Welcome Mikhail and Ethaniel! Let's get started. As I stated in my introduction, this is my first time as a DM, so I'll be taking pages from other DM's I have played with in the past. I also want to establish a level of consistency during the campaign that I don't always see in other campaigns. That said, I need both of your help. This has to be a group effort. I won't be able to do it on my own. I need each of you to play off each other. Introduce your own plot threads (or suggest them to me in the discussion thread, and I can introduce them). As a heads up, I don't plan to use map tools unless absolutely required. I think a pbp can work without them, and it makes the players use more imagination, *but* if I'm not clear on something, let me know. I appreciate feedback, and I want this to be enjoyable for all of us.
Some guide lines, and forgive me Mikhail for my plagiarizing.
1. I roll Initiative for everyone to save some time. As long as you don't skip any enemies, you can take your turn anytime. (Example: Allies Bob, Henry, Fred, and Steve are at 20, 15, 10, and 5 respectively. Enemy goblins are at Initiative 13. At the beginning of the round, Bob and Henry can go. The goblins go next at 13. Following the goblins, all four of the characters can go in any order because no enemies would be skipped.)
2. Everyone rolls their own to-hit and compares it to the AC of the target. The same goes for saves. Both will be provided for all enemies, as will hit points. This puts a lot of responsibility on y'all to write good combat narratives and not rely on me to do so. The description is a common-sense sort of thing; 3 hit points will not cause the enemy's head to explode - but 30 might if it puts them in the negatives. This is also very trust-based. I expect that if someone gets something they don't like on the preview, they'll have the integrity to leave it there instead of modifying it based on the roll.
3. At the beginning of any in-combat post, I expect everyone to include the round/initiative count, current hit points, current AC, current saves, and remaining spells or resources. (By current, I mean following whatever action is in the post.) After that section, I like a section breaking it down into standard/move/swift/whatever actions with appropriate rolls. This way, I don't have to go hunting for that information and check if it is right. Here's an example.
===========EXAMPLE===========
The narrative would go here. In this particular case, the bard begins playing the stringed instrument to inspire the others. (This roll is technically extraneous, but I've always done them on my bard type characters.) He then makes his Acrobatics check to move while avoiding attacks of opportunity. With a 25, he succeeds and ends where he intends to go.
=============END EXAMPLE=============
4. Calendar notations: This Way of the Wicked AP will be set within Golarion. I plan to incorporate additional references into the AP, both in support of your characters, and as a reminder that Talingarde is not isolated from the rest of the world (Think early Japan following British arrival) (No matter how much King Markadian V might wish it otherwise.). Regardless, who ever makes the first post at the start of a new day, I would like you to place a header at the top of your post with the current day. This should allow us to reference specific events easily. Examples of a Golarion calendar can be found here: calendar examples and the list of holidays and festivals can be found here: holdays and festivals.. The campaign will start on the 25th Calistril. Your executions are scheduled to on the first day of spring, the 28th of Calistril, 2413, a symbolic if is somewhat foolish gesture by the secular courts.
===========EXAMPLE===========
A new day begins and bob rises from his furs. blah blah blah..
=========END EXAMPLE==========
Anyone have any questions or feedback?
Thank you for choosing me to take part in your game, mate! It sounds like a pretty interesting concept and it should be an intriguing change of pace for me. It has been quite some time since the last time I played an evil character (more than a few years ago, in a Dragonlance campaign; he was a Silvanesti elf who started out as a Red Robe, but managed to redeem himself and don the White Robes after his Test of High Sorcery, a fact that changed after his death, subsequent ordeals in the Abyss and resurrection as a Black Robe in Nuitari's service). But I digress! This, I am sure, is going to be a fun game! And with DM Barcas at the helm of our little group of future archvillains/dark lords/what-have-you, it certainly is off to a pretty good start.
(Seriously, Mikhail's story and information is impressive to say the least. Very imaginative indeed.)
As for the above, it all looks good to me. Just one question, at least for the moment: Do you have any particular preference about the character sheet layout, or are we more or less free to choose in that regard?
Also... dotting! :-)
F. Castor, I'm a big fan of Hero Lab and I would like you to use that format. Here is a sample.
Sample Fighter
Human Fighter 1
CG Medium Humanoid (human)
Init +1; Senses Perception +1
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DEFENSE
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AC 17, touch 11, flat-footed 16 (+6 armor, +1 Dex)
hp 13 (1d10+2)
Fort +4, Ref +2, Will +1
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OFFENSE
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Speed 20 ft.
