DM Salsa Presents: Rise of the Drow (Inactive)

Game Master AdamWarnock


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BattleMaps | Chronicles of Kassen | HeroLab Files | Loot Sheet

Okay, so you if you're here, thanks for accepting the invitation! I've been having an itch to run something and, I'll be honest, my recent listening choices have influenced my choice to run Rise of the Drow. I'm changing the background of the town you start off in somewhat, but the effect on how this goes is pretty much nil. Below is some information to get you started.

The Village of Iron Bay
Many years have passed since the Klavekian Kingdoms claimed a final, bloody victory over the barbarian tribes of the Vikmordere. Now, what was once the center of the Klavekian beachhead is nothing more than a distant outpost of the kingdoms, their foothold in the bitterly cold northlands. The village's original name has been forgotten, and the Klavekians have chosen to name the place Iron Bay after the two features that continue to make it a relevant concern for the leaders back in the capital.

The iron mines nearby provide honest work for those that wish to start anew, away from the hustle and bustle of the cities. Their loss was the death knell of the Vikmorderean resistance to Klavekian rule and their ore provides the Klavekian Kingdoms with much needed iron for their legions.

The bay provides a safe harbor for the few ships plying the treacherous northern waters. It's main importance to the village is as a steady food source. Many of those who do not work the mines fish the bay to provide for their families.

To adventurers and treasure hunters, however, Iron Bay is the gateway to the northern wilds. Many of those that come seeking the ruins and tombs of long lost kingdoms and forgotten expeditions are never heard from again, but the lure of powerful magics and unplundered hoards continues to draw the brave, desperate, and foolish to the north, and those that stay slowly grow the small village.

The World Beyond
Other than the Klavekian Kingdoms, which is like the Roman Empire with more of a feudal spin to it and lie to the southeast of Iron Bay and the sea that makes sailing there more economical than trekking over the mountains that form the Northern border of the Klavekian Kingdoms, the map is pretty much blank. Even the Klavekian Kingdoms are just sketched in. Background in this game isn't going to be all that important for the PCs since you're not going to encounter anything while traipsing about the Dark Lands.

That said, if you want to detail your homeland, feel free to do so and I'll try to work it in somehow.

Character Build
Good news here is I'm going to leave this open for the most part. There are a few things that I am going to nail down now though.

- 20-point Attribute Buy
- Background Skills are in use.
- As are Artistry and Lore
- We are using Fractional Bonuses.
- Paizo Only, though this one's softer than the others.
- No Drow, At least not at first.

Things may be adjusted depending on how many players we have.

I think that's it for now. Be sure to dot the gameplay thread so this shows up in your campaign tabs.


What are the common races here? What are the ones that are odd to see but still can be found? Are there races that would be chased out of Iron Bay?


Hello all. I'm thinking Investigator but I'm not solid on that. I can adjust depending on the needs of the group.


BattleMaps | Chronicles of Kassen | HeroLab Files | Loot Sheet

Core races are common enough not to cause a stir. Tieflings and reces that are normally seen as monsters would not be recommended unless you have some reason the superstitious people of Iron Bay wouldn't chase you out.

There's a wood to the north known as the Black Wood that's filled with all sorts of nastiness, so outcasts would live there and probably be tolerated enough to be allowed into town for the first bit. Also, newly arrived Klavekians are less tolerant of those who have Vikmorderean ancestry. Those of mixed heritage often chose to live outside of the village to avoid trouble.

TL;DR - Probably not a good idea to play goblinoids or anything too monstrous looking.


M Human (multi-ethnic) Rogue Charlatan 6

Never rolled up an inquisitor. Seems thematically appropriate ...


M Human (multi-ethnic) Rogue Charlatan 6

Is there an Asia/Tian equivalent in this world? Thinking the inquisitor will be one of Shizuru.


Male Probably human Computer Scientist 1/ Character Synthesizer 20/ Crazy 99

Let me answer your question with another one.

Why would an inquisitor of a foreign deity take years to travel thousands of miles over inhospitable terrain to a foreign kingdom only to then travel to the most remote outpost of that kingdom?

I'm not saying no, but I'd like there to be some logic behind there being a member of a god's clergy, a god that no one in Iron Bay has likely heard of, in a remote outpost instead of the capital city of the Kingdoms. And if it's because Shizuru says so, then why does she say so?

Besides, why does it have to be from !Asia? Why not have them from the !Balkans? I've never seen anyone go for a Slavic themed character, and given that the trip is a lot shorter, it makes more sense.

