That sounds good to me! Have to come up with a good rescue scenario.
I tried to take a more control/minion wizard approach, that way I wouldn't step on good ole' Papasteve's toes should he wish to be a fire-blaster. :)
Beavis (really, we're going with that name? 2 more posts to go, so I live in hope...) no problems re: the drawback. I kinda like some of them (pride is my favorite... and would have been the worst in the Beasts game!). -2 diplomacy / sense motive until someone who accuses you or insults you apologizes! Awesome.
There is no trapfinding trait, and I doubt there ever will be. I think because it's a rogue talent, and rogue talents can give you feats, that it is the same "power" as a feat in Pathfinder logic.
Either way, regarding your drawback, I like the roleplaying aspect of your background choice. Keep it in! That is, if you still like it too.
@Coramus: Love the background. Great flavor, and awesome roleplaying opportunities there. Awesome work, and a high bar for the others to follow!
As for the age thing, if you want old go ahead and take it. I neglected to read that the age penalties and bonuses were cumulative - and so old age does have some bonuses to go along with the (hefty) penalties. Can I also say that it was refreshing to see that you hadn't just tanked everything to get a 21 intelligence (as I would have done). :-)
@All: We now have (preliminary or done)...
- Chris B: Human Wizard, "Coramus Thallon"
- Chris L: Halfling Barbarian/Brawler, "Gully"
- Jyri: Human Witch, "?"
- Jack: Goblin Alchemist. "Beavis Cornholio Firebomber III (?)"
- John: Half Elf Skald, "Bon Jorvik"
- Steve: Ifrit Evoker, "Ishbaad the Chosen"
Very magic heavy (5 classes with access to arcane spells!), but with a wand and a scroll (or two) of healing and/or if Beavis gets the infusion discovery, you shouldn't lack for healing (Jorvik, Jyri's witch and Beavis should all have access to it in some way shape or form). It's a low AC party, so you'll need it! Two barbarian types will give you melee punch for sure, and arcane can give you nice ranged capabilities as well as good damage output. You've got the bases covered - with a possible exception in the stealth arena. Magic can provide that, though!
I will say, however, that the current party makeup means that a Skald has become a less optimal choice than it may otherwise have been. With only one other melee character who has his own rage power, the Inspired Rage raging song is significantly reduced in utility. Though levels 1-7 and then 11-15, Gully will be able to use her (better) str/con bonuses from her rage. The lack of fatigue afterwards will be nice, and help to offset the lack of rage powers if Gully uses Jorvik's rage instead of her own.
That said, skalds (and bards) are more than a single way of using their performance ability. I just wanted to point it out so John was definitely aware of the ramifications that the party makeup has on his iconic (in my opinion) class ability.
A witch, two wizards and an alchemist walked into a forest... :)
Lacking an inspiration for the druid, I went for the witch; early version crunch in this profile. We'll still have two front-liners - halfling barbarian and a skald. So we might make it... But I'll toy around with the druid option, in case our arcane party looks too doomed to begin with.
A question on the witching side: I took the slumber hex, and it would be possible to make it more powerful with Ability Focus. But would that be fun..? A reusable, standard action "save-or-die", will that break encounters? Now it would be DC 16, with AF the DC would be 18. It is mind affecting, so many enemies are immune. But still... What do you think, will it take fun out of the game?
Slumber hex is fine. I have no issues with it in the game for balance or any other reason. I'm not even close to being the type of person who gets pet hates about certain spells or abilities and then bans them. As for the fun aspect - what could be more fun than skipping the combat to get to the next bit of roleplaying? :-D
Retooling to make a druid just because of party make up is not so fine. I think everyone will work well... warnings about the skald above aside! I just didn't want John to feel he'd received a nerf because of unusual party makeup.
That said, if anyone does die - they're coming back as a vanilla fighter! :-P
Oh, and I like the crunch, too. Very well built and thought out! See my email for some potential help with flavor - but we can wait until my Irrisen Campaign Setting arrives! Almost wish is bought the PDF so I could copy-paste chunks out for you (and so I'd have it NOW!)
You should have 180GP wealth, too (max for your class: 3d6 x 10)
I will make a Melee character - I don't have my heart set on anything, and the backstory theme that I was the most excited about was playing a character that was convinced he was actually a giant, stuck in a human sized body. I might go super-tank then, just to help balance out all the arcane. I like this better anyways - Sometimes I find it easier to latch onto a theme or concept if I know I am working to help the party balance.
