GM Tribute |
Somewhere in the heart of the steaming jungle lies the answer to the whispered tales--rumors of a magnificent city and foul, horrid rituals! Here a brave party might find riches and wonders--or death! Is your party brave enough to face the terrors of the unknown and find....THE FORBIDDEN CITY
Note: Former players from the previous adventure have preference, but AT LEAST one new player will be added.
4th level character using Core rulebook ONLY, a 20 point buy, and 3000gp starting equipment.
Part 1 the characters defeated the Cult of the Reptile God and saved an entire town from thralldom.
Part 2 the characters contributed to the rise of a Mile High Ice Titan that now walks the world.
This is the third part of a long term campaign that, if successful, will continue with the Laura Hickman/Margaret Weiss Desert of Desolation series.
I went through this at Origins 1980 when it debuted. It is a sentimental favorite. Recommended mix for party of seven is three martials, druid, cleric, wizard, rogue. New characters will fill in the missing roles of those left vacant by the party. Could see a monk or bard in place of a martial character.
Distant Scholar |
I'm interested, and I'm new to play-by-post here, so I apologize if I'm overstepping or not following protocol, or something.
My character idea is an eldritch knight (sort of an "old school elf"). I'd intend him to be more martial than wizard, although that can be adjusted, if necessary.
What sort of character creation guidelines should I aim for, if I get chosen?
Daniel Stewart |
Well..since poor old Grimm is not doing too well in the KotBL, I was wondering if I could throw a character out here for inclusion in this adventure (Though I am NOT giving up on Grimm...he will survive! lol)
Was thinking of a magic-using character of some make/type. Will whip something up asap.
Daniel/Grimm
Eric Swanson |
How could I refuse a chance to go through this adventure?? I remember when it was first released and reading it through just blew my (admittedly immature 11 year old) mind, he he.
Anyway, I am leaning towards a ranger as my first choice, followed by a rogue, then a sorcerer, although if the party needs a role filled I am more than happy to switch classes.
I will post some stats later this evening.
Milhar Korashi |
Milhar is coming together slowly but surely. I'll sort out the rest of him tomorrow. He is probably going to be a ranged specialist with a soupcon of arcane. Should be able to hold his own in combat but the chance to develop into an arcane archer seems good.
I've used average hit points for this build. OK?
Cheers
Logan1138 |
Tribute, just thought I'd remind you (in case you forgot) that the person playing Bizz stated he would be traveling and would not be online very much until the 16th.
And don't worry, I'm not going to sign up for this game and ruin yet another group's adventure. But you WOULD have to go and run a really cool old school mod like Dwellers just to tempt me... :)
Have fun everyone!
Eric Swanson |
OK here is Sandrion, my Archery ranger. I built him so he would be effective in a jungle environment, although I might tweak him a bit further. Most of his stats are done, except for the Hunter's Bond. I am not sure which way to go yet.
Daniel Stewart |
ok Daniel/Grimm here with my wizard submission....hope you like him..will have to make up some fluff for him, but the crunch is there for you to check out!
Arvhil
Male Elf Wizard 4
CG Medium humanoid (elf)
Init +5; Senses low-light vision; Perception +6
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Defense
--------------------
AC 14, touch 14, flat-footed 11 (+3 Dex, +1 deflection)
hp 26 (4d6+8)
Fort +2, Ref +4, Will +4; +2 vs. enchantments
Immune magic sleep
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Offense
--------------------
Speed 30 ft.
Wizard Spells Prepared (CL 4th; concentration +8):
2nd—empow magic missile [S], empow magic missile (x2), web (DC 16)
1st—mage armor, magic missile [S], magic missile, mount, sleep (DC 15)
0 (at will)—acid splash, detect magic, light, prestidigitation (DC 14)
--------------------
Statistics
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Str 10, Dex 16, Con 12, Int 18, Wis 11, Cha 12
Base Atk +2; CMB +2; CMD 16
Feats Empower Spell, Scribe Scroll, Spell Focus (evocation)
Traits magical lineage, reactionary
Skills Appraise +9, Knowledge (arcana) +10, Knowledge (dungeoneering) +10, Knowledge (history) +10, Knowledge (planes) +10, Linguistics +9, Perception +6, Spellcraft +11 (+13 to determine the properties of a magic item); Racial Modifiers +2 Perception
Languages Celestial, Common, Draconic, Elven, Gnome, Goblin, Orc, Sylvan
SQ arcane bonds (arcane bond [object]), elven magic, weapon familiarity, force missile, intense spells, opposition schools (illusion, necromancy), specialized schools (evocation)
Combat Gear potion of cure light wounds (2), wand of magic missile (50 charges); Other Gear ring of protection +1, 200 GP
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Special Abilities
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Arcane Bond (Ring of protection +1) (1/day) (Sp) Use object to cast any spell in your spellbook 1/day. Without it, Concentration required to cast spells (DC20 + spell level).
