This is the discussion/OOC thread for the 'Dark Designs' campaign based in my own home-brew Campaign setting. It will be for General Discussions related to the game, long OOC questions, etc.
And I am here, ready and waiting!
(Oh, and this is Michael by the way, since several of you are probably not familiar with my Paizo persona.)
Reporting for duty ( Matt....Chris's brother)
OKay, so we are waiting on Doug, and the question becomes do I want to try and get a fourth member? What do people think. I do have a couple of potentials I thought about e-mailing.
Navior, since you have the most experience here, did you want to give a sample post to demonstrate the formatting and such, the dice roller? I mean it's all in the 'Show' How to format your text thing at the bottom anyway, but just as an example for everyone else.
Also if anyone had characters Idea's they wanted to through out.
Navior, since you have the most experience here, did you want to give a sample post to demonstrate the formatting and such, the dice roller? I mean it's all in the 'Show' How to format your text thing at the bottom anyway, but just as an example for everyone else.
One demonstration coming right up.
In pbp, spoken dialogue is generally put in bold text, while description of actions is in normal text. For example:
Frodo begins searching through the barrels. "Maybe we can find something useful in here," he says.
To achieve bold text, do the following, but replace all the squiggly brackets with straight brackets:
{b}"Maybe we can find something useful in here,"{/b} he says.
It is achieved like this:
{ooc}Out-of-character discussion, such as a direct question to the GM, looks like this.{/ooc}
You can get text (using the tags {bigger}, {/bigger}) and smaller text (using {smaller}, {/smaller}), as well as italics with {i}, {/i}.
You can also spoiler things for only certain people to read.
To make a spoiler, use the tags {spoiler=write label of spoiler here} and {/spoiler}.
Finally, the dice roller. To roll 1d20, do this: {dice}1d20{/dice}
Something that's not mentioned in the "How to format your text" at the bottom of the page is that you can also label your dice rolls similarly to how you label a spoiler. For example, {dice=Perception}1d20 + 5{/dice} gives
You can preview your post to find out the result of what you rolled, so that you can then write an appropriate reaction, if any. Note that if you preview a roll, decide you don't like it, delete the post, and then try again, you will get the same roll. The roller is set up to make certain you can't cheat that way. :)
There are a few other formatting options as well, but they don't show up as frequently. You can check them out in the "How to format your text" section below.
Oh, you'll also each want to create an alias for your character where you can record all your stats and such. You can create aliases from your account page. For an example of aliases, just click on my name and then on my aliases tag. Most of my aliases are for NPCs in the games I run, so they don't have stats listed on their pages, but click on Kern Beviniky or Laya for examples of PCs I currently play.
For a character for this game, I was thinking of a combat-orientated cleric, so probably a follower of the god Menuo as he seems to be the best fit (a neutral evil god, I know, but my character would have a true neutral alignment).
Hey Navior.
As a note, and I realized that I haven't made the 'Religion' section especially clear, the Lenver Pantheon is truly a 'pantheon' so Clerics can be of any alignment and choose from any of the potential gods domains and/or weapons. Though nothing is keeping you from having a particular focus on Menuo. The 'Church of Lenver' covers that more or less.
Also, input on things in the Wiki that aren't clear, or that could use clearing up, editing, or better formatting, feel free to bring up, as I realize tonnes of it suffers from my particular intellectual idiosyncrasy.
testing out the dice roller with some stat rolls
(15)
(13)
(13)
(13)
(13)
(13)
sweet captain 13 here we come
Captain 13! Hah!
Let's see what I end up with.
-- 8
-- 16
-- 13
-- 10
-- 13
-- 6
A bit more variety. I like that, although that 6 could hurt. Still, ought to prove interesting. :)
Okay, having given it some thought, this is how I think I'll arrange those stats:
Str 15 (includes +2 human racial bonus)
Dex 8
Con 13
Int 6
Wis 16
Cha 10
Yes, this character is going to be really, really not bright. :) Very wise, though, so capable of using what little intelligence she has to its best advantage, but yeah... not bright.
