Congrats again to all selected, your creativity impressed me so let's have a fun time.
First of all, I am throwing a wrinkle in the game world (it is my world now, after all!) that will help explain later events in the campaign world and this AP, if you're not familiar with it. As you finish your character sheets, take a second to modify your background with how your character feels about this global event:
It is said in the annals of history that the gods are fickle beings and as such, are sometimes controlled by their impulses and their insecurities. Some like to challenge the faith of their mortal worshipers who live beneath them; some like to teach and educate them; some like to punish them; some like to weed out the weak among their flock; and others just mess with them for the fun of it out of sheer boredom. Whatever the reason for it, the gods of Golarion select one year out of every century and decide, for the most part, to not bless their most ardent worshipers (priests) with their magic and divine guidance. The gods call it the Year of the Faithful, where they can divine by their actions, who is the most worthy of their powers and whose belief is unshakeable.
The mortals on Golarion, however, call it the Year of the Faithless. Some see the gods' actions as punishment; some see it as a test of their faith; some see it as a form of population control. Crime, disease and infection run rampant and the death rate increases exponentially, as there is no one around to cure the masses or the soldiers, the rich or the poor. Morale among the guards and soldiers is at its lowest level, as no one goes to stop a crime, bar fight, etc., knowing the slightest injury could result in death. However, it is a great deterrent of war. No wars have ever been fought during the Year of the Faithless.
But the gods do not forsake their worshipers completely. It is said one out of every hundred priests (usually the young ones) continue to receive their divine gifts, but those poor souls are so rare indeed that their gifts become a curse in itself. The masses overwhelm them with requests for healing, the military wants to chain them to their barracks so they can heal their soldiers and nothing else, and the evil scoundrels of the world try and kidnap and torture them or their family members to force them into working their divine gifts for their causes.
Yes, the gods are fickle indeed!
And of course, as the campaign starts, it is the 15th day of Calistril (equivalent to February), Year of the Faithless. This event only applies to clerical and paladin magic (congrats Todor, you are the lucky 1%!). Oracles, druids, and all arcane casters are unaffected.
Any questions, let me know!
**rawr of primal energy**
**POP!**
Greetings all-
I am honored to be selected. I shall strive to be as good as I can be. I appreciate being challenged and pushed and will enjoy the roleplaying.
Lucendar:
1) I'll be fleshing out my build and bringing over my character components to this alias over the next two days.
2) I love the new story twist...you had me writhing up until the last few words: "...druids, and all arcane casters are unaffected." I'll be adding that to my story as well.
3) Do we know the exact details of our voyage yet? From where we return? Did I see the Eye of Abendego? The Arch of Aroden?
Thanks.
Thank you for the invite. Yes, I've changed the profile picture to something closer to the character. I've updated the intro to reflect the Year of the Faithless.
Four weeks. It felt like four years to Todor and now this cursed storm would keep him away from his beloved Korvosa even longer. She would forgive him this absence though as she did all the others. When he finally returned to her, Castle Korvosa, the Pillar Wall, and Gatefoot would still rise against the horizon to greet him. Even the newer Great Tower and Hall of Summoning would welcome him. Someday he would add to that skyline, another building to greet visitors and those returning home to the greatest city.
These trips used to be only about the City, about finding stronger metals, harder woods, better techniques for greater arches and towers. He would bring home the materials and the knowledge to the City. Now though, during the Year of the Faithless, the Church had found "more important" things for him to do.
Todor had never realized his potential as a cleric, a great disappointment in that respect. While the church leaders admired his engineering skills and thanked him for his hard work, there was always the talk about his wasted talent. "Wasted talent? Am I not glorifying our god's values? Am I not helping the City to thrive?" For years he had been able to convince them, but as one of the 1% still receiving Abadar's blessings, his arguments fell on deaf ears this year. "Why me? Was I not serving you well enough already? Surely there was another that could have fulfilled your will while I built the City? Or is this your way of humbling me?" While Todor could still only cast the most basic of spells and provide a minimal amount of healing, it was now more than 99% of the faithful. There were people who needed healing only he could provide and the church now determined his fate.