Elven Immunities - Sleep You are immune to magic sleep effects.
Elven Magic +2 to spellcraft checks to determine the properties of a magic item.
Empower Spell Numeric effects of a spell are increased 50%. +2 Levels.
Evocation Evokers revel in the raw power of magic, and can use it to create and destroy with shocking ease.
Force Missile (7/day) (Sp) Magic Missile hits for 1d4+2
Illusion You must spend 2 slots to cast spells from the Illusion school.
Intense Spells +2 (Su) Evocation spells deal listed extra damage.
Low-Light Vision See twice as far as a human in low light, distinguishing color and detail.
Magical Lineage (Magic Missile) A chosen spell counts as 1 level lower when metamagic feats are applied to it.
Necromancy You must spend 2 slots to cast spells from the Necromancy school.
Spell Focus (Evocation) Spells from one school of magic have +1 to their save DC.
Wand of magic missile (50 charges) Add this item to create a wand of a chosen spell.
Distant Scholar |
I don't have a complete write-up for him yet, and not all details are settled, but here goes:
Vardlon
Male Elf Wizard 3 / Fighter 1 (Wizard favored: to hp)
Str 10, Dex 19, Con 12, Int 16, Wis 10, Cha 10
AC 18 (22 with shield), hp 25 (assuming average)
Attacks:
* elven curve blade +7, 1d10 damage (+1 arcane strike, +3 bull's strength), 18-20/x2 crit
* longbow +7, 1d8 damage, 20/x3 crit
Abilities: Arcane Bond (ring), Hand of the Apprentice 6/day
Feats: Weapon Finesse, Scribe Scroll, Arcane Strike, Arcane Armor Training
Skills: Knowledge (arcana), Knowledge (history), Spellcraft, Linguistics, Perception
Languages: Elven, Common, Draconic, Celestial, Sylvan
Stuff: masterwork elven curve blade, masterwork longbow, mithral chain, rapier, 1000 gp in spells/potions/scrolls, 125 gp in misc. supplies
Spellbook: 0th: All; 1st: Shield*, Enlarge Person*, True Strike*, Color Spray, Ray of Enfeeblement, Magic Missile, Shocking Grasp, Feather Fall; 2nd: Blur*, Bull's Strength*
GM Tribute |
It took a day to drive to Chester, PA and arrive at Widener College, the scene of origins 1980. Plenty of people had set up outside to sell used games, and this greatly upset the exhibitors inside. The Geneva folks were not happy having a long drive from TSR headquarters, and many complained about the convention site.
But the tournament featured a module later known as I1. Those of you not familiar with a vintage TSR tournament have missed something. Imagine showing up and being put in groups of six and given six character sheets. You have 15 minutes to review your character sheet and pick basic equipment and spells. Then you have 3 and a half hours to complete the adventure. It was my first tournament, and my friends were still grumbling about last year's tournament. The 1979 tournament module was C1 (hidden shrine of Tamoachan) with a scoring system that rewarded you for casting the right spell in a certain room.
I, of course, was always the wizard. Our group of six at least knew each other and what characters we were each going to play beforehand. Other groups were squabbling over who would play what and who would be the caller. Yes the caller, a good idea that I would like to see implemented in PbP in some form. So I look at my sheet and my level 5 wizard has 15hps! I look at his magic items, +2 ring of protection and wand of frost with 4 charges. It is obvious I better make those 4 charges count. The ring means, with a 13 dexterity, my AC is 8 versus 10. Rather than always being hit, there will be an occasional miss if someone wants to shoot for the wizard, not an uncommon occurrence. I look at my friend Steve and he laughs and points out that as the tank he has 42hps and an AC of 1 (low was good then)! I inform him his job is to make sure we use his hps before we have to use mine. I pick my spells, and notice another friend is the secondary tank with a level 1 bard (at that time a level 1 bard was like a fighter/thief of about fifth or sixth level).
