The Year is the Year of the Prince (1357 DR), and trouble is brewing. Reports come in from the Sembia borders about orcs. A lot of orcs. What are the orcs here for and why have they come to the merchant kingdom? What is their aim and how can they be possibly stopped?
Welcome to the Forgotten Realms (Grey Box)! And welcome to the merchant kingdom of Sembia. The year is the Year of the Prince, and the merchant princes of Sembia are richer than ever before. However, their wealth and fortunes have not gone unnoticed. For orcs are waiting in the wings to grab their piece of the pie. Or that is how the situation is told to you, the player. Could the orcs have other designs?
I'll be looking for 4-6 players for an epic war story of them against the orcs in the land of Sembia (Rashemen was actually suggested). It will be the ultimate quest to gather together the armies of Sembia to repulse the orcs, Sembian Peace Walls not withstanding. Well, if they can.
Characters start at first level, and recruitment will be open for a full week. Right up until the 18th, at 10:00 Mountain Standard Time (12 am Eastern). I'll then go through the applications and announce the players on December 20th. Although I think we will have a hangup on Christmas, but never fear, the adventures continue.
System: Pathfinder, naturally enough.
Abilities: 25 point buy, with no stat below 8 before racial modifiers.
Hit Points: Max HP at first level. roll every level.
Classes: This is the Forgotten Realms, potentially all classes from Pathfinder fit. However, use some common sense. The CRB classes are more numerous than the other classes. Fighters are more numerous than warpriests. Plus fighters are hugely more customizable. Try to restrict your choices to the CRB and APG. All archetypes are available for your use, though.
Races: This is the Forgotten Realms, again. Potentially all the races in the ARG fit somewhere. However, since we are playing in Sembia, try to restrict your choices to the Core Rulebook. However, Assimars and Tieflings can potentially fit in the campaign, and Blood of Fiends and Blood of Angels are allowable.
Alignment: any non-evil.
Wealth: Maximum starting wealth for your class.
Skills: We will be using background skills.
Traits: 2 traits.
- Your characters should have a reason to be in Surd, the town where we will start. Whether this is to escape a debt, to earn a name for yourself or good ol’ fashioned altruism is completely your call.
- The Forgotten Realms is a setting with a rich history and some fantastic lore. I encourage you to steep yourself in it for a while before creating a character. There are stacks of fantastic novels, video games and comic books that may help provide inspiration and help to cement your character within the setting. Or you can just visit the wiki and peruse the scrolls for a while.
- The Gods: Those wishing to create clerics, warpriests, or ahem the Inquisition can check with me as to which god you want to follow and what domains you will be most likely getting.
I’ve probably forgotten some really pertinent information here; feel free to fire away with any questions you may have.
That's the year before the Time of Troubles. So the deities are a bit different in some ways than research will find.
It's interesting that there are two Faerun games recruiting right now.
Anyone wondering where Sembia is(it's a bit more obscure), it's located near the center of Faerun on the west edge of the Sea of Fallen Stars, between the Dalelands and Cormyr.
It's also a kingdom that requires the DM to design. Kinda neat, really. Yep, the other Faerȗn game was an inspiration. I had an idea to run another Forgotten Realms game for a while. I didn't have a story until now.
Definitely interested, thumbing through Cyclopedia for inspiration. Thinking a descendant of Rauthauvyr, member of the Six Coppers. Fighter using a two-handed mace that looks like a morningstar for that satisfying crunch.
Mishima, sounds cool. I'd like to hear more.
Hey EltonJ, are you open to FR prestige classes? I was thinking of playing a druid/warpriest of Silvanus from the Dalelands that wanders into Sembia, with the eventual plan of becoming a Forest Master.
Also here is an excellent map of Faerun
I would love to join with a druid character. Will need to examine the setting a little more, but I think a Druid might be a good character to play!
A druid would be good to play.
Hmmm Might try to make a Human Magus in the realm of making a Sembian fencer. Maybe something else like a Kensai Magus or something else.
That might be alright. I was hoping for a swashbuckler in there or something though.
Hey EltonJ, are you open to FR prestige classes? I was thinking of playing a druid/warpriest of Silvanus from the Dalelands that wanders into Sembia, with the eventual plan of becoming a Forest Master.
I thought warpriests would be priests of Tempus, the Faerunian god of war. But one of Silvanus might be okay. Also good work on finding that map.
Workin' on a lightfoot halfling ranger!
Excellent.
I thought warpriests would be priests of Tempus, the Faerunian god of war.
I see what you did there, clever.
Opps only core and APG. Sorry I glossed over it, another druid it is.
Sorry.
It's not a problem, just over read that detail. Druids are fun so it's not a problem for me.
I wouldn't say that, what would your focus be?
I was thinking being more of a melee combatant personally, something about crushing orcs with my maul.
