RPG Superstar 2014 Top 16, RPG Superstar 2012 Top 16
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The current year is 4711 it has been 9 years since the Chopper’s (Jervis Stoot) murder spree that claimed the lives of 25 men, women, and children. Four years ago the new Sandpoint Cathedral was consecrated during the annual Swallowtail Festival and for a time it seemed the Late Unpleasantness was finally laid to rest.
I am looking to start a Pathfinder PBP set in the village of Sandpoint. This somewhat alternate Sandpoint has not seen the events of Rise of the Runelords , in fact none of the AP’s set in Varisia have occurred. Certain events such as the Late Unpleasantness, and the Licktoad goblin’s grand discovery (We Be Goblins) have occurred but the repercussions of those events will likely play out differently than they would have in the original adventure paths.
Players interested should submit a short character concept / background. I don’t need a novel or a complete character sheet just a few lines to give me a feel for your character, his or her goals, and an idea of how your PC ties into the local community. If you are familiar with Sandpoint and Varisia and there is a particular region or story you would like to see explored let me know that as well.
I have no idea what sort of response I’ll get from this invitation but I may not be able to take on every player who applies I will look at the concepts and make my choices from those concepts if I have more players than slots.
Part of the reason I only want loose backgrounds to start is so that characters can be woven together and into the village itself. Sandpoint will play an important role in the campaign and PCs should feel at home there.
Sources: Players may read, and are encouraged to read any of the articles that cover Sandpoint, Sandpoint’s hinterlands, and Varisia in general (Burnt Offerings, RotRl Players Guide, Brine Wall Legacy, JR player’s guide etc.). If there is specialized or secret information you would like such as “how to buy poisons in Sandpoint,” or “what’s really under the academy,” we’ll look into whether your character could reasonably know it.
Full character creation guidelines will come soon but here are a few notes to get started
- Any Paizo character class is permissible some will obviously work in Sandpoint better than others. Core base classes are preferred.
- All of the core races are permissible while races from other sources (even Paizo) need special permission so if your concept hinges on an unusual race it might pay to have a fallback concept.
- Look at the other concepts that were selected and we will all discuss together how the pieces may all interlock while you put together your final character sheets. If your are familiar with the Dresden Files RPG I would like this to be sort of like city creation and character creation rolled together.
Dotted for interest. Concept to come.
Blake Deverin is the late born son of Wade Deverin cleric of Abadar and the former brew master at the Two Knight Brewery. When Blake was 4, he was trapped in a fire with his mother Merril (originaly Merril Hosk, younger sister of Daviren Hosk owner of the Goblins Squash Stables) which burned him and killed her. Merril had three children from a prior marriage: Sherril who was already married to a farmer living on the outskirts of the Hinterlands, Ameil who wed a traveling merchant and relocated to Magnimar, and Adler who was only 9 at the time of the fire but was not in the house at the time ii occurred and was left unharmed. To keep up with business at the brewery Wade sent the boys to attend classes at Turandarok Academy during the day, where Master Gandethus saw Blake's potential and after the first year, with Wade's permission, started teaching the boy the Discipline of Magic. Blake enjoyed the study of the arcane arts but had a difficult time with the bullies in the school, one being his older sibling Adler the other a rejected half-elf born of a political scandal Tsuto. The two of them were sometimes cohorts and sometimes rivals and always gave Blake a hard time, Adler often blamed Blake for the death of their mother. Adler left home as soon as he was 18 years old, presumably to seek his fortune in Riddleport. Blake has not seen or heard from him since then. Two years later Wade was one of the first victims of the serial killer known as Chopper. Blake was only fifteen and distraught with wanting revenge after losing his second parent. Blake's uncle Gaven, a paladin of Abadar, helped the boy endure the emotional ordeal by training him in the Code of Abadar and teaching him the skills of sword play. Gaven hoped this would prevent Blake from getting himself killed while hunting the murderer. Now that the "Late Unpleasantness" has passed, Blake helps his uncle at the brewery and enjoys evenings at the Rusty Dragon listening to the adventure tales of Ameiko and the colorful travelers that frequent the inn. He often dreams of traveling the open road, but knows his duty is to Gaven, the brewery, and the memory of his parents here in Sandpoint.
Blake is a Lawful Neutral 24 year old human male, Magus. While not particularly religious he does loosely follow the edicts of the Code of Abadar. If the burns on his back and arms were not enough to remind him, Blake often has nightmares about surviving the fire and he has a strong fear of fire. He avoids using any spells that manipulate, cause, emulate, or even resemble fire.
