DM Zirharks Curse of the Crimson Throne
Game Master Tormad

Hello everyone. First and foremost congratulations on making the cut. There were alot of great submissions but ultimately taking everything into account you 6 should prove to be the best for the job.

First, Alain as first runner up I invite you to follow along with the game and be our sub in if anyone drops out. If you do not wish to do that I would understand, but I would like to give you the option to have a chance to play still as I know keeping PbP games together is sometimes a challenge. (also you get a spot if one of the other 5 don't check in).

To everyone else, please take this time to get to know each other a little bit, rearrange skill points, adjust builds, etc etc now that you know what the party will be looking like. If you wish to tie backgrounds together in some way now would be to time to do so as well, but is by no means required.

Also please place your expectations and desires for this game here so I can do my best as the DM. I will have the game thread up here either later today or tomorrow.

Checking in and very excited to be chosen. Thanks!

Checking in, thanks for choosing Gregorius!

Hello all, I'll take a closer look at your characters later in the day.

Thank you for selecting me. Is there any issue with my non-campaign trait, since I got it from off the SRD?

Also, as far as his being alcoholic, would you rather it just be a role-playing device, or would you prefer he fall under the addiction rules?

As for my expectations and desires, all I expect is to be a part of a quality AP, and desire that the game survive the death rate of most PbP's I've seen.

Thank you for selecting me. Is there any issue with my non-campaign trait, since I got it from off the SRD?

Also, as far as his being alcoholic, would you rather it just be a role-playing device, or would you prefer he fall under the addiction rules?

As for my expectations and desires, all I expect is to be a part of a quality AP, and desire that the game survive the death rate of most PbP's I've seen.

No Accelerated drinker should be fine. For now lets leave it at a RP device, may change in the future.

And yes that is my desire as well. I am planning on taking the slow and steady approach so no one gets burned out.

The trait below is the one I have that isn't campaign:

Brastlewark Businessman (Gnome, Social): +2 trait bonus on all Craft (alchemy) checks.

I was going to take Accelerated Drinker only if it wasn't allowed, but found out that Accelerated Drinker wasn't core either.

That's fine as well.

Checking in, thanks for choosing Gregorius!

Hello all, I'll take a closer look at your characters later in the day.
** spoiler omitted **

Hah!

Wow, that will be interesting, particularly considering that Irnk & Blossom are almost polar opposites personality-wise.

Morals-wise they hew pretty close.
Although Blossom is a lot...
friskier, I guess you could say.
Don't worry, any of that will be off-camera as it were. Well, the graphic bits anyway. Her flirtatiousness will likely be right out where everyone can see it.

Personality-wise I kind of figure Blossom is somewhere between Luna Lovegood & Wednesday Addams. Sweet & kind of spacey, but with an inescapable creepiness to her.
I haven't yet read the rest of your backgrounds in detail but I always like having connections between my characters & their comrades, (Another way in which Irnk is kind of an anomaly), so I will be updating myself on them as soon as I have posted this.

Right now, I am focusing Blossom on being mostly battlefield control with a side of emergency heals. Skills-wise, well with only (only) seven skill points per level, I was mostly going to be focusing on the ones I already have chosen with the caveat that Perform (dance) is mostly RP & Linguistics is to reflect that she learned Taldane (common) after she crossed the Crown of the World; so those two points will be open later. I was figuring on going Intimidate for her 'social' skill so-to-speak, going with the Wednesday Addams idea, except she isn't really intending to be scarey, she just comes off that way to the people who don't know her...
I am not inescapably wed to any of that if somebody has suggestions/recommendations I am glad to 'hear' them.
That said, I realize the White-haired Witch Archetype is supposedly 'highly' suboptimal, but I just have always liked the 'Bride with the White Hair' idea & really don't want to lose it.

So far I'm not seeing much of a prior connection between Rumal and the others. He's a brewer who fell on hard times and lost everything. He now drinks more than he ever comes close to brewing.

Looking them over, it seems both Gaius and Restless are Calistrians.

Hey Rumal, I can see the possibility of a small tie-in between our characters. Since Gregorius worked in the Korsova guard at the time of Rumal's disappearance, he could've been one of the investigators of the case, though it was never solved. Maybe DM Zirhak has some ideas on how to expand on that?

On a side note, we're also playing together in Valkur's Rise of the Runelords, so definitely some familiar "faces" here.

