Gangsters & Ghouls - Nights in Port-a-Lucine

Game Master B_Wiklund

A dispossessed noble family with a shadowy past is back in town looking to even the score.



Hi all, am setting up a Ravenloft pbp set in the Port-a-Lucine, the capital of Dementlieu and we're looking for up to 2 more players. Pathfinder ruleset.

So a little bit about the campaign.

The DuSuis Family had it all. Rising from humble roots on the docks, the DuSuis family seized control of much of Dementlieu's merchant shipping. Shrewd businessmen that also knew how to blackmail, intimidate and eliminate those that opposed them. The DuSuis, over three generations had gained money, power, and influence.
In one night that was taken away. The family was framed for treason, its ships sunk, members gunned down and knifed in the streets.
3 years later, some members of the family and their entourage are reuniting in Port-a-Lucine and is looking to even the score.

In a nutshell its a mobster/gothic horror urban campaign. Evil is definitely an option but subtle, controlled evil (Michael Corleone is a good example, does evil things mainly to protect his position, family not because he likes to go on shooting rampages). The party still needs to work together. Of course you're familiar with Ravenloft evil has a tendency to get noticed. So looking to play that grey zone of morality and the temptations of power

Characters should either be a member of the DuSuis family or some loyal retainer. Currently we have a wizard/gadget guy, a fighter/enforcer type, another player whose concept is undeclared (though was leaning towards rogue)

Starting level is choose one NPC level (e.g. aristo, expert) as your level 1 and then take 1 level of a PC class of your choice.

Dementlieu is fairly high-tech so guns (muskets, blunderbusses) are readily available.

For further info check out the discussion thread which is char gen info, background etc.

Ghouls and Gangsters discussion


I love the background and I love Ravenloft. Super interested.

I read through the two completed characters in the discussion thread, and I'd like to submit a character similar to Yvon, in that he served on the family's fleet for a few years. Not a DeSuis directly, but someone with deep loyalty and friends among the family.

Class choice:
warrior/gunslinger (pistolero archetype). He's a strong arm for the family, and familiar enough with sea travel that he found a place among the DeSuis fleet.

He owes a serious debt (details forthcoming), passed down to him from a deadbeat, gambler of a father. In the course of paying off the family debt, he has found himself enjoying the work and has managed to leverage his work into a solid relationship with the DeSuis, prior to their downfall.

His contact would be a low-level fence/warehouse manager who operated out of the docks in Port-A-Lucine, a second-cousin.


Hi Corvus, glad to hear the ravenloft and background interests you and a gunslinger would definitely work (and I have to admit I'm curious to see the class in action). Am curious to hear more about the backstory. The initial adventure should setup a bit more of a sandbox style as your characters deal with the multiple factions at work in and below the streets.
The one thing you may or may not have seen is that the first adventure will be borrowing very liberally from the first book of the Second Darkness AP (but not the rest, no drow conspiracy etc.). Just FYI.

So yes if you could generate a character and backstory and just post when you have a chance.

Sovereign Court

Hi there!

I would like to express some interest in this.

I was leaning towards Jean-Pierre de Suis, a Half-Elven (with the 'Pass for Human' feat) Warrior / Bard(Archaeologist).

Tall and athletic, with pleasant, aquiline features, Jean-Pierre is a second cousin of the ex-ruling 'Family', who had been content with a peripheral job which involved him tracking down objects of interest to the Family. The Family's fall from grace came as something of a shock, and he responded by quietly disappearing into obscurity, taking on odd jobs and distant explorations which kept him away from the capital as much as possible.

When he got wind of the fact that the Family might be slowly clawing its way back into its old power base, he sent out feelers, and received a summons to the capital, something which fills him with equal parts fear, and excitement.


Hey Brendan,

Would you consider letting a third player in?

Although my initial inclination would have been to try a gunslinger, I see that someone else has called dibs on that. Second pick would be an alchemist/expert.

Maybe he was a 'dealer' who used to be an associate of the family?


I'd like to toss my hat into the ring as well; I have an idea for a hitman with a bit of a Jekyll and Hyde influence.

