Welcome to Recruitment for Freeing The Asylum Stone, a solo Kaer Maga political revolution game.
In it you will be playing a character in Kaer Maga, a city recently taken by brutal outside forces. The usually anarchic city is a complicated network of allies and enemies, lies and truths, brittle alliances and treacherous factions. Your goal will be to free the city from the hated Occupation. How and why is up to you. Are you a freedom fighter looking to better the lot of the downtrodden? An opportunist looking to hold onto and increase his riches in the chaos? Or perhaps a tyrant who simply seeks to replace the hated overlords with yourself? It is all up to you! Not only that, Kaer Maga has a host of people, factions, organizations to either ally with, fight with, subdue, suborn or otherwise use to your advantage. How, why and when is all up to you!
See all the stuff below for more details for what I am looking for in applicants.
Kaer Maga, the Asylum Stone, a city of strangers. For millennia it has been the place of last resort of the desperate, the greedy and the lost. Turning away none and accepting of all in it's varied, diverse embrace the massive lawless city, where anything could be bought and sold, was one of the wonders of Avistan. Built into eight rings, the city was broken into districts as distinct as quiet and guarded Widdshins, industrial Cavalcade or the frenzied nightlife of Oriat. Rich off the incoming trade, eager to buy and sell in a place with no laws, restrictions or regulations, the city was rich. The endless press of people, the incoming of rich trade and chaotic anarchy of the citizens seemed like it would last forever.
Until the Chelish came. Venturing north from ally Nidal, the Empire was attempting to re-annex the southern portions of Varisia. A keystone of this plan was Kaer Maga. With shocking speed and swiftness the legions of the Infernal Empire struck north and encircled the city. A siege was all it took to bring the massive and trade dependent city low. The fighting was brief when the final storming came. The Chelish was brutal and overwhelming and soon the city was under the iron heel of the Diabolists. Much of the army then moved on, needed for other campaigns, leaving behind a garrison force to turn the unruly, anarchic city into a profitable outpost of Empire.
The unlikely task fell to Chelish Governor Arsan Jeggare, a man with an un-Chelish like skill at diplomacy and politics. Playing one faction off against another, he has kept the massive city in line for months. Also helping have been the Hellknights, led by Lictor Severs Divirni, of the Order of the Nail. Between this carrot and stick the city has been stable.
But revolt bubbles under the surface. The complicated skein of factions that binds Kaer Maga together is ever-changing, ever-shifting, every-profitable and useful to those clever enough to pick through it's delicate and diverse webs. The rewards for an overthrow of the Chelish would be many, for someone bold and brave enough to attempt it....
Levels: Starting level is 5, and you will level fairly regularly
Stats: 20 point buy, no stat can be lower than 8 before racial modifications.
Classes: The first note is remember, you will be on your own in a urban, social environment required to do social stuff now and then...Core, Base and Hybrid classes are all allowed. Unchained for all classes.
Races: All Core races are allowed without restriction, along with tiefling and asaimars. Kaer Maga is a diverse city so other races may be considered. Ask first.
Alignment: Any alignment is permitted.
Traits: Two traits of your choice, which must come from sources other than Adventure Paths.
Hit Points: Hit points will be gained at each level equal to ½ class HD +1. You will receive maximum HP for first level.
Starting Gold: Standard WBL
Skills: We will be using the Background skills system. You will be on your own so use these extra skills wisely!
1. Why are you in Kaer Maga? Are you a local, hoping to free the city? A visitor, caught up in trouble? Or perhaps a predator, looking for spoils?
2. Why do you wish to free the city? What drives you to fightback against the hated Chelish? Political, religious, financial reasons? A sheer hate for the Diabolists or perhaps envy for what they have?
3. What factions are you aligned with in the city? A few are listed below (There are more, feel free to read background on the city if you wish):
Ardoc Family: One of the biggest and most powerful families in the city. Essentially a crime family on a grand scale, they have collected protection money for generations. Co-opted by the Chelish to help patrol the Ardocs are hated more then ever, and rumour has it there is division in their ranks.
Arcanist Circle: A guild of the most powerful magic-users in the city, they have long held a prestigious place in the city. However, several were killed in the battle for the city and the rest of the Circle have quietly begun rebuilding their ranks, rarely leaving their Guildhall. Weather they aim to help remove Chelish oppression or merely outlast it, is unknown.
Duskwardens: Far removed from the daily hustle and bustle of daily life, the Duskwardens work. A large group of rangers and fighters, they are tasked with keeping the very active and dangerous Undercity (a network of caverns and tunnels under Kaer Maga) contained and controlled. One of the few groups to be allowed their weapons by the Chelish, so far they have rigorously maintained their politically neutrality, carrying out the same burden as before the occupation.
