After Dark (Inactive)

Game Master rando1000

Looking for players for a modern setting urban arcana/horror campaign using Pathfinder rules (some house rules). Villains will include abberations, undead, cults, etc.

15 point buy (minimum stat 8)
level 2 (level by fiat)
classes any, as long as you can fit the character in a modern setting (ie no running around in full plate armor paladins)
race human only

Interested (this is my submitted character - obviously not done)
Questions: Traits? Languages? Starting gold? Armor/weapon selection? Religion?

I'm interested as well. Here, I made something real quick, as a temporary thing if nothing else. He'd be a contract killer I suppose, with a rather pragmatic view on things. Neutral, as he dosn't exactly care who the mark is.

And I have the same questions Jehoshephat has, regarding traits money etc. As well, what are the setting details aside from it being something modern?

Okay, let me try to answer these in some sort of organized manner.

The culture will be modern real world, or a rough approximation of it. Most of the world does not know about the darker, more fantastic stuff you'll be encountering (and doing).

Cosmology wise, to avoid real world religious issues with the players, I'm going with a very general "all religions are a reflection of the divine" sort of idea. Your PCs won't know what's "real" in terms of gods, higher powers, afterlife, etc. They might have a belief, but given that even dark powers are whipping around amazing miracles, any religion's claim on divinity will be limited to politics rather than proof.

I'm still batting around a setting, but it will be a substantial US City, though some adventures may leave its confines. I may even go with a fictional city to avoid having to rely on real-world knowledge (or being contradicted by it). More on that later.

I also want to find a reasonable story reason for your characters to work together; we can all work on that.

Alrighty, I can dig that. I assume we can consider gold to be equivalent to dollars?

As far as available starting equipment and cash, use the standard Wealth By Level for 2nd level (1000 gp). Consider yourselves having 1 game year of Average Cost of Living (value 120 gp) for free. If you want to be Wealthy instead, it will cost you the equivalent of 90 gp per month.

The Cost of Living gets you no real equipment, except a rather average vehicle and standard household items.

I'll post armor and weapons soon. Armors will have their normal effect vs. melee and older ranged weapons (thrown daggers, shuriken, etc). Vs. firearms, they will give you an increasing DR instead. Very light armors (such as a Leather Jacket) will offer no DR vs firearms. Ancient armors will be less useful, as they will cause penalties in interaction (unless they're hidden) and will have a normal Touch AC vs. firearms, with no DR.

Firearms will be available, and, I expect, a common weapon. The most common will be a small pistol doing 1d8/x4 damage (touch attack, except see notes on armor, above). Heavier arms such as longarms, machine pistols, and sniper rifles will also be available, but as can be expected, use of these will draw lots of attention from the law. Keeping such weapons primarily for use against extra-normal threats that a)the law won't investigate and b)there's no real law against killing anyway is advisable.

I'll submit modern equipment soon, and if have a specific item you want statted out, feel free to ask. I'm using Pathfinder and Modern Path as guides.

Alrighty, I can dig that. I assume we can consider gold to be equivalent to dollars?

I'll price everything in GP for character gen; after that, we'll probably convert everything to dollars so the internet can be used as a shopping guide (GM approval required).

As far as house rules, there are not many, but they do have effect on character choices, and might change some of your ideas.

1. The first is Class AC Bonus. Characters get a +.5 bonus to AC, rounded up, per level (+1 1st and 2nd, +2 3rd and 4th, etc). This bonus stacks with armor, but will have the same limit as Dex bonus for a given armor. So even as heavier armors become more reasonably priced, they will be becoming less useful, except against firearms.

2. A second bonus, Reputation, will have the same +.5/character level scheme, and will be added to Diplomacy, Intimidate, and Bluff checks in certain situations.

3. Characters have 3+level Action Points to be used per story. These can be used in the following ways:
1. Add 1d6 to any d20 roll (to hit, initiative, saves, skills, etc).
2. They can be used to avoid (but not heal later) 5 HP of damage.
3. They can turn any single attack that would normally kill the character into non-lethal damage.
4. They can heal an additional 1d8 HP of damage when using the Heal skill.

4. This is not really a house rule, but a re-thinking of the Hit Point rules. Keep in mind that Hit Points are not literal health levels, but take lots of things into account. I'm asking you consider most hits nicks and scratches, grazes, or bruises until you're close to 0, at least for humans (including yourselves). That way it makes more sense how a person can be shot six times and still walking, and it also makes things that allow HP healing using traditional medicine make more sense.

