Iron Kingdoms: Trollkin Unleashed! (Inactive)

Game Master Mark Sweetman

Right ho here we go... character building time :)

Please post your characters here, be they fully complete and aliased, or partial works in progress. I'd like to get the mechanical side tucked away and people sorted into races and careers first - as it'll play into exactly how I kick the campaign off. Standard character construction - with the following rules:

• 0 xp start.
  
• No Warlocks, and no Warcasters (or other careers that start with steamjacks).
  
• I have access to all of the books - so if you're wondering on anything (such as what Llaelish goodies are in the Kings and Gods sourcebook) please ask.

Please also feel free to throw up a bit of background type info on your character - but keep in mind the following:

• 0 xp means that you're just starting out. You've done basic training and maybe gotten into a few scraps... but you're not an established warrior / hero... yet.
  
• Keep it relatively short - I don't need novels, and we might need a bit of Selleys Spakfilla to get people meshing together.
  
• If you're building Full Metal side - you need to be either part of or sympathetic to a fallen Llaelish noble house. No extensive connections to major powers outside of that.
  
• If you're building Unleashed side - you need to be either part of or a close ally of a Trollkin Kriel of the Glimmerwood. No connections beyond that (inclusive of no ties to the Circle).
  
• Please ask questions, prompt me to help fill in the campaign setting and world for us - it's going to be the best way for me to get started and us to all get on the same page.

Down to a Skilled Pyg Bushwhacker or Trollkin Gifted, depends on whether we need more Gifted or Skilled.

Poking my head in...was my build ok?? I will make up a background this weekend, or maybe work with anyone else who is looking at the Full Metal side character so we can mesh them together better.

Alright DM VoV - the cogs o' creativity are turning matey...

Am thinking o' Óengus as a Mighty Fell Caller/Pugilist. The Long Rider would be awesome fun but having the Tuffalo rumbling around when your trying to limit WarBeasts and such is perhaps a step too far. 'sides a Fell Caller amongst Trollkin will be a hoot to play.

Course if you think Long Rider would work, then may well run with that in conjunction with Pugilist and play up "Gus" being a nomadic and rambling trollkin... A wandering skull cracker if you will lol. Him an' Big Rusty... in this case he'd be a Mighty Pugilist/Long Rider, and would potentially free up Fell Caller for the other trollkin players.

Rationale being he's a michty bit headstrong and headed off from the Kriel at some point through wanderlust or whatnot... Has now come back after spending time cracking skulls (either assisting perhaps Milo or one of the other Llaelish connected types as a leg breaker?) - could be he's the link between the Full Metal and Unleashed??

He'll have old friends in the Kriel, contemporaries who he's not seen in a wee while, but has come back to take his place as a Son O' Bragg... or just answered the call o' kith and kin if Long Rider is green lit.

None of above is written in stone, just spilling my musings and thoughts for any catalysts or notions anyone else may have :)

Considering the Trollkin Fennblade/Chieftain but I have to get home to look over Unleashed. Might look at one of the Full Metal side of things depending on how the group is shaping up since I believe there was only two characters from that side.

I'm thinking a Llaelese Nobleman's heir who is more of the intellectual sort. He fled into the wilds and has survived off his wits and ended up heading south into the Glimmerwood. There he started to do odd jobs for a local Kriel. I figure the Kriel can be one of those another player belongs to. Plus we can talk over the Llael house with whoever else is a part of it, if we want to share a house that is.

Gifted (required) Trollkin Bone Grinder / Monster Hunter here.

Later in the XP, if allowed, might look into picking up Warlock.

Big thing for this character is meat alchemy, trying to make restoratives and splash acids and stuff. Havent decided if i want to go with rifle, bow, or crossbow as a ranged weapon.

DM VoV, there was a trollkin rune axe in the weapons section, could we possibly get that (says never sold, only given)? I assume no but had to ask.

Also, my copy of Unleashed has the Bone Grinder with a spell called Arcane Bonds. Later in the spells section, that isnt a spell. In the spells section there is a table that lists Arcane Bolt as a Bone Grinder spel. I think it is a typo but could you give a ruling on that?

Hmm, tough choice from the Gifted Archetype.

