| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Hey, guys. I've been thinking about putting together a group that I can GM for on these forums for awhile (I've GMed on other forums but the group fell apart). Below will be the specifics of the campaign, including what I feel would be good for character creation guidelines, and for the basic feel of the campaign. I'm open to all kinds of suggestions though.
The campaign starts off with the PCs meeting up with some old friends of theirs from their younger years. The PCs will have lived in Hescoy Hamlet at some earlier part in their lives and later went off somewhere in the wide country of Elensafier for a variety of reasons.
Recently, the PCs have each recently received a letter from their NPC friends, detailing a plan for the “old group” to get together to celebrate the week-long celebration of Hescoy Hamlet’s 100 year anniversary. On the first night there will be a kickoff of a firework show. Because of this, NPCs Simeon and Jerry have made plans for the group to hike up to a hill several miles from town in order to get the best possible view, and then camp overnight, “just like old times.”
This will be a sandbox campaign, where I will have many different interconnecting plots running all at the same time. The PCs will be in charge of choosing what they want to focus un, and I will be here to help facilitate. That being said, I still would like to have a lively campaign that doesn’t stagnate, so I am not above doing a little GMPCing as needed in order to keep the pace up. A rough requirement of one good post a day will be in order, though I understand if real life gets in the way. If you expect to not be able to post on certain days let me know ahead of time.
Also, did you notice that in the Build Expectations section I didn’t have anything about alignments? That’s because I do not care what your alignment is (in fact I don’t want to even know what it is unless a game mechanic hinges on it), so long as your character is both fun and likable. Be as much a team player as you can, but don’t be afraid of having inter-party drama so long as it doesn’t get out of hand. Remember, though your characters have been life-long friends, that doesn’t mean they cannot have disagreements.
Stats: 3d8 in order of ability scores, though you may reroll once if you wish.
Classes: Anything from Core, Advanced Class, Ultimate Combat, Ultimate magic, and Unchained, though summoners must always be unchained. Basically everything but Occult, or 3rd party classes.
Archetypes: Only one per class that you take. I generally like most 3rd party archetypes if you ask nicely before you apply them.
Race: Anything that’s reasonable. In other-words, don’t play a Trox unless you wow me with a hilarious and intriguing backstory. Also, look at the campaign info tab for more information on races.
Background: Nothing too intricate, or over a page. Maybe tell about several accomplishments in their life, or something fun.
HP & Skills: Background skills are a go. HP is max at first level, and then average +1 ever level thereafter.
Level & Wealth: Start as 5th level characters to represent that you aren’t total newbs. 500 gp worth of nonmagical gear, and 1-3 magical items totaling no more than 10,000 gp.
Drumroll Please: You may be Gestalt if you wish, just so long as you are two levels lower than typical.
Others: Since this campaign has been made by me, you as players will be able to manipulate this in a way that you weouldn't be able to do in a published campaign. In other words, if you have an idea for an organization or God that you think would be a good fit, then run it by me.
Additional information for the campaign can be found in the Campaign Info Tab
I’ll be adopting a couple different things that I’ve seen, and others that I just have picked up over the years (Note: I may add more):
Block initiative: I’ll be rolling everyone’s initiative.
Healing Spells always automatically roll max unless you’re in a combat situation or under stress
Ugh! That CON :) But hey, maybe I'll be the strongest wizard ever. Let me consider some options ;)
Let's see what we're potentially working with.
I could probably turn this into a pretty decent Druid. Color me intrigued.
Sounds very beginning of Dragonlance. I like it.
Hmmm, not really feeling an INT build right now. Might consider rerolling.
You've hooked my interest for rolling, if nothing else.
Hmm... a foolish but booksmart synthesist summoner? That 5 Dex is the real killer here. I think I'll take the reroll.
Whoa, that's quite the jump. I can definitely play something interesting and weird with this, I think. The question just becomes what...
I'll definitely think on something here.
Intriguing...
So...weak, but smart and charismatic(Wizard/Sorcerer Gestalt? lol). Is the reroll of one stat(in which case I'll reroll STR), or is it a reroll of all 6?
I am surprised we have yet to get any rolls over 20.
Edit: Nevermind, Loup Blanc got themself a 21.
Interested
Dotting for interest.
Hmmm, thinking of a Bard or Investigator or even Wizard.
dotting for interest.
Sounds interesting. Lets see what i roll.
Hmm, seems interesting. ill take it.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
I think I'll risk a re-roll, since I can't think of anything I wanna play that involves that much Constitution.
...why, why am I fated to so much Con?
We'll see if I can come up with something, shouldn't be too hard.
Was already interested, but with that roll, color me very interested!
Hmm, 3d8, worth a shot.
a good set, but 8 con is quite dangerous.
