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Cheliax and the House of Thrune came to an immense power with the aid of the Hellknights. While this was not done as a militaristic action many viewed it that way. It was done to combat the encroaching army of the Worldwound. Without Lastwall being able to hold it back many Demons escaped and breed an army. The Hellknights took action in order to combat the actions of the Demons and started attempting a genocide on these Demon-spawn children, a tiefling, all tieflings, despite their heritage otherwise. This was hailed with a mixed reaction. The order of Hellknights still hold much power to this day in the year AR 5012.
The Land of the Linnorm Kings have been under a massive unknown threat that has invaded from the Crown of the World. Many cities lie in ruin and groups of close-knit survivors hold strong and defend what they have left.
More to come...
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Aroden was only the first to fall. Next was Cayden Cailean, followed by Irori and Iomedae. While many question why the gods are dying no one could completely understand the ramification that present itself within the Inner Sea Region. Many still worship these gods but only as the concepts they represent.
The next to fall was witnessed by a Bard now famous, who saw a Black Goat of the Woods slaughter Erastil in his own house. This occured 80 years ago.
22 years ago another god fell, this one reeked havoc on Golarian. Nethys was torn in two. Not just the two halves of magic he represents, he was literally torn in two. Magic was not used for many years after that except by the most powerful of people. Most of the world is covered within a wild magic zone and dangerous effects happen to those who carelessly use magic.
Most recently Asmodeus was dispossessed from his rulership, tricked in one of his very own contracts by none other than the Dark Pharoah.
Abadar remains strong and the cities grow stronger as more and more flee for the safety of their walls.
Calistria and Torags faith strengthen as well with more fleeing to the city and seeking comforts in the purviews of these gods.
Desna is hiding.
Gorum and Pharasma have their hands full in their respective domains.
Gozreh has found many of his followers leaving.
Lamashtu has made a pact with the elder gods.
Norgorber has grown busier.
Rovagug remains imprisoned and according to some is the only hope of defeating the Elder Gods.
Sarenrae has grown stronger with more seeking her blessings.
Urgathoa remains unchanged.
Zon-Kuthon remains much the same, with what appears to be dumb luck.
Shelyn seems to have benefited as much as Zon-Kuthon for some unexplainable religion.
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Houserules I would like to discuss with selected group:
Variant Health system of my design
all classes gain +2 skill points/level
Roleplaying rewards
Merits/flaws
Initiative variation
Adding skills (Computer, Drive, Various Knowledges)
Adding Character Occupations
Additional Traits
Weapon Skills
Cybernetics
Old School Multiclassing
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old school multiclassing means like in the previous incarnations prior to 3rd edition, where you pick your classes in the beginning and work on leveling them separately. For instance a level 1 character could be either a ranger 1 or a ranger 1/cleric 1. You take the your level/2 hit dice per class and skill points. More versatility but takes longer to level.
I am toying with more futuristic than now, completely modern, 1920's modern or steampunk and am willing to go either way.
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Oh, well the multiclass feature sounds rather interesting... Now I have to think a little more. I may be too powerful already, but are there any restrictions on multiclassing? For example, no divine casters or arcane casters multiclassing together. So no wizard/sorcerer, wizard/bard, or bard/sorcerer, cleric/oracle, oracle/inquisitor, cleric/inquisitor, inquisitor/paladin, paladin/cleric, paladin/oracle... anyway hopefully thats clear enough?
As for futuristic settings, I have the Call of Cthulhu d20 which includes a lot of stuff from Modern d20. So if you want to use things from that, I'm probably pretty good with it. But hopefully no rayguns that inflict 3d8 points of damage or anything like that.
Xzavier walked softly, his booted footsteps echoing slightly from the alley walls around him. The metal click of the steel tip of a wooden cane clicked occasionally, but the sound was muffled by the flowing cape Professor Chronis wore. The library was already closed, but Xzavier had need of a book from the Special Collections, and had already payed the contact for the late access.
