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Welcome to GM Barrister's recruitment for the Serpent's Skull AP Gestalt. As there was a heap of interest generated with the check, I will be running this version, as well as a non-gestalt version, found here.
Recruitment runs until 13-Feb, and I'll pick the players on the 14th, when we'll promptly start.
I have been playing table-tops for around sixteen years, starting with 3.0 and moving through to PF. I was fairly active in PbP on the old WotC site as well as Enworld and a few others for about ten of those years, and had home games, D&D Encounters, and smattering of other d20 systems for seven years. I enjoy the mechanical aspects of gameplay, but take greater interest in the roleplay.
I know there are qualms about someone new to the boards hosting a full-length AP; two at once is just ridiculous. But if taken as individuals, removing the fluff, new monster stat blocks, and quirky other materials from the books, the adventure itself is quite small. PbP slows down the pace quite a bit, and for me, that is advantageous to running the campaign, as I have far more time to figure out what is going on than in real time at the table.
There is also the matter of commitment, but it falls on both player and GM. Having little history with the site, neither could prove themselves reliable, other than by being so. I won't be looking your profiles or post count when making my decision on who participates.
I will be accepting 3 PCs for this version, and 4-5 for the other. You are welcome to apply to both, but no one will be selected for more than one; if you choose to make a character for each, please note if you have a preference for either game. I would also prefer players who have not yet had the opportunity to run the AP, so please note if you have done it before in your application. I won't necessarily base the decision of who is accepted on this, and I appreciate honesty.
Point Buy: 25; no stats below 10 before racial mods.
Alignment: Any non-Evil. However, bear in mind that I view "Chaotic" as chafing under authority and/or generally not caring about restrictions. I do not expect a PC to behave as though he is possessed by Rovagug, so if you play Chaotic (particularly CN), be sure to tone it to this level. Likewise, you can be "evil-ish," but we won't be murdering children or otherwise vehemently evil (and inappropriate to the forum) acts.
Race: Core, Featured, and Uncommon races only, as listed on the d20PFSRD.
Class: Any Paizo. uRogue and uSummoner are the new trends, uBarbarian and uMonk are at your choice. Any archetype; ask me if you see something that doesn't make sense in a gestalt, and we can work out what to do about it. Fractional Bonuses will be in effect when/if you choose to multiclass. No ABP, No Variant Multiclassing, No Words of Power or other alternate methods of casting aside from what is presented directly in a class.
Skills: Background skills are in effect, minus Lore.
Feats: No Sacred Geometry or Blood Money. This list is subject to increase if I find something I've forgotten.
Traits: 2, one of which must be from the Player's Guide. No Rich Parents; if you take the "Boarded" option that gives 200gp, this gold can only be spent on "mundane items," which do not include potions, scrolls, or weapons and armor. No Drawbacks.
Max HP at 1, we'll use half+1 after that. 150 starting gold.
NO 3PP, NO Homebrew, NO Exceptions.
This is a level one start, so you likely haven't done much before now. However, I find a well-thought background makes it easier to act as the PC, and in a PbP RP, "being" your character is nearly the most important aspect. I don't have any particular requirements, other than I expect to have a good idea of who your character is from reading this. Your traits, alignment, and mechanical choices, however, should all be reflected in your history, so provide me as much as it takes.
In addition to your character, please also post a roleplay sample, either from a former/ongoing campaign or new one generated specifically for this.
You are free to make your character in whatever engine you choose, but I want your statistics to appear on-site. Take a look at one of my aliases-
-for a good idea of how I'd like yours to look. It doesn't have to be exact, but as that one makes clear (and other examples {complete ones, too; I never finished her, so pardon the mess} probably do even more so), higher level gestalts have a lot of information. Dividing individual sections into spoilers makes, for me, a much cleaner read.
I have a particular post style I like as well, and feel that if everyone posts in the same manner, there will be fewer instances of confusion. If you're accepted into the campaign, please be willing to format your posts in this fashion:
This text describes GM Barrister's actions, emotions, reactions, and quirks.
”This is GM Barrister's speech, in Common.”
