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Hey everyone! We are starting up a Serpent's Skull PbP. We will be selecting players towards the end of this week (By Sunday the 19th, if not sooner). We have 2 players currently, and some invites we are waiting to hear back from. We have anywhere from one to four open slots. The players will be selecting, not me. We are expecting an average of 3 posts a day (weekends, holidays and birthdays will be lighter, but you are expected to check in on the weekends and see what is going on) It will be worth it! These players are RP heavy, and it is a lot of fun (With that being said, if you are hack and slash and rush on to the next level up, this game might not be your cup of tea.)
As a GM, I tend to be very RP heavy and a lot less "rules lawyer," though I do play one on tv. The most important thing to me is the story that we create, and I care much less about stats and things of that nature. I am open to suggestions, but I also won't be bossed around. This is something that I do for fun, and to interact with interesting people. I'm not a fan of actual trolling or bullying in any of their forms. (If you have a personality conflict with people that know less than you about the entire codex of things, then you also should probably not apply.)
SO LET'S GET THIS RECRUITMENT GOING!!!
Let me help you know what they are looking for (so you can get picked). They are #1 looking for dependability (responding to inquiries, posting counts, and thread involvement, etc). #2 roleplay and interesting characters with backstories. Everything after that falls into place.
They will be filtering in this thread with the crowd and will pick based on the criteria mentioned above and "good party fit", and I have no intention of telling you who they are. (So therein lies the game!) I will be here to answer any questions about the game or our play style. Thanks for checking us out! (20 point buy, CRB APG on the table, everything else ask for submission - it will most likely be approved . Don't worry so much about picking out traits and stuff now, you will have a few days to fully stat out a character IF selected. We are looking for solid ideas and backstories right now. Spoiler me for any specific questions you don't want anyone else to see.)
GOOD LUCK, AND HAVE FUN!!!
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Orion sits at the bar in the common room, not wanting to drink, but not sure if he can live with the horrors of real life. Or the life that he has come to know, recently.
Can't sleep. he thinks, not for the first time that night, and probably not for the last time. Can't shake these nightmares in my head. I never wanted this type of life. Sure, I wanted the money, but I didn't know that it would come at such a price.
He lifts the mug up and touches the glass to his lips, and then slams it down on the bar in front of him. A few turn and look at this youngish dark haired man, and see the strain on his face.
"Must be one of those nights." one patron says to the other.
The bartender comes over and asks if everything is all right. He mutters something under his breath and tries to take his attention away from the glass that he hasn't let go of yet.
As a GM, I tend to be very RP heavy and a lot less "rules lawyer," though
Okay, curiosity has gotten the better of me.
If I may ask: What do you mean by, 'I do play one on TV'?
No worries if it's too personal of a question. But I had to give it a shot. :)
My lame attempt at a joke. :) People say "I'm not a lawyer (or doctor), but I play one on tv."
I thought, maybe one could use "rules lawyer" (the term for people that memorize the rules and constantly bring them up, even sometimes in unnecessary situations) as an acceptable substitute, perhaps wrongfully (haha).
Two more players confirmed, so we are looking for two at this point.
Ah, I see. :)
Probably good you're not on TV, 'cause you'd more than likely get bombed with a billion questions on these boards about it. And then there goes your discussion thread. ;)
Hrm. I was considering throwing in a character for this.
Is it an issue if I've already played through a good chunk of the AP? I ended up getting just shy of book 4 before the game collapsed.
Hrm. I was considering throwing in a character for this.
Is it an issue if I've already played through a good chunk of the AP? I ended up getting just shy of book 4 before the game collapsed.
Not at all a problem for me! I would imagine that you can keep PC knowledge and player knowledge separate, it is going to be a blast! This group is a RIOT! They are really really good, and I am somewhat above average at GMing <<wink>> .
I would welcome your submissions and questions :)
Neato! I was always curious as to how this one ended, and I remember book 1 being great fun.
Just need to figure up a character for it. Any gaps that need to be filled, first off?
I've been shopping this young lady around the recruitment threads since her Skulls and Shackles campaign was scuttled a couple of months ago.
I can change out anything you need. Everything in her creation is Paizo-published.
Thanks for your consideration!
Neato! I was always curious as to how this one ended, and I remember book 1 being great fun.
Just need to figure up a character for it. Any gaps that need to be filled, first off?
We have 4 confirmed players, and none of them have committed to anything solid (I invited 2 of them just today).
I would say bring your 2 or 3 ideas that you would have the most fun with and then bandy them around. Remember, chars don't need to be fully statted it at this point. (I personally believe the best way to build a character is to just build him/her/it from the backstory up, then I pick what type of archetype fits that character. )
Looks good allie, thanks for submitting. Feel free to mingle while the other players/potential recruits filter in :)
Brayden - here's my submission for the campaign... let me know if he's okay and anything you want me to change. Currently re-writing his background and determining a campaign trait for him...
racial variant abilities (per feat, roll 3x, pick one)
Travis walk into the tavern, slips up to the bar and glances around the room before turning to the bartender. "Something... anything... wet.. whiskey is good, if you've got it."
He turns his back to the bar while he awaits his drink, and scans the other patrons. He looks to his left and right to the others at the bar, spies ORion and nods to him.
He probably won't like me, if I say hello... people rarely do take well to me.
He smiles at Orion, trying to look as friendly as he can, careful to keep his tail hidden under his clothing and cloak. Always aware there's little he can do to hide the slight smell of brimstone about himself, he hopes the heavy odors of sweat and liquor in the tavern are enough to cover that.
"Hi. Name's Travis. You look troubled... you alright?" he says to Orion, trying to strike up a conversation and get to know someone, anyone, in this strange place.
Wren enters the recruitment thread, smoothing out her feathered armor, nervously looking from side to side.
"Are you sure this is where I should go, Plumie?" Wren says to the parrot on her shoulder. Her elven features and advanced age are clearly evident on her life-weary face.
"This is place I should go to be judged? Here, you say, Plumie?" The bird says nothing, a constant companion to Wren who is used to the woman's peculiarities.
Wren straightens up, addressing the assembled menagerie. Her face blanches at some of the entrants, seeing both shining faces and others of...uh...uhm...uh...potential disrepute.
