You have a couple of spells I think would help in this case. Rise of the Feathery Body could be used to capture a target by holding them suspended in air. Unseen Porter might be used to make noises at a distance to cause a distraction.

I do like your line of thinking. And if you want to give some of those spells a shot, please give it a whirl. But you spend a lot of time fatiguing yourself. Might be worth considering ways to assist with the capture rather than the stalking if that makes sense. Might save you some fatigue.

Also, do you mind if we do discussions like this as OOC comments instead of private messages? I would like to give the other players a chance to see what's going on, as they may be making magi themselves. I think Calliope and Affare are both newbie players. If you'd rather keep it between us, that's cool. Just a request if you do not find it a burden.

Auram spell targeting is not what I expected (page 125). Individual target covers a single phenomenon: one cloud, one wind, one bolt of lightning

Group: Several related phenomena, such as the clouds, wind, and rain in a storm

'A base Individual for Auram is a weather phenomenon that affects the area within a standard Boundary- an area one hundred paces across'.

I was thinking a light haze in the sky to reduce the moon's light so maybe a ignem requisite?

Primarily I was focused on helping the ambush party's stealth (as requested by Calliope) which I assume means getting across an open field of cabbages at first;-). Granted still won't take care of the noise issue.

The problem with Rise of the Feathery Body I see (besides casting on someone that might have resistance) is the range of touch and maybe the duration of concentration. Meaning Emrys would have to get across the field and touch someone on horseback. I could see it happening but without Opening the Intangible Tunnel it's normally out of reach for Emrys as an opening move;-)

I like Unseen Porter but besides concentration I'm not sure on range, which is Voice. Not sure on the range to the watcher but was thinking more than 50 paces (and not sure if Emrys actually has to shout to get to that range).

Affare Acisculu

player, 160 posts

Sun 7 Apr 2024
at 05:13

msg #358

Re: Game Discussion

Am I wrong in assuming that I started with 3 confidence points and a confidence score of 1?

Emrys

player, 304 posts

Fresh

OK

Sun 7 Apr 2024
at 05:16

msg #359

Re: Game Discussion

In reply to Affare Acisculu (msg # 358):

Yup, confidence score of 1 and 3 points is correct.

The Founder's Ghost

GM, 464 posts

Boo

Mon 8 Apr 2024
at 02:47

msg #360

Re: Game Discussion

First, Thanks Emrys for being willing to talk about this out front. I know we have some new players, and I do want them to see where the spell casting rules can get tricky in this game.

quote:

Auram spell targeting is not what I expected (page 125). Individual target covers a single phenomenon: one cloud, one wind, one bolt of lightning

Group: Several related phenomena, such as the clouds, wind, and rain in a storm

'A base Individual for Auram is a weather phenomenon that affects the area within a standard Boundary- an area one hundred paces across'.

I was thinking a light haze in the sky to reduce the moon's light so maybe a ignem requisite?

I think if you create "a" fog, that takes care of creating something to obscure visibility. I don't see the need to add an Ignem req in that case, as fog by it's nature obscures vision. If you wanted it to have the effect of, say, stinging the eyes, then yeah. I could see an Ig req.

The question I have in this case is how much fog you create and how thick it is.

In looking at the existing spells for guidance, Air's Ghostly Form creates fog starting from the magi and spreading outwards a few paces at a level 5 spell. It's a base 2, bumped up 3 for the duration, a touch range, and something about being indoors. Stench of the 20 Corpses is kind of similair to what you're going for in my mind. You're trying to create an area effect that hampers the target at a voice range. It also bakes in a diameter duration to bring it to level 10.

I would say to create a fog cloud of sufficient density to hamper vision is a level 3. If you leave it at 2, it would hinder vision. But it wouldn't be as thick. To put it this way: if you leave it as a base level 2, I think you'd impede someone's vision -1 at most. If you go to level 3, I would give it a -3.

I'm not going to quibble on the target. I'll rule that the fog will spread provided it lasts long enough. Which brings up duration.

Duration. I always get kind of iffy about how long something lasts in a Creo spell if you leave the spell at a momentary duration. In this case, I think the fog would dissapate almost immediately. I think to make it effective, you'd need to bump the duration up to concentration.

Lastly, range. I think you could either have yourself as the center of the effect (just like in Air's Ghostly Form), or you bump the range up to voice. You might be able to make Eye range work, but that's going to involve one of the ambushing party turning, making eye contact with you, and serving as the center point of the spell. Given a distance and the time of day, making eye contact might be tricky. I'd call for them to make a Per/Awareness roll to make the eye contact with you, depending on how far ahead of you they get.

