Come Hell & High Water: Skull & Shackles

Game Master Westphalian_Musketeer

Pirates and raiders of The Shackles have always been a notorious nuisance for merchants and generals across the Inner Sea. In the wake of recent efforts of Cheliax to quell the disruptive and unlawful goings-on of The Shackles, several new men and women have been pressed into the service of Captain Barnabas Harrigan's ship the Wormwood. Now these hapless souls are embroiled in a tale of the high seas, pitted against monsters of the deep, and treachery of their fellow pirates.

I'm holding recruitment for a Skull & Shackles Play-By-Post. Players can expect several opportunities at later points in the Adventure Path to utilize kingdom-building rules in establishing an island base and coordinating pirating activities.

The relevant rules for character creation are as follows:

1. 20 Point Buy for Ability Scores

2. Races: Core, ratfolk, tengu, undine, catfolk, vanara, and tieflings along with all variant heritages.

3. Classes: Any Paizo class with the following amendments.
- No paladins or anti-paladins.
- No Mediums.
- Fighters receive 4 + INT in skill ranks each level.
- Unchained Summoner only, but they can select any type of Eidolon (Protean, Agathon, Devil, etc.) regardless of alignment. The Eidolon is treated as the Summoner’s alignment for the purposes of spells, feats and effects.

4. Traits: Three traits, one of which must be a campaign trait selected from the Skull & Shackles Player’s Guide.

5. Starting Wealth: 200 Gold Pieces

6. Hit Point Progression: Full hit dice of HP at each level.

7. No Sacred Geometry Feat. No Leadership Feat. If a class feature would grant the Leadership Feat, gain Skill Focus (Diplomacy) instead.

8. Stamina & Combat Tricks: Stamina and Combat Tricks are legal. All characters receive the feat "Combat Stamina" for free at first level, regardless of class.

9. Skill Unlocks: Skill unlocks are legal, as well as the Signature Skill feat.

10. Combat Expertise and Power Attack are lumped into one feat: “Battle Tactics”. This feat allows players to use either Combat Expertise or Power Attack as listed in their own entries. This feat has no prerequisites, and counts as both Combat Expertise and Power Attack for the purposes of prerequisites to other feats. Feats with either Combat Expertise or Power Attack as prerequisites consider the character as having 13 INT and 13 STR for the purpose of meeting other pre-requisites. Characters with all of their levels exclusively in Full-BAB-progression classes (Fighter, Slayer, Cavalier, etc.) receive this feat for free, but lose it if they ever multiclass into a ¾ or ½ BAB-progression class (Rogue, Wizard, Witch, Oracle, etc). Non-full-BAB classes can use a feat to gain the Battle Tactics feat.

11. There will be an NPC in accompaniment of the party.

12.No PVP, including but not limited to the attack of non-dominated characters against their will, damage, destruction or theft of equipment, and destruction/killing of summons, raised undead, familiars or animal companions.

The ability to respond to the play-by post at least once per day (although you wouldn't need to post daily) will be helpful. Map combat will be handled over Roll20.

In your application please include a picture you would want to be used as your token on a map.

Well, this sounds perfect for a tripbased character. I don't suppose you would allow taking the underfoot adept archtype as an unchained monk? Normal monks sadly don't get full BAB, hence no battle tactics...

Well, this sounds perfect for a tripbased character. I don't suppose you would allow taking the underfoot adept archtype as an unchained monk? Normal monks sadly don't get full BAB, hence no battle tactics...

You could still take Battle Tactics as a feat even with 3/4 BAB classes, it's just that full BAB classes get it for free.

So, no, I wouldn't allow the Underfoot Adept to stack with the Unchained Monk.

@Ms. Pleiades can I ask how long you plan on running recruitment?

Somewhat tempted, but I hate roll20 for pbp too much.

@Ms. Pleiades can I ask how long you plan on running recruitment?

Likely two weeks before I start selecting players from those who apply.

I am absolutely tempted!

Shiver my timbers, shiver my sails, DEAD MEN TELL NO TALES!

Just so I read things correctly. An unchained monk with say 9 intelligence would still be able to select Improved/Greater Trip, correct? I'm debating between unchained monk, bloodrager and barbarian (or maybe fighter). It's hard to chose... What happens to classes that get combat expertise or power attack for free, for example Lore Warden, do they get to pick something else?

Just so I read things correctly. An unchained monk with say 9 intelligence would still be able to select Improved/Greater Trip, correct? I'm debating between unchained monk, bloodrager and barbarian (or maybe fighter). It's hard to chose... What happens to classes that get combat expertise or power attack for free, for example Lore Warden, do they get to pick something else?

