FFD6: The Dicening: The Discussion: You Don't Have the Quads.

[Krylo]

BIO LINKS:

GROUP 1
Mauve Mage (http://www.nuklearforums.com/showpost.php?p=1092505&postcount=105): Dark Knight, Hume
Menarker (http://www.nuklearforums.com/showpost.php?p=1092210&postcount=66): Dragoon, Android
IHMN (http://www.nuklearforums.com/showpost.php?p=1092104&postcount=36IHMN[/url): Blue Mage, Hume
Riin Whitewind (http://www.nuklearforums.com/showpost.php?p=1092096&postcount=31): Black Mage, Tarut
phil_ (http://www.nuklearforums.com/showpost.php?p=1092031&postcount=12): Entertainer, Tarut
BardTheFifthLightWarrior (http://www.nuklearforums.com/showpost.php?p=1092589&postcount=117): Red Mage, Hume
Teal Mage (http://www.nuklearforums.com/showpost.php?p=1093006&postcount=164): White Mage, Hume


GROUP 2
Arhra (http://www.nuklearforums.com/showpost.php?p=1092035&postcount=16): Fighter, Viera
Dracorion (http://www.nuklearforums.com/showpost.php?p=1092156&postcount=50): Dragoon, Viera
Overcast (http://www.nuklearforums.com/showpost.php?p=1092117&postcount=38): Blue Mage, Hume
CelesJessa (http://www.nuklearforums.com/showpost.php?p=1092153&postcount=49): Thief, Viera
Geminex (http://www.nuklearforums.com/showpost.php?p=1093162&postcount=169): Red Mage, Tarut
POS Industries (http://www.nuklearforums.com/showpost.php?p=1093315&postcount=190): Gambler, Moogle
McTahr (http://www.nuklearforums.com/showpost.php?p=1092651&postcount=132): White Mage, Tarut

The Pirate Pad, apparently you people have been using it. (http://piratepad.net/YEOsgAJABt)

The Apology: Sorry that took so long Group 2/particularly Drac. I've been feeling pretty shitty the last few days and not really up to writing. STILL didn't, but as a GM I have responsibilities and shit to choke down that dick and write even if I'd rather just go back to bed. Again.

Anyway, new thread 'cause the old one was getting more than long enough.

Group 1, aside from Teal's group (whom have already gotten to me in PM and IM), please let me know who has what items from your trips so I can edit character sheets on my end. If you want to edit your character sheets here too, that's cool. If not that's also cool. (I know Ark and Bello have also discussed where items are going, but I'm not 100% sure it's hammered out perfectly?)

[Bard The 5th LW]

Sorry I've been lagging behind. I'll see about a post once some stuff clears up. Working on an essay right now.

[phil_]

Bello gets the Potion, Remedy, and Ether. Ark gets the Hi Potion. If we survive, Bello will give the Remedy to Ark.

And I really have nothing to add to Menarker's post, so don't wait up on my sake (sounds like you're just dying to post more).

[Menarker]

Yeah.

Basically the Remedy belongs to Ark. But Ark can't use a remedy if he is asleep, petrified and such. :3 So naturally someone else has to use it on him if he ever get afflicted with a status. In this case, Bello.

[IHateMakingNames]

Bard was going to do our post but I guess he got busy.

For items, Raltz takes everything except the Craftsman Tools, which Kole takes.

[Dracorion]

BIO LINKS:The Pirate Pad, apparently you people have been using it. (http://piratepad.net/YEOsgAJABt)

Lies! Filthy lies!

[Geminex]

Not a long post, but I think we should probably GET ON WITH IT.

[Krylo]

Not a long post, but I think we should probably GET ON WITH IT.

Agreed, and to facilitate this I've done a series of rolls. Results.

Jade: Still thinks this guy may be telling the truth.

Argath: Still thinks this guy is probably full of shit.

Docus: Thinks this guy is maybe telling half truths.

Shop dude: Willing to sell his shit at 75% cost. Claims that constant contact with precious materials may also weaken the beast and this would be more than enough to counteract the weakness of valuable metals as nets. ("Oh sure, copper's weak for netting, but it'd hold a kitten, and it won't be any stronger than a kitten wrapped in this!")

Costs are thus 750 for any weapon.

75 for a copper net, 94 for a silver net, 113 for a gold net.

Also, if Docus tries to convince Argath that he's not full of shit, Argath will probably be willing to listen to Docus. Note again, however, this is just a feeling and doesn't mean Argath has to fork over money or agree or whatever. He may believe that Docus believes him, not necessarily that Docus is right in believing him. Or he may agree with the validity of Docus's argument but still just have a bad feeling about it. Either way, Argath is extremely unconvinced by this guy right now and he's probably not going to just trust him immediately.

Also the nets appear to be basically shitty due to the weakness of the materials used (silver aside, which might actually be kind of decent), and it is a wonder of craftsmanship that they have done as well as they have.

[POS Industries]

I've been busy hacking up numerous lungs so my level of creativity has been next to none for the past few days. Just assume Prasad is tagging along and maybe Krylo can poke me if we're in combat and I need to do stuff.

[Arhra]

Out of internets for a time, finally getting caught up on stuff!

Time to question some hunters!

Possibly in a one post summary since it might drag things out otherwise.

[Krylo]

Forgot to mention in that last discussion post that I meant for you guys to discuss whether to buy anything either here or in the pad or on IM or whatever and just pull the trigger one way or the other.

Preferably within the next few days.

[Geminex]

Let's not buy anything. He doesn't seem to have any of the sleep powder we wanted, and none of us has much skill in traps, so those are useless. The weapons are excessively expensive, even if I do suspect that the guy's legit, and not buying is gonna make the next battle way, way harder. But eh, we'll come through. Somehow.

[Dracorion]

I dunno, it might be worth it to buy a silver net. I'd rather wait and see what the hunters have to say, though.

Or we can just forget about all of that and move on to the next day.

[mauve]

I've been neglecting this rp. Sorry. I'll try and get a post up moving Team Psycho Ward forward in the near future.

