
Black Dow: DM O' The North |

Okay guys... Its been a while and we've flogged this horse somewhat over the last few years... I've come to a very reluctant and sad realisation that I just can afford the time and energy right now to run a game... My creativity and enthusiasm has been hit with somewhat of a malaise and losing key players like Meowz and Drayen (for the second time) does little to help.
You chosen few have hardly been gifted by me with a game worthy of your characters and creativity - this is and will remain a vanity project for me... a game that was to harken back to halcyon days while encompassing a brave new world and as such the bar I set myself was very high and when not delivered it became somewhat of an albatross, a reminder that I'm failing a very loyal and gifted group of players...
So with huge regret and reluctance I'm going to chalk my Iobarian Saga down to the annuls of Campaign history :(
"Never say never" as maybe, just maybe, when schedules and stars align it may return one day far down the line... and if it does I will put out the call to you all first and foremost. But I don't want to keep you all hanging on so is probably best for everyone that we call it a day.
Thank you one and all for some of the most fun gaming I've been lucky to run. On occasion you made my pet project take on Godzilla proportions, and for that alone I've been blessed.
Truly hope to play alongside you all down the line (or continue to for some :) and as/when it happens run you a game truly worthy of the Sagas...
Tusen Takk and Tìoraidh an-dràsta

Black Dow: DM O' The North |

A mere 2 and one half months on and this saga still rankles me... still kindles a spark of unfinished promise and stories still to be told.
I'll PM those of you who once played, who once indulged me and see if there is any such spirit left amongst you? Meowz and Drayen, two of my favourite muses have dropped off the radar and I regret that if there is a chance to proceed it may be without Muli and Disa.
Of Ragnar, Luke, Frerin and Skol I can only wonder...
If you are still out in the wilds and wish to share this journey once again, come sit by the fire so we may talk of days of high adventure, and stories still to be told...

Black Dow: DM O' The North |

Have tried to avoid getting sucked into 5E to be honest, but what I've seen of it, its a return to form for D&D.
Know Ragnar is set is steinn, but if there's anything (either) of you want to change up - please do. Lots been put on the table since we last rolled the bones.
Will check if Frerin and Skol are still in the mix or if we're rustling up some (more) new blodd.

Black Dow: DM O' The North |

Cool - have PM'd Frerin and Skol's players... nothing back as yet so will give them until Friday before putting the call out.
Will likely retro-fit the clearing of the cannibal nest; you'll encounter some survivors - some of whom Frerin and Skol will escort back to Hálbriden, whilst some others may be cajoled into joining your quest.
We'll definitely need some divine and arcane spell casters of some description, and a skills monkey to assist/compliment Luke might be a shout as well. Thoughts on a post card are welcomed lads.

DM-Salsa |

Hello, this is the GM for the CotCT game. I'm thinking of a druid with a wolf companion, but I still need to read the gameplay thread. That said, I'm in several games, but a couple of them are kinda in zombie mode right now. I GM several games as well, so I would like to think that would help make me fairly good at creating and RPing characters.
Anyway, going to find a good place to curl up and read.

AdamWarnock |

Cool, because I've had this idea snowballing in my head for a bit, and wanted to know what you thought.
My character would be an Erutaki from the Crown of the World. Her clan exiled her or her parents (Still thinking about this part,) and she spends several years wandering northern Avistan before finding herself in Iobaria. She is a druid or oracle (gotta review this option to see if it has what I want in an archetype,) or possibly a Shaman if that's okay with our Cuddly DM. She would be cold, distant, and possibly a little defensive at first, but she'd warm up to the others as she got to know them.
As for appearance, I'll leave that for when I have better grasp on her story.

AdamWarnock |

@ Ragnar: Same person. DM-Salsa is just my GMing alias.
I have and I'm actually considering it place of the Shaman. (Shamans, sadly, do not get access to the wolfy goodness.) That said, I'm still considering going Druid. It's really up to what the GM says about allowing the Hunter class.

