It is evening in Ravengro - the evening before Professor Petros Lorrimor's funeral. It is a dark, cloudy night, but the air is warm and the rain has mercifully ceased.
Not that you minded the rain too much, as you've found solace at The Outward Inn, a small but pleasant hostel positioned with several other buildings around the town square. It's relatively full at the moment, with many people gathered in the basement tavern for a drink and a meal. It's clear that they know each other as they sit huddled in small groups, laughing, whispering and very clearly behaving as if they're uninterested in including others.
The inn's owner, Sarianna Vai, and her serving maid, Sarai, scurries around, keeping mugs filled and patrons happy. You can overhear them talking about this being the first time in recent memory that rooms upstairs have been occupied.
A young man sits in the corner and begins playing a mournful, but pleasant tune on a lute. His baritone voice softly fills the room with songs the locals obviously know, as they chime in frequently.
In one corner there is an older woman wearing bright silk clothing mindlessly shuffling cards. She is accompanied by a bored-looking younger man with dark hair and eyebrows.
Ok - time to introduce yourselves to one another. Some of you may have been here for days, others just arriving. It's clear the locals want very little to do with you, so you five might naturally gravitate towards one another - seeing as how you're the only five non-humans in the room. Or not. Your decision.
Hello, everyone! Congratulations for being selected for this adventure. If you haven't already, please complete your character sheets using the character creation criteria below. Please complete this by end of day Thursday, so we can start the adventure. Or sooner, if possible.
Character Creation
1) 20-Point Buy, 1st Level
2) Core races only
3) Three traits. It is required that you pick one from the campaign traits.
4) No evil characters.
5) Max HP at first level (roll or average thereafter).
6) Max starting gold
7) Archetype stacking is allowed, assuming the bonuses don't overlap.
I'll wait to set up the game thread, so you can all have time to flesh out and finish your characters. Please let me know when you've got those ready.
The More You Know
I like to have fun and err on the side of fun over rules. This is usually in your favor, so if you show creativity, we may be able to avoid a dreaded dice roll (the dice roller on this board often hates my players).
I am going to be using the in-fashion "Step Advancement System" that was sweeping the boards like wildfire. However, in the first level, you won't be able to take the HP bonus as a step reward. That totally throws the balance off of the early game and you already have a large party as it is. Once you actually reach level 2, you make take any of the four rewards whenever you like.
I will roll initiative and use your passive perception for you when necessary. This speeds up the game considerably (so please include your initiative and perception scores high on your character sheet). If you wish to make an active perception check, please state so and roll the dice. If I don't want to use your roll (or if it's stupidly low) I will simply reject it. Your group initiative will be averaged and then you or the enemy will move first, depending upon whose is highest. This may inspire you to change feats or traits, as individual initiative is less important than in a normal game.
When doing a skill check, go ahead and state what skill you're using and roll the dice. Again, I might reject your roll if it is unnecessary, but it speeds thing up if I don't have to ask for it.
Let me know if you have any questions and when your character sheet is ready for review.
I've decided to run another group through the Carrion Crown AP. There were so many incredible applicants on the last thread that I simply can't resist. I encourage all to apply, but specifically, I'm looking for some of the same who applied to the last thread.
Some Things You Should Know:
I am only selecting four players for this campaign. Probably. It kills me to narrow it down like that, as I know there will be some incredible applications. But I want to make the AP somewhat challenging and that's much easier with a smaller party.
To start, please download the Player's Guide if you haven't already. The information therein is critical in understanding the adventure and crafting an appropriate backstory for your character.
Role playing is more important to me than roll playing. I play for stories more than mechanics. That said, this is a traditional AP so completely unoptimized characters aren't really appropriate. But don't feel the need to eek out every point possible from your build.
Like other GMs, I'd like at least one post per day from the players - including weekends. And, of course, if you're going to be away, just let the group know. Depending on how long you're gone, you may need to be ok with the GM or a fellow player taking over your character until your return.
