Things to discuss:
What themes do you want to focus on?
Do you want to start at a lower level and have adventures at the Razor before the main campaign begins?
Reporting!
There are so many good hooks in Razor Coast, DM, I'm good with any of them, especially if you really like any of them.
I'd be cool with starting at level five, if the rest of the group is. If not, I'm open with any lower level as well.
Dotting/Checking in! Thank you for taking me on board Nowhear.
I admit I enjoy the interaction that stems from playing low level characters, even if at level 1, so I am fine with it. However I will also admit I would prefer if we began at least level 3 - it means the characters are still in their teens, but they are more versatile and more 'capable'
Mechanically, they can accomplish more, and fluff wise I think one gets a better feel for where they are heading in terms of personality.
Side note: Hmm, a Skald would overlap with your Evangelist, would it not? (still planning on going fighter, I am just curious)
I just opened up the gameplay thread for dotting.
Reporting!
This is Hmm's Evangelist Cleric. I'm probably going to be shifting skills and such around some as I see what other people bring to the table.
On Levels and Such
I prefer to start at levels 4-5. That's where this character really starts to come together. However, if needed, I can rebuild her to a level 3 if that is the group consensus.
Themes
Roleplay! Exploration! Derring do! Culture clash! Liberation of the natives! Combat is okay, but I love puzzles and dilemmas and having other ways to solve problems too.
Questions that I have
- I've currently put Nefertiti together as a hangover cleric, which means negative channeling. Will there be cure light wounds wands freely available, or should I consider retooling to a more summons-oriented cleric that can channel positively?
- I'm currently taking Feather domain to have an animal companion. Do you require that companion to be avian with that subdomain, or can I choose more widely from the AC list? Right now, I'm considering a Chimp (ape) named Charlie. I can switch that to a Roc if you feel that feather domain puts a limit on the animal companion.
On Evangelist Clerics and Skalds
Skalds give a morale bonus to strength and con.
Inspired Rage (Su) At 1st level, affected allies gain a +2 morale bonus to Strength and Constitution and a +1 morale bonus on Will saving throws, but also take a –1 penalty to AC.
Evangelist clerics give a competence bonus to attack and damage.
Flagbearer feat (which I was considering) gives a morale bonus to attack and damage, but it does not appear to be boosting the same thing. It's a GM call as to whether they stack, and I could dump flagbearer if needed.
As long as you hold your clan, house, or party’s flag, members of that allegiance within 30 feet who can see the flag (including yourself ) gain a +1 morale bonus on attack rolls, weapon damage rolls, and saving throws against fear and charm effects.
It looks like there might be an overlap in the saving throws, but otherwise not?
Checking in. With a sick child on my hands and the holidays right around the corner I won't have much time to contribute to the discussion until later in the week.
That being said, I would like to retain the bounty hunting aspect of Rata's background and I think it would be an interesting challenge for both party and GM alike to keep him content with adventuring with the party instead of striking out on his own to track down a new lead.
From a build perspective the build I have in mind would work much better at 5th level, but as a player I would prefer starting at first, so I am good with whatever the party decides.
Edit: Also just a personal preference that I'd rather not get bogged down in naval combat and/or become the crew of a pirate ship. Although using the water as a means of transportation is perfectly fine.
Rata (Sixteen? Varkanost?) --
I'm sorry one of your kids is sick. As a mom, I know how much that sucks. Here's wishing your child a speedy recovery!
Your bounty hunter sounds fun. I know that my evangelist has traveled all the way from Osirion, and that she worships an ancient god that others have forgotten. She's traveling in the razor in hopes of finding new worshipers for Horus -- a fitting activity for an evangelist, no? She is also the least suited skills-wise of all the characters in this campaign, so we'll have to find some reason for her to be on the ship!
I was in one seafaring campaign where the PCs were all officers (some petty -- like ship's cook (our monk) or ship's carpenter (our druid)) and it was okay since the regular crew (all NPCs) did the scutwork.
I agree that I also would not like to get bogged down too much in naval battles in a play by post. I think my major concern is the map aspect. Ships move. PCs move. When I played in a sea faring campaign, it was tough enough keeping track with a table top map with moving cardboard cutouts to indicate where the ship was.