Not trying to bust your chops, just thinking like a writer. That tends to get me asking these sorts of questions.


M Human (multi-ethnic) Rogue Charlatan 6

Excellent questions. The base idea was that he was a bit heretical ...rather than focusing on fighting the undead he felt he should brig the light of the sun to the underdark. Guess I was thinking about the eventual drow stuff the title implies. Not sold on it entirely myself ...I always have difficulty with divine characters for whatever reason.

Sometimes I start making a character in a class I've never done before and I realize that the not-doing was purposeful. Never had a super strong Inquisitor concept.


Male Probably human Computer Scientist 1/ Character Synthesizer 20/ Crazy 99

Maybe you were assigned to keep an eye on the young High Priest of the local church. He's 18 and a cleric of Abadar.


M Human (multi-ethnic) Rogue Charlatan 6

I'm actually eyeing alchemist now, ha. There's one I haven't played but have a better handle on. I'm thinking a whiskey brewer who likes to get weird and experimental.


M Human (multi-ethnic) Rogue Charlatan 6

Ah, geez, I forgot Chobo wanted to do an investigator. Were you doing to do one with alchemy? No problem, if so. Lots of other choices out there!


No worries go with alchemist I have other ideas.


M Human (multi-ethnic) Rogue Charlatan 6

Cool! Thank you. If you (or anyone else) wants to have any ties to my character I'm always game.


M Elf Alchemist (Fermenter) 6 | HP: 46/46 | AC 20/13/18 | F+5 R +7 W+2 (Elven Immunities | Per: +11, Low Light Vision | Init: +2

This is Digger's Alchemist. He's an elven distiller of whiskeys who perhaps enjoys his product a bit more than he should. Details like background and equipment to come.


I think I would like to build towards a shadowdancer. Would that prestige class work in this game?

Oh and it might take me a little longer to get anything out together as my laptop is having issues and my phone is not the best option for this.


Male Probably human Computer Scientist 1/ Character Synthesizer 20/ Crazy 99

Oh I'd say that Shadowdancer would be a great fit.

I'll be shooting the other players PMs when I went home looks like my link may have been missed.


Sorry I was on the road all day driving in this icy mess we have going on here. Mentally and physically exhausted will post some ideas tomorrow.


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BattleMaps | Chronicles of Kassen | HeroLab Files | Loot Sheet

By the way, just thought I'd mention that this would be a perfect opportunity to try out any concepts you may have had involve multiple PCs. Parent and children, siblings or cousins, friends, and any other set up you could imagine.

By the way, due to some time constraints on my part, I'm not planning on starting until later this month. I've got some writing to do and, if I'm honest, I've been procrastinating some. On the plus side, that gives everyone a chance to talk over what they want to play and how they fit into the party. :)


BattleMaps | Chronicles of Kassen | HeroLab Files | Loot Sheet
Chobo wrote:
Sorry I was on the road all day driving in this icy mess we have going on here. Mentally and physically exhausted will post some ideas tomorrow.

Yeesh. Makes me glad that I don't live up north. Though when summer hits, it gets pretty dang hot.


what are the popular and unpopular deities?


BattleMaps | Chronicles of Kassen | HeroLab Files | Loot Sheet

For the sake of sanity and because I think most people know about them, we're using the Golarion deities. Most "proper" Klavekians will be drawn to Abadar, though those in the frontiers and in outposts such as Iron Bay will more often than not turn to Erastil and more than one noble favors the Savored Sting, even if only secretly. Vikmordere who don't worship an animal totem will follow Gorum, Gozreh, or Desna, though most of them tend to be drawn to Gorum.

Really it depends on who you're talking about.

Klavekians from the mainland will scoff at Erastilians while those of more conservative values will look down on those who follow Calistria with disdain. Klavekian commoners tend to favor Cayden Cailean or Erastil over Abadar, though most who work with nobility do favor Abadar.

Vikmordere tend to favor shamanism and animism. The gods they worship are seen as more primitive by the Klavekians and those professing a faith in one of them are often treated with disdain. Those of mixed heritage tend to be more open-minded, though even there there's some friction. Abadar is often seen as too snooty, for example.

I hope that helps.


M Elf Alchemist (Fermenter) 6 | HP: 46/46 | AC 20/13/18 | F+5 R +7 W+2 (Elven Immunities | Per: +11, Low Light Vision | Init: +2
DM-Salsa wrote:

By the way, just thought I'd mention that this would be a perfect opportunity to try out any concepts you may have had involve multiple PCs. Parent and children, siblings or cousins, friends, and any other set up you could imagine.