This brings up an interesting conundrum regarding skill points. The rules are unclear about when the bonus point for humans is added in. Is it before or after the Intelligence modifier? It only actually makes a difference with low-intelligence characters, and I've seen arguments (some of them vehement) for both sides (if you're brave enough to search the rules forums on this site, I'm sure you'll find some pretty heated arguments about it).
If it's after the Intelligence modifier, then in this case the character ends up with 2 skill points per level (2 for cleric - 2 Int = 0, but minimum is 1, then +1 for human). If it's before, then in this case the character gets 1 skill point per level (2 for cleric + 1 for human - 2 Int = 1). I've always leaned towards the bonus point being added after the Intelligence modifier (although it's never actually come up in any games I've GMed so you'll have to take my word that I'm not saying this to benefit my character here and now) as it otherwise makes the bonus point for humans pointless for some characters. On the other hand, not every racial ability is always advantageous for every character (elven fighters get no benefit from the free longsword proficiency, for example), so I leave it entirely up to Wise Owl as it's his game. What's it to be? :)
Add it afterword. There is no clear-cut rule, and I can see pretty rational argument either way, but in the long-term, really, 1 skill point per level extra isn't going to imbalance anything and I'm always one to lead towards 'more' skill-points rather than fewer. Enjoy your 2 skill-points a level. We'll see how things shape up.
I'm in the process of designing my character, so rolling for starting funds: x 10 = 100. Yuck. Oh well. :)
And here's my character. I still have to write up a background, but the mechanics are done. Let me know if there are any issues.
like wise
X 10 = 180
No Issues I can see off the top of my head Michael. In background terms I presume you'll be having her growing up in a Telvan environment(at least linguistically). Though I'll let you spell out what you've got in mind. Otherwise she looks good.
So I have Invited Mark Radic to the game, he should pop in sooner rather than later. I haven't heard back from Doug and sent him another e-mail, so I'm not sure what's going on with him.
Navior, if you could, and I hate to lean on you like this, but could you post up for the benefit of the newbies how to make an Alias and so forth?
To create an alias, first go to your account page by clicking on "My Account" at the top of any Paizo page you happen to be viewing (such as this one). You may have to re-enter your user name and password. On your account page, you'll see a section labelled "Messageboard Aliases". Click "Create new messageboard alias". This will take you to a page where you can name your alias and choose an avatar for it. Once you've saved that, the alias will show up in the list on your account page and also under the "Aliases" tab when you go to your public profile page.
Click on the name of your alias (don't click "edit"; that will just take you back to the naming and avatar page) to go to the profile of that alias. From there, you can click "edit my profile" to create all the details of your character. There are some generic fields you can fill in for the most basic information and the rest can be entered in a manner much like a messageboard post.
That's pretty much all there is to it!
So there is there a way to import pictures for your character avatar or do you have to choose from the ones available?
I also had some campaign questions pertaining to my character, would you prefer me to post them here or email you W Owl? I was concerned about bogging down this board with too many questions.
You have to choose from the provided avatars.
Alright, I'm here!!
A side note, these boards suck.
OK, mister Owl, what races are available? What about prestige classes?
What Pathfinder books should we consider to be in use?
Douglas
Most pertinent information is available from the game's wiki at;
In brief, Humans are the dominant race, Dwarves, Elves, Half-Elves and Gnomes are all playable. The Prestige classes I've expressly OKed at this point are Assassin, Duellist, Eldritch Knight, Loremaster, Advanced Spy, Mystic Theurge and Paladin(in this campaign setting Paladins are a Prestige class. The version I'm experimenting with it on the website).
As for book, the Core, Advanced Players Guide, Ultimate Magic, Ultimate Combat, Ultimate Equipment are all 'in the field' though not everything from this is permissible. Classes are likewise limited as per the Wiki...um... I think that covers everything.
