As the subject says, the out-of-character thread for a soon-to-begin Kingmaker campaign.
For an initial discussion, it's up to you all if you want your characters (or some of them at least) to have known each other before getting your charter in Restov. Obviously it won't be a long history, since everyone's first level, but I did want to give the option (though most of the characters seem like they'd be willing to head out with people they only just met based on the Lord Mayor's selection of charter applicants).
If not, you'll have a 100-mile journey from the city to where the campaign begins to have gotten to know each other.
Hey motteditor, glad to see this thread going up, but I think it belongs in the Play-by-Post Discussion forum and not the actually Play-by-Post forum. We could just use this as the game thread once it gets started, though, if it's too hard to get it moved (I have no idea how those things work on this forum).
Well, Sigurd travels in a circuit through southern Restov and helps when and how he can. I think it's feasible (and interesting) for him to have met one or two of the other PCs at some point in the past without having become a regular acquaintance of theirs. Also, please forgive any spelling errors that might arise between now and the holiday weekend. My computer perished in a lackluster fashion, and I've borrowed one of those teeny ones until I can get a new one, so sometimes a single stroke punches two or three keys...
Rupert has spent most of his life in the Stolen Lands, and has just recently arrived in Restov, only to be returning to the forests shortly on this mission. He's fast to make friends, especially when possibly being pursued by bloodthirsty brigands, therefore his story would work well with just about anyone who wants to make it happen. He'll make friends, but will indulge very little about his past (being a little self-conscious about some of the legal and moral gray areas he's passed through in the past.
Treshiell found a note with the call out to adventures by the lord mayor while travelling on the outskirts of Restov. It is possible that she met some of the other characters as on her journey to Restov, although she won't have taken the first initiative to strike up a conversation.
By the way, which hex do you think should be the final one in Treshiells build? Misfortune and Charm is already given. Now it's a desstion between Healing, Evil eye or Slumber.
Edit: And i don't think it would be a problem to get the thread moved to the right forum. Maybe post a request in the web site feedback section?
If I understand your backstory, Treshiell, you were around the outskirts of the city. That could link with my story, as I was probably just planning on travelling through without stopping and continuing on my own adventure. We could have met outside the city, I would definitely strike up a conversation with nearly anyone I saw (Rupert just likes personal contact), hear about the call for adventurers from you, and probably ask to accompany you to the Mayor's to see what it's all about.
If I understand your backstory, Treshiell, you were around the outskirts of the city. That could link with my story, as I was probably just planning on travelling through without stopping and continuing on my own adventure. We could have met outside the city, I would definitely strike up a conversation with nearly anyone I saw (Rupert just likes personal contact), hear about the call for adventurers from you, and probably ask to accompany you to the Mayor's to see what it's all about.
Sold!
Here we are! Ready for final inspection.
Backstory wise, Lirisial has been wandering around the River Kingdoms and Brevoy almost as long as Sigurd has been alive. I could imagine that she may have met any of the characters, possibly multiple times, over the course of her wanderings. Rupert is somewhat a kindred spirit, while Sigurd's 'aiding of the community' is something that Lirisial approves of, though their methods probably differ rather much.
"Well, well, mah' new friend Treshiell, so longs' you keep that there slitherin' mate o'yours away from mah' precious Flo (I know, she is a damn fine specimen, prob'ly delicious too, but she's not for eatin!) then I'd venture to say we can do business! And by business ah' of course mean," Rupert puts on a mockingly solemn face and bows slightly, glancing up at the young witch from the shade of his widebrimmed hat with a scoundrelous smile, "Ah' would be honored to accompany such an interesting and capable young lady on whatever adventure may await us at the bidding of the good Mayor hisself. If'n there's food and bounty, I'll follow you t'the end o'the lands!"
Lirisial looks fine, except you don't have your channel energy class ability listed anywhere.
Now just waiting on Brand and Stavros.
Reporting for duty sir! Just minor changes needed yet to background.
"Well, well, mah' new friend Treshiell, so longs' you keep that there slitherin' mate o'yours away from mah' precious Flo (I know, she is a damn fine specimen, prob'ly delicious too, but she's not for eatin!) then I'd venture to say we can do business! And by business ah' of course mean," Rupert puts on a mockingly solemn face and bows slightly, glancing up at the young witch from the shade of his widebrimmed hat with a scoundrelous smile, "Ah' would be honored to accompany such an interesting and capable young lady on whatever adventure may await us at the bidding of the good Mayor hisself. If'n there's food and bounty, I'll follow you t'the end o'the lands!"