Blossom is a Calistiran yes, but she is also something of a sucker for an honest sob-story.
From what I have read of the four of us, I can see a number of possibilities, aside from the fact we all have it in for Gaedren Lamm.
I never specified exactly what Lamm did that put him in my sights, but from Gaius' background I could easily see Lamm or one of his lackeys 'catching' Blossom just as she made it 'off-the-boat' as it were & offering her the classic 'meal & a roof over yer head' only to get his hooks into her when her guard was down, then when she finally gets out & finds the Calistria temple, the two of them (Blossom & Giaus) start talking.
At the same time, she might have spent a while in the gutter in-between, at which point Rumal might have met her & heard her mention seeing a tiny boy with odd-colored hair (seeing as Gnomes are a rarity in Tian Xia she likely would not have recognized him as such per-see)
Further, given that Gregorius seems to be of the 'brutal-but-honest' school of gendarmes, he could easily have been one of the few city guard who 'did' pay attention to Rumal's story, unfortunately, the timing couldn't have been worse as he got hit with the trumped-up murder charge just as he was in a position to investigate it.
edit: ninja'd by the man himself...

These are just ideas off the top of my head & I caught a small degree of flack in the last game Blossom was in, due to being seen as trying to 'force' the other characters into my character's background, so I am just suggesting them as possibilities to consider.

Okay, I can see some of this working out. Personally, I like the mostly strangers connection, that all are motivated to do the same thing.

Rumal could have first reported or dealt with Gregorius, who took the case seriously, but with his 'dismissal' from the guard can't act on it. They still trade any info they hear about Lamm, when they come across it.

With Gaius and Gregorius both approaching the man investigatively, they could have seen each other in similiar circles, and recognize, but not necessarily know one another.

I think the Blossom connection with Rumal is a bit too tenuous and they would still be fine meeting as strangers.

... and I keep saying Korsova instead of Korvosa.

Korvosa! Korvosa!

In the words of Maxwell Smart: "Missed it by that much."

Thanks for considering me for the game, DM - I'll keep an eye on it, just in case something happens.

With Gaius and Gregorius both approaching the man investigatively, they could have seen each other in similiar circles, and recognize, but not necessarily know one another.

I like this--one thing that comes to mind is Person of Interest (great show, if you haven't seen it). I'd be like Reese and Gregorius would be like Detective Carter. When Greg is investigating his leads he finds people who have already had the info "beat" out of them, perhaps even following me until he discovers that we have common interests and, ultimately, joining with me.

Of course, naturally Cherry Blossom and I could connect our backgrounds easily. Though I didn't state it directly in my profile, my mother was a Calistrian Prostitute who received Shiver from one of Lamm's lackeys. That's why he's investigating it in the background. As Gaius was pretty much raised his whole life as a member of the temple, depending on when Cherry Blossom joined the church, we could have known each other for a long time.

As far as my stuff goes, I have good Bluff, Diplomacy, and great intimidate. Decent perception and Sense Motive, but pretty much no knowledge skills. I can get information from other people, through charm or intimidation, but on my own I don't know all that much.

From a combat perspective, I'd like to have more options than just "pile on damage", so I'm getting a bit more controlling options than an inquisitor normally has. I want to take a level in Rogue (Thug) and fight with a sap, using Enforcer to shake/panic foes. Level the playing field, if you will.

Cherry--in a gestalt game I'm in I have a fighter (lore warden)/ witch (white-haired witch) that is really fun to use, but I can definitely see how in a standard game with Low Witch HP and Base Attack, the white-Haired witch could be frustrating, especially since you give up hexes to get it.

One suggestion, if you like the prehensile hair (which I love, btw) flavor-wise is you could take the prehensile hair hex. Now you get the flavor, but don't have to miss out on great hexes like slumber, evil eye, flight, etc.

Plus, with Calistria as your patron, I think the scar hex could be cool. Scar your enemies, sure, but you could also brand us with the symbol of Calistria and use healing and fortune/cackle hexes at a ridiculous range. Anyway, just a thought.

Just waiting on Kessel now.

hi... just popping in to let you all (and Zirhark) know I'm here in case you need a replacement character for any reason... Looks like you have a good and interesting group but with one mia and a backup waiting - but if you need another, I'm here.

Alaric Morgain, archaeologist extraordinaire, at your service.

HERE! And ready to go.

Thank you for selecting me.