An unchained monk with 9 intelligence would be able to select Improved/Greater Trip.

Classes that would get Combat Expertise or Power Attack for free wouldn't get something as a replacement.

Is there a +1 BAB requirement for Battle Tactics?

Is there a +1 BAB requirement for Battle Tactics?

No.

Ms. Pleiades, do you allow someone who has preexisting knowledge of the campaign? I read and ran up through book 3, but can separate my IC and OOC knowledge.

Ms. Pleiades, do you allow someone who has preexisting knowledge of the campaign? I read and ran up through book 3, but can separate my IC and OOC knowledge.

Yes.

I think I'll submit a character I tried getting into another S&S game. She's a Varisian sea chanter bard that will multiclass into swashbuckler after 2nd level. (After she gains a familiar). Luckily she was a 20pt build already, so all I need to adjust is her gear/money and skills and swap out a spell and a trait. I'll work on that later and submit her.

Her, or my sea witch/swashbuckler character. Both are Varisian.

Combat Expertise and Power Attack are lumped into one feat: “Battle Tactics”. This feat allows players to use either Combat Expertise or Power Attack as listed in their own entries. This feat has no prerequisites, and counts as both Combat Expertise and Power Attack for the purposes of prerequisites to other feats

Any chance you'd consider doing the same for Point Blank Shot and Precise Shot?

Ms. Pleiades wrote:

Combat Expertise and Power Attack are lumped into one feat: “Battle Tactics”. This feat allows players to use either Combat Expertise or Power Attack as listed in their own entries. This feat has no prerequisites, and counts as both Combat Expertise and Power Attack for the purposes of prerequisites to other feats

Any chance you'd consider doing the same for Point Blank Shot and Precise Shot?

Definitely not both of them, as the feat-cost of archery, which is generally a really good combat option, balances it out, but I do want to keep ranged characters inviting enough in this campaign.

I could consider having one of them lumped in with Battle Tactics. I'd definitely have to think on it.

Oh I meant having Point Blank Shot and Precise Shot combined into one feat ("Ranged Tactics"), not also lumping them both into Battle Tactics.

I was considering it from the point of view of the Gunslinger, for which Rapid Reload is additionally basically required. All together it means that unless you're a human, it takes until level 4/5 to be decent, which is harsh.

With that said, the ranged equivalent is actually Deadly Aim, so it would be understandable for you to want to leave Point Blank Shot and Precise Shot as is.

After consideration I'll be applying with a dwarf unchained rogue specializing in improvised weapons and disarming, for Catch Off Guard.

Are evil alignments allowed?

I'd be looking at a neutral evil Skinshaper (new archetype from Ultimate Intrigue) Druid devoted to Achaekek. He would be a team player as betraying or abandoning companions is a great sin within the church of the Mantis God. That and he would be harsh and merciless but would not commit evil for the sake of being evil.

Thinking of a dwarf wizard who barely passed school due to poor attention span and bad body odor.

Captain Collateral Damage here with a submission. Will need to change the character a bit for the campaing and write backstory.

Oh I meant having Point Blank Shot and Precise Shot combined into one feat ("Ranged Tactics"), not also lumping them both into Battle Tactics.

I was considering it from the point of view of the Gunslinger, for which Rapid Reload is additionally basically required. All together it means that unless you're a human, it takes until level 4/5 to be decent, which is harsh.

With that said, the ranged equivalent is actually Deadly Aim, so it would be understandable for you to want to leave Point Blank Shot and Precise Shot as is.

I've thought on it, and, consider it added:

"Ranged Tactics: When within thirty feet of a target, your ranged attacks gain +1 to attack and damage rolls. In addition, you ignore the penalties to firing on targets engaged in melee. You still take penalties for soft cover though depending on positioning. It counts as both Point Blank Shot and Precise Shot for prerequisites."

Said feat isn't granted for free to Full BAB classes, and doesn't have prerequisites itself.

Are evil alignments allowed?

I'd be looking at a neutral evil Skinshaper (new archetype from Ultimate Intrigue) Druid devoted to Achaekek. He would be a team player as betraying or abandoning companions is a great sin within the church of the Mantis God. That and he would be harsh and merciless but would not commit evil for the sake of being evil.

In-so-far as your character is able to cooperate with a team and not try to enter into any PVP, yes.

Dot

Submitting a down on her luck undine hydrokineticist for consideration.

Looking to submit an alchemist. I will have stats soon.

Stats are done. GM, are you opposed to my character buying (one) +1 ammunition? They cost 40 GP.
Edit: and alingment has been changed considering Lawful good characters arem unlikely to approve of the whole thing where you're pirates and such.

