The Isle of Yune
- 20 point buy
- 2 traits, but they cannot be from the same trait list
- All Core Pathfinder Races, for the most part I would prefer to not have any non core, but if your character requires that race or it would be very role-playable, then exceptions will be made
- As for book use, I will run anything from Core, Advanced Players, and any non-Eastern information from Ultimate Magic and Ultimate Combat
- Looking for 4-6 PC’s
I will request that any players post at least once a day. If not, then no action will be done or I will try to take action for you, in the case of combat that most often means a basic attack. If you are unable to post for 3 consecutive days then I will try to find a replacement for you. Of course, if you give notice, that rule will be ignored.
For almost as long as I can remember I have loved role-playing games, and have been Game Mastering for about 10 years now. I have played everything most systems from Gygax’s playtests to Pathfinder and each rendition reminds me how much I love the hobby. I have ran play by post campaigns before, but never on this site. I would enjoy the chance to DM for the community here. As for personal style, I have always loved the old school dungeon crawls, but never at the sake of the Role Playing itself.
One of the reasons I have loved roleplaying is the freedom of exploring a world without following a linear story such as a book. Now, I have nothing against books or linear stories, however one of my greatest joys has been first understanding the problems, and then going after the one that your group of friends thinks it would be the most fun to go after. Of course in person if your party suddenly decides to drop the planned plot the DM is left to see how good their impromptu stories can be. I feel as though a pbp version of an open world would go even better than in person, as the problem of not having time to plan is solved by allowing me to spend an hour on each post even if they do go out of my plans.
In order to test the completely open world idea, I wanted to try it out on a smaller scale. As such, I plan to put the party on a small island, with a few small cities on it. This would limit the open world exploration a small amount, turning it instead to open island exploration. I believe the test would be a good one though. The island would be big enough to have multiple problems, but yet small enough for the party to feel as though given enough time it could try to solve a lot of it.
Now, I am also a fan of each character feeling they have an independant goal. The mix of party and personal goals, in my opinion, always made the game more interesting and exciting. As such I am going to try to introduce the faction missions, as in the Pathfinder Society (and at that point might as well bring along the whole Society backstory), so that each player can have an individual mission in an open island. The idea of using the Society backstory would solve the problems of how the group met and would at least give the party a starting direction for the world.
Backstory
The Isle of Yune is a mountainous and wooded island south of Halgrim. Although technically still in the lands of the Linnorm Kings, it is secluded enough to dodge most of the culture. The island is usually too small to catch the interest of anyone, however a recent report has come to the attention of the Pathfinder Society. The Thane of Olnslav has information he believes points to some sort of magical artifact in the mountains of the isle. The Society is rounding up a party of adventurers to investigate into these reports.
Fair warning is that this world will be at least some Darklands based.
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My good DM Thrun, allow me to introduce myself, for I am Tanis Half-Elven.
I haven't had the blessing of being able to play and form of D&D in about a year now, and would love to be one of the few PC's to blaze a trail through the Island of Yune. I usually go for a stealthy character, but to break my trend I propose to this character:
~Helod Thes~
Human Paladin of Sarenrae
"To gain enlightenment, and be closer to Sarenrae, I have chosen to duel wield Scimitars, the chosen weapons of my Deity, the Everlight." ~ Helod
Str = 16 | 3
Dex = 15 | 2
Con = 12 | 1
Int = 8 | -1
Wis = 13 | 1
Cha = 16 | 3
Shall I continue?
I really like the idea of a sandbox-y adventure contained within a circumscribed area. But I've got a few questions about character creation though. What level should we make our characters at? I'm guessing level 1 but I've been wrong before. And if it's level 1, do we start with max hp? And what about starting gold? Average, max, or roll?
Tanis, everything seems in order so far and the character idea seems solid. Whenever you have time I would need you to put the full character sheet on Tanis's profile.
