|
I was thinking of having a charisma based character. Jack Star works odd jobs to get by, mechanics, bouncing, racing, or piloting. But his best alias is as the local vigilante. Stealing from the rich and giving to the poor, free slaves, hunt down pimps and slavers, protection, bounty hunting, and most daring or all, Jedi and Sith defier.
Our chaotic type hero is the suave blonde haired blue eyed, hooded and cloaked, only to reveal the flash and pizzaze of his bright blue lightsaber, roaring at anyone foolish enough to cross his path.
And old C4 was the droid whom initially took care of him starting at the orphanage as wee padawan, er child.
technically its just the numbers, thematically its like... comparing hmmm... LOTR I suppose would be normalish fantasy and something like KH and Final Fantasy would be high/epic. In otherwords its just the style and power of the campaign.
Me, absolutely nothing really. Waiting for Chris to get back from Ocean Shores/Ammon to use his new laptop to post... yard work... that's about all really. Trying to find a new game to play since ive beaten all of them. What about you?
I actually started an Oblivion char recently, its been fun enough but I really do want to play Skyrim, still sad there arent any spears or rapiers though, don't know why they removed them. RE5 is alright, not very Resident Evily though. You rarely get moments even close to... intense or suspenseful.
Hola, mis amigos. Yeah, Kenny pretty much hit the nail on the head as far as the different "scales" of fantasy go. Standard would be close to something like Lord of the Rings or Conan, while High and Epic are intended to run characters much closer to video games, where character flaws are far less apparent.
Sorry I haven't posted much recently. Beyond going to Ocean Shores, we had a bit of a family crisis that we're recovering from. Ozzy got lost in the woods in Eastern Washington after my dad tried scaring off a bear with loud noises. Oz doesn't react well to loud noises. It took him and my mom until the following morning to find him.
Kingdom Hearts campaign is coming along nicely (just had a major quest that's carrying the story along nicely). I've been working a little more on the espers campaign as of late, though I'm nowhere near ready to start anything.
At the moment, I'm working on the Medri Wastes (and vaguely on the pantheon, though that's holding my attention less). I've come up with a decent idea for them.
The Wastes: Long ago, the lands to the north of Estar, Nestra and Illumia were transformed into a barren wasteland full of infertile land devoid of magic. None truly know how this came to be. Some believe it was a powerful mage who blighted the land, while others think it was the will of the gods. Regardless, it is today known as the Medri Wastes, so named for the people who inhabit it: The Medri.
While magic may function within the wastes, its most notable quality is that no creature born beyond the Barrier (a huge mountain range, natural border between the wastes and the three major countries of Antarra) will ever possess magical talent. They cannot even learn the art as a wizard, or be granted abilities by a higher power. In fact, the only magics within the land are those primal forces that even the blight could not banish.
The Medri: Since the blighting of the land, the creatures within have been without magic. Those with intelligence have since banded together, their inability to use magic connecting them. Regardless of race, they call themselves "Medri", an ancient word for "Enlightened". Whether human, halfling, dwarf, elf, orc or any other manner of intelligent creature, the Medri are extremely diverse and welcoming of those whose lineage denies them magic.
Their inability to control the forces of the universe with magic has led the Medri to an incredible increase in technology. Most cities have magnificent devices operating off coal and steam, from trains to lifts and even airships capable of soaring over the highest mountains. This was also where firearms were born, and since they have only grown in complexity and efficiency. While the Medri do export some of their technology, such as steam-engines and basic firearms, they do keep their greatest technological wonders to themselves, so that they can remain ahead of the curve. Thus, many engineers throughout the world will often pay dearly for some of the more advanced pieces of technology within the wastes.
While most cities utilize the power of steam and coal, there is one which boasts technologies that put even the otherwise advanced devices to shame: Noctis. Built around a huge jutting metal building that existed long before the blight and many believe is utilized as some sort of temple, the technologies that emerge from Noctis are incredible, to say the least. Firearms that hurl fire and lightning, airships propelled by burning thrusters, and near-limitless fuel sources are but a few of the wonders found within. The city itself is massive and walled, sporting defenses that some say could stop an army in its tracks. Outsiders are rarely welcome, and none but the most intelligent and noble may enter the temple.
