Welcome aboard Magdalen!
Hum... Was looking at your sheet and noticed your stats... How were you able to get soooo many points? We were given only 15 points to buy our stats but it seems you got 37 if I'm not wrong!
Highly likely I did it wrong!!! Did I mention I'm relatively new?! Will re-roll those once Scott gets up and straightens me out.
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Hum, I think the mistake was that we are not rolling our stats, but instead buying them.
This is how much they cost: 7 (-4 points); 8 (-2 points); 9 (-1 point); 10 (0 points); 11 (1 point); 12 (2 points); 13 (3 points); 14 (5 points); 15 (7 points); 16 (10 points); 17 (13 points); and 18 (17 points).
Since we are playing with "Standard Fantasy" we have 15 points to spend prior to the racial adjustments.
I usually like to go with 14; 14; 14; 12; 10; 8 or 16; 14; 12; 10; 10; 8.
I think you're right! In person he usually has us roll 4 dice and discard the lowest; he said "standard point buy" but I didn't catch that that was different and I just up and did the thing I normally do. I googled it and I think I fixed it; will re-post once he checks it over for me. Thank you for the heads up!
I also need to figure out this Alias thing. I'm also Guinebeth lol
I'll get it, promise :)
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welcome aboard!!!
Magdalen,
The rabbit is right; to ensure a balanced party, I'll need you to apply the standard point buy instead. (Sorry, I know rolling dice is more fun). After you've assigned your points (or just selected and assigned one of Longears's suggested spreads), don't forget you can still add +2 to one ability because of your human racial abilities.
Your backstory looks good. Lorrimor has been retired from the university for the past 10 years, and he and Kendra have been living in the small town of Ravengro, in western Ustalav. I assume that Magdalen has still been employed at the university all that time?
I point this out mostly because it has likely been 10 years since you've seen Kendra. You would both have been quite young (17 or 18) when she moved away -- certainly old enough for an intimate relationship, but a lot may have changed for both of you since then.
I'd like to hear more about Magdalen's dark secret. You can PM me, or else use the "spoiler" tags to post on this thread.
P.S. Thanks for typing up the party summary! I'll probably re-post it from time to time, to remind everyone of their party's strengths.
Corrected! I think!
Magdalen North
Female Human from Absalom
Occultist 1 | Chaotic Good
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(Build is focused on intelligence and research due to low-magic / unknown magic system. Thus, no magical knowledge currently on the skills list.)
Goal: Wants to become a professor in ancient artifacts.
Secret: She destroyed someone's life by accident during a long lasting heatwave and was shunned by many in the town. With a loyal friend in Kendra and her determination and considerable knowledgebase, she has learned to survive in an unkind world.
Quirk: Magdalen always tries to find the Why, How, and History of objects and, to a lesser extent, situations.
Quirk: Magdalen rarely makes new friends; she prefers her books and her artifacts.
Flaw: Magdalen panics whenever she is threatened; despite this, her goal of being a professor in artifacts means she is determined to go adventuring.
Made her way north to Ustalav as a teenager, drawn there by the research library. Was hired at 17 as a runner for the professors and researchers. Was fascinated by Kendra, the professor’s daughter, and over the next year she approached the girl and they eventually became very close (wink wink).
Managed to meet the professor and take a class with him at Kendra’s urging. He was never close to her, but Kendra had told him that Magdalen was a little starstruck; she went to family dinners a few times but never made as big an impression on her beloved professor as he did on her.
However, due to his influence, she became a research assistant at the library and works there today, almost ten years later. Was shocked at the professor’s passing. Is both excited and nervous to see Kendra again after all these years, and is trying to deal with all of those emotions in this difficult time.
She is an occultist who doesn't know she has this skill. Currently thinks she listens to her “gut” when reading psychic resonances in items - she thinks she’s making intuitive leaps based on research to divine psychic readings of books and artifacts, and her reputation as an excellent researcher and puzzle-solver is growing. Her hobby of sculpting as a child has turned into metal-casting, and she creates and uses her special talismans as a reminder system - she carves new ones to focus her memory as she studies, and these items unknowingly become imbued with extra power the more she uses them. Even her favourite resource book has become magical, if only she knew it. (flavour to explain the Occultist Implement/Focus system)
When you get to know Magdalen, she is loyal and playful. She’s very observant, caring and disciplined. Her research and thirst for knowledge is what drives her. Empathetic and almost seems to read minds [of course, she actually does, but nobody believes in magic]; people often count on her perceptive nature when they're in need of support.
