With the heart of the Stolen Lands explored and the bandits who ruled there scattered, the long-contested realm finally lies open for pioneers and settlers to stake their claims.:
Amid the rush of opportunistic travelers, the PCs find themselves stewards over a new domain, tasked with the responsibility of guiding and guarding a fledgling nation struggling to grow upon a treacherous borderland. Yet the threats to this new nation quickly prove themselves greater than mere bandits and wild beasts, as the monstrous natives of the hills and forests rampage forth to slaughter all who have trespassed upon their territory. Can the PCs hold the land they’ve fought so hard to explore and tame? Or will their legend be just one more lost to the fangs of the Stolen Lands?
It takes the treasure-laden (treasure being mostly weighed in two bushels each of ripe fangberries and moon radishes) four and a half days to return back to Oleg's Trading Post (see the dotted red path on Regional Folio map). All of them more or less uneventful aside from some rain on the second and third day as the party moved out of the shelter of the Narlmarches and onto the rough plains.
All the usual signs of life were present, birds overhead, small mammals in the underbrush, elk and deer, cicadas in the evening, and the howls of distant wolves at night.
The rough hills give way to the grasslands around Oleg's and soon enough the party can see the smoke of the trading post's hearths. To the north of the companions path lay the independent farmsteads now two weeks past their eventful and unexpectedly exciting Spring Flower Festival.
As the party rides up to the log walls of the outpost they notice that the bunkhouse's second story roof is now complete with all of it's shingles in place.
The gates are open and there seems to be quite a hullabaloo going on in the bailey. Someone has parked a rather ostentatious carriage in front of the small stable.
"'allo, 'allo! Greeteng mon friénds! Mai ai 'ave yur names and reasons for visiteng ur fine traiding outpost todai?" says the guardsman wielding a quill pen and folio of paper.
"Pretty wagon! Is it yours? and as for us, I'm Celyne, this is Zokon, Scarlet, Alia, Numalar, Illthir, Erevenywg, Mikmek, Nakpik and Naleksa. We're here to deliver some items we were tasked to acquire and see Oleg. Is he around today?"
| Bloodrage 12/12 | Fire Strikes 3/3 | HP 43/43 | AC 18 T 14 F 14(Uncanny Dodge) | CMD 19 | Saves 6/4/0 (+1 Will vs Mind Affecting) | Init 3 | Perception 3 | 4 Female Ifrit Bloodrager (elemental, fire) | Spells 2 |
"It's with a See. Tell Oleg we're here." Scarlet stretches her muscles. The last few days have been a real journey, and she's learned a little bit of magic.
"Nobles huh?" Illthir looks around and over the guard. Maybe there was a crest or something somewhere she could spot? It didn't matter much of course - but she was curious. Also! Some nobles were much more generous with their gold! Hmm. Let's see ...
There is another set of guardsmen beyond the gate wearing the somber livery of the Brevic Magisterial Guard. The carriage bears the personal crest of the Magister and though the party cannot see the man because of the angle, the carriage's suspension indicates the presence of a large person coming out of the cab and down the footsteps.
The guard at the gate continues to go through his questions when one of the Magisterial Guards calls over to his fellows they all draw their swords and advance upon the party with deadly purpose.
| Bloodrage 12/12 | Fire Strikes 3/3 | HP 43/43 | AC 18 T 14 F 14(Uncanny Dodge) | CMD 19 | Saves 6/4/0 (+1 Will vs Mind Affecting) | Init 3 | Perception 3 | 4 Female Ifrit Bloodrager (elemental, fire) | Spells 2 |
Let's go 25% chance! I assume I can apply my new & improved Fort Save.
Fort Save vs Disease:
Fort Save:1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26 Fort Save:1d20 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13 3 Str Damage Fort Save:1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18 Recover 1 Str, take 5 more Str Damage for 7 damage total Fort Save:1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22 Recover 1 Str, Cured! 6 Str damage
Scarlet seems more red than usual over the next few days. On the first day she just seems more excited than usual (especially when she shot flame out of her hands to ignite the campfire.) But day 2 there's a red spot where that giant tick bit her. It itches like crazy for a few days. By the time the swelling's gone, Scarlet seems a lot weaker than she used to be.
Scarlet spends some of her time talking to Erevenywg. Partially because Alia keeps her distance ans Scarlet worries the fairy may be a threat. Partially because Scarlet knows how it feels to be isolated. She learns a thing or two about Sylvan in the meantime until it finally starts to make sense to her.
| Bloodrage 12/12 | Fire Strikes 3/3 | HP 43/43 | AC 18 T 14 F 14(Uncanny Dodge) | CMD 19 | Saves 6/4/0 (+1 Will vs Mind Affecting) | Init 3 | Perception 3 | 4 Female Ifrit Bloodrager (elemental, fire) | Spells 2 |
Scarlet hops off the horse and wonders what the heck is going on when the guards advance. She steps ahead of Alia. 'So what, the Magister is out here? Why? And what's with the weapons? That ain't very diplomatic, is it?"
| Bloodrage 12/12 | Fire Strikes 3/3 | HP 43/43 | AC 18 T 14 F 14(Uncanny Dodge) | CMD 19 | Saves 6/4/0 (+1 Will vs Mind Affecting) | Init 3 | Perception 3 | 4 Female Ifrit Bloodrager (elemental, fire) | Spells 2 |
"Oi! We ain't no raiders!" Scarlet screams. "You get Oleg and you tell him Scarlet's here before you do something real stupid!" Scarlet puts her hands on her hips.
