Secondary Interest Check - Making It In The Big City


Recruitment

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Scarab Sages

This is mostly for the people in this thread, but others are welcome to add input.
The basic concept is mentioned in the other thread and the title, so I won't go over it again. Right now I am asking what potential players want, specifically
-starting level
-availability of hero points and prestige points
-amount of combat encounters compared to social encounters
-general starting funds (ie. group already owns tavern; group already has tavern leased to them, etc.)
-involvement with crime syndicate
-and anything else you would specifically like to see or not see :)

I should be clear: I have NOT yet decided to run this game. I am still figuring out whether or not I can make it work well, but I am heavily leaning towards doing it. :)


I'm glad to see someone took enough interest in my little idea to try and flesh out the specifics a bit more. Perhaps we can even persuade you into running it.

As for your questions, I could see this going one of two ways:

Young ambitious and ready to make our mark in the City at the Center of the World...:

  • Starting level:
    Low (1-3)
  • Availability of hero points and prestige points:
    I really would like to see these systems put to use.
  • Amount of combat encounters compared to social encounters:
    I feel like we would lean more towards social (skilled) encounters, so perhaps some like a 30/70 mix.
  • General starting funds (ie. group already owns tavern; group already has tavern leased to them, etc.):
    We've just received the lease to our tavern.
  • Involvement with crime syndicate:
    Perhaps a few of us have an established connection to a crime syndicate, but it is not required that all of us do.
  • And anything else you would specifically like to see or not see:
    I'd like to hear from the other possible players what type of tavern they would like to run. Whether it be a legitimate up and coming business or perhaps a front for organized crime.

Experienced adventurers looking to retire...:

  • Starting level:
    Mid (5-9)
  • Availability of hero points and prestige points:
    I really would like to see these systems put to use.
  • Amount of combat encounters compared to social encounters:
    I feel like we would lean more towards social (skilled) encounters, so perhaps some like a 30/70 mix.
  • General starting funds (ie. group already owns tavern; group already has tavern leased to them, etc.):
    We've bought the tavern outright. We might even be in the process of making additions or remodeling it.
  • Involvement with crime syndicate:
    Perhaps a few of us have an established connection to a crime syndicate, but it is not required that all of us do.
  • And anything else you would specifically like to see or not see:
    I'd like to hear from the other possible players what type of tavern they would like to run. Whether it be a legitimate up and coming business or perhaps a front for organized crime.

I very well may expand on these a bit more after I've given them some more thought.


Dot! Posting later!


Personally, I am in favor of what Captain Fremont has indicated above under the Experienced Adventurers Looking to Retire...spoiler. I have copied it below and made comments accordingly.

•Starting level:
Mid (5-9) - I am in favor of this range on the low end. I think that 5th is a good place to start, but I would be willing to go as low as 4th, when most characters get a boost via the additional Ability Point.

•Availability of hero points and prestige points:
I really would like to see these systems put to use. I concur.

•Amount of combat encounters compared to social encounters:
I feel like we would lean more towards social (skilled) encounters, so perhaps some like a 30/70 mix. I too would lean more towards Social (skill-based) Encounters, but I would be comfortable with a 40/60 split.

•General starting funds (ie. group already owns tavern; group already has tavern leased to them, etc.):
We've bought the tavern outright. We might even be in the process of making additions or remodeling it. I concur.

•Involvement with crime syndicate:
Perhaps a few of us have an established connection to a crime syndicate, but it is not required that all of us do. Considering my anticipated build of a Slayer, I would definitely be a PC with an established connection to Organized Crime. However, I do agree that not all of us need to have such a connection.

•And anything else you would specifically like to see or not see:
I'd like to hear from the other possible players what type of tavern they would like to run. Whether it be a legitimate up and coming business or perhaps a front for organized crime. I am interested in the tavern as a front for underground or backroom illegal activities. This may have us excluding lawfully-aligned PCs, but I like the idea of some sort of underlying power grab by these mid-level characters.

@Eragar: I will pull some text from the Absalom guide for your perusal, as I do not have it in a PDF format to send to you in its entirety. However, like I said, I really do not think you need the whole thing, or evenn most of it.