We started what I believe is quite an amazing David Cook adventure. If this is your first time, you will be impressed. If it is a walk down memory lane, so much the better!
GM Tribute |
As Distant Scholar is new to PbP and has put together an awesome retro mix of fighter and wizard, he will be in the first group.
I think the veterans can help him get settled. Develop an alias for Vardlon and post in discussion thread with him.
Since Core has no traits, you will be awarded an extra feat. I will explain why I prefer no traits. Many complain about the rogue being a bad character class--I think it has suffered the most in what is now Pathfinder of the big four originals (fighter, cleric, wizard, thief). I don't like traits as it allows many to poach in the rogue's ecological niche (disable device/perception/stealth) with the cross skill traits such as one I confess I used when building my zen archer.
Wisdom Made Flesh: Benefits: Select any Strength-, Constitution-, or Dexterity-based skill. You may make checks with that skill using your Wisdom modifier instead of the skill's normal ability score. That skill is always a class skill for you.
GROUP 2 looks like it will soon be big enough.
Skirros the Savage |
I present Skirros the Savage, a half-elf from the Mediogalti Jungle. You asked for a bard, but since there is no bard in 1st edition with only three character levels, I have built Skirros to be as close to a 1st ed Bard as I could: a Fighter 1/Rogue 1/Druid 1. I even tried to make her as legal as possible, but it's impossible to have at least a 15 in Str, Dex, Wis, and Cha with a 20 point build (see p. 117 of the 1st ed PHB).
Since this is not at all a maximized character (the opposite, in fact), I would ask for one exemption from the PHB-only rule: the Boon Companion feat from Animal Archive or Seekers of Secrets. Without this feat, my snake companion will be toast pretty quickly. If that's a no-go, I'll swap out the AC for a domain instead.
Edward Sobel |
Talon
Male Human Rogue 4
N Medium humanoid (human)
Init +4; Senses Perception +9
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Defense
--------------------
AC 18, touch 15, flat-footed 13 (+3 armor, +4 Dex, +1 dodge)
hp 23 (4d8)
Fort +2, Ref +9 (+1 bonus vs. traps), Will +4
Defensive Abilities evasion, trap sense +1, uncanny dodge
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Offense
--------------------
Speed 30 ft.
Melee dagger +7 (1d4+2/19-20) and
. . masterwork shortsword +8 (1d6+2/19-20) and
. . unarmed strike +7 (1d3+2)
Ranged masterwork composite shortbow +8 (1d6+2/×3)
Special Attacks sneak attack +2d6
Spell-Like Abilities
. . 3/day—Minor Magic (Open/Close)
--------------------
Statistics
--------------------
Str 14, Dex 18, Con 10, Int 12, Wis 14, Cha 10
Base Atk +3; CMB +5; CMD 20
Feats Combat Reflexes, Dodge, Mobility, Weapon Finesse
Skills Acrobatics +11, Appraise +7, Disable Device +15, Escape Artist +11, Knowledge (arcana) +3, Knowledge (dungeoneering) +6, Knowledge (local) +6, Linguistics +5, Perception +9 (+11 to locate traps), Perform (dance) +5, Sense Motive +8, Sleight of Hand +10, Spellcraft +3, Stealth +11, Use Magic Device +7
Languages Common, Dwarven, Elven
SQ trapfinding +2
Combat Gear oil of magic weapon (2), potion of cure light wounds (3), acid (3), tanglefoot bag (3); Other Gear masterwork studded leather armor, arrows (20), dagger (5), masterwork composite shortbow, masterwork shortsword, cloak of resistance +1, bedroll, belt pouch, belt pouch, everburning torch, sack, thieves' tools, masterwork, tindertwig (5), waterskin, 330 GP, 8 SP
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TRACKED RESOURCES
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Acid - 0/3
Arrows - 0/20
Dagger - 0/5
Minor Magic (Open/Close) (3/day) (Sp) - 0/3
Oil of magic weapon - 0/2
Potion of cure light wounds - 0/3
Tanglefoot bag - 0/3
Tindertwig - 0/5
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Special Abilities
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Combat Reflexes (5 AoO/round) Can make extra attacks of opportunity/rd, and even when flat-footed.
Evasion (Ex) If you succeed at a Reflex save for half damage, you take none instead.
Minor Magic (Open/Close) (3/day) (Sp) Gain the chosen cantrip as a spell-like ability.