Finally, maps and other relevant documents will be uploaded to Dropbox. This is a friendly and easy way to share the files across multiple platforms.
My GM Quirks:
I place a high value on class and racial diversity.
I have a particular soft spot for Monks.
I am open to creative input from my players.
I subscribe to the tiered leveling (or whatever it is called).
I am a grammar snob. While improperly using a gerund isn't grounds for disqualification, proper use will earn you bonus points during selection.
Character Creation:
1) 20-Point Buy, 1st Level
2) Core races only. I may be open to Changelings, but all other player races are off-limits.
3) Three traits. It is required that you pick one from the campaign traits, but you can adjust the backstory freely to better align with your character.
4) No evil characters.
5) Max HP at first level (roll or average thereafter).
6) Max starting gold
7) Archetype stacking is allowed, assuming the bonuses don't overlap. Also, I'll be looking for some story-basis or flavor-basis for your archetype choices. If you're just looking to game the system, you're out.
How To Apply
Please respond to the questions below in-character.
I also ask that you have a fairly fleshed-out character profile that I can look at. It doesn't have to be completely finished at all, but I want to get an idea of what you're trying to do with your character - not just that you're a human cleric. In this character profile, please put your background story in spoilers - particularly the pieces that people wouldn't know about you.
The Questions
1. Who are you and where are you from?
2. How were you acquainted with Professor Lorrimor?
3. How would you describe your personality?
4. Do you buy into the superstitious paradigms of the denizens of Ustalav?
I will hold recruitment until I feel like I have enough players to choose from or Friday - whichever comes first.
If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask. I look forward to the applications!
It is evening in Ravengro - the evening before Professor Petros Lorrimor's funeral. It is a dark, cloudy night, but the air is warm and the rain has mercifully ceased.
Not that you minded the rain too much, as you've found solace at The Outward Inn, a small but pleasant hostel positioned with several other buildings around the town square. It's relatively full at the moment, with many people gathered in the basement tavern for a drink and a meal. It's clear that they know each other as they sit huddled in small groups, laughing, whispering and very clearly behaving as if they're uninterested in including others.
The inn's owner, Sarianna Vai, and her serving maid, Sarai, scurries around, keeping mugs filled and patrons happy. You can overhear them talking about this being the first time in recent memory that rooms upstairs have been occupied.
A young man sits in the corner and begins playing a mournful, but pleasant tune on a lute. His baritone voice softly fills the room with songs the locals obviously know, as they chime in frequently.
In one corner there is an older woman wearing bright silk clothing mindlessly shuffling cards. She is accompanied by a bored-looking younger man with dark hair and eyebrows.
Ok - time to introduce yourselves to one another. Some of you may have been here for days, others just arriving. It's clear the locals want very little to do with you, so you five might naturally gravitate towards one another - seeing as how you're the only five non-humans in the room. Or not. Your decision.
Hello, everyone! Congratulations for being selected for this adventure. If you haven't already, please complete your character sheets using the character creation criteria below. Please complete this by end of day Thursday, so we can start the adventure. Or sooner, if possible.
Character Creation
1) 20-Point Buy, 1st Level
2) Core races only
3) Three traits. It is required that you pick one from the campaign traits.
4) No evil characters.
5) Max HP at first level (roll or average thereafter).
6) Max starting gold
7) Archetype stacking is allowed, assuming the bonuses don't overlap.
I'll wait to set up the game thread, so you can all have time to flesh out and finish your characters. Please let me know when you've got those ready.
The More You Know
I like to have fun and err on the side of fun over rules. This is usually in your favor, so if you show creativity, we may be able to avoid a dreaded dice roll (the dice roller on this board often hates my players).
I am going to be using the in-fashion "Step Advancement System" that was sweeping the boards like wildfire. However, in the first level, you won't be able to take the HP bonus as a step reward. That totally throws the balance off of the early game and you already have a large party as it is. Once you actually reach level 2, you make take any of the four rewards whenever you like.