Gnome Sorcerer 4 | AC: 15, TAC: 13, FAC: 13, CMD: 11 | HP 7/23 | Fort +2, Ref +3, Will +6 | Init +5 | Perception +9, Sense Motive +2, Darkvision 60' |
Resources:
Spell Slots available: 1st: 5/8 2nd: 3/4 Claws: 8/8 rounds left SLAs: Dancing Lights, Prestidigitation, Flare, Produce Flame
"Raiders? How ridiculous! I won't stand for such an accusation! Fetch Oleg, or Sir Kesten, or Brother Kavken, or Svetlana. Any of them will vouch for us."
"We have a Royal Charter to explore the Greenbelt here, and to drive out the bandits. Look!"
Numalar pulls out his charter and offers it to the gate guard.
With his other hand, he pulls out his wand of enlarge person.
He whispers to Scarlet, "Be prepared to become more impressive, my dear, assuming we need it."
If we are actually in combat this is two move actions so I can't begin casting until next round.
"Whoah! Ah woods ken 'at banshee wail anywhaur! Scarlit hen!" Its the voice of Bloody Angus Makdoon--the Blue Beetle's herald and constant number two! And sure enough from amid the crowd, the dwarf warrior-poet, a master of both the nine-string Baliset, and the Dwarven waraxe charges out as if to trample Scarlet into the dust, or hug her in a way that might leave her with bruised and cracked ribs.
| Bloodrage 12/12 | Fire Strikes 3/3 | HP 43/43 | AC 18 T 14 F 14(Uncanny Dodge) | CMD 19 | Saves 6/4/0 (+1 Will vs Mind Affecting) | Init 3 | Perception 3 | 4 Female Ifrit Bloodrager (elemental, fire) | Spells 2 |
"Angus! There you are!" Scarlet switches from dead serious to boundless enthusiasm.
Str Check:1d20 + 3 - 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 - 3 = 11 That tick bite really sapped her strength. "Haven't seen you since... well it's been a while. Tell 'em to stand down, will ya? They think we're raiders or somethin'!"
"If I needed saving, I would stab things myself, good man. This is my Kobold, and it is my task to deliver it to civilized lands. Damage it, and I shall be greatly displeased.", Alia returns coldly.
She had no patience for these petty mannerisms of human nobles. It would be interesting to learn why the Magistrate had come here, but his visit by no means was a reason for a guard with a quill at the entrance of the trading post.
"The Fey is an entirely different manner.", she adds a moment later, glancing over at Erevenywg
"Oh - but weren't they supposed to meet with the magistrate? How fortunate that he appears to be here!" Illthir cuts in after Alia, hopefully redirecting any ideas of damaging either the fairy or the kobolds. While she hadn't really spoken much to either of the three they all seemed to be pretty nice. Also! "And *uh* what is the magistrate doing out here?"
In summary, because the website won't let me do it any other way:[list]
Kresten explains to everyone including the newest guardsman to join his garrison who everyone is.
The magister in his ponderous way explains that he is moving through the area to oversee what is being done about the bandit problem and offering a large reward for the bandit known as the Stag Lord.
Macdoon is in the area scouting for future work for his mercenary company and will be leaving in a day or so to the southwest where their main camp lays, near Mivon. He offers to take Scarlet there.
After a bit o time has passed for all the information to be found Zokon will gather the group to talk Assuming he knows about Macdoon and the mercenary company
Zokon takes on a severe "Chasing Amy" stance and begins speaking
"We know where the stag lord is and he seems to have an army around him, we do not but Scarlets friend MacDoon does? Should we maybe consider contracting that mercenary company to help us take down the Stag Lord. We have a decent bit of cash at the moment? What do y'all think?"
"That's not a bad idea." Illthir considers Zokon's proposal while blowing a few absent minded tones in her flute. A heroic battle against the forces of bandits would certainly make a good song. And improve their odds of not dying horribly. "Though I must say I have no idea what a mercenary company costs to hire...?"
| Bloodrage 12/12 | Fire Strikes 3/3 | HP 43/43 | AC 18 T 14 F 14(Uncanny Dodge) | CMD 19 | Saves 6/4/0 (+1 Will vs Mind Affecting) | Init 3 | Perception 3 | 4 Female Ifrit Bloodrager (elemental, fire) | Spells 2 |
Scarlet would love to take the offer to see Macdoon's mercenary company. "I am on assignment, though. I'm guardian Alia now." Scarlet shrugs. "So if she's willing to go, I'll come with."
"Sounds like we need to help deal with the Stag Lord." Scarlet addresses the rest of the team. "Company values change over time. If they're desperate we can get them for cheap. We'll see when we get there."
