Starting location - Xer
Located on the north bank of the Glass River in Razmiran, the port city of Xer sits on key position between Lake Encarthan and the River Kingdoms. Travelers and trade goods from all of central Avistan flow through here, despite the costly tithes imposed by the masked priests of Razmir.
Intro
"Headed up river, eh?" the barkeep of the dockside inn says with in a confidential tone. "Well, yer in luck. One of the river barge captains, fellow named Kale, just lost all of his hired swords due to a little misunderstanding they got into with the masked priests. Whole bunch got themselves locked up in some stink-hole somewhere, and they ain't likely to get out anytime soon. Kale is all set to sail for Tymon tomorrow at dawn, but he's not fool enough to do so without some protection on board, with all the trouble there's been on the West Sellen of late. He was in here last night, spreading the word that he's offerin' passage to Tymon and 50 gold pieces cash to anyone willing to wield sword or spell in defense of his cargo. If yer interested, the boat' called the Tatzlwyrm. It's docked down on the pier by the Greycloak Warehouse. Best hurry, yer not the only one I've sent down that ways."
Player info
I'm looking to recruit 5-8 players, primarily other aspiring designers and a couple of veteran PbP-players I have gamed with previously.
Since I will be developing everything from scratch, and likely working on other freelance assignments parallel to development, progress may be slow at times.
As players, I expect you to take an active hand in shaping the tone and direction of the campaign.
Since the objective is for me to grow as a designer, honest and frequent feedback will be strongly encouraged, perhaps even required. This will probably include a look behind the scenes from time to time. Some separation of player vs character knowledge will probably be required.
For now, I'm leaning towards centering the campaign around Tymon, with some gladiator-style arena fighting (using the performance combat rules) and urban roleplay, spiced up with some romps out into the riverlands. But I am open to moving the action to wherever the characters want to go.
Character info
1st level characters, 20 pt buy, 2 traits, average gold
Free pick from Paizo races and classes, just make sure your choices won't make it too difficult for me to fit your character into the adventure. 3pp stuff fine, subject to GM approval.
Story driven PC's with plenty of background, motivations and plot hooks much preferred.
Post you character concept and a few lines on your background, short-term goals and why you are in Xer.
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So, i'm going to be pitching a Halfling Cavalier (Honour Guard) with the Helpful race trait. Part bodyguard, part mounted combatant i'd very much like to pair him with another character who would act as his ward.
Benefits include high bonuses to your rolls via aid another as well as AC bonuses; and free dental. Another martial type character is preferred. Any takers?
Is invitation entirely closed? Considering my long-running, high-quality Kingmaker and S&S games, I have a lot to offer as a player.
Is invitation entirely closed? Considering my long-running, high-quality Kingmaker and S&S games, I have a lot to offer as a player.
I would like to hold off on issuing more invitations until I have heard from everyone who have already got an invitation. As it is, that's already pushing the limit for a practical party size.
However, your PbP track record and Superstar tag certainly goes a long way towards getting an invite. If I don't fill enough spots, or someone drops out, I'll send you a PM.
Gotta say, "Tatzlwyrm" is an awesome name for a river boat. I will look forward to pitching you on a couple of different people who might be on board.
Proposed Concept #1: “Jaejoa - Mystic Charcoal Artist”
Jaejoa began life as an aspiring naturalist. She planned to travel the world gathering lore for an encyclopedia-like book that records detailed information about animals and monsters. A talented sketch artist, whenever she found an animal she would draw it for inclusion in her book.
Something went wrong.
At some point Jaejoa's charcoal sketch-animals began leaping off the page and coming to life. She discovered a mystic link to her drawings and is able to infuse them with spirit and then exercise a degree of control over them.
Currently, Jaejoa is still working on her mysterious book, but she is also quietly trying to discern who or what bestowed her with this strange power. Currently her travels require her to travel to the city-state of Tymon where she hopes to follow-up on rumours of several interesting creatures.
Proposed Concept #2: “Varek - Dinosaur themed spellcaster”
Deeply in tune with the earth and its earlier periods of time before humankind ever stalked the earth, ‘Varek the Sauromancer’ reaches back through time (or perhaps just into the vaults deep within the darklands) to draw forth terrible thunder lizards.
