An aside: Padraic, I think your HP is actually too low. You didn't add in your +1 from CON; maximum starting HP should make your total 11. You also have three feats as a level 1 Ranger, and I think you only get 2 (1 human, 1 base); you get the Ranger style feat at level 2. And finally, as you're a Trapper, your Disable Device is +5 (not +4) and you have the Trapfinding ability.
Anyway, onto my new submission. I've copied the old one I wrote, made edits, and left it here for perusal. By the way, click this sentence to see the Myth-Weavers sheet I've cooked up (the crunch). I'll start transferring this to the forums. Here we go:
The boy's mother was wife to Aodh, a minor noble of his clan. He held a lot of land and many servants, and though Fintan was his third son, he expected him to grow to become a great warrior. Fintan's eldest sibling, Eoin, was a very likable boy, and as firstborn he'd certainly inherit the vast land his father owned. His sisters were named Caoimhe and Ciara, and his other brother was named Niall, and it was with Niall that Donovan spent most of his time with as a youth.
Fintan was always a little slow. Everyone knew this early on; as a babe, he seemed to have trouble understanding new things, and didn't begin speaking more than a few words until he was two years old. He never outgrew his tendency to be quiet, and the phrase 'dull as a rock' was used to describe the pale-haired youth very often. However, he was tall, strong, and very loyal to his family - especially Niall, who was almost the opposite of his younger brother. Niall had a quick mind and head for numbers and letters, but he was born sickly and weak. He was also a bit of a troublemaker, and he dragged Fintan into his schemes: he was the brains and Fintan was the brawn. That's just how it was.
And like any good pair of boys, Fintan and Niall learned how to fight, for they would certainly be great leaders within the clan. Niall never did take to fighting much, but Fintan, big oaf that he was, was blessed with a body built for battle. He liked horses, so Aodh taught him how to ride them, and then how to fight astride them. He could wield a spear from horseback with considerable ease, and he learned to skirmish with javelins readily enough. But for all his natural talent for violence, Fintan was a gentle spirit. He only wanted to raise cattle and ride his horse.
As they grew older, the differences between the two brothers made them receive very different expectations. Their father noticed Niall's intellect, and so he sent the bright boy to be schooled in the nearby monastery. Then Eoin died of illness one winter - a source of much grief for Fintan's father. Caoimhe and Ciara were already married when that happened, and while that meant the family had secured good alliances through them, it left Aodh with only dumb, young Fintan to inherit his land.
Aodh tried hard to make a leader out of Fintan. He had his son follow him to councils of war, join him on raids, and meet with other prominent folk within the clan. He had him trained in warfare, and even beat the boy when he wouldn't learn. Perhaps it worked - it's hard to say - but Fintan always prefered to be with the herds and the horses. He did not thrill at the thought of war like he ought to. Fintan only wanted peace.
When he wasn't tending his herd, Fintan would go to the church to listen to his brother give sermons. When he wasn't doing that, he was down at the tavern enjoying a few pints. Some folks would make fun of him for being stupid when they thought he wasn't hearing, but he heard it nevertheless. It did not bother him, though it would certainly have angered his father, who still remained lord of his lands. He was a good and honest man, if a quiet one, and had no illusions of grandeur. Most men were fine with his company. In short, Fintan was content.
When messengers came looking for able-bodied men of Largay to go across the river and fight, Fintan's father saw an opportunity. He volunteered his son to be counted among that number, claiming that there were no better warriors to lead the charge. Fintan protested in private, but to no avail: he would go and fight. He would either come home a man or die as one, so swore his father. And so, Fintan reluctantly obeyed.
Fintan's sister Caoimhe is married to a noble in Belcoo, a prosperous farmer with a great many farmhands. Fintan hopes to visit her and make sure she doesn't get harmed in the war.
By the way, what would common traveling gear be for this era? I imagine a sack with stuff like a blanket and food makes sense. What else? A cloak to deal with the weather?
