Mended Wall’s Character Creation Guidelines
We are starting at level 1.
Stat Generation
You have two choices: 1) 20 point buy, or 2) 2d6+6 roll three sets of six, pick your favorite set.
You must choose the method of generation before beginning character creation. Anyone choosing to roll must do the dice rolling here in the Discussion Thread. If you need help with the point buy here’s a helpful link. I’m going to put an 18 limit on all stats racial bonuses. So, yes, you could potentially start with a 20 in a stat, and I’m prepared to adjust the game accordingly.
Alignment
As previously mentioned, no evil alignments will be accepted. Anything on the Chaotic/Neutral ~ Good spectrum is fine.
Races
I’m pretty familiar with running a lot of different races, even races that were made with Pathfinder’s Race Builder rules, but since this is a campaign for beginners, and because I’m not allowing evil alignments I have decided to restrict people to the Core Rulebook races. If that hinders your creative juices I apologize, but I want this campaign to be as easy for me to adjudicate as it is for others to enjoy.
Classes
There are just a few restrictions here. Obviously, because of alignment restrictions, no Antipaladins allowed. I’m also going to block the gunslinger, because: no guns, and the Summoner class, for no other reason than I dislike it. In addition I’m going to restrict the unchained classes. I’m not familiar enough with those unchained rules to mess with it at this time. Everything else is fair game. I’ll let you know right now that I’m much more familiar with the Core classes, but I’ve run a witch, a samurai, and even a ninja. Haven’t run any occult classes or any of the hybrid classes, but I am willing to give anything a shot. I’m also fine with any archetypes.
Two Traits and one Drawback
I LOVE the Traits and Drawbacks for the purposes of creating a fully fleshed out character at inception. GM favor points (these are invisible and arbitrary “points” that may or not amount to any real in game benefit) available for anyone that uses the background generation rules to gain access to story traits! If you would prefer not to have your character have a Drawback, then you may instead choose to select only one Trait. Those that select two Traits, must also choose a drawback. Also! You may only select one trait that augments starting character wealth.
Starting Wealth
Two choices: either choose the average starting wealth for your class, or actually roll for the starting wealth here in the Discussion thread.
Posting Your Character
Ultimately what I’d like to see is a complete character sheet for your character with an appropriate alias/avatar. I usually use Hero Lab which has a great stat-block output option, in conjunction with the ability to print a PDF of the complete character sheet. I’ve also used Google Drive to upload a viewable copy of the PDF for all to look at. In addition, if you find yourself up to the task, it is very helpful for the GM if you use the Paizo: Race, Class, and Gender boxes to their full potential. Another community member has created this great Tagline Template document, that shows what to put in what boxes with helpful font clarity. I’m not requiring it, because I know how difficult and time consuming it is, BUT I will be giving preferential treatment to those that can figure it out. ;-P
I’ll be posting a dot from one of my PBP characters here, so you can see what I’m talking about.
I do believe that covers everything. If I remember something, or somebody points out something I missed (which happens pretty often actually) I’ll adjust the rules as necessary. As always, if at any time you have questions, don’t hesitate to ask, either here in the discussion thread, or just PM me. Looking forward to some great characters!
Oh!
Deadline
I know how busy life can get. Trust me, I know. So, because of that, and because I don’t want you to feel rushed, I’m going to place the deadline for characters at Friday October 28th. (11:59 GMT -6:00) If it looks like everyone that wants to participate has a character in before then, we can always get things going early, but I don’t want anyone to feel rushed.
Cheers! And Happy character creation.
MW
This is one of my characters from a current PBP that I'm in. You can see how helpful the tagline information can be for in-game usage. In addition if you click on the alias you'll see a formatted stat block, and a link to a Hero Lab created PDF.
Again I'm not requiring that everyone goes to this level of detail, but I know I'd sure appreciate it as a GM. :)
Cheers
MW
You said 25-point buy in the last post in recruitment and 20 here. Which is it?
Yep, good question. I decided on 20 point buy. That's why that's what I posted here.
Rollin' bones for stats! Come on dice algorithm don't let me down.
Stat Array One
Stat Array Two
Stat Array Three
Looks like array two is the one. Sweet!
Sweet tender bat guano! That second array is the equivalent of a 40 point buy
If people who are rolling for stats are rolling consistently high numbers like that, I'm definitely going to up the ante for the point buy. I'll wait and see if any others that roll get such high numbers before making that call though.
That's straight up, off the chain, ridiculous! Good on you Yirangle. I mean, good on the party, really. You said you were thinking about a martial character? I'm guessing that frontline fighter, damage soaking barbarian, or righteous paladin will be well equipped to layeth the smack downeth.
As I said I'm new to PBP. Is there a way in here to roll the dice or our we doing our own rolls & then just copying the info in to here or what? I hope this doesn't seem like a dumb question.