If we can handwaive some of the mapping aspect of sea battles as just being in the background, I think that might work better for a play by post.
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Rata (Sixteen? Varkanost?) --
I'm sorry one of your kids is sick. As a mom, I know how much that sucks. Here's wishing your child a speedy recovery!
Your bounty hunter sounds fun. I know that my evangelist has traveled all the way from Osirion, and that she worships an ancient god that others have forgotten. She's traveling in the razor in hopes of finding new worshipers for Horus -- a fitting activity for an evangelist, no? She is also the least suited skills-wise of all the characters in this campaign, so we'll have to find some reason for her to be on the ship!
Indeed, hope your dear child gets MUCH BETTER Rata/Sixteen. No kiddo wants to be sick on x-mas vacation.
I'm very glad you are joining this one!Horus always finds a way, right Neferititi?
Let's see: A slayer on a quest for vengeance, a scrimshaw occultist, a cheerful firegnome, a priest of nefertiti and a barbarian-fighter walk into a bar...
Hypothetical: We all find a dungeon that we think has all the answers and start there. Or we could play prisoners.
I'm happy to start at Level 1 or 3 or 5. It seems like 3 would be a good compromise, however.
Word is spreading: It's christmas time, here.
May y'all and your families all have a most excellent and totally tubular xmas this year.
As far as themes go, I'm starting to lock in on Whale. I want to know what is up with whale, and how we can protect it/restore it. We could do some defending of the outskirts' residences, and that would provide works of good. If possible, I would like to meet/interact with Elder Nakuakaua. He seems like he'd make a great boss/ally.
Some more thoughts on themes...
I think that the one thing that is uniting all our characters so far is the Tulita / indigenous struggle: several of our characters are either indigenous, or working with those who are (like the evangelist and the slayer.) I think that we could start there with the storyline, adding in some of the ideas that Aikane has.
I also like the idea if each of us writes into our backstory something that ties us into the back stories of the other characters.
More thoughts about my character
My boyfriend pointed out a crucial flaw in my build, if we plan to go around regularly as crew of a pirate ship. I can exclude the party from my channeling, but not the entire NPC crew of a pirate ship. If the plan is to travel as part of a large pack of NPCs, I may need to rebuild Nefertiti into a summoner cleric rather than a hangover one!
The other concern is that if we become regular crew on a ship, that requires a lot of skills, and skills is something clerics don't get anywhere near enough of. My only hope would be to find a position as Ship's Chaplain or something where 1 rank of profession sailor would be sufficient!
Happy Holidays
Happy Last Day of Chanukkah, Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year!
Hmm
Hmm, I am looking to regear Aikane so that Nefertiti can really rock as the party face without my interference. I'm going to aim Aikane toward littleman Shaw Sheriff Skillmonkey for Redvane 2.0 .
I like the idea of Aikane attaching himself to Oren & Albion's PCs as they go about their business. Alignment be damned at this point.
Possibly a divine sign ties Nefertiti in to the gang? And maybe this group pulled Rata from the deep waters. They can provide him some "native" cover while he hunts out the objects of his vengeance.
Nefertiti may lose a little of that glorious charisma if I have to rebuild her as a summoner... But she'll still have some, and could probably do the party face just fine.
I am thinking that I am going to have to make sure I have Tulita as one of my languages. If my evangelist is following a sign from Horus to come out to work with the native peoples, I can easily be brought in.
My character is the sort who without hesitation (okay, maybe a little hesitation) would travel on a ship halfway around the world because she had a vision from her god.
I love the idea of the group having pulled Rata from deep waters!
Hmm
PS Just for fun... I wrote a poem, 'Twas the Night Before Gobfest for my other Play by Post campaign as a Christmas present. Possible minor We Be Goblins spoilers. We took the whole "Rude Songs" trait in our group and kinda ran with it, meaning that there are times the entire group posts in rhyme, so I figured they'd like this parody.
It'll be interesting retooling my brain for a more serious group!
I third the idea of pulling Rata out of the waters. That's nifty.
My guy is kind of a greedy, make the best of any situation, guy. He threw in his lot with the Colonists when it became clear that the Tulita were hopelessly outnumbered. He's tried a couple different gigs, but working in the tattoo shop has been his best result so far. He's made some nifty coin, so he doesn't have to work that often for the time being.