Turning back to Macdoon, she gives him another hearty shake. "Hey, do you know what happened to BB? I lost track with my brother since the last time I went in exile."
"Weel waur dae ye hink he is!? He's wi' th' company! He's got a contract wi' a mivoni nobleman. Aam takin' ye tae heem if ye lit me, Thistle-top." he shouts shaking Scarlet back.
It appears that the Magister of Restov arrived with a pair of other noblemen.
Roll once for each noble. Open all spoilers that apply.
(The older man) Knowledge (nobility) DC 15+:
Lord Solvis Orlovsky - A stern, conservative, senior courtier, and retired soldier (marshal) from the mountains to the southeast of the Lake of Mists and Veils.
(The older man) Knowledge (nobility) DC 20+:
Lord Solvis Orlovsky is considered past his prime by most other Brevic nobles, even within his own very powerful house.
======
(The 40-ish man) Knowledge (nobility) DC 15+, or Numalar:
Lord Tybolt Langrave His family is aligned most tightly with House Lebeda. Langrave is an expert duelist and holds the title of Aldori Swordlord.
"Well if it isn't House Garess's tiresome, little, moth-eaten fool. What sends you to these cruel lands, buffoon? Are you here to caper for us?" He says to Numalar with a sneer.
Illthir plays a quick melody on her flute then forces herself to put it away. It might be far too tempting to play something inappropriate ... But oh so funny! She doubted either of the nobles would appreciate it - and since she had just escaped one dark dungeon she wasn't all too tempted to find herself in another one.
Blu:1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25
Tybolt:1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25
"Huh I didn't realize you had such nice friends..." The half-elf whispered to Numalar. Her fingers inched back towards her flute again and the tone of 'Don Quijote, Swordlord' rushed trough her head. Maybe later ...
"Lord Solvis Orlovsky - A stern, conservative, senior courtier, and retired soldier (marshal) from the mountains to the southeast of the Lake of Mists and Veils."
"Lord Solvis Orlovsky is considered past his prime by most other Brevic nobles, even within his own very powerful house."
he says to just his companions
To the nobleman and magister
"Welcome all to the stolen lands and our expedition."
Gnome Sorcerer 4 | AC: 15, TAC: 13, FAC: 13, CMD: 11 | HP 7/23 | Fort +2, Ref +3, Will +6 | Init +5 | Perception +9, Sense Motive +2, Darkvision 60' |
Resources:
Spell Slots available: 1st: 5/8 2nd: 3/4 Claws: 8/8 rounds left SLAs: Dancing Lights, Prestidigitation, Flare, Produce Flame
Numalar bows pleasantly.
"Lord Solvis, A pleasure! What brings you to these parts? And Lord..."
Tybolt Langrave wrote:
"Well if it isn't House Garess's tiresome, little, moth-eaten fool. What sends you to these cruel lands, buffoon? Are you here to caper for us?" He says to Numalar with a sneer.
Numalar's features close up. He frowns and his jaws clench.
"...Tybolt. ... How wonderful. What are you doing here? Are you through with carving up young boys for the crime of wishing to learn the sword? Or did they kick you out of the country finally? I should warn you, you'll need to wipe your own behind while you're out here in the stolen lands. Or did you bring servants for that?"
"I left the house of Duke Garess a long time ago, if you must know. And I'm not here for you, at all. You'll have to do your own capering, I'm afraid."
| Bloodrage 12/12 | Fire Strikes 3/3 | HP 43/43 | AC 18 T 14 F 14(Uncanny Dodge) | CMD 19 | Saves 6/4/0 (+1 Will vs Mind Affecting) | Init 3 | Perception 3 | 4 Female Ifrit Bloodrager (elemental, fire) | Spells 2 |
Cha:1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22
Scarlet has a good laugh as Numalar greets Lord Tybolt. She manages to not sound like she's laughing at his expense, but rather at a completely unrelated joke that happened to reach the punchline at the same time Numalar finished his greeting.
"Well let's not be hasty - I know someone that produces the finest manure *ahem* letters..." Illthir whispered back. It was a challenge to do it discreetly with someone so short, but she did her best and combined it with a curtsy for the nobles. "Yes, what would such an esteemed swordlord do in these parts?"
| Bloodrage 12/12 | Fire Strikes 3/3 | HP 43/43 | AC 18 T 14 F 14(Uncanny Dodge) | CMD 19 | Saves 6/4/0 (+1 Will vs Mind Affecting) | Init 3 | Perception 3 | 4 Female Ifrit Bloodrager (elemental, fire) | Spells 2 |
Anyway, while everyone is giving the noblemen too much time, Scarlet grabs the bundle of moonradishes (and the ring) and finds Svetlana. "Hey. The trading outpost sure got a lot bigger while we were out, huh?" She hefts the bag up, which is a lot harder to do now. "Bah! Lousy tick bite."
"Lord Solvis Orlovsky - A stern, conservative, senior courtier, and retired soldier (marshal) from the mountains to the southeast of the Lake of Mists and Veils."