You can bump the range to Voice. But that requires you speaking. Which means the people you are trying to ambush will you hear you probably.

One thing you can do maybe is use a Conc Duration and Touch range. Touch one of the ambushing party as they leave, and let them spread the fog as they go. Basically you'd make someone else the target of an Air's Ghostly Form spell. I suppose you could also do that on a rock or something, and throw it in their direction.

So that's a long way of saying:

-How much of a penalty on the target's sight PER are you shooting for? -1 or -3?
-How do you want the fog delivered? Just appear in an area? Or have it emanate from something/someone and have them move towards the target?
-Are you willing to put the duration at concentration?

Let me know and I can give you a final ruling on the spell level you're aiming for.

Those of you who are experienced with AM, feel free to point out if you think I have gotten something wrong.

Those of you new to the game, yeah. Adjucating spontaneous spells can be that technical.

Thanks.

The Founder's Ghost

GM, 465 posts

Boo

Mon 8 Apr 2024
at 02:52

msg #361

Re: Game Discussion

Affare: What Emrys said. Magi and Companions start with 3 Confidence Points and a Confidence Score of 1. You can only spend a number of points on a single roll up to your Confidence Score.

In your case, you have 4 Confidence Points now. You can spend 1 of those points on a roll. If you bump your Confidence Score up to 2, you could spend up to 2 points on a single roll.

I can't recall. Do Grogs get confidence in this version of AM? I thought they did but only start with a single point. Anyone recall?

Emrys

player, 305 posts

Fresh

OK

Mon 8 Apr 2024
at 06:45

msg #362

Re: Game Discussion

Grogs get no confidence (page 19 1st paragraph but I'm sure I read that explicitly somewhere). But if you look in the grog templates they do not have a confidence score line listed so I'm sure they don't get confidence in this edition at least. Interestingly they can take minor virtues so I think it's possible they could take Self-Confident for a Confidence score of 2/5?;-).

Just never thought of that;-) Anyway they are minor disposable characters but I think we have a fun little bunch to start off with that compliment each other well. Please don't try to get them killed;-). After we get a turb of grogs established...then demolition derby won't hurt so much;-) But Emrys isn't a 'They killed Kenny!... Well anyway..." type of magus;-)

Emrys

player, 306 posts

Fresh

OK

Mon 8 Apr 2024
at 08:01

msg #363

Re: Game Discussion

Never ran or played AM before this game but I've run Mage: the Ascension for a few years (that campaign is still a fav for the players I ran it for;-) and there a little bit for new players to get used to for this type of system so no problem about 'showing the work'. Precedence of what other spells can do is a biggie.

A brief aside, my impression of a new magus going generalist overall a no-no as it isn't too hard to get low scores in other Forms and Techniques after a season or two. I didn't totally gimp Emrys in that regard as I did take one Form to a little midline starting score, but Emrys isn't going to be tearing down the walls of reality anytime soon;-). That said while AM has been on my gaming shelf through multiple editions for decades, I'm new to this game too but I still might be able to help if you have a question or two.

Anyway, I pretty much have to keep the level to 5 for Emrys to reliably pop off a fatiguing spontaneous spell as a general rule.

Stench of the 20 Corpses is a base three spell (+2 Voice, +1 Diameter) but it can incapacities on a botch or a -3 to all rolls on a failed target 6 stamina roll. I'm looking for a modifier vs vision (darkness) but hopefully one that doesn't hurt our side (Ignem is both fire and light hence the requirement in my mind....darkening moonlight is level 1). Mist or haze would be level 1 so 2 less than Stench (Base 1 +2 voice +1 diameter= level 4).

On target categories it also says under Aurum that-

Some target categories for Auram require
some clarification. If the normal descriptions
apply, they can, of course, be used.

So like Stench of the 20 Corpses is vaguely a normal target description but something like....Clouds of Rain and Thunder (level 25 base 3, +3 sight, +1 concentration, +2 group) uses the auram guideline for group which is several phenomenon...in this case several thunderheads gather within seconds at the range of sight.

Air's Ghostly Form (Base 2, +1 Touch, +1 diameter, +1 unnatural because the spell can be used indoors) totally blocks sight from the restriction and Emrys isn't look for it to go indoors (unnatural +1). But it looks like base 2 totally blocks LOS for fog. Emrys isn't looking for a totally block sight spell (since that would negate eyes of the cat;-). Looking at the book there are no rules for blindfighting I can see though...checking forum...-2 for partial darkness looks like the consensus.

Diminishing the available light by 1 candlelight's worth I'd say be the -1 as you put out.

