That Taldan AP: War for the Crown!

I will admit, seeing the recruitment thread for the other War for the Crown game has inspired me to make my own. I, however, very much prefer gestalt rules, and will be using them for this campaign, to provide a different experience for those who enjoy that.

Races: All standard races from the Pathfinder Core Rulebook will be allowed. Any other PC race will be considered on a case by case basis.
• Level: 1 gestalt. I do so love the mixing of classes’
• Classes: Only official pathfinder stuff. Sorry, no third party shenanigans.
• Alignments: I prefer any Good or Neutral alignment. Evil characters will have to make an argument for being allowed. (I likely won’t allow a CE character unless you come up with a very convincing argument.)
• Abilities: We’ll be using 20 point buy. No ability can be raised higher than 18 (after racial modifiers).
• Skills: We will be using the background skills system.
• Traits: Two traits, one from the War of the Crown Player’s Guide. One drawback allowed for an extra trait.
• Hit Points: Start with Maximum hit points at first level. Can roll or take average after that.
• Starting Gold: maximum for your class. You’re nobles and agents thereof, no need to be poor!

Feel free to ask any questions!

Dotting in, I may adapt my character from the other recruitment thread I’m not sure yet.

I am definitely in. Will be making a swaahbuckler/investigator.

I'll be adopting Juan Karthis by adding Mesmerist. Great to see another person running this :).

What's your stance on prestige classes? My character will go into the veiled Illusionist prestige class.

Dotting in as well...

I'll be adopting Juan Karthis by adding Mesmerist. Great to see another person running this :).

What's your stance on prestige classes? My character will go into the veiled Illusionist prestige class.

Just couldn’t help myself after taking a closer look at it for the other recruitment.

Prestige classes are fine! But you have to qualify for the prestige class on the same side you’re spending levels for it. So you can’t cheat the requirements by using stuff from both sides.

Also, important announcement.

Recruitment will end in two weeks’ time, on the 26th of July, at 12:00 central time. I will decide the team of four PCs on the following Monday.

Oh, heck yeah. I love a good gestalt game. This is the character I submitted to the other, and I'll use him here as well. Still have to update for gestalt, give me a few days to find the time to do that.

To Clarify for Gestalt we are just using the 3.5 rules correct?

It does seem like a fun and interesting AP, doesn't it? I'd like to adjust Ismene here to apply but I really have only the vaguest idea of how to build a Gestalt character. She was already planned to dip two levels of Empiricist but took the Mindchemist level first for the bombs and Brew Potion feat. But these are two very similar classes, which would have been good for general multi-class, but maybe not for Gestalt?

Hmm. Would welcome some input on this, please.

Cool. I’ll submit this guy. He’s a Vigilante since this seems like a good AP for it. I’m thinking of gestating with Alchemist or Investigator or maybe bard. Something with good skills and some spells.

theasl here - I'll be going with Ester/Portia, though her details in the alias aren't updated yet. I'm planning on staying with infiltrator inquisitor on one side but I'm not too sure what to do with the other.

Here's the mythweavers sheet I'll be adding the gestalt build to. I'll update when that's done.

As she is LE and maintaining two different identities, please let me know if you have any questions or concerns and hopefully we'll be able to work those out. Thanks for deciding to run this :)

It does seem like a fun and interesting AP, doesn't it? I'd like to adjust Ismene here to apply but I really have only the vaguest idea of how to build a Gestalt character. She was already planned to dip two levels of Empiricist but took the Mindchemist level first for the bombs and Brew Potion feat. But these are two very similar classes, which would have been good for general multi-class, but maybe not for Gestalt?

Hmm. Would welcome some input on this, please.

It's a fine combination as you end up with all strong saves. Investigator gives a lot more skills to alchemist as well. I believe ranged studied strike works with bombs quite nicely as well.

There are really two other options. The first is to add something like wizard. It'll give you a lot more utility and work of the same abilities.

The second is to add something with full bab like slayer or the aforementioned inspired blade swashbuckler. Then you'll probably want to move the dip over to the side.

Oh yeah! Thonis gets to toughen up and use her grandmother's falcata! I'll look at options first but probably I'm adding Rondelero Swashbuckler to Oracle.