It does look like we will need to find someone/somehow to cover the skill monkey portion, whether we do that magically or other ways.
Name will stay the same... It can fit many themes, and usually I suck at names. I like this one...
Yeah, Skald doesn't seem to be a great choice anymore. Might reroll a Ranger type, maybe an Oracle. How much time do we have?
@ Coramus: Awesome backstory! I really like that set up, plus the possible hints at the end that he hasn't quite escaped all of his past
Thanks for the awesome feedback, guys! Glad you liked it.
I thought about at least going for the 20 in Int...but with the penalties to all the physical scores already, it would have made my character even less survivable, in the long run, I think. At 4th level I'll be popping a 20 Int before any enhancements, so I'm happy. My only question is, how did a guy so smart end up with a fire-chucking goblin named Beavis? ;)
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Posting with my normal, to save posts. Just for GM Damo, who seems scared of Beavis's name ;)
@Jorvik - an Oracle might be a good idea... though you are already doing that. Maybe a Warpriest or a Hospitaler Paladin? The latter would give a great melee, and healing. Or perhaps an Inquisitor -- they can get really amazing at combat. Either way, you'll probably end up being our face!
Skill monkey I have taken care of... just don't expect good diplomacy from Beavis. (His opening line might be "Are you threatening me?") - but for disarming traps, UMD, perception... I should have that covered decently. Especially since I will probably do the racial replacement trait for perception over stealth/ride.
I am thinking of going one of three routes:
* Chirugeon - gets infusions for free on his cures, and BoL as a 4th level extract, which he can infuse
* Trap Breaker - gets trapfinding, can use bombs to defuse traps.
* Ragechemist - Cornholio is his raging alter-ego!
@Coramus -- I'll put together my background of Beavis (or whatever I name him... since someone seems not to like it). Was sort of thinking he could be one of the Frostfur Goblins... "rescued" from Irrisen after they were working for the (bad) Shadow Lodge. He grew attached to Coramus, especially after he showed what he could do with fire. :D
Of course, my first level feat will be Burn! Burn! Burn!
(+1d4 with non-magical fire attacks)
@Jorvik - an Oracle might be a good idea... though you are already doing that. Maybe a Warpriest or a Hospitaler Paladin? The latter would give a great melee, and healing. Or perhaps an Inquisitor -- they can get really amazing at combat. Either way, you'll probably end up being our face!
All good suggestions, now if I had some free time ....
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Hospitaler Paladin:
STR 14
DEX 12
CON 14
INT 13 (allows Combat Expertise if you want)
WIS 8
CHA 17
hp 13 (FCB here)
Traits:
Armor Expert
?
Feats
Weapon Focus: Nodachi (?)
Power Attack
Skills:
Diplomacy +7
Heal: +4
Kn: Religion +5
Ride: +5
Sense Motive: +4
Suggested traits: Dangerously Curious -- use your high CHA for UMD? If you do, then put your FCB into UMD)
I have found that the STR14 is plenty when I've played my martial characters. Sure, an 18 is awesome, but I like skills, and it isn't really needed (especially in higher levels) -- the crit range of the weapon, and Power Attack are more important. At least to me.
You'll start with Four Mirror Armor, and replace it when you can with Full Plate. Feats after this will likely be: Greater Mercy, Extra Channel or Extra LOH, and when you have 10 LOH, Ultimate Mercy. All ability increases should go to CHA - which boosts SO much for a Pally.
With Steve taking a melee character, Skald makes more sense again, too! As I said, a Skald is more than his performance ability. I don't want you to play something you're not happy with - and the skald is a cool concept and works well in this campaign.
I wouldn't worry too much about lack of skill-monkey stuff. APs tend to be able to progress without it (unlike some PFS scenarios). Obviously, there inevitably will be traps and you will be unable to disable them without decent ranks, but mostly trap triggers can just be avoided.
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So, here's a question.
My alchemist can take 10 for a 24 for crafting on days he isn't adventuring (with Crafter's Fortune). That means he can easily make two alchemist's fire per week (he does 48gp/week of crafting). This would normally cost him 1/3 normal costs.
Also, he can brew potions (25gp/potion he can do).
DM Damo, are you allowing us to use our crafting skills on our initial items (I am cool with it, either way).
Thanks!
