Around 6am GMT Wednesday (That'll be Tuesday night for Americans) I will be choosing a party from among the people who have applied and RPed. I will open the discussion and gameplay threads as soon as I have a group, and we'll get this adventure underway.
The Campaign Info tab has all the information for applying, etc.
RPing, applied & crunched
Brennos (Tactician Fighter)
Ali ibn Sabbah (Barbarian - planning to multiclass rogue)
Variel Tathos (Skirmisher Ranger)
Alekto (Unbreakable Fighter)
Fist of Sekhmet (Ranger, mostly crunched)
RPing & applied
Cuàn/Zephros Itinakos
abernastian/alexo
Khelreddin/Trekos
Enchanter Tim/Nikodemos
RPing
Crunched
Azten/Echane
Interested?
Doomed Hero
If anyone wants a second set of eyes optimimizing crunch, let me know. Happy to help.
I'm actually holding off on crunch for the moment. Partially, because I want to see how the party is shaped to fit best, and partially because I can't decide how to build Nikodemos. Plus, I might not even get in.
I am leaning towards maxing Cha and Int to be a Spellcaster/Skill monkey. I don't know if that's really viable though. Every bard I've seen has some combat aspect, either ranged or melee.
I'm going to change Zephros from Alchemist (Grenadier) to Druid (Sky Druid) as I think it would be a much better fit for a philosopher. Because of the little RP here I think it could be a lot of fun to play him more focused on that.
@Enchanter Tim, we've got plenty if combat no matter who is in. Don't sweat the combat. Archeologist with knowledges is nice, Take 10 & Take 20?
@Zephros, Roc companion? Ooh la la!
Not quite sure, Liberation domain is also very tempting as I don't need the Roc to fly and there is no bird in sight during the RP.
Yeah, I love the Archeologist, but I viewed Nikodemos more as a traditional Bard with the poems and Greek theatre. And who doesn't love some Inspire Courage? As it is, we're short on spellcasters, so a focus on spellcasting might not be a bad thing.
@ Trekos, You can replace expeditious retreat with longstrider, if you really want to. I think both on a spell list is probably overdoing it.
@ Fist, RAW I think a shield can two-hand, though I'm having trouble visualizing making a 2-handed power attack with a shield AND keeping it's AC bonus.
@ Zephros, druid-philosopher seems far more fitting to the setting than the alchemist vesion, even with the greek fire paintjob.
@ Nicodemus, I'm not asking for a complete crunch by tonight, but I am looking at what people have. The more I see what you have in mind for your character, the better I can see the heroic possibilities of that character.
Once the party is picked, I'm hoping to get rolling ASAP.
Brennos is going to be pretty straight forward. I'm actually really pleased at the number of sword-and-shield combatants that are applying for this because it means I can better co-ordinate the teamwork feats he gives everyone once he gets Tactician. Expect to gain the benefits of Shield Wall and Shake It Off regularly. Later feats like Precise Strike, Outflank and Pack Attack and eventually Coordinated Charge for those death or glory moments.
I guess Variel is kind of out of place in this group so far, he'd be one of the few sitting in the back. He's going to be completely focused on his bow for combat. I have plenty of ideas for level advancement, but nothing set yet(any advice is welcome as I haven't played as a Ranger much). Same goes for gear/stats, I'd appreciate any advice.
I just know that he is going to be very focused on stopping/defeating those that took away the few good things he had worked so hard for, and the people that he had considered as family.
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@Nylissa, RAW shield can two-hand, RAW shield loses AC when attacking with it, but Feat:Improved Shield Bash ("which I have!" /Inigo) keeps AC when attacking. I just try to flag the synergies I see, because surprising synergies often smell like cheese, and owlbears love the smell of cheese.
@Brennos, sounds glorious. A squad of coordinated fighters(read: attentive players), with added Tactician frosting? More, please.
@Variel, hey, _somebody_ has to be sniping the mage while we're engaging the frontline. (And distracting him from the Hermean Hamstringer...)
By the way, Trekos, will you be using an inquisitor archetype that get Solo Tactics?
If we end up in this together, keep me in mind when taking teamwork feats. With luck we can get some synergy going.
