[PFS Credit] Shattered Star Adventure Path


Recruitment

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Grand Lodge

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From the ashes of Thassilon, an ancient power shall rise again!

The ancient empire of the runelords may be long dead, yet the legacy of Thassilon continues to haunt the frontier realm of Varisia. With the rise of one runelord only narrowly thwarted, Korvosa reeling after the curse of the Crimson Throne nearly brought the city to its knees, and Riddleport rebuilding after a close call with a falling star, the people of Varisia fear that the greatest threat to their land has yet to play its hand. When agents of the newest Pathfinder Society lodge in Magnimar learn of a fragmented artifact scattered throughout the lands of old Thassilon, it falls to a new band of heroes to step in and gather up the seven fragments of this Shattered Star. For if the greatest prize of Thassilon's first ruler cannot save Varisia... what can?

Greetings, adventurers!

I will be running the Shattered Star adventure path on these boards as a PbP game for five players.

What I offer

  • I'm GM Lithrac, I'm a 35 year-old Swiss GM who has been GMing Pathfinder since its release, and was a 3.5E DM before that. I've been running quite a few PFS scenarios or modules on these boards lately, though I'm far from being very experienced in that kind of play. My PbP games usually keep a good pace. I'm a dedicated GM and will endeavor to continue this campaign until the end.
  • I'm offering you the chance to take part in an outstanding adventure path acting as a sequel of sorts for the Rise of the Runelords, Curse of the Crimson Throne and Second Darkness adventure paths. While having played through or read those adventure path is a plus for an applicant, it is by no means required. This campaign focuses mainly on two things: story and dungeon delving. Make sure you're ready for a whole AP of story-driven dungeons before applying!
  • This adventure path will be run in campaign mode for PFS credit, so you will be able to grant credit for the six parts of this AP to one (or more) of your PFS characters. This also means that I will favor PFS players in regard to applications. The reason for it is that the Pathfinder Society is an important element in the story and I'd like to play that aspect up.

How I run my games

  • In the interest of keeping a good pace in the game, I'm posting at least once or twice a day and I expect my players to check in (and ideally, post) at least once a day. Of course real life has many unforseen twists and turns, so there's no big deal if you can't post now and then. If you know that you won't be able to post for a couple of days for any reason, please warn me within the Discussion thread so that we may find an agreeable solution for all of us.
  • If we're in a combat and you don't post for 24 hours, I reserve the right to have you take the delay action until you can post. If you warned in advance, you can give me directions with which to work, such as the kind of tactics you'd like your character to use until you come back.
  • I'm rolling initiative and perception rolls to determine surprise. All other rolls, including saves, are made by you. My rolls will be made under "GM Screen" (spoiler tag), and while nothing can actually prevent you from looking at them, I prefer if you refrain from doing so. After all, you don't peek over your GM's screen when you play tabletop, do you? ;)
  • Maps will be hosted on googledocs. You will be able to move your own character on the map. Finally, I'll ask you to call AoOs when you provoke them since movement history isn't recorded. It works on a trust basis, really. Alternatively, I can work with roll20 if the team prefers it. Either is fine by me.

How to apply

  • Download and read the Shattered Star Player's Guide. It's free, it's a short read, and it'll give you all sorts of useful information on the tone of the adventure path, what to expect, and so on.
  • Submit your character here. Your application should include your character's background, description, crunch, as well as a few words about the reasons why you want to take part in this campaign. This is your chance to 'sell' yourself!
  • Story is a very important aspect of the game for me, so make sure to build a solid background for your character, and to somehow tie him to the plot. The Player's Guide mentioned above will help you in that endeavor. Characters with strong ties to Varisia (in particular Magnimar or Kaer Maga), Thassilon or the Pathfinder Society will definitely be more interesting to me than characters who are cut out of the campaign's background. Don't hesitate to use events from the first two adventure paths set in Golarion (see below) in your background story.
  • Make sure to tell me if you are a PFS player, if you have played/GMed/read through Shattered Star, Rise of the Runelords or Curse of the Crimson Throne. It's actually a boon for the last two, and I don't mind the first one provided you refrain from spilling the beans or metagaming.

Character creation rules

  • 1st level PC
  • 20-point buy. No stat below 9 prior to racial modifiers.
  • Any resource from a Paizo book is fair game (including Companions or Campaign Setting lines), provided you have access to that book one way or another. No 3rd-party book allowed, no exception.
  • All core races are preferred, but I'm open to some other ARG races that would make sense and fit the campaign well, provided that the character's background is an interesting one.
  • All classes are permitted except gunslinger, samurai, ninja and summoner. The first three don't fit the adventure path well thematically, while I'm having power issues with the last one (especially some of its archetypes). All archetypes and prestige classes are allowed, provided they don't infringe with the next rule. I'm open to the ACG playtest classes.
  • No evil character. Your character may be confrontational at times as part of roleplay, but you must be a team player and you must be willing to abide by the Pathfinder Society's three tenets: Explore, Report, Cooperate!
  • Average starting wealth for your class.
  • PFS-style HP (max HP at first level, then average +1).
  • Two traits, one of those must be a campaign one. You may pick a third one if you pick a drawback (see Ultimate Campaign).
  • All feats are allowed except Leadership and its Torchbearer variants.
  • You can choose a Story feat for free at first level provided it's linked to your background and makes sense. I'll try to include elements of personal backstories (including those linked to a Story feat) over the course of the campaign.

