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...I've had a lot of good luck with these HP rolls. Good to know his last one gets to be maxed out to, he's gonna need it.
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Sorry, supprise Dallas trip, I should have Pavel's updated stat block and post up tomorrow when it's not 2:45 in the morning and I haven't been driving for 5 hours.
As we near the end of this campaign, I'd like those of you who are interested in Mummy's Mask to start kicking around character ideas here in this Discussion section. I'm trying to avoid opening a recruitment thread since all my players are in this game.
Please download the Player's Guide if you haven't already. Non-core races and all 3P content require approval. Character concepts subject to approval, but if it's RAW it should be fine. Stat Gen is 15 point buy with no stat below 8. Don't plan your characters past level 12; I'll be either stopping the campaign after book 4 (which I'm told can be modified into a reasonable ending) or lowering power levels in the final two books, depending on how long it takes to get there. I anticipate the game taking about 2 years to complete to that point. Regardless, characters will not level past 12.
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1) For Mummy's Mask will you be using Automatic Bonus Progression?
I admit I was a skeptic of ABP once, but, with games such as this one, it seems logical that with a fast-paced campaign that the players rarely have (or, indeed, should have) much downtime to count money and purchase items. Hence, with ABP, even in a hectic level-up (like what we just had) no one feels shorted if the gp/merchant alchemy is lagging.
2) Heh. Mad props to you for not wanting to do a Recruitment thread!! I've been a huge backer of just PMing interesting people and getting players, rather than the mad crap-shoot that is an open thread. If you've been here long enough, you know who the good people are. =)
3) I have character that I've wanted to pull off for a looooooooooooooooooong ass time, but never quite did. The concept, at the core, is a Mystic Theurge that uses a combination of Spectral Hand and various spells. It gets REALLY cool with the addition of Spec. Hand + Inflict X Wound. The working handle for the character is The Bloodthief.
Alas! The MT class is...a train wreck. The best guide on how to play it was: "Take a class. Set 3 levels on fire. Cry."
However, the Theurge does do a good job of creating the right feel of it, by mixing the flavors of spells, without going over the line of breaking anything.
What to you think? =)
I'm thinking of going for an Oracle of Desna. Fear Death by Starknife!
Also, I wholly support doing Automatic Bonus Progression and Background Skills.
Gotta love that Desna, she's always been my fav goddess. Also, I support ABP too.
For characters... I've always wanted to play something in particular, but it's been hard comming up with a good way to replicate it.This, basically.
There are a few ways it could be done, but one of the easiest I'd seen was a third party class known as the Vanguard, which was somewhat of a... mechanical summoner? That, or maybe simply a consruct rider alchemist.
Edit: Ah, I see I'm not the only one asking for Rando to review a 3pp class. ;P
Well, if we're bombarding poor Rando with 3rd Party Requests, can I use Spheres of Power instead of regular casting? It's a little stronger for the first couple of levels, but doesn't have the same 'fail a save, fight is done' spells that the Vancian system has. I personally much prefer it to Vancian casting.
Rando: "I may have made a mistake."
1) For Mummy's Mask will you be using Automatic Bonus Progression?
I'm thinking no, just because you'll be in a more traditional PF setting and purchasing/crafting items should get more of a chance than they did this time around. If I had it to do over again, I probably should have used it for this game, but hindsight and all that.
...even in a hectic level-up (like what we just had) no one feels shorted if the gp/merchant alchemy is lagging.
Hopefully a 12 level run over 2 years will be slightly more relaxed as far as leveling. I'm not tied to stopping at 2 years, either, just stopping leveling at 12.
Alas! The MT class is...a train wreck. The best guide on how to play it was: "Take a class. Set 3 levels on fire. Cry."However, the Theurge does do a good job of creating the right feel of it, by mixing the flavors of spells, without going over the line of breaking anything.
I'm not great at judging this stuff at a glance, but it seems balanced if not a little underpowered, even. I'd certainly allow it.
Also, I wholly support doing Automatic Bonus Progression and Background Skills.
Okay, two votes from my players means I need to seriously consider this. Let me think about it.
Well, if we're bombarding poor Rando with 3rd Party Requests, can I use Spheres of Power instead of regular casting? It's a little stronger for the first couple of levels, but doesn't have the same 'fail a save, fight is done' spells that the Vancian system has. I personally much prefer it to Vancian casting.
That one I'm going to have to look hard at. Replacing a major subsystem of the game is not something I necessarily want to do.
Rando: "I may have made a mistake."
One of my fellow players in a tabletop game here just made literally 30 FB messages to the GM regarding spell components. If we can avoid that level of questioning, I consider it a win.