In regards to Teamwork feats: If I decide on the Animal Companion (and get in) I'll be bumping his Int the first chance I get and he'll also be grabbing Teamwork feats.
I also have some crunch up, feats and equipment still need to be done though.
@ Fist, I know the 2H shield power attack without losing the AC bonus is legal RAW. I was really just making a fluff remark, that I can't picture what it looks like.
@ Variel, out of place also means you stand out. You know, as a target. ;)
Archers in PF can be awesome. A few thoughts: I'd want Precise Shot and the Improved version ASAP. Consider strength carefully, composite bows are beautiful things. Deadly Aim and the Vital Strike family are worth a look, especially for a few extra points of damage when you can't get off a full attack.
@ Brennos, A pretty straightforward tactician? I do not think that word means what you think it means.[/inigo]
@ Trekos, it's understood there are other priorities besides this game. I was more speaking to the idea of intentionally not cruching for later party-optimization, cheese-whizardry, which is just withholding information.
In general:
As a world, there's a lot of have-my-cake-and-eat-it, in that I'm mixing a lot of standard fantasy stuff (orcs, dragons, etc) in with the classical mythic stuff. I assume that since you're here, you're good with that.
The 25 point build is recommended for "epic" fantasy, and makes you a lot stronger than a party of 15 point builds. It also gives you room to have characters that are a bit rounder, without sacrificing your specialization. I have planned accordingly.
For bookkeeping reasons, I'd like to avoid xp altogether and level by achievement. If that's a no go, I'll be using the slow xp track, assuming you guys will make it work out to about normal by being tougher and facing tougher encounters.
Skipping the mythic rules. There's no real enthusiasm for it, from you guys or me, and so, meh.
I'm really looking forward to it.
Personally I'm more than fine with levelling by achievment, one less thing to keep track of.
In addition I'm looking forward to finding some harpies as the way I see it they are the other side of the same coin Sylph's are on.
A sphinx could also be fun, especially one with a more philosophical bent rather than plain puzzles.
Disclaimer - In reviewing crunch/tactics and making suggestion, I in no way mean to offend anyone's sensibilities or go counter to any DM edict, I may have overlooked. :)
@Zephros - I was imagining an escape off a cliff on roc-back. Seemed a clash of the titans type thing.
@Enchanter Tim - Go for it, pure Bard! Works.
@Fist of Sekhmet - Are you taking an Archetype? Shield is Sword & Shield Combat Style, yes?
@Trekos - If Elven Curved Blade is your thing... as is speed... I'd pump DEX for AC and to Hit Ranged (Weapon Finesse - works with Elven Curved Blade, melee... have secondary weapons Light Weapons). If STR can stay 14, that would be good... cause you'd get +3 to melee damage 2-handed. I'd focus, lower STR & CON and pump DEX. We've got enough of a team, that the need to be too well rounded or much of a switch hitter is alleviated.
@Alexo - Looks awfully cerebral, which is good for a worshiper of Apollo. Not sure how you envisioned his play... active/physical (DEX) or tactical, studious, genius (INT). DEX solves a lot of problems, sorry.
@Brennos - I'm not sure it works any other way... But, I'm not a huge fan of TWF @ 1st Level. I'm a firm believer in survivability and securing "the hit", so -2 doesn't thrill me. Thinking if you couldl dip into Ranger for 2 levels (or 6) and pick it up that way, could work. Ranger could make you a little more lethal/focused. You're picking up shield feats later, so maybe sword & board Ranger. Imagining the scenes in 300. Cool.
@Variel - You fit in just fine, maybe tie in background with Brennos, he's Gallic... maybe you're a "Welsh Longbowman". They were reknown for heavy archery. You two complement one another. I wouldn't dump STR so much, you want a +2 probably for 1d8+2 with a composite longbow. You've pumped DEX, maybe Deadly Aim (Power Attack equivalent for Ranged). Against favored enemies... +2+2+2 = 1d8+6. Also, there's equipment to carry... Bow, arrows, armor, starts to get heavy encumbered. And, as an archer... you want a light load.
@Variel, again - Considered Divine Hunter, then Ranger? BAM, Precise Shot! Crazy saves, Detect Evil.... Maybe you're on a mission from God, or Gods?
