[ooc] Kore | Kingdom of Harmony [terminated]

[Thomas Hobbes]

I think there's a lot to be said of the longspear and the manifold attacks of opportunity it will grant you. Add in spring attack (you already have dodge) and things are even peachier. You get 1/attack a round normally, and if they actually come after you you get another. This also works decently well with fient , since spring attack allows you a moment to breath outside of combat, then rush back in against the dex-denied opponent (although it's not a perfect fit, since you should mostly be move-attack-move-ing). Flanking also gets pretty easy, what with the extra reach and mobility.

On the the other hand, it's hard to conceal, a notable assassin trick (not that you have to use the same weapon all the time). Also, fienting, I just noticed, does not work with raging, nor does expertise (it says under the description- not charisma-based skills except for intimidate). Depending on how critical the barbarian class and rage is to you, you could switch to fighter, or ask Doghead about a feat that lets you fient while raging... but then you're pretty feat-heavy, what with expertise, improved fient, and all the way up to Spring Attack. You could just drop fienting and stab people while dodging around and raging.

Edit: Hypothetically, if you went fighter/expert, could could have a total of 6 feats. Dodge, Mobility, Spring Attack, Combat Expertise, Improved Fient, plus one other (perhaps Craft Achemical Item if we use that sytem, or weapon focus if not). If you go Barbarian, you could have Dodge, Mobility, and Spring Attack if you drop fienting. Both are quite good options.

 

[doghead]

Deathstrike and poison. Both of your characters make me nervous (in a good way, ... kind of I'm not going to alter things at the moment. The gng system is ment to be alot more leathal. Generally, my goal is to play it as is til we know more, then consider any alterations.

The Middle Kingdom is the name for ancient china - the kingdom between heaven and earth. I raided the China Daily Star newspaper site (sports section) for names for my chinese characters.

I agree with you in regards to the crafting times. I was a little blown away by them. I had assumed about a week maybe to make (prep, brew, stew and distill - that kind of thing) a potion. I'll have a look at the alt rules TH suggested. Alternatively, eliminating the gp-sp conversion would cut times by a factor of 10, or changing weeks to days would cut it by a factor of 7. The question is how that would work with other craft areas, like armour. Anyway, something to think about.

Both the sword and spear approaches look good. Personnaly. I like spears. Carrying a spear would not be uncommon. For game purposes, the sword will not be the exclusive providence of the Samurai, although they will have certain dress elements that are - the topnot for example. I'll think about a 'choke up' feat, but it will be something for later. Probably with some prereqs. I'll get back to you

 

[Ferrix]

The Craft Point system can be useful, but the way it requires characters to take feats to make mundane items (masterwork & alchemical are mundane items to me) is a real blow. Usually I'd just go with dropping the gp-sp conversion, and if I was DM it'd make sense for a character with a decent craft skill to make a longsword in a day or two at most, since I don't think most smiths would work from scratch iron ore it shouldn't take weeks upon weeks once you have the materials.

 

[Thomas Hobbes]

Perhaps the balance on poison is that people in the Kingdom of Harmony won't let you get away with it. Kill a Samauri with it, and before you know it all the others ones are after you. Tisk tisk.

Ditto with Death Touch- he'll want to avoid being identified as a worshipper of the death cult. Presumably people with Spellcraft or Knowledge: Religion could differentiate it from the normal Inflict X wounds spell. Even if the Empire's secret worship was widely known, Hasako's job depends on him not being noticed. A known assassin is not a terribly effective one.

Alignment and motivation wise doghead (to help you write the set up), Hasako is entirely loyal to the Empire and the Emperor, in that order (altough culturally I'm not sure they're distinct, but if they are that's how he would see it). He's either Lawful Neutral of Lawful Evil; he'll do whatever it takes to accomplish the goals assigned to him (within the bounds of honor as he understands it: service to the emperor means not disgracing the empire. What, precisely, the restrictions are on noble non-samauri priests are something you're going to have to inform me about. )

 

[Nac Mac Feegle]

Okay, here he is edited for using a spear and going barb1/fighter3 (need that rage, but feats never hurt).

This way at 5th level, I'll pick up combat expertise, and at 6th I'll pick up feint just in time for my sneak attack damage to come into play. At 9th I'll grab either weapon specialization or improved critical.