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Only real friend at the university has been Kendra; however she’s had a positive student/mentoring relationship with a fighter named Esdras. She met him in a pub down at the waterfront(?) and they’ve been practicing (concealed weaponry? Or reading?) in the evenings. She’s also had a run-in with a local gunslinger, where she was being bullied/mugged in the alley one evening after a meagre supper; Alec came to her rescue and she’s been grateful ever since. [maybe this is why she’s taking weaponry lessons from Esdras?]
I put together a party sheet to help me visualize the whole thing and how the party might interact in combat/social situations, to help me create hooks and pushes as we go. Here’s my understanding of the situation; please correct me if I’m wrong:
Alec is a strong combat character with lots of acrobatics and stealth, plus some alchemy as a backup. Can help with diplomacy situations.
Dmitry has been a bodyguard but is also is heavy on skills and knowledge; much like Magdalen he has many languages and history at his disposal.
Esdraas is a straight-up fighter with a secret shapeshifting ability. [skills unknown].
Ivan is secretive and can bluff and disguise well. Has plenty of magical knowledge skills. Uses spells against the undead.
Wictor is a spellcaster with bluff, diplomacy, and survival, with a penchant for stealing.
Magdalen has languages, mundane knowledge skills including engineering and history, and uses buffs, spells, and divinations to analyze and react to situations.
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Red-brown, long hair clumsily hangs over a thin, warm face. Sharp nose, deep-set eyes. Tiny in stature - barely 4’9” - she often goes unnoticed; at least until the many bags and items she carries on her person begin clanking around at her movement. Usually has a hood over her hair and her skirts drag in the dirt.
Despite her shrinking nature, she has a steely quality. There's something appealing about her; perhaps it's her shyness or perhaps it's simply her unusual alliances. But nonetheless, people tend to stay on her good side.
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Init: +2; Perception +7
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DEFENSE
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AC 14 Touch 12 Flat-Footed 12
HP 9
Fort +1, Ref +2, Will +5
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OFFENSE
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Speed: 30 ft.
Melee
-Warhammer (in story, a modified metal forge hammer); -1 atk 1d8 dmg (x3/B)
-Iron Brush (concealed); -1 atk 1d3 dmg (x2/P)
Ranged
-Shortbow +2 1d6 (x3/P)
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STATISTICS
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Str 9 Dex 12 Con 9 Int 16 Wis 16 Cha 10
Str -1 Dex +2 Con -1 Int +3 Wis +3 Cha +0
Base Atk +0; CMB +1; CMD 13
Class Skills (4 + 3 int + 1 human +2 Background Skill ranks)
Appraise +7 (1 rank, +3 bonus, +3 Int)
Craft - Metal Casting +7 (1 Background Skill rank, +3 bonus, +3 Int, +1 Background Skill)
Diplomacy +2 (2 cha)
Disable Device +6 (1 rank, +3 bonus, +2 dex)
Disguise +0 (cha)
Fly +2 (dex)
Knowledge:
Arcana +3
Engineering +7 (1 rank, +3 bonus, +3 Int)
History +7 (1 rank, +3 bonus, +3 Int)
Planes +3 (int)
Religion +3 (int)
Linguistics +7 (1 Background Skill Rank +3 bonus, +3 Int, +1)
Common, Draconic, Undercommon, Necril, Dark Folk, Aklo
Perception +7 (1 rank, +3 bonus, +3 wis)
Profession (wis)
Sense Motive +7 (1 rank, +2 bonus, +3 wis)
Sleight of Hand +2 (dex)
Spellcraft +7 (1 rank, +3 bonus, +3 Int)
Use Magic Device +0 (cha)
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Uses Psychic Spells with Implements as focus objects, using Mental Focus Points (MFP) as a resource. MFP is refreshed each night; implements are charged via 1hour focus each morning. (Occult Adventures pg 58)
Spontaneous Caster
Focus Powers: so long as chosen Implement is “charged” via focus daily, the attendant focus power is a passive buff. Options: Mind Barrier, Sudden Insight, Loci Sentry
Implement Schools: Abjuration (Protection & Wards); Divination (Foresight & Remote Viewing)
Knacks (0-level psychic cantrips): Detect Psychic Significance; Grave Words
Feats: Empath (Read emotions, check for Fear effects/their strength); Extra Mental Focus (+2 Mental Focus Points/day)
Traits: Inspired by Greatness (Psychic Reading at +1 caster level), Focused Mind (+2 on Concentration Checks)
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Equipment Leather Armor (Light)
Gear Explorer’s Outfit, Backpack, Thieves' Tools, Artist’s Tools [metal casting kit including wax, carving tools, casting molds, metal pellets, small crucible, files, polishers, hammers, etc), Candles, Flint/Steel, Ink/Papers/Quills, Many belt pouches full of items (draped all over!), books & mundane scrolls, bedroll, flask, 2 Days Rations, 38gp
Greetings and welcome aboard.