I will roll initiative and use your passive perception for you when necessary. This speeds up the game considerably (so please include your initiative and perception scores high on your character sheet). If you wish to make an active perception check, please state so and roll the dice. If I don't want to use your roll (or if it's stupidly low) I will simply reject it. Your group initiative will be averaged and then you or the enemy will move first, depending upon whose is highest. This may inspire you to change feats or traits, as individual initiative is less important than in a normal game.
When doing a skill check, go ahead and state what skill you're using and roll the dice. Again, I might reject your roll if it is unnecessary, but it speeds thing up if I don't have to ask for it.
Let me know if you have any questions and when your character sheet is ready for review.
After further review of the responses to my previous post and the first chapters of each AP considered, I have, obviously, selected Carrion Crown for my next PbP adventure. I encourage any and all to apply.
Some Things You Should Know:
I am only selecting five players for this campaign. Probably. It kills me to narrow it down like that, as I know there will be some incredible applications. But I want to make the AP somewhat challenging and that's much easier with a smaller party. (It is likely that I'll break this stipulation.)
To start, please download the Player's Guide if you haven't already. The information therein is critical in understanding the adventure and crafting an appropriate backstory for your character.
Role playing is more important to me than roll playing. I play for stories more than mechanics. That said, this is a traditional AP so completely unoptimized characters aren't really appropriate. But don't feel the need to eek out every point possible from your build.
Like other GMs, I'd like at least one post per day from the players - including weekends. And, of course, if you're going to be away, just let the group know. Depending on how long you're gone, you may need to be ok with the GM or a fellow player taking over your character until your return.
Finally, maps and other relevant documents will be uploaded to Dropbox. This is a friendly and easy way to share the files across multiple platforms.
My GM Quirks:
I place a high value on class and racial diversity.
I have a particular soft spot for Monks.
I am open to creative input from my players.
I subscribe to the tiered leveling (or whatever it is called).
I am a grammar snob. While improperly using a gerund isn't grounds for disqualification, proper use will earn you bonus points during selection.
Character Creation:
1) 20-Point Buy, 1st Level
2) Core races only. I may be open to Changelings, but all other player races are off-limits.
3) Three traits. It is required that you pick one from the campaign traits, but you can adjust the backstory freely to better align with your character.
4) No evil characters.
5) Max HP at first level (roll or average thereafter).
6) Max starting gold
7) Archetype stacking is allowed, assuming the bonuses don't overlap. Also, I'll be looking for some story-basis or flavor-basis for your archetype choices. If you're just looking to game the system, you're out.
How To Apply
Please respond to the questions below in-character.
I also ask that you have a fairly fleshed-out character profile that I can look at. It doesn't have to be completely finished at all, but I want to get an idea of what you're trying to do with your character - not just that you're a human cleric. In this character profile, please put your background story in spoilers - particularly the pieces that people wouldn't know about you.
The Questions
1. Who are you and where are you from?
2. How were you acquainted with Professor Lorrimor?
3. How would you describe your personality?
4. Do you buy into the superstitious paradigms of the denizens of Ustalav?
I will hold recruitment until I feel like I have enough players to choose from or Friday - whichever comes first.
If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask. I look forward to the applications!
Hello, Paizo friends. After months of a punishing, crushing workload, prepping to become a foster parent and starting another business, I have returned to the boards, ashamed, repentant and ready to game again.
First of all, I need to apologize to the numerous gamers I abandoned both as a GM and player on these boards. I should have checked in, responded to emails and let everyone know what was happening, but I didn't. And I'm sorry. Very, very sorry.
Secondly, I would like to GM another game. I'm certain that my previous abandonment will affect everyone's desire to be a part of any game that I'm involved in. But I'm hoping that we can scrape together a solid party of 5 or 6 and embark upon a grand adventure.
Thirdly, I'm not certain which AP I would like to run, but I will only be managing one game this time - as opposed to three. Hopefully, this will ensure that I don't become overwhelmed and discouraged at my inability to effectively shepherd the story the players and I are telling.