So here is some basic bare bones structure of what I am thinking. Ishbaad (race still undetermined) is convinced he is a giant, cursed with a human sized body from his 'runt' parents. (I think Oread would work well for this, but Human could work easily as well, especially with the campaign trait) He is a born fighter, but after meeting the group, he realizes (thanks to beavis) that there may be a way to unlock his giant ancestry through alchemy.
The character will start as a fighter/1, but will take an immediate level dip to alchemist for two reasons.... Enlarge person extract and Mutagen (str or con, depending on the situation). Couple that with sharing rage from the skald, and he will be a pretty BA melee fighter. All levels thereafter will be fighter levels.
Ishbaad will also be pretty heavily armored. I am still looking at options, but I will endeavor to make him a pretty effective "tank". Just don't yell at me if I can't hold aggro... ;)
Still working on the story version of his backstory, but that is the motivation of the character at least. This will give us heavy arcane, but some capable fighters as well.
Looks like we will want to make sure we carry healing capability with us...
Hrmm... I wonder if I could pull off this concept with a Paladin... Needs more research. Still wouldn't help that much in regards to healing capabilities... but it would help some.
@Beavis: If you have the crafting skills / feats required, craft away for your initial items! PS: I would feel bad if you renamed your character, so please do keep posting as Beavis. Named after Beavis the inflamed, no doubt.
@Ishbaad: Oread works very well for that background. As you say, human is fine, too. Oreads have some nice alternate racial traits for combat types. :-)
Your enlarge person will only be 1 minute, and you can get it by providing an ally with a wand. It also takes you out of combat for a round, then two with the mutagen (depending on what quaffing-speed buffs you have). Mutagen is a very nice buff... and I like the color you've included... I'm admittedly just not a fan of level dips. Dip away, though - 'tis just my opinion and by no means any kind of "no you can't" or even a "I'd prefer you didn't"!
I'm liking where the party is going (and was liking it before, too). Getting very excited. Just got one scenario to go... publish it already, Paizo!
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@Damo - in case you didn't realize (being an Aussie and all) -- the name comes from the old MTV cartoon of Beavis and Butt-head.
And... crafting away.
@Damo - in case you didn't realize (being an Aussie and all) -- the name comes from the old MTV cartoon of Beavis and Butt-head.
Holy sh•t, did you just say that? Not sure if you were mocking me or trying to be genuinely helpful...
Anyway, we had TV in Australia. ;-)
Heh. Heh. He said... poop.
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So, here's a question... the little guy is going to need some help carrying stuff... his alchemy crafting kit weighs 50#, and he's going to be loading himself down with a shît ton of alchemist's fire at first (he gets 3 for 20gp).
Heck, that'll probably be the bulk of his purchases... 6-9 alchemist's fire, plus his kit, a bandoleer for all the alch fire, his armor, and maybe a cheap weapon.
I'll warn you all... even though, technically, he's brilliant with his INT18, he doesn't have a lot of common sense (WIS8). So, he may forget things that he needs.
Gonna be sweet... alch fire for 1d6+1d4+4!
Wand of ant haul?
Hey Beavis...
Just a quick question, does the alchemist's fire deal 1d6+1d4+4 on the second round of damage also, or just the round it is actually hurled by the alchemist? Either way, can I see a rules reference for this if you have one? I just know it will come up! ;-)
Heh. Heh heh. He said "cum".
Will you just look at what your character name is already `doing to me. Me! A normally very sensible person. ;-)
A normally very sensible person. ;-)
For reals?
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Pretty sure it only does 1d6 on the second turn.
The +4 is the INT bonus on damage from the Throw Anything alchemist class ability.
The +1d4 comes from Burn! Burn! Burn! a goblin-specific feat.
Both use the language "when you attack". So, the additional damage from alchemist's fire is not when you attack, so I would assume that it gets neither bonus (just like the burn damage from explosive bombs doesn't).
Alchemist's Fire: You can throw a flask of alchemist's fire as a splash weapon. Treat this attack as a ranged touch attack with a range increment of 10 feet.
A direct hit deals 1d6 points of fire damage. Every creature within 5 feet of the point where the flask hits takes 1 point of fire damage from the splash. On the round following a direct hit, the target takes an additional 1d6 points of damage. If desired, the target can use a full-round action to attempt to extinguish the flames before taking this additional damage. Extinguishing the flames requires a DC 15 Reflex save. Rolling on the ground provides the target a +2 bonus on the save. Leaping into a lake or magically extinguishing the flames automatically smothers the fire.