Mssrs. Gaunt & Grim

Spoiler:

Mssrs. Gaunt & Grim
~
Problems Solved, Items Recovered, Inconveniences Made Otherwise

So reads the card held by a well-dressed man with an earnest smile and streaks of grey at his temples. Discreet? Of course my dear sir, as discreet as you please. Quiet as a mouse, my associate and I are, we are aren't we.

Allister Grim is an impeccably well dressed man who gives the impression of youth and vigor, despite the grey streaks in the temples of his neatly kept dark hair. He ambles amiable about his business, easily smiling his earnest smile while purveying his fine teas and coffees. Most of the time its even enough to keep people from being too greatly unnerved by his peculiar speech, odd mannerisms, and occasional references to 'his associate'. Most of the time.

In truth, Mr. Grim is a bit unhinged. From the time he was a small child, Allister has always had a constant companion and friend, who Allister now refers to as Mr. Gaunt. Whenever he was bullied or needed to bully, Mr. Gaunt was there to help and ensure the offender wouldn't want to bother Allister again. As he got older, he found that he and Mr. Gaunt had a facility for being hitmen; he would negotiate a deal and investigate his mark, and then when the time would come, he would simply step back and let Mr. Gaunt cheerily go about his work.

He is also more than the discerning owner of a small shop specializing in imported teas and coffees. He is in fact, a hired killer and scientist who's ideas once caught the attention of one of the members of the DeSuis family. Finding both work and support for his ideas, Allister was quite content with his work for the DeSuis, and as such was quite peeved when his patron (as Allister viewed him) was killed and his grand experiment disrupted.

The idea is to be an alchemist (vivisectionist archetype) going for the Master Chymist PrC from the APG. Shouldn't step on the toes of the other person interested in playing an Alchemist, as Allister is melee-combat orientated.


Merciful Arnaud - (I'm not sold on the name yet)

Stat Block:

MERCIFUL ARNAUD CR 1/2
Male Human Gunslinger (Pistolero) 1 Warrior 1
LE Medium Humanoid (Human)
Init +2; Senses Perception +7
--------------------
DEFENSE
--------------------
AC 16, touch 12, flat-footed 14 (+4 armor, +2 Dex)
hp 20 (2d10)
Fort +4, Ref +4, Will +2
--------------------
OFFENSE
--------------------
Spd 20 ft.
Melee Dagger +3 (1d4+1/19-20/x2) and
Dagger +3 (1d4+1/19-20/x2) and
Scimitar +3 (1d6+1/18-20/x2) and
Unarmed Strike +3 (1d3+1/20/x2)
Ranged Pistol +4 (1d8/20/x4)
--------------------
STATISTICS
--------------------
Str 12, Dex 15, Con 10, Int 10, Wis 15, Cha 13
Base Atk +2; CMB +3; CMD 15
Feats Gunsmithing, Point Blank Shot, Two-weapon Fighting
Traits Suspicious
Skills Acrobatics +0, Climb +3, Escape Artist +0, Fly +0, Intimidate +6, Perception +7, Profession (Sailor) +6, Ride +0, Sense Motive +7, Sleight of Hand +4, Stealth +0, Swim +3
Languages Common
SQ Deeds, Grit (Ex), Gunslinger's Dodge (Ex), Quick Clear (Ex), Up Close and Deadly +1d6
Combat Gear Armored Coat, Dagger, Dagger, Firearm Bullet (25), Pistol, Scimitar; Other Gear Gunsmith's Kit
--------------------
SPECIAL ABILITIES
--------------------
Deeds Gunslingers spend grit points to accomplish deeds. Most deeds grant the gunslinger some momentary bonus or effect, but there are some that provide longerlasting effects. Some deeds stay in effect as long as a gunslinger has at least 1 grit point. The
Grit (Ex) A gunslinger makes her mark upon the world with daring deeds. Some gunslingers claim they belong to a mystical way of the gun, but it's more likely that the volatile nature of firearms simply prunes the unlucky and careless from their ranks. Whatever
Gunslinger's Dodge (Ex) At 1st level, the gunslinger gains an uncanny knack for getting out of the way of ranged attacks. When a ranged attack is made against the gunslinger, she can spend 1 grit point to move 5 feet as an immediate action; doing so grants the gunslinger a
Gunsmithing You know the secrets of repairing and restoring firearms.

