DM Dr Evil's RotRL Group B Re-recruitment - looking for one player to join group (Inactive)

Game Master DM DoctorEvil

Attrition has taken it's toll on our group and our Barbarian has departed, leaving a need for one damage dealing PC to join the group. The current group are all 3rd level and consists of Robin - a halfling court bard, Tinuviel - an elven wizard, Cadas- Shoanti priestess of Gozreh, and Rogar - dwarf ranger.

If all goes well, we will try to pick someone by Sunday and be ready to fold them into the game. The Gamethread is linked here if you want to read up, but synopsis is provided below...

As I think you can tell, we are running Rise of the Runelords Anniversary Edition as PbP; our group has progressed to level 3 so far.

About the GM:
I am in US Central Time (Nashville TN metro area, yee-haw!), and usually do most posting between 9-12 PM (after my girls are asleep), but will check throughout the day. If it's really interesting, I will 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 –even on Friday's) role and travel frequently. I also have 2 girls and associated familial responsibilities that I put before gaming. 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. Let's do bread and butter, but do it 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 (we have been running since May of 2013 so far). I am open to and welcome feedback and constructive criticism. I hope you will welcome the same.

Character Creation Guidelines:
RotRL is geared for 4 PC's covering the major classes types (melee, divine, arcane, and skills). We have 5 and really need a damage dealer (could be melee, ranged, or magical) Only complete applicants will be considered with Deadline of 10PM on Sunday November 10th (sooner if the response is overwhelming). A complete application includes the following:
1. Characters are level three to begin
2. Good Alignment preferred (you are heroes, right?); I can live with Neutral; but Evil probably won't make the cut.
3. Level appropriate starting wealth or items (spend wisely my friends)
4. Max HP 1st level, "average +1" for subsequent levels
5. Classes from Core are preferred; APG will be considered but given lesser priority, future multi-classing is okay provided it fits the story or build.
6. Standard races 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 RotRL Player 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 Sandpoint.
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.

RotRL Player Guide – please familiarize yourself if necessary, and create a suitable background and reason for being in Sandpoint. Long time citizens of Sandpoint, or relatives, friends, enemies, lovers, or stalkers of main NPC's will be moved down in consideration, behind those without such attachments. Sorry, if your PC is Ameiko's long-lost conjoined twin, you're probably out. (Exploration of the town is part of the game, so living there and having a preconceived relation takes away some flavor).

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.

I'm considering throwing my hat in. I'd be bringing a shoanti barbarian of some sort.

Just as a warning, I was in another Rise PBP that died after the first book and am running one of my own (currently in book 2). Will either of these facts be a problem?

Edit: Derp. That's called out in Rule #5. App to come...

funny I have a barbarian I play in another RotRL game.

It is obviously my favorite character as I have 5 aliases for the character.

This is Feral's app. Info is in the profile.

I am interested in playing this and getting in while the game is still in the low levels. Here is a melee oriented druid with the bear shaman archetype. I hope that archetypes are okay. If not, I can adjust the character. The profile includes his background.

Nice, RotRL has a special place in my heart since its what brought me into this system.

After reading over the crunch that you've provided, Dm DoctorEvil, I'd like to play a fighter.

I'm thinking of a wanderer fighter who was drawn to Sandpoint because of a vision he received from Desna to go west.

I'll still need to create a BG, Crunch and other goodies but this was the idea I wanted to shoot out.

(Everything is subject to change, but I would really like to be considered for this game.)

[I've played on Paizo for two years now (DM and Player). If you'd like to see my style of play, feel free to browse my profile]

Hey folks, looks like one of my other PBP applications has been chosen. Out of respect, I'm pulling myself out of the race.

Goodluck everyone.

Will be submitting a two weapon sword and board fighter once I get the character leveled up. Davorik was a prior RotRL character that never made it past the third encounter. Hope to resurrect him for this campaign.

Interested. I'll see what i can come up with

Work in progress, I see you have a court bard so I hope you'll be okay with some archetypes. Tomas will be a grappling damage dealer, combining the martial artist with the brutal pugilist

People should know that Doc Evil is an awesome DM. It'll be worth it. I promise.

Hey Aleksander thanks for the vote of confidence. Perhaps a special boon in store for your character after that...

