Against the Dark Tower (Inactive)

Game Master stardust

When you have completed your character concepts, backstories, and character sheets, please post here. I'll try to get a little bit of campaign history in.

I'm more or less set. I don't have a concrete concept together, but you mentioned at the beginning that characters were supposed to be more complex that xy alignment, so I'm not too worried about it.

Other than an item or two I'm done and ready to begin. Sorry for the delay everyone.

That's all right. I have a little story/roleplaying experience at the beginning of the campaign for you, to introduce you to the history and the difficulties of this world. While there will be some spells used, including sanity loss and ability score loss, this prologue is expected to happen a few days (at least) ahead of the action of the game.

This is an optional experience, however, though I would highly recommend it. It will let you know what you are up against.

I'm game for going through the intro:)

That's excellent. One of the great ways that we can maintain our connection to the Archaic World is to use visuals. I've linked to some images from Dark Tower Board Game for inspiration in the first post of the Recruitment Thread. But I encourage everyone to find an image of their character or a location that is significant to that character in an effort to make this a more concrete experience. But it is, as I said, optional. I will be using images as I can to help the campaign along.

Our story begins HERE, the Citadel of Zenon.

Cool. I'll work on finding appropriate pics and add them once I've figured out how to properly post them and create an Alias:)

Will you be sharing some information on the Citadel of Zenon and surrounding lands prior to the intro posts?

Also, I'm just curious, could you give a minor description of the Sorceress and White Lady religions?

Sure, I will add those to Campaign Information.

I have updated the list of Arcane Feats in the game information, but much of it was converted on the fly, so I reserve the right to change the information there to better fit the game if needed.

Knowing more about the Solar Brotherhood would be nice as well.
I'll see if I can't find a good picture to go with my people.

Edit: I'm chill with doing the prologue.

Cool. I'll take a look at the Arcane Feats later tonight. Thanks.

I haven't played in an online campaign on the Paizo site before. I've looked over the FAQ but I'm not sure exactly how to set up my character for this game?

I went to Change Alias but it won't let me use my character name (says it's in use). Am I going about this correctly (maybe adding addition to the name) or should I be doing something else. Does anyone have some insight to share with me:)

I would suggest changing the way you spell your name. It should work then.

So basically no duplicate Aliases- Paizo should work on that. Thanks, I'll just add to the name:)

Yeah, feel free to just add a second profile to one of your aliases. You can divide it up by spoiler like I did with the Eldarith. :)

Thanks. I created the profile, just added a title to the name.

I just finished looking over the Arcane Feats and have a few comments/questions. Eragar, if you have any suggestions on them please feel free to share:) I'll post them separately.

Other than picking the final Feat, I'm pretty much ready to RP whenever you two are. Just let me know when, what you need from me before then, and how you want to do the intro.

As for images that might represent the type of location Morgul would have been raised in, here's my attempt to link some pics:)

LINK

LINK

LINK

LINK

Very nice.

Here are some questions/comments regarding some of the Arcane Feats. As it's early in the game I'm just listing the ones that are available to a 1st level character. These are just my thoughts but I'd love to hear what you guys think:)

Arcane Defiance

- What is the DC for the Mythos check? Perhaps it might be based on the opposing Caster Level (DC 10 + enemy CL). That would give a character about a 50/50 chance at avoiding a spell cast by an enemy of equal level (assuming the PC has maxed out Mythos)

- Also, any thoughts on making it an immediate action so that it can be used when magically attacked and not prepared for it?

- Does it just work against damaging spells as listed or can it be used against any spell?

- How long does the effect last if not used right away?

- With a Sanity and Wisdom drain of 2d6 I don't imagine that even the most powerful caster is likely to use it the CHA mod + 3 times a day that's allowed. Even defending against 3 spells in a day is going to cost 6d6 WIS damage (probably knocking the PC unconscious and leaving him defenseless). Any chance of reducing the costs on this or coming up with a formula? Maybe the drain might be equal to 1/2 the cost of the casting the enemy spell or 1d3 ability drain that can be distributed by the PC to any attribute?

