Any idea how many you'll be taking?Just so everyone knows I'm taking notes on characters and the process of evaluating the ones submitted so far is well under way. I think we are waiting for three submissions, bringing our total to 21.
21. The age of legal alcoholism in the USA. That seems appropriate...
Is in flux right now, but at the moment? Six*.
*Subject to change
I'm holding off on the tiny questions (less than 10 gold sort of stuff) til I find out if I'm selected or not but I had 2 kinda bigger questions that have a more significant impact on my build.
Crossbow Maven (Gunslinger - Bolt Ace 1) gives me a free Mwk Crossbow of my choice. If at all possible I'd like a Heavy Repeating Crossbow w/Crank. Both a heavy repeating and heavy crank cross bow are 400 gold each. Between the free Crossbow and the crank would this be...
- A) Not allowed to combine crank and repeating bows at all
- B) Cost 400 total, getting 1 for free and paying for the other
- C) 350 Gold because both Repeating and Crank are 350 gold above the cost of a regular Heavy Crossbow, suggesting that that is the cost of attachmenys
- D) Free because it is all technically 1 crossbow and combining the 2 gives me no dmg bonus, just some fluff and the equivalent bonus of a grappling hook on climb checks
- E) Something else all together
I'm bringing a normal combat trained Mount with me, a giant gecko. Not a special mount class feature, not a animal companion, not a familiar, just a normal riding animal combat trained so he doesn't run in a fight. Will he be allowed to level up? I have 0 interest in using it to attack, but currently he has 15 HP. By surviving in fights would he be allowed to gain HD or something by survive combat so he doesn't die just for being adjacent to me when a low level area of effect hits me?
1) Crossbow Maven: according to the text you get any crossbow. That's kind of surprising, but there it is.
2) Lizard: researching...
1) Crossbow Maven: according to the text you get any crossbow. That's kind of surprising, but there it is.
More surprising is that if I were a normal gunslinger and not a bolt ace I would get a free gun with a special broken condition so that only I could use it, and could only be sold for scrap, but all the same it is a minimum 1000 to maximum 2000 gold weapon at level 1. Personally I've always thought gunslinger would work better mechanically as a prestige class.
The lizard will not level. The best way to protect it would be the Mounted Combat feat.
The lizard will not level. The best way to protect it would be the Mounted Combat feat.
Noted, thank you
On the subject of mounts, how easily can a wizard control a mount they summon with the mount spell?
The magic section on conjurations says, "Creatures you conjure usually- but not always- obey your commands", which is kidof vague. Will I need to make a DC 20 ride check to ride it in combat? Will I need to use handle animal to direct it to do things? Will it run from undead or other creepy monsters?
On the subject of mounts, how easily can a wizard control a mount they summon with the mount spell?
The magic section on conjurations says, "Creatures you conjure usually- but not always- obey your commands", which is kidof vague. Will I need to make a DC 20 ride check to ride it in combat? Will I need to use handle animal to direct it to do things? Will it run from undead or other creepy monsters?
Yes to the assumptions above. That's designed more for faster overland travel than providing a combat mount.
I realize this might be an exercise in futility considering the amount of interest so far, BUT.. I would love the opportunity to play in this game, it sounds fab! I have a few years experience playing Pathfinder, but am new to PBP, I looked into it because I prefer 3rd person roleplaying, I'm not a quick thinker, but a deep one.
I realize this isn't a full character, but I wanted to post what I had before recruitment was closed.
Ideally I would like to play an Unchained Rogue/Magus (but could be convinced to change up my classes to swashbuckler/bard/sorcerer/wizard/oracle for party composition).
Party Role: Skill Monkey & Melee Combat
Althea Valentyn is a half-elf, half-Varisian who depends on her charm and quick thinking to get her out of most situations, but if that fails, there's always her trusty rapier and quick reflexes.
She was raised by her Varisian mother (who recently died in a family tragedy she isn't ready to speak about) and is on a personal quest to find her Elven father - all she knows is he was a powerful magic-user, and she has his signet ring he left for her. Her Varisian background has also given her a love of music, so she is always willing to provide vocal entertainment. She is also a follower of Desna.
She is adventuring to look for elven lore that will help her locate her mysterious father, as well as strengthen her abilities to hopefully avoid future tragedies. Her recent exploits include scaring off "Black Fang" from the Sandpoint area, and nearly dying of Filth Fever from a disgusting Troll (she's a bit racist, now).
Her skin is a lighter olive than most other Varisians, but her hair is thick and wavy enough to hide her pointed ears. When traveling she typically wears her kapenia scarf to cover them until she gets to know her travelling companions, or if there are other elves in the company. Her daywear is stereotypical Varisian garb, trending towards personal preferences of purple and red, but her leather armor is more elven in design. Average height and a bit on the thin side.
STR: 8
DEX: 18
Hell yeah I will keep those rolls!
Inspired
Hard to Kill
Haunting Regret (Death of mother)
Tough but fair.
What's your ruling on how hard it will be to prepare extracts throughout the day? It's supposed to take one minute, but if that minute is, say, interrupted, do I start over again?
And will I eventually run out of spell and alchemical components? I have two spell component pouches and two alchemist kit things, will that make it last longer?
Edit: for the new player, I recommend you check out this guide.
...for the new player, I recommend you check out this guide.
Thank you for the suggestion, but I am on top of that like flies on poop. ;) (Read it before applying)
Ooh, you know what you're doing. Have you seen this one yet?
I've been exchanging feedback with people, if you like I can review your character, so long as you review mine in exchange.
On that subject, I'm going to be posting a version of my backstory with my own notes, questions, and concerns layered in.
Oooh, no that one's new to me, I will check it out, thanks!
All I have for my character so far is what I posted, I will work on it overnight and hopefully have a (mostly) finished character by tomorrow, so then I would appreciate feedback (since I am pretty sure I understand the gestalt thing, but want to make absolutely sure).
Okay.
My main thing is that I read backstories, unless your character is some sort of monk multiclass thing I probably can't help you with your crunch.
Even then, I probably still can't do much more than suggest things about your character's fluff.
Ah, my fluff is pretty fine because it's a character I've played before. I like to keep it fairly simple though, to allow the character to grow during the campaign.
What's your ruling on how hard it will be to prepare extracts throughout the day? It's supposed to take one minute, but if that minute is, say, interrupted, do I start over again?
