Making It Big In The Big City (Inactive)

Game Master PirateDevon

Welcome. Although it isn't necessary yet, I am going to need stat blocks soon-ish. Here is a review of character creation rules:
-5th level
-8,000 gp wealth (the rest has gone into your shared business)
-20 point buy
-Any of the core races plus aasimar, catfolk, ifrits, oreads, sylphs, and undines (other by request; I took them off the list because people tend to react unfavorably towards them, but if you have a good idea...)
-Any class except gunslinger and synthesist summoner (this one for the same reason as the removed races. This includes classes in the ACG.
-Any alignment (under the condition that you have reasons to not betray the group ((aka. no pvp)))
-2 traits
-Max hit points for first level, average after. Instead of taking average, you can choose to roll for every level or some levels (and suck up a bad roll if you get one). All hit point rolling will be done in this thread
-Everyone will have two hero points that they will have to spend immediately (as the max at any given time is three). We can discuss the possible uses for these; you can also use a hero point to reroll one hit point roll, taking the better result.
-Third party material by request
-Anything else by request
Once you are finished with your crunch, let me know and I'll check it. You can still change things until the game starts, but you will need to let me know what is being changed so I can check it again.

Other Stuff
The inn you guys own is fairly large (I haven't decided exactly how large yet). Things you will need to decide among yourselves include
-A name for your establishment
-Which district of Absalom you're going to be based in
-Other business ventures (gambling hall, drug den, etc.) besides being an inn and tavern
-Your hiring process for employees (This will probably largely be handwaved if you don't want to roleplay it out, but I want there to be enough options that you still have to consider it)
-Whether or not you are going to go into debt (or use some of your personal funds) to get extra features for your inn
-All the other things that are suddenly blanking my mind but that you or I or someone else will bring up as they become relevant

Things you will need to decide with me:
-The extra possible features that you might spend more money on
-How much of the hiring process you want to play out and how much you want to handwave.
-The other stuff I am also forgetting. I must be tired.

Anyway, I'm probably going to go to bed soon. I'll post more tomorrow.

Added the two Hero Points. If I do not want to use them to re-roll HP, what can they be used for immediately?

I like gambling and prostitution as underground activities for the Inn, which I am in favor of placing in The Coins or Ivy District of Absalom (leaning more towards Ivy).

The Coins District:
If it can be bought, it's for sale in the Coins. Money is the only authority her, and you get what you pay for. The Coins is the most noisy and crowded of all Absalom's districts, and the shouting and haggling does not quiet much at night. Taverns never close, the open markets light up with torches and spells of illumination alike, and public Time Callers wander about shouting out every hour on the hour.

Ivy District:
The heart of art, culture and performance in Absalom, the Ivy District is among the most expensive places to live in the city, which is ironic because so many of its residents are struggling artists with little spare coin. It is also one of the more popular destinations for visitors to the city, and as long as it brings in foreigners with money to spend, the Grand Council is content to let the district council run the area with little interference.

I am thinking of a name...

Crunch done and ready for review!

Added the two Hero Points. If I do not want to use them to re-roll HP, what can they be used for immediately?

I am open to ideas for this, as I haven't thought of anything yet. Maybe you could use them to start with powerful contacts/alliances in the city?

Crunch done and ready for review!

Haven't looked yet, but I assume you're taking average hp?

So if it is Coins vs Ivy it sounds like Crass versus Class? Maybe not so bright a distinction but roughly so?

It occurs to me I rolled HP off site. Should I reroll Eragar?

I need to look at gear and do skill breakdowns so it is clear what my ranks are.

I feel like the district we pick would have bearing on the name...

It occurs to me I rolled HP off site. Should I reroll Eragar?

Yes please.

@Maeltheron If you are using average hp, it should be 34. 10 + 6 x 4.
I'm getting +8 for your reflex save, +6 for initiative, and +9 for your elven curve blade, all of which you have written as 1 higher.
I am also going to need you to note how many ranks you have in each skill.
Will check everything else when I get back home.

