Discussion thread for the daily posting Hell's Rebels campaign. Feel free to start discussing party/character builds!
And please do coordinate party composition (roles). There's no need to build characters in a vacuum and then have them not function well together. And for once, I'm not running a GMPC healbot - not with two games to run. I also won't have a big stable of prebuilts to flesh out the party, as Council of Thieves provided. If everybody stays in this track, you've got a classic 4+1 setup, leaving that sweet "fifth-class" slot for somebody who enjoys support or versatility.
I'm looking forward to seeing what you guys come up with. I'm still planning on getting the initial posts up the weekend of the 30th/31st so you can take off running on 2/1.
Though my target is daily posting, it seems like people with those "real lives" things sometimes have trouble posting on weekends. If that's the case here, that's cool; gives me time to catch up with other things or to put up larger, scene-setting posts.
Deva or diva? Bit of a diff. ;)
Remember, if you're going to be from out of town, consider why your character would bother to stay in a troubled city. It's easier to beat feet.
What classes you considering, DSX?
Bah, some people are attracted by trouble...
Have a few ideas rolling around in my head, the one that's congealing a bit would be a noble's bastard Swashbuckler, and closet Milanian.
Of course, I'm pretty good with any role that isn't just a healbot -- though based on the flavour of the AP, I'm leading toward the chaotic and irreverent, probably something at least somewhat sneaky -- maybe an alchemist or slayer (though a magus or warpriest could be fun
..)
I'm having a blast (nyuk) with my alchemist, though that might simply be because she's batshit crazy. However, I did have problems during our last battle, because she's heavily fire-oriented and we hit monsters with immunity/resistance to it. I wish I had been more careful in her build and given her more versatility.
Haven't gotten a chance to play the newer classes like slayer or warpriest.
BWAHAHAH!
Erm, Um,... I mean,...
For your consideration;
* Alchemist-
Plusses: with investment in right formulae/feats/skills (UMD) can cover a variety of roles. Can specialize as either a Brute/Melee (Think Hyde or Hulk) or a grenadier/Ranged explosive person (Think Green Arrow if fully tricked out). After a few levels He can make a decent healer. Even as a generalist he can assist in either role adequately. With Brew potion and his Craft:Alchemy skill he can provide the party with healing potions and alchemical items to assist in and out of combat. (Even a Weapon blanch remains usable at high levels when trying to beat a devil's immunities!) He can make potions (As infusions) to share that NO ONE ELSE can make. (Spells with range of Personal, Shield for example) Bombs are decent dmg, and can have multiple battlefield control effect added. (Interpretations vary, but with GM approval he can make 'magic items' using alchemy instead of spells, like a wand of healing or Cloak of Protection)
Minuses: Unless Overly Specialized he will never be a primary melee or ranged. But IMHO his versatility makes up for that. Unless assisted by others $$$$ he will never have $ to spend on himself, as Potions get expensive. :) Has only light armor, and bombs will never match a Wiz fireball, but see above.
*Cleric Of Cayden-
Yet another high-spirited youth who fell into worship of Cayden as an excuse to drink. (Another maybe minor noble?) But discovered that he did have a desire, and a skill, for potential derring-do. When a friend was hurt during the Night of violence, discovered that Cayden answered his prayers. With youthful passion and energy he recklessly dedicated himself to Cayden, and more importantly, being LIKE Cayden. His faith in his deity is true, but untested. The city needs a Hero, perhaps HE is that hero?!?
Thinking Agile Cleric, not heavy armor/brute. (He wants to be a swashbuckler like his hero/Deity) But not decided.
Pros: Full time Healer and front line assist. (Possible front-liner w/ heavy armor) With right feats can heal while in melee, and/or dmg to outsiders.
Cons: None really, I mean it's a CLERIC for goodness sake! :)
I've never actually played a Cleric before. (Not really) So my preconceptions are, ?. I don't think I'd mind being the primary healer. (I've certainly taken enough of their cure spells before as a Wiz!) :) But this character would be of a mindset to be 'in the thick of it, Hero'ing it up!' as it were. (Possible interesting RP between his desire to help others, and his desire for glory?)