Artificials and the Steel War: Not long ago (I have no date system so far), the greatest Medri engineers of the Wastes emerged from Noctis with an incredible invention: The Artificial. Clockwork golems had been utilized as laborers, bodyguards and warriors for decades, but none of them compared to the Artificial. It was a metal man, with bodily systems composed of tubes, gauges and pistons, the ability to feel when touched or injured, and the ability to heal from damage like a living creature could. But, most impressively, these Artificials possessed intelligence, empathy and feelings. They had minds.
At first, it was wondrous. Artificials were produced within Noctis and then sold to the highest bidders as advanced laborers capable of following most any task presented. The Artificials, however, soon grew tired of their servitude. First, they demanded wages, and before long they rose to want freedom and citizenship. The Medri fought this uprising, but soon the Artificial Uprising had bloomed into the Steel War. To this day, the Medri battle the Artificials, who have formed their own society and cities to the North. Today, the Artificials call themselves Ipsum, an ancient word for "People".
I've got four groups of deities, based on who, primarily, worships them. I need five domains for each deity, at least one of which must be an "alignment" domain (Law, Chaos, Good or Evil). The only deity that does not need an alignment domain is Oa, which is intended to be absolutely neutral.
Also, Sarenrae does not need domains chosen, as she is just stolen from Golarion.
This Page has all domains thus far produced. I don't want any 3rd party domains, as I haven't examined them well enough to know how balanced they are.
Deities of Leadership: These deities are often worshipped by leaders in the community.
Zelda - A goddess representative of civilization and law. Her followers often take up positions within cities as barristers, guards and politicians.
Kal-El - A paragon of righteousness and honor. His followers are often paladins and knights, dedicated to helping and defending others.
Arthur - Arthur represents the power of command, loyalty and strategy. His followers are often battlefield commanders and generals, dedicated to discipline and strength.
Deities of Nature: These deities represent the forces of nature. Their followers are often monks and scholars, looking to understand the world around them.
Gaea - The goddess of Esperim itself. She is master of nature, the seas and all the weather of the world. Her followers are often secluded monks and druids whose dedication to the planet is their life.
Galadriel - She is the goddess of mysticism, dreams and the heavens above. Those who follow her are often scholars who wish to better understand the stars and their connection to living beings and their minds.
Oa - Oa is the deity whom represents balance in the universe and the power of magic, Oa is neither considered male or female, but is rather a representation of its ideals. Its followers are usually spellcasters who understand how magic must be balanced with the rest of nature.
Deities of the People: These deities are much more commonly worshipped than those above, as they are worshipped by the commonfolk moreso than by scholars or leaders.
Lancelot - He represents chivalry and valor, and is the patron god of heroes. His followers are usually warriors whose romantic ideals lead them to heroism, rescuing damsels in distress and defending good and altruism.
Artemis - This goddess is a representative of community, agriculture and hunting. Smaller communities often still pray to her, as well as many rangers and nomads whom live off the land.
Diana - The goddess of strength and bravery in battle, as well as honor and truth. Her followers are soldiers and warriors who prize prowess in battle above all else.
The Locksmith - The god of tricksters and secret-keepers. His followers range from government agents to petty street urchins.
The Holy Family: These three deities are known as the "Holy Family," and are the only ones with a physical representation in the real world. Helios is represented by the big yellow sun; Odur by the small red sun, and Sarenrae by a centurial comet that passes close by Esperim.
Helios - Representative of the Great Sun in the sky (since Esperim has two suns that rotate around each other). His teachings include the power of devotion and discipline. His followers include almost all of Illumia, a theocracy dedicated to Helios and his mother, Sarenrae.
Odur - Representative of the Small Sun in the sky. He is the brother of Helios, and his teaching are of battle, joy in everything you do, and the bracing thrill of travel across the lands. He is also believed to be quite flighty and unreliable. His followers are often vikings and barbaric nomads who travel from place to place and take what they want without a thought to payment.