”These are GM Barrister's thoughts.”
”This is GM Barrister saying Cure Light Wounds, and then saying something else.”
”This is GM Barrister using Telepathy.”
Checks/OOC:
Hiding dice rolls-
-and behind a spoiler keeps Gameplay clean and our heads in our characters.
Remember: a round does not occur in a turn order. Everything that every NPC and PC does happens simultaneously in a span of six seconds. I will roll Initiative and pre-combat checks for the PCs and NPCs in the GM post, as well as NPC actions and checks. Players will then post their actions and checks, and I'll follow up with a recap of the round and we'll go on.
As much as I like to hear myself talk, I don't like to read my own typing; in the Discussion tab, I've provided convenient links to all of the Skills. Check the common DCs, and then preview your rolls to see if you've accomplished this before you compose the actions of your posts.
Yes, I want you to preview. The Gameplay thread should read like a story, and the narrative is interrupted when checks are independent of the flavor. I realize that means people can cheat; those whose enjoyment of the game is based so narrowly on being the best will do it regardless. Please don't cheat.
Please post your entries below, along with any questions/comments/concerns.
Very interested in this. A bit sad to see the limitation to only unchained summoner, but I understand that someone wants to nerf that class as it's very powerful, especially in gestalt. Can I pick the synthesist summoner archtype with the unchained summoner or is that archtype off-limits?
Very interested in this. A bit sad to see the limitation to only unchained summoner, but I understand that someone wants to nerf that class as it's very powerful, especially in gestalt. Can I pick the synthesist summoner archtype with the unchained summoner or is that archtype off-limits?
Can you? By that I mean did they remove one of the archetype requirements with Unchained? If not, you can. If they did, I'll have to look at it for you.
All the archtype requirements are there. I meant more a limitation for power level reasons or flavor or that you plain don't like it. Given you already nerfed the summoner, it would make sense that you wouldn't want someone to go too wild with it.
I also forgot to mention:
1 POST PER DAY, maybe one/2 days on weekends, I'll let the group decide.
Edit: @oyzar If it fits, you can take it, no problem.
Thanks for that, though I'm not sure I'll actually go through with it. I keep comparing it to the normal summoner and get disappointed. I don't want to play a character I am disappointed with, even if it's only a tiny part of it.
I might just go with Unchained Monk//Druid after all. Are there dinosaurs in the jungle? If so I might go with a Saurian Shaman.
I also got this idea for a jungle gnome, but I'm not sure what classes to pick for it. I keep coming back to Heaven's Oracle, but I'm already playing that in another game, though the addition of gestalt (and a different race) does change things up quite a bit, I'm just not sure if it's enough. A swashbuckler//sorcerer might be a good idea. I kinda want to play a mesmerist too though.
As I said in the interest thread I am working on a CG angelkin aasimar vexing daredevil mesmerist/slayer with a planned stat array of 18, 14, 14, 8, 12, 16 and taking the Boarded in Varisia campaign trait, opting for the bluff skill increase. I'm not sure where his/her origins lie... Possibly Kaer Maga, as I am a very big fan of the wide variety of flavor that city has to offer.
The character concept is simply someone who strives to experience new things in any capacity possible. Any new experience is positive as it broadens one's idea of what life and consciousness consist of. Sometimes (s)he has to bluff his way into experiencing new things (mesmerist) and sometimes (s)he ends up where he's not supposed to be or his bluffs don't work out. In those instances (s)he is forced to fight (slayer).
I have never in my life played a female character in a tabletop setting, but the more I considered this concept, the more it felt like a female. I am still on the fence about the sex of my character, but I've already got it all done in Hero Lab aside from shopping and a single unspent skill point.
(...) single unspent skill point.
Profession: Barrister?
Considering an arcane/divine caster gestalt for Nidalese shadowcaller.
I'll be using this alias (profile is still blank) for my submission. Sunetra-Mei is her given name, but she has also been called Sunetra Sungold, as well as Sun Sun (this is a pet name that she doesn't really care for and will probably keep to herself).
