This is the Discussion thread for my Rise of the Runelords campaign where players can discuss out of character topics. Feel free to check in here.
Please understand I will likely be revising the build rules slightly from the shared recruitment thread that was used earlier. I will be discussing those proposed changes once everyone has checked in.
Glad to have you here. Hope you enjoy the game!
Checking in. Thanks again!
Checking in as well. Now my inner stat nerd is intrigued by the build revisions...
Howdy, everyone! Checking in, too. Glad I have a couple of tall fellows to hide behind :P
Now the only question is whether or not I dip into fighter so that I can get into shadowdancer at 6th, I wait until 8th and avoid that capstone ability, OR I don't get precise shot until 7th level...
Also, I'm a big fan of everyone's characters and think this'll be a fun group dynamic.
Looks like 3 of the 4 of you have arrived. Waiting on Vrog Skyreaver and his sorceress to complete the team.
While waiting, look at the PM I replied to each of you about how to nominate a 5th member to the team. You may send me any possible nominations. If none are received by end of weekend, then we'll assume there will be none.
My revisions to the build rules are slight, but more in line with how I usually start my games. They are:
1) change starting gold to 150gp per player instead of class max.
2) remove the requirement for a day-job skill etc. You may keep that at your leisure, or as part of your story, but not a requirement.
3) Change your backstories slightly such that you are all new to Sandpoint, as in never really been there before. That way the exploration of the setting is as much fun as any adventuring we get into. Your characters know about the Swallowtail Festival and the blessing of the new cathedral in Sandpoint, and maybe headed there for that, or by coincidence. The starting point of my story will be in the queue to enter the village the day before the Festival begins. Think about what that changes for your story and post revisions here.
I think that's all the changes I request.
Once revised characters are submitted again, I will be doing a thorough build review, checking things like encumbrance and gold spent etc and making sure we are all clear on the particulars of your character and any interpretations needed. Then we will begin.
I may be adding some things to the Campaign Tab as we go along, and will try to alert you, but you may check there from time to time.
So glad to have you all here. Welcome and enjoy the game!
dotting in now. I'll get an alt created shortly, as well as modify my backstory.
EDIT: and here she is
Alterations have been made and I added the sheet to the profile as well. If there's any issues please point them out (I almost botched the perception before I caught myself). Thankfully I didn't have to worry overmuch about changing the background except to trim off a few sentences of what he saw after he arrived.
I will seek out and destroy the spawn of the Rough Beast. If I cannot defeat them, I will give my life trying. If my life would be wasted in the attempt, I will find allies. If any fall because of my inaction, their deaths lie upon my soul, and I will atone for each.
I am fair to others. I expect nothing for myself but that which I need to survive.
I will uphold the law that serves the people. I will speak for the voiceless when the law fails them. If I must, I will throw down the law that chains them to evil designs.
The best battle is a battle I win. If I die, I can no longer fight. I will fight fairly when the fight is fair, and I will strike quickly and without mercy when it is not.
I will redeem the ignorant with my words and my actions. If they will not turn toward the light, I will redeem them by the sword.
I will not abide wanton evil, and will combat it with steel when words are not enough. I do not flinch from my faith, and do not fear embarrassment. My soul cannot be bought for all the stars in the sky.
I will provide aid to those who are lost on their path. I will abide imperfection of those who are learning, but not at the cost of the innocent.
My blade is my justice and my judgment. If I must I will grant a swift and peaceful passing into the next life to those who cannot be redeemed, and comfort to the sincerely repentant.
I will show the less fortunate the light of the Dawnflower. I will live my life as her mortal blade, shining with the light of truth.
Each day is another step toward perfection. I will not turn back into the dark.
Male Human Paladin 1
LG Medium humanoid (human)
Init +2; Senses: Perception +1
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Defense
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AC 17 (19 w/shield), Touch 14, Flat-footed 15 (17 w/shield)
hp 12 (1d10+2)
Fort +3, Ref +2, Will +2
Defensive Abilities:
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Offense
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Speed 30 ft. (20 ft in armor)
Melee Attack Block:
Scimitar (One-Handed) +4 (1d8+3/18-20x2)
w/Power Attack +3 (1d8+4/19-20x2)
Scimitar (Two-Handed) +4 (1d8+4/19-20x2)
w/Power Attack +3 (1d8+7/19-20x2)
Special Attacks:
Smite Evil 1/Day: +Level to Damage, +Cha to Attack and Damage agains evil targets.
