Throne of Night: Dark Lords of the Azathyr

Game Master Divinitus

Welp, here he is :-) lemme know what you think, this is subject to change if the needs of the party (or the GM) require it. I also have fluff ready, but I am holding that in reserve if that needs to change as well :-)

Salazar Torghym

Male Drow Gunslinger (Bolt Ace)/1
NE Medium humanoid (Elf)
Init +6; Senses Perception +8
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Defense
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AC 18, touch 14, flat-footed 14 (+4 armor, +4 Dex)
hp 14 (1d10+4)
Fort +5, Ref +6, Will +2
SR: 7
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Offense
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Speed: 30 ft.
Melee: kunai +4 (1d4+3)
Ranged: mwk crossbow +6 (1d8 19-20/x2), kunai +5 (1d4+3), pistol +4 (1d8)
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Statistics
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Str 16, Dex 18, Con 16, Int 12, Wis 14, Cha 10
Base Atk: +1; CMB +4; CMD 18
Feats: Point-blank Shot
Traits: Warrior of Old, Darklands Delver, Improved Darkvision
Skills: Acrobatics +7, Craft Alchemy +5, Intimidate +4, Kowledge Dungeoneering +6, Perception +8, Stealth +4, Survival +6
Languages: Undercommon, Elven, Drow Sign Language
SQ Dancing Lights, Darkness, Faerie Fire
Other Gear: bedroll, belt pouch, gunsmithing kit, mess kit, pot, powder horn, trail rations x5, waterskin, hemp rope (50 ft.), 149 gp,
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Special Abilities
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Point-Blank Shot +1 to attack and damage rolls with ranged weapons at up to 30 feet.
Grit Pool (2)
Poison Use: Cannot risk poisoning yourself when applying poison
Warrior of Old: +2 to initiative checks
Darklands Delver: +1 to Knowledge Dungeoneering, +1 to Survival in the Darklands, Kowledge Dungeoneering becomes a class skill
Improved Darkvision: Your darkvision becomes 180'

Question: The drawback Umbral Unmasking is really cool - and I thought I'd pick it up.

However, in an evil society based in the lightless depths it might not be much of a drawback if at all. Should I pick another drawback instead/in addition or is it okay to simply have that one =)?

Krentel, that is permissible, because otherwise the normal order is pretty much unusable due to the code.

Phylotus, what is the fluff on Salazar?

Lessah, perhaps it is a really dark shadow that can be seen even in the darkness and it moves on it's own or something?

GM OoA - Here is my (JAFO's) submission - please let me know if you want me to make any changes to the background (or anything else), to fit the world better or because it's not appropriate, or whatever...

of course any feedback is welcome.. :)

Dotting. I am going to work out a drow wizard, probably a diviner. What sort of different familiar options do we have for this?

I wanted to get a baseline submission in. I'll try and get more fluff posted, but for now sleep calls.

I intend to take the campaign trait that gives 180' of Darkvision, just can't figure out how to make Hero Lab do that.

Faeryl, as far as feedback goes, here are my thoughts. I can't really tell you which way to go on whether to take the 'evil telepathy' or the levitation ability because they are both useful in different situations. The telepathy seems like it would fit the 'dark temptress' role more because it is more suited to completely subtle communication, albeit one way, although levitate seems like something a supernatural creature would do. It's all personal preference. As far as background, how long were you at Vothys before the Baroness decided to send you with the others? Was it long enough to get acquainted? It is usually easier to RP when everyone has already met each other and chatted each other up. There is one teensy little detail that is off though: in the campaign setting, the area is not known as the Underdark as that is something more Greyhawk/Faerun, it is known as Avantyr. That's mostly a nitpick, but it helps keep the terminology straight for in-game purposes. Other than asking my questions, not really helping on deciding between the abilities, and stating my one little nitpick about the write-up, it looks solid!

MarkOfBane, allow me 24 hours to compile a list. I have a library full of books, so it may take me a bit of time to compile a list for you.

Zahir, pleasant dreams!

ok thanks for the feedback, I'll change the background as recommended and think about the how long and whether or not they are acquainted - but i'm thinking yes on that, if that's allowable.

MarkOfBane, allow me 24 hours to compile a list. I have a library full of books, so it may take me a bit of time to compile a list for you.

No problem! I don't know that I need a comprehensive list; I was mainly looking for anything that may be exotic from the AP. If there isn't anything outside of the normal bestiaries, then I'll probably go with something like a centipede.