Ah man, now I need to put in some super serious thought :-P My immediate thought is some sort of alchemist, but not a traditional bomb throwing one, methinks. At least one of you will be entirely unsurprised by this development :-P
I think paizo glitched, it says valda posted, but I can't see her post.
Also, nope. Not surprised in the least.
Well, Spheres is a lot of fun and not too complicated (the rules to actually use it are only a couple of thousands words long - the bulk of it is each sphere), and it works with pre-existing casting so it wouldn't replace Vancian for those who want it.
Basically, each class is either a High Caster (equivilant to levels 1-9 casters), Mid Casters (level 1-6) or Low (1-4). They each get a Caster Level which determines how powerful there spells get. In SoP caster levels stack between casting classes.
Each caster gets a number of Talents. You get two for becoming a Sphere caster, possibly three if you're a High Caster.
You also get Spell Points, usually equal to your cast level an casting attribute modifer.
Each Sphere requires you spend a talent to get it, along with some basic abilities (in the Life Sphere, you would get the ability to grant temporary HP, or heal 1d8 + you cast level for a spell point, and Restore certain things for a spell point) but if you want to more abilities (such as Restoring 2d8 hit points, or restoring lost limbs, removing curses, etc) you have to spend another talent to buy those, too.
You'll notice that restoring Temporary Hit points is free, and can be done as often as you like, but proper curing and Restoration costs Spell Points, limiting what you can do. Each Spheres has something similar.
So with three talents, you can either choose three Basic Spheres, or choose one Sphere and be better at it.
The reason Spherecasting is a bit stronger at the start is you can get access to things like Hold Person and a weak Haste from level 1, and some basic abilities can be cast all day (the Destruction Sphere allows you to throw around 1d6 bolts of Blugeoning Damage all day). The reason that it isn't as powerful later is...that's it. You can make abilities stronger, increase the DC, maybe add an additional effect, but effectively you'll still have the same powers you had access to at level 20 that you did at level 1. You simply diversify.
The other reason is there isn't an Arcane/Divine split. Want to take both the Life and Destruction spheres? Or the Light and Dark Spheres? Do it. You can have a healing Wizard or a blasting Cleric.
There are some more things, like Casting Traditions, but they aren't something that's required.
Anyway, if you have any questions, I'll be happy to answer. I love Spheres of Power - way more fun than Vancian, and it allows you to build any kind of caster you like, so I'm happy to work to get it allowed.
EDIT: Yup, Paizo ate my post. Place your bets now - will it appear once I do a second post? I bet yes.
Interesting stuff, Val- Or should I refer to you as Jon? -I'm interested in giving that system a go. It all sounds fairly interesting just from your brief description. Does it include traditional spells too, I assume?
Also, in case you didn't notice Rando, I'm also in support of the Automatic Bonus Progression stuff. If I'd have to give any sort of good reasoning behind it, it'd be to encourage players to be more creative with magic item purchases! Pretty much the first things people will buy are either ability enhancers, cloaks of resistance, or giving their armor and weapons some +1s. ABP would grant those effects and allow for more versatility in purchases.
Oh, and, er, what did you think of the class I linked? Is it fine for you?
I don't mind what folks call me. My brother usually refered to me with swear words, so...
But Traditional spells do kinda appear in Spheres, but as Rituals. They take longer to cast, need time to prepare and a few other differences. You can also just have it as an additional system, along with normal Vancian casting (like you can do with Psionics). There's even a Prestige Class, the Bokor, that mixes Vancian and Spheres casting.
Oh, and, er, what did you think of the class I linked? Is it fine for you?
Vanguard? It seems okay after a quick review, but I'm now 3 for 4 character classes I've never seen in action (and alchemist just barely at that). I don't know how well this stuff is balanced.
I'd appreciate you each kind of go through each other's 3p stuff (Vanguard, Theurge, Spheres) when you get a chance and PM me your opinions of said material (don't review your own, obviously you think that's good). I won't let that decide for me, but having more opinions will make me more comfortable saying yes or no.
Also, when deciding your classes, definitely look at the MM player's guide. I know none of these are going to be in there, but you should be able to get a good idea of the kinds of abilities that will be most helpful, and judge for yourself whether your 3p material is a good fit.
You can also just have it as an additional system, along with normal Vancian casting (like you can do with Psionics).
If I allow this, Vancian casting will still be the order of the day for the campaign world and NPCs; Sphere casters would be the exception. I'm going pretty vanilla with the Golarion/Osirion setting (not that Osirion is all that vanilla).
Yeah, sure thing man.
Good news for you then, I haven't been able to find an alchemist archetype that catches my fancy for the campaign :-P at the moment I'm looking at an Inquisitor, but that is subject to change. There shall be idea bouncing in real-time when I get back from Dallas.