"Hello. My name is Wren. I was told I could come here for adventure? I do like adventure," Wren says, mindful of how she looks in her armor of feathers. Her armor is a rainbow of colors: several striations of yellow and red, blue and green, indigos and puces. Several portions seem to be comprised solely of feathers from Plume.
"I am of stout heart and good mind, mind you. I will be of service and try my best for the group, I will. Just ask Plumie. He'll tell you." Plumie says nothing.
"Let me explain why I'm here," Wren says, explaining more.
""You see, I was traveling a lot in Ustalav where I discovered people dallying...blah blah blah....demons...blah blah blah...an old rusty pitchfork....blah blah blah...under the exact same tunic!! Blah blah....and so I...blah blah blah...'mother, it's my body'...blah blah blah...onions! Like I said, onions!"
Wren sits down, certain she has adequately explained things.
Wren is a diviner wizard. Plume is her companion. I *loved* this character in an ill-fated Carrion Crown, and hope to port her to Serpent's Skull.
I'll be building her out for the AP as necessary. Right now, she focuses on RP.
I am a long-time denizen of the Paizo boards and frequent PbPer. I might also be a known PFS player, aka Painlord.
You can see from my Alias that I have been a part of several long time and successful PbPs. My commitment to playing my character and timely posting are evident from my posting history.
My opus to what I consider to be important parts of PbP are here. I aspire to bring those concepts to every PbP that I play in. I would be happy to bring them to SS.
As one of the 4 already chosen, I think (or I'm gonna sound like a real a-hole right now), I'd like to say woohoo for Serpents Skull! and I'm mucho excited for the game.
For my character, which has yet to be created, I'm thinking an Oracle, cleric, or some such healy type.
Since the illustrious GM Brayden said the players would be choosing the last member of the group (or two) then I've decided to give you full disclosure of what's important to me and what I'll be asking myself about every submission. You can use or ignore this information as you see fit, as I'm just one cog in the machine and will have a limited say on who fills the final slots.
Interesting, deep characters and novel-like backstories are fun and a blast to read, but what happens when the initial excitement of a new pbp wears off? How regular does your posting become when combat's been dragging on for a day or three? What's your longest running game? Have you disappeared from a game before and left a group wondering what happened? Is waning interest a trend for this person? Or do they usually post regularly and in their games for the long-haul?
Two caveats:
1) I know people get busy and life happens. No one is perfect and I don't expect that from anyone. Heck I disappeared from the boards for nearly a month one time when things got too crazy IRL (and it was a dang jerky thing of me to do). But I came back and hopefully learned my lesson. What I'm referring to is a trend of suspect behavior.
2) People have got to start somewhere. If you're new to the boards or haven't gotten into a game yet, or you did but it died quickly, etc... That stuff doesn't really concern me. Everyone needs to be given a break sometime, or none of us would ever get into these games!
If you're reading this and thinking, "Oh shiz sounds a little like me..." then don't panic and give up. Just calmly explain why it might look that way, and then tell me why I'm wrong, why things will be different from here on out. That sort of thing.
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Ok, that's pretty much it. Scared yet? Good! >:) Good luck and happy submission-ing...
Travis smiles and nods at Wren when she first introduces herself, listens quietly as she starts her explanation of why she's here. When she mentions demons, he winces slightly, twitches anxiously. But she quickly moves on to other parts of her tale, which meanders it seems to several topics, not all of them directly related to each other. He relaxes as she drops the talk of things demonic.
Very quietly, as if not wanting to draw attention to himself, he nods to her and says, "Hullo, Wren. I'm Travis."
Should I offer to buy her a drink? Is that the appropriate action here? Would it seem too forward? Of course by the time he's done contemplating such things, the opportune moment passes, and he simply watches her. Finally he speaks again.
"You're very colourful, as is your... companion? I've never seen anything quite like your robe. Is that the fashion of where you're from?"
Wren flashes a yellow-toothed smile at Travis, her teeth showing ample space between them, her green eyes full of flatter.
Another one of my admirers. Too bad I am old enough to his mother thrice over.
Wren nods, then speaks.
"Oh, that is Plumie. His such a good friend to me...just like I have all over the place. People seem drawn to me," Wren says, not quite understanding how her wrinkled face might repel most people. "He donates his feather to me...and I use them for my magics."
Wren looks down at her armor.
"Oh this? Oh, it's not fashion, I crafted it myself. You are too kind for noticing," Wren flashes another smile that belies teeth not ever cared for. "You have a keen eye, Travis."
Wren looks over her conversational companion.
"You have a nice tail. Did your mother or father give you that?"
Travis winces and blushes furiously as Wren notices the tail he's been striving so hard to keep under cover of clothing and cloak. It twitches involuntarily, making itself even more obvious to others as well. His grey eyes cloud slightly as he scowls at his own weakness.
How did she spot that? I thought it was better hidden than that. Damn me for a fool for assuming it was unseen...
"You are a wizardess then? or a sorceress? I always wanted to study magic, but could never quite grasp the concepts. As my teachers often told me, I wasn't the sharpest needle in the bunch." He shrugs and gives a slight smirk. "I do have other talents though, so it's all good."
He lowers his voice, trying to make it so only she can hear him. "Since I was told my father was human, I'm assuming it is from my maternal line, though I don't know for sure."
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A scarred man and a half-elven woman sit quietly. Her hands folded on the table, the faint glint of metal showing beneath the hem of her cloak near her wrists. Her face is cast down, but the sight of a large bruise can be seen near her left eye. Black hair all but covers her slightly pointed ears. The man turns to her, whispers something then motions for the serving girl to bring him another ale.
She lifts her eyes to survey the crowd of this Chelaxian dock-side inn. A slight smile quickly vanishes as she slips back into her submissive role. Her wait is short as the serving girl sets down the ale and walks briskly away to another table.
Taking a sip of his ale, the man with her spins his chair around to better view the room, his cup sitting on the table behind him. Slender hands slip forward. A thumb moves slightly when the hands reach the cup then return to their place in front of the woman.
