An adventure set in the world of Athas. Kalak has just been slain by a group of escaped slaves. The rest of the City-states are under an air of panic and discontent, as the Sorcerer-kings try to control their citizens to avoid any uprisings.
Here is the OOC/Discussion thread for the Dark Sun game.
Character Rules:
- Ability Scores: Roll 4d6 drop lowest, roll 7 times take top 6. Before racial modifiers, your total modifiers should be between +6 and +12. Any higher or lower, and you will need to reroll.
- Books allowed: Core Rulebook, APG, UM, and the Psionics material from Dreamscarred Press.
- Races Allowed: Mul, Thri-Kreen, Half-Giant (These three are posted in my profile), Human, Elf, Half-elf, Halfling, Dwarf.
- Classes Allowed: All classe from the allowed rulebooks except Alchemist, and Paladin/Antipaladin. All divine classes will follow either the elements or the Sorcerer-Kings.
- Starting Money: Average gold for the class. All money/prices in the books will be relabeled from Gold to Ceramic, Silver to Bits. Any silver in the game will be worth 10 CP, and gold worth 100 CP.
- Traits/Feats: 2 Traits, and everyone gets Wild Talent as a bonus feat.
- Equipment: All things initially made of metal must be made of a different material (bone, wood, obsidian). Athasian specific weapons are in my profile. If you roll a natural 1 on an attack, with a non-metal version of an item, you can choose to reroll the attack roll, but the weapon automatically breaks after the attack is resolved. For non-metal versions of other items, if you roll a 1 on the skill check you are using it with, it breaks.
- Magic: Knowledge: Arcana is only a class skill for arcane casters. Any other class that has it on their list replaces it with Knowledge: Psionics. All arcane casters add Bluff to their skill list, this can be used when casting (preserving only) to make others believe that you are using Divine or Psionics instead. Any spell that produces food or water only creates 1/4 of the result. All potions come in the form of fruits and berries, if you find them, odds are it's a potion.
- Preserving/Defiling: All arcane casters defile unless they choose to preserve. When defiling an arcane caster increases their spell level by 1, but they destroy a 1 sq radius of land/level of the spell. Anyone caught in the radius of the defiling, besides the caster suffers the same penalties as being fatigued for 1 rnd/level of the spell cast, but using an effect that fatigues them does not make them exhausted.
- Domains/Favored Weapons: The Domains and Favored weapons of the Elements and Sorcerer-Kings will be posted in my profile.
|| BAB +3 | CMB +5 | CMD 20 | Fort +5 | Ref +8 | Will +4 || Half-Orc Gunslinger/2
I've just been buying the equipment and treating it as it's non-metallic version. Studded leather could just as easily be hardened chitin as metal studs was my thought.
@Anton, good call. To resist the draining effects of defiling is a Fort save = 10 + spell level + prime stat modifier of the caster. Much like spell DC's except it cannot be modified by feats, it is a side product of the casting not a major factor of it. Not that the Sorcerer-Kings wouldn't use it to weaken their enemies at the same time they empower their spells.
@Sinorei, Just use the prices and equipment from the PF stuff unless it's one of my variants in the profile. If you have studded leather, then at normal price it is studded with bone instead of metal.
@All, in your profile under your gear could you include how much you are carrying, and what your light load is. Reminder, your first set of clothing is no longer weightless.
How do you guys prefer to handle XP and Passive checks? XP is either unseen and I just say when to level, or I award it individually to include if you are off by yourself and for good RP.
For passive checks in PbP, if for example you come across a Kank. Would you prefer I write Knowledge Nature 15 (spoilered), Nature 20 (spoilered). Or would you rather I roll everyone's nature, and just tell the people that got it what they know?
Same with passive Perceptions and Initiative, would you rather I ask for them from each of you, or just roll them for you and tell who sees what, goes when? If you choose to search or spot, you roll, but if you are not actively looking I would roll.
XP is fine either way to me most PbP do unseen only been in one that gives us xp. The checks like Knowledge and stuff like that I would prefer you go with the Nature 15(spoilered). While the perceptions and initiative I am fine you rolling unless someone wants to roll perception for something.
