Sean's Master of the Fallen Fortress (Inactive)

Game Master osuracnaes



Hiyas... new PbP GM here who's been itching to run a bigger campaign (Kingmaker?), but I'm looking to try my hand at GMing something smaller first to get the hang of things. I'm thinking Master of the Fallen Fortress. It's a quick dungeon crawl to give me an idea of the best way to run combat, since I haven't seen much in the PbPs I've played in. To say it's light on the roleplaying part would be an understatement.

Also, since this is a PFS sanctioned module, I'd be up for running it as a Tier 1 PFS game if there's sufficient interest. Would be my first time running a PFS game as well.

Character Creation (PFS rules, basically)
- Level 1
- 20-point buy
- PFS races & classes (note - I'm partial to those in Core and APG)
- 2 Traits (one of which can be a PFS faction trait)
- No evil alignments
- Max hp
- Start with 150 gp

Other stuff
- How often can you post? A few times a day would be nice (I'm EST with a boring job) to move the combats along.
- Let me know if you want to run this as a PFS game.
- Wouldn't mind taking a couple new PbP players.
- Tips/advice for running combat/dungeons would be nice!

I'll pick 4-5 characters sometime after Friday (or sooner/later depending on how many/few responses I get). Don't spend too much time on backstory... it's a quick module :P.


I'm interested!

I'm new to the PbP system, but I've played a few campaigns with my friends so I'm familiar with the Pathfinder system, (if not with the specifics of the PFS rules) and I'm looking for a way to get my feet wet.

I'll be able to post at least once a day. And probably then some.

Jareth's 'Crunch':

Here is a quicker version to skim through, If you need more details (or you choose him for your game, I'll work out the details and specifics fully)

Level 1 Half-Orc Inquisitor of Sarenrae.
STR 18 (+2 Half-Orc)
DEX 12
CON 12
INT 10
WIS 15
CHA 9

HP - 12 (d8, +3 Feat, +1 Con)
BaB - +0
fort - +3
Ref - +1
Will - +4

Traits-
Armor Expert
Illuminator

Domain - Glory (Heroism Subdomain)

Equipment - Scimitar, and a Shield. Shortbow and some medium armor plus some adventuring goods if there is any money left. . (I'll work out gold values later, this may change.)

Feat - Toughness

Skills 7 (Favored Bonus+1) - Bluff, Inimidate, Perception, Know(Religion), Know(Dungeoneering), Know(Nature), Stealth.

'Jareth's 'Story':
Jareth 'Grim' Grimald
Level 1 Inquisitor, Half-Orc, Chaotic Good.

Backstory.
Jareth is the son of Amelia, a Paladin of Sarenrae . He was the by-product of an unsuccesful offensive against an orc Incursion where his mother and her squad were captured and held for weeks. Some Templars 'served' the Orcs like Jareths mother, some just killed, and others eaten...

Growing up in a home of a Paladin is somewhat of a unique experience, he was trained is some weapons by his mother, and taught the ways of the Paladin of Sarenrae. Jareth however did not successfully undergo proper training to become a Paladin as his mother wanted. Facing discrimination due to his Half-blood hertiage, and more than once succumbing to his own primal anger. Jareth was expelled from the teaching houses made for bringing up Paladins.

Jareth became jaded with just living a normal life, an extreme feeling of boredom, pressing on his mind like a vice, threatening to consume his soul and leave him an empty shell of a half-man. He refelcted on himself, and his faith, and how when undergoing training, and even the heated fist fights in the Paladin school against his peers, was the only time he felt Content, and strangely, at peace with himself. He realized he needed an Outlet.

Since then He endlessly travelled the lands on his own. During his travels he aimed to carve out his own good in this world in the name of Sarenrae, Paladin approved or not. He adventures to find relief from his constant depression and from a genuine desire to do good by destroying the beasts and monstrosities that live on the outskirts of civilization and to root out the evil that breeds within it. He aims to improve himself and to find relief from his Orcish hertiage by diving headfirst into any adventure he undertakes.

Now, Jareth has been wandering for as long as he can remember, but the one constant, the one thing he could depend on. His blades had always led him back to conflict. It was the only routine Jareth found acceptable, the chaotic reality that is battle.

Personality.
Jareth is brusque and does not honey his words. He has accepted the life of an adventurer, and seeks jobs constantly, his motivation is both his good nature and his Orcish predisposition for violence. Jareth however is not bloodthirsty, he has been known to lose his temper, however he knows when to pull his punches.