With a laugh, the man turns back to the half-elf, mutters something and downs most of the ale in a single, long drink. He sets the cup down and begins talking to her. His eyes blink.. blink again, and his head falls forward, making a dull thump as it hits the table.
Reaching up, the woman pulls something from her hair and begins to fiddle with her wrists. In moments, a pair of manacles appear in her hands. With deft, careful moves, she slips them around the man's wrists and snaps them shut. Deft hands give him a quick pat down, and remove a folded piece of parchment from a pocket. Carefully, she unfolds it, takes a quick look, then quickly refolds.
Bending over to pick up a pack and stuffing the paper inside, she slides the sheathed rapier and dagger from where they were tied to it and loops them through her belt. Grabbing the pack, she slips it on then quickly walks to a nearby table where a couple of others are drinking.
Pulling out a chair, as she sits, her left leg hooks the end of her rapier, positioning the hilt closer to hand. "Well, it is so good to be free of that man. Better than ending up on the slave block like he'd planned, no?" Her smile is warm and her voice friendly as her eyes gaze around the room, briefly coming to bear on one of the men.
"Did I hear you are looking for help? As you probably witnessed, I am in need to get out of this town. The sooner the better. I may be able to help you in return. Rarities and antiquities are my specialty. I would give a list of references however, I am sure that they would prefer to remain anonymous. Inquisitors tend to ask too many questions about items in one's possession, especially if their origin may be.. questionable."
She reaches up to pull her long hair back and quickly ties it into a loose tail. Standing, she shifts her pack a bit, eyes glancing around the room. Looking at the others sitting at the table she says, "If you need time to consider, I'll be somewhere at the docks. Just whistle if you want my help. Either way, I intend to take the next ship out. I fear my welcome here is.. well.. overstayed." With a grin, she turns briskly and walks quickly from the inn, pausing only long enough to turn back and say, "The name's Shilyn".
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Travis walk into the tavern, slips up to the bar and glances around the room before turning to the bartender. "Something... anything... wet.. whiskey is good, if you've got it."
He turns his back to the bar while he awaits his drink, and scans the other patrons. He looks to his left and right to the others at the bar, spies ORion and nods to him.
He probably won't like me, if I say hello... people rarely do take well to me.
He smiles at Orion, trying to look as friendly as he can, careful to keep his tail hidden under his clothing and cloak. Always aware there's little he can do to hide the slight smell of brimstone about himself, he hopes the heavy odors of sweat and liquor in the tavern are enough to cover that.
"Hi. Name's Travis. You look troubled... you alright?" he says to Orion, trying to strike up a conversation and get to know someone, anyone, in this strange place.
I'm fine. he says, though he looks eager for some company. It's just ... I keep having these dreams ... of ... the people, you know? The people that I've... I mean ... I know that I am just doing "my job" but... I don't know. You know? ... I don't know. he says while eyeing the drink in his hand both simultaneously like the love of his life, and the enemy of his soul.
Welcome to the recruitment thread. :)
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Orion, seeing an old friend places his mug down on the bar. Excuse me, he says to the gentleman who was making conversation with him (before he started talking to the VERY talkative lady with the bird).
"Shilyn! I must admit, I always wanted to see you in handcuffs! Though," <<gestures around at the room>> " I imagined it with not quite so many people around!
How are you!!! Come and have a drink, will you? I was just talking with some of the strangest people that have come in here. he snaps his fingers and motions to the man passed out on the table, and two large bodies drag him away to a back room.
You didn't notice when you walked in here that this place was named "Orion's" ? I mean, how many other good looking people - with money - might I add, have the name Orion? Not many I would wager. There were probably a lot, but even that knowledge wouldn't wipe the wide smile off of his face.
This is... emmm... he motions towards the two, but realizes that he doesn't know either of their names, probably because he wasn't paying much attention.
In full disclosure, Orion is a PFS character of mine, who won't be playing with us. Feel free to mingle with him like the rest of the group - though certainly don't favor him, I brought him in to start the conversation. He won't be a PC, and I just wanted to clarify, so there isn't a conflict of interest for those of you wondering why my name pops up as you hover over it. :)
He *might* be making a cameo, we'll see. ;)
Wren smiles at her new good friend, Travis. Her yellow teeth and wrinkled face making mockery of supposed 'elven beauty'.
"Wizardess? Oh no...Feathermage. We are different bird altogether, you see," Wren titters at her own joke. "We feathermages use feathers to unlock our magics, finding our power in twining our arcane arts with the fluff of our bird friends." Wren explains as if it was completely easy to understand.
Wren's eyes dart back to the quasi-concealed tail.
"So...your mother gave you those gifts, if it was not your father. Interesting...that means she did not raise you, then?" Wren demonstrates her keen intellect. "Your father raised you? And was it he who trained you in the skills you have? Must be wonderful to be able to do things."
Wren's eyes wander again to the concealed tail, her gab going into overdrive.
"That reminds me, Travis, of a man I used to know. He used...blahblahblah...'That is abhorrent magic', I said...blahblahblah...there is magic within. It reminds me of that time I was in the spooky castle...blahblahblah...found a hidden cache of magic! Wands that I shoved...blahblahblah...magic bolts...blahblahblah...holy damage to the nether-regions...blahblahblah...by the time I got my clothes back on. That was right, wasn't it Plumie?"
Wren smiles at her bird, then again at Travis to see if he followed along with the story.
Game on, Allie thinks silently to herself as she approaches the tavern entrance. She takesa moment to adjust her bodice and its contents, then puts on her best vapid smile and saunters inside.
She scans then room for a likely mark, and sizes up a few possibilities. Not wanting to come on too strong, she moves to the bar, let her hips sway just enough to draw attention to her presence, but (hopefully) not so much to be taken for a streetwalker.
"Excuse me, sir,"she says to the barkeep. "Have you seen a strapping young fellow, well-dressed and of noble-bearing come in today?"
She pulls out an opened letter, a broken wax seal visible at the edges, and begins reading it silently.
"Yes, this is the place he mentioned..." she mutters to herself. Looking up at the barkeep with an innocent inquisitiveness, she asks "do you know Lord Redfish?"