Armors:
Leather Jacket: +2 AC/Speed 30(L)/no dex limit/0 check penalty/10 gp
Undercover vest: +3 AC/Speed 30(L)/+5 dex/-2 check penalty/25 gp
Light duty vest: +5 AC/Speed 20(M)/+3 Dex/-4 check penalty/50 gp
Body armor: +7 AC/Speed 20(H)/+1 Dex/-6 check penalty/200 gp

Light duty vest is concealable, but only under heavy clothing. Body armor is not concealable.

Firearms:
Pistol: 1d8(x4)/B,P/ammo varies(6-10)/80 ft/40 gp
Auto-Rifle: 1d10(x4)/B,P/ammo varies(10 std)/100 ft/50 gp
Machine Pistol: 1d8(18-20 x3)/ammo varies(10 std)/40 ft/100 gp
Sniper Rifle: 1d10(18-20 x4)/ammo varies(10 std)/120 ft/250 gp

I know these stats don't leave a lot of room for differentiation among weapons. That's on purpose. I don't want to get into trying to make them "realistic" representations; it's a fantasy/action game. We can discuss extended clips, modifications, etc.

There are Feats involved with firearms, as well.

Small Burst
As a standard action, the user can use any semi-auto firearm to fire 2-3 bullets at target (2 for pistols, 3 for rifles) dealing 1 extra die of damage, but at a -2 penalty to hit.

Burst Fire
Prerequisites: Small Burst, +4 Attack Bonus
As a standard action, the user can fire any full auto firearm 5 bullets at target, dealing 2 extra dice damage, but at a -4 penalty to hit. Alternately, the weapon can fill a 20' arc with bullets (10 rounds). Make one attack roll against the highest AC in the arc. If it hits, each opponent takes single bullet damage.

Wow, this is a lot since I last checked this. Seems good :)

Alrighty then, all fixed up 'n such.

Be sure to check out the discussion page for the campaign. I posted some more specific setting stuff.

I do plan to have both your characters at least nominally aware of the supernatural. I'll be awarding some extra knowledge points during play as you discover more of what's real in the world and what's not. Until you have such points, assume you know only that there are things out there, creatures, abilities, etc. that most people don't know about and probably don't care to.

Very interested in this. Maybe as a paladin? Or perhaps a cleric played as a paladin.

Either way the fluff will be the same: he's out to protect people from the supernatural. Also wields a longsword in combat, and owns a suit of chainmail that he brings out when the going gets tough. Kevlar doesn't do much good against claws.

Is christianity's favored weapon the longsword? I feel like it would be - they can double as holy symbols in a pinch. A mace of some descripption would also be historically appropriate.

Either paladin or cleric would be very useful, considering the dark forces you'll be up against. A little magic healing would go a long way toward alleviating the need for a real medic as well.

I think the swords of the Templar would be counted as longswords, from what I've read. That's probably a good basis.

If possible, find a way to give the armor a modern twist. Maybe you have a custom suit that combines the best of chain and kevlar, for example. It would look more "modern" (sort of gangland punk) but would still give you the effect you're looking for, I think.

May I suggest the Automatic Bonus Progression rules to help beef up hero's who don't use as many magic items?

Will we be able to use third party materials? Rogue Genius Games Anachronistic Adventures and the Broken Earth both have weapons, feats and classes that would fit a modern setting pretty well, as well as, in Broken Earth's case, some additional skills.

Plus, I really like Spheres of Magic for spellcasting. It's less powerful than normal spellcasting, and less flashy which would fit with the low key themes, but allows for almost constant use. No need to rest every time the wizard runs out of good spells.

I'm creating a pinot noir-esque Investigator for this (seems unnaturally appropriate given the setting) :) I'll post his character sheet and make an alias when he's ready.

Modified mine a bit. He has skill as sort of an amateur alchemist, mixing up his own regents and poisons which he finds a lot of use out of with his line of work. With that, he can likely craft the party some generally useful items if needed. Though, clearly not as skilled as your typical dedicated alchemist.

Between Dave and my Investigator, we should have all the healing and poisoning needs covered. :)

Okay, we have:
Joe (Fighter)
Dave (Ninja)
TwelvePointFive (Paladin or cleric)
Technical Difficulty (Investigator)

That seems like a good group. I can start working on tailoring my story ideas to fit the group at this point.

