I'm going to be running some adventures in and around Magnimar. This is going to be a very sandbox campaign and will likely require a fair bit of role play. I'll try to plant some seeds and it's up to the players of the campaign to provide ample fertilizer.
Two characters have already been chosen and will hopefully be involved in the vetting process for additional players. They are a gnome bard and an aasimar paladin.
Here is what I'm thinking as far as character creation for the start of play. If you have a really interesting idea that you can flesh out for me I might consider it (if it's not too far out there) but use the following general guidelines:
Character Creation
1. Core races (Allowed: Dwarf, Elf, Gnome, Half-Elf, Half-Orc, Halfling, Human)
2. Core and Base classes minus gunslinger (Allowed: Barbarian, Bard, Cleric, Druid, Fighter, Monk, Paladin, Ranger, Rogue, Sorcerer, Wizard, Alchemist, Cavalier, Inquisitor, Magus, Oracle, Summoner, Witch)
3. 20pt buy
4. Non-evil alignment
5. Two traits
6. Base starting money
7. Magnimar will be the starting location so initial back-story should have the characters being born in or finding their way there.
8. I like stories about normal well-meaning folks who get thrust into the business of being heroes or are bored with their routine and seek adventure. If your backstory is something like 'Dingus is a shadowy character born in a dark place full of dark deeds. He had to kill or be killed as evidenced by his black clothes, numerous daggers, nasty scars and cold scowl.' I'll assume your character is a sociopath and NPCs might think so too. If that's the case, be prepared to be treated accordingly.
Other notes:
1. Have fun. I fully expect to make some mistakes here and there, I'm not a rules cyclopedia.
2. I'm going to try to post once per weekday, I'm in the US Pacific timezone and will try to post once per day by noon.
3. My Pathfinder resources are limited so try to stick to what is listed in the Paizo PRD (or the d20pfsrd as a secondary resource).
If there are any questions (or if I've left anything out) let me know.
Sounds interesting! I'd like to submit Desmond, 1st level sorcerer. Background on his profile. You didn't list a starting level so I assumed 1st, but he's easily scalable.
Definitely interested. I have a bard idea I need to reflavor a bit, but it should work nicely in a game based around Magnimar. :)
It depends on how you feel about doing a little houseruling? I've pitched this character before, so here it goes:
As far as curses go, how do you feel about the Mute curse (from Pathfinder Adventure Path #49, Brinewall Legacy) and houseruling its advancements? I'll repost it here:
Mute (Ex)
[The oracle's] curse renders her mute—she can’t speak or use verbal spell components. This same curse, though, grants her the ability to cast all spells as if using the Silent Spell metamagic feat without modifying that spell’s actual level. In addition, [The oracle] can communicate telepathically with any creature she is in physical contact with. She can also maintain a telepathic bond with one specific creature at a time by taking a full-round action to link her mind to that creature during telepathic communication. [The oracle] can change the target of her telepathic link once per day.
I'm certain that character could diplomacize people using the touch-telepathy; the question is, do you think that I could diplomacize them into letting me touch them without it?
I think I'd flavor it like gestures and sign language-- I make them and people don't really understand, except for one person I'd just choose at the outset who "gets" me. The 'telepathy' I give him would just be them perfectly understanding what I'm trying to say all the time. For touch-telepathy, I'd just write in people's hands and on their backs and they'd just automatically realize what I'm trying to say.
What do you think? I think the character would play better in PbP where I can write out my inner monologue and expressions and help people get me better.
Either way I'm going to re-write this character's backstory (it's a little long) and leave it open enough so I could insert another curse if need be.
A sorcerer, a bard, and an oracle so far.
I was going to volunteer a summoner but I think I'll have to come up with something else to offer up.
You say no gunslingers, does that mean no firearms at all? I have an idea for an Alchemist with a touch of firearms.
I'm going to throw Zali into the mix here; a half-orc urban ranger and a follower of Cayden Cailean. Make of her what you will; I had fun just making the character.
