
GM-Gathrix |
2 people marked this as a favorite. |

Longacre, a fitting name. The days are long and you have grown tired. Tired of your ordinary life. Today is different though. Today you have opportunity. The Vegepygmies of the Whispering Wood have finally become so much a nuisance that House Thrune has taken notice. In Cheliax, when House Thrune takes notice, everyone else does too. Fliers are posted around town asking for those willing to venture into the Woods to eliminate this threat. 20 gold pieces a head and 100 gold pieces for an accurate map to their lair in the Scar Thicket, heart of the woods. This is your chance, a chance at a new life.
Hi all. GM Gathrix again. I just cant get enough of these Play by Post, how about you? I want to run Hell's Vengence when it comes out. Here is a chance to build your background for that AP and be guaranteed a slot in my game for that. This game is going to be a level 1-level 2 one shot designed to weed out recruits and establish a good player base for that AP. You will be playing NPC classes, just starting out on your life of adventure.
When the AP starts and if you are chosen to continue you will be granted a Campaign Trait of your choice. Religions- Diabolism, Asmodeus, Zon-Kuthon, and Devils will have preference, but any non-good religion will be considered.

Sixteenbiticon |

I expressed interest in a Hell's Rebel's campaign recruitment for playing a human urban ranger bounty hunter type character, but once I looked over the campaign traits I couldn't really find a concept that gels. Perhaps this AP will be more accommodating to my concept. So, a hearty dot from me good sir.
I have very limited experience playing an evil campaign, but have always wanted to play this concept as the flavor behind the idea of an urban ranger interests me to no end. I would start out as an expert, of course. I would be a fixer of sorts, called in to do the dirty work whenever House Thrune requires it. I imagine he would be either NE or LE, depending on if I go the personal code route or the following House Thrune's guidelines route.
I'm definitely focusing on archery, with a stat array of 10, 16, 12, 10, 13, 10. I think a rat animal companion might be fun. Or some other sort of critter that can skitter into tight spaces.

Loup Blanc |

Hmm, I'm interested. And I've been looking forward to Hell's Vengeance since it was announced. For this game... I think a burgeoning Hellknight would be fun to play, someone who's working towards joining the order. He's doing this because it reminds him of the Order of the Pike and what they do, and figures it might be a good chance to work towards that.
Now the question is whether to have him actually be a warrior, or a commoner for the fun times...
EDIT: I have a character concept to tie in to when the game progresses into the actual campaign, but it relies on a little bit of homebrew and such from the GM...
Basically, I'd like to take on Antipaladin once the game starts, probably with the Lord of Darkness archetype from Fire Mountain Games, as well as the Chosen One archetype from Paizo. The Chosen One is a paladin archetype, but if you just change the exact names of abilities, it switches to antipaladin just fine. The basic idea would be that his new visitor subtly guides him toward evil and tyranny, and by the time he hits 7th level it reveals itself to be an imp.
If you don't like the concept or don't want to use the archetypes in question, I can build something else instead, but I was looking at things and thought of it and it seemed like a neat idea.

