Initial post to open discussion in the new Online Carrion Crown campaign.
Here are the character generation rules/restrictions:
- 20 point buy
- Races in the Carrion Crown Player's Guide (7 core + changeling, dhampir, orc)
- Classes from Core, APG, UM
- Two standard traits + one campaign trait (total of 3)
- Max starting gold
Following posts will include house rules, posting preferences, and my general schedule for updating the thread.
Dotting.
Personality-wise, I see The Slaughter Priest constantly plagued by self-loathing because of his curse.
*Acknowledges*
*Waits*
I'm DMing a Ravenloft d&d 3.5 game.
And I'm loving Curses.
You never followed up on that post stating I shouldn't/couldn't use Undead Servitude or command/manipulate undead at all for that matter.
Could I perhaps craft Curses once in a while in suitable scenarios instead then?
This is just a suggestion. I can see why it wouldn't be allowed. But I find it extremely flavorful.
If you don't know what I mean by Ravenloft's curses that's fine. Its just an idea.
It'd be cool of the Curses were actually put into Carrion Crown as a whole, at least for our game XD. They are incredibly awesome.
Perhaps I can replace the Undead Servitude and the revelation to make undead for a revelation that allows me to craft custom [Bone] spells? I consider myself a good homebrewer of spells. Its also simple to simply describe other spells differently, and/or make minor changes like electric damage to negative energy or something.
Congratulations to all. Happy to be here.
Congratulations to all. Happy to be here.
Not half as happy as I am! Very surprised to have been chosen - some of the other submissions were really solid.
As this is the last chance for changes prior to play, is there anything I should tweak before we begin?
Hey guys, glad to see you all. Should we try to hash out how we're going to resolve potential issues between the heroic characters vs. the more 'monstrous' characters?
I'm really looking forward to this AP And gaming with you guys.
First off, I'm really excited about this campaign and this group. I think it's going to really fun.
@Canaan: Sorry for no response, I'm still thinking over some things but I should have said so instead of being silent. I'll let you know what tonight.
Re: Curses - I'll look at them tonight to see if they make sense.
Re: Custom Spells - I'll think about that too
@Roland: I'm going to read through everything again tonight to make sure we don't have any major issues with characters, but I won't do a complete in-depth review until later this week. I'm not too worried about problems that could be fixed by minor tweaking for now.
@Karl: I'm working to incorporate the "eclectic" nature of the group into the campaign. Hopefully this rationale (once your characters learn about it) will go a long way toward having the group work together toward a common goal, even if they don't become the best of friends.
Will there be some party conflict? Sure, that's inevitable. I'm trying to set the stage so that any issues be settled by discussion rather than combat. I don't want characters fighting inside the party, but I'm working to provide an in-game reason for that restriction, rather than mandating it by fiat.
A few notes and items I want to mention:.
- I'm open to just about any ideas you might have for your characters or to make the game better, so ask if you have questions, suggestions, or concerns. I may not agree, but I'll definitely consider anything you want to bring up.
- I can commit to posting at least once a day, 99% in the evenings between 6pm - 10pm (I'm in Atlanta, so EST). Depending on the action in the thread, and what's going on at work, I will typically manage more frequent postings (up to 3-4/day). If I am going to be unable to post for an extended period, everyone will know in advance. Likewise, if you're going to be absent, please let me know.
- When posting, please use normal text for action, [b for speech, [i for thoughts, and [ooc for player.
- I'm going to use Google Docs for several items including player handouts, treasure summaries, etc. Links will be provided.
- I run combat two ways - the first occurs when everyone describes what they want to accomplish, and I post a short summary of the round without any maps. The other will be traditional grid maps with icons using Google Docs.
- If there are any subjects or topics that cause people discomfort, please let me know. Likewise, please refrain from going into graphic/gory detail when posting. I don't need to read about where every drop of blood landed after the queen's decapitation. Just say her head hit the king in the chest and I'll get the idea. :)
Rolling Dice
Generally, I'll roll for passive abilities (Perception, 80% of the time), and have the players roll for active abilities using [dice in the thread.
For my stuff, I usually roll off-screen and post results. If it's a highly important or dramatic roll, I may do it in the thread.
Changes to the AP
In addition to adding the Harrow deck into actual play, I'm going to be making some tweaks to the Adventure Path. 95% of the campaign will be identical to the books, but I've been reading several threads by people who have run the adventures and I'm going to incorporate some of their suggestions, especially those by the Paizo staff.
Other than that, I'm probably going to amp up the "WTF Horror" factor a few notches. I love the gothic horror theme, so I plan to play that up a bit (hence my consideration of Curses as stated above). Don't worry, I won't go overboard. Too much. :)
Let's get started
Finally, my current plan is to have the first official post in Gameplay on Wednesday evening. Once the game begins, it would be great if everyone could post once/day, even if it's [ooc or [i, it's a huge help to me as the DM. I'll review characters during the first few days of the game, letting everyone know my thoughts as quickly as possible.
