DM Dr Evil's Reign of Winter AP (with PFS Credit)

Game Master DM DoctorEvil

Strange things are afoot in the town of Heldren. Strategically located on the contentious border between Qadira and Taldor, the village is little more than a wide spot along the coach road. However, when unseasonable winter weather sets in during Midsummer, the Border Wood near Heldren becomes the epicenter of a conflict that will engulf all of Golarion and perhaps other planes and dimensions as well. Will a hardy group of PC's stop the plans of the Winter Witches of Irrisen to dominate the world? Will Baba Yaga, the mysterious mother of witches, arrive in time to stop the revolt of her ? Only time (and a few lucky die rolls) will tell!"

As you can tell, I will be running Reign of Winter Adventure Path as PbP for level 1 Characters. So long as we have a legal table (at least 4 PC's who want credit, I will be offering PFS credit for the sanctioned portions of the AP. I am running several other PbP games, including two that are over a year old. I also run this particular AP for a live group currently, just finishing the first book. I am quite familiar with the in's and out's of the first two books and will brush up on the rest when the time comes. I promise to be gentle...

About the GM: (I think this is important info, but I have a vested interest, sue me)
As stated above, I have significant experience in PbP and RL table-top GMing (nearing my second star in PFS) going all the way back to 1st Edition. That said, I don't pretend to be a rules-expert and welcome constructive feedback when necessary.

I live in US Central Time (Nashville TN metro area). I have 2 girls and associated familial responsibilities that I put before gaming, and therefore do most posting between 9-12 PM, after my girls are in bed. I will check frequently throughout the day, and if it’s really interesting, I may post when I should be working (but I may also work when I should be posting, so it evens out). I am a card-carrying Republican, have an MBA, and am employed by a Fortune 500 healthcare company in a Corporate (yes, that’s suits and ties, folks) role traveling frequently. Sometimes there will be a hiatus as a result, but it will be brief and noted in advance whenever possible.

I am a fan of the traditional Core rules, classes etc, and that highly intriguing, Goblin Ninja Oracle Paladin with some exotic weapon you’re dying to play, just isn't that cool to me. I like bread and butter, but like it done really well.

I am committed to your game playing enjoyment and plan to run this AP through to completion even if takes several months/years to complete. I am open to and welcome feedback and constructive criticism. I hope you will welcome the same.

I hope to begin play by June 25th, but will start when we have enough quality applicants. I have agreed to give priority applicant status to those involved in this thread, and other applicants may get shunted aside in favor of those that started the thread.

Character Creation Guidelines:
Reign of Winter, like most Paizo AP's is geared for 4 PC’s covering the major classes types (melee, divine, arcane, and skills) and that’s what I’ll be looking for. I will expand the number to 5 or 6 to account for the eventual (and apparently certain) dropouts. Only complete applicants will be considered with Deadline of 10PM on June 25th (sooner if the response is overwhelming). A complete application includes the following:
1. Characters are level one to begin
2. Good Alignment preferred (you are heroes, right?); I can live with Neutral; but Evil probably won’t make the cut. Chaotic, Lawful, what do I care???
3. 150gp starting wealth (spend wisely my friends)
4. Max HP 1st level (we’ll roll for subsequent levels)
5. Anything PFS Legal for classes is acceptable, but my preference for core is already noted.
6. PFS legal races acceptable, but again core preferred. If you want to play something unusual I may allow it based on background, but will likely choose a Core-built player over you, if all else is equal.
7. NO third party publishing sources allowed
8. 2 normal traits, plus one from Reign of Winter Player's Guide (link below)
9. 20 point buy with no stat above 18 or below 7 before racial adjustment (obvious Min/Maxing will likely result in not being selected)
10. Plot appropriate Character background including reason you are in Heldren, a sleepy village in southern Taldor, on the border with Qadira.
11. Full stat-block on your character, including link to character sheet. I am happy to transfer your build to Hero Lab if you need help with a formal character sheet.
12. Extended details on their Character Settings in their Class/Level field on the forums here. Details: Class Level | AC XX T XX FF XX | HP XX/XX | F +X R +X W +X | Init +X | Perc +X. Please keep these updated as the game progresses.