Current concept is someone who isn't necessarily interested in gathering and selling Osiriani relics (though that is a bonus), but knows that there is probably a wealth of information they could find while in there, and money to be had in helping protect other tomb robbers from the dangers of it. The monster kind, traps would not be their forte :-P
Anyone else want to tack on some additional aids to Valda's roll?
Also, what do people think about coming up with a way we'll all know each other's characters for Mummy's Mask?
Hey sorry I've been kinda MIA since Wednesday, both I and my cat have colds (crazy I know that we both have one at the same time) and would rather sleep than eat... I of course know I HAVE to eat but she doesn't... so it's been difficult getting her to eat properly. :(
As for the 3rd party stuff.. um Spheres of Power sounds a lot like Mage the Ascension...
Is that a good thing or a bad thing?
Also, yeah, don't mind doing linked storylines.
Being sick aint fun, and it's even worse when it's your pet. Just hope you're taking care of yourselves.
Also, I'm totaly down with linking some stories. My gnomish guy is from Alkenstar towards the south. He's travveled for many years before eventually finding his way to Osiron after hearing tales of it's ancient architecture.
He also frequently rides on his construct's shoulders and uses a cloak to make it seem like he's very tall. ;p
As for the 3rd party stuff.. um Spheres of Power sounds a lot like Mage the Ascension...
Only in name, I think. In practice, you get specific choices of powers and abilities based on your sphere, whereas in Mage you got more general abilities linked to the concept of your sphere.
My gnomish guy is from Alkenstar towards the south. He's travveled for many years before eventually finding his way to Osiron after hearing tales of it's ancient architecture.
Glad you brought this up. I have a little bit of prologue I'm planning, and was needing to figure out who was together already and what direction you'd be approaching Wati from. I'll check my Golarion map for Alkenstar, never bothered to locate it on a map before.
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It's a lovely little band of desert in between the nations of Nex and Geb.
Okay, found it. That is a decent journey, though not necessarily one that would take years; A year perhaps. Keep in mind you're 1st level, so any adventures you've had getting there would have had to be relatively minor; otherwise you'd have leveled-or died.
He's a gnome, things just distracted him along the way. This would be first time he's ventured into danger willingly however, but he decided he needed a bit more excitement in his life.
Question, will you be enforcing aging penalties and bonuses durring initial character generation?
Question, will you be enforcing aging penalties and bonuses durring initial character generation?
Good question. No, quite the opposite. Make your 15 point buy character normally for your race and assume those stats represent him/her as they are now, regardless of age.
Question, will you be enforcing aging penalties and bonuses durring initial character generation?Good question. No, quite the opposite. Make your 15 point buy character normally for your race and assume those stats represent him/her as they are now, regardless of age.
Ah, perfect! I'd wanted him to be fairly old in order to match the reference picture, but I was worried about losing combat capability.
As for the 3rd party stuff.. um Spheres of Power sounds a lot like Mage the Ascension...Only in name, I think. In practice, you get specific choices of powers and abilities based on your sphere, whereas in Mage you got more general abilities linked to the concept of your sphere.
Ah, so more like you get the rotes but can't create your own on the fly? Okay, still sounds pretty cool. I got in on the company's Steampunk setting book Kickstarter but not the SPheres of Power.
I'm tempted to play a Gingerbread Witch, but on the other hand I really should not play another witch... I have too many witches already haha.
Oh I could repurpose my Pathfinder society character I never played since I am missing a book I need... Bethany Savorsting. A Calistria worshipping Bladebound Kensai Magus with a whip. :)
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Oh Mylanta! I just read the campaign traits, and one of them is absolutely perfect for me to give to my Skinwalker (Witchwolf) Oracle/Wizard Zelda here (I can of course tweak her online stats to the campaign easily enough if I play her!) SO, she's a Witchwolf race, Black-Blooded Oracle (Spellscar mystery) / Spellslinger wizard and her campaign trait would be Resurrected... I can PM you details on her death/resurrection story if you are okay with her race/class combo and also how it ties into her class choices... :)
Okay, so it's official I'll be doing up Zelda here for the Mummy's Mask game... Dave, she's from Alkenstar.
As far as character creation: 2 traits, one must be campaign I assume? What about drawbacks?
Two traits. One does not HAVE to be campaign, but I'd prefer only one combat related trait.
One Drawback for one additional trait, if you want it.
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Okay cool so then what about her musket (Spellslinger archetype she gets one?) Can I assume that I technically brought it with me from Alkenstar just am unable to use it in any way until I officially have it since it's broken and worthless until I finish fixing it at 2nd level?