Critzible, I find the Tengu fine as your character does kind of revolve around that race. However, I have always pictured Tengu as Eastern, so if you could find a way to make him a more western Tengu then everything should be fine.
Celestial, sometimes I forget I am not with my regular group so basic things get forgotten.
Level 1, Max HP for level 1, average for every level after that, average starting gold based on class.
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Interested! Would like to submit Oberst here. I have a bit of tweaking I want to do (change his traits and rework his stats a little bit), but he is about 99% done right now.
Oberst is a snarky, a-hole sort of half-elf, though those he deems as friends he trusts with the utmost respect. He grew up essentially on his own on the streets, and is a clever street performer, musician, and thief. His talents include (but are not limited to) contact juggling, playing of a myriad of instruments, singing, cards tricks, etc. But his true love is collecting stories. He joined with the Pathfinders in order to hopefully find some old book or at least hear interesting local folk tales that he could add to his "collection".
Gameplay wise, he is a Street Performer Bard with traits so he can disable device. He is acrobatic and stealthy and uses a longbow primarily in battle.
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This is my second string pathfinder society character and one I have only played a couple of times. I doubt he will see much action in the future so this may be an ideal opportunity.
I'll work on him today to suit your campaign but since he is an ulfen, the Isle will probably suit him as a home and jump off point. As an arcane duellist he is primarily an archer and "face" rather than skill monkey for his role in a party.
Myself I play in five games at the moment, have been around here for several years and so can easily make one post a day (except weekends).
Cheers
Should our PCs be actual field operatives for the Pathfinder Society? Or are they just hired outsiders? I have my character's stats done, but I'm starting to work on his backstory and was wondering which angle I should take.
Looks good Askar
Oberst and Tommar, everything seems fine so far. You will need to chose one of the factions if you want any extra goals in the world. If you wish to be unaligned that will be fine, just realize you may miss out a small amount.
Celestial, whichever backstory you prefer is fine. I am just starting you in the Grand Lodge for ease of starting the game.
Knut, if you believe you can move te character over then everything should be fine. If you want to be an agent prestationed on Yune that would be fine, I would like you to PM me to set up exact details then though.
Sad, would love to have you. If your sure on it then good luck.
I am very, very intrigued by this concept. It might take me a day or two to submit a character. I am thinking a bomber alchemist or a bladebound magus.
I will try to work on something and get it up for your consideration.
EDIT: I also wanted to say that I've never done a pbp campaign, but this sounds right up my alley and the perfect chance to get my feet wet.
Will you allow grenadier since it is from the Pathfinder Society Field Guide? I'm trying to decide on a combination of half-orc or elf and grenadier or mindchemist.
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Now that I look back on those who have been accepted, I see:
1) Archer bard (Support/Ranged Damage/Control)
2) Archer Inquisitor (Support/Ranged Damage)
3) Switch-hitting Ranger (Skill monkey/Frontline damage)
4) TWF Paladin (Frontline damage)
5) Gunslinger (Ranged Damage)
6) Rogue, Swordmaster (Skirmisher, skill monkey)
Hmm.. I suppose that actually works better than I first thought. If nothing else, it's certainly capable of turning into a damage factory, which is something I appreciate.
Sixteenbiticon, the grenadier seems fine. Good luck with creating the character.
Askar, I believe you have nailed everything down except that the swordmaster is not being played. Critzible instead went for the gunslinger.
For everyone, I am planning on ending recruitment at Friday afternoon PST. If anyone wishes to apply they will need to get their sheet done by then.
Ah, reporting for duty my good Thrun. Please do tell if anything seems to be amiss in my portfolio.
Tommar, everything appears to be in order.
Helod, the character sheet appears to be in order. However unless you do not wish to participate in faction missions (which is fine by me), then you should chose a faction to join and explain in your backstory how you came to be or be hired by the Pathfinders.
