GM Slothsy's Second Darkness

Game Master Slothsy

Celwynvian BP: 3


Liberty's Edge

Pathfinder Rulebook, Starfinder Roleplaying Game Subscriber

Setting this up for conversation!


Great, thank you. I have a question already.
Here and here you mention 20-point buy.
The original recruitment was 25-point buy, and Orthrus seems to be built using 25-point-buy.
Which one shall we use? With some concepts, it may make a difference, especially IF the range of options is extended.(e.g. I'm a Ranger now. If Slayer is available, I may drop the Wisdom to save 5 points, then try and convert over to the Slayer while keeping the concept/idea/personality)
(that said, it's why I finish the backstory last, because I want all the mechanical choices to make sense - I do have a fleshed-out-character in mind, but if I lock that in early, I'll end up butchering the background if I make some alterations to the build. Easier to do those adaptations in my mind, then write them down once the rest is "done")

Also, re-posting with Alias since it's a re-used one anyway.


Richard Holysmith comes from a long line of performers and undead hunters. His branch of the family moved into RIddleport a few generations ago after one too many run ins with the law. They are smart enough to not openly engage with the crime lords, but they always seem to stir up trouble in one way or another.

Richard worships Calistra, as he lacks interest in long lasting relationships. He likes to cheer people up in anyway he can, and then moves on to help the next person through their troubles.

Bard Duettist:
Richard found a mockingale whom tweeted after him incessantly. Eventually he realized it really accented his performances, especially his acting. As he continued performing he noticed it change into a small fairy-like creature. She comes from a group of Azata who find musically inclined do-gooders and encourage him to be the best he can be.

With this build, Richard is more of a skill monkey, using Versatile Performance, his familiar and Heroism to enhance his skill checks. He relies on a whip for area denial and annoying enemies.

Warpriest:
With Calistria's blessing, Richard's whip mastery gets better and better each day. He works hard and he plays hard, especially against the forces of evil.

In this role Richard's fully committed to the whip. He'll crack that whip and try to stop anyone who comes close to his friends. He's more of a frontline control type.

Liberty's Edge

Pathfinder Rulebook, Starfinder Roleplaying Game Subscriber

Thanks for catching that error. It should be 25 point buy.


Hi there.

I'm in GGGM's (Orthrus Wightblood's) Kingmaker game and he mentioned this game.

I am considering applying and I wonder if you can tell me what part of the world the game is currently in? Are you in the darklands now, or still on the surface? What sort of character I submit would depend on where you are.

Liberty's Edge

Pathfinder Rulebook, Starfinder Roleplaying Game Subscriber

We are currently still on the surface. For a quick synopsis:

Second Darkness begins with the players working in Riddleport at a gambling hall called the Gold Goblin. They worked for a man named Saul Vancaskerkin, a sketchy fellow with one hand who was seeking to rebuild his fortune after being harshly punished for killing his wife and engaging in some light insurance fraud. Turns out, Saul had been working with a drow named Depora in order to rebuild his good fortune (which also seemed to involve funneling money to that drow as well). Notes found in her chambers after the party knocked her out indicated that she was part of a larger conspiracy aimed at bringing down most of the surface world. After killing Depora, a mysterious blot in the sky turned out to be a meteor being pulled from the sky. Luckily, this meteor turned out to be a very small one that only caused a tsunami (which, of course, heavily damaged Riddleport).

The meteor landed on a small island south of Riddleport called the Devil's Elbow. The party went there to search for skymetals and to follow up on leads from Depora that there was drow presence on the island. On the island, they found skymetal AND a rival crime lord named Clegg Zincher. Clegg Zincher had been one of Saul's chief antagonists (and was responsible in part for Saul's disgrace). Turns out, Saul had been ensorcelled by a drow on the island. This drow was Shindiira, a former associate and rival of Depora. Shindiira's journals, found after her death, indicated that she had been romantic rivals with a drow named Nolveniss. Nolveniss is the leader of the forces in Celwynvian, an ancient elven city. The journals included a large amount of information about a conflict within the city, which is an ancient Elven stronghold that was recently abandoned for unknown reasons. This information included battle plans and notes about how the meteor that was torn from the sky in Riddleport was only a test for a greater plot. The journal also indicates that there's an object called the "Armageddon Echo" located in Celwynvian.

