Culmen's Cliff (Inactive)

Game Master Khriox

Survival at it's coldest in the frigid Long Valley!



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A man due for the Hangman's noose for the murder of the Duke's nephew has fled into the harshest blizzard the Northlands have seen in fifty years.

The Duke promises Lordship and lands to any who aid in the return of this murderous criminal.

But take heed, the cold of the Long Valley is as fierce as any foul creature born from the womb of the underworld.

Dress warmly and bring ample supplies, lest you become yet another victim of the White.

It will be spring before the snow melts and your body is found.

--

Hello! I'm Khriox and for a long time now I've been preparing and considering running a play-by-post game of Pathfinder centered around arctic survival and the toll it takes on adventurers! So I've decided to pull the trigger and open up recruitment for this game and gauge interest! This is not an AP, this is a setting/campaign of my own design, so hopefully (for some) that will be a positive thing!

What kind of person will most likely enjoy this campaign? Those who:

-Enjoy movies such as The Grey, Into the White or The Revenant, where nature itself is just as dangerous as the local predators or even other people!

-Enjoy a sense of semi-realism. This game won't be a survival simulation by any means, but I intend for it to be leaning on the lower end of the fantasy spectrum when it comes to magic. I will by no means limit anyone on their class choice (within reason), but simply having a portable fire elemental keeping you warm kinda' defeats the purpose, right? Haha!

-Enjoys the journey as much as the destination! The Long Valley is a treacherous place, so those who expect to find this dastardly murderer in a week shouldn't apply!

-Enjoy character development! Everyone's character is the most interesting character in the world, right? Well, joking aside, I'll be taking a page out of FATE's book and have the player character's know each other on some level from previous experiences right from the outset! This technique has always worked great in binding the party together. Lone wolves need not apply! (You'll probably get eaten by wolves ;P).

-Love writing! I'm no maestro of the written word, but I enjoy giving paragraphs of description to my players. It'd be nice to give a little, and get a little in return! :D

I usually start my games at level 3 so the character can get a bit of meat on their bones! It's more fun that way.

So feel free to PM me or post in this thread if you'd be interested in a nice survival-themed chase into a blizzard after a murderer!

And to reiterate:

-Semi-Low Fantasy Setting (Magic is rare and takes materials to cast. Think voo-doo! But magic also deals increased damage!)
-Survival theme. You WILL freeze to death if you don't pack a coat! (Or three!)
-Cooperatively created characters to knit them together. (Feel free to bring in your favorite character, just be prepared to share some backstory elements with your party members.)
-Semi-lengthy posts! (Obviously, shorter ones will be called for for combat and such!)

I hope to hear from anyone and everyone interested! Looking for MAX 4 players! (Maybe five.)

Thanks again!

Email: adventfall@gmail.com


interested, thinking a barbarian or druid.

Edit: I am guessing in this we will need to be worried about things like food, encumbrance?


Hmm... I think that for once I might make a hunter; tracking is important, and what better person to lead the party into the freezing wilds than someone whose best friend is something like a snow leopard? Might not be a hunter, could be someone else with a companion, or just a strong bond to nature, but I don't think I'll do druid. I like my awesome metal armor, thanks XD

The Exchange

Would this be pathfinder? And what classes are available? I have this ratfolk I made and... He's an alchemist.


Browman wrote:

interested, thinking a barbarian or druid.

Edit: I am guessing in this we will need to be worried about things like food, encumbrance?

I won't be a miser about encumbrance, but keeping things within the realm of realism is a good idea! As for food, yes. A hungry adventurer is not a happy adventurer.

Josh.Ingle wrote:
Hmm... I think that for once I might make a hunter; tracking is important, and what better person to lead the party into the freezing wilds than someone whose best friend is something like a snow leopard? Might not be a hunter, could be someone else with a companion, or just a strong bond to nature, but I don't think I'll do druid. I like my awesome metal armor, thanks XD

Tracking /is/ very important! A hunter would be an excellent candidate to go after a murderer in a blizzard. After all, a person can be tracked just as well as a beast, right? :)

Gimpy Grumps wrote:
Would this be pathfinder? And what classes are available? I have this ratfolk I made and... He's an alchemist.

Yes! Pathfinder is the game.

I personally favor the base classes in the Players Handbook, but an Alchemist is a very low-magic friendly class. :)

Ratfolk is just fine!


Khriox wrote wrote:
I personally favor the base classes in the Players Handbook

I'd like to state for the sake of full disclosure that I was talking about Hunter as in the class, and if you want I'd be willing to do a Ranger, but if that happens, can I take Boon Companion at level 3 and just deal with not having the companion it affects until level 4? I don't like my pet being 3 levels behind me.