Zahir, And power behind the throne, eh?

They invent phrases like "puppet ruler" for a reason you know.

Some inspiration for applicants!

The entryway to the Fungal Jungle, one of the most well-known areas of Azathyr, full of all different types of fungi that range from tiny glow-spores that drift lazily through the wind to absolutely massive mushrooms easily dwarfing the average person.

Formulating a list of prospective PCs because I'm bored at the moment. If I leave anyone out, please let me know and I will add you to this list or the next.

Those With Submissions
1. Nicos- Krentel Nylineth- LE Male Drow Samurai
2. Silverseabird- ?- ? ? Drow Hunter
3. LitanyOfCurses- ?- ? ? Drow Inquisitor
4. Lessah- ?- LE ? Drow Warder
5. Phylotus- Salazar Torghym- NE Male Drow Gunslinger (Bolt Ace)
6. JAF0- Faeryl Dusk- NE Female Demonspawn Tiefling Sorceror
7. MarkOfBane- ?- ? ? Drow Wizard
8. Zahir ibn Mahmoud ibn Jothan- Kolaiah- LE Male Drow Oracle

Those Who Have Shown Interest
1. Megabeus
2. Viluki
3. Sixteenbiticon (Undecided on class)
4. Javell DeLeon
5. Tirion Jordhar
6. My buddy

Just out of curiosity, JAF0, I presume that is a '0' instead of an 'O', right? Without the standard termalink slash on these forums, it is hard to tell.

This is Magabeus

Looking at this list of applicants I will go with the racial clerical archetype Demonic Apostle. To benefit from my higher level channels I recommend a CE alignment, I also recommend to avoid lawful alignments ;-)

Background and stats need to be done, but I will go for the leader role with an emphasis on WIS and CHA.

Background / character keywords: minor noble, sent to Vothys for a certain transgressions against either faith or nobility, ambitious, arrogant, knows to appear meek when confronted with superior force.

As an aside, I don't intend for Kolaiah to be a buffing oracle, dealing with stupid drow SR is not something I want to have to do every round!

This is sixteenbiticon's alias. As you know GM, we've been in talks. Sent you another PM.

"In talks" sounds so ominous! It's like you're making arrangements to take over the world. Oh wait...

the guess name is JAF0 with an 'zero' ... but it stands for JAFO with an 'o' see this link

I think the o was taken so I used a 0 when I signed up on the paizo site, so mine is spelled jaf0

tbh, i thought i WAS jafo with an 'o', but it sure doesn't look like that does it?

Dotting for interest. I'll try to put together a PoW Stalker.

DM, a quick question. Any chance of being able to trade out proficiency in hand crossbow for the drow long knife?

Interested is a play by post newb ok for this game?

Im thinking Sacred Fist bringing the land to order in the name of my patron

So small idea so far he was the fourth son in the family instead of being sacrificed to the family patron, I was turned over to the church where I trained and began to understand the ways of my people and my patron. Areas need to be pacified and crushed under the drow heel to bring order to the land. The only way for the drow to control the area is through force and subservence for their own good and well being.

I need help for this game who could be my patron lawful evil and order to the extreme

dotting for interest.

I am thinking Dread Vanguard anti-paladin

I guess the question needs to be asked... how long is recruitment going to be open for?

After much deliberation I have decided on a NE Drow Luring Cavalier with a giant gecko mount focusing on Order of the Bow. We just got slammed at work, so hopefully I'll have something for you to peruse in the next few days.

Edit: Final adjusted stats after taking the Silent Killer bonus package are looking something like:

Str 16 = 10 + 2 + 4
Dex 22 = 18 + 2 + 2
Con 16 = 10 - 2 + 8
Int 10 = 10
Wis 14 = 10 + 4
Cha 8 = 8 + 2 - 2

Edit #2: I am curious as to how you will deal with stealth rolls while mounted. Would you require rolls from the mount, the rider, both? If you require my character to roll, then I will take a trait to make stealth a class skill.

I am thinking Dread Vanguard anti-paladin ** spoiler omitted **

Lawful evil actually fits dread vanguard better then chaotic evil anyways so it works that I don't have to be murder-hobo chaotic evil.

The Prince of Darkness can use minions such as you.