Taurus - explain how the barbarian speed and the lame curse interact, I'm not sure I follow without building him out. What is your move speed. That 7 DEX is a little funky...

Bjorn - sent you a PM, LMK when you can

Yes, archetypes are okay, I guess. will check in on you tomorrow also.

The barbarian speed bonus and lame curse basically cancel each other out leaving Taurus at 30 speed. His medium armor drops him to 20 speed.

He'll be switching to light armor at some point. That'll put him back at 30.

What do mean by funky? Would you like more explanation?

Taurus - ok, that's kind of what I thought. And you overcome the low dex to AC, which I assume is resultant from broken leg, with the oracle power.

Oh, yeah. Between his crippled leg and his musclebound physique, Taurus is clumsy and graceless but his bond with the spirits finds him extraordinarily lucky. =P

The low dex still hurts him in other ways (skills, initiative, ranged attacks, etc). It just doesn't hurt his AC.

Bjorn - sent you a PM, LMK when you can

I just replied to your PM, DM DoctorEvil.

Working on an application. I've been itching to get my dwarf fighter into a campaign. Will post with alias and link to character sheet when primary is complete, then again when final crunch/fluff is ready for scrutiny.

Thanks romboldt. We look forward to seeing him.

Thanks romboldt. We look forward to seeing him.

Hooray! You spelled my name right! :D Soooo many people drop the d. Which for some reason sounds a little inappropriate. lol

I see no Traits available in the RotRL. Am I missing something? Did I track down the wrong book? :(

Most of the bulk is ready, think I just need to confirm traits, spend more gold, and flesh out the description/personality/background.

I'd like to give it a try. I might need some help with a proper stat block, but I'll work on a paladin. I'll post again when I have more to go with.

Submitting Ro'kun Adagama for your approval.

Ro'kun will be a versatile combatant as the game progresses. I've outlined my plan for his classes/feats up to 11th level below:

With that build Ro'kun should be able to effectively keep his opponents flat-footed throughout combat, allowing for powerful hits and frequent sneak attacking. He excels at fighting groups of enemies and providing a broad range of threat with which to defend his allies with his naginata.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Alright. Most of the character flesh-out is done, tentatively finished so long as I get the okay from the GM. Still need to confirm the traits and possibly spend some more gold. Any thoughts so far? :)

Everything needed should be on this Alias.

Also figured I'd supply a little information about myself as a player:

Here are the traits which are on page 4 and 5 of the Anniversary Editino players guide.

I suppose I should talk a little about myself.

I'm a regular on these boards and have been for a few years. I play in several games and DM a few of my own. I was a part of the Skull and Shackles PBP that finished the entire AP in four months. I'm probably one of the most consistent players around. I work at an office and have a smart phone so posting regularly is never a problem.

I would like to throw my hat in the ring with a character submission. Bormann Grimm is a dwarf battle-rager (barbarian) with a hatred of giants (giant slayer trait) looking to join with other folk to punish the humanoids and giants who have been such a danger in Varisia of late.

I want to get in on this, but other submitted characters are very strong submissions so I have doubts about my eligibility

I have played many casters and rogues so I want to switch things up

I want to be a Barbarian of the north, Shoanti barbarian with beast totem, a long spear and two handed axe,my favored tactic is tossing my spear into combat and using it ad a stepping stone...

300 pounds of muscle on a stout pole with an iron tip

Followed up with a full attack

Takes two turns to do but its a visual maneuver

Will have full profile ready in a while
If I have a chance please send pm.

Anaach, of the Sklar-Quah tribe, sits back in his chair, his battle axe and spear leaning against the wall, within easy reach.

he runs his hand over his head and grimaces at the stubble.
Perhaps it is time to shave... he thinks to himself as he takes a small sip of the ale he has before him

he touches his pack under the table, reassuring himself that it is there for the tenth or eleventh time that morning...

he sighs in delight as the attractive Chelaxian barmaid brings him his boar stew.

the character page is completely filled out DM, other than the possible purchase of a beast of burden... maybe an Auroch...

