Jade Stage IRC - The Battle of Brithen, Part II

[Lmns Crn]

[note]IMPORTANT LINKS

This thread is derived from the interest-gathering thread.

Our game is set in the Jade Stage campaign setting. A beginner's overview for the Jade Stage can be found here.

Game mechanics we will be using can be found in this thread. You may also find the online SRD useful.

If you still don't have mIRC, get it.

NEW! Keep track of the story we're telling by reading an account of the Events of the Game![/note]The Battle of Brithen, Part II
A Jade Stage Game

[ooc]Dramatis Personae:
Luminous Crayon - GM and Narrator
Poseidon - portraying Escrist, a liriss scout: fresh from border duty in the dangerous Isae jungles.
Natural 20 - portraying Sarenin, an om-beh-ral swordsman: formerly narei pirate, now ruthless Imperial soldier.
Ishmayl - portraying Kor Dalj, a simoc bruiser: wandering loner, serving the Empire, facing his inner demons.
EldritchEvil - portraying Morek Vesselm, an Indrist detective: cool, efficient, and effective Imperial problem-solver.

the Setting:
Time: Monday evenings, 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM Eastern Time
Place: IRC, Magicstar server, #lcsgame channel[/ooc]

[ic=The Curtain Parts, and the Scene Unfolds...]Sunrise in the slums of Sen Gaal, capital of the Imperial province of Ghara.

Another guard patrol was murdered last night. Two bodies, still in their chainmail and Formerian military uniforms: one guardsman now a pincushion for crossbow bolts and the other, a goblin, with a wide, red gash across his throat. Some brave soul will doubtless be along shortly to relieve the dead of their armor, boots, and dental fillings.

This is life in Sen Gaal. Handfuls of Imperial troops struggle to enforce Formeria's peace in the conquered province, without the military strength to back up their orders. Organized rebels in hidden cells fight the military, trying to disrupt the carefully maintained order for the sake of pride. Ordinary folk live in resigned fear-- fear of a suspicious military that can't recognize its enemies, fear of violent rebels and their brutal tactics, fear of having to give up the bloodwashed homeland they love.

It is a time for the Empire's distinguished and talented agents to take action. Can this special task force bring peace to Ghara at last, or will they die in the attempt?[/ic]

the Jade Stage mechanics thread.[/url] Feats and skills from the PHB can be used in addition to this information. If you have questions, please ask.
...4a. Don't forget the level-dependent AC bonus provided by your class; see the appropriate table column.
...4b. We are using the "Armor as DR" variant. If you use armor, half the listed AC value (round down) is converted to DR, and the other half of the listed AC value (round up) is unaffected. Shields continue to work as they always have.
...4c. We are using a vitality/wounds system. Calculate your Vitality Points as you normally would calculate HP. In addition, you have Wound Points equal to your Constitution score. Wound points are the ones that determine whether or not you are dead.
5. We will worry about gear and equipment in a little bit. It's not important yet.

Now, write the character.
What is your character's name? What is he or she like, in terms of personality? How about a bit of background? How did he or she come to be an Imperial agent?
You don't have to write me a novel here. But this is the sort of development that will help flesh out a character in the true literary sense of the word, and will help connect you to the setting. As I said in the other thread, "if you come up with a 'character' that is merely a collection of stats designed for optimal skull-crushing carnage, you will probably not get very much out of the game." Much of this will develop naturally as the game progresses.

Feel free to PM me with any questions you have about this process. I'll be glad to bounce ideas back and forth with you.

Also, please do not post your character in this thread. Send it to me via PM instead.

[Lmns Crn]

[ooc]Gear, Equipment, and Resources

As an elite Imperial agent, you are provided with the finest tools available.