I'm vested in this as well. I would guess that it takes an uniterupted minute. The idea being that you and I don't get to spontaneous "alch-spell" cast but that we don't have to spend 15 minutes preparing unassigned spell slots like prepared casters do. The 1 minute designation is the equivalent to 10 rounds of combat. I'm guessing a good rule of thumb here would be, If we could take a 10 on a skill (no preassure situation) then we could effectivly spontaneous extract a free spot, but if we wouldn't be allowed to take a 10 in that situation then we probably couldn't make an extract that time, barring 10 rounds of desperation (concentration checks I would imagine) as we try to whip up the only option we have left.
As always of course, GM decides, just what I picture it as
Ideally I would like to play an Unchained Rogue/Magus (but could be convinced to change up my classes to swashbuckler/bard/sorcerer/wizard/oracle for party composition).Party Role: Skill Monkey & Melee Combat
** spoiler omitted **...
I promise I'm trying to be helpful before you get too far in and not just a critical dick, if your already aware please disregard with my apoligies. On your stat roll I didn't see any of your numbers dropped.
"STR: 8
DEX: 18
4d6 ⇒ (2, 6, 4, 5) = 17
4d6 ⇒ (1, 6, 3, 6) = 16
4d6 ⇒ (3, 3, 3, 4) = 13
4d6 ⇒ (4, 3, 1, 3) = 11"
The results of which are after dropping the lowest 15, 15, 10, 10 which is a point buy of 14.
Our generous GM has stated that we can do 1 full reroll and if we don't like either roll we can do a 15 point buy for the 4 rolled stats. So even if you rerolled these stats and would up something lower, you can then revert back to 15 point buy and have 15, 15, 11, 10 starting or any other configuration. Also you get +1 for being level 4. Essentially though there's no reason not to try an additional stat roll and if you end up not liking it your fallback would be a hair better than your current roll.
Again my apologies if you didn't want the advice but I wouldn't want anyone missing the opportunity to start stronger.
Sorry I was late to the show re: Party Roles.
Pharom is a healer, support caster, and mobile melee combatant. He can prepare as a full cleric, and is surprisingly durable given his decent AC and Opportune Parry and Riposte deeds. He's merciful, but not to a fault. He's decent at talking his way out of situations, but isn't afraid to shed blood if it comes to it.
Okey dokey, so while I was looking over this I had a bunch of thoughts. Then I was like, you know, it would be a good idea if someone were to hear these thoughts and give some of their own thoughts back, that'd be real helpful. So I wrote them down, hope you don't feel like this is super weird or something.
Every generation in the family as far back as anyone can remember had a wizard in it. It's what they did. Ugh, two sentences in and not a comma in sight. I feel like I'm doing something wrong here. Duilin, does he even need a name? I use it literally zero other times, but he's like, technically important or something. What do you think? Maglin's father, had taught at the Korvosan Academae for over two dozen years, and before that he had been a private instructor. So it was natural that when Maglin said he wanted to be an adventurer his wishes were ignored. He would learn magic, like those before him.
It was a long, dull life. Maglin showed far more promise than his father had, and when he put his mind to his studies he was without equal. But what was the point? There were good moments, it's true, when he solved a hard problem, but what did he get by learning magic? Is it fine that I'm asking two questions in a row? Whenever Maglin advanced he found that there was simply another problem, a harder problem, whose solution would evade him even longer than the previous one. Nothing was ever good enough, and Maglin could never seem to outdo the inflated expectations people had of him. See, here's the thing. That's been my experience with like basically everything. I tended to be somewhat above average and show promise but then not do exceptionally well, and it feels a bit like that's what I'm describing. But Maglin has a 20 int, so he's literally one of the smartest people alive, and that's not what I'm supposed to be describing for him. Which am I actually describing? No, Maglin prefered to be home alone, seated in a comfy chair by the fire, with a hearty meal and a good book. Too many adjectives! Ahhhhh! Next thing I know, the fire will be roaring, the grass will be green, and any interest I'd gotten in my writing will be gone. Do I need to cut an adjective from that last sentence? It was the stories that offered an escape which he loved most, those where the protagonist was swept away on an adventure to a far off land, just like Maglin had once wanted to do himself. Just like Maglin had once wanted to do himself, all the long years and one short paragraph ago. Is it too soon for this?
Maglin basically all my first sentences have Maglin in them, I only pick this one because it actually begins with Maglin. Any suggestions for a way to rewrite some of the first sentences so that they're more interesting, instead of just Maglin was a Maglining Maglin who Maglind his way to Maglin land? was sent to many different temples for education. Often, the temple priests would mix lessons about religion, about their god in particular, I hate that interjection. Do I need it? Can I rewrite this? into their regular teaching. But none of them could even satisfactorily answer his most important question: why should I care? As far as Maglin was concerned, acting as though the gods did not exist would not cause him to be any less happy than acting as though they did, and what else mattered? Seems like a fine attitude to me, but I just bet you that someone will disagree. Does it seem like Maglin's attitude? Factors to consider: 1) he's at least as smart as the smartest person you've ever known, probably smarter though. 2) he's growing up in a system of education where priests are the teachers. 3) He doesn't like doing unecessary things, like praying. There was something, perhaps, in the teachings of Gozreh, but Maglin felt that faith was a flawed one. It taught that nature was to be respected and held in awe, but the world Maglin grew up in was one of pavement and close buildings. Of flowers growing lonely and vulnerable, of plants clinging to a few handfuls of dirt collected in a corner, when I drive to school, I see the leaves and dirt are collected in the corner between the curb and the street. That's what I'm trying to describe here, any suggestions? of bare earth, whose grasses had been destroyed by constant foot traffic. That sentence was too long, wasn't it? or maybe it had too many adjectives? No, awe was not owed to these things, but tender care. Tender and gentle are synonyms, but I wanted to write "tender, gentle care" instead of just "tender care". If you had to rate the tenderness of the care here, would it be "really tender and gentle, like a baby brushing the morning dew off a leaf" or "tender"? And how can I make it be the first one without describing a stupid baby?
Oh, and also, that paragraph just happened. Someone gave a note asking about Maglin's attitude towards the gods, so I was like...where can I jam that into my backstory? But then I couldn't jam it in, so I had to uh...jelly it in using a new paragraph. Which might break up the flow of things too much. Basically, the next two paragraphs need to be adjacent, just look at the first sentence of each one. But the previous paragraph is about Maglin in school, and doesn't say anything about how he felt in school, which this next one does. It's like saying "bob did a thing, and formed this opinion about it." then next paragraph saying "bob felt this way while he was forming that opinion." My point is, does the organization of paragraphs make sense?
