The City of Arch: Central Planning

Game Master Doomed Hero

Welcome to the City of Everywhere.


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Here's where we will create and discuss new characters for games set in Arch.


General non-mechanical character creation guidelines:

1) The Arch Houses plan ahead. All characters must either be able to breed with humans, or be functionally immortal. Bondsmen are the exception to this rule.

2) Players who have not played in arch before must be Petitioners or Bondsmen.


Running another Arch game, eh?

I saw the title, I figured there couldn't be TOO many settings named Arch. It was a fun setting.


Yep. Different focus this time. You're on my shortlist of players to invite. Feel free to poke around. I've PMed people. This thread will get more lively as people respond.


I'll poke around, sure. Takes me back.


Time to make an appearance I think.


This is still being worked on. I have a few more things to write up before I kick it off.


Looks very interesting I must say, DH. I'll bite! Not sure that I'll be able to run an Arch just yet as I'm about to start up a quick 4-scenario run for some PFS folks here on the Forums, but once I wrap that up I'll look more into doing some GM work. For now, I'd love to look at whipping up a character.

So, onto the questions... What's with the Racial Points? I saw them mentioned I the campaign thread, but cannot seem to find the explanation anywhere.


This looks like a great idea DH. Is there a place where I can learn more about the houses, the city, and such? I would be interested in playing a character, or run a game as DM.

PS: I really enjoy the homebrew rules, very nicely done.


Faelyn wrote:

Looks very interesting I must say, DH. I'll bite! Not sure that I'll be able to run an Arch just yet as I'm about to start up a quick 4-scenario run for some PFS folks here on the Forums, but once I wrap that up I'll look more into doing some GM work. For now, I'd love to look at whipping up a character.

So, onto the questions... What's with the Racial Points? I saw them mentioned I the campaign thread, but cannot seem to find the explanation anywhere.

Race Points are from the Race Builder subsystem.

Most races in the game range between 9 and 13 race points. For example, if you go to any race listed here you'll see a race point cost. That cost gets deducted from your point total. The remainder is what you hav e to spend on attributes. What this does is make low power races have slightly higher attribute points. It helps even things out a bit and allows people who really want to play weird, powerful races to do so. They just have very low attribute point buy for their four-armed special snowflake.


TreasureFox wrote:

This looks like a great idea DH. Is there a place where I can learn more about the houses, the city, and such? I would be interested in playing a character, or run a game as DM.

PS: I really enjoy the homebrew rules, very nicely done.

Basic information about the city is listed in the Campaign Info tab, or in my DM Alias.

RPG Superstar 2015 Top 16

And a third dot! Hi folks.

Alrighty, got my first two questions: Say I go unchained rogue, where I'll get dex to damage at 3rd level. Presumably with the easy retraining, I can do the Dervish Dance route for dex to damage early, then retrain it once class feature gives it to me at 3rd. As a sub-question of that, however-- do I still need two ranks of Perform (Dance) for the houseruled Dervish Dance?

Question #2: If I go half-elf with two favored classes, does the double favored class bonus apply for both of them?


DM Doomed Hero wrote:
Faelyn wrote:

Looks very interesting I must say, DH. I'll bite! Not sure that I'll be able to run an Arch just yet as I'm about to start up a quick 4-scenario run for some PFS folks here on the Forums, but once I wrap that up I'll look more into doing some GM work. For now, I'd love to look at whipping up a character.

So, onto the questions... What's with the Racial Points? I saw them mentioned I the campaign thread, but cannot seem to find the explanation anywhere.

Race Points are from the Race Builder subsystem.

Most races in the game range between 9 and 13 race points. For example, if you go to any race listed here you'll see a race point cost. That cost gets deducted from your point total. The remainder is what you hav e to spend on attributes. What this does is make low power races have slightly higher attribute points. It helps even things out a bit and allows people who really want to play weird, powerful races to do so. They just have very low attribute point buy for their four-armed special snowflake.

I had a feeling that might have been the case, but wasn't certain and definitely wanted to clarify it first. I concur with Treasurefox on the house rules section and just might steal a bunch of those for our game!

I will look into some concepts today, but right now I'm thinking some sort of kineticist. I've been wanting to play one ever since I picked up Occult Adventures and just haven't had the opportunity.


Ahh so that's how the race points work. Hey that's pretty clever.

I like to play the more old school classes. Perhaps a fighter, or a wizard.


dien wrote:

And a third dot! Hi folks.

