DM Fflash's Shattered Star Campaign

Game Master DM Fflash

While we are happy to have rescued you, you were not our mission Mr. Tavor. And we are not from your lodge. There is much to our tale but this is not the ideal time to tell it.

Likely we should have told our tale as we rested...

Feel free to flex time the discussion of the quest, but unless anyone starts heading a different direction, I'll assume you ultimately decide to press on

Braelex halts the party and with a couple quick gestures and bit of chalk is able to prevent the activation of the magical alarm allowing the party to progress through ... hopefully unnoticed by whomever was monitoring the sentry spell.

Chamber of Correction

The party proceeds through to the next room. A broad central column of stone fills the center of this octagonal chamber. A flight of stairs coils up around this column, passing through an opening in the ceiling thirty feet above. Several doors lie in the chamber’s walls. The room itself features a large amount of ancient and archaic but no less frightful-looking torture implements.

The smaller octagonal chambers to the north, south, and west are cells—the doors separating them from the main room are iron doors with narrow sliding slats at eye level that allow for the passage of a plate of food or a saucer of water. The doors feature rotating wheels that can be turned to lock them in place.

Sitting around a table in the northeast portion of the room are several unmasked Gray Maidens, their faces all marred with scars. One woman in particular with a nasty gash across both her eyes and the bridge of her nose, shouts out as you enter, "Chanukra, we don't have time for any more of your stories of your antics with your plaything ... we have plans for retaking Korvosa to go over ..."

The woman trails off as she sees you, momentarily taken aback before she quickly regains her composure and smiles. "Well fancy that, visitors all the way down here. Bounty Hunters for Oriana? Or sycophants of Sorshen's? Speak quickly."

Nalar points a finger at the unmasked one a smiles sweetly. "How about we be skip the bluster." He says as he casts a spell. Charm Monster Will save DC 22

Vuloo sighs and casts bless on the group. "This isn't going to end well."

Init: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 1 = 21

Andel attempts to identify the weaknesses of these gray maidens.

Init: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25

Knowledge, Local: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (6) + 14 = 20

Braelex nudges Nalar as he starts casting. "No need for hostilities... these women may not be our foes."

Perception: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (9) + 11 = 20

Unsure of how things might turn out Relan delays and watches for what might happen.

Awaiting Nalar's response to Braelex before resolving

-Posted with Wayfinder

Nalar shoots Braelex a glare. "On a good day I'd be all for diplomacy," He says as he begins to shape the signs of the spell. "I've been tortured for a week and they knew about it." He snarls as he casts the spell, trying to enthrall the woman. "This is not a good day."

Charm is always a horribly awkward spell to arbitrate in groups. For this purpose, because it's situationally relevant, I'm going to grant the party surprise, starting with Nalar. Don't expect that arbitration in every encounter, but it works well here ... although the save roll is terribly unfortunate

Nalar finishes his spell and the leader smiles for a second and then shakes her head in confusion turning to anger. The other women look at each other stunned for a moment, not sure what's happening.

Quennelle Will Save: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23

The rest of you may roll initiative and take a single surprise round action ... Nalar assume you have a 20 on your init roll

That's, wow...unfortunate.
Initative 26

Seeing his spell fail to find purchase Nalar looks frustrated. "F%~~ it, burn." He says, pointing a finger at the center of women's group. A bead of fire shooting out before exploding in a blaze.

Casting fireball, DC 19 Reflex for half.
Damage: 7d6 ⇒ (3, 3, 4, 5, 4, 2, 1) = 22

Vuloo and Andel's inits and surprise actions are above.

Relan 5' steps in front of the wizard and readies to attack any enemy that closes with him.

Init: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 = 12

Initiative: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24

"No... stop!" Braelex shouts, trying to avert the conflict. She kicks at Nalar trying to throw him off balance, but is a split-second too late.

Trip: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

Maidens at War Surprise Round

Init: Nalar, Andel, Braelex, Vuloo, Relan, Maidens, Quennelle Page

Following Nalar's failed charm, Andel quickly recites what he knows of the Gray Maidens giving the party an edge. Vuloo blesses everyone as Relan steps to the front holding his ground.

