Let's go to Azlant - Each of the players will follow some guidelines and be somewhat affiliated with each other before game starts.
I'm gonna try to get my real-life themes into the game - they're like traits but a bit more detailed and restrictive. I would like one of each for a (somewhat) balanced party.
Each theme will have some guidelines which I'll expand on. Mostly it's just for character creation and to form a good starting group and make sure you're motivated to stick together and to the story. After that you can do what you want (I won't say "Your character wouldn't do that") but here's the basic rundown for this game -
Each theme has a couple of class options
The Inheritor
Taldan or Chelaxian Human Fighter, Magus or Paladin
Your family claims to be directly linked to a pure bloodline tracing all the way back to Azlant. Wield at least one sword, as it's part of the inheritance!
The Scholar
Any race Wizard, Cleric, Monk or Bard
Will need a strong focus on knowledge skills and possibly act as the centre of the group. You've been researching ancient history and made a few amazing discoveries..
The Dreamer
Taldan or Chelaxian Human Oracle, Monk or Fighter
You have amnesia and woke up in a capsule just large enough to hold you..Floating in the docks area of Absalom about three months ago. You can only speak common, and the markings on the capsule are apparently Azlanti writings, but seem to be only names.
The Afflicted
Any race Sorcerer or Barbarian
This character's class abilities (rage or magic) would come from some kind of magical disease or curse that came as a result of being in the wrong place/time - has been more than a bit inconvenient at times.
The Treasure Hunter
Any race Rogue/Bard/Gunslinger
Will get something shiny, and want more!
You have all found each other with a common goal in mind - to explore some Azlanti ruins that have recently been discovered by either The Treasure Hunter or The Afflicted (or both if they're already friends/partners)
This is a basic guideline - each character will also have a couple of other points I'll send to you once I get some interest.. This is a new campaign I'm hoping to run in real life group too.
Character creation rules will be posted if anyone is interested in playing.
I'd be interested in submitting a character for the Treasure Hunter Role. Either a Bard (ArchAeologist Archetype) or a Rogue.
Oooh, definitely interested. I'm thinking a plain gunslinger for the Treasure Hunter or a Bladebound Magus for the Inheritor.
starting first level
15 pt buy
one trait
Non-evils
max starting gold
any sourcebooks from Paizo are fair game
Starting date: 22 Desnus, 4711 AR
If two or more people choose the same theme, Whoever can get me a complete concept first will be more likely to get in. I don't need a huge backstory, and I will likely send you some cues once you post the basics.
Everyone will at least have had SOME contact with the Scholar (at the start of the adventure) character for various reasons.
Justin - that sounds pretty good based on the research I just did!
, - yeah the themes I've presented allow me to plan certain parts of the adventure/campaign - If you want to work together we can look into adapting or creating one for you, or you can submit one and I'll let you know if I can work it in.
@ Joy:
An Archaeologist Bard would work really well for the Scholar as well. Got one in my RL Carrion Crown game and he is the resident knowledge and skill monkey.
Basic Ideas:
Inheritor: (Magus: Str based Bladebound)
The Balthane family of Cheliax are minor nobles who claim loose ties to ancient Azlant. They are known for taking on the dirty work of other houses and doing whatever is necessary to increase their standing. In an attempt to strengthen their tenuous ties to the lost nation they have sent the next male heir out into the world to find evidence linking their heritage to the Azlanti. The young man in question is a rather jaded young man wielding a sentient family relic and a touch of magic stolen from his older sibling's studies.
Using his family's connections, the young Inheritor got himself signed on with an expedition into some newly discovered Azlanti ruins. His family told him to beware treasure hunters as they were nothing but thieves and scoundrels. If that is the case, he replied, it should feel just like home.
(If we have a dedicated caster, I'll probably switch him to a mundane fighter build.)
The Dreamer: (Monk: Ki Mystic/Monk of the Four Winds)
Things can get pretty complicated when the first thing you remember is someone hammering on the lid of the pod you were floating peacefully in. Things get even more complicated when you spend your next couple of days being poked and prodded by the finest mystical minds of Absalom. However, they simplify greatly when those minds are promptly stumped and they relegate you to a musty dormitory somewhere, not wanting to admit defeat, not willing to look a failure in the face and definitely not willing to let a future opportunity slip through their hands.
So what do you do?
Look for answers yourself. The only clue is a list of names written in Azlanti, if the specialists in Azlanti culture could not find a lead then it might be best to go straight to the source.