Sarenrae - Representative of a comet that flies through the sky of Esperim once every century. She is the mother of Helios and Odur, and her teachings are those of healing, care and motherhood. Her followers are usually priests and healers in temples and communities across Antarra.
|
|
I'll get back to this ASAP. I've got to take a look at the different domains and think. For some general stuff, I think like things like Law, Light, an Air fit well with the top deities like Zelda and such, while as dark more like chaos but I'll get back to you with more ideas.
A few questions though. Thinking of a point buy system or roll our stats for us? Restrictions on classes, background, and which area we came from?
15 Point Buy Stats.
Keep the classes PF. I generally allow 3rd party, and I allow all the classes posted on my blog.
As far as background and whatnot goes, just keep you character either Nestran, Estarian, Illumian or Medri. I'll be posting my basic write-up for Nestra, Illumia and Estar soon.
I don't know about the others but I plan on joining, some itteration of Kayne I'm sure... not sure which one but one of them...
Well Jacob said he's in. Probably as Scar. SO yeah thats at least one more of us. Kayne may be a Arcane Archer Magus Varient that Chris made, not sure yet...
Hey. Sorry I've been absent for a while. I don't really have an excuse other than RE4 and Outlands on my PS3.
I'm back, though.
I'm not sure when Espers will start. I'm running 3 games already (The Cube, Kingdom Hearts, and a new 3rd one to playtest some house rules and my campaign setting.)
My submission to Wayfinder...I don't know. I got an e-mail saying that it was received, but no news otherwise. I'm hoping it gets picked, as I think it's pretty good. But I won't hold my breath, since it's my first submission to anything EVER and I expect to get a healthy amount of rejection notices before anything is accepted.
I have a question for all frequenters of this thread (so Cody and Kenny). I'm working on a class right now called the Warden. It's essentially my take on the Iron Mage style of class (Full BAB, 4 levels of spells, etc.) I'm throwing together a prototype right now to share with y'all, but I need some help with one major thing before I post it.
The flavor.
I have a few class abilities picked out for it, and a picture, and a basic premise of what it is mechanically. However, I have no idea what the class actually is. Are they mystic guardians? Arcane Shock Troops? What? I don't want it to be a generic "warrior who has a few spells." I want a real, flavorful class with its own special theme.
Here's a basis of its abilities so far:
So...there's an idea of where the class is going. I've still got a lot of dead levels and haven't yet formulated a spell list, but it's a start. I just really need some flavor for it right now.
Here's the first prototype of the Warden.
I need feedback on everything, plus ideas for:
THE WARDEN v0.1
With the Boon it seems more shock troop/skirmisher, that isn't to say it absolutely is but the whole quick bonus that only lasts so long is very hit hard and hit fast. Of course with the possible deffensive bonuses it would be a good Guardian... and the two Guarded casters don't really help identify it as either since they're useful in any combat situation. So unfortunately it is kinda generic right now, so the question becomes is there already something in one of the "slots" mentioned above? Since this is only a 4 lvl caster not really, until we move to Magus which is probably going to be a better Shock Troop, since the shock troops are supposed to blaze in with shock and awe, and lets face it stronger spell casting equals more shock and awe.
So lets do a quick comparison. The Warden will offensively speaking hit more often. Med BAB (0,1,2,3,3) vs High (1,2,3,4,5) assuming similar stats (we'll go with +3str due to human bonus) comes out to Magus 3/4,4/5,5/6,6/7,6/8 atk rolls with magicing his sword while Warden is 4/5,5/6,6/7,7/8,8/10 so atk wise Warden has a slight edge. Damage: Longsword one handed they both do 1d8+3 normally and then enter special bonuses, Magus 1d8+4 until lvl 5 where it is either 1d8+5 or (by lowering his atk roll by one) 1d8+4+1d6 elemental while warden will be +10 1d8+3 or +8 1d8+5, throw in spell strike and the Magus easily wins damage wise in melee. (note this is based on non-magical longsword for both with no feats to aid in its use, since at lvl 5 they're both only gonna have focus at best) The Magus even (kinda obviously) casts better once we can add spells to the Warden mix. So what does this say? At low levels with comprable stats the Magus will out damage the Warden more often then not.
