GM Phntm888's Rise of the Runelords Campaign

Game Master Phntm888

I completely missed that. Sorry about that. Now I see it. You're good.

Thank you for switching the background skill. There might be an obvious suggestion appearing sometime in book 1...

My concern was mainly a lack of focus. I've seen it happen, and the player ended up not enjoying the game as much. As a firm believer in Rule 0, I want everyone to have fun.

Something to maybe work into your backstory: there is a Thassilonian scholar in Sandpoint named Brodert Quink. Has Leanor heard of him? Has she possibly met him? If so, what does she think of his crackpot theory that the Old Light in Sandpoint was not a lighthouse, but a weapon used to hurl flames great distances?

On the Background Skill: Excellent! I shall most certainly keep that in mind.

Oh, she doesn't have a lack of focus, per se, and after several years I can attest that it'll take a lot to make me dislike a given concept. She's very much the mad/eccentric scholar people that often joke about going crazy and beating people to death with books. I mean, she does. That's literally her thing. The VMC Magus just means her teeny book turns into a monstrous beatstick enchanted with ice, fire, lightning, acid, holy, axiomatic, and/or bane as necessary. Sometimes she might want to do that to you while you're flatfooted, too. Or after a swift-action Haste.

Magus Arcana, people. They do magical things, pun not intended. [Bah. I might have to stick with VMC just because of how silly it all is...]

That aside: Quink, huh? It's certainly possible. She's somewhat obsessive over the topic and sees it as her divine mission to document everything she can about the old kingdoms, so I can't see why she wouldn't have met him before. She's certainly been to Sandpoint at least once or twice in her time, so dropping by to visit a fellow scholar would definitely be on her to-do list. It's actually possible Quink could be familiar with her as-yet-unnamed father, but that's neither here nor there.

As for the Old Light, that's a topic she would humour, in the same way you might agree with someone so as to not start an argument. Theoretically working out how such a device might have worked, was powered, or could be maintained would keep her entertained for hours. But...don't actually put her in the crackpot den. Not until there's blueprints or archaeological evidence abound.

Just remember that a minimum +1 enhancement bonus is required for special abilities for both arcane pool and sacred weapon, and that you cannot exceed a total enhancement bonus of +10 including special abilities.

I like the stance on Quink. Everything looks good.

I thought as much. You have some time with the corrections, no worries.

Regarding enhancements: of course. I'm of an opinion that Leanor would use end up using her arcana for 'everyday dangers'. Sacred Weapon is for when you need to bludgeon that one thing in particular. As previously stated, I'm happy to drop Magus if it would better fit party composition.

Anyway, many thanks for your consideration! If there's anything else I can help with, please do let me know.

This is Orannis' character. I know you said we didn't need to make an alias, but I had one lying around with just a couple posts on it and it'll be easier for me to keep track of here.

She's mostly done, crunch-wise: I still have to buy gear and I haven't totally settled on Reactionary as my third trait yet, but other than that what you see is likely what will be going into play.

I finally mapped out a build for her that I like though, she'll be FAR from optimized (which is never really a benchmark for me, but I've played with groups that have accused me of "ruining their game" buy not bringing something optimized to the hilt to the table). Fortunately, the game doesn't demand much from 2-handed fighters to be effective.

Her fluff is basically done, but is currently notes in a physical notebook and will take a sit-down at home for me to transcribe.

A capsule background, to give you a feel for who she is:

Child of a popular Riddleport bard and a respected Shadde-Quah warrior who met through their mutual devotion to Desna. Her existence was tolerated as an "open secret" along the cultural divide due to both her parents good standing. Once they both perished during a large street-brawl in Riddleport, however, both of her extended families couldn't wait to get rid of her.

Her father's successful music career yielded a fair savings, and that money was used to ship her off elsewhere in Varisia and to pay for an education of her choosing. Lacking her father's talent or charisma, but possessing at least some of her mother's warrior stature, she chose Kaer Maga and an apprenticeship under a talented, if unorthodox, mercenary.

I literally just told somebody his concept was too optimized for the game. Your concept not being optimized is not a problem.

I'll look over the full backstory once it's up.

You need to pick your background skills.

Did your Favored Class Bonus go to Skill Point?

I don't give ethnic languages for free. You'll need to put points in Linguistics to acquire those. Had I realized that was something other GMs did before submissions started pouring in, I might have reconsidered, but as is, I am not doing so.

Everything else so far is good.