Here's my crunch. I'm still writing my backstory, but should have it up in a day or two. The TL:DR version is that he's from a disgraced house that is rumored to practice all manner of black magic and diabolatry.

I know of a certain Taldan pirate who has returned home and wants to set things right.

Just finishing my Corsair Inspired Blade swashbuckler / Dual-cursed Oracle

Oh man, I've never played gestalt before at all- what's the best source for how it works?

I'm sure I'll have an idea for a character, just have to make sure I'm properly utilising the system.

Definitely interested!

I also have never played Gestalt. Is there a Link to those rules?

I will likely submit Virgil Geryon. I will make the necessary adjustments.

Thank you for running!

Oh man, I've never played gestalt before at all- what's the best source for how it works?

I'm sure I'll have an idea for a character, just have to make sure I'm properly utilising the system.

it's not very difficult. Especially at level 1. See here for rules.

I would be very interested! I'll need to adapt Etienne to fit, but sounds like fun. :D

Dotting in, I'll find a way to adapt my witch.

Thinking of finally trying to run a ridiculous greatsword build I've been toying with. I'm thinking of a Snakebite Striker Brawler/Phantom Thief Unchained Rogue. The result, if I do it right, will be a melee monster and disgustingly useful in non-combat scenarios.

Hi! I've heard wonders of this AP. It would be awesome to have a try!

I'll read the PG and see what can I come up with, though after all past experiences I'm itching to play a bard.

I'm a big fan of Gestalt. .... And I would love to play in War for the Crown. Like you, Taldan GM, I have seen that other WftC Recruitment and have had considerable interest -- I just discovered the other one too late, I feel, to have built a PC proposal.

INVESTIGATOR // WIZARD

I will be a HEAVY Bluff, Diplomacy, Knowledge Skills PC. I will Multi-Class on the Investigator side (Alchemist: Mindchemist; maybe eventually Inquisitor if the right roleplay evolution takes place, who knows, maybe roleplay will dictate one multi-class level in Vigilante).

Consider my PC to be one who likes to BLUFF the enemy into thinking I'm an ally -- and creating dynamic gambits to get information or counterintelligence whenever I can. And be a mega-Knowledge Skills (and Gather Info) guy. (You remember what I was like as 'Ozil' in the short-lived "Dawn of the Material Plane.")

I will propose a LG Investigator / Wizard.

Ok. This is Dorian Grey's submission.

I really like the myriad of possibilities with the addition!

Any questions on Build Path, or anything, please let me know.

Again; Thank you for running!

Alright, I am refining the concept a bit more...

I am going to be an Investigator (Empiricist)/ Fighter (Learned Duelist). Nit sure if I'll also take Mutagen Warrior or keep armor training.

The idea is an elf raised by mankind who has seen how the poor are treated and suffer and how the non-humans are put on display like a zoo. He wishes to change all of this and the princess seems his best chance to do so.

Build will be done tonight.

Alright, so... We have a Kn heavy guy, a Perception heavy guy... What can others do? What would you expect the bard to do? Bards can do almost everything, more so in Gestalt.

I guess Mesmerists can... mesmerise people :p Vrog, what can Occultists do?

I have a deception-based gnome illusionist that was supposed to be an oracle/sorcerer mystic theurge but his games never lasted long enough to get to the good part. With gestalt, no need for mystic theurge!

I'm looking at a chronicler of worlds bard/(some archetype) wizard or a (some archetype) Bard/(Some Archetype) Mesmerist focusing on support and utility.

Dotting for interest! I'm thankful there's a long recruitment, as I need to learn more about gestalt! I'll be back with a submission once I've wrapped my head around the options.

Alright, so... We have a Kn heavy guy, a Perception heavy guy... What can others do? What would you expect the bard to do? Bards can do almost everything, more so in Gestalt.

I guess Mesmerists can... mesmerise people :p Vrog, what can Occultists do?

As powerful as Barbarian/Inquisitor or Barbarian/Warpriest or something can be, I feel like spells goes against the point of the character. I might go Barbarian/Slayer, that’ll at least boost my skill points, add some extra feats and such, and Studied Target. Maybe Barbarian/Fighter, to get all the feats plus Weapon and Armor Training. But at core he’s an aspiring Ulfen Guard; he kills all the things that might threaten his charge.