Melee Masterwork Longsword +7 (1d8+6/19-20/x2)
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SPELLCASTING
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Only necessary for spellcasters.
1st: 4/4; Spells Known: grease, color spray
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STATISTICS
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Str 18, Dex 12, Con 14, Int 10, Wis 13, Cha 10
Base Atk +1; CMB +5; CMD 16
Feats Blind-Fight, Power Attack -1/+2, Weapon Focus (Longsword)
Traits Deft Dodger, Natural-Born Leader
Trained Skills Intimidate +4, Ride +1, Swim +4
Untrained Skills Acrobatics -3, Climb +0, Escape Artist -3, Fly -3, Stealth -3
Languages Common
Other Gear Masterwork Chainmail, Masterwork Longsword, 150 GP
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SPECIAL ABILITIES
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Class info goes here. (Sneak Attack, Mystery/Curses, etc)
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RACIAL TRAITS
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Skilled Gain 1 skill point per level.
Bonus Feat Gain a bonus feat at 1st level.
I would also like you to include on your alias page in the race column the following (corrected for your stats).
"Human (Taligarden) Fighter (Archetype) 1 AC 17/11/16 / HP 13 / F +4 R +2 W +1 (any save modifiers) / Init. +1 / Perc. +X / Sense Motive +X
A few notes:
VILLAIN POINTS: All PCs start with 1 Villain point and gain 1 Villain Point each time they level up. The maximum number of Villain Points a PC can have at a time is 3. Hero Point feats and spells are allowed.
You can use 1 Villain Point to do any of the following actions. You can only use 1 Villain Point per turn for these actions.
1. Gain an extra standard action during your turn.
2. Gain a +8 bonus to a d20 roll if spent before or a +4 bonus if spent after. This can also be used to effectively increase the DC of a spell by lowering a single target's saving throw in the same manner.
3. Ready an action at any time. (Must be done before a post is made; no retcons.)
4. Regain a spell or use of a limited special ability.
5. Reroll a d20.
6. Reroll HP at a new level.
You can use 2 Villain Points to do the following, regardless of if you have used a Villain Point this turn.
7. Survive a fatal attack at -10, unconscious, and stable.(2 points)
Fair enough. And if anything, it is much less work than the layout I usually use. I will create an alias as soon as I get home (I am currently at work), which will be some time tomorrow.
Castor and Barcas, I just posted an updated list of applicants. Do me a favor and take a look. Send me a PM with who you would like for the group and why. Barcas, I know that you sent me a list already, and it was great but I would like your impressions on the new applications.
I will take a look. Also, thumbs up for plagarism. My slavish devotion to the format and insistence that it be followed has shown very strong results.
Ethaniel's character sheet is ready.
Welcome to Barnabas, our newest addition and evil accountant.
I sent Ethaniel my thoughts on Marvius being an agent of Asmodeus and Cheliax. (I also suggested that Selanna Talasyan, from Mikhail's past, be the one who tells Ethaniel about Marvius.) The revelation that Marvius, the only person who ever cared for Ethaniel, was an Asmodean (and not a caricature of evil like Mitra's follwers would have everyone believe) and was killed quietly to neutralize the potential scandal would help push Ethaniel squarely into Team Evil.
But that's just my two cents.
Hello all and thanks for having me along on this little walk on the dark side.
Overthrowing a government is an expensive undertaking, we're going to need several revenue streams to make this happen people.
On the character front, I would assume that Barnabas and Mikhail are at least aware of each other, as both were members of the nobility. I was thinking that if Barnabas' downfall happened first, then Mikhail would know the details of his crimes (one would assume it was the talk of the court for a time) and might see Barnabas as an asset for his plans.
Sounds good to me.
My picks have been sent over to the DM.
With Mikhail and Barnabas, I hope that we have the opportunity for some courtly intrigue. The question becomes, how this would be possible? Even with disguise and trickery, it would be difficult to explain away the crimes.
I vote that we frame someone for framing all of us (Barnabas's brother) and reclaim our places in the nobility while waging a shadow war against the government. After all, who would believe that we were actually evil after all when we worked so hard to clear our names? LAYERS UPON LAYERS!
Evening Blackhearts!
Let me begin by saying welcome to our third member, Barnabas!
Fanguar, I liked the way you portrayed your character in a realistic circumstance. He has done terrible things and ruined tens, if not hundreds of lives through slavery, but all the while he lied to himself saying it was for his family. I caught a bit of Tony Soprano there *clap*. I also wanted to ask you, how old is Barnabas?