As he grew older, Maglin began to rebel in small ways. Sentence used to read "rebel in small ways that only he could see". I changed it because I didn't like the old one, was it fine or is it better now? He would often shirk his studies to read or to engage in simple, easy pleasures like gardening and cooking. Gardening makes sense, since we just had the whole thing about plants and we're about to get more. Cooking I never mention again. Is that odd? When the first of Maglin's plants bloomed green against the dark soil, it brought a tear to his eyes. So soft, so patient, it would never betray him. Remember how I asked about the paragraph structure? Did that previous sentence belong elsewhere? I'm using it to set up a different point which goes here, so it's serving a purpose, but that might not justify the inclusion, does it? But people, other people, how capricious and careless they were. I was like, other people, how...and then I thought for a while, and capricious was the word I wanted. Capricious is the perfect word and describes exactly one of the key reasons Maglin didn't like other people (which led to him being alone, which leads to him being lonely later in life, which is a huge part of his personality, so this is important). Then I was like, see, the reader doesn't know it took me a minute to think of this word, the reader doesn't know how perfect it is, they're just going to gloss over it and be like, capricious, yup, that's them next sentence please. So I used a thesaurus and it gave me careless, which I also like, but for slightly different reasons. So then I was like, maybe I can add in another note to clarify which adjective I actually mean by saying "Maglin didn't like that they let factors which were irellevant influence their decision making". But that's just god awful. What do I do? I could use the word fickle, but then it's like, Maglin didn't like that they were fickle, careless, and capricious. And then I might as well just take my thesaurus and hit the reader over the head with it and be like, hey man, did you know I've got a thesaurus, aren't I just the cleverest? So yeah, what do I do here? How do I emphasize this one stupid adjective? His classmates were loud, and their emotions came to the surface far too easily, not like Maglin. Maglin's parents did not appreciate outbursts, and anyway, it was always easy to bury his feelings down deep and proceed proceed? Proceed? "Yes doctor, continue with the procedure" the scientist said, tapping his Harvard diploma on the pretentious desktop material. Basically that's the only time I want to use that word, but how else do I say this? calmly. This was where all the frustration and anger at being forced into a life he had not chosen went, deep inside. Perhaps some was even directed at himself. Did I capitalize on this later? Does it make sense? He loves his wife because she accepts him, because she doesn't give him a reason to feel inadequate. Other reasons too, but this is the setup for that and I just bet I didn't deliver. Were you thinking of this at any time later on?
As Maglin grew older, his distaste with his daily life began to show. This line makes more sense if we went with the older version of the first sentence in the previous paragraph. Now does it make sense why I wanted to use it? Still sure the one you've advised me to use is correct? He set up his own private laboratory at the Academae, This is where we first learn that he's actually going to the Academae. But it was pretty clear he was going to in the first paragraph, right? So I don't need a boring half paragraph that's just like "he went to the Academae just like you guessed he would." and spent hours locked alone in it when he ought to have been attending classes. Often he already knew what was being taught, but from time to time he would fail in some small way, which his teachers would exaggerate. Maglin knew they felt threatened by him, Why did I include the bit about how the teachers are threatened and he knows it, you ask? Because I wanted to show how people react to him, just one of the reasons why Maglin is a bit of a misanthrope (who at the end goes in search of friends, which I think is clever and not contradictory). But is it worth it? It seems out of place. but he was becoming rather interested in his work at the laboratory. A friend he had began to create for himself, See letter 171. But is it too jarring? so that the days would be less lonely. Maglin enjoyed his own company, he enjoyed it very much, in fact, but he sometimes wished for someone to talk to. He rarely spoke with his parents anymore, and though he wasn't exactly unhappy, Maglin knew that he could be happier. There's a warning going off in the back of my mind when I read the last two sentences, but I don't know why. Maybe it has to do with the fact that the construction of these sentences is too similar? Maybe I'm just making stuff up? I think in an earlier draft I repeated a phrase in both sentences, and I'm just remembering that, but you don't have that memory, so you can tell me truly what's going on here.
After completing his experimentations, Maglin left the Academae. His parents were extremely dissapointed, but they never got a chance to tell him. They came home one day and he and all his possessions were simply gone; well look who it is, semicolon Mcfancypants. But I like it...I like it a lot. And I changed the other semicolon to a full colon, which it should've been all along, so I get to use my semicolon here, right? Or does it suck? no grand gesture or dramatic goodbye. That wouldn't have been like Maglin. Do I need to explain why or do you get it? And once he'd done that, he knew there was no turning back, to return after leaving so abruptly would have been somehow wrong. I wanted to say "somehow...wrong", but I used my ellipsis later on, where it's more important. Do I get a second, or is this already clear and strong enough?
Life outside the city went much better. And then a paragraph about why he moved to Riddleport. But 1) I want to let the reader know that life was better, and 2) this paragraph is supposed to be about why he moved to Riddleport. Can I just move that sentence down to the next paragraph and then replace it with, like, "Maglin moved to Riddleport"? He moved to Riddleport, where he would have a chance to study the enormous and ancient magical artifact known as the Cyphergate. Perhaps he had enjoyed some of the opportunities for study at the Academae, but only when there weren't other people constantly trying to step on his toes. Contradictory or clever? He's going to study the Cyphergate even though he ran away from home because he doesn't like studying magic.
But that's not why he ran away from home, and if you knew that already it was clever. But if you didn't then it's contradictory, and I need to add a sentence so that it's clever again. Deep down, Maglin knew there was another, deeper reason why he had chosen Riddleport. The city was rife with pirates and thieves, and the criminals of every sort would force him to keep his wits about him. This is another sentence, the one you read right before reading this one, where there's an alarm going off and I don't know quite why. Maybe it's because I use pirates, thieves, and criminals in the same sentence, but I don't think so. Those words all have different meaning, and besides, I can't think of a way not to use them all. Maybe it's because the first part before the comma just doesn't need to exist? You tell me if there's something wrong here. Maglin would perhaps be drawn into an adventure.