Introducing Vasily Petrescu, Varisian bard, who was created for a Jade Regent game, but didn't get in. He can easily be refit to be a new sailor or stowaway on the ship headed to Sargava.
He is a typical Varisian gypsy, con man, thief, and entertainer. His traveling troupe has toured most of Varisia, but the young lad had an indiscretion with the tribal leaders daughter, who was to be married off to another roving band's leader. His bad decision got him kicked out of the group, but he still needed to provide for his sisters and has signed on as a sailor/adventurer to bring home coin to support them.
Should be base bard build, so high knowledge and combat support with a few spells thrown in for fun.
Let me know if you need more concept background, or how you want build to be.
I am regular poster (about 5K posts all told) running several games and playing in a few others so am on boards evry day. I have not run or played this AP, so am interested in exposure to it.
Vasily Petrescu
Male Human (Varisian) Bard 1
CG Medium humanoid (human)
Init +2; Senses Perception +0
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Defense
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AC 15, touch 12, flat-footed 13 (+3 armor, +2 Dex)
hp 8 (1d8)
Fort +0, Ref +4, Will +2
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Offense
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Speed 30 ft.
Melee longsword +2 (1d8+2/19-20/×2) and
whip +2 (1d3+2/×2)
Ranged light crossbow +2 (1d8/19-20/×2)
Special Attacks bardic performance, bardic performance: countersong, bardic performance: distraction, bardic performance: fascinate, bardic performance: inspire courage
Bard Spells Known (CL 1st; concentration +5):
1st (2/day)—hideous laughter (DC 15), grease (DC 15)
0 (at will)—daze (DC 14), detect magic, dancing lights, message
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Statistics
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Str 14, Dex 14, Con 10, Int 14, Wis 10, Cha 18
Base Atk +0; CMB +2 (+4 disarm); CMD 14 (16 vs. disarm)
Feats Combat Expertise, Improved Disarm
Traits childhood crush, vagabond child (urban)
Skills Appraise +6, Bluff +8, Diplomacy +8, Disable Device +6, Knowledge (arcana) +3, Knowledge (dungeoneering) +3, Knowledge (engineering) +3, Knowledge (geography) +7, Knowledge (history) +7, Knowledge (local) +7, Knowledge (nature) +3, Knowledge (nobility) +3, Knowledge (planes) +3, Knowledge (religion) +3, Perform (string instruments) +8, Sleight of Hand +5, Spellcraft +6
Languages Common, Shoanti, Skald, Varisian
SQ bardic knowledge
Combat Gear Caltrops; Other Gear Studded leather armor, Crossbow bolts (20), Light crossbow, Longsword, Whip, Backpack, masterwork (empty), Bedroll, Belt pouch (empty), Blanket, Flint and steel, Musical instrument ( Mandolin), Thieves' tools, Waterskin, Whetstone, 12 GP, 3 SP, 8 CP
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Special Abilities
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Bardic Knowledge +1 (Ex) Add +1 to all knowledge skill checks.
Bardic Performance (standard action) (8 rounds/day) Your performances can create magical effects.
Bardic Performance: Countersong (Su) Counter magical effects that depend on sound.
Bardic Performance: Distraction (Su) Counter magical effects that depend on sight.
Bardic Performance: Fascinate (1 targets) (DC 14) (Su) One or more creatures becomes fascinated with you.
Bardic Performance: Inspire Courage +1 (Su) Morale bonus on some saving throws, attack and damage rolls.
Childhood Crush (Ameiko) (1/day) (Ex) Gain crush's favor & +1 to saves(DC15 Cha check). +1 vs foe threatening them.
Combat Expertise +/-1 Bonus to AC in exchange for an equal penalty to attack.
Improved Disarm You don't provoke attacks of opportunity when disarming.
Travis listens to Orion speak and nods sagely as if he fully understands, though he struggles to do so. This man speaks as if he's ended many lives, and must live with the memories. I wonder if I've understood him properly, or if he's just being overdramatic.
When Orion walks away to speak with Shilyn, he sighs abd looks down into his drink. Typical. Even when I've said or done nothing amiss, people just don't like me.
Wren, on the other hand, speaks again and Travis looks almost surprised that she, too, has not wandered off to talk to someone more sociable. He listens carefully, as the monks taught him to do. Speak less, listen more, grasshopper. Feathermage? Something I've never heard of before. Interesting. He looks to Plumie, then back to Wren, his head tilted to one side as he listens with interest.
In response to her question about who raised him, which seems more a statement than a question, though he answers it nonetheless. "It was more like I was raised by aunts and ... well... others. Not by mother or father. No one really wanted me around. My training came much later in life, when the monks took me in."
He grows silent again, looks deeply into his drink and for a moment he contemplates the life he had in the monastery and how much he missed the place. He downs the rest of the golden liquid and gently places it on the bar. He waves the tender over and points to the glass, indicating he'd like a refill, and slides a few coins over to pay for the drink.
Meanwhile, Wren has continued talking about some man she knew and he struggles to catch up and follow her tale, which meandered for sure and was pretty hard to follow. His attention perks up as she talks about the hidden cache of magic. That must have been interesting to find... Such a frail-looking old girl in a life of adventure and excitement!
He laughs, almost nervously, at the comment about "holy damage to the nether regions"... Holy damage was something he was told about as a child, was warned about holy attacks from the paladins in Kenebras. He shuddered at the memories of the hatred he was raised with for these men and how long it has taken him to put aside such thoughts.
Of course, he chuckles as her tale ends on an amusing note and he raises his glass to her. "A fascinating tale, and well told. Thank you for sharing."
The mental image of this wrinkled woman naked is hard to put aside, but he closes his eyes a moment and lets his mind wander back to memories instead of his beautiful wife. A moment later, he opens his eyes, though they are edged in tears, he blinks them back and manages a wan smile.
He pauses a long moment, and then recalls the manners the monks had worked so hard to instill in him. "After such a tale, you must be thirsty. Can I buy you a drink, Wren?"
DoctorEvil, looks great. Thanks for the sub! I am sure the party members will ask if they have any questions (PM, or whatever).
