Death and Taxes - GM Budd the C.H.U.D.'s Feast of Ravenmoor

Game Master Budd the C.H.U.D.

@Wivvy - Ahoy, matey! :D Good seeing you in here! While Suli aren't a Featured race and thus officially not a fit as per the Character Specifications I set out initially... I actually would not have a huge problem with one being submitted. If you want to stat up a Suli Paladin, go for it; I'll at least take a look and consider it. As far as your possibly-evil swashbuckler type, hey, go for it. Although... she'll be in direct competition with Vash the halfling swashbuckler, so she better watch her knees.

Sorry it took me so long to get back on this thing...The storm kept me down and out of power for a while here on the West Coast, then I had some stuff come up IRL...am I too late to hash out a character? I got the feel for one started, but if there are a lot of applicants I will probably shy away from making a character. n_n;

@Bjornhona - Well, there are a lot of applicants, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't apply. I know weather on the West Coast got rough (hell, Paizo themselves put up a warning that they might lose power and go down for a while), so I'm still willing to take a look at whatever sort of character you're interested in contributing. Go for it!

@Silas Cane - Heyyy, you changed his last name! I think Cane is more fitting, though.

@Anybody else who's already posted a character: mind checking in so I know you didn't lose the thread after the renaming?

^ I'm still here (and so is Marigold)!

Here. I got home late so no crunch until tomorrow.

Present and accounted for.

Here!

Definitely here!

Still here!

Here.

Hmmm... this certainly sounds interesting, though the latest character idea I have wouldn't work with it - an elven maiden who belongs to an order which watches the borders of Irrisen and is a rider in the icy plains (either ranger or cavalier (dragon))... While it would not be difficult to find an explanation why she comes across the village on her way back from Irrisen to the Mierani Forest (she leaves her two comrades in the end, to, simply put, break a triangle situation and give their love a chance), it doesn't seem plausible that she would join a group of adventurers to look for a tax collector...

I may have to think about this some more.

@Feuerrabe - Feel free to roll her up. That sounds like a perfect character to bump into partway through in the event someone drops out/dies, honestly.

Thanks for checking in, everybody! Only a couple more days before the recruitment period ends (on the 18th). In that time I'd like for anyone else interested in applying to please finish a character sheet that I can look over. Meanwhile, I'll be deciding once and for all whether or not to run two groups through this (not gonna lie, I'm leaning toward one, but with so many great characters to choose from, two is very tempting indeed). Those of you who have already submitted, you've got a couple of days left to implement any last-minute changes to your characters, polish up your profiles, etc. - don't forget, if you've got an image floating around that represents your character better than the avatar you have picked out on the boards, post it so I can use that for you when we get to a battle requiring a map.

So we can still tweak items and various little things up until the day of? Cool because I need Profession: Fletcher if this is horror-y. How strict are you with Common arrows and Scroll Scribing, just curious of course.

Also checking in and can confirm Silas/Kennesty as well.

@Hubaris - Yep, feel free to tweak, but keep me updated on what changes you make. Scroll Scribing? If you have the feat and the money, you could probably do it on the road if, say, you had a wagon to ride in. Not sure what the Common arrows thing is about, though- I'm guessing it has something to do with what sort of arrows one could make with said Fletching skill?

Some DM won't let people reuse the basic arrows if they pluck them out of people and force you to buy them fletch them.

Thanks for the info.

Also Wizards by default have Scribe Scroll, wondering if you hate scribing or not. I like crafting (magical and otherwise) on the road and such.

@Hubaris - I allow it in my home games, no sense in barring Scroll-Scribing here. As a word of warning, though, there won't be much time for it once you get to Ravenmoor, so you'll want to get as much done as you can before you arrive. As far as reusing arrows goes, I can see how most of them would break, but there's a chance they could be reusable. I'd say you'd probably have a 20% chance of retrieving it without it breaking, depending on the target (probably more generous than in the real world, but whatevs). In other words, I'd probably have you roll for it.