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Statistics
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Str 16, Dex 14, Con 13, Int 12, Wis 10, Cha 14
Base Atk +1; CMB +4; CMD 16
Feats:[b]
Power Attack (1st), Cleave (Human)
[b]Skills:
Craft (Weapons): 4, Diplomacy: 6, Handle Animal: , Heal (Wis), Knowledge (nobility): 4, Knowledge (religion): 4, Perception: 1, Profession (Wis), Ride (Dex), Sense Motive 4, and Spellcraft (Int)
Languages: Common, Skald
Gear:
Scimitar (One Handed Sword) 1d8 19-20x2, 4lbs (15 gp)
Dagger x3 (One handed light weapon) 1d4 19-20x2 (3 gp)
Scalemail +5 AC, +3 Max Dex Bonus, -4 ACP, 30 lbs (50 gp)
Heavy Steel Shield +2 AC, -2ACP, 15 lbs (20 gp)
Full Essentials Kit
Backpack 2 gp 2 lbs, Bedroll 1 sp 5 lbs, 1-pint flask 3 cp 1.5 lbs, 7 days’ trail rations 3.5 gp 7 lbs
Total Cost: 5.63 gp
Weight: 15.5 lbs
Silver Holy Symbol (25 gp)
Remaining Gold: 31.37
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Special Abilities
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Aura of Good
Detect Evil (At Will)
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Spells Prepared
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Favored Class Bonus: +1 Hitpoint
He wanted to bring honor to not only his father's name, but to his Ulfen ancestors as well. Hearty people who prized skill at arms and bravery, he wanted to prove himself worthy of them both. When he was old enough he began training with the royal arms-man in sword combat, training day and night to learn how to fight with his childhood playmates. He was determined to be a soldier like his father and his mother's people.
Originally he wanted to be a member of the famed sword lords and had trained with anyone who visited the keep to test his skills. Nothing mattered more to him than being worthy of his father's pride, and his greatest commitment as a simple man was to serve his country as a soldier. He even began to travel towards Brevoy to attempt to find a master who would take him on. He joined a caravan with his father's blessing and set off. However on the road south his small caravan was attacked by brigands and if not for the intervention of a small group of clerics they may well have been overrun. The traveling clerics and monks were traveling south on an important mission and agreed to travel with the small band of arms-men and merchants.
Along the way Alden was introduced to the teachings of Sarenrae, a Goddess of redemption and loving. From a harsh north land he'd been raised to worship Abadar and had always wondered why the God seemed more concerned with order than prosperity. In Sarenrae he found a calling he had never expected. When they reached a fork in the southern road he chose to break from the original plan and followed the clerics to the temple of Sarenrae instead of heading for Brevoy.
Once there he spent weeks learning about the order of Sarenrae and was fascinated by their gentle and simple ways. When he pledged himself to the church he expected to be trained as a Cleric of the Goddess. Instead his skills seemed better served elsewhere and began training with their arms-men. For a full year he squired with a kindly older knight of the order who trained him extensively not only in sword combat the likes of which he'd never seen, but in the holy texts of the Dawnflower.
His graduation to the rank of Paladin was a great day for him. His mother, father and his Ulfen grandfather attened the ceremony and bestowed on him a sword forged by his Ulfen family to commemorate the event. From there he took his assignment and struck south-west to Sandpoint to act as a guard at the newly repaired temple.
Everything should be in order.
@DM - are we allowed to discuss nominations for the 5th character in the discussion thread or would you rather us not try to influence each other's nomination?
I believe he wanted us to just Pm them to him.
That’s right. I prefer it be by secret ballot and pre discussion opinions. I only plan to take a 5th if its so glaringly obvious to everyone that I missed a great build or left a giant hole in the party.
Sounds fair. My lips are sealed.
Also, have some updated crunch! Everything should be in order, here - I didn't change much of my backstory beyond the last bit, but it still pretty much seemed to work. I intend to expand it a bit during this upcoming week, at least naming some important nouns for the GM's sake.
Priscilla Bere
Female Halfling Rogue 1
LN Small Humanoid (Halfling)
Homeland: Nirmathas
Init +4; Senses Perception +5
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Defense
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AC 17 Touch 15 Flat-footed 13 (+2 Armor, +1 Size)
HP 8
Fort +1 Ref +7 Will +0
Favored Class Rogue
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Offense
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Speed 20 ft.