Braelex throws a leg at Nalar, but to no avail. The wizard snarls at the Maidens and ...

Round 1

... shoots a streak of flame that explodes spectacularly sending Maidens diving and destroying the table (actually converted torture racks) setting the various sheafs of paper on fire. Most of them catch the full blast of fire.

"Intruders! To arms! To arms!" The first speaker shouts out. You hear a commotion behind the doors to the southwest

At Andel for action

Quennelle Reflex Save: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7; fail
Maiden 1 Reflex Save: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 21; success
Maiden 2 Reflex Save: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 2 = 13; fail
Maiden 3 Reflex Save: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 2 = 18; fail
Quennelle Init: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6
Maidens Init: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 1 = 11

Andel's naturalist ability gives everyone a +1 insight bonus to AC, attack rolls and saving throws vs supernatural and spell like abilities.

Andel will move to Relan and will cast heroism on him (+2 morale bonus on attack rolls, saves, and skill checks.)

Vuloo activates his wand of spiritual weapon against the nearest maiden (4 charges left).

attack: 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 5 + 1 = 19
damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

"Damn it all," Braelex curses, stepping back and readying a fire bomb. "There was no need to attack them."

"For you perhaps." Nalar says, mentally assessing his arsenal of magic. "Preach at me afterwards, you can join Thyrl."

Readying a bomb isn't really an action ... are you delaying?

Readying a bomb isn't really an action ... are you delaying?

Yes.

Andel casts his spell on Relan and Vuloo smashes one still reeling from the initial.assault, dropping her. The other two rush forward to attack Relan. AoOs and readied attack, please.

The leader pops a potion and takes a drink.

At Relan and Nalar. Map not updated, but 2 will attack Relan and one is down.

-Posted with Wayfinder

Buffs in effect: Bless (does not stack with Heroism), Heroism, and Naturalist ability which gives everyone a +1 insight bonus to AC, attack rolls and saving throws vs supernatural and spell like abilities

Relan's readies action goes off as the first of the maidens closes.

Trip: 1d20 + 17 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 17 + 3 = 25

AOO with +1 Cold Iron Ranseur if Trip is successful: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (19) + 18 = 372d4 + 15 ⇒ (4, 3) + 15 = 22

AOO

Trip: 1d20 + 17 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 17 + 3 = 22

AOO with +1 Cold Iron Ranseur if Trip is successful: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (6) + 18 = 242d4 + 15 ⇒ (1, 3) + 15 = 19

If he tripped both he gloats a little You play my game maidens. Best to surrender and live. And he will attack again if they stand up.

Relan trips and cuts down the two Maidens. Neither moves.

Nalar?

I thought the fireball was my action this round?

Yes, we are at the top of the order Round 2 ... need all of you actually

-Posted with Wayfinder

Round 2
Seeing the fight go their way Nalar blasts Quennelle with magic missile.

Damage: 4d4 + 4 ⇒ (1, 1, 4, 4) + 4 = 14

Braelex sighs and puts her grenade back into its pouch. She loads her crossbow and stands back.

No action.

Vuloo directs the spiritual weapon at the leader.

attack: 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 5 + 1 = 16
damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8

Andel will hold his action - he will follow Relan into the room once he enters.

Round 2

Nalar hammers the woman with missiles causing her to drop the empty flask to the ground, shattering it, but she is able to duck away from Vuloo's floating scimitar.

Relan? Andel?

Surrender and we can give your wounded healing. They do not have to die. Relan says as he advances.

Maidens at War Round 2

Init: Nalar, Andel, Braelex, Vuloo, Relan, Maidens, Quennelle Page

Relan puts forth his request and the woman sighs looking at her dying companions and nods her head, dropping her sword and taking a few steps forward raising her hands over her head.

Suddenly, though, she shouts "Cover me!" and bolts for the stairs. Simultaneously the door to the southwest slams open and leather-clad, helmet-wearing Maidens spill out into the room forming a box around the bottom of the stairs, all standing ready.

Map updated, I removed the downed Maidens to reduce clutter ... Round 3 actions

I thought I was covering the entrance to the stairs. Certainly meant to. Oh well. Are we still waiting on Andel's round 2 action? and was there any noticeable effect from the leader's drinking of that potion? Wounds close? Blurred? Anything?