Dotting. Love Gestalt. With only 4 spots looks like I will have to come up with something spectacular though. :)

I'm thinking about adding Arcane Duelist (Bard) to this build, I've never made a gestalt character, so we use the better number from each class for HP, skills, BAB, Saves, etc? Does favored class come into play?

Gestalt rules means you take two classes at each level, taking the best of all categories from either class and combining them together. If one is full bab, you take full bab. If one is 0/2/2 on saves, and the other is 2/2/0, your base saves at level 1 are 2/2/2.

Same with all of the HP and skills and such, minus the fact that you combine the class skills for both classes together.
For the Favored class bonus, you choose one of the two to be your favored class and receive the benefits for each level you take of it, including any alternate favored class bonuses.

Gestalt rules means you take two classes at each level, taking the best of all categories from either class and combining them together. If one is full bab, you take full bab. If one is 0/2/2 on saves, and the other is 2/2/0, your base saves at level 1 are 2/2/2.

Same with all of the HP and skills and such, minus the fact that you combine the class skills for both classes together.
For the Favored class bonus, you choose one of the two to be your favored class and receive the benefits for each level you take of it, including any alternate favored class bonuses.

Cool thanks for clearing that up!

Count me very interested! I've got an idea for a viking fighter/slayer, eventually going for the Ulfen Guard prestige class.

After finishing up my bard wizard build I’m actually thinking I might go a different direction with a Druid/Spiritualist pet build, focusing on support and tanking.

This is KingHotTrash here and I would like to present to you Krios Dinrulsis. An elf with a tragic backstory that has turned his focus for vengeance into a call for change amongst the common people. All I need to do is finish his gear and he'll be good to go.

When it comes to roles, he'll be an exceedingly good skill-monkey and face except when it comes to intimidating (usually). With the Young Reformer trait, he uses his Kn: Local to have had threats and messages delivered to cow those who could get in the party's way of success.

In combat, he will grow to be exceptional in melee combat with a rapier, using inspiration to support himself while fishing for criticals to harm the enemy. He is not too tanky in hit points but, with upgraded (and hopefully mithral) armor, he will be able to fight alongside the party to save Taldor from its own destruction.

If anyone wants to know Krios before the game starts, I love making mixed histories and I think most DMs like it too. Feel free to message me!

This is Gilfroy Fezziwig, devoted student to Sivanah, the goddess of illusions. Though his heritage is gnomish, he works hard to hide that fact (and most of the other facts about himself) from the outside world. He is reclusive and private, though he would be warm and friendly to those he considers true allies and friends, but at the same time, his artistry has made him a rising star in Opparan society. Still, nobody suspects, or even notices, the help. Right now, Gilfroy is a curiotsity; not a threat to anyone. Though he now lives comfortably with the patronage of Martella Lotheed, he remembers what it was like to starve, and so has a soft spot for the poor and hungry.

He has many face-type skills, stealthiness, and soon to be a host of illusion magic to help in social situations and control the battlefield in combat, while doing a bit of buffing and healing through his oracle side. Eventually, the sheer number of spells he'll be able to cast per day will get to be quite stupid.

I'll transfer my application for this game, too. I love gestalt, especially in play by post games! I'll update Henrika tonight.

Alright, Krios is all up-to-date now. He has his spells selected, gear purchased, and it ready to get to work.

INVESTIGATOR // WIZARD

I will be a HEAVY Bluff, Diplomacy, Knowledge Skills PC. I will Multi-Class on the Investigator side (Alchemist: Mindchemist; maybe eventually Inquisitor if the right roleplay evolution takes place, who knows, maybe roleplay will dictate one multi-class level in Vigilante).

Consider my PC to be one who likes to BLUFF the enemy into thinking I'm an ally -- and creating dynamic gambits to get information or counterintelligence whenever I can. And be a mega-Knowledge Skills (and Gather Info) guy. (You remember what I was like as 'Ozil' in the short-lived "Dawn of the Material Plane.")

I will propose a LG Investigator / Wizard.

.

Question:

I was thinking about my character concept and something about the campaign setting kept nagging me; ....Um, to make a short story long—

A few years ago we had a huge campaign in Taldor where one of the long-running side quests, PC-driven, was to gradually bring Taldor back to the worship of Sarenrae. It was actually a modified ‘Temple of Elemental Evil’ campaign, with a few other plots as well — but the ‘make-Sarenrae-popular-again’ thing really worked out.