Scarab Sages

I guess that brings up another question

Filios has mentioned wanted to use the Advanced Class Guide. What about everyone else? Mythic? Third party? I tend to lean away from that, but I am willing to be loose here.

Dark Archive

I'm still interested, and think that somewhere in the 3-5 level range would feel appropriate.

Not sure on what Prestige Points are, can someone point me to a reference, or am I missing something obvious?

No idea what I'd actually play as, at the moment, but I'm fairly flexible on the rest.

Scarab Sages

Prestige and Fame.


I tend to steer away from Mythic and Third Party because it can complicate things for the GM when the resources are not readily available, but I think that is ultimately a GM preference.


I'm up for allowing people to play classes from the Advanced Class Guide and Mythic could be fun, but I'll leave that one to you.

As for Third Party, I'm pretty prejudice against it since I really don't pay much attention to it.

As for the Prestige Points, I had referred to the Reputation and Fame mechanics from Ultimate Campaign in my original iteration of this this concept. It brings forth a concept of Prestige Points which works similar to the Prestige Point system from Pathfinder Society.


If you don't mind newbies, I'm interested.

I am also interested on if the party will occasionally act as go-betweens for the criminal organization to hire other people to retrieve items as well. It would put an interesting spin on the tradition of a tavern being the starting point for adventures. And if something happens to go horribly wrong for one of the groups and they come looking for answers as to why...


Question: is 3rd party publisher material allowed?

I'm thinking of either being the barkeep or the chef/cook. Oh, the antics there. Can we say 'Still Golem' alchemical golem reskin? Or summoned monsters made out of cookie dough? Or I could be the mascot awakened animal (Something of PC appropriate power, such as a cat, dog, or raven. Maybe a talking amphibious fish!). Or I could play something completely outlandish, like a swanky Vanara musician decked in stylish noble clothing complete with cool spectacles and a hat, a Dhampir with a bad grasp of poetry and a moody disposition, an Aasimar courtesan who ensures customers get a 'taste of heaven', Gnome bouncer that has a tendency to turn bright red when angry, a crazed Elven burlesque dancer that incorporates disturbing Nidalese elements into her dances, a refined Half-Orc head waiter that wears a white porcelain mask to cover his features and speaks like a well-bred nobleman, some type of monster if PCs start above level 1 (Cantankerous Ogre server, Brain-In-A-Jar roast comedian, drunken Succubus that acts as the impromptu bouncer, Thriae bartender that serves whatever that drugged honey they produce is called, ect.,), or something like that!

Scarab Sages

The Silver Prince wrote:
Question: is 3rd party publisher material allowed?

That is one of the things I am considering.

This isn't a final decision, but right now I would go with yes--provided it is from d20psf.com so I can easily reference it, and provided I look over it first to make sure it won't be unbalanced.

The Exchange

Interested, would need to read up but sounds promising.

Scarab Sages

RECRUITMENT OPEN

I've decided to try this out. Right now I am looking for character concepts, although backstories and stat blocks are also welcome at this point.

These are the relevant character creation things:
-5th level
-8,000 gp wealth (the rest has gone into your shared business)
-17 point buy (15 feels just a little too low)
-Any of the core races plus aasimar, catfolk, ifrits, oreads, sylphs, and undines (other by request; I took them off the list because people tend to react unfavorably towards them, but if you have a good idea...)
-Any class except gunslinger and synthesist summoner (this one for the same reason as the removed races. This includes classes in the ACG.
-Any alignment (under the condition that you have reasons to not betray the group ((aka. no pvp)))
-Third party material by request
-Anything else by request

It should also be noted that I am changing the tavern idea to a tavern and inn (too many plot hooks of assassins waiting in NPC adventurer rooms to pass up). I will allow the players to personalize in other ways as they decide (gambling room, ball room, drug den, smugglers base, etc.)
Setting will loosely be Golarion, your home in Absalom.
I haven't decided yet how many players I will accept.

Have fun sharing your ideas. :) I look forward to seeing them.


Hey, it is Filios - here is my Male Elf Slayer, Maeltheron Timmerond. I will certainly scale him up a level to 5th and adjust his abilities. He was created with a 20 point buy. Any chance you would consider a 20 point buy. That seems pretty standard? Slight adjustments are completed in the profile, but I have retained the 20 point build until I hear Eragar's thoughts on the finality of a 17 point build.

