Age of Worms: Dawn of a New Age in Golarion

Game Master Luis Loza

None of you are safe from the doom, from the Age of Worms. The end is in sight and none of you shall be spared.

Hello, everyone! This is but my second attempt at being a PbP GM. My other PbP is homebrew Golarion spacefaring adventure. As much as I love that one, I've also had the itch to run Age of Worms for some time now. I figured I'd share it with my favorite RPG messageboard.

For those not in the know, Age of Worms is the second of Paizo's adventure paths, originally published in Dungeon Magazine. It is filled with memorable allies, great villains, and dangerous locales. Also, it is tough as adamantine! Be prepared for dangerous traps and even more dangerous enemies. There is a large amount of dunegon crawling, but there will also be a good amount of urban adventure, outdoor exploration, and even some social intrigue. There's something here for everyone. The only catch is that you have to survive to see it!

Age of Worms was originally set in the Greyhawk campaign setting, but I'm transplanting it over to Golarion for this run, specifically in Varisia. This means some names will change and some locations will be added or revised to fit the needs of the campaign. In order to accomadate this, I will be starting the campaign in 4735 A.R. which is about 20 years from modern day. The campaign has some assumption as to how time has progressed which you'll learn and experience first-hand.

What I'm expecting is an experience leaning a bit more in favor of role-play. It's hopefully three parts roll-play to five parts role-play. Combat and exploration will have to be very matter-of-fact from my end, due to the dangerous nature of the adventure. I will be doing my best to post at least once a day and would expect the same of you.

Now, the part that you're most wondering about, the character creation guidelines.

Character Requirements

• Level 1 Character

• 20 Point-Buy

• All Core Races as well aasimar and tiefling

• All Core and Base Classes Available (Core, APG, UC, UM) except Summoner

• Two traits (I will provide campaign traits that you may choose from)

• Max health every level

• No limit on dump or maxed stats at character creation

• No starting gold or starting gear except an artisan's outfit, peasant's outfit, soldier's uniform, or traveler's outfit

The recruitment starts now! Recruitment is open until Wednesday, February 6th at 7 PM US Central Time, with players decided on Friday, February 4th at 7PM. I will be taken in five players of my chossing based on arbritary qualifications. However, I will do my best to complete a well-rounded adventuring party. Best of luck to all! Hop to it!

And here are the campaign traits you may choose from.

How heavy is the writing? (For me, the heavier the better. I'm all right going a few months at a time without combat.) What are your expectations regarding writing quality? (This is the Kingmaker campaign I run. I hope to see similar dedication from all the players as I get in that game.)

It seems that the most basic plot of Age of Worms is "end times prophecy cult makes a run for it." Is that right? I don't know if it is my imagination, but I sense a Lovecraftian feel to the whole thing.

No starting gear at all - including weapons?

My writing is normally rather light. Here is my narrative postings from my other campaign for comparison. However, if there is enough of a request, I will definitely add to my writing to match everyone else.

Age of Worms is more "an ancient prophecy has been discovered and is already in motion" kind of AP.

Yes, there is no starting gear at all. If you read the campaign traits, all of them imply being broke and having no other options.

This sounds interesting. I have never played on these forums, but I am familiar with PbP. I know nothing about Age of Worms, but I have been itching to play a sunder specialist pole-arm fighter. Will see about working up a character.

Very interesting... I've heard some neat things about this, and I'd love to give it a shot. I'll probably go rogue, or another skill-monkey type, since I love doing those.

I have played a bit of the Whispering Cairn before but unless you mind donato, I can keep player and character knowledge separate.

Anyway here is Ulfak the druid. He will be going full spellcaster, although he should be handy in a fight, especially if you allow us to use the ARG. If not, no worries I can change that around some.

Also Ulfak has a goblin trait but it fits him perfectly, let me know what you think.

Cheers

EDIT: As for the start, looking forward to seeing how you handle our poverty.

I'm in, and I like that you have set in Varisia.

Hmmm, decisions, decisions.

I don't know anything about Golarion or Age of Worms, but I can post often and love making new characters.
Firearm level? Magic level? Will the PCs get resources eventually? Like, standard level?

I don't know anything about Golarion or Age of Worms, but I can post often and love making new characters.

Firearm level? Magic level? Will the PCs get resources eventually? Like, standard level?

Firearms are at default for Golarion, which is emerging guns. Magic is default for Golarion, which is standard to high magic. Yes, you will eventually get resources. Don't worry.