The party's Lantern Bearer contact, Kwava, got into contact after hearing of the battle plans found. The party was whisked away to join the front line of forces battling in Celwynvian. Currently, the party is elbows deep in that fight and you would be jumping right into that. Characters that are elves (particularly Lantern Bearers) would make particularly good fits for joining the plot at this point. However, I'm willing to work with you on fitting in a character option at this point.

TL;DR: Currently on the surface world, engaged in a mass battle v drow in ancient elven ruins


Good thing you mention that...because I WAS considering the Lantern Bearer Ranger Archetype. It is compatible with the Guide Archetype.

Despite the flavor text only talking about the majority of members being elves, I dismissed it on the basis of being a Dwarf. But then again, Dwarfs would make splendid Lantern Bearers considering their enemy.

Would a Dwarven Ranger with the Lantern Bearer Archetype be acceptable? It is by RAW, but if you want to keep the ranks "pure" elven, I understand.

Liberty's Edge

Pathfinder Rulebook, Starfinder Roleplaying Game Subscriber

I'd allow it. You may have some ig people not consider you a "real" lantern bearer, but you know, people are jerks for all sorts of reasons. You're more than welcome to take the archetype.


Thank you! I will pick it up and am perfectly fine with discrimination in-game.

But it sparks a follow-up question:

GM:

For reasons to join up with the Lantern Bearers, the alternate racial trait
Ancient Enmity: Dwarves have long been in conflict with elves, especially the hated drow. Dwarves with this racial trait receive a +1 racial bonus on attack rolls against humanoid creatures of the elf subtype. This racial trait replaces hatred.
would be excellent, by focusing on Drow in the backstory, not elves.
It replaces
Hatred: Dwarves gain a +1 racial bonus on attack rolls against humanoid creatures of the orc and goblinoid subtypes because of their special training against these hated foes.
which is the same thing, with different subtypes.

However, I intended to eventually pick up the Dwarven Hatred Style Chain, mainly because of Dwarven Seething to further push survivability or make iteratives more likely to hit(plus ranger is light on swift/inmediate actions). But it states, as prerequisites, that it needs defensive training and hatred racial traits.

Would Ancient Enmity be a valid substitution for Hatred as far as the Feat Chain is concerned?
I will stick with the original/basics if necessary, it doesn't change anything important about how the Feat Chain operates - specifically applying defensive training dynamically...but an attack bonus vs. drow would be preferable, and make more sense for a lantern bearer, so I wanted to at least ask because mechanically, the racial traits seem identical.


So, we're fighting drow? Sounds like Richard could be more of a spy-type character, maybe he's on the hunt for potential turncoats and making sure the drow haven't seduced more of our allies.


I was originally thinking about submitting Dunganagar The Mad, but he is in a recruitment now and I have a feeling from talking to the GM that he is pretty much a lock now. But if he doesn't make it he could be good for a Second Darkness game.

The other idea I had was an Oni-Spawn Tiefling Inquisitor of Feronia, Yazan Ashwater (there's a profile but there's not much there. Never played her online). I played her in a couple of PFS sessions. Basically a tanky fighter with skills and spells and a focus on Intimidate. Her heritage would be orcish rather than human, and barbaric; after leaving Belkzen she wandered north through the Realm of the Mammoth Lords, Irrisen, and the Land of the Linnorm Kings. I would have to come up with a reason for her to end up in Celwynvian though.