Recruitment will end on Thurday May 1st, 8pm European time.

Explore, Report, Cooperate!


Nice, I shall definitely knock something up. Off the top of my head I'm thinking Wizard affiliated with The Golemworks in Magnimar, probably an elemental schooler...

GM Lithrac how do you feel about the spell-like abilities for early PRC entry thing? In case you are unaware there is an official FAQ entry that says they qualify, etc. I'm a bit dubious, but it does make concepts playable. Specifically I am thinking of Arcane Trickster.


I'm interested.

I've read and am running RotRL and have played Crimson Throne.

I'm probably go with some flavor of martial character.

Grand Lodge

Broken Prince wrote:
Nice, I shall definitely knock something up. Off the top of my head I'm thinking Wizard affiliated with The Golemworks in Magnimar, probably an elemental schooler...

Great, I'm looking forward to seeing your application!

Broken Prince wrote:
GM Lithrac how do you feel about the spell-like abilities for early PRC entry thing? In case you are unaware there is an official FAQ entry that says they qualify, etc. I'm a bit dubious, but it does make concepts playable. Specifically I am thinking of Arcane Trickster.

I don't think I'd allow it as it goes against RAI in my opinion, despite what the FAQ says.


Woot! This looks exciting.

I love games that post at faster than the 1/day baseline that is the normal for Paizo Forums.

I am an avid PFS player and GM (Looks like I'll be earning my 4th star by the end of the month)

I am not at all familiar with Curse of the Crimson Throne and I only know the very basics about Shattered Star.

I have played pt1 of RotL in campaign mode and parts 3/4/5 in Module Mode.

I shall hopefully have a first draft of character and background sometime tomorrow.


Whatever you do, don't accept that Pirate Rob guy.

Err... hi, Pirate Rob... didn't see you there...

(Pirate Rob is actually a great guy and I'd recommend him for your game.)


Hello again Lithrac, I've played several PFS scenerio's/module's through Wizzy and Roary under you.. I enjoy your DM style so ill cook soemthing up for this.. Deff a pfs character, probably from the ACG... Leaning towards an Arcanist or Shaman.. Ive finished RotRL and am currently in book 3 of CotCT.. I'll have soemthing submitted by the weekends end..

Oh and hello Buzz! We meet again!


Hello everyone! I'm very interested in joining in. I'm currently GMing book 1 of RotR and book 3 of Shattered Star but I'd love to get the chance to play it too!

My first idea is for a magus, as it's probably my favorite class and I also have a really unique build in mind. I'm very busy with school work at the moment but I will throw him together this weekend and post again when he's finished.

Dark Archive

I'm interested to play I will propose a character soon.

I'm a PFS player, and GM. I'm playing RotRL and Second Darkness but don't have played CotCT.

FYI I've already GM in module mode some part of the adventure.

Silver Crusade

Hey GM Lithrac,

I wanted to say that, regretfully, I will have to decline, since I am over-committed as is (especially trying to keep up with some GMing of my own).

But, I also wanted to say that I really appreciated your GMing and commitment to GMing, especially in keeping up a good pace. It can be tough to commit to a AP since many APs end up dying, but - if I could - I would feel very confident about joining your game.

Thanks!

Matt/Knorrin/FurtiveZoog


Ok, I'm thinking a dwarven barbarian from Janderhoff. He joined the Pathfinder society from a sense of wanderlust. Sky citadels are all well and good but they do get to be a bit confining.

campaign trait will likely be Serpent Runner. He's going to be a dorn dergar wielder since I've been meaning to make one of those for a while now. Have to think of a name.

Oh, and I forgot to mention I play a fair share of PFS.


Im thinking a Human Shaman(battle) that provides ranged support and divine castings.. Any ideas on getting Longbow prof without the feat?


There is heirloom weapon but I can see downsides in that route, and it may be interpreted as being that particular weapon.

I don't know the shaman class well enough to know any particular tricks.


Yea the Errata on that makes you have to get a masterwork transformation to have it enchanted, but this is probably my route to take.. If i ever lost the weapon though i would be in trouble lol.. i guess with a good upside comes an equal downside..

I had also considered working the proficency into a story feat and would still do this to cut down on the cheese.. This would be up to Lithrac though..


Hunter's eye, a society faction trait (Andoran) - gm fiat needed, perhaps.

Bracers of archery, lesser 5k or greater 25k

Opalescent White Pyramid ioun stone 10k

Sczarni

Vandilo Kalmeralm returned to the city of his birth wearing a scowl. Having spent the last decade after completing his Pathfinder training working in the Societies archives Janira's constant badgering had finally persuaded him to try his hand at field work. But before he began creating his own Chronicles he wanted to revisit the place that had inspired him to become a Pathfinder. Of course he would also have to visit Master Leis Nivlandis and the old Alma Mata, Magnimar's most respected Wizard's school The Stone of the Seers. But most of all he was here to avoid his mother.