I am considering one of the following:
- Serpent's Skull
- Jade Regent
- Kingmaker
- Rise of the Runelords
I will be posting the recruitment threads shortly, based on the feedback received.
Again, I apologize to all affected by my callous abandonment and I hope that I can regain your trust and creativity.
It is fall in Sandpoint. Six weeks ago, the town celebrated the annual Swallowtail Festival. This year's was special as it was the five-year anniversary of the dedication of the new cathedral - and the more significant events surrounding that year's festival.
Sandpoint has almost completely recovered from that time - the buildings and people repaired as well as can be expected and peace had returned.
That is, until the news coming from some of the merchant caravans entering the town. Apparently, the Licktoad Goblins of Brinestump Marsh have grown unusually aggressive, attacking travelers and merchants. The reason for this uncharacteristic bravery seems clear: the goblins have somehow managed to arm themselves with what appears to be a considerable supply of fireworks. With the last few attacks resulting in severe injuries to three unfortunate travelers, the problem has escalated from an annoyance to a threat.
As none of the attacks have yet inconvenienced Magnimar (only Sandpointers and other Lost Coasters have been hit so far), the city has been slow to react.
Nami:
You have spent the past weeks in Sandpoint, staying at the House of Blue Stones with Sabyl Sorn, the caretaker of Sandpoint's only monastery. Sharing a common devotion to Irori, you deeply respect one another. Sabyl is growing older, but is still a force to be reckoned with when it comes time to train. Several bruises are constant reminders of that.
On this morning, you are greeted by a knock at the door to your. It is Sabyl and she is holding a poster. "This is a task for you," she says simply.
Tobar:
You have been in Sandpoint for several straight weeks now - a record for you. Much of that time has been spent at the Rusty Dragon. You've heard the reports of the goblin attacks from the travelers that stop in at the Dragon. As many of these are friends or acquaintances, you are eager to do your part to help, if you can.
One morning, coming down from your room at the Dragon, you are greeted by a large poster.
Kallista:
You wake early one bright, crisp Autumn morning. As you're preparing your morning meal, you hear a large pounding on the wall of your small apartment. You put on a cloak and walk outside to see what the disturbance is. On the wall is a large poster.
Theo:
You awake with a start. Squinting, you look towards the window - it is morning. You have fallen asleep sitting up, the book you were reading spread on the floor. Chask Haladan, proprietor of The Curious Goblin has allowed you to spend the night in his shop. Again.
Standing and stretching you decide to head to get some food. As you walk out of the shop, you see a group gathered. Stepping to see what has their attention, you see them all looking at a large poster.
Nik'o:
You awake early in the morning, the smell of grilled fish and fried eggs rising through the floorboards. You're at The Hagfish - one of Sandpoint's most popular taverns. As you dress and prepare for the day, you make your way downstairs. Jargie Quinn, a gregarious one-legged man named who owns the tavern, greets you. "'Ello, Nik'o. Top o' the morning. 'Ow'd you sleep? Well, I trust? You should see this. Seems like it's right up y'er alley" He points to a large poster on the wall.
----
The Poster Reads: The Time Is Now! Wanted: The Brave. The Skilled. The Committed.
We, the leaders of Sandpoint, are calling upon you, the citizens of Sandpoint, to put an end to the goblin threat we face before it gets out of hand.
All interested are encouraged and invited to The Rusty Dragon tonight at 6:00 p.m. You will learn what we are asking and how you can help.
----
The day passes (Feel free to RP if you'd like) and you arrive at the Inn at the prescribed time. Opening the door, you see an incredibly large crowd gathered - but sitting on one side of the tavern. The other side is nearly completely empty. The tables have been removed and chairs placed facing an improvised stage. Standing near the stage is Sheriff Hemlock, a particularly unhappy scowl on his face, and Mayor Deverin, forcing a smile.
All eyes are on you as make your way to a chair. As you sit, the mayor's smile becomes less forced. Hemlock's face remains unchanged.
And it begins! Once you all arrive, we'll kick off the narrative.
