Yeah, I am aware of the problem you are referring to. You will actually find similar problems with just about all the Campaign traits. If your character concept doesn't 'fit' what they are writing the AP to, then it doesn't...
That said, my general take for Kingmaker has pretty much been that is what Brigand is for. With a couple changes, in your case, rather than the bonuses for dealing with lawless types it would be for dealing with Elves. Although, now that I think of it, Pioneer would actually work for you. You are attempting to carve a stronger position for your people in Golarion after all.
Hope that helped.
Brigand does not seem to suit my guy, all kinds of wrong if you know what I mean. But Pioneer is workable I guess, a free horse is nice (I dont need the ride skill for it do I?). I think picking Knowledge (Nature) would be best to, stick to my strong points you know.
@Septa: You need to set the character up as an alias so I/we can more readily access the sheet during play. Otherwise I think yours was another strong contender.
I planned on learning how to do that if I was accepted. Not that hard, I have been learning thru looking at other peoples entries. Thanks for responding.
Hmmmm. If you click on the link that is my character's name under "Statblock," it links to a myth-weavers character sheet. Although I do seem to have scrubbed my equipment somehow. I'm adding that back in right now. Thanks.
@Arumil: Nope, Ride skill is mostly for if you are planning on Mounted Combat. Also Ride checks can be made untrained & Ride is a Dex skill. Oh hey, Elves tend to have a good Dex!
@GM_Jacob: Cool, I will check again & let you know if there are any questions I want answered.
Okay! To review.
Alan Taselson Jr. - Strong application, you answered all my questions & you give me a solid sense of who you 'are'.
Altael - Another good application, I must admit I didn't give it the reading it deserved initially, I am particularly impressed you have the chutzpah to go with Elven Fighter.
Arumil Amain - more what I would expect to see in an Elf character. Which is not an insult either.
Azharten - Very cool initial idea, I am not sure how well it would work in play. Also I feel it was little more than a starting framework.
Garvok Kain - You definitely give me a sense of who you 'are', which is very good. Unfortunately you also managed to show me that I was mistaken in my initial post when I said Alignment wasn't important to me. You make an excellent, and justified, Chaotic Evil. I just don't think I am up to GMing a Chaotic Evil character.
Gjurd Grimblade - I enjoyed reading your character history. You have a great number of very tasty plot opportunities for me. You answered all my questions. Good job.
Hazel Medvyed - I will admit, I found this character intriguing from the first time I read her. You answered all my questions, most without even adjusting your initial presentation. Very Strong application.
Hod Ronoakson - Very evocative, I got a real sense of who you are. It doesn't hurt that you are the only divine caster application I have received.
Kridor the Red - The first thing that came to mind reading your history was That said, even aside from the chutzpah necessary to try & go for Lost Barbarian Dragon Prince it was an entertaining read.
Ranzo von Lebeda - You gave me everything I asked for. I was particularly impressed when you gave me a 'rival' who wasn't necessarily a rival. Good Job.
Russelletty McMullin - I have always like Halflings in the River Kingdoms, but your character just didn't speak to me the way I thought it would.
Taewyn Kais - I like the concept, very 'first steps of the Hero's Journey' My big question was why is a Chaotic Good character worshiping Erastil? Is the 'Chaotic' representative of your youth? Or is the worshiping Erastil more of a 'this is the god my parent's worship, this is the god I will worship' sort of thing? Neither of these is necessarily bad, but it is a question that needs an answer.
Valeria - Interesting character idea, I would very much like to see someone play a Changeling. The difficulty I had was while you did answer all my questions, you gave me a series of 'vital statistics' not a 'person's story'.
That said, there is still all of Sunday for those of you who wish to see if you can hone the character further, or to give me your opinions on how I can improve my performance.
Awesome possum! I appreciate your activity level even in the recruitment thread. I can't wait to hear your decision.
I can understand being uneasy with a CE character. And I see you have plenty of alternates. However, if you are worried about party in fighting let me assure you that I never planned on him backstabbing the group with Garvok. Garvok was made to be a bastard, but he was made to be the King/Queen’s bastard. Getting the crown the information it needs, and eliminating threats to the king/queendom by any means necessary. He also takes care of his friends, which I tried to illustrate with the Lake Shadows in his past.
If this changes your mind, great, I would love to play and would be happy to make any changes to the character or answer any questions that might make you more comfortable with him. If you still don’t want Garvok in the group then I understand and hope that you and whoever you do choose for the party have a blast with the AP.
Kridor the Red - The first thing that came to mind reading your history was He's got some serious balls to try & pull this one off!
Yes, they are Dragon Balls!
On a side note, here is some of the inspiration for my character. WARNING LINK INCLUDES SPOILERS FOR THE MOVIE 'IRONCLAD' - NERDPORN
@DM - Taewyn leans to the chaotic side due to his free spirited nature and youth. He has a strong sense of right and wrong, but that sense doesn't always line up with the Law. As for Erastil, it is very much a 'this is the god my parents followed, so this is the god I follow' kind of thing. It's the way he was brought up.