Well, we have a little bit more then a day left before recruitment is closed. I have received two PM's back concerning your preferences for the remaining players and I have a good idea of who's going to be selected next, unless something unforeseen happens on the recruitment thread. I also posted a TON of new information about Talingarde and Mitra on the information thread. Please take a look so we are all on the same page.
Speaking of getting on the same page, I want to bring up some expectations. I like the idea of partially intertwining back-stories. If you see a place where you can do, work it out with the other player, just run it past me first. I'll also suggest ideas as I see them.
I also want to touch on the topic of courtly intrigue. At the start of the campaign you will have to make some hard decisions. There are areas in each part of the campaign were you will all be able to shine. I recognize that early on, you have all been marked for death or hard labor. Opportunities for intrigue and cloak and dagger events will be given, but it may be a while to see your "arc's" come to completion. I'm planning to modify the AP to fit each of you, but you might not see things come to full bloom until the third book or so.
As always, let me know if you have any questions or concerns. Several of you are also DM's and I welcome feedback.
Markadian I, a paladin? Psh. That loser only claimed to be a paladin for his own personal gain. As a matter of fact, his whole history sounds like a revisionist cult of personality.
I've got to update Mikhail's history to mesh with this new timeline, as Markadian I would have been in his early 40s in Mikhail's original history when he came to power. How about he is the son of Markadian II, born in 4650? That would make him the brother of Markadian IV (the Zealous, born in 4656) and the uncle of Markadian V (born in 4674). Mikhail, hanging around the castle because Markadian II was too passive to kick him out but too proud to recognize him, helped manipulate the insane Markadian III in a bid for power -- only to have Markadian IV come in and steal his hard work like a SOB and force him to flee. (This period could be when he met Selanna, the agent of Cheliax, who he would be willing to return Talingarde to as a vassal state in exchange for support.)
I'll also have to edit his son Tommas to much younger, perhaps as a brother. I may have to edit Eleana out, which would be unfortunate, but I would prefer to have a tighter mesh. It would also help explain how he has gone decades without another class level.
The Madouci father and son would have to be edited some, though maybe not as much. The timeline of the Brotherhood would have to change as well.
It's a bit more Shakespearean. I would also have the opportunity to call Mikhail 'avuncular' in the original meaning, which would be delightful.
Or I could leave it as-is and make only minor revisions.
I vote that we frame someone for framing all of us (Barnabas's brother) and reclaim our places in the nobility while waging a shadow war against the government. After all, who would believe that we were actually evil after all when we worked so hard to clear our names? LAYERS UPON LAYERS!
Not enough of a gain. It would be easy to manipulate or blackmail Barnabas' brother into going along. We're going to need allies in court, so no need to cut any down before their time. Also having a trusted member of the court backing our power moves probably couldn't hurt. If we frame anyone, it should be a powerful house, allied to the royal family. Because it's always the one you least suspect...
@AoM: I wasn't actually thinking of Tony when I put together Barnabas, but that's actually a pretty good comparison. Also as per your question, I would see Barnabas as being in his early thirties. Old enough to have been running things for a number of years, but still young enough that it wouldn't have seemed odd that he hadn't married yet.
Also don't mind Mikhail and I if our machinations get a little out of control. I know that there is a campaign arc to follow and what not. These are just the dreams of power and revenge that keep a villain warm at night.
As for any advice: I think you have a super good handle on things so far and you are putting way more thought into your character selection than I ever have, though I think that's the right decision considering to the nature of this AP. The only PbP specific thing I've run across is that the DM is really responsible to maintaining the momentum of the game. This is probably just an issue when there are too many reactive players in a group (and I don't you'll have to worry about that here) but I do find that I need to prod players a lot more in this format.
As Barcas mentioned, he had some pretty neat ideas about Ethaniel and Marvius, which he PMed me about. I will be posting his message to me, as well as my answer, so that you can take a look and tell me what you think.
Just a few ideas that might point him even more in the right direction.
I do rather like that it was not simply a matter of chance his parents met and he himself came to be or that his orphan status was no mere accident, but rather that there is more behind it all. And I also like the idea that Marvius was not just a military man that decided to adopt him, even if that decision -at least in my mind- was influenced up to a point by the sword.
And involving Selanna Talasyan does provide a bit of a link between the two characters without it being too much of a stretch.