AdamWarnock |

Alrighty, I've caught up and I've got an idea about what I'd like to do. I'll be PMing GMBD about some of the stuff I have in mind, but here's the rough sketch.
She's a young, but gifted, hunter with a white-furred wolf as her companion. The wolf is already big for a wolf, and is still growing. Her role would be ranged and flanking support with some healing and debuffs/offensive spells.
Personality wise, she's a boisterous wise-woman. Her time wandering her has given her some insight into the nature of things, and her time among the Ulfen has given her a zeal for life that seems at odds with her sagely demeanor.
Any suggestions, thoughts, or pot shots? ;)

Black Dow |

Adam - work was a drain today... offshore issues never cease to amaze - I'll just say that rust is the best damn containment know to man :)
Ahem.
As for the character I'll answer your PM more fully - but aye Hunter is cool with me. Quite the Green Party you lot lol.
Concept wise she looks and feels right for the game... The hybrid classes are still an untapped and untried resource to me, so I'll easy listen to any pros/cons of the Hunter etc, but like the idea of the buffer/support whose wolf-tag team will cause me headaches lol.
Not seeing much other interest so I'll rattle some other cages... likewise if anyone springs to mind in the copious games you lot are involved with the feel free to sound the horn.
Skal

AdamWarnock |
1 person marked this as a favorite. |

I give you Sesi, an exiled Erutaki aasimar and her companion, Snow Paw. I'll probably make some adjustments to her gear and still need to pick a campaign trait, but here she is for all to see.
Sesi
Female agathion-blooded aasimar (idyllkin) hunter 3 (Pathfinder RPG Advanced Class Guide 26, Pathfinder RPG Advanced Race Guide 84)
NG Medium outsider (native)
Init +3; Senses darkvision 60 ft.; Perception +8
--------------------
Defense
--------------------
AC 17, touch 13, flat-footed 14 (+4 armor, +3 Dex)
hp 21 (3d8+3)
Fort +4 (+2 circumstance bonus vs. cold weather), Ref +6, Will +3
Resist acid 5, cold 5, electricity 5
--------------------
Offense
--------------------
Speed 30 ft. (20 ft. in armor)
Melee mwk longspear +4 (1d8+1/×3) or
. . mwk spear +4 (1d8+1/×3)
Ranged mwk composite longbow +6 (1d8+1/×3)
Spell-Like Abilities (CL 3rd; concentration +4)
. . 1/day—summon nature's ally II
Hunter Spells Known (CL 3rd; concentration +5)
. . 1st (4/day)—cure light wounds, endure elements, hunter's howl[APG] (DC 13), magic fang, summon nature's ally I
. . 0 (at will)—create water, detect magic, light, mending, purify food and drink (DC 12), spark[APG] (DC 12)
--------------------
Statistics
--------------------
Str 12, Dex 16, Con 12, Int 10, Wis 15, Cha 13
Base Atk +2; CMB +3; CMD 16
Feats Outflank[APG], Point-blank Shot, Precise Shot, Stealth Synergy[UC]
Traits eyes of the wild
Skills Acrobatics +0 (-4 to jump), Craft (bows) +6, Handle Animal +9, Intimidate +5, Knowledge (geography) +5, Knowledge (nature) +5, Linguistics +2, Perception +8 (+10 in natural settings), Spellcraft +4, Stealth +6, Survival +10; Racial Modifiers +2 Handle Animal, +2 Survival
Languages Celestial, Common, Erutaki, Skald
SQ animal companion (wolf named Snow Paw), animal focus (3 minutes/day), hunter tactics, nature training, track +1, wild empathy +4
Combat Gear potion of cure light wounds (4), potion of endure elements; Other Gear +1 studded leather, arrows (40), mwk composite longbow (+1 Str), mwk longspear, mwk spear, furs, jewelry, masterwork artisan's tools, masterwork backpack, silk rope (50 ft.), trail rations (4), waterskin (2), 330 gp
--------------------
Special Abilities
--------------------
Animal Companion (animal companion (wolf named Snow Paw)) (Ex) If no current companion, summon nature's ally spells last 1 min/level but only 1 at a time.
Animal Companion Link (Ex) You have a link with your Animal Companion.
Animal Focus (3 minutes/day) (Su) As a swift action, gain bonuses from emulated animal(s). If no companion, +1 slots.
Darkvision (60 feet) You can see in the dark (black and white vision only).
Energy Resistance, Acid (5) You have the specified Energy Resistance against Acid attacks.
Energy Resistance, Cold (5) You have the specified Energy Resistance against Cold attacks.
Energy Resistance, Electricity (5) You have the specified Energy Resistance against Electricity attacks.
Eyes of the Wild You spend enough time in the wilderness that you are attuned to its ways. You gain a +2 trait bonus on Perception checks in natural settings.
Furs +2 Fort vs. Cold Weather (does not stack with Survival skill's bonuses)
Hunter Tactics (Ex) Animal companion also gains the bonus teamwork feats, but doesn't need to meet pre-reqs.
