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HERE YE! HERE YE! Let it be known that the City Council of New Phlan is seeking heroes to free the city from the evil hordes!
RICHES! FAME! GLORY!
The City Council seeks heroes of all kinds to battle for fame and fortune. Legends will be written about these adventurers...
See the New Phlan City Council for more information!
Long ago there was a computer game and a book called called Pools of Radiance. There was also a module (called ruins of adventure) I never did get to play, which I'd like to fix here :)
Recruitment will run until Sunday 1st October 2017, 10 am GMT. Shortly after I will be selecting 5 players. While I hope it won’t be necessary, if I need to re-recruit, first refusal shall be given to anyone who has posted a submission here.
It has been 50 years since the city of Phlan was a small but growing city on the shores of the great MoonSea. Trade sailed into to Phlan, past the fortress of Sokal Keep where the watch scanned the sea for pirates, into the small harbor at the mouth of the Stojanow River. Galleys, pinks, cogs, and schooners came from the merchants to the south, braving the sea to this small northern port. Townsmen offloaded pungent spices, dark woods, reptilian leathers, filmy cloth, gnarled barks, hammered steel, veined marbles—the riches of the southern shores. From the north came thick bearded men—men of the bitter plains, granite mountains, and icy swamps beyond, leading caravans burdened with silky furs, heavy wools, rare ores, straight-beamed woods, and the ivories of beasts long forgotten in lands further south. Slowly, with patience and endurance, the caravans plodded to Phlan meeting others, friends in the dwarves of the Dragonspine and elves of the Quivering Forest, foes in the orcs who came from the Tweenhill gap or the reptilian race of the swamps. In Phlan northman and southerner met, haggling, cheating, lying and drinking. Phlan was well on its way to becoming a prosperous trading town. And then the dragons and their armies came. At first the men of distant villages stopped trekking to Phlan. No trader came back with tales of new discoveries. The distant outposts slowly disappeared. Then refugees began to arrive. At first they were solitary survivors straggling in to lose themselves in the maze of the slums. Then families arrived perched on plodding wagons. They told stories of neighboring villages set to the torch, the humans slaughtered—or worse. Trade dropped off. Fewer caravans arrived. Fewer ships came to collect the scanty cargoes. The merchants were concerned. Scouts were sent. They returned telling of hordes of orcs, goblins, ogres, and giants doing what they had never done before— marching as armies with order and discipline. It was the fear of their commanders, fearsome dragons, that held them together. Towns closer and closer to Phlan fell, the stream of refugees increased. Cautious merchants packed their goods and left. Greedy merchants hurriedly amassed fortunes from the frightened people while keeping one eye always on the door. The Council fretted and fussed. Some wanted appeasement, some favored an army, and still others poured money into the walls of Phlan. But no strategy was ever agreed upon. When the armies finally came, Phlan was simply not prepared. For a day the Council watched the lines drawn up outside the walls—ranks of leering, skull-painted beasts dragging obscene machines of war. They could not surrender, for they knew there would be no mercy from these cohorts. Valiantly, but futilely, they mustered their men. Their spearmen were ready to meet the charge. From the start of the attack, the humans were defeated. They were out-numbered, out-fought and out-generalled. The first wave struck from the air—wheeling flights of dragons after dragons swept over the rooftops, setting ablaze vast portions of the city. As the flames licked over the chimneys, the attackers charged into the trapped militia. The Battle of Phlan was a massacre. In 50 years, however, the dragon armies have flowed and ebbed, leaving behind pockets of despair and desolation. These isolated domains cannot withstand the unstoppable flood of human dominance. Men have returned north of the MoonSea and are determined to reclaim their lost homes. Such is the case in Phlan. Although the city proper—its districts and its fortresses—are still held by the twisted offspring of the original conquerors, good men have managed to gain a foothold in the ruined city. Fired by the feelings of destiny and progress, they have set their sights on reclaiming all of Phlan and restoring it to its former glory. To this end, they are backed by a new Council, a consortium of the children of the original merchants of Phlan and new, eager speculators.
About the setting
* The game is set in the Year of the Lion, 1340 DR. It’s currently the month of Ches. This is before the time of troubles.
* Deities, Faerun has a lot of them! You may worship any non-evil deity. Pathfinderising their stats is a bunch of work. When in doubt start from the 3.5 stats for Deities and work backwards. Obviously before the time of troubles Mystra, Bane, Bhaal and Myrkul are still around. Cyric and Midnight are currently nobodys. If you have any questions just ask.
