DM Morvius's Chelish Heroes

Game Master Tourach

Submiting Kendall, cleric of Iomedae.

Just have some minor touches but he is mostly done.

Since I haven't yet played a summoner, I don't know what (for me) makes the summoner unique or enjoyable. =)

Playing a Summoner is, in my opinion, like playing a custom build monster, with a little (really just a little, have a look at the spells per day!) magic added to it. Master Summoner playing many many many not so custom monsters and Synthesist playing a custom build monster with only one set of actions per round. ^_^

But, it's fun, to me at least. Especialy with a realy outlandish creature and a fun concept behind it (playing a Mwangi Gnome witch doctor summoner summoning the tribe's guardian god in a p&p).

On the point of other classes - I noticed, that the applications so far are fighter heavy. But I just can't get into the mindset of a priest type. Not mechanicaly, on a roleplaying level. *shrugs* Still trying to make the Paladin work (just for giggles, and to show, that they ain't lawful stupid) but in the end I think I'll sttick with Marius and wait for Morvius to decide.

Summoners get the same spells per day and known as a Bard or Inquisitor, and get some bloody good spells too - haste as a level 2 spell?!

They're also a 3/4 BAB, d8 Hit Die class who can cast in light armour, so thinking of them as just a custom monster really sells the class short.

Synthesist, on the other hand, is a complete combat monster which (with a modicum of sense when building the character) pretty much blows any other melee type out of the water - especially at low levels.

On the other hand, I'd say the ability to use Summon Monster as a standard action spell-like ability is what really makes them powerful...

None of which is really relevent to the recruiting thread, so I'll shut up now... ;)

Jonasty - PCs won't begin with the knowledge that Sargava is going to be their end goal. There will be the collection of groups to fight for the throne or more specifically to quell specific, but well known issues in Cheliax and its territories, but the Queen is initially keeping her final target hidden. That said, I wouldn't mind a Red Mantis Assassin, but as the story is about those that are working for Cheliax, it should be a character that openly supports the nation. Finding a place for the Red Mantis as an organization is a fine goal, but it should be a story about "I'm a supporter of Cheliax that happens to be a Red Mantis" as opposed to "I'm a Red Mantis that works with Chelish goals behind the scenes". Given that Achaekek lives in Hell however, I don't think it's much of a stretch to go with the former and take steps to create a strong alliance between the Red Mantis and Cheliax - as long as the PC is willing to at least openly claim to support Asmodeus first and Achaekek as his subordinate. On the mechanics note, yes, I would definitely like to see mechanics with any submission.

Thanks for the notes DM Morvius. Here is a revised backstory given your notes and a 1st level build for the character. I just need to do my "incidental" gear shopping but otherwise this is the majority of the build. Let me know if there is anything I missed or you would like further clarification on.

Sorry for the delay, the backstory too longer than I had planned. Anyway, here is my submission...

Still need to pick a couple feats and gear but the basics are down.

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated, I apologize for the long background but I want to make sure Acanthus is properly suited to the campaign.

Jonasty - You're going to want to use sawtooth sabres and while, if proficient, they count as light weapons for two weapon fighting, they don't for any other purposes. I'd rule that that includes not qualifying for weapon finesse (unless there is some specific rule otherwise). So replacing weapon finesse would be good :P On the plus side, you can move the +2 to str and maybe take alertness as a feat since you need it for the PrC?

Deiros - I like the cleric in theory but the backstory confuses me a bit :P Don't know what this town mentioned is or understand the dwarf. Would your character be okay fighting for Cheliax even after having to leave?

Deiros - I like the cleric in theory but the backstory confuses me a bit :P Don't know what this town mentioned is or understand the dwarf. Would your character be okay fighting for Cheliax even after having to leave?

The dwarf is just a hook for ya to use to integrate him to were ever you are sending him since he is in his leave and very sad since the passing of his father. He works in cheliax as part of the law, he is very attached to the Lawful side like a typical Iomedae follower in Cheliax does. Kintagro is a town in the north if I remember correctly in Cheliax. He is member of the first circle of the church of Iomedae (basically the lowest).