Outflank Increase flank bonus by +2 if flanking ally has same feat. If you crit, ally gets an AoO.
Point-Blank Shot +1 to attack and damage rolls with ranged weapons at up to 30 feet.
Precise Shot You don't get -4 to hit when shooting or throwing into melee.
Share Spells with Companion (Ex) Can cast spells with a target of "you" on animal companion, as touch spells.
Stealth Synergy Take the highest roll made by you and your allies on Stealth checks
Track +1 Add the listed bonus to survival checks made to track.
Wild Empathy +4 (Ex) Improve the attitude of an animal, as if using Diplomacy.
Snow Paw
Male wolf
N Medium animal
Init +3; Senses low-light vision, scent; Perception +6
--------------------
Defense
--------------------
AC 18, touch 13, flat-footed 15 (+3 Dex, +5 natural)
hp 22 (+9)
Fort +5, Ref +6, Will +2
Defensive Abilities evasion
--------------------
Offense
--------------------
Speed 50 ft.
Melee bite +4 (1d6+3)
--------------------
Statistics
--------------------
Str 14, Dex 16, Con 15, Int 2, Wis 12, Cha 6
Base Atk +2; CMB +4; CMD 17 (21 vs. trip)
Feats Improved Natural Armor, Outflank[APG], Stealth Synergy[UC], Toughness
Tricks Attack, Attack, Attack Any Target, Come, Defend, Down, Heel, Stay, Track
Skills Acrobatics +3 (+11 to jump), Perception +6, Stealth +7; Racial Modifiers +4 to survival when tracking by scent
SQ animal focus, attack, attack any target, come, defend, down, heel, stay, track
--------------------
Special Abilities
--------------------
+4 to Survival when tracking by Scent +4 to Survival when tracking by Scent.
Animal Focus (Su) As a swift action, gain bonuses from emulated animal(s).
Attack [Trick] The animal will attack on command.
Attack Any Target [Trick] The animal will attack any creature on command.
Bat (60 feet) (Su) When assuming this aspect, gain darkvision with listed range, or blindsense at higher levels.
Come [Trick] The animal will come to you on command.
Defend [Trick] The animal will defend you.
Down [Trick] The animal will break off combat on command.
Evasion (Ex) No damage on successful reflex save.
Heel [Trick] The animal will follow you.
Low-Light Vision See twice as far as a human in low light, distinguishing color and detail.
Outflank Increase flank bonus by +2 if flanking ally has same feat. If you crit, ally gets an AoO.
Scent (Ex) Detect opponents within 15+ feet by sense of smell.
Stay [Trick] The animal will stay where it is.
Stealth Synergy Take the highest roll made by you and your allies on Stealth checks
Track [Trick] The animal will track a scent.
Trip (Ex) You can make a trip attempt on a successful attack.
Sesi was born to a couple in an isolated clan in the Crown of the World. Her birth was seen as a bad sign due to her strange appearance. After her parents died while hunting, she was cast out of the clan at barely five years old. She wandered the bitterly cold tundra for a while, before collapsing from thirst and hunger. She awoke in the den of a giant arctic wolf, her cubs nuzzled up to her and keeping her warm. The spirits of the wild took pity on Sesi and sustained her while she slept the winter away. With the arrival of spring, she left the Crown of the world with a young cub, her new companion, in tow. They learned to hunt in the Lands of the Linnorm Kings before heading south and east.
Sesi spent the next several years drifting from place to place. Her skill with the bow and her companion, Snow Paw, helping her to survive. She wandered the Grungir Forest and slept in Moonwing's Bough before heading east, and through Irresen, where she learned to hate the Jadwiga and their minions. From there she headed south skirting the Hold of Belkzen and passed through Lastwall, helping where she could before crossing the massive Lake Encarthan to Razmiran. She made few friends and more than one or two enemies after a drunken incident with one of the priest and three female acolytes. From there she traveled the River Kingdoms and through Brevoy into Iobaria.
The young hunter's personality is an odd mix of a druid's solemnity and the ulfen's boisterousness, which Snow Paw emulates with glee. She could be sharing a bawdy joke one moment before heading off to pray for guidance and balance in her journeys.
-Scratching behind her ears causes her to blush bright red and squirm. It also serves as a handy way to get her to shut up. (Just be prepared for the consequences of doing this.)
-She sleeps using Snow Paw's warm belly as a pillow. He's got a thick pelt, so it's extra cushy.
-She wears thick, wool clothing under a layer of furs. Her boots are thick furs and leather bound with cured leather straps.
-She likes to always have an even number of arrows, and tends to get fidgety when she has an odd number.

