Questions for the DM

[Omega1143]

No, your base language and common are free and cost no slots.

[dmw71]

No, your base language and common are free and cost no slots.

Speaking of languages (pun intended), are character also able to read and write in their native languages, or just speak it?

For instance, if I wanted my elven character to be able read and write in common or the elven language (not just speak it), do I need to spend a proficiency slot in 'reading/writing' for my native language?

[Edit: Added the "if I wanted my elven character to be able read and write in common or the elven language"]

[Omega1143]

You will have to use a slot for each language for read/write NWP. I recommend at least one party member have it to read/write common.

[dmw71]

You will have to use a slot for each language for read/write NWP. I recommend at least one party member have it to read/write common.

Glad I asked. So, are read and write the same proficiency, or is read one slot and write a second?

Disregard. Sorry. I see right in the description of the non-weapon proficiency that "the player can read and write a modern language he can speak..."

[dmw71]

If there was a non-weapon proficiency I was interested in giving my character, but it's not one listed in the Players Handbook, would it be possible to have a custom proficiency created?

Specifically, I was thinking of cartography.

Assuming you are okay with allowing it, I would imagine it would require intelligence and a modifier (or not), but totally your call.

[Omega1143]

I think it exists in one of the books. Let me look.

[dmw71]

I think it exists in one of the books. Let me look.

I did some quick Google searches and found this:

NON-WEAPON PROFICIENCY INDEX

Apparently it was introduced in the 'Sages and Specialists' reference which listed the cartography non-weapon proficiency as follows:

Name | # slots | Attribute | Modifier | Source
Cartography | 1 | INTELLIGENCE | -2/0 | SS (SS = 'Sages and Specialists')


If you're unable to find it listed somewhere else, would I be allowed to use the above?

[Omega1143]

I have that book. Yes you can use that.

[Alethan]

Question: Do you want us to make our actual entries with dice rolls in the Initiative order? Or is it OK if everyone posts their action when you announce the round begins and then you detail out what happens with each segment/action taken?

I see where having rolls/actions posted in the Initiative order makes sense from a traditional roll playing point of view, but I think in a PbP game, because of the nature of Play By Post, it makes more sense to have people post their action as soon as possible...

Scenario #1: Traditional Initiative
The party begins Round #2. Initiative is thus: Player A, Player B, Player C, Player D, Player E
Actions:
Player B and Player D log in and see the new round has started, but cannot do anything yet as Player A has not posted.
Two hours later, Player C logs in and, also, cannot commit his actions.
One hour later, Player A logs in and commits his action.
30 minutes later, Player E logs in, but cannot take action because he has to wait for B, C, and D.
Player B logs in again three hours later (got tied up in a meeting) and makes his action.
Player D checks again, but still cannot post an action because Player C hasn't taken his.
*End of Day*
Player C logs back in before he goes to work the next day and takes his action.
Players D and E finally get to make their updates and do so by 10:00 a.m. the next morning.

Scenario #2: Post When You Can Initiative
The party begins Round #2. Initiative is thus: Player A, Player B, Player C, Player D, Player E
Actions:
Player B and Player D log in and see the new round has started. They post their actions, knowing the actions won't actually take place until their initiative is reached.
Two hours later, Player C logs in and commits his action.
One hour later, Player A logs in and takes his action.
30 minutes after that, Player E logs in and commits his action.
The GM now has all actions from all players and continues the round in the proper order.

In scenario #1, it takes almost a full day to get everyone posted in the proper order.
In scenario #2, it only takes 3.5 hours and all posts are entered.

The only real drawback to scenario #2 is that it doesn't as easily allow for changes, like Player A and Player C both attack the same orc. Player A kills it with his hit, so Player C has a chance to attack the orc standing next to it.

At that point, the GM can call for a new action by Player C or just assume the attack transfers to a nearby bad guy...

Anyway, that's my thoughts on the subject of FtF Initiative vs. PbP Initiative.

[dmw71]

Question: Do you want us to make our actual entries with dice rolls in the Initiative order? Or is it OK if everyone posts their action when you announce the round begins and then you detail out what happens with each segment/action taken?

I prefer your second scenario. I don't know how well it would work in a play-by-post game, but ideally I would think each character should declare their actions before they even roll initiative.

For example, Castien is acting last in this first round. If Castien was intending on casting a spell (he wasn't), but all the actions before his turn made casting his spell unnecessary, he could easily change his mind and elect to do nothing, or swing feebly with his staff. I'm not sure that's how it should be (maybe in 2E it's okay), but I was always under the impression that once a spell caster declared that they intended to cast a spell, that spell gets cast (or is lost) and the intent can't be withdrawn.

Either way, I'm definitely cool with however it's decided we play, but I do strongly support people posting their actions whenever possible, even if out of order.

Just my thoughts...

- Dave

[Nuke66]

Option 2 for me, it's up to the GM to adjudicate at that point and move us forward.

[Omega1143]

I don't have a problem with scenario #2. As far as spell declaration at the beginning of the round once you declare it you have to cast it or eat it because it will be lost due to the fact at least in 2nd edition the casting time affects your initiative order. Please review how this works spellcasters so you are familiar when it happens as well as be familiar with your spells casting times. They are on the website for quick reference. In obvious contradictions using scenario #2 (your example of attacking the orc that has already fallen) I will either make a logical executive decision to change your action or if you catch it before I post then you can change it. Also, at any time BEFORE it comes around to your PC you want to change that declared action based changed circumstances since before it got to your PC and your original declaration, you can do so. Just hop in and interrupt with a new post. If that new declaration is a spell in place of an action I will allow it, and adjust your initiative accordingly.

[dmw71]

Just a rule reminder....for both priests and magi it is 10/mins. per level, per spell to replenish after a good nights sleep.

What constitutes a 'good nights sleep?' I'm sure all the spell casters will want to be able to replenish their spells. Can that be accomplished in eight hours?

[Omega1143]

Six to eight hours is what I'm looking for. I am reasonable based on the situation.