Here's the info on weapon materials from the same source, again this is all up to Aardvark to modify/certify.
Bone: Most weapons are made from bone. Bone weapons suffer a -2 penalty on attack and damage. They weigh half the weight listed in the PHB and cost the same number of ceramic pieces as listed in gold pieces.
Obsidian (Blood): Obsidian weapons have a natural +1 to damage. A masterwork obsidian weapon is both +1 to hit and +1 damage. Obsidian weapons cost 2,000cp more than the PHB prices.
Bronze: Inferior to iron, but not as bad as stone or bone. Suffer -1 on attack and damage. Weapons of bronze cost 5X the price in the PHB in ceramic pieces.
Iron: As per PHB stats, price is 10X the PHB prices in ceramic pieces.
Stone: Suffer a -2 penalty on attack and damage. Stone sling bullets do not have this penalty. Same price as PHB in ceramic pieces.
Wood: The club, quarterstaff, sap, great club, and all bows and crossbows can be made from wood with no penalty. Any bludgeoning weapon can also be made from wood only, but suffers a -3 penalty on attack/damage. Same price as PHB in ceramic pieces.
Ah yes, I remember a brief 3.5E Dark Sun game, Sundering was very popular with all the bone weaponry.
... if Aardvark goes with these rules, or even a slightly modified version, it can dramatically affect starting purchases.
|| BAB +3 | CMB +5 | CMD 20 | Fort +5 | Ref +8 | Will +4 || Half-Orc Gunslinger/2
@wakedown We do seem to keep running into each other. :D
@Aardvark My preference for XP is however you want to do it. For knowledges and other passive checks I'm fine with either method. For Perception and Initiative I think it works best for the GM to post rolls for each new room/combat, and if somebody wants to actively search they roll it.
I am going to avoid the clunkiness of the different modifers for all the different materials. To me it's nice got can get bogged down like the old 2E weapon VS. armor types optional rules.
I have a rule for susbstandard materials in the profile. I took it from the 4E Dark Sun. I think it simplifies it, and gives it a nice little benefit at the same time.
I am going to avoid the clunkiness of the different modifers for all the different materials. To me it's nice got can get bogged down like the old 2E weapon VS. armor types optional rules.
I have a rule for susbstandard materials in the profile. I took it from the 4E Dark Sun. I think it simplifies it, and gives it a nice little benefit at the same time.
+1 for stream-lining.
Any chance the weight is different for bone items versus iron items?
Male Dwarf Psychic Warrior 4 :: 37/40 hp :: AC21, Fort +8, Ref +3, Will +5
Totally up to you on XP... I find that masked xp, and/or DM-directed level-ups (based on campaign flow) works best for PbP, as we're not likely to follow the standard tabletop kind of combats, etc.
I think the Skill DC(spoilered) works really well for most checks - we can derive our own responses based on our rolls.
Male Human Druid (Drake Shaman) 1 [Campaign Ended (Darksun)]
DAardvaRK SUN DM wrote:
@Anton, good call. To resist the draining effects of defiling is a Fort save = 10 + spell level + prime stat modifier of the caster. Much like spell DC's except it cannot be modified by feats, it is a side product of the casting not a major factor of it. Not that the Sorcerer-Kings wouldn't use it to weaken their enemies at the same time they empower their spells.
Excellent -- otherwise the side effect would often be more powerful than the spell itself.
In response to your other questions, I usually prefer just being told what we know, but that's me. For passive rolls, I'm good with you rolling those as well.
In terms of XP, I like the idea of individual awards, personally... but if you'd rather reduce the overhead and keep it abstract, I'm fine with that, also.
I've put my weight limits on the sheet, as requested.
Initiative: Definitely like when the GM rolls it for everyone; games go much faster that way.
Perception: Same as above (ie. for passive checks prior to an ambush), GM rolls for everyone and spoilers who gets to see what.
XP: Generally I'm good with PbP being a GM hand wave "OK you all leveled" since leveling up usually means some downtime between major parts of the adventure. Having 1 person level, then another person a week later could slow things down.