[Arhra]

Krylo's told me I can corner a hunter who isn't sure about the money but it didn't seem to chase him when he's fled but I'm kind of having a blank on how to write it right now.

Feel free to just move ahead if I'm holding things up. I can just stick it in as a flashback.

[CelesJessa]

I don't care whether you buy stuff or not. Vera isn't chipping in though. (Just throwing my 2 cents in. I've been paying attention, but Vera's just been out wandering the town until later)

[Dracorion]

Argath is going to try to corner another one of the hunters and see if he can squeeze anything useful out of him.

[Teal Mage]

He doesn't seem to have any of the sleep powder we wanted

Man, I got into so much trouble for carrying an illegal substance used by assassins in this game's first iteration.

It turns out that Dream Dust is illegal, yes! Check your PDF.

Soooo, Group 1, are we waiting for something in particular, or is it safe to keep moving our scene forward? It looks like we got caught up in our PMs - I thought those were to just meant to fill in the timeskip that happened when we searched our individual floors, so we could move ahead and save time, not that we had to, you know, act them out in-game.

So, just wondering if I can like, move us back to the base of the stairs where we split up, so we can plan our next move. 'cuz we haven't been doing anything for a while and I'd like to fix it. Can I?

[Geminex]

I know it's illegal. But illegal does not necessarily mean unobtainable. I was remarking on unobtainability, not illegality, in this instance.

I'd be interested in hearing about said trouble, though.

[Teal Mage]

We were thrown in jail.

(Because they thought we were trying to blow up the Holy City.)

(...there might have been compounding circumstances. Did you know Ultima Staffs are considered Weapons of Mass Destruction? I didn't!)

[Menarker]

And if I recall correctly, one of our party members was a certain Blue Mage who tried to get into the Holy City by being deceitful and failing (while the rest of us were still in sight, meaning we all got negatively painted by his actions). So that meant we tried to get in with a penalty to diplomacy and such.

[Teal Mage]

I also tried to threaten the Paladin guarding the Gate with a spooky curse!

Not my brightest moment ever.

Or trying to get an Ultima Staff into the Holy City. That wasn't very smart either.

But the point is Dream Dust is totally illegal and you shouldn't try to buy it from the town doctor!

[Dracorion]

Wonder if the town has an "Apothecary".

[McTahr]

Fie is effectively sulking in the inn until he sees a familiar face and gets a bed or drawer, given that he's unaware that rooms have been paid for. Not much point posting any kind of update, just sayin' I'm still keeping an eye on it all and chillin' 'til things start moving along.

[Overcast]

My character had never been deceitful, he had told the truth as someone else had put it perfectly.

The trouble was that truth included that the person's name was Jrkass. That was what painted you guys negatively until the end of that bit. Also couldn't have helped that when they mocked him for possibly being deceitful because he said Jrkass he essentially gave them the finger and walked into the desert.

Anyway, Caspin is asleep and not currently giving anyone the finger. He will remain this way until tomorrow in game.

[Geminex]

Yeah. Hey, group 2. Does anyone wanna buy anything?
If not, Krylo, could we make our goodbyes to the shopkeeper and time-skip to the bar?

[Krylo]

Yeah. Hey, group 2. Does anyone wanna buy anything?
If not, Krylo, could we make our goodbyes to the shopkeeper and time-skip to the bar?

It's an inn, not a bar.

And yes, I will do this in like, two days, maybe less, if no one disagrees.

Same goes for Group 1 vis a vis time jumps to the top floor. I would rather a player post, though, 'cause I don't have much to say there as the GM other than shuffling you all to the top floor. I could control some PCs to move things along if necessary, but I'd prefer not to do that, either.

[Teal Mage]

Krylo sent me an IM, wants me to move us along to a secret area of the hospital.

Apparently there's nothing else to look at!

So, as he did give me permission, I'll make a quick post to that effect now. If any of you feel like sharing the details of your respective explorations, drop them in the OoC or the game-thread, flashback style.

This split up thing was supposed to save time!

[Geminex]

I've been replaying Dragon Age. It's made me a horrilbe GM.
Awh, it's allright. Nobody's noticed a difference!

And yes, I will do this in like, two days, maybe less, if no one disagrees.
Okay, cool.

[Teal Mage]

So.

Any of you feel like spliting up again?

It worked so well last time!

@Post: All details were given to me by Krylo.

[Menarker]

^^ I think it's pretty obvious where Ark will be going. :3

EDIT: Deleted and edited this post to bring more attention to this post (since I didn't want to doublepost)

Basically, team division seems to be:

Hardware room: Ark

Dataroom: Arden, Bello, Jhen

Elsa (expressed interest in the Necroanimation room but otherwise will join the group that needs her most.)
Kole (Wants to join the group with most amount of people. Probably data room.)
Raltz (No detail yet)


Also, Phil, Ark is going to want his Remedy to loan to whomever goes with him to the hardware room.

It looks possible that Elsa could join Ark just because he's by himself at the moment and a bunch of people seem to be gathering in the dataroom. So Ark probably could use some support the most.

[Teal Mage]

Hardware room: Ark

Dataroom: Arden, Bello, Jhen

Alternative names!

Team Pretty and Important: Arden, Bello, Jhen

Team Expendable: Ark

I like my names more.

[Menarker]

But but... I thought you thought Ark specifically was expendable, not anyone else who might join him.

^^;

Ah well. :3

[phil_]

Also, Phil, Ark is going to want his Remedy to loan to whomever goes with him to the hardware room.You might want to have Ark bring that up, since I forgot that, so I choose to have Bello not think about that.

[Krylo]

A few of you seeeeemed to want to do something at the Inn, so you are at the Inn.

You're going to bed by Monday unless you do something interesting. Maybe sooner.

That time skip will suck just as much.

[Teal Mage]

A few of you seeeeemed to want to do something at the Inn, so you are at the Inn.

Gods damn, you guys still want to prepare more!? (http://www.lolblog.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2008/10/facepalm.jpg)

Its just a monster - get out there, kill it and take its head back for a tiny reward already! This isn't that hard.