Benefit: If you have access to a gunsmith's kit, you can create and restore firearms, craft bullets, and mix black powder for all types of firearms. You do not need to make a Craft c
Point Blank Shot +1 to attack and damage rolls with ranged weapons at up to 30 feet.
Quick Clear (Ex) At 1st level, as a standard action, the gunslinger can remove the broken condition from a single firearm she is currently wielding, as long as that condition was gained by a firearm misfire. The gunslinger must have at least 1 grit point to perform t
Up Close and Deadly +1d6 At 1st level, when the pistolero hits a target with a one-handed firearm that is not making a scatter shot, she can spend 1 grit point to deal 1d6 points of extra damage on a hit. If she misses with the attack, she grazes the target, dealing half the

Background:

Arnaud grew up in Dementlieu, son of an inveterate gambler and drunk, failed dock-worker and all around lout. He begged off of the DeSuis family for years, accruing a serious debt. When he finally succumbed to his poisons (owing money can be hazardous to your health), the debts of the father were foisted upon the son. Unable to pay, he was press-ganged into service in the DeSuis trading fleets. This came to suit him just fine. The open seas were welcoming, the crew left him alone, and when the captains needed something... unpalatable taken care of, Arnaud would willingly, sometimes happily oblige. Hence the nickname 'Merciful'.

Eventually, the debts were forgotten about (by Arnaud at least) and his service to the family came from loyalty over obligation. When the Night of the Long Knives came, and the DeSuis family crumbled around him, Arnaud stuck to the people he knew (maybe he is on good terms with Yvon, having shared a similar profession). As of late, he has been floating around the docks of the Sea of Sorrow doing odd jobs. With word of Helene DeSuis' appointment, Arnaud has returned, looking to see if fortune has come back to the family he has served for so long.

Personality: Arnaud is calculating and detached. Obedient to DeSuis interests simply because it has worked out very well for him so far. He is not prone to anger or indulgences, He does not often raise his voice. He is not without joys or humor, and enjoys a bawdy drinking or sailing song as much as anyone.

Contact: Jacques, Arnaud's uncle, works a warehouse in the docks, used for many years the DeSuis and a few other companies since their fall. He knows of most everything going on in town(knowledge: local). He looked after Arnaud for years after his father's death, and helped steer him clear of trouble more than once.


I have to try to get in on this. I'll have a character ready by tomorrow. Thinking Human Aristocrat / Alchemist.


TwiceBorn wrote:

Hey Brendan,

Would you consider letting a third player in?

Although my initial inclination would have been to try a gunslinger, I see that someone else has called dibs on that. Second pick would be an alchemist/expert.

Maybe he was a 'dealer' who used to be an associate of the family?

Hey Xavier. Good to hear from you and hope you are doing well. Not sure if eric had mentioned this to you? Anyways, yeah definitely would be great to have you aboard and likewise an alchemist sounds promising. Do you think you'd have time over the weekend to whip together a char?


Luke_Parry wrote:

Hi there!

I would like to express some interest in this.

I was leaning towards Jean-Pierre de Suis, a Half-Elven (with the 'Pass for Human' feat) Warrior / Bard(Archaeologist).

Tall and athletic, with pleasant, aquiline features, Jean-Pierre is a second cousin of the ex-ruling 'Family', who had been content with a peripheral job which involved him tracking down objects of interest to the Family. The Family's fall from grace came as something of a shock, and he responded by quietly disappearing into obscurity, taking on odd jobs and distant explorations which kept him away from the capital as much as possible.

When he got wind of the fact that the Family might be slowly clawing its way back into its old power base, he sent out feelers, and received a summons to the capital, something which fills him with equal parts fear, and excitement.

Hi Luke, a half-elven bard archeologist certainly works. I'd say if you can post a char over the weekend that would be great. Hoping to get started early next week (say latest Tues).


GrimApotheosis wrote:

I'd like to toss my hat into the ring as well; I have an idea for a hitman with a bit of a Jekyll and Hyde influence.