Arcane Empowerment

- The formula to determine the DC for the Mythos check might need to be looked at. As it stands the DC goes up as the PC increases levels. As such a 1st level PC has the same chance as a 20th level PC at succeeding in the DC check (both needing to roll a 10 or higher, assuming Mythos is maxed out).

- The 1d6 Sanity drain per character level seems steep. With a 5th level character losing 5d6 (5 to 30) Sanity or a 13th level character losing 13d6 (13 to 78 Sanity), for example, the character isn't likely to be using it multiple times in a day (useable CHA Modifier x day) as presented. And with high level casters likely having lower Sanity due to higher Mythos ratings and powerful and possibly multiple castings, it seems they would be especially susceptible to dropping to 0 Sanity, perhaps after just one use.
Perhaps the drain could be a flat 1d6 or so and the Attribute Bonus can be based on Success on the Mythos roll?

- As PC's aren't likely to have more than 1 or 2 odd numbered Attributes in your game the benefit of a +1 to Attribute (at the cost of 3 Sanity) isn't likely to make a difference mechanically. This is especially true if the +1 bonuses have to be distributed evenly. For example, Eragar's character, Sorad, would benefit from the first +1 if added to Wisdom but would then need a total of +7 to attributes before a 2nd Attribute would gain an increase of 1 to it's Ability Modifier (at the cost of 21 Sanity, which at 6th level he'd have a 50/50 chance of rolling)
Perhaps it might be better to allow the PC to distribute the points as they wish but no more than +2 to an attribute until all Attributes are at +2 (after this the PC to add another +2 to an Attribute for a total of +4 and then following the same pattern)? Or have it based on the Mythos roll?

- The duration is 24 hours followed by 24 hours of Fatigue but with multiple uses (CHA Mod/ day) I'm not sure why someone would use it multiple times unless the effects of each use stack.

(This Feat is very appealing but I'm hard-pressed to pick it as it's written due to the high costs. I might have some suggestions but would love to hear from Stardust/Eragar before I try to come up with something)

Arcane Power

- The formula for the DC might need to be reworked. A 1st level character has the same chance as a 20th level character of succesfully using this Feat. Perhaps set the DC at 15 + desired bonus?

- Is there a cap on maximum bonuses allowed?

Arcane Reach

- When using a character's level as a modifier in determing DC's for his own chance at succeeding at a skill it keeps the chance of success static. The 1st level character has the same chance of success as a 20th level character. In this case, assuming Meditation is maxed, a 1st level character needs to roll a 16 (a 17 after adding Mythos) to beat the DC (16) and gain a pool of 1 Sanity. A 20th level character would need to roll a 16 as well (36 after adding Mythos 20) to beat the DC (35) and gain a pool of 1 Sanity. In both case the Sanity pool could never be larger than 5.

- How long does the Sanity Pool last? How many times a day can this Feat be used?

Arcane Strike

- Similar problem with the DC formula here (same chance of success for 1st and 20th). Perhaps removing the Class Level from the formula and raising the DC by 3 per Enhancement bonus? Or removing the base 10 and making the DC = 5 x the Enhancement bonus? Or even get rid of the Mythos roll but limit the bonus based on the Mythos score (maybe 1st-4th/+1, 5th-8th/+2, and so on)?

Yes, a number of these feats did not convert well on the fly. Most of them were based on the principal that meditation, concentration, and Mythos were selected skills rather than automatic ones. I know as a Moderator, its my job to change the rules as needed to fit the system, but you seem to have a good understanding of the type of campaign I'm going for and acknowledge the difficulty of using magic and arcane forces.

If you, Lithalis, would like to replicate any arcane feats for your character into a more managable form, I'll accept what you have completed. I'll be glad to work with any other questions you have after this if you like.

Let me know if this is okay. I hope this game will be more cooperative in its manufacture and interpretation so everyone can have fun, and now you can see why I was so hesitant to introduce the Arcane Feats. :P

If not, I'll look at them in a few days time when I have more energy. :P

Thanks, Stardust:)

Sorry for the delay everyone, both in Character Creation and recent postings. I'm down with the flu and my brain is functioning at less than optimal conditions.