Maybe another try.
nope.
First set. With a racial bonus to get the con to livable, it should be fine.
I'll think about the character. Gestalt is always tempting, though at -2 levels, it's a significant hit (understandable though).
Oh, one suggestion, since you're going max healing out of combat, you might want to consider one of my house rules, which is on spells which need a caster level check to remove an effect (neutralize poison, remove paralysis), you allow the caster to take 20 when out of combat.
So:
Str: 12
Dex : 18
Con: 8
Int: 13
Wis: 10
Chr: 17
Hmm, maybe a human swashbuckler/paladin. That suits the scores and should be defensible enough to survive the low con. I'll work on it.
What about traits?
@Reallife Corn, I'm interested in the cavalier class, but not at all the mount aspect of it. Would you allow one of the following archetypes from Rogue Genius Games?
Youxia
Physical Examplar
or Weaponsmaster?All of them replace the Mount, Cavalier’s charge, Expert trainer, Mighty charge, and Supreme charge abilities.
They're something called "archetype packages", but you don't have to read or understand about that to rule on the archetypes.
Basically, I like the "honorable/oathbound warrior" aspect of the cavalier class, but I don't like the mounted-charge angle, and I want to get rid of it in exchange for something.
Yup. That's a go for those packages :)
Intriguing...
3d8
3d8
3d8
3d8
3d8
3d8So...weak, but smart and charismatic(Wizard/Sorcerer Gestalt? lol). Is the reroll of one stat(in which case I'll reroll STR), or is it a reroll of all 6?
Reroll of all 6
I did a mock-up of the character I'd like to play on this sheet. I went with the Physical Examplar archetype, obviously I haven't gotten permission to use it yet, but I can easily convert her to whatever ends up being allowed.
Basically, she wants to carve out a little part of the world to be her oyster, and that's what she's been up to for the last couple years.
She's perhaps not a good person, and at this point doesn't honestly doesn't care about those labels. Still, she has very fond memories of her friends, and will help them however they need.
That looks great so far. +1 for your initiative.
Intrigued by the stat generation. Not sure what to play, but let's see what I roll.
[dice=Str]3d8
[dice=Dex]3d8
[dice=Con]3d8
[dice=Int]3d8
[dice=Wis]3d8
[dice=Cha]3d8Um...huh. Well, I wish the Int were higher cause I love me some skill points, but, uh...that's a nice spread. I'll have to think about it.
Just so I'm clear, is the Gestalt option two gestalt classes at level 3 each, or one at level 5 and the second class at level 3?
Both will be two levels lower, so yes, both will be level 3. Sorry for not being clearer on that earlier.
What about traits?
THAT'S what I forgot! Yes for traits though it'll be an exchange rate of two traits for every drawback
Oh, one suggestion, since you're going max healing out of combat, you might want to consider one of my house rules, which is on spells which need a caster level check to remove an effect (neutralize poison, remove paralysis), you allow the caster to take 20 when out of combat.
.
Sounds great!
[dice=Strength]3d8
[dice=Dexterity]3d8
[dice=Constiution]3d8
[dice=Intelligence]3d8
[dice=Wisdom]3d8
[dice=Charisma]3d8I think I'll risk a re-roll, since I can't think of anything I wanna play that involves that much Constitution.
[dice=Strength]3d8
[dice=Dexterity]3d8
[dice=Constiution]3d8
[dice=Intelligence]3d8
[dice=Wisdom]3d8
[dice=Charisma]3d8...why, why am I fated to so much Con?
Haha first-world problems
I think I'll throw out some dice rolls while I consider my options.
[dice=STR]3d8
[dice=DEX]3d8
[dice=CON]3d8
[dice=INT]3d8
[dice=WIS]3d8
[dice=CHA]3d8EDIT: Rerolling because the first set was terrible.
[dice=STR]3d8
[dice=DEX]3d8
[dice=CON]3d8
[dice=INT]3d8
[dice=WIS]3d8
[dice=CHA]3d8And it was somehow worse. I am struggling to think of what I could do with either of those sets.
Well you are 'tiny' Tim after all lol
Since I'm going with someone with extreme anger management issues (I mean, without Kineticist available and all that Con, I might as well go Barbarian) would the Half-Ogre third party race be acceptable? I can probably do the same background with a Half-Orc, but this seems suitably fun and hitty.
Life-long friends from a sleepy village and one of them happens to be a Half-Ogre :P
I like it.
Since I'm going with someone with extreme anger management issues (I mean, without Kineticist available and all that Con, I might as well go Barbarian) would the Half-Ogre third party race be acceptable? I can probably do the same background with a Half-Orc, but this seems suitably fun and hitty.
