Chaos in Sarlona (Inactive)

Game Master PathlessBeth

A world away from the rest Eberron, Sarlona remains a land of mystery. It holds the secrets of the origins of humans. And an increasing number of scholars in both Khorvaire and Argonesson now believe that the source of the Mourning lies somewhere in Sarlona.
For the first time in more than a thousand years, the formerly secret port-city of Dvaarnava is being opened to Khorvairian ships. Dvaarnava is in a part of Sarlona which is largely shielded from the influence of the Inspired. But it is under constant threat of an attack from Riedra.
Within Riedra, not everyone is as unified as they appear. There is a rift within the ranks of the Inspired, and the two groups have very different goals. Moreover, rumors persist of a far more sinister, hidden group operating across Sarlona.

This is an interest check for an Eberron campaign that has been bouncing around my head and notes for awhile that is finally ready to be run. I expect most of the PCs to be from Khorvaire, and the group will just be arriving in Dvaarnava when the campaign starts. However, if you want to make a character native to Sarlona, you might be able to provided you have a sufficiently compelling background for your character. In any case, you should give a reason why your character has come to Dvaarnava.

Setting: This game will be set in the Eberron campaign setting, originally written for 3.5. While it will start in Dvaarnava, it won't stay there, and I expect the game will go to a wide range of locations in Adar, Riedra, and Syrkarn.

Character Creation:

What I am looking for:
First and foremost I am looking for commitment. Given the slow pace of pbps, this game could run for years into the future. Secondly, I am looking for interesting characters. Well-written backstories, personalities, and motivations will improve your chance of being selected.
If you are the kind of player who likes having the plot spoon-fed, this is probably not the game for you. While I have written out a considerable amount of plot for this campaign in my notes, I wing things a lot and get my GMing energy from what the players do.
Character story stuff: Submissions should include a backstory, your character's goals/motivations, and a brief description of your character's personality. Optionally, include your characters greatest fears.

Starting level: 3

Ability scores: 20 point buy

Allowable books/sources:
Pathfinder books: Core, APG, UM, UC, ultimate psionics, path of war, and ARG are preapproved. Most Rite Publishing books are also fine.
3.5 books: All the Eberron books are preapproved. If you are unsure of how to convert something to pathfinder rules, ask.
Anything else is available by request.

Your character should have action points (as explained in ECS, pg 45).

Favored Class Bonus: No race-specific FCBs. You can spend your FCBs on extra hp, skill points, or pp as normal.

Traits: Two bonus traits. No campaign traits.

It's been a dog's age since I touched my Eberron books, but I'm at least intrigued. Are ACG classes permitted? A draconic bloodrager is the first fellow to pop into my brain (if memory serves, blue dragons were prominent in the mountains between Adar & Sarlona).

I'll try and assemble a coherent character and get back to you.

This is a character I made for another Eberron game, just need to be adjusted to level 3.

How would you convert the warforge race? or should we use the Eberron/Pathfinder conversion wiki that's out there.

Hmm, I like the idea of having a large variety of races available. I will peruse the options and see if I can come up with something.

Submitting this character for consideration

Very interested!

One idea I have is an elven (possibly from Aerenal) Thuranni bard or ninja. Is the ninja class ok?

Will you be using Eberron's Action Points? Thanks GMV!

Can I replace the two traits by a dragonmark feat?

Finally, dragonmark feats were originally intended to mesh with the 3.5 feats. This causes a slight problem for level 6. Would you move it to level 5 or 7? (I understand this has no immediate impact, but mostly curious.)

Character Creation:Your character should have action points (as explained in ECS, pg 45).

Will you be using Eberron's Action Points?

Quoted for easy reference.

I am thinking of making an inquisitor. Would there be anyone that wants to coordinate a teamwork feat with me?

Interested, what changes are you making to warforged and artifacer, if any, when bringing them over to pathfinder?

I am thinking of making an inquisitor. Would there be anyone that wants to coordinate a teamwork feat with me?