To speed things up for now maybe I can get opinions/feedback on my last Feat choice from Eragar (and any other PC's that might be in the wings) and Stardust.

I'm torn on choosing a Bloodline Feat or starting with an Arcane Feat.

Background-wise Morgul's past is a mystery, having been taken away at birth for her safety and raised in isolation by a tight-lipped guardian. Discovering her heritage is something I'd like to play with in the game and lends itself well to a Bloodline Feat (though I'd prefer the surprise of discovering this in game as opposed to 'knowing' this early due to mechanics).

At the same time Morgul's spell/ability selections don't lend her towards being a strong combatant (though it's something I'd like to develop in game, balanced with support abilities). She has one spell that can be used in combat but it's effectively a 'cast and run' spell (if the party sticks around this could prove very dangerous for them) and physical combat is not her strong suit.

Although I'm not sure how the initial adventures will play out, considering the small size of the party, I don't want to have Morgul be, in a sense, 'dead weight' that Eragar's PC's and NPC will have to constantly protect until she gains a few levels and can then protect herself.

So I'm wondering if you guys might have an opinion/suggestion on final Feat selection for Morgul. I'm currently torn between the following-

Bloodline Feats-

(really open to most suggestions but the ones that might benefit her best are Bloodline of Voranthus, Faerie Bloodline, Purified Bloodline)

Arcane Feats- (I'm also open to any suggestions you might have that aren't listed)

Arcane Channel (some offensive abilities (very useful in a game where most damaging spells drain abilities/sanity), though best used when PC's aren't standing too close or when used with Selective Channeling Feat later on)

Arcane Empowerment (could raise her Attributes just enough to help her in a fight but not likely to be overly significant until higher levels and would require thinking over the mechanics of the Feat)

Arcane Reach (always good to have a Sanity 'Pool' for the 'cast and run' spell)

Sorry for the indecision. Once this is done I can post my character sheet and can post in game (barring my flu getting worse:)

I would go for either the Arcane Channel or Arcane Empowerment (Although I do have a question on that one--Is lost sanity not within a multiple of three ((aka. 5 or 1 or 17)) rounded up or rounded down when calculating the bonus provided?). But Arcane Reach could also prove very useful. (Also, taking the Purified Bloodline would still leave you plenty of opportunities to learn of your mysterious past: Who put you in the pillar of light? Why were you given that privilege? How come someone with that blessing ended up on her own?).
I suppose you'll probably want an order to those; I would say
Arcane Channel = Arcane Empowerment > Purified Bloodline > Arcane Reach. But I haven't looked into all the nuances extensively so I don't know for sure.

I really do like the idea of Morgul being a combative hindrance for the first couple of levels, though. I've never actually had the chance to play in a group where I had to protect the caster.

Thanks for the input and putting your suggestions in order:)

As you do like the idea of Morgul being a combative hindrance for the first few levels that helps to narrow down the choice (and it'll be fun to return to a game where the spellcasters are protected until they grow into their own). I also like your view on Sanctified Bloodline adding some extra flavor to the mystery of her past (and she might not even know where her boon came from until later in the game).

I'm going to make the final decision on Arcane Channel or Purified Bloodline (though I'm now leaning more to the latter) tonight after I've had a chance to rest and will have everything up tomorrow. Promise:)

Purified Bloodline
As an infant, you were passed through the column of divine light at the center of the Tower of Light on the island nation of Aenythis.
Benefit: You gain +1 hit point per level as a sacred bonus, and may cast light as a spell-like ability at will. Once per day, you are surrounded by an aura of light that provides a +4 deflection bonus to AC and +4 sacred bonus to saving throws for one round.
Special: You feel a strong compulsion to not engage or deal with creatures that have been Darkened. If you knowingly attempt to do so, you are struck with a blast of divine energy causing 1d6 nonlethal damage and sickening you until you have atoned for this deed by seeking out purification. If you are unaware that the character is Darkened, your aura of light will become visible (but provide no bonuses) while within 10 feet of the character.

what is 'Darkened'?