Alrighty, got my first two questions: Say I go unchained rogue, where I'll get dex to damage at 3rd level. Presumably with the easy retraining, I can do the Dervish Dance route for dex to damage early, then retrain it once class feature gives it to me at 3rd. As a sub-question of that, however-- do I still need two ranks of Perform (Dance) for the houseruled Dervish Dance?

Question #2: If I go half-elf with two favored classes, does the double favored class bonus apply for both of them?

Good question about dervish dance. Forgot about the Perform requirement.

I'm going to say no. Remove the skill rank requirement. Martial characters have a skill point shortage as is.

As for the half-elf question, the Campaign Trait you're talking about gives an extra bonus when you take a level in your Favored Class. If you have more than one, lucky you. You can Multiclass without being penalized for it.


Actually... I think I've decided to try out the Far Strike Monk... With being able to take all standard archetypes with the Unchained monk, I can actually make this character really good with Full BaB! Boomerang badassery here I come!!!!

RPG Superstar 2009 Top 16

This is definitely interesting, considering different class and archetype ideas. Looking for something that would be fun to play at level 1 since we're going whole arcs without leveling. Some achetupes (like Bladebound) don't get to the point of the archetype unlit level 3 or 4.

RPG Superstar 2015 Top 16

Okay, what I've loosely got in mind right now is a Petitioner from Golarion, a Varisian half-elf unchained rogue (likely multi into melee-focused alchemist waaay down the road). He'd be a fellow who grew up in the Varisian caravans, enjoying the nomadic way of life, learning time honored and traditional arts like being a sneaking sonuvagun. Though he's personally a bit of an iconoclast (CN), his loyalty to his caravan family gave him somewhere to focus his energies, and a sense of belonging. Unfortunately, they're all aging out on him-- his human mother's long since dead, his childhood friends are either also passed or nearing senility-- and he feels detached from the young blood of the caravan now, who are often the grandchildren of the people he grew up with. The older he gets, the less he feels he fits in; he's drawn to his never-explored elven heritage, as well as to tinkering with nature in weird and interesting ways.

He's seeking to move on, and to find a new place to belong, one where people maybe aren't quite so transitory. Through... whatever method one learns about Arch (whether they stumble across portals, or get actively brought here by the city council per their need for fresh blood?), he is now petitioning for citizenship in Arch.

Mechanics: rogue unchained 3/alchemist ? (Vivisectionist). Dex-based striker with eventual self-buffing, possible party buffs way down the road. Non-combat roles would be skills and more skills-- with a strong int plus rogue skill points, he'll have a lot of skill points a level to go around, ideally. For his first few arcs, he'll function mechanically as a more-or-less standard rogue, albeit with an elven curveblade.

I can draw up a full sheet as well as more personal story on him if this character sounds good for this sort of game.

Trivia: I'm gonna spend that trait-for-exotic-weapon-proficiency on a bladed scarf as his Sekrit Back-up Weapon, ha.


Sounds like a great concept. Go ahead and make the sheet.


Mark Thomas 66 wrote:
This is definitely interesting, considering different class and archetype ideas. Looking for something that would be fun to play at level 1 since we're going whole arcs without leveling. Some achetupes (like Bladebound) don't get to the point of the archetype unlit level 3 or 4.

Arcs are 4 to 6 months long. That's pretty quick to level as far as PbP games go.


CHANGE TO CHARACTER CREATION GUIDELINES:

Characters start at 2nd level. This was always supposed to be the case. Just realized I left it out of the write up.


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Arch doesn't let just ANYBODY in. Gotta have that second level to stand out from the crowd!


Exactly.

RPG Superstar 2009 Top 16

So I'm thinking Magus, specifically Esoteric Archetype, because the idea of combining martial arts and shocking grasp or vampiric touch kinda needs to happen.

Here's the thing. A major part of that archetype is that they get Improved unarmed strike. But given your rule that all martials get it, would there be any adjustment?

Also do you count the Paizo Fans United stuff under your accepted sources? (Looking at Philosopher's alloy)

RPG Superstar 2015 Top 16

Moar questions!:

Starting gold - any adjustment for starting at level 2?

Languages - I'm planning on giving Varisian to my character because, well, background, and I'll likely stick with that even if you answer this question with a 'no,' but: given the Arch setting, is there any mechanical point at all to taking various Golarion-specific languages? Like, Orc is boilerplate fantasy for all orcs, but am I ever going to use Shoanti or Thassilonian or Azlanti in Arch?


Rogue, Far Reach Monk, Magus...

I'll take the frontlines with a Dwarf fighter

RPG Superstar 2009 Top 16

So will definitely be a magic using denizen of House Caine, focused on both the esoteric and the manifestation of mystic combat ability. Off for next couple days in a few hours. Will get to developing the character later today.