A normally very sensible person. ;-)For reals?
For really reals.
@Silbeg: Thanks for the rules stuff. Awesome. Yeah, I figured it would be a round 1 thing only. Glad we agree. ;-)
Anyway... @Everyone
Got some really good character backgrounds and backgrounds-in-progress from Coramus (Chirs B), Aoife (Chris L) and Kuragin (Jyri_. I've got some very creative juices flowing regarding tie-ins. For Aoife and Kuragin, this is in consultation with the players. For Coramus, this is surprise action. Not all of these tie-ins will be evident until later books, but I'm enjoying thinking about it.
I've also got some ideas from the background I've seen for Jorvik (on someone else's recruitment thread), but I wanted to wait for John to finalize it and his race/class/etc first.
In that spirit, I'd like to include backstory tie-ins for all of your characters at some point or other. When you've got a build and a backstory, do let me know and we can work together on some finer details. Depending on your background, I'll either have s surprise idea (as I do for Chris B) or something that I'll need to work with you on.
Actually, now that I think about it, Beavis will probably have his backstory placed in front of him anywhere he goes that doesn't accept goblins (ie. everywhere)!
So, John, are you going to stick with a skald? I hope so, since it was your prime choice. Aoife will definitely appreciate the extra rage rounds (and has just changed feat selections based on the benefits you provide).
Party make-up (thus far):
- Chris B: Human Wizard, "Coramus Thallon"
- Chris L: Halfling Barbarian/Brawler, "Aoife Limerick"
- Jyri: Human Witch, "Kuragin"
- Jack: Goblin Alchemist. "Beavis Cornholio Firebomber III"
- John: Half Elf Skald, "Bon Jorvik"
- Steve: Oread Fighter/Alchemist, "Ishbaad the Chosen"
I should be updated except for a skills.
BTW, totally upset that I did not get into that game.
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In homage to the late Sir Terry Pratchett, I have decided to take a name for my goblin in his style (the few goblin names we know are sort of poetic). Since he comes from the far north (as in, Irrisen), this kind of seems apt. And ironic, given his love of fire!
Introducing: Ice Melts Quietly in Sunlight
(you are all welcome to come up with a nickname, but you gotta actually wait until you play with him!)
Another quick note... GM Damo will need to approve my choice of archetypes, since it is out of the Dungeoneer's Handbook.
Basically, this allows us (after he levels) to have someone who can disarm magical traps (he gets trapfinding at level 2). He'll also be bombing traps, later, rather than getting up close to disarm!
I don't need to approve it. The Dungeoneers Handbook is Paizo. Official sources are all available for play (as perhaps unclear in my first few posts). So, approved! Sounds awesome, even.
Love the name, too, Ice Melts Quietly in Sunlight. Going to need a keyboard shortcut for that one!
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It had the right feel to me. Also, gives me some ideas as to what sort of person.... goblin... woman his mother was. A rare, thoughtful goblin... Probably quite wise (a cleric?). Wanted her son to be thoughtful... Always thinking... But taking a slower pace than most of their kind. Some of that stuck with him... Some did not.
@Damo couldn't recall which you wanted to approve. Was thinking hardcovers only, but I guess I was mistaken.
another quirk, which will come out in his background, is that he has learned to speak like humans expect him to... For a couple of reasons. First, it makes them more accepting of him when he seems cute. Plus, it keeps the longshanks off guard.
Like his name, he takes his time... Making sure he makes the right moves..... At last until he gets excited!
At least he won't be practicing Unggue.!
WOoHoo! Circling in for the kill. Just like any good engineer developing a project, I have finally decided on the end result! ... Right back where I started.
I am going to make a Melee inquisitor. Oread. When I am annoyed at the build in the early levels I am going to remind myself that it will be worth it after just a few more levels. And I am going to love playing the theme, for that, there is no question :)
When I have some serious time to spend (in the next week or two) I will finish hero lab and more importantly, Ishbaad's backstory. I have a few different ideas percolating to go along with some genius suggestions by Chris L. I will get it written out... soon. ish.
...I will get it written out... soon. ish.
Our party looks to be complete!
- Chris B: Human Wizard, "Coramus Thallon"
- Chris L: Halfling Barbarian/Brawler, "Aoife Limerick"
- Jyri: Human Witch, "Kuragin"
- Jack: Goblin Alchemist. "Ice Melts Quietly in Sunlight"
- John: Half Elf Skald, "Bon Jorvik"
- Steve: Oread Inquisitor, "Ishbaad the Chosen"
Love it! Looks like a really good party mix. You guys should do very well. Move over Drongos, the Winter Misfits are here!
