The Throne of Bhaal
I guess I’m not the first to actually do this. In effect, running a campaign based on the outcome of the Baldur’s Gate computer game series but we will see.
This campaign is a campaign that centers around the Church of Bhaal (Ba’al). A Canaanite sun deity, in the Forgotten Realms the name has become synonymous with death.
BACKSTORY
Some time before the Time of Troubles and the advent of the Age of Upheaval, Bhaal foreseen his own death and went out to impregnate many females of various races and in some cases, beings, to prepare for his death and eventual return. As a god, many of his issue had come to term. He had sired at least a dragon, an orc, a giant, and countless other children, all called bhaalspawn. The purpose of this is so that Bhaal may return through the sacrifice of his children.
But the best laid plan for a return of the Lord of Murder had went awry. A wizard nurtured one of bhaal’s children in Candlekeep. He had many adventures, from finding out that his father was bhaal, to killing his own brother Saravok to prevent him from becoming the new Lord of Murder, to the loss of his soul, to his eventual Apotheosis after defeating the other Bhaalspawn and his chosen.
(Backstory edited, most of that is for the GM, who is yours truly).
With the Wake of the Sundering, Bhaalists went on a rampage in Baldur's Gate, only to be defeated by the Forces of Good. Or were they? Adventurers are needed to respond to the call of Adventure, the Lords of Baldur's Gate wants to know what is happening. They are looking for volunteers to investigate the number of Bhaalist cells that are in Baldur's Gate, and if possible, track them to the original source -- the Throne of Bhaal.
It's presumed that the last Bhaalspawn gave up his divine spark and the Spark of Bhaal was sealed. But the rise of the Bhaalists pose a lot of questions. Why are the Bhaalists back? What are their motives? Who is motivating them? What really happened at (or in) the Throne of Bhaal, and who, if anyone, is sitting on the Throne of Bhaal?
YES, THIS CAMPAIGN WILL ENTAIL PLANEHOPPING.
Well, this has my interest. I'd love to play and I already have ideas simmering away in my head.
color me intrigued. I enjoyed beating BG II back in the day, and it would be neat to revisit that plotline.
It's more like the aftermath of that plotline.
On the Gods appendix on the 5th Edition PHB, Bhaal was listed as a god your cleric could follow. But there is no information I can glean about Bhaal's return to the Faerunian pantheon. I was, to say the least, pretty disappointed. I wanted an answer to that question, and since nothing is forthcoming, I'll make up my own. :)
My interest would partly depend on the system being used, but I would like to see how this goes. ^^
I thought I'd leave that up to the players, but I'm partial to 5th edition.
I also enjoy 5th ed., but I think it might be interesting to start at a bit higher level (say 5th or 6th) to try out play at that level.
I thought I'd leave that up to the players, but I'm partial to 5th edition.
Do you need the PHB to actually get all of the rules or is there like a quick start thing with just the crunch? I am really strapped for cash right now and I can't spend $50 on an rulebook. That and I'd really like to have it in PDF form and it appears WotC hasn't gotten the memo that some of us like our massive tomes available as not so massive electrons.
TL;DR: I vote Pathfinder because I actually have the books for that system and I can't afford to get the PHB at the moment.
actually WOTC stopped making PDFs due to massive pirating issues, including a leaked copy of the 4th edition PHB before it hit the stores.
I... also think I'd prefer to stick with the Pathfinder system, rather than playing through this with 5E. ^^ Of course, that's just me - and if there are enough people who want 5E, I'll happily bow out.
And that's the reason I want to throttle those idiots who say "Herp-de-derp Why don't you pirate it? AHerherherher."
Still, what about something like a free starter edition a la GURPS? I think I found something like that, but I don't know if it's from a playtest or the final rules.
(Speaking of GURPS, that seems to be the one system I have never seen a recruitment for.)
there are free quick play rules that you can get on their website.
Thank you!
At least now I can still play no matter the system we use (Pathfinder/DnD 5E)
Okay:
Pathfinder:
Rendal, Litany, AdamWarnock.