Very cool! I've wanted to play this for a long time. I remember it coming out in Dungeon magazine. All I know about the campaign is what you said here + that it involved undead/Kyuss (I think).

Me as a player: I'm in my early 30s, playing D&D since way back when it was 1st edition but happily moved on to 3.5 and PF (don't like 4 at all). I am committed to the games I play in. I was in a weekly real-life RotRL campaign every week for 1 year (then we moved). Prior to this I played an email RPG for 2 years until one day the DM disappeared (I kid you not). Currently I am playing in a PBP campaign of Rappan Athuk here . Unless I am on vacation or out-of-town for work (and I will give ample notice) there is a 100% chance I can post everyday and about a 95% chance I can post 2-3x/day. As far as my play style, I personally like to get along with others and design my characters the same way. That's not to say that they are all LG push-overs, but we are engaging in collaborative story-telling. It makes sense for our players to have common goals and trust one another since we are literally putting our lives in other people's hands.

Couple questions I had about the game - are you allowing 3.5 classes (thinking of Warlock, Dragonfire Adept, Swordsage or Binder) or is it just PF? Any psionics? For character creation purposes, what would be the purpose we are in Varisia (and where would we be)? Finally is there any stuff from Advanced Race Guide that is allowable? I just really want to play a dwarf with different (or no) stat adjustments that moves 30'/round! (Have a great concept for a dwarf monk/ninja).

Anyways, sorry for all the questions and thanks for putting together this game!

Anyways, sorry for all the questions and thanks for putting together this game!

I'm going with PF only for this game. The reason you are in Varisia is your own. However, I ask that you have your character in a bad spot and now residing in the small mining village of Diamond Lake. Take a look at the sample traits for some inspiration. As for your dwarf, feel free to use the ARG alternate traits and archetypes.

Hm, I am definitely interested. I am leaning towards an idea for a staff magus at this point, filling in the scholarly warrior kind of archetype. Campaign trait aside, how much of a backstory would you like submitted?

Dotting for a gnome of some kind... just need to ride the muse and see where I end up with it.

Hm, I am definitely interested. I am leaning towards an idea for a staff magus at this point, filling in the scholarly warrior kind of archetype. Campaign trait aside, how much of a backstory would you like submitted?

As much as you like. Once the players are picked, I'm going to be working on tying people together a bit more, so a basic back story is fine.

Thanks for the quick response. I will likely submit two characters - that way you can see what works best for party balance.

Interested. Want to play an aasimar. Probably something on the front lines. Cleric or paladin. Working on it today I'll update tonight.

Doomed Hero here.

Vedic is a character from a another game that ended before it got off the ground. I don't know much about the module, but I know it starts with a puzzle-licious dungeon crawl.

I think he'd fit right in with the campaign.

He's an Admixture Evoker specializing in Fire and Ice. His background contains a lot of story hooks that could be woven into any plot and give him a very good reason for going anywhere the story leads.

Please let me know what you think.

Hmm - current thoughts run to the following:

Gnomish Paladin of Shelyn with the Sacred Shield and Warrior of the Holy Light archetypes.

Will chuck up some crunch and fluff later on to support said concept.

Some preliminary crunch and a short background for my submission, one Derrick Tramsen, a thief and blade for your pleasure entertainment.

I've got the seeds of a backstory and the crunch for sorcerer that I was planning on using to go to Eldricht Knight. The stats are in this alias. I realize that it's a little on the cheesy side, but I promise that I will try and deliver the Role-Play to make it an interesting character.

Just an FYI, the campaign traits are optional. If you'd rather choose something else, feel free to do so, but make sure to refer to the traits as an inspiritaion for a proper hook to the campaign.

Working up Luca.

i realize you mentioned no starting gear and we'd soon have resources

but any chance i can still have my starting broken pistol, just no resources for bullet buying/making?

if not, will I be able to acquire a broken pistol soon?

Ok, this looks interesting.... I've always heard about this AP,but never seen it....

So far,looks like the interest is:

Talliree - Sorcerer (moving toward Eldritch Knight)
Loup Blanc - Rogue (Burglar)
Mark Sweetman - Gnome Paladin
Doomed Hero - Wizard (Admixture Evoker)
True Repentance - Aasimar Cleric or Paladin
Red Mage - unknown
French Wolf - Human Druid
Skail - Pole Arm fighter

I'm thinking of a Fighter (Unarmed) with the Miner trait.