A carriage rumbled past the ending on the other side of the alley. How Strange, Professor Chronis thought to himself. He did not think that too many people would be out tonight, not on such a dark night as this one. He closed his eyes and shook the thought away, then proceeded slowly through the alley. He did not like to rush about, as some did, it attracted too much attention and distracted him from his contemplations. Besides, he wanted to give the opportunity for the Old Ones to do the things they needed done before he got too embroiled in their plans. At that thought, Professor Chronis halted in his tracks. Just because his focus of research was on Negative Existence, and as such he had unorthodox opinions about the nature of good and evil, it did not mean he was an unwitting pawn for the Purities that lie beyond the normal human comprehension. He draped his cloak around his legs again, hoping that the new brocade longcoat he wore under the cloak would hide the unusual angles at which they moved, and continued toward the far end of the alley. The cane in his hand still clicked on the pavement every few feet.
The carriage at the far end rumbled on and Professor Chronis sighed in relief that he would not have to encounter the curious or the alien who peered out from lace curtained windows-Suddenly two shots rang out, flashes of light from exploding gunpowder, a yelp of pain, then silence. Xzavier hurried to the end of the alley, not caring that the cloak lifted up enough to reveal the strangely bending legs beneath his torso. He peered out into the square. In the light from one of the few gas lanterns on the corner near the Library, where he was to meet his contact, a crumpled form blackened the light-washed steps. A feeling of cool dread slipped over Professor Chronis, and he rushed forward again. When he reached the boundary of light, he knew already what he did not wish to know. His contact lay dying. He struggled to remember the words of power that could cease the flow of blood, but even as he bent forward with a hand glowing with some strange divine power, the woman ceased her shuddering and the light left her eyes.
Professor Chronis turned back towards the darkness, then stepped out of the nimbus of light and approached the moonlit columns of the library. A moving shadow there stopped his movement, another flash and a shot rang out. The bullet pierced the longcoat he wore, but was caught in the thick padding Xzavier wore beneath it. The shadow remained still, surprisingly, and Xzavier lifted his own cane. With a flick of his thumb across the strange tentacled creature in gold and silver on the cane's head, the steel tip opened up, a circular piece of metal sliding out from over the opening it had been hiding earlier. With another flick of his thumb, pulling on a rough hewn tentacle that jutted out ever so slightly from the octopedal design, his own cane released a flash of gunpowder and smoke, a bullet plummeting toward the shadow that had only just shot at him. The satisfactory grunt that followed gave Professor Chronis all the information he needed.
He stepped forward, not too slowly, but not too quickly either, and twisted the wrist that rested over the cane's head. With his other hand, he gripped the cane itself as a long, slender blade emerged....
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Class abilities when you level up in that class. Skills I will give you half the number of each character level so bbn 4/2=2 monk 4/2=2. 2 when you level bbn and 2 when you level monk. HD is what you roll /2. First level would be 12/2 for 6 and 8/2 for 4. 6 and 4 is 10 hp plus con mod at level 1. Gold at first is the better of the two.
This is Robodruida test, test, test
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No, Enaris, at first you'll have 1st level barbarian and 1st level monk abilities, (1d8+1d12)/2+Con Mod, and (4+4)/2+Int mod for skills. if we are playing on the medium track for xp you would need (2000) for bbn + (2000) for mnk for a total of 4000 xp to reach level 2.
Each class levels separately, and your classes are locked, I would allow you to add prestige to your separate tracks.
Does this clear it up? You are advancing slower but gaining greater versatility.
This will only be an issue if the majority of people say they want to test this out.
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I think, its kind of like a gestalt character. At each level, you get both the class's abilities for that level. (So a 1st level barbarian/monk would have all of the class abilities of a 1st level barbarian and a 1st level monk. But everything else is split between the two classes.
I think the 2nd Edition variant was where you apply experience as you see fit (within 20% or something like that), between the two classes.
Hmmm, how would you feel about having actual gestalt characters (instead of the old school multiclassing) but with a double experience requirement?