"Lord Solvis Orlovsky is considered past his prime by most other Brevic nobles, even within his own very powerful house."
"And standing right here!" snaps the old man.
Zokon Santyev wrote:
he says to just his companions
Oh! ;)
Zokon Santyev wrote:
To the nobleman and magister
"Welcome all to the stolen lands and our expedition."
"Yes.... You're old Remuros's stable boy aren't you?" the older man says stroking his pointed beard.
"Lord Solvis, A pleasure! What brings you to these parts? And Lord..."
Tybolt Langrave wrote:
"Well if it isn't House Garess's tiresome, little, moth-eaten fool. What sends you to these cruel lands, buffoon? Are you here to caper for us?" He says to Numalar with a sneer.
Numalar's features close up. He frowns and his jaws clench.
"...Tybolt. ... How wonderful. What are you doing here? Are you through with carving up young boys for the crime of wishing to learn the sword? Or did they kick you out of the country finally? I should warn you, you'll need to wipe your own behind while you're out here in the stolen lands. Or did you bring servants for that?"
"I left the house of Duke Garess a long time ago, if you must know. And I'm not here for you, at all. You'll have to do your own capering, I'm afraid."
If Langrave were a gorgon Numalar would be stone dead. The tall man looks ready to draw steel when the Magister interrupts.
"Now, now. Ribbing can only go so far. We must all remember whose side is whose. Now I'm here to set things aright. The Lord Mayor of Restov, and his Majesty the King-Regent are both concerned about the continuing bandit activity in the region. In particular, all the trade that is not flowing from the south through the Greenbelt. And all the lurid rumors. That headless woman a month past, and so forth. So? What's being done?"
"Scarlet! When did you get back? Are the others here? Two whole bushels!* Goodness! You must have picked them all. Oh you look sick! Here, sit down. Tell me everything that happened and I'll warm some soup." Svetlana hesitates for a moment as if unsure how to proceed and then ladles some soup into a pot and rushes outside to hang it over the fire.
"Don't start until I get back!" she calls from the hall on her way to the door.
The Shepherd is eyeing everyone in the party beside Illthir suspiciously. It is as if he is debating getting up from his seat at the bench before the cook fire and asking them something.
Gnome Sorcerer 4 | AC: 15, TAC: 13, FAC: 13, CMD: 11 | HP 7/23 | Fort +2, Ref +3, Will +6 | Init +5 | Perception +9, Sense Motive +2, Darkvision 60' |
Resources:
Spell Slots available: 1st: 5/8 2nd: 3/4 Claws: 8/8 rounds left SLAs: Dancing Lights, Prestidigitation, Flare, Produce Flame
Zokon Santyev wrote:
I like Mark Talbot who has also asked to be kept in consideration for further plots of the DM.
Gideon is very muchly like me in build.
Mark Talbot is a powerful melee combatant, and that's good. With his mutagen going (in STR) he can power attack at +7 to hit and 1d12+13 damage - not bad at 1st level. But it seems like all he can do is hit things really hard; he doesn't really have any non-combat abilities (a common problem with the fighter class). Also there are a lot of math/number errors on his sheet.
There was a bit of story for his character, but it was in a forum post rather than on his sheet.
Gideon is a ranger and admittedly rangers and slayers are similar. But he is clearly focused on melee whereas Zokon is mainly an archer. I don't especially like Gideon's backstory (it's a bit simple and the one main thread is one that is also a part of mine), but then Mark's isn't very interesting either.
Well, it's all a moot point... we'll see who comes! Thanks for looking out for us KDM! I'm sure your choice will be fine with us. We were just musing among ourselves.
Forest Gnome - Male Wizard/4: HP (22/22): AC (12): Saves (Str=-1/Dex=2/Con=1/Int=6/Wis=2/Cha=1): Initiative +2: Perception +0 (15 passive)
Greetings all! I received a PM from DM asking if I was still interested in joining, since a player dropped out. Thank you very much for the opportunity.
Before I go too much further, I was wondering if I could change EVERYTHING about my charater...
little joke there. I read through the discussion already.
I would agree, that it is a bit odd to make drastic changes, such as race, class, build, ect.; after being selected based on the original character.
I look forward to contributing to the game. Numalar seems to be taking on a "party advisor" role. Did you see anything you think should be adjusted with Fronar to fill any party gaps?
Gnome Sorcerer 4 | AC: 15, TAC: 13, FAC: 13, CMD: 11 | HP 7/23 | Fort +2, Ref +3, Will +6 | Init +5 | Perception +9, Sense Motive +2, Darkvision 60' |
Resources:
Spell Slots available: 1st: 5/8 2nd: 3/4 Claws: 8/8 rounds left SLAs: Dancing Lights, Prestidigitation, Flare, Produce Flame
Welcome and well met, Froanar! You should know that I am quite fond of the Knife Master archetype and I have a PFS character with that archetype.
Fronar_Gossamar wrote:
Numalar seems to be taking on a "party advisor" role. Did you see anything you think should be adjusted with Fronar to fill any party gaps?
Well, thank you for asking! I can see some ways that you might adjust Froanar based on the makeup of the party.
