Greed of the Runelords (Inactive)

Game Master mittean

Welcome to the discussion, and welcome to the campaign. :) I hope to entertain your with an interesting story. :)

So far I have invited two players of the four I am planning. I don't want to go over four on pbp (even though I've handled campaigns with over a dozen players in person), as the speed will be significantly slowed down. I may consider more, but we'll see.

Welcome Hawkes and Alexander. Get to know each other a little, and we'll go over some of the house rules I am going to run with.

Awesome! Can't wait to start and see who else we have. Of course the greatest actor of our generation, turned adventurer, is ready and willing to give his all and make sure nothing will stand in the way of our greatness! Let us not forget we will be doing it all for the greater good as well, for without our fans.. the oppressed, weak, and victimized, we are nothing more than pompous airbags trying to play the role of what one would call....heroes.

With that, I extend a hand of friendship to you Sir Hawkes, and may our campaign be both full of fun and wonder!

Also thanks to you Mittean for running this campaign!

Finally, Happy Holidays to all!

Ok, so I know the DM IRL. He asked me to share a little about the real me and to invite everyone else to do the same if they're comfortable with it. Partially because he wants everyone to have an idea of who they're actually gaming with, and partially because he wants to avoid social faux pas like dropping a chauvinistic comment and then discovering that one of us is a woman or another scenario like that. So, I'm a twenty-two year old male living in Utah (NOT an RM), studying music education and composition at college. I'll only get offended by crass comments if someone actually means them. Kidding won't bother me. I've known Mittean for a little over two years now, and he's the second-best DM I've gamed with out of five DMs and four-and-a-half years of gaming.

I hope everyone is having an awesome holiday season! May our enemies be challenging and our victories sweet!

Thanks, Jack. My name is Brian, and I consider myself to be the second-best DM. I've a mate named Mike who is truly enthralling.

I live in Utah as well, I'm 34, married with two five year old girls and the hottest wife you've ever seen, lol. I own two businesses, one a film production company, the other a publishing company, specializing (naturally) in PF compatible adventures and addons.

I'm a producer most of the time, with some writing and directing when needed.

I have never DM'd a pbp, so I'm interested to see if my style will translate. I like real-world, gritty, noir. I don't like mello-drama. If you feel like your character should be on Telemundo, re-write their dialogue. :)

Less is more. :)

We'll get into my house rules a little more, and Satinder will help to make sure everyone understands the differences I've put in for flavor.

Also, do not be afraid to run away. I do build encounters on occaion, that if you fight, you will all die gruesome, awesome deaths. Sometimes heros flee, it makes for good drama. If you haven't caught on to my subtle hints, I may drop a big one, or I may just let you die in honor. :)

As for me, My name is James, I am 28 , married with a 3 year old daughter. I was doing commercial fishing but now I am completing my software engineering degree. I am from Cincinnati, and I have been gaming for about 16 years lol. Though we used to just roleplay with house rules only, under a system my best friend devised. Mostly everything was loose and we just roleplayed everything. I started playing 3.0 and 3.5 in like 2001 - 2002 I believe. I have also played gurps. I am pretty easy going, and will adjust if my character concept makes someone feel uncomfortable or just plain irritates them. I like the game to be fun for everyone involved.

Pleasure, James.

We should have a few more joining us soon.

I am also willing to take ideas, advice, etc. If you all feel that something I'm doing, story-wise, or rule wise, or DMing style, I'm willing to consider alternatives. I do not get offended when someone speaks their truth, as long as it is done in a respectful manner.

Hello everyone,

Thanks for letting me in on this. As I mentioned in a previous post I have played in Raise of the runlords before but only joined in after the group was on book 4(I think) so I missed all the fun stuff that we will be doing now. I will do my best not to spoil the ending.

My name is Bryan, I'm 26 and I live in a suburb of Chicago. I am currently unemployed but looking like crazy. I have a Bachalors of Science degree in Mathematics.

I have been gaming for over a decade and most of my time has been spent on Pathfinder. I've also played D&D 3.0, 3.5, 2.0, 4.0, and a little system called Arduin(not many know it but its the best system ever next to Pathfinder of course). I've also played in several of my friends own creations.

Now on to more relevent things lol. Oh great and wise DM I think you're a little confused. I'm not a two weapon fighter at the moment but if you would prefer for me to go down that path instead of the two handed fighter build I have, I'd be more than willing to make that change, though I would need new weapons. Let me know if you want me to rework anything, I'm more than flexible.

Good to meet you, Bryan, and good luck on the job hunting.

I must have been confused, yeah. If you are a two-handed fighter, that's perfect. I love the reach weapon.

