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Ok, here's Jossem Rook. I gave him a Courtier's outfit to simulate expensive and fine clothing (but not quite to the level of nobility) and 50 gp of jewelry consisting of cufflinks and a pocket watch. Also, I gave him the Historian Trait from Legacy of Fire. It is, however from 3.5 where Bardic Knowledge worked differently. Historian states a +1 to all Bardic Knowledge checks. If that is converted to Pathfinder, it would basically be a +1 to all Knowledge Skills. Let me know if that's acceptable, otherwise I can change it. Jossem Rook:
Jossem Rook Male Human Aristocrat 1 Bard (Archaeologist) 1 N Medium Humanoid (human) Init +3; Senses Perception +5 -------------------- Defense -------------------- AC 13, touch 13, flat-footed 10 (+3 Dex) hp 13 (2d8+1) Fort +0, Ref +5, Will +4 -------------------- Offense -------------------- Speed 30 ft. Melee Sword cane +1 (1d6+1/x2) Bard (Archaeologist) Spells Known (CL 1): -------------------- Statistics -------------------- Str 12, Dex 16, Con 10, Int 13, Wis 10, Cha 14 Base Atk +0; CMB +1; CMD 14 Feats Fast Learner, Lingering Performance Traits Historian (Human - Garundi), Nimble Fingers, Keen Mind Skills Appraise +5, Bluff +6, Diplomacy +6, Disguise +6, Knowledge (arcana) +2, Knowledge (dungeoneering) +2, Knowledge (engineering) +2, Knowledge (geography) +2, Knowledge (history) +7, Knowledge (local) +6, Knowledge (nature) +2, Knowledge (nobility) +6, Knowledge (planes) +2, Knowledge (religion) +6, Linguistics +5, Perception +5, Ride +7, Sense Motive +4, Sleight of Hand +7, Stealth +7 Languages Common, Draconic, Elven SQ archaeologist's luck +1 (6 rounds/day), bardic knowledge Other Gear Sword cane, Courtier's outfit, Cufflinks, Pocket Watch, Signet ring, 5 GP -------------------- Special Abilities -------------------- Archaeologist's Luck +1 (6 rounds/day) (Ex) Gain Luck bonus to attack, damage, saves, and all skills. Bardic Knowledge +1 (Ex) Add +1 to all knowledge skill checks. Lingering Performance Bardic Performances last 2 rds after you stop concentrating.
Added some to Nadine Laveau. Mostly in the last portion of her background and added a Personality/Motivations section.
GM, you said Max wealth for first class level, which has to be an NPC class. I can't find wealth for any of the NPC classes. Did you mean for your first PC class?
Archaeologist Bard gets it at 6th level. Which is way late in comparison to the others...
Mug inspired me to write a first-person background instead of the usual. So here's Jossem Rook, an Archaeologist Bard. Along with his historical studies, he is a member of the wealthy Rook family. Joss also has some more private dealings which help finance his lifestyle. Background:
Jossem closed his books and looked at the time. Damn, I didn’t realize it was so late. Mary will be furious if we miss the show. He shoved the books into the drawer of his cluttered desk and grabbed his coat. He checked the mirror down the hall and combed his hair. It wouldn’t do to show up at Mary’s door looking disheveled, and he didn’t have time to return home anymore. He chuckled to himself and winked at his reflection in the mirror. After all, I have a reputation to keep up. What would people say if one of the Rooks showed up to a function looking like rabble. They might actually think about things before they take our money! He picked up the items he had been cataloging from his desk and placed them back onto the cart. It was laden with items from expeditions in Egypt and the Transjordan area. Most of them were items of pottery, small trinkets, or even utensils. There were, however, a few rings and a couple daggers on the cart as well. The largest piece was an ancient scimitar found by Dr. Westone several years ago during his excavation near Alexandria. Jossem secured everything in the cart, making sure none of the pottery would fall out. He carefully wheeled the cart out of his office and down the hall. It was already dark outside, but there was enough light streaming from a few offices for him to easily make his way around the corridors of the Antiquities Department of the University College of London. It appeared several of his colleagues were also working late. As he turned the corner into the Artifact Holding Area, a dark figure came right at him. The archaeologist jumped back and made a small shout. ”Relax, Joss, it’s just me!” the figure laughed. ”The