Freemen: An egalitarian group of former slaves, the Freemen are one of the newest factions in Kaer Maga. Resolutely opposed to the active slave trade, they had existed in an uneasy peace in the city. Concerned with slicing out a share of freedom, the Freemen had patrolled parts of the poorest regions of Kaer Maga, helping protect the poor and downtrodden. They suffered heavily in the occupation and were officially declared outlaw and disbanded. Rumour has it however, that the Freemen are again growing in number, as the Chelish boot grows heavier…
Commerce League: A collection of the most powerful merchants and guild-masters in Kaer Maga. The elite of the merchant classes, they essentially ran the city, as much as can be said for Kaer Maga, before the Occupation. Since, some have taken up with the Chelish, wishing to maintain their grip on power and wealth no matter the cost to the city. Others remain neutral, simply hoping to make a profit. A few are rumored to be willing to aid any attack on the occupiers....
4.Lastly, in the most broad sense, how do you plan to free the city? General uprising? Careful assassination? Brutal guerrilla war? Political intrigue? Digging up ancient weapons from a bygone era? Something else? You don't need a full-fledged plan but just a sense of how your character approaches the problem and how to fix it.
Convince me your character has what it takes to free the city and you are well on your way to joining this game!
What I expect:
-A fully finished statblock (you can hold off on minor gear if you wish). An alias is not required but if you want to make one, it won't hurt your chances.
-Some backstory, with the caveats mentioned above. I look forward to hearing about some diverse, and driven characters. Freeing a city is a big task. Create a character up to it!
-A sentence on your views (hopes, wishes, doubts) of a solo game would be very interesting.
These are some optional rules this campaign will be using! Ask if you don’t know what these are or how to use them.
Background Skills
Automatic Bonus Progression
This is a solo game, so just you and me. That means the pace should be easy to maintain, and avoid the major pitfall of PBPs. I plan on posting at least once a day, probably more, so I hope you are too!
I am a librarian from PA (which is EST timezone). I have GM'd a few PBP games and a few live games. I’ve had a great experience with Solo games on this site (one just passed the one year mark), so looking forward to add another to the pile! Many of my other players say they greatly enjoy the Solo games and my GM style.
I am big on communication both IC and OOC so expect lots of posts in both Discussion and Gameplay!
Ok, that is everything! A lot of information, I know, but it should help you apply with the best character possible and eliminate surprises. If you have any questions, comments and such, please ask below. I will be following this thread closely, and feedback should be swift.
Recruitment will close in one week, on Friday September 2nd!
Ooh, interesting.
I have an idea for a vigilante. Would you accept an Ifrit with the mostly human quality?
Ooh, interesting.
I have an idea for a vigilante. Would you accept an Ifrit with the mostly human quality?
That would be fine!
Look forward to seeing your idea.
Oo, this sounds pretty neat. I've actually browsed some of your solo games before, and just in general the idea of one-or-two-player games has really been growing on me, so I'm definitely interested.
How would you feel about Kitsune? I'm rather fond of Kitsune infiltrators, using their natural shapeshifting abilities (particularly using the feats Fox Shape and Realistic Likeness) to get anywhere and be anyone, which would be a very valuable ability for a campaign like this.
Oo, this sounds pretty neat. I've actually browsed some of your solo games before, and just in general the idea of one-or-two-player games has really been growing on me, so I'm definitely interested.
How would you feel about Kitsune? I'm rather fond of Kitsune infiltrators, using their natural shapeshifting abilities (particularly using the feats Fox Shape and Realistic Likeness) to get anywhere and be anyone, which would be a very valuable ability for a campaign like this.
Which games did you browse, if I may ask?
Kitsune are interesting. I have GMed one before (player vanished on me). If you provide a interesting reason why they are in Avistan all the way from Tian Xia, yeah. Kaer Maga is a diverse place! And yes, it would fit this campaign very well.
I was actually following "A Fire in the East". :D The other one of yours I've read off-and-on is "Have Scales, Will Travel".
I'm thinking that my character (and his mother) emigrated from Minkai during the rise of the Jade Regent. Possibly they were friends of one of the imperial families, and feared for their lives as said families started being killed off. So they came to Kaer Maga to disappear (in human form, of course), far from the reach of the evil rising in their homeland.
I was actually following "A Fire in the East". :D The other one of yours I've read off-and-on is "Have Scales, Will Travel".