Working up Luca.

i realize you mentioned no starting gear and we'd soon have resources

but any chance i can still have my starting broken pistol, just no resources for bullet buying/making?

if not, will I be able to acquire a broken pistol soon?

Based on what classes end up in the game, I'll make sure to accomodate you appropriately. (Spell component pouches, spellbooks, broken gun, mounts, etc.)

Luca Shaw wrote:

Working up Luca.

i realize you mentioned no starting gear and we'd soon have resources

but any chance i can still have my starting broken pistol, just no resources for bullet buying/making?

if not, will I be able to acquire a broken pistol soon?

Based on what classes end up in the game, I'll make sure to accomodate you appropriately. (Spell component pouches, spellbooks, broken gun, mounts, etc.)

gotcha, crunch is mostly done

Interesting take on Age of Worms. Very interested to do the path, and I'm currently thinking about playing a bard with the Vagabond trait. Literally singing for his supper. Race? Not sure yet. Half-elf seems appropriate.

True Repentance her with an Aasimar Paladin. Basic stats up.
Going with Angel-Blooded (+2strength and charisma) if you will allow.
They seem to fit well with Varisia and being a paladin.

Backstory basic idea is that he has lost his parents while young and this caused him to want to be a paladin. After becoming a paladin he found the one/group that killed his parents and breaks his paladin code in some way (need to find an appropriate reason, perhaps he killed them, suggestions?). So for the last while he has been stripped of his paladinhood and serving his atonement out in diamond lake. He could have just reattained to paladin or be about to at the beginning of this game. Let me know what you think?

Luck wasn't always in the cards. Though Joao was pretty convinced that it was in her. When she reasoned it out, it all made sense to her, at least. Growing up in Riddleport as she did, she venerated Lady Luck like most, but she was pretty sure the eyes of the Lady were on her more often than not. If she had been inclined towards the clergy, she was pretty sure that serving would have been her calling, but the spin of the wheel, the sound of the cards, the rattle of the bones... They called much louder than the hymns of the church and the sermons of the street preachers ever since she was tall enough to see over the table or hold the dice.

Home became the gambling dens. Sure, you could be riding high and a bad hand puts you low before you realize it, but there was always a way back up if you were clever-- or lucky. She was both. One night of dancing could get her starting stakes back, and after that.. The tables knew her name, and she knew their song. So she grew.

Even Lady Luck has to look elsewhere from time to time, however, and one could get so used to winning that they forget to listen to the cards. "What goes up must come down", gravity saw to that. A spot of bad luck, a debt bigger than a week of dancing could cover, and an impatient bookie with a chip on his shoulder forced a vacation on her terms before he could make her work on his. A small trip, a short vacation, and she would be back with the money (plus interest, of course). After all, with a name like "Diamond Lake", the Lady had to be smiling down at her!

May I present:
Joao Marcos - Monk(Maneuver Master)
Traits: Fast-Talker, Riddleport Runaway
Feats: Defiant Luck, Inexplicable Luck

Deatur walked the long path to Diamond Lake with a common branch he found in the woods to serve as his walking stick. How had he fallen so far? And now he was walking, walking to a place he had only heard in rumors. He had nothing but what he carried in his head, the training of his body and what he had left of his guts, which were strongly complaining due to want of proper food.

He had never been a pretty man, nor a talented man, but through discipline of mind and body he was able to become more than other more gifted individuals with less perseverance. And just as he made it through his grueling childhood and recent troubles, he would regain his lost status. Even if doing so would require more years of toil and struggle. But he would not be deterred. For him there were no other way.

Here is a Staff Magus for your Perusal I think I will go with the travelers outfit and a quarterstaff (because they are free). I've always wanted to make one of these, and it has been pretty fun.

"Got a copper t' spare, friend? Times is hard, they is, and I just wants to get enough to buy some hot soup before I 'eads off. Sorry if the smell offends, but I 'aven't quite been able to affords a bath in awhile. There's a pool near the river I sometimes bathes in, but it's been proper cold to do that of late.

"Oh, bless ye, friend, that should be just enough for some soup. If'n I tells you a story, would you spare enough for some bread to goes with it? Alright, 'ows about a tale of forbidden romance, between an elven diplomat and a 'uman bandit? There was this elf, see, from Kyonin o' course, and 'e 'ad several wagons o' silk travelling through contested lands. They was jumped by brigands, an' they was the proper sort o' ruffian - fought to subdue rather than kill, but made off with the choice goods as quick as you like.