Whitechapel Murderer goes after women, you know. You’re not that pretty!” The figure walked into the light, revealing a skinny fellow in a patchwork coat. He was grinning and laughing. ”Bloody Night, Rory! You scared me half to death. And yes, I know I’m not the type for the murderer. Still doesn’t mean I expect a dark shadow to come after me! What the hell are you doing in the dark?” Jossem tried to peer past the man, but it was too dark to see. ”Eh, I didn’t feel like lighting the lamps. I just needed to grab this scroll anyway. Professor Fitzroy and I are comparing some of the wording to a tablet found near the Ottoman border. He thinks he remembered similar phrasing. Who knows. Hey, don’t you have Mary have tickets t-” Joss cut him off. ”Yes, and if I don’t go now, she’ll have my hide. See you, mate.” He pushed the cart farther down the hall and lit a few lamps. It would be nice when the College put in those new electric lamps. He looked back to make sure Rory was gone. I wonder what he was up to? Probably nothing but... Joss grabbed the scimitar and walked down the corridor and down the stairs. Reaching the storage area, he looked around for anything out of place. Nothing. He walked to the area for items waiting for storage. Ah, here we go. Joss picked up a silver ring from the 5th century and a small gold-covered statuette. Both were tagged that they had been catalogued already and were prepped for storage. And the others questioned why I would take so many hours in the dusty Collections section of the Department. Well, a Rook needs to finance himself somehow, right? Field excavations were great, but they don’t pay much. And with Jossem’s father sinking more investments into new shipping routes, a fair bit of spending cash was more than welcome. He tucked the two items into his coat and shifted the others to keep the space regular. Not that anyone will notice. These are just going to the warehouse. He extinguished the lamps, dropped the scimitar back off, and walked out of the storage and holding areas. Grabbing his walking cane and hat as he passed his office again, he quickened his pace leaving the University. It was pouring outside, so he ran to the carriages. Damn, we’re going to be late. Mary will have a fit.
Very interested. I have two characters in mind based on how soon magical classes might become available. If magic will continue to be rare, then a gentleman Archaeologist Bard who uses a sword cane and pistol. If other classes open up later, then I might consider a Gunslinger who becomes an Inquisitor later.
Well then, this is a good time to introduce Nadine Laveau. Hers is a tragic and horrifying story. I delved into the Criminal Minds psyche for this one. While Nadine might not seem to fit into the normal Asmodean cult, she has an agreement with the Lord of Contracts to keep her son's spirits from passing on. And if working with Asmodeus can bring around a better environment for her 'studies', then that's what should happen. She's driven by the needs of her son's spirit and her need to keep it safe. Of course, it is her son's spirit, right? Isn't it?
Ok, character idea is starting to form. She will be a young mother who's child dies in an accident, but while she's watching. It drives her into grief, depression, and eventually insanity. She begins to hear her dead child's voice and it pleads with her for a body. Thus she begins a mother's misguided journey into necromancy. She seeks out Asmodeus to cut a deal and keep her son's spirit from departing. Eventually she sill seek out Lichdom to try to be closer to her child. I'll have a more details background later, but I had to get that down. Probably looking at Grave-Robbing (though the benefit doesn't do much for her) and the Occult Patron. GM: If she were to take Devil's Pact feat, does the dying clause also pertain to becoming a Lich? It would seem no one trying to be a Lich could ever take Devil's Pact.
Str:
Hmm, not great, but sufficient enough for a Gravewalker Witch. Perhaps one pursuing undead-ness himself. Though I like Vampirism better than Lichdom, a lich might fit better.
Ok, here's Argoth Semahur. I tried to stat out his basic character given the rules online. I gave him a "Psychic" career to show his latent, but unexplored ability. At this point any manifestation of it is seen as pure luck on his part, though some of it may have kept him alive in the briefest moments in the past.
