Nope, done fiddling. Watchin' mah favorite movie on dvd.
Actually Canyon I have no idea what Taldor is So many years in warhammer universe ruined me lol kinda corrupted whole view on other fantasy realms haha....
I just know Taldor sorta kinda not really resembles Rome....slightly?
Dunno rethinking background he might just be ranger.....who....yep damn most trouble a char has given me in a while
Characters should give trouble. It means you're thinking about them and not just throwing up garbage for the sake of being able to play.
Tristen: Taldor is only like Rome in that it was a huge empire that has lost most of it's holdings. Socially it's much more like Medieval France in that it has a large and decadent ruling class, a small but active merchant class that aspires to nobility, and a huge underclass mostly cut off from the benefits of it's former glory. Throw in an almost Vogon like bureaucracy and you have Taldor. It's still a very rich country and an important player in the inner sea region but Taldorans are constantly reminded of their former power and are always plotting ways to recapture it.
But you aren't from Taldor, so that doesn't matter as much. I also commend you to the Pathfinder Wiki which is a great resource on the countries of Golarion. If you want to develop a 'generic' fantasy background I can try to help you pick a country to be from based on it.
Real world equivalents are tricky like that. That is why I do not where Golarian is concerned. In Golarian peasants can read.
True, game world authors try hard to separate their lands from actual historical earth. I do find it can be helpful to give someone a sense of flavor by relating to something they may be more familiar with. I don't think it's unfair, or unintentional, to call Osirion 'Egyptian-like' or Qadira 'Persian-like' to communicate the general feel of a place. You are right tho, there are important difference between these places and their real world counterparts.
It is always nice to have a short-hand for the fantasy regions, although they will differ anyway due to the world's mechanics and how it relates to reality.
Either way, I am psyched to see where this adventure path takes us :) I can't wait to get started!
ALright I think Tristen will be from Mendev, he is a native that is fleeing from the country because of his family's beliefs in the Green faith which the inquisitors of Mendev burned the rest of his family at the stake, to "burn the heretics for worshiping demons" as such He will have very bleak outlook on most of the world and a particular hatred of inquisitors and most people of the "accepted religions".
When he was fleeing from the inquisition he fled into the forest where he found Adler, a fallen bearded Vulture that had been hurt somehow. Not knowing what else to do he picked up the large bird, he would not leave anything else to die for the inquisition to taint and thus his journeys began with Adler.
Still working on the meat of him but guess I could call on help of the gm to provide reasonable npcs to interact with...
Well, in the case of Taldor I do not believe saying France is quite correct, because they have a senate on top of a large aristocracy. but larger still is the bureaucracy, which is a modern invention, further complicating any real world amalgam.
In Rome, they had a small senate, which was composed by what could be considered the aristocracy.
If you wanted to be accurate, you could say that Taldor is what the US looks like to foreigners if the President was a Prince and the first daughter actually had some hope of ascending when he died.
*laughs*
Hopefully that is helpful. Please feel free to make any changes or add any detail you like.
Alika: Heh, I never thought of that. I was thinking mostly of the decadence and opulence of the nobility, something France was famous for. I guess we have a claim to that as well given how our super-wealthy live.
Gawain: Neither can I. I have everything ready to post the Gameplay thread as soon as these two backgrounds are done. I will say that I plan on this being a long game, so it will start slowly and build from there. Sorry no living-dead half-demon shapechanger fighter-mage litches until at least 4th level. (Actual PC from a game I was in)
Wait, what?
Is that like the half-dragon, half-effriti, half-celestial, half-elemental princess of the most progressive kingdom of all the world who charmed and compelled her father to get 12 incestuous prismatic dragons on him?
Yeah... I used to lurk on /tg/ a lot, and some of the sues on there were quite memorable.
Yeah, it was a Ravenloft game back in the 2nd Ed days. It turned into a real 'power game'. I should really do a write up of that party some day, it was insane. I was a 1/2 elf ranger 'tiger-were' with a 10ft white tiger for a mount. And I was the most normal character in the group.
Wow, that's errr.... interesting. It makes my 2nd Ed Cavalier/Druid/Mage (all 5) with the bladesinger kit. With 40+ wands, 3 serpent staffs, 50 potions and so many ridiculous extras; look sane.
I guess we aren't the only ones discussing the Golarion -> Earth correlations. This thread has some good suggestions. Several people relate Taldor to Byzantium/Eastern Roman empire, which is... interesting.
So I dont mean to interject or sidetrack this but Ive had an idea thats been bugging me for a while and decided to try it out especially with you guys being very good gamers...Its very custom so wanted people who I know help me out before :)
Please check this thread out let me know what you think there and here sorry thought id let you all have first take.
Brilliant concept, the game sounds really interesting. But as much as I'd like to be in it, I am trying not to over extend myself. But if you want to discuss it; that would be cool.