By the way, due to some time constraints on my part, I'm not planning on starting until later this month. I've got some writing to do and, if I'm honest, I've been procrastinating some. On the plus side, that gives everyone a chance to talk over what they want to play and how they fit into the party. :)

Innnnnteresting. A drunken elf and his priggish son seem fun to contrast.


Venture-Agent, Play-by-Post

Okay, like...this isn't a 100% guarantee that yes I'll play, but for now I'm dotting in so I can at least ask some questions and get a better feel for the 'world' to see if any character concepts speak to me. Really shouldn't be doing this as I've already got a lot on my PbP plate as it is but I was threatened with the puppy & kitten eyes so here I am :P

I didn't notice a starting level but the module description says this starts at 6th?


BattleMaps | Chronicles of Kassen | HeroLab Files | Loot Sheet

Oh, Yeah, sorry about that. We're actually going to be starting with the prologue, The Darkness arrives. that one starts at first.

As for the threats, I probably should have also bribed you with pictures of cute critters as well. :P


Venture-Agent, Play-by-Post

Hum...so based on what I've read, Klavekians and those of primarily Klavekian ancestry would be more likely to favor the more 'civilized' classes and gods (Abadar, wizards, clerics, etc.) while Vikmorderians(sp?) tend more towards the 'uncivilized' options (Gorum, barbarians, bloodragers, druids, shaman).

Besides the core races, a person could probably get away with any race that looks (or has the option to look) largely 'human' - so, aasimars, maybe some of the plane-touched...changelings? Definitely not anything actually monstrous like goblins or kobolds as you mentioned above and probably not anything anthropomorphic like kitsune, catfolk, or tengu.

Sound about right?


Male Probably human Computer Scientist 1/ Character Synthesizer 20/ Crazy 99

Pretty much. I will say that while Iron Bay is a remote outpost, it's also the gateway to the northern lands. There are a number of small hamlets and homesteads throughout the hinterlands. Most people born in the area are more tolerant of the Vikmordere and those of Vikmordere descent.


Venture-Agent, Play-by-Post

Understood. Right now my mind is pulling me in the direction of maybe something like a druid or a bloodrager, so we'll see what I come up with :)


Would tiefling with the pass for human alternate trait be acceptable?

Thinking if LL goes Druid I'll go Ranger or if LL goes bloodrager I'll go inquisitor.


BattleMaps | Chronicles of Kassen | HeroLab Files | Loot Sheet

@Chobo: Yes, that is perfectly acceptable.


Hi Lady Ladile!

With any luck my laptop will be working this weekend so I can work on something.

Just to be clear DM-Salsa you are OK with people playing two characters?


Venture-Agent, Play-by-Post

^I think Salsa might've meant that this is a good opportunity for people to play characters that are linked, such as one of us plays a character and someone else plays their sibling, that sort of thing :)


BattleMaps | Chronicles of Kassen | HeroLab Files | Loot Sheet

Uh, yeah, that's what I meant, though if you do grab the Leadership feat, or anything else that gives you a follower, you're more than welcome to play them.

Also, I do have a question for you all. I was planning on starting with the prologue Darkness Arrives, but I was wondering if you'd rather jump straight into the main adventure. I'm fine either way, just thought I'd give y'all a chance to pipe in.


Venture-Agent, Play-by-Post

Hum...generally, I favor starting at 1st or 2nd level because it's easier for me to get a feel for and grow into my character than it is when I create a fresh one to start at a higher level. On the other hand, I know a lot of folks are sick of lower-level play since it takes ages to level up in most PbPs and most PbPs also fizzle out before you get to the mid/high levels. So, if the rest of the group wants to start with the main adventure that'll be fine with me.


I assumed it was that we could link characters since we are guaranteed a spot but thought I wanted to check. I am easily confused.

As to what you want to run I am here for a story so I can go either way. I know nothing about the adventure path you are running so I will not know the difference.


I'm fine either way, not familiar with this AP either.


BattleMaps | Chronicles of Kassen | HeroLab Files | Loot Sheet

Well, I've been reading over the modules and I'll say this. The prologue doesn't really give you time to breath. You'll level up to six in less than a week of in game time if you blitz it, and to be honest, the prologue doesn't flow all that smoothly into the main module.

That said, there are the normal advantages of starting low level, such as having a fairly clean slate personality-wise, and I can show some mercy by giving you guys a few breathers here and there.

Personally, I'm starting to think that I might be better off cutting out the prologue based on my read-through, but I'm not sure. I'm still working through the Rise of the Drow to see if there's anything important in the prologue, but I'm not sure.

