GM KoKyu's Jade Regent

Game Master KoKyu

A journey of a thousand miles begins with killing a few Trolls.
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Childish Quasit...Rabble-Rousing +28| Fluff +25 ....| RAW -29 | Poor form +33 Watch order: Draeven, Rennyn, Anara, Fenra, Sharadei

This is the discussion thread for my Jade Regent Campaign. Those invited will be posting here to discuss character development as well as some of the nuances of the Jade Regent.

To start with the basics, here is the Player's Guide. One of your two traits should be from this guide, however I would encourage you to change the description as the Building Relationship rules will not be used as written (see Nuances).
I am also toying with the idea of including...

A Bonus Trait:
FAMILY BUSINESS: Your families all represent professions of one kind or another. Up to this point in your lives, taking up the family profession is the only glimmer of light in your futures. Hanging around with your mentors has been more of a hobby frowned upon by your families. However, as you have all managed to equip yourselves appropriately, you are confident your families will not disown you for running off a few goblins.
Every character gets a free profession of their choice to be treated as a class feature. These skills will also come in handy on your journey in the caravan. You must commit at least one skill point to this profession at first level.
Opinions?

Nuances:
I don't see the caravan rules as working very well. I'm all for axing them save for those rules pertaining to keeping track of supplies and caravan statistics. Opinions?

Unless there is a particularly strong objection, I will be omitting 90% of the Relationship rules as well. These rules encourage gift giving and other narcissistic behavior for extra XP. Success then rests on the roll of the die. The relationships you build with the NPCs provide boons at the end or when the relationship has reached its peak/ Devotion Level. So as not to miss out on some of the boons because of poor die rolls or lack of gold to buy the NPCs off, I will keep the relationship scores, awarding points as PCs interact with the NPCs. I have not completely worked out what sort of 'interactions' result in points but am leaning towards a system similar to the way Hero Points are awarded. Boons (not XP) will be awarded as new levels of relationships are reached.

The Jade Regent is thick with NPCs. Since they will be on hand I'm inclined to start the PCs with a 20 point buy. We can discuss this, and what sort of roles you'd like to see the NPCs take during encounters, if you like.

I'm open to any classes the four of you can agree upon with the exception of Gunslinger. Should you want to take up the role of Samurai or Ninja, please try to come up with an Avistan twist for this class as, other than Ameiko, none of you will have distant ties to Tian Xia.

We will be using the STRAIN HP Rule Variant.

Other Pathfinder sources not listed in the PRD should be properly noted to make it easier for all of us to find. As there are no deserts in or around Sandpoint, components gleamed from desert/pharaoh themed sources have no place here...yet. As the journey unfolds, there will be opportunity to pick up some 'cultural' traits from other lands. I'll let common sense and the group decide on what is appropriate and what is not.

Few of us are rules savants. However as everyone here is an experienced player, we should all be familiar with the rules. All the same, we are human and bound to make mistakes. I will be relying upon all of you to keep each other in check with all things RAW. During game play, I will lean towards the PRD for decisions but I'm not above being diplomatic. Cases and concerns will be addressed here.

Finally, Jade Regent has an Asian twist throughout and nothing is more Asian than Manga. I like the idea of Manga themed descriptions - the more outrageous and playful the better. Hamming it up a little is ok too.

So let's get started...

Dark Archive

No longer matters Drow Lich Epic level Wizard/Cleric of considerable ability


Who all is in and does anyone have a particular class they want. My first thought was a halfling bard before I read the AP players guide but I'm open if that makes anyone want to split someone's skull.


Childish Quasit...Rabble-Rousing +28| Fluff +25 ....| RAW -29 | Poor form +33 Watch order: Draeven, Rennyn, Anara, Fenra, Sharadei

Welcome Aphin. As the description reads, any class you can agree upon, just not Gunslinger as there is no ammunition where you are going. As there are only the two of you so far, feel free to choose what you want.
I believe a gnomic bard would perhaps infuriate the Drow Lich though. :)

Dark Archive

No longer matters Drow Lich Epic level Wizard/Cleric of considerable ability

I am thinking paladin at this point.