Might change this up a bit conflicted as I kinda want to do something different possibly a Wizard type
A wizard is good.
Well 2 druids seem a bit of overkill, so maybe I will look at something else...
Not necessarily. :D Two druids can focus on two different druidic things. Like what they are saying here.
Mishima good character so far. Like your background skills.
Was looking to go the more traditional route...working the hierarchy to maybe someday become a hierophant.
That's cool.
I was thinking being more of a melee combatant personally, something about crushing orcs with my maul.
And crush those orc skulls.
Ok..well then I will go ahead with my druid submission and see if it fits. We should run only rangers, druids and bards lol...a very celtic group...ok, maybe fighters as well!! :-)
It is very celtic.
ok, maybe fighters as well!! :-)
What's this 'maybe' stuff? Dangit Daniel...Pisco and Molok had better watch their backs from now on... ;P jk
Okay, but make up a good backstory as to why Ffolk would be in Sembia fighting orcs.
Alright, you got me. I'll bring a lightfoot halfling archer bard with a tragic past and a real reason to hate orcs.
His commonwealth dead and gone, he's on a worldwalk, though there wasn't much other choice. And there will be no one to rejoice his return, or for him to teach about the world when he completes his walk.
A little bit bitter, but very social, I think he'll make a decent addition to the heroes.
I'll get you a full writeup at some point. Maybe last minute.
there are orcs...do we need a reason...lol!! I was thinking, for myself, that to continue my learning as a druid, I decided to travel the realms to learn more about the different creatures and cultures.
Okay. Sounds reasonable.
Alright, you got me. I'll bring a lightfoot halfling archer bard with a tragic past and a real reason to hate orcs.
His commonwealth dead and gone, he's on a worldwalk, though there wasn't much other choice. And there will be no one to rejoice his return, or for him to teach about the world when he completes his walk.
A little bit bitter, but very social, I think he'll make a decent addition to the heroes.
I'll get you a full writeup at some point. Maybe last minute.
Neat.
Ok, here's Mosely Terrahap, halfling ranger. He's a solid front-line tank, and good at sneaking, too. Plus he knows a lot about orcs. He's a wanderfoot from Cormyr, next door, who's just starting his travels abroad. In his backstory he presumably knows at least one other party member who is more experienced than he is, whom he followed on his fledgling trips on the road.
Oh, and he's an excellent cook.
The party needs beings of intelligence and saavy, so fighting orcs and cooking good meals in the process. I like it.
would you be opposed to people playing Iconic characters out of any books? Or submit or turn in characters that would fit even if it is not on your class list because it would fit thematically. Like a slayer, Skald, or Investigator "harper".
And can you use campaign traits and rename them to make them fit also.
example would be Sword Scion from kingmaker, you could say Purple Dragon Knight (sword scion).
I don't mean to be difficult, I'm under the impression if you don't ask you wont know. I wouldn't necessarily use any of the examples. I'm doing research and want to know all options. I'm a big fan of Forgotten realms, so its not for power gaming its for flavor that makes sense.
would you be opposed to people playing Iconic characters out of any books? Or submit or turn in characters that would fit even if it is not on your class list because it would fit thematically. Like a slayer, Skald, or Investigator "harper".
And can you use campaign traits and rename them to make them fit also.
example would be Sword Scion from kingmaker, you could say Purple Dragon Knight (sword scion).I don't mean to be difficult, I'm under the impression if you don't ask you wont know. I wouldn't necessarily use any of the examples. I'm doing research and want to know all options. I'm a big fan of Forgotten realms, so its not for power gaming its for flavor that makes sense.
DarkWingD, all classes fit in the Realms somewhere. Its Forgotten Realms, so all of them fit. All races fit somewhere too. I just made some arbitrary restrictions so that I could channel the players in roleplaying a war story. And since Lazyclownfish pointed out that its set a year before the Time of Troubles, depending on how we go, you could be fighting an avatar of Gruumsh. Could be. I haven't decided on the nature of the orcs yet. They could be Shamanistic orcs instead of Gruumsh worshippers.
As for iconic characters, which ones are you thinking about? Because the group starts at level 1. And you can use campaign traits as long as you can make them fit. Like you said, thematically. I just need you to name the trait, and provide the game mechanics that go with it.
Any more questions?
So, nitpicky point: The year before the Time of Troubles puts this in AD&D 1st edition, which means that there are restrictions on class/race combinations. These are not just an artifact of the rules; they are specifically called out as being in-world in the Realms fiction as well (such as when Olive Ruskettle claims to be a halfing bard and it told by everyone that there's no such thing).
Do I... need to switch to halfling rogue?
Nope. Everyone will assume your some kind of scaliwag. "Halfling ranger? There's no such thing!" Everyone in town will think they know better, but the orcs will truly know better. And you'll know better too. Just remember that everyone in town has heard of halfling rogues, and think that all the halflings are rogues. But you know better.