If I may suggest, why not have the archer roll Profession (Fletcher) and regain one arrow per X rolled. For example, maybe 1 arrow per 5 rolled. So if you roll a 15 you get 3 arrows scrounged?

Also, I rather like my icon for Warshawski so that'll do. :)

@Warshawski - Actually, that works just fine. There you go, Hubaris! That's how we'll handle arrow recovery. Thanks!

Sounds good! You're the boss!
Just planning if I need additional casts and shots, as it doesn't seem like it will have its shop doors open :p

Yeah I much prefer this name, I was stuck on last names for a while and this one only came to me after posting.

@Budd: Made a few changes that can now be found on the About Me section. I find I keep changing things up until the last minute so I won't clog the thread in future by just using this method. Soz.

@Silas - Cane does sound better. Brings to mind Solomon Kane.

@Dramin - No worries. I'll be going over everybody's profiles one more time before I make my final selections, so I'll make note of everything then. If you need a GM Judgment Call on something, feel free to ask here, but otherwise, I'll see how everything looks in a couple'a days.

I suppose I should put everything in my profile. :) First thing tomorrow.

"Ey C.H.U.D.! It's me Vincent Marsh. The Goblin called me up. I heard ol'Song o' Chiroptera has been in 'ere slinging my name and Sebastian Bacarov's around this place like there's gonna be a game or somethin. I certainly hope so . . . cause I don't like my name in people's mouths unless they got a reason . . . and it's a good one."

"Oh, and a few more things. I don't go around doin shit for free. I like postin something every day sometimes more. I like a lot'a roleplayin an stuff between party members. I like hittin shit wit my big ass flail. So yeah, I'm in the tavern if somethin worth my time pops up. So I posted my crunch credentials under my avatar 'ere for you to look over. Let me know if you like what ya see or if you think you see any problems."

"So let me know uh?!'

Submission from The Goblin

Speaking from experience, running two campaigns as your first time GMing a PbP is tough, but I don't regret. The only time I really notice it is when I have battles running side by side. Still, I enjoy watching how different the campaigns get. I like to think they turned out pretty well so far (I dunno you tell me, you're in one of 'em). It really all boils down to how much time you have on your hands.

On a completely different note! I will have Kissin' Kate Barlow crunched and fluffed soon, and I may or may not throw in Frek just because.

@Vincent Marsh - 'Ey yerself! You just gonna barge in here like you own the place? I'll have you know I don't take too kindly to troublemakers comin' in and throwin' their weight around all willy-nilly, so you jus' watch yerself, pal!

...Also, your crunch looks solid. Looks like some very effective multiclassing- never seen a character quite like it. Should be interesting. Got a backstory worked out?

@Wivvy - I think your Runelords game is running quite well, Wivvy, in spite of Xai's horrendous history of dice rolls. :D

So it's the 16th now, here in Hotlanta, which means that day after tomorrow recruitment will officially close! Those of you who haven't submitted a character yet, better finish up fast and strong if you want to be considered.

Man, the recruitment process is crazier than I expected. I had no idea I'd be in for such a monumental task here. Actually running the game seems like it'll be a breeze compared to having to pick a few characters from such a dynamite crowd.

@Marsh: "This guy again? Didn't I have you locked up for punching one of my guardsman? I know Legate Aureleum recommended you, and you've managed to dig me out of a scrap or two, but you're a difficult man. One who has more questions than answers when it comes to me puzzling you out..."

Make with the fluff, Marshy. Before Budd has you for lunch!

@Budd: Marsh aka the Goblin is good people. I've been gaming with the guy for years. Sorry, but he'll make the choice a bit tougher.

Also, have I mentioned lately how difficult it is to wait? Heh heh...good luck with the selections.

Quick PM sent to DM with backstory.

"Yeah. The one that had the pretty nose before I turned it into a pancake. Said sumthin smart and wouldn't take it back . . . I gave em a chance to, several I think. Dumbass was too deep in his cups."

"He called me a bastard---which is true---, but I didn't like how he said it. It wasn't very nice, an then he starts talkin shit about if I had kids. . . "

Vincent shrugged with his two large and meaty hands open as though saying, "What was I supposed to do huh?!"