Player Rewards: For PbP I a fan of: instead of awarding XP for individual performance, awarding a temporary circumstance bonus. (i.e. Anton gets +1 on Knowledge checks for the next day, or Morthak gets +1 on Will saves for the next day, Xanyon gets +2 on charisma checks with other muls while in town, etc).
I am going to avoid the clunkiness of the different modifers for all the different materials. To me it's nice got can get bogged down like the old 2E weapon VS. armor types optional rules.
I have a rule for susbstandard materials in the profile. I took it from the 4E Dark Sun. I think it simplifies it, and gives it a nice little benefit at the same time.
I'm afraid I'm not seeing the rule in your profile. Where might it be?
Hopefully nobody takes offense to my cliff notes version of their recent events, I took these notes to see how various PCs may have connected.
-
K'z'k - "Artist-slave" to templar in Urik
Anton - wandered last 3 years, returning to Urik to find half-elf druid mentor
Morhal - since oasis, chasing "semi-real" slaver's trail from Kled (to Urik?)
Averel - following lead on mercenaries to Urik who attacked his employer, now with employer's children
Sinorei - lost family while traveling to raiders, wanderer since
Xanyon - trained as scout in Urik, escaped with druids who freed slaves
It seems plausible that any of us could have crossed paths outside Urik in recent years.
It's possible that Sin may have some "trust issues", so I'd be in favor of her having a pre-existing relationship with some trust with another PC.
I could see how Anton, Averel or Xanyon would be the most likely choices there. Morthak maybe - depends how crazy he really is :)
Sin's likely been a bit tight-lipped about losing her family, she's still fairly innocent - Quib (her psycrystal) hasn't really convinced her to seek retribution yet, as they've been more focused on basic survival.
I'm quite excited to see K'z'k in play, I'm getting a Perdido Street Station vibe from her.
I am fine with Sinorei knowing Averel. Where ever the children went he went so would not be to far out there for her to have meet him. For note mercenaries attacked his master he got the kids out now the kids want to find out who killed their father and why.
Sorry, K'z'k, it is in the first post of this thread, not my profile. It's in the part about equipment.
As far as pre-knowing, I have always liked the meeting each other during game over any pre-existing connections. I will actually be doing seperate posts for each until I put you all together. Don't worry it will be short, I like to do a quick one-on-one spin up to the point where the campaign starts and you find yourselves together.
EDIT: I am also eager to see K'z'k in play. So many differences than most Kreen. First a female kreen, and no one can tell the difference, second having never really known freedom or the hunt. She will be fun to see. I the Perdido name is familiar, but I can't place the reference.
Also, for the alternate materials. If it is most of the weight of the item (sword, Great axe) 3/4 the weight. If it is a small part of the item go ahead and 4/5 the weight. So for bone studded leather which is 20 lbs, will be only 16 lbs. An obsidian Longsword is only 3 instead of 4.
As far as pre-knowing, I have always liked the meeting each other during game over any pre-existing connections. I will actually be doing seperate posts for each until I put you all together. Don't worry it will be short, I like to do a quick one-on-one spin up to the point where the campaign starts and you find yourselves together.
Good times - I like this too; wasn't sure since you mentioned the game was a bit of sandbox-style.
EDIT - Making a last minute tweak to switch my scores around, didn't realize most feats I'd want at higher levels had such requirements on a Wisdom score, and that focusing takes a full-round action without a feat.
One of the characters in the book (linked here) was a female khepri (insect-people like thri-kreen) who was a sculptor, she used her secretions to make art, as well.
Paizo was lucky enough to get the author to write a section of the River Kingdoms book.
Morthak, I forgot to give you a replacement for Hatred. Make it a +2 to saves vs compulsion. This is to represent the Focus aspect of the 2E dark sun dwarves. Basically it's hard to get a Dwarf to act against his intent.
Male Dwarf Psychic Warrior 4 :: 37/40 hp :: AC21, Fort +8, Ref +3, Will +5
DAardvaRK SUN DM wrote:
Morthak, I forgot to give you a replacement for Hatred. Make it a +2 to saves vs compulsion. This is to represent the Focus aspect of the 2E dark sun dwarves. Basically it's hard to get a Dwarf to act against his intent.