Treasure Hunter: (Gunslinger: Two weapon Pistolero)
After a misunderstanding (should be read as rip-roaring tale of revenge and woe) led him to be a wanted man in his native Alkenstar, Giles decided to take his guns out into the world. One thing led to another and soon his was in the company of a strange companion by the name of (The Afflicted). Together they took to tomb raiding and a bit of petty mercenary work on the side. For a time it was fun and profitable but then an interesting lead cropped up. One hinting at a large haul hidden in some Azlanti ruins. They were going to need some help to bring in this loot, that was certain. So Giles decided to call in a few favors in Absalom.
(Pick whichever one you like the most and I'll flesh it out accordingly.)
I'm going to present the following for the Scholar theme, even though it's a sorcerer, instead of a wizard.
Glartasha Navarad (Female gillman (throwback) destined sorcerer)
Although Glartasha, or Tasha as most have come to call her as the Glar is a little odd to pronounce, has the strange purple eyes of the gillmen and exotic gill-like appendages on her neck, she has learned to fit in well enough in Absalom, with her knowledge of ancient history, the arcane, and the geography and history of distant realms as an entertaining resource to make a living from. She continues to research where she can the nature of the aboleths and Azlanti, and has explored many avenues in Absalom to make that occur.
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I may not be intimately familiar with our setting just yet, but I've never let that stop me, especially when an interesting creation guideline is put up; I'm throwin my hat in the ring on this one. Let's see if I can come up with an interesting scholar.
I'm thinking an elven cleric with a slight ranged focus will serve well, with enough knowledge to have the answers we need and enough battlefield control and artillery to round us out quite nicely.
Now why would an elf spend so much time studying musty tomes about crumbling ruins? Well, lots of things happen to cause ruins. Lots of things get lost in ruins. And most important of all, lots of good stories come from ruins and the things in them. The only thing better than reading tomes about ancient ruins as actually going INTO these ruins and seeing things for yourself. That's how the stories get written, after all.
I imagine Kelgeah as "everyone's best friend," the elf with a reputation for being rather outgoing and "lively." (Feel free to interpret that as desired; we're roleplayin' here, after all.) Might actually be fun to use calistria's weapon and whip foes (or friends!) into shape now and again. Knowledge and Luck are probably my domains of choice, to better fit the campaign needs so far, and I'm always open to adaptation and character association. Lemme know if this sounds like a good character and I'll get an alias crunched up!
I'll be returning tonight and will try to mix something. For now, I'm similar to Justin - either dreamer or the afflicted. But I think I'd rather play a barbarian...maybe a dwarven barbarian. Will be posting later on, if there's still room left.
I await your approval.
Thinking I'd enjoy the Dreamer background, very intriguing. I'll take a look at Oracles (never played one, they seem fun/weird), but right now I'm thinking a Qinggong Monk, possibly with some other archetypes... I'll figure it out.
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I love playing the group's bookworm. The more intelligent the character, the more "secret" background you get for the campaign, and that helps the DM too (especially if the DM has pages of backstory that he's just keeping until the players actually ask)
The Scholar:
Scipio Ravenwing is an elven bard who has long been interested in the longevity of his race, and how the long years of the elves have allowed for greater impact by elvish kings and scholars than other races.
Recently, Scipio has been looking into the Azlanti nobility and their heritage, searching for half-elven bastard children out of mere curiosity. He has traveled to Azlant in order to access the archives directly.
Since there's another bard submission for the scholar role, I'll go with a Rogue for the Treasure Hunter role instead.
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DM, I'm interested in the Archivist archetype, but I'm unclear about something. The Archivist archetype's wording bumps the Lore Master ability up to 2nd level, but the text ripped right from the archetype only mentions the "Take 20 once per day" part, not the "May take 10 on any Knowledge check" part.
I found a Paizo blog entry where the developer states his intention was not to weaken the ability, but to give it in full earlier and with more uses per day of the take 20 ability. So would you consider allowing me to have the full Lore Master ability at level 2 as an archivist?
Character submission for NeoSeraphi, "The Scholar".
My character is not designed to be skilled in either combat or social situations, because he is a shut-in historian
Building my Rogue Treasure Hunter under the alias Kaylee Veridian .
I would like to present Surana Vilyan Hukni, complete scholar, for your perusal.