Alright, I know I've jumped all over the map, but I think I'm settled on a character type. He'll be swordsman with latent psychic ability. Maybe he's been able to tap into them previously, but only for the briefest moment and very rarely. He doesn't even realize he has them. Once the worlds collide, he'll be able to manifest some ability, but he'll continue to rely mostly on his sword skills, using the psychic powers mostly to augment his fighting skills. I'm thinking of a 75%/25% split on the fighting skills and psychic ability. At the beginning, he'll be a mid-level soldier (having only 75% of the ability of the others), but as the game progresses, he'll learn to use his mind powers to help himself. He'll have been on the Xaltotun side of the battle and something about him is unsettling. Few trust him, but once things begin to happen he's too useful to abandon. Boons: Blind-Combat, Magic-Resistance
I'll try to get Nine pieces of info up this weekend.
Jelani, does magic allow shape shifting? Could a character specialize in that to aid him in battle and stealth? I'm now thinking of a trickster Druid type, though he could have a touch of barbarian battle prowess in the right form.
So with Alchemy being in-between adventures, does that mean anyone can do alchemy? Can anyone do magic/psionics too or only certain classes/powers? I wouldn't mind playing a Witch/Shaman type who discovers all the fun chemicals and toys in the new world.
I'd be interested in this too. I'm fine with a post-apocalyptic/zombie setting. Alchemy is good. It keeps things more "mundane," dealing with chemicals. So we don't need to purchase the rules, right?
Planning on a small change to Herzog. He'll have the Chain Fighter Alternate Racial trait. It just seems to fit him as a slaver.
It's basically the same information as on the original recruitment post, but it does show the map of Talingard.
Str: 18
Eh, not too good. I guess I'll go with 25 point buy again.
Ok, here's Herzog's background and description. I'll get a full character sheet up in the next day or so. Background:
Herzog was born into a mid level family of merchants and traders in Talingarde. While his family ran a reputable business owning warehouses for holding goods for shipment, his uncle Tarvi often used the family to traffic illicit goods. Tarvi was a likable fellow and grew to be Herzog’s favorite person. Some of the family suspected Tarvi was somehow lining his pockets, but most didn’t want to uncover something which would tarnish the family’s honor and thought they should leave well enough alone. Over time, Tarvi learned how to move a variety of goods under the radar, including stolen property, drugs, and black market goods. As Herzog grew older, Tarvi slowly showed him more of his operation and showed him how they and the rest of the family benefitted from the additional income and the protection from criminal elements. It was when Tarvi took on a special shipment that Herzog became truly interested. It was a small shipment out of Talingarde of orphans. These were to become slaves for some noble in another land. Herzog took special interest in keeping the orphans in line and displayed a cruelty towards them that even surprised Tarvi. With his introduction to the slave trade, Herzog soon began to organize Tarvi’s “special” shipments. While doing so, he learned of the full faith of Asmodeus. While Herzog had heard the name during his uncle’s work, it was mostly due to the god’s work with contracts. Now Herzog became familiar with Asmodeus’ place as the god of slavery, and he relished the new found faith, joining a special sect known to devour their enemies. Using his contacts, he sought out a priest of Asmodeus and began specialized training. The priest delighted in the possibility of having a member inside Talingarde, watching over the fledging slave trade. As one of Asmodeus’ Enforcers, Herzog returned to his uncle’s portion of the business and attempted to expand it. He sought out other slavers and brought them into the network, to run as an efficient machine. As was inevitable, Talingarde authorities soon began to trace the missing people, and Herzog’s pride in his creation blinded him to his own vulnerabilities. Herzog thought his fledgling network would never die and misread any indications the Talingarde officials were learning about his work. Finally, Herzog was captured during a sting attempt where one of the Alerion Knights posed as a slaver with his own growing network. Herzog met with him to bind the new network to his own. In an instant, the Captain seized Harzog, but the Enforcer of Asmodeus fought back, killing the man. As reinforcements arrived, they found Herzog cutting out the man’s heart and feasting on it.
Description/Personality:
Herzog is a half-orc with dark hair. His large frame, about 6’3” and 265 pounds, is imposing, but only serves to enhance his intimidating stature. He likes wearing black and red to honor his god, though he understands the need to hide his allegiance to Asmodeus while among the rest of Talingarde.