The young witch studies Rupert for a moment of silence with her deep green eyes. As the ambience shifts from normal to uncomfortable silence she turns her head towards the viper that has slithered down her wrists and speaks soft dreamy voice. "No, you heard him Thaal. The bird is not for eating."
Then she resumes her concentration on Rupert and continues in the same peaceful tone of voice. "Yes, you will do fine. Thaal tells me you to seek an audience with the tycoon of Restov. You may travel with us." Her eyes grows more intense as catches the rogues eyes. "Tell me, Rupert, what business do you have in the Greenbelt area?"
Stavros looks fine; just waiting on Brand, who looks like he's about half done.
"Quite a sharp one, y'are; your snake friend, too. Truth be told, I'm a wandering swordsman, searching f'employ in the duties of any good patriot. Fencer, gambler, charmer, Ruper Hentzau: that's me. Ah' come from the Stolen Lands, and I'm hopin' to return as a paid guide and explorer for the skills'n'knowledge I've collected there, though truth b'told most of those skills be only people skills and sword skills. And gamblin' skills. Say, do you know of any hoppin' taverns in that there city? It's been near a week since the last time I sat at a good pot."
"Then i hope you will get ample opportunities to hone your craft.", she says, her smile never leaving her lips. "As for taverns in Restov we can not say. We have never been there."
Stavros walked through the gates of Restov beside the dusty caravan, taking in the sights of civilization.
The distance he'd traveled was really not THAT far, but to him it seemed like an eternity. He was used to sleeping in feather beds and having servants prepare his meals.
This whole idea of sleeping in the dirt and eating whatever the caravan "cook" called "food" was entirely foreign to him, and not something he wanted to get used to anytime soon.
But thank Desna the caravan had come along when it had, or he may still be eating nuts and berries and trudging down that dusty road.
And wonder of wonders, the caravan driver had taken him on as an extra guard. Out of pity or an actual need, it mattered not to Stavros.
At least hiring on with the caravan had paid, enough for him to pick up a few essentials along the road.
His father's sword hanging in its scabbard at his hip, Stavros leaned heavily on the unstrung shortbow he'd finished working on the night before, using it as a walking staff.
He collected his things from the back of the wagon and looked about, wondering what his next move would be.
For propriety's sake, he should announce himself to the Lord of the city. But there was no way he could even think about such a thing when he looked like a dirty vagabond.
He'd need to find an inn or tavern and ply his trade a bit. Perhaps there was an establishment in need of an entertainer for a few days until he could afford decent attire.
Stavros set out down the main road through the city, looking for just such a spot...
Fixed that, thanks! Should be ready to go now. Also, since birthmark gives me a divine focus, I have replaced the silver holy symbol with a starknife.
Hey, Rupert would probably want to visit a tavern in search of a few quick games of dice (or cards, or see a cockfight, or really anything on which he could gamble), in which event he could happen upon Stavros performing. Due to his love of bards, Rupert would definitely try to strike up a conversation with the banished nobleman (obviously not knowing his background), and upon learning more invite him along to visit the Mayor with him and Treshiell. Just a thought.
Rupert loves bards, probably wouldn't easily take no for an answer if Stavros tried to modestly decline. Did I mention that Rupert loves bards?
Stavros will happily make conversation with just about anyone, but is not likely to divulge his "exiled" status...just that he's recently arrived from Silverhall and would eventually like to make the acquaintance of the local Lord.
However, he does need to make a few coins to purchase decent clothing first. His stint with the caravan made him enough for basic provisions, but his clothes are in rough shape at the moment.
As for what type of performance you'll see, Stavros specializes in singing and storytelling. He is handy enough with most instruments (on good days), but those are his specialties. If asked to play something, he reaches behind his back and pulls forth the requested instrument seemingly from nowhere.
Hmm. Well, Brand travelled to the Stolen Lands upon hearing of the opportunities there, so he's only arrived recently, but he may well have met people on the journey. Anyone who met him would find him rather curt and business-like, though it seems more that his mind is on other things rather than him being unfriendly, for those with a good sense of empathy (Sense Motive).