No problem

HP!: 1d10 ⇒ 10
HP!: 1d10 ⇒ 7
HP!: 1d10 ⇒ 9
HP!: 1d10 ⇒ 2

Hero Point Re-roll, Naughty Naughty 2!: 1d10 ⇒ 5

Yeah ok fine be that way

Sooo.... 10,7,9,5 --> 31+10(1st)+10(Conx5)+5 (Favored Class)= 56

Hey pretty darn close to what I pulled before. Color me pleased!

Actually - HP should be 11 + 7 x 4 = 39 (+1 for favored class per level. Adjustment made.

Correct on Reflex and Initiative - Changed to +8, and +6 respectively.

Elven Curveblade is finessed. So, +5 BAB + 4 Dex + 1 Magic Enchantment = +10

Ranks written in, per request.

Thanks.

I think, think I have this hammered out. I added some breakdowns and some sections for math and detail and what not. I am pretty sure I got it right...it has been a long time since I built a character from scratch at more than level one or two, LOL.

@Maeltheron
I have you at 115 gp. 2100 (mithril armor) + 2600 (bow) + 2380 (sword) + 90 (rope & climbing kit) + 60 (alchemists fire) + 650 (potions) + mundane stuff that I'm not gonna bother counting exactly.
Everything else looks good, except you can finesse both your dagger and your unarmed for another +1 to hit.

I'm here, think the stats are actually sorted, except for gear. Not used to buying higher level gear in pathfinder.

Taken average hp.

Part of Cedany's current backstory is inheriting an Inn/Tavern from her adoptive father, and having to find backers to drag the place out of debt. Happy to change this if everyone would like a more fresh start, and don't intend to claim any priority on decisions.

I'd fancy the Ivy district between Coins and Ivy -

@Osk
Bonus to reflex save should be from dex, not con.
Flatfooted AC should be 1 higher (class bonus only doesn't count if you can't move at all). CMD against grapple should be 2 higher (from your armor)
Also, I don't agree with the newer ruling on brass knuckles not scaling unarmed damage. If you want to pick that up and switch your feats, you are welcome to (but keep in mind that your unarmed counting as magic does not extend through the weapon, and you would not be able to get the weapon bonuses if your hands are full).

@Osk

Also, I don't agree with the newer ruling on brass knuckles not scaling unarmed damage. If you want to pick that up and switch your feats, you are welcome to (but keep in mind that your unarmed counting as magic does not extend through the weapon, and you would not be able to get the weapon bonuses if your hands are full).

If I am reading you right couldn't I keep everything tiedd to my UA, then nominate to hit without them (or take them off) if I needed magic? If I did switch to BK would my bonuses from things like the armor still apply? I don't remember the way it was interpreted before but wasn't it seen as an easy way to layer magical abilities on top of UA based hit/damage?

Eragar wrote:

@Osk

Also, I don't agree with the newer ruling on brass knuckles not scaling unarmed damage. If you want to pick that up and switch your feats, you are welcome to (but keep in mind that your unarmed counting as magic does not extend through the weapon, and you would not be able to get the weapon bonuses if your hands are full).

If I am reading you right couldn't I keep everything tiedd to my UA, then nominate to hit without them (or take them off) if I needed magic? If I did switch to BK would my bonuses from things like the armor still apply? I don't remember the way it was interpreted before but wasn't it seen as an easy way to layer magical abilities on top of UA based hit/damage?

You're right; I forgot about your armor bonus. Better to not worry with them, then.

@Maeltheron
I missed one thing--You have listed that you know dwarven, but I don't see you getting a bonus language from anywhere.

@Cedany
First thing I noticed is that you have only spent 18 points on your stats. Would be best to get that fixed before I check anything else.

I also forgot to check your skills--You have five more ranks to spend on things.
And you have two traits to choose.

1. I knew it! I totally walked myself back to 25 skills this morning and then I have been thinking that is wrong all day. I keep transposing my Wis and Int mods in my head.