[Dracorion]

...

We want to prepare more?

[Overcast]

Caspin is already in bed, he has been in bed for about three weeks now.

[CelesJessa]

Someone might need to keep Vera and Argath from stabbing each other.

[Geminex]

Diplomacy ahoy!

[CelesJessa]

Here's a good visual of her shit-eating grin. (http://img836.imageshack.us/img836/9029/1295139666077h.png)

[Dracorion]

Shiteating, indeed.

Though now every bone in my body is saying Argath will try to run her through only to get slapped in the face and his own spear through the chest.

My avatar isn't helping at all.

"GOTCHA POOOUUCCHH!!!!!!!!"

[Geminex]

Can I intervene yet? Maybe have some raised voices.

[Dracorion]

Hey, CJ?

Well played.

[CelesJessa]

Hey, CJ?

Well played.

Thank you. I was proud of that moment. I was secretly waiting for Argath to find out because I am terrible at keeping secrets.

Can I intervene yet? Maybe have some raised voices.

I don't mind if Dracorion doesn't mind.

[Dracorion]

Much as I'd like some good old-fashioned PVP...

Sure, Docus can mediate.

[CelesJessa]

Bluh bluh huge bitch.

Yeah, I'm ready for Docus to intervene.

[Geminex]

Sleuth Diplomancy: Conflict Intervention!

[Dracorion]

Ability Fail!

[Geminex]

Don't make me make a charisma check on your ass.

[Dracorion]

Woo Argie if you can.

[Overcast]

Somebody say woo Argie? I could wake Caspin up to dump some awkward on the scene.

[Geminex]

Hahahayessss.

[Dracorion]

Instant moodkiller.

Chances are Argath and Vera would gang up on Caspin just to get rid of him.

[Geminex]

And then Docus exploits that to create peace between them.
It is the perfect crime.

Edit:
Also, what mood? The killing-each-other one?

[CelesJessa]

Somebody say woo Argie? I could wake Caspin up to dump some awkward on the scene.

I approve of this turn of events.

[Dracorion]

GODFUCKINGDAMMIT.

This is both horrible and hilarious.

[Geminex]

This is both horrible and hilarious.
This, double.

Clearly Caspin made his Innuendo roll.

[McTahr]

Pif.

[Overcast]

Fie understands the best place to sleep is in a drawer.

[Teal Mage]

Caspin's nickname for Argath makes me want to stab my eyes out.

It is so annoying.

Doesn't help that every time I read it I imagine him saying it in the most grating high-pitch-and-totally-gay voice imaginable. D= It makes my ears bleed and it's just text.

But, yes, my compliments to Celes and Drac, that was actually a very fun read!

@Gem: You need to practice those conflict-diffusing skills. From what I can see, Docus would have had greater impact on the scene if he'd entered with prior knowledge of the discussion - it isn't like he couldn't have been listening in the doorway, you know? Starting in with a 'What's going on here?' Question is pretty weak.

[CelesJessa]

But, yes, my compliments to Celes and Drac, that was actually a very fun read!


Thanks! I'm enjoying their animosity.


http://img560.imageshack.us/img560/5123/argath.gif

[Geminex]

Okay, Drac. CJ wins this one. So hard.

Edit:
Though CJ, I have dibs on being the group's Terezi. Be careful not to break my friend's spines.

[Dracorion]

Thanks! I'm enjoying their animosity.


http://img560.imageshack.us/img560/5123/argath.gif

Oh shit! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iF2HCTZQqtw)

Though, isn't Vera supposed to be a regular Viera? You know, bunny ears?

And Gem STFU and mediate like you said you were going to.

[Geminex]

And Gem STFU and mediate like you said you were going to.
Or else? Will you unleash your passion and roughly pierce me with your shaft?

Also, everyone, Drac totally got that link from me. Every time he uses it, he is paying homage to my superior wit.
Every time.

[CelesJessa]

Edit:
Though CJ, I have dibs on being the group's Terezi. Be careful not to break my friend's spines.

Will do! Also I can't stop watching our icons. They always go with the music.

To be honest, when I made Vera I hadn't read that far in Homestuck yet, but I am amused by their shared huge bitchiness.

Though, isn't Vera supposed to be a regular Viera? You know, bunny ears?

Pffft as if I have consistency. But no she's the kind who is... like that. With the ears. She's a jungle dwelling one. At least that has been my intention, which I might have totally failed at.

[Dracorion]

Nah, Vera isn't nearly horrible enough to be Vriska.

[CelesJessa]

Nah, Vera isn't nearly horrible enough to be Vriska.

You just wait until she paralyzes Argath.

[Geminex]

Wheee, mildly manipulative bastard.
He doesn't actually think that that's what Vera's doing, but he's trying to persuade Argath it is, so he puts down the spear.

Edit:
Curse you, paaaad!
We should start using an edupad instead.

Also, Brocus.

[Dracorion]

So sorry the sequence had to end. It was hilarious.

[Geminex]

Hey, I wasn't done yet! I must assert my authority.
...
Yes, the nonexistent one.

[Dracorion]

Phhbbtt. Who cares?

Also, the pad is back up. For now, anyway.

[Overcast]

Argath is just asking for Caspin to dump on his diplomacy checks with the ladies.

[Dracorion]

Yeah, watching him put a spear through Caspin's check would probably be a bit of a turn-off.

[CelesJessa]

Okay I don't know if it's weird but I just had to draw something. (http://img444.imageshack.us/img444/7923/verargath.png)

[Geminex]

That picture is inaccurate. There is no facepalming docus somewhere in the background.

Otherwise, awesome.

[Dracorion]

Awesome, CJ.

Though why does Argath have a human ear?

[CelesJessa]

Awesome, CJ.

Though why does Argath have a human ear?


Pffft as if I have consistency.

I dunno! Sometimes you just get used to drawing people with ears!