His mother though was not so easily avoided, and she found him as he had known she would as he approached his beloved Seerspring Gardens. A handsome woman even in her late forties Sabriya Kalmeralm shared her son's noble demeanor and swarthy Varisian looks,

"So you have returned Vandi, can I presume you are ready to assume our place as my successor? Have you yet realized that magic is a means to an end and not an end in itself? Work with me Vandi and you will have coin enough to buy any scroll you wish, you will do well, you are my son."

"Mother I have no interest in policing bickering merchants and thieves, The Bizarre of Sails is your Kingdom and shall remain so I have no doubt for any decades. I am a Pathfinder now I shall carve my own path, I will write Chronicles, improve my magics, and one day restore the oracle to the Seerspring, or secure it a new one. I am your son, but I will not work for you. You have my sisters in anycase, anyone of those vipers is more suited to the roll than I."

"Vandi for an intelligent man you are a fool. When you realize that you are achieving nothing come back to me. I should never have let you study magic, such a waste, such a waste."

"I must disagree mother, for all you influence this city you have created nothing. I will leave my mark upon this city with something tangible and eternal, like Master Bhreacher, or Master Nivlandis. While I do not doubt the Bizarre of Sails is the better for your efforts you cannot claim it would not exist without you, but The Golemworks and The Stone of Seers are gifts that Magnimar can be proud of, and one day I shall add another jewel to their number."

Dark Archive

<-Pirate Rob here. Crunch in profile.

Background:
Zandu'baru grew up in Magnimar, fascinated by the city's monuments from an early age.

Despite the Pathfinder Society's meager presence in Varisia until recently Zandu'baru has made good coin selling information to the Pathfinder Society that they were unable to gather themselves.

As the years past Zandu'baru was struck with a midlife crisis. No longer did long hours in the Magnimarian libraries satisfy him. Zandu'baru wasn't sure he had it in him, but he figured the worst the Society could do was send him packing, so he made his way to the Grand Lodge in Absalom and apply for membership.

There Zandu'baru met many strange and surprisingly violent potential pathfinders. Zandu'baru learned that joining the society meant more than just getting to research ancient tombs along side fellow explorers but that he'd be expected to help kill the guardians first!

Zandu'baru almost left the Society after his first year. He was having trouble handling it. He doubled down on his studies and eventually passed his Confirmation but despite the long hours spent in the Society's libraries some doubt remained. Was he tough enough to do this?

Grand Lodge

Good call Tangaroa, I would definitely accept taking a PFS trait as one of your traits. There would be lots of opportunities to play an Andoran character (and play that aspect up) within the AP.

The submissions look great so far! Kudos to those who managed to put it together in so little time. Of course if you want to "refine" things a little and alter a thing or two before the deadline, feel free to do so.

Grand Lodge

I am interested but need a little time as I am o/seas on work atm. This will resolve itself shortly and my project is winding down. I am in your Wardstone game atm as Arryn.

I had a failed Pathfinder for another AP that I didn't get in for that I'd like to use but not sure if I can use it given the strong PFS theme. I may make him a disgraced initiate on his final chance.

Gimme the weekend to whip something up.

Grand Lodge

Dotting for extreme interest.
This is my PFS Character that I played but once.

Background:

Hailing from the Grand Lodge of Absolom, where he trained he was sent to Mangnimar as a favor of sorts. Eager and willing he is very interested in proving his worth for the Pathfinder society.
I would like to give him an elf/dwarf/gnome only feat Breadth of Experience. I see him as the young student, who has lived between books for all his live and now, quite innocent, dreams of living his dreams.

Sczarni

I'm going to be essentially trying for a roguish wizard, so if I get in and we end up sans a rogue I will likely pick up Trapfinding. Hopefully with 8 skill points per level and the ability to use all untrained skills as trained with a +2 bonus he should be pretty versatile.

@GM Lithrac, are there any NPCs you would rather we did not tie into our backstorys? I am mulling over some ideas for Vandi's paternity and want to ensure I am not stepping on any toes. In particular I might make his father his grandfather, the fluff has him disappearing so my thought is that might provide a good reason for his daughter to have disposed of him. He disappeared in 4679AR, so assuming we are playing in 4714AR that would mean I need to make Vanilo 35. His mother Sabriyya is said to be in her mid forties, but that is from a 2007 source so she ought to be early fifties by now which works.


Dotting for interest...

Grand Lodge

A summary of submissions so far:

Arcane
Broken Prince - Varisian Roguish Diviner
Pirate Rob - Varisian Arcanist
Adsal - (ethnicity?) Arcanist

Melee
EndlessForms - Osiriani Magus
drBuzzard - Dwarven Barbarian

Divine
WerePox47 - (ethnicity?) Shaman (Battle)

Skill Monkey
Broken Prince - Varisian Roguish Diviner

Interested
Ilmakis
Helaman
Birch33

Now about the particular applications:

Broken Prince:
I love what you did with the character! One can feel the Sczarni touch all over it.