I am fine with making Dmitry a bit older to accommodate the timeline.
Suggestion for the Alec-Ivan rivalry. Perhaps Ivan visited Vigil a few years ago and met Alec (I'm thinking he would have been ~15 at the time) who less-than-truthfully boasted about being part of the Golden Bulwark secret society. Ivan was more knowledgable than anticipated though and quickly unravelled the lie. While Alec's embarrassment & resentment have largely faded, he's terrified that since Ivan knows where he's from he might realize (or even just suspect) that Alec is connected to the murder of the Lord Marshal. So Alec is standoffish in order to avoid a potentially disastrous conversation--he doesn't have a good track record trying to deceive Ivan, after all.
I feel as if the presence of some are lacking. Can we get a roll call among the players?
I feel as if the presence of some are lacking. Can we get a roll call among the players?
Totally here! Way excited. Hope everyone peeks in by Wednesday.
Indeed. Cannot wait to begin; this should shape up to be a grand game.
Also here.
I'm here, was just busy lately.
Let me know your thoughts on our rivalry when you have the time ;) Looking forward to having a regular game again!
Since Ivan's main hobby (besides wiping out undead) is recording stories, I guess an addition to the story could be that when Ivan arrived in Vigil, he met Alec and started writing down his false tales. When he finally touched upon a field Ivan was more knowledgeable in (probably related to Undeath, Sarenrae or Ustalav), Ivan realized this was a lie and slowly unraveled all of Alec's stories as such. He now views Alec as a man who cannot be trusted and has generally started doubting the truth in the legends he recorded- even the ones he was involved in.
Wuliev here. Wictor's crunch is finished, sans some ironing out of his equipments and the stats for his familiar. How much gold should we start out with, what our classes base give us or should we roll out the values orrr...?
I also plan on editing and adding in the new developments to his background, as well as expanding on his appearance/personality section.
That being said, everything is on the sheet currently.
@ Magdalen: I don't think we're using background skills for this game.
@ Ivan: How would you like to establish our past professional relations? Do you have any ideas? I am open to basically anything.
@ Magdalen: I don't think we're using background skills for this game.
Ow, we actually are! Here, take a look on what our GM posted on the discussion tab:
6) Unchained Material
I'm going to try working with the Automatic Bonus Progression system, which kicks in at 3rd level.I'm also willing to try the Background Skills system, which would effectively grant each of you an extra 2 skill ranks per level, to spend on any of the following: Appraise, Craft, Handle Animal, Knowledge, Linguistics, Perform, Profession, or Sleight of Hand. However, I'm not going to add Artistry and Lore to the list, as I think they are already covered by Craft and Knowledge options.
@Magdalen: Would you allow me to give you an advice? If you are not planning on raising or Str or Con, it would be better to bring one of them to 8 and the other to 10 instead of two 9s. This way you avoid 2 negative stats. Con is more important IMO.
@Scott: Was re-reading the PCs backgrounds and thought about proposing that our connection to the other players be limited to only one case to avoid too much coincidence. Exceptions could be made of course. As an example, Esdras relationship with Dmitry was pretty straightforward since he (Esdras) was close by the professor on most of his trips and it would also make sense for him to know Magdalen since they are from the same city (Lepidstadt), but in other cases, like Alec and Magdalen, it seems a bit stretched IMO...