As I've been back and forth with so many of you about your backstories, and as scene on this very discussion thread, everyone seems to have paired up with another player! This was completely coincidental (that everyone ended up in a pair, as opposed to solos, trios, quartets, etc), but backgrounds have intertwined, players have colluded and we have three pairs among us!
To allow a discussion between me and the various pairs, I thought about emails, PMs and various... but things will get lost (it's already difficult for me to string together all the pieces) so I thought the best spot would be in background discussion spoilers on the forum. I hope you agree! Feel no need to read other people's background spoilers... and these will be just for the purpose of bringing together the shared backgrounds. Continue to PM me or email me about your individual ones!
As I've mentioned to some of you, I will be incorporating backstories into future plots (unless you specifically ask me not to). It won't be anything major, but just some flavor here and there and some nice opportunities for roleplaying. Please post replies in spoilers, and have the spoilers named exactly as below (to help me find it later!).
So far, I have that Ice Melts Quietly in Sunlight joined up with Coramus to get a tutelage in alchemy. This worked out well for Ice Melts Quietly in Sunlight, as he showed much more aptitude for the task than did Coramus.
How did that unlikely alliance / tutorship form? What happened next? How did you find yourselves in Heldren / Taldor?
Chris told me you guys were chatting about some kind of combined background. As I understand it, you'll have a kind of reverse Ibid / Cyrus thing going on. Ishbaad would be taking on the more paternal role, having been friends (or otherwise associated) with Aoife's father (who is a Pathfinder). Aoife's father has gone missing some months ago, and Ishbaad is fostering Aoife.
So, let me know how this relationship is handled. Is Ishbaad a de facto father (for now) or is he more like a traveling companion? How well did Ishbaad know Aoife's father? Would he likely know some secrets about Aoife's father that he's not sharing?
Sorry, I know this is all a little Aoife-centric, but I'm waiting on some more background from Ishbaad. Plenty of time for that, though! :-)
Okay, so rebellion is not necessarily what Kurigan was going for... but I think I'll let the two of you chat a little more about what's going on rather than try to frame this. Jyri's read your background, John, and has some ideas about why you two get along.
Jyri, not sure if you'd like to share your letter or other background information with John, but please feel free to repeat it here.
Mostly, I'd like to know how you met, what your goals are going forwards and then I'll work with you on this portal thing (more on that later, John) and what you're doing in Heldren.
Chris told me you guys were chatting about some kind of combined background. As I understand it, you'll have a kind of reverse Ibid / Cyrus thing going on. Ishbaad would be taking on the more paternal role, having been friends (or otherwise associated) with Aoife's father (who is a Pathfinder). Aoife's father has gone missing some months ago, and Ishbaad is fostering Aoife.
So, let me know how this relationship is handled. Is Ishbaad a de facto father (for now) or is he more like a traveling companion? How well did Ishbaad know Aoife's father? Would he likely know some secrets about Aoife's father that he's not sharing?Sorry, I know this is all a little Aoife-centric, but I'm waiting on some more background from Ishbaad. Plenty of time for that, though! :-)
My thought would be that Aoife's father is an important military-dude/pathfinder, and because the father is always gone on missions, for long stretches of time, Aoife lives with caretakers and a nanny, or something. When she finally decides to run away and search for her father, she slips away one night and goes to Uncle Ishy's house to tell him she will be leaving to find father. I picture Aoife knowing that her father and Ishbaad were good friends, and were in the military and/or pathfinders together, but she doesn't know how much of a baad-arse Ishbaad is, but she trust him like an uncle (or father).
Thoughts Steve or Damo?
OK, here's the letter that started the background idea (now slightly modified...):
Sergei,
I hope this letter finds you well. Unfortunately, things have not gotten any better since you left to warmlands. While the Elvinnas have never approved our ways, now they claim our group is a danger to the Jadwiga society, and must be put down as warning to others. Yesterday, I witnessed Jagr and Oleg being executed in most brutal way. My father is using all what remains of his prestige to spare me of this destiny, but I believe he is only delaying the inevitable. My mother could stop this, should she just say the word. But she thinks meddling in this affair would be unfavorable for my sister Ekaterina, and her future position. So she rather stay quiet and sacrifice me.