Yes my HP is wrong. thank you. The feats actually are correct as the third one, Alertness, is a feat granted by my animal companions archetype. I should mark that down though.
Also thanks for spotting my disable device. It is +9 not +5 though. The +4 is ability bonus, didn't factor in the rest of it.
Oh, neat! Very nice, I forgot about companion archetypes. Yeah, I tend to write down by each of my feats where it comes from. (On the Myth-Weavers sheet you'll see I wrote "1st Level" and "Human Bonus" by the appropriate feats. I forgot to do so and went back to edit that in - it adds clarity.)
Alright, I got some of Aoife's backstory up but I am unsure just where we are beginning so I just covered the main important parts of her past.
Note to all: traits are in. Chose them wisely: these are great ways to underline your background!
Second note: at this point, recruitment is close for the time being as we have quorum. Thanks to everyone for their interest, and their posts. The PCs have been contacted privately, in order to figure out the details of backstory and character build. I'll be posting more information about the campaign soon...
When would you like us to post our backstories and finished builds?
Do you have a link to a map that I could look at?
Don't own any good ones of the period.
When would you like us to post our backstories and finished builds?
Do you have a link to a map that I could look at?
Don't own any good ones of the period.
Let's plan for finished builds and backgrounds by the end of the week? That will give me time to get my stuff together.
As for a map... Braeden and Padraic would know the region, but not much else. Brother O Maille would know Drumlane abbey. Aoife and Fintan would rarely have left the village and its vicinity. Considering that maps of Ireland would have been rare, if they existed at all, I will not provide a map of the island and the kingdoms. That said, I'll try to find the time to draw a map of the region in order to keep you minimally oriented!
I was thinking of more of an online resource. Not for the character.
I was thinking of more of an online resource. Not for the character.
I myself have not found maps for this specific period. All the maps date back to either the 11th century, or the period after the English invasion. My understanding of the politics of the times comes from extensive research over the last few years, along with a fair number of assumptions!
11th century would be fine...or your hand drawn maps. Just something to give me an idea of distance and terrain. If we are going to be raiding, it would be nice to know how long a runner would take to get from one town to the next and to arrive with reinforcements. What direction they would be coming from, what direction our lands are in and where we can hide if necessary.
11th century would be fine...or your hand drawn maps. Just something to give me an idea of distance and terrain. If we are going to be raiding, it would be nice to know how long a runner would take to get from one town to the next and to arrive with reinforcements. What direction they would be coming from, what direction our lands are in and where we can hide if necessary.
I'll make sure to give you an accurate idea of distances, etc. In the meantime, I did find a fairly good map! You can find it, and a whole bunch of stuff, in the Campaign tab.
Bloody beautiful Campaign Thread that. Very useful info. Thanks GM.
Thank you sir!!! You are a gentleman and a scholar in word and deed!
Should be almost done hashing out character details. I'm still deciding on traits and I didn't find a perfect picture for the alias, but this picture at least has the right sort of face I imagined for Fintan.
What I wouldn't give for the ability to use pictures from outside the forums for our avatars. I would've loved to dig through the King of Dragon Pass portraits and find a suitable one there. (Lovely game, that.)
How old is Braedan? Fintan will be a couple years older than him.
I was thinking 19 due to all his studies and what not.
In that case, I'll make Fintan 21, two years older than his brother. Hashing out a few more details before I post.
Is it just me, or are the Gameplay and Discussion threads down?
Is it just me, or are the Gameplay and Discussion threads down?
Never mind. Just saw the thread. Clearly, I am not alone...
Nope, not alone at all.
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Recruitment thread is now open!
LEVEL: 3
ABILITIES: buy 20
RACES: human
CLASSES: fighter, ranger, cleric, bard, barbarian, rogue
WEAPONS AND ARMOR: limited (historically accurate)
MAGIC: while magic will play a part in driving the story forward, this remains a low magic campaign and choice of spells will need be approved
We are looking for 1-2 players. Inasmuch as it is possible, I will be helping players to develop backgrounds that tie in with the existing characters. Presently, we have a cleric, a warrior, and a ranger.