Kittenmancer |

Ahh, time to get Kyralina off the shelf.
Character Name: Kyralina Zografu
Race: Human
Class: Aristocrat (Bard)
Gender: Female
Age: 17
Alignment: Neutral Evil
Traits: Voice of Velvet, Masterful Demeanor
Stats: 10, 13, 12, 14, 10, 16
Provenience: Egorian, Cheliax - minor noble house allied with House Thrune.
Her family's history has a bit of a scandal in the recent past. Her paternal grandfather, Lord Zografu, was old nobility and quite wealthy in both land and coin. Widowed and childless, he was smitten in his old age by a beautiful courtesan and, fool that he was, married the woman and elevated her to a position well above her station. Some say that he was afraid that his line would die with him, although surely he had plenty of choices among the daughters of the other nobles or even from the unlanded gentry. And although very beautiful, his new wife was little better than a whore. She did however bear him a daughter, thus assuring the continuation of his bloodline (although some whisper that said bloodline was never in danger of being extinguished, what with Lord Zografu's multitude of cousins and second cousins).
Despite the fact that the new Lady Zografu seemed intent on dispersing the prejudice against her, and indeed the way she spoke and carried herself was little different from most trueborn ladies, there was still some gossip regarding the legitimacy of her daughter. Lord Zografu could do little about the rumours, but he was keenly aware that the rest of his family was likely to dispute the inheritance and things would get rather ugly. In an effort to prevent that, he arranged a marriage between his closest cousin and his daughter, in an effort to anchor her claim to his title and fortune. This marriage alliance and the liberal sprinkling of bequests for his other cousins smoothed out most of their objections and secured the inheritance of his daughter and her children.
Now, old Lord Zografu has been dead for almost a score years and his cousin bears that title. Three of his daughters have grown into beautiful young women, while the fourth has just made her entry into the society. So far, the young ladies' lives have been a string of parties, teas, soirées and formal dinners as they learn to navigate the turbulent waters of family politics and the infinitely intricate web of relationships that are the life and blood of the nobility. It is past due that marriages were negotiated for all of them, yet their father is strangely reluctant to do so, much to their mother's exasperation.
Personality, motivation and goals:
As the young, beautiful daughter of a noble family in good standing, "disadvantaged" would probably not be most people's first choice of terms when describing Kyralina's situation. Regardless, that is precisely how things appear to her. As the youngest of four sisters, she has quite a bit of catching up to do. Her siblings aside, there are other obstacles on the path to power, fame and recognition. For Kyralina is an ambitious young woman with very lofty ideas about her destiny, and as youngest daughter she has a lot to prove indeed.
Some search power through wealth; but what good is wealth alone without influence and legitimacy? There are certain things that gold cannot buy. And what good is knowledge and possession of the most ancient and arcane secrets, if one lacks the power and the means to act upon it? To Kyralina's mind, the qualities of leadership and influence are the most precious. An influential, charismatic person can persuade the rich merchant to part with his gold or the wizened scholar to part with his secrets - all for a higher cause, real or imagined. Thus, she has set out to become influential. Very influential. She dreams of a vast web of connections, all strings at her fingertips. A myriad subtleties, schemes within schemes, indiscernible patterns criss-crossing all layers of society - and in their midst none else but Kyralina Zografu.
Since her début one year ago she has already made some progress and the budding socialite is well on her way to become a notable feature at balls and receptions hosted by the nobility. Kyralina's grandmother has passed on to her not just some of her legendary beauty, but also her talent for human interaction. She can read others like a book and can play them like a fiddle. Not that a fiddle is an appropriate instrument for a young lady of her breeding. Let's say a harp. Yes, a harp is better. Despite her mother's efforts to overshadow her, Kyralina positively sparkles in almost any social situation. She is well schooled in manners, history, politics and arts, and an avid collector of gossip. Witty conversation partner and attentive listener, almost everyone who meets her is enchanted with her. Subtle adjustments in the little roles she plays and Lady Heliotrope will be praising her for her modesty, young Lord Verdant will be besotted with her sensuous mystery and Dowager Thyse will be impressed with her maturity and level head.
Of course, she only makes these efforts with her equals (although her mother's opinion is that they are her "betters" and Kyralina's private conviction is that they are her "lessers"). The servants and anyone whose interest is not worth pursuing is equally unworthy of Kyralina's pleasant side. She is a spoiled, sheltered, entitled little princess with an overinflated sense of self-value who wants nothing more than to be adulated by all.
Kyralina was seated at her elaborately carved and gilded vanity, idly sorting through her hairpins, when the door behind her silently opened. She looked up and suppressed a small shiver. Despite her silks and jewellery, her mother was incredibly stealthy when she so desired. Only chance had it that Kyralina was in front of the triple mirrors and thus witnessed the intrusion. Despite that, Lady Zografu seems entirely unperturbed as she smiles at her daughter's reflection. "Ah, there you are. Be a dear and help your sisters get ready, the guests will be here soon. We must show well, you know that your father hopes that Lord Tadden will become one of our business partners." Her mother looks rather like an older sister to Kyralina; she is still stunningly beautiful and unashamed to show it. "Oh, and do wear the new gown from your father's sister."
A frown. "Must I, Mother?" She puts the slightest emphasis on the last word and is rewarded with a glint of displeasure in the woman's gaze, quickly masked. "It is so... simple. It makes me look boring. And you know that white has never been my colour!" A different glint in her mother's eyes dashes a bucket of cold water over her rising temper. Of course. That was the intention all along. Kyralina turns a pointed look towards her mother's dress, an extravagant confection of silk and brocade in shimmering blues, greens and purples. "The peacock amongst the geese."
As her mother doesn't seem to acknowledge either her protests or her unspoken rebuke, Kyralina attempts another angle. "I have been thinking about my attire for the Firstbloom Festival, I believe lace patterns will be back in fashion this season..." An curt wave of her mother's hand interrupts her dissertation on cuts and colours. "No need to concern yourself with such, dear. I had something else in mind for you this year." In answer to her daughter's stunned silence, Lady Zografu extracts a rather crumpled square of parchment from her sleeve. "A note arrived a few days ago, hinting at vast opportunities in the Whispering Wood. Since I cannot go myself, of course, I am sending you. If there is indeed an opportunity to consolidate our family's interests in the area, you are expected to do the utmost in your power to secure those interests." Kyralina's eyes widen. "To Whispering Wood?!"
"Why, yes. You must be there on the tenth day of Calistril."
"But it's two hundred miles from here! And less than two weeks from now! And it's still winter!" A cold smile cuts her disbelieving protest short. "Then I suggest that you start the travel preparations sooner rather than later. My dearest... daughter."