Mobility +4 to AC vs. AoO provoked by moving out of or through a threatened area.
Sneak Attack +2d6 +2d6 damage if you flank your target or your target is flat-footed.
Trap Sense +1 (Ex) +1 bonus on reflex saves and AC against traps.
Trapfinding +2 Gain a bonus to find or disable traps, including magical ones.
Uncanny Dodge (Ex) Retain Dex bonus to AC when flat-footed.
Bikmalu |
While I've been playing long enough to have been at Origins in 1980, I was only 13 and even though Chester, PA was only 5-1/2 hours from the suburbs of Rochester, NY, my parents weren't that supportive of my fledgling RPG habit.
Bikmalu is also from the jungle, but while I do have plenty of old Greyhawk maps, I don't know exactly where Dwellers of the Forbidden City is set. Mediogalti? Are you going to assign bonus feats where qualified or shall we all assume we get them and pick our own?
Edward Sobel |
Talon
Male Human Rogue 4
N Medium humanoid (human)
Init +4; Senses Perception +9
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Defense
--------------------
AC 18, touch 15, flat-footed 13 (+3 armor, +4 Dex, +1 dodge)
hp 23 (4d8)
Fort +2, Ref +9 (+1 bonus vs. traps), Will +4
Defensive Abilities evasion, trap sense +1, uncanny dodge
--------------------
Offense
--------------------
Speed 30 ft.
Melee dagger +7 (1d4+2/19-20) and
. . masterwork shortsword +8 (1d6+2/19-20) and
. . unarmed strike +7 (1d3+2)
Ranged masterwork composite shortbow +8 (1d6+2/×3)
Two weapon fighting Shortsword/dagger +6/+5 (1d6+2/1d4+1)
Special Attacks sneak attack +2d6
Spell-Like Abilities
. . 3/day—Minor Magic (Open/Close)
--------------------
Statistics
--------------------
Str 14, Dex 18, Con 10, Int 12, Wis 14, Cha 10
Base Atk +3; CMB +5; CMD 20
Feats Combat Reflexes, Dodge, Mobility, Two-weapon Fighting, Weapon Finesse
Skills Acrobatics +11, Appraise +7, Disable Device +15, Escape Artist +11, Knowledge (arcana) +3, Knowledge (dungeoneering) +6, Knowledge (local) +6,
Linguistics +5, Perception +9 (+11 to locate traps), Perform (dance) +5, Sense Motive +8, Sleight of Hand +10, Spellcraft +3, Stealth +11, Use Magic Device +7
Languages Common, Dwarven, Elven
SQ trapfinding +2
Combat Gear oil of magic weapon (2), potion of cure light wounds (3), acid (3), tanglefoot bag (3); Other Gear masterwork studded leather armor, arrows
(20), dagger (5), masterwork composite shortbow, masterwork shortsword, cloak of resistance +1, bedroll, belt pouch, belt pouch, everburning torch, sack, thieves'
tools, masterwork, tindertwig (5), waterskin, 330 GP, 8 SP
--------------------
TRACKED RESOURCES
--------------------
Acid - 0/3
Arrows - 0/20
Dagger - 0/5
Minor Magic (Open/Close) (3/day) (Sp) - 0/3
Oil of magic weapon - 0/2
Potion of cure light wounds - 0/3
Tanglefoot bag - 0/3
Tindertwig - 0/5
--------------------
Special Abilities
--------------------
Combat Reflexes (5 AoO/round) Can make extra attacks of opportunity/rd, and even when flat-footed.
Evasion (Ex) If you succeed at a Reflex save for half damage, you take none instead.
Minor Magic (Open/Close) (3/day) (Sp) Gain the chosen cantrip as a spell-like ability.
Mobility +4 to AC vs. AoO provoked by moving out of or through a threatened area.
Sneak Attack +2d6 +2d6 damage if you flank your target or your target is flat-footed.
Trap Sense +1 (Ex) +1 bonus on reflex saves and AC against traps.
Trapfinding +2 Gain a bonus to find or disable traps, including magical ones.
Uncanny Dodge (Ex) Retain Dex bonus to AC when flat-footed.
GM Tribute |
The Forgotten City is in the Amedio Jungle. The Greyhawk Gazeteer made the Forgotten City in the Sea of Dust--but that is just plain cruel.
Note: I am using Golarion dieties to make it easier.
Group 1 is traveling from the Blackmoor in the north all the way to the Amedio Jungle to visit the Forgotten City.