[Dracorion]

SOOOOOOOOOO BUSTEEEEEEEEEEEDDDDD

[Geminex]

SOOOOOOOOOO BUSTEEEEEEEEEEEDDDDD

H3Y DR4C DR4C 1S TH1S YOU (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EJl45RzJ4e8#t=0m39s)

Also, Krylo: You're aware that we still wanted to speak to the hunters at the bar before turning in for the day? We wanna gather some more info.

[Dracorion]

No, seriously Overcast.

You just assured Caspin a spear in the face and I think there's been enough in-party arguing for one day.

Also, the inn doesn't have chefs, it's just a shoddy house with a few extra rooms that an old couple rents out.

[Overcast]

You obviously are not paying attention to who Caspin is. Even if there has been enough, he would still do it. Because he doesn't care. He doesn't care about a lot of things. I might, but I wrote him this way so I'm going to play him this way.

[Geminex]

enough in-party arguing for one day.
No such thing. Our party's motto is 'there can be only one'.

Also, Ovie, nice.
Though dammit, at this rate Docus is gonna be exhausted just keeping everyone from killing everyone else.

[CelesJessa]

You obviously are not paying attention to who Caspin is. Even if there has been enough, he would still do it. Because he doesn't care. He doesn't care about a lot of things. I might, but I wrote him this way so I'm going to play him this way.

I for one approve of these shenanigans.

[Krylo]

Also, Krylo: You're aware that we still wanted to speak to the hunters at the bar before turning in for the day? We wanna gather some more info.

No one is getting more out of them than Jade did, so I don't see any reason to bother wasting more time RPing that out. You guys were supposed to be the quick and easy group, and Group 1 is already half done and you haven't even gone out of town yet.

Edit: Not that I particularly mind the shenanigans. It gives me more time to design your next monster. And a good amount of it is entertaining.

2x Edit Combo!: Overcast: Strife or Abscond

[Geminex]

No one is getting more out of them than Jade did, so I don't see any reason to bother wasting more time RPing that out. You guys were supposed to be the quick and easy group, and Group 1 is already half done and you haven't even gone out of town yet.
Ah, fair enough.
Y'know, we haven't even gotten our hands on a cart, yet.
And the PvP will probably take a while. Ahah.
...
Quick and easy, eh?

[Krylo]

So, OC wanted to jump away, and I realized the book doesn't actually give a way to calculate jump distance.

I'm just going to go ahead and say it's equal to one's athletics skill vertically, and double it horizontally in feet. Lacking athletics skill, normal vertical jumping is 1/2 a foot, but one can, if the situation demands it, make an unskilled dex rating roll at a -2 penalty and a base difficulty of whatever I decide based on the difficulty of the jump.

[Overcast]

Be polite. Be efficient. Have a plan to kill everyone you meet.

[Geminex]

Mpppph Mppphhhh Mmmmppppphhh!

Edit:
http://piratepad.net/YEOsgAJABt
We're actually using that, people. Drop by. Krylo's on!

[CelesJessa]

http://img269.imageshack.us/img269/6624/aggrieve.gif

It looks like crap I don't care I put minimal effort in. Also first time I used photoshop to animate. XD

[Geminex]

Characters that will never die, if I can help it: Vera.

[CelesJessa]

Characters that will never die, if I can help it: Vera.

Mua ha ha, bribing my way into character immortality.

[Geminex]

It will require continuos supplies of teh ARTZ.

Oh my god why did I spell it like that i am so sorry.

[Krylo]

Everyone in Group 2 gets a temporary +3 CHA from breakfast.

[Krylo]

ALSO, as we have our first combat going, forum specific house rule:

If your combat orders aren't in within 24 hours of combat starting, I'll take control of your character for that round. I will try to do something strategically useful, and I don't plan on trying to get anyone killed off. This is just to keep the game from stalling too much in combat.

[McTahr]

Maybe all Argath really needs is a pet dingo and a reliable source of resurrection. Something to really take out his frustration on, ya know?

[Dracorion]

Not a bad idea.

Though a sentient subject would probably do best. Any volunteers for Argath's punching bag?

[Geminex]

Also, thought:

Hey, Krylo.
Krylo.
Y'know umbral?
Course you do.
Y'know how my role over there was pretty much 'Self-proclaimed preserver of all balance'?
Yeah...
About that.

I'll try not to do that much here. Isn't really necessary, honestly, the system seems fine.

Exceeeeeeept for one little house rule.

Y'know how you're using the INT modifier to determine stat points upon level-up? Yeah. I like that rule. It is a good rule.
BUT.
The way we have it right now, it's not retroactive. If you raise your INT rating by 1 now, you get way bigger returns on your investment than if you raised it in 10 levels' time. As such, characters that invest a lot in INT early on get a lot more skill points to allocate, cumulatively.

That kinda sucks, I think. Mostly because players have an incentive to focus hard on int in the early game. Menarker wants to raise his int to improve his sythesis skills, and the way it is now, he's encouraged to initially max out int, to get the greatest possible payoff from his investment, rather than spreading his points more evenly as he levels up. Same goes for me, I want a rating of at least 7 or 8 in the long run, but I kinda want to focus more on charisma, initially anyway. But if I get my CHA now and my INT later, I'll be missing out on a whole lot of skill points.
Whereas characters who would naturally be investing into INT, like pure White/Black mages are gonna be overflowing with Skill points, in addition to getting all the other benefits of INT.

Seeing as all the effects of all the other ratings (VIT for HP and INT for MP) are retroactive already, why not make skill points retroactive as well? When you raise your INT rating by 1, you get additional skill points equal to the times you've leveled up. I really don't see much of a problem with this. You can even justify it IC by saying that the character's improved intelligence allows them to analyze their past experiences more effectively, and learn more from them.

Soooo, whaddya say?

Edit:
That also goes for everyone else. Maybe this is totally stupid, but as far as I can tell, it makes sense. So what're your thoughts? Best to respon in the pad, really, since cluttering up the discussion thread is unnecessary.

[Menarker]

Only one issue come to mind just recently.