RoW Player Guide – please familiarize yourself if necessary, and create a suitable background and reason for being or living in Heldren. A well-suited character ties in their traits (including campaign traits) and skills and abilities to the backstory of their PC applicant.

Expectations of Players:
1. Drop-outs can be replaced, but it can cause delays so I would prefer individuals that can stick around for the whole AP
2. Prefer minimum posts of 1/day for weekdays, 1/weekend, more if at all possible, especially during combats (or when I’m bored).
3. I am all too familiar with RL distractions, and would appreciate the courtesy of a note if you need to miss chunks of time – you’ll get DM-PC’ed to keep the game moving. Hopefully, you’ll survive…
4. Use appropriate language, formatting, behavior, and decorum. I am all for having a good time, but let’s be respectful.
5. Ability to separate IC from OOC knowledge – if you’ve played or GMed this AP before, don’t worry you’re eligible, just don’t give the game away for others. Please don’t read private spoilers etc as they are marked private for a reason (usually to enhance your game play).
6. Understanding that role-play is more important to me than “roll-play”. Dice don’t always determine things like Diplomacy or Bluff, especially if you sell it!
7. Be prepared to play your alignment. This has always been a pet peeve of mine. (Does that make me Lawful? -- you decide). Lawful Good still gives you a wide range of options and behavior choices in situations, but ultimately your PC’s ethics, principals and mores (or lack thereof) need to win out.
8. I am NOT a stickler for RAW and may (from time to time) deviate in the interest of a better game (usually to the players benefit, but not always) or for what I think is more plausible in a given situation. Feel free to call me on it and to post your favorite rule references to back up your case, but GM’s rulings are FINAL (unless my wife walks in). If you want to get into a rules argument, go to the Message Boards…we’re here to have fun.
9. If you have unique spell or ability, please link or cut and paste via spoiler the PRD version so I don’t have to research to understand the power, range, duration, et al. I readily admit I don’t have all the rules memorized and you speed up things for everyone by this simple courtesy.

Good Luck with creation, sorry for boring you to tears, and hopefully I’ll see you in the game soon. Please PM if you have questions, concerns.

Here is the list of preferred players from the original thread. They will have priority when determining who gets in. If you are on this list, make sure i know your submission is tied to that name. If you are not interested in proceeding, let me know and I'll shorten the list:

With this many names, and some sure posts from outside, there will be competition, but I will try to follow this order if everyone has a qualified, and acceptable, candidate.

Jolly Roger
ginganinja
Wolfgang Rolf
Helikon
twilsemail
Lativa Stormstrike
Dakcenturi
PatheticWretch
Raed Ironfist of Justice
Cuan
trawets71
Agatha Ulfdottir
Revvy Bitterleaf
Stemboy
Council Chairman

Here is a crunch for my half-orc barbarian. I will work on a backstory shortly. Basics is that he is a classic Half-Orc Barbarian, built for using the Orc Double Axe. Invulnerable rager with eventual cold resistance.

Dotting for interest. I will come back when I have a character ready.

Would love to fill the arcane role. Have to think on what specifically. I have some favor towards a social fey/sylvan(cool ice animal companion) sorcerer or ice witch.

Played Frostfur Captives as my second adventure with a great GM and can't wait to go back there :D.

Thanks for running DoctorEvil :).

Here is the crunch on my dwarven monk. Will read over the game setting and create backstory later today.

This is PatheticWretch from the original thread.

I would be very interested in playing Talon Thief-taker, Rogue 1. Here's the applicable mechanics crunch, but I will be adding RP background soon.

I also have some other characters I can play if you feel there would be a better fit or more pressing need.

Thanks for running the show!!!

This character has had zero luck in getting picked for this campaign. Why not see if my luck holds true?

Have a preference for playing a divine caster. WIll prolly be a cleric aiming for Divine Scion PrC, or maybe a Druid.

Background and purchases complete. Any suggestions on place to get a character sheet or can you convert this to hero lab?

Submitting Arthrax Bellringer, Fighter 1. Should have everything ready except the character sheet link. If you could help with the character sheet link, that would be appreciated.