Also, paizo really need to add some more icons for female half-orcs as avatar options. There are only ten to choose from when creating an alias. :p
I'm dotting for interest, as I think I might create a human monk.
Fully updated the new backstory-- a lot shorter, more to the point, with a plot hook of a serial murderer-- and added a visual reference. Also went up to 20 from 15 point buy! Yeah!
Desmond - Yes, characters should be first level - thanks for pointing that out.
Zora - Interesting idea let me chew on it a bit but I think we can make it work.
Spacefurry - No firearms for this campaign
Zalika - I agree, some of the icon sets need to be buffed. I wish there was an option for us to add our own.
Dot for interest. I am kind of waiting on Chronicles of the Righteous to come up with a solid idea, I'm thinking a cleric to one of the local empyreal lords. There is a feat similar to Demon Obedience except obviously for the Empyreal Lords. I assume you wouldn't be opposed to it? Here is the sample writeup they did for Ragathiel.
I'm thinking an androgynous devotee of Arshea (as they're a super neat empyreal lord). Unless that's not the kind of character you'd be interested in, and then I'd have to think about it for a bit.
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Contemplating a Human/Shoanti Barbarian, dipping into cleric of Gorum. Part of the Skaon Quah Clan, or skull clan in lowlanders tongue. The keepers of Shoanti lore and dead..
Thinking of a background of exile and hunting for a killer. Could easily tie in with Zora's backstory.
Named Ebon Kai a tall dusky skinned warrior with a bald head, many rope like tattoos (actually many, many small skulls.) and a Greatsword and Earthbreaker crossed on his back. Wearing dusty studded leather armor.
Character needs a bit of fine tuning, but all the important parts are finished and in the profile. Human witch character who is a bit of a bookworm.
I am working on a Wandering Monk (human) from the Advanced Race guide, who's interested in just about everything and has a natural curiosity that has led him to the City of Monuments and the great many of scholars that have accumulated there. He dresses in a strange blend of Inner Sea and Dragon Empires clothing, most of it brilliantly colored. Scarves from all of the cultures he's visited are incorporated in his costume (and also in the nine section whips he uses.) More to come.
Here is the character, still need to work on background a bit.
Dotting
Here we go.
Background in profile. Let me know if I should add something else. I'll be getting Ultimate Campaign soon, and will be able to come up with something a little better I hope.
Background updated, profile complete.
Here is my wizard submission let me know if you need me to embellish on the bio. It is late here and I need some sleep for a hike tomorrow ;) cheers
I have updated Quiahar some. He has a fairly convoluted background, and some of it is a mystery to him, but he intends to find out where he came from.
Would you all pronounce his name Kwee-a-har? Or Kuu-ya-har?
Azten here. I haven't had time to change the backstory, but this is my bard submission. Information is knowledge. Knowledge is power.
Garret just has a strange way of getting information. :)
Please accept my application: Master Tinker & Archaeologist
Zora - Interesting idea let me chew on it a bit but I think we can make it work.
Huzzah!
Would you all pronounce his name Kwee-a-har? Or Kuu-ya-har?
Kwi-a-har.
What's your recruitment timeframe?
Since this is sandbox, do you want us to build in plot hooks into our background? Or do you want to do that after character selection?
cheers
This toon is ready to go, home base is Magnimar already.
The game she was in died before she got to 2nd lvl.
I can mod the race if this is unacceptable.
Cyniq! This is a continuation of the Magnimar campaign that fizzled recently. I'll PM you.
Jubal - End of next week will likely be the end of recruitment.
As for plot hooks, feel free to build in relationships to npcs in/around Magnimar or how you came to be in Magnimar. We can flesh ideas out over PM if you want to incorporate some portion of your back story into the plot as it develops.
The competition:
Desmond, sorcerer
Azten, bard
Zora, oracle
Spacefurry, summoner
Zali, urban ranger
ShadowyFox, monk
Dunebugg, cleric
Chakka, barbarian/cleric
Olwyn, human witch
Quiahar, monk
Maraiah, ranger?