If you wish to change EVERYTHING may I suggest a Drow Paladin? :) Just kidding!
You are really asking for it when you ask for my opinion because I tend to write long! So I have spoilered everything to make it easy.
Background:
First of all, in the recruitment thread you posted a bit of a story about Froanar, but the story isn't on your profile. You probably should put it there. Maybe what you currently have under "background" should really be "personality."
Second, maybe you should think about your background a bit more. I notice you have a Chaotic Good alignment and in your personality it mentions that you have a "Robin Hood" mentality. This is a little bit at odds with your story, where you talk about wanting to expand your power in the thieves' guild.
By this I mean two things. First, chaotic people don't usually lust after power. They are more interested in freedom, and if they want power it is because it is a route to independence. Likewise, your typical mafioso character is probably evil, or at best neutral. They make a living by taking from others, through force, intimidation, and guile. They are also loyal, follow a strict code, and have an organized hierarchy, making them often lawful.
It would be a little weird later on in the campaign trying to form a "mafia" family. You won't need to because you are already the guy in charge.
A typical CG thief probably became a thief as a way of "fighting back" against the wealthy oppressive nobles of Brevoy. This especially works if you grew up amongst the poverty of the urban or rural poor. If you want to be CG maybe you began your career thinking that being the "underground" guild working against "the man" must be good since in your mind the upper classes are clearly bad. Your story may involve Froanar's disillusionment with the way of the thieves' guild as he realizes that they are also evil guys preying on the poor. This would also explain your suspicious trait as you no longer trust people the way you once did.
This also might put you at odds with your father which makes for good drama. Maybe you have had a falling out. Perhaps Froanar wants to earn enough that he could get his father out of the guild, but his father doesn't want to leave and wants Froanar to come back. If you are chaotic you are probably rebellious.
Thirdly, you mention in your personality that your character had a stint in the military, but you don't mention it in your back story. You should work it in somewhere. It's unlikely that you were regular infantry as you aren't proficient in martial weapons or medium armor, but you might have been a scout or archer of some kind.
Also, you have taken the background trait "Brigand" which means that you were probably a rural or country robber for a while. You might want to put that in there somewhere. It's OK if your character "drifted around" a lot before his current "job."
One last thing about background: which city is Froanar from? Maybe he should be from New Stetven as it is the Brevoy capital and probably the biggest city. Restov could be where he ended up after leaving his father's guild.
Build:
The main thing about building a rogue is figuring out how ou are going to arrange to get sneak attacks. There are a number of avenues to do this, and you probably want to focus on one or two.
If you are going to focus on flanking then you usually have to invest in Acrobatics. Since this is based off DEX it's an easy choice to make.
You could focus on feinting using bluff skill. This is a bit harder because it usually involves investing in a bunch of feats, and it rewards a high CHA.
Another one is the Shatter Defenses & Dazzling display route, using intimidate. This takes a while to come on line and requires another bunch of feats. But we don't have a good intimidator in our party, so worth thinking about.
Using concealment effects also works, but is limited. Stealth is good but only goes so far. This could work with the use of mundane things like smokesticks but probably involves magic items. You might want a decent Use Magic Device skill if you want to go this route.
Finally there is the scout archetype. They trade away Uncanny Dodge with the ability to sneak attack on a charge. If your character was really in the military this might work. Scout and Knife MAster are compatible.
You will need to concentrate on one or two of these things.
Stats:
You have a decent set of stats for a rogue. But you might want to rethink a couple of things.
First of all, there is a tendency in a Kingmaker game for everyone to try to have a good CHA. But aside from the main "faces" it is not necessary for everyone to have a high CHA. If you are not going to be using bluff or intimidate as a means of getting sneak attacks then I would drop your CHA and not bother with social skills. WIS is pretty important for most rogues as Perception and Sense Motive use it, and so do will saves. So I would be inclined to put your 14 in WIS (or even your 16 from CON and make CON 14), and put your 10 in CHA. Or even drop it below 10 for the extra points.
If you are planning on using bluff a lot then I would skip this advice. But because using CHA forces you to diversify I would personally go the acrobatics/stealth/scout route and dump CHA.
A STR of 12 will give you a +1 damage on your primary hand attacks, but not your off-hand. So if you need the points to boost something else I would drop STR to 10. STR won't do much for you, and if you get a dagger with the Agile property (which adds DEX to damage) then it won't do anything at all except improve carrying capacity.
I would probably go: STR 10, DEX 18, CON 16, INT 10, WIS 16, CHA 10
or: STR 11, DEX 19, CON 16, INT 10, WIS 16, CHA 7
or: STR 11, DEX 18, CON 16, INT 13, WIS 16, CHA 7 (you need INT 13 for Combat Expertise, if you were planning on taking that feat.)
Your Saves for any of these arrays would be F:+3 R:+6, W:+3.
Human Bonus Feat:
Okay, you've taken weapon finesse and two-weapon fighting. Both these feats are very important to your build, which is why what I am going to suggest is going to hurt a bit.
