Corsario's Murder's Mark Module for Novice Players (Inactive)

Game Master Corsario


Liberty's Edge

Quote:

"Everyone in the fishing town of Ilsurian is excited when the legendary Umbra Carnival rolls into town - even if the show is run by members of the much-maligned Varisian ethnic group. With strange and exotic beasts, scandalous performances, games of chance, and all the other fun of a traveling fair, who could resist such an opportunity for entertainment?

Unfortunately for both the town and the circus, however, entertainment isn’t the only opportunity the carnival presents. A group of thieves and scoundrels has been waiting for just such an occasion to launch a campaign of theft and murder - leaving the strangers from the circus and the town to blame each other. With tensions mounting between locals and performers, Chelaxians and Varisians, Erastil's and Desna's followers and with the body count rising on both sides, it’s up to the PCs to uncover what’s really going on and find the culprits before the entire town erupts in a firestorm of ethnic and religious violence."

I will run 2 different groups on the Murder's Mark module. One of them will be for people gaming for the first time on Play-By-Post on the Paizo Messageboards, and the other for veteran players.

This is the recruitment thread for FIRST TIME PLAYERS.
If you are a veteran player the correct recruitment thread is here.

I will recruit 6 players.
- The game will be played on the Paizo PbP Forums.
- You should be a first time player on the Paizo PbP forums.
- You should be able to make at least one post a day, even on weekends. If you are unable to please leave the opportunity for someone who can.
- You should be able to play uninterruptedly at least for the next three months. If you can't handle it (vacations, work, school), please leave the opportunity for someone who can.
- You should want to play a good character willing to help the Umbra Carnival when they are accused of several crimes. If your character won't be interested to help, this is not the right adventure for him.
- Your character will be a level 1 Chelaxian human (with minimum exceptions). No strange races/classes here. MAYBE I will accept a Half Elf or other core race, but don't count on it.
- We will use a small set of rule books.
- No guns. No cavaliers, ninjas, samurais, summoners or witches.
- Rules lawyers and Min-Maxers will not enjoy the game. I tend to ignore Rules Lawyers, and exploit the "Min" of the Min-Maxers.
- I like roleplaying a lot (but not self-centered drama).
- Be nice and friendly. Willing to have fun.
- The use of non-lethal combat methods will be expected in several encounters.
- It will feature a theme of racial and religious tension.
- Your character will not die unless you are OK with it. But as Shepherd Book said about the bible and killing: "[is] somewhat fuzzier on the subject of kneecaps". Your character life is maybe protected, but his abilities, equipment and contacts are not.
- I don't assign experience, but let the characters go up a level when it serves the story, which it doesn't in this module.
- I don't really like alignment rules, specially lawful-chaotic, so I tend to ignore them.
- If the module ends, and the players want it, we can continue with the Crimson Throne and/or Rise of the Runelords Adventure Path.

Are you still reading? Excellent!
Normally you are asked to submit a character, and the DM chooses some of them for the game. So many good players get cut off because their submissions are bad, and some bad players get in because their submissions are good.
You spend a lot of time doing a character and then it turns out it is not selected.
Or you don't spend too much time on it and lose "by default".
Well, this is not the case. The first 6 people to sign up for the module are accepted. After you sign up, you can start creating your character, with the tranquility of knowing it is already selected.
So go on! Go grab your place and then return to read the Character creation details. Be sure to write "I sign up for the module" and not "dot", "interested" or something else that makes me thing you didn't read out "the first 6 are accepted" part.

Character Creation Details:
Valid Sources:
  • Core Rulebook
  • Advanced Player's Guide

Level 1
Point Buy: 20 points, no score under 10.
Races: Chelaxian Human, unless your Module Trait says otherwise. If you want a different core race tell me. Maybe I'll accept one. Maybe.
Classes: Core and Base. No cavalier, gunslinger, ninja, samurai, summoner or witch.
HP: Maximum for class.
Traits: 2, 1 from the module traits (see below).
Hero Points: 1.
Gold: Average for class.
No magic creation feats. If your class grants a creation feat we will change it for other feat.

About myself:
For examples of my DM mastering, please refer to this "Rise of the Runelords" and this "Kingmaker" ones.
I like my player's characters brave and heroic. Willing to save princesses and orphans, fight dragons and monsters, and stand for all that is good and defenseless.