Grotha, wizard
Jubal, tinker/archaeologist
Cyniq, wizard
I will enter Gustavo Petali, a half-elven Magus with a Varisian mother. Gustavo is not at all complete yet. I cribbed his profile from another PC. I'll be updating him over the next day or two.
got it degwyn
I've tweaked Zali's build slightly and added a few more details on her background, personality and appearance. The character is built as a ranger with the urban archetype, with the intention being that she's an expert guide on all things Magnimar, able to find her way anywhere through the labyrinth of streets and sewers. Being a worshiper of Cayden Cailean also gives her a ready excuse to help others for any worthwhile cause.
Since I see no rogue, I will submit Marco Andrezi, Male Human Rogue Thug for consideration, background to follow.
bumping.
I'll lend a bump to this too since I'm interested.
Long wait period! Yeeesh.
GM I hope you like a er, "interesting" character.
lvl 1 human (cheliaxian) cleric of Dispator , LN
ac 17 hp 8, Initiative 2+ saves fort 1+, reflex 0+ and will 5+
stats
str 10
dex 10
con 10
int 14
wis 18 (16+2)
cha 14
skillpoints per lvl 6 knowledge the planes, knowledge religion, diplomacy, bluff, intimidate and sense motive.
traits Fiendish confidence and Reactionary
feats selective channeling and skill focus(intimidate)
favored class benefit 1 extra skillpoint per lvl
equipment scale mail, heavy mace, holy symbol (silver)and heavy steel shield and 33 gp leftover.
spells orisons detect magic, create water and purify food and drink. Lvl 1 spells command, doom and domain spell divine favor.
domains nobility and trickery
languages Common, Infernal and Elven
He has been in the city for a year now and has begun building his spy network, he has also become a fairly well known information broker in underworld circles. Attempts to recruit him into various gangs and organizations have failed, as Barris is formidable and has earned his reputation for being a tough opponent. His three spies are Valis Vorn, a strange but loyal Halfling who deals with the acquisition of knowledge concerning smuggling and assassinations. Lora Cevin a human aristocrat who keeps him informed about developments among the upper class, Barris controls her via blackmail concerning her forbidden romance with a common peasant. Third is Fealin Naru, an elven magus who Barris uses to keep tabs on the cities arcanists, who of late have been thinking of forming an arcane academy which Barris wants to wield influence in.
Barris himself is a bulky, 6 foot tall man who’s skin is pale white, his eyes are yellow an affect of his Infernal pact. His face is strong set and regal, he keeps his black hair short, clipped showing a disciplined, ruthless being. In personality Barris prefers to maintain a cool, disciplined stance towards others, he favors deception and trickery when facing a stronger foe. He is ruthless in using information against his enemies and he will stop at nothing to crush his nemesis, Araevin Draen a half elf who runs the Cursed Daggers gang. Araevin has ruined many attempts of Barris to expand his influence, the half elf’s painful death is a top priority. Barris engages in many criminal activities, however having been a Chelixian slave he despises slavery and ensures that slavers die slow, painful deaths. A shadow does haunt the mind of Barris, why did Dispator grant him the powers of Hell? His own studies of Hell he hopes will illuminate the reason for Dispators strange choice in clergy.
Yes Maraiah is a Ranger. Warden archetype
I withdraw my submission.
Holiday weekend in the U.S. and a large pile of "welcome back!" work to do today so I'm trying to catch up here...
Viluki - I prefer to see a priest of a Neutral or Good aligned power. Blackmail and ensuring slavers die slow, painful deaths seem closer to LE than LN to me.
This campaign is a continuation of one that fizzled (twice, actually). Three of the old characters have given the thumbs up to continue, they are noted below.
Zirt - Gnome Bard
Dovak - Aasimar Paladin
Cyniq - Aasimar Wizard
They may be popping in to ask questions as I've asked them to help vet the new players joining the crew.