Braelex shakes her head, takes out a grenade and hurls it into the new arrivals.

Noxious Bomb (ranged touch): 1d20 + 11 - 2 ⇒ (10) + 11 - 2 = 19 ... Target the floor right in the middle. Splash fire damage 8, DC 17 Ref save halves... stinking cloud for 10 ft radius & 1 round, DC 17 Fort save or nauseated.

Er, that is gonna make it harder for me to bull rush or tumble past those guys isn't it?

The noxious fumes only last one round.

Good to know.

I thought I was covering the entrance to the stairs. Certainly meant to. Oh well. Are we still waiting on Andel's round 2 action? and was there any noticeable effect from the leader's drinking of that potion? Wounds close? Blurred? Anything?

Nope, Andel's opportunity has passed. No noticeable effect from the potion. @Relan: If you had said something in your post about moving to the bottom of the stairs, I'd have made it work ... however, since you just said advance, we'll press as adjudicated

As the warrior women pour into room Nalar flicks a hand dismissively in their direction. "I shall deal to you later," He says, traces of magic flowing around his hands as a large pit forms underneath them.
Casting Create Pit, 30ft Deep. The blue circle on the map is the area. DC 18 Ref save to jump to the nearest safe space.

Vuloo directs the spiritual weapon at the nearest fighter.

attack: 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 5 + 1 = 26
damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

crit: 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 5 + 1 = 20
damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

Andel moves into the room and assumes a defensive position in front of Nalar. He sheathes his bow and draws his quarter staff.

Nope, Andel's opportunity has passed. No noticeable effect from the potion. @Relan: If you had said something in your post about moving to the bottom of the stairs, I'd have made it work ... however, since you just said advance, we'll press as adjudicated

Not a big deal. I just assumed wrong on where the stairs went up from. Nalar, I believe you have the idea of the pit wrong. Its a 10'X10' square pit. Looks like you have it drawn as a 25' radius. Note that Relan will not move adjacent to the pit. and I might need to readjust after we see where the pit is, who fell in, and whose who did not end up.

Considering what to do, Relan uses a standard action to activate his Haste ability and moves closer to the new group of enemies so that after the cloud dissipates he can be ready to move forward.

The purple circle is the noxious cloud.

Roger that. And the other, the blue circle was meant to be the pit, as I read Nalar's post.

Ah. Some reason I read it as a 10ft radius. Will fix it soon.

Pits and bombs appear.

Map updated

Four of the women fall in, all get scorched and one on the outside begins to cough and vomit.

Relan moves forward and waits for the cloud. Andel moves and the spiritual weapon smacks the vomiting woman hard.

The one remaining fighting woman (number 8) moves a step away form the pit and stands ready for approach as her leader continues to run up the stairs

As the cloud dissipates Relan goes after the leader.

Acrobatics to jump the edge of the pit if needed: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (14) + 10 = 24

Hasted Double Move. Not exactly sure how far he can get. If the leader double moved twice and he double moves under haste once then I think he should pretty much catch up with her, right?

Vuloo will step into the room and will address the maidens. "Stand down. There is no need for further violence. We are not your enemies. If you lower your weapons I'm sure we can negotiate a reasonable arrangement."

diplomacy: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (19) + 10 = 29

Braelex nods at Vuloo's call for cease fire. "You're clearly outmatched."

Diplo aid other: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 2 = 13

This thread is for the start up of the closed campaign led by DM Fflash. If you don't personally know either Fflash, m3mnoch, or nomadicc, please kindly refrain from posting character input here.

Invitees, once you've created a profile (not necessarily a character) please post here and we'll start with deciding which adventure path we will run and then allow the group of you to develop a cohesive party makeup before diving into detailed character development.

Character creation rules to follow once we've determined what we're playing.

A reminder: the PRD trumps all other rules and house rules will hopefully be kept to a minimum, I'm pretty happy with the balance that Paizo has struck. I reserve the right to disallow anything outside the PRD, but most assuredly will not allow anything that isn't Paizo or Fflash produced.