But curse on the new bloodlines! Let them have the north, I have made plans to escape and travel to south. Regardless what my mother thinks of me now, she has taught me the witching ways. I am no mere peasant, and woe to the man who dares to cross me.
I see you soon in this fabled city of Oppara, where the roofs are gold and waters run free.
Yours,
Kuragin
In short, while Jadwiga, Kuragin is of some older bloodline than the current queen, and therefore not that remarkable in Jadwiga upper class circles. He was part of group of stilyagi (Jadwiga equivalent of hipsters), who in their thirst of foreign influence came upon the portal to Taldor. I was thinking Kuragin could know already Jorvik, since he was traveling around, and Kuragin's group was eager to hear any news from outside Irrisen. Perhaps Jorvik could have been the one leading Kuragin to the portal?
@Damo: Heralds of Summer's Return sounds cool, but I don't think that would have been in Kuragin's agenda, him being a winter witch and all. Maybe someone of the stilyagi group was a member of Heralds, and planning to recruit Kuragin... Or maybe the officials just feared they would be part of the Heralds, and execute them just in case.
My thought would be that Aoife's father is an important military-dude/pathfinder, and because the father is always gone on missions, for long stretches of time, Aoife lives with caretakers and a nanny, or something. When she finally decides to run away and search for her father, she slips away one night and goes to Uncle Ishy's house to tell him she will be leaving to find father. I picture Aoife knowing that her father and Ishbaad were good friends, and were in the military and/or pathfinders together, but she doesn't know how much of a baad-arse Ishbaad is, but she trust him like an uncle (or father).
I am totally in favor of this. I think Ishbaad doesn't know what happened to Aoife's father, but he has a pretty good idea why he hasn't returned in so long. sorta like... "He was going to get into this trouble sooner or later, now he has finally gone and done it." He doesn't know any details, just a few vague hints that were enough for him to figure out that this seemed inevitable.
Ishbaad has always been protective of Aoife, like a special uncle. Probably even watched Aoife quite a few times when her dad was off on missions. Was always letting her try the dangerous things her over protective dad would never let her do... climbing all the way to the top of the tree and hanging upside down... etc. If anyone calls him Ishy, he gets severely annoyed, except for Aoife. She is the only one who is allowed to.
When Aoife does come to Uncle Ishy to declare she is running away, perhaps deep down inside she is hoping he will tell her no, and be over-bearing and protective like her father was, and tell her she needs to stay where she is at and wait, because he always comes home. So when he not only agrees, but starts gathering his armor and traveling gear, she is surprised, even if she doesn't show it.
More thoughts to come...
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Are we playing this as if we are Pathfinders, or just adventuring heroes?
Could make some difference in our backstories.
Perhaps Coramus got himself involved with the Pathfinder Society some time ago... maybe not a Pathfinder himself, but for at least past of his stint there, he was making the Agents alchemical weapons and remedies. Something to keep himself busy, and it paid well. A few years ago a group of agents brought a small group of goblins down out of Irrisen, because they had information about the Shadow Lodge's activities in the northlands While the individual goblins were being questioned, Coramus was asked to keep the little humanoids out of trouble. He did so in a variety of ways, but one of the little bastards struck him as being a little different. Sure, he loved fire. He even told a story of how he stole a vial of alchemist's fire by swallowing it. But, he seemed to be a little more thoughtful than the others... often sitting back and listening to what the others were saying before he chimed in.
Once he got to know Ice Melts Quietly in Sunlight, he grew to like the little fellow, who showed a great interest in alchemy! Ice Melts Quietly in Sunlight took to the arts quickly, and early in his training, proved to be able to infuse his concoctions with magical energies, something that Coramus never could do. The two grew to be friends, each pushing the other to learn more about their abilities... Coramus, the arts of Wizardry he had put aside; Ice Melts Quietly in Sunlight, his newfound skills in magical alchemy!
When Aoife does come to Uncle Ishy to declare she is running away, perhaps deep down inside she is hoping he will tell her no, and be over-bearing and protective like her father was, and tell her she needs to stay where she is at and wait, because he always comes home. So when he not only agrees, but starts gathering his armor and traveling gear, she is surprised, even if she doesn't show it.