But I really like Hunter.

The Exchange

Oh, I just PM you... Okay! Now , for stats are we doing a roll, buy, or apply?

And for starting wealth, how much...

Basically just the P's and Q's


Josh.Ingle wrote:
Khriox wrote wrote:
I personally favor the base classes in the Players Handbook

I'd like to state for the sake of full disclosure that I was talking about Hunter as in the class, and if you want I'd be willing to do a Ranger, but if that happens, can I take Boon Companion at level 3 and just deal with not having the companion it affects until level 4? I don't like my pet being 3 levels behind me.

But I really like Hunter.

Go ahead and play a Hunter, no worries!


Gimpy Grumps wrote:

Oh, I just PM you... Okay! Now , for stats are we doing a roll, buy, or apply?

And for starting wealth, how much...

Basically just the P's and Q's

Stats are 15 point buy!

As for wealth, just use the rules for your class. You don't need to show me your rolls, I trust y'all. :)


Khriox wrote:
Gimpy Grumps wrote:

Oh, I just PM you... Okay! Now , for stats are we doing a roll, buy, or apply?

And for starting wealth, how much...

Basically just the P's and Q's

Stats are 15 point buy!

As for wealth, just use the rules for your class. You don't need to show me your rolls, I trust y'all. :)

So we only have the wealth of a level 1 character?

The Exchange

Wonderful, this guy is already 15 :D

Anyways, for anyone who wants to tie in backstory, here is all this guy has so far:

appearance/backstory:
Gimpy is a shorter than usual ratfolk, standing at only 3'6", he was teased and called Gimpy. The name stuck after a while, and he bagan using it as his real name. He became fascinated with chemistry at the age of 6, and strived hard to create new flavored versions of water. Eventually, a master alchemist saw his talent and took him in as an apprentice.
He became skilled at finding the best parts of everyday plants to use in alchemy. Set out to find adventure and find new ingredients and extracts

for my wealth: 3d6 ⇒ (3, 2, 1) = 6

6x10=60... Wow I'm poor!

reroll: 3d6 ⇒ (3, 6, 3) = 12
12x10=120... MUCH BETTER!


Browman wrote:
Khriox wrote:
Gimpy Grumps wrote:

Oh, I just PM you... Okay! Now , for stats are we doing a roll, buy, or apply?

And for starting wealth, how much...

Basically just the P's and Q's

Stats are 15 point buy!

As for wealth, just use the rules for your class. You don't need to show me your rolls, I trust y'all. :)

So we only have the wealth of a level 1 character?

Correct! The Northlands are a harsh, poor country. Time are hard, indeed.


Khriox wrote:
Browman wrote:
Khriox wrote:
Gimpy Grumps wrote:

Oh, I just PM you... Okay! Now , for stats are we doing a roll, buy, or apply?

And for starting wealth, how much...

Basically just the P's and Q's

Stats are 15 point buy!

As for wealth, just use the rules for your class. You don't need to show me your rolls, I trust y'all. :)

So we only have the wealth of a level 1 character?
Correct! The Northlands are a harsh, poor country. Time are hard, indeed.

cool, just wanted to be sure


Here's a little inspirational 'music' for you all! >:)

Music!


do we get any traits?


Sure! Go for it.

The Exchange

Here is my updated backstory... So all I need now is events leading up to the campaign.

appearance/backstory:
Gimpy is a shorter than usual ratfolk, standing at only 3'6", he was teased and called Gimpy. The name stuck after a while, and he bagan using it as his real name. He became fascinated with chemistry at the age of 6, and strived hard to create new flavored versions of water. Eventually, a master alchemist saw his talent and took him in as an apprentice.
He became skilled at finding the best parts of everyday plants to use in alchemy. Soon he began to experiment with alcohol, and he started fermenting as much as he could. After several times of making bitter vinegar, he decided that drinking others liquor is better. Once he finished training, he set out to find adventure and find new ingredients and extracts

Gimpy is a playful little ratfolk who loves intoxication and sex more than he loves alchemy. Although he makes sure to spend his gold wisely, he often pickpockets people just to pay for a drink or wench.
He always keeps a wineskin on his person and makes sure it's always full.

Gimpy came to the north because he hear about a drink called ale. He was accustomed to wines and brandy, so when he learned you can drink much more ale than wine, he just had to try it out.

For my traits, most DM limit it to two, with any more getting a drawback. So I only have two right now


working on Kal'Tos, a dwarven barbarian now.