Basic posting rules:

Gameplay Tab: In character commentary only (with small ooc-flagged injects where required)

Discussion Tab (i.e. this one): Out of character discussion, level ups, non role-played loot dissemination and announcement of real-life interruptions to posting ability

"Indicates speaking"
Indicates thinking
Used for out of character commentary

All rolls will be used with the in-game dice roller.
DM rolls initiative for everyone
All saving throws will be the affected individuals very next post and roll else it's an automatic failure. Prevents abuse of the preview feature and sets priority for rolls.

We will be using flex time and dungeon crawl mode for expedited posting but I'll explain that later. I use Picasa albums for distributing handouts and maps (generally built with MapTools)

Welcome to the game!

Invitees, once you've created a profile (not necessarily a character) please post here

done!

chris.

Ping!

I vote for Shattered Star, but the Skulls & Shackles is fine also. I'd like to play this character, an alchemist, for either. I can tweak the backstory easily.

Braelex is an alchemist, so basically a grenade-hurling, buffing 'caster'.

Tike, I'll need your approval on the tiefling traits, etc.

Hi there! Thanks for the invite, m3mnoch; this should be interesting.

I'm a newb at this format, but have been playing/running table-top off-and-on for 30 years, so hopefully I can catch on quick. :)

I like dungeons, so I'd lean towards Shattered Star, but will be happy with either. Still thinking on a character design.

Welcom Jhyrrl, looking forward to this! Worry not about being a newb, the beauty of this is you have time to craft your reply, so things generally come out the way you want them to, vice reactionary.

Role playing opportunities are unique on the boards ... much more time to think through and less reactionary reacting. Player-player and character-character dialogue are exceptionally important to get a good feel for party cohesion and to keep the game flowing without me.

I've been DMing on these boards for about 9 months now and just finished a very long chapter of Shackled City within that timeline. With the right engagment, I believe we can crank through a module in about 6 months. An entire adventure path is 6 parts (generally taking you to 16-17th level) so hopefully you guys enjoy this enough to stick with it.

For the 2 paths, I've read all of Skulls and Shackles and while very interesting, there are a couple of things that I struggle with. The hook is a bang over the head ... literally, but the AP itself is very sandboxy and parts of it feel almost generic or repetitive. I'd remove a lot of that for sake of the boards. Ship-to-ship combat may be difficult to do, I'm not sure, but that's a minor issue. It's much more leaned to more selfishly motivated characters vice do-gooders and there's a ton of very unique, fun encounters and environments (think all the great stuff from Clash of the Titans) to include underwater and shipboard stuff.

Shattered Star is a much more traditional "go fetch" dungeon crawl, but the adventure is dripping with history and fascinating interlinks with older modules and very smart/living dungeons. Based mainly out of the city of Magnimaar, there's opportunity to put some sandbox elements into it, but I'd probably not focus too much on that, since the goal is to execute the adventure path. Small parts of it may feel a bit linear (as compared to Skulls and Shackles) but honestly what I've read so far is very, very good. That said, only 3 of the modules have been released and the 4th is enroute to my house, so I hope the conclusion to the AP is satisfying. Many good writers involved in this path. Oh, and the hook is pretty weak, but we can probably move past that.

I'm definitely leaning towards Shattered Star, but am by no means committed to it.

If we run Shattered Star, I would like all the PCs to know each other (or be related) etc in advance, so I'd ask that you work that out in advance.

If we run Skulls and Shackles, you all meet as players at the same table in a poker/dice game at a dock-side tavern in Port Peril one evening. You can have pre-established relationships if you so desire.

I'm definitely leaning towards Shattered Star, but am by no means committed to it.

that's you, me, mike, and dave. i think that's enough votes to call it shattered star, eh?

chris.

that's you, me, mike, and dave. i think that's enough votes to call it shattered star, eh?

chris.

Yup Yup, once we have 5 chime in, we'll start with party makeup before I entertain specific character ideas.

...we'll start with party makeup before I entertain specific character ideas.

For the record, I'll play just about anything and am happy to fill gaps in party make-up.