"How was I supposed to know he wasn't expectin to get whalloped. Around here ya go around talkin shit ya better be ready to back that shit up cause yer gonna get hit. Don't go round insultin people 's offspring, ya feel me?!"

"I just popped him once."

Marsh places his hands palms down on the table that separates the men. Idle chat isn't on the bigger man's mind his wolfish grin is replaced by a grim visage and businesslike tone.

"I like you Sebastian, but what are you doin here at my table? And why's the legate sendin you in here. This ain't no place for a guard. It brings me a lot of attention and I don't exactly appreciate that."

Alright, Feuerrabe here... this is still a bit of a work in progress, some details need polishing. For example in the background story it is assumed that she fights with a long sabre, meaning longsword in rule terms, and a short sword, even though she actually uses a bastard sword and shield. The inventory is just dumped from a table calculation without formatting for now. But apart from details it should be working.

Direct convenience link to the background story and background information:
Calwen Snowpaw.pdf

I will definitely search Deviantart for the image I have in mind so I can link it in the stat line and the profile, though I haven't come to that. Searching for a really good image usually takes hours for me.

The best image I found, even though it's not fantasy and not the full body, but simply a portrait photo, is this:
http://mariannaphotography.deviantart.com/art/Angel-329438944

Looking forward to seeing the final roster. Lots of great applicants.

@Vincent - All right, all right, your sob story's softened my heart somewhat. ;) In all seriousness, loving the character. Thanks a lot for making my job harder still, you guys. Oh, but one more thing - just caught it right before I posted this - Vinnie's got an INT of 12, but only knows one language (Common). He should have another one.

@Calwen - Okay, I understand the crunch is a work in progress, but I adored that backstory. While I agree with your initial assessment that she might not be the best fit for the location and theme of this particular adventure, I definitely like the character and she is in the running. (Hey, why aren't there any cold weather-themed adventures other than Reign of Winter? I feel like that's something I'd love to tackle in the future... maybe homebrew...)

@Warshawski - No kidding.

There's some overlap in party roles here (I'm looking at you, multiclassers) but I was bored and decided to break up the roster into party roles.

The Contenders:

The Muscle
Dalton the Thirsty - Human Monk (Weapon Adept)
Greven Morius - Human Slayer
Vash "the Swift" Val Vraxem - Halfling Swashbuckler
Marlow Conrad - Human Slayer
Calwen Snowpaw - Elf Cavalier

The Brains
Warshawski - Human Investigator (Spiritualist)
Sebastian Bacarov - Human Bard (Detective)

The Magical Ones
Marigold Montajay - Halfling Oracle (Psychic Searcher)
Dramin Jodare - Human Fighter/Wizard (Lore Warden)
Silas Cane - Investigator/Brawler
Frek - Human Paladin

The following have also expressed interest, but have yet to turn in their characters:
yazo
Bjornhona
TreasureFox

"An omission on my part. I speak a bit of Halfling. Good people. They hold a special place in my heart. An oppressed people almost everywhere you look, but often do without themselves to slip a starvin child a crust or two. Most people don't bother to listen when they talk, even right in front of em. It's a useful tongue to have when yer dwellin in the twists and heaps of the world."

That many people for 4-5 slots. Wow!

Thanks. I made some corrections to the PDF file and it should easier to read now, with some of the more messed up sentences fixed.

When I first started thinking about the character idea it was for Reign of Winter. However, Reign of Winter assumes that you start in Southern Taldor, carrying all kinds of winter equipment around in an area that usually has the climate of Sicily. Whenever I look at the player's guide to Reign of Winter I think: "Somebody didn't really think this through."

The story I wrote is new, though, I took over only the idea and the feeling of the character.

Regarding the feats: If I was taken into the group I might change the team work stuff retroactively depending who else is in the group.

@Dalton - Thanks for putting that together. We need to add Vinnie Jones (Marsh! Dangit!) to the Muscle list, though.

@Marshmallow - Good, seems appropriate.