This doesn't necessarily mean Evil, does it? Are undead/evil outsiders considered 'Darkened'?

Does this mean the PC would have to run away from combat if attacked by the 'Darkened' or else suffer the penalty?

Character Sheet is done.

And, Stardust, nice gift:)

No, by engage, I mean become friends with, allies with (even temporarily). And in a world without alignment, darkened refers to those that have voluntarily given up sanity (reduced to 0 usually) and devoted themselves to the Dark Tower). The Darkened Forces are numerous but might include conjured demons (darkness and destructive type), and especially Brigands of the Dark Tower (about as common as orcs might be in an old D&D game).

Well, if we're all set, I think we should get this thing rolling. :)

Stardust, one question I just realized:

I'm going to need a little bit more information on the Solar Brotherhood. Could you tell me a tad more about it? Mostly the various edicts and commandments of the religion?

I've added some basic information about the order to the Campaign Information page. Anything beyond that you are free to make up or build as you go along. The main commandment is the preservation of the knowledge beneficial to the building and maintenance of communities. Other than that, to support communities and the laws of their rulers, but this is left to the individuals' interpretation.

While the structure of those who train at the temple is monastic in certain respects, and follows a hierarchy. Those who venture beyond the temple as either instructors, librarians, or missionaries are not strictly bound to the same orders.

Let's start then, I noticed the first post on the gameplay thread, but where are we in all of that? What's the backstory to get us to do what we're doing?

I'm assuming you are strangers to this land. The Solar Adept is a Eldarith, so he might be sent there by the Palace of the Moon in Jailasthain. Thats why I described the buildings. I kind of like the open-ended story telling mode, so I'm not defining what you should be doing. I leave that up to you. You can of course, voluntarily enter a contract with an NPC. But I try not to steamrail you places where you would not be likely to go. That's something I picked up from DMing Arcana Evolved for a time.

Thanks for the clarification, Stardust:)

I'm fine with an open-ended ST mode but, for introductions, is there anything you'd like from us? Should we, at some point, meet at certain place or will you take care of that and basically just have us post in the Gameplay thread whenever we're ready and however we'd like?

You find yourself outside the Citadel of Zenon. How you got there, and what you do now, and whether you know each other I'll leave to you. You can go into the Citadel, you can wander around outside it. You can meet each other, fight each other, argue with each other, become friends, lovers, or enemies... whatever it is your characters would do in this rustic, archaic environment.

Granted, there are levels of danger associated with each of those choices, but you don't have to worry about that really. Well, your characters might.

Eragar, I'm cool with Morgul knowing Sorad:)

Also, I added Description and Background to my Character Sheet.

My apologies for the delay everyone. I helped my parents clean out their garage today, so I am physically exhausted. Managed to stand on an ant hill for about 2 minutes holding something heavy to the point where I couldn't move. So I'm enflamed from the knees down. I will post soon, though. Sorry for the delay again.

No prob. I was doing schoolwork most of today anyway (Actually--That's a complete lie. I was playing flash games most of today ((Although I did finish my essay on the thematics of superstition in "the Adventures of Huckeberry Finn." Boy was that fun.)) ).

Definitely understandable, Stardust:) Had to work early and then deal with RL and now up for almost 24 hours. I'll have a post up in the morning.

In the meanwhile, I hope your leg feels better:)

I have begun crafting a much better resource document for this game. It's available here: AGAINST THE DARK TOWER

If you have any questions, let me know, and I will correct the document to reflect answered questions. I also apologize if anything published here is contradictory to what you were told before. I am trying to make it more succinct and manageable and convert it completely over to Pathfinder compatible rules.

Just wonder if we're waiting on anything right now.

Yep. Paizo was down for almost 24 hours for me. Couldn't get it to work.

Apologies to everyone. Real life is kicking me in the rear end right now. Can't get much done at the moment. May be out of commission for a week.

I hope it's nothing serious and that things ease up for you soon.