@Ilya: Greta Salynn - it isn't clear if she is a dire foe or simply a 'professional' rival, , I would appreciate if you would clarify the relationship please.
To everyone: Wow, I now see why so many of the PbP AP campaigns have more than 4 PC's! If I was sure I could handle more I would likely bump this up to at lest six, there are so many good ideas here. Unfortunately, as I said, I am just not sure of my own level of skill. When I don't pick most of you guys, it won't be because you didn't make the cut, it will be because I just don't have enough room!
Thank you for the feedback. I'll Introduce a better reason as to why a rivalry turned into a hatred as well as fix that grammar.
I'll post the updated section here when I finish it.
Enemy: Greta Salynn
Another pupil of Mistress Harla Hadis and Illya’s unwanted rival. She was constantly trying to compete with Illya and prove she was a better spy and student. Greta was an excellent spy but preferred assassination and chaos more so than Illya’s observe and manipulate style.
They clashed in both method and personality and they developed a mutual hatred for one another.
It came to a boiling point when Greta, for her final exam, was tasked with discrediting a local merchant, a merchant who had crossed a retainer of the Surtova family. She failed to accomplish the goal and was caught and tortured for information before she escaped.
Her mission had been compromised due to a leak of information within the organization and she believed that Illya was the leak due to their mutual hatred. She could not be dis-waded from her belief and tried to murder Illya.
Illya survived the attempted assassination and Greta was "reassigned" out of the house.
At this time Illya does not know where Greta has been sent but continues to remain cautious and watches for her rivals revenge.
I've been updated closer to what the GM wishes to see
@Valeria: Crud, I thought I had already responded. Thank you very much Very nice.
NotMousse, you private mailed me your submission so I am still considering you got it in on time.
Because I am holding fast to the four only decision I posted initially, I know I am looking at several disappointed people tomorrow. Those of you I don't pick should still feel damn good about yourselves 'cause I see a lot of really fun, solid characters here.
I will post one more time here to let everyone know who was selected & then I will open up the Discussion thread. If I wind up having to go with a second choice, I will private post to the individual in question.
Once more, thank you all very much for taking a chance with me & best of luck to those I don't pick. You have a really solid character for next time.
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Simon Gabriev
LG Male Human Fighter 1
A squat man (5’4), he is surprisingly nimble for his size with hair so dark red it’s only noticed not to be black in daylight. Having been scarred from numerous fights with his little brother he looks injured even when perfectly healthy. He keeps his body angled behind his shield in any situation that may become hostile unconsciously, well before he would draw his weapon.
His dream is to be the blade’s edge of civilization, slicing away at the wild lands, building small villages and communities before moving on to the next unconquered stretch of land, though the recent announcement has him thinking about making a place suitable for a softer woman...
A hulking giant of a man with black wavy hair and narrow set mahogany eyes, he carries few scars aside from one down his right forearm from just outside the elbow to his palm.
Gourry is Simon’s younger half-brother, a natural hothead that’s had a hatred for Simon’s love of building and craft as long as either can remember. He quickly took the chance to leave home with their father, Grant, on a training journey to heal his arm after Simon’s only victory.
Having traveled the world Gourry has experienced many cultures, but fell prey to a heretical faction of Sarenrae. Now committed to purging the world of non-believers, he roams the world with a flaming great sword sundering shrines, and temples where ever he finds them, taking special delight in rendering Erastil’s houses of worship heaps of ash.
For Simon’s part he’s never understood why the two are enemies, but has always kept a vigilant defense whenever his friends were around Gourry. The only time Simon initiated combat with his brother was when he discovered the then teenaged Gourry attacking Felicit. The battle was swift, but nearly fatal to the younger when Simon disarmed Gourry and slashed his arm deeply.
Felicity is slightly below average height, and a little pudgy. She wears her hair long in back, with bangs that cover her large auburn eyes.
Felicity is Simon’s childhood playmate, pseudo sibling, and briefly lover. The two had lived together since his father had come to live with her mother after a courtship lasting all of one drunken night. She was only a year younger than Simon, making them perfect playmates. Her poor health kept her from leaving the manor grounds often before she became an adult. She would always be ready for story time with Brice, or an idle game with Simon.
As they grew older Felicity’s health improved allowing the two to secret out of the manor together on special occasions. One night shortly before Gourry’s attack she led Simon to the local tavern where their parents had met for a drink to celebrate her birthday. As the night drew on the two still undiscovered missing made their way to the manor’s stable loft for an uncomfortable and embarrassing foray into adulthood. Come morning the two find that Gourry had witnessed their affair, causing the two to be severely punished. Felicity was locked in her room for a month, Simon banished from the manor for a year. The two did not reunite for well over a year, as Simon had taken to guard work for a merchant that took a liking to Andoran trade routes.