Black Dow |

Had a quick look over her - thumbs up at first glance Adam. Will run the rule over her properly over the weekend as I've some time for once (Mrs Black Dow and the Mighty Red Hund are off doing dog agility training... :)
As for Campaign Traits - Ken of the Kodlok, Kodlak-blōd or Touch of Frost probably fit best as she's an Outlander.
We'll sort the details of how she came to be captured by the Hinderlanders and where Snow Paw has been in the interim..
Regardless as a survivor she'll have earned the following Iobarian Saga Achievement Trait:
You have survived the larder of the Hinderlings through a combination of tenacity, toughness and edgy guile.
Benefit: +2 trait bonus to Perception checks to avoid being surprised.
Additionally once per day you can delay the onset of fatigue effects for your CON or WIS bonus (whichever is greatest) in rounds (minimum of 1).

AdamWarnock |

Okay, I think she's ready for prime time. Lemme know what you think.
Sesi
Female agathion-blooded aasimar (idyllkin) hunter 3 (Pathfinder RPG Advanced Class Guide 26, Pathfinder RPG Advanced Race Guide 84)
NG Medium outsider (native)
Init +3; Senses darkvision 60 ft.; Perception +8
--------------------
Defense
--------------------
AC 17, touch 13, flat-footed 14 (+4 armor, +3 Dex)
hp 21 (3d8+3)
Fort +4 (+2 circumstance bonus vs. cold weather), Ref +6, Will +3
Resist acid 5, cold 5, electricity 5
--------------------
Offense
--------------------
Speed 30 ft. (20 ft. in armor)
Melee mwk cold iron gladius +4 (1d6+1/19-20) or
. . mwk longspear +4 (1d8+1/×3) or
. . mwk spear +4 (1d8+1/×3)
Ranged mwk composite longbow +6 (1d8+1/×3)
Spell-Like Abilities (CL 3rd; concentration +4)
. . 1/day—summon nature's ally II
Hunter Spells Known (CL 3rd; concentration +5)
. . 1st (4/day)—cure light wounds, endure elements, hunter's howl[APG] (DC 13), magic fang, summon nature's ally I
. . 0 (at will)—create water, detect magic, light, mending, purify food and drink (DC 12), spark[APG] (DC 12)
--------------------
Statistics
--------------------
Str 12, Dex 16, Con 12, Int 10, Wis 15, Cha 13
Base Atk +2; CMB +3; CMD 16
Feats Outflank[APG], Point-blank Shot, Precise Shot, Stealth Synergy[UC]
Traits eyes of the wild, ken of the kodlak, tough meat
Skills Acrobatics +0 (-4 to jump), Craft (bows) +6, Handle Animal +9, Intimidate +5, Knowledge (geography) +5, Knowledge (nature) +5, Linguistics +2, Perception +8 (+10 in natural settings), Spellcraft +4, Stealth +6, Survival +10; Racial Modifiers +2 Handle Animal, +2 Survival
Languages Celestial, Common, Erutaki, Skald
SQ animal companion (wolf named Snow Paw), animal focus (3 minutes/day), hunter tactics, nature training, track +1, wild empathy +4
Combat Gear potion of cure light wounds (4), potion of endure elements; Other Gear +1 studded leather, arrows (40), mwk cold iron gladius, mwk composite longbow (+1 Str), mwk longspear, mwk spear, furs, jewelry, masterwork artisan's tools, masterwork backpack, silk rope (50 ft.), trail rations (4), waterskin (2), 330 gp
--------------------
Special Abilities
--------------------
Animal Companion (animal companion (wolf named Snow Paw)) (Ex) If no current companion, summon nature's ally spells last 1 min/level but only 1 at a time.
Animal Companion Link (Ex) You have a link with your Animal Companion.
Animal Focus (3 minutes/day) (Su) As a swift action, gain bonuses from emulated animal(s). If no companion, +1 slots.
Darkvision (60 feet) You can see in the dark (black and white vision only).
Energy Resistance, Acid (5) You have the specified Energy Resistance against Acid attacks.
Energy Resistance, Cold (5) You have the specified Energy Resistance against Cold attacks.
Energy Resistance, Electricity (5) You have the specified Energy Resistance against Electricity attacks.
Eyes of the Wild You spend enough time in the wilderness that you are attuned to its ways. You gain a +2 trait bonus on Perception checks in natural settings.
Furs +2 Fort vs. Cold Weather (does not stack with Survival skill's bonuses)
Hunter Tactics (Ex) Animal companion also gains the bonus teamwork feats, but doesn't need to meet pre-reqs.
Ken of the Kodlak You possess a supernatural or scholarly understanding into what the Iobarian people call the Kodlok; humanlike creatures that possess animalistic qualities. Your proficient insight relates to both their behaviour and ecology.
Benefit: You gain a +2 bonus to Initiative, Knowledge (Nature) and Sense Motive checks with regards to any creatures of the Monstrous Humanoid type.
Drawback: Hostile creatures with the Monstrous Humanoid type encountered in Iobaria instinctively sense your keen acumen regarding them and target you in combat, gaining a +1 morale bonus on attack rolls whilst fighting you.
Outflank Increase flank bonus by +2 if flanking ally has same feat. If you crit, ally gets an AoO.
Point-Blank Shot +1 to attack and damage rolls with ranged weapons at up to 30 feet.