I would still like to involve Xarus Kastarian in Marvius' demise. Perhaps the nobleman and wizard (maybe a diviner), priding himself a collector of hidden truths and secrets and knowing the power knowledge of such things holds, managed to learn Marvius' true identity -if not the exact reasons for such a deception- while trying to find out more about his strange weapon. Then, knowing what such a secret would be worth to the Mitran church and Talingarde, he saw it as a way to both elevate his own status and get his hands on the katana, going so far as to not only share his findings with the church and the state, but also take a more active role in Marvius' death.
I like the layers. Even if -or when- Ethaniel finds out about Xarus and confronts him (though I should think the wizard will be "gunning" for Ethaniel anyway, seeing as he is after his sword), his vengeance will still not be complete, as the whole thing did not start with Xarus and thus will not be ending just with his death.
Also... Welcome Fanguar/Barnabas Wright, you charlatan you! :-)
Welcome Kergh! I know you did some final changes to your character and from the responses I received from the players, one of the things that drew you to them was the lack of sophistication. It contrasted nicely with the rest of the group and maintained the underlying theme of a contempt of Mitra.
To the rest of the players I say "plot away!" It’s a long way off, but eventually you will have minions and lackeys to subjugate, and it's good to have an idea of what you're going to want to use them towards.
Oh yes.. dark times are ahead for fair Talingarde..
@Barnabas: Lets say 32. I'm putting each person's age in the information tab, and I like to be consistent. Also thanks for the advice. I'm not worried about keeping this going, but I'll remember what you said.
@Kergh: Vharg playing off Perrah was one of the more enjoyable moments during my pbp's and I'm looking forward to seeing how you develop Kergh. Let me know if you have any questions. Also send me an PM with your two or three top choices for the last members of your vile band. Again, welcome! How old is Kergh? Also can you put a spoiler on your background information, so I can go right to the stat block? Thanks!
Welcome to Kergh the Dwarf!
We have two, maybe three spots left. One of those spots should go to an arcane caster.
Current Party
- Physical/Melee: All four of our current party members are dangerous in melee.
- Physical/Ranged: We have no real ranged capabilities at this point, but there are also almost no ranged applicants. This might get fixed based on a martial ranged character or one of the blaster arcanes.
- Divine Casting: Kergh gives full spellcasting. Looks like we are fairly well-covered here.
- Arcane Casting: We have a non-full caster in Ethaniel, though the magus spell class is somewhat limiting. There are 7 applicants that can have full arcane spellcasting.
- Skills: Barnabas fills out this role nicely with his terribly insane 13 skill points per level. Ethaniel is not far behind with 9. Of the knowledge skills, he only has Knowledge: Nobility . Mikhail has Nobility and a +2 in History, which is trained but not a class skill. Ethaniel gives Arcana and Planes, while Kergh doesn't have any knowledge skills. (Craft: Painting, though, which I think is hilarious. Was this therapy?) Thus, we lack Dungeoneering, Engineering, Local, Nature, and Religion. Maybe Barnabas could shift Knowledge: Nobility to Local to reflect his focus? And while I like Craft: Painting, I think we need Religion from Kergh. We don't have any Survival, either.
Personality Meshing: If I had to narrow down everyone to a short description, Mikhail is intense, Barnabas is cunning, Ethaniel is disciplined, and Kergh is tormented. (To be fair, these descriptions are lacking and do not reflect the well-crafted histories that everyone came up with.) What do we need?
Democraphics: We also have have no females in the group, and only one non-human. A female character would help the group dynamic, I think. I don't think another non-human is strictly necessary, but it could also add an interesting dimension to cover.
There are a ton of good choices, and there's no easy way to resolve everything we could use. We will lack some stuff one way or another, but that's okay.
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Hello chaps. I am honoured to join the gang.
As for your questions, I will address them either much later tonight or more likely tomorrow morning. It is 8pm here in the UK, Valentines evening and my wife has other ideas on how I should spend my time.
Putting a rank in Knowledge (religion) is no problem. I did that more than once in my mind last night.
Craft(painting) is therapy of a sort, its painting women and its pretty terrible stuff anyway. However I like it too so I'll try to keep it.
Will post more soon and thanks again for the warm welcome.
Cheers
Welcome to Kergh the Dwarf and to Ariana Ddraig! :-)
Indeed, welcome and salutations to our new partners in crime.
@Mihail: I don't mind covering the know(local) niche. If AoM is fine with it, I'll move the SP from nobility to that. Will probably keep the trait though, since it makes RP sense. Oh and it's 14 skill points, if you include the bonus one per level to Appraise with the slave trader trait.