Module Traits:
Each Trait grants a bonus to two skills:
If the Skill is not a class skill it grants a +1 trait bonus and makes it a Class Skill.
If the Skill is a class skill it grants a +2 trait bonus.
They also grant another bonus.
They include the reason the Player Character would want to aid the Umbra Carnival.
Ashwood Lumberjack
You are the most promising lumberjack Ilsurian has seen in a long time. Your skill, stamina and endurance has gained a reputation with all the other lumberjacks.
Your mother, unable to have children up to that point, got a harrow reading from All-Seeing Hajeck, in which she divined your birth and skill. She is very grateful, and every time the Umbra Carnival arrives to town your mother ask you to go see her, give her a present, and get a harrow reading.
You get a bonus on Climb and Profession (Lumberjack).
You gain the Endurance feat for free.
Braeton Family Member
You are the oldest nephew/niece of Arhaneem Braeton, one of Ilsurian's wealthiest citizens and merchants, and an authority on the docks. As such you are known and respected by the merchant community.
Your uncle has always said that Varisians are good people, and have worked to eliminate the discrimination against them. You have learn from him, and are know as one of the most vocal proponents of Varisian tolerance.
You get a bonus on Appraise and Profession (Merchant)
You have a +2 competence bonus to Diplomacy with Ilsurian rich family members.
Carpenter Apprentice
You belong to the main carpenter family of Ilsurian.
The Umbra Carnival is one of your best off town clients. You know them as a honest group, and have never got issues with them.
You get a bonus on Craft (Carpentry) and Knowledge (Engineering).
You get a +2 competence bonus to Perception for detecting hidden carpentry works (secret doors, traps, etc. made of wood).
Erastil Follower
You are a Nephew/Niece of Sister Esrelda Woodmere, Ilsurian Eratil's Main Cleric. Esrelda is accepted both by Varisians and Chelish groups, as she was born to a Varisian mother and Chelish father. Her peacemaking tactics have kept violence from erupting in Ilsurian many times over. You love her very much, and have embraced all of her teachings.
You gain a bonus to Knowledge (History) and Profession (Farmer).
You gain a +2 trait bonus to Diplomacy checks with Ilsurian commoners.
Ilsurian Constable
You are a member of the Ilsurian police force, under the command of Sheriff Feldane. You are unique in the force as you are the only Varisian Officer. Your father was killed some 12 years ago in a robbery, and you decided to join the police because of that crime. The responsible of his murder was never identified. You are well respected in town.
You get a bonus on Escape Artist and Profession (Soldier).
You gain the Bludgeoner feat for free.
Isul's Blood
You are a descendant of Ilsur, the founder of Ilsurian. You got a good education, have a good standing within the town because of your family name and keep some level of information about Korvosa's Nobility.
The Umbra Carnival is one of your family's means to keep in touch with Korvosa, as they provide you with information and a courier service. Almara Delisen knows of your family's contacts in Korvosa.
You get a bonus on Knowledge (Nobility) and Perform (Oratory).
You have a +2 competence bonus to Diplomacy with Ilsurian officials.
Lake Syrantula Fisherman
You fished before you could walk, and all of your life you have felt at home on a boat, reaping the bounty of Lake Syrantula.
You have a crush on one of the boy/girl in the Umbra Carnival, and you have been for many years. And you think the feeling is mutual. Maybe this is your lucky year!
You get a bonus on Swim and Profession (Fisherman).
You are proficient with Nets and when you have BAB +1 gain the Net Adept feat for free.
River Merchant Translator
Since you were a young boy you have worked as a translator for the merchants going from Magnimar to Korvosa, and from Kaer Maga to Janderhoff.
Your varisian mother now works in the Umbra Carnival, as a cook. You are always trilled to see her. Your father was Chelaxian, and your Mother has only tell you he is from Ilsurian.
You get a bonus on Linguistics (gaining one or two languages depending on the bonus you get) and Knowledge (Geography).
You have a +2 competence bonus to Knowledge rolls to identify cultural or regional languages or customs.
Teamster Prodigy
You have a natural knack to handle work animals, and have put it to good use as a profession. You help passing caravans with the driving and handling of their animals, and have learned, over long nights of gaming, some tricks from them.
You have worked for the Umbra Carnival many times and you have an excellent relationship with them.
You get a bonus in Handle Animal and Sleight of Hand.
You get a +2 competence bonus to Diplomacy (Gather Information) or Knowledge (Local) about merchandise movement in town.
Varisian Scion
Your family is one of the handful of Varisian ones on Ilsurian. Your mother emigrated with you as a very young child some 15 years ago after her husband, a Sczarni gang member, died because of an overdose of the drug Shiver, and she decided to leave that life behind. She married your step-father, who has loved you as his own, and you have been accepted, more or less, into the community, your mother being a respected herbalist healer.
You have fond memories of the Umbra Carnival, and sometimes you have even dream of joining them in a life of adventure, seeing the world. You know and are in good terms with many of them.
You get a bonus on Heal and Profession (Herbalist).
You have a +2 competence bonus to diagnose sickness and drug use.

Ilsurian Information
As this game is for novice players we will take time to ease the players into the game.