Hello, everyone! Congratulations for being selected for this adventure. If you haven't already, please complete your character sheets using the character creation criteria below. Please complete this by end of day Thursday, so we can start the adventure in a week. Or sooner, if possible.
Character Creation
1) 20-Point Buy, 1st Level
2) Core races only
3) Three traits. It is required that you pick one from the campaign traits.
4) No evil characters.
5) Max HP at first level (roll or average thereafter).
6) Max starting gold
7) Archetype stacking is allowed, assuming the bonuses don't overlap.
I'll wait to set up the game thread, so you can all have time to flesh out and finish your characters. I'd like to create some PC connections, so we'll take some time to work on those.
The More You Know:
I like to have fun and err on the side of fun over rules. This is usually in your favor, so if you show creativity, we may be able to avoid a dreaded dice roll (the dice roller on this board often hates my players).
I am going to be using the in-fashion "Step Advancement System" that is sweeping the boards like wildfire. However, in the first level, you won't be able to take the HP bonus as a step reward. That totally throws the balance off of the early game and you already have a large party as it is. Once you actually reach level 2, you make take any of the four rewards whenever you like.
I will roll initiative and use your passive perception for you when necessary. This speeds up the game considerably. If you wish to make an active perception check, please state so and roll the dice. If I don't want to use your roll (or if it's stupidly low) I will simply reject it. Your group initiative will be averaged and then you or the enemy will move first, depending upon whose is highest. This may inspire you to change feats or traits, as individual initiative is less important than in a normal game.
When doing a skill check, go ahead and state what skill you're using and roll the dice. Again, I might reject your roll if it is unnecessary, but it speeds thing up if I don't have to ask for it.
Let me know if you have any questions and when your character sheet is ready for review.
I'm considering starting a PBP Jade Regent Adventure. I have two other campaigns running and life may or may not get increasingly busy over the next several weeks. But, I'm incredibly intrigued by the new AP and think there's a lot of richness in the adventure and possibilities for the caravan aspects.
Some Things You Should Know:
I am only selecting four players for this campaign. Probably. It kills me to narrow it down like that, as I know there will be some incredible applications. But I want to make the AP somewhat challenging and that's much easier with a smaller party. (I can almost guarantee I'll break this stipulation.)
To start, please download the Jade Regent Player's Guide if you haven't already. The information therein is critical in understanding the adventure and crafting an appropriate backstory for your character.
Role playing is more important to me than roll playing. I play for stories more than mechanics. That said, this is a traditional AP so completely unoptimized characters aren't really appropriate. But don't feel the need to eek out every point possible from your build.
Like other GMs, I'd like at least one post per day from the players - including weekends. And, of course, if you're going to be away, just let the group know. Depending on how long you're gone, you may need to be ok with the GM or a fellow player taking over your character until your return.
Finally, maps and other relevant documents will be uploaded to Dropbox. This is a friendly and easy way to share the files across multiple platforms.
My GM Quirks:
I place a high value on diversity in race and classes.
I have a particular soft spot for Monks.
I am a grammar snob. While improperly using a gerund isn't grounds for disqualification, proper use will earn you bonus points.
Character Creation:
1) 20-Point Buy, 1st Level
2) Core races only
3) Three traits. It is required that you pick one from the campaign traits.
4) No evil characters.
5) Max HP at first level (roll or average thereafter).
6) Max starting gold
7) Archetype stacking is allowed, assuming the bonuses don't overlap. Also, I'll be looking for some story-basis or flavor-basis for your archetype choices. If you're just looking to game the system, you're out.
How To Apply
As I'm still trying to determine whether or not I will run this game (I totally will), I don't want a lot of people to devote a lot of time to roleplaying their characters. Instead, I will post the now-traditional questions and ask that you respond to them in character.
I also ask that you have a mostly completed character profile that I can look at. It doesn't have to be completely finished at all, but I want to get an idea of what you're trying to do with your character - not just that you're a human cleric.
