Past the northern edge of the Pentath Empire, beyond the claws of the Drachen Tyrants, a haven of sorts exists. A region where those who wish to breathe a little freer and the shadow of dragons are rarely seen. The Dominion of the Scaled has no say in how one can worship and the arcane arts can be freely studied without the Blood Scholars interference.
The northern wilderness is a land of criminals, outlaws, heretics, misfits and the desperate. A land that is untamed and hazardous. Only the determined, the smart, and the lucky make their living there.
Spring has come to the northern wilderness. Meltwaters flow around sky-reaching evergreens, cascade over rocky falls, and dive into forested hillsides. When the icy water emerges again, gold flecks and nuggets tumble within it. Every year at this time, rough and ready prospectors called Rushers push into the northern wilderness to pan for gold. A few have made their fortune in a single day. Largely though, the Suppliers are the real moneymakers.
The Suppliers arrive beforehand, setting up shop in the abandoned shanty town of Merzel’s Fall. They ride into town a week or so before the big rush. They basically open the town for business – clean out the Heart of the Rush Inn, get the shelves stocked, and so on. And then the wave of settlers and fortune-seekers hit the town. When the Rushers arrive, the town really comes alive. A lucky prospector can make enough cash in two months to set his family up for a couple of years. During the season, The Heart of the Rush is active at all hours of the day and night. Card games, drinking, accusations of claim jumping, hookers, The Heart has it all. You can count on at least one brawl breaking out a day, typically because somebody accuses somebody else of stealing a claim, or maybe a spouse.
That’s the key – everything is for sale. Everything. If you have the cash, somebody is selling what you want. They may not know it’s for sale yet, but that’s OK. Once you start flashing around your gold, scruples and morals get tossed into the melting river. It’s been said that Rushers have even sold their spouses – especially if their claim is dry.
Law doesn’t really exist. Disputes are generally settled with cash or fists. Whoever has the most cash or the strongest fists is right, and the other fool was wrong.
Merzel’s Fall is a crazy place. A person could make his fortune here. Of course, the alternative isn’t that a person won’t find his fortune; the alternative is that the land eats you alive, and spits out your cold corpse. Many succumb to intense cold, natural predators, and the undead that seemed to throng the region in the past. It’s been many years now since anyone’s seen a zombie around the town. Every now and then some undead abomination wanders too close. Sometimes a prospector or two gets killed. However, the natural hazards around here are far more dangerous. Steep cliffs, icy water, starving bears, those are the things prospectors need to be concerned with.
It holds only the minimum number of buildings to support the Rushers and the Suppliers every year. Most residents sleep in sturdy canvas tents, but six log cabins — supposedly built by Merzel himself — contain narrow bunks and a firepit. Each cabin houses up to ten and occupants claim bunks on a first-come first-serve basis.
A family of six runs the Heart, led by their patriarch, Reet Zeggin (male human). He runs the taproom while his wife, Erla, manages the inn, and their three sons — Jakk, Erlest, and Ryn — and their daughter, Reeta, help out where they’re needed. The wooden stables hold up to eight horses. Reet or one of his sons stands guard there every night.
Serinnel Day (female half-elf) operates the weigh station the Rushers use to assay their claims and strikes. Mersi Bigglefrow (male halfling) runs the Mule Pen. Goodtime Gyra (female half-orc) brings music, entertainments, and companionship in her wagons.
Preacher Toll (male human) tends the shrine. Toll’s rules for the shrine are simple. Worship of any faith is permitted at any time, and all must respect the space dedicated to other deities – even if it’s a god whose beliefs are anathema to your own.
Supplier leader Zelly Berrick (female gnome) who runs the overpriced, under stocked general store, fears that the harsh winter may have driven wolves, owlbears, or other beasts down from the mountains to search for food and shelter in the abandoned town of Merzel’s Fall. She is looking to hire four to six adventurers of skill and reliable reputation to precede the Suppliers and their valuable wares on their annual pilgrimage to the site. Zelly expects the adventurers to stay a day ahead of the Suppliers, to insure that the path to Merzel’s Fall is safe, and to clear stray beasts from the town.