Looking back over my character, I think I'm going to change my "Suspicious" trait for the "Scholar of the Great Beyond" trait with the Knowledge (History) focus, and the "Extra Bombs" feat for the "Scholar" feat, with Knowledge (Arcane) and Knowledge (History). Based on my conception of Roland, the Knowledge (History) skill seems like something he should have, and be good at.
I've also moved my Appraise skill point into Knowledge (History), and obtained a dagger - my cane won't do me much good when I get Poison Use next level.
Assuming these changes are OK, I'll alter my stats to reflect them.
I should also make note that my starting alchemical formulas are Comprehend Languages, Endure Elements, Identify, Cure Light Wounds, Enlarge Person, and Shield.
Again, if there's anything else I should consider tweaking prior to the beginning of play, let me know!
Canaan, thought about everything...
Undead Servitude just won't work as written. Commanding and/or manipulating undead will cause too many problems for the character with both PCs and NPCs. Even the rumor of necromancy in certain areas is enough to have some NPC violence break out.
I would prefer to use the ability that I described earlier, a Turn Undead area effect, and a targeted Disruption effect. The actual imagery of the effect is totally up to you.
I'm sorry if this messes up your concept beyond recognition, but I am willing to consider alternatives if you have them.
Curses
Unfortunately, while I like curses, I won't have time to include them for now. I may revisit as the campaign progresses, but I'd rather concentrate on getting off to a good start than to spend time trying to wedge curses in at the beginning.
Creating Spells
As for creating spells. Basically, one week and 1,000 gp per spell level, along with a Spellcraft check DC 15+spell level once at the start of the process, and once at the end. I'm fine if you want to do this, just give me the details for review/approval and we can work it out. Fair warning though, due to the nature of the AP, there won't be many free weeks for spell research.
Hey guys, glad to see you all. Should we try to hash out how we're going to resolve potential issues between the heroic characters vs. the more 'monstrous' characters?
I'm really looking forward to this AP And gaming with you guys.
Yes we should.
The Slaughter Priest is not "wanted" in Ustalav. So bounties from the River Kingdoms don't count hehehe
Further The Slaughter Priest will not commit bloody murder without sufficient provocation. Though a gold piece is known to provoke him hehehe
is there a magical katana in the entire Carrion Crown AP?
I haven't audited all the treasure yet, so I honestly don't know.
That said, based on what I do know, I'd say no. Do we need to have one?
All right, backstory is cleaned up. Please let me know if there are any issues with it or changes you would like to see. Moving on to equipment. And if we're requesting gear, I would not mind a magical Falchion, Mithral armor, etc. I'm also planning for Karl to pick up a Mwk Strength Composite Longbow when he gets enough gold for it.
is there a magical katana in the entire Carrion Crown AP?I haven't audited all the treasure yet, so I honestly don't know.
That said, based on what I do know, I'd say no. Do we need to have one?
And if we're requesting gear, I would not mind a magical Falchion, Mithral armor, etc. I'm also planning for Karl to pick up a Mwk Strength Composite Longbow when he gets enough gold for it.
Anything we don't find laying around in the AP, we could also make purchase of. Ustalav is a little backwater, but it's not outside the realm of possibility to find and buy whatever it is you need.
I meant spells she already knows. Not in the middle of the game sitting around making her own.
Although, I could see her sitting around in like the professors study learning more about her own powers to control them better. But actually crafting new spells? eh, no. She thinks it as a curse, she doesn't want more she just wants more control over it so it never overcomes her.
But what I meant was me, I, create custom spells that are for her character. My entire concept was controlling. And without controlling, necromancers are nothing but Elementalists using negative energy. Which I always hated. To me, Necromancy is not just throwing zombies around or giving people a bit of negative energy damage.
I created an entire class based on Bone based spells, each spell of my own design.
Woa. I just got hit with the desire to create a Necromancer, heavily based off Diablo. I haven't seen one made before...
But yea. The Necromancer from Diablo is true necromancy *nods*. Bones, Curses, Summons, and Toxins.
I can probably have it made by the end of the day if it works out... Maybe I could use it instead if you approve of it. But then, I don't know what I'm going to end up doing yet. *Sets off to work*.
@ Karl: Thanks, I'll check it out tonight.
@ Roland: Totally metagame here, but the campaign is set so that characters either find, or have the opportunity to purchase, appropriate gear for their level.
@ Canaan: Post whatever you have asap so I can review. I'm open to considering the concept as long as it balances well against other classes.
That said, just so I'm clear before you do a bunch of work, no summoning/creating/manipulating undead (or Blood Golems, Skeletal Mages, etc).