A little about myself OOC, since it seems relevant and may help with the decision-making process. ^_^ I currently work from home. I've had all kinds of jobs all over the country, but a knee injury while doing carpentry put an end to most career options. Working from home has it's benefits at least: No winter driving, and pant are optional. I also get lots of spare time at the computer both for RP and for preparing a business plan. I've been roleplaying since highschool in several different mediums. My previous table-top experiences have been primarily D&D, and though I was introduced to Pathfinder relatively recently by a friend of mine I've adapted quickly and I'm quite pleased with it. These PbP forums are also new to me, which is why I haven't quite mastered all the lingo yet, but I'm picking it up quickly and enjoying the ride.

As for myself I am CST and post most often from 9:00-11:00PM. I am currently running both Wrath of the Righteous and Reign of Winter pbp campaigns here on the boards so am on every night unless indicated otherwise. Winter campaign and Wrath campaign

Just saw that the dwarf ranger is a two weapon fighter as well so that might take me out of the running. If selected though that is going to be a lot of attacks between the two of them though.

Excited to find out who makes the cut :)

Excited to find out who makes the cut :)

And I as well, if I don't make the cut, can someone direct me to another RotRL recruitment?

I've been wanting to try to play this adventure since I heard the description....

:) good luck all

I would love to make the cut, but between trying to get my hopes up and thinking realistically, I'm probably outshone here. ^_^; I dare say fighters are a dime a dozen, and I don't have thick resumes like a lot of other people seem to. Still doesn't stop me from hoping though. :)

Here is Kasven Paladin of Apsu, going to take a few levels of Dragon Disciple. I wanted to get his content done and then add it to a statblock later, but at least make a showing.

I don't know if Apsu counts as a core diety.

Derp. That post was a reference to a completely different recruitment thread.

Sorry, my weekend was busier than I anticipated and I didn't get a lot of review or commenting done here. The thread is now officially closed to new applicants.

By my count it is 8 applicants, summarized below:

Taurus Strong-Like-Bull - shoanti barbarian/oracle
Bjorn Arinbjornson - Druid Bear Shaman
Red Beard Runolf - brutal pugilist/monk
Korvek - Dwarf fighter
Ro'kun Adagama - half-orc 2 handed fighter
Borman Grimm - Dwarf barbarian
Anaach Sklar-Quah - Shoanti barbarian
Davorik - human 2 weapon fighter

My players have been commenting to me about the applications (though none have appeared here to ask questions...) and these are the 4 that we'd like to continue on the running so far.

1) Bjorn Arinbjornson
2) Korvek
3) Ro'kun
4) Davorik

To the rest, thanks for your applications, but I only needed one spot. Choosing the list in half was tough; paring to one will be really hard.

If you are still in the field, congratulations (so far). Please give us a few comments about how you might interact with the other PC's in the game so far....may take some perusal of the Gameplay thread.

If this works out right, I should have a final late tomorrow or early Tuesday.

Björn Arinbjörnson is a viking's viking. He lives for pillage and plunder. He will lend his arm and prayer to any who recognize his talents and skills and are willing to include him in an equal share of the spoils. He is loyal to a fault, always ready to defend a companion, never leaving one behind and will not stop fighting until his enemies lie dead at his feet or he at theirs. He is mischievous. He loves jokes and pranks, even at his own expense. He is not much for flyting, but greatly respects those who can skillfully flyt. He is a shameless braggart and is happy to tell anyone buying the mead how he single-handedly saved every day.

Speaking of mead, Björn's dream is to retire to start a beekeeping business so he may distill their honey into mead and sell it across the northlands. In reality, the only part he would play in such a business is to consume vast quantities of his own stock while crawling from tavern to inn to freehouse extolling his brew. Basically, he will be the world's most interesting Billy Dee Williams of fermented honey in Golarion.

And that, good DM Dr Evil and fellow players, are a few comments on Björn Arinbjörnson and how he will interact with the party.

Anaach finishes his meal, and bows his head to the barmaid then gathers his items and leaves a gold piece on the tabletop.

Soon he mounts his Auroch and sets off for better places, Sandpoint has new heros.....

On his way out of the town he taps fist to heart in a silent salute to those who seek to better their people.