So, looking over your character again, I think you may be missing a class skill. Your trained skill list seems to be:

Background: Profession (Guard/Mercenary), Linguistics
Class: Knowledge (arcana), Perception, Acrobatics.

It looks like you should have one more trained class skill. Let me know if I just missed it or not.

I was looking over your sheet again, and I noticed you have "+0 Cha" next to your Handle Animal skill. It should be -1, since your Charisma is 8.

Since you aren't trained in Intimidate, please don't list it among your skills.

I'm finally getting to read through your updated backstory. Just a quick detail I've noticed.

Prior to the Late Unpleasantness, the Sheriff was a man known as Casp Avertin. He was one of Chopper's final victims. Belor Hemlock was appointed Sheriff after he caught Chopper. Just a small change to suggest you make.

Something that occurred to me as I re-read your backstory: How does Tanrov get along with Belor Hemlock, the sheriff, and Garridan Viskalai, the proprietor of the White Deer? Both are Shoanti, although Belor seems to have embraced the trappings of civilization. How does Tanrov feel about this?

Cerenity
Female azata-blooded aasimar (musetouched) bard (lotus geisha) 1 (Pathfinder Player Companion: Blood of Angels 22, Pathfinder Player Companion: Dragon Empires Primer, Pathfinder RPG Bestiary 7)
CG Medium outsider (native)
Init +3; Senses darkvision 60 ft.; Perception +4
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Defense
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AC 17, touch 13, flat-footed 14 (+4 armor, +3 Dex)
hp 10 (1d8+2)
Fort +1, Ref +5, Will +2
Resist acid 5, cold 5, electricity 5
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Offense
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Speed 30 ft.
Melee dagger +0 (1d4/19-20) or
. . fighting fan +0 (1d4/×3)
Ranged shortbow +3 (1d6/×3)
Special Attacks bardic performance 9 rounds/day (countersong, distraction, fascinate [DC 15], inspire courage +1)
Bard (Lotus Geisha) Spells Known (CL 1st; concentration +6)
. . 1st (3/day)—adoration[UC], charm person (DC 18)
. . 0 (at will)—daze (DC 16), lullaby (DC 16), prestidigitation, unwitting ally[APG] (DC 16)
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Statistics
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Str 10, Dex 16, Con 12, Int 12, Wis 11, Cha 20
Base Atk +0; CMB +0; CMD 13
Feats Lingering Performance[APG], Spell Focus (enchantment)
Traits altruistic diplomat, eager performer, innocent
Skills Acrobatics +5, Bluff +9, Diplomacy +13, Linguistics +5, Perception +4, Perform (dance) +12, Perform (sing) +11, Stealth +5, Use Magic Device +9; Racial Modifiers +2 Diplomacy, +2 Perform (dance), +2 Perform (sing)
Languages Celestial, Common, Draconic, Elven
Other Gear chain shirt, arrows (20), dagger, fighting fan[UC], shortbow, belt pouch, fishhook (2), flint and steel, masterwork backpack[APG], sewing needle, signal whistle, 6 sp, 6 cp
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Special Abilities
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Bardic Performance (standard action, 9 rounds/day) Your performances can create magical effects.
Darkvision (60 feet) You can see in the dark (black and white only).
Energy Resistance, Acid (5) You have the specified Energy Resistance against Acid attacks.
Energy Resistance, Cold (5) You have the specified Energy Resistance against Cold attacks.
Energy Resistance, Electricity (5) You have the specified Energy Resistance against Electricity attacks.
Lingering Performance Bardic Performances last 2 rds after you stop concentrating.
Spell Focus (Enchantment) Spells from one school of magic have +1 to their save DC.
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Shes been to quite the few places. But she was considered a child. Only now is she really starting to come into her role as part of the troupe (level 1 after all). Both her folks are there. But since she ages much slower, they are retired and have taken more of a supervising/admin kind of role in the troupe. Yes. She is there with her troupe. Exploring Sandpoint on her own. Shes been there before, but as previously mentioned, deemed too young to do things all by her own just yet. So shes enjoying her new found freedom

Quick summery:
Born on the rolling plains

Both her parents are still alive, she has no siblings

Due to her unique racial traits, she was deemed a blessing on her birth

Both her folks are part of her travelling troupe

At an early age she won a dancing competition, and so became more involved in that aspect of the troupe and the shows

One of her early childhood romances inspired her to great things, even to enter the above mentioned competition, its been ages, but every now and then she thinks of this special person, and what they did for her

Some moral subject that affected her life, in a good way, if you had to ask, and if she answered, one of her first shows, she seduced one of the local lesser nobles, and it profited the troupe in quite a monetary way, no guilt what so ever from her side though. If you can get something to work for you, and both parties left smiling, why not?