Liberty's Edge

Pathfinder Rulebook, Starfinder Roleplaying Game Subscriber

Yes, Second Darkness as an AP is all about drow. There may be:

*Battles vs drow
*Infiltration of drow society
*BIG REVEALS regarding drow (that may or may not be spoiled for)
*Drow plots
*Drow everything pretty much

Basically be prepared for a long, gnarly conflict of party vs drow. Elves are against the drow and you're working with them. That's what this game is, for truth in advertising. You will not be returning to Riddleport unless the party deliberately decides to go off the beaten path and do so.


Okay, sounds like Richard would work better as an infiltrator. I'll transfer the Hero Lab stuff to an alias today.


Okay, I got Richard's Stat Block up.

Over here.

I'll work on his familiar next.


And here's Richard's familiar, Sherix.


Until when do you want us to be finished? I started putting the background into writing, and upon doing so, experimented with a 2-level fighter dip. (mainly because he simply tagged along as a caravan guard then, not truly doing any rangery stuff - mechanically it allowed him to learn Thunder and Fang quicker, as would have been desirable in a organic character progression(without skipping to level 7), and providing Heavy Armor Proficiency(which he would want eventually anyway, for some Mithral Full Plate))
Anyway, what I'm trying to say is that design process is fluid and ongoing as I adapt the build to fit the background...so I was wondering how much time we will have for this process?
My understanding was that there's more applicants who have not spoken up here yet and we are not in a hurry so far, but then, knowing is better than guessing - :)

Liberty's Edge

Pathfinder Rulebook, Starfinder Roleplaying Game Subscriber

I'm headed out to Gen Con next week. Ideally, I'd like to do onboarding after I get back (as my posting becomes non-existence). Let's make the application deadline August 21st.

Again, my priorities (in order) for the two player slots are:

1) Consistent record of posting with pbps
2) Roleplay-focused play style
3) Then character details (how well I feel people work in the setting, etc etc).


Thank you.

I do hope(and, to be honest, expect), that you will find none of the applicants so far lacking in #1 and #2 - whereas of course, different people prefer different styles.
But it's good to know we'll have some time to work on 3#.
I'm generally fast when it comes to having an idea or concept at hand, but take my sweet time getting it fleshed out and finetuning things until I myself am happy with the result.

Have fun at Gen Con.


Enjoy Gen Con! Richard is mostly done, I'll work on adding more flavor this week.


I need to think about how Richard finds the party. The elven army of Crying Leaf seem to be very pure-blooded and aren't in the mood for any race-mixing. A few ways to get Richard in with the party:

  • He was part of a different group of hired mercenaries, and he's the only survivor. Maybe they were captured, killed, or they decided the pay wasn't worth the danger.

  • Richard was a POW, captured recently while sneaking around. I'm not sure why he hasn't been tortured or killed yet. He also needs to get his gear. Maybe he was recently captured as the party finishes an encounter?

  • Richard was sent as a messenger to send the retired PCs away to another adventure. He's here to take their place.

  • One too many joyful performances has angered the wrong elven nobleman. Said noble has assigned to the front line with the other foreigners and half-breeds, hoping he gets killed in the process.


  • Peet wrote:

    I was originally thinking about submitting Dunganagar The Mad, but he is in a recruitment now and I have a feeling from talking to the GM that he is pretty much a lock now. But if he doesn't make it he could be good for a Second Darkness game.

    The other idea I had was an Oni-Spawn Tiefling Inquisitor of Feronia, Yazan Ashwater (there's a profile but there's not much there. Never played her online). I played her in a couple of PFS sessions. Basically a tanky fighter with skills and spells and a focus on Intimidate. Her heritage would be orcish rather than human, and barbaric; after leaving Belkzen she wandered north through the Realm of the Mammoth Lords, Irrisen, and the Land of the Linnorm Kings. I would have to come up with a reason for her to end up in Celwynvian though.

    Well, Dunganagar officially got recruited.

    I'll put together Yazan and you can have a look.