Really glad Ariana got picked for this campaign; it looks like it's going to be pretty great. Not any questions from the looks of things so far, except for that one crunch question I asked in the recruitment thread.
On the issue of spell list, magus is certainly a little more limited than sorceror, but it ought to be fine, especially if we take some effort to make sure there's no huge overlap of our spells. I see Ethaniel already has Grease, which is my staple as a frequent bard player, but Sorcerors get few spells known--unless we're allowed to use the APG's alternate favored class bonuses--so I won't take issue with that at all.
In terms of Knowledge, Ariana will be taking ranks in Arcana so that she can get the Dragon Disciple prestige class, and because it fits her fluff-wise. She'll also be using Eldritch Heritage to get some of the Arcana bloodline powers (tying into her mother's magical side). One of its prerequisites is Skill Focus in that bloodline's skill, which is Knowledge (Any). So, we can leave at least one Knowledge type open, and she'll grab it at creation.
EDIT: And also, I messed up on taking the trait that gives her +2 caster level for taking non-casting classes, as Dragon Disciple gives her a boost--I must have read it wrong last time. As a result, there's one trait slot up in the air that can easily go into something knowledge-based while still being completely in line with her character.
I should point out that because of the Kensai archetype, Ethaniel may memorize/cast one fewer spell of each level than normal due to the Diminished Spellcasting feature. Though he can eventually learn more spells than Ariana, he will always cast less than her, considering she is a sorcerer and all.
To anyone not entirely familiar with Ethaniel's archetypes and their advantages, as well as limitations, here you go:
Edit: Also, I have no problem with Ariana taking grease, seeing as she will be able to use it at any time. I can easily replace it with something else at the beginning. Besides, if I am interested in it, I can always get it later. :-)
Hadn't gotten around to reading the archetypes yet. Yeah, by the looks of it I guess Grease is something Ariana should take. Especially since, if we need to escape, it's something that can be cast multiple times and never not be useful.
Evening guys and welcome Nidoran. I hope everyone had a good St. Valentines Day. I cooked dinner for the wife. Surprised her with a white tablecloth, roses, china... the works. It was a lot of work, but quiet nice.
I think that Dragon Disciple is a really good route for you to work towards considering your back-story. As far as traits go, consider Secret Knowledge. Its supposed to be Norgorbor specific but considering Ariana's quest for hidden and forbidden knowledge, thematically I think it fits and I would let it slide. On the topic of stat dumps, I'm not sure that being bookish would warrant a wisdom of 8. I see wisdom as a measures a person’s comprehension skills, astute perceptions of his world, and his intuition. Look at the people who are applying for spots that have low wisdom (both have WIS 8): Bahram Akhavan and Oswald Turrill. I think when you compare the two against Ariana, she's pretty average. On the topic of spells grease is always a good spell. How old is Ariana? Also, please send me a PM with your choice of two players who you feel would be a good fit for the group.
That was the major decision in taking her bloodline, actually. I sort of came up with the character bearing the prestige class in mind. Secret Knowledge actually works out pretty well for her. So now, that's two floating Knowledge types that Ariana can fill. I'll leave them open when I write up her sheet, so that once we have the full party we can work out which to put them into. On the issue of dump stat, I suppose I was approaching the distinction between Wis and Int differently, but it's perfectly fine to play her at 10 Wis.
PM will come in a little while. I'll go do the looking for that.
Nidoran, how old is Ariana?
Posted a new spoiler on the information tab "Organizations of Talingarde" It has information on The Knights of the Alerion, Sacred Brotherhood of the Gryphon, The Church of Mitra and The Blessed Order of St. Macarius.
Sorry I missed your question about age in relation to King Markadian I. It's upto you as to how you want to play it. I'm already hatching some plans for your NPC's so if you could leave them in then that would be good. In regards to "his whole history sounds like a revisionist cult of personality" I have to tell you. There are hundreds of statues of King Markadian I, littered throughout Talingarde. He was a bit like Julius Caesar in that regard. Its a safe bet that if you see a statue in a town square or public park its either going to be of The Victor or Mitra.
Thanks, information thread updated with your character.
20, I'd say. Just past the starting age threshold for her class, but still young, and allowing her foolish tendencies and idealism to be rooted in her relative life inexperience.
Kergh is 17. His dwarf is much more mature than that, an accelerated metabolism and growth rate fits his physique.
He now has Knowledge (religion) and a much lower Sense Motive but that was never going to be so important.
Cheers
A couple of questions for our illustrious DM...