It was on his first foray out to the base of the Cyphergate that he met Lindir. She was, like him, an elven several people told me to specify if she was an elf. I literally added the word elven to a preexisting sentence without any more thought than that. Good? Bad? traveler from afar, who left her home town because she was the smartest person there. Haha, see how I just summarized the story so far? But then you, the reader, are probably thinking, what an idiot, that's not the story so far. Or maybe you're like, oh yeah, that's the story so far, how clever, I know Maglin so much better now that I see things from that light. Thoughts? After a short time together, both agreed that it was better if neither of them continue to study the cyphergate. They would only try to compare one another's findings and compete, which would invariably drive them apart. They would only...invariably. Technically two different expressions though, and they're describing different things, so...good enough? Or could it be better somehow? Simple pleasures and each other would be enough.
Wait, what? Wasn't the whole first part about how his life wasn't enough, and now he's just going to be like, well, I don't care that my life isn't enough anymore because sex. Or maybe the first part was about how he was driven away by the other humans, and now this is a good human who he can spend his life with? Which does it seem more like? In the next paragraph, I acknowledge this a bit, and I give a partial solution, which is that they get scared. And overall, I think it's fine, because then later I talk about their new lives, and it doesn't sound unsatisfying at all. But maybe I've just ruined the whole thing with that stupid line that does not reflect how real relationships work.
Well, almost enough, but a little adventure might prove sufficient. Lindir and he agreed that it was a bad idea, that it would endanger them. It didn't matter. Maybe they expected to be taught a lesson. This is a part of the solution to the above problem. Basically, they try their hand at adventure and decide it's not for them, they'd rather live. Which works really nicely considering that later on once Maglin's life becomes a lot less valuable he wants to adventure again, but the issue is that I now have two punchline short sentences in a row. Got a solution? They began to explore a nearby cave, and, to the surprise of neither of them, it proved to be a bad, dangerous idea. It wasn't the monsters, it was the tunnels with their twisting, maze like mazelike? passageways. Quickly the path was lost. Out of food, low on water, they pulled each other close in the long dark, huddled together in fading firelight. Does "huddled together in fading firelight" add anything? It gets synergy points because look at how long the next sentence is. It was three days before they escaped. Each made a promise on the other's life not to set foot where sun had never shone, unless need was great. Promise makes sense? Hammers home that reasonableness that I said was important in the personality section?
Together, they were happy. Maglin was a linguist, and never went without employment in Riddleport, where a false letter was as common as a thief. Where a false letter was as common as...and then I was like...wait...there's not actually a good thing to say here. Theif? Does it work, or is it bad? Could it be better? Lindir worked with animals, horses in particular. Maglin had always thought of horses as big, vulgar creatures, but he came to see them instead as intelligent and soft, pleasant to ride on after a day's work. I rode horses a few times when I was like five, but apart from that have no real experience on the subject. Is that a pun? Are they particularly unpleasant to ride? They would vanish into the countryside, he and Lindir, to dance and sing amongst the hemlocks, or climb hills on foggy days, when the world was only as big as they could see. Get it? Because his whole adolescent life there was pressure on him to excel, and now he gets to not have that? Or should I have set that up more? Or maybe I need an explanatory sentence? Things were not always as high high a good word to use here? I mean romantic, but in the sense that someone from the 19th century would use the word, which it wouldn't have here. and idyllic as they wished, they fought and had low points like any spouses, but through forty long years there was never a real end to their love. The great beauty was in the way that they accepted one another.
And then Lindir began to cough. They thought nothing of it, at first, but things worsened. Soon she had trouble eating, and stayed resting in bed resting in bed vs bedridden, your choice much of the time. They would go out, as often as they could, to visit Lindir's favorite horse. And even he is this pronoun confusing? Do we know without having to think that it refers to the horse? knew there was something deeply wrong with her, he could feel it in her weak, shivering hands on his mane, in how tightly Maglin's arm wrapped around her to keep her from falling. Maglin did his best. He cursed how easily he had taken life to be, and wished now that he had spent more time developing his magic, more time in the laboratory, perhaps there was a cure? Work began at a frantic pace, Maglin tried to determine all that he could, but it was no use. Why had they not amassed a greater fortune, so as to be able to seek out the most renowned clerics in all the land? Why did nothing work?
On the subject of renowned clerics, how easy do you think it would be to find someone who would cast resurrection for a fee? Keep an eye out over the next bit, see where I could stick in a story about how Maglin looked for one without ruining the immersion and emotion that I've got by now.
It was very cold, and empty. Maglin felt like a lost survivor in a new world after the first and real world had passed away, as though he was not real. There was no one to talk to. He would find himself thinking, I must tell Lindir this, and then he might as well have been a castaway on a barren island under a heedless sky. This is from letter 332. Thoughts on how I cite it? Probably just in the fluff notes section, right? It was a terrible bereavement. Maglin haunted the same house where she died for three months, yet it felt like three decades. He no longer worked as a linguist, for there was a pain in interacting with people: it reminded him that he was still alive. Good? Instead, he manufactured alchemical items and sold them in bulk to store owners that lived far away. Seems like a bad way to end this paragraph, talking about manufacturing instead of feelings.
And then one day Maglin woke up and found he was not afraid to think of Lindir any longer. Before, even the faintest reminder had been too great to bear, but now he wished that he had remembered more. He did not wish to forget. Her face, more beautiful now than a thousand sunsets, Her face, more beautiful then a generic beautiful thing. How profound! That was sarcasm, if you couldn't tell, but I can't think of a good beautiful thing to use here. Thoughts? her voice, now as soft and sweet as a gentle kiss of breeze on his face. He mixed a potion technically an extract, but we're immersed enough by now that it's a good use of the word, right? You just gloss right over it and don't think about how it's technically an extract? which would give him a lucid dream, and in it he visited her. They danced together then, till dawn, but just before he woke he saw that they only made one shadow. Spooky? Good? Maglin cried, he rarely cried, and had only done so just after she died, this makes it sound like he only cried that one time in his whole life, but that's just silly. Real people cry like, several times a year, or several dozen times a year if they're women (hooray repressed emotion!). My point is does this make it sound like that or not? but now he cried far harder, and for far longer. When he was done, he found himself oddly...still. Good ellipsis? Bad ellipsis? In all the time since she had died he had kept moving, kept busy, but now there was no reason to, for he no longer had anything to hide from. Or maybe run from? Your preference?