However the 'fog surrounding Emrys' going with a light fog (base 1), centered on Emrys (Target Individual +0) Range of sight (touch under Air's ghostly form is because the fog doesn't roll out more than the touch range of the caster, so probably want more of a sight range so +3) and duration of concentration (+1) would be a magnitude 5 spell and locking it down with (repeated) Maintaining the Demanding Spell I guess would do what I want. Though worried it might spook our watcher to see a sudden fog roll over the ground towards them. But on the other hand I think Wulfgang could see through the fog as we move forward.

Will go with the latter if that's what works for you.
This message was last edited by the player at 09:01, Tue 09 Apr.

The Founder's Ghost

GM, 466 posts

Boo

Tue 9 Apr 2024
at 03:25

msg #364

Re: Game Discussion

I'll take that. Go ahead and make your roll for the fog spont spell.

For the Eyes of the Cat, how many people are you going to try to effect?

Hovard will want to send out 4 of his men. You can add on whoever you wish. Just need to know how many of them you are going to try to effect with Eyes of the Cat.

Thanks.

Emrys

player, 307 posts

Fresh

OK

Tue 9 Apr 2024
at 03:56

msg #365

Re: Game Discussion

Calliope, Alfred, or Affare...one of you want to post about the person digging out from under a building?;-)

Emrys

player, 309 posts

Fresh

OK

Tue 9 Apr 2024
at 08:25

msg #366

Re: Game Discussion

The Founder's Ghost:

I'll take that. Go ahead and make your roll for the fog spont spell.

For the Eyes of the Cat, how many people are you going to try to effect?

Hovard will want to send out 4 of his men. You can add on whoever you wish. Just need to know how many of them you are going to try to effect with Eyes of the Cat.

Thanks.

8 total- Emrys, Wulfgang, Leonard, Evren and the 4 soldiers

Calliope Podarces

player, 100 posts

Traveling Olive Merchant

Attractive, but weird

Wed 10 Apr 2024
at 15:48

msg #367

Re: Game Discussion

Yeah for the ambush thing...Calliope is staying back in Lais while that goes down, lol. She knows she will probably need to go with once Emrys is better prepped for venturing into the woods, but for this "ambush the ambushers" thing she's staying out of it.

Emrys

player, 311 posts

Fresh

OK

Wed 10 Apr 2024
at 16:08

msg #368

Re: Game Discussion

No worries. You can deal with the person digging out from under the house if you like. Doesn't have Evil Dead vibes. Nope not at all;-)

Calliope Podarces

player, 102 posts

Traveling Olive Merchant

Attractive, but weird

Thu 11 Apr 2024
at 06:25

msg #369

Re: Game Discussion

I was totally thinking the same thing. But she isn't sensing anything from her premonitions thank goodness.

The Founder's Ghost

GM, 468 posts

Boo

Fri 12 Apr 2024
at 03:06

msg #370

Re: Game Discussion

If you want to take over one of the Grogs Emrys is dragging along with him Calliope, you may.

In the meantime...

Calliope Podarces

player, 103 posts

Traveling Olive Merchant

Attractive, but weird

Fri 12 Apr 2024
at 20:04

msg #371

Re: Game Discussion

I'll think about it. But for now, I'm gathering my wits so will remain on Calliope in town.

Calliope Podarces

player, 105 posts

Traveling Olive Merchant

Attractive, but weird

Sat 13 Apr 2024
at 07:28

msg #372

Re: Game Discussion

I have a question...something that I just thought of. But Affare is a non-mage Redcap, right? Does that mean he can use the Parma ritual, or is that something only a true Mage can use? Because if he can use it, that would mean he is another person in the group aside from Emrys who isn't affected by her curse!
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 07:29, Sat 13 Apr.

Emrys

player, 313 posts

Fresh

OK

Sat 13 Apr 2024
at 07:34

msg #373

Re: Game Discussion

Nope, need the gift to learn it. Technically any gifted person could learn Parma Magica. Knowing it and not being a member of the Order is a death sentence (and for whomever taught them). They might get the 'join or die' spiel first but they'd really mean it;-).

A magus with a higher level Parma Magica could extend the protection to others but Emrys is fresh out of gauntlet so...

Heh...theoretically someone with the Supernatural ability Font of Knowledge I think could temporarily get Parma Magica...and do the ritual in the morning. Wow...just realized that (I think it would work). There's a dragon out there that might have magical might and a magical shield...yikes.

Edit- Nope... it's an ability for members of the Order of Hermes, but supernatural ability for everyone else. Still House Ex Miscellanea does have a few very non-hermetic members.
This message was last edited by the player at 07:44, Sat 13 Apr.