5e:
Vrog, the DM.
Lets see who else is interested.
Very interested because I played the games to death. However I fear that the coming month I will not have any time for it :(.
Hah! I just started playing the HD remake of Baldur's Gate just yesterday if I recall correctly. Was poking around with it. I think I want to play this.
For the system, I do believe I prefer Pathfinder. I just got my 5e players handbook last week but have not looked it over in great detail.
If anyone wants to buy the 5e player's handbook for $30, check out the seller I bought it from on Amazon.
Impressive, most impressive!
Arrack is interested. But arrack is a simple man. Prefer pathfinder. He knows pathfinder.
Okay, Pathfinder compatible.
Races you may choose:
COMMON
- Human
- Elf (you may use Elves of Golarion)
- Dwarf (use FRCS 3.0 or Dwarves of Golarion)
- Halfling
UNCOMMON
- Half-Elf (Bastards of Golarion compatible)
- Half-orc (Bastards of Golarion compatible)
- Dragonborn
- Gnomes
- Teiflings
RARE AND UNIQUE (DM permission required)
- Nagaji (source: Murghom)
- Gilmen (Source: Sea of Fallen Stars or the Sword Coast)
- Ratfolk (Source: Arabel, Suzail, Waterdeep, Baldur's Gate, Tantras)
- Catfolk (Source: same.)
- Aasimar
- Orcs and Drow (not suggested)
Classes you may choose:
COMMON
Any class from the PF Core Rulebook.
UNCOMMON
Alchemist, Cavalier, Magus, Summoner, and Witch
RARE
Most numerous to least.
Hunter, Gunslinger (Smokepowder is the source), Samurai, Ninja, any class from the Advanced Class Guide.
*Taps chin* I have a few ideas... to avoid clutter here, I'll PM them to you, and post any more concrete things here in a bit.
what level and such are you thinking about. Stats?
I should say, I played Baldur's Gate when it first came out. The remake is cool, though I have the original version of Baldur's Gate II from GoG.com I need people to play online games with! >_<
Level 7. :D
Stats -- planehopping usually requires 25 point buy. :D
Money -- Level 7. This is Harn World's Sherem we are talking about; high magic and all that. Items from Magic of the Realms are available for purchase, as are spells from that book. You may also choose spells from the North Marches.
Ooh, level seven! Let's see... you'd probably prefer to avoid non-Paizo spellblooks like Rite Publishing's 1001 Spells and Kobold Press' Deep Magic? Mm, fair enough. XD Not sure all of those are really meant for this world anyway...
I have looked at 1001 Spells, but Deep Magic -- nope. I have no idea what Deep Magic contains, so I have to disallow that.
Thank you!
At least now I can still play no matter the system we use (Pathfinder/DnD 5E)
I can give you a link to a PDF of the PHB, but you have to buy a copy of the PHB first.
Thank you!
At least now I can still play no matter the system we use (Pathfinder/DnD 5E)
I can give you a link to a PDF of the PHB, but you have to buy a copy of the PHB first.
And ultimately, that's the crux of the problem. I can't afford the PHB right now.
Going to do either an elven or half-elven rogue.
Well, until you realize that Copyright Law is dead thanks to this perfect copying machine we are using with our computers, might as well put in that but.
Level 7 eh... Sweet. Hmmmm
Most likely a barbarian. Or barbarian/fighter. I'll be the beatstick this game. Haha.