May I suggest the Automatic Bonus Progression rules to help beef up hero's who don't use as many magic items?

I'm primarily going to mitigate this by simply making sure my choices of foes are approriate to your abilities (and I'll probably limit DR 5), but I'll consider this. It's nice that it starts at 3rd level because I can consider it while you guys play and implement it at your next level if I decide to.

Will we be able to use third party materials? Rogue Genius Games Anachronistic Adventures and the Broken Earth both have weapons, feats and classes that would fit a modern setting pretty well, as well as, in Broken Earth's case, some additional skills.

I really prefer you make Paizo material work; I might allow some individual Feats on a case by case basis, but I don't want to open the door to too much material I'm not familiar with.

Plus, I really like Spheres of Magic for spellcasting. It's less powerful than normal spellcasting, and less flashy which would fit with the low key themes, but allows for almost constant use. No need to rest every time the wizard runs out of good spells.

I'm going to keep pathfinder magic as is. I don't want to implement too much stuff I'm not familiar with, and I'd rather focus on writing story vs. learning new material.

Hi there!

Got room for a fifth? =)

It looks like you need an arcane?

Hi there!

Got room for a fifth? =)

It looks like you need an arcane?

Just getting ready to close recruitment, I'll sneak you in (also would be happy to have a caster). You're 5 and there's a possible sixth, that's the most I'm willing to take on.

So after this (plus the one I'm waiting on), *RECRUITMENT CLOSED*

Okay, we have:

Joe (Fighter)
Dave (Ninja)
TwelvePointFive (Paladin or cleric)
Technical Difficulty (Investigator)
Atlas2112 (arcane caster)
and potentially...
JonGarret (unknown)

That seems like a good group. I can start working on tailoring my story ideas to fit the group at this point.

Here's the alias for my Investigator. I'll post his completed character sheet and finish fleshing him out when I get off work tonight.

What all languages will be available? Joseph qualifies for additional languages, but I don't know which will even be available.

What all languages will be available? Joseph qualifies for additional languages, but I don't know which will even be available.

Restrict yourself to normal Earth languages for now; assume English is Common. However, I'll let you hold back a language to learn later when you encounter something more exotic.

@Joey Another poison expert eh? I feel like Dave would get along with him, if for nothing else then the fact that they'd have a common interest. Aside note, Spanish might be a good language to spring for just as a guess. It's gonna be an interesting mix mash, I hope all our characters will be able to get along with one another.

As well, I suspect ties/how we meet/etc. will be hammered out in Discussion once you have the party order set?

Would it be possible to acquire This thing, using the stats for a five shot Dragon Pistol? That's essentially what the thing is - a sawn down, pistol gripped variant of the MTs-255 revolver shotgun. If not I'll go with a machine pistol of some kind, maybe a Steyr M1912.

I was thinking of using biker leathers for armour. The race quality kind with titanium plates and such. What kind would that classify as?

@Dave:

Lol With Dave's loner drawback and Joey's Child of the Streets Trait, I could easily them being in hilarious situations where Joey keeps trying to get in Dave's personal space much to Dave's dismay, but I bet they'll get along great besides that though.

Dave: ..You're getting a little close there, buddy..

Joey: I know, but it'd be easier for me if you'd stop moving away.

Lol I'm looking forward to role-playing in this campaign.

Yeah, I'll probably do Spanish, Latin, French, and save the last language for when it becomes applicable later.

@Jon:

Oh dammit, I gotta get me one of those irl now xD

** spoiler omitted **

Would it be possible to acquire....using the stats for a five shot Dragon Pistol?

We'll need to establish some ground rules, esp. as relates to specific Feats. Overdoing multiple shot scatter weapons has some potential problems.

I was thinking of using biker leathers for armour. The race quality kind with titanium plates and such. What kind would that classify as?

You can use whatever PF core stats you want and skin it this way, but keep in mind that the heavier the armor will not only limit your Dex bonus to Armor, but the houseruled class bonus as well. It will give you the benefit of DR to firearms, however, in exchange.

Dave S. Wavaski wrote:

** spoiler omitted **

** spoiler omitted **

I believe I have 3 of 6 characters in complete or nearly complete format:

Dave S. Wavaski
Jehoshephat "Joe" Kramer
Isagoras the Light

plus a partial of:
Joseph "Joey" Adams

So that leaves (concept only):
TwelvePointFivePercent
JonGarrett

Everyone continue to flesh out your characters until you're happy with them. Don't forget the house rules:
you have 5 Action Points (explained above) and +1 bonus to AC (based on level), and a +1 Reputation bonus (in some circumstances).