Melee Dagger +2 (1d3+1/19-20)
Ranged Shortbow + 5 (+6 PBS) (1d4 (+1 PBS) /x3) or Dagger +5 (+6 PBS) (1d3+1 (+2 PBS)/19-20)
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Statistics
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Str 13, Dex 18, Con 10, Int 12, Wis 8, Cha 15
Base Atk +0; CMB +0; CMD 14
Feats Point Blank Shot
Skills Acrobatics +10, Bluff +5, Climb +5, Diplomacy +6, Disable Device +8, Escape Artist +8, Kn. Local +5, Perception +5, Sleight of Hand +8, Stealth +12
Languages Common, Halfling,
Combat Gear Composite Shortbow, Leather Armor, 5 Daggers
SQ Trapfinding +1, Sneak Attack +1d6
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Equipment
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Combat Gear
- Composite Shortbow (75g) | 2 lbs.
- (5) Daggers (10g) | 5 lbs.
- Leather (10g) | 15 lbs.
Backpack (2g) | 2lbs.
- Grappling Hook (1g) | 4 lbs.
- Silk Rope (50 ft.) (10g) | 5 lbs.
- Trail Rations (5) (1g) | 5 lbs.
- Torch (2) (.02g) | 2 lbs.
Belt Pouches (2) (4g) | 1 lbs.
- Caltrops (1g) | 2 lbs.
- Thieves’ Tools (30g) | 1 lbs.
- Flint and Steel (1g) | -
Quiver
- Arrows (20) (2g) | 3 lbs.
Currently Carrying - 47 lbs.
Light - 50 | Med - 51-100 | Heavy - 101-150
9gp, 9sp, 8cp
(1) Acrobatics +10 (1SR + 3Class + 4DEX + 2Halfling)
(1) Bluff +6 (1SR + 3Class + 2CHA)
(1) Climb +5 (1SR + 3Class + 1STR)
(1) Diplomacy +6 (1SR + 3Class + 2CHA)
(1) Disable Device +8 (1SR + 3Class + 4DEX)
(1) Escape Artist +8 (1SR + 3Class + 4DEX)
(1) Kn. Local +5 (1SR + 3Class + 1INT)
(1) Perception +5 (1SR + 3Class - 1WIS + 2Halfling)
(1) Sleight of Hand +8 (1SR + 3Class + 4DEX)
(1) Stealth +12 (1SR + 3Class + 4DEX + 4Small)
Priscilla’s parents were a pair of travelling handypeople. Their small and dexterous hands, along with their charming personalities and mechanical intelligence made them sought-after carpenters and fixers wherever they travelled. Pris never showed much interest in crafting, so when her parents were off on jobs, she was left to her own devices - but because she didn’t work, she was told by her father that she would have to earn her own pocket money.
Her father taught her many business lessons - staying true to her commitments, making sure that she can live up to expectations, and knowing that sometimes she has to concede to the customer. She took all of these into her side business as a mercenary, acting as a loyal soldier, bodyguard, or general roughouser for any that would pay her. To make up for her small stature and lesser physical strength, she played to her agility, picking up archery along the road, sticking to the shadows, and talking her way out of any situation she couldn’t physically escape. However, the greatest strength to her mercenary business were her rock bottom prices.
Undercutting others’ prices, combined with her commitment to completing the job and her steadily growing skill with a bow, led to Pris eventually parting ways with her parents to look for better places to make her way in the world - while carpenters were better off in smaller towns, mercenaries did far better in larger cities.
As her parents often travelled throughout Varisia, Pris felt no need to leave the country, often returning to Magnimar for its deep well of jobs she could take on. Most of her tasks were simple, and didn’t involve any real violence - occasionally she would stand in a group of mercenaries and look intimidating, or scare off some wild animals while protecting a small-time caravan. That’s not to say she hasn’t been in any real fights - her skills have been put to the test more than once, as she has been hired to defend a small homestead from bandits and has fought off a pack of goblins or two. Far more often, however, she’d be called on to exterminate rats or other annoying, but not really dangerous wildlife.
She’s yet to have her one big score to really establish her as a contender in the “freelance violence” community, but she’s fairly content with being small time - as long as she can afford a room and some hot food, Priscilla is happy with getting out, meeting new people, and assaulting monsters.