@ALL - hope that made some sense... and helped at least a little.
@Rangers and Ranger Dips (no, Variel, not calling you a dip :) ) - Skirmisher, Infiltrator and Beastmaster stack nicely. Don't leave money on the table. Beastmaster changes Skills though, so be careful. My thought was if someone took Beastmaster, maybe an aquatic companion when we're at sea... Poseidon, etc... For foreigners, Infiltrators make sense.
@Nylissa One of the things I was actually looking to build towards was Precise shot and its Improved version. Don't want to be getting all those negatives with all the melee. And I was definitely considering Deadly Aim, the bonus to damage with that is why I went high dex and low str. I lose 1 to hit, for 2 damage. If I built higher Str, I'd lose some of that Attack bonus for only about 1 bonus damage per bonus I lost. I'm looking more into Vital Strike too. I think he's gonna be taking one big shot most of the time vs. making the enemies look like pin cushions. He takes pride in his accuracy.
Variel - In case edit got lost. Divine Hunter, Precise Shot for free... class feature. Pick feat, Deadly Aim. Both at 1st Level. Mix with Ranger as needed.
@Ali The only problem with the Divine Hunter, is that I had already made his personality as one where he relies on himself and not the Gods. The situation the city is currently in actually reinforces his avoidance of depending on something you can't see. And I also RP'd it a bit. And I'm messing around with his stats a bit to see what I could do to raise his str at all.
Could be tweaked to, the Gods don't give... You gotta work for it. Help those who help themselves. Society has been spoiled, lazy and fat, relying too much on the divine.
You work hard for any benefit. Earn it... Proving it was some bad egg, fat cats on top. Mankind is still worthy.
You're taking the fight to the enemy... You are the starkest warrior.
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@Nylissa, with @Ali further down
@ Fist, I know the 2H shield power attack without losing the AC bonus is legal RAW. I was really just making a fluff remark, that I can't picture what it looks like.
I expect that from behind the shield, it looks a lot like the back of the shield. And from in front of the shield, it looks like the front of the shield, suddenly really close up. :) From a more third-person view, I expect it's batting away warding weapons, bringing the top UP, into the enemy's jaw, then angled in and DOWN for the vitals, and then RIGHT, into his shield arm, then down again for his right knee, and (why not?) UP! again...
Or it's a full-body lunge with shield up, perhaps. Not so much 2H as in 'using two hands' but still 2H as in both that powerful and that limiting of the other hand's options.
Which brings up the gimped hand. Please feel welcome to disallow weapons use with that hand. And if that includes 2H-ing the shield, so be it. I don't know when the narrative will support the return of full function, but I'm willing to trust the narrators.
@Ali, Yes, Sword and Shield is the weapons style from Ranger, intending Shield Slam at 2nd level, and repeatedly shoving enemies back into reach weapon range, which Fist can't take advantage of, but others could. I will look at Ranger Archetypes. Freebooter intrigues, but I'll give your cocktail a look.
"Thank you, Nikodemos, this is a bright spot in a dark day," she says. "Here are treasures truly worth preserving. Perhaps the heroes of the future will be inspired by the heroes of the past. Take a moment to catch your breath. We will be on our way soon."
"You weren't planning to leave without me, were you?" What appears to be a living statue walks around the corner. Once it's closer it becomes obvious this is only a woman that looks like a statue, though still a beautiful one. The symbol of Aphrodite hangs from her neck over her leather armor, catching the light briefly. "I may only look like one, but I don't like what those brutes outside do to statues anymore than what they do to people."
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Fist manages not to stare at the exquisite, but her surprise and wonder shows. Still, she is a warrior in battle, and speaks as one. "We can save all the treasures... Galatean? There is no reason to leave anything we can carry. Scrolls, altar cloths... priestesses." The Sekhmeti grins. "And we are not looting. We'll bring it all back. Someday."
"There is a least one future where that happens, yes. You are also correct that I am a descendant of Galatea. My name is Echane, priestess of Aphrodite. As much as I dislike the idea of leaving anything from any temple behind, we shouldn't take much. We need to move quickly to escape."