* The city of Phlan is a port of the Moonsea.
* A map of area around Phlan.
* An artist’s impression of Phlan Note this map is not accurate.
* During the prologues you will arrive at New Phlan via sea. The land route is too dangerous at first and the Stojanow River is dreadfully polluted with something that eats away wood and flesh alike.
* www.candlekeep.com good source for general Forgotten Realms lore.
What to Expect
* A campaign inspired by Ruins of Adventure (Pools of Radiance) and if all goes well The Azure Bonds. The original adventure needs substantial modification to adapt it for Pathfinder and PbP. While I hope to retain the atmosphere and overall plot, many elements will be changed to better match the format, including all of the dungeons which will be shortened.
* We shall start with prologues which will guide the party together before the proper adventure begins. This is an example of what I mean.
* There will be some political machinations but the main focus is a mix of wilderness and dungeon exploration, hack and slash against hordes of weaker monsters, and occasional boss fights.
* The game will have sandbox elements although just like a Paizo AP there is an overarching plot.
* Adventuring days will tend to be on the long side with relatively little downtime, the forces of evil are not going to stand idle...
* I will automate a lot of boring stuff for you. E.g. I shall roll initiatives and the majority of saves on your behalf. In addition I shall track hit points, loot, buffs and debuffs.
* We will not use XP, rather you will level up when it makes sense for the plot.
* Maps will be in google docs, I very much prefer if you can draw arrows to indicate movements and draw circles and so on to indicate spell effects.
* For an example of how I run combats, take a look at this. Players can post in any order but I will try to run the combat in initiative order. Players will get botted if I have to wait on them for more than 24 hours.
* You can expect consistent daily posts from me. I have a full time job, and two kids but I’ve been doing this for years and don’t foresee anything which will change my circumstances. I’m careful not to take on more than I can manage, while I’m in quite a few games, many are slow paced. If push comes to shove I’ll drop games I’m playing in rather than DMing.
Character Creation
* 20 pt buy, no stats less than 8 after racials.
* We will be starting at level 2.
* Max HP per level.
* Two traits, no drawbacks.
* Paizo material only (we can reskin feats and traits to match the Forgotten Realms).
* No technology (including guns).
* No Eidolons.
* Unchained classes are allowed but not required.
* Background Skills, Skill Unlocks will be used. Fighters get Comabt Stamina for free.
* Core races only, sorry.
* Alignments: CG, NG, LG, LN, LE only. To be clear I want civic minded heroes. LE characters can work, but I’ll only accept one and none if there’s a Paladin in the party. PvP is not welcome.
* 1000g of gear
* An alias isn’t necessary for submission but you will need to make one if selected.
* Please format your PC using the normal Paizo statblock, HeroLab’s output is fine.
What I’m looking for from you
* Consistent posting (an average 1/day minimum please, even if it’s just banter or internal monologue). Remember PbP is all about momentum. Always be pushing.
* A good strong background, this is very important - I will primarily be selecting players based on your writing skills and your posting consistency. Your character needs a strong reason for caring about Phlan. Whatever the reason, even if it’s a lust for wealth and fame, make it convincing! Oh and don’t make your background too long :) We’re starting at level 2, you can’t have done all that much yet!
* Good descriptive writing, not just dice rolls.
* Party banter! Tell me what your character is thinking, give me some plot hooks!
Dotting. I recently wrote a player's guide for a Zhentil Keep campaign that never materialized and - of course - stumbled upon Phlan during my research. Forgotten Realms is often overlooked nowadays, but it is an incredibly fun and rich setting.
I'll try and put a wizard together before the end of next week :)
Dotting.
Thinking about what to play.
Sounds fun. I'll come up with something. :)
Interested but just to clarify, are the Occult Adventure's classes alright to consider? Some GMs have an aversion to them.
Though guns are out I assume the Boltslinger Archetype of the Gunslinger would still be viable for consideration.
Occult classes are fine (a bit like psionics which was present in the Forgotten Realms) as is Boltslinger.
Am giving an alchemist some consideration. Is it ok to do Pathfinder Society swaps, like Extra Bombs instead of Brew Potion?
PFS has all sorts of strange house rules. This will be vanilla pathfinder mostly, so no to that one. I doubt that'll make or break a concept however.