Edward Sobel |
Daniel Stewart |
Here is the updated Arvhil with added feat and removed traits..
Arvhil
Male Elf Wizard 4
CG Medium humanoid (elf)
Init +3; Senses low-light vision; Perception +6
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Defense
--------------------
AC 15, touch 15, flat-footed 11 (+3 Dex, +1 deflection, +1 dodge)
hp 26 (4d6+8)
Fort +2, Ref +4, Will +4; +2 vs. enchantments
Immune magic sleep
--------------------
Offense
--------------------
Speed 30 ft.
Melee longsword +2 (1d8/19-20)
Wizard Spells Prepared (CL 4th; concentration +8):
2nd—acid arrow (x2), continual flame [S], web (DC 16)
1st—mage armor, magic missile [S], magic missile, mount, sleep (DC 15)
0 (at will)—acid splash, detect magic, light, prestidigitation (DC 14)
--------------------
Statistics
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Str 10, Dex 16, Con 12, Int 18, Wis 11, Cha 12
Base Atk +2; CMB +2; CMD 17
Feats Dodge, Empower Spell, Scribe Scroll, Spell Focus (evocation)
Skills Appraise +9, Knowledge (arcana) +10, Knowledge (dungeoneering) +10, Knowledge (history) +10, Knowledge (planes) +10, Linguistics +9, Perception +6, Spellcraft +11 (+13 to determine the properties of a magic item); Racial Modifiers +2 Perception
Languages Celestial, Common, Draconic, Elven, Gnome, Goblin, Orc, Sylvan
SQ arcane bonds (arcane bond [object]), elven magic, weapon familiarity, force missile, intense spells, opposition schools (illusion, necromancy), specialized schools (evocation)
Combat Gear potion of cure light wounds (2), wand of magic missile (50 charges); Other Gear longsword, ring of protection +1, backpack, bedroll, belt pouch, flint and steel, scroll case, spell component pouch, spellbook, trail rations (3), waterskin, 158 GP, 4 SP
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Special Abilities
--------------------
Arcane Bond (Ring of protection +1) (1/day) (Sp) Use object to cast any spell in your spellbook 1/day. Without it, Concentration required to cast spells (DC20 + spell level).
Elven Immunities - Sleep You are immune to magic sleep effects.
Elven Magic +2 to spellcraft checks to determine the properties of a magic item.
Empower Spell Numeric effects of a spell are increased 50%. +2 Levels.
Evocation Evokers revel in the raw power of magic, and can use it to create and destroy with shocking ease.
Force Missile (7/day) (Sp) Magic Missile hits for 1d4+2
Illusion You must spend 2 slots to cast spells from the Illusion school.
Intense Spells +2 (Su) Evocation spells deal listed extra damage.
Low-Light Vision See twice as far as a human in low light, distinguishing color and detail.
Necromancy You must spend 2 slots to cast spells from the Necromancy school.
Spell Focus (Evocation) Spells from one school of magic have +1 to their save DC.
Wand of magic missile (50 charges) Add this item to create a wand of a chosen spell.
GM Tribute |
I will keep recruitment open until Group 1 is ready to depart as that may leave extra openings and I want to optimize two groups. Should take at least a week.
Submissions are looking great--no news is good news. The fine details are not as important as what you want to do with your character. Remember to build an extra stat point for the level 4 build on top of the 20pt buy.
French Wolf |
Trawling through the posts so far I have this as a draft roster.
Sandrion - archery ranger4
Kurgan - ranger4 (skirmisher)
Arvhil - elf wizard4
Allenin - fighter4 (ranged or melee)
Skirros the savage - druid2/ftr1/rog1
Talon - rogue4
Bikmalu - druid4 (plant domain)
Milhar - monk3/wiz1
Originals
Paladin
Fighter/ranger
Cleric
Is that on the money chaps?
William Allenin |
Looks right to me. Here are some extra details.
It looks like Milhar is also ranged focused based on feats and development path.
Harder to pin down Skirros but feats are also ranged.
Talon looks like a skirmisher.
Bikmalu looks caster/summoner focused
Avrhil was picked for table 1 so is out of the running for table two.
Overall we are very marshal heavy having traded the wizard and the cleric for marshal options compared to the recommended mix.
Oric The Oracle is a duplicate of a PFS character that I can adapt for a outdoors campaign and level if there is a need for more heals.