When not traveeling and not currently on a job, Jareth becomes agitated, not used to having nothing to do. He becomes impatient and reclusive, often feeding his boredom with alcohol. Inversely, when currently under a mission he becomes completely motivated and determined, Jareth is also apt at working in conjunction with others of like minds. Being able to adapt readily to a changing situation.

He genuinely enjoys the lifestyle an adventurer has to offer.

Shadow Lodge

I'm interested. I have played only the very very beginning of the adventure, basically just getting to the "building". I'd love to complete it as the game died very quickly.

My ability to post is very varied. I am deployed, and about to work a shift close to the timeline of the States. I can typically post multiple times a day, throughout the day, but there are times I simply can't Either there is an emergency, or the internet goes down over the base, etc. . . I will try my best to let people know, but I completely understand if that is too much for me to be in.

I have DM a few PFS games, and am currently, but never played one myself. I would prefere this to be an actual PFS game, as I'd like to get some credit on a character for real for the first time. I am fairly new to PFS, and to organized play, but also fairly familiar with PF in general, and a long time gamer.

Email:
DarthBeckett@G mail dot com

Grand Lodge

This character should be complete, PFS legal, and has not played the module. I'll double check it to make sure.

Shadow Lodge

Also, should point out, just in case, a new version of the PFS guide just came out like two days ago or so.

Grand Lodge

I'm definitely interested, particularly if this is a PFS game. Even if not, still interested.

I'd like to play a half-elf Spellblade (magus). I can post 1-2 times per day as needed, sometimes more. Background coming in a bit.


I know when it comes to combat, rolling intiative for each member will help move things along pretty well.

That and rolling saves for the pc's if the creature you're running has a special attack of some sort that requires it, instead of waiting for them to roll it.

This, of course, is simply my experience as a player that I think works well. It's really boils down to what you prefer and what your players prefer.

And you're not kidding about this pbp. It took our group about 3 months real time to finish it. Maybe 3 1/2. It is short and sweet and to those that apply, he's absolutely right about not having a detailed background. It really isn't a long enough game to warrant. I've seen those apply for this pbp in the past with backgrounds fit for an AP. I'm thinking, "Man that's a lot of work for such a short game." This module could actually be used as a beginner module.

Just saw the thread, thought I'd throw my 2 cents in. Don't worry, you can keep the change. :)

Good luck to you, Sean! Hope it goes well for you!

Silver Crusade

Here is my new level 1 PFS Zen Archer. I'd very much like to run him through this. On work days I can usually post all day.

crunch:
NORAN KEKMOR CR 1/2
Male Dwarf Monk (Zen Archer) 1
LG Medium Humanoid (Dwarf)
Init +2; Senses Darkvision (60 feet); Perception +8
--------------------
DEFENSE
--------------------
AC 15, touch 15, flat-footed 14. . (+1 Dex)
hp 10 (1d8+1)
Fort +3, Ref +3, Will +6
Defensive Abilities Deep Warrior; SR 6
--------------------
OFFENSE
--------------------
Spd 20 ft.
Melee Cold Iron Battleaxe +3 (1d8+3/20/x3) and
. . Dagger +3 (1d4+3/19-20/x2) and
. . Unarmed Strike +3 (1d6+3/20/x2)
Ranged Longbow +1 (1d8/20/x3)
Special Attacks Flurry of Blows -1/-1
--------------------
STATISTICS
--------------------
Str 17, Dex 13, Con 12, Int 8, Wis 18, Cha 5
Base Atk +0; CMB +3; CMD 18
Feats Improved Unarmed Strike, Monk Weapon Proficiencies, Perfect Strike (2d20) (1/day), Point Blank Shot, Precise Shot
Traits Watching Taldor, Wisdom in the Flesh: Sleight of Hand
Skills Acrobatics +5, Perception +8, Sleight of Hand +8
Languages Common, Dwarven
SQ AC Bonus +4, Greed, Hatred, Rock Stepper, Slow and Steady, Stability, Unarmed Strike (1d6)
Combat Gear Cold Iron Arrows (50), Cold Iron Battleaxe, Dagger, Longbow; Other Gear Backpack (empty), Bedroll, Caltrops (4), Candle (3), Chalk, 1 piece (3), Fishhook (2), Fishing net, 25 sq. ft., Flint and steel, Grappling arrow, Grappling arrow, Grappling hook, Hammock, Magnet, Marbles, Mug/Tankard, clay, Oil (1-pint flask) (2), Pouch, belt (empty), Powder (5), Rations, trail (per day) (7), Rope, silk (50 ft.), Sewing needle, String (50'), Thread (50 ft.), Waterskin, Weapon Blanch, Silver (2), Whetstone, Whistle, Signal
--------------------
SPECIAL ABILITIES
--------------------
AC Bonus +4 The Monk adds his Wisdom bonus to AC and CMD, more at higher levels.
Darkvision (60 feet) You can see in the dark (black and white vision only).
Deep Warrior +2 AC and +2 grapple vs. Aberrations.
Flurry of Blows -1/-1 (Ex) Make Flurry of Blows attack as a full action.
Greed +2 to Appraise checks to determine the price of nonmagical goods that contain precious metals or gemstones.
Hatred +1 racial bonus to attacks against Orcs and Goblinoids.
Improved Unarmed Strike Unarmed strikes don't cause attacks of opportunity, and can be lethal.
Perfect Strike (2d20) (1/day) Roll 2d20 for an attack with a Monk weapon and use the higher as your attack roll, the next as your critical confirmation.
Point Blank Shot +1 to attack and damage rolls with ranged weapons at up to 30 feet.
Precise Shot You don't get -4 to hit when shooting or throwing into combat.
Rock Stepper Ignore rubble, broken ground, or steep stairs when taking 5 ft step.
Slow and Steady Your base speed is never modified by encumbrance.
Spell Resistance (6) You have Spell Resistance.
Stability +4 to avoid being bull rushed or tripped while standing.
Unarmed Strike (1d6) The Monk does lethal damage with his unarmed strikes.
Watching Taldor During surprise round may draw weapons as a free action.
Wisdom in the Flesh: Sleight of Hand Sleight of Hand becomes a Wisdom-based, class skill.