I'm not expecting complete builds at this point. Only perhaps a general idea of what the build will look like.
What I do want is a character concept, along with a brief description of background, motivations, etc. Keep it short and sweet!
If you posted to this recruitment thread in the past, please do not hesitate to repost if you are still interested. And specify that you posted when first the thread was created, to be clear.
PS: I will favour characters that have been imagined with the campaign in mind. Do you have a relationship with an existing character? Or with an NPC? Friends? Enemies? While I don't expect anyone to read through the entire thread, there is plenty of information in the Campaign Page.
Just a reminder that the campaign info tab has TONS of useful information in it. Definitely worth a read if you're interested.
DOT.
Hello all, Aoife dropped a post in another thread about this recruitment, and after a bit of reading I'm definitely interested! I'm a bit of a history buff, and although this time period in Ireland is not one of my strong suits I love diving into some good history.
There's quite a bit of reading I need to do before I can start throwing a character together, but I do have an idea in mind. However I have some questions first:
1) Could you elaborate more on magic within this campaign? How does it fit in, and how limited is it? For example, how would a wizard fit into this setting? I realize that class is not allowed for PCs, but do they exist at all?
2) What do you think of having a character with noble heritage? How connected or high born would be ok?
Thank you!
I've got one or two general ideas but I have a stronger one that will really only work at this level with a hunter with the packmaster archetype. A bit of inspiration from a folk tale, mostly the name that had an idea click for me. The story is called "The Savage Pigs of Tulla". Hunter isn't too far from ranger but I really liked the image of a character with two tamed boars as a reference to the story, which admittedly only happened several centuries later. Sink two feats into Boon Companion and he shouldn't be a liability.
If that doesn't appeal (and fair enough if it doesn't) I'll consider having a run with a different concept at a ranger or rogue, it's been a while since I played one.
1) Could you elaborate more on magic within this campaign? How does it fit in, and how limited is it? For example, how would a wizard fit into this setting? I realize that class is not allowed for PCs, but do they exist at all?
Very limited, which is in part why we're using automatic bonus progression. While there are mystical/mythical aspects to my story, I want the PCs to remain fairly historically accurate. Priestly prayers are considered miracles. Bardic spells are to be cast with care, for fear of being dubbed a sorcerer or witch.
Basically, magic is heretical, and spell casting is likely punishable by excommunication and even death. Theoretically.
2) What do you think of having a character with noble heritage? How connected or high born would be ok?
Noble backgrounds are totally acceptable. Hierarchy plays an important part in Irish society at the time. Details to be discussed. There is some information about titles in the Campaign Tab.
I've got one or two general ideas but I have a stronger one that will really only work at this level with a hunter with the packmaster archetype. A bit of inspiration from a folk tale, mostly the name that had an idea click for me. The story is called "The Savage Pigs of Tulla". Hunter isn't too far from ranger but I really liked the image of a character with two tamed boars as a reference to the story, which admittedly only happened several centuries later. Sink two feats into Boon Companion and he shouldn't be a liability.
If that doesn't appeal (and fair enough if it doesn't) I'll consider having a run with a different concept at a ranger or rogue, it's been a while since I played one.
We've already got a ranger, so I would encourage something different. That being said, if the ranger build is distinct enough, it could work. Have a look at Padraic's character, to be sure.
I like to story "The Savage Pigs of Tulla", but not sure if it would work... I am looking for more nondescript, "normal" characters, if that makes any sense?
Also, I believe that native wild boars are extinct in Ireland in the 12th century. Feral pigs will come later, likely with the English.
Ok, I'll see what comes to me later
Gotcha, thank you for the quick response.