I am leaning towards oracle.


Pathbuilder link Perception +13| AC 24| Fort +14| Ref +12 |Will +17

This is what I have so far. Still need to pick a feat and trait and am still thinking about some things. What do you think?


Childish Quasit...Rabble-Rousing +28| Fluff +25 ....| RAW -29 | Poor form +33 Watch order: Draeven, Rennyn, Anara, Fenra, Sharadei

Looks like it is coming together. I find it is easier to read/find things if you break up sections with spoilers, but that's just my preference :)

As the others join in, you will need to work together to coordinate how everyone knows each other before we start. While I'd prefer something like "a long standing group of friends", we'll see what comes.

@Fenra and Lord oKOyA:
I'd also like you to think about a quirk for your PCs. Something they like to do either with or without knowing, a mild phobia or what have you.


Pathbuilder link Perception +13| AC 24| Fort +14| Ref +12 |Will +17

Well the traits all kind of imply that we are all natives of Sandpoint, other than the caravan guard one, so everyone should know each other at least somewhat. Depending on the traits taken some might even be "siblings". Btw I think I am going to change the campaign trait I picked. Still thinking about my background/motivation.


~Elf Champion (Paladin) 8~ Perc +11 (+2 to init) AC 28 HP 110 Fort +14 Ref +12 Will +13 PATHBUILDER Link

Very much a work in progress, but here is something...


Pathbuilder link Perception +13| AC 24| Fort +14| Ref +12 |Will +17

I am wondering about Use magic device, whether it would be worthwhile to put some ranks into to get access to some arcane spells via wands.

The oracle can cast some arcane spells anyway due to the whole mysteries thing so I was wondering if I could use wands of just those spells I already have access to without a UMD check. I tried to find something on the forums about it and the best I could find is that if a divine spell caster casts a spell it is divine regardless of the description and vice versa. The example given was bards and clerics casting CLW. That makes sense so I was wondering if there was a chance of finding/buying wands that had a different creator. Like if a bard created a wand of CLW any arcane caster could use it without a UMD check and if an oracle with access to colour spray, like I will at 2nd level, could create a colour spray wand that any divine caster could use without a UMD check. Is that the kind of thing that would be possible to find in game is my question, could we try to find a divine caster that made a wand of magic missles for example, not sure if that particular one is possible but you get my drift.

Anyway in general the whole UMD skill doesn't seem worth putting points into for me, but I am not 100% sure.


Childish Quasit...Rabble-Rousing +28| Fluff +25 ....| RAW -29 | Poor form +33 Watch order: Draeven, Rennyn, Anara, Fenra, Sharadei

Welcome Thysrial!

Players, don't forget to add your professions. You are aspiring adventurers, but you are not adventurers yet. This is a free class skill with a coupon to gain an extra skill point at first level.

PC Quirks:
A quirk is some mild form of odd behavior, like a habit. It doesn't have to be debilitating like a drawback. Drawbacks have automatic penalties for failures in certain situations. I don't want to go there. What I want to do is add flavor to the role playing but not at the detriment of the characters.
For example, one of the PCs I play elsewhere is afraid of heights, but he can overcome this if he's shown the ladder is fool proof or that the bridge is indeed safe. Basically, he's never going to volunteer to be first over a bridge. It is more of a trust issue, but it makes for interesting role playing whenever there is climbing involved. He has to try to squirm his way out of doing it. The GM for that AP has suggested there may be a DC for some encounters but it will vary and be dependent upon how the situation is played out.
My PC also has a soft spot for the preservation of all living things ie. he's not about to go stepping on spiders - at least not the little ones that pose no danger. He has not had much use of this one, but its there just in case.

Fenra, regarding UMD, all casters (divine, arcane or what have you) can use wands without making a UMD check. UMD is a trained class feature meant to be used by Rogues; Oracles don't get training in this.
Without getting into who made what, as types of wands go, basically, if your PC has access to the spell in question, she can use the wand. A wand of Magic Missile, can normally only be used by either a sorcerer or wizard. Fenra could not use said wand unless/until she encounters this spell as part of her mysteries.
Does anyone have anything else they can add to this? Thysrial, could a spellcraft check be used to use wands outside of one's focus? Is there a feat for this?