Looking over the other players, the one person I can most see my character having a history with would be Gregorius. I could have run into him while he was in the guard, of course then he was probably aiming for my arrest.

Hey Kessel, I thought the same thing, they have probably met on opposite sides of the law.

Thats what happens when you get kicked out of the city guard, your forced to run into everyone you ever tried to put away!

@DM Zirhak - What did you think of the custom version of the Framed trait? I'm ok with keeping it as it is in the rules, it's just that it feels kind of odd having a bonus to spellcraft considering the backstory. :P

I thought about the rogue dip at Level 2 and am realizing that a melee fighter with 0 BAB at level 2 might get pounded. Should I dip Unarmed fighter or something instead and just beat people up with my fists? What do you guys think? Right now I have a sap that I can't even use, hehe (well, I'm at least not proficient in it). If I do the fighter thing I can use a cat-of-nine-tails too, which could work.

Why can't you use a sap? I thought they were simple weapons? Is that the only reason you were looking at dipping into Rogue? If so, I would go with fighter instead as you said.

I will have to say, I'm somewhat concerned that our two more violent members are also both CN, one admittedly willing to be violent to get their way. I love party conflict, as long as conflict means disagreement and some dislike, and doesn't come to actual blows. I'm just putting that out there.

I can also see Kessel and Rumal crossing paths, just because our searches would lead us both to Lamm's Lambs. I think there is decent chance for criss-crossed paths, but we all still seem to be independant up to the start. Like there were times we may have interacted, periodically, but the AP lead-in will give us that final tie together.

As far as purpose, Rumal will likely be a little bit AE, little bit Healer, and some Knowledges.

A little conflict up front can lead to great roleplaying down the road, given the players are mature enough to accept change with the direction of the party in mind. I wanted a wide spectrum of people going after lamm, people who could find themselves side by side protecting people they normally wouldn't.

Just remember the worlds problems are much larger than any single person. If after the first section I see party cohesion isn't going to happen, there were 15 people I cut who would love to get it (such as Alain and Alaric).

Hopefully none of this will be a problem.

I'm seeing another 'thing'. Is Blossom going to wind up being our main 'healer' type? Or am I reading too much into things? Would it be helpful if I switched her Archetype to say Hedge Witch & just took Prehensile Hair as my first Hex? I would appreciate you guys opinions on this.

Not necessarily, Rumal has CLW and will most likely take Infusion as an early discovery. Also, having it as a formulae on his list he will also be able to churn out some half price potions, so that anyone will be able to heal themselves for a bit.

Also, with an Inquisitor and Ranger, that makes four of us with the ability to use Cure wands. Possibly taking Cure spells if we seem to need more of them. 1st level may be tough, but isn't it always?

I will have to say, I'm somewhat concerned that our two more violent members are also both CN, one admittedly willing to be violent to get their way. I love party conflict, as long as conflict means disagreement and some dislike, and doesn't come to actual blows. I'm just putting that out there.

I can also see Kessel and Rumal crossing paths, just because our searches would lead us both to Lamm's Lambs. I think there is decent chance for criss-crossed paths, but we all still seem to be independant up to the start. Like there were times we may have interacted, periodically, but the AP lead-in will give us that final tie together.

As far as purpose, Rumal will likely be a little bit AE, little bit Healer, and some Knowledges.

I thought about this, and considered making him CG while making the character. If he was CG I imagine he'd use the threat of violence to intimidate more frequently than actual violence. Still, I feel like beating up a lowlife (with nonlethal damage) to get information to save lives and help people is justifiable. Batman won't kill you, but he will break your frickin' arm if you don't tell him what he wants, you know?

Why can't you use a sap? I thought they were simple weapons? Is that the only reason you were looking at dipping into Rogue? If so, I would go with fighter instead as you said.

It's actually a martial weapon, rogues just get it as one of their proficiencies.

I like Rogue (Thug) because at level 1 they get an ability that lets them add one to the number of rounds shaken when they demoralize someone, and if the number is 4+ they can make the person panic instead. I like the idea of punching/hitting someone with a sap and making them run away in terror. But again, +0 BAB at level 2 leaves a little to be desired.

And if I do Unarmed Fighter I get BAB, improved unarmed strike, and I can actually get snake style too. Maybe I'll do that instead.

I can definitely see Rumal having spoken with Kes briefly as they both searched for their lost children. Nothing more then a small connection.