Mssrs. Gaunt & Grim ** spoiler omitted **...

All right I know this jumps up the party size but Gaunt and Grim caught my interest. Do you think you'd be able to throw a char together for Tues?


And I think I'm going to have to say recruiting is closed until further notice. Sorry CR 20 Seagull but I think I'm going to have to cap the party at 7.

So looks like we've got a

fighter
wizard
rogue*
alchemist
gunslinger
alchemist/fighter type
bard


Ah well. Good luck with the game.

Sovereign Court

Wyrd_Wik wrote:
Hi Luke, a half-elven bard archeologist certainly works. I'd say if you can post a char over the weekend that would be great. Hoping to get started early next week (say latest Tues).

Sure, I should be able to put something together before Monday :-)


I could definitely have him statted up by Tuesday :D


Wyrd_Wik wrote:
TwiceBorn wrote:

Hey Brendan,

Would you consider letting a third player in?

Although my initial inclination would have been to try a gunslinger, I see that someone else has called dibs on that. Second pick would be an alchemist/expert.

Maybe he was a 'dealer' who used to be an associate of the family?

Hey Xavier. Good to hear from you and hope you are doing well. Not sure if eric had mentioned this to you? Anyways, yeah definitely would be great to have you aboard and likewise an alchemist sounds promising. Do you think you'd have time over the weekend to whip together a char?

Hi Brendan,

Yes, Eric pointed me to the thread. The story and setting seem original -- I own all of the TSR and Arthaus Ravenloft products, but have never had the chance to make use of them (don't worry, it's been years since I've looked at any of my Ravenloft books, and I don't remember much about Dementlieu). And the current cast of characters definitely is interesting.

Speaking of which I'm having second thoughts about class -- I'm now leaning towards oracle or witch. Maybe a prostitute or madam who had previously been part of a DuSuis racket? I'll try to have something up for you by Monday night.


Alright, I've settled on Aristocrat/Witch. Shall I presume that a witch gets the same starting gold as a sorcerer or wizard (it isn't specified in the APG or errata)?


Alright, I have put together Jean-Pierre.

I decided to construct him as if he was a 'gangster'; if heavier armor and / or larger weapons are required, I am sure he will learn quickly ;-)


Missed these posts. Lets move future posts over to the discussion thread.

Xavier, yep I would assume sorceror starting gp

Luke, JP looks good. Maybe I missed it but also feel free to create a low level contact (someone you know in the city that is at least somewhat helpful to you for some resource, e.g. a fence, an antiquarian etc.) Just a couple of sentences who they are and what their specialty is (essentially using your contact will generally give you a +2 bonus to some related skill check, possibly higher depending on the circumstances).


TwiceBorn wrote:


Hi Brendan,

Yes, Eric pointed me to the thread. The story and setting seem original -- I own all of the TSR and Arthaus Ravenloft products, but have never had the chance to make use of them (don't worry, it's been years since I've looked at any of my Ravenloft books, and I don't remember much about Dementlieu). And the current cast of characters definitely is interesting.

Speaking of which I'm having second thoughts about class -- I'm now leaning towards oracle or witch. Maybe a prostitute or madam who had previously been part of a DuSuis racket? I'll try to have something up for you by Monday night.

For the most part the main campaign stuff I put out is original I will be drawing heavily from the arthaus ravenloft stuff so I would suggest avoiding the gazetteer as while it is for the most part a good intro it has some spoilerish stuff in there.

And yes that concept would certainly work.

Sovereign Court

How about this:

Renee Jourdain:
Renee Jourdain is a moderately well-off middle-aged Antiquarian who lives in a dusty town-house off a quiet side-street in the capital.

He has had a long (and profitable!) association with Jean-Pierre; Jean-Pierre routinely brings him items for verification, and occasionally for a falsified letter of provenance, and the two have done quite well out of the antiquities business, either selling questionable items to discreet collectors, or seeing that they are shipped out of the country, with minimal hassle.


Hi guys, just anote to move any further posts to the discussion board. We've pushed the start date to thurs and then we're underway.

Luke Renee looks good and will be handy!

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