I don't see any problem with making Nazir his father as well as his grandfather. Would Vandilo be aware of that fact?

As for other NPCs, as long as you don't claim Karzoug to be your hidden dad I'm fine. ;)

When you say "roguish type", are you suggesting multiclassing into rogue to become an arcane trickster?

Btw great reference about Janira!

drBuzzard:
Great idea about Janderhoff. Looking forward to seeing your submission! What kind of barbarian do you have in mind? Any archetype or just raw one?

WerePox47:
Looks like a great idea, I'm looking forward to see shaman in action. Are you thinking of a human, Shoanti for example? Shamanism is very prominent in their tribes.

Ilmakis:
Sympa de te voir postuler! Je voulais savoir si ça te posait problème de ne pas recevoir de crédit (ou de devoir utiliser des étoiles pour en recevoir si tu veux) vu que tu as déjà joué une partie de l'AP? Est-ce que le fait de le rejouer (avec la répétition que cela entraîne) est un souci pour toi? Dans tous les cas, je me réjouis de voir le perso que tu vas proposer.

Enfin, qu'en est-il de la gestion des cartes? Shattered Star est un AP très axé donjon, donc si tu ne peux pas déplacer ton perso toi-même ça n'est pas l'idéal. Peux-tu utiliser roll20 et déplacer ton perso sur cette interface lorsque tu postes?

Pirate Rob:
I like the idea of the mid-life crisis as a "push" factor to join the Society. Good background! What ethnicity do you think you would be? Varisian, Chelaxian and Shoanti are the most common in Varisia, while the first two are very common in Magnimar.

How come you have three feats to start with? Skill focus comes from Focused Study (replacing the Human Bonus Feat), but then there are Flagbearer and Spell Focus (Enchantment), whereas you only have one feat at first level. I'm surely missing something, could you please point it out?

Sczarni

I would likely go straight wizard, most of the roguish stuff I want is skill based, seems like divination would come in handy for a rogue and the versatile feat coupled with magical augmentation should cover everything I want. Arcane Trickster is a bit too painful.

I imagine Vandilo has a nasty suspicion about his parentage and has long since stopped asking about his father.

Crunch is now complete BTW and in profile. Might see if I can tailor a story feat to fit though.


Helaman here.

Borden is a rough and tumble combat focused bard.

I'll update the character - campaign trait needs to change. Will likely add a flaw.

Background needs softening so that he is still a Pathfinder. Will make it so that he is on his last chance and sent here as a trouble case.

Let me know what else needs to be corrected.


Dotting for interest.

Grand Lodge

Adsal is a Peri-blooded Aasimar.
Would you allow the feat?


Deffinitely was going Human, Shoanti sounds great as well! Im thinking Moon Clan for obvious reasons.. Prob going Battle as main spirit with nature as my primary second, although that could change depending on what we needed day to day.. The wandering spirit feature is very versatile.. It looks like im gonna be busy at work today, but for sure ill have him/her finished by the weekends end..

Thanks for the insight Tang, ill deff be working that trait into the background.. Shouldn't be to hard with the Hold of Belkzen in her backyard to come up with a freedom fighter..

A question about the story feat.. Can we make up our own for approval or do we have to pick from the list presented?


I have a first pass, a Kellid bard.

Telka Beast-Talker:

Female Half-Orc animal speaker bard 1
CG Medium humanoid (orc, human)
Init +1, Senses darkvision 60', Perception +4
=================================================
DEFENSE
=================================================
AC 14, touch 11, flat-footed 13 (+3 armor, +1 Dex, )
hp 17 ((1d8)+9)
Fort +4, Ref +4, Will +3

=================================================
OFFENSE
=================================================
Speed 30 ft.
Melee greataxe +2 (1d12+3/x3)
Melee dagger +2 (1d4+2/19-20)
Ranged dagger (thrown) +1 (1d4/19-20)
Melee morningstar +2 (1d8+3)
Melee sap +2 (1d6+2)
Ranged sling +1 (1d4+2)
Special Attacks Distraction

Bard Spells Known (CL 1st; concentration +4)
1st(2/day)-cure light wounds(DC 14), saving finale(DC 14), summon nature's ally i
0th(at will)-daze(DC 13), light, message, resistance(DC 13)