I'm now ready (I think) to play.

Slight Background Change: Rokuro's mother was the wife of a noble exiled from the kingdom of harmony. She followed him out of a sense of loyalty, giving birth to him shortly after they arrived (only a month or so). This is mainly a little excuse to keep a japanese name, because I like it better.

Rokuro Kichiro
Human 1st level Barbarian/Expert, 3rd level Fighter/Expert
Medium Humanoid (Human)
Soak: 6 (2 con, 4 armor)
Initiative: +4
Speed: 40 ft. (8 squares)
Defense Bonus: +8 (4 class, 4 dexterity), +9 vs. one opponent (dodge)
Base Attack/Grapple: +4/+7
Attack: Spear +10 (MW Spear: 1d8+4)
Space/Reach: 5 ft./5 ft.
Class Features:Rage 1/day, fast movement
Saves: Fort +6, Ref +5, Will +4
Abilities: Str 16, Dex 18, Con 14, Int 15, Wis 11, Cha 11
Skills: Read/Write Language (Common, Yanagi, Horde), Survival +7 (7 ranks), Spot +7 (7 ranks), Listen +7 (7 ranks), Intimidate +7 (7 ranks), Bluff +10 (7 ranks), Hide +11 (7 ranks), Move Silently +11 (7 ranks), Craft: Poisonmaking +9 (7 ranks)
Feats: Dodge, Mobility, Spring Attack, Combat Reflexes, Weapon Focus: Spear

Equipment (note: all poisons made with craft at 1/3 cost)
Mastework Spear (315 gp)
Masterwork Chain Shirt (250 gp)
Standard Clothes (negligible)
15 single gloves (used to apply poison, negligable)
Gauntlet of Deception (+3 to bluff) (900 gp)
1 dose Black Lotus Extract (1500 gp)
2 Doses Deathblade (1200 gp)
10 doses Sassone Leaf Residue (1000 gp)
13 uses poisonfix (keeps poisoned blade fresh) (260)
125 iron pieces left over

Poison Stats:
Black Lotus Extract: Save DC 20, 3d6 con/3d6 con
Deathblade: Save DC 20, 1d6 con/2d6 con
Sassone Leaf Residue: Save DC 16, 2d12 hp/1d6 con

Note: The Sasson Leaf Residue and Black Lotus Extract are contact poisons, and as such only need a touch attack to hit.

 

[doghead]

Thoughts on the Samurai

The term Samurai applied to individuals, not the class. The Samurai was a warrior of the Buke class (their gentry or aristocracy). Historically, it was gender spacific - only males could be samurai. Females of the class trained in the way of the warrior were refered to as 'onna bugei-sha' - female buku warriors. I don't intend to make the latter distinction.

I will keep the Buke class as the upper strata of society. Almost universally, buke males are trained as Samurai, although not all choose to take that path. Females can also be so trained and be granted the title Samurai. In addition, members of other classes can be made Samurai in reward for acts of great valour and service. However, this would not make them a member of the Buke. (At least not for a couple of generations usually.) In this it is quite similar to the idea of the 'knight' who did not necessarily have to be a member of the nobility.

Samurai in the service of a Daimyo are all expected to be able to equip themselves (horse and bow, swords and armour) and maintain their equipment. Usually this is through the holding of land. A Samurai with significant holdings may be expected to provide his Daimyo with troops as well. A newly created Samurai would usually be given title over land in the providence of the Daimyo who elevated them. The Daimyo is not responsible for equipping his Samurai, although gifts are often given as a reward for outstanding service.

However, a Daimyo is responsible for equipping and training his regular troops.

Thoughts on Poison and the use of

A man carrying poison shall be presumed to have evil intentions;
A man taking a life with poison shall forfeit his own;
A sword coated in poison shall be broken.

Nakagawa Toshikazu

Not the law perhaps, but famous words that have carried a lot of weight over time in the Kingdom of Harmony. Of course the Ninja use poison, but then they probably didn't expect much leniency if caught. Which is why they were so good at avoiding it.

NMF, and TH, I suppose that I want you to be aware that possessing poison and using death magic could leave you vunerable to people who wish to eliminate you from the picture. Giving them a stick to beat you with is another way of putting it. I'm not trying to kill the idea. I like the concepts and think that they fit the world beautifully. If I do it right, it will make for some really interesting gaming. But I want to make sure you know where I am coming from.