If this is going to be PFS I will need to create a new PFS character (my current one is adventuring here as Alexos Virden)... thinking of converting a gnome cavalier concept I have been working on. Need to finish the backstory... and don't want to create the PFS character unless selected, but I have an alias for what I have so far: Abroshgre Vaestrom.

Let me know what you think.

How are you doing, folks?

I would like to submit Elxurian, an assimar paladin. She was selected several months ago to a Reign of Winter game, but recently the game died and I've been searching for a replacement spot at third level (but RoW are not showing up much these days), or to start it over again.

Thus, your campaign comes at the right time for me, and I like detailed and organized stuff, enough to get interested in your game.

I have been through a greater part of book 1, I believe, but I don't consider it a problem, same as you.

I just like the character's background and behavior too much to let her Elxurian abandoned among my alias, so I'm applying to have a mighty adventure along with other brave fellows!

She has some differences from your requirements, all of which will be fixed if she gets chosen (or if you demand it to be able to apply, in case her background does not speak for herself), but just so you know here are the differences:

Good luck to all.

This is ginganinja's character.

Shes currently a Cleric 1, with aspirations to enter into the Divine Scion PrC. She will be trying to emulate Sarenrae with a focus on fire and healing magic.

Would you allow the Slayer? The PFS list of additional resources says the playtest classes are ok but how do you feel about them?

Basic idea for the character is a Half Orc of Ulfen origin, his father being one of the Ulfen Guard. He himself is works as part of the border patrol along the Qadiran border. He'd be back home in Heldren due to something like his sister getting married or the such.

OK, this is the character I (the Emerald Duke) built... given the stiff competition I am not sure how well he stacks up, but it is a start.

Basic idea: I would be playing a charismatic, cheerful gnomish (Traveler Gnome subset as outlined in the ARG) cavalier (Order of the Tome as outlined in the UC). He knows more languages than even some scholars, and his love for the way they move and flow is only rivaled by his love for his wolf mount.

Behind the smile and love for languages and knowledge, however, is a darker past. He is, in actuality, a reincarnated drow wizard... and while he doesn't fully know it, his quest for knowledge might end his permenant damnation... or possibly his ultimate redemption.

Anyway, hope to be selected, and if I am I will create a PFS character to match the alias.

Don't have a lot of time to work out an entire character due to work. Have some time tomorrow evening. The standard wizard also seems fun in versatility.

I would love to apply but I am in a RL game of RoW where I am getting PFS credit so I will hold off to allow others the opportunity.

PS Cool to see another Nashville GM :)

I am afraid that I forgot about the PFS credit that was mentioned in the initial post. Is a PFS character required for this game? If so, I will submit another character.

Thanks

Delweir I am assuming this is being played in campaign mode which means you do not need a PFS character. However, once you complete sanctioned portions of the AP then the GM can provide PFS chronicle sheets that you can apply to a legal PFS character.

Also, I'm going to roll up a character in case we need one, as I would like to see how this AP plays out in a PbP format. This way if there is a need for someone to fill a spot for a full table I can be that.

Here is a crunch for my half-orc barbarian. I will work on a backstory shortly. Basics is that he is a classic Half-Orc Barbarian, built for using the Orc Double Axe. Invulnerable rager with eventual cold resistance.

Crunch looks good at first blush, I didn't go through it in terrific detail. The backstory is what will sell you.

Doesn't look like you are on the preferred list either, but I'll get you on the list of others for now.

Get me the story when you can.

Just a few things:

1) Doesn't have to be a PFS-legal PC in order to play the campaign (in fact, if you do the traits as I suggested above, you can't be PFS legal), but you'll be able to apply the credit to any PFS legal character of same Tier, as if you ran a pre-gen. For the first section, the Chron sheet is good for any Level 1-2 character.

2) The folks on the preferred list get first dibs here, but if they don't follow the build rules, I don't like their concept, or they opt out, others will move up. I reserve the right to take them or not.

3) I will answer questions, make comments etc at least once per day, and update the applicant list then as well. If I leave you off, it's not intentional, so bump me.