As far as my skill point, it is probably something I will reserve until the party has been chosen. I think it was between sense motive, spellcraft, escape artist, and knowledge (dungeoneering).
Edit: And here is what she typically looks like (except with a slightly bigger sword, of course).
D D DOT!
Kinda interested, never even read Serpent's skull before.
I have a few favorites for a gestalt game. Daring Champion//Bard is always fun.
Investigator//Slayer is cool and flows well.
Kensai Magus//Inspired Swashbuckler is also good, very iconic
Whats a good fit?
Kinda interested, never even read Serpent's skull before.
I have a few favorites for a gestalt game. Daring Champion//Bard is always fun.
Investigator//Slayer is cool and flows well.
Kensai Magus//Inspired Swashbuckler is also good, very iconicWhats a good fit?
The setting allows enough leeway in its inception for most any character concept, and there isn't a party yet to point out missing roles. In other words, whatever you like!
@oyzar - I missed the dinosaur question, I'm sorry. There is always room for dinosaurs in the jungle, but I'm not sure the campaign lends well to a full-on dinosaur archetype.
Ok I got it.
I'm going to make a ranger, A Mwangi native to the area that contracts on ships because he knows the coasts and shipping lanes well.
I'm tempted to Gestalt monk or druid for a Tarzan feel, but don't want to step on your toes their Oyzar.
Will continue to think on it. Maybe barbarian.
EDIT Nope got it. Ranger//Wind Shaman
I am debating on classes not so much a feel
He is gonna be the swashbuckling style of charismatic personality.
Either Paladin//Swashbuckler (Brings a lot of melee power and small amount of divine, but a secondary healer)
Or Daring Champion Cav//Bard (Brings a mix of utility and melee power, and useful out of combat healing)
Hmm, I guess I'll probably skip on the dinosaur stuff then :(. What do you mean when you say "I'm not sure the campaign lends well to a full-on dinosaur archetype"? That you don't like the idea for this campaign? Or that it might be difficult to use it to full effect at times? If it's the first one I'll skip it for sure, if it's the later I might still go for it...
I don't suppose you'll allow me using any archtypes for unchained monk? They are normally not allowed. Can I use subdomains for my druid side? If I'm going Saurian Shmaman I could perhaps go with Fist (subdomain of strength), it's just so appropriate. Edit: By looking at the Goliath Druid, I can see that it lists subdomains, so I guess I can only pick it if it's listed. I might go with a Goliath Druid, so many choices...
Working up a telekinesis/ sleuth or psychic investigator.
Will be focusing on traps and discovery skills. It looks like there are a lot of face characters so I'll focus on knowledge s and disable and stealth. Combat will be ranged.
Note that I haven't actually played anything of the AP, these are just my guesses.
@Mellok: I'm guessing there are going to be plenty of traps in the ruins in the jungle. Indiana Jones or Tomb Raider wouldn't be the same without trapped tombs.
Another thing I think we need a good way to handle is swarms. If I go down the Druid/Monk route my character won't be fantastic at either, though might be able to help with a decent perception roll I guess. It just makes sense that the jungle includes plenty of insects and the like.
Kinetic blast does full damage to swarms.
I was thinking the same Oyzar its probably gonna be jungle based, so traps are gonna be a common thing.
I actually thought about doing a Reincarnated Druid//Unchained Monk for that reason but then I saw your monk/druid and figured it would be best not too step on toes.
I will try and get some actual story put together tomorrow, stuck in corporate meetings all day so plenty of time for my mind to wander and story build.
I'm interested, will be rolling a gunslinger/fighter.
My guy will be a Paladin//Sorcerer just to be clear.
Hmm, I guess I'll probably skip on the dinosaur stuff then :(. What do you mean when you say "I'm not sure the campaign lends well to a full-on dinosaur archetype"? That you don't like the idea for this campaign? Or that it might be difficult to use it to full effect at times?(...)
The latter.
I don't suppose you'll allow me using any archtypes for unchained monk? They are normally not allowed.
It strongly depends on which archetype and what abilities they modify on the normal version. Ask me specifically and I can let you know.