Armor - Among a soldier's most important concerns. Also tends to be cheaper than replacing dead operatives. At your option, you may select one of the following:

 - Any Light or Medium Armor (Masterwork and Sturdy: +1 additional Armor bonus to AC)
The most typical protective gear for Imperial agents, custom-fitted and exceptional quality armor is crafted by Formeria's contractors in large quantities. Chain armor and steel breastplates are the most common choices, although Imperial scouts and spies often prefer leather armor for its lower weight and greater flexibility.

 - Any Heavy Armor (Masterwork)
The Empire does not encourage the use of extended, heavy plate armor for most operations, but still makes the option available to its agents willing to sacrifice mobility for defensive power.

In addition to the above, you may also select a Masterwork Shield, if you wish.

All armor provided to Imperial agents is of extraordinary high quality, functional as well as beautiful. Metal armor has the Imperial Sigil picked out in gold wirework on its surface; leather armor has the emblem embossed upon it by artisan leatherworkers.

Weapons - The instruments by which Imperial will is often enforced. The Empire's elite agents choose their armaments from a seperate stock of gear, much finer than the equipment assigned to rank-and-file soldiers. In contrast to the embellished metalwork of the armor, most Imperial weapons are plain and businesslike in appearance, though more ornate pieces are occasionally awarded as medals to soldiers of exceptional distinction. At your option, you may select one of the following:

- Two Masterwork Weapons
The equipment option of choice for archers desiring melee backup, or for any soldier determined not to be caught without options.

- One Cruel, Masterwork Weapon (Cruel: +1 damage)
Some soldiers prefer to train almost exclusively with a single weapon. Accordingly, their gear selection often includes a single, reliable weapon of exceptional quality and deadliness.

- One Flashpowder Firearm
Formerian engineers wasted no time in examining Cardan firearms and learning to build their own. Very few Formerians choose to place their trust in the tempermental devices, but some are drawn to their raw destructive power. Most flashpowder-using soldiers buy more reliable weapons out of their general stipend, rather than attempting the long reloading process in the heat of battle.

Assorted Gear - The standard package of equipment assigned to all Imperial agents. You have all of the following at your disposal.

 - Personal Identification Papers
These official documents proclaim your name, rank, and affiliation, including a carefully-drawn portrait for quick verification of your identity. Also included is a stamped letter proclaiming that you are carrying out the will of the the Empire.

 - Rations
You are assigned a waterskin and one week's worth of hardtack and dried meat.

Raiment - Tools of destruction are not the only tools available to a soldier. At your disposal, you have all of the following:

 - Dress Uniform
The fine, formal black and gold of an Imperial officer. Your uniform is of well-tailored black fabric, embellished by gold trim and fastenings. Your name, insignia, and Imperial Sigil are sewn on with gold thread, tastefully adorning the shoulders, breast, and throat.

 - Combat Fatigues
Designed to be worn over armor, this distinctive brown and green mottled gear serves the ironic dual function of making it easier to hide, and letting anyone who does see you know you mean business.

 - Assorted Civilian Garb
From formal attire to more unassuming street clothes, you have the capacity to blend in and keep a low profile in a variety of settings.

General Stipend
Included in your assigned gear is up to 500 gold pieces worth of items of your own choosing. Many operatives use this flexibility to requisition one or more backup weapons, alchemical items, or other auxillary equipment. Leftover money from the pool of 500 gold pieces can be retained by agents, who sometimes find it useful for bribes or supplies in the field.[/ooc]

[Lmns Crn]

[spoiler=Sample Character Sheet]

Code Select Expand

[Your Name]
[gender] [race] [class/level]

Str ## +# WP [your Con] VP [calculated as HP]
Dex ## +# AC ## (10, +# class, +# dex, +# armor, etc)
Con ## +# DR ##
Int ## +# Fort +# BAB: +#
Wis ## +# Ref +# Init: +#
Cha ## +# Will +# Speed: ## ft

Race Features
- [list things]
- [list things]
Class Features
- [list things]
- [list things]
Feats
- [list things]
- [list things]

Languages spoken:
[list things]