The only thing I would change up on this (and it is such a small, truly insignificant detail, because it happens before the actual AP starts) is when Aoife sneaks away and visits Uncle Ishy, she has made up her mind at this point that she is going to leave and find her father, but she is also very scared to go by herself. So she stops by Uncle Ishy's, hoping he will see how scared she is and will go with her, for company and to protect her because is very, very scared to go alone. But she is also scared to ask him, but then is relieved when he packs up immediately to go with her, and doesn't try to convince her otherwise, and she never has to ask him- he packs up and is ready to go and help her right away.
I also really like the idea/dynamic that Ishbaad was the fun uncle that let her do more extreme/risky activities. Plus story wise, maybe he can who begins training her.
Steve, I don't know what Damo has in mind for her father later on, because Aoife doesn't know. But you might know things which you could hint about if GM Damo lets you in on the secret :)
Are we playing this as if we are Pathfinders, or just adventuring heroes?
Mostly just adventuring heroes. There are some Pathfinder elements in some backstories, but membership is entirely up to you. If you do have membership, it will be a field commission, and there certainly won't be an Venture-Captains telling you where to go from here (though you might meet a few here and there, and I can put in some PFS flavor for you).
Loving all the intertwining going on so far! Keep it up. My comments are below...
I like the PFS tie-in, Ice Melts Quietly in Sunlight. Also digging how you two pushed each other to pursue your respective careers. Will wait for Coramus to weigh-in before I say much more.
Start thinking about what drew you to Heldren, if you like. Read the first post on the gameplay thread, and I can help with more on that, too.
The fun uncle aspect is awesome. Love that that's how the two hooked up. It'll be fun seeing how Chris balances "scared to go alone" with being a kick-ass brutal pugilist!
I can let Ishbaad in on some secrets, but it will really depend on how well he knew Aoife's father. Steve, can you flesh this out a bit more? Were they Pathfinders together? Friends? Was the father your mentor? Were you his? It sounds like, if you're "Uncle Ishy" that you had a little more in common than that. Do you want to be his confidant? Some secrets may be best if you didn't know them (as you may have to keep them from Aoife). I also warn you that I've been getting into the Blacklist on TV of late... and love the paternal thing they've got going on that show.
Speaking of... Chris, do you want to name Aoife's parents? I can give it a go, but I'm not entirely sure what ethnic feel you're going for.
Nice one guys. I think that the two organizations (the Stilyagi and the Heralds of Summer's Return) won't be aligned in their goals, but neither will they be opposed. We'll say that the two groups know of each other and would generally stay out of the others' way. Some members of either group may be sympathetic, others may find the others to be overly frivolous or idealistic or something else, but either way no animosity exists.
So, the Stilyagi have become aware of a permanent portal opening up near the trading hamlet of Waldsby. That town is ruled by the White Witch Nazhena Vasilliovna from her Pale Tower, fashioned entirely out of ice.
Since you're both Jadwiga, you also need to choose which witch you are descended from! It's hard to give you a run-down of all 14 of them (each rules for exactly one century), but you will need to pick. Perhaps you can just give me general things you want your great-great-great-etc-grandmother to possess. "Recent" queen? Current queen? Militaristic? "Kind"? Resisted Baba Yaga's call? Went willingly? Tried to kill herself rather than go with Baba Yaga?
Anyway, give me some of that, and I can let you know of a few witch queens that match your desires. The longer ago they ruled, the less power and influence their noble line has. After 3-4 centuries, it's all about the same, but there are notable differences between Elvanna's children (the current ruling class) and those of Yelizaveta (last queen) and Betryrina (the one just before).
You will also need to decide whether you have taken on a peasant's surname (which is often done to hide your lineage, but not your heritage, if that makes sense) or the more traditional royal antecedent's hame.
Since you're both Jadwiga, you also need to choose which witch you are descended from! It's hard to give you a run-down of all 14 of them (each rules for exactly one century), but you will need to pick. Perhaps you can just give me general things you want your great-great-great-etc-grandmother to possess. "Recent" queen? Current queen? Militaristic? "Kind"? Resisted Baba Yaga's call? Went willingly? Tried to kill herself rather than go with Baba Yaga?
Beauty, Kind
but there are notable differences between Elvanna's children (the current ruling class) and those of Yelizaveta (last queen) and Betryrina (the one just before).
You will also need to decide whether you have taken on a peasant's surname
Pesant's Surname makes the most sense.
BTW, where did you get all this info? I own People of the North and your information seems so much more detailed than mine.