    Though I've not said much, I'm enjoying reading the character brainstorming that's going on here :)

    Signed,
    A Current Player

    Liberty's Edge

    Pathfinder Rulebook, Starfinder Roleplaying Game Subscriber

    Peet - Congrats on the successful recruitment. I'll be happy to see Yazan!

    chadius wrote:

    I need to think about how Richard finds the party. The elven army of Crying Leaf seem to be very pure-blooded and aren't in the mood for any race-mixing. A few ways to get Richard in with the party:

  • He was part of a different group of hired mercenaries, and he's the only survivor. Maybe they were captured, killed, or they decided the pay wasn't worth the danger.

  • Richard was a POW, captured recently while sneaking around. I'm not sure why he hasn't been tortured or killed yet. He also needs to get his gear. Maybe he was recently captured as the party finishes an encounter?

  • Richard was sent as a messenger to send the retired PCs away to another adventure. He's here to take their place.

  • One too many joyful performances has angered the wrong elven nobleman. Said noble has assigned to the front line with the other foreigners and half-breeds, hoping he gets killed in the process.
  • All of these could work. While the Crying Leaf does tend to be mostly full elves, a mercenary with particular skills could be of high demand. Which one of these do you like the best?


    Ooo, the last one! Richard has gotten a little too rowdy or maybe a bit too close to a nobleman's daughter, so Richard's been reassigned on a suicide mission. Joke's on them, Richard's a survivor!


    Not finished, but coming together.

    Notice you are rolling for HP and taking the roll or average (whichever is more). By average I'm guessing that means round up?

    HP: 6d8 ⇒ (8, 7, 1, 2, 8, 2) = 28 Not bad. So that would be 8 + 7 + 5 + 5 + 8 + 5 = 38 + my starting HD which would be 8 = 46 + CON bonus (14) = 60.

    Liberty's Edge

    Pathfinder Rulebook, Starfinder Roleplaying Game Subscriber

    Yes, that means round up.


    Hum, it seems nobody else turned up so far...which potentially makes this a bit awkward.
    Because AFAIK you are looking to fill 2 spots.
    And all 3 of us who provided submissions so far came over from Orthrus Kingmaker Game. So, if you find the submissions acceptable, one of us will be an "extra".
    Kinda will make me feel bad regardless of the outcome - either I'm not getting picked, or feeling guilty over one of the others not being picked - would have felt easier if a couple more people announced interest - maybe ask those from other games who expressed interest if they mean to throw in some last-minute submissions?

    Not that I really want more competition :)
    Either way, will take some time on the weekend to clean the profile up(including artifacts left from the conversion pure ranger to fighter/ranger) and put a proper background into writing, to be done just in time for the submission deadline on the 21st.
    (Nothing changed there since I was young...if something needed to be handed in, I always started as late as possible(or later) and got done just in time(usually). :D )


    I think Slothsy is away at GenCon but hopefully they'll be able to weigh in on things more in a few days :)


    If I don't get picked, that's okay. Richard will be a good test character for other games.


    And another slight alteration on the final stretch.
    I did want to try a character utilizing Thunder&Fang and went in with that vision.
    But with current options available, it seemed like purposefully choosing a suboptimal route to go.
    UC Rogue with Finesse Training in matched weapons is simply more desirable for pure Two-Weapon-Fighting goodness.
    And unhindering Shield is the superior variant of Two-handed Weapon+Shield school of Combat Styles.

    I am definitely not concerned with completely optimizing things, but as a Melee-Character without Pounce(or equivalent) that would have left me with both a low damage output(unless I get to full-attack) and a low area-control-ability. Sure, if I used the "Rangers Focus" ability and then unleashed a full attack, that would have been painful for an enemy, but regulary, Dvalin would have underperformed.

    So now he will simply be inspired by his Shoanti friends combat style, but do it his OWN way, with a Dwarven Longhammer and Unhindering Shield.
    This way, Two-Handed wielding synergizes with Power Attack and Furious Focus to allow good damage on attacks made after needing to move into range. It also adds SOME area control(no room to fit in Combat Reflexes, though).
    So instead of directly copying the combat style, he now does a Dwarven variant of it that translates into a decidedly more consistent damage output at the price of less burst damage on focused targets.