Finished Stats

What are your thoughts on background skills? I didn't see them mentioned, but if all the other Unchained stuff I figured I'd ask.

I am a catfolk ninja from a failed run.... I will work on meshing myself with your recruitment needs yes yes.

Thinking of an idea that needs fleshing out before I submit. By way of complete disclosure, I have run the entire AP, but I will happily separate player and character knowledge. Waiting to see the ruling on background skills.

How do you feel about story feats? I am not objectionable to working up a full background using Ultimate Campaign to support such.

I'd like to try my hand at a LE PC. I feel that this would work because of the lawful aspect (respecting the captain's wishes and obeying ship's laws). Is this acceptable?

Also, are animal companions permitted? I know the circumstances of the introduction and this might be a touchy subject for certain characters. If I play such a character, am I going to be handicapped for a while? If you would like, I have a solution that we used when I ran into this in this very AP. I will discuss it privately with you if you wish.

Thinking of an idea that needs fleshing out before I submit. By way of complete disclosure, I have run the entire AP, but I will happily separate player and character knowledge. Waiting to see the ruling on background skills.

How do you feel about story feats? I am not objectionable to working up a full background using Ultimate Campaign to support such.

I'd like to try my hand at a LE PC. I feel that this would work because of the lawful aspect (respecting the captain's wishes and obeying ship's laws). Is this acceptable?

Also, are animal companions permitted? I know the circumstances of the introduction and this might be a touchy subject for certain characters. If I play such a character, am I going to be handicapped for a while? If you would like, I have a solution that we used when I ran into this in this very AP. I will discuss it privately with you if you wish.

1. As below, thats a no to the background skills system.

2. With regards to story feats, so long as your character's backstory and alignment (I don't think Liberator would work well with LE characters, as just one example) you may select them as your character's feat at first level.

3. Lawful Evil can work in the campaign.

4. As long as your animal companion chosen could reasonably be found in an aquatic or tropical environment, or be kept in the ship's hold without too much trouble, you should be able to re-acquire them by Day 5 at the latest.

What are your thoughts on background skills? I didn't see them mentioned, but if all the other Unchained stuff I figured I'd ask.

The campaign will not be using background skills, nor consolidated skills. Just the Skill Unlocks.

Stats are done. GM, are you opposed to my character buying (one) +1 ammunition? They cost 40 GP.

Edit: and alingment has been changed considering Lawful good characters arem unlikely to approve of the whole thing where you're pirates and such.

I'm going to have to go with a no for purchasing a single magical piece of ammunition with starting funds.

For fighters, will [Advance Weapon Training] from Weapon Master's Handbook be available.

For fighters, will [Advance Weapon Training] from Weapon Master's Handbook be available.

Yes, Advanced Weapon Training will be available.

I am a catfolk ninja from a failed run.... I will work on meshing myself with your recruitment needs yes yes.

Let me know when you've adjusted the stats for the campaign.

Finished Stats

Charming and Convincing Liar are both social traits. As per the rules on traits, you can only select a single trait per category (Combat/Faith/Social/Etc). You also have three points leftover in your point buy with your current stat array, assuming that the stat array is after racial modifiers (which with the 19 dexterity, it would have to be.) Lastly, Swashbucklers gain Weapon Finesse (or rather a version of), not Fencing Grace, at 1st level.

Submitting a down on her luck undine hydrokineticist for consideration.

Everything in the stats checks out.

Captain Collateral Damage here with a submission. Will need to change the character a bit for the campaing and write backstory.

So far the stats look good, just the starting equipment is over-budget, along with whatever other changes you may include for his specific iteration in the campaign.

Thinking of a dwarf wizard who barely passed school due to poor attention span and bad body odor.

You have a few formatting issues in the page with overlapping text, and the background skills system will not be in use in this campaign.

Hi Pleiades! I submit Zeebu here :) some backstory coming on the next couple days.

Actually, I have enough on my plate right now and will bow out. Good luck everyone

Charming and Convincing Liar are both social traits. As per the rules on traits, you can only select a single trait per category (Combat/Faith/Social/Etc). You also have three points leftover in your point buy with your current stat array, assuming that the stat array is after racial modifiers (which with the 19 dexterity, it would have to be.) Lastly, Swashbucklers gain Weapon Finesse (or rather a version of), not Fencing Grace, at 1st level.

Yeah sorry got a bit ahead of myself with fencing grace, and I'll fix my stats.