Game looks awesome, I'm very reliable poster posting many times a day and in a number of games, though many died to GM's leaving recently so looking for more. Hope you like the Mighty Godling

Working on build should have something up today if Godling is ok.

Lessah here. This alias is the start of my submission, but I'm still working on adding backstory and descriptive stuff : )

Most of the crunchy stuff should be done, but can always change (feedback welcome!). Will most likely be picking up more stuff with the leftover gold at a later date.

Ok, fluff for Salazar:

Recruitment will be open for another 5 days for applicants and will be open for up to another 7 days after that to allow people that submitted by the first deadline to finish up their characters.

Out of curiosity, do people want me to put up the Houses for the noble Drow?

Zahir, that is one thing I do not like about SR is the impact on buffs/heals, but that is why everyone is receiving more gold and stats to pad out their character with. Because of how alchemy really isn't magical in most cases, at least in my opinion, that's the exception. So potions and such are very good buys and an Alchemist would be a cool addition somewhere on this thread.

JAFO, understood! I'm just used to zeros having the termalink slash through them, so I didn't know which it was.

Redblade8, I don't see why not, considering it is a Drow 'racial weapon'.

Joey Virtue, I have no issues with newbs, so long as you are committed to the game the same as everyone else. Diabolism seems to be a thing if you are LE, so any of the Infernal lords or Asmodeus himself would be a good pick if you are going that route. The Rakshasa and Kyton equivalents may also be interesting, should you choose to go that route.

RJ the Wolf, Dread Vanguards are quite interesting.

Tazennin, it uses the mount's Stealth, which I will allow to be padded by the rider's Ride check.

Ashe, the Mighty Godling is fine, but what sort of parentage are you looking at?

Tiberius, it's interesting that I used the Greeks as an example for Drow religion and you chose a Roman praenomen! I could just be reading way too much into it! :P

Actually, yes on the Drow Noble houses! and a short blurb about them, if you have it. I'd like to have a specific house to hate XP

Agreed, I have one or two fledgling ideas for background and info on the houses will help a lot, please & thanks.

House Undorid, the most ruthless of the houses and the one that the queen of Taarysia belongs to.

House Jezzavon, decadent merchants and syncophants to the queen.

House Baryth Kyre, a sorcerous house that some claim has demonic blood running though the family.

House Sathys, which produces the finest warriors but is in disgrace for a failed set of intrigues.

House Vakazar, which presides over all manner of slavery, from man to beast.

House Vytharia, condemned and cast out by the queen, no longer considered a noble house by anyone but its surviving members.

That's all the real info available at present, apart from a few tidbits that can be scavenged from the first two books.

GM, crunch in profile.

Question: could you be pursueded to let me trade 2 traits for 1 feat? I would like to pick up the entire drow noble feat track, including noble spell resistance but that is a hefty feat investment.

I would like to take the following trait:

You are the harbinger of some future event. Whether this event bodes good or ill, you exude an ominous presence. You gain a +1 trait bonus on Intimidate checks, and Intimidate is always a class skill for you. Once per day, you may attempt to demoralize an opponent as a swift action.

Get a drawback either:

Your family is extremely important to you, and you feel disheartened when you can't do what they ask. When a family member makes a request of you, you must fulfill that request or take a —2 penalty on all Wisdom- and Charisma-based ability checks and skill checks until you either do what was requested or succeed at a DC 20 Will saving throw, which you can attempt once per day at the start of each day. You can't take this drawback if you have no family. If you ever lose your family or lose contact with your family, exchange this drawback for the Doubt drawback.

or

You can't abide challenges to your dignity, authority, or honor. When someone threatens, accuses, or challenges you, you take a —2 penalty on Diplomacy checks and Sense Motive checks involving that creature until the creature apologizes to you.

Choice of drawback is to be decided by background; I do not mind having a family from Taarysia that is still pulling my strings, even though I want to stand on my own feet. If the other players want to be of the same family I would also be happy to have this drawback.

I then would like to trade the remaining two traits for a feat: probably sacred summoning.

- - -

Other question: are fiendish summons affected by sacred summons?

Finally: for me CE is not about being a murderhobo, it is about being utterly amoral and using everyone and everything for your own 'needs'. If you murder a tool someone that helped you you never get to use him again, so that is just plain stupid.

Edit: House Baryth Kyre is the most likely for me. Will work on fluff later.