"Well, this made the elf madder than a chicken trying to squeeze out a square egg, so's he wents back to Kyonin, found hisself some elfin warriors, and went back to that forest with a fury. Went to go find him these brigands what stole his stuff, he did, and as skillful as the bandits were in the woods, elfs is always better. Found 'em right quick, an' demands that the leader return his goods an' remit hisself to elf justice. The bandit leader approaches, an' removes 'er 'elm, and 'er long, flaxen locks flow out. She refuses to return the goods, sayin' 'er people needs it more than the elfs do.

"Well, somethin' 'appens to the elf, it does. 'E says 'e doesn't need the goods no more, but instead wants the bandit queen to return something else. And that be 'is 'eart, which she just stole. Well, she rolls 'er eyes at this foolishness, but the elfs go ahead and leave. The diplomat continues sending 'is wagons through the area, and the bandits keep stealing from 'im, recognizing an easy mark when they sees it. But the elf, now 'e's a crafty one. 'E's been getting to find out about the bandit queen, and he's been leaving items that would attract her attention in his caravan. Eventually, 'e goes back to 'er, and professes 'is love for 'er.

"One thing leads to another, an' soon the bandit queen's got an elf bastard in 'er. Well, time passes, an 'er elf lover moves on - elfs an' their flights of fancy, don't you know. The child gets born, an' she raises 'im best she can. Then some lawmen get tired of the bandits, an' drive them all off. The lad's mother dies. Just the way o' the world, it is.

"So 'e wanders. Travels wherever 'e can, not spending much time in one place or another. Begs for what scraps honest folk can give 'im. All 'e's got is 'is gift for story-tellin', an' what bits of copper that can get 'im. It's an 'ard life 'e's got, but it's the life 'e was dealt.

"Thanks for the coppers, friend! Might even have enough for a mug o' cider with my bread and soup now. Blessings to you an' yours!"

Devris, Half-elf Bard
Traits: Vagabond, Cheap to Feed

I'll build him more fully if selected.

May I present Clacent of the Forest.

He was found by a group of wandering elves, abandoned near their campsite. Fearing that the child won't survive on his own, they took care of him and trained him on the ways of the forest, eventually he became a proficient hunter. Later on during their journey, they faced off against a monstrous fiend which is more than they could handle. Clacent was defeated and thrown off the waterfall by his mentor as a last ditch effort to at least have one of their group survive. He found his way to a small mining village near diamond lake, in which he currently is resides.

If chosen, would it be much if I can ask what type of creatures will we encounter in most of the adventure path?

Are campaign traits required or just suggested?

Dream-Called Doesn't the +1 to fear checks not do anything? I'm guessing it's a further +1 or something along those lines.

I'm looking at a Human (archer) Cleric of Erastil that's focused on the home and it's meaning to people. I'll work on a sheet as time goes by.

Dotting this for interest, Age of Worms sounds pretty cool, and this might be my only chance to ever get to see it.

I still have a bit of work to do on a character, for now I'm leaning towards an inquisitor, or possibly a cleric.

I jumped into an Age of Worms pbp, which shortly after the GM jumped ship and so did everyone else! So I'd like to see this campaign from the beginning and see how it plays out.

I present to you Frulamin Milhner, a Gnome Druid. Basic backstory is that he grew up with both parents, among druids and has learned to love the natural world and a good prank from the time he was a child. He's prone to wander and finds his home with anything natural, beautiful, and mischievous! He wants more, however. More adventure, more experience, and even a little more danger. He's willing to go anywhere and do anything. His love for the natural world spurs him on to see more of it, to go to distant lands that he may have only heard of in stories. He serves no god but nature and himself, and he'll follow anyone that will help him to see the more that he's looking for.

Obviously I'd like to make a few changes based on what we are starting with, but this is what I've got for now.

Interested as well. Thinking Wolfnar half-orc fighter with the ex-convict.Already have 90% of back story made. If he isnt chosen I can always use him in another game.

Have a bit of an internet problem at the moment so the alias is forthcoming, but here is the crunch and fluff for my tiefling alchemist, Visago.

I have extracts picked out for future reference, since he does not have his formulae book.

Color me interested. Working on a Barbarian or Oracle that will dip into the other class before Rage Prophet.

Interested as well. Thinking Wolfnar half-orc fighter with the ex-convict.Already have 90% of back story made. If he isnt chosen I can always use him in another game.

If chosen, would it be much if I can ask what type of creatures will we encounter in most of the adventure path?

There will be plenty of undead, plus aberrations, dragons, monstrous humanoids, and humanoids.