Actually, my character is going to start off as a tiny, ineffectual, gothic girl in distress with only her smarts to help her.... I like the negative for now, and I'll build her into a stronger fighter as the narrative builds. Thanks though!
Here is Esdras short description:
Esdras is a middle-aged man but with a well built body and physic. With 39 years-old, Esdras's hair and facial hair have already turned completely white, an intriguing but not unexpected trait considering his life. Esdras usually keeps his hair tied in a ponytail and his beard trimmed. Being a bodyguard and fighter, Esdras also possess more than a couple scars on his body and face.
Esdras carries a bandolier above his armor and a pair of large swords on his back... one of them for normal creatures and the other for those harmed only by silver.
His stats are also on his alias as well as on the sheet linked to his stat line (that won't show here on the recruitment thread for unknown reasons).
Who is/was the student in this relationship?
Now a regular bodyguard for a couple professors from the university, Esdras started to provide 'first-defense classes' for students of the university who wish to take the role of traveling professors. Magdalen was one of his students.
What did you learn from the mentor (or vice versa)?
Esdras learnt about never to give up even when you have no clue about what you are doing and also no talent for such a thing. Magdalen's inaptitude in his classes and also her determination prompted Esdras to take a second look on Alchemy, a craft that he is fond of but not really good at.
Does the mentor respect the student? Have they finished their training?
Esdras respect Magdalen's determination but her combat skills are far from good... she is not the worst of his students but by far not the among the best. He is really worried if she is going to make it if she actually finds any serious danger.
Esdras helped Dmitry in finding and capturing a group of child kidnapers. Esdras pressed Dmitry for some evidence and when he was presented to them, Esdras was more than willing to help the man. He knew that such manhunt was beyond the law but also knew that a couple men had the judge's ears and could evade prosecutions with impunity.
How did the project turn out? Did anyone get caught?
Esdras and Dmitry got the men they were looking for without being caught... the downside was that they weren't able to get as much information as Dmitry wished. Esdras got the impression that there was more about this story than Dmitry revealed but imagining this was a personal quest, Esdras decided not to press.
Was there honor between you? Is there any resentment?
Esdras respects Dmitry for his willingness to leave the law behind to get those deserving a good old-fashioned justice. Esdras is a man of action and respects equal men.
I believe Esdras is finished and ready to go! Let me know if you need anything else, Scott!
Who is/was the student in this relationship?
Now a regular bodyguard for a couple professors from the university, Esdras started to provide 'first-defense classes' for students of the university who wish to take the role of traveling professors. Magdalen was one of his students.What did you learn from the mentor (or vice versa)?
Esdras learnt about never to give up even when you have no clue about what you are doing and also no talent for such a thing. Magdalen's inaptitude in his classes and also her determination prompted Esdras to take a second look on Alchemy, a craft that he is fond of but not really good at.
Does the mentor respect the student? Have they finished their training?
Esdras respect Magdalen's determination but her combat skills are far from good... she is not the worst of his students but by far not the among the best. He is really worried if she is going to make it if she actually finds any serious danger.
Magdalen is learning to work with a concealed knife (iron brush). Much respect and a little fear on her side. Classes are ongoing, but paused since the professor's death.
I agree with Esdras, having the connections to other characters is a fabulous idea, but too many and it starts to strain credulity, unless fate is a major theme of the adventure.
Hello all!
I think we're in good enough shape to begin. Here is a review/summary of the relationships, including one that I've supplied for the participants. If you're not happy, we can change it in the background (ie. in the Discussion thread) as we go.
Oh, to assuage some of your concerns: of COURSE fate is a theme in this campaign. What others call mere coincidence, Ustalavans see as destiny at best -- or at worst, the machinations of dark forces.
I shall launch the campaign within the next couple of hours. Let the darkness descend!
Found it, my bad.
Sorry, folks, I didn't mean to spring it on anyone. I think, as GM, my setup is a bit different than yours, and the Gameplay posts come up automatically at the top of my screen.
Let's head on over to Gameplay now, and if I need your attention back here (or if you need to ask me a question), we can redirect one another using .
One last thing: If you haven't already done so, please update your characters' statistics under the profile tag, so I have ready access to them while we game. Cheers!