Here is my Submission this is my first time trying a play by post so bear with me
Xodar of the Order of the Jet Star

Jaerlyn, I will allow you to make that trade. Fiendish Summonings ARE affected by Sacred Summoning. Whether it apples in RAW is a matter of debate, but I do not always go by RAW. It makes sense for it to apply, so it does.

Joey, not a problem!

@Jaelryn
I disagree on your assesment of CE. As agents of chaos I don't think Chaotic Evil things (creatures of characters) as intended to have the foresight to actively use people as tools for an extended amount of time. I agree that they don't just go around murderhoboing people, but I do think that falls within the scope of the chaotic evil character (the majority of demons are good examples of this). I do think the alignments do have their own spectra within themselves (one persons CN may not be the same as someone elses CN), but I think the extended using of tools generally falls more under the NE part of the spectrum.
To be sure, I believe CE characters are capable of it, I just think that they're the kind that will kill the tool for an imagined slight (think Tuco from Breaking Bad).
Just my opinion though, don't take it as an insult :-)

@Houses - Thin scrapings, it appear : P

@Alignment/ CE+foresight - Wouldn't something like Wisdom, Charisma and Intelligence be better indicator of how capable a creature is of manipulation and discreetness rather then their mere alignment : )?

Thanks GM!

Will the houses of Taarysia play a role in the campaign? In that case I will go for Family ties, otherwise it is Pride

Ok, thanks. I won't go out of my way to increase my characters stealth for the time being.

I think Tazennin will be formerly of House Sathys. I think that gives him good reason for being in the fight with the surface elves as well as reinforce the circumstances of his banishment.

@Lessah
A fair point, but I believe that they sort of play into eachother. Interconectedness and all that. I think that one who is manipulative enough to keep tools around has intelligence/charisma, but I also belvieve that one can be intelligent/charismatic without having the desire to be manipulative. On the flip side, I also think that LG characters are quite capable of lying and manipulating, but I also think that it's more within their nature as lawful and good characters. (shrug) I feel alignment helps describe a characters nature, while stats help define what one can do within their personality. I may or may not be talking out my butt right now, though

Ok, thanks. I won't go out of my way to increase my characters stealth for the time being.

I think Tazennin will be formerly of House Sathys. I think that gives him good reason for being in the fight with the surface elves as well as reinforce the circumstances of his banishment.

ooooooo, that will make for some interesting interactions between Tazennin and Salazar >:-)

@Roman name - I've always have a hard time picking names, so a bit of inspiration was actually useful : )

Edit: Question: Is there any information about pack animals (as in 'carrying goods' rather then wolf pack!)?

It seems like a donkey wouldn't be super handy in the dark - but *something* in that style might be handy to carry extra supplies (or be that extra supply [of food] in a pinch!).

I think Tazennin will be formerly of House Sathys. I think that gives him good reason for being in the fight with the surface elves as well as reinforce the circumstances of his banishment.

My Stalker-To-Be-Named-Later is also likely to be from Sathys; details to come.

@GM don't want to spoil the fluff and backstory but mother will be a highpriestes that through dark magic, forbidden knowledge and prayer summoned the Herald of Lamashtu the mother of all monsters. The herald then layed with the priestess passing the diving seed magicaly passed to it from Lamshtu.

Dotting for interest - thinking alchemist fence of a disgraced (and destroyed) family.

Zahir, that is one thing I do not like about SR is the impact on buffs/heals,

Which is why I've been wanting to play a Life Oracle in a drow group for ages, because it skips the SR problem for healing rather elegantly.

@Phylotus: I hadn't read your background, but yes, there are quite a few similarities in Salazar's and Tazennin's story.

Obviously, that is the quick and dirty version. All of that is subject to change, as well. That was just my initial idea.

Dotting for interest - in the parent thread I pitched an idea about a "worthy servant" character - Musing the notion of a Bugbear (or Hobgoblin if the bug doesn't fly) Antipaladin (Fearmonger) Archetype who follows either Norgorber or the Demon Lord Shax be considered? Consider that combo nasty enough to have its uses to his drow master/mistress... :)

Will keep an eye open for the recruitment thread - if acceptable would also be interest in tying my character's background to a drow characters (who he serves?) - one of the House Vakazar would most likely fit?

Let me know what you reckon and if its got legs I'll pull together a proper submission :)

@ Tazennin
I was also refering to the fact you are from the house that destroyed his (wink). So definitely looking forward to the role-play there :-)

See alias for crunch, I will work on background soon