Demonhunters

Game Master waynemarkstubbs

"Heard a philosopher once say that there ain't no such thing as good an' evil - them's just names we give ter things that we like an' don't like."

The old man shifts slightly in his chair.

"But that's goblin-crap. Evil's real. I know. It leaves a taint - a metallic tang in the air. Yer can taste it. There ain't no mistakin'. A hungry bear, even a troll - that ain't real evil. A thief in the night, a bandit - they's just greed an' stupid. But there's other things - an' when I say they are evil, I means it. They embody it. It's in the very nature o' what they are."

He pauses a moment, and then spits into the fireplace.

"Thirty years I fought it. Seen things yer don't want ter know about; things I don't even want ter remember. Still, I had my reasons, just as yer've got yers. The war'll never stop, 'cos o' the nature o' what they are, an' the nature o' what we are. But I kept fightin', savourin' the small victories. Yer don't need ter know my reasons, just as yers are yer own. Then this.

He shifts again, leaning slightly forward so that the stump of his right leg, taken off just above the knee, can be seen in the flickering firelight.

I got sloppy. Forgot what I was facin'. Thought I knew it all. It showed me better, afore I finally banished it. The priests tell me that they can fix it, make it grow back, fer enough gold. But I don't mind. I can get 'round well enough. I prefer ter see it as a warnin'. I was too old, too jaded. It's time ter pass on the torch.

He shifts back and surveys the individuals before him from beneath grey eyebrows.

I'm figurin' I can do a more important job here. I've got ears in every tavern in Absalom. Hear all the travelers' tales, notice the details that others wouldn't. Put two and two tergether. Know what's really goin' on. Cos they're out there, believe me. Waitin'. Patient. Growin' in strength. Usin' our natures against us. They've waited fer eternity, an' they'll wait again, until they reckons the time is right. Unless someone stops 'em.

He leans forward intently.

"There ain't no glory in this fight. They can't recognise yer, know yer comin'. If'n yer lucky, yer'll get ter retire like me. Yer can guess what happens if'n yer unlucky. Yer've got ter want this fight. Yer've got ter fight 'cos it's right, 'cos yer can't bear the thought o' not fightin'. Yer've got ter fight even though yer know that any victory's only temporary, but at least yer bought others some time ter laugh an' love an' see their children grown. That's the reward. Fer thirty years I've thought it worth fightin' fer."

He settles back in his chair.

"And I'm thinkin' maybe yer does too."

Well you certainly got my attention. Count my interested.

Color me intrigued. I'm interested, as well, albeit rather new to the messageboards.

Well, call it cliche, but I got a taste for the Inquisitor class in a one time weekend game and I like it. Would love to play one for a while and really love the idea as a evil/demon/undead hunter. Would really like for this to happen.

Do you have an idea on how long the campaign might go?

Potentially interested, though from an unorthodox angle: I'd love to play an agent of the Qlippoth lord Chavazvug, who seeks nothing but the complete destruction of demon kind. He doesn't have to be evil or chaotic though, just probably not good.

indeed could you say more about that campaign / character creation etc?

The campaign will be based in Golarion, and be centered around rooting out evil cults, demonic influence etc. under the direction of your patron (at least at first).

I'd like to begin at 3rd level, so the characters have some hinterland. 20 point buy method for character generation. Two traits.

Paizo sources only please. I'm not going to say "no this, no that", but I'm never really a fan of those parties that look like travelling zoos. I'd much rather you played your character quirks than gave her a quirky template. Your character should be a good part of the team and act like it. You are going up against dangerous foes.

I'd like to aim for 3 posts a week, and the game will continue for as long as all involved are having fun, so I suggest you concentrate on your character at each level, rather than aiming for a particular build. If there is a need for 'retraining' I'll be reasonably lenient.

Given the nature of the foe, there will be moderate horror. Nothing pornographic or gratuitous, but the fiends are the embodiment of all that is evil, so expect to encounter that.

arlg that is a slow pace just 3 post a week :(

I am very interested in the game. I am thinking a Ranger hunter, or maybe an alchemist. I think a neutral alchemist with a grudge against horrors, perhaps with a mutagen problem, could make a great character!

Colour me interested... Might start toying with concepts.

OK, well, if you have a concept (doesn't have to be a full writeup) please feel free to post it here.

Inquisitor fleshed out a bit .

Name is Graven Chandler, Human Male Inquisitor. He was raised in the church since a young child. He's been training all his life to root out evil as it exists in the world around him. His stat block looks like this: Str: 17, Dex: 10, Con: 15, Int: 10, Wis: 14, Cha: 11.