He's interested in learning more about the Coast, from his sheltered upbringing with his tribe in his early years.
Oh, Nefertiti will be all about exploring the coast! She finds the Razor Coast weird, but endlessly fascinating. Coming from a more desert area, she's blown away by the lush flora and fauna here.
Just so you are aware, I am here listening.
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I am really loving everything I am reading so far, but, unfortunately, I haven't had the time to re-read the freebooter's guide just yet so the setting specific discussions have been over my head for the time being.
Thanks for your concern, trux/Aikane. Unfortunately we spent most of the day in the ER with our little guy today. He's had a stomach virus for the last few days and this morning he reached a point where the threat of dehydration was cause for concern. Worry not though as everything turned out okay and he is on his way to a speedy recovery (although we did have to miss the family xmas eve shindig, hence why I have the time to write this.)
I love the idea of the group having a hand in rescuing Rata on the shoreline. Once I get a bearing of exactly where/how the game itself is beginning I will make the necessary changes to his background. I also love background tie-ins between characters so I am all for that as well.
I think I will keep with Rata not being a native, although that isn't set in stone. I would like to roleplay him learning about his surroundings as I would also be learning about the setting as a player.
And, again, you guys will have to give him a damn good reason for travelling with you all instead of venturing out on his own. I would think saving his life on the shore should definitely be reason enough, however!
Rata --
I spent one Christmas in the ER with my (at the time) 4 day old child. It sucked. I'm sorry that you had to go through this, but I'm glad that the little guy is feeling better.
Oren --
Depending on what we get for starting wealth, I may be one of your early tattoo customers. There's a tattoo that I am eyeing very strongly since I can barely swim!
Everyone --
Nefertiti's mission has taken her to work with the local population of the Razor Coast.
Interestingly, as I read up on the Osirion gods, I found that a a lot of their workers were replaced / oppressed by the Keleshite invaders. It is only recently that Osirion has become independent. Many Osirions have Keleshite blood and Keleshite names as a result of the previous occupation.
Now Nefertiti is one of the foreign influences in another oppressed culture. This adds a bit of depth to my understanding of her, and the ironies inherent in her situation.
So... We're saving Rata's life. Do I get to be there, too? We'll have to think about how you all met me, and what you know about the odd priestess in your mix.
Hmm
Thank you Nef.
After skimming the freebooter's guide a bit, I kind of like the idea of getting roped into The Broken's fight for liberation from foreign oppression. I could see them tasking us with jobs that we may or may not agree with (morally or otherwise) in exchange for use of their network of contacts (at least for Rata) to track down his quarry.
Or if you want something a tad more generic (but no less fun in these eyes) I could see us being tasked to map out some of the less explored regions of the Razor by the Cartographers and Explorers Guild.
I could see Rata frequenting The Broken Skull as I think it's reputation fits perfectly with Rata's current frame of mind.
We've been throwing out ideas here, but I was thinking, what is the DM wanting in this campaign? Any of the ideas he is really keen on?
I'm curious about much the same thing.
Also, I've written up the very early background of Nefertiti. I'll update with more current events as we get closer to actual gameplay, and I know better how my character story intertwines with all of yours.
CHILDHOOD
Nefertiti felt the call of Horus young.
Nefertiti’s mother was the Osirion concubine of a wealthy Qadiran merchant. By Qadiran law, this meant that Nefertiti (unlike her mother) was born free, but treated forever as a foreigner and unable to inherit her father’s wealth, the way a true Qadiran daughter would.
Late at night, her mother would tell her stories of the ancient gods:
“Then Horus, god of two horizons, heard the cries of the Osirion people against their oppressor. He faced off the evil Set in a mighty struggle. The battle cost Set a testicle, leaving his desert sands infertile forevermore. Horus himself lost an eye, but the praises of the grateful Osirion people ensured that he grew a new magic one that would allow him to watch out for them forevermore.”
There was no doubt in Nefertiti’s young mind who the real desert oppressors of Osirion were. She prayed that Horus would come to her one day in the form of a giant falcon that she and her mother could ride. ”Take us away from here, Lord of the Sky,” she whispered.