He’s come to the River Kingdoms in search of fossilized evidence of more of his favourite 'extinct' species and his search has lead him to Tymon.
. . . Also he has a cool fang-head, helmet-like hat -- he's very possessive of his hat.
Awesome concepts
Very nice! I'll let both of these sit on the table for now, to see what the rest of the gang come up with. You set a high standard, though.
Since you invited so nicely, let the lurking begin!
Since you invited so nicely, let the lurking begin!
Actually, as a player in my Fellnight Queen game, you are among those invited to join the game. I just haven't gotten around to sending you guys PM's with the link to the recruitment thread yet.
A word on deadlines: I want to give everyone time to come up with a concept they really like, and also have some time to decide, in case I end up having to choose. As such, I think I will make the final party selection some time during the Easter holiday, no later than Monday April 21st.
So, i'm going to be pitching a Halfling Cavalier (Honour Guard) with the Helpful race trait. Part bodyguard, part mounted combatant i'd very much like to pair him with another character who would act as his ward.
Benefits include high bonuses to your rolls via aid another as well as AC bonuses; and free dental. Another martial type character is preferred. Any takers?
I think Alexander is on to something cool here. While we're at early stages, it looks like this group could benefit from some kind of front line battle type at some point, and it might even be an especially nice synergy if it was one that hasn't completely dumped Charisma so we can do well in performance combat. A warrior-type with some Cha sounds like a good candidate for a bodyguard - perhaps someone with minor nobility?
Also, it's just cool to start intermingling origins.
I'm still waiting for a couple of people to report in with their concepts, so there's no reason to get locked in on anything yet.
I was thinking either an elven fighter (weapon master) or a wizard of some sort--probably diviner/foresight.
Either way, likely to have a middle-to-high Cha (I hate using Charisma as a dump stat).
So, just a quick tally of interested parties and their proposed characters so far:
Dennis - Sorcerer/rogue
Alex - Halfling Cavalier (Honour Guard)
Mike - Arcane caster
Faren - Master summoner or Dino druid
oKOyA - Human Fighter (Aldori Swordlord, Gladiator)/Bard (Daredevil)
Ansha - elven fighter (weapon master) or wizard
Six is absolutely fine for a party size, as is seven. I think eight is the maximum number of players I'm comfortable with. So that leaves a couple of open slots still. I have more outstanding invitations, so if we get more applications than that, I'll have to figure out how to choose. I'll cross that bridge when I come to it.
RPG Superstar 2014 Top 16, RPG Superstar 2012 Top 16
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I'm thinking about a Human Cleric of Cayden Cailean (charm and travel domains) from a well off family in Cheliax. He's a charming trouble magnet running from familial obligations. His good natured eagerness to explore and seek adventure has led him far from the comforts of home and he doesn't mind one bit.
I'm thinking about an unlikely monk.
I can't help but be interested, so I'll be keeping an eye on this thread. I have no outstanding character ideas right this second, so I'm fine passing on it if the game is too full. If I come up with anything in the next few days, I'll be sure to put it up for consideration.
True to my word as of my last game, it will be somebody who is opinionated and not afraid to propose a course of action or act on his or her own if necessary. :)
@markofbane - that "mugger of muggers" is a pretty cool hook. Nicely done.
@flamethrower - great to see ya man.
Updated tally of interested parties and their proposed characters so far:
Dennis - Sorcerer/rogue
Alex - Halfling Cavalier (Honour Guard)
Mike - Arcane caster
Faren - Master summoner or Dino druid
oKOyA - Human Fighter (Aldori Swordlord, Gladiator)/Bard (Daredevil)
Ansha - elven fighter (weapon master) or wizard
Locke1520 - Human Cleric of Cayden Cailean
markofbane - Drunken master monk
All right, with no new expressions of interest over the last few days, I'm fairly certain we have the makings of a group.
I'd like everyone who have submitted a concept so far to begin fleshing out their characters, adding aliases, filling out crunch and fluff etc. Those who have submitted more than one concept can select one to move forward on.