Dotting for interest. Thinking of a Cleric of Shelyn who first came to Sandpoint 4 years during the dedication of the new Cathedral with the intention of staying and serving at it. She is originally from Magnimar, but wanted to leave the larger city for somewhere less populated and polluted where she could have a chance to enjoy the natural beauty of the wild. As part of that natural beauty, she has created a lovely flower garden in honor of Sheyln.
I would like to submit to you an elderly gnome named Clarence Omnicog. Please ignore his current profile for now, as it needs a great deal of work. I intend to recreate him from ground up, and will probably focus entirely on oracle of lore, with maybe a single dip into Bard with the archivist archetype (if you would permit me). Being an old character, he takes a rather hefty penalty to his physical stats (-3 total) but takes a decent bonus to his mental stats (+2 total). Ultimately, he'll be almost useless as a phsyical combatant, and will be focusing almost entirely on his magic and knowledge skills.
Backstory
Clarence is getting old, but he hasn't quite given up on his dream just yet. As an historian, Clarence has traveled Avistan in search of some sort of monumental discovery. He's always had a drive for learning, and has studied almost every subject that could be considered useful. When he was younger, he was agile, hardy, and even strong for a gnome, but now his age is catching up to him.
The first thing to go was his leg. He awoke one night and found that his leg ached and he couldn't move it well. This ended his adventuring, but it started a whole new chapter in his life. Clarence could suddenly remember things better, and he found that he had a newfound magical ability that had never manifested itself prior. Clarence thinks the magic (and the limp) is divine, but is not sure which deity has taken an interest in him.
Shortly after this revelation, Clarence got a tip that there may be something interesting, something "monumental" near Sandpoint. Clarence had studied Thassilon briefly before, but maybe that is where his work will culminate in a brilliant discovery. Clarence made his way to Sandpoint and has studied there ever since. He remembers a time before the Late Unpleasantness and was at the Swallowtail Festival when the new cathedral was consecrated. He's heard stories of Attic Whispers and Sandpoint Devils that are so common in that area. But he still hasn't found quite what he was looking for.
But he can feel that the time will come soon.
Puck Nimblefingers, Halfling Bard
Afflicted at a young age by the wanderlust that oft strikes his people, Puck spent several years meandering the kingdoms in the company of a gnomish traveling Tinker by the name of Bimblethorpe. So as not to be a drain on the tinker's resources, Puck made a modest living performing comedy and telling stories on street corners and in small inns. Puck also made a point of watching the tinker at his work, hoping to pick up some of the trade secrets.
Shortly after entering the kingdom of Varisia the tinker's small wagon was attacked by a band of goblins. The goblins showed no mercy to old Bimblethorpe, and the wagon was ransacked for everything of value. Puck narrowly escaped with his life and a small sack of random odds and ends from the wagon.
Puck has since made his way to Sandpoint, where he arrives hungry and penniless but for the sack on his back. He immediately inquires after local inns and is pointed toward the Hagfish tavern (or another inn, if one of the other PC's is already there for plot purposes), where he hopes he can secure a room and food by way of his wit and quick tongue.
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RPG Superstar 2014 Top 16, RPG Superstar 2012 Top 16
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I would like to submit to you an elderly gnome named Clarence Omnicog....
This could be very interesting except Golarion Gnomes don't age per say they experience the bleaching.
Bleaching damages the mental statistics of the gnome rather than the physical and is nearly irreversible although if things get interesting again a gnome can shake off the effects of the bleaching a little at a time.
I'd be interested if you are willing to take a look at your concept and see if you can work with this quality of gnomish "aging" on Golarion.
What are the statistical effects of the Bleaching? Part of the reason I decided to go with gnome is to be able to select Breadth of Experience as a feat. Would you allow that feat for a Halfling if I find I can't work my character around the Bleaching (normally it only applies to Dwarves, Elves, and Gnomes)? The idea of him being more knowledgeable and experienced as an old man is kind of negated if he takes a hit to his mental ability.
Edit: If it wasn't clear, I am willing to work with you to get the character concept across while staying without straying from the setting. I just need a little more information in order to figure out where to go with the character.
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Time has come to introduce Milosh Konac to you.
Milosh is a proud man of the wilderness. A trapper by the looks of it!
Dressed in a fur coat that provides shelter from the rough winds that at times blows in from the western sea. A large black wild and little kept beard dominate his face. His skin is weather beaten and tanned. Under his large brows a pair of deep set brown eyes shines calmly.