The fun uncle aspect is awesome. Love that that's how the two hooked up. It'll be fun seeing how Chris balances "scared to go alone" with being a kick-ass brutal pugilist!
I can let Ishbaad in on some secrets, but it will really depend on how well he knew Aoife's father. Steve, can you flesh this out a bit more? Were they Pathfinders together? Friends? Was the father your mentor? Were you his? It sounds like, if you're "Uncle Ishy" that you had a little more in common than that. Do you want to be his confidant? Some secrets may be best if you didn't know them (as you may have to keep them from Aoife). I also warn you that I've been getting into the Blacklist on TV of late... and love the paternal thing they've got going on that show.Speaking of... Chris, do you want to name Aoife's parents? I can give it a go, but I'm not entirely sure what ethnic feel you're going for.
Either way is fine with me. If you have a preference, just let me know. I think Aoife is an Irish name? I'm pretty, kind of, mostly sure :)
If you'd rather not, because you're already doing so much work, I can come up with the dad's name, and what Aoife thinks her mother's name is. Then you obviously will let me know way later in game, in some possibly big plot reveal, if Aoife actually knows either of her parent's real names :)
Steve, based on your initial background thoughts for your toon, since Aoife never met her mother either (like your initial draft idea for your toon), this could be one reason Ishbaad has taken such an interest/liking in her. He knows what it's like... Just a thought
Getting this info from the Irrisen campaign setting - arrived yesterday! Loving it. Such a beautiful way to augment the adventure. Oh, and also from the adventure itself. Set in Irrisen, so it is bound to have some information, right? ;-)
Your best bet for an antecedent queen, Jorvik, is therefore going to be Harcartha. All children of Baba Jaga are (unlike their mother) exceptionally beautiful... so beauty doesn't have much to do with it.
Harcartha reduced the taxes on the peasants by a third, figuring that the high taxes were hurting the provinces' economies and she would make more by having better economic growth. The peasants began calling her "Harcatha the Kind", so she sent out soldiers to cut off the little finger from the right hand of every family's youngest child throughout the entire realm. She kept the taxes low, but she's not referred to as "kind" anymore. Her strategy worked, resulting in (relatively) strong economic growth, but her successor (Sascha) raised the taxes all the way back up on the first day of her rule.
Harcartha was the Queen from 3813 - 3913 (800 years ago). If you need some help with a peasant name, let me know, but you are entitled to be "Jorvik Harcatha"... assuming you like the choice of Queen for you. I did not, by the way of defense, offer a kind queen - just a "kind" one.
Erm... I could be under a big misunderstanding, but when you said Aoife's father went missing a few months ago, I was assuming that Aoife was under his care until then. Pretty sure she'd know his name! Unless he only ever let her call him "Dad" and never had any friends around in her presence. He probably would have referred to her mother by her name also. Ishbaad would also definitely know Aoife's father's name (and probably mother's as well).
Totally happy to go with the names myself, I just don't want to pick names that wouldn't suit your idea of which region they came from (or ones you flat out don't like). Aoife's such a strange name to me, that I don't know how to extrapolate more names from there. If your character was called "Helga", then you could just be the daughter of Brunhilda and Siegmund and we'd be done with it!
Erm... I could be under a big misunderstanding, but when you said Aoife's father went missing a few months ago, I was assuming that Aoife was under his care until then. Pretty sure she'd know his name! Unless he only ever let her call him "Dad" and never had any friends around in her presence. He probably would have referred to her mother by her name also. Ishbaad would also definitely know Aoife's father's name (and probably mother's as well).
Totally happy to go with the names myself, I just don't want to pick names that wouldn't suit your idea of which region they came from (or ones you flat out don't like). Aoife's such a strange name to me, that I don't know how to extrapolate more names from there. If your character was called "Helga", then you could just be the daughter of Brunhilda and Siegmund and we'd be done with it!
Sorry for the confusion. When I said that Aoife might it know her parents real names, this was meant as a joke. As in, she knows their names, but you as the GM may come up with crazy developments/plot twists, and it could be revealed later that the man she thought was her father actually wasn't her real father, or that the father lied about Aoife's mother's real name. That was all I meant, I apologize for the confusion. Aoife has lived with her father for her entire life (and then I the care of a nanny, when he was out adventuring), you were right on about that!
And I'm cool with naming the toons from wagner's ring cycle :) I've always liked the name siegmund!
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Just hit me... Caramus must be some sort of patent medicine salesman!