Can I use subdomains for my druid side?(...)Edit: By looking at the Goliath Druid, I can see that it lists subdomains, so I guess I can only pick it if it's listed. (...)
Hit the nail on the head.
We're getting some good options here y'all. Keep 'em coming.
Also, something that's just a pet peeve of mine: When making your character sheets, please use "Class-Class" to describe your gestalt, rather than "Class//Class." A Fighter//Wizard 4 is not the same as a Fighter-Wizard 4, in the way I've always viewed things. Likewise, if you multiclass in addition to your gestalting, you'd end up with something like "Fighter//Wizard 4/Fighter//Rogue 3," versus "Fighter-Wizard 4/Fighter-Rogue 3."
They read completely differently. Conversations, use what you what, but please use the "-" method on your sheets for me.
I haven't fully decided on what direction I want to take my character yet. Grappling, Tripping, just straight up punching things or just a mix of everything. Does unchained flurry work with natural attacks, that is can you still make all your natural attacks as secondary attacks in addition to the flurry attacks or are they removed like with normal flurry? The language is a bit unclear.
If flurry of blows doesn't work with natural attacks it might be nice to replace it. A tetori would be kinda cool for a grapple focused character, though mostly at higher level, it doesn't actually do anything until 4th level :/. A Master of Many styles is another option.
I don't think Fighter 7 // Wizard4/Rogue3 is any less clear than what you describe, but I'll go with your rules of course.
Does unchained flurry work with natural attacks, that is can you still make all your natural attacks as secondary attacks in addition to the flurry attacks or are they removed like with normal flurry? (...)
It does not; it's like normal FoB.
Dotting for interest while I work something up. :)
I put my foot forward.
Here is the beginning of my submission.
He is a Mwangi stowaway and is a native of the Sargova area. Dark skinned with a shaved bald head. Average height and weight. The wind whirls around him and he looks like he belongs in the jungle.
Male human (Mwangi) ranger 1/shaman 1/gestalt 1 (Pathfinder RPG Advanced Class Guide 35)
N Medium humanoid (human)
Init +2; Senses Perception +7
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Defense
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AC 16, touch 12, flat-footed 14 (+4 armor, +2 Dex)
hp 13 (1d10+3)
Fort +4, Ref +4, Will +5
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Offense
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Speed 30 ft. (20 ft. in armor)
Melee kukri +4 (1d4+3/18-20) or
scimitar +4 (1d6+3/18-20)
Special Attacks favored enemy (monstrous humanoids +2)
Shaman Spells Prepared (CL 1st; concentration +4)
1st—entangle (DC 14), pass without trace; alter winds[S,APG] (DC 14)
0 (at will)—create water, know direction, purify food and drink (DC 13)
S spirit magic spell; Spirit Wind Wandering Spirit
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Statistics
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Str 16, Dex 14, Con 14, Int 10, Wis 16, Cha 10
Base Atk +1; CMB +4; CMD 16
Feats Combat Reflexes, Power Attack
Traits jungle walker (mwangi expanse), stowaway
Skills Acrobatics -1 (-5 to jump), Climb +4, Craft (rope) +2, Craft (ships) +2, Craft (tattoo) +2, Knowledge (dungeoneering) +4, Knowledge (geography) +4, Knowledge (nature) +4, Perception +7, Profession (sailor) +7, Profession (trapper) +7, Stealth +4, Survival +7, Swim +4
Languages Common, Polyglot
SQ shocking touch, spirit animal (scorpion, greensting named Tojji ), track +1, wild empathy +1
Combat Gear nightsage, winterbite; Other Gear hide armor, kukri, scimitar, backpack, bedroll, bell tripwire trap, bell tripwire trap, bell tripwire trap, belt pouch, canteen[UE], chalk (3), coffee, mwangi (per cup) (8), fishhook (3), flint and steel (2), hammock[UE], hemp rope (50 ft.), honey (per jar)[UE], oldlaw whiskey (per bottle)[UE], spell component pouch, thread (50 ft.), tindertwig (3), trail rations (7), twine (50')[APG], waterproof bag[UE], whetstone, wooden holy symbol of Gozreh, 52 gp, 1 sp, 9 cp
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Special Abilities
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Combat Reflexes (3 AoO/round) Can make extra attacks of opportunity/rd, and even when flat-footed.