The Questions
1. Why are you in Sandpoint? Are you visiting or a local?
2. Which NPC are you connected to?
3. How would you describe your personality?
4. What will your character contribute to the group?
5. What are your plans for your character mechanically? I don't need to know a level-by-level progression, but where are you taking him/her?
6. What is your day job?
I will hold recruitment until I feel like I have enough players to choose from or next Tuesday - whichever comes first.
It is the night before the first day of Autumn. It is late in the evening at The Rusty Dragon - many who were gathered have left and returned home. There are other patrons in the bar, but the energy has died down dramatically. There are six of you who feel especially drawn to one another - as if you share a common bond.
The bartender poured you three pitchers of wine before heading off to bed. And now you sit, the Six, discussing your plans for the festival and the future.
Hello, everyone! Congratulations for being selected for this adventure. If you haven't already, please complete your character sheets using the character creation criteria below. Please complete this by end of day Monday, so we can start the adventure on Tuesday. If this is going to be difficult, just let me know.
Character Creation
1) 20-Point Buy, 1st Level
2) Core races and Published Core Sources only (Core, APG, UM)
3) Two traits. It is not necessary to pick one from the campaign traits.
4) No evil characters.
5) Max HP at first level (roll thereafter).
6) Average starting gold
7) No words of power
I'll go ahead and set up the game thread in a moment, so you can continue with your RP'ing until the action kicks off.
A quick question for input before getting started: Are you ok with my rolling initiative for the group, rather than individually? I've found that for PBPs, this speeds things up a bit. However, if one of you are pumping your Initiative modifier, that takes some of the power out of your hands. What do you think?
I'm looking to start a PBP Rise of the Runelords Adventure. I've recently started a Serpent's Skull PBP and I'm enjoying the experience so much and I'm enough of a masochist, that I'd like to start another.
Some Things You Should Know
To start, please download the Rise of the Runelords Player's Guide if you haven't already. The information therein is critical in understanding the adventure and crafting an appropriate backstory for your character.
Role playing is more important to me than roll playing. I play for stories more than mechanics. That said, this is a traditional AP so completely unoptimized characters aren't really appropriate. But don't feel the need to eek out every point possible from your build.
Like other GMs, I'd like at least one post per day from the players - including weekends. And, of course, if you're going to be away, just let the group know. Depending on how long you're gone, you may need to be ok with the GM or a fellow player taking over your character until your return.
Finally, maps and other relevant documents will be uploaded to Dropbox and/or Google Docs. This is a friendly and easy way to share the files across multiple platforms.
Character Creation
1) 20-Point Buy, 1st Level
2) Core races and Published Core Sources only (Core, APG, UM)
3) Two traits. It is not necessary to pick one from the campaign traits.
4) No evil characters.
5) Max HP at first level (roll thereafter).
6) Average starting gold
7) No words of power
How to Apply:
Rather than just post a character concept, I'd like applicants to answer the following questions. After that, begin interacting with each other as a patron or employee of The Rusty Dragon. If you're selected, we can adjust your story as needed.
1. Why are you in Sandpoint? Are you a local or a visitor to the city?
2. What are your motivations for attending the Swallowtail Festival?
3. What will your character contribute to the group?
4. What are your plans for your character mechanically?
5. What are your plans for your character from a story-perspective?
Role-Playing Introduction: It's the evening before the Swallowtail Festival. There is an air of excitement in the Rusty Dragon Inn. Friends and strangers alike are gathered to share drinks, stories and predictions for tomorrow's activities. The inn's owner, Ameiko Kaijitsu, is hurrying around the tavern, greeting guests and barking orders at her employees. Cyrdak Drokkus, owner of Sandpoint Theater, has just announced that until he passes out from drinking too much, the evening's drinks are all on him. As he was a large fellow, there is little doubt the wine would flow freely for quite some time.
I will be accepting applications until Friday at the latest. If there are enough solid applicants, I will close the recruitment earlier.
Hey there, everyone. I'm just getting an SS campaign underway and I only have the first book currently. I was wanting to plan ahead and prepare for the next chapter in the adventure and was curious how much of a role the NPCs play moving forward? I'm curious what the next book details and, even more importantly, what other GMs have done with them.