Precise Shot You don't get -4 to hit when shooting or throwing into melee.
Share Spells with Companion (Ex) Can cast spells with a target of "you" on animal companion, as touch spells.
Stealth Synergy Take the highest roll made by you and your allies on Stealth checks
Tough Meat You have survived the larder of the Hinderlings through a combination of tenacity, toughness and edgy guile.
Benefit: +2 trait bonus to Perception checks to avoid being surprised.
Additionally once per day you can delay the onset of fatigue effects for your CON or WIS bonus (whichever is greatest) in rounds (minimum of 1).
Track +1 Add the listed bonus to survival checks made to track.
Wild Empathy +4 (Ex) Improve the attitude of an animal, as if using Diplomacy.
Snow Paw
Male wolf
N Medium animal
Init +3; Senses low-light vision, scent; Perception +6
--------------------
Defense
--------------------
AC 18, touch 13, flat-footed 15 (+3 Dex, +5 natural)
hp 22 (+9)
Fort +5, Ref +6, Will +2
Defensive Abilities evasion
--------------------
Offense
--------------------
Speed 50 ft.
Melee bite +4 (1d6+3)
--------------------
Statistics
--------------------
Str 14, Dex 16, Con 15, Int 2, Wis 12, Cha 6
Base Atk +2; CMB +4; CMD 17 (21 vs. trip)
Feats Improved Natural Armor, Outflank[APG], Stealth Synergy[UC], Toughness
Tricks Attack, Attack, Attack Any Target, Come, Defend, Down, Heel, Stay, Track
Skills Acrobatics +3 (+11 to jump), Perception +6, Stealth +7; Racial Modifiers +4 to survival when tracking by scent
SQ animal focus, attack, attack any target, come, defend, down, heel, stay, track
--------------------
Special Abilities
--------------------
+4 to Survival when tracking by Scent +4 to Survival when tracking by Scent.
Animal Focus (Su) As a swift action, gain bonuses from emulated animal(s).
Attack [Trick] The animal will attack on command.
Attack Any Target [Trick] The animal will attack any creature on command.
Bat (60 feet) (Su) When assuming this aspect, gain darkvision with listed range, or blindsense at higher levels.
Come [Trick] The animal will come to you on command.
Defend [Trick] The animal will defend you.
Down [Trick] The animal will break off combat on command.
Evasion (Ex) No damage on successful reflex save.
Heel [Trick] The animal will follow you.
Low-Light Vision See twice as far as a human in low light, distinguishing color and detail.
Outflank Increase flank bonus by +2 if flanking ally has same feat. If you crit, ally gets an AoO.
Scent (Ex) Detect opponents within 15+ feet by sense of smell.
Stay [Trick] The animal will stay where it is.
Stealth Synergy Take the highest roll made by you and your allies on Stealth checks
Track [Trick] The animal will track a scent.
Trip (Ex) You can make a trip attempt on a successful attack.
Sesi was born to a couple in an isolated clan in the Crown of the World. Her birth was seen as a bad sign due to her strange appearance. After her parents died while hunting, she was cast out of the clan at barely five years old. She wandered the bitterly cold tundra for a while, before collapsing from thirst and hunger. She awoke in the den of a giant arctic wolf, her cubs nuzzled up to her and keeping her warm. The spirits of the wild took pity on Sesi and sustained her while she slept the winter away. With the arrival of spring, she left the Crown of the world with a young cub, her new companion, in tow. They learned to hunt in the Lands of the Linnorm Kings before heading south and east.
Sesi spent the next several years drifting from place to place. Her skill with the bow and her companion, Snow Paw, helping her to survive. She wandered the Grungir Forest and slept in Moonwing's Bough before heading east, and through Irresen, where she learned to hate the Jadwiga and their minions. From there she headed south skirting the Hold of Belkzen and passed through Lastwall, helping where she could before crossing the massive Lake Encarthan to Razmiran. She made few friends and more than one or two enemies after a drunken incident with one of the priest and three female acolytes. From there she traveled the River Kingdoms and through Brevoy into Iobaria.
The young hunter's personality is an odd mix of a druid's solemnity and the ulfen's boisterousness, which Snow Paw emulates with glee. She could be sharing a bawdy joke one moment before heading off to pray for guidance and balance in her journeys.
-Scratching behind her ears causes her to blush bright red and squirm. It also serves as a handy way to get her to shut up. (Just be prepared for the consequences of doing this.)
-She sleeps using Snow Paw's warm belly as a pillow. He's got a thick pelt, so it's extra cushy.
-She wears thick, wool clothing under a layer of furs. Her boots are thick furs and leather bound with cured leather straps.
-She likes to always have an even number of arrows, and tends to get fidgety when she has an odd number.

