Hello and welcome to the planning and discussion thread for my Ravenloft Romp mini-campaign!
First order of business is to check in and ground our characters in Golarion and give them a common recent history whereby they will have travelled together as companions and possibly friends. You will be stopping to rest, re-equip and celebrate your recent victory over...?
The character invitation list:
1)Dimitrio Carini - Human Rogue
2)Nathaniel Artegal Boote - Halfling Paladin
3)Sir Donovan Ravencourt - Human Lore Warden Fighter
4)Luc "Ninefingers" Rockborn - Dwarf Cleric
5)Rannveig Pack-Bound - Human Wolf Shaman Druid
6)Esmerelda "Black Esme" Proust - Changeling Witch
My home is a little village near a river. There is an ancient tomb on a hill overlooking the river, and this tomb is a sacred place to the people of this area.(it is imagined to be something like this place Tomb of the Lady of Mittonwir). I left this area, after being "selected" to be a Tomb Guard (a strange and mostly ceremonial position) to prove myself worthy of the title that was given to me.
I would have joined an Adventuring Party of Heroes, to learn more about the world beyond my village, and what it means to be brave, and good.
Hey everyone,
Congrats to all of you and I'm happy to be here.
My PC has a gypsy feel so he could be just about anywhere but probably would fit best if he was traveling in Varisia or Ustalav. I'm thinking Ustalav would probably dovetail nicely with what the GM has in mind.
So just to get the juices flowing , how about we just cleared out a haunted church of a small town in the countryside and are now in Caliphas (a fairly major city) to spend some of our loot?
The enemy could be some minor undead or maybe just the head of the church who was spreading undead rumors for his own gain.
Good looking group. Looking forward to this.
Since we're starting in Golarion, here's a little primer on Donovan.
Donovan's personal history is pretty vague and could have involved adventures with any of you. His motivations are pretty simple "hunt and destroy monsters to protect the innocent" is about the gist of it.
The Ravencourt family is a bit more established in terms of backstory. They are an old line that rose to prominence during the Shining Crusade (the big war that happened a long time ago and ended with the death of a demi-god and the casting down of Tar-Baphon (golarion's epic-level, god-like archlich who is imprisoned but not dead and has a powerful cult trying to resurrect him).
Ever since, the Ravencourts have been something like a Van Helsing family that hunt creatures of the night. They're basically in the business of gathering information and sending agents to deal with threats. (think of an MI6/James Bond relationship).
They often fund and organize groups to assist their field agents, so any of you may have been approached by a Ravencourt representative, or have worked with another member of the family before meeting Donovan.
Feel free to use any of this information while you come up with your inter-character hooks.
A 'gimmicky' but pretty good way to bond a previously unknown party is as follows:
We're all adventurers (aka travelers) so we each have to come up with a good reason to be traveling in... Ustalav (again I'm just picking a place but that can change).
Night catches up to us so we get a room in a tavern on the road to Ardis (other?).
While getting something to eat, the tavern is attacked by cultists (undead, orcs, whatever).
Being the smart people that we are, we instantly get together for mutual protection. We figure out that the origin of the attacks come from an abandoned church (cemetery, cave near by, etc.).
We go there and kick some butt and that is our first adventure together. We are now in said tavern relaxing...
This is where the evil GM takes over.
The above scenario accomplishes a couple of things: a) gives us a little shared history even though we barely know each other (although it doesn't preclude previous friendships, etc.) and b) we have reason to trust each other (fighting for one's life tends to bond people).
Thoughts?
The dwarf enters the tavern, blocking most of the daylight in the doorway, his eyes adjusting to see if his companions have arrived. "Aye, 'dare you are" as he rocks back and forth walking towards the group. Half chewing his stubby cigar, "Anybody got some flint and steel?
I would like to make on change to my character. switch to Reactionary (+2 Init) trait rather than the Indomitable Faith (+1 will Saves)
I can make Ninefingers from anywhere that suits the groups needs but for a framework he would have been born near Skelt in Nirmathas. His family was long employed working in keeping the dwarf-crafted waterwordk power ore-grinders and mine-lifts working that run along the River Tourondel. His family always worked near the surface and in connection with humans, which is why Ninefingers worships Iomedae, as opposed to a traditional dwarven god.
I'm thinking we'll just insert a newly grown town (really just a village that has swelled from festival trade days) called simply Piazza somewhere on the edge of the more settled and hospitable lands of Varisia. This place will be fairly isolated, the first glimpse you've had of civilization for at least a week.
We'll open the scene on the last leg of the group's journey and then guide them into the town.
I'd really prefer that we have some pretty significant bonds between at least some of these characters. Mutual enemies, common goals, friendships, the same employer, etc. But they need not all be tied to each other.
And thank you for your prompt RSVP! Good to see the discussion moving along. ^_^
GM Bluedove will I be able to switch the trait mentioned above, if not that's fine too.