=================================================
TACTICS
=================================================

=================================================
STATISTICS
=================================================
Str 14, Dex 13, Con 14, Int 12, Wis 10, Cha 16
Base Atk +0; CMB +2; CMD 13
Feats Feral Heart (story), Tribal Scars (bearpelt)
Skills
Acrobatics +4 (1 rank)
Intimidate +8
Knowledge (Local) +6 (1 rank)
Knowledge (Nature) +6 (1 rank)
Perception +4 (1 rank)
Perform (Oratory) +7 (1 rank)
Perform (Percussion Instruments) +7 (1 rank)
Survival +5 (1 rank)
ACP -1
Drawbacks
Traits Exchange Agent, Omen
Languages Common, Giant, Hallit, Orc
SQ animal friend (badger), armored casting, bardic knowledge, bardic performance, cantrips, countersong, darkvision, inspire courage, intimidating, orc blood, sacred tattoo, skilled, weapon and armor proficiency, weapon familiarity
Combat Gear
Other Gear greataxe, studded leather, sling bullets (10), pouch (belt), dagger, morningstar, sap, sling, backpack, bedroll, flint and steel, ink (1 oz. vial), inkpen, journal, mess kit, mirror (small/steel), pot (iron), rope (hemp/50 ft.), soap (per lb.), rations (trail/per day) (5), torch (10), waterskin, 7.9 gp
=================================================
SPECIAL ABILITIES
=================================================
Animal Friend (Badger) An animal speaker selects a particular kind of animal, such as apes, badgers, bears, boars, cats, snakes, and so on. The bard gains a +4 bonus on Handle Animal checks to influence animals of his chosen kind. Animals of this kind have a starting attitude of at least “indifferent” toward the bard and never attack him unless he attacks them first.

Animal companions and magically controlled animals of the bard’s chosen kind can be directed to attack the bard if the controlling creature wins an opposed Charisma check against the bard (this check can be made once per round until it succeeds, after which no further checks are needed). Supernatural versions of animals (such as animals with the fiendish template) can attempt an opposed Charisma check against the bard with a +4 bonus on its roll to overcome this hesitation. This ability has no effect on creatures other than animals.

This ability replaces fascinate.

Armored Casting (Ex) You can cast bard spells while wearing light armor and use a shield without incurring the normal arcane spell failure chance.

Bardic Knowledge (Ex) You add +1 to all Knowledge checks and may make all Knowledge skill checks untrained.

Bardic Performance You are trained to use the Perform skill to create magical effects on those around you, including yourself if desired.

Countersong (Su) You can counter magic effects that depend on sound (but not spells that have verbal components).

Distraction (Su) You can use your performance to counter magic effects that depend on sight.

Inspire Courage (Su) You can use your performance to inspire courage in your allies (including yourself), bolstering them against fear and improving their combat abilities.

Cantrips You have learned a number of cantrips, or 0-level spells. These spells are cast like any other spells, but they do not consume any slots and may be used again.

Intimidating (Ex) Half-orc receive a +2 racial bonus on Intimidate skill checks due to their fearsome nature.

Orc Blood (Ex) Half-orc count as both humans and orcs for any effect related to race.

Sacred Tattoo Tattoos, piercings, and ritual scarification are sacred markings to many half-orcs. Half-orcs with this racial trait gain a +1 luck bonus on all saving throws. This racial trait replaces the orc ferocity racial trait.

Weapon and Armor Proficiency A bard is proficient with all simple weapons, plus the longsword, rapier, sap, short sword, shortbow, and whip. Bards are proficient with light armor and shields (except tower shields). A bard can cast bard spells while wearing light armor without incurring the normal arcane spell failure chance. However, like any other arcane spellcaster, a bard wearing medium or heavy armor or using a shield incurs a chance of arcane spell failure if the spell in question has a somatic component (most do). A multiclass bard still incurs the normal arcane spell failure chance for arcane spells received from other classes.

Weapon Familiarity (Ex) Half-orcs are proficient with greataxes and falchions, and treat any weapon with the word "orc" in its name as a martial weapon.

1 Tribal Scars
3 Nature Soul
5 Animal Ally
7 Boon Companion
9 Spell Focus (Conjuration)
11 Augmented Summoning

Backstory:

The idea here is a character originally from near the Kodar mountains, on the Kellid side. She is the progeny of a violent union between a Kellid mother and Orcish father. She followed in her mothers footsteps, and has a slight distrust of men on account of her parentage.

Part of the bearpelt following, she is a bloodspeaker and thus much more curious then most Kellid. She is also drawn to travel elsewhere, as she is less than warmly welcome in parts of the Realm of the Mammoth Lords due to her heritage. Thus, she has slowly migrated south, visiting Urgir, Urglin, and finally Kaer Maga, where she was directed by a certain Ms. Feathers to the Pathfinder Society. Telka is definitely uneasy in civilized lands, but is smart and flexible enough to adapt quickly (if just a touch naive)

The only thing of note is that in addition to the animal speaker archetype, I was thinking of picking up Nature Soul -> Animal Ally -> Boon companion, and grabbing a badger. Would this be OK from a GM perspective? (I need to buy faiths and pantheons still, where the feats are from).

Sczarni

Since this is for PFS credit rather than a PFS game I don't think you would be required to own the book Tangaroa, could be wrong. Had you considered playing an Evangelist cleric with the animal domain? I think that might give you a similar setup while being less feat intensive and getting your companion quicker, be much less skilly though.


dotting, but how does PFS credit work? I don't understand how you get it or how you use it. Is it played on PBP? Even after reading up on it, it is still confusing for me.
What does PFS legal mean? Races that are PFS legal? Classes that are PFS legal?


Ugh, then I'd have to evangelize. No thank you! Besides, I'd much rather be a barbarian princess. ;)

He asked we own the sources in his original guidelines.