Perhaps it is your mission to show that you worship MIELIKKI, and not the halfling patron of rogues, Bandobaris (who, in First edition, must have been a greater god). Perhaps you are on your worldwalk to show that one halfling is different from another, or perhaps more importantly, Mielikki called you and you answered.
Okay, so far ---
Characters made:
- Mosely Terrahap -- halfling ranger; Jesse Hienig
- Zdravko -- human brain splattering fighter; mishima
Characters still in concept stage:
- Daniel Stewart's Ffolk wandering druid, who may be backpacking the Continent.
- LCF's halfling bard with a chip on his shoulder for orcs, doing a worldwalk without a halfling community to return to. Probably not from Lurien.
- Teiidae's druid, being a melee combatant and crushing and cleaving through orc skulls.
- Critzible's human magus, who might be multiclassing.
Players interested:
Just off the top of my head I could play any of these just spitballing. I could modify any of these in history to be appropriate. some are more ambitious than others.
Elaith Craulnober- In his fall from grace. he will start out LG and change to CN throughtout the campaign. never beyond. Right after leaving the evermeet guard. mwk longsword is a dormant elfblade that wont be used.
Erevis Cale- the start- currently butler, LN work for the Ukraven family in Sembia need to complete the task set before him to get into better graces. Slayer or a rogue/fighter before coming to mask. work for nightmasks but is uncomfortable because he is just beginning to like them.
Bidderdoo Harpell- before accidently turning himself into a dog during the time of troubles.
Caledan Caldorien- Oricle of shadow or summoner (shadow ediolin), learning to use the shadoweave while working for harpers.
Talbot Uksraven- (skinchanger race, werewolf, not evil) a sembian noble actor.
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Ok, here is Cedryk and his leshy companion, Hedgewyk.
Cedryk
Male human druid (leshy warden) 1 (Ultimate Wilderness 47)
N Medium humanoid (human)
Init +2; Senses Perception +8
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Defense
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AC 13, touch 13, flat-footed 10 (+2 Dex, +1 dodge)
hp 10 (1d8+2)
Fort +3, Ref +2, Will +6
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Offense
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Speed 30 ft.
Melee quarterstaff +1 (1d6+1)
Special Attacks wooden fists (+1, 7 rounds/day)
Spell-Like Abilities (CL 1st; concentration +2)
. . Constant—know direction
Druid Spell-Like Abilities (CL 1st; concentration +5)
. . Constant—speak with plants
Druid (Leshy Warden) Spells Prepared (CL 1st; concentration +5)
. . 1st—entangle[D] (DC 15), shillelagh (DC 15), speak with animals
. . 0 (at will)—detect magic, guidance, purify food and drink (DC 14)
. . D Domain spell; Domain Plant domain
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Statistics
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Str 12, Dex 15, Con 12, Int 12, Wis 18, Cha 12
Base Atk +0; CMB +1; CMD 14
Feats Dodge, Nature Magic[ACG]
Traits feral speech, green-blooded
Skills Climb +5, Diplomacy +1 (+2 to improve the attitude of plants, -3 to improve the attitude of animals.), Handle Animal +5, Knowledge (geography) +5, Knowledge (nature) +7, Perception +8, Spellcraft +5, Survival +10, Swim +5
Languages Common, Druidic, Ffolk, Sylvan; speak with plants
SQ green empathy, leshy summoner, nature bond (Plant domain), nature sense
Other Gear lamellar (leather) armor[UC], quarterstaff, 90 gp
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Special Abilities
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Druid (Leshy Warden) Domain (Plant) Granted Powers: You find solace in the green, can grow defensive thorns, and can communicate with plants.
Empathic Link with Familiar (Su) You have an empathic link with your Arcane Familiar.
Familiar Bonus: You gain the Alertness feat while your familiar is within arm's reach.
Green Empathy +1 (Ex) Improve attitude of plant creature as if using wild empathy, (animals at -4).
Leshy Summoner (Ex) Summon Nature's Ally I-V: may summon leaf, gourd, fungus, seaweed, or lotus leshies.
Nature Magic (Light, 1/day) (Sp) You are able to use simple spells by drawing on nature's raw majesty.
Prerequisite: Knowledge (nature) 1 rank.
Benefit: You gain know direction as a constant spell-like ability, and can choose another druid orison y
Nature Sense (Ex) A druid gains a +2 bonus on Knowledge (nature) and Survival checks.
Share Spells with Familiar Can cast spells with a target of "You" on the familiar with a range of touch.
Wooden Fists +1 (7 rounds/day) (Su) Unarmed attacks are lethal, do not provoke AoO, and gain +1 damage.