I'll sign up for the module - I'll work on my character now.


i would like to sign up for this, i will start working on my character now.


This is Rennaivx again to link my alchemist-in-progress (character sheet in profile). Crunch is done; I'm just finishing massaging fluff together in my head.


I would like to sign up for one of these two games, but do not fall neatly into either category. I have ~20 years RL experience with table top / face to face gaming mostly 2nd ed and 3.x on both sides of the screen, but minimal experience with the PbP format. I have joined several games here, and while a few are still ongoing, each has hit at least one major bump that could spell the end within a matter of weeks.

I have cross-posted this in both recruitments, and will check back periodically throughout the day for a suggestion of which side of the division I should fall on. I can check public posts while at work, but am unable to sign in and post or check messages. (For the record, I'm more interested in Crimson Throne for a post module game, as I'm a player in a RL RotRL game, at ~7th level now)

Liberty's Edge

Roonfizzle Garnackle wrote:
I would like to sign up for one of these two games, but do not fall neatly into either category. I have ~20 years RL experience with table top / face to face gaming mostly 2nd ed and 3.x on both sides of the screen, but minimal experience with the PbP format. I have joined several games here, and while a few are still ongoing, each has hit at least one major bump that could spell the end within a matter of weeks.

Hi Roonfizzle!

The idea in this one is to have a "learning" game for new players. The options are less and the difficulty should be easier, with more "tutorial" information and choices.
So I think the other one should be best for you.
But it's your call.

Liberty's Edge

Aliana Merali wrote:
This is Rennaivx again to link my alchemist-in-progress (character sheet in profile). Crunch is done; I'm just finishing massaging fluff together in my head.

Looking good so far...

Skills ranks are 9... Maybe you can change the crossbow for a tanglefoot bag? Keep your non lethal options open, remember you will need them in this module, and sometimes the bomb will be "too much".
Or you can buy blunt crossbow bolts at twice the price of normal bolts, with the same rules than the blunt arrows.
But I think with the alchemist talent a tanglefoot bag or two would be better for your PC than the crossbow.


A few things:

1) I do have a fair bit of knowledge and experience with Pathfinder, just not with PbP. Would this game or the other be more suited?

2) Money's an issue with tanglefoot bags - I don't think I can afford one even if I traded in the crossbow. I hadn't thought of blunt bolts, though.

3) As an alchemist, I get Brew Potion as a bonus feat, but you said no item creation this go-around. Could I possibly negotiate for Point-Blank Shot or Power Attack as my bonus feat instead? It'll leave me set up to switch-hit really nicely.

4) Will I still be able to do mundane crafting of alchemical items, even though we aren't doing magic item creation feats? I just realized that may actually bring tanglefoot bags back into play to start out with. :D


I would like to play. It will be my first time. I will work my character today.

Liberty's Edge

Aliana Merali wrote:

A few things:

1) I do have a fair bit of knowledge and experience with Pathfinder, just not with PbP. Would this game or the other be more suited?
2) Money's an issue with tanglefoot bags - I don't think I can afford one even if I traded in the crossbow. I hadn't thought of blunt bolts, though.
3) As an alchemist, I get Brew Potion as a bonus feat, but you said no item creation this go-around. Could I possibly negotiate for Point-Blank Shot or Power Attack as my bonus feat instead? It'll leave me set up to switch-hit really nicely.
4) Will I still be able to do mundane crafting of alchemical items, even though we aren't doing magic item creation feats? I just realized that may actually bring tanglefoot bags back into play to start out with. :D

1) I think the other one is better, as it gives you more options (there are more valid books in the other one). But it is your call.

2) See 4.
3) Yes, you can change it for Point Blank Shot or Power Attack.
4) No Magic Item creation feats, but Craft (Alchemy) is good. You can craft Alchemy items at 1/3 the cost if you have 1 Craft (Alchemy) rank (1 rank + 3 class skill + 1 alchemist bonus + 4 int = +9) You are "theoretically" able to make a Tanglefoot bag. Let's say you can make alchemical items, before the start of the adventure, at half cost (to take into account you are still "learning the ropes").


Corsario wrote:
Aliana Merali wrote:

A few things:

1) I do have a fair bit of knowledge and experience with Pathfinder, just not with PbP. Would this game or the other be more suited?
2) Money's an issue with tanglefoot bags - I don't think I can afford one even if I traded in the crossbow. I hadn't thought of blunt bolts, though.
3) As an alchemist, I get Brew Potion as a bonus feat, but you said no item creation this go-around. Could I possibly negotiate for Point-Blank Shot or Power Attack as my bonus feat instead? It'll leave me set up to switch-hit really nicely.
4) Will I still be able to do mundane crafting of alchemical items, even though we aren't doing magic item creation feats? I just realized that may actually bring tanglefoot bags back into play to start out with. :D

1) I think the other one is better, as it gives you more options (there are more valid books in the other one). But it is your call.