4) The link to a character sheet probably should not be a requirement for submission, but will be for selection. I will build you a Hero Lab file if needed once we decide who gets in. Mythweavers is another source. I mostly just want consistent formatting of the sheet when I click on your alias, so I can find things easily (and so they are built correctly).

5) Advanced Classes that are acceptable to PFS are fine with me, but I believe I expressed an affinity for the core stuff, so be forewarned...

Thanks to all who have expressed interest, picking the final group is always hard. Will have the updated applicant list up in a little bitty bit.

I see you may already be making decisions. Just in case--here's a rime-blooded sorcerer who plays with fireworks, of all things. (Yes, I know that there will be tons of things with cold resistance up yonder)

I present Horef for inclusion to the Reign of Winter.

Here is the updated applicant list, with the preferred people listed first, then the rest sorted by type.

Jolly Roger - applied - arcane type under development
ginganinja - applied - Meditrina - cleric of Sarenrae
Wolfgang Rolf - applied - under development
Helikon -not applied
twilsemail - not applied
Lativa Stormstrike - not applied
Dakcenturi - declined, or maybe will fill out table if needed
PatheticWretch - applied - Talon Thieftaker - human rogue
Raed Ironfist of Justice - applied - Dwarven Monk
Cuan - applied - possible half-orc Slayer in Ulfen Guard
trawets71 - not applied
Agatha Ulfdottir - not applied
Revvy Bitterleaf - not applied
Stemboy - not applied
Council Chairman - not applied

Other applicants

Melee
Raed Ironfist(P) - Dwarven monk
Ong'rag - half-orc barbarian
Arthrax - Fighter
Abroshgre - gnome cavalier
Elxurian - aasimar paladiin

Arcane
Jolly Roger (P) - arcane type of some kind
Delweir - human wizard infernal binder
Sindre - rime-blooded sorceror

Skill
Talon Thief-taker (P) - human rogue
Cuan (P) - half-orc slayer?
Horef - half-orc rogue

Divine
Meditrina (P) - cleric of Sarenrae

Here is the application for Trawets71. Trawets was the very first character I played back in the AD&D days. He is very much an Evoker of the old school.

I don't have Hero Lab or anything like that so my best attempt at a character sheet has been done on my profile.

Please let me know of any mistakes or changes you need made.

Thanks for picking up the DM baton for this AP.

Updated my background...

I will need help with the character sheet if I am selected, I haven't used any program beyond the profile sheets here (which are a tad free form to say the least) and paper copies for more formal lists.

I would like to apply for a chance to brave the cold weather.
My name is Agatha Ulfsdottir, daughter of Bjoern son of Ragnar. My father is a proud member of the Ulfen Guard and he wanted me to join them as well. But I decided to make a name for myself first as a sellsword.
Crunch: Human Barbarian(Invul Rager) Nothing fancy, nothing posh, just some good old muscle and fury. I will make a second character with Agatha Bjoernsdottir. I would love to put the credit to Agatha Ulfsdottir, my PFS character.

This is the char I would like to play

Brave Snownest is a child who was left in the deeps woods of the North. He was the newborn child of an Aasimar Paladin of Serenrae. She fell in love with a Skald woodcutter who lived deep in the woods. He was kind to the animals and fey that lived in the area and only cut trees when needed and only after he consulted with the local fey. He knew which trees were the homes of the brownie tribe and would frequently offer gifts to the brownies. Their favorite was his sweet potato pie, fresh from his oven. His mother was an adventurer who found this kind man as she was following a missive from the Serenrae temple. She was to spread the word of Serenrae to the dark, desolate North. After several months of residing in a small town near Chillblight in Feyfrost, she saw the woodcutter as he came to town for supplies. Their romance could be described as having been granted by Serenrae herself. Soon after the two married, she was pregnant with the child. During her pregnancy, she helped to convert a few locals and started a clinic to help heal the wounds of the commoners.