Either get an extra fast action each round to cast a spell, or learn +1 spell (and it doesnt limit cost so i could learn a cost 3 or 4 spell).

Anyone have advice on that one?

Hey Tenro

My inclination would be to shoot for the extra fast action - getting spells off will be a big part of your characters schtick, and will carrying a big stick spell is a boon, being able to use the magicks in combat/situations probably trumps it in my eyes.

But I'm a relative newcomer to the game, so don't necessarily run with my advice lol.

As we walked the hund this morning I passed a nearby field full of Highland Coos... now I really want to play that Long Rider lol.

hmm, there is a Cost 3 spell i could get with POW 15 and AOE 4.... big badda boom hahaha

Also I am thinking against the fast cast because the spells i am given to start are both Cost 2, so I couldn't do two in a round, because my ARC is 3.

But I guess I could cast a spell and then shoot a bow?

Though, as I finalize my basic stats, I'm not so good at bows with my POI haha

well, I'm reading the combat chapter and i see that i can cast a spell and attack with a weapon in the same round anyway, so the extra action from the Gifted archetype choice would be a second spell per turn.

I improved my ARC to 4, so i will probably go with an additional spell instead of the fast cast. I could either do (with the fast cast option) two Cost 2 spells per turn, or do one higher-cost spell without it.

the more i read of this, the more gritty and deadly it sounds (reading the part about the injury table and stuff).

EDIT: eh, i decided on the fast cast. looking at the advancement table, an additional spell comes a lot sooner than an archetype benefit.

Tenro's submission, more or less complete.

I have to pick one language, I had planned on it being a "city language"

More to come on his story, essentially he is well traveled (relatively), having hunted across the forests and gone into towns/cities to sell trophies/ingredients/alchemicals.

I am thinking of him being born a city trollkin, but as a youngin (age 10 human equivalent) taken to the kriel, taken in and taught to hunt to help pull his weight in the kriel. got into meat alchemy and bone grinding after being something like the adopted son of one of the crazy old coots that goes in for that sort of thing.

He is probably headed out with Oengus to support his cause and keep the group fed. That, and/or as a character with a wide travel range and a connection to an adventuring scholar, got hooked up with one of the cityfolk PCs and was told to bring them to Oengus.

Balodek - Pyg Bushwhacker or Trollkin Gifted
Milo - Human Investigator / Thief
Black Dow - Trollkin Fell Caller / Pugilist
Arcmagik - Trollkin Fennblade / Chieftan?
Pale King - Human Nobleman
Tenro - Gifted Trollkin Bone Grinder / Monster Hunter

Milo - looking over the skillset you might benefit from rounding out to include a bit more outdoors / combat related skills. The PbP will probably be out in the countryside for reasonably long stretches of time - so you wouldn't get as much play from the Forensic side of things.
Though you would flip back right into the frame for the town based stuff... ultimately your choice.
Are you intending to keep the Cygnaran lineage? - if you go Llaelish then there are some specific equipment and options in the Gods and Nations book pertaining to Spy-ish behaviour... including garrotes and such.

BD - To me the Long Rider option is a bit of a waste if you're going Pugilist. The fisticuffs side focuses on getting in their face and grapples / throws / etc - which isn't really going to work if you're mounted up.
Plus I can't think of anything more Scottish Trollkin than the mouthy guy who ends up throwing down with everyone at table ;)
Travelling man come back sounds good too.

Tenro - checking online - Arcane Bonds looks to have been renamed to 'Spirit Lash', so take that instead.
It's a no on the rune axe.

I'd like to keep the first contact between Kriel and the Llaelish lads happening post PbP start - so we can play that out in thread... Suffice to say that there should be some fairly decent reasons for you to work together.

Tenro - checking online - Arcane Bonds looks to have been renamed to 'Spirit Lash', so take that instead.

It's a no on the rune axe.

oh, yuck, lower range and less POW than arcane bolt.

That said, i suppose the spell makes more sense for the hunter since it keeps things from running/charging.

RE: rune axe, i kinda figured, plus i realized i dont automatically get the connection that would have made it worthwhile.

I think I've decided on Aristocrat and Ranger for my characters careers, with the intellectual archetype.

