Background
This will be a Kingmaker game that presents an underpowered group of four characters with the chance of a lifetime; to rise from the social gutter and make something of themselves. They might be political dissidents, discharged soldiers or somehow socially unacceptable. However, all of the applicants must have some reason in their history for the nobility of Brevoy wanting to send them off on what could potentially be a suicide mission, but that reason can’t be something which contravenes the law.
This will be a four-player game. I fully expect there to be a large amount of applicants but I’m interested in really making this game a battle to survive and extra characters means extra work on my part in order to keep the challenges at a similar level. At the moment, that’s not something I can devote time to. I will not necessarily stick to the “holy trinity” and will be selecting interesting characters over synergy. After all, the holes can be plugged by NPCs/magic items.
I’m interested in this being a good story, therefore min-maxing characters will not win any brownie points. In fact, it might well be to your detriment.
I will not fudge rolls, as I want this to be a true story of survival. However, circumstance bonuses will be put in place if proper tactics are used. For example, if a group rush headlong into battle and get crushed, then that’s their fault. However, if they use tactics to divide their enemy then bonuses to attack will be granted. Damage rolls however will not be modified unless through core game mechanics.
Point Buy
• 15 point buy. No stat below 8 and above 18 before racial modifiers.
Starting Gold
• Minimum for your chosen class. This is to represent that your characters are from the lower social rungs, trying to clamber to the top.
Traits
• No Rich Parents trait.
• Bandit campaign trait: You may not be a reformed bandit as there aren’t likely to be many of them in Brevoy. Instead, you may be the spouse or child of a captured bandit. Starting gold will be hidden in the Stolen Lands to be collected.
House Rules
• Group Initiative: Character with highest Initiative represents players and the highest initiative amongst each group of creatures represents them. DM rolls for each group and then for the players, they just post as they can. This eliminates the requirement for ret-conning posts and should make things flow easier.
Permitted Material
• Anything Paizo-published, although see above note on min-maxing. Don’t go looking to try and break things in this game, as I’m interested in storytelling.
• Published third party, although it will be on my say so. It must make sense for the setting.
• Nothing homebrew.
Application Format
• Full alias with crunch, background, personality and description.
Application end date: Sunday 8th April
Sounds like an interesting project.
Two questions:
1-Any issues if I am DMing a KM campaign in parallel?
2-Do you usually use maps for battles, or prefer to narrate?
Anyhow, good luck with the recruitment!
Talon: could you stick that in a spoiler and then an alias once you firm up the fluff?
DW: I do both. Maps for the logistics and then a little narrative in order to embellish on things a little. Due to having the visual component, the embellishment usually takes the form of combat descriptions rather than positional descriptions.
While I'm okay with the Aldori side of things, your background will need to incorporate a reason why you're being included in this expedition as the Aldori are a force to be reckoned with. Perhaps you accidentally killed someone in a duel that went horribly wrong, as an example.
Are you requiring a campagin trait from the Player's Guide?
I've found the same, Helaman, but for now I will stick with four and see what happens.
Donato: Yes, a campaign trait will be required. Obviously the ones which have the character as coming from a noble house are not currently permitted. I'm on my way home now so I might replace them but more on that in the future.
On the house rule note, for this game Knowledge (nobility) will only give half the bonus for rolling on information to do with their nobles and their houses. It will work, however, as the source of all knowledge for laws as they are set by the nobility.
What I'll probably wind up doing is have Oleg lend some on the basis you're going to save his bacon. Bandits should have some stuff you can scavenge too.
I'm just hoping to inject some real survival thrill into the game from the beginning. It'll hopefully temper attitudes towards being able to fend off the bigger monsters. We'll see how things go as time passes as to how things progress but I'm very much in favour of making the Stag Lord encounter a slow-burner with some real strategy behind it instead of just rocking straight up there and trying to take him down.
I'm also toying with the idea of secret achievements. For example, Kobold Rising would be awarded if a peaceful solution is found with the Sootscale kobolds and it would permit kobold PCs should any of the starter PCs die.
Hi Nostrus, I like the feel of your game. Here is Garric (half-elf ranger 1), a character that I liked a lot that I made for another Kingmaker PbP that ended after 3 days. I remade him with your 15 pt buy. Any questions, let me know.
Thank you for your answers. I might present an application if I find a good idea for a character.
Posting for interest. I'm currently thinking of a half-elf wizard. I'll get a character up in a day or two: this looks to be be an amazing campaign.
Ratimir Ganic, halfling sorcerer, posting for interest. Sheet almost ready (gear still missing).
EDIT
I am interested in possibly playing a Kobold Fighter or Rogue from level one. I have an idea of how he might be sent from Brevoy if you will allow it.
Here's my bid, Osmond Raknian, human cavalier, Order of the Shield. All information should be on the alias.
Nesodir, changing him from a different point buy.