I would like to point out that everyone isn't limited to just one suggestion. I have no problem with there being multiple subs per account, just as long as you are putting in the work RPing with these guys so they'll pick you :) The one caveat I would have, is just make sure that anything you bring to the table is something that you would like enough to see through an entire AP for (barring a crit roll from a baddy, of course).
I have no intention of killing any of your players, so if you submit it, make sure that you are comfortable in its skin because you will be wearing it for a while and I don't want you to get bored.
Once we (the players) start narrowing things down I am sure they will address more "party fit" type things (feat selection, party balance, liking a poster but wanting that poster to fit a different role in the party, etc.)
I am liking the subs so much (so far) I might have to break my rules allow for a 7th party member! I have Hero Lab, so it isn't very difficult for me to make the enemies just a teensy bit stronger <<wink, with a crazy twinkle in his eye >> . Mwahahaha.
Alphonse walks in and drops himself into a chair after grabbing an ale from the bar.
"Well, doesn't this look like the most interesting table at the bar, eh?" he says with a goofy grin on his face.
"How's everyone doing this fine evening?"
Aasimar is okay as a race choice? More specifically, are the variant heritages fine?
Also, how do you feel about Gunslingers? I have a "lawman" build I've been wanting to plug into a game for a while now (LN Gunslinger into the Grand Marshal PrC) and I think it could be fun for this one.
I know a lot of people don't like them, so I completely understand if that one's a "no".
I have updated the "campaign info" portion with my house rules, for any curious, and they are also listed here.
My House Rules for Pathfinder PbP – Brayden Green
Have fun (both the players and the GM), and keep the game flowing.
No backstabbing other players, and no intentional player deaths by other players will be tolerated. Swift and immediate stoppage of the game will happen, including ejection of the player. We are here to have fun, and that is not any fun for the person receiving the harm. If you like that kind of thing, go out into the desert and strap M-80s to a cabbage patch kid or something… I’m fine with your PC having secrets, and subplots from the other PCs, but always remember that this is a team game, so let’s keep things in that spirit.
There is no such thing as “winning” or “losing” when it comes to RP. If you are RP’ing, and enjoying time with friends, you are already winning. We are creating a story together. Have you ever seen a story where the characters absolutely ran through everything they every came across, didn’t have adversity, and had zero character growth? Most of the best stories have adversity, intense struggle, and – yes - even deaths that need to be avenged. If you are looking for something to “win” every single time, head to your nearest game console and start twiddling thumbs.
I’m not your enemy. We happen to be on the same team. Weird, huh? If you ever get killed, it is the die’s fault, not me. Or possibly it’s your own dang fault. I don’t want you to die, so either it was a matter of happenstance, or you did something stupid.
I am okay with evil characters, as long as you know how to play them. Most people don’t, so they don’t get them. An evil character, played correctly, would never ever be discovered as evil by the party. He/she would know that it is in its best interests for everyone in the party to respect/love/admire the person, so that they could use that for further gain. In fact, portrayed “correctly”, the evil person in the group might be the one doing the MOST good. I don’t want to casually wade into philosophy, but evil characters don’t actually see themselves as evil. They see the world a different way and understand things differently, and they are aware of that. If you aren’t a douche, then you can play an “evil” character if you choose. If you are, then you can’t.
All players are required to have a DETAILED backstory, (that makes sense w skills and traits selected…) or they will not be cleared to play. I draw inspiration off of the backstories, and take a lot of time to involve your characters in the flow of the game. It makes it more fun for me as a storyteller, and for you as the co-storytellers in this game/world that we are writing one session at a time.
All PCs are required to read any material the GM decides is pertinent to the main portion of the campaign. (Normally just the players guide, but sometimes it may be a little more). There will be an opportunity for the PCs to prove they have read the material before play starts.
I will hold you to your character’s “flaws.” What an absolutely flat game we would have if everyone was 18 and above at everything. Your character “weakness” to me is just as important as your “strength.” I will award good RP of your char flaws, and am readily available for you to pass ideas by me for “approval” on what that might mean for you.
We will be using Hero Points from the APG. They will be given upon leveling, and in “heroic” moments during the game (up to the gm’s discretion). You can augment your ability to get and use Hero Points by taking Hero Point feats. Be advised that villains and BBEG’s will have their share of these to use against you. I like rewarding people for good behavior. I also might reward Hero Points for excellent posts, or for combat ending quickly in real life, or possibly if you flatter me enough. (Hey, I’m honest!)
Out of character talk is allowed in game and recommended (everyone likes a pat on the back for a crit now and then) but make sure you use proper OOC coding when possible. Try to use proper coding when possible (I understand when using cell phones it isn’t convenient to code, and allow for that exception.)
I like honoring your specific skill ranks you specialize in (and high rolls) with knowledge that only you may be are aware of. Because of this, instead of saying it’s a gem, I will normally post specifically to that poster the knowledge that he or she knows, and they can pass it on to the other players if they choose. I am also okay with a poster saying appraise checks are an automatic “I tell the group” and then I will post it like that to create less work.
Paladins do not have to (and are recommended not to) act like stooges all the time. Paladins have come a long way from the way they were created. They are basically walking Dbags, and they were never intended that way. For more, see the part about this being a team game, and having fun above. On a related side note, don’t create characters that hate other character types in the party (ie, a dwarf in the party that hates all elves, and wants them eliminated entirely – and you have an elven archer). It just creates unnecessary conflict, and is rarely ever more fun than it is a hassle.
We are going to RP out any “bluffs,” “intimidates,” or “diplomacy” attempts (in non-combat). You will tell me that you are attempting to bluff, intimidate, be diplomatic, etc. You will then roleplay your attempt using words, logic, debate tactics, whatever. Based on our exchange, I will set a DC in my head that you need to meet. I’ll ask you to roll a d20, then you will apply your charisma ability score modifier (the +2, -1, or whatever it is) and that will also factor into your die roll. You may attempt to use a logic based attempt to above average intelligence creatures, and use your INT and/or WIS modifier(s) to influence said creatures. (GM discretion on what “kind” of argument you made, and which modifiers to use based on your position and the situation)
- Negative and Positive modifiers to be scored as follows: Anything above a plus or minus 1 modifier counts as 1 and ½ of that score, rounded down. So for example, +2 would actually give your roll a (+3), +4 modifier would give you a (+6) score to your roll, and so on. Same applies with minuses: a -2 will give you a (-3) to the roll, a -4 modifier gives you a (-6) to the roll, and so on.