Pathbuilder link Perception +13| AC 24| Fort +14| Ref +12 |Will +17

ok. I will think on the quirk. another thing is the bonus trait. I'm not sure what the bonus is. I don't see a family business trait listed and I don't know what it means to be treated as a class feature. All professions are class skills anyway so are you just saying to pick one and put a point in it? I'm just not getting the 'bonus' part, what am I missing?

Also I have absolutely no familiarity with Manga so I don't know what kind of descriptions you are looking for there either. Are they just very descriptive? bloody? many hacked limbs?Lot's of wide/squinting eyes?

Sorry to be a pain.


Childish Quasit...Rabble-Rousing +28| Fluff +25 ....| RAW -29 | Poor form +33 Watch order: Draeven, Rennyn, Anara, Fenra, Sharadei
Fenra wrote:
All professions are class skills anyway...

Which makes it really easy to give as a bonus trait :)) There is no Family Business trait in the Player's Guide but Jade Regent is an epic voyage. With so much time spent on the road, it makes sense that everyone should have a skill set outside of their class. This will come in handy for not only for maintaining the caravan, but also later on in the AP.

Fenra wrote:
... very descriptive? bloody? many hacked limbs?Lot's of wide/squinting eyes?

Yes! Well, you're getting there. Shoot for descriptions with more than just, Fenra is a half-elf with dark hair and brown eyes. Check this summary of BLACK JACK and how the character is described. It's not very long but there is a lot of detail. Try the same thing with encounters and descriptions of what PCs and NPCs are doing. So a PC rolled a hit on the target... how? Be imaginative. Paint a picture and feel free to make it fantastic - this is a fantasy role playing game after all.

If you want to know more about Manga, check this site: What are Manga and Anime?

Dark Archive

No longer matters Drow Lich Epic level Wizard/Cleric of considerable ability

You are totally incorrect on UMD. :P

The short explanation is: if the spell is on your class list you can activate the wand (scroll, staff etc). If it isn't, you need to use UMD. Same goes for magical items that require specific classes (ability), races, alignments etc. I suggest you re-read the skill description for a full explanation.

I you still have questions I will be happy to answer them. :)

Can we take a Craft (blacksmith, armor, weapons etc) skill in place of a profession? (Seeing as how you can't take Profession (blacksmith).

Can you create the Gameplay thread so that I can dot it? It will then show up on my campaigns tab and make my life easier. :)


Childish Quasit...Rabble-Rousing +28| Fluff +25 ....| RAW -29 | Poor form +33 Watch order: Draeven, Rennyn, Anara, Fenra, Sharadei

Cheers Lord oKOyA! As I said, I am no rules savant. Yours, and the input of others will be invaluable as we move on.

Yes, Craft Blacksmith can be taken in the absence of the Profession. The caravan will need a blacksmith.

I've added the Gameplay thread. When your characters are ready, please set their tokens down.

Dark Archive

No longer matters Drow Lich Epic level Wizard/Cleric of considerable ability

I am thinking Craft (weapons) actually.

I don't see why they need to break up blacksmith, armorsmith and weaponsmith. :P

You could, of course, rule them all one and the same if you felt so inclined. ;)

What are we doing for starting wealth/equipment?


Childish Quasit...Rabble-Rousing +28| Fluff +25 ....| RAW -29 | Poor form +33 Watch order: Draeven, Rennyn, Anara, Fenra, Sharadei

As long as it is of benefit to the caravan I see no harm in combining them.
From the amount of play I have seen, it is a little used skill. Armor seems immortal until another, better set is found :P At one point I had considered making mending part of the AP - diverting some damage to weapons and armor for PCs to spend time repairing in between encounters, but I could not find anything of use. It may be interesting to add should the right rule set come up. Has anyone seen variant rules to cover this? or ideas to include this?

Starting gold will be as per RAW Core. For those with more exotic classes, look to RAW Advanced. Feel free to take your chances by rolling your wealth or just take the average.