First level feats: Power Attack, Cleave
Traits: Armor Expert and Corpse Hunter.
Diety: Pharasma
HP for 2 and 3 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 41d8 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

Sounds like a good time to try a ranger ...will flesh this out later at a computer.

I'd be very interested in giving this a try. I'm thinking a support caster, either Cleric or Druid. Once I have a solid concept down I'll post it.

Edit: What about Devils? Are they going to be an influencing factor in this campaign?

Sounds like a good game for a Barbarian I'be been going over in my head. Kind of an ultimate athlete...toughest guy around.

Gordrun Silverkin: is my submission. An orc alchemist who was raised in the wilderness, and then left his family for the city to pursue his experiments. He has traveled the land and seen many horrors. He changes his form to a beastly wretch in order to forget the things from his past. (backstory to be expanded later).

I'll have a alias with the relevant info later.

There may well be devils, but on Golarion they don't seem to tend towards the covert - they openly rule nations.

So are we interested in fighting evil wherever we find it? Or is there maybe more of a plan to interfere with and bring down an evil kingdom, led by an evil ruler?

Well, I'd be guided by the characters' actions in that. There will certainly be a meta plot, and more plot hooks than you can follow up. Which ones you choose to pursue will be up to you.

I'm thinking of maybe making a bard of some shape or another. I would almost like to do a goblin or a kobold, if you think that's not too managerie like. If not, I'll probably go with a tiefling who rebels against his or her blood.

Here's my Barbarian idea I had. Still need equipment (Starting funds?), and how do we come up with hit points at each new level?

Ecruse

Here's Gordrun Silverkin. I'm still filling in the background and a few numbers, but he was a young warrior kidnapped and tortured by an evil scientist. He finally broke free and killed the scientist in a rage, and after stealing his notes, destroyed the lab he was held in and started wandering. He was experimented on during his time in captivity, and bears a disfigured extra arm as a permanent souvenir. Ever since he has searched for knowledge and lore to prevent anyone ever subjugating him again. He despises those who enslave others, either through magic or manacles.

This is Ashern's submission.

Here is Jessie Banem, Human Cleric of Shelyn. I assumed that we had WBL for 3rd level and have outfitted her as such. I'm working on the fluff right now.

This is William-Scott by the way.

Incredibly intrigued and interested, but I'll need to figure out what to do. My first ideas were Inquisitor and Ranger, and both of those seem to have been grabbed by a couple people for ideas. Third is a Divine Hunter who hides his service to his god, but I'm not sure just how to work it.

I'll give everything a lookover and see what works.

I am submitting Miri Leonsbane to be considered. She is a Human Paladin of Torag.

Miri felt the calling at a young age to hunt demons and their like, as both her parents were demon-hunters. She was raised mostly in the church as her parents were usually off hunting or protecting the weak. Growing up in the church was tough, as they expected strict discipline from her and taught her to give and sacrifice to a fault. Miri is a loving, kind, person but always puts the needs of others first. When she turned 16 she found out that both her parents were killed while hunting a great demon, that to this day she does not know the name. The name of the demon was kept hidden from her, in the fear that she would seek revenge. Now at the age of 18 she is ready to begin to follow her parents footsteps and bring justice and peace to the land...and avenge her fallen parents at all costs.

STR: 14, DEX: 12, CON: 12, INT: 10, WIS, 14, CHA: 18

HP for 2 and 3: 1d10 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 1 = 11 1d10 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

Will be working on the rest of the info right now.

Here is my Inquisitor. I have added no gear as I wasn't sure what gold we had to start with.

Info up to date except gear as gold was not stated. When do you think the you would start this game?

Hatim al-Duri is ready for this fight. The name of al-Duri will be branded on the minds of the minions of evil. They will whisper, "Hatim" when I pass among them. Let the demons know their place. Humans are mean enough to each other without the demon influence. I believe we have a similar cause Sir Waynemarkstubbs

My entry is a 3rd level Wizard from Nex. It's my first time playing by post. I'm not sure how these message boards work, but I'm willing to try. 3 posts a week seems about my speed.

OK, so I went a little off my ranger idea when I thought about it. Character concept is a male elf who trained to be a ranger to fight demons but after his first sight of real demons, realized that just wasn't going to cut it, swallowed his pride, and became a wizard like his father had wanted all along. A Void Elementalist ...he believes the void and space may be the only things that could stop the demon threat for good.

I'd be very interested. I do have a question, though - would this Archetype be acceptable? It's not Paizo official, but I don't think it's too over the top.