I've thought on it, and, consider it added:

"Ranged Tactics: When within thirty feet of a target, your ranged attacks gain +1 to attack and damage rolls. In addition, you ignore the penalties to firing on targets engaged in melee. You still take penalties for soft cover though depending on positioning. It counts as both Point Blank Shot and Precise Shot for prerequisites."

Said feat isn't granted for free to Full BAB classes, and doesn't have prerequisites itself.

Thanks very much!

Here is my submission of a Vanara Gunslinger (Musket Master). I tired to go easy with the Background and not write a bunch (especially since we'll just be shanghaied anyway) but I can gladly tweak or expand it.

Ms. Pleiades wrote:

I've thought on it, and, consider it added:

"Ranged Tactics: When within thirty feet of a target, your ranged attacks gain +1 to attack and damage rolls. In addition, you ignore the penalties to firing on targets engaged in melee. You still take penalties for soft cover though depending on positioning. It counts as both Point Blank Shot and Precise Shot for prerequisites."

Said feat isn't granted for free to Full BAB classes, and doesn't have prerequisites itself.

Thanks very much!

Here is my submission of a Vanara Gunslinger (Musket Master). I tired to go easy with the Background and not write a bunch (especially since we'll just be shanghaied anyway) but I can gladly tweak or expand it.

Alright, don't forget that you can get the benefits of Power Attack and Combat Expertise from the Battle Tactics houserule. Although it's not really relevant to a melee character, so leaving it out of the character sheet is understandable.

Hi Pleiades! I submit Zeebu here :) some backstory coming on the next couple days.

All the stats look to be in order. I look forward to seeing what the backstory will be.

This is WhtKnt's submission, Nokayoma Kanna.

Everything should be adjusted, minus the adding in ofthe battle tactics feat and triple checking the money spent.

A quick question, I had originally taken the alternate racial trait: climber for Rrruh, cause sprint seemed pretty pointless on a ship. Is that okay with you? if not Its an easy fix.

I should have stats up tomorrow. I'm just dealing with a bit of pain in life at the moment.

Cat managed to drop a heavy box on my foot. So, time to take the cat to the vet and find out if a diet is needed.

I have a concept!

Will have to work out details, but a ex-Chelish spellslinger, iff'n thats s'ok.

hmm... i do like pirate games...

I have an idea for ship's medic--a tiefling alchemist [chirurgeon/vivisectionist]--that I could maybe put together...

your rules are so kind to fighters and other melees though... maybe a ranger or slayer switch hitter... or a big dumb fighter with a parrot familiar that has the sage archetype...

I've never played a ratfolk before... maybe a grenadier alchemist with a 1 level dip in gunslinger at 2nd...

Everything should be adjusted, minus the adding in ofthe battle tactics feat and triple checking the money spent.

A quick question, I had originally taken the alternate racial trait: climber for Rrruh, cause sprint seemed pretty pointless on a ship. Is that okay with you? if not Its an easy fix.

The Climber Alternate Race Trait is fine, but with a constitution score of 10, Rruh's HP should, if he put his favored class bonus into HP, only be 9, given the ninja class's Hit Die value of 8.

Rrruh wrote:

Everything should be adjusted, minus the adding in ofthe battle tactics feat and triple checking the money spent.

A quick question, I had originally taken the alternate racial trait: climber for Rrruh, cause sprint seemed pretty pointless on a ship. Is that okay with you? if not Its an easy fix.

The Climber Alternate Race Trait is fine, but with a constitution score of 10, Rruh's HP should, if he put his favored class bonus into HP, only be 9, given the ninja class's Hit Die value of 8.

D'oh, missed that on the edit sorry adjusted now

I have a tiefling wizard navigator that I intend to submit. I need to finalize stats to make sure they're compliant first, though.

Ms. Pleiades wrote:

Rrruh wrote:

Everything should be adjusted, minus the adding in ofthe battle tactics feat and triple checking the money spent.

A quick question, I had originally taken the alternate racial trait: climber for Rrruh, cause sprint seemed pretty pointless on a ship. Is that okay with you? if not Its an easy fix.

The Climber Alternate Race Trait is fine, but with a constitution score of 10, Rruh's HP should, if he put his favored class bonus into HP, only be 9, given the ninja class's Hit Die value of 8.

D'oh, missed that on the edit sorry adjusted now

Looks good now.

This is WhtKnt's submission, Nokayoma Kanna.

** spoiler omitted **...

Looks good, but I'm not quite certain where the +2 to Craft (Tattoo) comes from.

Mostly, it was an afterthought that I forgot to include in her background. I'll write it in when I get a chance.

I've heard good things about this campaign and would like to throw my (tricorn) hat into the ring with Kila Nikora, mobile fighter and favored of Besmara.

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