1) Are the changes/additions to Ethaniel's background -mostly courtesy of Barcas' imagination, I might add- acceptable?
2) Ethaniel's katana is, naturally, a normal non-masterwork weapon at 1st level. At 3rd level it becomes a black blade, which works as a masterwork katana for anyone that is not Ethaniel. WBL permitting, would it be possible to have it change into masterwork at 2nd level, showing in a way its growing in power? Not for free of course, but for the proper amount of money that one would use to purchase a masterwork katana; I am not looking to break the WBL, but I am looking for a more fluff-appropriate way to get a masterwork weapon at 2nd level if Ethaniel's money at that point allows it.
Of course, the second question makes sense only if Ethaniel actually gets reunited with the blade before he reaches 3rd level. :-)
Also, I thought to explain Ethaniel's Diminished Spellcasting by having his sword feed off of his arcane powers to fuel its own growth, a sort of symbiotic relationship if you will. I will probably write a little description and fluff regarding the black blade sooner rather than later, mostly just for the fun of it.
My favourite use for grease is to do it at a priest's divine focus.
Barcas et al, I am beginning to think about a weapon choice for Kergh. He could take a sling which can be deadly at low levels when you have a high strength. But what about his main weapon? I was thinking of following his faith and going heavy mace and shield, heading towards a tank.
There is a small part of me that wants to get a big club and hit things hard but I suppose that is not very Asmodean and it means "wasting" a feat or taking a level of something like unbreakable fighter.
Cheers
I'm actually a bit surprised that there are no 2-handed maces in the game.
For my part, I think that it might be worth it to take a weapon proficiency. If you plan on getting. power attack, it works so much better with a THW. Also, P.A. requires a BAB of +1, so a cleric can't get it at level 1 anyways.
The man is right, thanks Fanguar. Nix to Power Attack until 3rd. I'll weigh up the feat options but I suppose he could just wield his heavy mace one or two handed depending on the situation. Assuming we ever get our hands on some gear.
Earthbreaker or greatclub are the nearest things I know to the 2-handed mace.
Cheers
I, too, have been considering Mikhail's fighting style. I plan on taking a level in (tetori) monk at 2 to get Improved Unarmed and Improved Grapple, then Blood Drinker at 3. I will have him use a sword as his "main" weapon and grappling as his secondary/dramatic weapon. (Blood Drinker is actually quite impressive, though it is held to the chosen humanoid type. With Greater Grapple at level 7, Mikhail will be able to do 4 points of Con drain per turn against a human.)
Even regular monk would grant Improved Grapple at 1st level if you chose it as the bonus feat at 1st (monk) level.
Con drain! Nasty.
So probably Kergh going higher AC, mace and shield would benefit the party more - as the tank.
I may take channel smite then. It has a save but it should boost his damage a bit over time and as the tank he is not going to be channelling in combat much. Maybe zap Mikhail a few times after...
Cheers
Yes, but Tetori gains him an extra point of effective BAB for grapple checks compared to a single level in regular monk.
Mikhail can't be healed by positive energy, and will have to sustain himself via Kergh's infernal healing and his own touch of corruption. Though Kergh can't heal via channeling anyway because he is eeeeevil.
Ah, good point that.
Actually, this is a campaign where it pays off to be a semi-dead dude. In fact, unless I am mistaken, Mikhail is the only one who can actually be healed by Kergh's negative energy channeling.
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Indeed - we should have all played dhampirs.
Negative Energy Affinity (Ex) The creature is alive but is healed by negative energy and harmed by positive energy, as if it were an undead creature. Format negative energy affinity; Location Defensive Abilities
Kergh can designate he is healing undead (not harming the living) and Mikhail gets better while we are unaffected.
Of course if the Mitrans find out then Mikhail may suffer.
Cheers
Mikhail plans on getting himself turned into a vampire eventually. Play your cards right and you might get turned too!
You know, a cabal of vampiric -or otherwise undead or at least supernatural- Dark Lords might actually be an interesting concept. Heh heh heh...
Morning guys, just had a glass of water and some aspirin. The nice thing about a valentines dinner at your own house is that you can drink as much as you want and not worry about getting home safely, its also the worst part =p.
1. Ok, I'll change your age to 19.
2. You are indeed correct, channel negative enegery will heal Mikhail. The other option will be to take the Fiendish Vessel Archetype. Since your channel energey becomes modified so that it heals all evil persons and sickens all good persons. You would also gain an imp at level 3 =D. If that's something you want to consider, then I was planning for it to take into effect as part of the story development somewhere around level 2 or 3.