”Good evening, Master Rockborn. Here let me light that for you,” Nathaniel retrieves a match(?) from the bar and strikes it against a table.
goodness, please let’s not have another “incident” with one of his cigars. They can’t really be that expensive, can they? Nathaniel thinks to himself as he smiles and fondly remembers the last time the dwarf was “cheated” out of one of his fine smokes. And that memory takes him to another. A memory of fire, and darkness, shouts and screams, rain, and tears. He had many reasons to be thankful he had found the company of this dwarf, many indeed.
Will she be here? Nathaniel wonders as he remembers the adventure they had all shared together. She was a changeling woman, a mysterious and hauntingly alluring girl. He had made no attempt to introduce himself to her, formally, not once. But he watched her from afar. She was, interesting, to say the least, but she had those eyes. Those eyes that saw right though a man like him. He hoped she would be there, and he didn’t.
Gladly excepting the light, "Always thought ye were a guud man." he puffs, love the sandlewood tobacco. "Ye see Dimitrio, yet bet he's lookin' fer some bar wench, it's been a a few days." His deep loud laugh. The dwarf continues to scan the tavern.
GM Bluedove will I be able to switch the trait mentioned above, if not that's fine too.
Yes, this is the time to make any changes you prefer. We can also finalize that 400 gold worth of booty that you each have. Or maybe it's more like 2400 gold worth of booty you have yet to divvy up?
Maybe the object of your recent plunder was a budding necromancer getting up to mischief in an old desolate ruin?
Also I'd like to know what we are looking at in the animal department. Do we have mounts? Familiars? I know about Rannveig's wolf, but are there others?
"No," Nathaniel answers with a shrug. "I haven't seen any of the others, today, but after the last few days, I'm not surprised. I think Sir Ravencourt was growing tired of my ceasless questions about his family. Fascinating people, did he tell you about his great Uncle?"
"No," Nathaniel answers with a shrug. "I haven't seen any of the others, today, but after the last few days, I'm not surprised. I think Sir Ravencourt was growing tired of my ceasless questions about his family. Fascinating people, did he tell you about his great Uncle?"
A familiar click-clack of hard-heeled boots is heard from the stairs in the corner of the room as Dimitrio makes his grand entrance. A smug smile on his face, the rogue winks to one of the serving girls in the place as he saunters to the table.
He exaggerates a bow and goes as far as to remove a non-existent hat. "Master Rockborn, Master Boote, it is good to see you are doing well this beautiful evening. As you can see, Dimitrio is in wonderful spirits, thank you very much for asking."
The rogue strokes his beard and asks, "Is there a problem? Why haven't the others arrived yet?"
There's a stir and alarmed noises spreading out from the doorway, and a low murmur from a feminine voice. A tall blonde woman is slipping inside, her hand on the back of a huge, pale wolf, which pads placidly along by her side, ignoring the fearful glances and dark mutters that rise from the tavern's patrons. The woman herself seems more nervous than the beast, shyly ducking her head and moving swiftly to the table where the others sit, taking a seat without a word.
Here is a quick Tavern Map to set the stage.
Luc begins to laugh again, his meaty hand whacks the paladin, "Glad ye made it Rannveig. As she slips by. He then continues, "Bootes thought that wolf of hers was gonna bite yer hand off when you thought it was riding dog the first time." He pulls his cigar out of his mouth, the chewed end all sticky he turns it in his hand examining his joy, before popping it back into his mouth. "How bout some mead, " he announces as he follows Rannveig towards the others.
Generally the quiet one of the group, Sir Donovan was smiling with his boots up on another chair with a goblet in his hand. He watched Rannveig awkwardly join the others, nodding in approval at how she was slowly learning human customs.
"Donovan," the dwarf nods as he follows a few paces behind the Rannveig's wolf. "High time t'drink a few pitchers together, dat is if that one can stop chasin' the purty ones." He motions towards Dimitrio.
A woman with blue ribbons plaited into her auburn hair behind the bar nods in acknowledgement and sets about pouring a mug of deep amber liquid that steams slightly. An aroma of cinnamon and clove permeates the air as she approaches. "The spice will drive the cold right out of you, it will. And for the rest of you?"
Generally the quiet one of the group, Sir Donovan was smiling with his boots up on another chair with a goblet in his hand. He watched Rannveig awkwardly join the others, nodding in approval at how she was slowly learning human customs.
Can everyone see the map that I posted? Anyone having access issues?
I'll be turning in shortly, hopefully our missing cast member will join us soon. The game will go live sometime tomorrow after I'm sufficiently caffeinated. (14ish hours from now) ^_^ Looking forward to it!
"Aye lass, some big bowls of stew and heavy on the garlic t'go wit the tankards." His expression says it all, "What...I like garlic."
Rannveig simply nods at the barmaid, indicating she'll have the same drink, and makes a face at Donovan's garlic-laced order.
Rannveig, for reference, was probably originally hunting the werewolf entirely because it was getting actual wolves killed by paranoid humans. Part of the reason she went along with Donovan was because she didn't really know how to go into towns without getting mistaken for the werewolf herself.