Somehow forgot about my spells, lol. Updated my profile, it's complete except my equipment list, which I prefer to track mentally until I actually get stuff worth tracking.
In case you're wondering, here is my equipment now:
Dagger
Longbow
20 Arrows
Chain Shirt
Backpack
Bedroll
Rations (2 days)
Well then, I think I can call this character complete. Ready to whip this party into shape and get into all sorts of trouble? I know I am. Adventuring with A cleric of Calistria brings good luck, along with other "benefits," and you know that's hard to say no to.
healing, ranged support, combat maneuvers for later, and some saucy whip action, and STILL nerdy enough to get the answers we need? Come on, how can you pass that up?
Well then, I think I can call this character complete. Ready to whip this party into shape and get into all sorts of trouble? I know I am. Adventuring with A cleric of Calistria brings good luck, along with other "benefits," and you know that's hard to say no to.
healing, ranged support, combat maneuvers for later, and some saucy whip action, and STILL nerdy enough to get the answers we need? Come on, how can you pass that up?
Noooooooo, so versatile! :(
But Scipio is smarter than her! +10 to all Knowledge checks he has ranks in (+11 to Know (Planes) and Know (History))
What? No male cleric of Calistria? They always seem to female. :(
"You elves... always bickering amongst yourselves. You younger races have much to learn of the world."
"Indeed I do. The difference between us, then, is that my mind is more open to the changing of time, whereas to someone like you, ten years is but a blink, to me it is relevant enough that I would pay attention. A lot can change in ten years."
Surana chuckles, an amused twinkle in her eye. "Ahh... and clearly, one cannot have both experience and an open mind, or length of years and a continued interest in each day, eh?"
"I've yet to meet someone with the capacity. But perhaps that's just one more thing I need to learn," Scipio shoots back. "Now if you don't mind, the library's closing in four hours and I still haven't found the last king's coronation date...and until I know that date I can't know which year to look up Azlantian history for...blasted chronological system of organization..." He flips through a book angrily in a blur of pages before tossing it to the ground and yanking another off the shelves.
Kyan comes up to Scipio and Surana. "Greetings again my old friend. What interesting tales have you gathered since we last met? And who would this lovely lady you're conversing with be?" He gives a smile and a bow, showing his less than perfect teeth and nearly falling forward in the process.
To Surana, "I am Kyan, some add 'the Cursed'..." He holds up his hands, showing the gaunt nature of his fingers.
Scipio glances out from his book, annoyed. "Oh, it's you. Yes, yes, I did request an audience with you, didn't I? I think you might be pleased to know that I've made some progress with my research into the causes and effects of Traumatic Magical Awakening Syndrome. Not much progress, mind you, but I can finally say with absolutely certainty that your life is not in any danger. I think you'll be pleased to learn that much."
"A lack of experience and an open mind are things that can be cured, I've found. A little dash of enlightenment and a little self-discovery open up worlds of wonder. But mayhap that's something you've been deprived of, stuck in the archives all day? Maybe I can help with that." Kelgeah strides into the conversation, with a bemused smirk and a sly glint in her eye.
Turning to the fair-skinned lady, her countenance takes on a more daring expression. "And what about you? Keen on teaching us 'younger races' what living is really all about? Or perhaps you'd like another taste of what the joys of youth have to offer? They say it's wasted on the young. I say there's no time like the present."
Scipio groans and shakes his head. "My first instinct is to say 'I'm not interested in anything you're selling', but I fear that wouldn't be applicable here, since you seem to be offering it for free," he says coldly, slamming his book shut. "As for self-discovery, I already know everything about myself. I was born with that knowledge. There is nothing to be gained in studying oneself, that's the least interesting topic one could research. And I say that having personally written a twelve page report on bugbear grooming habits."
Surana inclines her head slightly toward Kyan at his introduction, and greets him in Celestial:
Switching back to Common, she addresses the new arrival. "You show your inexperience, young elfling; for I have been young, and old, and dead more times than you can imagine. The joys of youth? There are joys in youth, and in old age, and even in death... and yet too often they are missed for bickering and strife."
Alright, there's been a lot of interest in the scholar role, so in order to increase my chances, I've decided to submit for another role as well (though I'm still primarily interested in playing Scipio, I understand that he doesn't bring as much to the party as the other candidates).
So here's NeoSeraphi's second submission, for the character The Inheritor.