"No gold digging greedy faction shall I work for! Sarenra save us all! The only one that I am to ever serve and answer to shall be her!"
Oberst and Askar, everything seems good and ready to go.
Helod, understood, everything seems fine once you fix up the backstory a small amount.
Celestial, I judge that your character will be associated with Taldor, correct?
Well unless I have a sudden influx of new characters to chose from before Friday afternoon, so most likely.
Also, in case it interest anyone I did a rough sketch of the island. Information on what each place is will be given once the game starts.
Map
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I am still working on the his background, but I have the crunch done. I present to you Tazennin Talviir.
Edit: Argh, I forgot to create him as a PFS character. Bah, not quite done yet.
"Aye, the smell of adventure lingers in the air, as I can feel that the lot of us will have seen many a trials in the days to come. Welcome all, and I wish ye many merry evenings on this adventure! Sarenrae save thee!"
Celestial, I judge that your character will be associated with Taldor, correct?
Hmm, I can't seem to decide on a faction. My character doesn't quite fit any of them except maybe the Grand Lodge, though his loyalty to the Decemvirate wouldn't be ironclad since he's Chaotic Good and a bit of a maverick, personality-wise. (Will probably end up Grand Lodge or simply Unaligned.)
Also, in case it interest anyone I did a rough sketch of the island.
Cool map, by the way. Especially since it's hand drawn.
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Picking his fingernails with the end of his dagger, Oberst looks up with a smirk:
"Quite a premonition there, pal, to wish us merry evil adventures. But I think I'm picking up what you're puttin' down. I hope the Dawnflower shines bright on us, I hear this island is full of nasty stuff. Where are you from holy knight? Doesn't seem like yer from around here, is you?"
"Ah, many a nights and days have I traveled, led solely by the The Healing Light. My name is Helod Thes, Paladin of Sarenrae, and I'm honestly not to sure on where I began, but the lands are far and different from where I stand. Through prayer and guidance I have discerned my best course to be joining of the Pathfinders, and to do that they are sending me to the Island of Yune. And from where do you hail friend?" With a pause and an adjustment to the two finely crafted Scimitars at his waist, he turns to the tall man covered in the long brown cloak "Ah not at all, only tidings of what will be, alongside a jovial 'Welcome' and 'Hello'. I am Helod Thes, Paladin of Sarenrae, and who might you be?" He asks with a bow and a smile.
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"Names Tommar, but my people call me 'Long Tom'" He adjusts his hat to show more of his face and nods. "I am not very familiar with this Sarenrae, but I am a follower of Desna. She has guided me to learn the strange alchemy of the Gun.I am a child of Varisia, and have wandered the lands of northern Avistan before I went to the Grand Lodge and met my mentor. After my training I returned to my people and worked to with a few pathfinders. So as you must know I am here to help more of my fellow Pathfinders seek some relic and maybe earn a tidy profit."
Tommar looks to the man cleaning his nails " So who might you be friend"
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"Folks call me Oberst... I originally hail from the Churlwood, a beautiful place very near and dear to my heart. I spent my youth traveling god knows where all over Golorian, but I have been calling Magnimar my home the last few years. Their libraries are quite amazing, and there is always work to be found... honest and not. And the citizens of a large city are much more... lets say 'willing' to part with their gold for a humble street performer as myself. I consider myself somewhat of a connoisseur of stories and tales, with mythologies and religion being my specialty. I do not call any one religion my own, I believe you are all simply on different paths towards the same goal, though I would love to talk with you more of your beliefs one day, Helod. But while we wait here... who would fancy a game of cards? How about us Varisian boys show these folks how to play, eh Long Tom?"
He puts away his dagger and pulls out a very well worn deck of playing cards that you can tell was probably beautiful and colorful at one point before it saw years of use.
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Talk of Sarenrae had a way of lulling Askar into a waking dullness, effectively unaware at his own intense disinterest in the topic beyond the fact that he was aware that, the poorer people were, the more they became fond of mentioning her. Salvation and redemption are the hopes of the poor, although Askar could hardly classify this Helod by the same name.
