The Diplomatic Mission (Inactive)
Game Master Wofguy

Sometimes I read the backgrounds but mainly skimming. I usually read spoiler just not in actual gameplay. I like to know what makes ppl tick lol :)

Are there local tribes or other nations that would have an interest who are "foreign" but would send a bodyguard as an attache?

Thinking a Saracen of some sort, or a Half-Orc bodyguard. Or something like the Pathfinder Shoanti Quah.

@ Hassan
If you can write it and make it sound good, it can work.

Hi DM,

just checking some stuff. Will there be maps for combat? Will determine my choice of weapons. Also, you mention starting gold is max level + 10500 for a total of 21, 000? Or its just 10, 500.

Hmm, loving the idea of the game.

But, concept might be too much... Barbarian 1/Unbreakable 3/Ranger 1 (progressing in Ranger).

Son of a tribal chieftain and an "urban" woman, sent to as a attache. Unite, bring peace to the tribes and the non-tribal folks. Prove himself.

High Dex/Con. Endurance, Die hard.

Bow, then javelin, then melee... with Opening Volley feat.

Rhino Hide Armor, for +2d6 when charging (on foot or mounted).

Arghhhh teasing myself, won't have time to finish up.

Good luck, ALL!

I tend to read backstories when I find time, but certainly haven't gone through all of them. I also tend to avoid other people's spoilers, but a spoiler that only says "crunch" or "background" is too irresistable :P

"Max starting gold + 10500 for being at level 5." You add them together.

As far as combat maps, it will depend on how the combats turn out. I think it would be cool if we can just roleplay through it, however some battles may be too complex, in which case I will bring in a map.

For example, taking on a giant dragon in an open dungeon, probably don't need a map. Fighting 50 orcs in a labyrinth, probably need a map. Though you guys shouldn't be fighting those, unless you do something silly, like deciding you can buy off war by taking the dragon's treasure.

HI DM,

I updated her crunch and background. Some changes I made.
1. Added Dex and lowered Cha for improved reflex and Ini
2. Added in spike armor for adjacent AOO as I am using a reach weapon.
3. i made her a female...(Sorry cant resist but it helps in the storyline)
4. I drop skill focus diplomacy for feat stand still, to lock up enemies so that they dont get past her.

I click the spoilers myself, out of curiosity. I may or may not read it, I just want to know what's behind it. "I can resist anything except temptation." Putting it in a spoiler tag just tempts me. Of course, I'm happy enough pretending I didn't click it.

Body Guard: 1 (Lots of people ended up switching, and some people that showed interest haven't submitted anything)

Military Ambassador: 4
Church Ambassador: 2
Mage College Ambassador: 2
"Insurance Policy": 3

Wow, that switched around! I went Military because early on there seemed to be so little interest in it, and everyone wanted to be the Insurance Policy (as I did). Now I've got a concept I really like and a character I want to play - and lots of competition! Not sure I really qualify for the others, except perhaps bodyguard - I'll get harder and harder to hit as I go up in levels, so I'll be able to cork a hallway nicely while the ambassadors flee...

Maybe you need a historical reference person, a la Brown Ajah rather than Grey - though what I'm doing with a scimitar in that case, I couldn't say.

Argh, this text won't format - can't get hard returns between the paragraphs. I do like it to look nice...

Hi DM,

Cant find any "he"...but yeah updated from some grammar mistakes.

A lot of people switched from body guard to military because it was initially the other way. I don't want people switching back though. If you've already submitted (especially if I have given you the seal of approval) DO NO SWITCH YOUR CHARACTER AROUND, especially don't change the background. I'm already making my decisions on what I've seen, and if people change, they may just make their chances worse.

Hi DM,

Since you are giving us 21,000 Gp I have updated some items.

1. I switch from Glaive to Nodaichi, reason for the 18-20 Crit and my playstyle but giving up Reach.
2. I enchant Nodaichi with Defending to increase my AC, with feat Stand Still I can lock up enemies to me.
3. I remove spike armor as Nodaichi will be my main weapon.
4. I Enchant my shield to Arrow Catching, as with Feat Saving Shield I give +2 AC to Ally beside me and all projectiles now swing towards my Shield rather than them Further protecting my Allies.