@ Roland: Totally metagame here, but the campaign is set so that characters either find, or have the opportunity to purchase, appropriate gear for their level.
So, yeah, like I said, we can buy whatever we don't find. ;)
@Canaan This is totally a last minute thought, and feel free to disregard, but have you considered swapping to the Witch class? A lot of their hexes function essentially the same as curses do, which might be more the flavour you're looking for. I don't know if that would totally mess up what you already had in mind, though.
Just trying to be helpful!
Alright.
I'll get the class workable as soon as possible.
As soon as I get the bare bones up, I'll throw you a link. (Pun not intended until after I said it and noticed I made a pun).
I already have a level one Kitsune Witch character and so far I hate it. Prepared casting sucks horrible manparts. And I have a hard time seeing anything useful in the class until high levels.
So, yeah, like I said, we can buy whatever we don't find. ;)
Pretty much, yes.
Of course, now I'm sitting at work without any of my materials obsessing over whether or not there is a magic katana anywhere in the campaign.
That... and I'm really tempted to convert all the treasure in the first adventure into equivalent katanas.
"As the spider dies and falls to the ground, you spot 1.25 masterwork katanas stuck to its web!"
I'm still working on it. But that is good enough to show it off so far.
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So, yeah, like I said, we can buy whatever we don't find. ;)
Pretty much, yes.
Of course, now I'm sitting at work without any of my materials obsessing over whether or not there is a magic katana anywhere in the campaign.
That... and I'm really tempted to convert all the treasure in the first adventure into equivalent katanas.
"As the spider dies and falls to the ground, you spot 1.25 masterwork katanas stuck to its web!"
If there is a guaranteed magical katana, then I will definitely do some changes to the stats to allow The Slaughter Priest to use such a weapon hehehe
Finally done with the class. I'm unsure about balances however, I don't normally make Pathfinder classes.
@DMHaldhin You didn't actually okay my proposed tweaks up above - is it all fine?
I think I'll also add to my description what (few at this juncture) physical changes Roland experiences when he imbibes his mutagenic elixir.
@ Canaan: I've spent over an hour tonight going through it and I'm still unclear about how everything works. I appreciate you taking the initiative to create something new that might be acceptable, but I'm sorry, it's not going to work for this campaign.
Please keep Oracle, or go with a class from the approved sources that doesn't have undead summoning, controlling, manipulating, etc.
@ Radavel: Katana.
@DMHaldhin You didn't actually okay my proposed tweaks up above - is it all fine?
Sorry! Yes, everything you propose is absolutely okay.
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@ Canaan: I've spent over an hour tonight going through it and I'm still unclear about how everything works. I appreciate you taking the initiative to create something new that might be acceptable, but I'm sorry, it's not going to work for this campaign.
Please keep Oracle, or go with a class from the approved sources that doesn't have undead summoning, controlling, manipulating, etc.
Having started to play this campaign before, I agree that a necromancy-themed character is just not going to fit well. The local populous have a very healthy fear/superstition about such things and would likely drive you out of town. All it'd take is an NPC cleric making a spellcraft check to identify the spell you're casting being from the necromancy school and it'd be over. There's a very heavy role-playing aspect - it's as much a murder mystery as it is combating undead - and it's extremely important to gain and keep the trust of the townspeople in order to progress the story.
I hope I'm not giving too much away by saying that - I just want to let you know that the DM's stance on this isn't likely from any prejudice against the idea, but that it's just really not going to work within the campaign.
"Valar morghulis," says The Slaughter Priest in greeting.
I've got to ask. Where was there a katana in the battle of King's Landing?
only in my version of the episode hehehe
As for personality, I'm seeing Karl as the serious type, with an internal conflict regarding his desire to help others and live up to the potential Lorrimor saw in him vs. his feelings of alienation as a half breed. Also, does anyone want our characters to know each other before the campaign starts? I'm open to it if it's ok with Haldhin
if your character met the Professor during one of his many investigations then you would have met The Slaughter Priest.
Having started to play this campaign before, I agree that a necromancy-themed character is just not going to fit well. The local populous have a very healthy fear/superstition about such things and would likely drive you out of town. All it'd take is an NPC cleric making a spellcraft check to identify the spell you're casting being from the necromancy school and it'd be over. There's a very heavy role-playing aspect - it's as much a murder mystery as it is combating undead - and it's extremely important to gain and keep the trust of the townspeople in order to progress the story.I hope I'm not giving too much away by saying that - I just want to let you know that the DM's stance on this isn't likely from any prejudice against the idea, but that it's just really not going to work within the campaign.
Their spells are Spell-Like and their Path abilites are Supernatural. I don't think "Spellcraft" will identify them, as they cannot counterspell or be counterspelled, I imagine that is because they cannot be identified.