At least during this most recent trip to Magnimar Todor had managed to find a little time to visit the gargantuan Irespan bridge built by the Thassalonians--oh there was a people that could build. He was sure he had unlocked some of its secrets and he would be able to incorporate them into his ideas for a new bridge across the water to the north that would both allow transportation and protect the entrance to the Jeggare river.
Todor picks up another broken pully and begins to pray over it. The cracks smooth over and disappear as if clay in a potter's hands. It's a small thing, but being useful makes the time go by. He looks around at the other stranded travellers and wonders where their travels have taken them.
Ok, to clear up some confusion. There is no ship voyage. You will begin the story in the coastal village of Andora, about 40 miles N of Korvosa. Where you were and what you were doing is up to you and should be in your background, but what is certain is that as you were heading back home, perhaps in the same caravan, a violent storm forces you to seek refuge in the village, at least until the morning so you can continue your journey home. Sorry, if I was not clear.
Here is a map of the region and the location of Andora (a little bootleg as I had to hand write it in but you get the idea). I make it work with what I can.
Holy cow, accepted on my first try! Thanks! I look forward to playing with you all.
Wow, when you make a change you don't play around do you?
All paladins lose their spells? Hope this means they don't lose their supernatural abilities too or I know a certain country who is going to have a really hard time with orcs this year. Let's not forget the world wound, yeah, ewwww.
Good evening all! Lucendar made some great choices. It should be much fun.
Villages. How do people live here? Todor will wander the village looking for any architecture of note--even a well done well. He travels with his holy symbol tucked under his shirt and armor. Just another traveler or mercenary he hopes people will believe. He does not have the patience for those who would likely throng him for healing.
After what is likely a 5 minute walk, Todor will begin to seek others who might be headed to Korsova at the docks and taverns. If the weather does not clear, he will seek another route to Korsova as soon as possible. He will present the construction worker part of himself to others, just anxious to get to Korsova where he hears there is much good work to be had.
Question: Would you allow Belier's Bite?
Sweet...I think...Lucendar runs a great game, now I just have to juggle being in four different PbP games at once, and running one besides that.
But, that will work itself out, I'm sure. I'm happy to be here, and look forward to gaming with you all.
A couple of points/questions:
- I don't know how many of my fellow players have read my background, but since it was in the tag-line, most of you have probably guessed I have a "secret identity"-thing going on. I'll spoiler all info relating to this from here on out. The GM and those players who don't mind having such ooc knowledge are welcome to read along. (I'm a notorious spoiler-reader myself, btw, but try hard to keep player and character knowledge separate).
- I'll have an updated intro and char sheet up shortly. However, I'll be going on vacation tonight (European time), and will have sub-par web access for the next few days. I'll do my best to compensate via smartphone and sporadic web access, but long posts will be unlikely until Monday-Tuesday next week.
- Lucendar, are you ok with the Rich Parents trait for additional starting gold?
- Ranger spellcasting is not mentioned as being affected. Does it function as normal?
- I plan on taking the Sable Company Marine ranger archetype, as described in THIS BLOG POST. In the discussion thread, there is some talk about the fact that the archetype removes Favored Terrain, and thus also Camouflage and Hide-In-Plain-Sight, since they key off FT.
What do you think about the archetype giving the ranger (Urban - Korvosa only) as the 1st favored terrain (and it increases incrementally every 5 levels thereafter) but no subsequent favored terrains?
Elric, I read your character info, but I don't mind splitting my brain to keep IC and OOC knowledge separate. My background info also includes stuff most people wouldn't know, so I figure we're even. :)
I'll put up a full character sheet ASAP.
In the meanwhile, here's Serry's intro.