So, wait, are we using this as an IC thread already?
Man, with the new rolled stat lineup I just realized the 'charismatic' part of his background isn't really true anymore. :(
Its not an official in-character thread...
I think just just how some us write and think things out I guess. :)
Brand looks fine. I'm planning to get the game thread up later today, though I expect it might be a little slow going at first, with the holidays. We'll just let it play out as people post, though I won't be rushing things for this first week -- after New Year's, I expect to post daily.
Aye, I'm currently vacationing in Ecuador with my family. Will be doing so up until New Years. Tomorrow we go to the beach and I'm unsure if my hotel will have a computer available (my laptop died a few months back), but with internet cafes I should be around enough to get a post in every few days. Come early January, you can expect me every day multiple times a day.
And I'm just practicing being in character, trying to get a feel for how I want Rupert to be. I bounce back and forth, but don't feel the need to accompany me, hah.
Sounds good. I'll probably be off the grid for a few days next week, but beyond that, I ought to be able to commit to at least one post a day before the new year - after that, my schedule becomes depressingly lax, so you can expect a lot of activity then.
Merrrrrry Christmas! Maybe Santa will bring us a fun new game to play for the morning :)
(No rush, of course, hope everyone has a great day tomorrow.)
The man clad all in red, his white beard spilling down almost to his ample gut, grinned as he fled up the chimney, some form of magic never seen before by any of the gathered heroes. His black eyes twinkled with mirth, while his rosy cheeks belied the power of someone with such magic that his sleigh could speed across the breadth and length of Golarion despite its burden and an ability to know exactly who was -- as he put it -- naughty or nice.
With the possible threat seemingly gone, the heroes were left only with a gaily wrapped package in front of the hearth and crumbs where their tray of cookies had been moments before the sudden intrusion.
As the heroes approached carefully, weapons drawn against any further surprises, one proved brave enough to rip open the brightly colored gift, not bothering to save the paper for some possible future use. Inside was an item of mystery, something frequently seen but rarely experienced: A new play-by-post campaign.
And while they explored this new world, little Thaal, left behind, cocked his reptilian head, seemingly the only one able to hear the voice proclaiming from somewhere above them: "Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night."
(And to those of us who don't celebrate Christmas, may your Chinese food have been far better than the drek I ate today.)
Yay. A belated Merry Christmas!
I think we're directly in the 'break up camp' bit now, Rupert, not narrative-skimming over the journey. That's how I read martinaj's (Sigurd's) starter, anyway.
Hmm. You know, motteditor, I was thinking and ... I was trying to shove Brand into the skilled/intelligent Fighter/Duelist niche to at least be somewhat similar to a Magus in spirit minus the casting. However, I'm not sure if that's really what I want to play. Would it be terribly much to ask to switch his class/stats around still? Since we don't really have anyone specializing in the nature aspect of things, I was thinking Ranger.
Would look something like this:
Human Ranger 1
Str 19, Dex 15, Con 12, Int 11, Wis 11, Cha 11
Feats:
Improved Initiative, Power Attack
Traits:
Reactionary, Charming
We haven't really started yet, but I don't think that should be a problem. I'll look over the "sheet" when I get a chance (may be a day or two, as my folks are visiting), but since we won't have any combat this year, I don't think that's a big deal.
I'm guessing with the strength, you'd be going two-weapon fighting?
I was thinking archery, actually, with a composite longbow later when one becomes available to purchase/is found. With a two-handed weapon to fall back upon when getting up close and personal.
Okay, here we go. Posting it here in order to leave the original build intact.