Pathbuilder link Perception +13| AC 24| Fort +14| Ref +12 |Will +17

So there is really no bonus in the bonus trait, it is just a mandate to put points into a profession right?

I chose merchant because of my high charisma plus I was also thinking that as an adoptee of Kola I would have travelled on the caravan before and picked up some haggling skills while offloading/procuring goods. After reading the PG it seems that will be handy on the trip.

As for UMD I figured that I would need to use it for spells that weren't in my category but was thinking divine vs arcane as opposed to class. I'm not sure I want to put any of my limited points into UMD, what do you think?


Pathbuilder link Perception +13| AC 24| Fort +14| Ref +12 |Will +17

Ok, I finally noticed the "coupon for a free skill point" so I added it in the adjustment section if that is what you were going for.

As for the quirk I was thinking about about making my character into a bit of a seductress, why let that high charisma go to waste! Maybe she will be constantly leading on the men (or women) of the towns the caravan stops in, having one night stands willy-nilly. Flirting with any pretty face. Causing discord among her many suitors travelling with the caravan. I am considering taking the hedonistic drawback as well. Do you think that will cause too much trouble or make for some interesting dynamics.

Anyway, I think I am almost done, depending on what you think about my 'quirk'. Hopefully we get an arcane caster and possibly a meat shield. Do you think you might open up the recruiting?

EDIT
I was looking at the APPG and saw that I can act as a trader with just diplomacy. I have a high diplomacy so instead of taking profession merchant can I use the skill point for a perform? If I take the hedonistic drawback I can use the extra trait to get perform as a class skill and take dance. As the adopted daughter of a fortune teller and with the heavens mystery I think this fits in with a gypsyish kind of theme and would play into the seductress thing I want to go with. What do you think.


Pathbuilder link Perception +13| AC 24| Fort +14| Ref +12 |Will +17

I was reading the caravan rules, in particular trying to figure out how much money you make in a trade and it seems really unclear. I agree the caravan rules might become very cumbersome so I am fine with you modifying or axing them however you see fit. Most of the stuff i have read on the threads seems to indicate they are completely broken so while I think some of it is kind of neat, like maybe we still have to have particular roles filled, but perhaps no actual rolling has to be done for them and combats are PC not caravan combats.


Childish Quasit...Rabble-Rousing +28| Fluff +25 ....| RAW -29 | Poor form +33 Watch order: Draeven, Rennyn, Anara, Fenra, Sharadei

Interesting quirk :) Plays nicely into the some of the manga art as well as that interesting Pathfinder phenomenon concerning women's clothing and high ACs.

Concerning Caravans, I will be using the listed stats to keep track of damage to and modifications of caravans. It would be nice to keep track of supplies (which I will leave up to one of you) but as the party gains in experience I think magical means will come into play. If supplies become too complicated, we can blur it a bit...there will be no TPK by starvation :P I will look at the rules again as the story turns towards moving out of Sandpoint and it will always be open for discussion here.

I had sent out PMs to Pierre and Kalist. Unfortunately Kalist is engaged (literally) and soon to be married so has opted out. Pierre has left me guessing by casting silence. I'll let the spell expire then consider other means of recruitment.

Dark Archive

No longer matters Drow Lich Epic level Wizard/Cleric of considerable ability

I would politely suggest that his lack of response... is his response.


Pathbuilder link Perception +13| AC 24| Fort +14| Ref +12 |Will +17

I am going to assume then that I can use the skill point for perform since you didn't indicate otherwise. I will finish off my details and post them shortly.


Pathbuilder link Perception +13| AC 24| Fort +14| Ref +12 |Will +17

Completed for your edification.


Childish Quasit...Rabble-Rousing +28| Fluff +25 ....| RAW -29 | Poor form +33 Watch order: Draeven, Rennyn, Anara, Fenra, Sharadei

Sorry Fenra, yes a Performer will be of some use.

You don't have to take a drawback, your idea for a quirk is fine. But if you are set on taking a drawback, be my guest.


Pathbuilder link Perception +13| AC 24| Fort +14| Ref +12 |Will +17

Well, it kind of fits in, hopefully it won't be too cumbersome, but perform is not a class skill so I needed to take a drawback to get another trait so it could be a class skill.