I think I only have one more question for the time being: Do you allow/prefer unchained rogue?
I'm definitely having an idea coming together, and as I read more I'm very impressed by the amount of knowledge and work that has gone into this campaign.
Do you allow/prefer unchained rogue?
Anything goes. Character concept is what matters, in the end. And we do need a "skillful" character...
Yeah this is far more story driven then mechanically driven. So that is also something to think about.
would you be willing to accept a cavalier? if not thats fine, I can do a fighter(dragoon) for my knight.
I was thinking, maybe one of the youngest sons from a noble house seeking adventure and glory for himself, as he likely won't get it from the house, being the youngest.
Cavalier works for me. However, just so you're not disappointed, it's important to note that equipment is limited. The traditional hobilar wore no armor or leather/hide armor, and fought with javelins, spear (or light lance), short sword, and shield.
How would you feel about a Skald, or it is just core only?
How would you feel about a Skald, or it is just core only?
Skald is fine. Character would need to be a Dane... I would have to see how to introduce such a character so far form the coast, but do-able.
I hadn't intended to use heavy armor, true heavy Calvary wasn't a thing until around the 1300s IIRC.
However my knowledge of noble houses it limited, I'd like to be of one allied to either Connaught, Meath, or Leinster, whichever would smooth in better with the story.
The present characters are subjects of Breifne, so Connaught and Meath could work. Obviously, Leinster will play a part in the story, eventually. But it would be difficult to work with, at this point, unless...?
So many interested parties, this is exciting!
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Hmm, so much interest, I'll have to get my submission in tonight. ;-)
Hmm, so much interest, I'll have to get my submission in tonight. ;-)
Looking forward to it!
Kassidy was born in 1144 to Cainen and Alannah Kiernan two Fer Midboth Freemen trying to make their way in the Kingdom of Connaught. The birth of their young son Kassidy gave them that much more reason to reach higher in life. One way serve the Nobility especially the Kings another join the ranks of the Priesthood. As Cainen was already married with child, joining the Priesthood was out of the question so it was the life of serving Nobility that he chose.
The rise of Cainen and Alannah was fast. Cainen was not only a smart man but a skilled swordsman as well. The King of Connaught was an aggressive King and he sought aggressive souls to aid him in his schemes and wars. He taught Kassidy what he knew of the blade but Kass was a bit of a slow learer and more interested in knowledge and rock climbing than swordplay. His love of learning was noticed by the local Priest who began to groom him for life in the church. By 1162, Kassidy was a learned young man who had a promising future with the Church.
His promising future though was in shambles when the fall of his Father came as fast as his rise. Cainen was a pawn to be played by the King and his death in a skirmish with the freemen of Leinster. Alannah had taken sick with the death of her husband and passed away quickly leaving Kassidy an orphan.
Rage was in the heart of Kassidy then, he blamed the King and his machinations for the death of both of his parents. He left the Church and drifted as a Semi-Freeman. Not sure of what to do with his life he drifted to Breifne and became a highwayman.
Within a few years and after a few close calls, he knew it was time to give up the life of a highwayman. It just so happened that the few times he took a trip into town he utilized the services of Aoife FitzStephen who is a servant of the King to mend ripped clothing! He will use his relationship with her to serve the King of Breifne and legitimize himself!
Human - Semi-Freeman
Fighter 1/Cleric 1/ Rogue 1 – Chaotic Neutral
Init +6; Senses Perception +7 (+1 Traps)
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Defense
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AC 14, touch 12, flat-footed 12 (Dexterity +2 – Leather Armor)
hp ?? (1d10, 1d8, 1d8 + Toughness 5)
Fort +4, Ref +5, Will +4
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Offense
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Speed 30 ft.
