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Welcome, everyone!
Please use this thread for character creation and general discussion, and when ready post as your character for DM review. You can also dot in on the gameplay thread with your character of choice once they are finalized.
1) Please try to maintain a posting rate of 1+ post/weekday, and 1+ post/weekend. If you post more frequently I will do my best to keep up.
2) Please list important information about your character in the Classes/Levels section of your stat block. Please also have your full character sheet available in your character's profile. If you're at all unsure what I'm talking about, feel free to take a look at my PFS characters for some examples.
3) I'll roll initiative for combats, perception for potential surprise situations, and some save rolls. I'll also provide information for knowledge checks in spoilers with the DCs listed. Please refrain from reading the spoilers unless you make the DC with the appropriate skill check.
4) Spell casters, please provide the entire description of any spells you cast within your character’s profile, or provide a hyperlink to the Paizo or d20pfsrd.com spell site for quick reference.
5) In pathfinder, tanks and healers don’t really exist. There is no reliable way for a tank to hold aggro, so the best one can do is build a character with high AC and saves. As for healers, in-combat healing is very inefficient. Better to deal big damage and heal after the fight – monsters can almost always out-damage healing. *That doesn’t mean healing potions, spells and wands are useless.
6) Melee classes start and stay strong, full spell casters start weak but are gods at high levels.
*If you’re not enjoying the game, tell me and I will make adjustments.
•*Every player must read the Curse of the Crimson Throne Player’s Guide*
•Characters start at level 1
•Average starting wealth (page 140 of the Core Rule Book)
•20 point ability buy
•Characters with ability dump stat scores 8 and lower must have:
-Serious RP character flaws based on their low stat score
-Background story explanation for low stat
•Starting HP = max HD (1d8 = 8) + constitution modifier + favored class bonus (if applicable)
•Background skills required
-2 at 1st level, +2 points/level
•Feat taxes system (http://michaeliantorno.com/feat-taxes-in-pathfinder/)
•Select favored class and apply bonus at creation and each level gained
•Characters can select two traits
-1 general trait, one Curse of the Crimson Throne Player’s Guide campaign trait
•Must use Unchained rules for Rogue and Monk classes
•Characters must have background tie to the city of Korvosa and a reason to defend it
•Characters must have a strong reason to work with others – no “lone wolves”
•No evil characters
•Core races preferred
-“Featured” races allowed on case-by-case basis with good reason and background
•Must have 10 minute background
•Must select a character portrait
•No skill checks during combat (i.e. don’t game the system).
-To make a skill check in combat, make an OoC note in your post and I will roll it.
•No player vs player combat allowed
•Characters can fight and argue, but in the end they must find a way to work together.
•Actively seek ways to work together and build relationships through RP
•No metagaming
-(Ex. You might know a troll is vulnerable to fire, but an 8 intelligence barbarian does not)
•Keep Gameplay thread out-of-character discussion to a minimum
-Use it primarily for specifications, etc.
-Keep general discussion or strategy in the Discussion thread
Sean here.
I have more than a few characters I'm playing on these boards so I'm going to build my guy last and fit more of what the party needs.
That said, for melee I'm leaning towards an Urban Ranger or for a caster I'd do something that would go into the Harrower Prestige Class.
If these are directions any of you are wanting to go, no worries, all you. There are a ton of options out there!
This is the "In-Progress" Witch avatar.
To answer your initial question about whether the Monk of the Iron Mountain (I think that's the correct name for Monk of the Sacred Mountain archetype): technically no, you can't use that archetype with the Unchained Monk. Reason being Slowfall (which is replaced by MotIM ability Bastion Stance) and High Jump (which is replaced by MotIM ability Iron Limb Defense) do not exist for the Unchained Monk. However, I'm going to allow it anyway.
The Monk of the Iron Mountain archetype abilities Iron Monk, Adamantine Monk, and Vow of Silence will replace the existing Unchained Monk abilities as listed. Bastion Stance and Limb Defense will not replace any existing Unchained Monk abilities, but will be gained in addition to existing Unchained Monk class abilities.
I made this decision in part because from what I've read, the Unchained Monk (which is a major improvement over the original Monk) could still use some love. The second reason is that our group thus far is comprised of a rogue, a witch, and a wizard. Though tank classes don't exist in a traditional sense, there should still be someone in the group who can stand on the front line and take the heat. This should help.
And now to answer your question about ability score purchase (20 point buy).
The Pathfinder Core Rulebook states "In this method, all attributes start at a base of 10. A character can increase an individual score by spending some of his points. Likewise, he can gain more points to spend on other scores by decreasing one or more of his ability scores. No score can be reduced below 7 or raised above 18 using this method... After all the points are spent, apply any racial modifiers the character might have."
That means your final ability scores can be higher than 18 (20 with racial mod) or lower than 7 (5 with racial mod).