I found out that with around 152 skill points, one could max out all the ranks of all the INT based skills. (Technically, you need 21 INT to do so due to needing a rating of 7 to put a total of 8 ranks, but you get the idea.)

That means maxing out all the lores and all the possible synthesis (or rather, having them all at rank 6 or so). At level 30, someone with 15 INT would have MINIMAL of 145 skill points (5 times 29 levels, not counting the first level) , which is close enough to hit that magic number. Of course, by choosing to omit some of the other stuff like cooking synthesis, those ranks could end up in other places like CHA or DEX based skills (Or Athlethics since that's the only one that uses Str).

Granted, level 30 is a long time away and I'm an advocate for retroactive boosts myself. But I think Krylo might have a bit of an issue with being able to practically max out more than half the available skills at the end of the game.

[Krylo]

Also, thought:

Hey, Krylo.
Krylo.
Y'know umbral?
Course you do.
Y'know how my role over there was pretty much 'Self-proclaimed preserver of all balance'?
Yeah...
About that.

I'll try not to do that much here. Isn't really necessary, honestly, the system seems fine.

Exceeeeeeept for one little house rule.

Y'know how you're using the INT modifier to determine stat points upon level-up? Yeah. I like that rule. It is a good rule.
BUT.
The way we have it right now, it's not retroactive. If you raise your INT rating by 1 now, you get way bigger returns on your investment than if you raised it in 10 levels' time. As such, characters that invest a lot in INT early on get a lot more skill points to allocate, cumulatively.

That kinda sucks, I think. Mostly because players have an incentive to focus hard on int in the early game. Menarker wants to raise his int to improve his sythesis skills, and the way it is now, he's encouraged to initially max out int, to get the greatest possible payoff from his investment, rather than spreading his points more evenly as he levels up. Same goes for me, I want a rating of at least 7 or 8 in the long run, but I kinda want to focus more on charisma, initially anyway. But if I get my CHA now and my INT later, I'll be missing out on a whole lot of skill points.
Whereas characters who would naturally be investing into INT, like pure White/Black mages are gonna be overflowing with Skill points, in addition to getting all the other benefits of INT.

Seeing as all the effects of all the other ratings (VIT for HP and INT for MP) are retroactive already, why not make skill points retroactive as well? When you raise your INT rating by 1, you get additional skill points equal to the times you've leveled up. I really don't see much of a problem with this. You can even justify it IC by saying that the character's improved intelligence allows them to analyze their past experiences more effectively, and learn more from them.

Soooo, whaddya say?

Edit:
That also goes for everyone else. Maybe this is totally stupid, but as far as I can tell, it makes sense. So what're your thoughts? Best to respon in the pad, really, since cluttering up the discussion thread is unnecessary.
This was always the intent, but:
Only one issue come to mind just recently.

I found out that with around 152 skill points, one could max out all the ranks of all the INT based skills. (Technically, you need 21 INT to do so due to needing a rating of 7 to put a total of 8 ranks, but you get the idea.)

That means maxing out all the lores and all the possible synthesis (or rather, having them all at rank 6 or so). At level 30, someone with 15 INT would have MINIMAL of 145 skill points (5 times 29 levels, not counting the first level) , which is close enough to hit that magic number. Of course, by choosing to omit some of the other stuff like cooking synthesis, those ranks could end up in other places like CHA or DEX based skills (Or Athlethics since that's the only one that uses Str).

Granted, level 30 is a long time away and I'm an advocate for retroactive boosts myself. But I think Krylo might have a bit of an issue with being able to practically max out more than half the available skills at the end of the game.

I think we discussed this, and I said something like I'd worry about it if it even looked like we'd get that far.

[Geminex]

So that's a 'no'? Or a 'deal with it later'?
Fair enough. Not that much of a biggie.

In regards to damage, why is Dingo 4 still alive?
You said Fie and Docus did 27 and 30 damage respectively.
If M.Arm reduces both of those by 5, they'd be doing 22 and 25, to make 47 damage. That's a kill, no?

[Krylo]

If M.Arm reduces both of those by 5, they'd be doing 22 and 25, to make 47 damage. That's a kill, no?

A: I forgot to calculate m. arm. Thanks! It only has -2 not -12

B: Death is at -23. Or any attack dealt to it at all while it is unconscious.

C: I'd have just made it dead, but Dingos regen 5 points per round, so it'll get up next round if someone doesn't finish it off.

Also, it's a 'yes, and I will deal with it later if it is an issue'.

[Geminex]

Ooooh, that's a minus 12. And you had forgotten to calculate armor.
...
Okay, I need to stop role-playing while sleep deprived. It clearly benefits no-one. Especially not my party.

Still...

Unconcious targets have 0 Evasion, right?
Yo, Caspin? Up for a mercy kill? Or would just like to devour the fucker? With any luck, that'll give the rest a bit of pause.

As for everything else... Bluh. Argath is about to get hurt, so I'd recommend that he jump. That'll give him a turn's worth of immunity from damage. Meanwhile, Prasad and the mages can either help the ladies kill their targets, so that said ladies can then come to Argath's aid, or they can just kill one of Argath's dingos, leaving the ladies to fend for themselves.

[POS Industries]

So much for that bitch whore Lady Luck.

Point at a dingo for me to gun down and let's get this over with.

[Overcast]

I love this part.

EDIT: And this is why we can't have nice things.

[Dracorion]

Two things.

If Argath uses Jump, does that mean Fie's Cure would miss or do we just fudge the action order?

Also, I'd suggest having Argath jump on Jade's target so they can finish it right off, though wouldn't Argath jumping anywhere give those three dingoes an opening to get at the squishy little midgets?

[Krylo]

Cure and Jump are both slow actions, and all actions in a round take place at the same time, except slow actions which all take place at the same time but FIRST.

So you'd disappear for the monster round, then land at exactly the same time cure would hit you.

Much as both the fire and wind spells hit the dingo at the same time.

SO: There would be no fudging of action order, but the cure would hit.

[Teal Mage]

Totally a moot point now, but!