I have included the cost of the items and my gold remaining in my profile.
I Updated my profile too for your perusal.

I think it is meant to max 1st level starting gold for your respective class and then add 10,500 from WBL (wealth by level).

As an example, a Fighter would get 300gp (max for 1st level) +10,500gp for being 5th level.

10,800gp

Of course, I could be off.

oooohhhhhhhhhh well lol

Ok DM normalised my character after the shopping spree. Do check out, fleshed out a little bit more.

DO NO SWITCH YOUR CHARACTER AROUND,

Sorry, Wofguy - I didn't mean to imply I was thinking of revising my character. Quite the opposite in fact - I really enjoyed creating him and writing his backstory, and don't want to change him. I was just noting how the recruiting pattern had changed.

My comment about the bodyguard and the Brown Ajah (sounds like a bad joke...) was just speculation about whether this build could get shoehorned into another role in order to play in this campaign.

Apologies for any misunderstanding or mix-up.

Hassan is right. Normally people use their average starting gold for their class, I'm letting it be max starting gold.

@Khelreddin
I was not just pointing at you. I was letting others know that I don't want people switching any more. Not when the end draws nigh

SUBMISSIONS CLOSE TONIGHT AT MIDNIGHT, PACIFIC STANDARD TIME. THAT IS IN 15 HOURS. ANYONE THAT WANTS TO SUBMIT A CHARACTER (for example, the 11 other people that have shown interest but have not submitted anything)TODAY IS YOUR LAST CHANCE

For those that have submitted, there is only 2 that I have not given the seal of completion:

Garabbott ("insurance policy")
Loup blanc (church ambassador)

They have until Saturday to get it. The rest of you with the seal, we are going to PVP to choose winner. JK. Though it would make my job easier. Everyone who has submitted has done a great job. I will give details to you tomorrow on what I want from you over the next few days while I wait for those submissions.

Here is Jazz Sedarik, Ratfolk Ninja extraordinaire. I imagine he'll be a peculiar sight wandering through the wilderness with the diplomatic party, if he gets chosen, and if you see him at all ;)

Well, goodluck to all hopeful submissions, and to DM Wofguy as well! As I said, I've read through many of the characters and I agree that there are quite a few excellent submissions.

HI DM,

I switch my build to 3 fighter/ 2 cavalier honor guard. DO check it out.

** spoiler omitted **

sorry can't resist as the growth path for phalanx is not v useful after 3rd level and Cavaliers honor guard with its feats and benefit looks sweet...lol...no more changes I swear. will update how she got the mask.

Wofguy, sorry for wasting your time here. I have to much going on to give you a worth while submission. Best of luck with your game, it looks real fun. Wish I had the time to try and get in.

Asim ibn Sabbah - Bodyguard

The leader of a barbarian yet powerful bedouin-esque confederation of desert tribes... sends his first and only son to serve as bodyguard. There is no greater pledge of fealty and show of support.

Human - Male - Barbarian 1/Unbreakable 3/Rogue 1 (Knife Master)
14, 19, 16, 12, 12, 7

Tara Cobbler, "6th man", bodyguard and insurance policy, servant.

Flowing style monk. Socially invisible. Can operate "downstairs" to work around social roadblocks.

Build is not quite complete. No shopping has been done yet.

I'm thinking of her more as a trained spy than oriental style monk.

Too much crunch... Can't do it. Maybe if you need someone later. Sorry, my loss.

