Way of the Wicked Reversed, Be the Heroes of Talingarde (Gestalt)

Game Master parizzio

Alright, I'm running with a few ideas here but to give everyone who might want to try and tie some characters together some fodder, here is what I'm thinking...

Crossbowman (build pending upon GM approval): a former professional soldier under one of the knightly or monastic orders. Peasant stock but remarkably skilled with his chosen weapon. Could be assigned to the party under orders from his previous superiors in return for releasing him from his commission or become tangled up in events as merely an unfortunate civilian. Tries to keep his head down, puts little stock in the concepts of nobility and honor, and freely calls himself a coward.

Anti-knight (Flying Blade Swashbuckler/Spell Warrior Skald): A spell and dagger wielding bard of northern stock. He has a marked dislike for the nobility and a habit of challenging over-confident knights to duels and humiliating them. He operates under a complex, contradictory, but often plot convenient tangle of obligations and favors.

The Witchson (Slayer/Psychic Detective Investigator): Baring the rather unfortunate title with a certain amount of pride, this ex-criminal is bound under a sort of magical parole and forced to do good in an experiment by the clergy. His... unique expertise provide a valuable skill set and new perspective on many matters. Results have been mixed but certainly interesting.

The Broken (Unbreakable Fighter/Telekineticist): A young ward of the Church but certainly not one of its ranks, he is said to have wandered in fro the other side of the wall. He may have been a promising wizard or sorcerer once but some great trauma dealt strange damage to his magical talents, leaving them in a raw and primal state as well as stripping away much of his identity. Despite this, he has begun to demonstrate remarkable abilities that may turn the study of the arcane upon its head

@Cuan - Sounds good.

@Feral - Gary McBride, the writer for FMB (producer of WotW) is pretty notorious for launching two huge kickstarters after WotW and dropping off the radar, he's barely talked to anyone over the last two years. Lots of angry people. I think his last kickstarter pulled 40,000 or so? Ended up getting called into work, I'll mess around with the racial editor when I get back.

@Highonholywater - Submissions can be made until 11:59PM eastern time on Thursday. I'll make the announcements for accepted characters on Monday.

@Sundakan - Ok you win :) I guess dropping the Tears is a pretty big turning point.

@TheGod - Psionics no. Honestly, if I had read the damn book for it by now I probably would have allowed it, I absolutely love 3.5 Psionics. For now, I have to pass, but I am curious if it's as broken in PF as it was in 3.5 As for Occult, I had completely forgotten it was released. Use your best judgement. A kineticist and a psychic might be ok, but you'd have a hard time pulling off a mesmerist or spirituallist; which might be considered witchcraft and consorting.

I'm waiting for some feedback from the GM (after PMing him), but I'm going to be submitting some kind of 9 level arcane caster.

If you read 3.5 Psionics then you know Dreamscarred Press Psionics it is a carbon copy. It can be but the psionic powers scale better than spells do by most if not all accounts.

Augmentation is a little different but honestly it costs to use.
Shocking Grasp cast at level 1 uses 1 level 1 slot. At 5th level it uses 1 level 1 slot but increases its dice to 5d6.
Crystal Shards will also do 1d6 for 1 power point. At 5th level the manifester can augment the power to 5d6 by using 4 additional power points which is the same as using one 3rd level power or one 2nd level and 2 level 1 powers. So you have to pick and choose as you do not have infinite power points so it costs to amplify powers.

Paladin//E. Scion Magus would be a good mix. Cha based full BAB, all good Saves.. poor skills but human favored class could help. Its a suggestion for someone.

Since you're still recruiting, I'll throw my suggestion into the ring, as I played WOTW til the middle of book 3, ran it to the middle of book 1, and have all 7 PDFs for it including the tales expansion. It's my favorite AP and I'm curious to see how Paizo's version compares.

Character Class Cleric/Paladin or Cleric/Inquisitor depending on party rollout. probably the latter.

Race Aasimar (most likely angel-touched based on the specialized racial backgrounds)or Human

Name Bringer of the Holy Light into Dark Places (translated from Celestial)

Background: A foundling discovered on the Phoenix Mount in the Vale of Mitra, Bringer arrived into this world during the height of the last great holy day to Mitra Lightbringer. The child was barely 2 years old, his parents and background a mystery to even the highest members of the order of St. Macharius. The celestials living in the Vale would not or could not comment how a young child had been able to survive for 2 years in such revered heights, but nevertheless the child was accepted into the order.

As the years progressed, Bringer's otherworldly heritage shown through as the child quickly grew into a young man capable of wielding both blade and Mitra's divine gift equally. Many orders competed for this young prodigy, but his heart was called into the Order of the Cleansing Fire. Maintaining both the purity and the focus of Mitra via example, was as important as preventing the influence of foreign gods from corrupting the eventual paradise on Earth the Trifold God had promised his worshippers. Now he has set out to quash rumors that Mitra has allowed the foul taint of Asmodeus to arrive in fair Talingarde, since such dark things can not be true under the light of the one true Trifold Lord of Light.

@The GodGM- That's terrying, 3.5 psionics were buuuuuuuuuuuuuuuusted.

@The Black Blade: Paizo's version? I'm confused. Also, I have the first six books, but I don't have the the tales (or the Aldencross gazette that came with it). Is it worth the buy?