Such a Tavern could fit in several of the varying Districts of Absalom. Below are a few of the ones that would more than likely work for location. These come right from the Pathfinder Chronicles Guide to Absalom.

The Coins District:
If it can be bought, it's for sale in the Coins. Money is the only authority her, and you get what you pay for. The Cons is the most noisy and crowded of all Absalom's districts, and the shouting and haggling does not quiet much at night. Taverns never close, the open markets light up with torches and spells of illumination alike, and public Time Callers wander about shouting out every hour on the hour.

Ivy District:
The heart of art, culture and performance in Absalom, the Ivy District is among the most expensive places to live in the city, which is ironic because so many of its residents are struggling artists with little spare coin. It is also one of the more popular destinations for visitors to the city, and as long as it brings in foreigners with money to spend, the Grand Council is content to let the district council run the area with little interference.

Merchants' Quarters:
Though a great deal of buying and selling goes on in the Coins, real business takes place in the Merchants' Quarter. It is here that the merchant caravans of half the world are bought and sold before they even set off from their homelands, the price of mead is set throughout the Inner Sea region, and fortunes that would make kings weep are made and lost everyday.

Dark Archive

Spent far too long trying to work out what to play. Will think about it overnight and try again tomorrow.
For some reason tempted by an Aasimar, maybe a celebrity-bard. Or maybe a Cleric of Cayden Cailean, which just fits the Tavern environment nicely.

Part of me is intrigued by the idea of an Inquisitor of Calistria, using her abilities to enact revenge on behalf of those wronged - though maybe that's a character for another campaign.

Hmmm. Might have to see what everyone else has posted by morning.

The Exchange

I am looking at building at unarmed fighter tavern bouncer type. Big maybe a little dumb but just sort of tangles people up and throws them out. I was thinking of an Oread or something of the sort but I'm still looking at options.


I'm looking at the idea of a charismatic dragon-bloodline sorceress with ranks in Profession (Innkeeper) as someone who generally helps deal with serving customers.


@PirateDevon: The Thug archetype for the Rogue Class fits your description.

The Exchange

Maeltheron Timmerond wrote:
@PirateDevon: The Thug archetype for the Rogue Class fits your description.

Yeah but I can't deny that the sheer volume of feats and HP I get from actually going unarmed fighter would be awesome...plus the skills what would my luggish lout of a bouncer do with all those skills?

I'll have to think about it.


I hear ya...just seemed like the more skill based encounter nature of the anticipated game would lend itself the Thug, but it is a hard choice.

Scarab Sages

Maeltheron Timmerond wrote:
Any chance you would consider a 20 point buy?

You know what? Why not?

Character Creation Update:
-20 point buy, but no stat below 8 before racial modifiers
-Forgot to address hitpoints. Max at first, after that you can choose between taking average and rolling (rolls will be done in the discussion thread after the campaign starts, and you could use a hero point to reroll if you want to)
-Although I specified no pvp, that doesn't mean characters can't have secrets or other agendas. Maybe the enforcer is also a member of the thieve's guild, surreptitiously taking a cut from the group's earnings (haven't decided what will happen if he gets caught. I'll probably leave setting up those rules to you guys--maybe to culprit has to give up an equal amount of coin to everyone else). NPC's you hire to help out WILL have their own motivations.
-Also, player vs. player is not the same as character vs. character. If everyone involved agrees to it, I have no problem with the aforementioned thief taking steel to the gut from the rest of the party.

On another note, Maeltheron, you seem to have 25 point buy for your character. 16 (10), 17 (13), 10 (2), 10 (0), 11 (-1), 11 (1).

The Exchange

Well maybe realistically I should multi-class between the two to capture a taste of both...I want to potentially shine as the sort of character who is summoned when fingers are snapped and sort of just man handles people....but doing that emotionally is important too and the skills help with that...

Might need a couple of days to ponder all that/


For a bouncer, a high perception would help a lot, and at least one of those extra skill points could be put into Linguistics to pick up languages so you know if people in the room are planning to cause trouble.