3. In regards to what weapon to use, I looked through the Arch-Devils from Faiths of Corruption. Nothing jumps off the page in regard to favored weapons. Geryon, lord of lies and heresy gives his followers proficiency in a Heavy Flail, so that might be an option?
4. Can you go back and adjust your character sheet? Add in the blocks on the left hand side that Mikhail currently has (leaving the race block the way you have it.) Move your background spoiler to the bottom, and Bold the correct entry on your character sheet i.e. HP, AC, ect.
1. Go ahead and make the changes to your background. I like the way that Selanna and Cheliax are being worked more and more into the story. Between the loss of Talingarde as a colony and the Asmodean purge, there's a lot of reasons why Cheliax would be very interested in upsetting the current order.
2. The reason why Way of the Wicked gives a 25 point buy, bonus skills and the Villain points is because its hard. Ultimately, you guys will have only each other. The nation of Talingarde is your enemy, they would see you burned, hung, beheaded or otherwise destroyed. As for your sword.. how would you feel about having the chance to recover whisper? I know where I could introduce Xarus Kastarian, but it would take a while (level 4 ish) If you don't want something as drawn out then I know another way we can do it at a earlier point.
3. Can you go back and adjust your character sheet? Add in the blocks on the left hand side that Mikhail currently has (leaving the race block the way you have it.) And move your background spoiler to the bottom)
1. I like the suggested collaboration between you and Ethaniel. It's a good idea.
2. Can you change your race block to the format I posed? That way I can always see what your most important stats are.
3. Interesting choice as a (tetori) monk. I would not have though of it, but I think it fits the Vampire like combat style. Speaking of vampires, see the next question.
4. Vampirism: Way of the Wicked actually has a optional system build around becoming a vampire. I'm really excited about this story arc, but there's two ways we can do it. The firsts is via a 4 feat chain (it actually is five, but since you took dhampir I'm dropping one.) The slow turning could start as early as level three and would gradually give you the powers and ability of a vampire. Its would be a gradual process, its a huge feat buy in, but you might like the slow play of the process building to a crescendo. The second option would happen much later (around level 13 or so) After your group has done several * truly despicable* deeds. By then men will utter your name in fear and terror, the church of Mitra will stop at nothing to see you burned it their holy fires, and the King.. oh the King will know of you and tremble on his pathetic throne.
4. (cont.) Its upto you. The first would be gradual, the second would be much more abrupt. Let me know either here or in a PM how you want to play it.
1. Can you go back and adjust your character sheet? Add in the blocks on the left hand side that Mikhail currently has (leaving the race block the way you have it.) And move your background spoiler to the bottom)
Did I miss any questions or does anyone have anything for me?
You know, a cabal of vampiric -or otherwise undead or at least supernatural- Dark Lords might actually be an interesting concept. Heh heh heh...
Things can always be arraigned for a price.. The question would be: How much of his humanity is Ethaniel willing to give up for power.
Can you send me the feats, or are they discovered over the course of the campaign? The long process would be cool, since he desires to find a way to become a vampire without having to risk becoming beholden to a vampiric master.
I will get him updated.
1. Alright, cool. I will do so once I have enough time.
2. Well, between the Bladebound and Kensai archetypes, most of Ethaniel's abilities revolve around his sword. He gains his black blade at 3rd level, while his kensai abilities only function when he is wielding his chosen weapon, i.e. a katana. It is not so much the drawn out part that has me thinking, rather than the fact that he might be handicapped somewhat until he gets his hands on either Marvius' katana (though the actual black blade mechanics will only come into play once he attains 3rd level) or a generic katana, since kensai abilities such as Canny Defense and Weapon Focus only function with a katana. ...well, I think I said "katana" way too many times... :-)
3. All done.
Things can always be arraigned for a price.. The question would be: How much of his humanity is Ethaniel willing to give up for power.
At first? Probably not all that much, if at all. Once he has started his freefall? It remains to be seen, I guess, depending on the opportunities presented and the cost that accompanies such power.
1. Alright, cool. I will do so once I have enough time.
2. Well, between the Bladebound and Kensai archetypes, most of Ethaniel's abilities revolve around his sword. He gains his black blade at 3rd level, while his kensai abilities only function when he is wielding his chosen weapon, i.e. a katana. It is not so much the drawn out part that has me thinking, rather than the fact that he might be handicapped somewhat until he gets his hands on either Marvius' katana (though the actual black blade mechanics will only come into play once he attains 3rd level) or a generic katana, since kensai abilities such as Canny Defense and Weapon Focus only function with a katana. ...well, I think I said "katana" way too many times... :-)
I see another option. Don't worry about it.