I have never played Pool of Radiance myself, but I loved watching my older brother play it when I was a kid. Consider me interested if I can unfog the mist over my knowledge of the Forgotten Realms well enough to create an interesting character.
Well if it doesnt break anything, why disallow it?
Anyways, looking a dusting off a character which hasnt been getting any game since I made him. This is the one. Gonna put that level two on if he gets chosen, not like thats gonna be a drastic difference anyway.
Dot.
Dot
I remember playing Pool of Radiance on 5" floppy disks. Definitely dotting.
A Moon Elf Ranger is what I'm look at going with. I'll try to get him built out by Thursday. Have a lot of updates for the next 3 days and then table top on Friday.
Interesting choice of 1340 for the year DM! ;-)
A Moon Elf Ranger is what I'm look at going with. I'll try to get him built out by Thursday. Have a lot of updates for the next 3 days and then table top on Friday.
Interesting choice of 1340 for the year DM! ;-)
Now you're getting me paranoid ;) The module doesn't seem to specify the year but according to this the book was set in 1340 DR.
A Moon Elf Ranger is what I'm look at going with.
Do you want to play ranged or melee, SS? I can do whatever and wouldn't like that we end up being too similar.
A Moon Elf Ranger is what I'm look at going with.Do you want to play ranged or melee, SS? I can do whatever and wouldn't like that we end up being too similar.
Ranged.
Now you're getting me paranoid ;) The module doesn't seem to specify the year but according to this the book was set in 1340 DR.A Moon Elf Ranger is what I'm look at going with. I'll try to get him built out by Thursday. Have a lot of updates for the next 3 days and then table top on Friday.
Interesting choice of 1340 for the year DM! ;-)
No need to be paranoid, I just like classic DORis all ;-)
Can I worship Lliira, goddess of Joy? I don't think I know how to read these entries (Lliira). It is written in the past tense, but I can't see anywhere where it gives dates or when she was and wasn't a deity.
It's not life or death; I am making a bard, not a cleric, but I still would like to know for my background.
I think I will make a gold dwarfen fighter/cleric of Marthammor Duin.
I just loves dwarfes.
Is gold dwarf and Marthammor Duin acceptable?
Yes Lliira is fine.
dotting
Thinking of creating a deaf oracle. In PFS there is a rule that if you spend one rank in linguistics, you can read lips in any language you know. Would you be willing to roll with that? or a variation?
Alrighty, submitting Zane Levallis, Cleric of Lathander. Everything should be in order, but definitely open to feedback.
Thanks for the consideration!
I'll be building a sorcerer during today. Very blasty, very orcy.
My character is almost done... an opera singer by trade (can hurt people with her voice), but one of my traits requires an ancient language that she would have learned songs in. Real world equivalent would perhaps be Latin. Golarian equivalent... Thassalonian perhaps. What would be a good Faerun equivalent?
Oh, and the other trait I want for her requires her to be a member of the Pathfinder society. Any good society or guild she can be a part of in Faerun to qualify for the trait?
Harpists (a classic)?
IIRC, in the 3.5 guide there were some dead languages listed, though I don't have access to it right now.
<--Zanbabe's submission.
Still writing the backstory, and need to total equipment and see if there is anything else I want to buy, but I think the rest is done. Just thought I'd throw it out there before work, so in case there are any problems you see, I can tackle them after, when I put in the backstory, etc.
(Thanks everyone for the suggestions for languages and societies by the way, in thread and out of thread.) :)
My character is almost done... an opera singer by trade (can hurt people with her voice), but one of my traits requires an ancient language that she would have learned songs in. Real world equivalent would perhaps be Latin. Golarian equivalent... Thassalonian perhaps. What would be a good Faerun equivalent?
Oh, and the other trait I want for her requires her to be a member of the Pathfinder society. Any good society or guild she can be a part of in Faerun to qualify for the trait?
Netherese for languages.
I'd go with the Harpers for a society, they are more do gooders but there is no real Pathfinder Society equivalent in FR.
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I'd like to throw my hat in the ring.