@Javell: Cool - thanks for the advice! I've seen some PbPs that used those methods and it looked like they worked pretty well.

@Beckett: Should be fine... about how long are the periods when you can't post?

@Everyone: Ok, PFS it is! I'm adding character apps to the Campaign Info tab to keep track of. I'll leave the recruitment open through today and probably pick some characters later tomorrow.

Grand Lodge

GM Sean wrote:

@Beckett: Should be fine... about how long are the periods when you can't post?

It doesn't happen often, but usualy no more than a few days. Typically what I will do is either establish what I will do in game, or have someone control my character for a short time. For example I might ready an action to heal, or aid another to bump an attack or AC, and go to flank.


Oh... one thing I'm trying to figure out in particular is the best way to represent combat. Google Docs seems to be effective... either with a spreadsheet or an image... since it lets players move themselves. Any other recommendations?

Shadow Lodge

Google docs should be ok, but I've heard a lot of people having issues with it, (mostly incompatibility with their browser or not being able to access it at times), so not sure if you want to go with that.

I use a site called Image Shack and just post pics.

For Example MAP


I'd be interested in playing and am rather familiar with Pathfinder, but almost completely clueless as far as PFS goes. Would I need to know any more than your character creation guidelines to put together a first level character? Good luck with working the kinks, either way. I could post several times a day if my ignorance of PFS doesn't stand in the way, and am also EST. *waves* See you around the block!

Shadow Lodge

Only that it is drummed down to promote a lot of equality. There is no item creation, some things are restricted, and not everything is allowed. The guide is free Here and HERE are some links to other related things you might like to look into. Otherwise, it is fairly similar to Core PF.

Grand Lodge

I use maptools for my combat, but there are some issues with uploading and compatibility. Still, it's the best that I've used thus far.


The guidelines I posted should be enough... like Beckett said there are some limitations, but those shouldn't be an issue. Unless you were planning on focusing on item creation. :P

Unless you can find them somewhere else, you'll want to look at the guide to pick your faction trait.

Grand Lodge

SOmething I also generally find beneficial is to put a little bit about your character's mechanics and intents.

For example, I based this character off of Boondock Saints (for feel and theme), and my idea is to be very adaptable to any PFS style group. I can heal, I can buff, I can tank to a point, I have a lot of skills, etc. . . It is primarily a social character, and I am thinking of adding a level or two of Rogue, but undecided.

Silver Crusade

I've had success with GM's using google docs spreadsheets where everyone moves themselves, and I've had success with GM's posting pictures (probably from maptools) at the beginning of each round, with people just describing their moves in their actions. I don't think it makes a big difference to the players, so it's really what works better for the particular GM.