Caspin totally had that spear attack coming.

The Crit just made it funny.

Anywho, nice to see Group 2 actually getting stuff done. Might post something for Group 1 tonight - basically Arden throwing out some last minute suggestions (mainly to Raltz) and going off to find the computers with her adorable mana cannons. Also Kole, apparently.

[McTahr]

If the dingos rush the mages there wouldn't be a cure to worry about anyway. Would dingos recognize the squishies as easy targets, though? I could see humanoid enemies, but dingos?

Can they smell our fear?

Are these baby-eating dingos?

We're boned.

[Krylo]

The reward for killing them is one half-digested baby carcass.

If you examine it you will realize that a dingo really DID eat her baby.

[Dracorion]

Well in that case now we have something to keep Caspin happy with.

[Krylo]

Only for a minute or two.

I doubt it'd take him long to eat a baby.

[Dracorion]

I mean we just send him off to kill dingoes.

It'd be like a piñata for him. Crack it open and get a treat.

[Krylo]

Oh, also, on battle orders: Don't just discuss things in the thread. Post in the thing when you're ready.

I only say this because last time I ran an RP someone posted what they wanted to do in the discussion thread and didn't get around to posting it in the ACTUAL thread by the deadline. As a result they didn't do what they wanted and then complained and I, being super nice, went back and edited.

Not this time! Because this time I'm warning you!

I don't check the discussion thread, necessarily, when writing up the combat posts. I have enough flipping back and forth between the dice roller, the RP thread, and the spreadsheet.

[Geminex]

Okay, first: Caspin devoring shit is awesome. Seriously, if anyone witnesses that, our entire group should get a +2 bonus to intimidation checks against them. I mean, yeah, he only eats monsters, but still.

"I'm afraid I cannot give you orders, captain. But I advise that you and your men cooperate with us. Partly because it is for your own good, and partly... partly, captain, because my ravenous friend over there is still hungry."

Secondly: Huh. Heal on Argath? Is that necessary? Not that I don't like Argath...
Wait...
I don't like Argath.
But that's still not the reason I don't want him to get healed!

But see, what I'd recommend is that Argath jumps this turn, and, next turn, lands on one of the Dingos he's fighting right now. By then, those 3 dingos will have moved into medium range against us.

But see, if Fie uses Aero on one of the Dingos, instead of just Healing, then we can kill another Dingo at the start of next turn (since fire+aero on already weakened dingo = fried dingo casserole). And since Prasad can still act this turn, and the next, he can fire twice at another of the 3 (or, effectively, 2) Dingos. If Argath then lands on the dingo to deal increased damage, and I have docus cast fire as a standard action from his staff (bit of a risk, but eh), we'll have killed another one of them before they can actually act to attack us, since they'll have to spend their next round moving into short range. If we do it my way, by the point, only one dingo will be facing the four of us (Argath, Prasad, Fie and Docus), and one dingo each will be facing the two Viera, while Caspin will be going around slitting throats and pocketing the occasional organ in case he's feeling peckish later.. It's an easy battle at that point, since none of them are going to be killing anything, short of crits. An easy battle at that point.

Whereas, if Fie heals instead of using Aero, we have a bit of a problem, since we're down one strong attacker. Meaning more dingos survive, meaning they can seriously threaten the casters when (if) they charge us. And in the long term, we'll be taking more damage than if the mage just decided to forsake healing and get on with murderin' shit.

Anyway, McTahr, let Argath bleed, help me kill some dingos, yo.

Edit:
Aaaargh POS nooooo
That is not the correct target!
That is not the correct target at all!

Edit2:
Okay, okay. I'm overthinking this. Ignore the above bit, if you like.
But if the battle ends with less-than-optimal results, I will laugh. And mock you. All of you.

[Dracorion]

Gem.

What did we say about overplanning?

Still not sure whether to have Argath jump or not.

[Geminex]

What did we say about overplanning?
That it was the best planning. That's what I said, anyway. And who cares what you say?

As for jump...
Well, he has 14 hp and 4 armor. They do 9+1d6 damage each, and there's 3 of them. They each have a 7/12 chance of hitting you, and if 2 of them hit you, then you're almost certain to go down, unless their rolls are crap. Plus, even if just one hits, it has a chance to crit. Doing the math in my head, you have about a one third chance of survival if you stand and fight. And since nobody brought any phoenix downs, you'd be out for the rest of the mission.

Unless you're saying you wanna have Argath escape? you have the atheltics skill for it, but say bye-bye to any claim to 'manhood' Argath has.

So probably best to jump do as I tell you and jump.

[Menarker]

Welp, I'm having Ark request his Remedy from Phil and suggesting Kole and Raltz go with him. A team of 3 and a team of 4. Kole won't be stuck in the same party as Elsa, a meatshield, healer and magic caster on both side and party size as equal as it could get.

[McTahr]

Only reason Fie healed: I forgot Argath could jump. Can we retcon combat posts pre-deadline or no?

[Geminex]

I kinda think we can. But might as well wait for Krylo to okay it. Maybe add a note underneath the post, that, if possible, you'd like to hit Dingo 3 with Aero instead, if possible.
I'll have docus do the same with fire.

[mauve]

Kole getting stuck with Elsa on his team is the best possibility.

[Riin Whitewind]

I forget.

How does Krylo feel about mounted combat?

[Krylo]

@McTahr, not much time yet, but it's fine to edit before the deadline, usually (if everyone has posted before the deadline I probably won't wait for the deadline).

@Riin, pretend it's exalted, and stunt it. It's all okay if you stunt it well enough. And MAYBE make some rolls to stay mounted if things get hairy. Not sure it it'd be ride or athletics in the case of a human's shoulder. I'll come to a conclusion before combat though.

[IHateMakingNames]

Would Kole have to do rolls for performing combat with a Tarut on his shoulder?

Edit - Kind of an irrelevant question since you do all the rolls anyway.

[Teal Mage]

Something that didn't fit well into my post:

Sometime during Jhennek's distracting talk, Arden would have passed the item she found in her search of the third floor to Bello.

