Hell's Rebels Adventure Path (Inactive)

Game Master TreasureFox

20 point buy

Level 1

Classes: Anything from Core, Base, and Hybrid.
Occult, Path of War, Psionics, and 3PP are NOT permitted.
Barbarians, Monks, Rogues, and Summoners must use the Unchained version of their class, although archetypes are allowed if they replace abilities seamlessly and without level discrepancies.

Core Races, +Tiefling (No Fiendish Heritage), +Ratfolk

Max hp

150 gold for all classes

No final ability scores above 18 or below 8

Alternative racial traits are allowed

No Evil alignments, all characters must be willing to work in a group

1 Trait + 1 Campaign Trait. No Drawbacks

A reason to be at the protest MUST be presented along with the application. The reason does not have to be from the Players Guide, although it is highly preferable.

I'm going to be picking a relatively balanced party, but it's not set in stone. I value story and roleplay far more than stats and abilities.

Although the story will remain the same, I will not be running the adventure path 100% as written. 

There will be opportunities for side quests, hiring companions, and time to deviate from the main plot if the party so desires.

I will make my rolls in the posts, but many of them will be unlabelled or even fake. This is to ward off the sea of Perception checks, among other things.

I will be rolling the character's initiative for combat, and sorting them for ease of play

I reserve the right to tweak enemies, abilities, spells, rewards, and more

If a character has been absent for a long period of time, I will DMPC that character until their return (within reason)

I will provide different ways to accomplish an "encounter", be it by combat, diplomacy, intrigue, sneaking, etc.

I plan to have traps, poisons, diseases, puzzles, etc to further enhance the game beyond "I kill all the things!"

Metagaming, spoiling the game, harassing players, and verbal abuse are all serious offenses. Please play respectfully. 

Posting rate will be 1/day. I realize that life can be rough though (including for myself), so I'm not very strict about it. Ideally, I would really appreciate a heads up if you'll be away for a while.

Where can I find the Player's Guide?
You can download it here

Will this count towards Pathfinder Society?
No it will not. I will be drastically changing enemies, rewards, NPCs, spells, and more. While I have nothing against PFS, I simply don't plan to run a legal game.

Can I use the variant multiclassing from Unchained?
Yes, feel free to do so. Just let me know beforehand in your application.

I want to play a Gunslinger, what are the prices of firearms and ammunition?
Guns will be in the emerging stage, so they will be listed as full price.

Will characters that specialize in crafting be viable to play?
Although the adventure path (so far) does not seem to give time for crafting or professions, I will try to accommodate a character that plans to use these skills.

What about Stamina and Skill Unlocks from Unchained?
Fighters get Stamina for free, while other classes can gain it from the feat.
Rogues have Skill Unlocks as part of their class, but other classes can pick it up as a feat.

How many characters can I submit?
Please submit only 1 character for recruitment. If you would like to change your character before recruitment ends, please let me know either on the recruitment thread, or in a personal message.

I've read/DMed this adventure path, can I still join?
Absolutely. Just keep your player knowledge separate from your character knowledge.

What is the likelihood of character death?
It's certainly possible. Muahahahaha

What system will you be using for maps?
When possible, I try to stick to theater of the mind. In particularly complex battles I may use Google Docs or Roll20 instead, depending on player preference.

Your character sheet (or a link to your character's profile)

Your character's reason to be at the protest

A brief summary about your character's history, recent life, goals, interests, etc. This can be in point form if you wish.

Hello all! I'm a young Canadian who is fairly new to D&D and Pathfinder, having only started 3 years ago. I started DMing roughly 2 years ago, although I'm still relatively new to PbP. I'm a big fan of Dawnforgedcast and use his videos to become a better DM and Player. I'm planning on making this campaign an even more thrilling adventure than it already is, so don't get too comfortable! I have many tricks up my sleeves. If you have any questions please feel free to leave them here or send me a pm, and I'll try to answer them as soon as possible. Thanks!

Meeting a Contact

Tagging along

On his way to the kitchens Darrien stops in front of a mirror in the entry hall of Aulamaxa Manor. He places the picnic basket he was carrying down and takes a second to gaze at his reflection in the mirror. He smiles at his likeness, it was an open an honest smile that won him many a friend and disarmed many a lass. Darrien mused that while he was not yet 30 years old the reflection looking back at him seemed, not only older, but more competent or experienced then his years. He stood a little over 3 feet tall and was well muscled like greyhound, broad in the shoulders and narrow at the waist, and he carried himself with an air of confidence and the swagger of a veteran.

As Darrien continued looking at his reflection he noticed his eyes, they are same color of the sky right before a storm, but it is more than their color that draws his attention, his gaze appears knowing and penetrating. His eyes are set in a well-proportioned and tanned face which is framed by curly auburn flowing hair, with a small goatee, and tufts of hair on his feet the same color.