Gimpy Grumps wrote:

Here is my updated backstory... So all I need now is events leading up to the campaign.** spoiler omitted **

For my traits, most DM limit it to two, with any more getting a drawback. So I only have two right now

Two is fine! :)


Kal'Tos has 123 pounds of kit and no money left.


Here is a quick little sketch I did of the Northlands for you guys! It's a first draft, so I may add more names/adjust things a bit later, but the important stuff is there!

Map of the Northlands


Browman wrote:
Kal'Tos has 123 pounds of kit and no money left.

Any of that money spent on a packmule to ride/carry all that gear? :) Haha!

EDIT: Also, feel free to send me links to your character sheets for me to go over them! Thank you :)


I've got a school project to knock out tonight, but soon I shall create my hunter, though I'm not sure what naming schema to use. Is this set in a home setting or is the Long Valley a part of an existing setting with which I am not familiar?

I do know that he'll be a human who's a little better with animals than he is with people, and has a friend who he takes everywhere. Said friend may or may not be a Siberian Tiger, but that's beside the point.


Josh.Ingle wrote:

I've got a school project to knock out tonight, but soon I shall create my hunter, though I'm not sure what naming schema to use. Is this set in a home setting or is the Long Valley a part of an existing setting with which I am not familiar?

I do know that he'll be a human who's a little better with animals than he is with people, and has a friend who he takes everywhere. Said friend may or may not be a Siberian Tiger, but that's beside the point.

The Northlands is a little slice of my own homebrew continent. Feel free to keep whatever backstory you need vague enough to be compatible with any setting.

Think Game of Thrones. :)


Khriox wrote:
Browman wrote:
Kal'Tos has 123 pounds of kit and no money left.

Any of that money spent on a packmule to ride/carry all that gear? :) Haha!

EDIT: Also, feel free to send me links to your character sheets for me to go over them! Thank you :)

Kal'Tos is done. With strength 16 (which puts him at medium encumbrance) and being a dwarf he doesn't care that much about weight.

His character sheet can be found in this profile.


Well if Game of Thrones had a guy named John Snow I suppose Adrian Weiss will be an acceptable name. I don't have 4d6 handy so imma roll here.

Starting Gold: 4d6 ⇒ (6, 2, 4, 2) = 14 x10 = 140g. Perfectly average.

Taking suggestions on what I can name a siberian tiger, because otherwise he shall be Fluffy.


Tentatively interested, keeping in mind that I've two other games whose recruitment decisions I'm waiting on over the weekend.

That being said, I enjoy rolling up characters, so I may toss my hat into this as well. The question really becomes one of what I would like to roll up. My first thought is an archer ranger, using the Guide and Skirmisher archetypes, to really get the flavor of "non-magic, northlands wilderness guide" which I would love to run.

However, there seems to already be a pair of wilderness-type people, with a barbarian and hunter already in the running. I may roll up the ranger either way, but perhaps a winter witch would be in order instead? Hmmm...


Sidewinder2k wrote:

Tentatively interested, keeping in mind that I've two other games whose recruitment decisions I'm waiting on over the weekend.

That being said, I enjoy rolling up characters, so I may toss my hat into this as well. The question really becomes one of what I would like to roll up. My first thought is an archer ranger, using the Guide and Skirmisher archetypes, to really get the flavor of "non-magic, northlands wilderness guide" which I would love to run.

However, there seems to already be a pair of wilderness-type people, with a barbarian and hunter already in the running. I may roll up the ranger either way, but perhaps a winter witch would be in order instead? Hmmm...

Kal'Tos sees no issues with a entire party of wilderness-types, after all who else would venture into wilds in the dead of winter.


Sidewinder2k wrote:

Tentatively interested, keeping in mind that I've two other games whose recruitment decisions I'm waiting on over the weekend.

That being said, I enjoy rolling up characters, so I may toss my hat into this as well. The question really becomes one of what I would like to roll up. My first thought is an archer ranger, using the Guide and Skirmisher archetypes, to really get the flavor of "non-magic, northlands wilderness guide" which I would love to run.

However, there seems to already be a pair of wilderness-type people, with a barbarian and hunter already in the running. I may roll up the ranger either way, but perhaps a winter witch would be in order instead? Hmmm...

Hello!

The character you've described fits the bill perfectly! This setting is practically billed towards wilderness-types. The more the merrier!

The Exchange

Kal'Tos wrote:
Sidewinder2k wrote:

Tentatively interested, keeping in mind that I've two other games whose recruitment decisions I'm waiting on over the weekend.