The dwarf is just a hook for ya to use to integrate him to were ever you are sending him since he is in his leave and very sad since the passing of his father. He works in cheliax as part of the law, he is very attached to the Lawful side like a typical Iomedae follower in Cheliax does. Kintagro is a town in the north if I remember correctly in Cheliax. He is member of the first circle of the church of Iomedae (basically the lowest).

Ah, gotcha. I like this PC as well as the fighter. As long as he's okay with working with evil in the name of law, I'm a big fan. Do you have a preference between the cleric and the fighter just so I know?

Jonasty - You're going to want to use sawtooth sabres and while, if proficient, they count as light weapons for two weapon fighting, they don't for any other purposes. I'd rule that that includes not qualifying for weapon finesse (unless there is some specific rule otherwise). So replacing weapon finesse would be good :P On the plus side, you can move the +2 to str and maybe take alertness as a feat since you need it for the PrC?

Hmm good point about the feat. And with the change, I'll switch the bump to Str instead as suggested.

DM Movius, still interested in playing with the Inquisitor going Hellknight. Just curious, how do you feel about my making up a minor noble house loyal to Thrune??

If there is still room, I would like to submit, Rayne(I'm still stuck on the last name). He is a former nobleman was convicted of murder of a man who he knew to be an anarchist, but could not prove. However a few months after he was jailed, he was set freed on the conditions that he work for the government on a probationary period.(The person who set this up is up to you) Rayne agrees to do this to A) prove his loyalty to his country and B) Not rot in prison for the rest of his life.

Personality wise, he is very calm and collected. He has had time to reflect on life while in prison. He has no problem killing people but he takes no joy in it. He is generally stern, but he has a few soft spots(which will be revealed later).

Mechanically he is going to be a fighter who dual wields. from the Core Rulebook.

Here is a quick look, by no means is it complete.

Let me know what you think.

Not really, I like the fighters more than magics.

Iago - A cleric with a wisdom of 14 seems like a bad call. While I'm definitely not requiring super optimized builds, as I mentioned this campaign will be a bit tough mechanically so for you (and everyone actually) remember that fitting the story is key, but I'm also reviewing the mechanics to keep a strong group.

Note to all:

Aptinuviel is correct. Taking Chelish strengths (like the wizard academy) into account or the religious tolerance to be a cleric of any lawful god (Asmodeus or otherwise) wins points with me. And keep applications coming. It doesn't matter if someone has applied for it and multiple applications from one person are perfectly fine as well.

DM Morvios I could easily drop the Str, Dex and Con to 10, and push the 14 wisdom up to 16.

In terms of a wisdom score, what would you recommend? Thank you.

Jonasty - Looks good to me.

Monkeygod - Making a minor noble house is perfectly fine with me.

Amazing Red - Recruiting is definitely still open. As for a third trait, Masterful Demeanor, Nonchalant Thuggery, Infernal Influence, even Hellknight Ancestry are decent "catch all" traits that tie in to Cheliax depending on the direction you want to take the character and what you are thinking in terms of history.

Otm Shank - I like reading backstories, so it's no problem. The Eidolon has to match the Summoner's alignment (in this case LN). I'm good with the backstory, but for you (and any other Summoners) just know that a non-LE Eidolon is demonstrably not Infernal. PCs can certainly believe it is, and it can certainly be power granted by Infernal entities, but remember that all devils are always LE so the Eidolon can be a gift of the Infernal, but not itself Infernal (and can certainly speak Infernal, etc. where appropriate).

DM Morvios I could easily drop the Str, Dex and Con to 10, and push the 14 wisdom up to 16.

In terms of a wisdom score, what would you recommend? Thank you.

It depends on whether you want a battle or a caster cleric. For battle (frontline/melee) I'd say a 16 wisdom is fine, but you'll want to up str at least so the melee works out. For a caster I'd say you want an 18, since it is going to be by far your most important stat. In either case you might want to consider dropping charisma a bit to grab some points for wisdom.