Can you send me the feats, or are they discovered over the course of the campaign? The long process would be cool, since he desires to find a way to become a vampire without having to risk becoming beholden to a vampiric master.
I'll send you the feats.
@AoM: Done and Done. Also, I have 3 languages still to choose, any suggestions?
I say if you're going to go for grapple build, go whole hog.
Anti-paladin 2 (for the save bonus) / tetori 8 (gives you the Grab ability with unarmed strikes) Pick up Snapping Turtle Style and Snapping Turtle Clutch along the way and you get to initiate a grapple as a an immediate action when an enemy misses. (though your build is already pretty feat intensive)
As for Barnabas, I'm thinking about going the Sap Adept/Sap master route. I can see him being the kind of guy who doesn't like getting his hands dirty and knives can get of so very messy. As such, I might try to just use non-lethal and bludgeoning weapons.
Okay, I think I've got it all updated. I meshed Mikhail fully to the history. I also meshed him into the history of Markadian II/III/IV, with that whole thing being his first attempt to claim the throne. I thought it was a nifty way to tie it all together. I also wrote a little more about Tommas and Eleana, and why it is important for him to reclaim the Halancoun identity.
@AoM: Done and Done. Also, I have 3 languages still to choose, any suggestions?
The Primary language in Talingarde is Common. There is also a large population of Dwarfs the reside among the city's of Talingarde. Any respectable business man would know at least a smattering of Dwarven. Celestial verse in most places is a rarity, but because of the zealous adherence to Mitra in Talingarde it is far more common, especially so amongst the clergy due to the fact that their holiest scriptures are written in the high tongue. Talingarde was originally settled by the elves following Starfall and the occasional elven ruins are still found. A pidgin language of Elven and Common is spoken by the Iraen tribes that still reside in the great trackless forests of Caer Bryr. Finally until the Asmodean purge, Infernal, while not common, could occasionally be heard among the dark cathedrals of the Fallen Lord.
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1. Ok, I'll change your age to 19. Should be 172. You are indeed correct, channel negative enegery will heal Mikhail. The other option will be to take the Fiendish Vessel Archetype. Since your channel energey becomes modified so that it heals all evil persons and sickens all good persons. You would also gain an imp at level 3 =D. If that's something you want to consider, then I was planning for it to take into effect as part of the story development somewhere around level 2 or 3. I like that archetype alot. Do you need me to change the fire domain to a devil domain to fit the pre-reqs? I'll definitely take Channel Smite as well since that is a sweet bonus.
3. In regards to what weapon to use, I looked through the Arch-Devils from Faiths of Corruption. Nothing jumps off the page in regard to favored weapons. Geryon, lord of lies and heresy gives his followers proficiency in a Heavy Flail, so that might be an option? I'll have a think
4. Can you go back and adjust your character sheet? Add in the blocks on the left hand side that Mikhail currently has (leaving the race block the way you have it.) Move your background spoiler to the bottom, and Bold the correct entry on your character sheet i.e. HP, AC, ect. No problem. Should be okay now.
Comments in line
1. Ok, I'll change your age to 19. Should be 172. You are indeed correct, channel negative enegery will heal Mikhail. The other option will be to take the Fiendish Vessel Archetype. Since your channel energey becomes modified so that it heals all evil persons and sickens all good persons. You would also gain an imp at level 3 =D. If that's something you want to consider, then I was planning for it to take into effect as part of the story development somewhere around level 2 or 3. I like that archetype alot. Do you need me to change the fire domain to a devil domain to fit the pre-reqs? I'll definitely take Channel Smite as well since that is a sweet bonus.
3. In regards to what weapon to use, I looked through the Arch-Devils from Faiths of Corruption. Nothing jumps off the page in regard to favored weapons. Geryon, lord of lies and heresy gives his followers proficiency in a Heavy Flail, so that might be an option? I'll have a think
4. Can you go back and adjust your character sheet? Add in the blocks on the left hand side that Mikhail currently has (leaving the race block the way you have it.) Move your background spoiler to the bottom, and Bold the correct entry on your character sheet i.e. HP, AC, ect. No problem. Should be okay now.
1. My bad, I'll make the change.
2. Yes, please switch Fire domain to => devil domain. Don't worry about taking the Archetype now, just plan on being "gifted" the archetype.
3. Sounds good.
4. Thanks!