No, I am more concerned with adequate campaign tie-in/backstory. The AP guidelines aren't terribly illuminative, ergo I'll go with my usual default: be an outsider. I don't know about the APs very much; just started RotRL (which seems to have good writing thus far.) Besides, I have People of the North, and no book that does justice to the Shoanti. I guess I could try and reflavor to Shoanti, but the obvious group - the Sklar-Quah - seems too unfriendly.


PFS legal usually means it's freely available on this list.

However, my understanding is that you don't have to really worry about those rules when making a dedicated AP character; it's mostly just a regular AP. Just follow whatever guidelines the GM outlined.


so after reading that list, does this mean I'm required to buy the AP books and follow along?


Grimbor the throwback -fluff:

Grimbor grew up in the Sky Citadel of Janerhoff in SE Varisia. He was always entranced by the tales of his ancient forefathers who did the heroic migration of out the darklands to find the sky. Living in an orderly and let's be honest, quite boring place like a sky citadel really didn't work for Grimbor. He would always rebel against the rules and the uniformity. Eventually he attained his majority and decided to just get out. Traveling to Magnimar (and avoiding Korvosa deliberately because of all the troubles there), he would hang around the gladiatorial games, and try his hand in the sparring from time to hime. His preference for an archaic dwarven weapon made him stand out a bit, but the lack of funds to equip himself in proper regalia meant it would only be a dalliance, and not a profession.

He heard about the Pathfinder Society at that point. What was this? The opportunity to explore Golarian and learn its vast history? He signed up immediately. Not understanding most of the nonsense about factions, he associated himself with the Grand Lodge, and eagerly awaited his first assignment.

and

Grimbor crunch:

Grimbor the throwback
Male Dwarf Barbarian (Invulnerable Rager) 1
CG Medium humanoid (dwarf)
Init +0; Senses darkvision 60 ft.; Perception +6
--------------------
Defense
--------------------
AC 12, touch 10, flat-footed 12 (+2 armor)
hp 15 (1d12+3)
Fort +5, Ref +0, Will +2; +1 trait bonus vs. spells, spell-like abilities, and poison, +2 vs. poison, spells, and spell-like abilities
Defensive Abilities defensive training (+4 dodge bonus to AC vs. giants)
--------------------
Offense
--------------------
Speed 30 ft.
Melee dwarven dorn-dergar +4 (1d10+4)
Special Attacks +1 on attack rolls against goblinoid and orc humanoids, rage (8 rounds/day)
--------------------
Statistics
--------------------
Str 16, Dex 10, Con 16, Int 13, Wis 14, Cha 8
Base Atk +1; CMB +4; CMD 14 (18 vs. bull rush, 18 vs. trip)
Feats Power Attack
Traits glory of old, serpent runner (armor)
Skills Acrobatics +1, Climb +4, Knowledge (history) +2, Perception +6 (+8 to notice unusual stonework), Survival +6
Languages Common, Dwarven, Undercommon
SQ fast movement, tireless rage
Other Gear leather armor, dwarven dorn-dergar, backpack, bedroll, crowbar, dungeoneering kit, piton (5), shovel, 23 gp, 4 sp
--------------------
Special Abilities
--------------------
Darkvision (60 feet) You can see in the dark (black and white vision only).
Defensive Training +4 Gain a dodge bonus to AC vs monsters of the Giant subtype.
Fast Movement +10 (Ex) +10 feet to speed, unless heavily loaded.
Glory of Old You receive a +1 trait bonus on saving throws against spells, spell-like abilities, and poison.
Hatred +1 Gain a racial bonus to attacks vs Goblinoids/Orcs.
Power Attack -1/+2 You can subtract from your attack roll to add to your damage.
Rage (8 rounds/day) (Ex) +4 Str, +4 Con, +2 to Will saves, -2 to AC when enraged.

So as you see it is an invulnerable rager. Owing to a profusion of unused aliases I won't make one for him unless selected. I don't like the clutter.


No, the AP would be the book you *wouldn't* want to buy :). That's full of DM stuff!

What you do want to buy any book used in creating your character (or pdf of therefore). That's it really.

We won't be actually using PFS rules. If you don't play PFS and don't care about credit, don't worry about it. Just make a character and apply as per the usual.


Gotcha, sorry to butt in I tend to find waiting for a companion frustrating. My evangelist preaches altered to be appropriate Prince of Belair theme lyrics, although I am not sure anyone but me knows that :)

Scarab Sages

A Garundi man wearing traditional Osirion robes and a turban limps up to the door of the Heidmarch Manor, leaning upon a staff. At the door he thumps his staff on the polished wood, leaving several noticeable scratches. "Hello! Hello!" he shouts impatiently, waiting for someone to answer the door.

Moments later when the door is whisked open by a servant, the man pushes past, his silver amulet bearing a black and white mask swinging side-to-side with the movement. "Where's Sheila? I've been sent by Venture-Captain Norden Balentiir of the Sothis Lodge on this crazy 'scholar-exchange-whoseewhatsit'. I was told Venture-Captain Heidmarch would be waiting for me!"