Calliope Podarces

player, 106 posts

Traveling Olive Merchant

Attractive, but weird

Sun 14 Apr 2024
at 19:44

msg #374

Re: Game Discussion

I totally am fine with Parma being one of the unique things about the order of Hermes. I just wasn't sure about Affare is all.

He probably is very familiar with the effects of the gift though from his training, and forces himself to be laid back like he is as a sort of adaption is my guess. Like the dude is probably secretly serious and not a jokster at all and made himself one as a sort of anti-gift self-focusing training lol. :)

Calliope is a bit different. The narrative reason I use as a player, to back up the OOC reason that I the player control Calliope's reactions to people, is that her magical air aura is a bit different than "normal" and pushes out other auras, and in combination with her absurd second sight/perception abilities makes her instantly aware of the auras of others and able to "see past" them, and thus she ends up unaffected behaviorally. This fits into the theme that she has an extremely potent core of power, although one quite different from the Gift (and mutually exclusive to it, at that!).

Now I don't expect other NPCs with Gift/air based auras to be the same, as that takes away some of the specialness of Parma. This is fiction narrative that's just for my Calliope, and is a feature that is supposed to also make her even more interesting to Emrys and Affare. As if she isn't an oddball enough already! :)

Emrys

player, 314 posts

Fresh

OK

Sun 14 Apr 2024
at 20:08

msg #375

Re: Game Discussion

Oh it's totally possible someone could have Parma outside the Order. It might dominate the character's story arc tho...definitely a Dark Secret flaw at least but Parma could technically be bought as a supernatural virtue if you talked the SG into it;-). Though theoretically a redcap like Affare could have it if they had the right virtues and not have the Order give them the stinkeye...heh. IIRC theoretically Calliope could learn it but her other supernatural talent scores probably put it out of reach.

As far as the effect of Calliope's aura on Emrys, parma shields him from it so he doesn't get the innate -3 to reaction that 'something ain't right' vibe that everyone else does. It's why the OoH actually functions without killing each other;-) Granted he may think she's a little odd (or a lot...a woman on the road alone is on the far end of out of the ordinary, Roman olive merchant or not;-).

The Founder's Ghost

GM, 473 posts

Boo

Mon 15 Apr 2024
at 02:30

msg #376

Re: Game Discussion

What Emrys said about Parma being a Hermetic only thing. Non-Hermetics who have the ability end up with target signs on their back.

You can technically get used to the Gift over time. But it's on a case by case basis. Basically, grogs at a covenant get used to their magi. Any other magi who come to visit are viewed as suspicious, etc.

Affare, like any non-Gifted Redcap, would be trained to shelve any negative reactions he has towards magi. He can suffer the effects. But he can rationalize it in his head because he's "in the know" as part of the Redcap training.

There is a virtue which allows someone to be immune to the Gift's effects. Can't recall what it's called at the moment.

Calliope Podarces

player, 107 posts

Traveling Olive Merchant

Attractive, but weird

Mon 15 Apr 2024
at 04:27

msg #377

Re: Game Discussion

LOL you guys.

Yes, Calliope is odd even without auras and such. :P

And yes it was my understanding that the Parma ritual was a dark secret that must stay within the Order...or else! I was just curious if an Redcap could ever use it or not, or if it was for magic users only.

Gosh can you imagine the CATASTROPHE for the Order if someone the Parma got leaked to the Church, and they taught every single Tom, Dick, and Harry how to do it (like do Parma with your morning prayers now!) and then suddenly the whole world gets a lot harder for mages in terms of their untouchable status. But on the flip side, everyone will get along with them since no -3 penalty anymore lol. :P

But put Parma onto like inquisitors or witch hunters and watch the heads roll.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:28, Mon 15 Apr.

Emrys

player, 315 posts

Fresh

OK

Mon 15 Apr 2024
at 05:03

msg #378

Re: Game Discussion

Well technically they'd still have to have some spark of the Gift at least (for the supernatural virtue) or an unopened gift (you can learn any supernatural power if you have the Gift but the more you know the harder it is to learn a new one).

Theoretically it's possible Affare might have a latent magical ability virtue or somehow couldn't have his gift opened (like a failed apprentice flaw) but still able to learn parma as a supernatural virtue. But normal lay folk are unable to learn it. Other gifted folks like witches or rune casters learning it would be a problem for the Order of Hermes as then they could more reliably organize themselves instead of infighting (due to the Gift social handicap).

The Church can be plenty dangerous to the Order of Hermes as divine auras and faith generally trumps magic, least as far as protection from magic goes and making spellcasting harder. A magus pissing off the Church is also a good way to attract a Wizard's March on the troublemaker from the Order of Hermes as well because they don't want that sort of attention and trouble either. There's always that one player however that thinks that Faust was onto something and going infernalist is a fast way to power.