I'm thinking that my character (and his mother) emigrated from Minkai during the rise of the Jade Regent. Possibly they were friends of one of the imperial families, and feared for their lives as said families started being killed off. So they came to Kaer Maga to disappear (in human form, of course), far from the reach of the evil rising in their homeland.
Yeah, she was a good player. Maybe she'll come back, be happy to re-open the game.
Anyway, that sounds like a workable idea. Feel free to use it!
This looks like a very neat concept. I'll probably make something for this.
Look forward to seeing it, whatever it is!
Would the Leadership feat be useful in something like this? Or is the idea to be a solo adventurer throughout?
Is Gold still WBL even with automatic Bonus Progression? Or Halved as ABP suggests?
Would the Leadership feat be useful in something like this? Or is the idea to be a solo adventurer throughout?
Is Gold still WBL even with automatic Bonus Progression? Or Halved as ABP suggests?
I won't ban Leadership, but I've never been a fan of it. I prefer you to find allies via money, favors and panache then through the rules.
Halved, as suggested. I forgot to make that more clear. My apologies.
Is VMC allowed?
-- david
Is VMC allowed?
-- david
Never used it before, but go ahead. Curious to see what you have in mind.
I have four characters in mind.
[Ranger or Slayer] / VMC Bard Duskwarden gone rogue. He cannot stand what has happened to the city and fights from the shadows to overthrow the invaders and restore the city to what it was.
[Warpriest or Cleric] / VMC Bard. He works from within the religious community to knit together a coalition to overthrow.... etc.
Now to make up my mind and get the fluff and crunch done for one of these.
-- david
Very interested!
I have in mind a hardboiled detective who fled from Chelish memories, only to have Cheliax follow him to what he thought was the end of the world.
This time he's not fleeing though.
dot
Now to make up my mind and get the fluff and crunch done for one of these.
-- david
Looking forward to it, both are neat ideas.
Very interested!
I have in mind a hardboiled detective who fled from Chelish memories, only to have Cheliax follow him to what he thought was the end of the world.
This time he's not fleeing though.
Oooh, I like it! Neat idea, for sure. So a investigator?
dot
I hope you return with an awesome idea.
Greetings again, Mowque!
I think I'll be working on a tiefling character for this game. I've been reading about Cheliax a bit, and found it really interesting that tieflings are looked down upon within the empire, being the offspring of fiends and all. It seemed a bit backwards for an empire of devil worshipers, until I got to a part explaining that Chelaxians view hell as a tool to use as a power source, and refuse to be controlled by the creatures that lie within. Tieflings are a reminder that Chelaxians can be weak, and succumb to the words of those they are supposed to control.
Maybe the character has some sort of superiority complex, believing that their heritage is proof that the people of Cheliax are not as strong-willed as they are made out to be. Maybe they're just sick of being second class citizens. I'm still working on that part. I just think that a tiefling in this environment seems to have a really interesting relationship with the people whom devils are supposed to serve.
With all of this said, what do you think about the Fiendish Heritage feat? More specifically, should I roll on the table before deciding to take the feat, and then decide if I want to take it, or wait until I've completed the rest of character creation to roll and see what I get?
Probably an investigator, though I'm also toying with inquisitor and bard (detective), as well as the psychic detective archetype for investigator. Mixed with this would be at least one level of brawler, because it fits hardboiled so well.
Think I'll write up a Spiritualist multiclassed with a Vigilante. It can probably avoid the pitfall that typically comes with a spiritualist multiclass which is a weaker phantom, this being a solo game and all subterfuge is going to be more viable than combat prowess.
I'm thinking his back story could be that recently he had lived in an area of corruption similar to Kaer Maga right now. Him and his childhood friend had decided to join a revolution at the wrong time, my character ends up barely escaping with his life while the friend loses his.
Wraked with anger at political corruption but realizing the current city is a lost cause he decides to don a mask and head twords the city of Kaer Maga. Along the way he discovers latent psychics abilities brought out by his best friends spirit.
Now once more he and his friend are on their way to help a city, this time with a... Different approach.
Would catfolk be an acceptable race? Their alt racials along with their general personality really fit with the character idea.
Oh crud... Core, base and hybrid classes allowed probably means no spiritualist or vigilante huh? If that's the case the I'll probably bow out.
Sorry, everyone. Was stargazing in a remote area.
With all of this said, what do you think about the Fiendish Heritage feat? More specifically, should I roll on the table before deciding to take the feat, and then decide if I want to take it, or wait until I've completed the rest of character creation to roll and see what I get?
Roll first and build from that. The result would have affected the character their whole life, seems natural to reflect it.