He looks about the foyer and, not seeing Sheila immediately present, simply elects to take a seat before it is offered and tells the servant, "Well, just tell Sheila that Sahib ul-Makam al-Rafi Ramenhotep the Risen, Priest of the All-Seeing Eye, is waiting for her."

Sahib ul-Makam al-Rafi = Holder of the Eminent Position (a purely ostentatious title)

---

Endless Forms here! You were asking for a cranky staff magus who thinks he's a priest of Nethys? No? Well, you got one anyways.

Looking forward to seeing the other submissions! Good luck everyone!


Dotting for interest.
Current idea is a human cleric of Abadar with the Travel/Trade and Nobility/Martyr domains/subdomains. I'll probably prestige into Divine Assessor. She'll be bookish cleric with a love of artifacts, but she's more then willing to fight if the cause is right.

I am not a PFS player, although I have been looking into it...
I have read/skimmed the Player's Guides and APs for Rune Lords and Crimson Throne. I assisted a friend in DMing the upper level parts of Rune Lords.

I'll put something together for you this weekend.

Grand Lodge

I'm very interested. I'm a PFSer, GM and player. I am currently in a PBP RotR, on my character Kala Steelheart, no experience with the other APs. I'll probably adapt one of my PFS characters to fit your guidelines, that will mostly involve a trait change I think. I will try to post it tonight.


Tangaroa wrote:

No, the AP would be the book you *wouldn't* want to buy :). That's full of DM stuff!

What you do want to buy any book used in creating your character (or pdf of therefore). That's it really.

We won't be actually using PFS rules. If you don't play PFS and don't care about credit, don't worry about it. Just make a character and apply as per the usual.

Forgot to mention it earlier, but..

Okay thanks, got to make sure I have the right stuff, and I definitely know what not to buy, which is why I asked first. It can sometimes be hard to unlearn what you already learned. Plus it will help me with my character, knowing what books or pdfs I should use.

Grand Lodge

Adsal wrote:

Adsal is a Peri-blooded Aasimar.

Would you allow the feat?

EDIT: You mean the Breadth of Experience feat. I'll have to say no.

Tangaroa wrote:
He asked we own the sources in his original guidelines.

Not exactly, I asked that you should have access to it. Using the d20PFSRD is fine as long as you know what you're doing, and that you don't build most of your character on books you don't have access to.

Tangaroa wrote:
No, I am more concerned with adequate campaign tie-in/backstory. The AP guidelines aren't terribly illuminative, ergo I'll go with my usual default: be an outsider. I don't know about the APs very much; just started RotRL (which seems to have good writing thus far.) Besides, I have People of the North, and no book that does justice to the Shoanti. I guess I could try and reflavor to Shoanti, but the obvious group - the Sklar-Quah - seems too unfriendly.

Then allow me to illuminate, if I may! The AP builds upon previous discoveries (made in RotRL) about the ancient empire of Thassilon and is mainly about the nature of a potent Thassilonian artifact. The AP is set in Varisia since most of the Thassilonian empire was built on this land. The Pathfinder Society is the best tie-in for the beginning, since those characters will be eager to uncover secrets of the past, delve into ancient ruins, and comply with the orders of a certain Magnimarian Venture-Captain! *nudge, nudge*

Besides, great submission! Definitely an interesting character to play with.

Double Gold wrote:

dotting, but how does PFS credit work? I don't understand how you get it or how you use it. Is it played on PBP? Even after reading up on it, it is still confusing for me.

What does PFS legal mean? Races that are PFS legal? Classes that are PFS legal?
(...)
so after reading that list, does this mean I'm required to buy the AP books and follow along?

Hello and welcome, Double Gold! Allow me to clarify: this PbP campaign will be played by characters defined by the creation rules defined above, and the participants will be able to earn PFS credit (aka Chronicle Sheets representing exp, gold and fame for their PFS character(s)) as a "bonus", since the system encourages it. I'm a PFS player and GM myself, so my goal is not only to have fun while GMing this AP, but also to provide an additional experience for the PFS community based on these boards. That being said, you're welcome to apply if you'd like, using the rules above to create your character. Oh, and as Tangaroa said, please don't buy the AP unless you plan on GMing it, you'd spoil a good share of the fun. ;)

Lastly, don't worry about things that are "PFS legal" or not for this campaign, as my set of rules is slightly different from what PFS allows.

drBuzzard wrote:
So as you see it is an invulnerable rager. Owing to a profusion of unused aliases I won't make one for him unless selected. I don't like the clutter.

Looks great! No worries about the absence of alias for now.

Tangaroa wrote:
We won't be actually using PFS rules. If you don't play PFS and don't care about credit, don't worry about it. Just make a character and apply as per the usual.

You're absolutely right except for one thing: as full-fledged Pathfinders, the characters will earn prestige and fame just like characters in PFS.

*****

Update

So far we have...