This would also be a prime time to sort out any intertwining backstories.
As promised, I won't lock down party selection until after Easter, but there is no reason to delay things if we don't have to.
Don't forget SS, AK ;P
I think I'm going to go with the weapon master fighter, though I may multi-class later into a diviner. That said:
Alarien Amankiir - elf female fighter (weapon master). An elven noble of the minor House Amankiir, Alarien is a student of the longsword yearning for adventure and a chance to see the world beyond the forests of Kyonin. So far, her 'adventures' have consisted largely of guarding caravans, the most recent of which recently arrived in Xer from the River Kingdoms.
It's quite possible that either she or her parents hired a bodyguard for her. Alternatively, it could have come about as a sort of 'life-debt'--she helped your cavalier out and he took it upon himself to serve as a bodyguard to repay his debt to her.
Alarien doesn't fancy a pint-sized bodyguard by any chance? :P.
In regards to the pint-sized bodyguard, a suggestion might be Andrew (Locke1520) Marlowe's cheliaxian cleric. If he's good natured, it's quite possible that one of the family servants decided to run away with him.
One common thread that's starting to materialize in its infancy is I think our party is going to have a kick-ass average Charisma score.
Hopefully we can come up with a better party name than "The Likeables". : )
All right, with no new expressions of interest over the last few days, I'm fairly certain we have the makings of a group.
I'd like everyone who have submitted a concept so far to begin fleshing out their characters, adding aliases, filling out crunch and fluff etc. Those who have submitted more than one concept can select one to move forward on.
This would also be a prime time to sort out any intertwining backstories.
As promised, I won't lock down party selection until after Easter, but there is no reason to delay things if we don't have to.
Sorry for the late entry, but now back from business trip.
For consideration:
Mellep: teenage human Illusionist, probably multiclass with Rogue; former kitchen drudge to the Sublime Patternists Guild, current fugitive of said Guild after stealing a minor folio of spells from one of the Pattern Masters. He is motivated by obtaining the status and wealth that he has been denied by his lowly birth, and by avoiding the wrath of the guild.
Firxx the Witch-Hunter: Young fool looking to make a name for himself by collecting trophies from vanquished hags, crones, warlocks, and various other practitioners of the wrong sorts of magic. Such a profession can be accomplished by several different classes, so I am open to suggestions. The Witch Hunter class from Super Genius is an obvious fit, if allowed. Otherwise, I was thinking Bardic Magician (for their improved counterspell); Ranger Infiltrator; Rogue Swashbuckler possibly multiclass with Wizard Counterspeller.
I won't be able to get to this till Sunday night but I will have my submission in late that evening.
Perfectly fine. No rush.
All right, with no new expressions of interest over the last few days, I'm fairly certain we have the makings of a group.
I'd like everyone who have submitted a concept so far to begin fleshing out their characters, adding aliases, filling out crunch and fluff etc. Those who have submitted more than one concept can select one to move forward on.
This would also be a prime time to sort out any intertwining backstories.
As promised, I won't lock down party selection until after Easter, but there is no reason to delay things if we don't have to.
Sorry for the late entry, but now back from business trip.
For consideration:
Mellep: teenage human Illusionist, probably multiclass with Rogue; former kitchen drudge to the Sublime Patternists Guild, current fugitive of said Guild after stealing a minor folio of spells from one of the Pattern Masters. He is motivated by obtaining the status and wealth that he has been denied by his lowly birth, and by avoiding the wrath of the guild.
Firxx the Witch-Hunter: Young fool looking to make a name for himself by collecting trophies from vanquished hags, crones, warlocks, and various other practitioners of the wrong sorts of magic. Such a profession can be accomplished by several different classes, so I am open to suggestions. The Witch Hunter class from Super Genius is an obvious fit, if allowed. Otherwise, I was thinking Bardic Magician (for their improved counterspell); Ranger Infiltrator; Rogue Swashbuckler possibly multiclass with Wizard Counterspeller.
Welcome to the party, Phrip. Glad to have you, even if you make picking the group harder. (although a group of 9 worked pretty good in our last PbP)
One common thread that's starting to materialize in its infancy is I think our party is going to have a kick-ass average Charisma score.