I hate to be a pain, but I just thought I should check; was there something wrong with my application...?

Amazing Red - Recruiting is definitely still open. As for a third trait, Masterful Demeanor, Nonchalant Thuggery, Infernal Influence, even Hellknight Ancestry are decent "catch all" traits that tie in to Cheliax depending on the direction you want to take the character and what you are thinking in terms of history.

Ok, I think I will go with Masterful Demeanor then. What about the story? it is a little vague, but its the best I could come up with.

I hate to be a pain, but I just thought I should check; was there something wrong with my application...?

I don't know but ya look like nicholas cage...

Otm Shank - I like reading backstories, so it's no problem. The Eidolon has to match the Summoner's alignment (in this case LN). I'm good with the backstory, but for you (and any other Summoners) just know that a non-LE Eidolon is demonstrably not Infernal. PCs can certainly believe it is, and it can certainly be power granted by Infernal entities, but remember that all devils are always LE so the Eidolon can be a gift of the Infernal, but not itself Infernal (and can certainly speak Infernal, etc. where appropriate).

Thanks for pointing that out, I missed the implications when I decided to switch him from LE as I had originally planned. I made the switch because I was a little unsure of where he would actually sit on the alignment spectrum (I have never really been a big fan of alignments as they stand anyway...) and wanted to be cautious as far as filling the public hero role.

The easiest solution would be for me to simply change his alignment back to LE. I think that he would still be able to function within the group/campaign without issue. Acanthus understands that in order to achieve the power he craves he will need to become a figurehead to the people. He is one of those types for who, while being utterly ruthless in many aspects of his life, his reputation and public persona are very important to him. He has no compunction about orchestrating the death of those in his way but he still wants to be liked by those around him.

If you still think he would be able to function within your campaign, I'll gladly switch his alignment over.

If not I'll come up with another solution asap.

Ah. I suppose that *is* quite a deal-killer ;-)

I had not noticed that before, but now I can't stop seeing it...

...I will have to look into another avatar :-P

ElyasRavenwood wrote:

DM Morvios I could easily drop the Str, Dex and Con to 10, and push the 14 wisdom up to 16.

In terms of a wisdom score, what would you recommend? Thank you.

It depends on whether you want a battle or a caster cleric. For battle (frontline/melee) I'd say a 16 wisdom is fine, but you'll want to up str at least so the melee works out. For a caster I'd say you want an 18, since it is going to be by far your most important stat. In either case you might want to consider dropping charisma a bit to grab some points for wisdom.

Thank you for the recommendation DM Morvios.

Thematically I would prefer to play a scholarly cleric as in a monastic monk who illuminates manuscripts and maintains a library rather then a "Knight Templar" with combat training. So I guess that means i would prefer to focus on spell casting rather then combat.

I had initially put the charisma at 18, because I was thinking of the clerics negative energy channeling. With Selective channeling I could designate up to 4 others not getting affected by the negative energy channel.

I also noticed with the 18 in charisma it gave my character a nice boost to the bluff and diplomacy skills, two skills that I think would fit the idea of a "silver tongued fiendish barrister". I had put a 14 in intelligence, for the +2 extra skills.

I had thought that a 14 wisdom adequate, and i could build it over time to gain access to spells, but if my character is going to primarily be a spell caster, I can see the wisdom in well having an 18 wisdom. I'm going to go ahead and reshuffle Iago's stats with an eye to an 18 wisdom.

After wracking my brains for a while, I figure I'll go for the gold. The Campagin Setting guide listed noble scion under the Cheliax section, which seems to have been updated in the Inner Sea World Guide. I'ld like to submit a minor noble, Ithad who is from the glorious House of Thrune (Noble Scion: Magic with Infernal as the bonus language), he will be a bard (celebrity)/wizard (conjurer).