Skills A R M
# [Some Skill] # # #
# [Some Skill] # # #
# [Some Skill] # # #


Equipment
[list things]


Background, Personality, Description
[Here are a few sentences of blah blah blah.][/spoiler][spoiler=Example Character]

Code Select Expand

Cidu
male dwarven fighter3/mage1 (artificer)

Str 14 +2 WP 17 VP 26
Dex 8 -1 AC 14 (10, +3 class, -1 dex, +2 chain shirt)
Con 17 +3 DR 2/--
Int 14 +2 Fort +6 BAB: +3
Wis 12 +1 Ref +0 Init: -1
Cha 12 +1 Will +4 Speed: 20 ft

Race Features
- Stability: +4 to avoid being tripped, bull-rushed, etc.
- Darkvision 60 ft.
- +2 on saving throws vs. poison, spells, or spell-like effects.
Class Features
- Scribe Scroll
- Specialization (artifice)
Feats
1 - Well-Educated
1 - Power Attack
2 - Weapon Focus: Warhammer
3 - Cleave

Languages spoken:
Cardan
Lendhu
Chorr

Skills A R M
13 Craft: Metallurgy 2 7 4 (+4 from dwarven racial traits)
9 Knowledge: Arcana 2 7
4 Spot (cross-class) 1 3.5
4 Listen (cross-class) 1 3.5
9 Concentration 3 6
7 Intimidate 1 6
6 Spellcraft 2 2 2 (+2 synergy from Kn: Arcana)

Equipment
Masterwork Chain Shirt (+2 AC, DR 2/--, -1 ACP)
Masterwork Warhammer
Compass
3 days' worth of rations
Rope

Spells Today (5 SP - 1 (armor check penalty) = 4 SP worth of spells + 1 SP for artifice only)
- Magic Weapon (1)
- Lesser Confusion (1)
- Lesser Confusion (1)
- Mending (0.5)
- Detect Magic (0.5)
- Mage Hand x2 (1)

Spells Known
(all 0-level magecraft spells)
(all 0-level artifice spells)
- Lesser Confusion
- Jump
- Magic Weapon
- Burning Hands
- Hold Portal

Background, Personality, Description
Cidu's parents were Bluecoats, so he grew up in the Battlement, helping them fight off any monsters from the Fen that might try to cross through the mountains. When they went ranging in the Fen and never came back, Cidu left the Bluecoats and went to Melago to seek his fortune.

Cidu is generally optimistic and good-natured, but gets discouraged easily in the face of setbacks. He tries to think his options through carefully and avoid unnecessary risks.

Cidu stands a couple inches taller than most dwarves, and his body is muscular and lean. He dresses neatly in chain armor and a simple red tunic, with a large battle hammer hanging from his thick leather belt. His head and face must have been shaved clean a day or two ago, but there is already black stubble where the hair has begun to grow back in. He stands nonchalantly, and broadcasts a welcoming, friendly grin.[/spoiler]

[Lmns Crn]

[ooc]This is the last of my reserved posts in this thread. Posting embargo is lifted.... now![/ooc]

[Ishmayl-Retired]

Would you prefer us to coordinate our character-making to have a more balanced team, or keep everything random and unknown?

[Lmns Crn]

Would you prefer us to coordinate our character-making to have a more balanced team, or keep everything random and unknown?

I'm in the camp that says PCs should be allowed to keep secrets from one another if they want to, so I'm not organizing that kind of coordination myself, and I'm also asking you not to post any details here.

If you all want to talk amongst yourselves about it, that's fine. Obviously, I couldn't stop you if I wanted to. I just don't want anyone to be pressed for details they don't want to reveal yet. If I start talking to a lot of people about characters and detecting a really serious imbalance, I'll bring it up in this thread, or ask one or two people whether they'd mind branching out their characters' capabilities a bit.