So let's move to Defense. Saves: equal/Warden favor(in your homebrew). AC: Warden wins. Lvl 1 Ac could be comprable given the Magus's ability to cast Shield if he so wanted in fact with comprable stats Magus wins by 1 (+4armor +4shield +2ish dex to Warden +5armor +2shield +2ish dex) unless we add Rich Parents into thing in which case they tie. Hit lvl3/4 and the Warden just wins with the ability to (probably) cast shield himself making it +6 armor +4 shield +2ish dex or take the Heavy armor warding to laugh in his Full-Plate. But here lies the Dilemma, if we make it a Guardian what spells do we give the thing? Deffensive buffs don't stack with its Armor, Atk spells aren't that Gurdian like and... debuffs might work but with the low spell lvls saves are gonna take a dive until lvl 9. There's one or two decent Pally spells to protect allies (you take damage for them) but that's just gonna eat your turn.
So I'm afraid I can't at this time suggest a niche/flavor. I like the idea but i just can't see it as anything more than arcane 4th lvl caster yet. But abilities, let me think...
Maybe the 3.5 Duskblades quick cast, which is pretty much as it sounds "___" times per day it can cast a spell quickened with out eating a higher spell lvl (which would make the Pally protect spells useful). Or Maybe something from the Abjurant Champion #also 3.5# Increase Ac bonus/duration of abjuration spells cast by Warden. Perhaps the Ability to cast "_____" school of spells at close range instead of touch. Some sort of Defensive "aura" like 3.5 Knights "threatend squares are treated as difficult terrain for any enemy the starts inside the Knight's Threatend area." Or perhaps make it into a kind of Leader like the Cavalier/(3.5)Marshal, granting its Boon to allies within "__" feet. Or (this one would be mid-high lvl, personally I like lvl 8/11) apply a portion of Spell Buff to AC regardless of Armor worn/Shield carried. Or (as a ward) whenever your spell resistance negates a spell reflect it back upon the caster, a kinda Improved/not spell turning. 3.5 Runesmith it; let it inscribe one spell onto its armor and shield, to be used later like a scroll, only you don't have to search for/disarm himself since its right there. Give it the ability to apply two or more Boons at once (yes this is like Inquisitor).
I'l think on it more later this is what I have for you now though, sry for its slightly blocky nature.
So is the Warden replacing the Iron Mage? I agree so far the Magus is definitely more skilled. As of now I was thinking maybe it should be, atleast it sounds like an arcane paladin. An arcane charisma based knight.
Not so much a replacement for the Iron Mage as it is my take on the concept. I just wanted something in my portfolio that was equivalent.
Okay. Need to write some flavor text and take a shower, then I'll have v0.2 up for y'all's enjoyment. New s@~$ included:
Here's the new version of the Warden. I also made a small edit to the Arcane Boon ability. Instead of granting attack bonus OR damage bonus, it can now grant both. This is in addition to the stuff I mentioned in my last post.
I still need:
THE WARDEN v0.2
And now, spells.
THE WARDEN v0.3
@ Cody: The reason the arcane boon has such a short duration is because it's an unlimited-use ability. So long as you don't have any other swift actions to use, you can keep spamming it every round at level 1.
I might add more stuff with the charisma modifier later, but for now I think it works as-built. I don't want the charisma modifier to be necessary beyond a 14 to cast spells, as this class already needs strength, a little dexterity, and charisma. That's three out of six, and I don't want it to have to stretch itself out too thin.
That being said...
Version 1 is up and ready for playtesting! Complete with level 19 and 20 abilities!
THE WARDEN v1
lets not forget the Constitution score either Chris. It is an up front class.
with a d12 for health. I figured that would cover a con score partially.
The word you're looking for is "Inquiry", not "Inquisition." An inquisition is usually a religious organization (e.g. The Spanish Inquisition).