The concept backstory
Born of the union of two minor lines within House Thrune and spent his early childhood in the capital, the family fell on hard times after his father supported a faction attempting to remove Infrexus. Exiled from the capital, the family retreating to Westcrown to languish with the old, powerless nobility. His father died soon after this, leaving the family with nothing. Ithad used his skills, talents and abilities to make life more comfortable for him and his mother. He is known as a daredevil and a trouble maker, and within the right circles as a skilled second story man. After gaining some fame (or notoriety) for climbing the Arodennama and flying a large house banner on the after Infrexus's death. After the cornation of Abrogail II, the family fortunes began to improve. A stippened has been granted to the house, and Ithad has been tutored by some of the best within Westcrown. Now nearing the end of his second decade of life, Ithad has become known as a daredevil and amoung some within Westcrown, the common man's Thrune.

Feats: Noble Scion - Magic, Additional Traits
Traits: Cliff Jumper (To represent the Parkour stunts he did), Diabolic Dabbler, Master of Pentacles, Infernal Influence, and if allowed from Adventury's Armory, Extremely Fashionable.

I hope this fits your concept for the campaign and I will flesh this out more after work today.

Raven - Nothing in particular wrong with the application. For you and the others that fall into the category though, there are a lot of charisma based caster applications and a lot of "faces" so competition will be stiff. And do remember that Lucrezia the bard is one of the reservations, so we're going to at least have her as a bard and face. That doesn't mean I'm not taking any other charisma casters, but again, since there are so many charisma caster applications, there is a lot of competition.

Also, Leaving Las Vegas, The Weatherman, Lord of War - great movies so I don't begrudge a Cage similarity.

Otm-Shank - I don't object to having LE characters in this game so feel free to update it if you'd like.

Since I was thinking about it, I figured I'd post a little bit of additional intro detail to spur interest and ideas for backgrounds.

Description:

The propaganda machine began working months ago. Posters and pamphlets claiming that the guidance of the Queen would bring Cheliax into a new golden age, a return to growth and expansion, began to circulate through the major cities. The response was mixed, but a simultaneous increase in the salary and number of soldiers helped instill confidence in the public that this was more than just a dream. Guarded excitement at a potential return to glory spread slowly through the populace, though many questioned the legitimacy - even with more soldiers, how could Cheliax regain its well deserved prominence with so many enemies at the gates?

Just two months ago rumors started to spread through the more prominent circles that groups were being assembled by the state for some important task. The notices were not specific as to the task, but they were seeking recommendations from all manner of loyal Chelaxians, from prominent teachers and nobles all the way down to effective guard captains and slavemasters. What could possibly require such a wide reaching search for talent?

Apparently all of your names rose to the top of a list because three weeks ago you were asked to report to Citadel Dinyar. There the Hellknights were somewhat gruff, but otherwise pleasant enough and they gave you lodging for a few nights before Keiran Thrune, designated emissary from Egorian arrived. He brought you all together and rather quickly, though politely, thanked you for your willingness to serve. Handing each of you a well tailored black tabard with the symbol of Cheliax emblazoned in red on the chest, he sent you off with the following words:

These are wonderful times to serve the empire. Under the guidance of Her Majesty we will finally grow once again. House Thrune requires brave and loyal souls such as yourselves to ensure that Cheliax is protected from lawlessness and chaos.

You are all here because you have come with excellent recommendations. You have what it takes to become symbols of Chelish strength and superiority, justice and stability. But if we are to spread our influence, must we not help our allies first?

As I am sure you know, the good steward, Hedvend VI, has offered a reward to any brave souls willing to cleanse the town of Gillamoor of its plague. Is Isger not a vassal of Cheliax? Does it not fall on our capable shoulders to assist them in returning order to such a beleaguered citizenry? House Thrune asks that you travel to Gillamoor and solve the steward's problem. You are more than welcome to keep his reward and should you be successful, please do come see me in Egorian - I have much more that can be done by such a promising group.

The Hellknights suggest that you travel on the outskirts of the Chitterwood and they provide a map of the small villages along the way where the group can stop to rest and resupply. With the journey now half over, you all arrive in Lurion, a small village about a mile from the edge of the forest.