Morning

Question roundup

1) How long with the recruitment thread be up? Until Monday. I'm really keen to see a background for your characters, why they would take up this mission, what drives them etc. That's more important than a statblock at the moment.

2) Money - 3rd Level wealth by level is 3000gp.

3) Qlippoth agent - I'm not opposed to this, as long as it's more background than mechanics. To be honest, I've never really known what to make of the Qlippoth. I get the whole 'edritch abominations that predate everything' theme, but they don't actually seem to do much.

4) Hitpoints: for levels above 1, you can take (half hitdie + 1) or roll, as you choose.

5) Goblins and kobolds - goblins definitely no. Kobolds probably no. Tiefling is a much better idea.

6) "Cavalier with a dog" archetype - nothing inherently wrong with it, but you'll have to do all the book-keeping etc. Note that animals won't normally attack outsiders - you have to spend an extra trick to train them.

Are there any prohibited classes, or things you'd simply rather not deal with? I notice a lot of GMs ban summoners, ninjas, cavaliers, and gunslingers. Not that I'm considering submitting one at this stage, just trying to figure out what I can do before I think about what I want to do. =)

I'll consider everything on its merits, but, like many GMs, I have grave doubts about the synthesist summoner. That weird half-elf feat that lets you do anything is a bit dodgy too.

Hatim al-Durin, meaning brewer of determination, was born on Valkus Isle, an island penal colony in Nex. This illicit child was hidden and raised communally by the island "citizens." Being a penal colony and surrounded by magic pollution, the environment was challenging and filled with peril. His parents died during one of the attempts to escape - actually, many died. Only a few escaped to Nex and many colonists worked to make sure Hatim survived. Those that landed in Nex used political connections and bribery to make sure Hatim was given schooling as a Wizard. Sadly, as soon as his novice work was complete, his connections with Valkus Isle was revealed. He left Nex to seek his fortune. He believes that doing good and supporting goodness in the world is very, very important, but whether this should be achieved through rules, or through organic interactions is none of his concern.

He is sometimes considered too proud and when overly confident, refers to himself in the third-person. It is important to him to improve his family name in the world, and he is determined to achieve that goal, but is patient.

Graven looks at the old man, nibbling on his bottom lip as he thinks for a moment.

I've been raised by the church of Pharasma since before I can remember. How I cam to the church is up for debate. There's the story the clerics tell me..then, there's the story I think is true.

Graven pauses for a while, you see his eyes get that faraway look people get when they are remembering something from long ago.

The official story is that my parents died of some illness that swept through the small village I was born in. They say my parents loved me very much. I don't doubt that.What I doubt is how my parents died. My vague memories are of screaming and horrible screeching noises. And fire. And evil.

He leans forward matching the old man's stare.

I feel evil. I sense it with some innate ability, always have. The church must've seen it early, because my training as an inquisitor was begun much earlier than other inquisitors. You see me, young in age, but I've been here and there, squashing evil, undead mostly, for several years. I've honed my skills, but I still have much to learn. There is some greater evil out there. I can sense it, always just out of reach. It's time I extend my reach.

He pauses again.

It is time to stop fighting the symptoms of this evil and deal with the root of this evil, or die trying. You're right old man, I'll fight this fight with my last breath. Maybe Pharasma will grant me a long life, maybe not. But until then, you tell me where to go, give me some benefits of your wisdom and I'll bring my strength to bear. You've got my word. Perhaps in our journey we can find out what happened to my parents, I know it weren't no plague.

The small blonde figure sitting nearby pipes up at this point. Until now she had been sitting quietly, almost trying to avoid notice.

Pharasma is unlikely to grant you a long life, gods don't tend to interfere directly. They send mortals in their stead. Keeping you alive... that's my job.

Turning to look at the old man now, the figure continues.

Name's Jessie. I was raised in small community with a shared church. The community worshipped several gods, Shelyn, Saranrae, Iomedae, and Cayden Calien. I draw motivation and inspiration from each of them, but I draw my power from Shelyn. I've always had a pretty open mind so my teachers recommended learning about the way of the cleric. The clerics found I had an innate talent for channeling divine energy and so I was entered into a special curriculum. By the time I was twenty I had a firm grasp on the various religious doctrines of the churches, I was a skilled handler of divine power and I had discovered my talent for sculpting, singing, and playing the flute. Two years later, and here I am, trying to make myself useful to the world as a whole rather than just my community. No better way to help the world than keep alive those who are capable of defending it. That's why I'm here.

After this the figure returns to the quiet state she had been in previously.