After looking at it I like the balance, and love the flavor. Go for it.
Well, I'll at least try rolling!
Hmm.. reroll Wisdom?
Marget, it's a reroll of all six scores, not just one.
Question. If we go gestalt, are we starting at level 3 and progressing as normal, or are we playing a -2 level penalty. That is to say, later in the game (and assuming medium XP progression), would a gestalt player be 10k XP behind a non-gestalt player, or always 2 levels behind?
After looking at it I like the balance, and love the flavor. Go for it.
Thank you. Now I just need to decide whether to go Fighter with Barbarian VMC for lots of the feats, or Barbarian for all the rage.
I do love to roll dice...
What the heck! I'm tempted just to see what comes of a character with a 3 strength and a 24 con. Is that even possible? Or is the first set automatically tossed when you roll the second set?
How small is Hescoy Hamlet and what kind of area/climate is it located in?
Damn. Only 10 Wisdom. Oh well.
;)
Question. If we go gestalt, are we starting at level 3 and progressing as normal, or are we playing a -2 level penalty. That is to say, later in the game (and assuming medium XP progression), would a gestalt player be 10k XP behind a non-gestalt player, or always 2 levels behind?
I've discovered that dealing with experience is always a pain in the neck (especially in PBP). Yeah, you'll always just be a flat -2 for both classes.
@JonGarrett
Ever heard of the Viking Fighter archetype?
@Miteke
Nah, you get to choose which set
@The Pale King
Good question. I was thinking about a temperate climate with short winters. There would be lots of rain, but not enough to make it a rain forest area by any standards as it's mostly large pines and redwoods.
Hmmmm size. I would have to say that Hescoy would be a fairly average-sized city, so after consulting the Settlement guide I would have to say that there would be anywhere upwards of 6,000 people living in or in farmsteads close to Hescoy.
What about traits?THAT'S what I forgot! Yes for traits though it'll be an exchange rate of two traits for every drawback
Do we get 2 free or is it always at least 1 drawback?
Also, the campaign info only mentions core races - are others pretty discouraged or okay with a solid backstory?
What about traits?THAT'S what I forgot! Yes for traits though it'll be an exchange rate of two traits for every drawbackDo we get 2 free or is it always at least 1 drawback?
Also, the campaign info only mentions core races - are others pretty discouraged or okay with a solid backstory?
Always at least 1 drawback
Those are the only ones I've gotten to as of yet due to the staggering amount of races. You're not discouraged. I'd actually encourage you to PM me suggestions for how other members of that race might live in that region if the race isn't already covered.
I do love to roll dice...
[dice=Str]3d8
[dice=Dex]3d8
[dice=Con]3d8
[dice=Int]3d8
[dice=Wis]3d8
[dice=Cha]3d8[dice=Str]3d8
[dice=Dex]3d8
[dice=Con]3d8
[dice=Int]3d8
[dice=Wis]3d8
[dice=Cha]3d8What the heck! I'm tempted just to see what comes of a character with a 3 strength and a 24 con. Is that even possible? Or is the first set automatically tossed when you roll the second set?
You could make a killer Kineticist with that CON. Just make sure and use the range of your blast to your advantage.
@JonGarrett
Ever heard of the Viking Fighter archetype?
I have, but always found the cost a little too high for what you get.
What I am thinking, with your might GM blessing, is the Jotunkin archetype from Spes Magna Games for Barbarian, which basically means I get big and angry instead of just angry, and the Lighten Weapon feat by Kobold Press, which means an even bigger weapon.
...so a massive Half-Ogre, who carries a massive sword, and gets even bigger and angrier during a rage.
There are some downsides - I take -2 to Hit, for example, which statistically isn't great for that extra 1d6 damage - but all told it'll be entertaining. And an extra 2d6 damage when raging. So on the other hand, I can understand if it's a bit much.
@JonGarrett
At first I was leaning towards a yes, but now that I take a closer look, I don't see what class feature the enlarging during rage ability replaces. How about we forget the archetype and I give you access to the following rage power
Monstrous Rage
when begining a rage, the character may choose to have their entire body expand and strengthen, as the spell Enlarge Person. Beginning a rage in this fashion takes great exertion, and as such it takes a standard action to enter the rage. Additionally, the barbarian will be exhausted, instead of fatigued for the same number of rounds as typical.
How's that?
...huh, you're right. That really should replace something.
But yes, that works for me, thank you.
May I apply the Stonesinger trait to the earth kineticist abilities? The trait is written to apply to domains and bloodlines but I doubt kineticists were around at that time and it seems logical that it would.
Sadly, no Occult Classes allowed. Otherwise my obscene Con would have resulted in a Undine Water Kineticist.
--------
Hmmmmm....