The offer is 20 talons (gp) each for the first week and 10 talons each for every week afterwards. They can avail themselves of the Suppliers’ services and goods at cost instead of taking coin. Choosing to stay on the entire eight weeks earns a bonus based on the Suppliers’ final ledger, usually 1 coin in 100. (gp = talon, sp = wing, cp = scale)
I'm looking for 4-5 players who are willing to put up with a new PBP GM but experienced tabletop GM. Also, I am a 911 Dispatcher and First Responder which means sometimes I'm busy as all get out in RL. If those two things haven't run ya off, let me know your if you're interested. Once I have enough players I'll spin off the Discussion and Game Threads.
Use Pathfinder Beta to create PCs of 5th level.
Attribute array: 16, 15, 14, 13, 12, 11
Two starting Traits
Standard Equipment:
Weapons 1,500gp
Protection 1,400gp
Limited Use 500gp
Gear 200gp
A background isn't required but can't hurt. A few sentences to a short paragraph is fine. I'll throw in a bonus something for it.
Ooooooo! I'm first!!! ;-)
Very interesting concept, and a very well thought out (and well written!) intro. Count me in! I'll play a multi-classed Barbarian/Fighter (male human). I'll stat him up and post him this evening under an Alias.
Question: Is this a homebrew setting?
Btw, I'm new to PbP games as well, though I've been playing tabletops for...well let's just say a long time!
-Tom
Consider me interested.
Since the meat shield role has a potential, I'm OK with a cleric.
I'll post a summary soon.
Sounds like a blast! I'm in if you'll have me. Prefer a ranger type, but will try anything if absolutely necessary.
I've been off the boards awhile and just started looking for a game. If you'll have me I'd be interested in a gnome sorcerer/rouge who wants to seek his fortune in the hills himself, but lacks funds so he takes the job to get his start up gold.
RPG Superstar 2010 Top 16, 2011 Top 32
|
I've been off the boards awhile and just started looking for a game. If you'll have me I'd be interested in a gnome sorcerer/rouge who wants to seek his fortune in the hills himself, but lacks funds so he takes the job to get his start up gold.
MD! What happened to you?
Yeah, if you'll have me, this setting sound perfect for a human ranger-ey type. Let me know and I'll roll him up! :D
Oooo, this sounds like fun! If you have room for another fighter I'd love to work one up. A dwarf fighter if that works.
Or, if you want someone who is a straight-up caster, I could be a human sorceror.
It just sounds like a fun campaign to be part of.
Also...a question... 2 starting Traits? Does this mean 2 of the racial traits? Such as Dwarves and Defensive Training?
Curse attempting to read rules tomes on a computer screen at work!
Ok, Tom Qadim here. Allow me to present:
Kumal: CN Human Barbarian 3 / Fighter 2
Here's the long version:
CN Male Human
Barbarian 3 / Fighter 2
Init +3 ; Senses Perception +5
==DEFENSE==
AC 16, touch 13, flat-footed 16 (+3 armor, +3 dex)
hp 63 (2d10+3d12+7)
Fort +8, Ref +4, Will +2
Defensive Abilities Uncanny Dodge, Trap Sense, Bravery
==OFFENSE==
Spd 40 ft./x4
Melee Mwk Greatsword +11 2d6+8 19-20/x2
Melee Dagger, melee +9 1d4+4 19-20/x2
Melee Unarmed Strike +9 1d3+4 20/x2
Ranged Mwk Longbow, composite +9 1d8+4 20/x3
Ranged Mwk Axe, throwing +9 1d6+4 20/x2
Ranged Dagger, thrown +8 1d4+4 19-20/x2
Special Attacks Cleave, Dazzling Display, Overhand Chop, Power Attack, Intimidating Glare
==STATISTICS==
Str 18, Dex 16, Con 13, Int 14, Wis 12, Cha 11
Base Atk +5
CMB +9
Feats Armor Proficiency (Heavy) (PFB 82), Armor Proficiency (Light) (PFB 82), Armor Proficiency (Medium) (PFB 82), Cleave (PFB 83), Dazzling Display (PFB 84), Intimidating Prowess (PFB 89), Overhand Chop (PFB 92), Power Attack (PFB 92), Shield Proficiency (PFB 94), Weapon Focus (PFB 97)
Skills Acrobatics +10, Climb +11, Handle Animal +5, Intimidate +13, Knowledge (dungeoneering) +6, Knowledge (nature) +7, Perception +9, Ride +7, Stealth +8, Survival +9, Swim +8
Traits
Resilient: Growing up in the unforgiving wilds often forced you to subsist on food and water from doubtful sources. You’ve built up your mettle as a result, and gain a +1 trait bonus on Fortitude saves.