Probably an investigator, though I'm also toying with inquisitor and bard (detective), as well as the psychic detective archetype for investigator. Mixed with this would be at least one level of brawler, because it fits hardboiled so well.
Nifty.
Would catfolk be an acceptable race? Their alt racials along with their general personality really fit with the character idea.
Catfolk is border case. I like them, but you will stick out a great deal. Still, that can be a interesting angle.
Oh crud... Core, base and hybrid classes allowed probably means no spiritualist or vigilante huh? If that's the case the I'll probably bow out.
Vigilante yes, spiritualist, no.
dotting
dotting
I wait with baited breath!
@Gm Mowque: Haha you never know, I've surprised many a dm. Just a quick question, are we allow to use the vigilante class?
@Gm Mowque: Haha you never know, I've surprised many a dm. Just a quick question, are we allow to use the vigilante class?
Yes.
I sorta forgot about that class but it fits the game perfectly.
Thus has piqued my interest. Never done a solo game, but the concept is intriguing.
Off to play with some concepts.
Heh, my writing turned out to be longer than anticipated. Read at your leisure. Feedback in any way, shape, or form would be highly appreciated.
: Your body exudes painfully freezing cold. Any creature that grapples you takes 1d4 points of cold damage per round.
: You can communicate telepathically with any evil creature within 50 feet.
Welp, I'm going with the telepathy.
Over the past day or so, I've come up with a tiefling character with the Fiendish Vessel cleric archetype. She's ruthless, cunning, and manipulative, and uses both a serpent's tongue and sheer intimidation to claw her way up society's ranks.
This tiefling's birth was the unfortunate result of a sorceress's failed attempt to bind a Qlippoth- a terrible tentacled monstrosity from the depths of the Abyss. While the sorceress escaped death, her body was tainted with the creature's foul magic. The effects of this magic only became clear once she bore her first child.
Her baby, a girl, was born with obsidian-colored skin, calculating crimson eyes, and a thick, tentaclelike appendage jutting out from the base of her spine. The mother was mortified. She grew to think that the child was a punishment from the gods for her misdeeds of the past, and decided that she would raise the qlippoth-spawn as a loving mother in a last ditch attempt to save her soul from eternal damnation. The sorceress fled to Kaer Maga to start her life anew.
-------------------------
Any attempts to change the fate of the qlippoth-spawned child were in vain. The tiefling, from a frighteningly young age, began to heed the call of the Abyss and all of its horrors. She spent much of her time obsessively seeking out any tiny scrap of information relating to her progenitors, demon lords, or the Abyss. Experimentation with all manners of dark spellcasting were a natural next step.
The straw that broke the camel's back came in the form of the Chelish invasion of Kaer Maga. The harbingers of draconic devil-worshipping rule came swiftly, brutally, and without warning, capturing the city in a matter of days.
The ignition of the tiefling's chaotic potential was immediate. With the coming of Cheliax meant the coming of Asmodean worship. Within a week of the invasion, the tiefling made a decision: she would give control of her fate to the Abyss, and offer her life to whatever powers from beyond would accept her into their army. She called into the void, an the answer was swift. A quasit appeared to her bringing whispers of great power, sent from the hated rival of the Prince of Hell himself.
From that moment forth, the young tiefling has constantly molded herself into a vessel for the unholy will of the Demon Lord Baphomet. His sole goal: reduce the influence of Asmodeus by any means possible.
The line between Baphomet's wishes and the tiefling's independent thought blurs more and more with every passing day.
Thus has piqued my interest. Never done a solo game, but the concept is intriguing.
Off to play with some concepts.
I have had good success with it. Hope you come back with some cool ideas.
Heh, my writing turned out to be longer than anticipated. Read at your leisure. Feedback in any way, shape, or form would be highly appreciated.
Very interesting angle, although being forced to play the part of an evil Demon lord may not be great for my soul!
A note about alignment. If I were to use this character, I would be chaotic evil. With that said, I understand that there's certainly a difference between chaotic evil and stupid. This tiefling is definetly not dumb. She's chaotic in the sense that she strives to undermine any oppressive authority, and evil in the sense that she will do anything in her power to get there. (And obviously both on the fact that she's a demon worshipper who has thrown her soul to the Abyss, hahaha) She's wary of others and disregards the law. She will kill as many of her enemies as possible. She does not, however, betray a valuable ally who has enough power to aid her in the future, or murder unrelated bystanders for the sole sake of murder. She believes that those who are not involved in her crusade to destroy Asmodeans are beneath her, and don't even deserve the physical energy that it would take to dispose of them. She would, however, take any opportunity to kill a Chelaxian soldier, no matter how low status, or stab a scheming ally in the back so that they don't get the drop on her.