Calliope Podarces

player, 109 posts

Traveling Olive Merchant

Attractive, but weird

Mon 15 Apr 2024
at 16:39

msg #379

Re: Game Discussion

Yeah...Calliope has absolutely zero interest in infernalism or anything. Even if a devil or something said that they could help remove her curse or something it's not something that she would even consider accepting. Her one dot of infernal lore simply is representative of all of her various research that she's done about various types of curses to try to better understand her own situation. I think the recent events in game are pretty good reason why going infernal is a really bad idea.

Emrys

player, 318 posts

Fresh

OK

Mon 15 Apr 2024
at 17:13

msg #380

Re: Game Discussion

Well Ars Magica is a troupe style game and sometimes those types of stories make interesting chronicles. A lot of the folks with Lion Rampart (who initially wrote Ars Magica) worked with White Wolf for a long time and their ideas formed the core of the World of Darkness (which didn't shy away from inner party conflict).

That said ultimately I feel it's very self-destructive for the Faustian character in question. Even if you 'win' you lose. Admittedly for my weekly table top game I have to be very careful when I introduce a 'big red button' into my game because I have two players that...well they're smart players generally but... yeah they'll push the button if they think they might get something out of it. I mean not to 'Head of Vecna' level of stupidity but it is sort of nice when I want to introduce an 'end of the world' story arc that the PCs have to fix because it's entirely their fault that the god-like genie got released from that menacing giant bottle with the lead seal of Solomon on it that was well hidden & protected.

Though for Ars Magica the funniest infernalist/diabolist story I've heard was a covenant needed a magus that could heal injuries and the troupe had a player that made a Corpus specialist that dropped out (and the SG played it out). Turns out the magus was a diabolist who worked largely behind the scenes that despite hints the players never suspected. And I guess a big selling point was that the npc magus was super helpful in running the covenant (volunteering to run it's affairs an extra season or two a year) and could heal them via scrying after all the other magi provided him with arcane connections to their magi. Naturally when they did discover the truth, the shit hit the fan because of those arcane connections allow more than just healing to get through their Parma Magica;-).

Calliope Podarces

player, 110 posts

Traveling Olive Merchant

Attractive, but weird

Mon 15 Apr 2024
at 18:27

msg #381

Re: Game Discussion

LOL! That's a great setup of a nice infernalist gone bad sort of story!

The Founder's Ghost

GM, 491 posts

Boo

Sun 28 Apr 2024
at 01:52

msg #382

Re: Game Discussion

Sorry guys. Thought I had responded on this game yesterday. I will respond in a mo.

Thanks.

Calliope Podarces

player, 119 posts

Traveling Olive Merchant

Attractive, but weird

Sun 5 May 2024
at 17:07

msg #383

Re: Game Discussion

I've been busy this weekend. I will post this evening though.

The Founder's Ghost

GM, 501 posts

Boo

Mon 6 May 2024
at 00:48

msg #384

Re: Game Discussion

Sorry all games. Had some RL issues this weekend.

I will catch up on posts tomorrow-Monday. Will try to post each day this week. Again, my apologies for the sudden stop.

Calliope Podarces

player, 121 posts

Traveling Olive Merchant

Attractive, but weird

Mon 6 May 2024
at 01:06

msg #385

Re: Game Discussion

No prob. I always slow down on thew weekends too lately.

Bernhard

player, 74 posts

Mon 6 May 2024
at 02:32

msg #386

Re: Game Discussion

No worries, life happens.

Affare Acisculu

player, 171 posts

Mon 6 May 2024
at 23:51

msg #387

Re: Game Discussion

I hope it's nothing too serious.

Emrys

player, 336 posts

Fresh

Wounded -3

Tue 7 May 2024
at 00:01

msg #388

Re: Game Discussion

As usual, no worries. Free entertaining game(s), no complaints.

The Founder's Ghost

GM, 502 posts

Boo

Tue 7 May 2024
at 01:25

msg #389

Re: Game Discussion

Thanks All. Just the kids managed to give each other the latest bug going around. Then my wife caught it, so everything in the household came to a standstill.

They are all better and I, thankfully, have not had any symptoms. Now then. Back to going medieval on all your asses...

Emrys

player, 337 posts

Fresh

Wounded -3

Tue 7 May 2024
at 04:26

msg #390

Re: Game Discussion

As long as there is no katanas, guys named Marcellus Wallace, or gimps involved, Emrys is fine with that;-)

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