Speaking of relationships, she has had quite a few in her long life, none serious or in any form consequential, except for the one that helped her on her path to become who she is today

Done! I added just a "Racial Modifiers" section there now, so we don't forget.

He has a shrine on Church street the approach to the Temple, which he takes advantage of to read passages from Pharasmas Holy Book The Bones Land in a Spiral and preach to the people attending services. He tries to show them how important the Lady of Graves is to all and how she should have been included in the new temple.

He was able to obtain his shrine when he was advised by Garridan Viskalai of the house without an owner one door up from the White Deer. This was an attempt by the Shriikirri-Quah (Hawk Clan) to get on the good side of a member of the enigmatic Skoan-Quah (Skull Clan) member. For the opportunity to not only be near the Church but the Towns graveyard Tanrov is grateful to Garridan, going as far to ignore his civilised lifestyle and spend time at the White Deer telling tales and reminding Garridan of the Shoanti ways.

Tanrov was able to lease the house from the town council, the previous occupiers having left town. Tanrov tries to keep away from the town sheriff Belor Vishkalai (He refuses to not use his Shoanti name) as he does not want to have an outburst at the former Shoanti and thus risk his shrine or his ability to preach to the town faithful.

Nixim Suneater
Male Gnome; Small Humanoid ( Gnome )
Barbarian1
Hit Dice:
(1d12)+2
Hit Points: 14
Initiative: +1
Speed: Walk 20 ft.
AC: 17 (touch 12, flatfooted 16)
Attacks:
*Lucerne Hammer (Small) (two handed) +3;
Damage:
*Lucerne Hammer (Small) (two handed) 1d10+1;
Vision: Low-Light Vision
Face / Reach: 5 ft. / 5 ft.
Special Qualities: Defensive Training, Fast Movement, Gnome Magic, Hatred, Illusion Resistance, Keen Senses, Low-Light Vision, Obsessive, Rage, Weapon Familiarity
Saves: Fortitude: +4, Reflex: +1, Will: -1
Abilities: STR 12 (+1), DEX 12 (+1), CON 14 (+2), INT 10 (+0), WIS 8 (-1), CHA 19 (+4)

Feats: Spell Focus (Illusion)
Alignment: CN
Possessions: Lucerne Hammer (Small); Scale Mail (Small);

Nixim Suneater is a gnome on a mission to prove himself. Though others may not see it, this gnome is destined for greatness...to become a god!
As a youth, Nixim was bullied and taunted for his eccentric ways. He thought he was persecuted unjustly, and thought little of himself. Perhaps as a defense of the mind against lower self-esteem and depression, he began to think that perhaps instead of being nothing, like others thought, he was something spectacular. Now, he exhibits grossly exaggerated beliefs of self-worth, power, knowledge, identity, and an exceptional relationship with the divine.

Nixim feels that as he performs heroic acts...if he proves himself...his powers will increase, until eventually he will take his place in the heavens where he belongs: as a god.

It has even been revealed to Nixim the domains he would possess...Void and Madness. He worships not only the vast emptiness of space, but the sinister and alien powers that reside therein. He embraces the madness that lurks deep in his heart, and would unleash it to drive his foes insane.

Nixim now prepares to take the Test of the Starstone, where he will follow Aroden, Norgorber, Cayden Cailien, and Iomedae into the heavens. One large question looms: Is he insane, or right?

Nixim is an eccentric fellow now past his prime. With a bald head, white mustaches and beard, he also sports multiple ear-piercings in each ear. He wears a perpetual scowl, unless someone compliments him or recognizes his worth, in which case he becomes unusually happy.

Nixim has a grossly exaggerated beliefs of self-worth, power, knowledge, identity, and his relationship to the divine. He will attempt to befriend any note-worthy or famous individuals, considering them his peers. He feels he should be treated like royalty. He has a very high sense of self-esteem.

Mountain Standard (Utah). Another note about me...I've been a very consistent poster over the last several years with over 12,500 posts here. I'll be a consistent player, posting weekdays for sure and at least once on the weekend.

Karrick Tarro is an orc who came on a raid from the Hold of Belkzen when he was far to young to be of any use in it. He had simply been caught up in the moment and ended up here in Varisia. Getting lost from the raiding party, Karrick ended up fending for himself in the wilds of Varisia.