DM Morvius,

I have fiddled with Iago's Scores a bit. How does this look?
Str: 10, Dex 10,Con 10, Int 14, Wis 18, Cha 16?

Here are the revised gaming statistics

Game Statistics

the appearance and background remain the same.
Appearance

Well here is the revised character for consideration. if he needs any tweaking in terms of game statistics, or background please let me know.

Character Application

Chammady Lorica, Human Female LN Qingong Hungry Ghost Monk

Chammady is an orphan in the truest sense of the word. She has no memory of her parents dying in a tragic accident, no snippets of recollection regarding an abandonment on the streets at a young age, not even a sad tale of being found on an orphanage's doorstep as a squirming babe tucked hastily into a wicker basket. No, Chammady's first memory is of survival: scavenging the last scraps of food from the improvised shelter of a dead old woman she found in an alley. At the age of six, she killed a boy in self-defense when he tried to shiv her upon discovering she posessed a copper piece. He overextended and stumbled to the ground, there was a large stone near her feet, and if the boy got up it meant her death. For her, it was a simple equation. It shook her at first, and she took no joy in it, but neither did she regret it.

Discipline is what ultimately kept her alive those first years on the streets. Running and leaping from rooftop to rooftop kept her safe, always carrying just a little bit more than she thought she could kept her fed, and paying constant attention to her surroundings kept her alive. This also kept her fast, strong, and able to tell someone was going to move before they themselves did.

At 8, for the first time in her short life, her instincts faltered. She knew the confident woman sitting in the city square was a risky mark, but food had been scarce the last couple of weeks and the woman had a fresh apple sitting a full six inches from her on the bench. The woman was Sister Novennia Praxia of the Order of the Golden Erinyes, and she caught Chammady almost instantly. Normally, Novennia would have cuffed the child she now held by the wrist and sent her on her way bu she hesitated: this street urchin had a molten determination in her eyes and even now was methodically working out any -*any*- escape that presented herself. Novennia smiled to herlself, this was exactly the child the Order looked for.

Life at the Order's orphanage fit Chammady (for that was her name now, given to her by Sister Novennia) like a glove. The Asmodean faith appealed to her instantly. While she had little interest in Asmodeus' love of contracts, bargaining and manipulation she instantly gravitated to his emphasis of elitism. She had survived on the streets by being the strongest, the fastest, the quickest. Here, she was rewarded for her personal strength and drive. The world was behaving as it should: she had been the strongest and thus rose above lessers, and she would prove herself stronger still.

When she came of age, she was one of the top orphans chosen for admittance into the Golden Order where she proved a talented pupil. Her instructors prize her for her unstoppable drive, implacable self-discipline, and unwavering devotion to Asmodeus. Despite this, she does not particularly care for her god's more outright moral perversities, as she she's them as an indulgence impractical to all but those at the top of power. She is intensely pragmatic, and tends to respect other people who are practical and driven, particularly those who show great talent or skill in an area outside of her expertise.

Sorry, I realize that got long and wordy so I skimped on the details towards the end. If I had to sum her up in a quick (and slightly sarcastic) fashion, it'd be "Ayn Rand + Goku".

I'll have crunch a bit later, but one quick question for you, DM Morvious:

Can the Faith Trait "Asmodean Demon Hunter" count as my "Cheliax Trait"? I ask, because it suits a devout Sister of the Gold Erinyes rather well and I was fairly nonplussed by the other Cheliax traits in regards to my background.

This is Amazing Red's character BTW.

Rayne stands 6 1/2 feet tall with short reddish brown hair. Wearing a scratched breastplate with an insignia scratched out on the front. He carries 2 curved swords that have an axelike quality to them. Clearly visible are his tattoos on his biceps and the scar along his face. He
does not look like a nice fellow. However he looks like he can handle any job you wish to throw on him.

Also, I am not the most tech-savvy person.... How do you do those nifty little cuts in the text? It'd be useful for me to know, especially after I just slapped that wall o' text on everyone.