Arcane
Broken Prince - Varisian Diviner with skills
Pirate Rob - Varisian Arcanist
Adsal - Peri-Blooded Aasimar Arcanist

Melee
EndlessForms - Osiriani Magus
drBuzzard - Dwarven Barbarian
Ilmakis - Spireborn Half-Elf Fighter

Divine
WerePox47 - Shoanti? Shaman (Battle) WIP
TexNess - Human Cleric of Abadar WIP

Skill Monkey
Tangaroa - Half-Orc Badger Speaker Bard
Helaman - Human Bard

Interested
Birch33
Double Gold
Kenji


I am pretty sure Adsal is referring to the Breadth of Experience feat which Aasimars are not eligible for by RAW, "Prerequisites: Dwarf, elf, or gnome; 100+ years old."


I am currently playing in a Rise of the Runelords campaign that has reached the third book, Hook Mountain Massacre. We are at what I believe is the climactic battle.

I would like to ask to what extent Shattered Star contains spoilers for the Runelords campaign. Is is anything more than revealing who the final enemy of that campaign is or does it expose more surprises than that?

Thanks


GM Lithrac wrote:
Not exactly, I asked that you should have access to it. Using the d20PFSRD is fine as long as you know what you're doing, and that you don't build most of your character on books you don't have access to.

Gotcha! Still, I think I'll buy the relevant book for my character, since it sounds like a decent one to own.


GM:

A little update.. Decided to go with a Half Orc Shaman.. Backstory includes being raised by Shoanti as a slave and given to a shaman as a slave.. Eventually picked up the shaman abilities and was accepted by the Moon Clan.. Left to join Andoran and became a Freedom Fighter..

Ive got most of her crunch done.. Will work on full backstory and fluff tm and sunday..

Any other advice is welcome.. After the little i've said what story feat would you suggest? I thought about the slavery one, but i dunno.. I did choose the Mark of Slavery drawback as well.. I've considered Arisen, Nemesis, or Vengeance..

Grand Lodge

Bill Lumberg wrote:

I am currently playing in a Rise of the Runelords campaign that has reached the third book, Hook Mountain Massacre. We are at what I believe is the climactic battle.

I would like to ask to what extent Shattered Star contains spoilers for the Runelords campaign. Is is anything more than revealing who the final enemy of that campaign is or does it expose more surprises than that?

Thanks

There is actually very few spoilers about RotRL in Shattered Star. I think that someone who knows the basics about Thassilon, sins & virtues and the Sihedron will have close to nothing spoilt in SS.

WerePox47:
Sounds good! As for the story feat, Liberator would fit your background best, I think. There would be opportunities to complete it too.

Nemesis would also sound good. Maybe someone who enslaved you? Or maybe a rival within the Pathfinder Society? Shadow lodge? There are multiple possibilities.


I'm going to submit a character, this looks like fun! I think I'll show up with a halfling alchemist.

Sczarni

Hmmm, none of the story feats seem to quite fit, could I possibly adapt Lost Legacy or Object of Legend to the lost water spirit oracle? Otherwise Eldritch Researcher is pretty neat, if you are prepared to allow spell crafting? Below is a 1st level divination spell I knocked up, which is designed to be able to look inside locks, pockets, bags, chests, etc., to give a bonus to sleight of hand, disable device, and profession fortune teller. Based around Jump, Identify, and Clairvoyance, I believe the fact that it is a lower bonus and a competence bonus - which would not stack with thieves tools, etc. - balances it and I think the flavor is pretty good, enabling a traditional "gypsy" fortune teller to close their eyes and effectively rifle through their subjects possessions for clues to use in giving a fortune, etc.

Created Spell:
Roving Eye

School divination (scrying); Level bard 1, sorcerer/wizard 1, witch 1
CASTING

Casting Time 1 round
Components V, S, F/DF (a glass eye or crystal ball)
EFFECT

Range touch
Target glass eye or crystal ball
Effect magical sensor
Duration 1 min./level (D)
Saving Throw none; Spell Resistance no

DESCRIPTION

When your eyes are closed you gain the ability to see from a floating perspective linked to a focus, a crystal ball or glass eye in your possession. The focus does not need to be held, but must be in your square and not held, worn, or touched by any other creature, it may for example be set on a table before you. This sight has a very limited range and is able to view only adjacent squares, but within those squares it can penetrate any none air tight container. Using a masterwork tool, glass eye or crystal ball, grants the user darkvision from the focus's perspective.

When your eyes are closed you are blinded, but able to search inside any none airtight container, seeing one item per round. It can also be used to grant a +8 competence bonus on appropriate sleight of hand, disable device, and profession fortune teller checks. Appropriate checks need not take place while viewing from the focu's perspective, you could be making use of knowledge of an items specific location within a bag or pocket for sleight of hand, etc.

Grand Lodge

How about Monument Builder if you'd like to rebuild the monument with the lost water spirit oracle? Otherwise Lost Legacy could be adapted to that goal easily.

I'm on the fence with creating spells, since it's very easy to create (yet another) imbalance in the system. To be honest, I'm not cofortable with spell creation. Moreover, creating a character around spell research might not be the best for this campaign since there isn't a lot of downtime.

Among those that could work very well for this campaign, Object of Legend or Artifact Hunter would be two amazing choices, since the AP is designed around one of the most powerful artifacts in Golarion. If you can bear waiting until very early in the campaign, where the real premice of the AP is revealed.

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