@Eragar: Correct, I am sorry, my fault. It has been adjusted accordingly. I also tweeked the background a little to match where we are in the development process. Of course, all of this will be expanded once some final decisions are made.

Dark Archive

Haven't looked properly, but I believe brawler in the Acg is available...

The Exchange

spinningdice wrote:
Haven't looked properly, but I believe brawler in the Acg is available...

Yes! Absolutely...promising!


Quick query - how many traits, if any, do we start with and do you allow Drawbacks to get more?


What does everyone say to a drunken Mimic who's always trying to sweet talk the ladies? Mmmm baby, you can sit on this chair all night long! The name's Knickknack, Knickknack McGee. You come here often? What, Herb, can't you see I'm talking to a lady here?! Yeah, I know she seems glued to me, all the ladies are! Oh, you mean literally? My apologies madam. You interested in a date? (The dialogue is completely stupid, but an outline of his general behavior.) I just think a quirky Mimic would be hilarious! And if you read Dungeon Monsters Revisited, you'll know that the 'obsessed lecher' type mindset suits a Mimic, the concept for mine being different solely due to its extroversion. And who wouldn't love a talking piece of furniture, right?

Scarab Sages

JonGarrett wrote:
Quick query - how many traits, if any, do we start with and do you allow Drawbacks to get more?

I will say two traits, with up to two drawbacks.

Although I might veto things that don't make sense or are super cheesy.

The Exchange

So i'm zeroing in on an Oread brawler that looks statue like and tends to shuffle about almost bored to kick people out and do other business.

Scarab Sages

@The Silver Prince
I am hesitant to allow creatures with racial hit dice. I also think that most of the guests who are knowledgeable or intelligent enough to figure out exactly what you are would be wary of using the group's services (especially the ones who extrapolate that you can morph into a bed. The lecherous ones will find that endearing, but everyone else... not so much).
That being said, the idea has enough potential for humor that if you can write up a good backstory and give reason why the common folk won't just scream 'monster' and call the guard, I am happy to let it happen.

Edit: That would make things hilariously interesting for the assassins I mentioned earlier. "We found the target, Master. But when Tom opened the window to get into his room--The window, it... it ATE him, sir."


Can we set a deadline for the submissions and the total group number, or character creation could go legitimately go on forever?


My character:

Stat Block:

Tirkala Wren
Sorcerer/5; AC: 18; HP: 18/18; F: +1, R: +2, W: +4; Init: +1; Perc: +7
CN Medium Humanoid (Half-elf)
Deity: None
Init +1; Senses Low-Light Vision; Perception +7 (racial +2)
XP:
Fame: 9
Prestige:
--------------------
DEFENSE
--------------------
AC 13, touch 11, flat-footed 12 (+1 Dexterity, +1 deflection, +1 natural armor)
hp 18 Current: 18/18
Fort +1, Ref +2, Will +4
Defensive Abilities Energy Resistance (fire) 5
--------------------
OFFENSE
--------------------
Speed 30 ft.
Melee Dagger +1 (1d4-1)
Ranged Masterwork light crossbow +3 (1d8)
Special Attacks Claws +1 (1d4-1, 7 rounds per day max, magic vs. DR)
--------------------
STATISTICS
--------------------
Str 8 (-1), Dex 12 (+1), Con 10 (+0), Int 16 (+3), Wis 10 (+0), Cha 19 (+4)
Base Attack +2; CMB +1; CMD +12
Feats Eschew Materials, Skill Focus (Diplomacy), Combat Casting, Silent Spell, Still Spell
Traits Classically Schooled, Fast-Talker
Skills Bluff +13, Diplomacy +12, Knowledge (arcana) +11, Perception +7 (racial +2, draconic bloodline class skill), Profession (innkeeper) +8, Spellcraft +12
Languages Common, Elven, Draconic, Dwarven, Orc
Combat Gear Dagger, Masterwork Light Crossbow, 30 bolts, Ring of Protection (+1), Ring of Sustenance, 3 Pearls of Power (1st level)
Other Gear Explorer's Outfit, Cold Weather Outfit, Courtier Outfit, Traveler's Outfit