Also are the points on a 1-1 basis for Attributes, and is human 10 pts?


Probably the standard point buy for attributes and human is 9 RP.

My character idea is less eastern mystical monk as opposed to a guy that just has exceptional skill and a more spiritual type connection to his weapons. The first concept that popped into my head when I read this archetype was an Aussie bushwhacker type. I'm working on the basics now, just need to look over the Houses once more and decide on that which will affect the background a bit.

RPG Superstar 2015 Top 16

Human is indeed 9RP.


What do you guys think about using a boomerang in melee as well? I ask, because it would be nice to have a melee option as well and Far Strike monks can only Flurry with thrown weapons.

*EDIT*

I forgot that the starknife can also be used as a melee weapon so that could take care of that issue. Another question; this is in regards to the chakram. The rules state you have to have heavy armor to be able to use as a melee weapon... how about a houserule that allows someone to use a thick leather or metal gauntlet? I never really understood that rule...


Mark Thomas 66 wrote:


Here's the thing. A major part of that archetype is that they get Improved unarmed strike. But given your rule that all martials get it, would there be any adjustment?

Also do you count the Paizo Fans United stuff under your accepted sources? (Looking at Philosopher's alloy)

1) not with that archetype. There's a big difference between improved unarmed strike (basically a simple weapon proficiency) and monk unarmed damage progression.

2) philosopher's alloy is fine. Anything else that isn't strictly Paizo will be considered on a case by case basis.


dien wrote:

Moar questions!:

Starting gold - any adjustment for starting at level 2?

Languages - I'm planning on giving Varisian to my character because, well, background, and I'll likely stick with that even if you answer this question with a 'no,' but: given the Arch setting, is there any mechanical point at all to taking various Golarion-specific languages? Like, Orc is boilerplate fantasy for all orcs, but am I ever going to use Shoanti or Thassilonian or Azlanti in Arch?

Good questions. Since none of you have actually been accepted as more than academy candidates, you don't have much in the way of benefactors or favors to call in yet. Let's go with normal 2nd level WBL to start with. Additional gear will come in the early stages of the game.

There's not much point to taking go ladino specific languages. The multiverse has tons of different dialects. The valuable ones to know are the ones that are inherently multiplanar, like Draconic, Aklo, Elvish, and other really old languages that don't really change a lot from world to world.

Because of language barrier issues various kinds of translation magic are easy to come by. As an operative, the city is unlikely to sent you on a mission where you can't communicate with the locals.


Mark Thomas 66 wrote:

So will definitely be a magic using denizen of House Caine, focused on both the esoteric and the manifestation of mystic combat ability. Off for next couple days in a few hours. Will get to developing the character later today.

Also are the points on a 1-1 basis for Attributes, and is human 10 pts?

Standard point buy values. Not 1 for 1.

Build points are 1-for-1 when used as race points, but not for attributes. I know, it's a little wonky. There some abuse possible. I'm just going to ask that nobody try to find some super high attribute bonus race or anything.

Also, keep in mind that you aren't a member of house Caine yet. You're a Petitioner (or Bondsman) that is trying to get noticed enough to be let in. The only people I'm letting start as Noble Scions are people who are already very familiar with the setting. Mostly that pertains to the folks who've had to suffer through my real-life games. Once you have a character who's made it through the academy and you've learned what the city's like, then you can make a Noble Scion if you want.


Faelyn wrote:
I forgot that the starknife can also be used as a melee weapon so that could take care of that issue. Another question; this is in regards to the chakram. The rules state you have to have heavy armor to be able to use as a melee weapon... how about a houserule that allows someone to use a thick leather or metal gauntlet? I never really understood that rule...

When using your ranged weapon as a melee weapon, you won't be able to flurry with it. If you were able to get some ability that allowed you to safely throw things at adjacent targets, that would work. There's a few of those out there. Point Blank Master, I think?

A thick reinforced leather gauntlet would be fine for catching bladed weapons.


Okeydokely. Here's dien's rogue, then, pursuant on GM approval and/or questions.


Looks great. Very nicely formatted. I really appreciate the rules citations.

Tomorrow night I'll have a post up in gameplay that will fill in some blanks in Talas' backstory and give him his first introduction to the folks who will be bringing him to his new home.


Woo! *dances* Oh, and thanks for inviting me, I don't think I'd said. :P


Doomed Hero wrote:
Faelyn wrote:
I forgot that the starknife can also be used as a melee weapon so that could take care of that issue. Another question; this is in regards to the chakram. The rules state you have to have heavy armor to be able to use as a melee weapon... how about a houserule that allows someone to use a thick leather or metal gauntlet? I never really understood that rule...