Hopefully we can come up with a better party name than "The Likeables". : )
I nominate "The River Squad"
River Squad? Probably taken. How about the Randy Otters?
One common thread that's starting to materialize in its infancy is I think our party is going to have a kick-ass average Charisma score.
Hopefully we can come up with a better party name than "The Likeables". : )
Hopefully a high average Charisma doesn't mean that we'll all be insufferably self-confident and incapable of working as a team. ;P Too many captains and no crew, so to speak.
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RPG Superstar 2014 Top 16, RPG Superstar 2012 Top 16
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Alarien doesn't fancy a pint-sized bodyguard by any chance? :P.In regards to the pint-sized bodyguard, a suggestion might be Andrew (Locke1520) Marlowe's cheliaxian cleric. If he's good natured, it's quite possible that one of the family servants decided to run away with him.
I might be amenable to that if you still need someone to guard.
The always insightful Alexander Kilcoyne sent me a message regarding the challenges of designing balanced encounters for such a large group. I have pondered on this, and come up with a proposal, which will hopefully solve the issue without me having to turn away people I invited in the first place, and at the same time add a fun twist to the game.
What I propose is this: Two teams.
We split the proposed characters into two separate groups (and perhaps bring in DM Barcas to make it five on each team). Each group travels up river with a river barge, have exciting encounters along the way, and eventually meet up in Tymon, where both groups try their luck in the arena - with the possibility of fostering some intergroup rivalry and setting up some PvP combat.
I imagine each team will have it's own dedicated IC and OOC thread, and we have joint threads for when the storylines intertwine.
What do you all say to this idea?
Sounds groovy! However you like to do it Jace. Maybe just let us know where we should be posting once you know.
(And welcome Barcas!)
I am interested and will be submitting very soon. I just returned from a business trip last night and getting caught up.
Okay, I've been a bit sluggish because it's end-of-semester crunch time, and I was thinking about letting this go by, but happily lurking. The teams thing is likely to push me over the edge here and join for sure. I'm looking over Oracle options, and I really want to play a half-elf too. Half-elf Oracle seems likely.
Do it however you like - the teams seems like a lot of work, but if you're up for it, I will faithfully follow you in.
I would be on board with two teams. Whatever is comfortable for you as a GM.
The pint sized bodyguard can wait for a game with rolled stats I think. Having trouble making mechanics fit concept.
Instead, I (AK) am submitting Morven Greigor, a half-orc raised by Halflings in Isger. More details backstory being sent to DM but heres the cliffsnotes.
He was found abandoned on a battlefield during the Goblinblood Wars in 4697AR, wrapped in a bundle along with a sword of Orc design. His finders were Halflings and, fortunately, the benevolent sort.
They raised him in the vassal state of Isger in the small, fearful town of Logas, where he became a valuable addition to the local militia with his heirloom blade. Never particularly bright, when he reached adulthood and wanderlust took him he bid his farewells and joined a mercenary group for a time, fighting and pillaging his way to the River Kingdoms. Born on a battlefield, Morven seems instinctively drawn back to them. A divine spark seems to be in him and his adoptive parents superstitiously speculated, as they noted some limited clerical powers emerging spontaneously, that perhaps Morven was literally brought into being by the spirits of battle and conflict. The truth is likely to be far more mundane and involve either some kind of misguided boyhood ritual or simple abandonment, but there is no denying that the Half-Orc seems to be able to produce some divine power, albeit with great difficulty.
While the destructive urges of his forefathers run deep in him, Morven is also tempered by the good-natured kindness and morality of his adopted parents. While he can sometimes display acts of cruelty and appears to enjoy destruction for its own sake (he claims it brings him closer to the Lord in Iron, Gorum) his ways are often tempered with kindness and benevolence. The half-orc is very malleable at his young age and the experiences of the next few years in his life are likely to heavily shape his character. Morven knows that he is strong, tough and blessed by the Lord in Iron, surely an ascended Half-Orc himself. He was surely a match for any brigands that might threaten this "Tatzlwyrm".