Maglin picked a book off the shelf and began to read. It reminded him of his childhood, of the days back before he met Lindir, when he had still lived at home with his parents. And something woke up inside of him, and he wished to go and explore the deepest caves he could find, and wear a sword instead of a walking stick. We're really just racking up the score at this point. If you don't know, this is like...at least the third Tolkien reference, I bet, although it kindof depends on how you count. This one's a bit more mainstream, too, so I bet when you read it you were like, "wait...hang on now, let me break my immersion for a bit while I remember this line." I need you to talk me into getting rid of it, otherwise, it'll stay. It would be dangerous, for sure, but the risk of not going, of continuing to sleep in the bed where she had died in his arms, was far greater. There was no use denying the rush of danger and combat, combat? You mean like the thing we do in the roleplaying game? Hand on a second while I try to get immersed again...or maybe it was fine? a rush he had turned away from because of danger. He had wanted to live more, then, then has a little red line under it, but it isn't supposed to be than here right? Am I crazy? he had valued the experience of being alive far more. But now Maglin had nothing else left, and dying was an acceptable risk. Should the semicolon be here instead? Am I allowed to use two?
Departing Riddleport on the Shackles bound I don't want to use a dash, okay? It's the principle of the thing at this point in my life. I want my last words to be, "hah, idiots,
you couldn't make me use a dash. Now go donate the billions of dollars I made while alive to uh...some organization that buys forests, and send in my unbelievably attractive wife." ship had felt good. The salty spray in his eyes, the shaky legs, the cramped conditions, there were problems. Maglin was good at solving problems. He made friends with the crew, temporary, fleeting friendships, for Maglin knew he would never speak to these men again. But he was alive and there was no denying it, and that was better. And perhaps, if he emerged from the Dungeon of Graves powerful and rich, he would be able to find someone capable of bringing her back to life. Perhaps. Remember how I told you to be vigilant? Well, this is the first opportunity I saw, and I hate it. But it ought to be here, it's better here than nowhere. Thoughts?
As he stood upon the brow of that ship, looking up at the first stars appearing in the night sky, Maglin knew that Lindir would be glad he was breaking his promise to her. Good ending? Bad ending?
So uh...yeah. Just like, respond to however many of those you feel like, in however much detail you want. I looked it back over, there's a whole lot, don't feel obligated to respond to everything I say. If you say nothing, probably nothing will change.
If you want to be extra special awesome, and uh...get no tangible reward, you can summarize Maglin's personality. Should probably check out the personality and fluff stuff sections of my character page first.
...On your stat roll I didn't see any of your numbers dropped.
Yeah, thank you for pointing that out, I actually realized that awhile ago but had to get off the computer, and haven't had a chance to remedy it yet.
reroll:
=7
=8
=16
=8
...so yeah, point-buy it will need to be then. 16, 13, 12, 10 I think.
Although after perusing the rest of this thread, it seems we need another Rogue like another hole in the head. Hmm.
...On your stat roll I didn't see any of your numbers dropped.Yeah, thank you for pointing that out, I actually realized that awhile ago but had to get off the computer, and haven't had a chance to remedy it yet.
reroll:
[dice=]4d6 =7
[dice=]4d6 =8
[dice=]4d6 =16
[dice=]4d6 =8
...so yeah, point-buy it will need to be then. 16, 13, 12, 10 I think.Although after perusing the rest of this thread, it seems we need another Rogue like another hole in the head. Hmm.
With the lvl 4 +1 Ability Enhancement that could be balanced to total of 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18.
We do seem to be skilled heavy, but I haven't seen anyone with a poison focus. Of course that might be because we're told to expect demons and undead which tend to be strong on that.
I also haven't seen many 'dashing' rogues. I think we have a cleric but I haven't seen any strong CHA types which can totally play into a rogue build, especially with gestalt. I know CHA can be the bane of undead types, so it would be nifty to see high DPS undead killer. Something like a ninja priest.
Okay, I have added links to all of Catarya Utanbe's feats, traits, spells, classes, and archetypes. Also added a Personality and Appearance section. Aside from mundane gear (which I will pick up if I am picked) she is done.
Looking forward to the selection! Good luck everyone!
** spoiler omitted **...
I think it is better than ever now.
Thank you for your review and input!
Now, let's try to repay a bit.
- NPC names. Always good to have them, make a story more ... real. Even if they do not make an appear again.
- Always something more / Int 20: I think this is very real. Regardless how intelligent you get, there is always more to learn. The world is (even without magic and 'real' gods) a place so wondrous and big - no way a human can EVER know all about it. So I don't think this off.
-Gods: Aren't gods in Pathfinder very real, so real that you hardly can NOT believe in them? So maybe it's not their existence that sits ... awkward (?) with Maglin, but the matter of praying for them? Like with our religions, really. I believe in god (of some kind, but certainly not in the shape of an old man sitting upon a cloud or something) - but why should I go to a church to pray for him?
- "where a false letter was as common as a ..." How about something more ... metaphoric? Like "rope on a ship." -> so literally EVERYWHERE
- "Contradictory or clever?" -> Clever. It was HIS choice, not his parents, so who cares if it what his parents MAY HAVE WANT him to do?
- Resurrection: Has a hefty material price (10k gold diamond) and you need at least a lvl 13 cleric to cast it. You had to find one able and willing to (likely you would have to travel to a Metropolis to find one), and then he may charge another 1k+ for his service. Maybe that could be an interesting hook for your motivation? Get together that much fortune? Or maybe you were already able to find one capable of the spell, but he send you on this quest - idk to prove yourself worthy of such a 'gift from the gods' or something?
- " himself oddly...still". My choice would have been 'calm' instead. Maybe you could incorporate the silence that he notices for the very first time in all its depth since her death?
- "rush of danger and combat" -> maybe battle or fighting instead?
- "He had wanted to live more, then, ..." Actually I'm not really sure what you say in that sentence at all. But as far as I recall it, 'then' is used in a timely manner, 'than' if you compare something. So likely 'than' it is here?
- Ending: see 'resurrection' above. I think that could be a really powerful motivation!
I found out, that I could choose 1/2 crit confirmation bonus (max +5) as favored class bonus, instead of giving +1HP to Emily.
Any thoughts?
I am tempered to take the confirmation bonus, since it helps with crit fishing...