Armor and Shield Proficiency: Monks are not proficient with any armor or shields. When wearing armor, using a shield, or carrying a medium or heavy load, a monk loses his AC bonus, as well as his fast movement and flurry of blows abilities. There ya go. Now check with your GM because MOMS loses Flurry of Blows to get Fuse Style. Your GM may rule that you lose Fuse Style while in armor. Not too terrible since you really only want Dragon Style, but if he let's you keep it, then you could take something like Boar Style later and become really terrifying. So potentially all you lose is Fast Movement since your AC will be offset by the armor anyway. Heck, use a Dwarf with Steel Soul/Glory of Old, and you've got a Dwarven Brawler with +7 a base save vs. any magic too.
I recommend taking 1 level of Master of Many Styles Monk at level 3 with the Brawler. Even wearing armor, it gets you 1d6 damage for your fists, a big bump to your saves, free stunning fist, and, if you take it at level 3, you can use your normal feat to get Dragon Style and your MOMS feat to take Dragon Ferocity. Now you have 1.5x str damage on your fists at level 3. The cost is 1 point of BAB and delaying Close Combatant by 1 level. I think it's worth it.
Yeah, I was uncertain about Weapon Finesse. On the Spell Focus, Bards get the most spells in the Enchantment school, so it seemed worthwhile. Another route could be Weapon Focus and Dazzling Display. Doesn't actually require me to be that effective with the weapon and Shaken is nice for you guys to follow up. And I actually just realized that I could take all of that with a bow and stay out of combat range. A 3rd possibility is Lingering Performance and a skill feat or Spell Focus. I'm just not sure that let's me do anything in combat, which is the classic Bard stereotype.
Ok, here's a basic Nikodemos. I went Core Bard and the spellcaster/skill route. I'm certainly open to suggestions. I can get a full background and description up tomorrow.
Yeah, I love the Archeologist, but I viewed Nikodemos more as a traditional Bard with the poems and Greek theatre. And who doesn't love some Inspire Courage? As it is, we're short on spellcasters, so a focus on spellcasting might not be a bad thing.
I'm actually holding off on crunch for the moment. Partially, because I want to see how the party is shaped to fit best, and partially because I can't decide how to build Nikodemos. Plus, I might not even get in. I am leaning towards maxing Cha and Int to be a Spellcaster/Skill monkey. I don't know if that's really viable though. Every bard I've seen has some combat aspect, either ranged or melee.
A young man comes racing in, his arms filled with scrolls. Several of them has come unraveled and threaten to trip him up, but the nimble boy manages to avoid the flaps of paper trailing behind him. "Priestess, don't leave me! I had to save the Epics! We can't leave them to these barbarians. They probably don't even know how to read!" He stops in front of the group, panting. He looks around and finally seems to notice the others. "Oh, so many! My apologies. I hope you weren't waiting for me." He pauses, then says, "Actually, I hope you were. I don't want to be left here to die! My name is Nikodemos."
Questions:
1. Nikodemos is a classical Greek Bard, versed in Epic poetry and music. He was appreciated to Kleitos, a master poet, but he was killed on the first day of fighting. Since then, the young man has been taking shelter in the temple and trying to help the priests and priestesses tend to the dying. Nikodemos is a young man, only about 14, and he was in a second year of his apprenticeship. He hails from the Peloponnese, but his travels with Master Kleitos has taken him to about half of the known world already. He's still young and naive, but he's eager to carry on his master's work. 2. Great storytelling with a reasonable pace. Be willing to post even when your character doesn't have anything to say. Be willing to join in to advance the story or explore RPing with the other players 3. A split between computer stuff and travelling around the world. I live in Poland currently, so European travel is high on the list. 4. See above. 5. I don't know anything about the Mythic rules, but I'm happy to experiment if given some rules.
Interested. I'm looking at a Bard, thought it might be the Archaeologist archetype. Basically, a skill monkey with skirmishing combat ability.