Bully: You grew up in an environment where the meek were ignored and you often had to resort to threats or violence to be heard. You gain a +1 trait bonus on Intimidate checks, and Intimidate is always a class skill for you.
Languages Common, Giant, Goblin
SQ Rage, Rage Powers
Combat Gear Mwk Greatsword, Mwk Longbow (STR 18), Mwk Axe, throwing, 2 Daggers, Unarmed Strike, Masterwork Studded leather
Other Gear Backpack, Cloak w/ hood, Winter blanket, Flint and steel, Trail rations (5 days), 2 Sacks, Waterskin, Whestone, Everburning torch
Class Abilities • FAST MOVEMENT - Speed +10 feet in less than heavy armor or load. (PFB 12).
• BARBARIAN WEAPONS AND ARMOR - All simple and martial weapons, light armor, medium armor, and shields (except tower shields). (PFB 12).
• RAGE - 11 points (PFB 12-14).
• RAGE POWERS (x) - As a barbarian gains experience, she learns to harness her rage in new ways. Starting at 2nd level, a barbarian gains one rage power. She gains an additional rage power for every two levels of barbarian attained after 2nd level. A barbarian can use her rage powers only while raging, with each power consuming a number of rage points. A barbarian cannot select an individual power more than once. Unless otherwise noted, these abilities are free actions that must be performed on your turn.
(PFB 14-15).
• UNCANNY DODGE - 0 (PFB 15).
• TRAP SENSE (+1) - +1 bonus on Reflex saves made to avoid traps and a +1 dodge bonus to AC against attacks made by traps. (PFB 15).
• FIGHTER BONUS FEATS - At 1st level, and at every even level thereafter, a fighter gains a bonus feat in addition to those gained from normal advancement (meaning that the fighter gains a feat at every level). These bonus feats must be selected from either fighter bonus feats or combat feats (see the Feats chapter). (PFB 27).
• FIGHTER WEAPONS AND ARMOR - A fighter is proficient with all simple and martial weapons and with all armor (heavy, medium, and light) and shields (including tower shields). (PFB 27).
• BRAVERY - +1 to saves vs. fear. +1 every 4 levels after 2nd. (PFB 27).
Physical Description
Kumal stands 6'2" and weighs some 220 pounds. His sullen grey eyes are usually calm and expressionless, unless he is roused to anger or battle. His square, knife-cut black hair falls just past his shoulders, and is usually braided in the dwarven style with small trinkets of carved bone, copper, or blackened iron--all trophies of past victories and personal triumphs. Though not as powerfully built as many humans who match his strength, Kumal's frame is iron-hard. His arms, chest, and back are marked with tribal scarring and blood-marks (crimson tatoos each marking a worthy kill), and his right forearm bears the tatoo of a bloody wolf's head, marking him as a one-time member of the infamous Blood Wolf mercenaries. Much like this tatoo, Kumal's physique and the way he carries himself can be described as wolfish. He is a dangerous predator and clearly looks the part.
Background
Kumal was born among the barbarians of the northern wilderness, a harsh land known for breeding fierce, bloodthirsty warriors. After a violent disagreement with several of his clan-brothers, Kumal left his people and made his way into the lands of the civilized south. Leading him on were half-remembered tales spun by his grandfather, who had lived the life of a wandering sellsword many years before.
Over the past 10 years, Kumal has been many things. He's been a highwayman, a hired killer, a scout for the imperial army of Pentath, a bodyguard, a pimp, a pirate, a tomb robber, a prisoner (twice), a caravan guard, a slave to a tribe of hill giants, a father (at least three times), a wealthy mercenary captain, and a coinless vagabond. He's travelled as far south as the Black Jungles, as far west as the Emerald Isles of the Great Trackless Sea, and as far east as the tomb-haunted wastes of the Crimson Desert.