I'm not sure if that would break the game, as gestalts are often viewed as gods among men. But it seemed like a reasonable question at the time. Gestalt games can be incredibly fun, but it might make more work for the DM. :(
BTW, DaWay, The Spoiler above has some fiction in it which might give you a bit of an understanding how Xavier might roleplay in a steampunk("victorian") setting.
As for the other rule suggestions.
Piecemeal Armor - Doesn't affect my character much as he can only wear light armor.
Commonplace Guns - Could be interesting in a more futuristic (than current) Golarion. If we do go this option, see my spoiler above for an interesting idea I've had.
Houserules I would like to discuss with selected group:
Variant Health system of my design - variant health is good, especially if it means we have less tracking.
all classes gain +2 skill points/level - do these have to be certain types of skills.
Roleplaying rewards - nice.
Merits/flaws - I'd have to see this in action to say more about it, but generally a good idea.
Initiative variation - I'm up for it.
Adding skills (Computer, Drive, Various Knowledges)
- depends on the setting, and how far advanced it is.
Adding Character Occupations - This has been handled in other games with a free craft or profession skill, interesting to see what you suggest.
Additional Traits - I like two, to start with. Its a good round number that doesn't make the character seem overpowerful.
Weapon Skills - Hmm, like using skill points to become proficient in wapons?
Cybernetics - or Mechanical Enhancements (or Chaositech as Monte Cook once called it). Could be interesting. I have a confession, I originally saw my character with a hook for a hand, but put it aside for the gun-sword-cane or sword-cane idea.
Old School Multiclassing - I'm on the fence about this one. While it would be cool to be a 20th level/20th level in something, I'm not sure how far this campaign will go. Most adventure paths don't go beyond 14th level. If this were the option to replace regular multiclassing completely, I'm not sure I would multiclass, as it seems a little too restrictive to what we've experienced since 3rd edition. But perhaps I am too used to powergaming instead of roleplaying. See my gestalt idea above.
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Piecemeal Armor - I like these rules - doesn't affect me though.
Commonplace Guns - Ok, how advanced are the guns? We talking shadowrun one hit kill?? Can drastically reduce the desire for any other weapon.
Houserules I would like to discuss with selected group:
Variant Health system of my design - Not sure what this is, so sure!
all classes gain +2 skill points/level - Even with my high Int. I feel skill starved, especially if you add more skills.
Roleplaying rewards - Won't complain
Merits/flaws - If this is the 3.5 flaw system, I'm fine with them though I won't use it. In general I found it promoted roll-playing not role-playing, though some flaws were different. I just remember the BSF dumping Cha skills and Int/Wis Checks and gaining 2 feats for it. I always thought it rewarded martial characters and min/max more than any other type.
Initiative variation - Once again, not sure what it is, so sure!
Adding skills (Computer, Drive, Various Knowledges)- I'm down, I run a Dark Sun campaign right now, which has close to a dozen custom skills.
Adding Character Occupations - Hmmm, how are you handling this?
Additional Traits - Sure, or depending on gear - an extra feat that has to be a skill focus or other skill booster (like stealthy)
Weapon Skills - Not planning on using.
Cybernetics - Xzavier - I played a game with Chaostech once, it is interesting. I'm cool with it, whether I use it or not would depend on how it interacts with magic/psionics, though I would say my character would want to incorporate it into his being, as long as it doesn't drain his essence.
Old School Multiclassing -
Alright, my two cents:
Do saves work in the same way as skills/hps?
I would say if we went this way, everyone should do it, and we can move onto the slow path rather than double medium progression. It actually is wonderful for my character concept, but how does it work when I go into cerebremancer? I couldn't take another Arcane/Psion class, correct? I'm not sure, though I am interested in this to say the least. I might have to rework some of my character then, but I'd be willing to. I ran an epic level gestalt campaign in 3.5, and it was a blast, so I like the idea, just want the details I guess.