Paladin: Divine Hunter, Empyreal Knight, Undead Scourge, Sacred Shield
Not sure if I could commit to another game, but if you don't mind AZ, I'd like to see what it would be. Assault: Paladin, Cavalier
Races: Changeling, Halfling, Suli, Half-Orc
Right. It generally doesn't do anything for scrolls or wands, only a staff which does use the wielder's level if it's higher. There is one exception, though. If you're casting from a scroll that's too high for you, you have to make a caster level check. It would help there.
I had the same question when I made my Half-Elf Witch. Generally, the consensus is that you are correct in how the ability works (or doesn't) with items, with one exception: Staves. Staves use the wielder's caster level unlike most other items. Scrolls, Wands, Rings, none of them care what your caster level is above a certain minimum, but staves do. Now the other usage is for you to take it for a class in which you do not have any levels and thus be able to use low level items. A non-caster can take it and gain a huge benefit in exchange for all their favored class bonuses. So a Half-Elf Fighter can take it can use scrolls as a 1st level Wizard/Sorc, Bard, or Witch. Now if you were in a homebrew you might be able to convince your GM to have it apply as a +1 level bump for all items, but as written it doesn't work that way.
Here's Portia's full character. Crunch:
Portia Zayed Female Arcane Duelist Bard 5 CG Medium humanoid (half-elf) Init +4; Senses Perception +9, Sense Motive +5 DEFENSE
OFFENSE
STATISTICS
Class Abilities:
Racial Abilities:
Feats:
Traits:
Skills:
Background:
Portia was born in Sothis in Osirion, the youngest child of a family closely tied to the Church of Sarenrae. At an early age, her father taught her how to handle the goddess’ sacred weapon, the scimitar. It was her mother, Alexandra, however, who taught her the passion of dance. Passed down from her mother and grandmother before her, Alexandra taught Portia and her older sister, Sarai, the intricate and alluring movements that were told to be able to bring fire to men’s blood. A shake of the hips, swaying arms, colorful veils, jingling coins - Portia loved it all. Sarai blended dance and swordplay to become a Dawnflower Dervish, and Portia was intent on following her sister into Sarenrae’s service too. When Portia began her training at the temple, however, her life quickly took a turn. Like her sister, Portia showed a talent for arcane magic, perhaps fueled by her half-elven blood. She learned to blend magic and swordplay in her first year of training. Things were going so well for Portia. Towards the end of that year, she was even asked to showcase her dancing at a temple festival. As she danced, she saw a very handsome young man who was watching every spin, shake, twirl, and flip she did. During the rest of the festival she and Tiran danced several times, each one closer and closer until they were in each other arms, kissing. It was the best day of her life. The next day was the worst day of her life. Tiran, she learned, was all but betrothed to Ismarelda, a older acolyte in the Church and a jealous, vindictive one at that. From then on Ismarelda made it her personal goal to see Portia humiliated and humbled at every turn. Tiran was no help himself as he quickly shunned Portia to keep on Ismarelda’s good side. She made Portia’s studies, practice, and even simple living a battle at every step. For the next year, Portia counted the days in evenings she did not cry herself to sleep rather than those she did. Finally, she decided she had enough of Ismarelda’s bullying. She confronted the girl, angrily boasting that she had continued to see Tirian behind Ismarelda’s back, even bedding him. She shouted that Ismarelda was no match for her charms and her dancing. It was a lie, but the look on the girl’s face was worth it. What she didn’t count on was Ismarelda pulling a dagger on her. Portia dodged and spun away from the attacks, thankful her dancing provided her an edge. She managed to reach one of the many scimitars in the temple and now the advantage was hers. Fueled by the anger and humiliation she has suffered, Portia drove at Ismarelda, whirling around for quick strikes. She even poured her magic into the strikes, cutting deep into her opponent’s skin. When it was over, the priests found Portia standing over Ismarelda’s bloody body. The girl was dead. Things moved quickly after that. While everyone knew the grief Portia has endured, there was no way Ismarelda’s death could be condoned. She was removed from the temple and given a black mark in the church records. Crestfallen, angry, and only a little apologetic as to what had happened, Portia hitched a ride with the next merchant train out of the city. She left her home and family behind, trying to make her living dancing in inns. She also found her skill with the scimitar useful and began to make money as a sellsword. While she no longer serves the Church of Sarenrae, she still counts herself among the Dawnflower’s faithful. Recently, she’s heard of money to be made in Thuvia. Perhaps getting out of Osirion would be good for her.