Traveler's Outfit (Free)
Traveling Spellbook (10 gp)
mwk Staff (Free)
10 gp remaining
This sounds interesting. I'll see what I can come up with.
Half Orc Barbarian
Alignment: CN/NG (Not intended to be disruptive, just likes to have a bit of space to explore his mixed heritage)
Traits: Rostlander, Outcast
Where his mother came from, no one knows, as she simply showed up a doorstep of one of Rostland's churches, pregnant and barely breathing. Dying shortly after giving birth, the clergy was horrified to discover that the child was a half-orc, but tried their best to take care of the lad despite that. Growing up with a wild temperament, even the vastness of Rostland was barely able to contain it as he grew up, and he very eagerly sought the opportunity to find a place where he could explore the implications of his ancestry without fear of disturbing the neighbors.
Oterisk, going to say no to Kobold at the beginning. Later on, perhaps, but not at the start.
I'm interested in this game. I've wanted to play Kingmaker for some time now. I'll won't be able to roll up a character until Wednesday though.
Detailed background ready in the alias.
Full write up forthcoming. Hoping to actually sleep tonight.
Uh... so, they shouldn't be fugitives per se, but they definitely won't be welcomed back, right?
Right now I am thinking that Kari might have lent some support to a "subversive" puppet show about the disappearance about the former ruling family, and the various political dealings of the current. Nothing really risque or necessarily illegal, but I could see a bunch of politicos getting nervous about political commentary from a young and talented bard with contacts.
Yes, Kari, that's the idea. Basically, your background should contain a reason that would make the nobility want to 'waste' a charter to get your character out of the way. What that reason is will be up to you guys to come up with.
No one in Brevoy expects you to do anything other than die or turn bandit so they have a legitimate reason to hunt you down. Time to show them what adversity can do for a person!
1st Character
Andrej Catfoot
Aldori Student.
I'm fine with double archetypes as long as a) they fit within existing rules about multiple archetypes and b) it's to fit with your character idea and you're not attempting to abuse gameplay mechanics.
As for the black blade itself, feel free to have your current weapon awaken.
Ladies and gentlemen, may I present for your contemplation the plight of Sirian Rogarvia, a humble lawyer and Abadarian cleric forced to establish an outpost of civilisation in the benighted Stolen lands?
There can be no doubt that the actions taken against him by the "nobles" of Brevoy can only be considered a cruel and unusual punishment undertaken to silence a legitimate and lawful challenge to their corruption.
Sirian Rogarvia grew up the son of a mayor in a small town on the borders of the Stolen Lands. Inspired by the local cleric of Abadar, he joined the religion as an acolyte and studied the Laws (both those of Man and Abadar). Devoting himself to the establishment of trade, order, law and good leadership he excelled and was transferred to New Stetven to train as a lawyer.
He quickly realised that the Nobility of New Stetven were corrupt! Following the guidance of Adabar he attempted to fight the corruption from within.
The nobles of Brevoy were less than impressed to have a young, charismatic and idealistic firebrand lawyer raising an outcry among the people. Simply killing Sirian was too dangerous though - Abadar might be weak in Brevoy, but murdering one of his clerics could bring inquisitions and sanctions that would be annoying, if not dangerous.
A sympathetic Abdar lawyer was consulted, but Sirian was within his rights - however, the lawyer pointed out, the nobles could simply recognise Sirian as being divinely inspired and order him to follow Abadar’s first principle of founding civilisation in the wilderness. Given Sirian had almost no combat training at all and was known to have a weak constitution and physique, odds were this would be a suicide mission and would look good to the church of Abadar.
Sirian was summoned before the court, praised for his good works and informed that he was to be made a missionary to the stolen lands. Stunned, he didn’t react as he was hustled outside, given a horse, fancy looking armour (that didn’t fit), a rod of office (that looked a lot like it might have been an ornate bedpost), a shield with the heraldry of Abadar and the best wishes of the kingdom.
He asked for a crossbow, and was quietly he was told the crossbow and bolts were waiting for him if he was still here when the sun rose. The implication was obvious.
24 hours later he was on his way to his new life.
At first glance Sirian looks impressive as he rides in on his horse with his fancy armour, shield and rod. At second glance the rod is just painted wood, the shield is unscratched, the armour is too big and Sirian himself is too thin, and too pale to pass as a warrior.
The horse is great though.
18 years old, 5'7", 140lbs.
Sirian is a true believer in crusading within the law. He is a city man. A lawyer. Not some Paladin. He has been outmaneuver though, and now he needs to establish a city and a temple in order to prove himself. He intends to do whatever he needs to do.