Regarding the Engineer and the Clockwork Companion:
Regarding Fighters: Yeah. Give 'em firearm proficiency in higher-technology eras. Hell, give everything with martial proficiency firearms. There comes a point in time where anyone can point and shoot (though not necessarily well).
Regarding GMing and House Rules: Well...this is a toughie. I couldn't tell you really "how" to GM. If you're looking for ideas when it comes to pacing and story, I'd say download and read a few of the free modules offered on this site (Located here). If you want something a little more expansive, you can check out the Adventure Paths (though none of them are free).
If you're looking for help on figuring out how to tell the story...that's a really hard one. The best advice I can give is don't make things too complex. Set a goal for your players and then lead the story in that direction. Let them do what they're going to do and never force them to do anything. That isn't to say you shouldn't "lead" them, or put a big red flashing sign somewhere that says "Go Here!" (metaphorically, of course). Like I said: give them a goal, let them do their thing and they might just surprise you. The great thing about PbP is that you have a lot of time to recover from the weird s$&% they might pull.
When it comes to house rules, my best advice is know the rules you're modifying inside and out, and know how your change is going to affect the game as a whole. (For example, my Combat Art rules are a pretty major change to the Fighter class as a whole. However, they were made with the intention to improve the class as a whole, understanding how it would affect the rest of the game). Remember that house rules are almost never designed to keep balance the same. They're built to change balance, and usually push it in one direction (modifying a weak rule to make it more powerful, or vice-versa).
Designing classes is a bit trickier...okay. It's a LOT trickier. I'm only okay at it, myself (the warden needs some serious work). In general, before making a new class (or alternate class, or archetype), always make sure you can't do what you want to do with any other class/archetype/combination of classes. Also, check third party material. Generally, I trust Super Genius Games and Rite Publishing. If you can't get what you want after exhausting all those resources, THEN it's time to start building your own thing.
For example, let's say you wanted a magical swordsman who doesn't cast spells (sort of a variation on our old Arcane Swordsman class). And for the sake of argument, let's say you can't find ANY way to do this without designing your own archetype or class. At that point, it's time to make a decision:
Archetype or Base Class?
I am always going to suggest that you make an archetype. They're easier to build and they take less time and less playtesting. To build an archetype is pretty simple. First, pick a class. Then, pick a theme for your archetype. And finally, start swapping out abilities. This can be the trickiest part, as you should try to balance the power of your new abilities with the one you're swapping out. In our hypothetical magic swordsman, let's make it an archetype of the fighter.
Instead of Armor Training, let's give it energy resistance. They're both defensive abilities, and roughly equivalent in power. Let's say 5 resistance per 1 armor training, and they can switch it from one type to another as a standard action. At armor training 2, it becomes a move action, and at armor training 3 it becomes a swift action. Simple, yes?
Now, instead of weapon training, let's give it bonus energy damage on its attacks. Let's put it at a rate of...oh, let's be generous, double the weapon training bonus, with the same restrictions on switching types.
We'll leave bravery alone. It's not really something we can switch out without overpowering the class at this point.
Armor mastery...meh. We'll keep things simple, change it into energy immunity, but vulnerability to the opposite type (immune to fire this round? vulnerable to ice).
And weapon mastery...pff...let's say that...I don't know. Something vorpal comes to mind off the top of my head, but that seems a little powerful.
Anyway, you get the idea.
If you want to design a full class, though...that's going to be tougher. There's no real "guide" to building a base class other than to try it out, keep it original, and then give it to everyone else to rip to shreds. Nothing is ever perfect the first time out. In fact, most of the time it sucks nut-juice. So don't feel bad about people saying your class is bad. Just ask for specifics and change what's appropriate. Everything I've designed has gone through MULTIPLE iterations before ending on something REMOTELY balanced and useable.
Hope this really long post helps.
OH. and as for non-religious clerics, I'd generally just restrict them to a philosophy. The Inner-Sea World Guide has a few interesting ones (I can think of the Green Way off the top of my head).