Jack (Satinder) and I are going to get on later, likely, and go over the characters to make sure the creation rules are the same for everyone, and I'll go over any questions you guys have.

Which brings me to...do you guys have any questions so far?

Also, I'd like to start fleshing the backgrounds of the group together so it's not "hello, I know you not, we'll adventure together forever now"

And then there was one...

Hi, I'm Rich and I'm a gamer. I'm 38 (which I'm pretty sure makes me the geezer of the group) and I'm an interpreter for the Air Force, currently living in Virginia. I'm a Russian Interpreter, but I'm currently studying Azerbaijani (the bastard child of Turkish and Russian).

I've been playing RPGs since 1980, though I've logged more hours as a GM than as a player. Like I noted in the recruitment thread, I've run Rise of the Runelords for one group and I'm interested in seeing the story spun in a new way.

As far as character backgrounds, I noticed that Toban and Hezekiah both come from well-to-do Magnimar families, so that could be a common frame of reference, even as our educations ran down different tracks.

I was actually thinking the same thing. Three well-to-do, educated gentlemen. Rich families, a scholar, a relatively well known actor, and a detective, all possibly associated with the library of Magnimar. I dig it.

I totally thought you said "I'm wealthy, and I'm a gamer"...sorry Rich. :) I just face-palmed lmao.

Flaws

oh how far Toban has come lol. Went from being part of a rich socialite family in Magnimar to now working at the whore house in Sandpoint lol. He's also a member of the town guard so he can't really complain...well that and he gets "services" for free at the Pixie's Kitten.

If anyone wants a discount all you need to do is ask lol.

Sandpoint

What do you think about Toban being a friend of these guys from Magnimar, and sort of their local "contact" for fun.

That would be fine.

Take a look at the flaws. I like these much more than the UA flaws. I am going over Alexander's character right now.

I am so tempted to take the Arcane Performer one. I know it seems steep, but I'd only fail on a 3 or lower with perform act at level 1 with 1st level spells. What do you think Mittean? Drop Noncombatant or Vulnerable for Arcane Performer?

Quarter Elf might fit as well tbh.

is there a limit to how many we can take?

I know I want to take the Chilverous Courtesy flaw. and I'm considering the following:

Insomniac
Glory Hound
Gullable
Implacable
Pride of arms
Short attention span
Solitary paragon

I agree on both of those.

This is what I see on your character:

HP need to go to 31 (Constitution + Max Bard HD + 10) and you need to have XHP logged somewhere (I like this character sheet, I just can't see how to make that show...thoughts?) and you need 21 WP.

His saves are +2/+5/+5 (I do saves 4th edition style...Str or Con, Dex or Int, Wis or Cha bonuses).

You need to add my "action point system". I give you lots of opportunity to stay alive and have cinematic moments with these. There are four:
Destiny points: succeed. period.
Action points: +1d6 to any roll.
Hero points: +5 to any roll.
Luck point: Re-roll any roll.

I am willing to discuss special uses of all of these. I may also prompt if you want to spend one, to remind you.

1 DP/level
4+1/lvl AP
5 Hero/lvl
ChaMod + level + 1d6 Luck points per level (Bards and rogues get max of 6 on 1d6; they are lucky)

Flaws: CMD and CMB are affected by non-combatant if you choose to keep it.

CMD is 14, not +4

Longbow - mark it as medium size

Buckler type is shield

All knowledge skills need a misc +1 for bard ability.

I looked at charlatan (rogue), btw, and liked that concept with your actor character, just different crunch (I can't see him standing there doing Shakespeare to impress and inspire us. It's why I lean way away from bards.)

Your altered racial trait, I would suggest sociable or integrated, as they seem to fit concept more.

Write down all of your racial traits, not just the altered ones.

Pick two character traits from d20srd.com. Masterful demeaner (+3 Intim to non-humans) was nice looking, as it's Cheliax-based.

You gain a bonus feat (cleared through me, of course...make it flavorful).

Fool and frivolous performer were fun for flaws, as well.

list favored class, and what the bonus choice is.

List languages on sheet.

explain inventory and gp...500 gp starting?

you gain one bonus 1st level spell per day for Cha.

I was actually thinking the same thing. Three well-to-do, educated gentlemen. Rich families, a scholar, a relatively well known actor, and a detective, all possibly associated with the library of Magnimar. I dig it.

I totally thought you said "I'm wealthy, and I'm a gamer"...sorry Rich. :) I just face-palmed lmao.

Lol. Because everyone joins the Air Force for the fantastic stacks of cash.

I like the character ties. It makes Hezekiah something like a magically-inclined college-kid: well-off and possibly looking for a good time when he's not three books deep in esoteric lore. Hanging out with an actor, a detective, and a member of the watch should be great for getting into the very best kinds of trouble.