Whats more, if anyone actually read my character; Thats the Point. People don't like her, she likes them. Cycle of Sorrow, and the motivating factor for her trying to do good in the world.
If they could identify her effects, They are either;
Transmutation (Golems, and the abilities that offensively transmute their bone matter)
Evocation (Most the directly offensive abilities)
Conjuration [Creation] (For some of the abilities that create bone matter).
If I actually had a Death domain for spell-like abilities granted from the domains spells, they could be identified as Necromancy. But I intended to go with Fire and Repose.
Canaan is not stupid, she's been exposed to discrimination most her life. She's not going to be doing outright creepier effects in front of civilians, if she must she'd do things that are not creepy. At first level she would be able to use Firebolt and Burning hands, and from Repose she'd be able to use Deathwatch and Gentle Rest, which is no more necromantic then Turn Undead.
She'd then have one path ability, which I was thinking about Dark Fairy (tiny support creature), Wood Golem (medium defensive creature), or Bone Growth (Entangle, but with bones).
^- A complete summary of all the things my character could do. Besides a mere 2 natural armor, that is literally everything at this level.
I just noticed I didn't include Weapons and Armor proficiency. I'll edit that in now. But its just Light Armor and Simple Weapons.
Avoiding peoples ire was the main Roleplay attraction of my character that was clearly what I wanted with all that fluff in my character.
I've updated my statblock to represent the changes, and I'm ready to go!
@Karl & @Slaughter I'd wager Roland has not met either of you, as he never accompanied the Professor beyond the walls of the University of Lepidstadt. However, it IS possible you've been mentioned in the ongoing correspondence he's been sharing with the Professor over the years - that would depend on how much the Professor shared of his adventures. Likewise, it's possible the Professor may have mentioned Roland to either of you - entirely your call.
Canaan, I'd like to play with you and your character, but the GM has said no on your homebrew, and that's his decision as GM.
What about using the Accursed Bloodline from Ultimate Magic and playing a Sorceress? You get to keep spontaneous casting and the bloodline powers totally fit with your backstory.
Just trying to help.
@ Count: You're dead on, and not giving too much away, it's pretty clear early on that Ustalav isn't founded upon welcoming strangers to their lands.
Overall, I'm trying to be as accomodating as I can be, but you're absolutely correct - some 'archetypes' don't work in Carrion Crown. There is just too much potential for some NPC backlash.
@ Slaughter: "Valar morghulis"? Well, I guess that could be Thassilonian...
By the way, what would Lorrimor have called you when conversing with you? Maybe just Priest?
@ Karl: I'm fine with people knowing each other before they "officially" meet
In fact, you all have probably heard of the others in passing (when conversing with Lorrimor), if not actually spent time with each other.
@ Canaan: Not sure if you saw my post from last night (10:12pm EST), but please choose a class out of the approved Pathfinder sources.
@ Roland: Yep, kind of my thinking too regarding correspondence with the Prof.
I chose to ignore it for the time while I made up my mind.
I'm not playing, since my character is denied.
(As normal for denied characters)
Roland & TSP, I'm thinking our characters haven't met face to face, but the professor mentioned us to each other in passing. Maybe TSP was delayed when the professor went to Shudderwood and that's how he was alone when Karl met him.
Well, if Caanan is out, I vote we grab that gnome fire caster, 0orin, I think it was.
I chose to ignore it for the time while I made up my mind.
I'm not playing, since my character is denied.
(As normal for denied characters)
Actually, what I denied was your request to change your character from an Oracle to your homebrew class. I never had any issues with your character's background, or your enthusiasm and interest as a player.
But I am sorry we couldn't work it out. Best of luck in your future gaming.
@ Karl: Oorin is next on my list - I'll message him and ask.
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Canaan, sorry to see you go but I'm glad we worked this out beforehand instead of having conflict once the game started. Better to have expectations set from the beginning.
As for Shanoa knowing any of you, I'd say it's unlikely we've ever actually met. While she traveled extensively after first meeting the professor, most of her interactions with him were by written correspondence.
Quick question, do Karl or Slaughter worship a diety (or multiple?), are they agnostic, atheists, etc?
Karl is not overly religious, but he pays his respects to Erastil, Pharasma, Desna, Gozreh, and Sarenrae.
@ Karl: Okay, that works, thanks.
I'll be making the first Gameplay post later tonight, even if we don't have a 6th character ready to go. I plan to get another player asap, but I don't want to delay the game for one person when the rest of us are willing and able to start.
@DM Haldhin, the Professor called The Slaughter Priest "son", hence, the latter's loyalty.
Good news, Oorin has agreed to join the game.
The Slaughter Priest worships an entity called the Many-Faced God of Death.