In the frozen depths of winter, murderous winds mercilessly batter the crum bling Priory of Cymer. Within, trapped by their duty and the
heaped snowdrifts that render travel near impossible, the few remaining fai thful huddle together and tend the sacred places of their
forbears. With the weather worsening, nerves fray and tempers snap as the w ind howls its mournful dirge for the forgotten dead of a
fallen time. But the worst is yet to come. The ancient walls of the priory hides a murderous grudge that only blood can expunge, and as the storm reaches its savage height, terrible revenge is wrought amid the frigi d halls and faded glories of a bygone age
I'm planning to run retribution, a short adventure by Raging swan press. Retribution is a traditionally gothic (as in the "Castle of Ontranto" "Name of the Rose"-style) mystery where the Pcs discover themselves in the middle of some unsettling and ultimately dangerous events.
I'm looking for 4 players. Party composition and party balance is of no importance, you are not required to fill any role and the class you choose will have no impact in the recruitment. However, the adventure seem to have some difficult fights alongside heavy roleplaying, so whatever your class be sure to be able to participate in both (in some form of another)
Most of the adventure is sandbox in nature. Its feature some heavy roleplaying alongside some difficult and perhaps deadly battles. The full adventure is placed in a mini-setting designed by raging swan.
Lonely Coast from the gaudy lights of civilisation. Pirates and
slavers ply the storm‐tossed waters while goblins and other foul
things creep through the gloom of the Tangled Wood that chokes the forgotten holds and sacred places of the Old People.
Deep within the forest, a narrow, rock‐choked defile piled deep
with shadow cuts through a nameless range of rugged, tree‐
shrouded hills birthing dark, fearsome legends of terrifying
monsters and glittering, doom‐laden treasures.
The adventure also feature a new god whose church will play a key role
Epithets: The Justicar, the Shining Light, the Noble One
Symbol: The rising sun
Domains: Good, Law, Protection, Sun
Favoured Weapon: Longsword
Raiment: Voluminous, white cowled habits. Unless expecting
battle, clerics do not wear armour.
Teachings: The strong must protect the weak, for this is the
natural order. Those with great abilities or aptitudes must use
their gifts for the betterment of their fellows. The faithful must
be ever vigilant for evil’s rise, but must show mercy in dealing
with its tools.
Holy Texts: Darlen’s teachings are set down in the Scripture
of Law – a vast tome containing teaching, stories and lessons by
some of his prominent early followers. Divine Order and On
Darkness’ Rise are important early commentaries penned by
legendary high priests.
In retributions your character will be traveling along a tree-fringed track on the way to the priory of Cymer, a holy site dedicated to Darlen. Your character will need a reason to go there, you can use the ones below or make one of your own.
You could use the following to explain why your character is interested in visiting the priory Cymer. Different Pcs can have different reasons.
1. Injured: One (or more) of the PCs could be infected with a disease (or perhaps a virulent poison courses through their veins). Lacking the resources to deal with the problem themselves, they travel to the priory to seek aid.
2. Pilgrim: One of the PC is a devout follower of Darlen. He has come to the priory either to pray before the high altar or to gain Ruan’s spiritual guidance on some important matter. Because fell things sometimes creep out of the deep woods to prey on travellers, the rest of the PCs have accompanied their friend.
3. PC Specific Hooks: One or more of the PCs could have been
hired to perform a specific task at Cymer.
- A clever thief (page 60) has recently stolen a set of earrings from Tryfena a local merchant of Swallowfeld
(for which she has offered a 100 gp reward).
- Tahllian Liaiamne is looking for his son a half‐elven warrior called
Malvenos. Tahllian is offering a reward of 100 gp if the PCs find him.
- The elder priest of the prior taught a PC’s parent long ago. The parent has despatched the PC with a gift for the aged curate.
Starting level: 1
Starting wealth: Average by class
Ability generation: 20 point buy
Alignment restrictions: Character as expected to try to help others, therefeor Evil characters are not appropriated for this campaign and will not be allowed.