So 2 traits + 1 drawback...hmmm
OK, have a rough version of a character. Need to finish up equipment a bit more.
Groff is the son of a lumberjack. The lumberjack actually found his as a baby abandoned in the forest, and took him home. Raised among his already sizable family, he was a bit odd, being somewhat less hearty than his kinfolk, but very responsive to treatment by the local priests when he had a malady. This led him to wish to serve the church when he grew up. However he also had a bit of a wild streak to him, so he took up more of a nimble fighting style playing to his strengths. He serves his church in a very devoted manner, but with flair.
Groff the glib
Human paladin (oath of vengeance) 3/swashbuckler 3/gestalt 3 (Pathfinder RPG Advanced Class Guide 56, Pathfinder RPG Ultimate Magic 60)
LG Medium humanoid (human)
Init +8; Senses Perception +6
Aura courage (10 ft.)
--------------------
Defense
--------------------
AC 20, touch 15, flat-footed 15 (+5 armor, +4 Dex, +1 dodge)
hp 25 (3d10+3)
Fort +6, Ref +10, Will +6; +2 vs. death
Defensive Abilities charmed life 3/day, nimble +1, uncanny dodge; Immune disease, fear
--------------------
Offense
--------------------
Speed 30 ft.
Melee +1 adamantine rapier +9 (1d6+2/18-20+3 Precision)
Special Attacks deeds (derring-do, dodging panache, kip-up, menacing swordplay, opportune parry and riposte, precise strike, swashbuckler initiative), panache (3), smite evil 1/day (+3 attack and AC, +3 damage)
Paladin Spell-Like Abilities (CL 3rd; concentration +6)
. . At will—detect evil
--------------------
Statistics
--------------------
Str 12, Dex 18, Con 10, Int 13, Wis 10, Cha 17
Base Atk +3; CMB +4; CMD 19
Feats Fencing Grace[UI], Fey Foundling[ISWG], Weapon Focus (rapier)
Traits blessed touch, reactionary
Skills Acrobatics +10, Bluff +7, Climb +7, Diplomacy +9, Intimidate +9, Perception +6, Swim +6
Languages Celestial, Common
SQ lay on hands 4/day (1d6+1), mercy (sickened), swashbuckler finesse
Other Gear +1 mithral chain shirt, +1 adamantine rapier, handy haversack, bedroll, belt pouch, candle (2), chalk, everburning torch, flint and steel, hammer, hemp rope (50 ft.), holy text[UE], mess kit[UE], piton (4), pot, sack (2), silk rope (50 ft.), soap, sunrod (3), tindertwig (4), torch (10), trail rations (5), waterskin, wooden holy symbol, 489 gp
--------------------
Special Abilities
--------------------
Aura of Courage +4 (10 ft.) (Su) Allies in aura gain a morale bonus to saves vs. fear.
Charmed Life +3 (3/day) (Ex) Choose to add Charisma bonus to save before roll is made.
Deeds
Detect Evil (At will) (Sp) You can use detect evil at will (as the spell).
Fencing Grace Use Dexterity on rapier damage rolls
Fey Foundling Magical healing works better on you
Immunity to Disease You are immune to diseases.
Immunity to Fear (Ex) You are immune to all fear effects.
Lay on Hands (1d6+1 hit points, 4/day) (Su) As a standard action (swift on self), touch channels positive energy and applies mercies.
Mercy (Sickened) (Su) When you use your lay on hands ability, it also removes the sickened condition.
Nimble +1 (Ex) +1 dodge bonus to AC.
Panache (Ex) Gain a pool of points that are spent to fuel deeds, regained on light/piercing crit/killing blow.
Smite Evil (1/day) (Su) +3 to hit, +3 to damage, +3 deflection bonus to AC when used.
Swashbuckler Finesse Use Dex for att with light/1-hand pierce wep. Use Cha instead of Int for combat feat pre-reqs.
Uncanny Dodge (Panache left) (Ex) Retain DEX bonus to AC when flat-footed.
Sadly, no Occult Classes allowed. Otherwise my obscene Con would have resulted in a Undine Water Kineticist.
Drat. That just turned my rolls from awesome to OK. I'm going to pass on this one then.
Drat. That just turned my rolls from awesome to OK. I'm going to pass on this one then.
Perhaps and Urban Bloodrager with one of the dex to damage feats would be fun?
But, yeah, having Con be your best stat kinda threw me too. My first thoughts were Kineticist (and I spent twenty minutes looking at it before spotting Occult was on the banned list) and then, of course, Scarred Witch Doctor...which got de-funned. The GM might caveat you to get the old version if you ask, however.
The only other classes I can think of that really need Con are Barbarian and Bloodrager.