Are campaign traits required or just suggested?

Dream-Called Doesn't the +1 to fear checks not do anything? I'm guessing it's a further +1 or something along those lines.

Traits are suggested.

As for the bonus against fear, I meant for it be to be something akin to the fighter's bravery.

+1 bonus on Will saves against fear

But the trait already includes a +1 bonus to Will saves, and trait bonuses don't stack. So the only way the second part of the trait would ever come into play is if you're making a Fort or Ref save vs. fear, which I don't think exists. I think that's what twilsemail is pointing out.

I'm working on a Tengu Fighter (Brawler). I'll start with natural attacks, but I might eventually go sword & board with a scizore. We'll have to see how that goes.

And trait bonuses don't stack, sure, but you can write it however you like in your head. You have the RAI right there. It's +1 Will +1 additional vs Fear.

I might just take it too. A fighter with extra will save AND extra bravery sounds nice.

Greetings I have been a GM for the past 5 years and looking for some good ‘ole role-playing as a player. I have started learning the Pathfinder Universe about a year ago. I have not used any of the pre-generated campaigns yet so I wouldn’t have much insight into campaign. I am new to PbP, though I have had online courses which are similar. As a teacher you know what my hours are, thus my nights are pretty open.

I would like to introduce Saronis, a Wood Elf (if you would allow, or just a High Elf).

“Greetings, I am a master crafter of Elven blades. Though, my pride has gotten me into this indecent predicament.” As he slumps to the ground during his break at Diamond Lake mining village he continues, “I can craft nearly anything, though without my father’s grandiose crafting hammer it becomes a monotonous process to create the tools for the miners. I would be preferring to make weapons and armor, though that can only be done in secret. No, no, no! I did not steal product nor did I truly commit any crime, though that nobleman heard me boasting of my skills and instead of paying me he sent me here, for that exquisite blade. Though it was not Elvencraft it still sang well for me, with three necks slit the other four guards knocked me out. How unfair of them, I hope to repay them one day. Perhaps you can help me with that? Hmmmmm…”

Saronis is a Fighter, hoping to become a Grandmaster with the Elven Courtblade, with some exotic weapon master levels if possible. With his father’s plans and secrets he plans to recreate the Elvencraft Courtblade (1d10, x2, 18-20 threat). (See Dwarvencraft in Races of Stone)

His father always spun tales about how he was a great hero and saved his home town, though he was a fighter in his own right it was the story of another. His father was a great craftsman and more expert levels than fighter. Many would argue that he was a bard with that musical voice and great story telling.

Saronis is Chaotic Good and charges into battle without abandon with true friends at his back. On his own, he knows to take it slowly and see all he can before exposing himself. He loves the company of others and would prefer to spend a night laughing, telling stories, or in bed with one of his few loves. Not for sure which trait would be good for him, perhaps I will leave that to you. :)

If nothing else, perhaps I can be another GM to through ideas at, I know I miss that, and get around the ropes of PbP.

Alright, here's Tekket, wild Tengu brawler. As it turns out, I doubt I'll end up doing much with any real weapons. I've found some really great options for expanding his natural attacks for levels to come. There's not much more than meets the eye, just a wildborn, half-civilized, close-quarters mauler with a keen eye, a sharp claw, and a penchant for survival. I may dip some Monk (Martial Artist) or even Barbarian later.
Background & crunch in the profile.

It bothers me a bit that the Tengu has become the go-to for Natural Attack builds. I kinda wish that the "savage animalistic warrior" concept wasn't dominated by the guy who flaps around scratching things with their feet. It just seems undignified somehow.

I'm not knocking your concept D-Kal. I'm just rambling, no offense meant.

Loup again, posting in with an alternate entry compared to Derrick Tramsen. Here I give you Lysariel Dawnleaf, an elven alchemist with the vivisectionist and chirurgeon archetypes. While Derrick will eventually become the consummate sneak, adept at hiding his presence, picking pockets, and disarming traps, Lysariel combines some stealth and trapfinding with a touch of magic, and starting at 2nd level, he has an essentially unlimited supply of cure infusions to help with healing. Lysariel's also probably the more flavorful of the characters, although I'll be fleshing either out if one gets picked.

Also, if multiple submissions is a no-go, I'll withdraw one or the other.

To the Tengu applicant... not to speak for the GM, but they specified core races plus Aasimar and Tiefling only.

Working on a Tiefling White Necromancer right now. From what I know about Age of Worms, it should be quite interesting.