As I said I'm new to PBP. Is there a way in here to roll the dice or our we doing our own rolls & then just copying the info in to here or what? I hope this doesn't seem like a dumb question.
Not a dumb question at all! The Paizo forums are equipped with a dice rolling mechanic.
It works like this:
[dice=Example]1d6+3[/dice
Except you close the brackets after the backslash-dice expression.
So to roll stat arrays you'd do something like this:
Array one:
[dice=Stat]2d6+6[/dice
[dice=Stat]2d6+6[/dice
[dice=Stat]2d6+6[/dice
[dice=Stat]2d6+6[/dice
[dice=Stat]2d6+6[/dice
[dice=Stat]2d6+6[/dice
Array two:
[dice=Stat]2d6+6[/dice
[dice=Stat]2d6+6[/dice
[dice=Stat]2d6+6[/dice
[dice=Stat]2d6+6[/dice
[dice=Stat]2d6+6[/dice
[dice=Stat]2d6+6[/dice
Array three:
[dice=Stat]2d6+6[/dice
[dice=Stat]2d6+6[/dice
[dice=Stat]2d6+6[/dice
[dice=Stat]2d6+6[/dice
[dice=Stat]2d6+6[/dice
[dice=Stat]2d6+6[/dice
But again, you need to put the closed brackets on all those /dice boxes. :) Hope that helps.
And for future reference, in this campaign, the only stupid questions are questions that didn't get asked. :) :) :)
Cheers!
MW
When you close the brackets it looks like this:
Don't forget you can also hit the "Preview" button before you submit, just in case your rolls will affect an outcome and you want to narrate that outcome. :)
Cool! Thanks for the quick & very helpful response!
I trust the rest of the fate of my character to the dice rolls so why not my stats as well? Here goes!
Array one:
Array two:
Array three:
Hmmmm ... 1st array or 2nd array? Tough decision.
Ok, I think I'm going with the first array - only way to get an 18!
Just to be clear you do allow the bloodlines for sorcerers right?
Hmmmm ... 1st array or 2nd array? Tough decision.
Ok, I think I'm going with the first array - only way to get an 18!
Just to be clear you do allow the bloodlines for sorcerers right?
Yes! Another great question. That got me thinking, I probably should make it clear that I'll allow anything Paizo (with the exception of those things I've already ruled out obviously) without questioning it. If, however, people wanted to grab some third party content for character creation, I'd want to have a discussion about it ahead of time. I won't say no to third party content, but I would definitely want to take a look at it first to make sure it fits with our campaign goals.
Oh, also wanted to say, Stormstrider's arrays are much more in keeping with my experience for rolling 2d6+6. I'd say Yirangle's rolls are the epic exception to the general rule for rolling. Good for him!
OK Stats.
Array 1
Array 2
Array 3
Here's hoping!
I am going away to work on a character. My earlier ideas went with the race restictions :(
[dice=stat]1d6+1
Thanks for the tip on the rolling i never knew about this.
We're accomplishing goal three! :)
@Joynt Jezebel: Your three arrays and Stromstrider's look much more like what I'm used to seeing. Much more in keeping with a 20 point buy. Depending on what race and class you were thinking, I might lean towards array two...? Man that's a tough call. Each of those arrays have their own merits and drawbacks.
Just to let everyone know I'm creating a fire-blasting sorcerer. Hopefully the character sheet will be up sometime today.
Cha 18 & Diplomacy as a class skill so I should be able to play party face if needed.
Well I trusted my ability scores to the dice roll, so why not my wealth as well?
But I cannot seem to get it to roll 2d6 x 10!?!? What do I need to do?
For my clarification, one doesn't have to keep the ability scores in the same order that they were rolled do you? I mean you can assign those numbers in any order you want to the ability you want right? Just wondering.
And I'll wait for an answer from the DM on the wealth just to be sure, but thanks anyway Mondoo!
By the way, I assume we get one set of clothes for free as normal?
My wealth is all I'm waiting on for my character! Here's a copy so far.
Dolok
Race: Human | HP: 9/9 | | CMB: +0, CMD: 11 | | Init: +2 | Classes / levels: Sorcerer / 1 | Speed 30ft | | Spells: 1st 4/4 | Gender:
And most of my weekday PBP is done from work so I cannot download Herolab. Sorry. I'll check it out from home when I get a chance & just maybe I'll create a character sheet there, but maybe not since in the future I'd still be at work doing my PBP.
One set of clothes free, yes! For character wealth you have to do the multiplying by 10 all by yourself. I know, math, right?! So just roll whatever the dice are and then multiply the result by ten. Go ahead and roll your wealth again since that previous roll was obviously not correct.