Arden Loses x1 Pepper Bomb!

Bello Gains x1 Pepper Bomb!

I can't recall what the item's exact effect is, but I know it might inflict stun if thrown. Krylo knows the details.

Edit: If Krylo insists, I'll edit the pass into the post, but until I hear otherwise, I'll assume it'll suffice.

[phil_]

Yes! A chance to manipulate someone! I've been waiting for this since we left Rios!

Also, Pepper Bombs (or Stun Bombs, as Teal's PM called them) don't appear to be in the book. What's up with that?

[POS Industries]

shiiiiiiiiiiit

EDIT: BAD PULL EVERYBODY RUN OUT OF THE INSTANCE

EDIT 2 ELECTRIC BOOGALOO: Okay, so the udrafresk appears to be eating the dingos with low HP, so we don't have to go all out in killing them. Just wound them enough for him to get the scent of their blood and move in while we try to recover. Spell absorption isn't constant, so I'm thinking it has to specifically target a casting spell in order to absorb it. I don't know if using cure is going to be reliable, so if anyone has some potions, you may want to use them to get the wounded party members up to speed.

Long shot idea: Do we have any means whatsoever of tainting the dingos in order to knock out the monster and capture it once the dingo is eaten?

[Krylo]

Also, Pepper Bombs (or Stun Bombs, as Teal's PM called them) don't appear to be in the book. What's up with that?

=D

[Arhra]

Trip over, posting started!

To point out the obvious, the udrafresk's arms clearly do something annoying. I'd guess the other arm is the attack arm.

So it's a matter of whether it's the sort of boss where it's a lot easier to take out the limbs first, or whether it's the kind where you should just ignore them and go for the face.

And whether chopping up its arms will stop us getting that sweet, sweet bounty.

Actually, on that point is it OK to just hit it with regular attacks or is there some subdual option we should be using?

[Overcast]

I mean most of our capture options are completely dependent on the thing being in a bleed out state so I think we want to beat the piss out of it. I think the dingo's are doomed though.

[Geminex]

Couple of points:
First, yeah, we probably won't have to deal with the dingos too much. Or wouldn't. If not for the fact that two of them are up in our mages' face. I really think that at least one of those needs to die. As for the rest of the dingos, wounding them should be enough. I agree that the Fresk will prolly go for them. It'd be best if we could get everyone into one group, to give the Udrafresk more wounded dingos to choose from, though.

Secondly, check out the Red Mage abilities, guys. Read the description of 'Runic'. Sounds like what our grotesque friend is doing, no?

I'm guessing it can act twice each round, once with each arm. The right arm attacking normally, the left arm either using Runic, or Return Magic (I'm guessing it either returns magic, or heals itself with it), or maybe even casting its own spells.

Not sure about tactics, not that anyone cares. I think Argath pulling back to the mages would be a good idea, but... bluh. Let's just see how it goes.

As long as the Udrafresk survives, we should get the full reward. In theory, anyway. Not sure how they'd feel about a maimed Udrafresk...

[Dracorion]

Well even if we wreck its arms as long as the beastie is alive they can contain it and let it rest and grow new arms, probably.

Anyway, Krylo, two questions:

Could Argath have attacked one of the Dingoes that surrounded him with Jump? I wasn't sure it could be used at short range, and that's why I had him attack Vera's.

Second, the Udrafresk is a boss monster, right? Not just a rare hunt?

[Geminex]

Well even if we wreck its arms as long as the beastie is alive they can contain it and let it rest and grow new arms, probably.
Suggestion: We wreck your arms. We watch you grow new ones, probably.

I'm not sure if that would work.

Hey, Krylo. If we take out its arms, will our employer still pay us the full amount, provided it's alive? The condition is 'a live specimen', but on second thought, that seems kinda silly...

So, what's the mission, exactly?

Edit:
Also, what's gonna be up with Docus' Team switch. You said you were thinking about it. Reached a decision yet?

[Dracorion]

Okay, not wreck wreck.

But I'm pretty sure we can get away with injuring the arms a bit.

Also, we need to talk to the employer. They specifically wanted the arms and head back. Methinks they knew it could do something with its arms, and it's entirely possible they weren't completely honest with us.

[Krylo]

Could Argath have attacked one of the Dingoes that surrounded him with Jump? I wasn't sure it could be used at short range, and that's why I had him attack Vera's. The fact that you are flying into the air is what gives you the range for a charge attack. This means you can use it on any enemy within medium or short range.

Attacking Vera's was still probably a good idea, though, as it removed you from attack range of two of the Dingos, and you can only use jump twice more this fight.

Second, the Udrafresk is a boss monster, right? Not just a rare hunt?End boss, technically.

So, what's the mission, exactly?It is as the NPC described it. Clarifying OOC would be cheating!

Reached a decision yet?Nope.

[Dracorion]

Right, okay.

I think I've got a decent plan.

If POS can edit his post, Prasad can target Dingo 2 and he can take it out, provided none of his shots miss.

Argath can jump on Dingo 3 and probably take it out as well. Fie, Docus and Caspin can cast their spells on Dingo 5. One of them will get sucked up by the Udrafresk, hopefully Caspin's, but two spells ought to be enough to seriously hurt Dingo 5.

Jade can handle her Dingo, and I doubt Vera will want to back her up since it involves moving close to the Udrafresk, so she can just group up with the mages.

How's that?

[Overcast]

If I'm going to waste my spell I'm wasting it on the Fresk.

[Dracorion]

Well I wasn't sure Runic would work on Blue Magic.

Although my real reason for wanting Caspin's spell to get absorbed is that if the Fresk uses Return Magic he'll get blasted by his own laser beams.

And I'm okay with that.

[Geminex]

Wait, now we're planning?
Now?

Couldn't you have made up your minds before breaking my spirit and causing me to curl up in a fetal position and sob softly?
No?

Still, Dracorion doing it?
Naaaah.

...

Anyway.