--Mike

Oh and for those of you who haven't read the entire Player's Guide, Andel Gesseran will be accompanying you all as a scribe. I'll use him as a knowledge base and to inject in character thoughts and ideas, but you all determine how you wish him to advance etc. Great resource to be aware of when you're figuring out who's gonna do what and you start spending skill points.

I recognize this is a holiday weekend and things like this are low priority. Post as able, I'm not going anywhere so will check here and there and answer if required.

Also note the Campaign Info Tab at the top has some of my thoughts on play and format. Suggestions and feedback on anything are welcome now before we start.

I haven't done this in a while, but I'll try to get through the player's guide to refresh my memory of the rules. I'm not a big fan of the privateer type campaigns so my vote would be for the Shattered Star.

Do we know how we'll be handling ability scores? Point-buy, dice rules, et cetera?

We will be using a 15 point buy, max HP at 1st, 2 traits ... 1 must be a campaign, average starting gold.

Also consider this house rule: no save or die. All such fails take you to -9 and dying. In pathfinder, death happens at -Con.

I also will be removing raise dead from the game although reincarnate and ressurection are still options. Death will be a real thing and I don't fudge the dice.

Hardcore. :)

Took awhile to find rules on traits in the PRD; there's not a specific link in the ToC. For anyone else who doesn't own the Advanced Player's Guide:

http://paizo.com/pathfinderRPG/prd/advanced/advancedNewRules.html#traits

The PRD search engine is horrible, I've found better luck typing in what I want followed by "pathfinder" or "PRD" in Google and generally find everything I need.

*Note the campaign traits come out of the player's guide.

Just waiting on 1 more guy. Looks like I've tapped out the resources on my end (I could invite a player from my other game but I'd like new blood). I'm assuming that the "House that Chris and Mike work in" may have more.

With that said, we can start building a party. I won't direct what you have to fill, but I'll tell you it's a PITA for everyone when a key role is missing (just ask my Shackled City group who's gone without a healer for nearly the entire game).

For the "how the party knows each other" again it's up to you, but some (not limited to) options are below:

1) Family members or hometown friends
2) Graduates of the same Pathfinder class in Absalom (or at least attended at the same time)
3) Parents were acquainted
4) Traveling troupe of some sort (actors/singers/carnival)

None of these are integral to the game flow. The AP is actually built around throwing you together but I'd rather there be some sort of investment in each other as well vice the standard selfish personal agenda of your own PC. Just something that I haven't seen before and I'd like to try it out for it's role-playing value primarily, but also to see if it affects gameplay in a (hopefully) positive way. If you all find it nausea-inducing, let me know, and I'll scrap it.

Just waiting on 1 more guy.

I see 5 of us currently (m3mnoch, nomadicc, Braelex, shumpal, Jhyrryl), and believe that 2 co-workers were interested; I'll let them know that they'll need to fight over that slot.

it's a PITA for everyone when a key role is missing

If needed, I'll play a multi-class rogue / oracle (life) to fill both healing and stealth. :)

"how the party knows each other"

I was thinking about an orphaned, multi-class elven cleric of Desna who is local to Magnimar, so would prefer a party back-story that supports that. Hometown friends or Pathfinder classmates would work.

nomadicc and Bralex are the same guy so we are still short one. Looking forward to the winner of the fight :).

Ah, aliases. So this is the character that I'd play.

--Mike

Ah, aliases. So this is the character that I'd play.

--Mike

• Nice start ... short 1 skill point. I'm showing you should start w/6.
• Dungeoneering should be +8 (because of the trait)
• Pick a favored class and then a favored class bonus if the class is cleric

Steve and Chris, you guys can start chiming in with your characters as well. So far you've got arcane probably covered, divine's average, and a little bit of ranged.

Update on the scribe, I'll need to roll him back to level 1 and I'll post him shortly. Generally, you wait until you have 20 fame and then spend points to "hire" one to come along, I'd rather he be a permanent fixture of the party from the beginning, so will make him that way. You guys will decide certain aspects of his level ups, mainly skill placement. Any items given to him are his, unless expressly being used as a pack mule to distribute weight amongst the party members.

Thanks. So, Lorlenn should be starting with 6 skills because of the favored class bonus? Or is there some other source that I'm missing? I see 2+Int for cleric with an Int bonus of +3.