He nods approvingly as he gives himself one last look over. Yes, yes, it all went well together and brought out the blue highlights in his eyes. All perfectly coordinated from the light brown pants and the thick dark brown belt around his waist to the loose dark blue shirt and a grey cloak that reached to his knees. Impeccable, he decided hoping Alia would appreciate the effort. With one last smile Darrien concludes, that no matter how nice as the outfit he was wearing was it's primary purpose was to conceal the chain shirt underneath it all as well as his sling staff .

He thought, enough admiring yourself, you are acting like a maiden going to her first ball. Darrien grabs his picnic basket and heads toward the kitchens. You can hear him whistling a merry tune as he makes his way down the hall.

“What do you think you’re doing in my kitchen dog master?” a melodic voice questions Darrien as he enters the kitchen.

Darrien looks up to see one of the kitchen helpers, Kelli, smiling at him. He smiles back noticing that the room is filled by several halflings. He knows right away the head cook is away by the carefree attitude of those sitting around the kitchen counter.

“Darrien, what brings you here this time of day second breakfast isn’t for another hour.” the familiar cook inquires, “Are you hear to partake of Milandra’s charms.” Milandra, another cook’s helper blushes and the other in the room give a quick chuckle.

“Probably shirking another task,” Chimes in Rab, as swarthy Halfling with a sour disposition, who was assigned as a groom in the stables.

Darrien approaches the group and takes a seat at the counter top next to Kelli and answers, “Not today.”

“I wound up having to clean the stables yesterday because you skipped out on another task,” the groom continues heatedly.

"Pay him no mind Darrien," Kelli interjects and smiles, “By the looks of things you’ll be wanting that basket filled.” She motions Mellandra to come over and says to her, “Be dear and fill this basket up.” She turns toward Darrien and asks with a raised eyebrow, “For two?”

Rab raises his voice interjecting, “Of course it’s for two.” He continues, “I know all about you Darrien, you’re an arrogant, philanderer, and the mistresses little pet, off on another dalliance while we are stuck here doing the work.”

"You forgot slothful and I have a tendency to talk with my mouthful. Also, technically, I’ am more of a womanizer than a philanderer," he grins at the groom.

"And smartass," the groom retorts.

“True, true,” Darrien chuckles. And continues, “Now friend, I’ll be the first to admit that there is a fine line between arrogance and self-confidence and that sometimes I cross that line. But I say what’s wrong with enjoying a good laugh, a clever joke, a strong drink, a willing wench, or a relaxing smoke? Some would label these as bad vices or excesses, but to me they add savor to our lives.”

“And full of crap,’ adds the bartender, “I’m tired of pulling you load.”

“Well, that was unfortunate business with the stables yesterday. Unlucky for you, but a lucky turn for me. And let’s be honest friend, a sturdy fellow like yourself can handle the extra duties. I’m afraid if didn’t do such a fine job of getting out of work I’d have no energy for my other pursuits, so to speak. Moreover, if I helped clean out the stables the grooms would probably lose their meager savings gambling with me and start beating their wives. So as you can see the way it worked out is better for everyone” Darrien concludes and begins to hum a slow melancholy tune.

Kelli faces the Groom and interjects, "Now most people would conclude that Darrien is a rascal and they may very well be right. It is true that he is always willing to steal a kiss or a pinch it is worth noting that he never takes more than is offered. Additionally, if they paid attention they would find that there is more to him lurking below the surface. The Darrien most of us know is gregarious and good natured and sees everyone as a potential friend. Understandably, he might not be the first person you would think of if you wanted help cleaning the stables because he has an uncanny knack of slipping away from work. However, he isn’t doing anything we all haven’t tried, only he does it better than the rest of us. Nevertheless, he is the Mistresses first choice when she has a special task and when he is in charge of a project most of us follow him willingly. Most importantly, he is a fierce defender of his friends and cares little about what others think. It's not that he doesn't care about others but he believes that his well-being takes priority over theirs. Oh, and most importantly for you, he has a tendency to hum when he is angry.”

Darrien sits on an old red and white checkered table cloth in the shade, with his back leaning against a tree, at Aria Park smoking his pipe. As he waits for his companion, Alia, to arrive he looks over the little picnic he has set up and nods approvingly as he considers what he has brought, cold chicken, fresh bread, as well as several different types cheeses, assorted fruit, and a jug of sun tea. He gave a little laugh as he recalls gathering the items without the head cook noticing they were gone.
While he waits Darrien takes an occasional pull of his pipe, and watches the crowds gather in anticipation of today’s rally. He reaches down and pets Blue, one of his Lady’s hounds that he has taken a shining to. Tap, tap, tap, Blue’s tail thumps against Darrien’s leg at the attention. He pets Blue again and takes another pull from his pipe.