Then the storm came up just as they were nearing Korvosa, driving them to shelter in Andora. It was one of those storms, the ones that stirred Serry's blood and left her unable to talk in any way that the others understood. Storms that thrilled her, but left her sad once she came back to her senses. Once the ship was safely moored and out of danger, most of the crew made a beeline for the nearest tavern, but Serry walked along the shore, watching the wind and the waves until her mind settled. By which point she was pretty well wet through.
"Well, this won't do," she thought as she shook off the melancholy. "Time to get warm." She changed into dry clothes before heading into the village, looking for a tavern herself. Hopefully it would only be a one-night layover, but in the meanwhile, time for some hot food and a good drink. And maybe some company.
- I don't know how many of my fellow players have read my background, but since it was in the tag-line, most of you have probably guessed I have a "secret identity"-thing going on. I'll spoiler all info relating to this from here on out. The GM and those players who don't mind having such ooc knowledge are welcome to read along. (I'm a notorious spoiler-reader myself, btw, but try hard to keep player and character knowledge separate).
I'm with you there. Todor hasn't pulled out a secret identity, but is definitely hiding his holy symbol.
Question for Lucendar: what are we doing for HP?
Rolling for starting money, so I can continue to obsess about my details. :)
Edit to add: and while we're at it, are you ok if I change my martial weapon feat to halfling sling staff instead of short sword?
pulled out a secret identity, but is definitely hiding his holy symbol.
Argh. First page and I've already used the wrong avatar. Feel free to kick me when needed.
Don't cheat yourself, you get 140.Question for Lucendar: what are we doing for HP?
Rolling for starting money, so I can continue to obsess about my details. :) ** spoiler omitted **
Edit to add: and while we're at it, are you ok if I change my martial weapon feat to halfling sling staff instead of short sword?
Don't cheat yourself, you get 140.
Oh hey, look at that. :) Thanks. (Not that I expect Serry to be the sort who has a lot of stuff, but good to know...)
Oh hey, look at that. :) Thanks. (Not that I expect Serry to be the sort who has a lot of stuff, but good to know...)
Don't cheat yourself, you get 140.
No, cheat yourself!
I think you get 105gp.
Per the table herein: http://www.d20pfsrd.com/basics-ability-scores/character-creation
Druids get 70gp? Gah! :)
I'll be a zen archer monk without a bow. How d you think that will feel?
Also I'm still waiting on an answer regarding Belier's Bite.
Druids get 70gp? Gah! :)
My bad. My "halfings are always rogues" (or sorcerers) preconceptions kicked in. Still 105, is better than 90.
I'll be a zen archer monk without a bow. How d you think that will feel?
Also I'm still waiting on an answer regarding Belier's Bite.
Hmmm. Shortbow for 30. 8-)
Ok, I just realized I will be traveling to NY tomorrow so I won't be able to post the accepted candidates at noon, as I promised.
Just in case you missed it in the gamer connection. :)
Druids get 70gp? Gah! :)My bad. My "halfings are always rogues" (or sorcerers) preconceptions kicked in. Still 105, is better than 90.
Hmmm. Shortbow for 30. 8-)I'll be a zen archer monk without a bow. How d you think that will feel?
Also I'm still waiting on an answer regarding Belier's Bite.
With 5gp left for everything else. :/
Hmmm. Shortbow for 30. 8-)With 5gp left for everything else. :/
Hmm...the way I'm figuring it, I used up all my masterwork chalks/tools on the chalk drawings I did of the Irespan and other related sceneries.
Maybe your bow broke or fell over the side during the storm.
I have a sling if you want to borrow it. In fact, I might have 100000 slings as I can afford them.
Need a club? I'll get you one...
Ok, to answer your questions:
1. No to monk feat with bleed damage, overpowered
2. Max hit points at 1st level
3. Average starting gold
4. No to Rich Parents trait, too abusive
5. Ranger spellcasting not affected
Anything else, let me know.
Thanks. Are you ok with halfling sling staff for a martial weapon proficiency feat?
Well hmmm.
Alright I have to be ratehr careful here considering I'm likely on the low end of the stats grid here.
I need to know what everyone else is planning in terms of combat so I can build myself properly.