SUBMISSIONS IS NOW CLOSED
Here is the current submissions:

Bodyguard:

• DM Heterocephalus (Leanidas Volox): human fighter/cavalier
  
• Gilthanis (David Trufant III): human samurai

  Military Ambassador:
  

• Alzar Malvado (Hadrian Carac): elf paladin (could also fill church role)
  
• Khelreddin (Khelreddin Evreskar): half-elf fighter (lore warden), Monk (Master of many styles)
  
• Mousestalker (Sigghild Thorvinsdottir): human fighter

  Church Ambassador:
  

• Loup blanc (Knight-Brother Valimar of Amular's Iomedaen Church): human paladin (No seal of completion)
  
• Malaki (Ilamin Davenish): aasimar inquisitor

  Schola Scientiae Ambassador:
  

• CampinCarl9127 (Yix Windsoul): catfolk bard
  
• Big om (Rosalynn Thornton): Human wizard enchanter

  "Insurance Policy:
  

• Rashly5 (Bryn Goao): Human Spy (3rd party class)
  
• Garabbott (Jazz Sedarik): ratfolk ninja
  
• Therealthom (Tara Cobbler): human monk (flowing style) (No seal of completion)

  Naval Ambassador:
  

• Insnare (Commander Kraymar Hinstulkin): half-elf ranger/rogue

As some will notice, there is now a 6th role, that was created specifically because of an amazing background, it also makes it easier on me to pick the other roles.

If I am mistaken in the role you are trying to fill, let me know.

So now for the games to begin. The two that do not have the seal of completion, I will work with you until Saturday to get your character up and running. Once everyone has the seal of completion, everything will freeze, and I will choose the final players. Until then, those that have the seal, feel free to improve your background, expand the story, make your character better (Make sure to keep a copy of your old background in case I don't like the changes, but I don't think that will happen). Details are good, and the more details the more likely that you will get in.

Do not drastically change your background (ie I was suddenly raised by goblins), unless you are sure it will be better. DO NOT CHANGE YOUR CRUNCH WITHOUT PERMISSION If someone with the seal of completion changes their crunch drastically (ie changes their classes) without asking me first, I will automatically disqualify them. I don't want to read more numbers and decipher skill points unless there is a good reason. It throws off the work I've been putting into making the decision. Just don't do it. If there is an obvious reason, like realizing that you can't talk a goblin into burning things(which is really sad), I'm willing to work with you to change it. However, I don't think anyone has need to change their crunch or back story, because I wouldn't have given you the seal if that was the case.(Obviously this does not apply to those that have not received my patented seal of completion)

Everyone has at least one opposing competitor (except Insnare, who will be making it in). Let's make this competition good.

Thanks for the vote of confidence!!!!

Hi DM I fleshed out my Background a little bit more for your viewing pleasure.

DM: I have a bit of a RL problem right now--my home computer is having issues, and the public comp I'm posting from won't let me edit the alias for some reason. I'll post what you requested in spoilers here ASAP. Sorry for any inconvenience.

@ DM Heterocephalus: I browsed your character, you're gonna be a tough one :) I see you have a cloak resistance +1 priced at $2000gp, but i think it's only $1000gp. The +2 version is $2000gp, just wasn't sure which version you wanted :)

LOL!! Yea but the +2 will cost 4k. butt...woot I got 1k savings!!! Now I got pimp my mount.

We should make that a pbp show..."Pimp my Mount" lol

@ Loup
I understand. You have a couple days to get things sorted out. You need to give Malaki some good competition, don't want him to get the position to easily.

(I love how I'm making my job harder by doing this)

I actually saw this cheesy little comic called "Pimp my Chariot". One of those ones full of terrible jokes.

I just want to see what happens when the cleric I know brings in his undead dire bear to get pimped out.

We should make that a pbp show..."Pimp my Mount" lol

Maybe you should DM it Gil. Make the PCs talking donkeys, camels and horses LOL.

Anyway I complete my purchase of items and Mount too. Its complete and I don't think I can add anymore to it. May the best horse win.

Okay, this shall be some added info for his backstory... I'll put it in his alias when I can.

@ Loup

I understand. You have a couple days to get things sorted out. You need to give Malaki some good competition, don't want him to get the position to easily.

(I love how I'm making my job harder by doing this)

** spoiler omitted **

I actually saw this cheesy little comic called "Pimp my Chariot". One of those ones full of terrible jokes.