To her surprise, she heard a voice in her head, If you are true, you will come to me. She looked up and saw a falcon soaring overhead in the blue sky.
YOUNG ADULT LIFE
As soon as Nefertiti came of age at fifteen, she left home to travel to Osirion. She was awed by the pyramids and the river Sphinx, both even grander than they had been in her mother’s stories. But the Osirians had little welcome for the half-Keleshite girl. Still, she did not give up. She traveled to the ancient temple of Horus, a magnificent ruin with statues of Osirion gods that towered eighty feet high. She called out, ”I have come as you bade me!”
A falcon tail feather floated down slowly from the sky. As she caught it, she had a vision of herself walking a distant beach in a lush tropical land.
You have traveled far for me. Would you travel further still?
And she whispered, ”Yes.”
From all my research I think that it has become clear that Charlie the Chimp is out of the question for an animal companion that comes from Horus. I think that I will go with Roc after all!
To paraphrase the great 20th century poet, Dee Snider..."I wanna roc!"
I think what interests me is exploring the Razor and battling cults. Although, I do also like the direction things have been headed. It does seem that naval battles will be few if at all. There was another point, I think, but I can not think of what it was.
I think what interests me is exploring the Razor and battling cults. Although, I do also like the direction things have been headed. It does seem that naval battles will be few if at all. There was another point, I think, but I can not think of what it was.
Oh good. If naval battles will be few, then I can stick with my hangover cleric concept. I was really worrying about dazing an entire ship crew with negative channeling. I started envisioning poor sad little sailors toppling out of the masts...
Will we have a budget for equipment? Will wands be fairly easy to purchase?
Hmm
Starting gold will be standard per level. I can make healing wands more readily available if that is what people want.
Have you come to a decision concerning the starting level of our little ragtag band?
From what I hear, people seem to be fine with five.
Nefertiti does a happy dance.
Will you allow retraining rules? If I take Undersized Mount, can I train the feat out later?
Starting HPs? Average or roll?
If rolling (assuming max for 1st):
Edit: Also, we should coordinate what knowledges we're covering so that we have a decent spread. Rata is taking a few ranks in local.
For HP I will give you a choice. You can either roll or use PFS, but once chosen you are locked into that for the campaign.
For HP I will give you a choice. You can either roll or use PFS, but once chosen you are locked into that for the campaign.
My hatred of rolling hit dice knows no bounds. I have an amazing history of rolling 1s in every campaign that I've been in.
PFS hitpoints work for me. Predictable, reliable... I may not be the most powerful creature around, but at least I won't get one-shotted by a goblin toddler throwing a rock.
Also, we should coordinate what knowledges we're covering so that we have a decent spread.
Agreed. I don't have a problem with some duplication however. Aiding another for certain skill DCs can be very important at times. I'm glad you're taking Knowledge (Local)! I get a religion, planes and history as class skills, but cannot afford to max them all. So I'm hoping to coordinate with the group on this as well.
I've never played PFS and a quick google search didn't provide any answers, so if someone could fill me in I'd appreciate it.
That means half plus one for Hit points, Rata.
For example as a wizard, I'd get 4 hit points per level. A bard would get five per level, and so on.
PFS is my preferred method, as I also roll extraordinarily low for hit points as well.
DM, do we get full hit points at first level, and then choose for the remainder? If so, my hit points should be correct on my profile.
As far as knowledge skills go, I've got quite a few covered. I probably will only max out Arcana and Nature, along with Spellcraft, but I'll try to have a point or three in most of them.
Yes, you get full HP at first level.
Thanks Oren.
I am also a notoriously bad roller and considering I'll need to be in the thick of melee to be effective, I'll opt for the PFS option.
Will you allow retraining rules, or should we just plan ahead very carefully?
Will you allow retraining rules, or should we just plan ahead very carefully?
I am thinking on this one. If we were playing IRL I would give you a grace period to realize that your character will not be fun. I have never been able to figure out how to do this for PbP.
Okay... So let me assume that we cannot retrain a feat. So... If I take undersized mount, I have it for the rest of my player's career.