Simon grew up to tales told by his grandfather while he sat on his lap, tales of strong Azlantian kings and beautiful princesses, of valor and glory and bravery, and all of that was a life story of his ancestors.
Simon decided from a young age that he wanted to be a real prince, but in order to prove his claims to the throne of Azlanti, he would need to provide some empirical documentation.
To this end, Simon decided to get into contact with an intelligent scholar residing in the town of Azlanti. He needs her help to research his bloodline and prove that he truly is eligible to stand in line for the throne.
Simon's grandfather's last words were not directed at him, but at Simon's father. Simon was crying next to his bed and his grandfather squeezed his hand tightly and said firmly to his son, "Give him the sword."
Simon looked up in surprise, and then his father brought him a beautifully crafted falchion. The weapon was so heavy Simon almost keeled over even when holding it in both hands. Simon was confused, and turned back to his grandfather, who smiled warmly and opened his mouth to console Simon, but then his eyes closed and his life left his body.
Simon found out the weapon belonged to his grandfather's great-uncle, who ruled as the Duke of Azlanti in life. Simon made a firm decision that day. He decided he would take the sword back to Azlanti and claim his birthright. He would be the new king of Azlanti!
Dropping out of this one. Sorry, but I don't feel like reading through the RP to see if the GM posts anything else.
Well then, from the looks of it so far here are the possibilities:
Joy - Rogue Treasure Hunter
Justin Sluder - Sorcerer Afflicted
Ptolmeus Arvenus - Gunslinger Treasure Hunter
- Magus Inheritor
- Monk Dreamer
Arazni - Sorcerer Scholar
Daynen - Cleric Scholar
Loup Blanc - Oracle Dreamer
Neo Seraphi - Bard Scholar
- Fighter ? Inheritor
Surana Vilyana Hukni - Wizard Scholar
Based upon what I've seen and how it fits into the ideas I have, I'm going to choose the following for my game:
Joy - Rogue Treasure Hunter
Justin Sluder - Sorcerer Afflicted
Ptolmeus Arvenus - Monk Dreamer
Neo Seraphi - Fighter ? Inheritor
Surana Vilyana Hukni - Wizard Scholar
To those other (scholar) applicants, I am glad you were interested and if it's not too insulting I may call on you should anyone drop out.
For now, I'll begin sending out some character-specific special info to those I've selected and get the ball rolling. For those of you who have yet to complete your character due to the nature of the game, We shall give it say..Til Wednesday before the game starts.
EDIT: IF Joy is indeed out, this list will be shuffled.
Simon is indeed a Weapon Master fighter. His character specifics are already uploaded into his profile for your convenience.
Helps if I click and read.. I suppose that is one skill I'll focus on... *cough*
I tend to check campaigns of interest periodically, so I'll be in touch if you need someone to liven up the party, heh. Just PM me if you think I'd fit in; I enjoyed making this character, though I can't promise I won't put her up for approval in another game! You guys have a blast, and lemme know if you need me!
Slightly altering the build, swapping out Monk of the Four Winds for Master of Many Styles
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Slightly altering the build, swapping out Monk of the Four Winds for Master of Many Styles
Too bad. Elemental Fist is an awesome feat. Might you be planning to nab it early with Dragon Style?
Edit: By the way, Ghastlee, if Joy decides to stay dropped out, would you mind if I applied for the Treasure Hunter role instead? I think the Inheritor role would be easier to fill for the group and I haven't played a rogue-like character in a while.
But of course
Oh there will be hurts all around. I've got the crunch ready already. MoMS gives Elemental fist as a bonus feat early on but dragon style improves its effectiveness frighteningly.
No wordcasting. It seems Joy has dropped out - I will give her til the end of today to say she's in if not yeah Neo you can shift, then we only need to find an inheritor..
I did have an inheritor concept prepped but it looks like I'm the only one to submit a dreamer. Inheritor should be easy enough to find. People love playing martial.
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I did have an inheritor concept prepped but it looks like I'm the only one to submit a dreamer. Inheritor should be easy enough to find. People love playing martial.
I admit that I was a bit disappointed that the Inheritor could not be an Inquisitor. In fact, the inquisitor seems to have been completely disallowed as a class option. That was the main thing that drew me away from it in the first place, but sadly my bard was too narrowly focused to be useful to the group.
Krevek, Inheritor concept, Human fighter sword and board. I reworked the character as I originally put it together for a campaign he was not selected for.