@Calwen - Yeah, that always bugged me about Reign of Winter. I was going to apply to play in one, but I looked through the guide and thought: why would my winter witch be hanging out in Taldor in the middle of summer? I hear it's a cool AP overall, but that's the kind of oversight that sours me on a concept straight away. No sale! Anyhoo, back on target: crunch looks good, can you come up with any good reason why Calwen might be poking around Magnimar? O'course, the rest of the party could always meet her on the road...

A reason why should would hang out there? She might be looking for a half-elven nephew. Family is always a good reason. He might have become an adventurer and she is curious about his exploits. If she finds him there. Or maybe it's not the nephew, but a sibling who married a human.

Otherwise there is the possibility that some important part of her equipment broke and she needs it fixed, such as a cord that ties the saddle to Windmane. Or she got a clue from a fellow Knight of the White Rose, a druid or a fey. That something might be amiss with the humans and that someone who is able to deal with them should have a look.

Erm, she might as well be looking for a ship that takes her to Mordant Spire. The order might be concerned about their somewhat stand-offish cousins.

@Dalton I think my sociability and martial prowess both surpass my magical abilities.

Me? Magic?
No no, I'm just that good with the bow dear friend, there is no magic involved at all.

@Calwen - I have an idea for you, but I'll have to post it on my lunch break (doing one of those early risers today, I fear). Hang tight, I think you might approve.

Edited list:

The Contenders:

The Muscle
Dalton the Thirsty - Human Monk (Weapon Adept)
Greven Morius - Human Slayer
Vash "the Swift" Val Vraxem - Halfling Swashbuckler
Marlow Conrad - Human Slayer
Calwen Snowpaw - Elf Cavalier
Dramin Jodare - Human Fighter/Wizard (Lore Warden) **RANGED**
Vincent Marsh - Human Multiclasser (Sorry, I looked, couldn't find which classes)

The Brains
Warshawski - Human Investigator (Spiritualist)
Sebastian Bacarov - Human Bard (Detective)
Silas Cane - Investigator/Brawler

The Magical Ones
Marigold Montajay - Halfling Oracle (Psychic Searcher)
Frek - Human Paladin

The following have also expressed interest, but have yet to turn in their characters:
yazo
Bjornhona
TreasureFox

Vincent Marsh - Human Multiclasser (Sorry, I looked, couldn't find which classes)

ranger / rogue / barbarian

@Dalton: Fantastic work! What you did inspired me to better organize the potential candidate list for the campaign I'm recruiting for. Thanks!

Thanks Mr. Thirsty! Excellent work!

It seems wherever I go my aura and stature follows with its labeling and stereotypes; I forgive you for making that mistake as none of you are academics or else you would know of my in depth studies.

Worry not, I can enlighten you on all subjects if you seek my tutelage. Even the bards themselves would line up for lessons.

@Dalton - Indeed, thanks for updating the list, O Thirstiest of Daltons! That'll be a big help.

So another one of the PbPs I was in seems to have died out due to the GM poofing on us, so I'm actually only in two PbP games right now. I'd say that leaves enough room to where I can comfortably handle two parties... BUT! I'm probably going to stagger the start dates by about 48 hours or so to give myself a little room to breathe. Now the hard part is deciding who to team up with whom...

@Calwen - Okay, here's what I got:

"You hear that, Marsh? I may get stuck with your sorry tail again. Here I thought I'd have a friendly competition with Warshawski, now I might have to play 'restrain the roughneck' on this case." Bacarov chuckles as if to say he doesn't mind at all.

He glances over at Warshawski and shrugs. "He's good people honest."

-------

Really getting excited. This is one of those recruitments that even if I don't get picked, I'll still lurk to read the story. Great, quality submissions all around!

Happy to help! As I was writing down the list I was imagining a "recruiting montage" where everyone would flash across the screen, there'd be a dramatic background, their name would pop up...

DALTON THE THIRSTY. *grins at the camera* WEAPONS ADEPT MONK

*FLASH*

GREVEN MORIUS. *hefts his weapon, scowls* SLAYER

etc. etc. Had a lot of fun imagining it.