I have an artful way of dealing with the lack of bow but will have to endeavor to acquire one as soon as possible. I was originally going to switch hit between bow and unarmed as necessary but if the frontlines are crowded enough I can just blast through people with the bow from the start and not worry about meleeing proper.
|
I need to know what everyone else is planning in terms of combat so I can build myself properly.
I would prefer that you build your character as you envision him rather than molding him around me or what I'll be doing in combat.
It'll likely take us a bit of time to gel as a team, I would rather have it happen organically.
However, that said, you can probably figure out what I'll doing in combat from my mostly completed character/gear/traits/spells etc.
I would prefer that you build your character as you envision him rather than molding him around me or what I'll be doing in combat.It'll likely take us a bit of time to gel as a team, I would rather have it happen organically.
I envision him as is alive, and not as a corpse when we're out of combat rounds. Which is a much preferrable vision to a maggot ridden corpse. :P
I ask such questions because it's very easy to screw up a monk and find yourself completely redundant or frustrated. It's not very fun being either. And I don't expect a DM to fiat me mercy because of poor decisio making.
@Penance. While I agree with Painlord's organic build, I understand your dilemma. Todor at least will be going melee with versatile channeler unavaible. Being blessed with good scores helps in that regard too. If you want to focus on the ranged monk, I think it will be safe.
Elric is taking Deadly aim and Power Attack for his first two feats. That should tell you all you need to know about his plans for combat.
Penance, I understand the dilemma. I'm struggling similarly with choosing spells, given three divine casters (plus the ranger eventually). I figure with sling staff I can back up both range and melee.
I also suspect the combination of three divine casters and no skill or arcane based characters is going to make for some interesting play.
I also suspect the combination of three divine casters and no skill or arcane based characters is going to make for some interesting play.
Well by the looks of it we've got buffs pouring out of our ears and plenty of ranged attacks. Long as we play ti smart we should be okay.
I also suspect the combination of three divine casters and no skill or arcane based characters is going to make for some interesting play.
Wut? I can totally draw an cat in chalk.
Check this out.
::Prof Chalk Artist::
**scribblescribble**
Chalkartist to draw a cat
You saying that isn't a useful skill?
"Meow. Meow."
EDIT: Oh yeah...critting my chalk roll. Sure glad I wasted that. :(
Ok, back from my vacation in NY so I'll be around full-time from now on.
1. Serry, the switch to the halfling sling staff is fine.
2. Penance, my opinion is that s long as you role-play the monk with some flavor, the roll-playing will work itself out, no matter your stats/feats/etc.
3. Just post when your character is ready for review so we can get this party started right!
Tristain, On the Year of the Faithless:
Tristain's latest selling gimmicks were working out quite well. He would soon have enough money to pay for his cruise to see the Eyes of Abendego and the Arch of Aroden and bring them back.
The people need to believe again. I can show them pictures of what the Gods have wrought and maybe they will believe again.
Tristain hawks his chalkwork near the merchant's square in Korvosa, trying things he would not normally try to make a few extra coins.
"Take a picture of Korvosa with you. The city lives and will never leave you!"
"Remember the times of the gods with these drawings of the Church of Abadar. Your faith will bring him back."
"See Sarenrae's Sun as it breaks over the Great Tower...remember her and she will not forget you."
"The gods are gone. We must find new beauty to worship...see these chalk art roses. Blessed are those who possess undying beauty."
"The beauty of my art is a god that will never leave you. Just look again at it to regain your faith."
Some pitches work better than others. Especially when the faithful do not tithe as much to the church and they must spend their coin to get favors somehow.
The tips come easier this year than other years and my chalkwork sells better.
Tristain sees the effects of the Gods departure...more disease and more distrust amongst the townspeople. Some lack the faith to believe and lose their moral compasss and that makes them distrustful, unfriendly.
My art is as good as a god to most of them.
It is definitely agreeable and definitely true - your art does sell more during this year. Without religion, the masses need a new opiate!