Thanks. So, Lorlenn should be starting with 6 skills because of the favored class bonus? Or is there some other source that I'm missing? I see 2+Int for cleric with an Int bonus of +3.

Ah yes, I did have the skill point bonus switched on. You are correct, if you choose a different favored class or decide to go with a different bonus, your 5 point distro is correct.

Here's the profile for the scribe. Scholar selections and skill point distro can be adjusted by you guys if so desired.

I was thinking a Druid type or a fighter. I'll play anything really.

Recent birthday boy, what are you thinking of playing?

Greetings everyone, thanks for having me.

Im new to this format, played a little D&D back when i was a teenager but nothing really focused or official. Looking forward this, so feel free to hit me up with any advice (esp if im getting something wrong).

Im thinking Fighter class, since i tend to that with all new games, i could also go with a Rogue type as well.

Excellent, that's 5. Let's make some characters.

So far:

Tiefling Alchemist
Elven cleric of Desna/diviner on his way to mystic theurge
Druid or fighter
Fighter or rogue
Whatever Chris is gonna play

For folks new to Pathfinder, I recommend walking step by step through the character creation process in the PRD or the PFSRD, if you wish. For character ideas, look at the archetypes for each of the classes and see if any of them grab you or help you with an idea.

I didn't actually make them fight it out. Do you think that there's still room for a 6th?

I'd really like to keep it to 5. The AP is written for 4 and the less I have to add/rewrite, the better.

Ill fight it out with the other guy today and see where we stand ;)

Copy all :)

We won't need a rogue, if our Alchemist keeps up some Disable Device training. We'll just have to rely on magic to help find traps, and healing for when we fail.

We won't need a rogue, if our Alchemist keeps up some Disable Device training. We'll just have to rely on magic to help find traps, and healing for when we fail.

True ... He may fail a bit more without the bonus, but very doable. Note that trapfinding is required to disable magic traps.

A 1-level splash in rogue will give it to you though.

What are the duties of: Timekeeper, Chronicler, and Quartermaster?

Excellent question:

Timekeeper: keep track of the major passage of time mainly for day/night concerns and for mid to long duration spells. This player will ask the DM how much time has passed since xyz to keep the party in sync.

Quartermaster: records loot received, allocated and sold. Based on how the party decides to handle loot distro, he also determines shares of cash from sold items.

Chronicler: track main and side quest requirements. In a PbP, its easy to forget that Lord Hienmite asked you to keep an eye out for red crystals of doom.

Braelex would be happy to take the Quartermaster duties.

I'll take Chronicler.

Btw, Mr. Chris is on a business trip at the moment. Not sure when he gets back. And it looks like CJ (KStarfire) won the fight.

Regarding party makeup:

I think we'll be good on light and moderate healing (at least 3 characters with access to cure spells), but we'll be behind the curve on big healing spells, so will need to not be shy about resting.

CJ, I think we need a good tank more than a rogue, per my earlier comments. Traps may get us sometimes, but creatures will maul us constantly if we don't have someone to step in the way.

We're going to have a lot of short and mid-range DPS, especially if Chris leans towards any sort of spellcaster.

Tanking, its what i do. Fighter it is. :)

Doling out a few more things as we move forward.

Character profile (as an alias)
I don't care how you keep track of your character, but I would like the important crunchy bits included in the profile for any rolls I need to make. I will build your character in Hero Lab for my own use as well, mainly to help me identify point distro and some other automatic math stuff. If for some reason, you use Hero Lab, feel free to send me your portfolio file for your character at every level up. Hero Lab is relatively expensive so if you're only using it for this game, it's probably not worth it for you. Just my 2 cents.

Traits
Everyone needs to pick a campaign trait. I'd like for you all to use different ones for background purposes, but it's not required.

Background
Please include your background. Use Golarion examples only if you're familiar. If you're not or there's not enough info in pathfinder wiki, I can help you if you give me an idea of what you're looking for.

Based on earlier discussions, the party will know each other from Pathfinder training in Absalom. You all have graduated within the past 6 months. You will need to be in Magnimaar for at least 2 weeks (up to 6 months) and have a relatively permanent presence.