Many other Houses have a house rule to do “critical fumbles” on a “1” attack roll. That is not going to happen here. You will still get critical hits, and you have the option to choose the critical hit deck if you want. (Rolling a “1” and auto-failing an attack sucks bad enough, I’m not a fan of snapping your weapon in half to make you feel worse about it.)
Keep combat (and decisions) as fluid as possible. We will be doing a few things as a group that are PbP specific to help combat not drag on for days or weeks altogether. The first I do is we do a “combat phase” which basically means that when combat is inevitable (GM generated) I will roll INIT for the players and post INIT lineup. I will then take submissions for *everyone* at the same time (because we post at different times of day, and in different time zones) and then I format the round based on what you post. If something that you would have done is already accomplished I will normally do the nest natural selection. (“I want to shoot skeleton A.” if skeleton A is dead then I will have you target skeleton B instead.) This isn’t a perfect scenario all of the time, and sometimes we might need to slow it down, or sometimes I might need to retcon where you are (If I move you one way, but you actually would have gone the other way to try and flank, etc.) In the interest of keeping the story fresh, I am okay with the occasional retcon. I’m not here to kill your characters, or put them in a position to be killed. (That’s your job :P )
I will be posting maps for most combats, and it is the players job to update where you are on the map, or to ask someone else to move them if posting from a cell phone.
I will also be setting a time that I want rounds to be done, and “botting” anyone that isn’t in before that time period. If you all want to, most of my groups also opt in for a 3/4s bot (botting if one player still needs to post but everyone else is submitted.)
We will be using Hero Points from the APG. Worth mentioning here too, as they have combat significance.
Initiative will be rolled by me, and combat order will be shown to the players. All saves will be handled by the PC, with a vivid description of what is happening, and most times, the save I am expecting you to hit with the explanation of why. EX: “You feel kind of a sickness in the pit of your stomach. I’m going to need you to make a DC 15 Fort…” The reason for this: this knowledge will give you the opportunity to cash in some Hero Points to land that DC if you think you need to.
Non magical healing: Using “Treat deadly wounds” rules but with one add-on: the downtime. Max HP restored will be capped at 1d6 per healer level per day, if all the rolls are made.
- 8hr minimum rest to completely restore 25% HP (if you make the rolls).
- 1d2 day(s) downtime (absolute bedrest) to restore 50% HP (w successful rolls)
- 1d3 days from 75% to “unconscious from lethal damage” (minimum 2 days, w successful rolls)
- 2d4 to completely heal a character who had received “dying” condition. (minimum 3 days, etc etc)
If you do not take the downtime, character becomes “fatigued.” PC becomes “Exhausted” AND receives “sick OR nauseous” (depending on infirmity) immediately after he/she participates in a combat after being fatigued in this specific instance.
If you do not heal the character during downtime you may heal character additionally, but upon “resting” for the downtime, the character will no longer receive any of the additional conditions for lack of downtime.
I am also adapting some house rules from my friend Jake Southworth that I think are great ideas, and I want to list them separately here so that he gets credit for them, although they should go in one of the sections above. I have riffed off of some of them, and changed some wording, but I want him to get credit as my inspiration.
• No ability score may be raised above 20 except by magical enhancement (including spells, magic items, etc.). Because, in my mind, a score of 20 represents literal perfection, the pinnacle of mortal achievement. Scores above 20 (for humanoids) should be superhuman and unnatural – it cheapens scores above 20 to have them be more common.
• At each level, a player may always re-roll the hit die if it's a 1 or a 2, no matter the hit die.
• Crafting: Because crafting, as is, just doesn’t work for PCs at all.
o See “Making Craft Work”
o The masterwork component of a weapon costs:
Simple weapons: 100gp, instead of a static 300gp.
Martial weapons: 200gp, instead of a static 300gp.
Exotic weapons: 300gp
o The masterwork component of armor costs:
Light armor: 50gp, instead of a static 150gp.
Medium armor: 100gp, instead of a static 150gp.
Heavy armor: 150gp
• When crafting magic items, the crafter’s caster level must meet the caster level of the item or take a -2 penalty on the Spellcraft check for each caster level that he is short. (a 4th level crafter making a CL9 item takes a -10 penalty for being 5 caster levels short) Because, just as some spells are beyond the ken of a novice spellcaster, some magic items are simply beyond the normal abilities of a novice crafter. And this keeps PCs from farming equipment beyond their normal wealth by level. *This doesn’t mean you can’t find NPC’s to help, because that’s just good role playing.*
• The Linguistics skill applies to skill at understanding and learning languages alone, NOT to any documentation or forgery (that’s Forgery). New languages are mastered in steps, not an entire language for each rank.
I. When you put the first skill point into Linguistics for a new language, you gain a rudimentary understanding of that language, meaning you must make a DC10 Intelligence check in order to understand spoken/written forms of that language and you cannot speak any but the simplest phrases, and probably with a horrible accent.
II. When the second skill point is applied to Linguistics for that same language, you have learned the language and you can speak, understand, and read it without difficulty, but with a noticeably foreign accent. Technical text and exceptionally flowery language (as in poetry) may still require a DC10 Intelligence check, according to GM discretion.
III. A third skill point may be put into Linguistics toward a specific language to attain complete fluency (even the most technical writing/speaking is understood) and to adopt a flawless native accent in that language granting a +2 circumstance bonus to Bluff and Diplomacy checks against native speakers when you speak to them in that language. This does not apply to “common.”
All characters start with Common at rank II (there is no rank III for Common) and their racial languages at rank III. Bonus languages taken at first level due to a positive Intelligence modifier start at rank II. Linguistics still applies to attempts to make sense of script written in an unknown language, as explained in the Linguistics skill entry. Because learning a whole language in a few days (or even weeks) is retarded, even for heroes.