BD - To me the Long Rider option is a bit of a waste if you're going Pugilist. The fisticuffs side focuses on getting in their face and grapples / throws / etc - which isn't really going to work if you're mounted up.
Plus I can't think of anything more Scottish Trollkin than the mouthy guy who ends up throwing down with everyone at table ;)
Travelling man come back sounds good too.

Nae bother chief. Will defo run with the Pugilist... Fell Caller will give him some ranged options without going down the ranged weapon route... He throws harsh language lol.

Agree getting up close and personal will be fun and he'll be a nice counterpoint to the more traditionalist trollkin amongst the group. A prodigal son of Bragg returned, who can throw hands and insults with the best of them (well in his mind lol)...

@Tenro: Like your keeping the Scottish flavour to the trollkin names :) Was actually mulling if we change the Mac to Mak or Mag to fantasy up the tartan tongue? Thoughts anyone??

Eoghann Mak Mhorgain...
Eoghann Mag Mhorgain...

Óengus Mak Gairm...
Óengus Mag Gairm...

@Tenro: Like your keeping the Scottish flavour to the trollkin names :) Was actually mulling if we change the Mac to Mak or Mag to fantasy up the tartan tongue? Thoughts anyone??

Eoghann Mak Mhorgain...
Eoghann Mag Mhorgain...

Óengus Mak Gairm...
Óengus Mag Gairm...

Hmm, for some reason I don't like the look of the K, but i could see the G as good as the C.

And as a heads-up, I won't be typing full-Scottish. I do a lot of posting from my phone and it would be a headache to try to keep that up, not to mention I haven't interacted with enough Scottish people for long enough to have a good handle on their enunciation. I'll sprinkle a bit in here and there still. It'll make more sense for Eoghann anyway since he spent some formative years in the city.

Anyone have any advice on what my second language should be? I am thinking either Cygnaran or Khadoran.

EDIT: think i will go with Cygnaran, since it is closer to the Glimmerwood and Bainsmarket or Corvis are probably the civilized areas my character frequents.

EDIT 2: changed Arcane Bolt to Spirit Lash, and with that change, Eoghann should be 100% ready for play.

If someone could double check that i did my life spiral correctly, that would be appreciated. Super pumped to start!

To our other Trollkin/Pygs on the Unleashed side of the house, if you are looking for avatars, i think Demon and Outsider have most of the ones that look like Trollkin. Pygs might have a better shot at a wider range of types.

Oengus, I figure that, given the penalties for ranged attacks into a melee and my character's already low POI (and it not being a focus of mine), that Eoghann will likely open combat at range, then close and use his greatsword after you are throwing hands at them. That is, if we are mostly against a single enemy. If you're throwing hands and there are other outlying enemies, I will probably focus on them with range.

Sorry I've been really busy, I'll try to get my character made soon. My youngest brother just finished school for the year (Grade 11) and my parents dropped him off at my doorstep, no mention of when they'll come back for him. Hopefully they come back for him. :P At the same time I have a friend visiting from out of town and am continuing my work as an RA.

BD - do you have the Urban Adventures book? - or do you need me to PM you with the detail from the abilities and what not?

Eoghann - noted... FYI I'll do a final crunch sweep once I've got a few characters ready for it.

Pale King - not a worry, get the detail up when you can.

DM VoV - Do indeed have Urban Adventures mate - was hoping to have my crunch nailed down early this week.

Cheers

Sorry was hoping to have some of my character re-worked by now, but work got in the way!!! Will be looking to maybe changing careers up a bit to fall more in-line with the outdoor-feel of the game (as suggested) and beef up my combat skills...he was originally created for a city-based adventure....if I recall correctly....cannot believe that was 3 years ago!! lol

Work and kid, but I've settled on the Pyg. He's built just getting the gear and then I'll get him profiled.

Getting there...

Still crunch to settle on/in-fill and some other stuff - gear, background and such...

Got a lot of it. Need final gear and some last stats.

Heh - limited avatars are giving it a bit of a teeth and terror vibe... which is all good ;)

Right - we're shaping up relatively well, not far away from putting up the Gameplay thread so we can start flexing our trollish and Llaelish intent.