Traits: 2 Traits
Races: Core
Classes: No gunslinger, No summoner, No ACG.
Rules/books Disallowed: Everything with technology, guns and the ACG. Everything else is allowed in principle (but I could have problems with specific options that are broken, too strong or just plain silly like sacred geometry)
Minor houserule: Sorcerers, Fighters, clerics and paladins get 4 skill points per level.
If you are interested, please create a character alias and include your character information in a stat block like this one. Also, include the following standard information in your profile:
1) Appearance
2) Personality and motivations
3) Background (optional)
The background is optional because I'm more interested in who your character is now and not in his past, so it is up to you.
I would like you to be active and not just to hang along with the others waiting for me to present you the next encounter. An important part of the adventure is sanboxy in nature, the character will have the opportunity to choose where they want investigate, and if you choose to do nothing and ignore everything then the campaign will not be fun. I also would like you to (in character) interact a lot with your fellows Pcs.
I recommend you to read the following guides (if not for this one, they will help you for whatever other pbp campaign you are interested in)
http://paizo.com/threads/rzs2rqdb?Painlords-Guide-to-PbP-GMing-Make-Your-Wo rld
http://paizo.com/threads/rzs2qciy?Building-a-Better-Doomed-Hero-Painlords
http://paizo.com/threads/rzs2nr91?DHs-Guide-to-Play-By-Post-gaming
I don't rely that much in the social skills to handle the social interaction. I will not say you have badwrongfun if you prefer the contrary approach, but if you are accustomed to solve social encounters just by rolling dices then this is probably a campaign you will not enjoy.
I forgot about the occult adventures. I don't think so, I never bothered to read the playtest so I don't know anything about the classes there.
Yes.
I'm not seeing anything in that profile.
Darlen's teachings would be the perfect motivation for a Sacred Shield Paladin. Protecting the weak, not looking to harm initially, but being defensively minded, LG deity. I'll start getting on it tonight after work.
What level will the PCs be reaching by the end? Its not a huge deal, but it would effect the direction I would want to take him.
It is a short adventure, it only cover level 1, but if everything goes will we could continue with other raging swan adventures.
I think this sounds great. A friend of mine and I are both going to try to post something for this soon!
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Scrapped the investigator angle and am putting together an Arcane Duelist I like the feel of. How would you feel about me using an Estoc from Ultimate Equipment? My eye is less on the damage dice and more on the aesthetic: rapier isn't doing it for me and a bastard sword is too "hack and slash" for what I've got in my head.
You mean melee toolbox?
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I'm ok with it.
Do your comments on social interaction. Mean that a social character should nonetheless refrain from investing in social skills? Or do skills and role playing interact?
Social skills will not be useless but they will be perhaps more limited than in the usual sense. It is hard to explain now but It means for example that No Diplomacy and bluff roll works without the actual accompanying speech, in fact talk first roll later (because circumstance bonuses/penalties can be very important).
I submit Genevieva Ree a Sorcerer posing as a Rogue.
I would like to work her in through the following plot hook: A clever thief has recently stolen a set of earrings from Tryfena a local merchant of Swallowfeld for which she has offered a 100 gp reward.
Genevieva, traveling the world in an attempt to gain experience and wealth, comes upon the reward notice in her travels and contacts Tryfena, convincing her that it takes a thief to catch a thief, Genevieva pursues the lead...
Tarondor's friend, here. Dotting for interest. Looking to build an inquisitor. Will post submission soon.
I have an idea. Cleric of Groetus driven mad by a vision of the end times. It has fractued his mind into two personalities. He is looking some way to cure it but has not had any luck so far. I don't have the social panache to make it work IRL but I feel he could be very interesting many social situations.
Here is a link to Tamarie the Protector. Everything should be formatted to your specifications, as well as containing the Appearance and Personality/Motivations you requested. Spoilers below for convenience. If you see any issues or have any questions please don't hesitate to bring them to my attention. Thank you for the consideration.