DekoTheBarbarian |

I've been interested in this campaign since I first heard of it. Already have a character concept for it. I'm in a Hell's Rebels campaign as a son of the house of Thrune who worships Cayden Cailean, and I thought it would be interesting to play him as someone who ended up following the rest of the family. He'll either go Hellknight or Hellknight Signifier, not sure yet, if he makes it to the actual AP.

Roden Linvail |

Here is an alias I created for another submission that was not picked up. I have made some quick preliminary changes to his background, but I think the overall concept is fairly sound.
LE Human Expert (urban ranger)
Father,
I realize we have not spoken in months, but I wanted to keep you abroad of the situation. As I’m sure you are aware, House Thrune has been posting flyers around town seeking aid in dealing with the vegepygmies harrowing the forest. After much consideration, I have decided to take them up on their offer. I don’t want to drag you into this, so please don’t try to dissuade me. I feel that this opportunity cannot be ignored. If this menace can be put down then maybe I can restore the flow of reagents from the forest. I will contact you once we have completed our task.
I hope this letter finds you well.
~Roden
Roden grew up in the relative peace and safety of the town of Longacre. His mother passed away when he was very young and his father owns the Gnarled Root, a small shop that sells all manner of herb, unguent, elixir, and remedy. Roden was happy to help out at his father’s shop when he was a boy, and his father did well and his business thrived. Roden quickly picked up the ability to identify foreign plants and herbs. They would play a game where his father would quiz him on the identity of the items as they stocked the shelves. Things were good. Unfortunately, that didn’t last. The Whisperwood - his primary source of ingredients - changed as rumors of creatures breaching on to the surface from the Darklands began to swirl around town. Supply was low and he struggled to meet demands. The constant pressure to keep his doors open weighed heavily on his father and he became more of a boss and less of a parent.
This all came to a head one morning when they were cleaning the shop just before opening. Roden was mopping up the stockroom and knocked over a large ceramic jar of extremely rare (and therefore very expensive) powdered verucca root and it shattered on the floor. He watched in stunned horror as the powder absorbed the soapy water, rendering it’s magical properties inert. His father rushed to the back to investigate the noise and lost control. His arm snapped across like a steel trap and hit Roden so hard that he tasted blood. He didn’t cry. He didn’t flee. And he certainly didn’t fight back. He knew that he had done wrong, so he just looked up at his father, struggling to retain consciousness while bracing himself for another strike. Luckily, the strike never came, for his father had realized what he had done. He stormed off without a word, and after a few moments Roden hurried to clean up the mess, but his relationship with his father was never quite the same after that.
Despite that fair setback, the Gnarled Root still managed to keep it’s doors open. When Roden wasn’t working at the shop, he would venture off to watch the Hellknights patrol the western edge of the Whisperwood. He would watch them from afar, trying to learn anything he could by observing their techniques. One time he worked up the courage to approach them directly, but they quickly chased him off, dismissing him as a country bumpkin.
While he hung around the knights more and more, months would pass before he got a chance to stop by the shop, and when he did, his father was distant and often spoke in vagaries.
Roden was looking for a chance to prove himself. To break free of his father’s shadow and become his own man. To gain control of the regents flowing from the forest and in doing so, have utter control of his father’s livelihood. Roden didn’t hesitate in volunteering himself for the expedition.