So there. Not really decided on any/if going to any Archetypes/PrC yet. Both have good RP potential, should be useful, and fun to play.
I'll be honest, leaning heavily towards generalist Alchemist at this point. Was heavily influenced by the short stories on Paizo starring an alchemist. :)
I welcome thoughts and ideas. ;)
Bah, some people are attracted by trouble...
Have a few ideas rolling around in my head, the one that's congealing a bit would be a noble's bastard Swashbuckler, and closet Milanian.
Of course, I'm pretty good with any role that isn't just a healbot -- though based on the flavour of the AP, I'm leading toward the chaotic and irreverent, probably something at least somewhat sneaky -- maybe an alchemist or slayer (though a magus or warpriest could be fun
..)
Interesting, Always thought playing a Swashbuckler would be a blast, but always lean towards the magical users. :)
I can vouch that Magus is fun (for me!) although I haven't gotten to play nearly enough to have mastered the PC yet, or see if my unusual build will work the way I want it too. (Joined a game late as a 5th level Magus, and have literally had 2 fights with him so far, so haven't seen if my Magus powers/spells work in fight the way they did in my head) :)
I know nothing about warpriest or slayer, (other than they both SOUND b@d@$$) so no help there sorry. :P
chaotic and irreverent? Sounds like whoever you choose will get along great with whoever I choose! :) (Or,... you know, not. That could be fun too!) :)
OooOoo! Two PC's both wanting to pretend to be the 'Zorro' guy! ;)
Sounds like you have the same problem I do.
Too many choices, not enough games to play them all in! ;)
Rags, if you're an agile cleric, you can tumble to flank with sneak attackers in combat, and use total defense. That ups your AC significantly, you still give the flanking bonus, and channeling does not provoke! You wouldn't need to go the heavy armor route for a front liner. And once the SA damage gets high enough, there's no point to your trying to get your 1d6 poke in. Just protect yourself, distract, and let the SA'er do the heavy damage. Works like a dream. And with Cayden having Travel domain, you get 10' extra movement, enough to make up for the speed penalty to tumbling.
I loved playing that build. Loved it.
I'm noticing that Neither thread has shown up in my Campaigns tab yet. ???
I'm wondering if the Gameplay tab of the thread has to be posted in by you in order for it to show up in the active Campaigns tab?
Just wondering. Guess I'll find out soon! :)
That's correct. And unfortunate.
I promise not to swarm you at first level this time. Whoopsie.
Hey, with an alchemist, we'd be ready for that F@#$%! swarm this time!
<RAssin-Frassin Freakin Acid-mite swarm in a 1st level dungeon,...SHeesh!>
;P
They looked so teeny and cute in the pictures. And you could have domesticated them.
They looked so teeny and cute in the pictures. And you could have domesticated them.
ROFL!
Um, Wait, what?!?! o_O
I've got an alchemist in another PbP -- actually, one who's Chelish (Brastlework Gnome), in fact -- dealing with Runelords. I do like them. A lot. Maybe too much. He's the party sneak/scout... and mad bomber. (He's a beastmorph, so he can fly now).
Heck, if you look at my aliases, I've got pretty much one of almost everything that isn't new. ;)
I was thinking, if this is really going along with the French Revolution in Paris theme as much as it feels like it might, a streetwise Brawler "agitator" could be a good fit.
All that to say ... I've got a whackload of ideas and playstyles -- the only thing I note as I think about the environment and setting -- is that I keep finding myself drifting away from full casters and armoured meat-walls and back toward sneaky and/or bravado types....
Bah, some people are attracted by trouble...
Boy, story of my life.
A Milanian would be good. Linguistics will definitely be a valuable skill in this AP. This is a better AP for tieflings and halflings than other Chelaxian adventures I have seen. CoT was rough for those races.