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Hedgewyk CR –
Leaf leshy (Pathfinder RPG Bestiary 3 179)
N Small plant (leshy, shapechanger)
Init +1; Senses darkvision 60 ft., low-light vision; Perception +5
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Defense
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AC 14, touch 12, flat-footed 13 (+1 armor, +1 Dex, +1 natural, +1 size)
hp 5 (1d8+1)
Fort +3, Ref +1, Will +3
Defensive Abilities improved evasion; Immune electricity, sonic, plant traits
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Offense
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Speed 20 ft., climb 10 ft., fly 10 ft. (clumsy)
Special Attacks seedpods
Spell-Like Abilities (CL 2nd; concentration +3)
. . Constant—pass without trace
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Statistics
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Str 6, Dex 13, Con 12, Int 6, Wis 12, Cha 13
Base Atk +0; CMB -3; CMD 8
Feats Weapon Finesse
Skills Acrobatics +1 (-3 to jump), Climb +7, Fly -1, Handle Animal +2, Perception +5, Spellcraft -1, Stealth +5 (+9 in forests, jungles), Survival +2 (+6 to in Forests and Jungles), Swim -1; Racial Modifiers +4 Stealth in forests, jungles, +4 Survival to in Forests and Jungles
Languages Druidic, Sylvan; plantspeech (trees)
SQ change shape (Small tree; tree shape), empathic link, glide, verdant burst
Other Gear padded armor
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Special Abilities
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Climb (10 feet) You have a Climb speed.
Darkvision (60 feet) You can see in the dark (black and white only).
Empathic Link (Su) You have an empathic link with your master.
Fly (10 feet, Clumsy) You can fly!
Glide (Ex) When flying cannot hover, must end movement at least 5 ft lower than started.
Immunity to Electricity You are immune to electricity damage.
Immunity to Mind-Affecting effects You are immune to Mind-Affecting effects.
Immunity to Paralysis You are immune to paralysis.
Immunity to Poison You are immune to poison.
Immunity to Polymorph You are immune to Polymorph effects.
Immunity to Sleep You are immune to sleep effects.
Immunity to Sonic You are immune to sonic damage.
Immunity to Stunning You are immune to being stunned.
Improved Evasion (Ex) No damage on successful reflex save; half on failed save.
Leshy Change Shape (Su) You can change your form into a small plant of similar species.
Low-Light Vision See twice as far as a human in dim light, distinguishing color and detail.
Plant Traits Plants have many immunities.
Plantspeech (Ex) All leshys can speak with plants as if subject to a continual speak with plants spell, but only with species they’re related to. Fungus leshys can communicate with molds and fungi as if they were plants.
Seedpods (DC 11) (Ex) Foe hit by seedpods is deafened for 1 rd (Fort neg).
Share Spells Spells with a target of "You" can be delivered by a familiar with a range of touch.
Verdant Burst (Su) If slain, plant types in 30 ft heal 1d8+HD, diff terrain if can support plant growth.
Ok, here is Cedryk and his leshy companion, Hedgewyk.
** spoiler omitted **...
Looks like I better get ultimate wilderness.
Okay, so far ---
Characters made:
- Mosely Terrahap -- halfling ranger; Jesse Hienig
- Zdravko -- human brain splattering fighter; mishima
- Cedryk -- Ffolk druid with a leshy companion; Daniel Stewart.
Characters still in concept stage:
- LCF's halfling bard with a chip on his shoulder for orcs, doing a worldwalk without a halfling community to return to. Probably not from Lurien.
- Teiidae's druid, being a melee combatant and crushing and cleaving through orc skulls.
- Critzible's human magus, who might be multiclassing.
DarkWingD's characters in concept:
- Elaith Craulnober
- Erevis Cale
- Bidderdoo Harpell
- Caledan Caldorien
- Talbot Uksraven
I'm interested. Thinking of throwing together a smooth-talking sorcerer, perhaps one who specializes in enchantments, illusions, etc. A real narcissist who's doing it all for the glory, to be known as a legit hero. Most likely a half-elf but I'm not settled on that.
I'm interested. Thinking of throwing together a smooth-talking sorcerer, perhaps one who specializes in enchantments, illusions, etc. A real narcissist who's doing it all for the glory, to be known as a legit hero. Most likely a half-elf but I'm not settled on that.
Sounds neat.
Actually going full air elementalist, scrollmaster
That is also an option.
I've always had a soft spot for the gray box!
I'm considering a human cavalier - younger child of a bourgeois merchant family, not in line to inherit the family fortune, just fight for it.
I've always had a soft spot for the gray box!
I'm considering a human cavalier - younger child of a bourgeois merchant family, not in line to inherit the family fortune, just fight for it.
A human cavalier is good. I like the motley look of all the concepts so far.
I am ready with the Hero I would like to play the most on the ideas. if you think one of those others would work better let me know. because I'm open to all of them. but because I don't know where the campaign is going I thought this one would be the best. still finishing some parts.