Dang, while I didn't expect to win, its still slightly sad that I was one of the first ones cut, I read up on your campaign and I found you and your players to be creative and descriptive... I hope your campaign is long and fruitful

None of you are a member of an elevated, elder race. Two of you are human, one is a dwarf and the last is half human, half other.

How do you view elves? How will your character view elves and lastly, and perhaps, most importantly, do any of you know any single, eligible elf men, the sort that you may take home to the parents and show off?

Hey Björn. I voted for you. I know your build well and like it. But now I am concerned. We are pretty much heroes here, doing the right thing because it needs doing. We do not live for pillage and plunder. We do take spoils along the way so that we may better protect the town from the growing threat. So convince me that your style of play is going to fit in with the party's goals. Also add to your story a little if you can , explaining explain why a viking's viking is in Sandpoint pin the first place and why he might be willing to hang around to do what need's doing to help save the town. Seems to me if plunder is not flowing you would be on the first ship headed north.

Currently working on a wall of text for you guys. In the meantime, thanks for keeping me along thus far. ^_^ As for Tinuviel, I'm getting the impression she's uncomfortably single? ;) lol

Keeping in mind these are only initial thoughts, only the process of RPing can flesh out these relationships.

Robin: Halfling Court Bard

Probable First Impression: Why does the group employ a child? .. and why must it prance about like that?

Korvek has learned not to take first impressions to heart, and to let the people he meets speak for themselves. Depending on whether or not he is privvy to the 'act', he may even find himself becoming protective of the halfling. As the son of a wallwarden it comes naturally for him to protect those who come off as physically weak.

Tinuviel, Elven Wizard

Probable First Impression: Strange to see an elf with some meat on her bones. Leave it to a wizard to be spotless and fresh. *chuckle*

Korvek might use his first impressions as a playful introduction, probably complimenting her on not being a rake. He's a dwarf afterall, he likes girls with meat on their bones. Although he may poke fun (in jest, he's a grinner) of her for keeping her hands clean while he has to dive in head-first, he knows the value of spellcasters and understands their value and understands their frailty. As with the halfling, he would likely find himself being protective of her.

Cadas, Shoanti Priestess of Gozreh

Probable First Impression: I've never seen that kind of armor or fighting style before.. how curious. She's big for a human, perhaps this is an amazon..?

As characters that would likely end up shoulder to shoulder in the hell of combat, Korvek would likely be jovial with the cleric. No doubt he would also express his curiosity to her unique nature and maybe even flirt a bit. Given her armament and size he would likely feel less inclined to protect her than the others, under the impression that she can handle herself.

Rogar, Dwarf Ranger

Probable First Impression: Ha! Drinking buddy.

The two would probably end up having a conversation early in their meeting about their height, both being above-average for dwarves. Rogars quick tongue and Korveks thick hide would likely get along very well, and I suspect the two would drain any tavern of its stock in short order. As with Cadas, he would likely not feel protective of his fellow dwarf who seems quite at home with a shield.

Character Note: Rather than concerning myself with the details of the Giant Slayer trait, I'll swap it for Hagfish Hopeful. As a relative newbie to adventure it would be an amusing early goal for Korvek, and would also make for a possible plot hook or meeting spot for him to meet the party.

None of you are a member of an elevated, elder race. Two of you are human, one is a dwarf and the last is half human, half other.

How do you view elves? How will your character view elves and lastly, and perhaps, most importantly, do any of you know any single, eligible elf men, the sort that you may take home to the parents and show off?

Just realized I didn't get around to answering your question. Korvek and I both view Elves as generally thin, eccentric, and conceited.. but both of us also know better than to assume as such. Everybody gets a chance to get on Korveks good side. An elf who acknowledges their fear of dirt and is still respectful, doesn't mind getting their hands dirty, or has a good sense of humor and a good grin, all have perfectly good chances of getting along with the dwarf.

Character Interactions:

Robin
Robin is something of an enigma for Ro'kun. The halfling population in Tian-Xia isn't quite as numerous as it is in Avistan and while Goka is quite cosmopolitan his interactions with halflings have been minimal. As such Ro'kun will likely be somewhat paternal to Robin in the way one might expect to treat a child. This will, undoubtedly, be to Robin's dismay and require Ro'kun learning to treat Robin as an adult and a full-fledged member of the group. I can see a lot of moments where Robin offers to go off and do something on his own (scouting or the like) and Ro'kun gets a little uncomfortable and suggests someone go with him to "keep an eye on him."