Coin:
PP:
GP: 121
SP:
CP:
--------------------
SPECIAL ABILITIES
--------------------
Low-Light Vision: Half-elves can see twice as far as humans in conditions of dim light.
Adaptability: Half-elves receive Skill Focus as a bonus feat at 1st level.
Elf Blood: Half-elves count as both elves and humans for any effect related to race.
Elven Immunities: Half-elves are immune to magic sleep effects and get a +2 racial saving throw bonus against
enchantment spells and effects.
Keen Senses: Half-elves receive a +2 racial bonus on Perception skill checks.
Multitalented: Half-elves choose two favored classes at first level and gain +1 hit point or +1 skill point whenever they
take a level in either one of those classes.
Spells: Sorcerers cast arcane spells.
Cantrips: Sorcerers learn a number of cantrips, or
0-level spells. These spells are cast like any other spell, but they
do not consume any slots and may be used again.
Eschew Materials: A sorcerer gains Eschew Materials as
a bonus feat at 1st level.
Draconic Bloodline: Grants Perception as a class skill, certain other bloodline abilities, certain spells. Draconic ancestor is a brass dragon.
Bonus Spells: mage armor (3rd), resist energy (5th)
Claws (Su): Starting at 1st level, you can grow claws as
a free action. These claws are treated as natural weapons,
allowing you to make two claw attacks as a full attack
action using your full base attack bonus. Each of these attacks deals 1d4 points of damage plus your Strength modifier (1d3 if you are Small). At 5th level, these claws are considered magic weapons for the purpose of overcoming DR. You can use your claws for a number of rounds per day equal to 3 + your Charisma modifier. These rounds do not need to be consecutive.
Dragon Resistances (Ex): At 3rd level, you gain resist 5
against your energy type and a +1 natural armor bonus.
--------------------
SPELLS
--------------------
Spells Per Day
1: 7
2: 5

Spells Known
0: Detect magic, read magic, light, flare, resistance, mending
1: Comprehend languages, identify, magic missile, shield, mage armor (bloodline spell)
2: Acid arrow, scorching ray, resist energy (bloodline spell)

Background:
Tirkala was born in Absalom, and lived there for most of her life. Her family had a long tradition of magic, and from the first inkling of magical talent she was enrolled in apprenticeship after apprenticeship in hopes of teaching her to follow in the family footsteps and be another wizard.

Sadly, despite their attempts, her talent increasingly proved to inborn, reflecting an ancient bit of dragon blood that had given the family its arcane power. As she grew older, more and more of her draconic heritage manifested in her personality; in particular, she likes to talk and sleeps on top of coins layered on her bed. She also learned how to talk her way out of trouble when, inevitably, the actual owners of those coins came looking for them.

Eventually, Tirkala grew distant from her family, in no small part to the fact her power revealed what was an old family shame and deeply guarded secret. She took to adventuring just to get away from them and their constant efforts to suppress her natural talent and teach her a wizard's methods. She also has grown to love stories, and adventuring has given her access to both the treasure she loves to sleep on and the tales she loves to hear.

These same personality traits also have pushed her to work as an innkeeper between adventures, with her never-ending conversation and generally friendly personality serving her quite well in engaging customers. Those who try to cause trouble quickly learn just how rapidly she can shift from just a simple barmaid to launching destructive arcane power. Though, many note that, from certain angles, her features seem to have a draconic tint to them, and some whisper the tint is only growing.

Could someone please double-check this to make certain I didn't screw up the math?


Looks good to me, MagusJanus. I like the build...solid.

Scarab Sages

Maeltheron Timmerond wrote:
Can we set a deadline for the submissions and the total group number, or character creation could go legitimately go on forever?

That is a good idea, thanks for catching it.

Recruitment ends at noon on January 2nd, Mountain Standard Time
I don't want to start before the holidays end. Too much is going on for people and nothing will get done anyway, and ending on the second should give people who are on vacation a chance to join in.
I still don't know how many people I'm willing to accept, but for now I can give an estimate of between four and eight. Most likely six.


And I just noticed a mistake with my build in the equipment section. Correcting it is going to be interesting.