Okay, I have added links to all of Catarya Utanbe's feats, traits, spells, classes, and archetypes. Also added a Personality and Appearance section. Aside from mundane gear (which I will pick up if I am picked) she is done.
Looking forward to the selection! Good luck everyone!
I was a Warpriest of Pharasma in a campaign that ended just a couple months ago! I loved it so much I almost chose the Gray Lady for my deity in this campaign.
I found out, that I could choose 1/2 crit confirmation bonus (max +5) as favored class bonus, instead of giving +1HP to Emily.
Any thoughts?
I am tempered to take the confirmation bonus, since it helps with crit fishing...
I think I would only do it if you planned on building too that, somehow getting a crit expansion on the Claws.
Right now Emily scores a Crit attempt on a Nat 20, which is a 1 in 20 Chance. If we assume that our baddies have an AC of 20, Emily needs to Roll a 13 to Confirm that hit. That's 8 in 20 for Success and 12 in 20 for failure.
8 in 400 (2%) Attacks against AC 20 should confirm a Crit and result in an extra 4-5 DMG on Average
12 in 400 (3%) Attacks against AC 20 should threaten a Crit but not confirm
140 in 400 (35%) Attacks wont result in a Critical threat AC 20, but will hit
240 in 400 (60%) Attacks wont hit at all against AC 20
Adding +2 to confirm Crit adds 0.5% chance of a Crit success against AC 20. So the question is against AC 20 would you rather have an extra 0.5% chance to add 4-5 DMG to your attack roll, or would you rather have an extra 4 HP all the time?
Of course these numbers get a lot better if you can get Keen on a natural weapon (I think that's possible) and against Lower AC. I can show you the math but basically
Crit Confirm +2
AC 15 4.3% becomes 5%
AC 20 4% becomes 4.5%
AC 25 0.6% becomes 1%
The crazy thing is even as Emily gets stronger, the difference in % stays the same. Of course if you do FCB to level 8 this doubles, but it's still a small increase in likelihood of some not very high damage. All of this doubles still if you can build Emily's crit range to 19-20/x2
Actually, just for fun before bed I did this. I may or may not do analytics for a living....
Value of a +2 to confirm a critical hit with a critical threat of 20
AC 10 = 1.00% Difference
AC 11 = 0.91% Difference
AC 12 = 0.83% Difference
AC 13 = 0.77% Difference
AC 14 = 0.71% Difference
AC 15 = 0.67% Difference
AC 16 = 0.63% Difference
AC 17 = 0.59% Difference
AC 18 = 0.56% Difference
AC 19 = 0.53% Difference
AC 20 = 0.50% Difference
AC 21 = 0.48% Difference
AC 22 = 0.45% Difference
AC 23 = 0.43% Difference
AC 24 = 0.42% Difference
AC 25 = 0.40% Difference
On a 19-20 Range with a +5 the range goes from 5% to 2% I think, haven't confirmed yet, headed to bed
Your assumed AC of 20 is average for a monster of CR 7
That's fitting I think. I'm guessing Choon isn't hoping for a TPK on day 1, but I'm guessing the gestalt .5 will likely give us a 25% boost to our CR, group of 6, CR+1 at least. I'm guessing an adequate challenge for us sits around CR 6 ish. A lot if assumptions here of course.
Truth be told I'm a little worried, my build is, by the numbers, far from optimized. I've had the idea of a explosion and artillery based dwarf kicking around in my head though for awhile and I'm hoping it'll be a fun play all the same. I rolled well too, but I played into a CHA of 6 because otherwise I would have 0 weakness, and I've found weaknesses are often more fun then strengths.
Best yet if things get real hairy my mutagenesis could potentially push that down to 4 temporarily which is the CHA of a badger. I've been practicing what that would look like especially with 18 INT and 19 WIS.
Wow thanks for the math hammer. But in fact the bonus I was talking is for Simon not for Emily.
It's ether +2 crit confirmation for me or +4HP for Emily at this point.
He uses (two) kuris with 18-20 threat range each.
We hit better AC if fighting together (always count as flanking if adjacent and flanking bonus increase to +4).
In addition, if I confirm a crit both me and Emily will get a free attack, so that should be way more than 5 damage.
I also haven't seen many 'dashing' rogues. I think we have a cleric but I haven't seen any strong CHA types which can totally play into a rogue build, especially with gestalt. I know CHA can be the bane of undead types, so it would be nifty to see high DPS undead killer. Something like a ninja priest.
That concept intrigues me very much, I like it, but am not 100% sure I could make it work. Might be spreading myself too thin on required Ability Scores, I'll look into it though, thanks for the suggestion!
...I played into a CHA of 6 because otherwise I would have 0 weakness, and I've found weaknesses are often more fun then strengths.
Best yet if things get real hairy my mutagenesis could potentially push that down to 4 temporarily which is the CHA of a badger. I've been practicing what that would look like especially with 18 INT and 19 WIS.
You could just be really, REALLY awkward and blunt with no concept of social graces whatsoever? Could be fun to roleplay.
I thought I'd have time to put together a character yesterday but it turned out to be a really busy day! So I will respectfully withdraw. Good luck to all of the applicants, and don't go down the well!
Wow thanks for the math hammer. But in fact the bonus I was talking is for Simon not for Emily.
It's ether +2 crit confirmation for me or +4HP for Emily at this point.He uses (two) kuris with 18-20 threat range each.
We hit better AC if fighting together (always count as flanking if adjacent and flanking bonus increase to +4).
In addition, if I confirm a crit both me and Emily will get a free attack, so that should be way more than 5 damage.
Ah! Now that is much more fascinating. So because we're measuring the difference between have +2 to confirm the hit or not it doesn't actually matter if your flanking or what your ATK bonus is. If the difference is 3% than it holds true whether we're talking 5% chance improved to 8% or 40% improved to 43%. I can pull what the actual are 2 if you like, but here's the short of it. It is early though so forgive any small margin of error.