Has your character been on an adventure before now? Why did your character go adventuring?
Would someone mind putting together a list of complete submissions? Thanks.
Keep in mind during my comments that I'm not the DM. However, I'd like to strongly encourage everyone to pay attention to your grammar, punctuation, and overall "readability". Play-by-post is a text medium. If your posts/profile aren't clearly formatted and easily readable, it reflects rather strongly on you.
Why does Maraiah care about innocents? Our existing group has had a bit of a negative run-in with the Pathfinder Society; how do you see that playing out?
Zora's of average intelligence and wisdom; growing up in the poorer districts of Magnimar, how did she ever survive that long by trusting anyone and everyone? Is she still so trusting? Why did she hide her gifts, and why did the trauma "unlock" them?
How did Ebon's rage figure into his backstory? Why did the elders refuse to act? Why didn't he "leave" when they ordered it, and go looking for the caravan? Why would he be motivated to go on quests/adventures unrelated to the killer, working with a group of people he doesn't know?
More in a bit. I'm working my way up the thread.
The Competition
Desmond, sorcerer
Zora, oracle
Zali, urban ranger
Ebon Kai, human barbarian
Olwyn, human witch
Quiahar, monk
Maraiah, ranger
Grotha, wizard
Garret Nihks, bard
Jubal, tinker/archaeologist
Fredrico Petali, Magus
Incomplete profiles:
Spacefurry, Summoner
ShadowyFox, monk
Dunebugg, cleric (Empyreal Lord)
If you're still interested and I've missed you, let me know.
Oh Great and Powerful DM. My humble apologies. My brother accidentally applied in my stead.
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How's it look now?
Added a little about his rage into the backstory.
He doesn't know why the Elders refused to act. Part of his anger.
They didn't just order him to leave at first, they ordered him to go back to his age trial and forget what was going on.
He is searching for something to distract him, and possibly someone to replace his family now that he has lost them.
Anything else? XD
also if you want a sample of my play, check out Typhon B'Ru, currently in a fun CotCT game.
And
Cromwell Wist-Lebeda currently in a Kingmaker game. (also rather fun)
Don't know how to add them as URL or whatever, sorry.
Fredrico - updated the links above
Ebon - will look it over in a bit
My apologies, but the only thing I can think of for Garret's background is that he was transferred to Magnimar to learn more about open religious groups.
Good questions. I'll take a pass over my background and tighten it up a bit.
I just don't like the 'lol random' aspect of oracle powers-- the iconic, for example, just wakes up one day blind with magic powers. I feel like there has to be a reason-- I've used my family's home burning down and being struck by lightning as explanations before.
I'm thinking that I can edge it that Zora was given these gifts as a younger child, which is why she was kidnapped.
You have me considering scrapping it all and re-starting. That might be the ticket there, and I'll try to answer your question in the backstory, Cyniq.
So a original character is in order...that I can provide Zirt. Just remember though I am not a hero type antiheros are funner in my mind.
For Magnimar is an entrance point into Varisa and the lands endless danger and bounty. Varisa is the cure for Taldors ailments and it represents the chance of turning Torin Relin into Grand Prince Torin, ruler of Taldor. For the current Grand prince Stavian III has only one heir his unmarried daughter, Eutropia. By Taldor law she cannot inherit the throne, however she is making a bid for it that could cause civil war in Taldor.
In this Torin sees his chance, seize Magnimar, sack Kovosa and rally an army strong enough to control Varisa. If he does those three things a diplomatic marriage to Eutropia could be arranged, for the princess is modernist who dearly wants to bring Taldor into the modern age. The cost of a civil war could be crippling, a diplomatic marriage and sealing of two powerful kingdoms could lead to a renewed Taldor empire.
The task is almost impossible but Torin will succeed...or die trying
Zirt, GM do you like the backatory? Im still trying to decide what his class will be