That being said, I enjoy rolling up characters, so I may toss my hat into this as well. The question really becomes one of what I would like to roll up. My first thought is an archer ranger, using the Guide and Skirmisher archetypes, to really get the flavor of "non-magic, northlands wilderness guide" which I would love to run.

However, there seems to already be a pair of wilderness-type people, with a barbarian and hunter already in the running. I may roll up the ranger either way, but perhaps a winter witch would be in order instead? Hmmm...

Kal'Tos sees no issues with a entire party of wilderness-types, after all who else would venture into wilds in the dead of winter.

Who said we're all wilderness types? I'm an alchemist from the south! I hate the cold!!!

But I'm also a semi-magic user. :P
I heal, grow larger, and defend against enemies! I'm the best healer to apply and I'm literally the one magic user!

Gimpy's Motives:
"with gold, one can buy ale, women, and a lovely home. What's more, with a lordship, one gets land where he can do as he pleases! Sure, you have to work, but just give that job to someone who will do it well. It's not my concern about the lowly people who can't swing a blade worth their life. It's only my concern if one wishes to open her blouse."

But to be honest, I'm likely just following you for the reward. Gimpy loves himself some luxury. Besides, it's always nice to have that one person who just doesn't quite fit the bill :)

Grand Lodge

Interested in putting a ranger-type character together for this. Perhaps adding a level of a different class as well.


Here's a question: How would you rule the Wild Hunter ranger archetype interacts with another archetype that gives up the Ranger's "Hunter's Bond" class ability? (Such as taking the Divine Tracker archetype).

By RAW the two archetypes would be compatible, but the 7th level ability of the Wild Hunter is used "on a target appropriate for the ranger's Hunter's Bond." So I'm not sure how that'd work. If you don't see us getting to 7th level, then there's no problem of course; or if you want to just rule that it can be used "on a companion" since blessings can be used on allies?

Up to you at the GM of course, I'm just looking at what archetypes I could blend together to come up with a fun character for this!


Sidewinder2k wrote:

Here's a question: How would you rule the Wild Hunter ranger archetype interacts with another archetype that gives up the Ranger's "Hunter's Bond" class ability? (Such as taking the Divine Tracker archetype).

By RAW the two archetypes would be compatible, but the 7th level ability of the Wild Hunter is used "on a target appropriate for the ranger's Hunter's Bond." So I'm not sure how that'd work. If you don't see us getting to 7th level, then there's no problem of course; or if you want to just rule that it can be used "on a companion" since blessings can be used on allies?

Up to you at the GM of course, I'm just looking at what archetypes I could blend together to come up with a fun character for this!

It is unlikely that the party will reach level 7. :)

Grand Lodge

Would the Feral Hunter archetype be permissible, or does it not fit the setting?


Khriox wrote:
It is unlikely that the party will reach level 7. :)

Good to know.

Assuming that you're comfortable with blending so many archetypes that the base class is nearly unrecognizable, I'll go ahead and start statting up my ranger for this game. Planning to throw together a blend of:

Divine Tracker (Replaces Wild Empathy & Hunter's Bond)
Skirmisher (Replaces Spells)
Wild Hunter (Replaces Favored Enemy, Woodland Stride, & Swift Tracker)

EDIT: What races are available? Assuming since ratfolk are allowed that pretty much anything Paizo is fair game, but feel free to correct me if I'm mistaken. Looking at a hobgoblin or something, not sure.


rhino43grr wrote:
Would the Feral Hunter archetype be permissible, or does it not fit the setting?

It's pushing it just a bit, but I think it'll be okay.

Sidewinder2k wrote:
Khriox wrote:
It is unlikely that the party will reach level 7. :)

Good to know.

Assuming that you're comfortable with blending so many archetypes that the base class is nearly unrecognizable, I'll go ahead and start statting up my ranger for this game. Planning to throw together a blend of:

Divine Tracker (Replaces Wild Empathy & Hunter's Bond)
Skirmisher (Replaces Spells)
Wild Hunter (Replaces Favored Enemy, Woodland Stride, & Swift Tracker)

Looks good to me, go ahead!

The Exchange

You know, I'm going to use the beast morph archetype. This will help with my lack of nature skills. :)

Gives scent, low-light, or such.

Edit: how high of a level will we end at most likely? I'm assuming around lvl 6 or 7


Gimpy Grumps wrote:

You know, I'm going to use the beast morph archetype. This will help with my lack of nature skills. :)

Gives scent, low-light, or such.

Edit: how high of a level will we end at most likely? I'm assuming around lvl 6 or 7

Hard to tell! That would be the upper limits, I think.