It looks like there will be supporting NPCs eventually, so you might be able to survive without a primary healer.
Heck, if you look at my aliases, I've got pretty much one of almost everything that isn't new. ;)
Huh. I feel pretty silly now for asking if you played PF. Obviously didn't do my homework. No offense intended!
Argh, I haven't even looked at the beastmorph yet,... <Opens another tab in browser>
Sneaky or bravado types,... So rogue or swashbuckler types?
Swash/rogue? ;P
Has anyone here looked at the Vigilante class?
I haven't yet, but it seems like this AP would be perfect for a BAtman/Zorro/vigilante person.
It looks like there will be supporting NPCs eventually, so you might be able to survive without a primary healer.
"Best defense, Not get hit!"
UI's not even out yet, so Vigilante is a no. PRD-available classes, please.
Last time I tried a beta class, I one-hit killed our party tough guy. The final class was significantly softened. So definitely no betas! They're not ready for prime time.
Huh. I feel pretty silly now for asking if you played PF. Obviously didn't do my homework. No offense intended!Heck, if you look at my aliases, I've got pretty much one of almost everything that isn't new. ;)
Oh. None taken.
UI's not even out yet, so Vigilante is a no. PRD-available classes, please.
Last time I tried a beta class, I one-hit killed our party tough guy. The final class was significantly softened. So definitely no betas! They're not ready for prime time.
Oops, sorry.
Didn't even realize that. I just have been seeing all of the chatter about it, and figured it was out already. ;PMy bad!
I've been peeking at the Occult classes as well, and while I think I do want to play one eventually, I don't think that I'm ready to go there in this AP. :)
Words words words. Just putting a post so I can find this easily!
OK, I've got stat blocks, first battle map, NPC/monster tokens, and rebellion record sheets built. I will put up a very general Kintargo post in Gameplay tonight sometime, then you guys can put up an inital character post when you're ready. That will put the campaign on your campaign list.
Remember, you can change the portrait anytime and the alias name within the first 10 posts, so don't be shy about posting from an unfinished character just to get this on your map.
Whew! Feels good to do this again. Thanks for playing, guys.
Oddly enough, I cannot make a post in Gameplay. I've turned in a trouble ticket, but staff won't be in until Monday. Can anybody else post?
Oddly enough, I cannot make a post in Gameplay. I've turned in a trouble ticket, but staff won't be in until Monday. Can anybody else post?
Nope :( Very weird.
So do we all have roles worked out? ;)
So do we all have roles worked out? ;)
Meows? Leo?
Meows is liable to show up with a character sprung full-grown and fully armed from her head.
Question: Any interest in using Hero Points for this campaign? I'll go along with a player vote on it.
So my options/ideas include; Barb, Magus, Drunk Monk, Cleric.. maybe straight wizzie. (and/or with multiclassing if available at later levels)
EDIT: Yep, Hero points are a great option for when a game/dice roll insane
I like Hero Points, personally. But that's me.
I haven't really played with them, but it irks me to see a good player build a good character and play that character well, then get boned by cold dice. Being saved by a deus ex isn't very gratifying. I figured if you had hero points, you could save yourselves, if it comes to that.
I've never used Hero Points (In THIS system anyway)
But I like the concept.
Hey, I'm all about having the ability to pull my own fat from the fire when the dice give me a bad day! :)
In the Star Wars RPG (D20 version) We were all about the Force points/Hero Points.
"Go big or go home! Leave no Force Point unspent!" Was our motto!
:)
If you opt to go with Hero Points, you get 1 right now because the Broncos won the AFC championship.
Huh, I tried posting in the Gameplay thread too. No Dice. :(
EDIT- ALthough the avatar I used to try and make the post (Veran the raven) and teh others all show up in the "PLayers" tab
Does it show up now on your campaign list?
It DOES actually!