GM-Gathrix |

@Sixteenbitcoin Sounds like a good idea, Warrior would probably be the NPC class for you.
@Loup Blanc I am going to review those mechanics. Sometimes when things get mixed together that's where the power level goes to 11.
@Kittenmancer you seem like a natural, and I like the concept
@Deko I am a fan of the Hellknight Signifiers myself, the models for it are cool too. Hellknights in general will be most welcome for sure. Warrior would be the obvious NPC class
@Roden I like it. The letter is a nice touch.
Wow I am getting some good submissions for this one.

Sixteenbiticon |

@Sixteenbitcoin Sounds like a good idea, Warrior would probably be the NPC class for you.
@Roden I like it. The letter is a nice touch.
Oops, I forgot to clarify that Roden is my submission. I was planning on taking expert for the skill points considering his eventual path as an urban ranger bounty hunter/infiltrator, etc. But, if you still think warrior is more fitting, I'll gladly go that route. It's your game, after all. ;)
I still need to edit/proofread his background, but I'm glad that you like quick and dirty version.

H00H00 |

"Mom, Dad... I'm out of here." He said one day, slamming his hand on the table. Astonished faces all around. He enjoyed that sensation, like he held them by a thread. "Is this another one of your jokes?!" His father was used to him saying this kind of things. "No, no, this time i'm serious." And just like that he closed the door behind him. He had already tried to leave his house, but something had him turn back every time. Not this time, at least I hope so. Hey, hey, fliers asking to take care of a problem? That would be an excellent first step to glory, i guess.
He's never used a weapon before, but he thinks about it just like another skill to pick up, up until now he's been succesful in anything he did. Beno follows diabolims, I would say he’s Cheliax ultimate product in that he admires systems of power and strong leaderships. He aspires to be one of those rulers one day, a tad too ambitious if I may say so. He respects the authority, it's just that his parents didn't bring anything to his life and he's grown full enough of himself that they're just no longer useful.
I’m not sure if I should make him a commoner (as i would say he is one) or an expert. Meh.
As for his Alignement, i wouldn’t say he’s necessarily evil, maybe neutral, but definitely Lawful. He enjoys rules and to rule more than everything else.
Welp, I hope i wrote enough for you to have an idea about him, I’m going to elaborate a bit more.

EmissaryOfTheNorth |

Well, I'm really interested, of course. The possibility of playing an evil dastard... and from the very beginning of his dastard story!
This is my concept so far:
Son to one of the members of House Arvanxi, Izrail's goal in life is bringimg back the honour to his house.
When Ileosa Arvanxi, one of the House women, abandoned the family to marry the King of Korvosa the Arvanxi fell to disgrace.
Since he was a child he was indoctrinated to be the best of the best so that he and the other young members of the House could excell and bring back the bright light of House Thrune favor to them.
Izrael in particular has trained hard to one day join the Hellknights, and for now he is on a pilgrimage of sorts trying to prove to himself that he is strong enough to be one of them.
And this is his crunch!
Izrael Arvanxi
Male, Lawful Evil
Human Warrior 1.
Deffense
Hit Points: 11
AC: 18 ; T: 12 ; FF: 16 (+2 w/ shield)
Fort: +3 ; Ref: +2 ; Will: 0
Offense
Mwk. Fauchard +6 (1d10+4 , 18-20) or
Longsword +4 (1d8+3 , 19-20)
Skills and Abilities
Base Attack: +1 ; CMB: +4 ; CMD: 17
Str 14+2 ; Dex 14 ; Con 12 ; Int 10 ; Wis 10 ; Cha 13
Feats: Exotic Wp. Proficiency(Fauchard), Weapon Focus(Fauchard)
Traits: Rich Parents, Steel Skin
Skills: Handle Animal +5 , Intimidate +5 , Ride +6
Equipment: Mwk. Cold Iron Fauchard, Mwk. Breastplate, House Arvanxi Helmet, Mwk. Heavy Steel Shield, 137 gp
The idea would be for him to continue as Fighter (Probably Armor Master) and end as a Hellknight Commander when he earns it.
I hope you like it!