2. RIGHT. Traits. Duh.

@Eragar: All updated and ready to go. Sorry about that, a few of those things were carry overs from the old build that I simply did not catch...good eye...thanks.

I am up for Cedany being the initial proprietor who desperately needed an influx of capital to bring the Inn up to the standards of the Ivy District. Backdoor gambling and underground prostitution is a nice fit for the performing arts area of the city. Maeltheron brings his connections to the Bloody Barbers (Organized Crime) as a source of establishing the illegal workings. Of course, others are more than welcome to join in this portion of the endeavor in one or both areas.

Ok there we go.

Hmm, did my stats non-optimally - of course you're better adding bonuses to the higher stat...
Adjusted.

Haven't got all the skill totals changed.

If Ceddany is the inheritor of the inn then Osk maybe came to the current situation as a previous employee or attached to someone else who came to help her then *became* an employee...I really like the notion of this gravelly mountain of a man playing pseudo big brother to this (supposedly) flighty inkeeper. It helps me with my whole wanting to be LN family/party over other greater concerns concept. Plus she is smarter than she looks and so is he. A fun juxtaposition that she is way charismatic and he is a rock man who tends to intimidate people. Thoughts?

I like the connection Osk, and it makes perfect sense. Maeltheron will play on the chaotic side of Cedany and her desire for funding and expansion based on illegal activities that really don't hurt anyone, but instead simply provide services that are in high demand.

And it could be that Osk, Maeltheron, or even Cedany already knew Tirkala and decided she would fit simply because she loves to chatter.

@Tirkala: Your background growing up on the streets of Absalom and your fondness for coins due to the draconic bloodline makes your character a good fit for someone that Maeltheron would have sought out as a paid informant for tasks that he had completed in the past on behalf of the Bloody Barbers. Having someone with an affinity for the gift of gab would be quite an asset on the floor of the Inn and its gambling establishment.

That works perfectly! And gives her a perfect background reason as to why she would be associated with some of the less legal aspects of what they do ^^

Oh, another thing I should note: a lot of the people you encounter in Absalom are going to be human, or are going to be speaking human languages. I have a link in the campaign info tab showing all of the human languages on Golarion, and a note mentioning which will be most common in this campaign. Practically everyone will know taldane, but it might be useful for you guys to know some of the others.

@ Tirkala
Is your stat block finished?

Ah. It's good to be accepted. I'll have to get a profile set up here in just a moment. This is Captain Fremont and here is my profile. I'll work on getting everything stat'ed up for you.

As for how we would like to use our initial hero points, I'll have to put some thought into it.

However, after glancing through the thread, it appears your all working on how you all came into your current situations. I kind of envision Harrison having decided he rather likes someone and that they were going to be his friend whether they liked it not. With that thought in mind, I get the feeling Osk is the best candidate. The big mountain of a man being followed around by a free spirit of a midget among midgets amuses me.

Do you have anything against this concept Osk?

There. I put the final touches on the stat block. All that should be left are corrections.

Actually, would I be allowed to retain his 5 Hero Points as opposed to having to spend 2 now considering his Hero's Fortune feat?

Edit: I'm also looking at giving him the Obfuscate Story (Ex) rogue talent so that he can kind of help make sure our secrets stay secrets.

I sm happy to have a merry chit chatter to grind my stony teeth over. ;)

Actually, would I be allowed to retain his 5 Hero Points as opposed to having to spend 2 now considering his Hero's Fortune feat?

Yes, although taking the feat will give you a total of six, but we can work that out.

Woot! Now Harrison has his own moving fortress with built in karate chop action~

I'd say he used that hero point to up his Diplomacy or Perform (Oratory) skill to garner some attention for the establishment and it's upcoming grand opening.

"Come one, come all to the house of cards. The palace of benevolence. The home of the big grey monster and his halfling side kick. Get your drink on and relax while we beguile your imagination with stories of our exploits. Damsels saved, ancient civilizations found, and so much more!"