• There is a new skill to be added, Forgery. Forgery is an Intelligence-based skill and is a class skill for Bards and Rogues, and Aristocrats and Experts. The Forgery skill can be used to both create and to recognize forgeries. The Forgery skill works as explained within the Linguistics skill entry (Core Rulebook 101). When forging a document, the GM will make a secret Forgery check to determine the Sense Motive/Forgery DC of the document, though the creator will certainly know if it was well-done or if it’s rubbish. If the document ever comes under scrutiny, the scrutinizer must make a Sense Motive/Forgery check (whichever bonus is higher for the scrutinizer) against the DC determined at creation to recognize it as such, or a Wisdom check if he has no ranks in either skill. Because being skilled with languages doesn’t really have much to do with creating/recognizing forged documents, although it would admittedly help in making/recognizing a forgery in a foreign language. It makes more sense to me, personally, to have them separate. I speak 2 languages and understand the basics of a few others, and I couldn’t forge a passport.
• All PC casters get 2 additional cantrips/orisons. (Memorized casters have 2 additional 0-level slots. Spontaneous casters begin knowing 2 additional 0-level spells.) These are such dinky spells anyway that it won’t unbalance anything and it’s more fun to have more access to them.
• At 1st level, all characters receive 3 extra skill points to represent background experience, training, and hobbies. Skills are not game breaking to have too many, but it can make things boring to have too few.
• A PC cannot be taken from conscious to dead in a single hit. Anytime a PC takes damage that drops him into negative hit points, no matter how far (yes, even -100), he simply falls unconscious at a -1. This will not apply if/when a monster confirms a crit with a natural 20, if that should ever happen, though highly unlikely. At that point, you were supposed to die. (This game isn’t about death, it is about life and overcoming death.)
• When it comes time to sell items and loot, characters will not be guaranteed half of the book’s listed value. You will make an Appraise check to see if you have any idea how much something is worth. A merchant will then make you an offer based upon his want/need for the item, which you may accept or reject based upon your own valuation. Because this makes an otherwise useless skill (Appraise) relevant and it encourages you to develop relationships with merchants you feel treat you fairly. Feel free to get creative though – there’s more than one way to figure out what something is worth, in-game.
o Any character that has reached what that race considers to be “middle aged” (per p.168 in the CRB) gets +2 appraise to start out. (+4 to “Old” and +6 to “venerable”)
• If a character seeks to multiclass into a new class or to take on a prestige class, he must seek out a trainer. There will be time and cost involved. This is not to discourage multiclassing and prestige classes at all. It just makes these things more of a realistic change in career. A ranger, for example, would need someone to show him how to use arcane magic before he could multiclass into wizard. And chances are that person won’t do it for free. I am also okay with someone RPing out a multiclass with someone in the party as a template, but it needs to be cleared with me, and it needs to be somewhat of an extensive process. (ie, the character watching as so and so picks a lock, etc).
Welcome back Rynjin and thanks for the submission.
If you felt like you had a good understanding of a Gunslinger, I would let you go with that and not have a problem with that. The story wouldn't modify itself to be a western, so if you are okay with it not being that I am fine with that choice.
Ps, your questions are showing up because you ended the code with "ooc" instead of spoiler. Not a big deal for me, just pointing that out in case you care.
Okay, so I have another question now:
"We are going to RP out any “bluffs,” “intimidates,” or “diplomacy” attempts (in non-combat). You will tell me that you are attempting to bluff, intimidate, be diplomatic, etc. You will then roleplay your attempt using words, logic, debate tactics, whatever. Based on our exchange, I will set a DC in my head that you need to meet. I’ll ask you to roll a d20, then you will apply your charisma ability score modifier (the +2, -1, or whatever it is) and that will also factor into your die roll. You may attempt to use a logic based attempt to above average intelligence creatures, and use your INT and/or WIS modifier(s) to influence said creatures. (GM discretion on what “kind” of argument you made, and which modifiers to use based on your position and the situation)"
Does that mean the Bluff/Diplomacy/Intimidate will not be used for this game? I'd like to know that before I waste ranks in any of them (well assuming there are ranks to waste =p).
Welcome back Rynjin and thanks for the submission.
** spoiler omitted **
Alrighty then. I've never actually played a Gunslinger either, so it may be better saved for another game, especially since you clarified a question I forgot to ask (basically, will Advanced Firearms be available).
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Game on, Allie thinks silently to herself as she approaches the tavern entrance. She takesa moment to adjust her bodice and its contents, then puts on her best vapid smile and saunters inside.
She scans then room for a likely mark, and sizes up a few possibilities. Not wanting to come on too strong, she moves to the bar, let her hips sway just enough to draw attention to her presence, but (hopefully) not so much to be taken for a streetwalker.
"Excuse me, sir,"she says to the barkeep. "Have you seen a strapping young fellow, well-dressed and of noble-bearing come in today?"
She pulls out an opened letter, a broken wax seal visible at the edges, and begins reading it silently.
"Yes, this is the place he mentioned..." she mutters to herself. Looking up at the barkeep with an innocent inquisitiveness, she asks "do you know Lord Redfish?"
Orion walks over and offers his hand. "I always like a lady in distress. They get so cute when they need something. You're looking for a lord redfish? I don't know him, but I kind of wish that was MY name, right now. Why don't we go meet my friends and see if any of them know of a redfish, or if not, maybe we can just get some drinks. I hear the owner has some really good merchandise here," he says with a wink and a calm hand on her shoulder.
If she doesn't object he escorts her to the group currently chatting away about holy nether regions.
Okay, so I have another question now:
"We are going to RP out any “bluffs,” “intimidates,” or “diplomacy” attempts (in non-combat). You will tell me that you are attempting to bluff, intimidate, be diplomatic, etc. You will then roleplay your attempt using words, logic, debate tactics, whatever. Based on our exchange, I will set a DC in my head that you need to meet. I’ll ask you to roll a d20, then you will apply your charisma ability score modifier (the +2, -1, or whatever it is) and that will also factor into your die roll. You may attempt to use a logic based attempt to above average intelligence creatures, and use your INT and/or WIS modifier(s) to influence said creatures. (GM discretion on what “kind” of argument you made, and which modifiers to use based on your position and the situation)"
Does that mean the Bluff/Diplomacy/Intimidate will not be used for this game? I'd like to know that before I waste ranks in any of them (well assuming there are ranks to waste =p).