Thanks for all the kinds words! It's kind of funny, because I originally was thinking just about a Thri-Kreen Monk, then I started reading through my Dark Sun material for ideas. I've the original boxed set, and read about the slaves. Reading about artist slaves made me think, there's a thought... but what would a thri-kreen artist slave be like? I'm sure that Lin from Perdido Street Station ended up in there. I imagine that her Elemental Fist is usually an acidic bite, and half the time she just uses it to chew up whatever she finds for pigments and paints with that.
Perdido Street Station is a novel by China Mieville--really fun, worth a read. The name K'z'k is from Sluggy Freelance, and describes something quite different.
Male Dwarf Psychic Warrior 4 :: 37/40 hp :: AC21, Fort +8, Ref +3, Will +5
Profile updated with traits, equipment and focus ability. Good to go, unless there's something I missed. I'll pretty up the profile soon, but the info is valid.
I'm gonna try to have the game thread started tonight. The first post will be a long one as it will have a spoiler for each player. I'm gonna write it up in word and then paste it in the thread when I make it.
Updated my profile a bit also added a bedroll I cannot believe I forgot to get one.
Well that is sweet of you, giving all the snakes, scorpions, and spiders someplace to hide. I didn't know you were concerned about the desert wildlife, lol.
Updated my profile a bit also added a bedroll I cannot believe I forgot to get one.
Well that is sweet of you, giving all the snakes, scorpions, and spiders someplace to hide. I didn't know you were concerned about the desert wildlife, lol.
I know right? Got to be one with nature plus Anton might get mad if I did not worry about the little critters. Going to have to shake them out though when I have to pack up.
I took the verminheart feat.... So I'll talk the bedbugs into not biting. ;)
Bedbugs? Good idea, it will give the spiders something to snack on.
As an aside, I will not be posting the start tonight, almost leaving work, and if I work on it at home tonight I will amass A TON of wife aggro. I will finish writing it and post it at work tomorrow.
My posting is usually rock solid, multiple times per day...
Except, I'm at a pro-longed vacation this weekend where I have limited access. I'll do my best to stay up to speed, but will be back in town at home on Sunday afternoon.
Sorry for the delay, my schedule just got flipped for a class I have to take Tue-Thu this week. So I will post tomorrow evening, so I can write a good long one.
How is it going so far (all of 3 posts each deep, that is)?
After throwing the idea out there, I've decided to run a Dark Sun PbP campaign using Pathfinder rules.
It will be a sandbox style game. I would like to see a lot of character dialogue, and would prefer the PC's to have their own goals to assist in driving the story. I'm not an effective optimizer, so I would appreciate if the PC's weren't over the top.
All the base races from the core Dark Sun material will be allowed (and only those).
Mul (conversion to be posted)
Thri-Kreen (conversion to be posted)
Half-Giant (conversion to be posted)
Human
Elf
Half-elf
Halfling
Dwarf
I will be using Dreamscarred Press' Psionics rules
Ability scores will be 4d6 drop lowest, roll 7 times take top 6. Before racial modifiers, your total modifiers should be between +6 and +12. Any higher or lower, and you will need to reroll.
All classes will be allowed except Alchemist, Paladin/Antipaladin. Divine classes will follow either the elements or the sorcerer-kings.
I'm strict, so things like encumbrance and food/water will be tracked.
I will leave the recruitment open for 2 weeks, and decide based on character submissions.
EDIT: The game will begin in the Urik region, so please include how/why you are in Urik.
I would like to play an Elf Psion. (I've been trying to play a psionic class for some time), but I'm afraid I don't know very much about the Dark Sun campaign. (I think I played a computer game like 15 years ago).
I would like to play an Elf Psion. (I've been trying to play a psionic class for some time), but I'm afraid I don't know very much about the Dark Sun campaign. (I think I played a computer game like 15 years ago).
I would recommend looking into the Dark Sun basics, and the Elves of Athas to at least familiarize yourself. The world is different than most, and most of the races are socially different as well. It could give some insight to the character.
Sorry for taking so long to put up which character I am thinking of I looked up some information on Dark Sun. I am thinking of making a Mule Fighter who was a bodyguard.