I would, though I might be short on feats (as always!). What did you have in mind?

This is a character I made for another Eberron game, just need to be adjusted to level 3.

How would you convert the warforge race? or should we use the Eberron/Pathfinder conversion wiki that's out there.

Similar. Helac was made for another game, but it won't take him much adjusting to put him in line with your guidelines. Does he seem suitable? The background can be expanded upon or tailored as necessary.

I really like Eberron but have limited experience with it. I have been gaming in one fashion or another for several years, but have no experience with Play by Post. I have, however, been lurking in a few threads and really enjoy the idea.

Grand Moff Vixen wrote:

I am thinking of making an inquisitor. Would there be anyone that wants to coordinate a teamwork feat with me?

I would, though I might be short on feats (as always!). What did you have in mind?

Anything that sounds fun. I like fun primarily, and then something that will see both reasonable use and provide a good benefit. I have not put much thought into it beyond wanting to have such a feat. I figured to get interest first and then choose once we got to that point.

I like Escape Route...

I like Escape Route...

After looking at it, it seems that this would be most useful. Escape Route it is! I will poke around with my backstory. I am in the process of looking at my options to make a fun, yet integrated story. Also, I plan on half-elf to get an exotic weapon. I really like the idea of a big sword. Makes a better combat option than a 1D8 single hand weapon.

I will continue to look at race options. Barring humans and half-elves, do you know of any other race that allows for getting an additional WP?

I'm trying to remember, there were those barbarians off the coast of Argonessen, I want to say they were the Seren? Were they ever detailed anywhere?

Deranged_Maniac_Ben, are you going with standard wealth by level?

I'm trying to remember, there were those barbarians off the coast of Argonessen, I want to say they were the Seren? Were they ever detailed anywhere?

I think in the Player's Guide to Eberron, no?

. . . I am in the process of looking at my options to make a fun, yet integrated story. Also, I plan on half-elf to get an exotic weapon. I really like the idea of a big sword. Makes a better combat option than a 1D8 single hand weapon. . . .

Well, if the storyteller will let you reflavor Half Giant as an Ogre descendant, or possibly just a large human, it would allow you to wield a 2d6 Large Longsword one handed or a 3d6 Large Greatsword without penalty (given proficiency with martial weapons)... though I just like the idea of Half Giants.

Edit: I just don't remember if Half Giants exist naturally in Eberron, but if I had to guess, I would probably say that at least a few are bumming around Xen'drik.

Shifter druid would be fun in PF. this conversion good? (With the addition note that you get +1 use/day for every 2 shifter feats. Because they forgot that. Or the Incremental Shifting feat. Either way. Static 1/day is kinda bad. Actually, incremental use without the feat-need would be best. Much like rage and bardic music.)
Quite the serendipity, pf-druid has a Moon-caller archetype.

Will work on a myth-finder shortly. And will convert to alias if selected.

Half-giants exist, as do Goliath and Eneko. The latter actually being from Sarlona I believe. Page 108-109 of Secrets of Sarlona has all 3. If you wish to browse and pick between them.

Grand Moff Vixen wrote:

. . . I am in the process of looking at my options to make a fun, yet integrated story. Also, I plan on half-elf to get an exotic weapon. I really like the idea of a big sword. Makes a better combat option than a 1D8 single hand weapon. . . .

Well, if the storyteller will let you reflavor Half Giant as an Ogre descendant, or possibly just a large human, it would allow you to wield a 2d6 Large Longsword one handed or a 3d6 Large Greatsword without penalty (given proficiency with martial weapons)... though I just like the idea of Half Giants.

Edit: I just don't remember if Half Giants exist naturally in Eberron, but if I had to guess, I would probably say that at least a few are bumming around Xen'drik.

Hmm, I like the idea of half-giants, I just usually don't get to play one. I will break out In the Company of Giants and see what I can come up with.

Very, very interested. Will do some brainstorming.