The plan's allright. But the problem is uncertainties. We don't know how the Fresk will act, or what rules govern it. But we can make assumptions.

Right now, we're assuming that it will prefer to attack wounded dingos, right? So, what I'd recommend is this. We try to buy as much time as possible for our mages to damage it, by giving it a lot of wounded dingos to attack before focusing on us.

A great first step would be to leave the wounded dingos alone. For now, anyway. We can kill them if they're threatening us, but until that's the case, let's let the Udrafresk take them down?

We have 4 dingos, two of whom are wounded.
What I'd recommend is that we wound the dino closest to the Udrafresk and kill the dingo charging us, while wounding the other one this turn, if possible. Not sure what to have Vera do.

Hmm...

How bout this:
Argath: Jump on Dingo 5
Jade: Move to join the group
Caspin: Move to join the group
Vera: Attack her dingo (2)
Docus: Standard-action fire on Dingo 3.
Fie: Standard action Aero on Dingo 3.
Prasad: Attack dingo 6

That way we'll all be in a group, and, by the time it's the enemy's turn, there'll be quite a few wounded dingos around. The one facing jade, the one facing Vera. If it spends a turn killing Jade's, and then goes for Vera's, we have at least 2 more turns before it goes for us. That's two turns of spells and bullets.

Which is also kinda why I'd prefer ovie not to cast. I think the best time for us all to cast is when we're all targeting the Fresk. We should be able to deal with the surviving dingos as they are. The important thing is preparing to hurt the fresk.

[Dracorion]

Planning is okay. The problem is overplanning, which is what you do.

I like mine better because it gets the Dingoes out of our hair. They'll still be alive, only in negative HP, and if the Fresk goes to finish them off that buys us time.

[Overcast]

I'd prefer to cast later myself, Caspin only has two shots at this and after that against that big bastard he is essentially useless. So yeah, edit coming.

[Geminex]

Planning is okay. The problem is overplanning, which is what you do.
Honestly? What is the difference?

They'll still be alive, only in negative HP, and if the Fresk goes to finish them off that buys us time.
Okay, I didn't actually consider that. Yeah, we don't need to keep them alive. Though I still think it might be smart. I mean, you're the Udrafresk. There's a bunch of adventurers and some wounded dingos facing you. You kill the dingos first, cause they're prey.
But replace the wounded dingos with unconcious ones, and they're not even a threat anymore. Only the party is.

But let's still keep them spread out. And let's keep the team together. I don't like the thought of the fresk killing us one after the other while we watch helplessly.

In fact, the plan doesn't change much. Caspin and Jade should still get close to us to avoid getting picked off individually, especially Caspin. Vera is doing allright against her dingo so far. And with my plan, only one dingo survives against the mages, and he can get killed soon enough.

Also, let's try to bring it to 0 without breaking its arms.

Edit:
Aaaanyway not demanding we plan, everyone can do what they like and I'm totally chill with that, but if we're gonna plan, let's do something that's actually useful.

[Overcast]

Just noting that Caspin moved to Long Range rather than joining the group.

[Dracorion]

I'd prefer to cast later myself, Caspin only has two shots at this and after that against that big bastard he is essentially useless. So yeah, edit coming.

You realize that Docus and Fie are even more useless than Caspin? And they all have just about the same MP left.

Honestly? What is the difference?

The difference is you.

Okay, I didn't actually consider that. Yeah, we don't need to keep them alive. Though I still think it might be smart. I mean, you're the Udrafresk. There's a bunch of adventurers and some wounded dingos facing you. You kill the dingos first, cause they're prey.
But replace the wounded dingos with unconcious ones, and they're not even a threat anymore. Only the party is.

Does this thing even have the brains for that? I mean, it didn't give Jade half a look before it ate the dingo near her. Now? There's another dingo near her that my plan doesn't touch.

It just sits there, a big juicy target to keep the Fresk occupied for this turn. Next turn, whether it does or doesn't go for the wounded dingoes, we're ready to start wailing on it whether we go with my plan or yours.

My plan just has a lot less enemies chipping away at us.

But let's still keep them spread out. And let's keep the team together. I don't like the thought of the fresk killing us one after the other while we watch helplessly.

In fact, the plan doesn't change much. Caspin and Jade should still get close to us to avoid getting picked off individually, especially Caspin. Vera is doing allright against her dingo so far. And with my plan, only one dingo survives against the mages, and he can get killed soon enough.

Sure, if Arhra can edit, we can pull Jade back.

I'd rather not move Caspin at all. He's not close to the Fresk, and in case it has some AOE thing I'd rather not keep everyone bunched up together.

Besides, would you rather have the thing strike at Argath and Jade or Docus and Fie?

[Krylo]

Aaaanyway not demanding we plan, everyone can do what they like and I'm totally chill with that, but if we're gonna plan, let's do something that's actually useful.

It's funny, because I thought this would be too easy for you.

Edit @ Drac: Caspin's spell uses 10 mp. Fie's cure uses 5, Fie's Aero uses 3, Docus's Fire uses 3.

They may have less MP, but they have more casts in them.

[Overcast]

Yeah the MP economics in Blue Magic are complete bullshit.

[Geminex]

Bluh. I'm not used to the system. Gimme a battle or two and I'll be down with this.

Also, I don't know how you DM. I know AB.

Okay, I'll rethink this properly...

[Krylo]

@OC: You're paying for confusion.

@Gem: Just imagine someone who really wants to see you die.

[Overcast]

And long range, I swear at this point no dingo, or Udrafresk can touch Caspin without sacrificing two turns of movement.

[Krylo]

@Gem: Just imagine someone who really wants to see you die.

Also! This is your abnormal type. I'm hoping to make you all kill an end boss of each type before I'm done.

So you've still got... Aerial, Amorph, Arcana, Aquan, Beast, Construct, Dragon, Fiend, Humanoid, Insect, Lizard, Plant, and Undead!

[Overcast]

You are going to save Undead until we have the ability to make sure it doesn't come back over and over again...right?

Oh wait, I forgot about Devour.