Golarion lore
Some of you won't know much about the world of Golarion. The pathfinder wiki will be helpful for those of you that like to read up. I'll dole out information as applicable, but feel free to ask questions in character or out and those of us very familiar (nomadicc and myself) will answer appropriately. If it's something that's uncommon, I'll throw a knowledge check spoiler on it.

I'm going to take the 'Ruin Raider' campaign trait. Braelex is still relatively new to Magnimar, having only just come from Korvosa after joining the PFS.

Once the other characters are more fleshed out, I'll make some suggestions for our prior acquaintance. My background is in my profile, so feel free to use it for ideas...

Tike, when do we start?

OK, let's set a noon Sunday deadline for character creation completion, to include equipment purchases and back story. I know Chris is out of town.

In the mean time, I'll post a couple top-level geography/history posts (stuff everyone knows kinda thing) in the Campaign Tab. It'll be a bit about Golarion, some map links, info on Varisia, and info on Magnimaar and the surrounding area as well as some current events. I am assuming everyone will read the player's guide and at least have the city knowledge that exists in there.

I recommend hitting favorites on any posts that have critical or reference-worthy information. Allows you to hunt and find them later. Technique only.

Experience Points vs Fame/Prestige

Since this is PbP, I'll be removing encounters from the game that I think are extraneous and likely refrain from rolling on random encounter tables. There's enough scripted stuff in the adventure. This removes potential XP from the game, though. Instead of artificially inflating it or having you all run around trying to kill monsters for XP, I'm going to do away with XP all together and just tell you when you've done enough to level up ... all at once.

What you will get, though, are fame and prestige for pursuing adventure and Pathfinder Society objectives. So if you pursue side quests etc., you'll gain more from doing those. This gives benefit to overcoming encounters diplomatically, through combat, or byt avoidance as long as you achieve your objective and prevents you from the "need" to clear every room. Not that you can't, just taking away XP as the motivator.

If you find that abhorrent, let me know and we'll discuss.

I know Chris is out of town.

i'm here. i'm here. lemme catch up.

chris.

okay. i think i know what i'm wanting to play.

a trapper ranger archetype:
http://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/core-classes/ranger/archetypes/paizo---rang er-archetypes/trapper

with a larry personality:
http://media.ticketmaster.com/tm/en-us/dbimages/46411a

sound like a plan?

chris.

p.s. i'm so unbearably awesome.

Im thinking Serpent Runner campaign trait. Working on the rest.

So Chris's trapper answers your rogue question plus some ranged DPS.

CJ's got the melee dps/tank? Make sure you pick which of the Serpent Runner bennies you want to take.

I believe Steve is going with the druid, which I learned something awesome about today. You can swap your animal companion every 24 hours. So, change terrain? Release the first and order up a new one. Pretty sweet.

Lorlenn's stats are pretty solid. Couple minor things. Hvy encumbrance also gives a -6 armor check penalty, so just recall that on those appropriate skills.

I'm only showing 3 0-level spells for 1st level cleric to memorize. No bonus spells for Wisdom for 0-levels.

I'm only showing 3 0-level spells for 1st level cleric to memorize. No bonus spells for Wisdom for 0-levels.

Oops, you're right. They're 4 from 2nd-on, so must have overlooked that in the book. Will fix this evening when I write my background.

I have a couple files idike to send via email. If Mike and CJ don't mind, could you guys send me your address either via Chris or PM me on the boards.

How are we coming on the other 3 characters?

I'm doing away with the animal campanion as a starter option and chose domain instead. While having a campanion is cool, it often gets forgotten and usually drives a DM crazy having to keep track.

You can see where I'm going with as I've updated my alias, Fulmen, with most of the pertinent stats.

Steve

I've started posting some historical stuff in the gameplay tab. Best looked at with a map. Ask questions here about the world for now ... there's a ton of stuff out there, most of it not relevant to the campaign but can help flesh out the "feel" of the world.

Once I post the prologue and beginning of Chapter 1, you guys can start posting in character (should be tomorrow assuming all characters are complete).

Fulmen:

What are you putting skill focus into?
You're missing one 0-level spell memorized.
Equipment and Background when able