Raventhorn: That's a cool idea. I would want to get this game underway and see how much time it is taking before I join anything else. We are still waiting on final backgrounds from you and Mangur to start.
Ok...finally have a background....
Born the sixth child (and 4th male child) of Amgur Jitinder Harmpreet, the Rana of a power Thakur, Mangur was always a bit of an outcast. While his brothers were being taught the history of the lands of the Impossible kingdoms, Mangir was in the marketplace talking to foreign merchants and travellers, learning their ways and languages. It was not long until his father, tired of the embarrassment of this ‘wild’ child, decided to send him off to Jalmeray to live with a distant relative. As it turned out, this was exactly what Mangir wanted. Once out from under his father’s ever watchful eye, Mangir jumped ship and ended up in Absalom. He became a translator and was able to travel with several ships to Osirion, Qadira, Cheliax and Andoran. With the money he made, he was able to purchase himself a modest apartment in Absalom.
His family only contacted once since he departed his homeland. It would seem that he fooled no one in his ‘escape’ as his father had many of the house’s factors keep an eye on him, as well as offer work when needed. His father simply asked that, from time to time, he would be called upon by the house to complete certain tasks. For this small favour, he would be allowed to stay in Absalom and could even draw upon the house’s resources, if needed. Mangir, wanting to show his family that he can make his own way in the world, has yet to call upon these resources.
Tada! all done
Tristen has been fleeing the inquisitors of Mendev since he was a child. His family still clung to the beliefs of old ways even with the threat of inquisition. One night the inquisitors finally found their family and exposed their beliefs. Believing that the old faith communed with demons they took Tristen's family and put them to death by burning them at the stake. Tristen could still hear their screams and see their bodies being lashed to the pole. He had only been thirteen at the time and had been out in the woods as was normal for kids of his age, he had only come back to pain and despair. Knowing he could do nothing for his family he fled with hardly any sense of direction or purpose. Over time Tristen fled as far as Ustalav, one day as Tristen was stretched out along small stream bank trying to catch some supper he heard a loud raucous sound and then a crash not far from him. Frightened Tristen approached the site and to his amazement saw a large bird laying amongst some crushed limbs of several bushes. The bird was immense never had he seen a bird this size up close before. The bird was squawking loudly in what seemed like pain then seemed to feel something spying upon it and swivels it head and transfixed Tristen with a blazing gold eye.
Feeling pity for the thing Tristen made soft sounds and managed over the course of time, and a few bribes of fish, managed to inspect the proud bird and saw a hunter's arrow had pierced its wing and made it fall. Tristen raised it back to full health and the bird even manged to regain some of its flight back, however once healthy it deemed to remain with the human boy.
So entered the second phase of Tristen's life, traveling with his friend, Adler which in his language translated to Proud Eagle, he knew the bird was no eagle it had a very different look as well as eating habits. But the bird didn't seem to mind and even came to his call of it's name.
Later on as Tristen traveled throughout the immense woods of Ustalov and Razmiran, Tristen stumbled upon a band of trappers who had settled there to hunt for pelts. The trappers took Tristen in out of pity and showed no small amount of surprise when Adler returned that day and perched near the young man.
One hunter, Tomas, recognized the bond between the the two and asked whether Tristen had ever considered training the bird. Tristen replied no, he just let Adler do what Adler wanted, and come hell or high water, Adler would do just that. Tomas just shook his head at that and took Tristen under his tutelage having been a Lord's Falconer out in the River kingdoms a good while back.
Many years passed with Tristen living with the trappers and with Tomas, who with patience taught how to refine the innate bond Tristen had with Adler, teaching him how to have Adler bring down large game as well as how to work in concert with him.
Then one day the old hunter Tomas, decided to leave the business and asked Tristen to come with him. Having no other reason to stay with the group Trsiten agreed and with gruff fatherly farewells the duo left the region and made their way south. The pair of humans, and Adler, travlled as far south as Andor. Where they settled down withen the city giving Tristen a taste of city life.
Several months passed and Tristen could feel an itch to be out among the trees and on the trail again but Tomas was in declining health and Tristen had no wish to leave him. However one day a letter arrived for Tomas who read it and then looked at the young man seriously before walking off to think as Tomas was prone to do.
After a few weeks he gave Tristen the letter it came from someone he said was an old adventuring companion of his. He said there was no reason for Tristen to stay and 'babysit an old man'. He insisted Tristen would be doing him a favor by following the summons of the letter.
So began the next chapter of Tristen life.
I guess we aren't the only ones discussing the Golarion -> Earth correlations. This thread has some good suggestions. Several people relate Taldor to Byzantium/Eastern Roman empire, which is... interesting.
It's a shame they don't teach more about the eastern part of the Roman Empire in American schools. And I'm including my university history studies in this, as well. Me thinks I will have fun at the library some day.