Empathic Link with Familiar (Su) You have an empathic link with your Arcane Familiar.
Familiar Bonus: +4 bonus on initiative checks You gain the Alertness feat while your familiar is within arm's reach.
Favored Enemy (Monstrous Humanoids +2) (Ex) +2 to rolls vs. Favored Enemy (Monstrous Humanoids) foes.
Power Attack -1/+2 You can subtract from your attack roll to add to your damage.
Share Spells with Familiar Can cast spells with a target of "You" on the familiar with a range of touch.
Shocking Touch (3/day) (Su) As a standard action, melee touch deals electricity damage.
Spirit Animal (spirit animal (scorpion, greensting named Tojji )) If spirit animal is slain, cannot use spirit magic or prepare new spells.
Track +1 Add the listed bonus to survival checks made to track.
Wild Empathy +1 (Ex) Improve the attitude of an animal, as if using Diplomacy.
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Tojji
Greensting scorpion (Pathfinder RPG Ultimate Magic 232)
N Tiny magical beast (vermin)
Init +3; Senses darkvision 60 ft.; Perception +8
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Defense
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AC 19, touch 15, flat-footed 16 (+3 Dex, +4 natural, +2 size)
hp 6 (1d8)
Fort +2, Ref +5, Will +2
Immune mind-affecting effects; Resist electricity 10
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Offense
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Speed 30 ft.
Melee sting +6 (1d2-4 plus poison)
Space 2½ ft.; Reach 0 ft.
Special Attacks poison
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Statistics
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Str 3, Dex 16, Con 10, Int 6, Wis 10, Cha 2
Base Atk +1; CMB +2; CMD 8 (20 vs. trip)
Feats Combat Advice, Weapon Finesse[B]
Skills Climb +11, Perception +8, Stealth +19, Survival +1, Swim +7; Racial Modifiers +4 Climb, +4 Perception, +4 Stealth
SQ improved evasion
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Special Abilities
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Combat Advice As mv act, designate enemy, ally gains +2 comp bonus on next atk vs. target.
Darkvision (60 feet) You can see in the dark (black and white only).
Energy Resistance, Electricity (10) You have the specified Energy Resistance against Electricity attacks.
Immunity to Mind-Affecting effects You are immune to Mind-Affecting effects.
Improved Evasion (Ex) No damage on successful reflex save; half on failed save.
Poison: Sting - Injury (DC 10) (Ex) Sting—Injury; save Fort DC 10; freq 1/rd for 6 rds; effect sicken for 1 rd; cure 1 save.
This is DM Silvertongue's entrance. Crunch is done and everything is in order as far as I can tell.
Backstory and such will come shortly.
I'm a bit sad and surprised to see so little interest in this game. Though at the same time it makes it much more likely that I'll actually get into the game which can only be a good thing...
@Barrister: Would Master of the Many Styles be ok as an archtype?
Oops, I put this character in the other recruitment thread by GM Barrister. :(
Question. Would you allow a blood arcanist to take the empyreal wildbloodline? Because normally they would not work because wildblood is an archetype but it's called a mutation of a normal bloodline.
Howdy.
I'll get to all the questions, and give one of those "applicant break down" posts tomorrow; I left my laptop at the office tonight, and phones are a pain in the rear. Oyzar specifically, I don't know yet. Genie: I'll say "yes" for now, but don't get too set in the next 24 hours. I remember looking hard at wildblooded to make an argument on it working with...what's it called, dual blooded?...but I do want to check Empyreal specifically.
In short it allows the sorcerer to cast using Wis instead of Cha. Works wonders with divine casters.
oyzar monk/druid
myself slayer/mesmerist
dread pirate hurley arcane/divine nidalese shadowcaller
GD Avatar pally/sorc
Bane88 shaman/ranger
silvertongue gunslinger/fighter
mokshai ranger/? (wrong thread?)
the genie sorc/?
nuson the nervy dot only
I think that's all. Looks like we could use a bit more help in the skill monkey department. Sorry the post is so informal and poorly formatted, just killing time while my roll20 group settles in.