Faerunian Powers:
GREATER POWERS
Akadi (N) -- Air (both), Illusion, Travel (both), Trickery (Deception)
Bane (LE) -- Darkness (Night), Evil (Fear), Hatred (see FRCS), Law (Devil, Slavery and Tyranny), Nobility (Aristocracy)
Chauntea (N) -- Animal (both), Earth (both), Plant (Growth), Protection (Defense), Renewal (see FRCS)
Grumbar (N) -- Earth (both), Protection (Defense), Strength (Resolve)
Istishia (N) -- Destruction (Catastrophe), Travel (Exploration), Water (Ocean), Weather (Storm)
Lathander (NG) -- Glory (Heroism), Good (Agathion), Nobility (Leadership), Protection (Defense), Strength (Resolve), Sun (Day)
Myrkul (NE) -- Death (Undead), Evil (Daemon), Protection (Defense), Repose (Souls)
Mystra (NG) -- Good (Agathion), Knowledge (all), Magic (all), Rune (all)
Oghma (N) -- Charm (Lust), Knowledge (all), Luck (Fate), Travel (Trade), Trickery (Thievery)
Shar (NE) -- Darkness (Night), Evil (Demon), Knowledge (all), Madness (both)
Silvanus (N) -- Animal (both), Plant (both), Protection (Purity), Water (both)
Sune (CG) -- Charm (Love), Chaos (Azata), Good (Azata), Liberation (Freedom), Protection (Purity)
Talos (CE) -- Chaos (Protean), Death (Murder), Destruction (Catastrophe), Evil (Demon), Strength (Ferocity), Weather (Storms)
Tempus (CE) -- Chaos (Protean), Destruction (Rage), Fire (Ash), Strength (Resolve), War (both)
Tyr (LG) -- Good (Archon), Knowledge (Thought), Law (Judgement), Nobility (Leadership), War (Tactics)
INTERMEDIATE POWERS
Azuth (LG) -- Illusion (see FRCS), Knowledge (Memory), Magic (Arcane), Law (Inevitable), Rune (Wards)
Bhaal (LE) -- Death (Psychopomp), Destruction (Rage), Evil (Devil), Strength (Ferocity)
Beshaba (CE) -- Chaos (Protean), Evil (Demon), Luck (Curse), Trickery (Thievery)
Cyric (CE) -- Chaos (Protean), Evil (Demon), Illusion (see FRCS), Trickery (Deception)
Gond (N) -- Artifice, Earth, Fire, Knowledge, Rune
Helm (LN) -- Glory, Law, Protection, Strength
Ilmater (LG) -- Good (Archon), Healing (Restoration), Law (Inevitable), Nobility (Martyr), Strength (Resolve)
Meilikki (NG) -- Animal (Fur), Good (Agathion), Plant (Growth), Travel (Exploration)
Selune (CG) -- Chaos (Protean), Good (Azata), Darkness (Moon), Protection (Defense), Travel (Exploration)
Tymora (CG) -- Chaos (Protean), Good (Azata), Luck (Imagination), Protection (Defense), Travel (Trade)
Umberlee (CE) -- Chaos (Protean), Destruction (Rage), Evil (Demon), Water (Ocean), Weather (Storm)
I'd love to play a orc blooded sorcerer. Will we be going mythic for the adventure?
No, you are not going to slay Bhaal (or whomever is the real God of Death). But Mythic is a possibility.
At this time I am withdrawing interest. Have fun everyone!
LESSER POWERS
Auril (NE) -- Air (Wind), Evil (Demon), Water (Ice), Weather (Storm)
Bahamut (LG) -- Air (both), Good (Agathion), Law (Archon), Nobility (Leadership), Scalykind (Dragon)
Deneir (NG) -- Good (Agathion), Knowledge (Memory), Protection (Purity), Rune (Language)
Eldath (NG) -- Community (Family), Good (Archon), Plant (Growth), Protection (Purity), Water (Ocean)
Malar (CE) -- Animal (both), Chaos (Protean), Darkness (Moon), Evil (Demon), Strength (Ferocity)
Mask (NE) -- Darkness (Night), Evil (Daemon), Luck (Fate), Trickery (Ambush)
Lliira (CG) -- Chaos (Revelry), Charm (Lust), Community (Family), Good (Azata), Travel (Trade)
Loviatar (LE) -- Destruction (Torture), Evil (Daemon), Law (Devil), Madness (Nightmare), Strength (Ferocity)
Milil (NG) -- Charm (Love), Good (Azata), Knowledge (Thought), Nobility (Aristocracy)
Shaundakul (CN) -- Air (wind), Chaos (Whimsy), Protection (Defense), Travel (Trade)
Talona (CE) -- Chaos (Entropy), Destruction (Torture), Evil (Fear), Nobility (Martyr)
Tiamat (LE) -- Evil (Fear), Law (Slavery), Scalykind (Dragon), Strength (Ferocity)
Torm (LG) -- Glory (Honor), Good (Redemption), Law (Loyalty), Nobility (Leadership), Protection (Purity)
Uthgar (CN) -- Animal (both), Chaos (Whimsy), Liberation (Freedom), Strength (Ferocity), War (Blood)
Waukeen (N) -- Knowledge (Memory), Protection (Defense), Travel (Trade)
MYTHIC.