Chapter 1- Souls for Smugglers Shiv
For various reasons, you have all found yourselves aboard the ship known as the Jenivere, a ship that routinely travels between Magnimar in Varisia and the Cheliax colony, Sargava. The voyage is nearing its end, with First Mate Alton Devers sharing that you will arrive in Eleder, your destination port, in about four days. As you have all spent some time aboard the Jenivere at this point, you should have at least passing familiarity with several prominent crew members and passengers making their way to Sargava. I've included some information about these characters - some is found in your player's guide, but I've also added a little.
Aerys Mavato:
This severe half-elven woman boarded in Port Peril, where she immediately got into a scrape with a crude sailor. She spends most of her time in her bunk, seeming to purposefully avoid fraternizing with the ship’s other passengers. She is a trim, athletic woman with short dark hair, tanned skin, and fierce blue eyes. She dresses in tightly fitted leather armor and favors dark clothing and tricorn hats. The few times you have seen her, you get the impression she spends most of the day drunk; the smell of alcohol is always present on her breath.
Alizandru Kovack, Captain of the Jenivere:
A Chelish man whose family has made the Magnimar to Eleder run for generations, Captain Kovack is pleasant enough with his passengers, but a strict disciplinarian when dealing with his crew.
Alton Devers, First Mate:
The Jenivere’s first mate is friendly with both passengers and crew, but he sometimes seems to chafe under the strong discipline of Captain Kovack.
Gelik Aberwhinge, Gnome Writer:
A sharply dressed gnome from Magnimar, Gelik spends much of his time writing in the ships’ common areas, and takes every opportunity to tell long-winded stories, boast of past journeys, or quip about anything in his field of view. Gelik is a spry, energetic gnome with blond hair and a neat goatee. He dresses like a noble at all times. With liberal use of prestidigitation, his fine clothes always seem freshly cleaned. Only the ink stains on his fingers break the illusion of a proper gnome nobleman. He has something of a cruel streak, and a tendency to mock others.
Ieana, Varisian Scholar and Loner:
A bookish Varisian scholar who tends to keep to herself, Ieana is traveling to Sargava to explore the ancient ruins there. Rumors aboard the ship alternately suggest that she’s the Jenivere’s owner, a Chelish agent, or Captain Kovack’s secret lover. Ieana keeps mostly to herself, and grows more intent on her studies with each mile the ship travels closer to Eleder. A small and quiet woman, Ieana has shown no interest in socializing or making friends on the voyage.
Ishirou, Rugged Tian:
A scruffy human of Tian heritage, Ishirou boarded at Bloodcove and waits to reach Sargava with a quiet eagerness. Aloof but not rude, he gives the impression of one who has had a hard life but find himself currently without direction. He appears much older than he is, with graying hair worn in a ponytail and a perpetual scruffy beard. His clothing and armor are well kept and clean, but obviously of low quality. Only his sword, a beautiful katana, has any real value. Ishirou is fiercely protective of it, as it is his only material link to his cultural heritage.
Jask, Garundi Prisoner:
Jask is a prisoner loaded aboard in Corentyn. Captain Kovack sees to this taciturn human’s needs with curt courtesy, but insists he be left alone, sequestered in the ship’s brig. He is a middle-aged, plain-looking Garundi man with greying hair and watery eyes.
Rambar, Jenivere's Chef:
A taciturn man from Senghor, Ship’s Cook Terillo has served in that capacity aboard several ships, though apparently not on account of his culinary skills, which seem to be limited to watery soups.
Sasha, Adventurer from Mediogalti:
This red-haired human boarded the Jenivere in Ilizmagorti. Since leaving Mediogalti Island, the woman’s somber demeanor has gradually faded, revealing a boisterous and optimistic personality. None have yet questioned her about her missing left pinky finger. She has tousled red hair and mischievous green eyes.