On a long pole swung over his shoulder, he carries half a dozen hare furs and in a strong leather leash a wolf is kept in place. The wolf even though it is still but a cub, growls at any person getting too close, resulting in most people staying clear of the canine.
Milosh is in town to sell the latest few furs, he has been able to gather, and in hope to pick up a few news of the world.
He is somewhat local, some of the people of Sandpoint have had the pleasure of doing business with the trapper before, as he do not charge a large price for whatever fur he brings into town. Often settling for a barrel of ale or some freshly baked loafs of bread.
Milosh is a human wolf shaman (druid) that at times helps out as a local guide. Travelers have realized that the wolves for some reason do not seem to harass or even attack when Milosh serve as a guide.
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RPG Superstar 2014 Top 16, RPG Superstar 2012 Top 16
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What are the statistical effects of the Bleaching? Part of the reason I decided to go with gnome is to be able to select Breadth of Experience as a feat. Would you allow that feat for a Halfling if I find I can't work my character around the Bleaching (normally it only applies to Dwarves, Elves, and Gnomes)? The idea of him being more knowledgeable and experienced as an old man is kind of negated if he takes a hit to his mental ability.
Edit: If it wasn't clear, I am willing to work with you to get the character concept across while staying without straying from the setting. I just need a little more information in order to figure out where to go with the character.
Type curse; Save Will halts or reverses (see text)
Onset middle age; Frequency 1/year
Effect Upon reaching middle age, any gnome who in the GM’s opinion does not adequately seek out new and interesting experiences runs the risk of experiencing the Bleaching. Each year that the gnome doesn’t act to mitigate his boredom, he must make a Will save with a DC equal to the amount of ability damage he’s taken from the Bleaching so far or 10 + his level, whichever is greater. If he fails, he takes a 1d6 drain to Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma respectively. This drain cannot be healed in any manner short of a wish or miracle. If at any point the gnome undergoes sufficiently interesting experiences, he does not need to save that year to avoid further drain and may instead attempt a save that year at the curse's current DC to remove 1d4 points of ability drain from each affected ability score. If one of the gnome’s ability scores reaches 0 because of the curse (not as a result of some other ability damage or drain), he must immediately make a final save at the curse's current DC. If he fails, he dies and cannot be resurrected; if he succeeds, he becomes a bleachling. A bleachling is immune to the Bleaching and is immune to further effects of aging as per the druid’s timeless body ability, though he retains any age related penalties already incurred; additionally, any ability drain due to the Bleaching is reversed. The colors of his body are muted, he treats druid as an additional favored class (including retroactively gaining favored class skill ranks which he may apply to Intelligence-, Wisdom-, or Charisma-based skills), and he can cast speak with animals at will. The Bleaching cannot be cured by magic; it persists even in areas where magic does not function.
I just reread the feat and I don't see where you would have to be experiencing adverse aging to get the feat especially with the gnome. Now just because gnomes are effectively immortal that doesn't mean one couldn't show a semblance of age with a hint of the earliest stages of the bleaching. You could play a character who after 150-200 years of age began to grow bored and began bleaching but the process has been arrested since coming to Varisia and feeling that devine touch. Now mechanically you make this character like any other and as you go up in levels and gain that first attribute increase(just stick it in a mental attribute) you begin to fully over come your bleaching and are back to normal your old self. Just a thought.
Just wondering how long you were going to leave recruitment open for?
I'd love to completely redo a shadow-dancer oriented pc I had for pfs...
Katarina was raised in daggermark (the river kingdoms). Her mother was an apothecary owner, and her father a teacher at the famous poisoner schools. At age 12 Kat was put into the poisoner schools. The first year, she was the top of her class, excelling at the arts of remaining hidden. During her second year, she had an accident with some dragon bile that left her bed ridden for months. Having never fully recovered her strength, and feeling like a burden to her home, she left the house to start a life of crime on the streets. While business was good, she needed another vocation, which is when she discovered theater dancing for plays and the like. Eventually she stole from a wealthy council member, and was put in jail. Due to her schooling, she escaped with guards in hot pursuit, all the way to the border of Lambreth. Lucky for her, lord Arnefax happened to be on one of his rounds along his territory. The lord's shadow hounds quickly killed the gaurds, but refused to hurt young Katarina. The lord decided to spare her life, leaving Katarina with an extreme curiousity for the realm of shadows. At this point, by the gm's call, kat finds herself in sandpoint for some reason or another, possibly seeking knowledge of the shadow plane.
Katarina Di Nebbia is a CN ninja dervish dancer who will dip fighter for 2 levels before a full progression in shadow dancer after 5th level. Her str, due to the poison incident, will be quite low. The rest is up to revision.