What caught his interest instead were the indications of Desna, patron of travelers and those ruled by fortune, on the chest and blade of the 'Long Tom' fellow.
As if unaware that the last direction of conversation had been aimed at the half-elven rogue (I mean that in its literal sense), Askar spoke suddenly, "Hello there, Brother of Desna. I honestly haven't met many of my own patron since I joined the society. It is good to be with you on this excursion."
His rudeness occurred to him then.
"All of you. I am Askar. If the goddesses paired watch over us, the sun and the stars, I can scarcely imagine what might interrupt our journey. And for that, I am glad."
Then, from the general, to the specific, towards Oberst this time. "And a game of cards would be lovely, although I know very few."
Loving the RPing, helps get the introductions out of the way. Also, just remember the game starts in the Grand Lodge, not on Yune.
I think I have everything done for everyone except for the Faction of Celestial, looking like it is good to start tomorrow.
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Also, just remember the game starts in the Grand Lodge, not on Yune.
Realizing that no one had noticed Taz in the room, he was hesitant to emerge from the shadows, fearing his newfound companions might make fun of his appearance. His voice sounds muffled and hollow coming from behind his mask, as if he were speaking in a large hallway. He speaks with a heavy lisp, making his "s" sound like a "th".
I... I'm Taz. I used to be a thslave in Korvotha, but escaped a few years back. I haven't really been anywhere, other than my thsort trip to Almasth where I joined the Thociety. I just want to do thsome good in the world... He bows his head slightly and you see him clenched a gloved fist. ...And to get back at the Chelaxian devilsth that did thiths to me.
His demeanor changes back to a lighter tone as he overhears the offer of a card game.
I don't know any gamesth, but if you teach me how to play, I'd gladly join you.
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Oberst deals Taz in as well.
"Ah! Another fine Varisian! Korvosa is a fine city. And getting revenge on those Chelish devils is a fine goal... you boys know how to play '13'? It's very easy..."
He sets about explaining the rules and playing the game (goal of the game is to get rid of all your cards. Played with four people each of them getting 13 cards (a whole deck). Go around the table each playing off each other using poker hands, highest play wins round, 2s are high. For example, if someone puts down a pair, that round would be best pair wins, someone puts down a straight best straight wins round, and so on... anyways!)
He ponders this new... elf?
"That is an interesting mask. Is it a metaphorical thing? Like we all wear masks to hide ourselves? Or... do you need it?"
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Taz seats himself at the table. Being accustomed to inquiries about his mask, although usually of a harsher tone, Taz turned to Oberst.
Trusth me, I wear it for your benefit. During my thservitude in Korvotha I was tathked by the clericsth of Athmodeusth to brew potionsth. Early on in my learning, I misthcalculated my ratiosth which causthed an explosthion, burning my handsth and face and leaving permanent thcarsth. I purchasthed the masthk and glovesth to thave mysthelf the agony of peoplesth horrified reactionsth.
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Long Tom looked at the others and than to the new comers. He was a little drawn away from them as he saw the fellow follower of Desna and this masked man.
"You know My friend many a Pathfinder seeks fortune before religion. I however was instilled in my youth the virtues of Lady Luck and worship her fondly" he says as he than turns to the elf.
"So you wanna stick it to the Cheliaxians do ya, Sounds alright with me as long as I get paid" He says as he nods to Oberst."Hey Oberst are we betting cause if we are I am out, I mean I came here cause I need work, not lose money"
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Oberst winces as he hears the description of getting burnt and scarred in an explosion.
"Ah... that explains why you hate the Chelaxians. I am sorry for your... loss. The Mask looks good though."
"Naaah we can play a game for fun, yeah? I was just wondering if you'd let me take all your money this quickly or not."
Oberst winks.