Portia Zayed, a former initiate of the Dawnflower Dervishes, now turned a sellsword and dancer. Formally, she's now an Arcane Duelist, but she might still see herself as a Dervish at heart. Background:
Portia was born in Sothis in Osirion, the youngest child of a family closely tied to the Church of Sarenrae. At an early age, her father taught her how to handle the goddess’ sacred weapon, the scimitar. It was her mother, Alexandra, however, who taught her the passion of dance. Passed down from her mother and grandmother before her, Alexandra taught Portia and her older sister, Sarai, the intricate and alluring movements that were told to be able to bring fire to men’s blood. A shake of the hips, swaying arms, colorful veils, jingling coins - Portia loved it all. Sarai blended dance and swordplay to become a Dawnflower Dervish, and Portia was intent on following her sister into Sarenrae’s service too. When Portia began her training at the temple, however, her life quickly took a turn. Like her sister, Portia showed a talent for arcane magic, perhaps fueled by her half-elven blood. She learned to blend magic and swordplay in her first year of training. Things were going so well for Portia. Towards the end of that year, she was even asked to showcase her dancing at a temple festival. As she danced, she saw a very handsome young man who was watching every spin, shake, twirl, and flip she did. During the rest of the festival she and Tiran danced several times, each one closer and closer until they were in each other arms, kissing. It was the best day of her life. The next day was the worst day of her life. Tiran, she learned, was all but betrothed to Ismarelda, a older acolyte in the Church and a jealous, vindictive one at that. From then on Ismarelda made it her personal goal to see Portia humiliated and humbled at every turn. Tiran was no help himself as he quickly shunned Portia to keep on Ismarelda’s good side. She made Portia’s studies, practice, and even simple living a battle at every step. For the next year, Portia counted the days in evenings she did not cry herself to sleep rather than those she did. Finally, she decided she had enough of Ismarelda’s bullying. She confronted the girl, angrily boasting that she had continued to see Tirian behind Ismarelda’s back, even bedding him. She shouted that Ismarelda was no match for her charms and her dancing. It was a lie, but the look on the girl’s face was worth it. What she didn’t count on was Ismarelda pulling a dagger on her. Portia dodged and spun away from the attacks, thankful her dancing provided her an edge. She managed to reach one of the many scimitars in the temple and now the advantage was hers. Fueled by the anger and humiliation she has suffered, Portia drove at Ismarelda, whirling around for quick strikes. She even poured her magic into the strikes, cutting deep into her opponent’s skin. When it was over, the priests found Portia standing over Ismarelda’s bloody body. The girl was dead. Things moved quickly after that. While everyone knew the grief Portia has endured, there was no way Ismarelda’s death could be condoned. She was removed from the temple and given a black mark in the church records. Crestfallen, angry, and only a little apologetic as to what had happened, Portia hitched a ride with the next merchant train out of the city. She left her home and family behind, trying to make her living dancing in inns. She also found her skill with the scimitar useful and began to make money as a sellsword. While she no longer serves the Church of Sarenrae, she still counts herself among the Dawnflower’s faithful. Recently, she’s heard of money to be made in Thuvia. Perhaps getting out of Osirion would be good for her.
Thinking about an Arcane Duelist bard merecenary. Maybe with a Middle Eastern dance flair
Herzog Hagruk will be taking the Chain Fighter racial trait. Slave-trader, chains. Just seemed to fit.
For kicks, I'll do a focus/foible set of rolls: Str: 18
Whoa. Yeah Herzog will take those. Edited for 1d10: Not nearly as good, for the concept I have. I'll stick with the 25 point buy.
I second that the Archaeologist Bard gets to disarm magic traps at 6th level, as a part of Clever Explorer. It basically makes that archetype a Rogue who is trading sneak attack for spells.
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