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RPG Superstar 2014 Top 16, RPG Superstar 2012 Top 16
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Just wondering how long you were going to leave recruitment open for?
Good question because I had no idea how many responses I would get or how fast they would come. I probably have a pretty good sample and some good concepts. I'll probably close down here tonight and let people know in the morning? Unless some one thinks they need more time and can let me know pretty soon.
Here is my entry. Fenkar is a witch who exiled himself to Sandpoint after being humiliated by Gaedren Lamm. He has taken a position with the Turandok Academy in order to become a more powerful spellcaster and ultimately avenge himself on Lamm. But he is impatient to grow in magic and the gold that his mission will require so he entertains nearly any chance to grow in both.
He still needs some tweaking but is fairly complete.
Quite unfortunately, I have never managed to play this character. I've got him in a few games, but they never even started. For your consideration, Tik-Tik is a psuedodragon Alchemist using the stats from the Book of Drakes(see the bottom of his profile for the stats and even how to balance it if you think the stats are a bit strong for a 1st level character).
I just reread the feat and I don't see where you would have to be experiencing adverse aging to get the feat especially with the gnome. Now just because gnomes are effectively immortal that doesn't mean one couldn't show a semblance of age with a hint of the earliest stages of the bleaching. You could play a character who after 150-200 years of age began to grow bored and began bleaching but the process has been arrested since coming to Varisia and feeling that devine touch. Now mechanically you make this character like any other and as you go up in levels and gain that first attribute increase(just stick it in a mental attribute) you begin to fully over come your bleaching and are back to normal your old self. Just a thought.
For the purposes of my character, I wanted him to look old and somewhat crotchety. I picture him as the type of old man that likes to tell stories and complain about how kids nowadays are so rude to their elders. Basically your typical old man, except a gnome instead of human.
I suppose I could just flavor him to look and act like an old man, who happens to also be devoid of color instead of bright in color like most gnomes. We could discuss how to include the mental affects of the bleaching before character creation is complete, of course.
Thanks for considering him!
To add to Lysa's character, her race is half-elf and her alignment is neutral good. She doesn't have any family in the area, but has been trying hard these past four years to make herself a home here. Lysa can usually be found in one of three places, at the Cathedral, at her garden or at the Rusty Dragon where she loves to go to listen to stories and where Ameiko also allows her to sing on occasion.
I'd like to take a stab at making a character. Haven't done much in the ways of PBP but I would like to start.
Draum U'thgar, Dwarf Wizard.
Born and raised in Sandpoint, Draum's father was an aide to various government officials of the City and he has been eager to get into politics after his magical training has ended. He has become bored with his spells and wants to help the people of Sandpoint through pure hard work. Ultimately, he want's Sandpoint to prosper and be safe from harm. He will always uphold the law (so most likely Lawful Good).
A Varisian wanderer whom fate has cast in Sandpoint ...
Raised in a caravan in which his family traded their way throughout Varisia. His family worked the Coast Road from Riddleport to Magnimar and sometimes to Korvosa or Kaer Maga. Trig always liked horses, liked the outdoors, liked music. Late at night he would often lie in a bedroll a little away from the main camp and he would stare up at the stars.
Trig fell ill as his family passed through Sandpoint. They left him in the care of the local wise woman, Madame Vashti, a distant cousin of his mother. Trig's family isn't expected back for almost a year. Trig recovered quickly under Vashti's care and has been exploring the town and its environs with adventurously minded young people. He earns his keep singing in the town's taverns and doing odd jobs for the town playhouse.
RPG Superstar 2015
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I’m thinking about a Varisian rogue. Raised with her “aunt” Koya Mvashti. Travelling among the Varisian caravans she became a (non cleric) priestess of Desna. She has passed through Sandpoint numerous times in her life but only recently come to live here. This change in lifestyle is for a couple of reasons including helping to care for the ancient Niska Mvashti and to study with Abstalar Zantos.
Within days of moving into Niska’s large home she found a welcome spot at Ameiko’s bar, picked up some of the local gossip and ran afoul of Scarnzi low lifes.
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Dekar Le'shroud was given his name by the locals of Sandpoint for the particular lack of clarity in regard to his upbringing. Out of the shadows he appeared in a trade caravan, in what seemed to be his early teens, and took refuge in the grace and protection of the town. Although originally taken in as a barkeep apprentice, his penchant for empathy became well aware to his master, who arranged for him to meet a local cleric. Thus his true story began with rigorous training and studies until his adulthood peaked. Now, he is ready to set forth and began his journeys abroad to spread the goodness of his faith.