Here's my general thoughts on initial framing:

Katherson and Eoghann are well-acquainted, with the Pyg often assisting the Bone Grinder on reagent hunts and wandering.

Oengus is relatively recently returned to the fold from civilized lands, and there's still a bit of mistrusting present.

Havar (see Recruitment thread) is potentially the wet behind the ears chieftan's son with a point to prove.

Pale King and Milo are well-acquainted, with Milo as a close confidant and agent of the nobleman.

Lastly I note Scranford hasn't rustled up a concept just yet?

"Aye I am young, aye. But if you stick with me and listen to what I say, I swear by the Mother of us all that I'll get your name on the Kriel Stone. They'll tell tales of us and that is no lie!"

Glad to be here. Looking forward to this.

Ditto - think this will be fun game, with a very interesting mix of characters...

At the chieftain's young son makes his lofty proclamation, the rough fell caller pauses from his card game to comment, yet still mindful of the pyg's perchance for cheating...

"Brave words laddie. Heroes words. Nae many heroes left I reckon... as likely to find their names on heidstains at the boneyard as much as on the Kreilstains... I reckon..."

The scrapper shrugs his shoulders and chews on his stogie with a hard grin;

"Khador's pikes! Why listen tae me... 'am jest a Basterd o' Bragg... back fae the big smoke o' men and reeking o' their ale an' blood..."

His amber eyes flit back to the game and the group of pygs;

"Rightie-o wee eins... Dragons high or double warjacks?"

The young pyg Katherson looks at his cards then squints to the loquacious trollkin.

"I'll take two warjacks over a dragon any day."

Call me wee again ya oaf.

"Depends on the make of Jack. I've seen one of the Marauder pattern Jacks before, those big red ones with the pistons on their arms, and I wouldn't take 50 of em over one of you!"

"ey, but dragons have useful parts."

Hi guys!

I'm gonna be shadowing you guys like any good mage hunter and ready to back up once I sit down with my book. :)

Game thread is live :) - our clannish types can pop in and start the drinking if they're willin.

Still waiting on confirmation for our Llaelish nobles.

I am still here...looking to alter Milo some to make him fit the part of a noble's bodyguard a little better...if no one else is playing human, then maybe I will roll up a Trollkin and join the others....but I would prefer playing on the Full Metal side.

Working on my character right now.

The Pale King here with my character. He's not finished, but he is certainly on his way.

Milo a friend of mine played a Trollkin Gunmage to great amusement, they do have the rules for Trollkin in Full Metal.

Well it looks like Pale King has created his noble...and I think it would be kinda cool to have a noble and his bodyguard chased into the wilds only to fall in with a Trollkin Kriel from the Glimmerwood!!

I am adjusting my character from an investigator to more of a bodyguard and spy.

I think that sounds like a lot of fun too.

I'll have the first tidbit for the Llaelish up tonight (late late my time as it'll be after a poker night :)

Much as I like the Fell Caller/Pugilist combo - been doing some research and am wondering if the Northkin Fire Eater ever became a career option in NQ or other source?

That would seem the perfect fit for my lad and his fisticuffs ;)

Good news - won the poker night.

Bad news - it ran to 2:30 AM, so after that and a full day with the wee lads today I'm shattered into extreme tiredness.

ZZzzzzZZZzzzs... then post my Sunday eve *fingers crossed*

Texas Holdem or Omaha?

Enjoy the zzzz's mate and the winnings :)

Texas Holdem - it's not that impressive... all I needed to do was wait a few hours for my superpower to kick in. That is - poker gets easier when you're the only one that isn't well on their way to drunkeness ;)

Oh, and I don't think the Northkin have seen print on the RPG side of things.

Problem I have is being too much o' a bluffmeister when playing... logic is they think I'm bluffing again coz that's what I do... typically I'm broke before my strategy pays off...

Yeah didn't think so... Pity as they'd be a perfect fit :)

Fingers crossed in the next release!

I have only played poker three times, and i won two of the three. My only power is not knowing how to play, and having to continually reference the sheet that says what cards make what hands.

DM, sent a PM if you get a minute :)

Paging Milo?

Also, for the trolls - assume you've got a decent idea which direction the wee mawgs'll come from.