Recently, though, people in Magnimar have been getting higher-class about what help they buy. They want the best of the best, the proven warriors and gladiators, and even with her dirt cheap prices, Pris has had less work than ever.
Pris has heard about a festival taking place in Sandpoint, and with the recent drought of work in Magnimar, decided to head East to see what all the hubbub was about - a vacation of sorts. And who knows? Maybe she’d be able to find some less elusive work in town. Not before she got to enjoy and explore the festival, of course.
I altered equipment slightly, but that was more to accommodate the cost and party makeup than anything else. Even then the overall change was 1 less AC and damage. So... nothing massive there.
And I'll look over the other apps cause I have an idea for a what we're missing rather than a who. But if I dont like the candidate pool I wont even bother.
I will be looking at each of your builds in fine detail this weekend in preparation for starting the game in earnest. Some things may require simply explanation, but other may need adjustment. I will also ask you to confirm ending gold and encumbrance state. I will tell you in advance some of these things are a bit nit-picky, I recognize...
Started with Alden. Here are the things where we have discrepancy:
1) Skills - it seems to me you have 4 skill points. Craft Weapon, Sense Motive, Know Nobility and Religion, and Diplomacy all seem to have a rank in them, and that's one too many...
2) Perception - your stat block has it at +1; but with a 10 Wisdom and no skill ranks, it should be zero.
3) Skald is not a language from core rulebook apparently, but I am going to allow it anyway.
4) Alden has 3 daggers for which you allot 3gp, but daggers are 2gp each (not one). That should leave your starting gold at 28.37, which is the same as I have. Please confirm that as your starting number.
5) Craft Weapons - you have this as +4, but I have it at +3 (+1 int, +1 rank, +3 class skill, -2 due to no tools. Even if you got the tools, it should be +5.
6) Encumbrance is light, but due to scale armor, your base move is 20'.
I think that is all. LMK how you want to address these items.
Some of that was a mistake of transference. Favored Class Bonus and a stats change as well as forgetting to remove the Craft skill. The dagger thing was just me screwing up I'd say. Dunno how I did that one. I also changed the language because my addled noodle forgot what the CRB languages were and forgot regional languages didn't pop up for a few books. So I altered it to be in line with the CRB. And 28.37 is fixed. Also his speed is noted with and without armor (for any instance where I have to run for my life naked).
Changes are made, sorry for the goof.
Some of that was a mistake of transference. Favored Class Bonus and a stats change as well as forgetting to remove the Craft skill. The dagger thing was just me screwing up I'd say. Dunno how I did that one. I also changed the language because my addled noodle forgot what the CRB languages were and forgot regional languages didn't pop up for a few books. So I altered it to be in line with the CRB. And 28.37 is fixed. Also his speed is noted with and without armor (for any instance where I have to run for my life naked).
Changes are made, sorry for the goof.
No worries, at this level of scrutiny almost everyone has an error or two. They all look dealt with, so Alden is good to go for game time.
Priscilla is next under the microscope. Here are few things we need to get on the same page about:
1) With your INT at +1 you can add another language besides Halfling and Common. Don't have to, but can. It should make sense in the backstory if possible.
2) Your starting gold is listed at 9.98, but I have 4.58 instead. I see that you have 5 trail rations as 1 gp, and it should be 2.5, that's part of the discrepancy. You also have 2 belt pouches as 4gp, when it should be just 2 (1 each). Not sure where the rest comes from. Either way, can you re-total and see if you come back at 4.58?
3) We agree that you are lightly encumbered and thus have full movement speed -- for halflings that's jsut 20'.
Otherwise looks good to.
Looked over Rotomo also. Here are my questions:
1) Studded Leather doesn't work for Druids. Cant' have metal in the armor at all.
2) I have your gold at 3.2 not the 2.2 you have. Let's double-check.
3) Though my weight totals don't match yours, you are still light encumbred and will have the 30' move speed. You might check the weight of your sling bullets, as I think they are 0.5lb for 10 rather than each. Not sure though...
Looks like you have to solve armor problem, but are otherwise mostly ready for prime time.
1. Changed to leather armor gave me 15 more gold and 5 lbs less encumbrance. Adjusted AC too.
2. Couldn't find that extra gold piece and won't sweat it. New total after armor exchange 17.2
3. My copy of the CRB has sling bullets at 5 lbs for 10 bullets. I'll check the prd and double check.
Edit: Just double checked and it is 5lbs for 10 bullets new encbrance with armor exchange 73 lbs.