Growth-wise, depending on how actual interactions go, I could see Robin being a point of learning for Ro'kun and personal development.

Rogar
I see Rogar and Ro'kun getting along well. They're both lawful and honorable people, and while Rogar is more concerned with the morality of a situation with the "good" element to his alignment and Ro'kun is more concerned with the personal morality of honor-vs-dishonor they come from a similar stock. Ro'kun has no racial predisposition against dwarves, and thankfully it seems Rogar has no ill will towards orcs either which should work in their favor towards one-another.

Amusingly, they both have a strong temper. While Ro'kun tries to keep his in check, perhaps Rogar would try to egg him on at first. They could very well come to that sort of "beat each other up then laugh and have drinks about it" moment of bonding. Rogar could very well help Ro'kun loosen up a little.

In the battlefield, Rogar and Ro'kun will be like peanut-butter and chocolate. A hard-hitting melee ranger and a reach-fighting warrior working side-by-side to mow down opposition. I could see the unity of combat being what helps bring them together.

Ro'kun would also likely be fascinated with Rogar's society and upbringing, as he has not had much contact with Avistani dwarves.

Long-term, I'd like to have Rogar take over Shizuka as an animal companion once she is outpaced by the party. Right now a dire wolf is a decent combatant, but by the time the characters are 6th level she's going to be a liability with her low AC and HP. I think that would be in or around the time Rogar could get a large animal companion, too, and if his relation with Ro'kun is a strong one he may see a better future for Shizuka with the dwarf's guidance and training.

Tinuviel
I see Tinuviel as being the most difficult interpersonal challenge. The elves of Jinin in the Forest of Spirits are wholly different than their Avistani counterparts and Ro'kun would likely be more familiar with their outlooks than Tinuviel's. He would expect from her a certain pragmatism and find her aloof chaotic nature difficult to work with. However she is ancient compared to R'kun and he understands that elven lineage comes with wisdom and would -- ironically -- defer to Tinuviel's judgment...

...up until he realizes she makes the decisions of someone with a Wisdom score of 7! ;)

Provided Tinuviel is as bad at making good choices as a Wisdom of 7 would imply, Ro'kun might find himself in a position where he would try and mentor her or offer guidance and counsel, respectfully. I think Ro'kun and Tinuviel's interactions are the ones that I have the most trouble predicting, which is exciting!

Cadas
I had a hard time getting a good feel for Cadas' character based off of posts from the gameplay thread. But given what I've seen she seems fairly moderate and reactive rather than active, which fits the Neutral alignment well. Ro'kun and Cadas don't seem to have too much in common, which could prove to be a great point of conversation. Ro'kun would enjoy learning mroe about Shoanti culture and their ties to ancient Thassilon as well as learning about her faith in Gozreh.

As someone who enjoys the company of wild animals, Ro'kun would likely find some comfort in Cadas' religion and possibly coem to trust her with his wolf as well, provided that she acts respectfully to other animals/Shizuka when Ro'kun is around. I could set up Shizuka with some tricks to allow Cadas to issue commands, etc.

Also, if you have specific questions for me, feel free to ask :)

Also I just had another bit of inspiration for...

Tinuviel
Ro'kun isn't the typical knuckle-dragging orc-blooded plebian. He's leveraged his average intelligence as much as he can to academic studies without letting his combat training waver. As such he would probably strive to earn Tin's respect as an intellectual. While not on her level at all, he would find a common ground in curiosity for knowledge and understanding of things. Tinuviel's knowledge could certainly be something that Ro'kun finds a resource and also a direct font to learn from as he grows.

Okay so the second ballot is in. The votes are split between Korvek and Davorik, which I have to use my magical tie breaking powers and decide.

I think we can safely say goodbye to Bjorn and Ro'kun. Thank you gentlemen (gentleorc?) for your submissions and for working it to this point. Only one spot means fierce competition for it. Good luck in your future apps!

Remaining fighters, give us your IC intro to our version of the Rusty Dragon, describing what you see there and how you interact with it.