News of this finally reached the winter witches of Irrisen who came to investigate and purge the intrusion of Serenrae. The paladin and the woodcutter, having heard of the destruction of her clinic in town prepared for the worst and made plans to leave the next morning. However, the witches descended upon the cabin in the woods and lit it on fire with the three inhabitants still inside. The woodcutter brandished his axe and told the paladin to take their child to the fey and ask for their help. He will hold them off. The paladin escaped out of the back and ran for the brownies' grove. She heard cackling behind her, getting closer and closer as she ran. She was almost there when a witch's tongue wrapped around her ankle, felling her. She cradled the baby as she fell and placed it behind a tree trunk, hopefully out of sight of the witches. She beseeched the brownies' help to spirit away her child as she drew her sword and shield. She cut the foul tongue of the witch before striding boldly into the oncoming coven, moving to certain death. However, the brownies could not let anything happen to the child of these two kind souls.

They hid the baby from the witches and let him grow and learn of the ways of healing and hard work. They named his 'Brave' after the actions of his parents. They regaled the child with stories of his parents, but kept hidden the foulness of their death. He knows that they died valiantly, but not gruesomely. The brownies kept the armor, sword and shield of the paladin and used their finest blacksmiths to reforge the armor for the child now grown. They sent him off into the world as a protector. Someone who would heal the sick, protect the weak and promote peace. Someone who would make his parents proud and give them a second life through his actions.

He has traveled south to see the world and generally wanders until he finds someone in need. He never stays anywhere too long, but makes sure to leave each town or farm in a better condition than when he arrived. He has come to Haldren in Taldor, merely the next stop on his wandering. He feels something calling to him in the city and he has stayed for two extra days, quite amazing for him. He has a feeling that a larger purpose in life may be looming just around the corner...

Brave Snownest is a Hospitaler Paladin who plans on multi-classing into Life Oracle. His two main focuses are healing and front-liner. His damage will be small, but he will utilize Life Link, Lay on Hands and Channeling to heal his allies. I don't know if a Paladin/Oracle is too out there for you. I would actually like to take the Oracle's Curse: Tongues, before he takes any levels in Oracle. He will always speak in Sylvan when in battle. He is a rash individual that will sacrifice anything to protect and heal. He hates dogs, wolves and foxes. He will use his Oracle mending cantrip to help anyone who needs clothes sewn or tools fixed. He will take freely from people, but will always return the favor more than could ever be expected. Finally, he always dresses in bright clothing that is reminiscent of falling leaves, specifically reds, oranges, and yellows.

Another updated list of applicants, it looks like we may be able to end applications early, as there are plenty of good ones out there already. I will make an official announcment if indeed I close early. I will be taking out the "not applied" people from the preferred list by end of day today.

Jolly Roger - applied - arcane type under development
ginganinja - applied - Meditrina - cleric of Sarenrae
Wolfgang Rolf - applied - under development
Helikon -not applied
twilsemail - not applied
Lativa Stormstrike - Declined
Dakcenturi - declined, or maybe will fill out table if needed
PatheticWretch - applied - Talon Thieftaker - human rogue
Raed Ironfist of Justice - applied - Dwarven Monk
Cuan - applied - possible half-orc Slayer in Ulfen Guard
trawets71 - applied - Trawets - wizard evoker
Agatha Ulfdottir - applied - Agatha - barbarian
Revvy Bitterleaf - not applied
Stemboy - not applied
Council Chairman - not applied

Other applicants

Melee
Raed Ironfist(P) - Dwarven monk
Agatha Bjornsdottir (P) - Barbarian invulnerable rager
Ong'rag - half-orc barbarian
Arthrax - Fighter
Abroshgre - gnome cavalier
Elxurian - aasimar paladin
Brave Snownest - hospitaler paladin/life oracle

Arcane
Jolly Roger (P) - arcane type of some kind
Trawets - (P) - evoker wizard
Delweir - human wizard infernal binder
Sindre - rime-blooded sorceror

Skill
Talon Thief-taker (P) - human rogue
Cuan (P) - half-orc slayer?
Horef - half-orc rogue

Divine
Meditrina (P) - cleric of Sarenrae

I'll go with a ranger Trapper and Freebooter Archetypes. I'll post the back story and crunch as soon as I am done.

This is the wizard of Jolly Roger.

The stats are on his character page but unfortunately I could not get the stats of his familiar there. I'm still poking about with the traits, but the rest is solid I think.

He will focus on control and utility.