I'm plenty competent enought to keep up with a pbp, though (even though I've never played one, heh). I've got an iPhone, so regular updates really shouldn't be a problem for me at all.

How do you do those nifty little cuts in the text? It'd be useful for me to know, especially after I just slapped that wall o' text on everyone.

If you look under the post text box, you should see a line saying "BBCode tags you can use:" with a box to click to show them. That will run through each of the ones you can use.

The snippet text is through the 'Spoiler' tag.

Orannis wrote:

How do you do those nifty little cuts in the text? It'd be useful for me to know, especially after I just slapped that wall o' text on everyone.

If you look under the post text box, you should see a line saying "BBCode tags you can use:" with a box to click to show them. That will run through each of the ones you can use.

The snippet text is through the 'Spoiler' tag.

Thank you much. You sir are a gentleman...

Orannis - Asmodean Demon Hunter is fine for the Cheliax trait. I know it's in the APG, but it is also reproduced in Cheliax, Empire of Devils.

Rannald - I'm fine with Extremely Fashionable as a trait.

For all:

For anyone keeping tabs, we currently have a large number of charisma based casters and a fair number of melee types as applicants. Certainly don't feel like you can't submit for a class/niche that someone else has, but if you are looking for low-competition areas, we currently have 0 INT-based casters (and given the setting a wizard would be wonderful), and only two clerics.

Definitely submit characters you'd all have fun playing, but just to let people know, at the moment I'm thinking I'll pick 1-2 fighting types (including a rogue), a divine caster (a battle/melee cleric would count here just like a caster cleric would), and an arcane caster in addition to the two reservations.

Orannis - Asmodean Demon Hunter is fine for the Cheliax trait. I know it's in the APG, but it is also reproduced in Cheliax, Empire of Devils.

Rannald - I'm fine with Extremely Fashionable as a trait.

For all:

For anyone keeping tabs, we currently have a large number of charisma based casters and a fair number of melee types as applicants. Certainly don't feel like you can't submit for a class/niche that someone else has, but if you are looking for low-competition areas, we currently have 0 INT-based casters (and given the setting a wizard would be wonderful), and only two clerics.

Definitely submit characters you'd all have fun playing, but just to let people know, at the moment I'm thinking I'll pick 1-2 fighting types (including a rogue), a divine caster (a battle/melee cleric would count here just like a caster cleric would), and an arcane caster in addition to the two reservations.

I'm quite enamored with the monk I posted above, but I could throw an Int-based caster into the field as well, if it would help liven things up.

I'm quite enamored with the monk I posted above, but I could throw an Int-based caster into the field as well, if it would help liven things up.

It is totally your call. I may shift from the 1-2 fighter, 1 divine, 1 arcane spread but just letting people (and potential applicants) know where my head is at. Like I said, putting in a melee isn't a bad thing, but I wanted to give a "here's what the competition looks like right now" update.

Ithad is taking a level dip/starting out with Bard, but is primarily a wizard (conjurer)

Stardust here... I'd like to withdraw Antonius as a possible character and instead submit Bealzius. After sleeping on this, I saw Bealzius more in my head. I didn't see Antonius at all, just his eidolon. :( Thats probably the main reason why I thought he was rather boring and tediously so.

Bealzius is a little more exciting. I will try out a Summoner in a game where its not so popular a choice.

Question for the DM: How easy is it to come by devil's blood? Is it available for purchase anywhere, and if so, how much does it cost... =).

For all:

For anyone keeping tabs, we currently have a large number of charisma based casters and a fair number of melee types as applicants. Certainly don't feel like you can't submit for a class/niche that someone else has, but if you are looking for low-competition areas, we currently have 0 INT-based casters (and given the setting a wizard would be wonderful), and only two clerics.

Definitely submit characters you'd all have fun playing, but just to let people know, at the moment I'm thinking I'll pick 1-2 fighting types (including a rogue), a divine caster (a battle/melee cleric would count here just like a caster cleric would), and an arcane caster in addition to the two reservations.

Also note that there are zero ranged combat characters submitted. If you're looking for something with no competition whatsoever, that would be it.