2) See 4.
3) Yes, you can change it for Point Blank Shot or Power Attack.
4) No Magic Item creation feats, but Craft (Alchemy) is good. You can craft Alchemy items at 1/3 the cost if you have 1 Craft (Alchemy) rank (1 rank + 3 class skill + 1 alchemist bonus + 4 int = +9) You are "theoretically" able to make a Tanglefoot bag. Let's say you can make alchemical items, before the start of the adventure, at half cost (to take into account you are still "learning the ropes").

All sounds perfectly fair, thanks!

And if it's all right I think I'll go ahead and stay here. I am still new to PbP, and really I've only been playing Pathfinder for about ten months, so I probably still qualify as a noob. :) It's actually probably a good exercise for me to do a character with more limited options, too, haha.

If you want to boot me for a newer newbie, I understand. :)

Liberty's Edge

If you want to stay here, perfect, you can help me with the new guys.


I'll be in whichever works better for you, but the other looked to already have six, so probably here. :)

Liberty's Edge

Your call, it can work fine in any of them.


I sign up for the module. It will be a cleric of iomedae.

Liberty's Edge

Infmike and Gayel Nord are in!
If you want help in making your characters please let me know.


I have a question will it be better for futur recrutement. What is better? to have a character that fit the place, or just a strong background?

Liberty's Edge

In my experience, fit the place.
What has worked for me, in order, is:
- Follow the DM requirements, try to appeal his likes, avoid his dislikes. Take heed when he "recommends" something.
- Fill the required niche, aim for the "position" with least submissions.
- Create a character / background the DM and the other players would want to play with. Pick their curiosity, make them want to see what your character will become.
- Be helpful and active in the recruitment thread.


Hi Corsario, I would like to sign up for the game.

EDIT: Which Rogue is accepted Unchained or Vanilla?

Liberty's Edge

Welcome KazMx!


Hum, Those traits are heavy. Does that we will use those skill if we take one type of trait?

I think i will take isul blood but i wonder I should be better be a bard for that.

Liberty's Edge

Two traits given trait bonuses to the same skill don't stack.
Isul blood works better for a bard, but anyone, especially somebody with diplomacy and good charisma would have a great boon for it.

Liberty's Edge

KazMx wrote:
Which Rogue is accepted Unchained or Vanilla?

I don't have the Unchained book yet, much less read it.

So the normal one.

Grand Lodge

Draft. And help.

Liberty's Edge

Guillaume looks good, I like the look of him.


Ok, Aliana should be ready to go. Her fluff got a little more extensive than I'd originally planned, and her past did get a little dark-sided. If it doesn't fit the tone you're going for, I can adjust, but she's turned things around now. :)

Liberty's Edge

The big question for Aliana: Here or in the veteran's one?


Here. This one's more in need of people.

Liberty's Edge

Thank you for that


Sure thing! Now to find a few more folks. :) I wish I knew anyone who was looking, but alas...

Liberty's Edge

I think we have 4 players already, and that means we are a go.
But we need the characters. I know Aliana is good. What about the rest, need help?


On a related note, if anyone needs help putting together a character sheet, this is a really nice template/guide - it walks you through the process thoroughly and has a nice format to it.

Liberty's Edge

And THIS GUIDE is very good about how to Play by Post.


oups. I forgot to do the equipment.... Twomorrow.


I have done the equipement... but yeah. I should reddo my character sheet.

Liberty's Edge

So, who is ready for a character review?


I think you've reviewed Aliana already, but I'm ready for it if you want a final check.


Me too

Liberty's Edge

KaxMx and Infmike: How are your characters coming?
Gayel and Rennaivx: I'll check Aliana and Guillaume


Hi this is Kaz! I have my PC, I'll upload it by the end of the day!


I think i will retire. I have been recruted for two pbp games (they are pfs but still) If you have some advice or a reason why i should stay. I am open.

Liberty's Edge

Well, we have 4 players, if you retire, all the game will be put "on hold" while we get more players.


Hum. Let's see if infmike will respond.

Liberty's Edge

The other option is to move Gareth Fullmoon and Aliana Merali to the veteran's game.
I thing we will do that.
Good luck Gayel!

KazMx and Rennaivx, please move to the Veteran's game thread.

This recruitment is now officially closed.


SORRY GUYS IM GOING TO HAVE TO BACK OUT THINGS ARE GOING TO BE HECTIC AND IM NOT GOING TO KEEP UP WITH THE THREAD

Liberty's Edge

I was fearing that Infmike.
See you around.

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