Eventually, he encountered a settlement, so small as to have no name. He ventured in and eventually found work for a small amount of food and a place to sleep, after braving the small amounts of abuse and fear the towns folk had for him. This arrangement went on with various people in the town, who needed his strength but who were not quite comfortable with the orc.

After a year in the hamlet, Karrick was out side of town felling trees for the local cooper. He heard shrill voices coming from the edge of the forest, maybe a hundred feet away. Grabbing his ax and going to investigate, Karrick found a small group of goblins, maybe 10 in all. Crying out and yelling to raise the alarm, Karrick started back to the hamlet at a run, wanting to get everyone safe inside the buildings.

At the edge of the town, Karrick looked back and saw the goblins about half way from the forest to the town, and he turned around now that the alarm was raised. He braced himself and prepared to do what he could to slow the marauders. Gripping his ax, Karrick moved towards the goblins and began to fight as best he could, though it was not pretty.

After a series of exchanges, Karrick managed to slay a goblin, though was quite injured in the process. Turning he saw the others had managed to set fire to the few buildings in the hamlet, though the townsfolk had made it off down the road.

With arms filled with loot, the remaining goblins came out from the burning buildings and saw Karrick standing over the body of their slain comrade. Dropping their goods, they pulled their weapons and rushed him. Karrick ran, trying to get to the road and go the opposite way of the townsfolk, wanting to lead the goblins away before he died. Before he made it vary far, they cut him off and so he fought. After bringing a second goblin down, the others over powered him and he sunk to his knees beginning to topple over. As he blacked out he could hear the cries of men entering battle, the twang of arrows and the beat of hooves.

Upon waking, Karrick was in the company of three men beside a fire. Their cloaks and clothing flecked with blood and their mounts tied up a dozen feet away. Upon the mens cloaks a bow an arrow was emblazoned.

Noting he was awake, one of the men turned to him, "I am Carl, my companions are Eric and Joshua. We would like to hear the story of the orc who protects a hamlet of humans"

Clearing his throat, Karrick recites his story, being given food and water while he does so. Upon completion of the story, Carl speaks again,

"Given what you've told us, we should move on soon, to get to the townsfolk you say got away. After that, I would like you to come with us, you are a good fit for the ways of Old Deadeye"

Over the next week, Karrick had Carl explain more of Erastil, and decided he liked it. Under Carl's tutelage, Karrick grew stronger and more competent, though he still favored the axe over the bow.

After a few years under Carl's tutelage, Karrick ventured out on his own to see the construction of new cathedral in Sandpoint and lived there for a few years making the town his home. He is now very excited to see it in its completed state...

Male Guide Ranger (Worshipper of Erastil)
LG Medium Humanoid (Orc) 
Init +4; Senses Darkvision 60, Perception -1 
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Defense 
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AC 18, Touch 16, Flat-footed 12 (+6 Armor, +2 Dex) 
hp 12(1d10+2) 
Fort +5, Ref +4, Will +1
Defensive Abilities Ferocity
Weaknesses none
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Offense 
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Speed 30 ft. (20ft in armor)
Melee  Greataxe +4 (1d12+4 /x3) or Dagger +4 (1d4+3 19-20/x2) or Light Flail +4(1d8+3 /x2)
Ranged  Longbow +3 (1d8+3 /x3) or dagger +3 (1d4+3 19-20/x2)
Special Attacks none

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Statistics 
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Str 16, Dex 14, Con 14, Int 10, Wis 13, Cha 7 
Base Atk +1; CMB +4; CMD 16 
Feats  Power Attack
Traits  Student of Faith, Reactionary(+2 initiative), Life of Toil (+1 Fort)
Skills(7 Ranks, ACP-6)  Climb 7 (1 rank), Knowledge (Dungeoneering) +4 (1 ranks), Knowledge(History) +1 (1 BG skill rank), Knowledge (Nature) +4 (1 ranks), Knowledge (Religion) +1 (1 ranks), Linguistcs +1 (1 BG skill rank) Perception +5 (1 ranks), Stealth +6 (1 ranks), Survival +5 (1 ranks) 
Languages Common, Orc, Varisian
SQ Ferocity, Weapon Familiarity (Greataxes/Falchions/Orc weapons), Dayrunner, Track, Wild Empathy, Ranger's Focus
Combat Gear Great Axe[12 lbs], Longbow[3 lbs], 40 arrows[6 lbs], dagger x 5 [5 lbs], Light Flail, chainmail [40 lb]
 Other Gear 1Rangers Kit(includes a backpack, a bedroll, a belt pouch, a flint and steel, iron pot, mess kit, rope, torches (10), trail rations (5 days), and a waterskin)[28 lbs], silver holy symbol 1 gp

Appearance

Karrick is about average Orc around 18 years old with darker green skin, standing 6'3 and weighing 265 lbs. He is well built and muscular, though edging toward the looking lean instead of over built.