Here's what I have so far:
Mandarok the Quick
Male human unchained rogue 2 (Pathfinder RPG Ultimate Combat 72, Pathfinder Unchained 20)
N Medium humanoid (human)
Init +8; Senses Perception +5 (+9 to hear conversation or find concealed object)
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Defense
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AC 18, touch 14, flat-footed 14 (+4 armor, +3 Dex, +1 dodge)
hp 17 (2d8+4)
Fort +1, Ref +7, Will +1
Defensive Abilities evasion
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Offense
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Speed 30 ft. (20 ft. in armor)
Melee brass knuckles +5 (1d3) or
. . dagger +5 (1d4/19-20) or
. . short sword +5 (1d6/19-20)
Special Attacks sneak attack (unchained) +1d6
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Statistics
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Str 10, Dex 18, Con 12, Int 13, Wis 10, Cha 14
Base Atk +1; CMB +1; CMD 16
Feats Dodge, Improved Initiative, Weapon Finesse
Traits indomitable faith, poverty-stricken
Skills Acrobatics +5 (+1 to jump), Appraise +5, Bluff +7, Climb +1, Diplomacy +7, Disable Device +8, Disguise +6, Escape Artist +5, Knowledge (local) +6, Linguistics +5, Perception +5 (+9 to hear conversation or find concealed object), Profession (merchant) +5, Sense Motive +4, Sleight of Hand +6, Stealth +6, Survival +1, Swim +1
Languages Chondathan, Damaran, Goblin
SQ natural born liar, rogue talent (canny observer[APG])
Other Gear mwk chain shirt, brass knuckles[APG], dagger (5), short sword, bedroll, belt pouch, blanket[APG], block and tackle, everburning torch, flint and steel, glass cutter[UE], masterwork backpack[APG], masterwork thieves' tools, perfume/cologne[UE], 449 gp, 4 sp
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Special Abilities
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Canny Observer (Ex) +4 Perception to overhear conversations or find concealed or secret objects.
Evasion (Ex) If succeed on Reflex save for half dam, take none instead.
Natural Born Liar (Ex) Creatures deceived by Bluff check take a -2 penalty vs. your Bluff checks for 24 hours.
Sneak Attack (Unchained) +1d6 Attacks deal extra dam if flank foe or if foe is flat-footed.
This sounds wonderously nostalgic.
Allow me to ponder with great interest...
Thank you for running.
This is Dorian's submission.
I made for an epic FR game, but, alas, Myth Drannor's resurrection wasn't ordained.
If acceptable for submission, I shall level him to 2nd.
* Cyric is an evil god and I don't want worshipers of evil gods sorry.
* The game is set in 1340DR and Cyric isn't even a god yet :)
* I don't want N, CG, CE or NE characters because I don't think their motivations will work well with the story.
Can your concept be tweaked accordingly?
@Helikon gold dwarf and Marthammor Duin look fine.
Thinking of creating a deaf oracle. In PFS there is a rule that if you spend one rank in linguistics, you can read lips in any language you know. Would you be willing to roll with that? or a variation?
Looks like there are no official rules for this, although there is this item. The PFS rule seems reasonable so we can go with it.
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** spoiler omitted **
Okay, I think Azarra is done, but happy to tweak if she needs it for the campaign.
I have an idea for a Warpriest of Helm who could be Lawful Evil or Lawful Neutral but with an edge on pragmatism. Not evil against the group or innocent people, but with the ennemies, the barbarians who seek to destroy civilization, the wicked who profit from other's despair. A kind of "dark knight" protector who he is willing to do anything, whatever the cost, to protect the good people of the Realms. Is that a good concept for this adventure?
Depends on where you are from and what race. Different regions/races have different bonus languages.I was under the impression that humans could take any language as a bonus language, i'm just uncertain if they exist in the setting you know? and if they do, are they named the same?
If I remember correctly all the non-human languages are the same on Faerun.
As for human language, the Moonsea region, Dalelands, and the Sword Coast all share the same 'common' tongue, I believe.
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Depends on where you are from and what race. Different regions/races have different bonus languages.I was under the impression that humans could take any language as a bonus language, i'm just uncertain if they exist in the setting you know? and if they do, are they named the same?
You can speak any, I was just letting you know that there are languages that certain groups speak more often. And yes, nonhuman languages have the same name as in the Core Rulebook.
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You can speak any, I was just letting you know that there are languages that certain groups speak more often. And yes, nonhuman languages have the same name as in the Core Rulebook.
If I remember correctly all the non-human languages are the same on Faerun.
As for human language, the Moonsea region, Dalelands, and the Sword Coast all share the same 'common' tongue, I believe.
Thank you to the both of you.
Uh... is VMC allowed?
Yes VMC is allowed.
Here is the submission for TheWanderer123. It may get some updates but I think this is a good start.