I've updated Stark's profile with a couple of minor corrections and a section on appearance.

This is in no way me assuming I've gotten a place in the game, but since two weeks is a really long time to just wait to find out ;) , I thought I'd bash out a bit of character prose based on the DM's backstory up-thread...

*****

The young half-elven man called Stark Blackblood seemed more like one of the Citadel servents than a potential hero of the Empire when the group was first gathered at Citadel Dinyar. The manner in which he seemed to blend into the background of Citadel life, and his familiarity with the Hellknight's ways, despite his obviously not being a member, all seemed to point to such a conclusion. But Keiran Thrune handed him a tabard along with the rest, and he set out on the same journey after a brief parting conversation with a Hellknight dressed in the crimson robes of the Order of the Gate.

Initially appearing quiet to the point of brooding, the pale-skinned and slender young man's dark eyes constantly darted across the landscape as the group travelled from the Citadel, seeming as if he were trying to drink in all the details of everything around him. Every now and then a broad smile would crack his otherwise sullen expression, as he spotted a colourful butterfly, a hare leaping across the path, or even just felt the rain on his skin - revealing an almost childlike wonder at the simplest things.

On the other hand, the ease at which Stark wears his dark scale armour, and the well-drilled manner in which he handles the greatsword strapped across his back, suggests a man quite familiar with the principles of battle. Indeed, when his physique beneath his clothes can be glimpsed on occassion, as the group stops to rest for the evening, or to bathe in a river, it can be seen that Stark possesses a painfully well-defined wiry musculature... along with a collection of ritualistic scars in symbolic-looking patterns across his skin.

A silver unholy symbol of Asmodeus worn on a chain around Stark's neck proclaims his religious loyalties, whilst a signet ring on his finger bearing the arms of a rampant black dragon on a field of silver, crossed by a bend sinister, hint at his bloodline... at least, on his human side...

Throughout the journey Stark's come across as being used to taking orders, and being a dilligent worker. As the group near Lurion, he glances towards the group member who seems to be in charge, silently waiting to hear what the plan of approach is...

*****

... Again, don't take that as me assuming anything - just trying to get into the spirit of things, just in case... :)

Rannald - Unless I'm missing an alternate class feature, I don't think there's a way to swap out Scribe Scroll as a wizard bonus feat.

Stardust - Devil blood will be fairly rare. Devils aren't everywhere and, as a matter of course, if you want to trade with one for its blood it will be somewhat costly. Part of it is a social concern over what carrying devil's blood would mean (carrying human blood around humans would be responded to poorly for example) and part is just a mechanical concern over giving arcane casters too easy access to an amazing after fight healing spell (compared to the divine equivalent) at lvl 1.

Ithad is taking a level dip/starting out with Bard, but is primarily a wizard (conjurer)

Out of curiosity, why a level of bard? It seems like a drastic reduction in effectiveness as a wizard for very little gain (at least to the party, who will already have a bard).

For DM Morvius - In the Pathfinder Society, they switch out Scribe Scroll for Spell Focus. Just used to that, not a problem the other way.

For Aptinuviel - The level dip in bard gives an expanded list of class skills, additional weapon proficiencies, and a boost to some skills. And it helps fill out the character concept - a level of rogue or ninja would do the same.

Well the nice thing about the multi class options, or the one level dip, is that it allows us to make the character we imagine, rather then being pigeon holed into a class.

With my character, Iago Isildur, I am trying to make a “silver tongued barrister” and to focus on the contractual and the legalistic aspects of Asmodeus. Not all clerics are healers. I have focused on negative energy channeling to see how the other side of the channeling system work. I have also taken the flame domain to add some punch to the character and I took trickery domain for the bluff skill. My cleric has Bluff, Diplomacy Sense motive, Knowledge Religion, Linguistics, and sense motive. While my character can heal, I haven’t built him as a healer.

I for one like seeing what the character classes can do if you go “off script” a bit, and I think a wizard with a rapier, or one who has a side interest in music sounds interesting. The level of bard could easily round out an aristocratic up bringing.