Instead of using your bonus feat on TWF, I am going to suggest that you instead (assuming the DM allows) take the Focused Study alternate race trait. Basically it gives you the Skill Focus feat now instead, but also gives you a second Skill Focus at 8th level and a third one at 16th level. In the end that's three feats for the price of one.
(Focused Study is listed in the Human section of the Advanced Race Guide)
The reason I suggest this is that while rogues get a lot of skill ranks, this means they can do a lot of things, but doesn't make them better at any one thing. You want things that give you bonuses to the skills you use a lot.
I would either put it into Perception (which is always important) or Acrobatics (if you plan on using that for flanking a lot). I would probably do perception just because nobody in the party has an especially good score and it's fairly important. If you are going into Bluff for feinting or Intimidate for Shatter defenses then you could put it there.
But what about TWF? I know losing that hurts, but you can take the Combat Trick rogue talent at 2nd level and get it again. You will find that a lot of the time you will have to move on your turn if you want to flank and doing so means that you lose your second attack. So it's not as big a loss as you might think.
The other route would be to get rid of Weapon Finesse and take the Finesse Rogue talent at 2nd level. This will hurt more as you will have a real hard time hitting at first level. But the finesse rogue talent isn't "wasted" that way.
Skills:
First of all, you have only listed 8 skill ranks - remember as a human you get an extra one.
However, I would actually recommend (again if KDM allows it) that you swap out the human extra skill rank for either the "Heart of the Streets" or "Heart of the Slums" alternate race trait (again this is from the Human section of the Advanced Race Guide).
Secondly, I would forget about diplomacy, and get rid of bluff unless you want to feint. Other party members will always be better than you at these things.
You probably want Stealth. Escape artist might be good. Knowledge:Dungeoneering might come up once in a while.
Gear:
Remember that you have an extra 100 gp from your brigand trait, so you start with 340 gp.
Daggers are cheap. Get a ton of them. Get a few cold iron ones and at least one silver one. Buy a couple of Bandoliers to put them in, but have some hidden in wrist sheaths and stuff like that. Wear a pickpocket's outfit.
Masterwork Thieves' tools.
Get a shortbow as a backup ranged weapon. Might have had it since you were in the army. Don't forget ammo.
Maybe an acid flask or two in case you need a splash weapon.
If you can afford it, maybe a chain shirt instead of the studded leather (though this will penalize stealth and acrobatics by 2 instead of 1). Or if you still have your army uniform, maybe Parade Armor - which has the same stats as studded and also makes you look more official.
Look through Ultimate Equipment. It's a great book and it's on the PRD.
Favoured Class Bonus:
Right now this bonus is in HP. That's a solid choice. But the human alternate bonus is 1/6th of an extra rogue talent (which means you get an extra talent after taking that 6 times). Talents are pretty cool. At 6th level this would mean having 51 HP and an extra talent instead of 57 HP. Something to consider.
Math:
Your Saves should currently be Fort +3, Reflex +6, Will +1. AC should be 17, Touch 14, Flat 13. The stuff under defense is right but under classes/levels that stuff is wrong.
Hope this is useful and I haven't melted your brain!
Forest Gnome - Male Wizard/4: HP (22/22): AC (12): Saves (Str=-1/Dex=2/Con=1/Int=6/Wis=2/Cha=1): Initiative +2: Perception +0 (15 passive)
I'm anxious to start building my "family" until I become "The Godfather", Don Gossamar. I'm ready to begin whenever you are.
Player info:
I live in Wisconsin (central time). You'll find me posting anytime throughout the day. I can access the board at work, although any map programs are blocked by company firewall.
About a year ago a few members, including the DM, of my IRL group split up to move in different directions. Unable to find a new group, I turned to pbp. So I've been playing pfs games via pbp since then.
I'm very easy going and if somehow I manage to offend anyone, please let me know so i can rectify the situation, since it will not have been done intentionally or maliciously. I'm here to enjoy the game, just like every other player, not to cause friction.
I've been playing D&D/Pathfinder for a combined total of approx 15 years.
I'm sure we'll get to know each other better as the game progresses, but hopefully that will give you some background about me.
Welcome Fronar .. a couple things. You might want to flesh out your background a bit and give the DM and you more to play with. Your ac on your sheet says 14 and we'll have to get you a bow so you and me can scout together more effectively.
Thanks for all the insight. Most of my stats and choices are based off of my backstory. I really enjoy the fluff and a lot of your suggestions simply tip the balance of the character towards power gaming or min/max'ing.
I can see pros and cons to most of your suggestions.
If you would like me to explain the reason for the choices I made, I would be happy to do that. All in all, I'm pretty happy with the outline I created. We'll see how he turns out.
Stats, gear, ect. have been corrected. Character had originally been planned as fighter for 1st level, then going rogue after. Therefore, I had a few redundant changes that got overlooked.