Thought on the Emperor

The Emperor has not been seen outside the Imperial Castle in 200 years. But what is 200 years to one who is divine? There have been two Shogun who have suggested that the Emperor is dead and attempted to claim his power for themselves. They both died messy deaths. But then, many Shogun do. The people know that the Emperor lives. The Emperor knows. The Emperor rules. The Emperor protects. So is the Kingdom of Harmony.

***

NMF, the family background is good. I'm going to connect your father to the House Oe in some way. This will explain your characters presence in Castle Oe. As for Craft, dropping the gp-sp conversion seems to be the best fit, but I think self crafted item are going to cost more than just the 1/3 for materials. Workplaces, assistants, errors and the opportunity cost of the time required are all going to add to the cost to some degree. 1/2 seems more reasonable. Is it a spear or longspear? I'm going to rule that your character has never spoken in the tongue of the 'Horde'. Much like the classic greek scholars today. They can read the language but can only guess who it was spoken/pronounced.

TH, at this point, the sect you belong to is not officially acknowledged or generally known. Rumours may exist amoung the Buke, particularly as you get closer to Kyoto (the Emperor's city), but as many will scoff at it as will believe. You should consider having some skills/abilities that will allow you to maintain your 'cover'. BTW, how do you see Evil? To be honest, personnally, I would prefer not to have evil characters. You should also expect to work without support much of the time - temples of your sect will be rare (obviously).

 

[Nac Mac Feegle]

I realize that I'm sort of "giving my enemy a stick to beat me with," but I think that sort of adds to the interest. That is, after all, the reason he left the Middle Kingdom in the first place.

Rokuro would normally seem to be just another mercenary for hire, he keeps his "special" talents closely hidden.

Also, add to the character sheet that Rokuro also has a (non masterwork) rapier for when a longspear isn't appropriate or useful.

 

[doghead]

I realize that I'm sort of "giving my enemy a stick to beat me with," but I think that sort of adds to the interest. That is, after all, the reason he left the Middle Kingdom in the first place.

Rokuro would normally seem to be just another mercenary for hire, he keeps his "special" talents closely hidden.

Also, add to the character sheet that Rokuro also has a (non masterwork) rapier for when a longspear isn't appropriate or useful.

I justed wanted to make sure that we were all generally on the same page. So, were looking good. A second weapon would be handy. Does Rokuro dress in 'japanese' or 'chinese' style?

Progress report. Cannibal has kinda dropped off the radar. DrZ has been a little quiet of late what with various things, but I don't think he will need much time to get his character sorted if its a straight monk gestalt. Ferrix has the bones of his character in place. TH and NMF look fairly set. I think we are looking good to get started by the weekend. I'll go with four and bring Cannibal on board later if necessary.

BTW, do you have any preferences for login abbrievations? For example, dog rather than DH, or some such.

Can I get email addresses from everyone. Either post up here (I'll let you know as soon as I get it so you can get it down asap) or email me -

doghead206 at netscape dot net​

 

[Thomas Hobbes]

Thoughts on the Samurai]

Hmm. Hiraku would probably be a son of a buke family reverently donated to the Emperor's service at birth (or perhaps his parents died, and he was taken in). In any case, it matters little; although of noble birth, Hiraku was stripped of any rights to family title or property when he was tithed. He serves only for the glory of the Emperor.

NMF, and TH, I suppose that I want you to be aware that possessing poison and using death magic could leave you vunerable to people who wish to eliminate you from the picture. Giving them a stick to beat you with is another way of putting it.

Yup, that's what I meant to suggest with my post.

Thought on the Emperor

Kickin'. Sounds good.

TH, at this point, the sect you belong to is not officially acknowledged or generally known. Rumours may exist amoung the Buke, particularly as you get closer to Kyoto (the Emperor's city), but as many will scoff at it as will believe.

You should also expect to work without support much of the time - temples of your sect will be rare (obviously).

All as expected. I expect his only contact with his cult will be to recieve orders (by some cloak-and-dagger message transfer or by Animal Messenger, which is a 2nd level cleric spell that recruits a sparrow or something to carry a letter to a recipient for you).