When you're done buying equipment, multiply the remaining amount by 20 and that's the amount of DOLLARS you have to spend (but remember cost of living is paid; you don't have to buy drinks at a bar, pay rent, buy gas, or the like; you only need to spend $ on equipment that costs more than a few bucks).

Message me if you have any more questions. I know we have some details to work out with individual equipment requests and whatnot.

I'm cool with some limits. Any suggestions?

I was planning to go with something in the +4 region. It's not meant to be bulletproof, after all, just tough enough to put down a bike without loosing most of your skin. It seems a bit better than studded leather, but not as good as a solid piece like a breast plate.

As far as a starting date, what do people have in mind? I can start really any time, but if people want to wait until next week or after the first of the year I'm good with that, too.

I'm cool with some limits. Any suggestions?

Actually I think we're good on the weapon. I was concerned with proliferation of damage when multiple shots became more prevalent, but scatter is somewhat limiting on its own; for example you're at -4 for each scatter attack if you rapid shot. For now we'll leave the limitations off, but I'll caveat that with the understanding that we'll discuss it further later if we run into balance issues I hadn't anticipated.

I was planning to go with something in the +4 region. It's not meant to be bulletproof, after all, just tough enough to put down a bike without loosing most of your skin. It seems a bit better than studded leather, but not as good as a solid piece like a breast plate.

Go ahead and treat it as a chain shirt with regards to the stats (and price). If you have it custom made, it can grant you the DR 4 against bullets for say 25% extra cost.

That sounds fine.

As for starting...I can probably finish up my sheet by tomorrow, assuming things don't get hectic. But I work in a hotel and tomorrow's guest list has three people on it - I doubt I'll be busy.

Oh, pish, just after the edit time limit...

I assume we're using the Guns Everywhere rule for fireams, which means they're martial weapons instead of exotic, right?

I'm working on finishing my sheet right now - it takes forever since I do it on my phone with Adobe Reader. Long, arduous process, but rewarding when it's complete. :p

I'm down for anytime to start. My work schedule is 2-9PM pretty much everyday except for Sunday and one day at random throughout the week, but I check my campaigns several times before and after work. I am a very active poster :)

I suppose I'm all set, after I convert gold on into Big Bucks. Something fun I notice, is that some of the listed poison ingredients are actually fairly cheap to purchase these days. Gotta love supermarkets.

I'll be able to post whenever, I tend to check in on threads I'm in near obsessively as is, so I should be able to keep with any pace being set by others.

Seeing as how the Investigator class is proficient with a hand crossbow, can I swap that for proficiency with my .38 Special Snub Nose pistol? Or will I need to take the martial weapons feat? They strike me as being similar enough, but I just want to make sure you approve.

I assume we're using the Guns Everywhere rule for fireams, which means they're martial weapons instead of exotic, right?

Yes, and they're Simple, actually.

Seeing as how the Investigator class is proficient with a hand crossbow, can I swap that for proficiency with my .38 Special Snub Nose pistol? Or will I need to take the martial weapons feat? They strike me as being similar enough, but I just want to make sure you approve.

You have Simple weapons, so you're good on firearms without swapping anything.

Oh good! That works out beautifully then. All I need is to select my equipment and then I'll post my character sheet tonight after work :)

If you're still accepting applications, I would LOVE to be a part of this; maybe as an occultist or some sort of arcane caster that won't be over the top, like a witch or something to preserve a darker, less fantastic tone. I can post multiple times throughout the day, so I can be very invested if you like.

Let me know if I should whip something up. :)

If you're still accepting applications, I would LOVE to be a part of this

Recruitment is closed, but I have one player I haven't heard from in a while. I'll consider you first alternate.

Mikael Sebag wrote:

If you're still accepting applications, I would LOVE to be a part of this

Recruitment is closed, but I have one player I haven't heard from in a while. I'll consider you first alternate.

Great, thank you! ^_^

Got most of Valda's crunch done, but haven't finished History or Personality. Need to think on them a little more.

What a mouthful of a class! Hmmm... "Eldritch Spire gunner?" "Defensive Gunmage?" Can't think of anything that'd even fit. She seems like a nice enough gal regardless, can't wait to see how things play out.