He was lucky he was able to get away from his Mistresses’ estate today with all the changes going on in the city. Fortunately, he used Blue as an excuse to leave the grounds saying the animal needed some exercise. Darrien was thankful that his position as Kennel Master allowed him more freedom then the other slaves. Not that Mistress Aulamaxa was a hard taskmaster as most of the household slaves were treated well.

While he waits Darrien reminisces about his upbringing and his life as a slave. Slavery was all he has ever known, when he was 8 years hold he was separated from his family, who slaves on a neighboring estate, and bought by the Aulamaxa family. At young age it was recognized he had a way with animals and put to work in the stables. His way with people and animals eventually led to him being put in charge of the kennels. As Kennel Master he enjoyed the time he spent with the hounds and the freedom it allowed him. Over the years he had developed a keen eye for judging a dogs breeding qualities and had a knack for training the hounds. Darrien enjoyed his Mistresses favor and was often chosen to control the dogs on the hunts, or to lead special projects around the yard. And when he when he wasn't in charge he had an uncanny ability to get out of work.

Darrien waits he wonders, why does Alia have such an interest in these rallies and politics of the tall folk, doesn’t she realize how dangerous these things can be. Darrien shrugs as he remembers that the only reason he has agreed to come was to make sure Alia was safe, and with the growing crowd of humans she just might need his protection. Well woman and their fancies, he resigned himself to never fully understanding their ways. Nevertheless, he is prepared for the worse as he is wearing a chain shirt under his shirt and has his trusty sling-staff concealed under his cloak. Additionally, he smiles as he recalls the net and supplies he has hidden in the bottom of the picnic basket. He reaches down and pets Blue again, I can't forget about him.

He anxiously awaits for her arrival and another smile crosses his face as he imagines the happy look on Alia’s face when she sees his surprise picnic. His wait is not long as he see Alia and several of her friends purposefully making their way towards him. He is surprised that she is not alone, but he can’t help it as his hart races as she draws near. As she gets closer he stands up and raises his rich tenor voice in greeting.

From the look on her face it is immediately apparent that she is not pleased but he is still unprepared for the tongue lashing she is about to give him. “What do you think you are doing?” She asks as she eyes the picnic he has set up. She doesn’t wait for an answer and continues, “This is a rally protesting the martial law imposed upon our city not some romp in the country side, or romantic interlude. Why did you think I invited you along for? For some silly Dalliance.”

One of her friends, a tall sallow looking youth, chimes in, “I told you it wasn’t a good idea to invite the lazy slip.”

Another chimes in saying, “Darrien has always had a reputation of being a fool and his mistress’s lap dog. It was a waste of time inviting him,” as she rolls her eyes.

Looking at Alia Darrien sheepishly replies, “I thought a picnic would be a pleasant way to watch the rally and to be honest I am more interested in spending time with you then listening to political speeches.”

Alia turns red in the face and practically shouts, “Political speeches! I thought you understood, was everything you said a lie, do you even care about the tyranny and injustice our city is subjected to. Does the subjugation of Halflings mean nothing to you? I was a fool not to listen to my friends about you,” as she storms away.

Darrien mumbles, “It wasn’t I lying get, I do miss my mint tea in the evening.”

Dazed Darrien picks up his picnic basket, turns toward the dog motioning with hand, "Come Blue." I do care I'll show them, I'm not some stupid slip, as he discreetly follows Alia and her friends, still hoping to keep her safe.

While I realize that this play test would fit well with the Hell's Rebels theme, as a rule of thumb I do not allow play-test material.

I don't mind if you select two reasons to be at the protest. However, because they provide statistical benefits during the protest, please let me know which bonus you would like. As for the half-Shoanti, by all means go for it. Kintargo is geographically very close to Shoanti lands.

I was originally hesitant to include ratfolk, but after reading the adventure I noticed quite a bit of sewer exploration. I decided to allow ratfolk because they may provide a useful little niche in this area, and I am interested in enriching the campaign with several families of ratfolk living down there. When Thrune announced his first Proclamation, it is possible that he is also intent on exterminating the ratfolk population as well. That would sure count as a motivation for a ratfolk character.

No problem Darrien, Huntmaster is perfectly acceptable.

Well that's very cool DM. I'd really like to come up with a concept that works with that, since it represents an uncommon roleplaying opportunity. Ratfolk's status as hunted and marked for extermination suggests that a ratfolk pc had better be able to conceal their presence if they want to live long. Thankfully stealth isn't hard for them, but the role seems to suggest a skills character. Alternatively an Illusion specialized Mage of the Veil with Face in the Crowd and the disguise skill might be able to pull off appearing as a member of a more inoffensive small sized race most of the time.