HOWEVER, keep in mind the house rule. Any ability score below 8 needs to have a serious RP character flaw and background explanation for their low ability score.
For example, A fighter with a 5 intelligence will not be able to read or write, will not be able to speak with words larger than 3 syllables, and frequently loses things. Again, that's just an example. I just don't want people to dump a stat to near-animal levels and then play their character like there's no difference. If done right, this should result in some fun role play and character building opportunities.
For example, Von here has 20 Int, 8 str because he's a malnutrished elf wuss, and a lot of 10s. CHA and INT can be the easiest to dump, STR to a point for casters, but DEX, CON, and WIS are too risky because of the saves, HP, and AC. Traits are a great way to supplement a bad save though, as well as gain an edge on the perfect skill. +3 for in class along with a 1 or 2 bonus can go far.
Not sure what you're thinking though.
Be sure to check out the Campaign Info tab for campaign setting information and some good maps to help you visualize the city of Korvosa.
1 2 1 2 this is just a test
Welcome Zcakes
Please see my two posts above in response to your email questions.
Well the stat i was considering dumping was Charisma. Though i question my own ability to maintain RP of a lawful good monk of Torag who would have a 6 charisma...ill be ugly beyond all reason... and mean to everyone with a mouth like a sailor... while still being LG yeeeaaaaaa might not be doing that. No matter what i do though i have no short supply of background ideas to justify it. I am hesitant to discuss my background ideas in a forum setting though, as i feel certain aspects being a surprise makes it much more enjoyable. It becomes something that needs to be Rped out which is exponentially more fun. I would much prefer PMing background ideas to our DM, but, am open to conversation about this.
Sidenote: if i leave my charisma at a flat 10, which is reduced by 2 as im a dwarf, do i need a background explanation for the resulting 8?
I'm all for everyone keeping their backgrounds to themselves and revealing them as the game plays out, just so long as they are shared with me beforehand. Feel free to email them, private message through the Paizo website, or text ideas.
I would like everyone to try and fill out one of the 10 Minute Backgrounds as a supplement to any ideas they might have, but that can be kept between the player and I as well. There's a blank 10 Minute Background in one of the Google Drive documents, or you can look at my alias characters and check out their backgrounds for an example.
A background explanation for an 8 ability score isn't necessary. In fact, an 8 charisma would be pretty expected for a Dwarf or the like. The ability scores (especially Cha, Int, and Wisdom) should all be used to guide your character's personality for RP.
Don't let a very low score and needing a bit of an explanation deter you. There are plenty of foul-mouthed but good people in the world.
In another campaign Sean and I are playing in, there's a Dwarf Rogue in the group who has a 5 Charisma. He smells like hell, rarely bathes, and is always snacking on something, so he spends gold on snacks and everything he says is typed like he has a mouth full of food.
Gooood goooooooood. Pending massive writers block, you will hopefully be receiving a backstory proposal for my ugly, rude, outlandish monk before the weekend is out.
Looking forward to it.
I will look everyone's backgrounds over and probably give some suggestions to help tie them into the campaign setting, as everyone should be tied in to the city of Korvosa (where almost all our campaign will be taking place).
Gooood, don't read mine either then until I can hide it.
Is the gunslinger going to be allowed in this campaign?
Are there any books/source material provided, other than what is provided in the character creation rules doc, that is banned or modified for this campaign?
Is the 10 min background template you speak of the document titled "Paizo Character Sheet Coding"?
Yes to the 10 minute background location being in the "Paizo Character Sheet Coding" doc.
It sounded like every class was fair game, but that is an odd genre spanning one and a fair question. Was there a piece of additional content you had in mind? With the insane volume of Paizo resources D20PFSRD draws from it might be easier to ask for something additional to be reviewed.
No, I didn't have anything in mind. I just don't want to invest a bunch of time and get all starry eyed over something, only to find out it doesn't fit the campaign and won't be allowed. My original plan was to stick to a base core class for the sake of simplicity, but I may amend that decision.
If the gunslinger/firearms aren't in this game or depending on to what extent, I will probably stick with a rogue.
To be perfectly honest, I've been avoiding the gunslinger class because the idea of guns in a fantasy game seems strange to me. The more I think about that, the more foolish I feel.
I am perfectly fine with you playing a gunslinger.
If you decide to roll with one, the campaign style for firearms will be "Emerging Guns," which means in Korvosa guns are rare and only starting to trickle into the markets, and only a select few people in Korvosa have them. The rarity of firearms will carry plenty of significance for a gunslinger - the mystery of a new weapon, the pants-soiling sound when it's fired, the craftsmanship required to build and maintain guns and ammunition.
Just so everyone is on the same page, I will allow just about any class published in official (Pathfinder or Paizo) material. I do appreciate you running it by me first.