Note: Dekar weeps for those slain, be it friend or enemy.
Dekar is a NG human cleric, specializing in assisting his fellow adventurers, and providing much needed healing relief to their dire situations.
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RPG Superstar 2014 Top 16, RPG Superstar 2012 Top 16
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Okay so very late last night I made my final decisions for filling the Ruins of Thassilon party. First of all I'd like to thank everyone who showed an interest in my game and to say this was not an easy choice.
I understand that PBP frequently have player turnover due to unexpected interruptions of real life. If that should happen here several of you would be high on my list of people (and character's) to fill in.
That said the party in no particular order:
- Mamaursula's Rogue
- MythrilDragon's Blake Deverin
- Lysa Arianna
- Clarence Omnicog
- Volty's Barbarian
Again thank you to everyone again.
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Kiprin, Kip, Lomelack sails with the Nameless: a fishing boat out of Sandpoint which used to be called the Soaring Swallow after a carving made on the prow by Jervais Stoot, when the carving was hacked off the boat lost its name but not its memories - It is run by a dour old shiphand who lost his wife to Stoot's cruel knife.
Kip has sailed with him for a few years after growing up an orphan at the Turnadock: Kip loved to sneak out and wander Sandpoint at night but he was never reckless (or perhaps brave) enough to engage in the petty crimes of some if his night-creeping peers.
As he grew older Kip was listless and unambitious, not entering into any formal apprenticeship or building relations with an adults who might take him under their wing. Only pressure from the mayor and academy persuaded anyone to take Kip on rather than leaving him doing odd jobs and bumming around town.
Strangely, Kip took to the seas. He enjoys the healthy exercise, blunt camaraderie and quiet respect that comes with the boat and the crew.
Kip also loves Sandpoint, although he doesn't know it, he might grumble about this and that but he has never been tempted on a boat which took him more than a few days sail away and has never had the chance to visit friends or family from outside of the region. He can't even imagine leaving, Sandpoint is a part of his sense of self.
Kip is agile, quick with his hands and useful with small devices: all very useful aboard ship and in doing odd jobs on land. His understanding of the dark places is known only to his old Turandock Academy friends and his knife skills have mostly been practised upon the delicate anatomy of fish.
Kip is a Chaotic Good Rogue.
I have left his friendships and the ship's crew deliberately vague to help fit with the story
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Okay so very late last night I made my final decisions for filling the Ruins of Thassilon party. First of all I'd like to thank everyone who showed an interest in my game and to say this was not an easy choice.
I understand that PBP frequently have player turnover due to unexpected interruptions of real life. If that should happen here several of you would be high on my list of people (and character's) to fill in.
That said the party in no particular order:
- Mamaursula's Rogue
- MythrilDragon's Blake Deverin
- Lysa Arianna
- Clarence Omnicog
- Volty's Barbarian
Again thank you to everyone again.
*Checks time*
Well, that was 15 minutes wasted...
Hope you all have fun.
Thanks for the invite Locke!
Bad luck GeraintElberion... I hope you find another PbP to apply to, your character sounds very interesting.
Looks like a good group, can't wait to flesh out our common background in Sandoint. I have exams the rest of this week but wi check in as we get things started. Thanks "
Locke!
Sad Panda.
These forums are so biased against new players like me, havent found a game yet. :/
Grats on those chosen!
I'm sorry you feel that way. My decision was not based on how long people have been on the boards but a combination of concept and party balance and like I said this was not an easy choice. That wasn't flippant. If I thought I could handle more players I would have happily included more people.
I do wish you the best of luck finding a game, these are pretty friendly boards I'm certain something will turn up soon.
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These forums are so biased against new players like me, havent found a game yet. :/
Grats on those chosen!
Some thoughts, from someone who is sometimes succesful
-You could try fully statting up your character, it will reassure some GMs that you know what you're doing with the system.
-Don't enter the same character for every game, tailor your choices.
-Read the info the GM references: you can see that this GM referenced the Sandpoint sourcebooks and many of the people posting in this thread used that information.
-Tone down the florid prose: many GMs are very articulate and will notice errors in grammar, syntax or word choice which can be made more easily if you are pushing the language (i.e. penchant for empathy?)
-Be patient and be a friendly face, even when you miss out
Your character idea was fine Dekar, it's just one of those things where GM's sort of pick and choose, and it takes a matter of luck. Just keep trying and you're sure to find one if you remain interested.