EDIT: Strongly considering a Human Serpentine-bloodline Sorcerer - basically a descendant of a small band of yuan-ti refugees from Sarlona who settled briefly and secretly in Khorvaire after the Inspired all but purged their kind from Syrkarn ~1200 years ago.

Very much in the works, though. I'll try to get an app up in a day or two.

Ya know. I changed my mind. I verymuch want to play a house Sivis Gnome. A ninja/bard. Dual-wielding scrolls and throwing insults.
Razor wit, sharp tongue and a +1 pen, mightier than most swords. Seriously though, can I have a pen that functions like a kunai or something?
Imagine a gnome so adapt with his pen, that when he waves it around all foes around are shaken with fear. Dazzling display ftw.

Ninja2/Archaeologist1 for starters. Will see how things go from there.

Warforged conversion?

Ya know. I changed my mind. I verymuch want to play a house Sivis Gnome. A ninja/bard. Dual-wielding scrolls and throwing insults.

Razor wit, sharp tongue and a +1 pen, mightier than most swords. Seriously though, can I have a pen that functions like a kunai or something?
Imagine a gnome so adapt with his pen, that when he waves it around all foes around are shaken with fear. Dazzling display ftw.

HA! I like it. ...but do you want a +1 throwing pen or a +1 dirty trick pen? Either way, it's kind of awesome.

Grand Moff Vixen wrote:

. . . I am in the process of looking at my options to make a fun, yet integrated story. Also, I plan on half-elf to get an exotic weapon. I really like the idea of a big sword. Makes a better combat option than a 1D8 single hand weapon. . . .

Well, if the storyteller will let you reflavor Half Giant as an Ogre descendant, or possibly just a large human, it would allow you to wield a 2d6 Large Longsword one handed or a 3d6 Large Greatsword without penalty (given proficiency with martial weapons)... though I just like the idea of Half Giants.

Edit: I just don't remember if Half Giants exist naturally in Eberron, but if I had to guess, I would probably say that at least a few are bumming around Xen'drik.

According to Secrets of Sarlona, Half-Giants are native to that land and generally live in nomadic tribes/clans/families that can be found nearly anywhere on the continent - though they tend to stay out of Riedra proper, as the Inspired are liable to try to assimilate them into Riedran society as slaves.

They are said to be the descendents of true giants from Xen'drik (explorers and the like manning a far-flung outpost of the empire), although - as they breed true - they may or may not have the assumed human ancestry as well.

Hmm, ya know. Even though I like Archaeologist very much, I can't justify not having bardic music to buff the party. Especially seeing I am building him very much non-fighty. He'll contribute, but not by actually hurting anything but feelings.
linky to the sheet. WiP of course.

Requesting use of trapfinder.Yes, a campaign trait. But greatly useful outside of it's niche. And it keeps that archaeologist feel. OP says no campaign. But this one doesn't have all that much campaign tie-in to begin with, so worth a shot.

Hmm, ya know. I even do I like Archaeologist very much, I can't justify not having bardic music to buff the party. Especially seeing I am building him very much non-fighty. He'll contribute, but not by actually hurting anything but feelings.

linky to the sheet. WiP of course.

Requesting use of trapfinder, a campaign trait. But greatly useful outside of it. And it keeps that archaeologist feel.

Slight side note: if you want the effect of bardic music but don't want, well, music, look at the psionic class vitalist (intercessor method). That might be to your liking.

*Rubs chin* I have part of an idea, I think. XD

@GM: How do you feel about substitutions in the summoning list? (For example, swapping a 1/2 CR creature with another 1/2 CR creature from the official bestiaries, making the list more thematically appropriate for a given character). Also, is Deep Magic an acceptable sourcebook?

you know i am interested!!!

My ideas include, but are not limited to:

Karnnathi Dread Necromancer (LE, requires approval of Libris Mortis)
Hobgoblin Cannoneer from Dargun
Lhazaarite Human Warlock (lords of dust theme, LE)
Lhazaarite Human Marksman/Rogue

According to Secrets of Sarlona, Half-Giants are native to that land and generally live in nomadic tribes/clans/families that can be found nearly anywhere on the continent - though they tend to stay out of Riedra proper, as the Inspired are liable to try to assimilate them into Riedran society as slaves.