Hopefully Mark will be checking in shortly and we'll get this rolling. Incidentally, did people have a preference in the 'okay you all start together' or the 'you all meet under circumstances which will force you to be a group' sort of thing?
I have been keeping up on the slowly slowly, (catch that?) developing world!
Ok, I figured on just working from the main book. prestige classes are something I like to look at/consider before starting to get the pc rolling though, so I had to ask.
As to the strangers vs companions, I'm good either way, though things may get rolling better if our pc's have at least a passing knowledge of each others existence?
oops edit! heres the stats for whatever comes out of my RPG depraved addiction:
=11
=16
=16
=13
=10
=11
Oh man!! the world is my oyster now...
I'm more a fan of the meet by circumstances style, even if it is something simple just to give some context. You could always do both though some characters start together and others join by circumstance.
I'm playing a cavalier by the way just working out some backgroudy/personality type stuff.
I'm fine with either option, although it can be a lot of fun to play out a first meeting.
I hope to have my character's background written up soon. I will be having her grow up in a Telvan environment, even though she's from a Kef background. That way she'll be able to speak the local language since her Intelligence certainly doesn't give her the option of learning any others any time soon. :)
I'll take Kef as my additional language and translate for you. You can be our Chewbaca :P
Sparrow asked a few questions in PM I thought the rest of you might like to hear the answers to, so without further adieu.
1. Can a Non knight compete in jousts in your world o do they just need to be noble. Id prefer to not be knighted to play up a more kinda knight errant aspect and have something to work towards, while still having competed in joust...perhaps even just to lose.
Knight-hood and nobility are two separate things. Nobility is a social class, which in general is hereditary. Knight-hood is a non-hereditary title assumed by being 'knighted'. A knight gains many of the rights of Nobility when Knighted, but does not necessarily become Nobility. A commoner who is knighted still has commoner children for example.
So that being said, your 'best' options may be to be of noble birth, and thus 'noble' but not having been knighted yet.
2. How do orders and knighthood work I'm going with the order of the sword mechanically. You don't have a version of that order in your wiki.
It is listed, just not clearly. Basically the Order of the Sword 'mechanically' is the default for Cavaliers. That is, if you don't fall into one of the other orders, you're 'assumed' to be in the Order of the sword. Though no-one would say that.
3. How does heraldry work in your world do I just simple wear the heraldry of my house or maybe just the colours ... maybe modified to a personal standard when i attain knight hood.
Heraldic Arms are 'owned' by the family, not the individual. Thus you would bear your families crest. I am following Polish rules for Heraldry, which are very similar to 'Western' rules save the addition of a couple of colours and tints. Red is very prominent in terms of Heraldic colour choices. Feel free, if you like, to figure out your families crest and than I can make it up for you, or I can create it whole-cloth if you like.
4. I chose the historian trait so i want to kinda be able to reference knights of legend in your world so was wondering if you could give me some names and deeds or i could just make them up my self. As well as the history of my house. ill probably have a bunch more annoying questions about the history of the world so i can milk the trait / skill points spent. :P
I will definitely sit down and think up a few of these. I have one or two worked out already because I wanted to generate a 'common folklore' as it were, but I'll speed up this particular angle for you. Feel free if you'd like to generate the history of your own house. There are dozens, perhaps hundreds of noble families in the history of Telva, so you've got alot of room to move around. Also no history questions are annoying; there are huge gabs in what I've put to 'paper' as it were, and part of this campaign was built around the idea of fleshing stuff out.
5. Has there been any wars in recent history, if so what was the nature of them.
The last major War between 'States' was a generation ago and was between Telva and Jassit. A Typical conflict over land. Within living memory there have been several conflicts with Kef Kingdoms, either via the Kef Raiding, or either Kef or Telvan 'nobles' seeking to expand territory at the expense of the other.
There are plenty of feudal wars within the kingdom itself; family feuds, power struggles and so forth. These only once in a while read full on 'war' but they are common enough.