I know that I will go with an avian companion because of the whole Horus thing. I am trying to decide between a Roc or the Haast's Eagle that I found in our player's guide. They will require different feat choices, so I will ruminate on this one.
Thanks for answering,
Hmm
I am all about killable charactets.
Thoughts on Horus vision, perhaps you see us each bearing halos of fire?
Been up to my neck in Numenera today, so Aikane is a clever menehune who works the back alleys. More to follow in terms of crunch and fluff. Still here.
Just a heads up, if anyone does not have the books yet, there is only about a day left for the bundle of holding.
Thoughts on Horus vision, perhaps you see us each bearing halos of fire?
Been up to my neck in Numenera today, so Aikane is a clever menehune who works the back alleys. More to follow in terms of crunch and fluff. Still here.
I could definitely see you guys in the vision. I will be refining in terms of fluff and crunch quite a bit.
So, let's work out how Nefertiti can get tied more closely into the backgrounds of some of the other characters:
1) I think that Nef has been telling stories to the locals of Horus's battles against the oppressors of Egypt, especially the forces of the evil Desert god, Set. Some of you might have seen her doing this.
2) She has most definitely at least one tattoo, so she could have met Oren.
3) Will Aikane have handle animal or ride? Nef would have needed lessons in those two skills.
Just a heads up, if anyone does not have the books yet, there is only about a day left for the bundle of holding.
Is it really worth it if I already have the freebooter's guide off paizo? hmm...
And I was not planning on much animal handling or riding focus. However, by Level five I will happily put a rank in each if that's of interest.
It was only an idea... I thought that if you were interested, from time to time you could ride my birdie...
Just a heads up, if anyone does not have the books yet, there is only about a day left for the bundle of holding.Is it really worth it if I already have the freebooter's guide off paizo? hmm...
And I was not planning on much animal handling or riding focus. However, by Level five I will happily put a rank in each if that's of interest.
Not unless you wan the other books for some reason, or you just feel like giving them money.
That would have been hilarious!
If we are starting at level 5, then I think it's possible Aikane has not or can not return to his tribal home for some reason.
It does look like I'll need a dip into gunslinger to score the Shaw sheriff PrC. Before I wrap things up here, I want to make sure you folks are willing to close ranks with someone hounded by the fort's dragoons...
Before I answer this, I have to say that it would depend a bit on why the Fort's Dragoons are hounding you. Nefertiti is going to be somewhat more sympathetic to Tulita and Menehune than she will the authorities at the Fort. That said, she is a foreigner to these shores herself.
We could have her tied up in your welfare because of a vision, but I'd like a bit more detail.
I'm also wondering why you guys will hang out with a crazy foreign cleric who worships a god none of you have ever heard of...
Do we want to know each other at the start more than in a cursory way of acquaintances crossing paths? Will we have intertwined backstories, or do we want to play up our early meetings?
Also, we know a bit about Oren, Aikane, Nefertiti and Rata. What do we know about Albion and Camris? Have you guys decided on concepts yet?
Hmm
Guys, I would like to apologize for my extended posting absence - the Christmas season has become quite family intensive, so my availability for posting got hit hard. As this week moves along, I will be having more time on my hands.
I did ponder further my character ideas, and I have two concepts that I think would fit in nicely - the first would be a Tulita Moamasu Mai’kal/Fighter(Brawler). I imagine him as a protector for his tribe, and envision the best reason for him to be out and about would be on escort duty for someone - Nefertiti (because she would be a newly arrived on the Razor) or Oren (ever since he left his tribe) seem like the two most immediate choices, though others can easily pop up.
The second one falls more long the lines of my initial Conan feel - an errant traveler looking for adventure, good drink, and coin to be had wherever possible - I don't see him as much of a 'principled' guy, but more of a 'go with the flow' one, jumping from one mercenary job to the next. Not so much a bounty hunter, but more of a hired hand :D
What do you all think?
Either your brawler or your barbarian / mercenary could be made to work. Which one sounds more fun to you?
Personally, I am interested in the brawler. Would I have hired you as my local guide, or did you get assigned to be my "escort" / chaperone / spy when I got permission to preach amongst the Tulita?
Or... Are you possibly my one convert amongst the Tulita?
Hmm