Anyone know if Josh is still planning to play and if he has any build ideas?
i know he is... last i heard he wanted a rogue... but... idk
Sweeeet, the prospective party is shaping up nicely.
I've actually never played as or played with a gunslinger, so if that is the way you go Burgy I'll be quite intrigued.
At this point the only roles we don't have filled are divine caster (Cleric, Paladin, Druid) and a Charisma based class. If nobody is interested in that type of class we will work around it. I would rather have a non-traditional group than characters that people don't fully enjoy.
Rogue would be great compliment to the Monk, and skill jockeys are always very helpful.
completely unrelated http://www.bugmansbrewery.com I didn't know you had a website xD
Lol what is that, Warhammer?
I plan to be proficient with Use Magic Device, so out of combat we'll be ok for heals and restorations. My paragon will give me Bless and Aid as spells too, but nothing major for against evil.
Being a Faceless party would be funny, sometimes fate doesn't call on those with the perfect set of skills!
I have another question, this one about the skill system.
Are we using the optional Background Skills system in the Unchained book, or is the background skills requirement in the character creation rules a house rule, where we need to invest in skills off the background skills outlined in Unchained?
Sorry if that's a confusing question, I'm just trying to establish how many skill points I have to spend.. I wanted lots of those background skills anyway lol
Hey Steve,
Josh here. So I saw that you preferred us to stick to the core races but I've been thinking about building a sewer-dwelling ratfolk ninja. Think Master Splinter lol... Would you be totally opposed to this? I think it could be pretty fun but I'm open to choosing another race if you don't think it would be a good fit for this campaign. I would still prefer to try out a ninja, which I understand is basically a rogue at its core but let me know what you think before I get too deep into character creation.
On the background skills, it is from the unchained book. You get the class skill allotment (# + INT mod) that can be used on anything (adventuring or background) and then 2 additional ranks that can only be used on the background skills. I'm with you though, linguisitics is my favorite!
Gm, is this campaign craft friendly?
Cool, as far as mechanics go, my character should be just about made unless I want to make last minute tweaks.
The, possibly, last question I have on that subject is about the portions of character creation that require dice rolls. Are we doing honor system or are we saving the final touches like that for in person?
No rolls actually, 20pt buy instead which is pretty fair. I use this calculator personally
Sorry I wasn't specific, I did the point buy, but I meant for Hit Dice and starting wealth, were the only two rolls I had in mind that I was under the impression we would actually be rolling.
Right on, I'll plan on that unless I hear otherwise and I'll just hold off on starting gold/gear, there's only so much I can get going anyway in terms of equipment.
As for the favored class bonus, does that bonus apply at level 1 as well, or do you first get that applied at your second level? (all assuming you're only taking levels as your favored class)
Gm question:In the Curse of the Crimson Throne book under Traits it implies that Gaedren Lamm is more or less responsible for the reason you have this. Could I have, say for example "Unhappy Childhood:Religious" and just have found solace in a religious symbol or what have you in a difficult time as a child and not have it be specifically tied to him? As LG and him being a crime lord, I feel I have a good reason to not like him. If need be I can create a backstory tie to him at a different point. but... yea does it specifically have to be here?
GhostNotes: I love the idea of a ratfolk ninja. Here's the catch that will need to be incorporated into your character background:
Ratfolk are rare above ground in Korvosa. However, there is an extensive subterranean ecosystem of sewers and tunnels beneath the street of Korvosa called the Vaults that your character will have called home. As such, you also know there is a gang of wererats (ratfolk and other humanoids that are infected with lycanthropy) called the "Rat's Teat Boys" that tend to cause chaos throughout the city. For that reason, ratfolk get a very bad name on the streets of Korvosa. You may frequently be mistaken for one of them, or looked on with scorn as if you're "dirty" until you can make a name for yourself.
Due to your familiarity with the vaults, you might speak the following additional languages (depending on your Int score): Undercommon, Goblin). You don't have to. Common is your main language.
Background skill system: Check out the following site for help with background skills and a list of all adventuring and background skills. Basically, you can choose to use background skills as your normal "adventuring" skills, but you do need at least 2 background skills as well. It is a nice bonus that frees up skills that would otherwise be passed up for skills that you need to survive.
Background skill system explanation and list
Crafting: Will absolutely be a part of this campaign. In fact, it's mandatory for Gunslingers. I've heard people say players have a tendency to rush through the campaign and not feel they have time to slow down for crafting, socializing in taverns, etc. However, that is not mandatory and I would prefer we go slower, not seeing the campaign as a race to get through.
Favored class bonus begins at level 1. Select whatever class will be your main, then the only time you don't get favored class bonus when gaining levels is if you take a multiclass dip.