AC 10 = 3% Difference
AC 11 = 2.72% Difference
AC 12 = 2.5% Difference
AC 13 = 2.30% Difference
AC 14 = 2.14% Difference
AC 15 = 2% Difference
AC 16 = 1.87% Difference
AC 17 = 1.76% Difference
AC 18 = 1.66% Difference
AC 19 = 1.57% Difference
AC 20 = 1.5% Difference
AC 21 = 1.42% Difference
AC 22 = 1.36% Difference
AC 23 = 1.30% Difference
AC 24 = 1.25% Difference
AC 25 = 1.2% Difference
AC 10 = 7.5% Difference
AC 11 = 6.81% Difference
AC 12 = 6.25% Difference
AC 13 = 5.76% Difference
AC 14 = 5.35% Difference
AC 15 = 5% Difference
AC 16 = 4.68% Difference
AC 17 = 4.41% Difference
AC 18 = 4.16% Difference
AC 19 = 3.94% Difference
AC 20 = 3.75% Difference
AC 21 = 3.57% Difference
AC 22 = 3.40% Difference
AC 23 = 3.26% Difference
AC 24 = 3.12% Difference
AC 25 = 3% Difference
And once more with Keen Kukri
AC 10 = 6% Difference
AC 11 = 5.45% Difference
AC 12 = 5% Difference
AC 13 = 4.61% Difference
AC 14 = 4.28% Difference
AC 15 = 4% Difference
AC 16 = 3.75% Difference
AC 17 = 3.52% Difference
AC 18 = 3.33% Difference
AC 19 = 3.15% Difference
AC 20 = 3% Difference
AC 21 = 2.85% Difference
AC 22 = 2.72% Difference
AC 23 = 2.60% Difference
AC 24 = 2.5% Difference
AC 25 = 2.4% Difference
AC 10 = 15% Difference
AC 11 = 13.6% Difference
AC 12 = 12.5% Difference
AC 13 = 11.5% Difference
AC 14 = 10.7% Difference
AC 15 = 10% Difference
AC 16 = 9.37% Difference
AC 17 = 8.82% Difference
AC 18 = 8.33% Difference
AC 19 = 7.89% Difference
AC 20 = 7.5% Difference
AC 21 = 7.14% Difference
AC 22 = 6.81% Difference
AC 23 = 6.52% Difference
AC 24 = 6.25% Difference
AC 25 = 6% Difference
Also these are the odds of hitting a Crit and confirming against AC 100 / even things you could never hit, assuming a nat 20 rules apply to the confirmation roll (we usually house rule that a critical threat always succeeds, so not 100% sure on this)
Crit Range 20-20 = 0.25%
Crit Range 19-20 = 1.00%
Crit Range 18-20 = 2.25%
Crit Range 17-20 = 4.00%
Crit Range 16-20 = 6.25%
Crit Range 15-20 = 9.00%
You could just be really, REALLY awkward and blunt with no concept of social graces whatsoever? Could be fun to roleplay....I played into a CHA of 6 because otherwise I would have 0 weakness, and I've found weaknesses are often more fun then strengths.
Best yet if things get real hairy my mutagenesis could potentially push that down to 4 temporarily which is the CHA of a badger. I've been practicing what that would look like especially with 18 INT and 19 WIS.
Turns out it's even worse.. CHA 6 is badger or a troll, CHA 4 is weasel or dire rat
Inspirations so far Include (many robots)
K-2SO (Rogue One) and C-3PO (Rest of Star Wars)
Marvin w/less depression (Hitchhiker's Guide)
Steven Wright (Comedian)
Vaarsuvius (Order of the Stick)
Sheldon Cooper but less charming (Big Bang Theory)
Data and 7 of 9 (Star Trek)
If my CHA does drop to 4 I think I'll have to go full non verbal, kinda looking forward to that haha
Khouri P. posting as my character, still in progress though.
And DW Duck, I love your inspirations, that sounds awesome.
Weaknesses make characters fun. I can't wait to play Pharom with his strength of 8, trying to figure out how to move a corpse or lift a heavy secret door.
I'm fairly into Cha, even though my casting is Wis based, so I'll likely be bumping it and doing some Channel Energy stuff to help with Undead.
I think Pharom is inspired by a bizarre amalgamation of old cowboy stories, Lawrence of Arabia, and Wolfwood from Trigun (for people who have seen it). Not a huge amount of grand-scale ambition, just a wicked wanderlust and a need to do good.
I'm fairly into Cha, even though my casting is Wis based, so I'll likely be bumping it and doing some Channel Energy stuff to help with Undead.
I think Pharom is inspired by a bizarre amalgamation of old cowboy stories, Lawrence of Arabia, and Wolfwood from Trigun (for people who have seen it). Not a huge amount of grand-scale ambition, just a wicked wanderlust and a need to do good.
Wolfwood was my favorite part of that show!
I'm looking forward to playing the straight man / butt of the joke to any charismatic players
And thank you @Althea/Khouri
So, I have a much more fully-formed roleplay character with my Rogue Althea, but after looking at the rest of the builds and trying to come up with something that hasn't been done yet, I can instead build a Paladin/Skald support/CM character but I have very little roleplay background for that one yet (thinking Ulfen human sailor from Land of the Linnorm Kings, basically a Viking).
Suggestions? Stick with the one I started and hope for the best, or push forward with the unique one?
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So, I have a much more fully-formed roleplay character with my Rogue Althea, but after looking at the rest of the builds and trying to come up with something that hasn't been done yet, I can instead build a Paladin/Skald support/CM character but I have very little roleplay background for that one yet (thinking Ulfen human sailor from Land of the Linnorm Kings, basically a Viking).
Suggestions? Stick with the one I started and hope for the best, or push forward with the unique one?
I recuse myself from comment. :)
I'm fairly into Cha, even though my casting is Wis based, so I'll likely be bumping it and doing some Channel Energy stuff to help with Undead.
What exactly are you planning on doing to my undead army? The very same army that sweep through Rappan Athuk before us in a glorious wave of victory. That's how it works in Vuzi's head. More likely she'll get into heated discussion with the other characters about why we can't do just that and keep our souls intact.
Suggestions? Stick with the one I started and hope for the best, or push forward with the unique one?
It's really what you want to do. I've had good luck getting into games submitting a character that fills a role that was missing in a recruitment.
On the other hand if you don't connect with a character, it makes the RP difficult.
Thank you for your opinion CariMac, that helps. :) I think I can twist the new one into something fun if I make her more Celtic-themed than Scandinavian.
Character Inspirations: Historical Pirate-Queen Grace O'Malley and fictional Ce'Nedra from David Eddings's Garion novel series.
Khouri, here are my thoughts:
1. Unique isn't always good. Sometimes things are popular because they hit on fundamentally interesting tropes, and explore them in uncommon ways.