Edit: Trading the three pearls of power for a lesser metamagic want of Extend Spell would actually do the trick nicely.


Thanks, Eragar.

@MagusJanus: I may of caught that if I ran more casters...lol.


Sorry for the delay in posting. Long weekends are long.

With that said, I will be making the original concept I put forth, a Halfling Archaeologist that has an uncanny amount of luck.


I need traits and gear but here is the crunch for Osk.

I don't know beyond a personality how much I want to write for background because I am going to assume the group has an established history.

I picked LN because I am going with the notion that Oreads tend lawful and I think Osk follows a philosophy of being loyal to his friends over just about anything else...which make him ideal for being with a morally dubious group depending on who is doing what.

Any input is appreciated.


I will post my plea for the Mimic character probably Wednesday night. I've just been pretty sick and holidays stuff generally would keep my busy even if I wasn't.


This is Eragar. For those of you who want to create your stat blocks now, you can reference the one I have on this guy to see what is easiest for me to read. I am okay with different setups, but there are some things (like how many ranks in each skill) that I will need to know and I may ask you to make changes.

Character ideas so far (let me know if I missed you)
-The Silver Prince: Mimic
-Osk: Oread Brawler
-Captain Fremont: Halfling Archaeologist
-MagusJanus: Half-elf Sorcerer
-Maeltheron: Elf Slayer
-spinningdice: ?

Dark Archive

Sorry, been playing with stats a bit, unless I get otherwise inspired I'll be an Oracle, either human or half-elf, will get stats up before New Year.


Spinningdice's profile, not yet complete - but about 90%.


Turning out to be an interesting group!


I think this stands to be a good mix! How many are we potentially looking at in the group?

Scarab Sages

Osk wrote:
I think this stands to be a good mix! How many are we potentially looking at in the group?

Right now there are six people who have expressed interest. Seven if you count JonGarrett, who asked about traits a little back.

Even though recruitment is still going, I'm going to start up the discussion thread now so that we can start working through ideas and whatnot. Please don't post in the discussion thread until you are formally accepted, the requirements for which are a basic concept and a rough backstory.

Current Accepted Players:
-Cedany
-Maeltheron Timmerond
-Osk
Congratulations on making it in, I'll have some stuff up in a moment for you guys to start talking about while we go through the rest of the submissions.

Silver Crusade

I just found your thread, I havnt been in the recruitment for a little bit, but 3 of the campaigns that ive been playing have died in the past two weeks. So I started looking a few minutes ago.

I created a tower shield specialist5/rogue3 for my brothers Serpent Skull Campaign but that fell apart over a year ago, because half of our party decided one day that they were going to spend the next three years traveling around to various renn fairs across the country with their troupe of dancers/musicians.

At 5th level he was fighter 3/rogue2.

The short version of his background was he a fighter that was sent by his father(who has some 100+ children because his dad has a huge harem) and Martin was the youngest of them all. His father wanted him to prove himself with a simple task of delivering a cold iron tower shield from the forges down to someone in exchange for a breeding rights with a stud light war horse from an incredible bloodline.

That mare I was bringing with died when ship crashed.. and Martin wanted to join the PFS, with bringing very detailed copies of everything in books 1-3 and part of 4 in serpent skull to well the city at the heart of the world, where this campaign takes place.

Hes been too ashamed to go back to his father and report his failure. So its perfect that he would take a job in town, perhaps invest some of his small fortune into this Inn. Its better then going home and dealing with his father, who just may kill him out of hand for his failure.

Martin is a Kelshite incase you could not tell.

I'll supply you with all the crunch later today when my brother gets home and can email me a scan of the character sheet (he kept them all incase we ever continued but has since sold the AP to a discount bookstore, so we will never continue that campaign. And I really liked Martin.

Martin is his psydoname as his father told him that had best not bring any shame upon the family.


Are there any corrections I need to make to my stats?

Scarab Sages

MagusJanus wrote:
Are there any corrections I need to make to my stats?

Sorry I missed you. I only did a brief skim on your crunch, but it looked okay. If you want to make an alias and jump in on the discussion thread, go for it. :)

@Klokk
I like it. Backstory allows for some interesting things to happen; you can come aboard as well. :)

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