1) Picked up goblin and added a line in the backstory to explain it, haha
2) Upon re-calculation with corrected gold amounts, I'm getting 3.48 - not sure where the discrepancy is coming from.
3) Excellent!
1) Picked up goblin and added a line in the backstory to explain it, haha
2) Upon re-calculation with corrected gold amounts, I'm getting 3.48 - not sure where the discrepancy is coming from.
3) Excellent!
Thanks for the language change. 20 arrows is 1 gp, not the 2 you have allocated. Once you fix that, we are on the same gp total at 4.48.
Looking at Claudia next. The alt link doesn't have any gear, armor, or weapons. Those need be complete before we can begin...
Did you want to pick a bloodline class skill> The Arcane bloodline allows you to pick a knowledge skill as a class skill. Even if you don't put a rank in it now, you may want to someday.
I do actually have gear listed, she just doesn't really have or need anything, other than her clothes and her staff (which is her arcane bonded item). I did go ahead and mark which class skill I took (history; I had selected it but neglected to put it on my character sheet).
I do actually have gear listed, she just doesn't really have or need anything, other than her clothes and her staff (which is her arcane bonded item). I did go ahead and mark which class skill I took (history; I had selected it but neglected to put it on my character sheet).
That's pretty minimalist, I must say. Quarterstaves are free and so is an outfit of clothing. As such, Claudia has all 150 gp remaining to her. She is also very lightly encumbered, and therefore has full movement speed of 30' per action.
I don't have any other build concerns with Claudia.
With all the build out of the way, and some behind the scenes things taken care of, we are close to the start of the game.
I will be traveling for business starting tomorrow through Friday late. I may have time to get some of the introductory posts up during this trip, and I may not. Keep your eyes open for new Gameplay posts on the off chance I get the time.
Still looking forward to it!
Sounds good, thanks.
Had some tonight so I got a pair of opening posts published in Gameplay. Feel free to check them out. I envision the opening scene like one long running uncut shot from a movie where the camera just pans down the long line of people who are all waiting in a line, stopping at each to tell a little story. Silly maybe but I could make that movie...
Hopefully I captured at least some of the flavor of your character, basing it on the background posts you have provided. Once your intro is up, feel free to interact with the environment as you see fit. I'm in no rush for you to get to the classic Runelords opening, so get in the Festival spirit and have fun!.
LMK if I have messed you up totally. Expect to get similar posts up for the other two tomorrow or next day, travel allowing.
I have no complaints so far!
I miss a day and fun things are happening.
Should be an opening post up for all 4 now. Will get to the responses and the game will start in earnest tomorrow. Have a great weekend!
Out of curiosity, does the AE at the end of the game name mean anything?
AE= Anniversary Edition
Ah, that makes sense :P
Well. Now I expect to fail horribly at combat after that diplomacy roll. But wow...
It comes with being a paladin, really.
Sorry, guys a flu bug has jumped and bit me, so I am out of action tonight. Hope to return to posting tomorrow.
No worries. Get some sleep.
Get well and thanks for the update.
Cheers, feel better!
Apologies if you thought we'd be knee deep in combat by now, but I thought some RP immersion early in the game would help you better define your characters while at the same time getting a feel for the setting here in Sandpoint. Hope you are all hanging in for the early stages, eventually, I would like to drive all of you to the Rusty Dragon by evening time, where further introductions and plot hooks await.
I will be traveling most of the next two days, and will have limited ability to post, but should be ready for normal schedule again after the 1st.
Happy New Year!
sounds good. Happy New Year!
No worries Mister Evil. I was trying to get there on my own!
I am certainly having a good time with it and the extra depth to the characters!
...You know, I think this is the first time I've really played a small character, it's really put me in a different mindset about the world. And also I'm gonna need someone to huck Pris at a monster sometime.
My halfling bard is the ruler of our kingdom in Kingmaker, despite his size. It does put one at a disadvantage at times, but they are still my favorite to play, for some reason...
I'm sure Rotomo or I could find a way to fastball you at something. It'd be like the old days when I use to play Dragonlance. Back then we called it 'Kender-Canon" but same principle really.
Remind me to take Enlarge Person to help with that =D
Can you do it while we throw her? All we need is a sturdy rug to act as a catapult. You cast enlarge person, she lands much larger than she took off... we can call it a 'Priscle'.
I like Prisapult.