It is the morning after the previous night's festivities. The crew has moved on from the "slap heard round the galley" - most likely as they got so drunk, that remembering much of anything was beyond expectation. The weather is gloriously sunny. The Captain and First Mate are privately consulting with the navigator about their course, while the crew is busying themselves with the routine tasks. Though there are still a few grumblings among the crew regarding the current heading, a general calm has come over them since it is widely know that Capitan Kovack is finally meeting with the navigator. Most of the passengers of the ship are out on the deck, enjoying the sunshine as the anchored ship drifts lazily, pushed by the gentle waves.
As we wait for the characters to get finalized, feel free to get to know one another here. No dice rolls needed - just interact in-character.
Hello, everyone! Congratulations for being selected for this adventure. If you haven't already, please complete your character sheets using the character creation criteria below. Please complete this by end of day Wednesday, so we can start the adventure on Thursday. If this is going to be difficult, just let me know.
Character Creation
1) 20-Point Buy, 1st Level
2) Core races only and Published Core Sources only (Core, APG, UM)
3) Two traits. One should be from the player's guide, but if you can provide a good story reason, I'll allow others. The second can be from the pre-approved sources.
4) No evil characters.
5) Max HP at first level (roll thereafter).
6) Average starting gold
7) No words of power
A quick question for input before getting started: Are you ok with my rolling initiative for the group, rather than individually? I've found that for PBPs, this speeds things up a bit. However, if one of you are pumping your Initiative modifier, that takes some of the power out of your hands. What do you think?
Hey everyone. I'm looking for a suitable mapmaker, but it's tough to find one on a Mac. I've tried Dundjinni and liked what I saw, but it appears the store is offline and has been for sometime. I'm looking to create encounter/battle maps more than continent or city maps.
I have access to Photoshop, but not any meaningful artistic skill, so I'm struggling with how best to use it to make helpful maps. Any suggestions are appreciated.
I'm looking to start a PBP Serpent's Skull Adventure. In the interest of full disclosure, this will be my first time GM'ing a PBP, but I'm confident the nature of a PBP will allow me to be a better GM than I am in real life.
Some Things You Should Know
To start, please download the Serpent's Skull Players Guide if you haven't already. The information therein is critical in understanding the adventure and crafting an appropriate backstory for your character. In particular, read up on the NPCs and the various ports of call and associated traits.
Role playing is more important to me than roll playing. I play for stories more than mechanics. That said, this is a traditional AP so completely unoptimized characters aren't really appropriate. But don't feel the need to eek out every point possible from your build.
Like other GMs, I'd like at least one post per day from the players - including weekends. And, of course, if you're going to be away, just let the group know. Depending on how long you're gone, you may need to be ok with the GM or a fellow player taking over your character until your return.
Finally, maps and other relevant documents will be uploaded to Google Docs. This is a friendly and easy way to share the files across multiple platforms.
Character Creation
1) 20-Point Buy, 1st Level
2) Core races only and Published Core Sources only (Core, APG, UM)
3) Two traits. One should be from the player's guide, but if you can provide a good story reason, I'll allow others. The second can be from the pre-approved sources.
4) No evil characters.
5) Max HP at first level (roll thereafter).
6) Average starting gold
7) No words of power
How to Apply:
Rather than just post a character concept, I'd like applicants to answer the following questions and then begin interacting with each other and me as travelers aboard the Jenivere.
1. Why are you aboard the ship?
2. At which port did you board or are you a stowaway?
3. What will your character contribute to the group?
4. What are your plans for your character mechanically?
5. What are your plans for your character from a story-perspective?
Role-Playing Introduction:
It's evening aboard the Jenivere. Much of the crew is gathered in the galley, awaiting their meal. Are you with them? Are you busy carrying out your duties? There is an air of discontent among the crew, as many are confused about their current course. Do you share in their concerns or are you loyal to Captain Kovack? Introduce yourself to the group in this context.
I will be selecting five players for this AP. I will be accepting applications until Wednesday at the latest. If there are five solid applicants, I will close the recruitment earlier.