On another note - do most games really not go beyond 14th?? The last two games I was in went to 19th and 23rd, and the game I'm running should go to near 30. Never played an adventure path though, we started one but the DM got deployed overseas.
Well, it was either 14th or 16th, thats where most published adventure paths end.
And with Pathfinder, there's no rules for anything beyond 20th (except for multiclassing), so we'd have to adapt rules from elsewhere.
Edit: Yep, Paizo's published adventure paths follow this structure.
Book 1: 1 to 3
Book 2: 4 to 6
Book 3: 6 to 9
Book 4: 9 to 11
Book 5: 11 to 13
Book 6: 13 to 15/16.
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Here's the basics we came up with for the last game, and I'm going to incorporate something similar. This is what I'm doing in my current campaign-Dark Sun flair for the campaign setting:
1) Pick a new class.
2) Level as normal.
3) In my game I'm incorporating epic feats from 3.5 and Dark Sun at 21, 25, 29, etc., otherwise pick standard feats.
4) Caster level continues to raise. Get new spell slots for metamagic spells.
5) I'm still not sure about BAB and iterative attacks. It says a fighter never gets more, but that seems cheap for full BAB characters, of which I have two currently. I was thinking move them up. (I.E. +25/+20/+15/+10 goes to +25/+20/+15/+15 then +30/+25/+25/+20 game shouldn't go higher than that, but if it does just continue the flow) What do you think?
6) You can pick a new favored class at level 21.
The one thing I don't like about it is it caps capstones at level 20. The thing that's necessary about it is that it caps capstones at 20. I just can't have those instakill abilities leveling any more than what they cap at. Its to hard to manage, and the players wouldn't like it either, as they will be fighting epic creatures. Also, it would take a lot work. Not sure if it will work, but I should know within a few levels of 20.
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Well this is no way an adventure path so there doesn't need to be a discussion about that. As far as capping goes, when you get to where u have planned out the last of the game to be it will end. There is no set level because I don't know how much personal stuff I will have to take care of with each of your characters.
As are as how advanced you are in the game depends on your decision when I have selected the final group. I am fine with anywhere between steampunk Victorian to cyberpunk near future.
As far as gestalting I generally wanted to stay way from that but offer a way to make characters more versatile. Hence the multiclassing. So if someone wanted to go straight one class they will be more focused (higher level) than those of more versatility (multiclassed but lower levels)
If someone were to multiclass as for instance a psion/wizard it eleminates the need for prestige classes such as the cerebramancer.
For mine - I'll ponder the multi-classing, but will most likely be happy to stick with a pure single class.
Extra skill points are always welcome :)
For tech, it won't matter overmuch for my character as he'll be coming out of the jungle with wood tech level stuff. He'll be a fish out of water regardless of the final tech level.
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I think I like the multi-class route more than the single class for my concept. It hurts more at low levels, as I remain VERY squishy almost twice as long, but by mid-levels it is less of a burden on me. The way written it ends up being about a 2.5 level loss at mid-high levels, which is slightly better than cerebremancer, and I think the class bonuses of wizard/psion (bonus feats!) are better, especially as so many of my feats are going into item creation feats.
I'd rather stay psion/wizard than cerebremancer anyway, I think the benefits are greater overall. I'll get you over a copy of my multi-class character sometime this week, likely tomorrow.
This is Robodruida test, test, test
Character history changed, let me know if there is more you need.
After some considerable thought, I've decided to multiclass as a summoner (broodmaster). I think its fitting with my character idea to have a creature from the Dark Tapestry available at his beck and call. So character transforming underway.
I am guessing that Xzavier's It Came From Beyond ability only applies to monsters summoned by cleric spells (which I don't have any summoning spells yet, and probably won't til 2nd level) instead of summoner spells.
So, as I understand multiclassing.
Hitpoints: average of 8 and 8, so would stay the same?
Skills: average of 2 and 2, so would stay the same?
Saving throws: average of the two results in the same.