MisterLurch |

Gathrix, would you be willing to allow one of the many Warlock conversions? The one about which I am asking is this one.
I realize this will not happen until the AP releases. But knowing where I am going will help inform the decisions I need to make now.
If you approve of it, I will be making this a tiefling, most likely an adept. A child who has grown up as a ward of the Asmodean church.
EDIT: Fixed URL

GM-Gathrix |

@Loup Blanc- I will allow the Lord of Darkness, but not the paladin archetype with it. I understand the concept you are going for, and I think its cool, its just a bit wonky to do both. It should go without saying you would be a LE Antipaladin which I am totally ok with since I have always felt they should be.
@HooHoo sounds good
@Dekothebarbarian I do not mind him being Thrune, however Thrune has many clans within it vying for power. You would not be of the Queen's clan.
@EmissaryoftheNorth Izrael looks good.
@Misterlurch- After reading the Warlock I like many things about it. One thing I would ask is that your Eldritch Blast be limited to 3+your Cha modifier times a day. That is a powerful ray not to reign in somewhat and that is a total homebrew class, but I do like it and it seems balanced around a bard/sorc which is good.

GM-Gathrix |

No problem, GM-Gathrix. Would you be okay with just the Chosen One archetype then? I was really only looking at Lord of Darkness since it's geared towards turning Antipaladins Lawful Evil, but if you're okay with that anyway, Chosen One is the more important bit for the concept.
By itself maybe, can you be specific as to what abilities it is replacing in place of the paladin abilities. I was not clear on all that.

Roden Linvail |

I gotta admit that I'm not too hot on the idea of running through the preliminary adventure with 12 individual characters. Is there any chance of changing that up a bit? I just feel like that's going to be extremely chaotic and people may view it as more of a competition than as a chance to RP and work well together as a group.
Just a thought. If that's the way you want to do things so be it. I'm in on this thing either way.

GM-Gathrix |

I gotta admit that I'm not too hot on the idea of running through the preliminary adventure with 12 individual characters. Is there any chance of changing that up a bit? I just feel like that's going to be extremely chaotic and people may view it as more of a competition than as a chance to RP and work well together as a group.
Just a thought. If that's the way you want to do things so be it. I'm in on this thing either way.
** spoiler omitted **
Oh it very much is a competition. A competition to see who is going to stick with it because I don't know about you, but putting a lot of effort into a pbp just to have it die really sucks. So I want dedicated players. We might not even get 12 by Friday.

Loup Blanc |

Loup Blanc wrote:No problem, GM-Gathrix. Would you be okay with just the Chosen One archetype then? I was really only looking at Lord of Darkness since it's geared towards turning Antipaladins Lawful Evil, but if you're okay with that anyway, Chosen One is the more important bit for the concept.By itself maybe, can you be specific as to what abilities it is replacing in place of the paladin abilities. I was not clear on all that.
It doesn't replace too much, actually. As an antipaladin, he would lose his fiendish boon (instead gaining a familiar that improves automatically at 7th level), and he wouldn't have Knowledge (religion) as a class skill. He also has a slight delay on two abilities: smite good would come at 2nd level of antipaladin, and unholy resilience would come at 4th. In this case, Lay on Paws would work with Touch of Corruption instead (taking two uses; if you'd rather I not have that I'm fine with giving it up).

Tara Ravenheart |

Hey, this is Keira from your ill-fated DH game. I am thinking an expert, painted out as a city watch recruit who could develop into a couple different directions - Investigator, Inquisitor, Oracle? If I go the religious route, possible Hellknight, but definitely not certain. Just tossing ideas right now.