I'd say he used that hero point to up his Diplomacy or Perform (Oratory) skill to garner some attention for the establishment and it's upcoming grand opening.

That works. I'll give you guys an influx of extra customers (read: work to do and problems to fix. Muhahaha) at the start. ;)

@ Tirkala
Hit points should be 22. 6 + 4 x 4.
Touch AC should be 12, deflection applies to touch.
Perception should be +10, as it is a class skill.
You will probably want to note somewhere how many hero points you have.
Everything else looks good, although it feels like something is missing, so I might get back to you if I find it.

It would be helpful for everyone to look over the downtime rules for businesses and organizations; although with this being the focus and not the background, I'll be modifying them slightly.

Corrections made ^^ I still need to update the background as well.

I very briefly mentioned contacts earlier. I would like to use them in the game.

Everyone will start with one reliable contact. I will need each of you to pick which type of contact you have from the list, and then I will design a specific NPC to fit that role.
You may spend one hero point to gain a second (or third, or fourth) reliable contact, or you may spend two hero points to make a reliable contact into a trustworthy one.
It's up to you guys whether you work together to fill different contact roles. Keep in mind that the trust score only applies to your character--although all of these starting contacts will have a trust score of two lower for everyone else in the party (so skeptical if you upgrade your contact to trustworthy).
I might put further restrictions on specific contacts (aka. a crime boss would cost you an extra hero point, as would a particularly important noble. But I would allow two contacts for the price of one if they are less influential or useful)

Hello all, nice to be meeting you.

If I am correct I have 6 Hero points
-3 turn Contact 1:Crime Boss with Aspis Corporation into Trustworthy (whos cover is a lowly fence :D)
-2 add Contact 2: Academic Bard historian with the Pathfinder Society into a Trustworthy contact. (not too useful, he is VERY scattered brained and forgetfull)
-1 add Contact 3:Assassin with the Red Mantis that is reliable. (future hero points going towards sasha if she is still alive or I gain any. I owe her a life debt though.)

The other three npcs that were in the AP all either attacked us and we killed them or died before we could save them when they went off on their own.

If I am correct I have 6 Hero points

-3 turn Contact 1:Crime Boss with Aspis Corporation into Trustworthy (whos cover is a lowly fence :D)
-2 add Contact 2: Academic Bard historian with the Pathfinder Society into a Trustworthy contact. (not too useful, he is VERY scattered brained and forgetfull)
-1 add Contact 3:Assassin with the Red Mantis that is reliable. (future hero points going towards sasha if she is still alive or I gain any. I owe her a life debt though.)

Only five, actually. But I can make it work the way it is, so don't worry about it.

The organization of your stat block is throwing me off a fair bit. If you could rewrite it to be more similar to the one I showed earlier (which is just the standard Bestiary arrangement), that would be helpful.
Regardless, I will still need you to list your ranks in each skill.

(On an unrelated note--Very impressive backstory. I thoroughly approve of how you completely kept your old character. Very nicely done.)

Never used the hero points, at my brothers table, we used action points from Eberron but there were none of the feats allowed to modify things. I musta misremembered. how Hero points work, sorry bout that I thought it 1 for being a character with an adventuring class +1 per level. I see that's just something I made up. Sorry about that again.

I will move things around to fit the stat block you want.
I did adjust the skills to show the breakdown.

Do you have any specifics of what you want in the Class line, So where it says that I am male keleshite.. anything you want after that? hp/ac/saves/some formula?

EDIT: I don't see the different in the stat blocks. Perhaps I am overlooking something but as long as you open all the spoilers except the armor break down one, it looks the same to me as osk's sheet does.

Never used the hero points, at my brothers table, we used action points from Eberron but there were none of the feats allowed to modify things. I musta misremembered. how Hero points work, sorry bout that I thought it 1 for being a character with an adventuring class +1 per level. I see that's just something I made up. Sorry about that again.

No worries. I like your backstory enough that I can award you an extra one (especially since you are immediately using it on a resource that I can easily control, so you won't be more powerful than other characters.