Gnome Sorcerer 4 | AC: 15, TAC: 13, FAC: 13, CMD: 11 | HP 7/23 | Fort +2, Ref +3, Will +6 | Init +5 | Perception +9, Sense Motive +2, Darkvision 60' |
Resources:
Spell Slots available: 1st: 5/8 2nd: 3/4 Claws: 8/8 rounds left SLAs: Dancing Lights, Prestidigitation, Flare, Produce Flame
Ah, I see. So the former soldier thing was part of the "Fighter Version." I take it then he is not so much the "Robin Hood" concept now. Do you still plan for his alignment to be CG?
Don't be afraid of min/maxing. Just because you have a well designed character doesn't mean you can't role-play. It's more important for Rogues because they are overall a weak class. A well-built Rogue can still have a hard time keeping up with a poorly-built Paladin. Besides, the 30-point buy suggests to me that the difficulty will be scaled up noticeably.
You don't need to explain your choices to me, though details like your brigand trait and suspicious trait should probably be worked in to your backstory. A part of the reason for traits is to give players a tool for creating their character story.
It would be potentially very cool if your brigand trait meant that you would be recognized by some of the bandits in the region.
Gnome Sorcerer 4 | AC: 15, TAC: 13, FAC: 13, CMD: 11 | HP 7/23 | Fort +2, Ref +3, Will +6 | Init +5 | Perception +9, Sense Motive +2, Darkvision 60' |
Resources:
Spell Slots available: 1st: 5/8 2nd: 3/4 Claws: 8/8 rounds left SLAs: Dancing Lights, Prestidigitation, Flare, Produce Flame
Oh, Fronar, one more math thing.
Remember your armor has an armor check penalty of 1. So your acrobatics, disable device, sleight-of-hand and stealth rolls all take -1 when you are wearing armor.
I haven't checked this yet, was just taking a break and popped over here but would all of you please make sure that your full character sheet is written out in your profile of your alias?
When I'm at work normally I won't have access to Mythweavers so I need the full sheet listed here.
Female Human (Kellid) Warpriest 1 | HP 9/9 | AC 17 T 12 FF 15 | Ft +3 Rf +2 Wi +5 | Init +2 | Perc +3 l CMD 14 l Blessing 3/3
Current Standing from Bella's Point of View:
- Numalar: No real impression yet
- Fronar: The troublemaker
- Celyne: Friendly, but not very professional
- Zokon: No real impression yet
- Valeska: Professional and dignified
Sorry for the late post. Best I can do this week being on the road and working. I promise it won't be like this when we get going. I'll generally be online during the day during the week and will post more often. Thanks for understanding.
I moved us along a bit, I hope that's ok. I won't generally do that but needed to this week.
Female Human (Kellid) Warpriest 1 | HP 9/9 | AC 17 T 12 FF 15 | Ft +3 Rf +2 Wi +5 | Init +2 | Perc +3 l CMD 14 l Blessing 3/3
I'm a little sad that we didn't get to properly introduce ourselves or establish relations with one another, but I understand. It's important to keep moving and we've already had some delay.
Gnome Sorcerer 4 | AC: 15, TAC: 13, FAC: 13, CMD: 11 | HP 7/23 | Fort +2, Ref +3, Will +6 | Init +5 | Perception +9, Sense Motive +2, Darkvision 60' |
Resources:
Spell Slots available: 1st: 5/8 2nd: 3/4 Claws: 8/8 rounds left SLAs: Dancing Lights, Prestidigitation, Flare, Produce Flame
KingmakerDM wrote:
You all signed the charter on the 24th day of Pharast, 4708 AR.
Okay, great. I am making a journal for my character.
BTW, is Brevoy in the same relative position on Golarion as it is in canon material? Is the layout of the area and other neigbouring countries the same? Obviously if the greenbelt turns out to be a steaming jungle that will not be the case.
If yes, I assume that there is still snow on the ground, as we are in the far north, at a decent altitude, and it is only the end of March. Is that correct?
And Spring is just beginning so there is some warmth during the day but the nights are still very cold. Whenever a north wind blows through it is cold regardless of time of day. There is still some snow on the ground and there will be more to come but you will start seeing more rain.
Forest Gnome - Male Wizard/4: HP (22/22): AC (12): Saves (Str=-1/Dex=2/Con=1/Int=6/Wis=2/Cha=1): Initiative +2: Perception +0 (15 passive)
in another pbp game, I set up a google doc link for the party to view anytime, with a list of treasure. Whatever the party decides on how to handle treasure is fine with me. To provide insight from previous games, some sort of tracking and even division will prevent unnecessary drama over fairness.
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I would suggest a system similar to this, as it has worked very well in my previous groups:
1. Keep track of all treasure
2. Sell everything "not useful"
3. Divide gold evenly to players
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To add specifics that also worked out well:
1. Selling items usually provides 1/2 market value, any item a player wants to keep/use, they should pay the selling price to the party.
i.e - if an item costs 1000gp new, selling it would be worth 500gp (or 100gp ea in a 5 person party). If a player wants to keep it they pay 100gp to the rest of the party and thus keep a 1000gp item for 400gp cost to them.
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This brings up another issue. If a player doesn't have the 400gp, they still can take item, but will need to compensate their "I.O.U." when they are able.