I would apologize for not commenting earlier but I did not realize this until Okoya sent me an SMS. I am afraid PM'ing me in Paizo is quite probably the worst way to get my attention as I never notice that little mailbox and my favorites all link right to the campaigns. My apologies regardless. If you still want me I have a Zen archer I could play. If you have found more suitable candidates I am also fine with that. Let me know.

BTW.. Matt had no idea that the person PMing him was Chris and was part of the reason he said no. I do believe he will play though as he is getting married in 14 days and gone on his honeymoon for 7 that will likely affect his posting. :)


Yeah, I checked the aliases to confirm who it was because I hadn't seen that name before either. I can understand Matt not knowing. My favourites, or never closed tabs as the case may be, link right to the campaigns as well but the mail is still visible at the top.


Yep and the 2 messages I have had this year in there make it something I rarely notice. Perception fail on my part.


Childish Quasit...Rabble-Rousing +28| Fluff +25 ....| RAW -29 | Poor form +33 Watch order: Draeven, Rennyn, Anara, Fenra, Sharadei

Welcome Thetis of the Azure! You may present your character here. I hope we have worked out some to the bugs regarding the build requirements, but if you have questions, this is the place.

Fenra you are correct in assuming full HP at first level.

Sorry about the PMs. I assumed you were all familiar with them as you all frequent Paizo on a regular basis :P

Will Matt be changing his mind then?


Childish Quasit...Rabble-Rousing +28| Fluff +25 ....| RAW -29 | Poor form +33 Watch order: Draeven, Rennyn, Anara, Fenra, Sharadei

I'd like to shoot for a start of November 1st. Although I may be involved in a live session as well on that day, I have enough material prepared to kick things off. Thetis can you have your Archer up and ready by then? Don't forget to have an interesting quirk :)

I also need the three of you to come up with a common thread in your backgrounds. You've know each other for a long time, but how did you come together? What do you like to do when you get together?

Still waiting on Matt, should I send him another invite via gmail?

Dark Archive

No longer matters Drow Lich Epic level Wizard/Cleric of considerable ability

Live session?

I am gone hunting from the 1st til the 5th. Will have no internet.


Childish Quasit...Rabble-Rousing +28| Fluff +25 ....| RAW -29 | Poor form +33 Watch order: Draeven, Rennyn, Anara, Fenra, Sharadei

A group of elementary school kids need to be taught the meaning of TPK :)
Thanks for the heads up Lord oKOyA. We will adjust the start date to November 6th (no pressure).


Childish Quasit...Rabble-Rousing +28| Fluff +25 ....| RAW -29 | Poor form +33 Watch order: Draeven, Rennyn, Anara, Fenra, Sharadei

Just heard from Kalist, he will be joining after all! I am going to work in a little time off for his nuptials, but he won't miss any of the action.
Hopefully we will have a fourth player stepping up to the forum soon.


Pathbuilder link Perception +13| AC 24| Fort +14| Ref +12 |Will +17

As to how we know each other, do we need to be besties? Fenra pretty much always travels with the caravan anyway and will be going wherever Koya goes. (See background for more details).

Depending on the ties to the NPCs that could be motivation for joining the caravan. Fenra could also have had a friendly, or emotionally devastating, depending on how much drama you want to add, fling with any of the other PCs.

If Rennyn spends a lot of time at Ameiko's they could have met there. I'm sure Fenra dances there often. Or maybe she talks to him occasionally about elves to help connect with her elven heritage.

Dark Archive

No longer matters Drow Lich Epic level Wizard/Cleric of considerable ability
Fenra Mvashti wrote:
Depending on the ties to the NPCs that could be motivation for joining the caravan. Fenra could also have had a friendly, or emotionally devastating, depending on how much drama you want to add, fling with any of the other PCs..

Rennyn would be game for a fling. :)

Any idea what Matt will play? We are short of arcane casting... ;)


2 quick questions.

1. Can I use Craft bows for my profession?

2. I cordially request that I have more gold then the base 60 a monk gets as I would like to at least be able to purchase a bow for my Zen archer? could we go for double (120gp) even better 150. :)

I will also be taking a flaw to tie into my quirk. Thus allowing an extra trait if that is allowable?