Do you have any specifics of what you want in the Class line, So where it says that I am male keleshite. anything you want after that? hp/ac/saves/some formula?

Not in particular. I tend to not notice that line there, so you can put whatever information there that you would like to quickly reference.

Been a buys couple of days post-xmas, still not had a chance to look at gear properly.
Also will probably shuffle some skill points around to get a couple points in Linguistics, now we have a bit of guidance on languages.

Contacts-wise would be good to have:

Watch Guard - an older member of the watch, who frequents the tavern, has a soft spot for Cedany and knew her growing up.

Merchant - Either a drink or food merchant, whom I inherited a working relationship with from my father (do we brew our own drinks? - probably not, unless anyone has Craft:Brewing?)

Trying to figure out why I would ended up here. Perhaps I saw a sign that you needed a craftsman for some repairs( I can craft most anything of metal/glass/bows, or you needed a second bouncer.. Perhaps ive got another wagon and am starting to build another caravan to haul goods around town and you hire me to be a driver.

None of my rogue-ly abilitys are visable and would not be announced, that I walk the grace of a dancer is visible though.

If we stick to the Ivy District, then you could be a performing dancer or talent scout, Martin. This is, afterall, potentially an establishment in the performing arts area of Absalom.

Ohh i know why im sticking round in Absalom, with all my crafting skills i am somewhat of an artist, i made everything im wearing pretty much. Ive studied old azlanti arms and armor first hand being swing at this ere tower shield.

His dancing is not for pay. He wouldn't be able to judge talent from not. Trust me you do not want me as your talent scout. Last time someone sent him to do that and hire some help. Martin came back with a little gnome wizardess and a half-orc ranger.. when he was susposed to be hiring men at arms. For martin the dance is a form of worship, a he dances with his scimitar somewhat in the manner of the dervishes to pray, every sunrise. One looking upon it could even call it art i suppose.

Martin isn't exactly dainty for a young man.. Perhaps wrestling contests.. see if you can knock the man in with the towershield on his butt..

I'm going to be finishing up Harrison's stats today so you'll have him to look over later tonight.

So, where are we, Eragar? Can you provide a summary and some indication of when we can get started in Gameplay? Do you need us to nail down anything in a more concrete manner?

Contact Maeltheron's contact will be a Crime Boss with the Bloody Barbers, and I will spend two Hero Points to make the Crime Boss Trustworthy. This should leave me with 3 Hero Points, correct?

How many employees does the inn have, and who does the bookkeeping?

Contact Magic shop owner, made trustworthy. Someone Tirkala has gone to in the past for magical items and for researching magic purposes.

Contact Jeweler. Just someone she visits to shop for jewelry.

If I'm right, these leave me with the 2 Hero Points on my sheet.

So, where are we, Eragar? Can you provide a summary and some indication of when we can get started in Gameplay? Do you need us to nail down anything in a more concrete manner?

A name for the inn is still needed

Contact Maeltheron's contact will be a Crime Boss with the Bloody Barbers, and I will spend two Hero Points to make the Crime Boss Trustworthy. This should leave me with 3 Hero Points, correct?

That would leave you with two. 1 to make your contact a crime boss instead of a less powerful contact (as I mentioned a few posts up). 2 to make him trustworthy.

Gotcha, sound good.

My name suggestion is:

WANDERING SPIRIT INN

Yes, sorry spending a hero point. May up the Watch Captain to trusted if I have another Hero point I need to use?

Something 'artsy' and harmless sounding for the name.
"The Pattern in the Ivy" or the "Nook in the Ivy", "The Vinery"

Alternatively could go for something more traditional pub-namey?
"Dancing Griffin"?

The other route is to go for a bit of an in-joke (Inn Joke?) and call it something like the Gallery or the Library ("I'm just going to the Library for an hour or so").

How about the Spirit Gallery?

It sounds like a highly artistic name, but boils down to a pun and in-joke.