Also my character(depending on the story) will be facing major Character growth to eith CG or more evil persuasion

After you guys have everything squared away, the gameplay thread is up.

DM Zirhark, I just changed my second favored class from Rogue to Fighter. Everything else is unchanged. Game on!

Gaius, Why are you applying the 5 DC mod to Rumal? I can't find anything that would cause that. Yes, he's drunk, but the penalties for severe addiction are -2 Wis, when not under the effect of alcohol, but so far DM-Zirhark said we are not using addiction rules for him.

Not that he cares what you really look like, nor really what you have to say at this point, so it's moot. Don't worry, I will play his alcohol-induced obtuseness for what it is, when I deem him as being obtuse at that moment.

EDIT: Sorry if that came off as angry, but to me it's almost like another player saying "You are impressed by Grognar's mighty swings". I've played with too many people like that. If my PC is impressed, I will RP them accordingly. Just like if they are drunk. Unless there is a rule giving me penalties, it's for me to RP.

Pg. 90 of the CRB, Bluff gets a +5 Modifier if the target is Drunk. Rumal is Drunk.

Well, I'll be damned. My apologies. It's one of those side cases, where one rule should be with the others, but is hidden somewhere unexpected. You would think it SHOULD be addressed under the drugs/addiction rules.

I only know about it because I got hosed once in a situation because the GM & I didn't know all the applicable modifiers for a time my character tried Bluffing his way out of being killed by an alcoholic Bandit lord.

Well, I'll be damned. My apologies. It's one of those side cases, where one rule should be with the others, but is hidden somewhere unexpected. You would think it SHOULD be addressed under the drugs/addiction rules.

Thanks Cherry, and Rumal--no worries. I completely understand. If I were in your position and thought another player was just arbitrarily assigning penalties to my character with no basis in the rules, I'd be annoyed as well.

I haven't really played too many "sneaky" characters in Pathfinder, so when I was looking up the bluff rules in the SRD I noticed the whole +5 DC drunk thing.

FWIW, I actually put a little more info in the spoiler in my original post about how Rumal's "impairment" netted a +5, but the spoiler tag text was too long and ruined the spoiler, so I had to shorten it down to just say something like DC: 22, 27 for Rumal (Drunk).

Sorry for any confusion. Now let's go take down Lamm! :-)

I only know about it because I got hosed once in a situation because the GM & I didn't know all the applicable modifiers for a time my character tried Bluffing his way out of being killed by an alcoholic Bandit lord.

Stag Lord, I presume?

Restless Cherry Blossom wrote:

I only know about it because I got hosed once in a situation because the GM & I didn't know all the applicable modifiers for a time my character tried Bluffing his way out of being killed by an alcoholic Bandit lord.

Stag Lord, I presume?

** spoiler omitted **

Yep. Our first encounter was nothing like that epic, unless you count epic fail...

I still get cranky thinking about it.

I don't know how in the world I wrote Mann, but it was supposed to be "How do you know Lamm". Sorry for that.

I figured ha ha its ok.

Hey guys, I will not be able to post until monday due to my home computer dying. Just a heads up.

Hey guys, I will not be able to post until monday due to my home computer dying. Just a heads up.

I get really busy on weekends as well which is why I made weekend posting optional. I will look at getting one more post up before I leave the office today.

@DM Zirhak - Is there capital punishment in Korvosa? Would it be the penalty for Lamm's crimes?

@DM Zirhak - Is there capital punishment in Korvosa? Would it be the penalty for Lamm's crimes?

It is cheliaxian controlled so by that assumption there will be capital punishment. But since you are a guard you would know he has been taken in once, but for an unknown reason (probably some kind of leverage) he was released with all charges dropped and the arresting guard was dismissed from service.

As a request before we get into combat situations, can everyone add the stats that Gregorius and Cherry have to their avatar so I do not have to go digging for them.

important stats: HP(current/total), AC(touce, FF), Initiative, Saves, and Perception.

Anything else you feel to be helpful and does not make it over crowded is welcomed as well, such as bombs left/total, rage rounds, etc. Again only the important stats are required. Please do your best to keep them up to date as well.

Thank you in advance.

Done and done

@DM Zirhak - Sorry about the reroll, I tried to post like five times yesterday but there was something wrong with the site and it didn't take my post. :P

Don't worry about it, I've never done any kind of fortune reading before so this is harder than I gave it credit. I am working on them right now. Its a learning experience for all of us.