Even though none of our attempted First posts actually show up in the Gameplay thread. :/
Deva, not Chelish but maybe Varisian that has travelled to the town in search of their big break & just when they think it's come the Opera house has shut down. And their very reticent/scared that Barzillai Thrune might require a 'personal performance' after hearing of his reputation. Plus there's also the problem that since the curfew there's few other places to perform - something needs to be done about this...
So potentially, this character would be the most likely to be a bit of a support role. A Cleric/Sorceror/Magus, someone with high Cha and capable of manipulating magics.
A minor disgraced noble, who goes out to right wrongs & help restore the city to order.
Probably a drunken monk would be a fun concept, a wastrel of a noble family having found social consciousness - fighting with his heritage....or maybe just trying to make sure he's top of the heap.
A trader from another town, probably sheep/goat herder who's come down from the hills to try and sell some of their herd. They realise how bad it is compared to the rural areas, somewhat thick headed in their idea's of justice they want to make the town a better place. Easily combined with the shopkeeper idea - since they have a supplier whom is in financial trouble due to the unpleasantness & owes the PC, thus may be giving up a % of shop as debt payment.
Whilst this one I was thinking a bit more of a barbarian, in tune with the spirits of the wild - whilst trying to civilise the turbulent city.
Three cheers for RoboChris! Gameplay is fixed, so we don't have to move!
YAY!
Oh wait, I have to go back to work now. Again,... ;P
@DSXM
I like your concepts!
And your 'drunken wastrel minor noble/drunken Monk' Just sounds like it came straight out of a Jackie Chan Flick!
@Meows- Nice to meet you!
:)
So we have:
DSX: mage/monk/barb?
Tilnar: buckler of swash, most likely
Rags: Mad alchemist (1) or mad cleric(2)
Meows: ?
Leoian: ?
Monk, barb, swashbuckler are all full BAB classes; cleric, alc are 3/4 with magic (kinda nice).
Everybody has mentioned being minor nobility or bastards thereof. Is this something that could cause the group to be acquainted?
Everybody has mentioned being minor nobility or bastards thereof. Is this something that could cause the group to be acquainted?
Oooo,... nice!
:)
Sorry sorry for the delay in posting here! I have this marked to show up in my campaigns now, to better keep track of it from my phone.
I like the idea of minor nobility, and I might slip into one of my go-to classes of bard. I was thinking of an irresponsible sort of young woman with something to prove, but I need to do some more reading of the player's guide on this one to properly integrate that kind of background with the campaign. I might go with the celebrity archetype, as a well known local performer whose life is a disaster that people can't really look away from. Again, I need to really give the Player's Guide a solid lead to figure out how well that would integrate.
If this would not be suitable, I'm happy to swap out the concept, but this is the one I've been toying with.
Also, hello all! Nice to meet you!
So, Miley Cyrus?
I'm glad you are here! Once you put an intro post in Gameplay, this will be on your radar. Everybody should feel free to do that even if their character is not yet finished. You can change the pic at any time and the name within 10 posts. Only thing you can't do is edit the post proper.
Hi Meows! Welcome to the party!
:)
Very busy this week GM Treppa. (I mean, even more so than usual) I get home and start trying to actually write up my PC, and fall asleep sitting at my desk! ;P
I'll work on it soon. (Although I may ask for suggestions/advice on tweaking the final build. I'm new to the alchemist. So tired right now I can't even decide what stat array to use!) ;P
So, Miley Cyrus?
LOL! erm, I mean,... ;)
No worries, so long as we're ready to roll on Monday. That'll give us the weekend to finish builds and coordinate backstories, if needed.
Heh,... I see my PC being popular with his cronies, not because of his Cha (He'll probably be a 10) but because his backstory includes being a brewer/alcohol distiller.
I'll probably put at least a point into Craft:Fermentation/brewer just to make it 'legal' if you want me too!
:D
Cover the important skills first. Don't short yourself.
I've no problem with the all noble thing -- the set-up in the guide really seems to lend itself to that sort of approach.
Rags - are you going to be making an alchie that can do the trapfinding, or going for more mad bomber/killer kind?