2. It is also useful to create a party "bank". Perhaps putting 1/2 of gold into this party "bank" and distributing the remaining 1/2 to players for personal use.
The party "bank" can be used for things like: group lodging, rez services, gold spent for same items for entire party, bribes offered acting as a party, ect.
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3. Players can "borrow" from bank with an "I.O.U.", but may only have 1 such "I.O.U." at anytime. This "loan" is, of course, subject to approval o the rest of the party.
Again, anything works for me. Just thought I would share systems that worked well and fairly, in past games.
Female Human (Kellid) Warpriest 1 | HP 9/9 | AC 17 T 12 FF 15 | Ft +3 Rf +2 Wi +5 | Init +2 | Perc +3 l CMD 14 l Blessing 3/3
That's a great idea, Fronar. Personally, I usually go with "take what you need", but the reason I suggested it in the first place was because Bella would want something more organized and systematic. If we can work out a system such as the one you've described, I'd be totally fine with that.
Gnome Sorcerer 4 | AC: 15, TAC: 13, FAC: 13, CMD: 11 | HP 7/23 | Fort +2, Ref +3, Will +6 | Init +5 | Perception +9, Sense Motive +2, Darkvision 60' |
Resources:
Spell Slots available: 1st: 5/8 2nd: 3/4 Claws: 8/8 rounds left SLAs: Dancing Lights, Prestidigitation, Flare, Produce Flame
In a home game I am in we use a similar system in that we calculate the value of everything assuming that it is all sold and then figure out what everyone's share is. If you want anything from the pile you use a portion of your share to take it from the pile, so it winds up that you are "paying" the sell price of the item instead of the buy price.
We sometimes put healing items in a separate "party" pile since you never know who you are going to use the cure scroll on.
It seems to me that a lot of people want to make sure the treasure paid out is fairly divided, and are willing to live with the bookkeeping that involves. That's fine.
However, early in the game we will probably find that individual items will often be worth more than 1/6 of the value of the pile. I don't feel we should worry too much about that at first as it should even out eventually.
If the party has 600 gp, and a single 600gp item boosts the power of one character significantly, then we should let him have/buy it and then get to the other players later. If multiple characters have ideas then we could draw lots to see who goes first. This is probably better than everyone having each player have 100 gp and not be able to afford anything important with that.
Why don't we go over what you see as your most likely first major purchases.
For Numalar:
1. Riding Dog 150 gp (or maybe combat-trained wolf) plus barding?
2. Wand of mage armor 750 gp
Here are my guesses for the other players' intentions:
Bella: Masterwork Full Plate Armor? 1650 gp
Celyne: Masterwork Chain Shirt Barding for Luna? 350 gp
Fronar: Mithril Chain Shirt or masterwork daggers? 1100 gp or 302 gp
Valeska: Masterwork Aldori Dueling Sword? 320 gp
Zokon: Masterwork STR16 Composite Longbow? 700 gp
Female Human (Kellid) Warpriest 1 | HP 9/9 | AC 17 T 12 FF 15 | Ft +3 Rf +2 Wi +5 | Init +2 | Perc +3 l CMD 14 l Blessing 3/3
I'm hoping for Mwk Full Plate, a wand of CLW, a riding horse, some scrolls, and maybe a Mwk Scimitar. Those are my prefs. Still, I'll work with what I find. I'm very much an organic leveler, same with equipment.
Gnome Sorcerer 4 | AC: 15, TAC: 13, FAC: 13, CMD: 11 | HP 7/23 | Fort +2, Ref +3, Will +6 | Init +5 | Perception +9, Sense Motive +2, Darkvision 60' |
Resources:
Spell Slots available: 1st: 5/8 2nd: 3/4 Claws: 8/8 rounds left SLAs: Dancing Lights, Prestidigitation, Flare, Produce Flame
BTW I did plan on taking the craft wondrous item feat at 3rd level. Happy to craft things for other people. We probably should spread out the crafting feats amongst the casters if possible.
I know planning is good, just mixing it up with action.
Great. But again, I need to know what Valeska plans on doing? Just head south for 3 hours and then turn around and come back? Do some type of pattern? How long do you want to be out?
I can't post what you do or do not find without some idea of where you are going, etc.
Also, one of the things that we will be doing for combat is that when combat starts I will post the stats of the enemy in the space above the thread. Therefore, when you make your roll you can know whether you hit or not and whether you dispatched the enemy or not. So, you then can write out the results of your attack on your own and you don't have to wait for me.
This isn't ideal in terms of gameplay, what with you getting to know who is about to die and all that but it does speed up combat in PbP which can sometimes take a really long time.
For the most part, I will roll initiative for the enemy all together, with the exception of the leader or someone that has a really high initiative modifier. I will also roll the player's initiative so that you will know and can post in your turn.
Let me know if you have any questions about this as we will in all likelihood be in combat soon. :)
Good to know... I may forget about you rolling some rolls for me... if I do, as I'm simply used to some things - ignore my roll and roll it for me - a gentle reminder now and again may help, but I'm in several pbp games and it's hard to remember sometimes... not your problem but mine (i suffer from a severe case of CRS*)