That said, if we do start with Rise of the Drow, I've got an idea of how to bring you together.


Venture-Agent, Play-by-Post

Okay, so I'm actually torn between a Survivor druid that maybe helps patrol the roads around Iron Bay and a uh...Drunken Sensei monk that might be or might've been part of the local guard. Bonus points for this idea as maybe she already knows Logram due to buying his hooch :)

Any particular preference on which you guys would like to see or which might fit better?


@ LL - I really like the monk's tie to Logram too! (but I love druids and the versatility they bring to a party). Hard choice, I think either would fit well with the party.

@DM-Salsa - sounds fair.


Druids are fun but I am intrigued at the idea of you playing a drunk. If LL does not go druid I might. Druids are fun and the one chance I had to play one fell by the wayside due to GM burnout :( I would love the chance to really get to play one.

Since Leadership is on the board I might wait for the shadowdancer and see if I can pick one up when we are underground.

Is there a role that we need. I am floundering a little on what I want. Mostly cause I want to play everything!


BattleMaps | Chronicles of Kassen | HeroLab Files | Loot Sheet

Do what I do, make a table and roll some dice. :)


Druids are fun and if we start at 6th level you can wildshape right away. I'm playing one at 6th level and he rocks (always has something to do). Also, I don't see anything wrong with 2 Druids in the party.


Venture-Agent, Play-by-Post

Hey, I'm happy to go monk then if DAA would like to try out a druid :)

Also, I'm in the middle of working a bunch of night shifts (I worked Friday night and last night, I've got tonight, then Monday off, then Tuesday night) so that's slowing me down on getting a character done. Hopefully I can make some progress Monday after I've had some sleep.


So this is what tit looks like so far:

Alchemist (fermenter), Monk (Drunken Sensei), Druid (maybe), and Undecided/Flexible.

Before I decide I have a couple of questions:
1. DAA are you going animal companion or domain?
2. Digger is your alchemist going to take the infusion discovery?

What ever class I decide on will definitely be able to handle traps but that still leaves a lot of options on the table.


M Elf Alchemist (Fermenter) 6 | HP: 46/46 | AC 20/13/18 | F+5 R +7 W+2 (Elven Immunities | Per: +11, Low Light Vision | Init: +2

Yeah, infusion will be important.


Lady Ladile I do not wanna pigeon hole you into anything. I can honestly be happy playing most anything.

It has been awhile since I have looked at an animal companion and I could have a Griffin! Assuming we start at level six. I love Griffins. But yeah I will be picking an animal companion instead of a domain if druid is the goal. I love pets!

I need to look though the archetypes to figure out if there is one I want.

So is most of this campaign going to be underground?


BattleMaps | Chronicles of Kassen | HeroLab Files | Loot Sheet

A griffon may not be the best choice. Almost all of the adventure happens underground so there's not going to be a lot of room for them to stretch their wings.


Makes sense I just love griffons. Would you be ok with a worg that is not so evil? I have a fondness for playing against the standard. In the game I am running one of the players has a motherly LN Worg who raised him and one of their favorite allies is a rather helpful Green Dragon.

Are traits an option?

Are you going to play the stereotype against people? I assume that since you mention more monstrous looking races are not excepted in the starting town. I am fine both with and without it. I do love to suffer :) In fact I invite it. In the game where I got to play a Druid for a little while I had an early cohort who the GM promised to break. He was gonna break both of them.

Also I think I would be going with a Pack Lord.


BattleMaps | Chronicles of Kassen | HeroLab Files | Loot Sheet

Any specific reason for a worg and not a wolf of uncommon intelligence? Just curious is all.

And yeah, stereotypes will be played. If you want me to break your characters, I can work with that.

I think I'm going to go ahead and say we're starting at sixth. I'll have more leeway in working you guys into the story then. We are using traits, the standard two traits plus another if you take a drawback.

So more complete build rules.

- 20-point Attribute Buy
- Background Skills are in use.
- As are Artistry and Lore
- We are using Fractional Bonuses.
- Paizo Only, though this one's softer than the others.
- No Drow, At least not at first.
- two traits, three if you take a drawback
- Starting at 6th level
- We are not using Automatic bonus progression.
- 16,000 gp starting wealth. Can't spend more than half on any one item.
- You're welcome to say that you crafted your gear, but you still need to pay full price.

I think that's most of the bases covered.


Are campaign traits on the table?


BattleMaps | Chronicles of Kassen | HeroLab Files | Loot Sheet

You mean from the other APs?

Which ones did you have in mind?

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