Simon had not always liked Felicity. At first Simon felt pity for Felicity, practically a prisoner within her own home. Simon would come to her room only in the hopes of cheering her up when he caught her spying on him from the window of her room. Her look always carried a sadness that compelled him to her side no matter how exciting the activity he was pursuing had been.
As Simon learned more about Felicity from Brice he came to her room more frequently, bearing a sweet treat from Brice, or some new game they could play in her bed. As they continued to spend time together friendship eventually blossomed, Simon was awed by her knowledge on every subject and quick wit, asking if she would teach him about the world outside the small city they lived.
Though their one night together was a disaster, he still wants her nearby as a friend, and might give up everything he has for her sake if she would only request it.
Brice is tall, for a Halfling anyway, and very lean aside from a notable paunch around the belly. His wavy hair cropped short frames a round face with eyes that hint a smirk at some hidden joke only he knows.
Brice as he calls himself is Gracia’s primary servant, a combination of butler, cook, nanny, and occasionally bodyguard. Gregarious to the point of obnoxiousness, he’s always interested in everyone else’s lives, but keeps his past before coming to the small manor a secret. He often spent hours with the children teaching them all manner of obscure tricks and trivia, usually in the form of stories and games.
As Simon grew up Brice would teach him the art of swordsmanship during their play. After a couple years of practice Brice gifted his ‘halfling greatsword’ to Simon, a fine blade Brice claimed had slew a dozen traitors and countless fey before it had reached him, and possibly a score or more mice in the kitchen since Brice came upon it.
Simon was greatly enamored with the Halfling as soon as they met. After all what kid could resist a grown up his size that makes treats and tells stories so easily? With his guidance Simon grew to be a bolder man than his father would have raised.
Simon loves the little round man, but having grown up and been away from the manor for several years now he’s rarely had contact with him. If the expedition to the stolen lands goes well he would love to have Brice over to tell of his own adventures to the strangely adventurous cook.
Gracia is everything one could wish for in a noble’s wife, tall and slender, with blonde hair that falls past her waist. Piercing blue eyes that weigh each person’s worth lay behind a delicate pair of glasses.
A woman overly concerned with her status as a branch of the Orlovsky family. The only time she strays from her ambitious path towards high nobility is when it concerns her lover, Simon and Gourry’s father, Grant. She finds his rustic charms and insatiable hunger for life her sole source of amusement outside of the realm of politics. Though she kept him, and the children, hidden away for fear of scandal she would clear at least a weekend every fortnight for Grant and herself.
Whenever an opportunity arises for her to improve her standing within court she jumps at the chance. Cool and aloof under most circumstances she only warms to most people as a way to lower their social guard. She uses seduction and surveillance with equal ease.
Simon sees her as the woman who bore his best friend and remains thankful for that, but remains guarded whenever she requests one of her ‘simple favors’. Distant since their initial meeting, and estranged for years since his banishment, he has since made amends for his indiscretion with Felicity. Though he isn’t suited to the world of noble court, he has taken several odd jobs from Gracia as an excuse to spend time with Felicity.
Average height and build, constantly has a few days growth of facial hair, but never enough to be a full beard. He has a mop top, and strange boyish charm even well into his forties.
Happy go lucky and a bit of a bum Grant had wandered from city to city looking for odd jobs and a place for he and his kid to spend the night with no plans further than the night.
His luck changed when he met the mother of Simon, a village girl that captured his heart long enough to see their son to his first birthday. Soon after Simon’s first birthday Grant was caught with his hand in the proverbial cookie jar, sending him and his son on the run with a wagon of pickled vegetables.
By the time Simon was five he had learned his father was a bum, but hadn’t known what he could do about it. With a sudden urge to leave the kid strayed from the tavern Grant decided to sample heading towards a large manor with a single lighted window. The window belonged to Felicity’s room, and the two met long enough for him to receive a snack from Brice before returning to his father’s room at the tavern.
When Simon made it back to the tavern he found his father had found a new woman, and all their lives had changed.
Grant favored Gourry, but was not much of a father to either boy. When Gourry was injured Grant had decided it was time to teach his younger son how to be a man. Embarking on what he called a training journey Grant led Gourry around from city to city looking for a way to heal Gourry’s wound. Though Gourry has been seen since the training journey he has not mentioned Grant, and would not speak of him when questioned.
My thanks for everyone's patience. I should have considered today was Memorial Day here...
Hazel Medvyed
Hod Ronoakson
Illya Vastrakova
Taewyn Kais
Everyone else, it may be little comfort, but the choice was largely arbitrary. I could have just about chose any four at random & found a good group. You guys are now ready for the next lucky GM who wants to give this a try.
I will be opening up the Discussion thread & as soon as the four of you have signed on there we will go over any specific questions we may have. If I haven't heard from all of you by Wednesday I will contact the next applicant on my list until we have four.
Once again, thank you everyone who applied.
Durn. I'm still up for being an alternate, if you need one. Thanks for your time, and best wishes to the intrepid adventurers!