Also, yes, assign stats where desired. So Dolok, the 18 Charisma sorcerer, with diplomacy as a class skill, will make an excellent party face, as long as he doesn't start everything on fire. :)
No worries about Hero Lab, like I said, I don't expect everybody to spend money. That myth weavers sheet looks just fine to me. A little less easy to read perhaps, but all the information is there. You can directly link to that link in your character's Alias, once that is created.
Ok! Thanks for the clarification!
I don't know about the not starting everything on fire though ... hehehe (evil chuckle)
Ok, so wealth is: = 9 x 10 = 90 Gp.
Off to the market! :)
Can someone tell me where to find info on the Haramaki armor? Price, weight etc.?
Weird ... I tried to edit my last post to add this there, but it didn't update & now won't let me edit it?
Anyways - I have purchased all my equipment except I'm still waiting to hear about this Haramaki armor.
Stormstrider, the Haramaki is Eastern Armor. It's from the Ultimate Combat book I think. If you ever have questions about stuff, one of the best places to go is http://www.d20pfsrd.com.
This is Mondoo i made this guy finally.
Also is azlanti allowed?
Stormstrider, the Haramaki is Eastern Armor. It's from the Ultimate Combat book I think. If you ever have questions about stuff, one of the best places to go is http://www.d20pfsrd.com.
Thank you very much Yirangle!
Yeah that's a great page, but when I did a search on the armor all it pulled up was the description of the armor & not the cost or anything like that! :P
Your link gave me everything I need!
Ok, so between the Arcanist & the Pyromancer (me), there won't be anything left standing unless it is made out of stone! :)
@Joynt Jezebel: Your three arrays and Stromstrider's look much more like what I'm used to seeing. Much more in keeping with a 20 point buy. Depending on what race and class you were thinking, I might lean towards array two...? Man that's a tough call. Each of those arrays have their own merits and drawbacks.
I chose array one. I want the 18.
I am nearly finished the game mechanical part of my character, a female human winter witch by the name of Chillel. She may be the 4th arcane caster.
The character's history will take a bit longer as I am not so familiar with Golarion.
I have finished my character except for equipment and background.
Is it possible to take a character's stats and put them here- and how do you do it.
Or should I send the character to MendedWall for approval?
Please excuse my ignorance. I am kinda new to PbP.
I have finished my character except for equipment and background.
Is it possible to take a character's stats and put them here- and how do you do it.
Or should I send the character to MendedWall for approval?
Please excuse my ignorance. I am kinda new to PbP.
Ha! That's the point isn't it? Right?! The point is to be new here, and figure all these things out, so you can go out and join other PBPs in the future with confidence. :)
So! Creating a PBP character is as simple as adding an alias to your profile here on Paizo.com. You should, hopefully, unless the name is taken already, which does happen, be able to name the alias the name of the character. Then, on that alias' profile you should take some time to fill in the various sections with as much information as you are comfortable adding in. I linked to this template that shows exactly how to "code" your "Race," "Class/Levels," and "Gender" boxes to their full efficiency, and also provide some nice "quick-look" information for the GM. Otherwise, if you want to take a look at my character Aghon, it should give you an idea of what a profile for a PBP character should have in it. Realize that Aghon's statblock was created by Hero Lab for me, which made it A LOT easier to post there. A couple of the other players already have some of their character's profiles completed so you can look at theirs as well.
As always, let me know when any questions pop up. Remember, in this campaign, the only stupid question is a question that didn't get asked. :)
Cheers,
MW
@Mondoo/Dugle
Profile looks very much like a Hero Lab exported stat block, is it? If not, what did you use to produce such a clean stat block?
@Stormstrider
It looks like you put the tagline information I requested just into a post. That info you coded there can be placed into the "Race, Classes/Levels," and "Gender" boxes on the character's profile. Since you already put it into a post, you should be able to just hit "Reply" to your own post and copy the code right out of it, and paste it into the appropriate boxes on the profile. I know it looks like those boxes aren't big enough but they actually expand to fit A LOT of text. Let me know if you need some help figuring that out.
Also, as a reminder/FYI for everyone. I guess I wasn't explicitly clear in the guidelines that I want every character to have a fully narrated background tale before I'll give them approval. Still plenty of time left as we still have some people that expressed interest that haven't even popped up in the discussion thread. I'm hoping at least two more people show up as it would be nice to have a martial class and a healer on board...
Let me know any questions whenever they arise. I may not get back to you right away, but I WILL get back to you.
Yes it is a Hero Lab Statbox.
Those are so nice, aren't they?! Hero Lab continues to be some of my best money spent on this hobby. :)
You'd think I worked for them with all my plugs for them. :P
I don't, btw. Just really like how nice that software is to use, and how easy it makes character creation, leveling, and use.
Oh! Forgot to address your question Mondoo, about Azlanti. Yes, of course! Azlanti is nothing more than an ethnicity of the human race, so, yes totally allowed.