When using your ranged weapon as a melee weapon, you won't be able to flurry with it. If you were able to get some ability that allowed you to safely throw things at adjacent targets, that would work. There's a few of those out there. Point Blank Master, I think?

A thick reinforced leather gauntlet would be fine for catching bladed weapons.

Works for me! Also, I'm not sure if I thanked you for extending this invite to me as well, DH... So, thank you very much!

Here's what I've completed thus far. I just need to finalize my traits and equipment. I'm still trying to decide which of the campaign traits I'm interested in taking, plus I'll need another one to look into. I'm thinking something that will allow me to pick up Survival as a class skill. I'll keep chugging and hopefully have it all done tonight?

*EDIT*

Huh, I apparently missed the second post in this thread. That narrows down my options on the campaign traits lol. Petitioner it will be!

RPG Superstar 2009 Top 16

I'll get the character built tonight. Thanks for answering the questions.


Character build incoming soon!


Faelyn-

The build looks great. When you have it completed I'd like to have it put into an Alias. Something like what Talas has in his Statblock. That will make it easy for me to access. I'd love any rules links or citations you want to put in there. Anything to make it easier for me to check up on what your abilities are and how they work together.

Also, your name is Far Striker? That's fine, though you might get made fun of a bit. ;)

Lastly, since you and Talas are both Varisian I'm going to hook your backgrounds together. I'll let the two of you work out the details. The part that is important to me is that you two are in the same place when you first run into the folks from Arch who would eventually approach you for recruitment.

I'm going to get a post up tonight that details how you and Talas were recruited. That's where the game will pick up. Please have an Alias ready to begin posting soon. I don't care if all the mechanics are in the alias. I just want to be able to get the story rolling.


In case it wasn't clear, your characters can be from pretty much anywhere. So, if you want to make a character that harken's back to Faerun, or Athas, or even some homebrew setting, you can. This choice won't effect your mechanical options, but it will give you the ability to play a character from a familiar setting you really enjoy.

The only exceptions to this rule: No characters from Ravenloft or Aryth.


Haha, the name was just a placeholder I put in there. I haven't come up with a good name just yet... I will definitely get an alias up and have the profile filled out like I do with all my PCs. I will devote sometime to getting him wrapped up tomorrow.

Also, I may actually have him come from Athas... Darksun seems like the perfect place for him to be from! That also helps me with my trait selection and the alternate human race trait I was looking into! If you'd rather me keep him as coming from Golarion, then that is just fine as well!


Whatever you want to do is fine with me.


I'll let you figure that out before I do my introductory gameplay post.


Okay, sorry that took so long. After some serious thinking, I'll keep my Far Striker from Golarion as a Varisian... Sorry for the delay on all that, DH. I'll have the profile up and running soon!

*EDIT*

Also, clarification on Belt Pouch and Bandoliers... So a standard Belt Pouch would cost 1gp and require a Move action? Whereas a "Spring-Loaded" Belt Pouch would be 5gp and require only a Swift action? Just wanted to double check before I finalize my purchases.

Also, what are your thoughts on being able to "two-hand" unarmed strike? i.e. as a roundhouse kick or double-fist hammer strike?


Will be creating my profile over the course of the day.


Prices: correct.

Two handed unarmed strikes: No. There are feats that do that (Dragon style pops to mind). If you want to be able to do that, you'll need to invest in a feat that gives you the ability. For now, if you want to be able to two hand and flurry, pick up a temple sword.

RPG Superstar 2015 Top 16

Is Garridan's current backstory correct, Faelyn? Hunting for reasons to sync them up. But unless you want something more in depth, the fact that they're both Varisian may well be enough: if Talas is in a city and sees a fellow Varisian-er, he'd at least want to talk, buy the other guy a drink, hear the language of home again. They might have agreed to travel together for a bit, and then... Archstuff!


No, that's a previous backstory I had used for a RotRL game that died pretty early on. I'm thinking about having Garridan be a sort of vagabond in the Varisia-area, a guy who has a tendency to wander from city to city, getting to know different people and promoting a sense of community among the small towns like Sandpoint and the others nearby.

I've never been a huge fan of the monastery background for monk-types, so I think Garridan is going to simply be someone who developed a love of throwing weapons at an early age and just became exceptionally skilled at using the weapons. Picking up bits of knowledge here and there throughout the different towns he's visited and the people he's met.

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