GM-Gathrix |

Hey, this is Keira from your ill-fated DH game. I am thinking an expert, painted out as a city watch recruit who could develop into a couple different directions - Investigator, Inquisitor, Oracle? If I go the religious route, possible Hellknight, but definitely not certain. Just tossing ideas right now.
That sounds good

H00H00 |

Just dropping this by so I don't forget what I wanted to play.
Race: Human
Class: Commoner 1
Gender: Male
Age: 19
Alignment: Legal Neutral
Traits: Ambitious, Convincing Liar
Stats: STR: 10 DEX: 14 CON: 11 INT: 12 WIS: 10 CHA: 16
Skills: Bluff +8 (class skill because of convincing liar), Intimidate +7 (commoner class skill), Diplomacy +10 (commoner class skill), Perception +4, Profession(Merchant) +5 (is this legit? I don’t know what else to pick)
pf: 8 AC: 15 T: 12 FF: 13 Fort: +0 Ref: +2 Will: +5
Feats: Light Armor Proficiency, Skill Focus(Diplomacy)
Equipment: Studded Leather Armor, 3 Daggers, Traveler Outfit 68g
I picked up Light Armor Proficiency because otherwise I would have had AC 11 and it was so little it was giving me shivers, I would swap it when I get a real class, could I? Otherwise i'm just going to keep it, no problems.

D'tang |

So, I am trying to decide on the character I will make. I am stuck on the death metal Halfling bard idea and would like to run him in the NPC encounter to start and then eventually in the AP as well (if picked). My question is, how would that transition into the AP? Is the point build for the actual AP higher? Any other changes?

GM-Gathrix |

So, I am trying to decide on the character I will make. I am stuck on the death metal Halfling bard idea and would like to run him in the NPC encounter to start and then eventually in the AP as well (if picked). My question is, how would that transition into the AP? Is the point build for the actual AP higher? Any other changes?
No you will stay the same character. You only get 15 points, but you get an extra NPC level so I think that evens out probably even a bit in the players favor.

Roden Linvail |

I've got Roden all done aside from some light shopping (he's going to be using a sling... d'oh!) it's just a matter of finding the time to transfer him from Hero Lab to my profile. I love the option to pick and choose my class skills with expert. That is very cool. Depending on how the player's guide pans out I might swap out of the urban ranger archetype. I'll be sure to get his profile updated before Friday.

chillblame |

NAME: Catherine the dagger
Race: Human (chelixian)
Class expert (heading to rogue)
Gender: female
Age: 17
Alignment: LE
Traits: reactionary, Canter
STR 14 DEX 17 CON 12 INT 10 WIS 11 CHA 10
HP 9
feats: WF dagger, weapon finesse
Skills
+0 Bluff 0+0
+4 Perception 1+3
+7 Stealth 1+3+3
+4 sense motive 1+3
+0 know local 0+0
+7 sleight of hand 1+3+3
+4 use magic device 1+3
+4 Prof alchemy 1+3
+7 disable device 1+3+3
Equipment
Leather armor, punching dagger, dagger, travelers outfit, belt pouch, club. 84gp left

D'tang |

So I will make a more complete entry tomorrow as I ran out of time creating it today. Traits took me forever....
Name: Ozzy the Ozborn
Race: Hafling
Class: Commoner (Bard)
Gender: Male
Age: 26
Alignment: LE
Traits: Clumsy Slave, Perfect Servant (is that a contradiction or what)
Str:10, Dex: 16, Con: 12, Int: 12, Wis: 8, Cha: 16
Hp:8
Feats: Do I get any as a Commoner?
Skills: A bunch of them.
Weapon: Halfling Sling Staff
More to come.

GM-Gathrix |

Characters I have stats for so far
Kyralina Zografu- Aristocrat (Bard)
Izrael Avranxi- Warrior (Hellknight)
Beno Raka- Commoner (Rogue?)
Catherine the Dagger-Expert Rog
Ozzy- Commoner (Bard)
Meridian- Adept(warlock}
Looks like we are in need of some faithful.
The rest of you have some good concepts I look forward to seeing your characters

Kittenmancer |

Re: needing some faithful - Kyralina could become a cleric of Asmodeus instead while preserving her character concept mostly intact. Shuffle her ability scores around a bit, swap Voice of Velvet trait with one that gives her Intimidate as a class skill... should work, let me know if you want me to do the adjustments.

TheWaskally |

Gathrix, I'd like to introduce you to Jerax Hellfire, a capable tiefling warrior with a furiosity to match his appearance!