2. Skalds are sort of weird because so many people use different stats (I use Dex, Lord Foul uses Wis, etc.) so they're frankly just more of a liability than a CRB out-the-box Bard.
3. Getting accepted with a character you don't like is the same as someone you're not that into agreeing to go on a date with you. It might be fun for a bit, maybe? But is it really worth it in the long-run, or are you going to be out like $40 and a night of your life for a mediocre time?
Khouri, here are my thoughts:
1. Unique isn't always good. Sometimes things are popular because they hit on fundamentally interesting tropes, and explore them in uncommon ways.
2. Skalds are sort of weird because so many people use different stats (I use Dex, Lord Foul uses Wis, etc.) so they're frankly just more of a liability than a CRB out-the-box Bard.
3. Getting accepted with a character you don't like is the same as someone you're not that into agreeing to go on a date with you. It might be fun for a bit, maybe? But is it really worth it in the long-run, or are you going to be out like $40 and a night of your life for a mediocre time?
1. Hmm. I will have to ponder that.
2. I was going to go with CHA/STR. I will check out bard again.3. LOL, great example. I think I figured out a way to tweak it that I can make it fun for me to play, too.
Also I just saw the Player Guide that had been posted earlier, I will read that tonight, it might help with direction.
This is Khouri posting what I have on my secondary character idea.
Khouri, here are my thoughts:
1. Unique isn't always good. Sometimes things are popular because they hit on fundamentally interesting tropes, and explore them in uncommon ways.
2. Skalds are sort of weird because so many people use different stats (I use Dex, Lord Foul uses Wis, etc.) so they're frankly just more of a liability than a CRB out-the-box Bard.
3. Getting accepted with a character you don't like is the same as someone you're not that into agreeing to go on a date with you. It might be fun for a bit, maybe? But is it really worth it in the long-run, or are you going to be out like $40 and a night of your life for a mediocre time?1. Hmm. I will have to ponder that.
2. I was going to go with CHA/STR. I will check out bard again.
3. LOL, great example. I think I figured out a way to tweak it that I can make it fun for me to play, too.Also I just saw the Player Guide that had been posted earlier, I will read that tonight, it might help with direction.
1. True, but with potential 6 players and gestalt everyone is grabbing a class and a half, effectively 9 classes are represented. This is kind of a moot point to me. With that much around we have no excuse not to cover unique roles.
3. Agreed, fun is the most important, but I look for new types to play for the challenge.2. Easy Fix. Skalds are weird, but weird can work. I think this combo could be pretty vicious. We're talking tank from a holy hell with a mega brute general who constantly makes everyone better at what they do
STR/CHA Build
Half-Orc Paladin 4
Undersized Mount Feat
Orc Warcat Mount
Small, Agile and build around charge with Lance (just need 2 squares in a straight line and you get double damage), Swap to Melee and jump off cat for instant flanking partner.
Go straight Pally for bonuses against Evil or Holy Tactician Archetype and be able to give all your 5ish team mates bonus feats
When your mount goes largr, get enlarge person perm'd on you increase damage output by 50%
Gestalt with a Skald with Spell Warrior Archetype
You become a hardcore counter speller without wasting or needing tons of spells
Your basic song doesn't boost people's stats, it boosts their weapons. This gets stronger in time, but basically gives everyone a few rounds of magic weapon all at once
Magical knack trait would give bonus to both sides of this build.
Intimidate Prowess / Large Size / Half Orc puts a maxed Intimidate skill at +23 ish by level 7, which has powerhouse usage at range both in and put of combat
Khouri, here are my thoughts:
1. Unique isn't always good. Sometimes things are popular because they hit on fundamentally interesting tropes, and explore them in uncommon ways.
2. Skalds are sort of weird because so many people use different stats (I use Dex, Lord Foul uses Wis, etc.) so they're frankly just more of a liability than a CRB out-the-box Bard.
3. Getting accepted with a character you don't like is the same as someone you're not that into agreeing to go on a date with you. It might be fun for a bit, maybe? But is it really worth it in the long-run, or are you going to be out like $40 and a night of your life for a mediocre time?1. Hmm. I will have to ponder that.
2. I was going to go with CHA/STR. I will check out bard again.
3. LOL, great example. I think I figured out a way to tweak it that I can make it fun for me to play, too.Also I just saw the Player Guide that had been posted earlier, I will read that tonight, it might help with direction.
1. True, but with potential 6 players and gestalt everyone is grabbing a class and a half, effectively 9 classes are represented. This is kind of a moot point to me. With that much around we have no excuse not to cover unique roles.
3. Agreed, fun is the most important, but I look for new types to play for the challenge.2. Easy Fix. Skalds are weird, but weird can work. I think this combo could be pretty vicious. We're talking tank from a holy hell with a mega brute general who constantly makes everyone better at what they do
STR/CHA Build
Half-Orc Paladin 4
Undersized Mount Feat
Orc Warcat Mount
Small, Agile and build around charge with Lance (just need 2 squares in a straight line and you get double damage), Swap to Melee and jump off cat for instant flanking partner.
Go straight Pally for bonuses against Evil or Holy Tactician Archetype and be able to give all your 5ish team mates bonus feats
When your mount goes largr, get enlarge person perm'd on you...
I should clarify, I didn't mean "Unique" in terms of class selection, I meant in terms of "character theme"/competency/basic personality, etc. I understand there will be a bunch of people dipping even more classes, etc. but Khouri seemed to indicate that the Paladin/Skald idea was essentially one that s/he was less into than the other, but was considering for submission specifically on the grounds of weirdness/uniqueness.
I also agree that looking for new ways to play is one of the more rewarding parts of the game - exactly why I built Pharom, for example.
That Skald/Paladin build actually looks hella fun. The best use of the class I've seen yet :D
Right? If I get in an no one else takes this char (please don't hesitate to do so, I would be very honored if anyone did!) I would almost look forward to bringing him in if/when Dalkk dies. I've wanted to play a charger for awhile, but most games I've played in aren't worth the Palladin, not alot of undead evil types
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Public service announcement:
The final chapter of The All Guardsman Party is out! If you know of it in not sure why you're still reading this. If you don't, go read. It's probably the best campaign journal ever written. If you're finished already, feel my jealousy. FEEL IT. :D
Oh I feel it Choon.
I read it this morning in my train-ride to work.
Made my day.
So hard, I needed like half an hour to concentrate on my work again *haha*