Just wanted to share my thoughts on alignment. CE characters can be a really touchy subject for some people.
Okay, I've got my Kitsune Rogue/Swashbuckler most of the way worked out now. I just need to pick out traits and transfer his backstory from my head to the forums.
I'm currently working on a CG Halfling Inquisitor (infiltrator, preacher) of Milani.
Specifically in Kaer Maga to work against the Chelaxians. Working towards rebuilding the Freemen.
More when I have time.
Just wanted to share my thoughts on alignment. CE characters can be a really touchy subject for some people.
Thank you, making such things clear is always very important!
Dot for interest and possibly a character soon...
may i play a dhampir, thinking kin-slayer inquisitor, total vanhelsing thing going on even if there are no vampires in the campaign.
If you get picked, I'll throw some vampires in. Go for a dhampir, but make it something interesting. With the odd races, you can to go the extra mile to 'prove' it, if that makes sense?
Okay, I've got my Kitsune Rogue/Swashbuckler most of the way worked out now. I just need to pick out traits and transfer his backstory from my head to the forums.
Swashbucklers are a fun class. They don't quite have the mechanics, but they are fun to play!
As you're allowing the vigilante, what are your thoughts on the magical child archetype for this game?
I read through it. I don't know. It has a very different 'feel' from what I imagine a vigilante. That being said, this is a solo game. I'll allow it, with reservations. Depends on how the character looks. That fair?
I'm currently working on a CG Halfling Inquisitor (infiltrator, preacher) of Milani.
Specifically in Kaer Maga to work against the Chelaxians. Working towards rebuilding the Freemen.More when I have time.
Milani is one of my favorites. Really looking forward to reading this entry!
Working on stats. I may post them later if I can finish them before I head off to sleep.
In case I don't post later tonight, I just wanted to ask: are you potentially on board with an evil PC for this game, or would you have preference toward a good aligned character? If you're genuinely uncomfortable with the whole fiendish vessel thing, I completely understand. I am reading the post you made about your soul as jest, but such nuances are easier to identify in face to face speech. I want to avoid creating a character that would be uncomfortable to GM for, especially if it's the only one.
Working on stats. I may post them later if I can finish them before I head off to sleep.
In case I don't post later tonight, I just wanted to ask: are you potentially on board with an evil PC for this game, or would you have preference toward a good aligned character? If you're genuinely uncomfortable with the whole fiendish vessel thing, I completely understand. I am reading the post you made about your soul as jest, but such nuances are easier to identify in face to face speech. I want to avoid creating a character that would be uncomfortable to GM for, especially if it's the only one.
It was a jest. Any alignment is acceptable.
What are the Chelish's view of undead and necromancy in this newly captured city?
Do they simply frown upon it? Or attempt to wipe it out completely?
Do you allow a Drawback for a third Traits?
Do you allow a Drawback for a third Traits?
No.
On phone bigwig 107. Excuse poor formatting and brevity.
Genrally negative, varying between Chelish. Banning it is out of the question, but it is being restricted weekly. A few necomancers have made themselves useful however...
So, in general, there are tensions between the Chelish and Kaer Maga's necromancers?
Good, good...
So, in general, there are tensions between the Chelish and Kaer Maga's necromancers?
Good, good...
Many and growing tensions.
Just double checking, occult classes are intended to be a 'no', right?
My running idea is an occultist.
Just double checking, occult classes are intended to be a 'no', right?
My running idea is an occultist.
Correct, NO Occult classes.
Okay, I think my Kitsune is done! In case it's not clear, Matsuka Yoshiko is his birth name, while Miron Iliescu is the name he's taken since coming to Avistan, to hide his Minkaian origins. Let me know if you have any issues with his backstory or stats.
Okay, I think my Kitsune is done! In case it's not clear, Matsuka Yoshiko is his birth name, while Miron Iliescu is the name he's taken since coming to Avistan, to hide his Minkaian origins. Let me know if you have any issues with his backstory or stats.
A solid submission, to be sure. Someone somewhat plugged into one of the factions is a good angle. Does he looks Tian at all?
One bit: "A sentence on your views (hopes, wishes, doubts) of a solo game would be very interesting."
Care to bite on that? It isn't required, I'm just curious!
Yeah, in his human form he looks pretty clearly Tien, though he and his mother try to disguise themselves to look more Varisian (the kind of vague picture I have in my head of the two ethnicities is close enough to make this practical, but I don't know if it really is).
I'd just forgotten to add that. It's now in his profile (though more than a sentence long).