No, they will still be used, and not necessarily a waste. Bluff still works as bluff. Intimidate works the same. Diplomacy would add into the mix. What I am trying to prevent against here, is the one Diplo nerd that speaks for everyone, and everyone just stands around looking at the one person. There are times when only one is expected to speak for the group, walking into a high court and being introduced to the king, for example (and that is where the diplo nerd comes into play i think.) But there are other situations where a few sage one liners from the wizard can help the negotiation along quite nicely, even though he has no idea about diplomacy or tact.
I am probably making it sound more complex than it is. I just don't want everyone standing around and watching the cleric speak when the orcs come calling. Sometimes a little magic display from the wizard that knows they don't like fire can come in handy.
Gotcher.
I guess I am trying to make diplomacy less of a "dice rolling" mechanism, (oh you rolled a 1, so no matter how logical your argument is - you're screwed.)
I would like to portray rational "things" as rational. That is the other thing, the gods help you if you come across a creature of super high level intelligence. As a gm I don't get to rp as much as you all, so I even play monsters as they should be played, and get into the logic (or sometimes non-logic, as it were) if their thoughts and actions.
Allie blushes as the handsome stranger proffers his arm.
"My thanks, sir,"she says with a shy smile. "I must confess, I'm disappointed you're not Lord Redfish, as well."
She rises and follows him to the crowded table.
"Sorry, where are my manners. My name is Alphonse Richard James Eduardo Veritas, but you can just call me Alphonse. Or just Al, if you like, I'm not too picky."
Right after I decided not to submit a charavter because I hate typing out wonderful(/long)!posts out without an actual computer keyboad, wonderful looking houserules make me want to reconsider! >.<
Wren smiles again at the polite Travis.
"Oh no, that's fine, dearie. You go with your drinking buddies. I saw someone that I thought I knew," Wren responds politely, rising from her table to greet the new(old)comer.
"Excuse me, Alphonse? Do I...do I know you?" Wren asks, giving him full measure of both her smile and colorful feathered 'armor'. "You seem so familiar."
Alphonse rises with her, and gives her a light kiss on the back of the hand.
"I don't believe we've met, and I surely would have remembered a woman as fetching as you." he says, giving her his best smile.
"Your clothing is very interesting. You collect feathers, I take it?"
Wren frowns at Alphonse's reply.
"That wasn't you back in Kaer Maga? In the White Lady?" Wren asks, crestfallen. "Are you...sure...?"
Wren sighs, then seeks to explain.
"Surely you're familiar with the twice-born courtesans of the White Lady? Well, about 40 years back I was....blahblahblah...3 stiffs, or as they are called by management 'zombies,'...blahblahblah...massive open org-...blahblahblah...one man who's eyes I stared deeply into...blahblahblah...there was a moment that night...blahblahblah...when I was sandwiched between the two ulfen dwarves...blahblahblah...garundi tribesmen, where I thought, "Wow, I could really spend the rest of my life with this man."
Wren deflects back to her armor.
"Oh...these are Plume's contributions to my arcane arts. I'm so glad you like it," Wren preens. "What brings you here? Are you here for the adventure? I was told adventure could be found here."
I'm very interested in this! A question on the homebrew rules regarding multiclassing and PRCs, I like the trainer idea as it is silly for a dwarf armor master fighter to be a caster all of a sudden, but would you need to seek out a trainer for a natural progression for you class? I.E. my submission will be a rogue, and while not certain, I was contemplating taking assassin at a much higher level, 10+.
Travis takes Wren's departure in stride in merely mutters under his breath softly, "Typical." He checks his breath to make sure it isn't offensive, so it's unsure whether his comment is directed at himself for being unlikable or Wren for being birdbrained.
He sighs as Orion and Ali pair off and Wren does the same with Alphonse... he stares into his drink a long moment and downs the remainder in a swift gulp, wincing sightly as he does so. His masters had warned him of the dangers of strong drink, but he rarely seemed to take their better advice since his wife died.
When Orion brings Ali over to the table, he gives his best half smile, trying to look friendly. "Hello," he says, nodding to Ali. He opens his mouth for a moment as if to say more to Ali, then waves the bartender over and orders another drink. He seems thinks better of it and simply says, "Why don't you just leave the bottle, eh?"
"Hiya!" Allie replies to the unusual-looking fellow at the table, giving him a warm, engaging smile. "My name is Elsie. I've just met your friend...uh...oh..I'm sorry..what's your name?" she says, looking back to her escort. She blushes, as if embarassed at her own social ineptitude.
"Um..anyway...it's so nice of you both to be so sweet, and keep me company. I was supposed to meet someone, but he doesn't seem to be coming," she says, wearing a pouty, dejected expression.
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"In your dreams Orion!," Shilyn replies to his comment regarding handcuffs. "At least keep me out of those dreams! You snore too much."
She listens to Orion speak until two burly guys come to clear her previous table. Without a word, she turns and walks quickly back to the still sleeping man and deftly lifts his coin purse. "Hey, it's only fair. Call it payment for damages rendered," she says pointing to her bruised eye, as she turns back to Orion, only to see him walking off towards another table occupied by a woman. "Hey! Watch this guy," she yells across the room while pointing at Orion's back. "He's all sweet talk and no commitment!" She lets out a soft giggle as she orders a glass of wine and finds a chair with the others.
"Hi, Elsie.. I'm Travis." He looks to Orion for his response to the question, as he hadn't yet heard the fellow's name either. He had thought the half-elf had called him Orion, but he wasn't sure. That was the name of the tavern and he might have misheard.
Remembering his manners, he speaks softly, but just loud enough to be heard in the busy tavern. "I'm sorry your friend isn't here, but maybe not so sorry, as otherwise, we might not have had a chance to meet." He manages his best toothless half-smile, trying hard not to show the sharp teeth that reveal a bit of his heritage.
"It seems there are a lot of travelers in town tonight. I, myself, am most recently from Varisia... You don't have the look of a local here... so where might you be from, Elsie? If you don't mind me asking, that is."