I think you probably missed my edit to my last post. Fairly sure I posted it right as you were answering it and such.

Mainly I'm just wondering what sort of races you'll allow. Is there a lot of hate for non-human/more monsterous races?

I'm looking at a hobgoblin, because the racials just fit the character I'm thinking of perfectly. If not that, I'll probably just make him human, which would also be fine because FEATS :D


Sidewinder2k wrote:

I think you probably missed my edit to my last post. Fairly sure I posted it right as you were answering it and such.

Mainly I'm just wondering what sort of races you'll allow. Is there a lot of hate for non-human/more monsterous races?

I'm looking at a hobgoblin, because the racials just fit the character I'm thinking of perfectly. If not that, I'll probably just make him human, which would also be fine because FEATS :D

We have a Ratkin in the party, so a hobgoblin isn't out of the question. The Northlands are nice and far away from the 'normal' people, so it makes sense that a more monstrous race would be hanging around there.

I'm more concerned with how compelling the character is. :)


For those taking a look at this thread to join, I'll be accepting ONE more player for this game! That'll make it 5 max, or 4 if Sidewinder2K has to unfortunately bow out.

Thanks!


If you'll have me, I've never done a D20 PbP before but I used to participate in a forum role play utilizing T1 MP rules.

What type of posting activity you going for?

I'm thinking a Ratfolk Investigator (Archetype: Sleuth).


NRamius wrote:

If you'll have me, I've never done a D20 PbP before but I used to participate in a forum role play utilizing T1 MP rules.

What type of posting activity you going for?

I'm thinking a Ratfolk Investigator (Archetype: Sleuth).

Hello!

I'd imagine it's not much different from your other PbP game, aside from the ruleset!

My own goal is to post at least once per day, but I know real life comes first. I won't be booting anyone out for a two or three day absence, though liberties might be taken for excessive absence (skipping their turn and so on).

Character sounds great! Perhaps you're friends with the other ratfolk lad over yonder? :)

The Exchange

Or siblings, could happen with gimpy, but it's up to you... Gimpy is just around for the profit :)

Oh, one thing, I dropped the swarming trait, I have cheek pouches instead. So I can't really help with the swarming...

I think the pouches give me a chance to talk funny, besides, gimpy is sarcastic and a joker, it'll accent his attitude.

And one last thing... Gimpy's real name is Rizien, and you may have grown up knowing him as Rizien.


RECRUITMENT OFFICIALLY CLOSED (Unless someone bows out.)

(I'll be making a discussion thread shortly!)


I've another question I'm afraid: What are we doing for HPs?

taking this post to rolls for starting monies as well. I saw someone above rolled twice and took higher? I'll do the same, if that's not cool, then I can fiddle with it to use the first, whatever that is.

1: 5d6 ⇒ (3, 6, 4, 3, 3) = 19

2: 5d6 ⇒ (4, 3, 6, 4, 1) = 18

EDIT: First one is better anyhoo!


Sidewinder2k wrote:

I've another question I'm afraid: What are we doing for HPs?

taking this post to rolls for starting monies as well. I saw someone above rolled twice and took higher? I'll do the same, if that's not cool, then I can fiddle with it to use the first, whatever that is.

[dice=1]5d6

[dice=2]5d6

EDIT: First one is better anyhoo!

Go ahead and roll your two levels worth of HP (get max first level), you don't need to post the rolls, I trust ya'! :)


Well the crunch is done! Down to the last copper piece even.

It appears that I have created, for all intents and purposes: "Daryl Dixon, Winter Style."

His name is a work in progress for the moment of course. :P

Background to follow after some small amount sleep. Also, I'll be putting all his character info into my standard character profile format (check aliases if you'd like to see other examples), just felt like using mythweavers for the crunch, as I find it makes building the character simpler.

Grand Lodge

Khriox wrote:

RECRUITMENT OFFICIALLY CLOSED (Unless someone bows out.)

(I'll be making a discussion thread shortly!)

If this means I'm in, I'll get to work on my Hunter (still deciding between Feral or Pack Hunter) and try to have him ready tonight. Pretty excited about this campaign setting.


rhino43grr wrote:
Khriox wrote:

RECRUITMENT OFFICIALLY CLOSED (Unless someone bows out.)

(I'll be making a discussion thread shortly!)

If this means I'm in, I'll get to work on my Hunter (still deciding between Feral or Pack Hunter) and try to have him ready tonight. Pretty excited about this campaign setting.

Yup. That's fine!

Please move all discussion to the discussion thread!

:)

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