Everyone needs some place to live, and unfortunately sometimes that’s a dangerous place. So for the ratfolk of Cheliax who make their homes in hearts of cities where they are considered to be vermin or monsters, security is paramount. Ratfolk always survive by being smarter than their persecutors and form them the key to security is information. Much can be learned by skulking about at night, listening from beneath floorboards and in shadowed alleyways, but that sort of reconnaissance has it’s limits. So it falls to the ratfolk’s exceedingly clever arcane casters to learn more. The bravest wizards in the ratfolk community dare to walk openly in the daylight, using their arcane and mundane skills of disguise to go unnoticed and unremarked upon. In this way these arcane sentinels can gather street level information far more efficiently than a diviner or stealthy stalker. It is the Veil-Rats who have their fingers on the pulse of the communities in which they live, always on the alert for impending events that could impact the ratfolk communities. Always listening for the word ‘rat’ in a place and time that it might be better if nobody even knew ratfolk existed at all. For the Veil-Rats it is a hard lonely and dangerous life, any interaction with the people they observe risks exposing not only them, but the presence of their kin in the city. Now in Kintargo these measures have failed, and their extermination is a matter of policy. The ratfolk leaders, terrified of being eradicated at last intend to go into deep hiding and ride out the current vogue of hatred towards them. But it’s not clear if they can remain concealed against their hunters indefinitely, and the ratfolk communities cannot survive on lockdown forever. As a tide of dissatisfaction rises in Kintargo one of the young Veil-Rats wonders if it is time to reach out and throw his lot in with the other oppressed peoples who suffer under Thrune.

Sure, I'll allow that, but let's say that a character can only take the feat once.

Yes, that's fine, but I will also require the Noble Scion feat, as you would be from a very very very major family. If you are selected after the application, I will work with you to determine a fair benefit for the Noble Scion feat.

It's Atamar, funny to see you again. xD

Pylos Thrune was the result of a drunken one night stand between Amarika Thrune and a 'companion' at the Blushing Rose. Though the pregnancy was kept hidden from the general public, the sudden son to the confirmed bachelorette sparked rumors from everybody. Raised by tutors and nannies for the formative years of his life, Pylos always knew he was unwanted, a burden on his 'noble' family. Though never shown love, he was at least given the best learning and training available, from noted scholars to Hellknight weapon masters.

However, he was a disappointment in more than just birth. Regardless of his raising, he never believed in having relations with devils, and was caught several times saying that he would never follow Asmodeus. Eventually, fed up with his passive aggressiveness, his family sent him to the township of Kintargo, there to stay with the house of Tanessen, who had long had an allegiance with house Thrune. Eager to be away from his family, even if it was to be with a similar one, Pylos happily left.

He spent several years honing his passive aggressive tendencies against the nobles of Kintargo. When the new mayor came into office, he was a little nervous, as he had a few memories of Barzillai from his childhood. He knew the man as a tyrant, and even other members of their family tried to avoid him. But when he started making proclamation after decree, he knew that enough was enough. Using the training from his childhood, and a secret faith to Cayden Cailan, he knew that he would have to do something. And the coming protest would be just the perfect place...

ALEXANDER JHALTERO
HUMAN (CHELAXIAN) CLERIC (EVANGELIST/HIDDEN PRIEST) 1
Medium humanoid (human) N
Init +2; Senses Perception +3
DEFENSE_________________________________________________________________
AC 15, touch 12, flat-footed 13 (+3 armor, +2 Dex)
hp 9
Fort +3, Ref +2, Will +5
OFFENSE_________________________________________________________________
Speed 30 ft.
Melee dagger +1 (1d4+1/19-20)
Ranged throw dagger +2 (1d4+1/19-20)
Special Attacks sermonic performances 6 rounds/day (countersong, fascinate, inspire courage +1)
Cleric Prepared Spells (CL 1st; concentration +4)
1st (command) – charm person (D), bless, *(empty slot)
0 (at will) – detect magic, guidance, light
STATISTICS______________________________________________________________
Str 12, Dex 14, Con 12, Int 12, Wis 16, Cha 14
Base Atk +0; CMB +1; CMD 13
Feats *, Noble Scion
Traits Child of Kintargo,
Skills Bluff +2 (+3 to send secret messages about religion), Diplomacy +6, Knowledge (nobility) +4, Knowledge (religion) +5, Perception +3 (+4 against government), Perform (Oratory) +6, Sense Motive +7 (+8 to intercept secret messages about religion, +8 against government), Spellcraft +5
Languages Common, Infernal
SQ aura, false arcanist, public speaker, spontaneous casting
Combat Gear none; Other Gear 150gp