1st level Eidolon: A humanoid made of gleaming brass and black iron, very similar in appearance to an inevitable. It seems to be a man composed entirely of gears with red and white lights behind them, and a black miasma that sometimes leaks out instead of light. The man of metal has no face however, only a clock, running backward. A ticking sound can be heard from the eidolon by those who are nearby. Xzavier calls the eidolon Harbinger.
Harbinger speaks common in a strange metallic voice, but very slowly, as though it has a difficult time forming its words. It always refers to some great event in the future, but it does not know what that event is, or when it will occur. It frequently speculates on the possibilities.
+2 to saves? I know I still have to apply the +2 skill points, but I'm not sure where the +2 saves comes from. :P Maybe I'm missing something incredibly obvious (wouldn't be a first).
As for controlling Harbinger, it doesn't matter much to me. If you want me to control him during combat, I can just have him act on my initiative. I think that's the easiest way to do this. As a broodmaster, I'll have multiple eidolons running around pretty soon (well 4000 xp from now), and to save you trouble, time, and the inevitable harassment that will likely come with such a monstrous incursion, I was just going to have them all act on my initiative. Unless you'd rather do it a different way.
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ok so the houserules that are in effect as of now:
+2 bonus skill points per level
you may gestalt freely at double experience points
Yet to be discussed:
My variant health system
roleplaying rewards
merits/flaws
Initiative variation
adding more modern skills
adding character occupations
additional traits
cybernetics
One I am throwing out there today
weapon skills which would function like regular skills but replace BAB. Your BAB would determine how many you received at each level. I believe if we work this out of as a group it would bring some realism and grittiness to the game.
Such groups would be Light Blades (Dex), Heavy Blades (Str), Pistols (Dex), Unarmed (Str or Dex), Casting (Melee) (Str or Dex)
Your CMB and CMD would be determined off each individual skill.
A little more paperwork on all parts but I think it might prove interesting when a fighter chooses a longsword over a scimitar (or something) because he is much more proficient in it (More skilled).
Full BAB class would receive: 6 (Except fighters receive 8)
3/4 BAB: 4
1/2 BAB: 2
Thoughts? opinions?
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Within the past couple of decades a corporation, yes a corporation has risen to power. This corporation has risen to power and levied many changes including the cybernetics enhancement and exploration into mixing arcane and technology. The president and CEO of the company has remained Roman Bertrand. It is through his evocative and passionate speeches that has aided in the rise to power of the Chrysalis Corporation.
Weapon skills replace Base Attack bonus?
Hmm, so we would add to skills something like Light Blades +1, Melee Casting +1, Ray Casting +1? instead of having base attack bonus apply to all attacks? I'm not sure I care for that. I can see how it's thematically sound, but looks like it might be more paperwork than its worth.
Open to hearing others opinions.
** spoiler omitted **
This is interesting.
A couple of questions....Is there more than one coperation in the world? Does this assume rather free trade across borders?
With cybernetics, that implies a lot of science, material engineering, plastics... which implies a lot of basic science like themodynamics, chemistry... agree/disagree?
Fully automaitic weapons? Explosives/grenades?
Also implies that the cost of materials would be a lot lower since there is specialization?
:)
I like the ideas that this implies.
DO dwarves make composite armor that is known for its toughness? Maybe the elves are known for making artistic cybernetics? I fear what the tinker gomes would do.
Sounds very interesting.
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Yes there are more than one coloration in the world. I sated some of my influence is shadowrun. I have only worked out a couple more. Such as Thrune Technologies, and kyonin's Sidhe. The name coporation seems to be throwing you. They are more concerned with melding technology and arcane. So the flow is much different than you know. As far as free trade, no, many of these corps secrets are heavily guarded which leads to a more covert world than overt corporate take overs.
Not so much cybernetics. That was merely a term to bring everyone to a common ground. Think more like steampunk blended with arcane enhancement. As far as plastics and overproduction of materials. No. Mainly because I don't want to reinvent the wealth system.