Look at me ignoring the GM's required formatting. I guess I'm a rebel. ;)
Missed mine kinetisist investigator. Have him mostly done. He's is a hob goblin historian with a map and a plan.. . .mostly a plan. In the right light it could be considered a plan. . . Maybe not a good one. Anyone want some tea?
oyzar monk/druid
myself slayer/mesmerist
dread pirate hurley arcane/divine nidalese shadowcaller
GD Avatar pally/sorc
Bane88 shaman/ranger
silvertongue gunslinger/fighter
mokshai ranger/? (wrong thread?)
the genie sorc/?nuson the nervy dot only
I think that's all. Looks like we could use a bit more help in the skill monkey department. Sorry the post is so informal and poorly formatted, just killing time while my roll20 group settles in.
Look at me ignoring the GM's required formatting. I guess I'm a rebel. ;)
Oh sorry if it was not clear. I am putting forward this profile
Unchained Monk//Sorcerer (Empyreal)[Celestial Bloodline] Vanara
Yes, wrong thread. I could have sworn there was a jade regent one. Not. Applying to the gestalt but the regular one
If the Vanara is to much, this is an Aasimar version of the same build. Actually is far more filled out. I am still working on the history for this guy.
Dotting. Working up a slayer/investigator. Playing up the skilled/utility side, with mixed close/ranged combat abilities
Dotted
Would Master of the Many Styles be ok as an archtype?
Yes, that's fine.
Would you allow a blood arcanist to take the empyreal wildbloodline? (...) In short it allows the sorcerer to cast using Wis instead of Cha.
Then no, I'm sorry. Gestalt is powerful enough; you roll a Wildblooded Sorcerer with that as you like, but making Arcanist Wis-based to couple with a divine caster exceeds the bounds of what I'm comfortable doing to manipulate the rules.
Would you be ok with a Unchained Monk//Reincarnated Druid Aasimar (Scion of Humanity) that upon reaching level 5, could reincarnate as either a Native Outsider or a Humanoid?
Would you be ok with a Unchained Monk//Reincarnated Druid Aasimar (Scion of Humanity) that upon reaching level 5, could reincarnate as either a Native Outsider or a Humanoid?
I'm not sure I understand the question. If you're asking if you could roll a uMonk-{Reincarnated} Druid, then yes. If you're asking if you can be an Aasimar with the Scion of Humanity alt. racial, then yes.
If you're asking me what you'd be able to Reincarnate as should you die after you gain the class ability, I'd have to put a better chart together than the one presented in the spell, but it would no longer be an Aasimar regardless. If it came back as an Oread, it would be an Outsider (Native); if it came back as an Elf, it's a Humanoid.
If you're asking if an Outsider (Native) can be reincarnated:
This subtype is applied only to outsiders. These creatures have mortal ancestors or a strong connection to the Material Plane and can be raised, reincarnated, or resurrected just as other living creatures can be. (...)
Yes, they can. You wouldn't even need Scion of Humanity, if that's the only reason you're taking it.
Given that there is another Druid//Monk in the making combined with the fact that I wasn't really feeling this character I think I'll switch up my concept.
One idea I have is a UMonk//Cleric (quite close to the other one, but also quite different). I want to use domain strike together with Combat Stamina. However that idea kinda requires that you allow combat stamina in the first place, so can I use that? Secondly, I would kinda like to play a non-lawful monk for this, the chaos domain would be fun. That's not normally allowed, unless you let me bypass the restriction? I don't really want to play a martial artist monk, it has too much things I don't want.
I'm still here with my ranger shaman//tracker guide dude. Ajani Nungo!
Would you like me to make an alias GM Barrister, or can I wait to see if I'm selected?
It's not 100% it was a question. If I am stepping on toes I will figure out something else.
I mean I can do paladin/sorcerer too.
I'm changing either way, just not decided to what yet. There is also a paladin//sorcerer already ;).