Lastly up until a relatively short while ago, there was a protracted 'Inquisition' against the Earth Bleeder Heresy. This conflict only ended when the Earth Bleeders Messianic leader 'died'.
6. So the main religion in the world is the church of lenver which is a pantheon of gods. I was just wonder how people use religion in every day kinda life is it like the Romans where they pray to what ever god they need for that instance eg. "menuo grant me victory in battle" "lamia protect my wife and unborn child while im gone". So as no one has a patron god by pray to all the gods when ever they need them? Just was wondering how religion played a part in everyday life as i tend to be somewhat religious.
This, I realize, isn't very clear in the religion section, so I'll put it on priority for revision. Short version; Yes, the Church of Lenver is pantheistic, meaning while you may have a particular 'patron' god you follow closer than others based on profession or what have you, that everyone obeys all the gods and tends to engage in at least token respect for them. Each god has, in their description, a short list of things common people do to recognize them.
7. What is a good second language to chose as a noble I gather Moerdan is the second most common?
Good choices would probably be Moerdan, Imperial(a.k.a. The Southern Trade Tongue), or Kef Dialects depending on your point of origin and your characters experiences.
8. What is the typical naming structure for your world like eastern European names or just regular weird fantasy names?
I use Latvian names for Telvan names, or a combination of a Latvian personal name with a 'English' surname that is a proper noun. i.e. So Wilhelms Osrol or Irna Goldsmith.
Other ethnicities and races have less clear naming conventions as of yet, though I have 'inclinations' in those regards.
9. I wanted to know if i could get a hireling porter just a 1st level commoner to carry my stuff / mule. Just as a kind a bumbling servant to give more a kinda importance and relevance as a noble although a broke one. Its no biggy if you think it will get in the way or if you want to kill him in the first encounter or whatever.
Yeah go for it. You wanna spend the money to keep a retainer around, more power to ya.
10. Whats the name of your world ie. middle earth, westeros/seven kingdoms, Europe, ect. ?
'The World'. That is I haven't come up with one yet, or even a name for the 'continent' your on. Not sure when I do if it'll even be commonly discussed beyond certain sections of the nobility, scholars and explorers. If I change my mind on this, I'll be sure to let you know. People talk about 'The World', possibly 'the Universe'. The region your in is usually just refered to as 'The North', and the North-South divide is considered a principal one in terms of regionalism.
11. I'm also having trouble picking a second trait. I was wondering if you could through together some regional traits so I'm not forced to pick reactionary (+2 init)?
I am thinking about making being a noble in Telva a regional feat, so that might work. It gives you a host of 'rights' within Telva, among other things the right to have armed retainers, to own land, to accept taxes on that land, to participate in the government, etc. Though many of those are abstract.
Yes! haha, a cleric and a cavalier?!! that means im free to play a f#%! off crap class and louse around in the back. MWAHAHAHAHAAAA!!!
the position of my porter is still open :)
None of us had the illusion you would play anything else I am sure... ;) So Navoir has his character done, and we're waiting on the finishing mechanical touches for ScoutManbear and Humble Sparrow, as well as backgrounds for everyone.
Are we not getting a fourth?
i think we should get a fourth if we are able.
I've sent Mark the info, so I'm just waiting for him to chim in here or via e-mail, he said he was interested. I'll contact him if I don't here from him in a day or two, but I figure I'll aim to get this rolling by the end of the week one way or another, so everyone get their characters done. If I had to fit Mark in mid-game, we will.
Humble Sparrow and Navoir have both hatched out Stats in full, and Sparrow has given me the background for his character and such. It should be in his alias I think, and I'll upt up a bunch of it in the wiki(or he might, who knows).
So we are waiting on ScoutManBear's Stats&Background, and Navoir's Background, and Mark in general. I'll send him another e-mail I think, but I aim to 'start' this weekend if at all possible.
I have arrived
Infinite apologies on the delay, but Slandra's background is finally written out. Yay!
ScoutmanBear has told me he's got a character on the way, and still no contact from Mark, but I'll aim to start on this coming Monday one way or another, and if/when they show up, I can work them in from there.