EDIT: One of the reserved posts will be for introductions, first-impression style. Character names, concise physical descriptions, and a sentence or two about really apparent demeanor or mannerisms. The kind of mental "description" you get of a person after you've met and talked with them for about three minutes. Works well both as an index of who's playing which characters, and as a reminder of their basic appearances and attitudes.

[Ishmayl-Retired]

Meh, doesn't matter to me either way, I just didn't know if you had a preference or anything :)

[Túrin]

I've been following this thread and its predecessor with great curiosity, even though I can't play. Two questions:
-Why are the players specifically forbidden to post their characters here or anywhere?
-Will there be any possibility of keeping up with the development of this campaign other than being present at the times it is played (which, for aforementioned reasons, is impossible)?

Túrin

[Lmns Crn]

-Why are the players specifically forbidden to post their characters here or anywhere?

forbid[/i] anyone from doing anything. But I'm making a strong suggestion about this one.

-Will there be any possibility of keeping up with the development of this campaign other than being present at the times it is played (which, for aforementioned reasons, is impossible)?

can[/i] drop by during our scheduled time is welcome to come watch, also.

[Ishmayl-Retired]

LC, one thing I've found that can be very useful for keeping up with game progress, is each week, have a player write a journal entry in his character's voice.  It should rotate, or at least be random, just so that one person isn't always doing it - not that one person can't do it on his own if he wants, but it's usually more interesting to have several different voices telling the story.

[Lmns Crn]

Here's an update.

1.) If you don't have an IRC client that you know how to use, you need to get one. I've talked to a few of you already in the #lcsgame channel on the irc.magicstar.net server, where our game will be held. If you do not know how to log on to that server and channel, hurry up and find out, or you'll be unable to join us when we meet to play!

2.) I've updated the second post of this thread to include some equipment guidelines. I'm experimenting with this format, which is designed to better represent a system where a military organization is providing you equipment than the standard "here's a sum of money, go shopping" system. If you have questions or comments, you know how to contact me.

You should now have all the mechanics information you need to make your character. If you are clear about the concept you want to use for your character, you should be able to go ahead and put it all down on paper.

3.) Please, please talk to me about your character ideas, if you haven't already. Some of you have already, but for others, the suspense is killing me. I'm available if you want to ask questions or run any ideas by me. Again: I check about once or twice a day for PMs here, and I'm occasionally on AIM as well (Brent Not Broken).

I am really starting to get excited about this game!

[Lmns Crn]

Last update in this thread for today, I think.

There's now a blank character sheet for you to use, as well as an example character I made, using the Jade Stage mechanics and the blank character sheet. Hopefully they'll help you get your brain wrapped around the character creation process. You don't have to use the character sheet template if you don't want to, but you will probably find it helpful.

Posting it to the board here messed up the format of my lovely character sheet. I have a much prettier version as a Wordpad file, which I will be happy to email to you if you like.

Also, we have the first nearly-completed character for the game. Crit and I just worked out 90% of his character over AIM, and I'm updating the Dramatis Personae in the first post to reflect that information.

[Ishmayl-Retired]

LC, I sent you a PM w/ info on my character, please let me know what you think.

[Lmns Crn]

So, I have had talks with three of you people today about character stuff, and I am super excited about my findings. There are some truly awesome characters that will be involved in this game. It's going to be great.

Updated the first post with tantalizing tidbits!

[Lmns Crn]

Okay, I have character sheets from two of you, a fairly detailed sketch from a third, and a vague idea from a fourth. If you are Ishmayl or Supadupaman, you need to send me some kind of character sheet. As always, I'll try to be available for discussion if you have questions.

Unfortunately, we will not be hearing from TheUrbanMonkey after all, because he won't be joining us for the game. Today I heard that he has spent the last several weeks without reliable internet access (and also recovering from surgery!) and will not be able to commit to any weekly timeslot at any point in the foreseeable future.

This means we potentially have one character spot left. Should we try and recruit another person? Just go with four? Go ahead and weigh in on this issue, people.