The negative side of the dip would be that he would effectively be a level behind the rest of the group in terms of his casting ability and that the group might prefer a full level wizard.

If it's full single classes only, then I guess my concept's doomed too... ;)

Iago, have you checked out the variant channeling in Ultimate Magic? With a negative channel and the Fire domain it'd (for example) do half damage, but those who fail their saves catch on fire... Not sure if it's a good payoff or not, but it may be worth a read.

If it's full single classes only, then I guess my concept's doomed too... ;)

Iago, have you checked out the variant channeling in Ultimate Magic? With a negative channel and the Fire domain it'd (for example) do half damage, but those who fail their saves catch on fire... Not sure if it's a good payoff or not, but it may be worth a read.

It pays of I saw one of my players use it in a test mini adventure, very useful at low level and vs. people with low reflex.

I'm not limiting selection solely to single class concepts, however it is always important to consider the mechanical value added since taking an actual level in a class is a mechanical decision. Especially for casters, losing a level means you are delaying your ability to cast more powerful spells while the NPCs are gaining as if you were able to. I won't say multiclassing is universally good or universally bad, but you can, for example, play a soldier that likes to read arcane tomes in his spare time without taking a level of wizard. You can be a straight fighter and just say you have a hobby or maybe even put a point or two into knowledge (arcana). On the other hand, a rogue that takes a level of fighter here and there for additional HP, BAB, and feats could easily be a worthwhile decision depending on the character.

As for variant channeling, I'm a big fan personally. Not so much when it comes to the damaging variants, but a lot of them have useful or cool secondary effects that I think can add a lot of useful tricks and a different flavor.

ProfPotts, Thank you for the suggestion. I have not read the variant channeling section of the UM. It sounds like it is worth looking into for my character Iago.

I see that there have been a few other PbP recruitment threads ending in the last couple of days. Just wanted to post and say that if any of the people that didn't quite make it into those games are interested, I encourage you to toss in an application. I'm always happy to read new stuff :)

On a related note, if I don't see many new applications before the end of the long weekend, I may end up picking early. So for the couple of people that expressed an interest in submitting characters but haven't quite gotten there yet, if you could toss something together this weekend that would be awesome.

DM Morvius,

So I was wondering what you thought of my character and his story. Is it believable, or does it need work? What about the mechanics of the character? Is it too optimized, not optimal enough? Some critiquing would be appreciated.

DM Morvius,

So I was wondering what you thought of my character and his story. Is it believable, or does it need work? What about the mechanics of the character? Is it too optimized, not optimal enough? Some critiquing would be appreciated.

I think the story could use some adjustment to fit with the theme of the group. It would be hard for a current criminal to be selected as a potential paragon of Chelish virtue. Perhaps an ex-criminal that has worked hard to become a productive member of society once again? And if he is Chelish-born you may want to go with a more Chelish-sounding name =P As for the stats, I like them. The only concern is that the falcata is a strange weapon for the region. I'm aware it's the highest DPR, but the NPCs shouldn't require such optimization that more "common" weapons wouldn't be acceptable with the same build.

That said, for you and any other melee/potential applicants, it looks like the other reservation (not the bard =P ) is looking to play a fighter so competition for melee slots will be tight. I still greatly encourage people that would be interested in putting in an app (or another app) to consider arcane casters (especially wizard) or ranged damage dealers if they want to be an attack roll style class.

Alright, thank you for the advice.
I can switch to a different weapon, I did not do it for the DPR. Note that I wasn't ever planning on taking Power Attack. I also figured that taking -4 to hit on a full attack would curb the mechanical superiority of the weapon. I could do longswords or some other bladed weapons instead.

Any suggestions for names? The last name is what he goes by as he doesn't want to tarnish his family's name. But I can go with something else. I could be an ex-criminal. Something along the lines of my crime was happening years ago and I just got my freedom recently would work. As far as melee goes, I could easily be an archer instead if that is the thing holding me back from getting in.