The idea with the Qlippoth is that they hate demons, because they tried to kill all Qlippoth. They hate mortals because mortal sin spawns more demons and instead of going the "good" route and trying to redeem mortals they decide to just kill them.

My idea for the character has changed a little. My current idea is for a man who seeks to live without sin while killing demons, thus pleasing his patron in a rather odd way. I was thinking of either a Qlippoth spawn tiefling or a man who's wife died while giving birth to a Qlippoth spawn tiefling.

Are you still looking for people? Cause if so I'm interested

Sinden speaks as well. "Yup. Evil. Evil 'n hate, ever-thing awful, given form, given more 'n flesh. Chaos, in th' derivative conna-tation. Demons, and the dipshits what think they c'n deal 'er serve somethin' like 'em ...they's worse than some sickness. Worse 'n some plague. They're all our darkness, all our rage and ig=nernce, given limitless power. So I ain't hugely concerned by who you are, or why you're so hot on killin' demons. Cause it's necessary work. So why don't we drink another one and see what awful we can destroy."

Recruitment remains open until Monday. I have made no decisions yet.

Well, I'm almost done with my backstory.

Gordron's background is greatly expanded and enlarged to flesh him out and provide more hooks for involvement.

I'll get my submission in later today.

I changed my idea bit. The current idea for the character is for one who lost his mother because his younger brother turned out to be a Qlippoth tainted tiefling. He then later lost his father because his younger brother, the tiefling, killed him and then he killed his own tainted brother. Since then he has been working as a hunter of fiends, not really caring what kind, more out of a personal hatred than a drive to do good.

I'm definitely interested in this game and was thinking I might run a barbarian/witch(scarred witch doctor), but I do have important questions for that. In your mind, is the witch archetype limited to orcs only in your game or would that racial restriction be removed? I see the character as being one who is trying to escape from the atrocities of his birth and achieving redemption through ridding the world of evil, both in himself and in the world.

Finally got my Hound Master finished. Was a bit busy, sorry for that.

And a bit of roleplay, why not?

"...Aye. Fighting seems to be the only approach left to me. Devastation is coming to Golarion, and its herald is the expansion of these ambitious human kingdoms. I have witnessed first hand the blind corruption of these fabled nations, those who claim to be prosperous when they truly are on a path of self-degradation. My quarrel with evil is with these people, who pervert the spirit of free thinking beings and the natural world alike. But these monstrosities you speak of... you say they use our own natures to vie us against each other?

I know not what depraved creatures you have encountered in your time, old one. They have not made themselves apparent to me in my journeys. But if they lead us further towards our future despotism, our future doom, then they are worth fighting. Perhaps they can show those who only think with their greed and self-interest a new path. Show me their domains, their crimes, and their intentions. If they be true to what you say, then me, my spear, my sword, and my hound will fight this good fight. I will join in your cause."

Ok, so I'm finishing up the sheet for him, but I'm looking to submit a dwarven inquisitor of Tsukiyo, whose family traded regularly with the city of Goka. He saw that there was great wisdom in the good and has tried to bring some more stability to his new home, the nation of Galt.

Morning. Recruitment will close later today at an arbitrary time of my convenience. If you still haven't submitted, I'll take a character concept and a writing sample if you haven't got time to do a full character sheet.

Are Digger Chandler and Graven Chandler related? Or just coincidence?

@ShadowyFox - I'm not familiar with Tan Xia, so please give a good writeup of what your oriental dwarf who worships a Tian-Min deity is doing in Galt.

Weird coincidence!

I simply could not manage to build a version of the concept I mentioned earlier (with the Qlippoth) that I'm satisfied with. As such I'm bowing out.

Good afternoon - recruitment is now closed. Sort of. Read on.

Thank you all for your submissions. As always I cannot find room for them all, even though they were all excellent. Thanks for taking the time to submit, and I'm sorry if you didn't make it. I hope you will follow along.

The following characters are accepted:

Hern Goff Human Male Cavalier (Hound Master) 3 and his dog Duncan
Jessie Banem Human Female Paladin of Shelyn 3
Hatim al-Duri Human Male Wizard 3
Gordrun Silverkin Halforc Male Barbarian 1, Alchemist (Vivisectionist) 2
Graven Chandler Human Male Inquisitor of Pharasma (3)

However, I am holding one spot open - the group is missing a scout/fixer/skillmonkey. So I am still accepting submissions for a character along these lines. Please indicate if you are interested. You maximize your chances of acceptance by a) filling the required role and b) complementing the other characters. Complimenting the GM may also work :)

Other players, please report to the Campaign discussion thread.

Thanks again for all your submissions.