Background is looking good and I'm working up the opening scene now. I'm going to give Esmerelda Proust a bit more grace period, but we may be worrying needlessly about how to tie her history in at this point.
Sir Donovan, I need an age and alignment for you and remember your resources are at a depleted state. Also, I'm not familiar with the qualities on your rapier... And you have a horse, correct? Which puts the party animal count at:
1)Rannveig’s wolf
2)Donovan’s horse
3)Artegal’s riding dog?
Also, I’d prefer everyone detail out their gear when you have some time.
(I'm not used to being the one who looks over character sheets, maybe you guys can help me out and review each other a bit? )
Sorry I’m running a bit late, going to get the first bit up shortly and then work on the town intro. I’ve had some unexpected distractions today but I’m on task now. Hopefully the boards will cooperate, I’ve lost a post already and seen a few “paizo is down” messages. = /
(Yeesh, been trying to post this a while, Paizo is on an off for me)
Ok, opening scene is up. Some room for conversation here as you travel, if you like and I will be working to get the town intro up in a few hours.
Terrible connection today.
Hey, whoops! I did some cutting and pasting from other characters to save time and left some stuff in that I didn't mean to, including the name of the sword. "Maleficarum" is the name of another character's sword (one of Donovan's ancestors, actually. It's latin for "One Who Does Wrong")
Donovan's sword is names Lux Tenebrae which means "Light in Darkness".
The rest is just descriptions of what the sword looks like, for my own reference. Flamberge is a style of blade. It looks like this. A cutlas guard is the pommel. It looks like this.
The Wayfinder is worked into it so that the Light effect shines down the blade, essentially letting Donovan use it as a flashlight.
Hope that helps make sense out of all that.
Aw, it's ok. I knew it was you. ^_~
The next post is up! Sorry I was delayed today, hope it's enough to whet your appetites tonight. ^_^
Well, it has been over 48 hours now, so I don't think Esmerelda Proust will be joining us. I can contact another player to replace her or we can roll with a party of 5. What do you think?
Doesn't matter to me.
Is there class that you think needs to be shored up a bit? Looks like we are a light on the arcane caster and ranged attack.
Let's roll with five; you can always get someone else if you think this is too much.
GM here's the map:
Not much can be done with converting 5 to 10 feet especially since it already had grid lines on the page. i went ahead and used the pre-fab grid lines and added the coordinates for easy reference, to overlay a new grid line would make it look busy.
I'll work with it a bit to see if I can improve it a bit.
GM here the map:
Not much can be done with converting 5 to 10 feet especially since it already had grid lines on the page. i went ahead and used the pre-fab grid lines and added the coordinates for easy reference, to overlay a new grid line would make it look busy.
I'll work with it a bit to see if I can improve it a bit.
Where are you getting this from?
Is the GM sending you info?
GM, is this an old adventure module or something of your own doing?
GM if you aren't completely sold on having to use the prefab maps I can create you an interesting isometric town like this one that I use in a game:
Unless we are going to hit each labeled building in module, we as players won't know the difference, what you've included or left off.
Dimitrio the GM sent me a map from the published material.
Recruitmet early is easier than later on, and I'm okay either way (but a female in the party for me to worry about is something I was looking forward to).
There's always Rannveig!
Bombadil was my first alternate from the recruitment thread. I can extend an invitation to draw up a 6th.
"Not that she isn't, you know, well, attractive, yes, attractive, in, um, in her own way, yes, well, but I prefer, for whatever my humble preferences are worth, a, um, well, a woman who, um, well, baths regularly, I suppose."
Bombadil was my first alternate from the recruitment thread. I can extend an invitation to draw up a 6th.
If you are going to recruit then I agree that now is the time. Bombadil offered to come up with any type of PC that would complement the group so if you think an arcane caster would be good, I'd let him know from the start.
just received the invite, thanks, I'll adjust Nicu to fill the arcane void and have a post up shortly :)
assuming he would have spent the last few years near Nirmathas, so maybe he could have met Luc and traveled north with him and Artegal to Varisia?
GM here the map:
Not much can be done with converting 5 to 10 feet especially since it already had grid lines on the page. i went ahead and used the pre-fab grid lines and added the coordinates for easy reference, to overlay a new grid line would make it look busy.
I'll work with it a bit to see if I can improve it a bit.
Where are you getting this from?
Is the GM sending you info?
GM, is this an old adventure module or something of your own doing?
It is an old module, 2nd ed AD&D. I take some literary licence though. The squares on this map are 10', but then again this isn't meant to be a battle map. This is just a birds eye view of the town. I don't think there is any need to work up another, this is just help the PC's navigate the streets. When you receive the map in game, it will come with a key... I'll see if I can grab a better res image of it too.
Oh, and I invited Bombadil. Nice to see we won't have long to wait this time. Thanks so much for joining us! ^_^