If it's not too late Doc, I'd like to submit a character application for this game; I'm going to finish up later this evening, but the concept is a Human Merciful Healer Cleric of Pharasma.

I've started the character on this avatar profile.

I'll throw in on this one if you don't mind, Doc. It's Barek from your RotRL game.

This is a character from a RoW game that's pretty much died. I can easily dial back the equipment she's gotten and reset her. Now one note: She's an Oracle at first level, but she'll be a Sorceror from then on out.

And everyone, just a plug for the GM whether I get in or not. He runs a good solid game. In his other game, we're 2000+ posts in. Very descriptive and works well with his players. You should be in for a great run.

Ah if you need anything else for my character to qualify please let me know. I can work on his background some more. I will track spells known and memorized, and a stat bar when I get in :).

I am done tweaking my character, I think. Best of luck to everyone.

I'm actually stepping away from the Slayer and the Half Orc and build a Half Elf Arcane Duelist Bard instead.

The border patrol part stays as do the Ulfen father. His mother however becomes a Half Elf and member of Taldor's lesser nobility (as in only the name is still noble, no lands no nothing)

Still working on the crunch (it's quite late here already).

Hey Doc,

I think since there is a preferred list with ample applications now that I look at it, it's probably for the best if I bow out of creating a character at this time.

Have fun y'all! Doc Evil is a great PbP GM, you will enjoy yourselves.

I've updated Elxurian to level 1, and adjusted to the campaign specifics.

Would you mind taking a look at her sheet and telling me if the format is appropriate? In case it isn't, would you mind giving me a Hero lab profile? I do not have the software... Thanks.

Okay, I think it's safe to say that if anyone on the preferred list is going to join then they have already given notice. Those that have not responded will be taken from the list:

Jolly Roger - Tal Darkariel - wizard
ginganinja - Meditrina - cleric of Sarenrae
Wolfgang Rolf - Ranger with Freebooter and Trapper archetypes
PatheticWretch - Talon Thieftaker - human rogue
Raed Ironfist - Dwarven Monk
Cuan - half-elf Arcane Duelist bard
trawets71 - Trawets - wizard evoker
Agatha Ulfdottir - Agatha - barbarian invulnerable rager

That's 8 characters there, and then here is the list of all applicants again sorted by type. Remember I am taking an initial group of 6, one from each type along with two wildcards (the best of the rest, if you will).

Melee
Raed Ironfist(P) - Dwarven monk
Agatha Bjornsdottir (P) - Barbarian invulnerable rager
Ong'rag - half-orc barbarian
Arthrax - Fighter
Abroshgre - gnome cavalier
Elxurian - aasimar paladin
Brave Snownest - hospitaler paladin/life oracle

Arcane
Tal Darkariel(P) - wizard
Trawets - (P) - evoker wizard
Delweir - human wizard infernal binder
Sindre - rime-blooded sorceror

Skill
Wolfgang Rolf (P) - Ranger w/Trapper and Freebooter
Talon Thief-taker (P) - human rogue
Cuan (P) - half-elf arcane duelist bard
Horef - half-orc rogue

Divine
Meditrina (P) - cleric of Sarenrae
Vesna Kania - oracle/sorceress

Hello to Mirela and Barek from my first RotRL game. I am sure they are wishing I'd get over there and post for them instead of starting a new game. Seriously, thanks for the props! You are both great players as well!

I will be looking at each applicant in more detail now, and giving you my feedback on your build, backstory, etc and askign questions about what I don't understand or any rules issues I see.

Still taking applications for now, but I can see a good party shaping up from what we already have...

I might need some help with the stats for my mount as well, never played a character with a pet or mount before. Also I have been toying with the idea of taking a drawback. I think they round out the character, but I don't want to rock the applecart if you wouldn't want to deal with detriments. Thoughts?

Anyway, as a reader/fan of your RotRL campaigns, I am greatly hoping to be selected. Good luck all!

Ok, here goes first character deep-dive

Ok, here goes first character deep-dive

** spoiler omitted **

Working on it now, the +4 comes from the familiar greenskin scorp.

Should be ready in about 5 hours I guess (have some other stuff to do too :))
I will make sure it is at Trawets level by then.

Andras isn't done yet

His background however