Str 8 -1
Dex 12 +1
Con 8 -1
Int 12 +1
Wis 14 +2
Cha 18 +4
HP = 7 (8 from class, -1 con)
AC= 14 (+3 armour, +1 dex)
Move =40ft
BAB=0
CMB=-1 (+0 BAB, -1 str)
CMD = 10 (+0 BAB, -1 str, +1 dex)
Init=+1
Fort= +1 (+2 class, -1 con)
Ref = +1 (0 class, +1 dex)
Will = +4 (+2 class, +2 wis)
Skills 5 ranks (2 class, +1 human, +1 int, +1 favoured class)
Diplomacy (1 rank, +3 trained, +4 att)=+8
Sense Motive (1 rank, +3 trained, +2 wis) =+6
Knowledge: Nobility & Royalty (1 rank +3 trained+1 att)=+5
Knowledge: Religion (1 rank +3 trained+1 att)=+5
Perform (Oratory) (1 rank +4 att)=+5
Ride (0 ranks, +1 dex, +1 trait, -1 acp)=+1
Languages: Common, Infernal
Attacks
Club: -1, d6-1, x2, 10ft
Sling stone: +1, d3-1, x2, 50ft
Domain: Trade
+10ft move
Silver-Tongued Haggler (Su): Whenever you make a Bluff, Diplomacy, or Sense Motive check, you can, as afree action, grant yourself a bonus on the roll equal to 1/2 your cleric level (minimum +1). You can use this ability a number of times per day equal to 3 + your Wisdom modifier.
Domain: Leadership
Inspiring Command (Su): As a standard action, you can issue an inspiring command to your allies. The inspiring command affects one ally plus one additional ally for every three cleric levels you possess, who must all be within 30 feet of you. Affected allies gain a +2 insight bonus on attack rolls, AC, combat maneuver defense, and skill checks for 1 round. This is a language-dependent mind-affecting effect.
Trait: Pioneer
+1 ride, horse.
Trait: Natural Born Leader
All cohorts, followers, or summoned creatures under your leadership gain a +1 morale bonus on Will saves to avoid mind-affecting effects. If you ever take the Leadership feat, you gain a +1 trait bonus to your Leadership score.
Proficient with light armour, medium armour, shields (except tower shields), simple weapons and light crossbow.
Channel positive energy 7/day 1d6.
Feat: Selective Channeling
Can choose 4 (cha) targets in area not to be affected by channeling
Feat: Spell focus (Conjuration)
Spells
0: 3
* Guidance
* Virtue
* Purify Food & Water
1: (2/day + 1 domain/day)
* Magic Stone
* Summon Monster I
d bless
Equipment
Parade Armour (Studded leather equiv. +3/+5/-1)
Wooden Holy Symbol of Abadar
Light Steel shield (not normally worn)
Club
Sling
Sling stones
Pack saddle
Horse
Posting for interest. I'm currently thinking of a half-elf wizard. I'll get a character up in a day or two: this looks to be be an amazing campaign.
Background and mechanics are complete, though subject to tweaking/revisions throughout the week.
Understood. I will keep an eye on things. Have fun picking out your four!
Finally, the complete application for Ratimir Ganic, halfling sorcerer, including crunch, background, personality and appearance.
sunshadow21 here with my submission. It still needs to be refined a bit, and the equipment section reworked, but the basic idea should get across.
Updated the statblock with his description, background, and personality.
Finally, the complete application for Ratimir Ganic, halfling sorcerer, including crunch, background, personality and appearance.
Just made a minor tweaking: switched the "Reactionary" trait for "Resilient". Makes more sense considering Ratimir's background.
No bigger underdog than being the fifth wheel in a group of four :P
Xankas is complete.
Submitting Cay, Human verdant sorcerer.
He's a bastard child of a noble house whose birth was unknow to the lord's wife. Now the affair has come back to haunt him and threatens trade agreements with between the lord's hosue the his wife's family. In short, the noble needs Caylen to disappear and quickly, so he arranges for a charter into the Stolen Lands hoping the boy never returns....
Here again with slightly streamlined backround (it still seems kinda heavy handed to me, but well) and in the form of an alias. http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=386779 is still up to date too.
Gnome sorceror, plucky Rostlander caught burning most of his small town down playing with fire. He was voluntold to go on a dangerous mission.
This pyromaniac sorceror has the clothes on his back, a dagger, 19gp, and a thirst for adventure.
Lets try a gnome sorceror rather than a hobbit paladin this time :-)
Hey there, is it too late to apply for this campaign?
Here is my character, Skandarr Gyllensol, a disgraced noble and a faithful Inquisitor to Gorum, the Lord in Iron.
Who currently happens to be too poor to afford a greatsword :(.
Nope, recruitment will close up on Sunday, 8pm BST. I'll condense the characters into a list tomorrow evening and make a decision either Sunday night or Monday morning.
Gimlet, the gnome with just a small dagger, is ready for his own show called
'Gnome vs Wild' -- someone has to take over for Bear.
Oh, also, how many traits are we supposed to have? Two? And if so, what do I do about Skandarrs' case, in that he's a disgraced noble?