Aside from that and other equipment, I think I'm done.
Funny, I'm hoping to get guns too, but I can't afford it just yet. Later on I think I'll get the gunsmith feat to start producing things. If were gestalted, I'm pretty sure I'd be a gunslinger, but that's neither here nor there.
So, another Alenstarite? Thats awesome! My gnome hasn't been there for awhile, he's almost two centuries. But, it is possible he could know of her family, or for to have heard of him.
By this point, I'm thinking maybe we should just all be from Alkenstar and decided to go as a group for this lottery :-P though we probably wouldn't have gotten there in time if that were the case
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Funny, I'm hoping to get guns too, but I can't afford it just yet. Later on I think I'll get the gunsmith feat to start producing things. If were gestalted, I'm pretty sure I'd be a gunslinger, but that's neither here nor there.
So, another Alenstarite? Thats awesome! My gnome hasn't been there for awhile, he's almost two centuries. But, it is possible he could know of her family, or for to have heard of him.
Ah wait, is the city even that old? LOL
OH also are we doing background skills? If so I'll need to modify the character sheet I just sent you.
It is, actually, from my own cursary glance. Seems to be a few thousand years old in fact if you'd believe! Though I'm more surprized rhat after three thousand years, they havn't managed to acomplish more...
Ahem; I imagine it was around twenty or so years ago that he decided to give in to his gnomish nature and start his wanderings. Her father seems old enough that he could've been a freind of his and he might thusly recognize the name.
"Oh? Hah, I never imagine that he'd be the type to settle down? How is he these days, still sporting that Isenstein model 4000XR is he? Always was one for the classics!"
And in regards to Pavel's sugesstion, I'd find the prospect of us all having been from the wastes to be pretty interesting!
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Actually, there's some discrepancy in the timeline. In the Pathfinder Chronicles: Campaign Setting, it says that Alkenstar forged The Worldbreaker bombard (measuring a staggering 90 inches in diameter) for Taldor in 2009 Ar, but the later released Inner Sea World Guide said that Alkenstar wasn't even founded until a man (named Alkenstar, because SOMEONE was egotistical) fled into the Mana Wastes and found other fugitives of the law in 4588 AR and subsequently founded a city. So... I guess it depends on whether all publications are canon or whether the newer overrules the older.
For serious? Wow, talk about a ballpark range. Anywhere trom three thousand to a few hundred years ago.
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For sure. I'm sure there's some discussion on the boards about this, I'll have to see if I can dig something up for a definitive answer.
Keep me posted mate, and I'll adjust his age if it becomes necessary.
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Actually, there's some discrepancy in the timeline. In the Pathfinder Chronicles: Campaign Setting, it says that Alkenstar forged The Worldbreaker bombard (measuring a staggering 90 inches in diameter) for Taldor in 2009 Ar, but the later released Inner Sea World Guide said that Alkenstar wasn't even founded until a man (named Alkenstar, because SOMEONE was egotistical) fled into the Mana Wastes and found other fugitives of the law in 4588 AR and subsequently founded a city. So... I guess it depends on whether all publications are canon or whether the newer overrules the older.
Whoa yeah I never read the original 3.5 writeup... Just Inner Sea World Guide and Wardens of the Reborn Forge's Alkenstar Gazetteer.
Oh and Zelda's father isn't a shield marshal as I said above, he's a priest (cleric) of Brigh. I forgot only her mom is a shield marshal :P Her father is also the one who inspired her interest in tattoos (and hopefully I will be able to take Inscribe Magical Tattoo, which of course she will tattoo the party at cost if any of you want them.)
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I uh... May be a bit too enamored with Alkenstar... I blame the fact that one of my more favorite PFS characters is a Shieldmarshal, and is primed to play Wardens of the Reborn Forge once we get the group together. It has become one of my top 5 favorite settings in Pathfinder.
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I uh... May be a bit too enamored with Alkenstar... I blame the fact that one of my more favorite PFS characters is a Shieldmarshal, and is primed to play Wardens of the Reborn Forge once we get the group together. It has become one of my top 5 favorite settings in Pathfinder.
OH hahaha I am right there with you... I love it because it's very Steampunkish...
Speaking of, here is Zelda's traveling outfit... a kind of Steampunk Little Red Riding Hood
Does she carry a scythe that is also a gun? :-P
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>Insert grumble speech of a non-fan
But I will say, that is a nife design. Quite good and cute.
Yep, I'm a fan of the setting too, but I've never been terribly great at uh... reading all the required material. Remind me to talk to you later on discord about what an old timer like my guy would know.
Anyhow, a preist of Brigh? It's still certainly possible then that he'd know of him if they attended the same church!