If it actually becomes an issue that he's a death cultist (i.e, someone notices him, catches him, or whatever) he's already screwed up unimaginably and will probably beg his superiors for the right to die gloriously on some impossible mission. If you want this to be my motive, it could have already happened, come to think of it. In any case, he'll be among the first to scoff at rumors of a death cult. "What a ludicrous idea!" etc.

You should consider having some skills/abilities that will allow you to maintain your 'cover'.

Good point. Switched Con and Int for extra skill points and put them into bluff. Also switched out Stealthy for Deceptive (+2/+2 hide/move silently vs. +2/+2 Bluff/Disguise). Combined with a Hat of Disguise (change self at will, for +10 to disguise checks), he should be good at denying everything. If required, he can extend that denial to his own existance with Invisibility.

BTW, how do you see Evil? To be honest, personnally, I would prefer not to have evil characters.

Right, I can see the worry. I know how he's going to act; I just don't know how its going to be defined by the D&D sytem. Here's how I see his honor code working:

The Emperor is Divine, and those who oppose him deserve no mercy or consideration from his agents. They will be slaughtered like so much cattle. (moooo....) Outside of this mandate, however, one must act as befits someone acting for His Imperial Divinity, not engaging in any base acts like cowardice or murder of those who pose no threat either to one's person or the Emperor.

So he won't be slaughtering babies or nothin'. But he'll do whatever it takes to complete his mission- if an innocent maid has the poor fortune to stumble upon him while he infiltrates, he'll (while cursing his own incompetence) reluctantly kill her before she can give his position away. He is willing to give his life in the Emperor's service at any time, and asks nothing less of any member of the great Kingdom of Harmony.

Here's his latest stat block. The most likely route for advancement is to just keep on going Cleric/Expert (if it ain't broke, don't fix it- all the skills I need plus spells that will allow me, to borrow a phrase from (contact)'s story hour, to kill the sh-t out of them.), with skill-booting feats like Alertness, Stealthy, and so on (and perhaps toughness if I keep on getting my head handed to me). I don't forsee any metamagic or further item creation feats, but that might change. In any case, that should tide me over for some time to come.

E-mail is in my profile: ternashandrik at yahoo.com

Hiraku Mutsouru
Cleric/Expert 3
Cleric/Warior 1
Soak: 5 (+1 constitution, +4 armor)
Initiative: +7
Speed: 30 ft.
Defense bonus: +6 (+3 BAB +3 Dex)
Base Attack/Grapple: +3/+3
Attack: +6 melee (1d4, dagger) or +6 melee (1d10, katana) or +6 ranged (1d4, dagger)
Space/Reach: 5 ft./5 ft.
Special Attacks: Rebuke Undead 2/day, Spontaneous Inflict, Death Touch (4d6)
Special Qualities: None
Saves: Fortitude +5, Reflex +4, Will +7
Abilities: Str 10, Dex 16, Con 12, Int 14, Wis 17, Cha 8.
Skills (Bonus/ranks): Bluff +8/7, Climb +6/6, Concentration +7/6, Disguise +11/0, Hide +10/7, Knowledge: Religion +8/6, Listen +10/7, Move Silently +12/7, Spot +10/7, Sense Motive +9/6
Feats: Deceptive, Improved Initiative, Craft Wondrous Item
Equipment: Studded Leather +1 (1185), 10 daggers (20 gp), 2 Wands of Cure minor Wounds (750), Sandals of Silent Moves +2 (200)*, Hat of Disguise (1,000)*, Prayer Beads of the Unseen (Invisibility 2/day, 2,160)*, 77 iron pieces remaining, Katana
Languages: Common, Yanagi, Secret Cult Language

Spells per day: 5/4+1/3+1
Spells prepared: 0- Cure Minor Wounds x2, Detect Magic, Guidance, Detect Poison. 1st- Shield of Faith, Doom, Divine Favor, Magic Stone, Cause Fear* 2nd- Cat’s Grace, Spiritual Weapon x2, Invisibility* *Domain spell. Domains: Death (Death touch 1/day, 4d6) and Trickery (Hide, Bluff, and Disguise are class skills).

 

[Nac Mac Feegle]

Do we have an ETA for the start of this game in IC?