Dark Archive

No longer matters Drow Lich Epic level Wizard/Cleric of considerable ability

That is 3 questions, not 2. :)

1. Yes (I took Craft Weapons)

2. A shortbow is 30gp. What is the problem? ;)

3. Yes (I did it)


The third started off as a comment that morphed into a question. :)

Thanks for the clarification DM Okoya.

Shortbow sucks and since all my traits etc will relate to a composite longbow (which most Zen archers would use). Unfortunately they are 75-100gp. I will wait for official confirmation. :)

Dark Archive

No longer matters Drow Lich Epic level Wizard/Cleric of considerable ability

You think I want leather armor and a short bow? :P

If you get more coin, I'll be asking for some as well. :)

Are we using Hero Points? Fenra seems to think so. :)


Hmm I bet you have more then one weapon and armor and your gear.

I am but a simple monk. I need only my bow and that is all. :)

Dark Archive

No longer matters Drow Lich Epic level Wizard/Cleric of considerable ability

I have my armor, sword, bow, (free) clothes and artisan tools. Absolutely no other weapons or gear otherwise. Not even a dagger. Or coin left. :P

And that is why "simple monk(s)" only get 60 gp. :)


Perc +10, Init +1, AC 16, HP 24, Fort +4, Ref +4, Will +8, CMB +3, CMD 19

This is what I have so far. Comments or Concerns?


Hi guys! Looking forward to joining the campaign. Sorry for just posting now but as said above I didnt actually realize it was the same group! Id be happy to try my hand at a mage if thats what is most needed. I will get something made up before I leave on Saturday, including a quirk ;).

Sorry for poor grammar, posting on phone.


Also, are there any new data packs I should buy for hero lab or anything? Is there a physical book I can buy to read up on the campaign while I'm on the beach in Mexico? Just want to make sure I'm able to hit the ground running when I return!

OH! Also, what alignments are you guys? I realized during the other campaign that some of my strategies may have been toeing the line between neutral and evil.....


Childish Quasit...Rabble-Rousing +28| Fluff +25 ....| RAW -29 | Poor form +33 Watch order: Draeven, Rennyn, Anara, Fenra, Sharadei

Welcome Kalist! If you have access to the internet, all the rules you need are listed in the Rules Archives (PRD). As long as your version of HeroLab is up to date with what is listed there, you should be fine.

Gentlemen, RAW is quite clear concerning starting wealth... and it looks like 35gp is the average for monks. You are free to try to increase this by rolling here for your starting wealth however, keep in mind monks aren't supposed to be materialistic. Trust in your faith Kenan and ye shall be provided for *coughs* Adventuring=gold. In the meantime, please adjust your inventory (if all you need is a bow, then why the Thieves tools, daggers and handaxes?) or make your crafting skill check to create your own. The cost of crafting a composite long bow is 1/3 100gp or 33gp with a DC of 15.

I see Lord oKOyA has answered Kenan's other queries although having two PCs with the same or similar professions is bordering on redundant. With so much talent in repairing equipment, I am leaning towards diverting some dmg to arms and armor...

Yes, we will be using Hero Points.

Dark Archive

No longer matters Drow Lich Epic level Wizard/Cleric of considerable ability
Kenan Forgesmasher wrote:
This is what I have so far. Comments or Concerns?

A few of your skills seem higher than they should be, but then your rescued trait isn't showing up in my HeroLab all of a sudden for me so that could be the source. Does that trait have anything to do with acrobatics or sense motive?


Dunno. Just used Herolab.


Childish Quasit...Rabble-Rousing +28| Fluff +25 ....| RAW -29 | Poor form +33 Watch order: Draeven, Rennyn, Anara, Fenra, Sharadei

The rescued trait changes depending upon who did the rescuing.

JR Player's Guide wrote:
If it was Shalelu who saved you, she did so by pulling you to safety while simultaneously defeating the peril that almost did you in, and as a result, you gain a +1 trait bonus on Acrobatics checks and Acrobatics is a class skill for you.

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