No on fully automatic weapons for now. There are explosives it's called am alchemist bomb.
Right now, I'm seeing the campaign mostly as Steampunk "Victorian" with some adaptations that might seem more modern thanks to the wonders of the Chrysalis Corporation. Mecharcana devices and Mecharcane Enhancements are surging in popularity. Technology (and magic) have replaced religion, except for the Temples of Abadar which are useful for maintaining order, civil and economic, in the largely populated cities.
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Okay. That clarifies things. Well, mech is still mecharcana (its just larger scaled mechanics than chaositech). I am trying to think what mecharcane enhancements might be popular (as "cybernetics")
Some ideas from chaositech might be okay for clockwork/steam/arcane enhancements. I'm looking over them now, but the majority of them are priced well above anything a PC could afford until 10th level at least.
Looking for the ones that are least expensive now.
Chitinous Blade Graft: 900 gp
Clingskin Graft 2500 gp (+5 climb, +2 CMD vs disarm)
Coolpatch Graft 1000 gp (protects against extreme heat conditions to 110)
Cosmetic Graft 2000 gp (+5 disguise)
Eye Cusp, Underwater 1000 gp (normal vision underwater)
Eye Cusp, Clearvision 2000 gp (+2 Perception)
Eye Cusp, Accurate 3000 gp (ignores first range increment, +1 to hit with ranged weapons)
Eye Cusp, Lowlight 6000 gp (provides low-light vision)
Eye Cusp, Darkvision 12000 gp (provides darkvision 60 ft)
Filter Graft 2300 gp (+4 save vs poison gas, airborn disease)
Lantern Graft 750 gp (glows with the brightness of a lantern)
Pouch Graft 190 gp (provides a free beltpouch)
Warmpatch Graft 1000 gp (protects against extreme cold conditions to 0 degrees)
Webbing Graft 3500 gp (+4 swim, +10 ft. swim speed)
Translator Implant 6000 gp (understand any spoken language, doesn't help with speaking it)
Blade Arm Replacement 2000 gp + weapon price (replaces arm with blade)
Eye Replacement 12000 gp (low-light vision and +2 Perception. If both eyes replaced, bonus to Perception becomes +3)
Anyway, you get the idea. Some of these are priced reasonably. And I guess some of these other prices indicate also the cost of surgery. But without the advancement of medicine, surgery might be a messy topic.
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Honestly I was just going to modify some shadowrun cybernetics. And then give you a measurable resource of cybernetic tolerance which would be equal to double your con score. Each cybernetic replacement has a cost such as an arm being 4 an we being 1. Once ou surpass the cybernetic tolerance you will become a cyberzombie. Where you are more machine than man.
It looks like by the rules listed for leveling, with the Geshtalting, at the point when 35000 xp has been earned by the party, a single class character is at level 7, and the geshtalt is at level 5
continuing on, at the point where the party is at 3,600,000 single class characters hit lv 20, and a geshtalt hits 18 (level 18 is 1,800,000 and that x2 is 3,600,000) so geshtalting leaves you about 2 levels behind most of the time.
The weapon system seems cool, So we allocate out weapon proficiency points every level so in sowm weapons we have full bab, in others we are lacking?
What is the variant Health system? did i miss the post?
roleplaying rewards: seem like they can be dolled out through RP, and not really need a mechanical aspect
merits/flaws
Initiative variation : may slow down combat which is aready often slow, and hard to do in a pbp
adding more modern skills whatver fits the setting, but it does add more to do
adding character occupations: meaning we aren't homeless deviants, but have ... dare i say... jobs? could be fun and make characters more interesting
additional traits... not sure what that entails
cybernetics: I like the idea, but i've never played wth any of them...
DaWay - I've been turning my psychic warrior over and over in my head trying to get into him... with no luck. As I can't get into his head properly I'm not confident that I would be able to do justice RP'ing him.
So I'm going to have to withdraw and wish the rest of you the best with the game. It looks to be a good one :)