One other possible item for "equipment" - Cost of Living. It's mentioned under the "Gamemastering" tab on the PRD. I was thinking of average to give Hezekiah a small home of his own in Sandpoint. That also helps Hezekiah in establishing bona fides as a local rather than a well-heeled carpetbagger up from Magnimar.

1d6 ⇒ 5 for luck points and the character sheet should be up to date.

A quick glance at the flaw list drew me towards City Slicker, with DM approval,natch.

I agree on both of those.

This is what I see on your character:

HP need to go to 31 (Constitution + Max Bard HD + 10) and you need to have XHP logged somewhere (I like this character sheet, I just can't see how to make that show...thoughts?) and you need 21 WP.

His saves are +2/+5/+5 (I do saves 4th edition style...Str or Con, Dex or Int, Wis or Cha bonuses).

You need to add my "action point system". I give you lots of opportunity to stay alive and have cinematic moments with these. There are four:
Destiny points: succeed. period.
Action points: +1d6 to any roll.
Hero points: +5 to any roll.
Luck point: Re-roll any roll.

I am willing to discuss special uses of all of these. I may also prompt if you want to spend one, to remind you.

1 DP/level
4+1/lvl AP
5 Hero/lvl
ChaMod + level + 1d6 Luck points per level (Bards and rogues get max of 6 on 1d6; they are lucky)

Flaws: CMD and CMB are affected by non-combatant if you choose to keep it.

CMD is 14, not +4

Longbow - mark it as medium size

Buckler type is shield

All knowledge skills need a misc +1 for bard ability.

I looked at charlatan (rogue), btw, and liked that concept with your actor character, just different crunch (I can't see him standing there doing Shakespeare to impress and inspire us. It's why I lean way away from bards.)

Your altered racial trait, I would suggest sociable or integrated, as they seem to fit concept more.

Write down all of your racial traits, not just the altered ones.

Pick two character traits from d20srd.com. Masterful demeaner (+3 Intim to non-humans) was nice looking, as it's Cheliax-based.

You gain a bonus feat (cleared through me, of course...make it flavorful).

Fool and frivolous performer were fun for flaws, as well.

list favored class, and what the bonus choice is.

List languages on sheet.

explain inventory and gp...500 gp starting?

you gain one bonus 1st level spell per day for Cha.

I'll fix all of that.

Is the Child of Infamy a trait? I'll let them stack if they don't. Make sure that is listed as well, and you were right at 480, so perfect. :)

Thanks Alexander. :)

You guys go ahead and start tying to each other even more. Great job, so far. I'm liking the way you are already looking like a group of friends, almost a frat, lol.

I never thought I'd DM frat boys...

Toban, there is a limit to two flaws, gaining two extra feats. And two traits. :)

Rolling for luck points: 1d6 ⇒ 4

Sweet 2 more feats...now to narrow down the list of flaws to 2. Anyone have any input?

And pick my 2 feats...hmm what 2 should I pick...

I'll also update my profile with all the extra points.

My goal is to go through at least two of you tomorrow, so likely Toban and Hez, of course.

Jack and I have already gone through his, but I'll double check it as well, then we'll tackle the back stories.

For maps, what is the best thing you have seen to be able to do on pbp? I need to be able to create/and/or/utilize pre made maps, and put icons, etc, over them for characters, spells, etc.

I am actually working on developing software that will do that through my gaming company, but that will take a team of engineers at least a year from now...:(

if only I did more graphic type stuff in my computer programming...I could come work for you :P.

Oh and just a side mention: Hez the Tian twins you wanted are waiting for you up stairs. Oh and don't worry its on the house tonight, as a "I'm sorry" about the last time...I swear I didn't know she was a mimic in disguise.

Toban, step up and following step, to immediate action follow people, pressing the action as a fighter.

Hez, city slicker is built for druids and rangers, and doesn't penalize a wizards choices. :(

Toban, Glory-hound, grudge keeper, and implacable are all great flaws. Solitary paragon also goes with your desperate battler feat.

Toban, lmao @ the Tian twins...

yeah but talk about a sticky situation with the mimic...lol I love puns

I believe I fixed everything but the bonus feat.

What would you think of one of these?
Expanded Arcana (Charm Person)
Extra Peformance
Lingering Performance
Prodigy
Skill Focus (Perform)
Spellsong
Voice of the Sibyl

Also..do you do fractional BaB? Just wondering cuz I liked your rogue suggestion and I may multiclass if it makes sense. (being a half elf I picked Rogue as my second favored class).