Black Dow: DM O' The North |

Ronnie was good to give the game the look over, but she's busy with school stuff. Shifty is also swamped and shorty planning a UK odyssey - oddly enough he'll be hitting Aberdeenshire so we are conspiring to meet up and check out some castles an' stuff :) Alas he's unlikely to find the time but I'm ever hopeful.
Anyone know anyone else??
With Ragnar, Luke and now Sesi your a potent trio, but lack arcane magicks...
Not sure I have the time or energy for a public recruitment, so would prefer the invitational route if poss.

Black Dow: DM O' The North |

Seems to be a suitable amount of interest at present.
@Ragnar: Did sound out Shifty but he's over travelling in my neck of the woods for most of this month. (bizarrely am trying to orchestrate a meeting and castle tour lol)
Am off this coming Mon/Tue so am hoping to blitz things then and get the game up and running shortly thereafter...
Cheers for yer patience all :)

Black Dow: DM O' The North |

(lifts a yeti paw to all the visitors and Saga stalwarts)
Okay currently have:
Ragnar - Ulfen Barbarian (Invulnerable Rager) 3
Luke - Iobarian Ranger (Warden) 3
Sesi - Agathion-blooded Aasimar (Idyllkin) Hunter 3
Arythain will be running an arcane magic character and I've currently got interest from Olmek to play an Arctic Druid.
Choon your more than welcome to join the merry gang if the game takes your fancy. Some more arcane (with perhaps a martial bent might fit?) - avoiding Bloodrager as I'm not convinced by that classes merits as yet...
We previously had an alchemist and a magus, and of course we've never had the benefit of a rogue in any shape or form... Let me know what you reckon. Likewise if anyone else has some thoughts or input - please pitch in.
I've some holidays upcoming on Mon/Tue o' next week so will look to do some campaign re-building then folks.