Now, still relatively young and ever-eager to carve his way into the annals of history and legend, Kumal finds himself once again in the harsh lands of his birth...
Also...a question... 2 starting Traits? Does this mean 2 of the racial traits? Such as Dwarves and Defensive Training?
Curse attempting to read rules tomes on a computer screen at work!
Just the traits that come from the PF Beta Traits free download.
Ooooooo! I'm first!!! ;-)
Very interesting concept, and a very well thought out (and well written!) intro. Count me in! I'll play a multi-classed Barbarian/Fighter (male human). I'll stat him up and post him this evening under an Alias.
Question: Is this a homebrew setting?
Btw, I'm new to PbP games as well, though I've been playing tabletops for...well let's just say a long time!
-Tom
The setting is something I've been working on, "Pentath Empire," but the adventure is store bought generic setting. I wanted to use some training wheels on my first run of a PBP before getting all crazy and stuff.
That was fast! :)
Tom Qadim - Barbarian/Fighter
Torillan - Cleric
Sully - Ranger
Mythril Dragon - Sorcerer/Rogue
Harden Sull - Fighter
Curious - Rogue or Druid
I'm going to call this recruitment done!
I'll be going to work and won't get back online until after midnight. I'll set up the other threads then.
I will do my best for daily updates.
Thanks everyone!
*facepalm*
ok, i mostly have my character worked up. will be posting him here in a bit.
can someone link my dumb butt to the PF beta Traits download?
i have been searching for it on here...and am not finding it.
doh! :P
Ahhh, here he mostly is.
This is harden sull.....only as my character for this game.
Still gotta work my items out, and wasn't sure if there was a special way you wanted to do HP. I just took max at each level, but I will be happy to roll for it if you like as well.
Also, ignore my post earlier. FINALLY found the traits download thingy. They didn't make it easy for me to track down.....
Working on the character. He'll be ready tomorrow afternoon if not tonight. Will ask if I have any questions, but he should be pretty straightforward.
The setting is something I've been working on, "Pentath Empire," ....
Very cool! I like the sound of your Pentath Empire. If I took too many liberties in my character background just let me know and I'll make some changes!
Here's my ranger. Still a little bit of work to do. Let me know if he is ok or if I need to change anything.
if ur still accepting player would love to throw in my name for a wizard
I've been off the boards awhile and just started looking for a game. If you'll have me I'd be interested in a gnome sorcerer/rouge who wants to seek his fortune in the hills himself, but lacks funds so he takes the job to get his start up gold.MD! What happened to you?
Real Life got the better of me. I didn't get a timely transfer with my job so I was commuting 90 miles one way to work a FT job and spending the nights away from my family at my inlaws. I have been focused on getting transfered, assimilated to a new home, trying to find a new job, blah blah blah. Things are starting to settle down now and I am looking to get back into a PBP on the board, but I won't be able to run one, just to much time is needed and I am still hoping to find a better job.
That was fast! :)
Tom Qadim - Barbarian/Fighter
Torillan - Cleric
Sully - Ranger
Mythril Dragon - Sorcerer/Rogue
Harden Sull - Fighter
Curious - Rogue or DruidI'm going to call this recruitment done!
I'll be going to work and won't get back online until after midnight. I'll set up the other threads then.
I will do my best for daily updates.
Thanks everyone!
Cool, I get something posted for you in the next day or so. I'm thinking I might make a slight switch im going with this concept but I'm going to take a closer look at wizard and bard before I make the final charater. I will be some sort of arcane caster and rogue type just not sure which way I want to go to get the right feel.
if ur still accepting player would love to throw in my name for a wizard
Sorry, I have six now. If I was more confident in my ability to run a PBP I'd probably say yes. If someone needs to withdraw I'll keep you in mind. Thanks for your interest in my game!
The setting is something I've been working on, "Pentath Empire," ....Very cool! I like the sound of your Pentath Empire. If I took too many liberties in my character background just let me know and I'll make some changes!
Thank you! There is no need to change it. Part of my underlying theme to the Pentath Empire is being so large and far-flung that it encompasses nearly anything the player's want to play.
Here's my ranger. Still a little bit of work to do. Let me know if he is ok or if I need to change anything.
He looks good.