@Variel, yeah... You're right, stick with Ranger. But, I'd give up 1 DEX. Get STR to 14 and CON to 12. Level 4, you're back to 20 DEX. I know it's nice to have the 20.
@Ali Still messing around with the stats, I had just saved it there heh. And in order to have 12 con, 14 str and 19 dex, I'd have to lower my wis again, or my int. Because with the current scores, and a 12 con, 14 str, and 19 dex, that's 26 points, not 25.
Around 6am GMT Wednesday (That'll be Tuesday night for Americans) I will be choosing a party from among the people who have applied and RPed. I will open the discussion and gameplay threads as soon as I have a group, and we'll get this adventure underway.
The Campaign Info tab has all the information for applying, etc.
RPing, applied & crunched
Brennos (Tactician Fighter)
Ali ibn Sabbah (Barbarian - planning to multiclass rogue)
Variel Tathos (Skirmisher Ranger)
Alekto (Unbreakable Fighter)
Fist of Sekhmet (Ranger, mostly crunched)
Zephros Itinakos (Druid, partly crunched)
alexo
RPing & applied
Trekos
Enchanter Tim/Nikodemos
RPing
RPing & Crunched
Echane ~~ needs questions.
Interested?
Doomed Hero
Ok, here's a basic Nikodemos. I went Core Bard and the spellcaster/skill route. I'm certainly open to suggestions. I can get a full background and description up tomorrow.
@Enchanter Tim/Nikodemos - If you're not going combat, I wouldn't want the Weapon Finesse... only adds a +1 (only to melee, only light).
Also I'm a bigger fan of feats that allow you to "do stuff" increase your skill set than focus. But, that's just my play style... So how often will you be using "enchantment" school spells?
If you were to multi-class, what would it be into?
@DM - Could Ali have been a merchant marine, per backstory or I suppose the Theban army offer. MW Scimitar, MW Studded Leather? It helps, can't pass it up.
Also, he could be Egyptian (desert dwelling bedouin, typically Arab). Maybe revering the Egyptian pantheon. Keeps it nice and tidy, I think.
Doomed Hero here. I'm trying to get my submission in under the wire. The bare bones with background are in the Alias.
Blood begins to pool around Alekto's feet as more arrive and begin talking.
Always with the talking.
She looks at one of the newcomers, the one that looked like a walking statue.
"Hey. How close were the hordes when you came in?"
The biting sarcasm from earlier is gone, replaced by determined weariness.
1. A short sketch of your character's backstory.
In the Alias. I kept where his museum is and what relics he has collected deliberately vague. Those details can be decided later.
2. What do you want from a GM in a PbP, and from other players?
I've been in a lot of PBP games. I find that the ones I enjoy most are always the ones with a cohesive and interactive group who all have strong writing ability. With that as a foundation the game will be great no matter what its about. From a GM, assertiveness is my number one desired trait. I find that GMs willing to roll initiative and saves for players rather than wait, NPC absent players quickly, and generally keep a game's momentum up, those GMs have my absolute loyalty.
3. What do you do for fun when you're not on the Paizo boards?
I work for a security company as a dispatcher. I am also an actor and a stage combat choreographer. Other than that, I read a lot and spend way too much time trying to clean cat hair off myself.
4. A taste of your writing.
I'm afraid I didn't get into the thread quick enough to participate much. You'll just have to take my word for it that I'm a very competent writer and a dedicated player. Or you can read this.
5. I'm considering using the mythic playtest rules for this...
Seems like a good fit for the setting and story. I completely understand your apprehension though. Either way is fine with me.
"Huh. I thought it wasn't that bad." Alekto looked down at the pool of blood that was slowly washing over the stone with a look of annoyance.
"Think the worst one's in my gut. One of those little green bastards tried to dress me like a pig."
@Ali - If you're an Egyptian Pantheist, do read up on Sekhmet. Well, if we're riding together.
In R/L I'm Egyptian, my father was trained (school) in classical (Greek/Roman) archaeology. :) I'm down with Sekhmet!
@Alexo - got it. Still the decision point of "active/physical" DEX or INT for the brainy route.
"Closer than they have any right to be." Echane replies, glancing down at the blood. "If you wish, I could try to stem the flow and close your wounds."