Alexander, skill focus (perform) is great. It is likely what your character would have chosen up to this point.

I had the thought that your character might be a bit of an action hero in Magnimar. Sort of a Christian Bale or Jason Statham.

It would be intriguing to see what happened when the "action hero" actually had to deal with real action. Does he continue to develop acting skills, or focus on rogue skills, fighting skills...magic? It's intriguing to me.

Any of those work, Alexander. Charm person or prodigy, especially. I don't do fractional, sorry. Never really got into it.

Any of those work, Alexander. Charm person or prodigy, especially. I don't do fractional, sorry. Never really got into it.

Not a problem. I'll have my feat picked shortly and updated on the character sheet.

Sweet. :)

Fair point on the flaw. Thought discarded.

I'm currently mucking about with d20 pro's mapping utility, as that allows you to manipulate characters, effects, and maintain a fog of war, but the software's really built for real-time gaming via networked computers. I'm not sure how readily it'd make the jump to fixed images.

I also keep maps at Obsidian Portal, which uses Google to let you tag maps with links going back to the campaign wiki. That doesn't sound to me like what you're looking for, but I figured I'd throw it out there just in case.

I've added the flaws to my profile. I added Solitary Paragon and Chilverous Courtesy.

Here are my thoughts on possible feats:

Cleave
Endurance & Diehard
Furious Focus
Shield of swings
Stand still
Weapon Focus

I might take step up and follow up later when my BAB is going to be closer to the +6 required for the step up and strike feat.

Hez, being a college kid IRL, your analogy of our group makes me happy :D
I also love that I'm the old fogy of our group. I can totally see Hez and Alexander pestering me into going out to party with them lol.

You'll notice that Mittean and I are putting people's names in bold when we mention them in a post. We'd like everyone to start doing this so people can skim through posts and more easily notice when someone is talking to them or about them.

Also, there is now a detailed explanation of the luck/hero/action/destiny points house rule and the HP house rule in the campaign info tab, so everyone take a look and make sure you know how it works.

Thanks!

I decided to go with Spellsong. I like the idea of using performances to mask my spells.:)

That works, Alexander. :)

Hez, being a college kid IRL, your analogy of our group makes me happy :D

I also love that I'm the old fogy of our group. I can totally see Hez and Alexander pestering me into going out to party with them lol.

Satinder, being an old fogey IRL, I find the whole setup amusing.

Hey! Whoa, whoa, whoa on the whole old fogy business! I'm almost the same age. :)

Ha! You WISH you were 26 again, Mittean!

Bugger off, Satinder. :)

Hez, make sure your saves are correct. I use the 4th edition analog. Reflex should be +4.

Can you make a block at the bottom that is your stats with your most common spells added in? Mage armor, etc.

List your CMB even though it's +0.

Go ahead and choose a feat for your history. Run it through me, of course. :)

You have no flaws currently...were you going to select any?

List your favored class, and what bonus you get, then add those in, unless they are already there.

Great job so far!

Toban I find your attribute buy to be 27 points. What was you math?

Check your saves. Fortitude should be +6

HP/XHP should be 35, WP 25.

You need your CMB, and remember some of your feats and traits affect it.

You need CMD.

Do you have any gp remaining?

Does to "serve and protect" give you a +1 to Perception? What is it and where is it from?

You need a +1 to Climb for Strength

Put heart of the wilderness under racial traits.

You get a bonus feat for history as well.

You need listed favored class and bonus.

Flaws? And feats?

List your languages

Make sure to list your "action points"

CMB and CMD are located under the statistics tab.
Flaws are listed under the special abilities tab.
Feats are listed under the Stats tab, though I haven't picked my last 2 feats(still seems crazy to have 5 feats at level 1)
Languages are listed with my stats
And action points are listed above CMB and CMD under the stat tap.

I keep things in taps to help with organization, would it be easier if I didn't keep things spoilered?

As for the rest of the changes I'll make them in the morning.

I like the spoilers, they are fine. I prefer everyone using the same listing method, but that's only for ease of me finding stuff..I know where to look on everyone's sheets.

What is serve and protect, and where did you find it and heart of wilderness?

Also, everyone, list your stabilization %, and your clobbered and massive damage score under your HP's. Toban Stabilize 28%, Clobbered 11 Massive damage 23, for example. You would also bleed to -24 HP, as per your Heart of Wilderness ability.

Tomorrow, lets have all four of you put your backgrounds up in the discussion board, and discuss them. Tie yourselves up as friends. Help each other create. I'm working out the mapping as we do this, as I now think all the characters are about 95% done.

I'm curious as to what XP progression you all would like...fastest is of course the "funnest", but I figured I'd ask.