@Mondoo/Dugle
I love that you used skill points on some knowledge skills! Opportunity there to incorporate that study into Dugle's background. Not that I want to tell you what to put in your background, but it just got me thinking about why this Azlanti Arcanist has a hobby of studying architecture (engineering) and below ground expeditions (dungeoneering). I'm a geek when it comes to stuff like that. I love to take those little elements and try and make them part of a character's story. :)
Edit: Also, as a GM I really try and reward choices like that. I can't promise anything, because we're running a published adventure, but if I see opportunity arise, I'll definitely try and see that Dugle gets a chance to use those knowledge skills to benefit the party. :)
Yes it is a Hero Lab Statbox. Also any tips one makeing backrounds i always have a Porblom with that?
Just saw this edit. I always suggest using Pathfinder's Ultimate Campaign Background Generator rules for people that have trouble with backstory. It's amazing what rolling some dice, and collecting tidbits of a character's past, will do to spark the narrative ideas.
It looks like you put the tagline information I requested just into a post. That info you coded there can be placed into the "Race, Classes/Levels," and "Gender" boxes on the character's profile. Since you already put it into a post, you should be able to just hit "Reply" to your own post and copy the code right out of it, and paste it into the appropriate boxes on the profile. I know it looks like those boxes aren't big enough but they actually expand to fit A LOT of text. Let me know if you need some help figuring that out.
I'm trying to do this but I had already filled in my profile manually & now it won't let me make any changes to it? Please help! I CERTAINLY want to do things the DM's way & help out the DM anyway I can!
I'm trying to do this but I had already filled in my profile manually & now it won't let me make any changes to it? Please help! I CERTAINLY want to do things the DM's way & help out the DM anyway I can!
It looks like you put the tagline information I requested just into a post. That info you coded there can be placed into the "Race, Classes/Levels," and "Gender" boxes on the character's profile. Since you already put it into a post, you should be able to just hit "Reply" to your own post and copy the code right out of it, and paste it into the appropriate boxes on the profile. I know it looks like those boxes aren't big enough but they actually expand to fit A LOT of text. Let me know if you need some help figuring that out.
Might be better to just make a new alias. That has to be done by clicking on the "My Account" button at the top of the page. Among the areas on the left hand side of that page (you may have to enter your credentials again to get there) is the "messageboard aliases" section. Just click the "create new alias" button, and then you should be able to create a fully customized profile. That alias' profile should be completely editable at any time. You just need to click the "edit profile" button when you are "in" that alias. Or you can go back to the "My Account" page and click the "edit" button next to that alias.
Hope that helps. If you need extra walk-through or just want me to post some pictures of the areas I'm talking about, let me know.
Cheers,
MW
Proudly displaying my new name, image and character image, Joynt Jezebel becomes Chillel.
This allows the GM to see my character, yes? I will add a background soon.
Proudly displaying my new name, image and character image, Joynt Jezebel becomes Chillel.
This allows the GM to see my character, yes? I will add a background soon.
Yes! Excellent. A few things. The more detail you can add to that profile the easier it will be for me to access what I need during the game. Secondly, if you have the capability of linking to a PDF sheet of any kind that makes things extremely easy. Lastly, if you have the time and energy, I'd love for you to put the "quick-look" info into the Race, Class/Levels, and Gender boxes. If you take a look at Aghon's profile (which you can do by just clicking on his name) you'll get an idea of what I mean. Not a requirement, but it does make some things very quick and easy for game purposes.
Excellent avatar image! :) I'm a little worried now about how in the multiverse I'm going to get this party of arcane casters to meet up and join into any semblance of a team... I've got some ideas cooking, but they all depend on your roleplay.
Can't wait to see the background!
Background may take a bit of time. I know the PF rules OK, but the world I have to read up on.
It is a bit weird how 4 of 9 players who expressed interest have so far submitted characters. And are all arcane casters.
Please excuse my computer ineptitude. I can get a PDF off Hero Lab but have no idea how to put it onto the alias page. I am a veteran D and D player who played Basic D and D in the 1970's, but we didn't grow up with PCs...
What I can do is email you the whole Hero Lab PDF. And a couple of my gamer friends who are younger and more computer literate will be here in about 11 hours, and they may know how.
Yes, still interested! Sorry for the delay -- things got a bit busy last couple days.
Mended --
Check your inbox. Some . . . stuff . . . to discuss. My character is in the works, but I hit a snag.
If you have a Google account you can just upload the PDF to your Google Drive, turn the sharing to "anyone with the link can view," and copy paste the shareable link right into Chillel's profile. :) That's how I do it.
Also... Much respect to you for your years of gaming. You'll have to give me some private message feedback throughout the game, to let me know if I'm doing a good job. :)