So now I have in my head a strong ‘Pro-Sarenrae’ vibe going with my PC proposal. It’s still 100% the PC I described earlier, but with this added bit of fluff (that may never even, depending on how the game runs, come to light).

But I want to be a Peri-Born Aasimar with a strong connection to Sarenrae, as well as Taldor. To have a pro-Sarenrae background, like ‘Dad was an Emberkin Oracle of Sarenrae who converted Mom, from Merciful Bay.’

And I know you said any Race not from Core is by request only, and you’d have to consider it.
....So,— Peri born Aasimar who reveres Sarenrae? Investigator / Wizard who will multi-class the Investigator side. Permissible Race? (or not?)

I would advise against focusing on Sarenrae too much, as it is extremely frowned upon to worship her openly in Taldor, and many nobles wouldn't like you just for that.

If it's more of a secret thing and won't influence party dynamics as much, I wouldn't mind it too terribly much.

Presenting Hvakthur Oltarsson Vinmark, noble son of Oppara, aspirant Ulfen Guard, and dogged reformer!

Quick rolling for my Animal Companions Hitpoints (should pets get max at level 1 or roll for both?)

Animal HD level 2: 1d8 ⇒ 3
Animal HD level 1 if needed: 1d8 ⇒ 5
Phantom HD if needed: 1d10 ⇒ 9

I would advise against focusing on Sarenrae too much, as it is extremely frowned upon to worship her openly in Taldor, and many nobles wouldn't like you just for that.

Not tryna tell you how to run your game, but jsyk the splatbook released in conjunction with book one of WftC says on pages 3 and 4,

While military defeats such as the Battle of Nagisa top the list of “forgotten” history, so too do illogical or impetuous royal edicts, including a period in which only nobles were permitted to wear beards and the short-lived outlawing of all worship of Sarenrae within the country; many modern Taldans scratch their heads when they hear of Sarenites viewing their nation with suspicion or skepticism.

The book later says worship of Sarenrae was relegalized in 4603, or 117 years before today, and that now, worship of the sun goddess is uncommon but largely accepted, except in Zimar where it is head-and-shoulders the predominant faith.

Also, dotting, working on a human fighter/adaptive shifter.

Reworking this guy into a Paladin (Virtuoso Bravo)/Bard (Dawnflower Dervish) follower of Sarenrae.

I'll work on the background, but crunch is mostly done.

Can I play a coldborn Skinwalker? The character would be an Ulfen, traveling south with hopes of joining the Ulfen Guard. That his family is werebear-kin is...not something he'd advertise, but I'm sure it will come out eventually. So if it's more of a fluff thing, that people aren't going to accept an orc or grippli or whatever walking around Oppara's streets, he'd probably be easier to fit in, since he can easily pass as human unless he chooses to change shape. On the other hand, if it's more a mechanical issue, not wanting to deal with balancing non-core races, etc, I can understand why it'd be a no-go.

That Taldan GM wrote:

I would advise against focusing on Sarenrae too much, as it is extremely frowned upon to worship her openly in Taldor, and many nobles wouldn't like you just for that.

Not tryna tell you how to run your game, but jsyk the splatbook released in conjunction with book one of WftC says on pages 3 and 4,

Taldor, the First Empire wrote:

While military defeats such as the Battle of Nagisa top the list of “forgotten” history, so too do illogical or impetuous royal edicts, including a period in which only nobles were permitted to wear beards and the short-lived outlawing of all worship of Sarenrae within the country; many modern Taldans scratch their heads when they hear of Sarenites viewing their nation with suspicion or skepticism.

The book later says worship of Sarenrae was relegalized in 4603, or 117 years before today, and that now, worship of the sun goddess is uncommon but largely accepted, except in Zimar where it is head-and-shoulders the predominant faith.

Also, dotting, working on a human fighter/adaptive shifter.

Ah, well I appreciate that.

I was going off what lore I had known before deciding to run this, and have not finished everything I’ll need for running it just yet.
In that case, feel free to worship Sarenrae openly! Will still probably get a handful of weird looks and comments sometimes though.

Dotting and working on adjusting my application for gestalt. Very exciting. Ronderlero Swashbuckler with something.