Sure, you can send me the pdf.
Todor is ready.
Elric will be ready Tuesday evening, when I get back home to a decent web connection and HeroLab.
Lucendar, have you concidered my suggestion about the Sable Company archetype?
I think Serry's ready. http://www.dndsheets.net/view.php?id=20574 has the mechanics; I'll add the link to my profile when I'm at my computer (having issues doing it on the smartphone). Please let me know if I screwed anything up. :)
Todor is ready.
All looks good, though I believe the Alignment is LN, right? You wrote NN.
Todor is ready.All looks good, though I believe the Alignment is LN, right? You wrote NN.
Abadar is LN, but I'm going for true neutral, which is one step away and allowable if I'm reading right.
I think Serry's ready. http://www.dndsheets.net/view.php?id=20574 has the mechanics; I'll add the link to my profile when I'm at my computer (having issues doing it on the smartphone). Please let me know if I screwed anything up. :)
Your slingstaff does +2 damage when used as ranged weapon and +3 damage when you club someone with it with 2 hands.
Abadar is LN, but I'm going for true neutral, which is one step away and allowable if I'm reading right.Todor is ready.All looks good, though I believe the Alignment is LN, right? You wrote NN.
Yes, it is allowable to be N. Just weird since you took the Law domain power. Not practicing what you preach? :) Just messing with you!
Yes, it is allowable to be N. Just weird since you took the Law domain power. Not practicing what you preach? :) Just messing with you!
More specifically, I took the Inevitable domain which I think speaks to Todor's views that nothing can stop Abadar's will that Korsova be magnificent. The trick will be to not slip into chaotic.
I think Serry's ready. http://www.dndsheets.net/view.php?id=20574 has the mechanics; I'll add the link to my profile when I'm at my computer (having issues doing it on the smartphone). Please let me know if I screwed anything up. :)Your slingstaff does +2 damage when used as ranged weapon and +3 damage when you club someone with it with 2 hands.
Got it. Added that to the sheet (not much room in the damage box in that template!). Thanks.
Should be done someitme tomorrow night. Running a game tonight myself and have to work in the mornign so kind of pressed for time.
I've updated my profile with all the info now. Tweaked my level 0 spells slightly, otherwise the same as what was on the dndsheets page.
Awesome, Serry, thanks. Ok, so just waiting on Penance and Elric and we can start.
Elric is statted out and equipped. I'll probably tweak his profile tomorrow, but nothing major.
Points of interest:
* Heart of the City replaces Skilled (mostly for flavor reasons)
* Armor Expert and River Rat traits picked to reflect marine warfare training
* Favored class ranger - extra hp
Elric cursed the storm as the slender merchant ship made port at Andora. The civilian vessel was supposed to carry him all the way from Veldraine to Korsova.
Hopefully, this would only be a minor delay. He was anxious as to how he might find the city. He had experienced the chaos of the Year of the Faithless firsthand during his tour on the Sea Serpent, with the pirates out of Riddelport growing bold and bloodthirsty in the absence.
He had learned much about seamanship and naval combat, and more than once, he had put his weapons and training to use, raining down arrows on an enemy ship as the warship closed, smashing boarders across the railing with his long-shafted Lucerne hammer and the close-quarter ugliness of dagger and fist.
Despite the action, and the fellowship with the sailors, he was still eager to return to Korvosa. Not that he expected to get much enjoyment out of the two weeks of leave he had coming, if the city was in anywhere near the state he had heard from the merchant crew. Chances were good that his leave would be canceled, and the Sable Company called out to assist the Guard. He would not mind. He felt more at home in uniform anyway, helping his fellow marines keep the city safe.
As the merchant ship lowered the plank, he hoisted his gear and weapons, and hurried ashore, looking for a good place to shelter the storm.
Looks good, JaceDK. Man, those are some nice stats! The only thing with your background that I would add is that your ship tried to sail in through the storm to make it to Korvosa, when it got struck by lightning, forcing the ship to seek refuge in the port village of Andora.