Human Ranger 1
Str 19, Dex 15, Con 12, Int 11, Wis 11, Cha 11
HP: 12
Initiative: +8
Fort 3, Ref 4, Will 0
BAB+1
CMB+5, CMD 17
AC: 17 (Scale Mail +5, +2 dex) Touch: 12, Flat-Footed: 15
Attacks:
Falchion: +5 (+7 vs. humans), 2d4+6 (2d4+8 vs. humans); 18-20x2
Falchion, Power Attack: +4 (+6 vs. humans), 2d4+9 (2d4+11 vs. humans); 18-20x2
Longbow: +3 (+5 vs. humans), 1d8 (1d8+2 vs. humans), x3
Traits:
Reactionary, Charming
Feats: Improved Initiative, Power Attack
Class: Favored Enemy: Humanoid (Human), Track, Wild Empathy
Skill Ranks: Handle Animal 1, Heal 1, Intimidate 1, Knowledge: Nature 1, Perception 1, Stealth 1, Survival 1
Combat Equipment:
Falchion, Longbow, Scale Mail
Other Gear:
Alchemist's Kindness (2), Backpack (15 @ 66 lbs), Bear Trap, Bedroll, Bellows, Blanket, winter, Caltrops (5), Cauldron, Chalk, 5 pieces, Earplugs, Fishhook, Flint and steel, Grappling hook, Belt Pouch, Rations (5), Rope, hempen (50 ft.), Sewing needle, String (50') (5), Tent, Medium, Torch (3), Waterskin (2), Weapon Cord, Whetstone
Yeah sorry, I ran out of time at the internet cafe after spending too long on description and stuff (and a few other PbP posts), didn't put any dialogue.
I like the idea of some ranged firepower, as well. A Ranger especially, I was worried when I saw very few of us have any survival skills and we were headed into the jungle together.
Aye. Plus, I get to not suck at my job until Duelist kicks in. And even with Duelist it wouldn't be a big improvement with that low Int. My new rolls were kind of horrible for it. One huge high, one normal, the rest low. The Duelist needs to be dextrous, smart and somewhat sturdy. And a big point for me is that a proper swashbuckler has to have decent to good Charisma, too, for roleplaying purposes.
As a Ranger, I get to be good at what I do with those stats, though a bit more WIS and CHA wouldn't have hurt. With 20 point buy I'd have gone Str 16 (18 with +2 human), Dex 13, Con 13, Int 10, Wis 12, Cha 12. That's probably not as good in combat as what I have currently, but it looks like a more well-rounded person to me.
By the way, Sigurd -- or rather, Martinaj, are you still checking in on the Bleak House OOC thread? Some people are asking for an update on whether things are still going to get started once you're all computerized again.
Just wanted to give you all a heads up that I'm going on a holiday retreat, and will be without internet for a couple days. I'll be back again on Wednesday!
Yo motteditor,
when you get around to saying yay (well, presumably yay, since there shouldn't really be anything wrong with that build) to the new Brand setup, I just wanted to say beforehand that I'll probably shuffle some of the other gear around, depending on how much money I have left (don't have the Hero Lab data available right now) and how heavy it all is I'll get rid of some of the heavier stuff and get a few replacement weapons instead (daggers, probably, and I totally forgot to add arrows to that list up there).
Brand Tarren III looks fine to me. Let me know when you've got the gear updated and I'll give it a look.
Here we go. For a second I was afraid I couldn't afford a Longbow, but then I remembered you gave us maximized starting money.
BRAND TARREN CR 1/2
Male Human Ranger 1
LN Medium Humanoid (Human)
Init +8; Senses Perception +4
--------------------
DEFENSE
--------------------
AC 17, touch 12, flat-footed 15. . (+5 armor, +2 Dex)
hp 12 (1d10+1)
Fort +3, Ref +4, Will +0
--------------------
OFFENSE
--------------------
Spd 20 ft.
Melee Dagger +5 (1d4+4/19-20/x2) and
. . Dagger +5 (1d4+4/19-20/x2) and
. . Falchion +5 (2d4+6/18-20/x2) and
. . Gauntlet (from Armor) +5 (1d3+4/20/x2) and
. . Scimitar +5 (1d6+4/18-20/x2) and
. . Unarmed Strike +5 (1d3+4/20/x2)
Ranged Longbow +3 (1d8/20/x3)
Ranger Spells Known (CL 0, 5 melee touch, 3 ranged touch):
--------------------
STATISTICS
--------------------
Str 19, Dex 15, Con 12, Int 11, Wis 11, Cha 11
Base Atk +1; CMB +5; CMD 17
Feats Improved Initiative, Power Attack -1/+2
Traits Charming, Reactionary
Skills Acrobatics -2, Climb +0, Escape Artist -2, Fly -2, Handle Animal +4, Heal +4, Intimidate +4, Knowledge: Nature +4, Perception +4, Ride -2, Survival +4, Swim +0
Languages Common
SQ Earplugs, Enemies: Humanoids (Human) (+2 bonus) (Ex), Track +1, Weapon Cord, Wild Empathy +1 (Ex)
Combat Gear Falchion, Longbow, Scale Mail, Dagger, Dagger, Arrows (40), Arrows, Flight (40), Scimitar; Other Gear Alchemist's Kindness (2), Backpack (11 @ 23 lbs), Bedroll, Chalk, 1 piece (5), Earplugs, Fishhook, Flint and steel, Grappling hook, Pouch, belt (14 @ 4.08 lbs), Rations, trail (per day) (5), Rope, hempen (50 ft.), Sewing needle, String (50') (5), Torch (3), Waterskin, Weapon Cord, Whetstone
--------------------
SPECIAL ABILITIES
--------------------
Charming +1 Bluff/Diplomacy/save DC for a language-dependant spell vs. targets who could be sexually attracted to you.