Alright, so nothing as of yet; I'm going to just do the first post, see how it handles and how people react, and go from there. If Doug and/or Mark post a character, I'll involve them, or I might add somebody else given time, but we'll just get this show on the proverbial road.
Thought I'd post a direct link to the gameplay thread, just in case others haven't noticed that Wise Owl has made the first post. You can also click on the gameplay tab at the top of this page.
I noticed just had time to post now. I guess there isn't an easier way to find when someone posted a new one rather than reloading the page eh?
Use "focus". It will show you only threads that you've posted in (ones with a dot) and threads you've read that have new posts in them. You'll find the focus link in the top right corner of the main messageboards page.
Unfortunately, dots have been behaving weirdly in the past week (they're apparently working to fix that), but the new message notifications are still working fine.
Sorry, things have been complete crap around here, I have a bit of time in the next couple hours, I'll try and get it sorted out and a post in the game thread
ok, monies
so 180 gp....im rich too!
So you need a smaller share of the loot then?
A couple of OOC notes.
I'll be adjusting elements related to the economy, things like currency, prices, etc. as time goes on. When this happens and there is a change, I'll tend, over-all to make changes 'in game' in the characters favour.
I've put stuff up on currency on the wiki, but for now a brief note;
In Telva;
1 gold piece(Gold crown)=30 silver pieces(Silver Wolves)=300 copper pieces(copper leaves). All coins are about 30mm in diameter and 3.7mm thick. They feature the appropriate image on one side, and the king at the time of their minting on the reverse.
In general than only gp prices need to change, being divided by 3 to get prices in Crowns.
I'm presenting in the process of considering a few things that I would like to 'fix' though they will not really impact the game over-all very much(at least I don't think.)
In no particular order they are; making sure the performance, profession and craft rules make sense, especially that last one. Balancing that against game-play. At the moment I feel they are not bad, but the craft rules end up producing some really absurd results.
Making prices and the economy 'make sense'. Considering the costs of luxuries and such.
The Biggest one of course is dealing with the 'gp cost' of magic items. I'm largely decoupling this system, but will be working on how to stich it back. Ultimately I want a world in which potions and some other limited use magic items are readily purchasable, but lots of more 'permanent' magical items are rarely for sale. Haven't quite figured this one out yet.
Anyways, this might all end up for not, but thought I'd bring it up.
yeah...these boards piss me off to no end...it just zapped all the info i took an hour entering when i hit preview...so im gonna pop a first entry in the game thread and refill my pc sheet in a bit. When my teeth unclench.
OK...lets take a stab at this
yeah, something I was advised to do is to write stuff up in a word or note document first, that way you don't accidentally loose everything if the system glitches.
totally happened to me too
Characters looks Good ScoutManBear. Two notes, it looks like you've only chosen one trait. Your not obligated to take another(and you can only take one racial trait) but if you want to, feel free. There's a huge database of them at the OGC.
Secondly, as noted in the Elves section on the Wiki, if you want you can swap out the 'Elven Magic' Racial Trait/Ability(lord why did they make the redundency') for 'Silent Hunter'. You loose Elven Magic, but the penalty for stealth checks when moving are reduced by 5, and you can make Stealth checks hwile running at -20. Entirely up to you, just thought I'd remind ya.
Cheers! I took the trait I wanted!! Left the rest. I have questions, I'll throw'em here.
Wishlist, want it? Its just things I'm going to work towards, might be nice if you were aware of them, email, pm, throw it here, which?
And regards to posting campaign, any guidelines to intervals? How long should I wait between posts, etc?
Eh no worries, just thought I'd bring it up and such, keep you appraised ;) As to the wishlist, PM it to me or send me an e-mail, either way.
As for posting to the campaign. About once a day is appropriate if you can manage it. In general feel free to post if you have things to react to. Sometimes, if I haven't heard from anyone in a day I'll post just to move things forward. Navior might have some advice on that front as well.