I just want to see what happens when the cleric I know brings in his undead dire bear to get pimped out.

With that I went through and read the spoilers and background for his character. :P

I assume we wouldn't be in the same campaign anyway, since we are both applying for the same position. So, no harm of out of character information.

With that said, I'm not making any changes to my character out of fairness.

Loup, best of luck. I think either would be a great character for the campaign.

Ok guys, the timing has ended up changing. I am doing a simple move this weekend (I don't have much stuff), and I was hoping it wasn't going to interfere with the process. However, I realized that I have no time to decided on the characters until tomorrow night. I will hopefully have the results by Sunday night, but I guarantee I will have them on Monday. It seems like all who were going to put more into their background have, So I'm not expecting them to change. Let me know if you do change it.

Sorry if this recruitment as been a little tough, or if I have been rude at all. This is my first time running a recruitment, and I didn't think it would be this difficult. I have asked a lot of you, but that was so that I knew you would have amazing characters that you would be excited to play. It may also be a bit rough starting out, as I don't have much PBP experience, but I think this type of adventure is actually a great way for me to get into it. If you have any comments, concerns, suggestions, ideas, remarks, or anything, feel free to let me know now or during the adventure.

Whoever is chosen, there will be time for you to optimize your character with the group. Changing spells, deciding who carries the tent and such. Since you will be riding horses, and you will have a pack mule or two, weight shouldn't be an issue as far as camping supplies goes. However don't worry about all of that until you are chosen and in the discussion room.

"Begging your pardon, sir. Might I have a private word?"

Tara is ready for a second look. Major items have been purchased. Still some fiddly mundane gear to be settled. Trait corrected.

A couple questions:

1. Are travel mounts and fodder for the party paid for by the crown or from our purse?

2. Just to confirm, do Amular and Talfor share a 'common' language? (Tara is favoring dwarven as a second tongue, assuming that they do.)

3. I'm not 100% wild about Tara's name? Have you any naming conventions for Amular?

4. What would it cost to magic aura the bracers so they don't detect as magic? Tara's cover as a servant means she typically wouldn't have magic stuff.

5. Rules mastery is not my strongest suit. Use of the fighting fan and rope dart may be depend upon some perhaps questionable interpretations on my part. First, I am assuming that monks are proficient with all monk weapons and so she doesn't need to take an exotic weapon proficiency to use these.

The fan description says they're normally used in pairs. Would that be required? (PRD says Distracting: You gain a +2 bonus on Bluff skill checks to feint in combat while wielding this weapon.) Does "wielding" require they be used in the actual attack rolls? Can she still flurry while wielding a fan or two?

If you answer negatively, it's no big deal. I'll fluff the fan in combat.

6. The rope dart -- same proficiency question as the fan. The PRD lists it as a ranged weapon with the blocking property. (Blocking: When you use this weapon to fight defensively, you gain a +1 shield bonus to AC. ) Didn't know you could fight defensively with a ranged weapon. My interest in the dart lies in my desire to have some sort of easily concealable monk reach weapon to expand Tara's sphere of influence. Kusarigama and Kyoketsu Shoge also fit the bill, but seem less concealable.

My wife had a concert last night. Sorry for the delay.

1. If you don't own a horse, a horse will be provided for the duration, but you it will be taken back when you return. Fodder will be provided by the kingdom.

2. Common is still the universal language

Hehe, yeah. I needed a good enemy for paladins of Iomedae to track down and fight, and that could potentially wipe out a group of them. Demons are always good, and orcs make good fodder that the group could underestimate.... So, it ended up working nicely!

I'll update the alias ASAP; sorry about never dissecting the ability scores.

Working up Tara's background.

Still working. another installement tomorrwo morning. If you make your choice befoer then no hard feelings. It's taking a while to figure Tara completely.

I'm really sorry guys. This are going way slower than I thought. I should have put this off for a couple weeks until everything settled down. As such, I haven't started decided on characters. I plan on buckling down tomorrow and getting it done, but no promises.