They are said to be the descendents of true giants from Xen'drik (explorers and the like manning a far-flung outpost of the empire), although - as they breed true - they may or may not have the assumed human ancestry as well.

Awesome.

I sort of remembered the bit about Xen'drik, but wasn't really sure... Thank you for the knowledge and details.

My ideas include, but are not limited to:

Karnnathi Dread Necromancer (LE, requires approval of Libris Mortis)
Hobgoblin Cannoneer from Dargun
Lhazaarite Human Warlock (lords of dust theme, LE)
Lhazaarite Human Marksman/Rogue

Nifty... but if we are just throwing out general concepts, I'd add...

Half Giant (Gifted Blade/Soulbolt) Soulknife. Use a large bow + Expansion to lay down suppression fire. Otherwise, you really are a gentle giant.

Elan (Aberrant) Aegis. Tap into your bound Quori spirit and form a partnership... rp-wise it would be similar to what the Jekyll and Hyde alchemist/master chemist do. RP your 'spirit' trying to talk you into all manner of evil.

Changeling (Egoist or Telepath) Psion... You are a Doppelganger in all but name. Have fun being a super spy. Follow with either levels in thrallherd to represent your growing influence or levels in body snatcher to represent pushing the envelope on what doppelgangers are capable of...

Human Artificer. Because if the DM allowed the artificer class in a 3.5 game, given about 10 minutes or two action points, it was always the answer to any question.

yeah. not trying to lay claim to any ideas, by the way. i have a bad tendency of having so many ideas and then people who, like me, avoid making concepts similar to something that someone has already posted.

basically i am looking for those ideas to be pared down to just one, either by the DM saying that, for instance, Libris Mortis is forbidden, or two other folks make archer-types so maybe i dont go with marksman, etc.

Veltharis wrote:

According to Secrets of Sarlona, Half-Giants are native to that land and generally live in nomadic tribes/clans/families that can be found nearly anywhere on the continent - though they tend to stay out of Riedra proper, as the Inspired are liable to try to assimilate them into Riedran society as slaves.

They are said to be the descendents of true giants from Xen'drik (explorers and the like manning a far-flung outpost of the empire), although - as they breed true - they may or may not have the assumed human ancestry as well.

Awesome.

I sort of remembered the bit about Xen'drik, but wasn't really sure... Thank you for the knowledge and details.

No problem. Had the book on hand anyway, since I'm working up a character with ties (however distant) to Sarlona, so I figured I'd look it up. :D

yeah. not trying to lay claim to any ideas, by the way. i have a bad tendency of having so many ideas and then people who, like me, avoid making concepts similar to something that someone has already posted. . . .

That's fair... but I'd even say that two characters of the same class can coexist in the same party if they each concentrate on different things. For example two clerics or two oracles or even two psions can play really differently. (Of course now that I say that, I realize that it's easier for casters to do that than martials...)

Go nuts! :)

I think I'll build my little gnome to be a Korranberg Chronicler
Won't have much spell-casting anyways with that ninja-dip(which is essential, I assure you).

Not sure on the exacts regarding that prereq though. 50gp for a piece of paper is quite a lot.

My ideas include, but are not limited to:

Karnnathi Dread Necromancer (LE, requires approval of Libris Mortis)
Hobgoblin Cannoneer from Dargun
Lhazaarite Human Warlock (lords of dust theme, LE)
Lhazaarite Human Marksman/Rogue

My vote is for the int-based hobgoblin gunslinger. Because you can do so much with that character that you otherwise couldn't. And the others seem kinda the boring same-old. Fun, and enriched by Eberron's story. But still kinda meh. By my opinion at least.