But, I can see the distinction. The constant wars with the Qadirans, even the placement... And the Byzantines had their own bureaucracy as well.
So, yeah.
Interesting.
Tristen: I dub thee "Complete"!
OK, we are down to Mangur updating his profile with his final Background. I'm calling that close enough. I will now open up the Gameplay thread. I am going to repost the letter for completeness and then intro you all on the boat. Feel free to interact and please continue to ask any questions you may have about background stuff.
And a large booming voice spoke fromthe heavans as tristen walked along and shook the very earth he tred upon.
"I DUB THEE COMPLETE!
"Complete? Complete for what?" Tristen wonders
My only real question DM is how we are going to get my horse onto the ship *scratches chin*
Gawain: Transporting animals is very common. They stow him in the hold and you have to attend to him for feedings and 'cleaning up' but it's not a new thing for either of you.
Ah ok making sure ^^
I loved HBO's Rome. Loved it.
Sorry won't be around tonight good friends 40th. Victorian Fancy Dress Ball :)
Ok...the Osirani Merchants name is Jawara. I also changed one of my known languages...Elven to Kelish
Mangur, I dub thee "Complete"!
That's it, everyone is ready to post, so don't be shy.
Matt, you wearing the accoutrement of a wizard?
Do I need to make an opposed perception roll when I wake proper?
No, he's no cloaks, hats, wands or a big book(thats in his napsack). What other accoutrements, are there? He does has a red ring with carved into a deity's figure (I'll get the exact one worked out tonight).
Spell component pouch is a pretty big item. Dunno how you could miss that.
So you're a wizard who is not prepared, essentially?
That's exactly why I think Eschew Materials is one of the best feats for a low level Mage. No more carrying bat guano and feathers around.
Ah yes, definitely. And I might pick it up at 3. But, wizard lite is as wizard lite does. Eschew materials is for those bastard sorcs :P
That is in his backpack, most of Matt's spells are utility anyway.
Haven't got access to my books but i think MM has no material component. Yes, Eschew Materials is brilliant feat.
btw how much is a water-proof backpack? I remember the old elven honey-leather was very expensive.
water proof "bags" are 5 sp. If you put your spell book, and components in one in your backpack... should be good enough until we can afford extradimensional storage.
Yes, the standard backpack if fairly waterproof. I'm not too worried about it because I assume most Mages take all the necessary steps in protecting their book. I wouldn't, as a GM, ruin someones spellbook because they got caught in the rain.
Edit- Ah, my material components are at least easy to obtain, fish scales, horse hair, salt & a drop of mercury. I know they are in my 'spell component' pouch,it's just it's always good to keep track of them in case they are anything ridiculous or expensive (ie not covered by SCP).
This is the problem when people don't respond to the prompt correctly. The GMs first gameplay post assumed that we had all arrived vaguely together and were, as a group, listening to the captains instructions, then the brothers decided to arrive later and say nothing, except for the ranger who said that his companion would be nibbling at clothes.
That doesn't give me much to go on.
If we were all in the same spot, we would all know Alika and Magnur's name and it would be less awkward. Instead it feels like I have to address everyone's character individually, which by her very suspicious nature, Alika is not willing to do.
You gotta give the bard something to go with.
I'm sorry, I feel that I've started this poorly.
It was assumed by the prompt that everyone arrived separately and that the captain told everyone approximately the same thing. Each of you would have arrived, had some time on the boat, alone in Alika's case, or with only those who arrive before you. And then each new person would come in turn. Obviously, this wasn't communicated very well.
The question to everyone is what can I do to get this going. We can either start from the current, if uncomfortable, situation of you all standing on deck staring at each other as the ship casts off.
Or we can try to realign with the original idea. Alika arrives and has 20 to 30 minutes on board before the Matt arrives. They then have 20 to 30 minutes alone before Mangur arrives, and so on.
My other option is to fast forward a few hours, assume everyone knows each others names, and try to start again.
Please let me know what you all will feel comfortable with.
just posted something more open ended, hopefully people will rise to the bait.
lol technically we didnt choose to post late i got the deal where everyone would arrive at different times so just roleplayed that out and hey aint my fault no one really comments on the bird lol shy ranger kid has huge bird and everyone gives him weird looks aint exactly conversation starter lol
So, yours is not a character that will be sharing his opinions frequently, then? It'll be up to the wizard, the bard and the rogue to come up with plans and the shy ranger and his bird will be our shaggy and scooby?
and then there's the random Knight dude to chip in :P
I know that I've said this before but I want to make sure everyone is on the same page. This is your time to RP and get to know each other. When everyone feels that they are ready, let me know and I'll jump forward to arriving in Cassomir. I don't want to rush you but I don't want anyone to feel that the voyage is dragging on either. If you think it's helpful I can continue to throw in bits of flavor from time to time, If not I'll just stay out of the way.