Earplugs +2 save vs. hearing effects, -5 hearing-based Perception.
Enemies: Humanoids (Human) (+2 bonus) (Ex) +2 to rolls vs Humanoids (Human).
Power Attack -1/+2 You can subtract from your attack roll to add to your damage.
Track +1 +1 to survival checks to track.
Weapon Cord Attached weapon can be recovered as a swift action.
Wild Empathy +1 (Ex) Improve the attitude of an animal, as if using Diplomacy.
Sorry, guys, but I think I'll drop out here. I hope you'll have lots of fun as the game continues! :)
OK, sorry to see you go. Was there a problem? This game kind of started because of you, so I admit being surprised.
Just curious how other people are feeling about the game so far? It seems like we're effectively down to three people, as Stavros and Sigurd haven't posted in two weeks plus.
I'm going slowly so people have time to post, so I don't know if that's an issue (am I responding too slowly? Or still too quickly?). As noted, it's my first time DM'ing this type of game, so I'm certainly willing to accept feedback.
Do we need to try to find new players?
First of all i would just like to say thank you for taking this game. I think you're doing a good job and like Wandslinger i would very much like to continue.
Sadly it seems that there is a overall trend on the forum to apply for a pbp game only to ditch the game as it starts, which i have to say is kind of a dick move. Not just because it grind's the current game to a halt but because of all the other applicants who didn't get chosen.
It does indeed seem like we need to replace Stavros and Sigurd as well. Stavros might just have technical issuses or something like that and is determined to return (although unlikely) but we can rule out martinaj (sigurd) since he's posted lots since his last Sigurd post (this doesn't seem to be the only game he's abandoned either).
The good news is that there seems to be alot of interest to participate in a kingmaker game. DM Barcas has a recruitment thread (found here) that's gotten numerous applications. Although we might have to wait until sunday to post a replacement thread so we don't interfere with his recruitment.
Regarding the DM-questions. I'm unsure if i have much to contribute as i've never tried DM:ing a pbp. I'm thinking of giving it a try but that's in the future.
It's hard to find a good post rate. If you post infrequently then the game will grind to a halt and some of the players will be less invested. If you post frequently you run the problem of sidelineing the players who can't keep up. It's a balancing act.
Personally i like a semi high post rate, but that's because i'm able to check the forums a couple of times a day. Most recruitment threads i've seen on this forum calls for one post per day, and i think that's a good rate.
All right, I'll see if I can't go a bit faster. My boss has been off for three of the last four weeks, so once he gets back I should have a little more time to update (I'd like to shoot for a couple times a day, depending on what's going on).
I'm going to recruit two new players and we'll see if Stavros is still around. One of them is from a game I was playing that died a quick death, but I really liked the way he/she posted. Otherwise, perhaps I'll cherry pick from some of the other recruitment threads out there. As noted, there's the thread Patrik's posting on or I can just start a new one...
Let's keep it goin'. Sigurd dropped out on his character in a different PbP I was in, too. But yeah, I'm still here and wanting to continue. Just moved into a new house so I should have much more regular posting schedules after the next few days (I can still manage once a day or a little more).
Seems we've got quite a few interested. Looks very promising.
Hey all,
There are a couple of us (myself and Shana Lebeda) who were in on the origianl recruitment call that didn't make the cut but are still interested in playing.
Hello all, I look forward to playing with you.
Basic Attributes have been updated; I will get the rest changed over tomorrow morning.
Welcome! :)