I love that ruleset. XD Also, because of reasons, I suspect my character will be religiously affiliated with the pantheon of good powers, though not in direct service to any. Just gotta put the finishing touches on her...
TEMPUS!!!!!!
NO WAIT
LATHANDER!!!!!!?
QUASI- AND DEMI-POWERS
Finder Wyvernspur (CN) -- Chaos (Whimsy), Charm (Lust), Healing (Restoration), Scalykind (Saurian)
Gargagos (CN) -- Chaos (Protean), Destruction (Rage), Strength (Fist), War (Blood)
Gargauth (LE) -- Charm (Lust), Evil (Devil), Law (Slavery), Trickery (Innuendo)
Gwaeron Windstrom (NG) -- Animal (feather), Good (Friendship), Knowledge (Aeon), Plant (Growth), Travel (Exploration)
Hoar (LN) -- Law (Loyalty), Liberation (Revolution), Luck (Fate), Travel (Trade)
Jergal (LN) -- Law (Loyalty), Luck (Fate), Repose (both), Rune (Language)
Lurue (CG) -- Animal (fur), Chaos (Whimsy), Good (Friendship), Healing (Restoration)
Nobanion (LG) Animal (fur), Good (Archon), Law (Judgement), Nobility (Leadership)
Red Knight (LN) -- Law (Loyalty), Nobility (Aristocracy), War (Tactics)
Savras (LN) -- Knowledge (Thought), Law (Loyalty), Magic (Arcane), Rune (Wards)
Sharess (CG) -- Chaos (Revelry), Charm (Lust), Good (Friendship), Travel (Trade), Trickery (Innuendo)
Shiallia (NG) -- Animal (both), Good (Redemption), Plant (both)
Siamorphe (LG) -- Knowledge (Thought), Law (Judgement), Nobility (Aristocracy), War (tactics)
Ulutiu (LN) -- Animal (fur), Law (Loyalty), Protection (Defense), Water (Ice)
Valkur (CG) -- Air (Wind), Chaos (Whimsy), Good (Azata), Protection (Defense), Water (Ocean)
Velsharoon (NE) -- Death (Undead), Evil (Fear), Magic (Arcane)
TEMPUS!!!!!!
NO WAIT
LATHANDER!!!!!!?
Everything about Lathander is related to Athletics, youth, and competition; as well as Light, Sun, and Renewal.
Arrack is torn :(
Something wrong with Talos?
Arrack, go Lathander.
:)
Guys, consider this transitioning campaign. Your transitioning from Forgotten Realms as Sherem, to Forgotten Realms as Harn (kind of, still high magic, but item rare.)
I need to work on fluff, but here is the sorcerer
Guys ... just a sec.
Okay, Liera is back, so Cyric the Prince of Lies is still an Intermediate diety. Liera is a Lesser Power, but she has control over Illusion and no longer under the province of either Cyric or Shar. :) Sorry. :)
I'm good with whatever, let me know what I need to do with my item list
I'm good with whatever, let me know what I need to do with my item list
Your item list is the same as if you had bought it. :)
But since this is transitioning to the Item Lists in the new DMG (which I am not sure it contains, yet), one of the features of 5e is that you don't buy your magic items any more (or they aren't readily available). It's mostly back to finding them in treasure or making them. :) Just a heads up.
:)
ok. So we won't be able to upgrade what we have then?