It definitely speeds things up for the GM to make whatever rolls they can (instead of waiting for everyone to roll perception, or initiative, etc), and make sure that every combat round everybody posts a stats summary as of the end of their action (HP, AC, affects, etc) along with their action summary.

This character is pure ranged nuking, though slightly disabled until I can upgrade to a composite bow after my first scenario. :) Can also do fine with monk style melee (just lacking flurry).

Grand Lodge

Here's my submission (character for Nayr Trebrot); I still have mechanics to work out, including spell selection

Quartes Keensteel:
Born of a Diobel smuggler and a dockside prostitute, Quartes begin with an interesting perspective on life. He was destined to be poor or in prison, with little chance of being anything else. The bastard's lineage was disputed by his father, an elven smuggler, who left the port soon after his birth to purse other ventures. His mother, who couldn't possibly support a babe and still ply her trade, gave the boy up to one of the local orphanages, and Quartes never saw her again.

Through it all, Quartes maintained an oddly jovial nature, never cursing fate for his lot in it, or blaming his woes on another. It was that very nature that led him to be discovered by an oft inebriated man of the cloth that was devoted to Cayden Cailean. The man mentored Quartes in the ways of his patron, and brought him up as a son. In him, Quartes found the father he had never had, and the priest's jovial nature soon became Quartes' own.

His talents, though, lay down another path. Quartes found that his skill with a blade, when combined with an arcane talent that seemed almost meager when compared with the reknowned wizards of Absalom, was an effective combination indeed. As his talents grew, his guardian and friend convinced Quartes not to waste them. Thus, Quartes finds himself working with the society that he sees as most actively doing actual good in Golarion - the Pathfinders.

Quartes is often jovial, at times to the extent to seem uncaring or callous. But, he's been tempered by despair, so his view on the world is that one should be happy with what he or she has, not wanting for what was not given them at birth. He often enjoys his drink a bit too much, or sings a bit too loudly, and he has a bit of his father's smuggler deep in his heart.

The only heirloom that Quartes has from his early life is a dueling sword that was apparently traded by his father for parts for a smuggler's vessel. The head of his first orphanage, a gruff and severe ex-adventurer, gave Quartes the sword; he never mentioned how he came across it. Since Quartes has no family name that he knows, he uses the maker's mark on his blade as his last name.


I submit Narnel for your consideration.I am a very experienced gamer and fairly experienced at PbP. I do not know the details of PFS, but I am completely familiar with all aspects of PFRPG. I would have no problem if you decided to go with PFS Rules - I would simply brush up accordingly. :-)

I can post at least a couple of times a day and usually do so. I have had some good experiences with Image Shack as well from the player side.

The Exchange

Filios Philandril - Rogue Swashbuckler - ready for PFS play, if you so choose to proceed that way. If not, I am interested in participating regardless. I am able to post multiple times per day.


Ok... so with 5 finished apps I think we can get this going! We have...

Mavacas - Jareth 'Grim' Grimald (half-orc inquisitor of Sarenrae)
Beckett - Beckett of the Bleeding Rose (half-elf priest of Milani)
Nayr Trebrot - Quartes (half-elf magus (spellblade))
Aoth Anskuld - Noran Kekmore (dwarf monk (zen archer))
Filios - Filios Philandril (elf rogue (swashbuckler))

I'll get the Discussion thread started for you to use to finish up your characters (if needed) and to get PFS numbers.

Speaking of which... I was looking for info about running this as a PFS module, and it looks like there was some concern since it doesn't award any prestige. Let me know if that's a problem, and we can just run it as a non-PFS module.

Silver Crusade

I thought they had made it so that all modules awarded prestige now? Even the old 1-PP modules are supposed to give 2 now if they are completed successfully.

Silver Crusade

I checked the chronicle sheet from the free download and it does have the usual spot for filling out PA gain. I don't want to look at any of the other PDFs and spoil something. I am pretty sure everything PFS legal awards PA now, you may want to verify this with experienced GM's in the society forums?


http://paizo.com/forums/dmtz566u?Master-of-the-Fallen-Fortress

I guess since it's much shorter than most modules, the PP change doesn't affect this and We Be Goblins (which gives 1 PP). Kinda sucks... let me know if you'd prefer not to run it as PFS.

Silver Crusade

Wow, that's really unfortunate.

Well I'd still be up for running through it with this character and not taking the chronicle, I'll consider it a beta test for the character. :)

Definitely don't want to take a 0-pp chronicle.

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