BAB +0
Melee Dagger +3 1d4+2
Melee Quarterstaff +3 1d6+2
Ranged Daggers +3 1d4
Spells:
1st (2+D) — Bless, Shield of Faith
0 (at will) — Detect Poison, Guidance, Resistance
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Statistics
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Strength 14, Dexterity 14, Constitution 10, Intelligence 14, Wisdom 14, Charisma 12
Base Atk +1; CMB +1; CMD 15
Feats: Skill Focus (Stealth), Toughness, Stealthy, Improved Initiative
Traits: Deft Dodger (+1 Ref), Criminal (+1 Dis Dev)
Skills: Fighter 2+INT Mod +1 Human = 5 (Ranks)
Cleric 2+INT Mod +1 Human = 5 (Ranks)
Rogue 8+INT Mod +1 Human = 11 (Ranks)
Class +3 with Ranks
Acrobatics (1) 2 = +6, Appraise 2, Bluff (1) 1 =+5, Climb 2, Craft , Diplomacy (1) 1 = +5, Disable Device (2) 3 = +8, Disguise (1) 1 = +5, Escape Artist (1) 4 = +8, Handle Animal (1) 1 = +5, Heal (1) 2 =+6, Intimidate (1) 1 =+5, Knowledge (Arcana) 2, Knowledge (Dungeoneering) 2, Knowledge (Engineering) 2, Knowledge (Local) (1) 2 = +6, Knowledge (Nobility) (1) 2 =+6, Knowledge (Planes) 2, Knowledge (Religion) (1) 2 = +6, Linguistics (1) 2 = +6, Perception (2) 2 = +7, Profession , Ride 2, Sense Motive (1) 2 = +6, Sleight of Hand (1) 2 =+6, Spellcraft 2, Stealth (1) 7 +11, Survival (1) 2=+6, Swim (1) 2 =+6, Use Magic Device 1.
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Gear
Quarterstaff. Dagger (5). Bandolier. Spell Component Pouch.
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Special Abilities:
Sneak Attack + 1d6, Trapfinding (1/2 Level to Perception to Find Traps)
Proficient All Weapons and Armor, Bonus Combat Feat
Aura, Channel Energy 1d6 (4x day), Osirons, Spontaneous Cure Spells
Domains:
Healing - Rebuke Death (Sp): You can touch a living creature as a standard action, healing it for 1d4 points of damage plus 1 for every two cleric levels you possess. You can only use this ability on a creature that is below 0 hit points. You can use this ability a number of times per day equal to 3 + your Wisdom modifier. (5x day).
Spell: Cure Light Wounds
Luck (o’ the Irish) - Bit of Luck (Sp): You can touch a willing creature as a standard action, giving it a bit of luck. For the next round, any time the target rolls a d20, he may roll twice and take the more favorable result. You can use this ability a number of times per day equal to 3 + your Wisdom modifier. (5x day).
Spell: True Strike.
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Appearance & Personality: TBD…
Tadhg McCarthy
Still a bit of work to be done but it should give you a feel for the character. Will tweak as needed and expand on parts.
Tadhg is the nephew of King McCarthy of Desmond, he was the first born son of Oisin McCarthy. When Tadhg was only twelve he went with his family to a cousins wedding he was asked to recite poetry and play his harp, he made quite the impression on those assembled. One pale and beautiful woman commented to his mother that she would be interested in discussing arranging a marriage between him and one of her daughters. Though this woman was well spoken and quite striking Deirdre McCarthy was no fool of a woman and had asked her kin at the wedding to be apprised of all of the nobles of sufficient standing to be of interest for such a thing and she accidentally let out a small laugh.
The strange woman gave a cold look at Deirdre and the room went quiet as she drew herself up into an imperious stance looking down on Deirdre. “You can keep your son on this day but I set a ban on him, never to take a mortal woman for a wife.” Too late did Deirdre realise she had insulted one of the Sidhe. This has shaped the man’s life since, undoubtedly if he broke the ban it would lead to his end and made the prospect of him producing a legitimate heir doubtful.