[13, 17], 7, [11, 13, 13, 10]
+6 total. Hmmm, maybe a Preserver of one variation or another? A Psion?
Also, are we starting at first level, or higher? Because that will influence my character concept. And lastly (sorry, I tend to ask a lot of questions), are we sticking to Psionics Unleashed or also using Psionics Expanded? Specifically, I am asking about the Soulbow Archetype for the Soulknife.
Quick question: Is there any reason you aren't using DSP's Half-Giant race that is Psionics Unleashed?
Also, are we starting at first level, or higher? Because that will influence my character concept. And lastly (sorry, I tend to ask a lot of questions), are we sticking to Psionics Unleashed or also using Psionics Expanded? Specifically, I am asking about the Soulbow Archetype for the Soulknife.
Don't worry about the questions, ask any you may have.
I'm not using the DSP Half-giant because I would prefer to bring them back to their old days of glory as a Large creature. I will most likely tailor it off of the Half-ogre, up the size but drop a lot of the extras (intimidate, darkvision, etc.)
We will be starting at 1st.
I will use any of the Psionics that are on the d20pfsrd site (as that is what I use not owning any of the books.)
Also, everyone will get the Wild Talent feat for free.
I am interested. How frequent of posting are you looking for? Will you be using any athas.org material?
The applicants so far include:
Thri-kreen rogue (imirtl)
Mul fighter (mrdarklight)
Mul barbarian (scanford)
Elf psion (stardust)
??? psion or preserver (AlanM)
I have two concepts:
(1) dwarven monk (maybe multiclass into psychic warrior or psion). A member of the monastic order of the Exalted Path in Nebiny. One day, the young monk was found baking in the sun his memories distorted. Shortly thereafter, Kayari Drasad, assistant to Abbot Thong Nal, sent the young monk on a journey to Urik.
Spoiler:
Kayari Drasad is a member of the Order hiding out in the monastary of the Exalted Path. My character noticed how Kayari is manipulating the Abbot and his memories were erased. Assuming that I would violate one of Urik's many laws and never return, Kayari ordered me to go to Urik to talk to a member of one of the psychic houses
(2) halfling druid. One of the many halflings pledged to Urik. He is a nature priest studying the world before his calling to his protected land. The halfling is beginning to hate what he sees in Urik and plans to forget his post.
@Graynore, I would like at least once a day post, once on the weekend. Also, I would like absence forewarning (long weekend, away from internet for a few days). I will probably be using a fair amout of the athas.org material at least for a mechanical base. If you want, you can submit both concepts. You will just be limited to only getting to play one when the game starts.
@Balodek, why not jump in. I bought the Dark Sun box when it first came out, and still have my cloth map in pristine condition. It was always my favorite campaign world (DragonLance is a close second). I will be running the game at the reset that 4E did timeline-wise. It will start JUST after Kalak was killed.
@PWO, good question about the Bard. I will have to look into that. Sadly, it may have to join the list of not allowed, and rogues will just have to fill the role. I would like if I could use one of their archetypes to cover down. The class was more of a title for a type of career, than a stand alone class, like a rogue poisoner.
Okay, after researching the Athasian Elf, I still think that an Elf Egoist is very fitting... The only thing I'm still a little uncertain on is geography, national histories, and the like, though I'm liking the Elf Egoist idea better and better. =)
Have the stats for Half-giant and Thri-kreen in my profile. Will be working on Mul for later on. Trying to pare them all down to not have level adjustment.
Have the stats for Half-giant and Thri-kreen in my profile. Will be working on Mul for later on. Trying to pare them all down to not have level adjustment.
You are dropping the half-giant's wandering alignment?
Have the stats for Half-giant and Thri-kreen in my profile. Will be working on Mul for later on. Trying to pare them all down to not have level adjustment.
You are dropping the half-giant's wandering alignment?
I think it is a neat character flaw, but does not require a mechanic for it. They tend to gravitate towards the most charismatic and try to adopt some of their mannerisms. I just think they are better served as being mild in whatever their alignment is rather than changing it daily.