Tamarie is a half elf woman who is in her young-adult years. She stands just over 6 feet tall with a bulky build. Her light orange hair reflects the sun as it blows gently across her shoulders. Her green eyes glow with joy, complimenting the crooked smile commonly found on her face. Her pale skin is covered in sparse freckles. Over her ragged clothing, she wears scaled armor covering her entire torso. On her left hip lies a bastard sword and in her left hand she carries her heavy steel shield.
Tamarie is a devout follower of Darlen, sharing the desire to help the less fortunate, protect the weak, and always be ready to forgive. She is a tool for the work of Darlen and will eventually need to sacrifice her life for the betterment of those she seeks to protect, but until that day comes, she provides as much charity as possible. Her positive attitude is contagious, bringing joy to everyone she meets.
She has made the journey to Cymer to seek the wisdom of Ruan. She hopes he will be able to guide her in the direction of her destiny, in the manor that is pleasing to Darlen.
This is Tarondor's submission. I look forward to the game!
Appearance and Motivation listed in the character.
Please only admit me as part of a duo with my friend Achyls Dess (played by Ariarh Kane).
This is Ariarh Kane's submission. Thank you for your consideration, DM. :)
All the pertinent information is listed in the character profile.
Please only admit me as part of a duo with my friend Agramayne (played by Tarondor).
I submit Felixus Deonus. He is an archivist, who is wedded to the idea of assisting the poor in any means possible (forgery being a preferred favorite)
I am an IRL GM, and as a player I am usually the one most likely to move the plot forward.
I believe my character has enough points of difference he will rollplay well.
Nevermind, lot of divines already.
I'm still working on the stats and background, plz just give me some time.
I think I will leave the recruitment open a couple more of days, so don't worry.
SO far, complete (or near complete submissions are)
Story teller shadow - Genevieva Ree (sorcerer)
Scubasteve - Tamarie (paladin)
Tarondor - Gramayne (paladin)
Ariarh kane - Achlys Dess(inquisitor)
Partial submissions
WIlliam nightmoon - The faitless one
Jhon whyte - Felixus Deonus (archivist)
For your consideration, this is Corsario's proposal for your recruitment, a fighter, a holy warrior of Darlen, making a pilgrimage to the priory to find an answer to the doubts grappling his heart.
That stat array doesn't seem right.
Btw guys, just in case, it is not necessary that you have Darlen as a patron god, you can worship any other of the PF gods.
@DM: Oh, good, I wasn't sure -- Initially I had her worship Iomedae and I still might, since you are allowing the other PF gods. Thank you. :)
Addendum: Okay, changes made -- to god and domain.
Got it, but Darlen seems a good choice for Jal anyway
Sorry about that I entered my information off my working sheet last night, and it didn't stick, tried again and didn't stick and by then it was midnight so I went off to bed.
Darlen as a patron fits my character very well.
I would suggest my plot hook is that I have been suspecting of forging the prior's signature to a noble asking that he keep a soup kitchen open, and I have been strongly encouraged to make this pilgrimage and come back after I feel I have atoned.
Ok. I will close the recruitment here, but the ones that already expressed the intentions to participate will have the time to finish their characters.
I could do Agramayne as a paladin of either Darlen or Iomedae, pretty much as the GM prefers. But as one of his motivations is to aid Achyls Dess, it might just make more sense for him to be a paladin of Iomedae.
Both choices are fine.
First and foremost, thank you for participate. Second, I now get rejected sucks, sorry if you were not chosen, in the case of a character death or that abandon the play you will have a reserved spot if so you desire.
Having said that, Agramayne, Achlys Dess, Felixus, Tamarie and Jal Hetzau you can post in the discussion page. I will start the campaign tomorrow.
Thank you very much!
No worries, congrats to those who are in :-)
Good luck to those who did not get in this round.
Thank you, DM, and congrats to those who were successful. Looking forward to gaming with you.
Congrats to all selected and thank you to DM. for selecting me.
Thanks! I'm excited to see this get going!