His younger brother was groomed to inherit from their father. Tadhg was still a skilled man in many areas particularly as a seanachai or storyteller. He set out to find a way, some renown or great status that the geas could be lifted.
Human Bard Level 3
Str 14, Dex 13, Con 10, Int 14, Wis 10, Cha 16 (14+2)
HP: 8+2d8+3, AC: 17, FF: 16, Touch: 11
Feats: Fast Learner, Noble Scion (Scion of Lore), Skill Focus (Performance)-Focused Study
Traits: Fey Protection (Magic), Oathbound (Faith)
Cantrips x6
Haunted Fey Aspect, Light, Detect Magic, Prestidigation, Mage Hand, Mending
1st Level x4
Cure Light Wounds, Beguiling Gift, Enhance Water, Grease
Skills:
Acrobatics +3, Appraise +6, Bluff +7, Climb +4, Diplomacy +X, Disguise +7, Escape Artist +3, Intimidate +7, Knowledge: Arcane +8, Dungeoneering +8, Engineering +8, Geography +8, History +8, Local +8, Nature +8, Nobility +9, Planes +8, Religion +8, Linguistics +8, Perception +4, Perform: Oratory +12=X, Perform: String +10, Perform: Dance +10, Perform: Sing +10, Sense Motive +X, Sleight of Hand +3, Spellcraft +6, Use Magic Device +7
Languages: Common (Gaelic), Anglo-Norman, Latin, French, German, Spannish
Gear
Mwk Chain Shirt 250
Mwk Heavy Wooden Shield 157
Mwk Longsword 310
Composite (+2) Longbow 600
Question: How big a deal is knowing languages in this setting? I can see that the "common" of this game is Irish, but will we be expected to be running into foreigners and need to be speaking other languages? And if so, what might you recommend?
Also, how are we doing hp after level 1?
Max HP for all levels is what we where told in the discussion thread.
*slowly changes own HP because I forgot that till I looked it up to answer correctly*
As for languages... I think there is a list on the Campaign info tab as to what we may run across.
Gotcha, thanks.
I don't see anything under the campaign info tab, unless I'm missing it somewhere.
Also, what do we get for wealth/equipment?
Indeed, the campaign takes place before the invasion of the English. So at least at first, amor will limited to leather and hide, along with a leather helmet and a shield.
Daggers, short swords and javelins are the most commonly used weapons. I will also allow: spears, axes, short bows.
These are the armor and weapons that are allowed via the beginning of this, and as for coin I started with the normal level 1, but I don't know how he'll handle level 3s coming in.
As for languages, England hasn't invaded yet but it's still right next door. But if I remember my history Irish(common), Scottich, English, and Welsh are going to be your main languages. I'd also toss French in there mainly because it was the trade language for a long time, though I don't know when that began.
For languages, it would be Irish. If you are educated, then Latin. The Danes in Ireland spoke... wait for it... Danish. If you have been exposed (foreigner, living on the coast, travelling, etc.) you could speak English, Welsh, French, Scottish, and/or any number of European languages.
Choice of languages has to make sense.
For wealth, start with average lvl 1... And we'll see after that! Obviously, to magical or exceptional gear.
Dotted with Dm in Pm.
I love historical games.
I humbly introduce Conall McCarthy for your consideration. I tried to make a character that would truly fit into the setting, having motivations and connections rooted in the events and people involved. I also took notes from some of the political relations, as well as the laws of the time, as inspiration. Everything is in the alias.
Please let me know if you have any comments/concerns/suggestions, as I am always open to and appreciate feedback!
P.S. I wasn't sure how we are doing traits, because some players have 1 or 2 or none, so a word about that would be appreciated :)
P.S. I wasn't sure how we are doing traits, because some players have 1 or 2 or none, so a word about that would be appreciated :)
You can chose 2 traits. Or 3 if you chose a drawback. Traits and drawback must be background relevant. Not a fan of minmax!
PS: I'll be having a look at characters in a day or two...