Have the stats for Half-giant and Thri-kreen in my profile. Will be working on Mul for later on. Trying to pare them all down to not have level adjustment.
You are dropping the half-giant's wandering alignment?
I think it is a neat character flaw, but does not require a mechanic for it. They tend to gravitate towards the most charismatic and try to adopt some of their mannerisms. I just think they are better served as being mild in whatever their alignment is rather than changing it daily.
Kryzbyn, sorry to hear that.
But it is soooooo much fun with a paladin or inquisitor in the party.
Completely digging the Thri-kreen. I cant wait to get home tomorrow and get the build and backstory going. I have to reread my dark sun stuff to remember all the fun little idiosyncracies of the thrikreen.
Completely digging the Thri-kreen. I cant wait to get home tomorrow and get the build and backstory going. I have to reread my dark sun stuff to remember all the fun little idiosyncracies of the thrikreen.
Like other PC's waking up to one staring at them while they slept?
Oh, how can I say no to Dark Sun? If you're adapting things to Pathfinder - particularly with an interest in keeping the half-giant on the large side - might I recommend the fan-created 3rd edition Dark Sun rules set at Dark Sun 3 as a starting point? I last read over all of it about a year ago, but it struck me as a very nicely done adaptation.
Completely digging the Thri-kreen. I cant wait to get home tomorrow and get the build and backstory going. I have to reread my dark sun stuff to remember all the fun little idiosyncracies of the thrikreen.
Like other PC's waking up to one staring at them while they slept?
EXACTLY! and I plan on taking Perform: Leg Harp too. *chirp chirp* :)
I would like to try my hand at running a Templar (LN Human Inquisitor OR Psychic Warrior); of course, if we end-up with a party of Preservers, I am perfectly happy to re-tool him as a freedom fighter ;-)
4d6 ⇒ (5, 6, 3, 2) = 16 14(+2)
4d6 ⇒ (6, 1, 3, 3) = 13 12(+1)
4d6 ⇒ (5, 5, 1, 6) = 17 16(+3)
4d6 ⇒ (2, 2, 3, 1) = 8 7(-2)
4d6 ⇒ (1, 5, 5, 1) = 12 11(+0)
4d6 ⇒ (3, 1, 2, 2) = 8 7(-2)
4d6 ⇒ (2, 1, 3, 4) = 10 9(-1)
Ouch. That hurts. Even dropping the lowest, that is still only a net +3 :-/
Ok, I think having one more PBP game will give me just the right balance of enough, but not too much. I really like Darksun and have read a lot of the material, but i have never had the opportunity to play in a game. I will come up with a concept and character build this afternoon and post something this evening.
Here are my rolls:
4d6 ⇒ (1, 1, 4, 5) = 1110
4d6 ⇒ (4, 4, 2, 2) = 1210
4d6 ⇒ (1, 1, 5, 3) = 109
4d6 ⇒ (2, 3, 2, 6) = 1311
4d6 ⇒ (4, 1, 4, 5) = 1413
4d6 ⇒ (3, 1, 2, 5) = 1110
4d6 ⇒ (6, 2, 5, 4) = 1715
From the perspective of an Inquisitor, what Favored Weapon(s) would The Sorcerer Kings, and The Elemental Powers grant?
Also, from the perspective of equipment, how were you planning the handle to scarcity of metal?
Is there, for example, an Athasian equivalent to the Crowbar (2gp), or are such items off-limits?
For the favored weapons I will look into that, just off-hand I can say Bow for Air, Hammer for Earth, and most likely club or staff for Water. I will look at the athas stuff to see if they have anything.
For the non-metallic materials, use whatever material seems appropriate (wood or bone for club, hammer, and obsidian or bone for blades). Taking a page out of the 4E book for substandard mats, there will be no base penalty for the materials. Instead, if you roll a 1, you can choose to keep it, or reroll. If you choose to reroll, your weapon AUTOMATICALLY breaks after the attack. For items (like the crowbar) if you roll a 1 when using it, it breaks (becomes unuseable), no reroll.
DAardvaRK Sun DM I was wondering for the characters do you want a character sheet with the character or just concept and background on the character? Also which material are you allowing for the characters from pathfinder?