I'm a fan of the chirurgeon archetype, because then you can use your extracts as back up healing. Some people really like the vivisectionist (and I do think it's cool), but it requires giving up bombs. However, there are new things (like Trap Breaker and Crypt Breaker) that can do trapfinding.
If not, then I may buckle fewer swashes or be less warlike and priesty and be a little more slay-ish.... though I suppose the bard could do that for us too.
I was thinking a real jack of all trades. The bard of the bomber class. :)
Still wrapping my head around the archetypes (and which ones you can and cant mix)
But was basically going to go straight Alche (maybe Chiurgeon). He would start as a mad bomber with the feats for throwing into melee with impunity, (if human I'd take both point blank and Precise Shot) add a few bomb discoveries (Smoke related seems best) take Feral Mutagen for the Hulk-out moments, and of course Infusion for sharing of mixes (both heals and buffs) with my peeps.
I could probably spare a few points every level or 2 for keeping Disable Device relevant. And I'll be happy to do so if needed. Although if we end up with a bard, I may not have to worry about that. ;)
By all means Til, if you wish to buckle some swashes, teach them swashes whose boss! :D I personally would love to see a Swash build, I haven't gotten to play with that class yet.
I'm happy to accept any suggestions you may have regarding feats/discoveries. I'm still discovering the difference between the 'cool' discoveries and the actually useful ones. ;P
Just a memory, an FR book I have (not the best, but not the worst as I recall) all of the protagonists were rich, idle friends who gathered together and made a club called the Gemcloaks. Public dueling troublemakers who end up saving the city. Of course. ;P
I'm still in a couple of minds what option to choose :(
A drunken monk style fighter, whom is a raucous noble disgruntled with the new regime & oppressive rules regarding curfew (along with an interesting personal history wrt his noble status). Obviously he'd know a brewer with class (Rags) & a swashbucklering noble (Tilnar).
An urban barbarian farmer, probably dealing with hops (rather than vines) thus having a connection to Rags & potentially any other nobles as she could be dealing with alcohol/beverages/food-stuffs of quality. Would be a trifle more idealistic, seeing the problems with the city and the new regime.
The final option is looking a bit lesser option, but could fill in any gaps in roles - a clerical singer of opera, who could know the noble party socially.
Rags: Chiurgeon isn't worth it if you're planning to take infusion (the biggest thing it gives you, the ability to heal others, you'll get anyway..)
I will say, from my own experience, it is a little less cool when you can only self-buff, so it does pull a fella toward taking infusion. (The other issue with an alchie is, of course, that extracts are less powerful than spells -- haste, for instance, only effects the guy who drinks it instead of 1 ally per level -- of course, the trade off here is that drinking an extract is a standard for you, so there's no 1-round casting time to enlarge, for instance)
I've seen some pretty nasty feral alchemist builds at low level -- you get multiple attacks at full BAB that way, and with things like enlarge, shield, barkskin... it can be pretty rough. It's not necessarily my favourite path -- the alchemist I'm playing in Runelords (the beastmorph) is much more the mad bomber kind.
DSX: I believe that, officially, archetypes are supposed to work with the unchained monk, which might be snazzy if that's the route you're thinking of heading.
I'm definitely going with a bastard Milani-type -- (thinking the campaign trait "Historian of the Rebellion"). I'm still really thinking Swashbuckler (especially if I don't need to handle locks and traps)... In fact, I'm somewhat temptated to build as a Daring Champion Cavalier -- it delays the snazzy panache things, but that's balanced by the ability to challenge and having an Order (f'rinstance, Order of the Star, dedicated to Milani). Still, straight Swashbuckler is attractive too. I was thinking I'd be bastard offspring of one of the super-loyal to House Thrune types (if not a lesser of the family itself), basically giving me a reason to have a strong, personal distaste, while also explaining the education, both in general and in combat. (Might take Infernal Influence or Fiend Blood as a trait to make the link more pronounced and have a wee bit of the Infernal within)