    It seemed a desirable change considering our main enemies most of the plot will be drow...which means they won't blindly charge at the heavily armored frontliner waiting to be cut down with full attacks...


    I am currently at Gen Con (and about to start gming!). I'll respond better when I'm done.

    We have decided to use the expanded rules available in the linked house rules document, so if you would like to adjusted based off of that, feel free.

    -Posted with Wayfinder


    Hm. I did adjust slightly after reading through it again.
    Mechanically, I originally used the 2 Levels of Fighter to pick up one extra Feat and Heavy Armor Proficiency, as well as re-gain Endurance(which Lantern Bearer trades away for Poison Resistance, but seems flavorful for a Ranger/Guide) via Unbreakable Archetype(plus it fits storywise, when his first group was wiped out and he barely survived...thanks to Diehards auto-stabilization).
    By your houserules, that still qualifies me for Combat Stamina as free Fighter Feat...it is only useable for the second Level Fighter Bonus Feat Shield Focus, but I would understand if you would prefer class dips to not provide that amount/kind of bonus.(Not that any one of those is overpowered, but it WOULD be 3 Feats gained, or 4 with the second level added into the equation)
    So, just saying I have Combat Stamina listed currently, but it was unexpected and unplanned-for so no worries if you want it gone.
    Also, do have fun at Gen Con.


    I have basically done Yazan except I still have to convert my point form notes about background into prose. As Orthus can tell you, I have a tendency to write long and the beginning part of her background went on longer than expected. I still have a fair bit to do there.

    Also I have 30 gp with which to buy rations and rope, etc. Still have to do that.

    But the key thing is that in her travels Yazan eventually fell into membership of a Nomen raiding band. After a time a member of the band came across a map which reputedly held the location of a treasure hoard in the Mierani forest. Believing they could sneak in and then out with the treasure, the band entered the forest, but got ambushed by elven scouts. Most of her band was killed, but Yazan was captured (possibly along with others in the band).

    Originally planning to try and execute the intruders, the elves guarding Yazan were summoned to Celwynvian to fight the menace there. Yazan was given a choice: Die, or fight the elves' enemy at Celwynvian. If she were to do that, she would be allowed to live and leave the forest.

    Does that work?


    Done as well, except for the final stretch of background(which is summarized right where it would go).
    So, just saying, after much back-and-forth on both story and plot elements, with the deadline, things are "locked in"...WYSIWYG
    (except, possibly, the alternate racial trait focusing hatred on drow rather than orcs if that works for the Combat Style...I did ask earlier in the thread but I guess it was missed).

    Liberty's Edge

    Pathfinder Rulebook, Starfinder Roleplaying Game Subscriber

    Hello! I am back from Gen Con and am suffering from both con crud and con crash! I'll be reviewing submissions tomorrow or Wednesday and will get back to you all!


    Hehe, take your time. Sounds like you had fun at GenCon.


    I vote we just take them a-*ducks as tomatoes come flying her way*

    *cough*

    Er, I mean I can't wait to see what Slothsy decides! :)

    Liberty's Edge

    Pathfinder Rulebook, Starfinder Roleplaying Game Subscriber

    After consideration and looking over your backgrounds, I've decided to bring all three characters into the game. This puts our total party up to 6, which is doable, and all of you have characters that I'm excited about bringing in.

    I'm going to post in the thread now; while I'll contact you individually to work out exactly how you've gotten involved, you've been assigned to the party's current squad in the battle for Celwynvian.


    Oh! Welcome aboard everyone :)


    Yay!


    Thanks for accepting us! Now we don't have to choose...

    *puts away the jousting stick and walks away from the pit of flame*


    Hooray!

    Yazan gives her elven captors a feral look as they release her into the company of a group of non-elves.

    "I am ready for battle. Even if I die here, it is better than the noose. Or however elves execute people... For all I know they sing people to death."

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