HP for level 1 is your maximum possible (full HD + con mod + favored class bonus (if that's the bonus you select)). For future levels (2+) we will roll HP and add con mod, or take 1/2HD + con mod, whichever is higher). (Example: If you have d8 HD = on a roll of 7 + con mod + fc bonus, or on a roll of 2 you could take 1/2 hd (=4) + con mod + fc bonus).
Starting wealth: roll your starting wealth dice here in the Discussion thread. If you roll under the average for your class starting wealth, you can just opt to start with average starting wealth instead. If you roll above average, congratulations!
Zcakes: Gaedren Lamm needs to be a keystone of every character's background for this campaign. In short, he is the reason the characters come together at the beginning of the story, so he has to be innately tied to you. Also, make sure to check the bonus given by the background trait you choose (Unhappy Childhood: Religious gives a +2 to concentration checks, which really only benefits casters for spell concentration checks). I would suggest reading through the background traits, finding a bonus that would help or benefit you, then tying that into your background. Keep in mind your tie to Gaedren Lamm should be in your past - it could be the reason you became a Monk and sought to center yourself. Without one of those ties to Gaedren, the very first thing that happens in the story to bring everyone together wouldn't be relevant to you. If you find a bonus but are not thrilled about the background tie, let me know and we can re-flavor it to fit.
Oh nice, *10 = 70, or 105. Damn.
An important note: your characters will not be locked in until they reach 2nd level. First characters often don't hold up, so changes will be allowed so long as I am informed first. I might even push that back to 3rd level if we are having issues.
Past that, per game rules feats and other chosen abilities can be retrained with time and gold.
Ok so I found a background trait that can be easily adjusted to fit my back story that ties my character to Gaedren Lamm. That part actually worked out quite nicely. Is it necessary for me to have another background trait or can I skip it if I'm not concerned about the associated potential bonus?
Also are we using the feat taxes from http://michaeliantorno.com/feat-taxes-in-pathfinder/ exactly? Because that drastically affects my feat picks xD
Also:
or 175gp
Nope that didn't work lol, multiplying was a no go, lets try again..
x10
Anyone up for a little backstory interweaving? Characters that have a past together, nothing too big, I'll possibly be familiar to anyone who hangs around the gypsy markets, gambling houses, underground, etc.
Not necessarily on those grounds, but part of my brief back story is my character was a smiths apprentice, so if anyone came into his shop he might be vaguely familiar in that sense. I would be open to something like that.
Looks like it's average starting wealth for you!
A good way to check roll results is to use the Preview button instead of Submit Post. It shows what your rolls will be so you can check your math and then write out descriptions based on those results. For example, if you make an attack roll, Preview the results and see you rolled a 2, you can add a description to fit the roll.
NOTE: This is also how a player could manipulate rolls in theory. If you make 3 separate 1d20 rolls, they will each get their own results. Those results will stay in order, but you could change the descriptions (Ex. you roll a stealth, perception and attack roll. The rolls will stay the same, but you could change what skill/attack was listed for each roll). That's why there are no skill rolls allowed by players during combat - they will need to be requested by players and rolled by myself. Just a system flaw.
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I would suggest having another background skill, but if you would prefer to not take one that's okay with me.
The second background trait can not be from the Curse of the Crimson Throne Player's Guide. If you find one that has a bonus you like but the background doesn't fit, let me know and we can make it work for your character. For example, some traits allow +1 fortitude, etc. We can re-write those so they fit your background with the same general concept.
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I am fine with people tying their backgrounds together. You all have spent years in the same city, so you may or may not know one another. Either way, you will all be united in your history with Gaedren Lamm.
Cool, thanks for the info. Yeah I actually didn't preview you it because I wasn't sure it would roll the same and was worried about accidental abuse lol.
Background info for GM or anyone interested:
Also are we using the feat taxes from http://michaeliantorno.com/feat-taxes-in-pathfinder/ exactly? Because that drastically affects my feat picks xD
fear not, I have no intent to take that as my backstory trait, and had already woven another in that fits. I just wanted to use it as an example, to see if it was cool to have him as a part of my back story... just not that specific part. I will incorporate a fierce hatred of him into my story. x10 or 35
lotsa 1's and 2's on these wealth rolls lol
Also are we using the feat taxes from http://michaeliantorno.com/feat-taxes-in-pathfinder/ exactly? Because that drastically affects my feat picks xD
Yes we are using the feat tax system.
I think it's a nice improvement for several feat dependent classes and builds, and will help our melee and ranged classes keep up with casters long term. It makes some very feat-dependent builds like combat maneuver specialists viable, and gets rid of so many pointless feats that are only in place because of out-dated 3.5 feat systems.
Those damn wererats giving my race a bad name...
Going to try the dice roll for starting wealth but will probably screw it up
x10 or 210
Well finally someone beat the average!
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