Dotting for intrest.
I'll have to wait till I get home from work to post an actually character. But I have an idea for a gunslinger I've been tossing around in my head for a bit. I think she'd fit into an Eberron setting nicely.

I probably should have just posted warforged and articifer conversions right away...
anyways, conversions of the four main Eberron races and the Articifer have been added to the campaign tab.
Now I'll answer the other questions...

It's been a dog's age since I touched my Eberron books, but I'm at least intrigued. Are ACG classes permitted? A draconic bloodrager is the first fellow to pop into my brain (if memory serves, blue dragons were prominent in the mountains between Adar & Sarlona).

I'll try and assemble a coherent character and get back to you.

I haven't really been paying much attention to the ACG. Let me take a few minutes to look over the playtest...

Very interested!

One idea I have is an elven (possibly from Aerenal) Thuranni bard or ninja. Is the ninja class ok?

Will you be using Eberron's Action Points? Thanks GMV!

Can I replace the two traits by a dragonmark feat?

Finally, dragonmark feats were originally intended to mesh with the 3.5 feats. This causes a slight problem for level 6. Would you move it to level 5 or 7? (I understand this has no immediate impact, but mostly curious.)

The ninja class is okay. I don't think you can trade traits for a feat, though.

Deranged_Maniac_Ben, are you going with standard wealth by level?

Yep, standard WBL.

Edit: I just don't remember if Half Giants exist naturally in Eberron, but if I had to guess, I would probably say that at least a few are bumming around Xen'drik.

Half-Giants are native to Sarlona--the descendants of Xen'Drik explorers from before the Quori invasion. There are also Eneko (Secrets of Sarlona, 109), which are ogre/half-giant hybrids most common in Syrkarn.

Requesting use of trapfinder.Yes, a campaign trait. But greatly useful outside of it's niche. And it keeps that archaeologist feel. OP says no campaign. But this one doesn't have all that much campaign tie-in to begin with, so worth a shot.

Oh, that trait. Okay, you can use trapfinder.

*Rubs chin* I have part of an idea, I think. XD

@GM: How do you feel about substitutions in the summoning list? (For example, swapping a 1/2 CR creature with another 1/2 CR creature from the official bestiaries, making the list more thematically appropriate for a given character). Also, is Deep Magic an acceptable sourcebook?

Deep Magic is fine. If you do use something from Deep Magic, though, please indicate where it is from on your character sheet. Summoning substitutions...I'd have to see the specifics.

Can we use the Retrain-mechanics? For one, it's a nice way for those that want dragon-marks to do so at a later level By simply retraining one or more feat(s) to bypass the lvl 1-only caveat.

Retraining is allowed. If you retrain to get a dragonmark after 1st level, then it manifests on you later in life.

Just so everyone knows, I will be gone for most of tomorrow and probably won't be able to post. I'll still be around tonight and will be back Friday.

Interested in joining in, had the idea for a aberrant marked magus. Always liked the idea of the Knight Phantom wondering how you would convert it, or I found a conversion as a magus Archtype seems to fit thematically very nicely.

Knight Phantom, at least the version from the wildly popular Eberron Pathfinder conversion by Tzizimine

Can we use the Retrain-mechanics?. . . .

Retraining? Pfft... Psions have been retraining before retraining was cool...

But yeah... retraining's cool.

And that's a cool archetype, grimblade. I may snag that for home games. :)

*perk* Count me in(terested). I'll have a post set for her later, when I don't have to flee to bed to wake early tomorrow.

Character Creation:

Traits: Two bonus traits. No campaign traits.

Is that 2 bonus traits on top of the 2 you can normally start with, for a total of 4?

This is the gunslinger I wanted to put forth yesterday but could get to it. Also I shot you a PM under the 'spacefurry' name.

You might want to adjust your pistolero to this game, as for one, it starts at lvl 3.

GM, how do you feel about the 1001 Spells book by Cubicle 7? I grow tired of such a limited selection to choose from and love the idea of more to have fun with.

GMF, are you still working on an inquisitor?