Karrick as scars on his hands, arms, chest, face, back and legs from both growing up in the rough atmosphere Orc tribes are and from the common labour he did to support himself after he left.

Personality

Karrick is quiet, as others usually seem wary of him and he wants them to have their peace and comfort. He is always willing to help others, though they may not always want his help. He is not good with words and says the wrong thing, or is ignorant of local customs more often than he would like.

Karrick also takes his faith very seriously, and is an ardent supporter of Erastil. He will try to defend the faith and faithful as best he can, as well as the rest of the community of Sandpoint, for while they may not all like him he sees them all as worthy of his protection, and so that he can start to make up for all the wrong his race has done to others.

I am north american central time, and can generally post both morning and evenings. I am currently in university so there will be times when I can not post for a day or two, but that is usually as long of a break I will need.

Okay, there is a bunch more information I need before I can make a good evaluation of your character. I need to know your skills, background skills, where your Favored Class Bonus is going, and why you're taking Spell Focus as your level 1 feat and Barbarian as your class. I get that a Rage prophet is somewhat unoptimized, but it feels like you're shooting yourself in the foot intentionally. Honestly, since you said you wanted to go mostly Oracle, and with how you assigned your stats, you might be better off taking Oracle for the first level.

As far as the brief background you gave, I highly suggest reworking it. I played a game where a guy created a Wizard who believed he was a god, and he said it was incredibly hard playing him that way while simultaneously not upsetting other party members. A character with that kind of personality does not make for a good team player, and that could count against you in determining who gets in. I also need to know why he would have come to Sandpoint for the Swallowtail Festival.

As long as you don't publicly disagree with me when I make a ruling, you being a GM isn't a problem. If you send me a PM, I'll be happy to talk a disagreement over with you.

I would count Ranger's Focus as a Special Attack, since that's what it modifies.

Did your Favored Class Bonus go into skills?

Ranged attacks should both be +1, not +3, because of the penalty from Dayrunner.

I do want to warn you that playing a full-blooded Orc will result in some people reacting negatively to you out of principle, regardless of the fact you worship Erastil. If you get in, I don't want you to feel I'm singling you out for no reason. It is people reacting to a savage Orc in their midst. Since he's lived in Sandpoint for a time they might not react so negatively, but others could.

How long has he lived in Sandpoint? Since he went there for the construction of the new Sandpoint Cathedral, it's obviously after the Late Unpleasantness, but I'd like to know more about his time there. In particular, I'd like to know how he won over the town's citizens, and how he gets along with an Elven ranger who lives in the area around the town protecting it from Goblins - Shalelu Andosana.

Did your Favored Class Bonus go to Skill Points?

Did Noirin grow up in Magnimar or Sandpoint? Either way, I'd like to know what her relationship is with her cousins Kendra and Gaven, the mayor of Sandpoint and one of the owners of the Two Knights Brewery, respectively. If she grew up in Magnimar, how long has she been in Sandpoint? Is she arriving just in time for the Swallowtail Festival, or has she been there for a while?

Did your Favored Class Bonus go to Skill Points?

Yes it did. I forgot to mention that.

Did Noirin grow up in Magnimar or Sandpoint? Either way, I'd like to know what her relationship is with her cousins Kendra and Gaven, the mayor of Sandpoint and one of the owners of the Two Knights Brewery, respectively. If she grew up in Magnimar, how long has she been in Sandpoint? Is she arriving just in time for the Swallowtail Festival, or has she been there for a while?

This was one of the things that I wanted to expand upon. I envisioned Noirin as having spent some time travelling around and visiting Sandpoint several times in the past, since her family has quite a bit of influence in the town. Prior to the start of the game, she would have arrived several days ahead of the Swallowtail Festival, looking to help her cousins set it up, deliver ale kegs, whatever might help her to get a leg up in starting her own business.

If it would help mesh with some ideas of yours, I can alter the relationships that she has with Kendra and Gaven, depending on how you want the story to play out. I haven't played Runelords before so I have no idea the impact the relationships would have.