Oh they where not terrying, they are balanced compared to casters at least. Now yes 3.0 Psionics where busted but 3.5 toned them down and balanced out the powers.

Lot of people didn't bother checking the update in 3.5

I'm suffering from having too many fun ideas for this game, making it very hard to decide what I actually want to go with.

Oh they where not terrying, they are balanced compared to casters at least. Now yes 3.0 Psionics where busted but 3.5 toned them down and balanced out the powers.

Lot of people didn't bother checking the update in 3.5

Like how 3.0 telekinetics had...I want to say a 500lb per level weight limit. It was absurd xD

But just for s!&&s and giggles a 3.5 psion at 8th level can:
Turn himself and his psicrystal into a 10 headed pyro(cryo) hydra for 20 breath weapon attacks in a single round.

Split himself in two, then split his mind in two, then quicken a power and have a psicyrstal concentration to manifest and maintain control of five castings of control wind in a round.

Share pain with psicyrstal and take half damage; always and forever.

Let's not get started on the Synchronicity/Anticipatory Strike combo...

xD I loved some 3.5 psionics, but yes...busted.

I dont know what powers give them that ability?

But Dreamscarred did tone down some of the more outragous powers.

In my experiences 3.5 psionics were pretty busted. It may have had the same optimization ceiling as normal 9th level casting but the floor and mid-range were much higher.

Psionic Bloodline Blood Arcanist is a Psychic Arcanist who has access to the full Wizard/Sorcerer spell list.

So that is a hard no on 3.5 Paladin of Freedom correct?
That Eldritch scion Magus with that would be Cayden's boy!

I keep tossing ideas to myself that seem fun and then remembering that the only deity that really is allowed is Mitra so I basically have to file off any divine flavor. =/

In my experiences 3.5 psionics were pretty busted. It may have had the same optimization ceiling as normal 9th level casting but the floor and mid-range were much higher.

lol the ceiling wasn't even similar to where non-psionic casters were, the reason being you could cast somewhere in the range of 20 9th level powers in a given day rather than, say, four or five if your stats were really high, or barring that you could have effectively at will casting of any low level spells you felt like. Power points were just a really hilariously bad way to approach the system the way they did.

Sundakan I was thinking the same. Of course I kinda wanted to do a story where a servant of another god comes in and tries to knock Mitra down a peg.

This is PurpleFruitNewt. Character's ready crunch-wise, fluff in progress.

Rehenza

I dont know what powers give them that ability?

But Dreamscarred did tone down some of the more outragous powers.

@GodGM - Definitely a hard no. I've already had plenty of Paladin submissions. I will say this about Paladins though. I am not super super stict on adherence to the code. Telling one lie isn't going to get you stripped of your power (though it may require some repentance).
Working with (but not directly employing) evil characters is ok, but watching them perform an evil act without intervening is not. You could find creative ways to 'turn the other cheek,'

@Sundakan&TheGM: But that's kind of what this story is about. The APs presentation is all about Asmodeus, this is on Mitras end. This is, a fairly religious war, after all. Mitra isn't the sole deity worshipped in Talingarde, though. Reverence to the dark deities has been prohibited, but many of the other good gods are still worshipped. The only time I Thought it would be out of place would be a Paladin who worshipped another deity.

lol the ceiling wasn't even similar to where non-psionic casters were

I do agree with this, but when we're talking about this from the perspective of a non-caster, it's the difference between being hit with a 10-ton metal club, and being hit with a 10-ton metal club with a nail in it. :)

Divine and Arcane casting were pretty absurd too, at higher levels. I feel pathfinders martial classes (while obviously still not as great at high levels) have been shored up a lot better.

Thanks for the submissions everyone. Tomorrow is the deadline, though I may extend it a few days since I've been so busy with work that I haven't had as much time to communicate with people asking questions about character creation.

@The GodGM- That's terrying, 3.5 psionics were buuuuuuuuuuuuuuuusted.

@The Black Blade: Paizo's version? I'm confused. Also, I have the first six books, but I don't have the the tales (or the Aldencross gazette that came with it). Is it worth the buy?

I was referring to the new Adventure Path Hell's Vengeance. It's a similar AP with evil clashing vs good, though in this case the good forces are the underdogs. Tales is worth the buy if, for nothing else, the extra information on the cities and the ceremony that the PCs can use to transport Talingarde lock, stock and barrel into Hell directly. This converts all of the PCs into devils and destroys Mitra's hold on the game world's prime plane. Plus they have campaign models for Thorn as a vampire, a variety of extra encounters, etc.

I want to do the Paladin/Eldritch Scion angle where he is the follow of Cayden (who is CG but whatever) and values freedom and all that above all else. Seeing the near oppression of the Mitra faith as choking the growth and freedoms of the people of Talingarde.

But if that steps on toes I won't do it.

Here's what I'm thinking for my Elf Fighter/Wizard.
Background and Stats are in the alias bio.

The plan is to stay Dex-based (rapier and light armor), switch from Fighter into the Duelist PrC at level 7, and keep advancing Wizard all the way.

Happy to answer any questions, and I've got some flexibility to make it fit in with whatever the party ends up being, story-wise.

--DeviousDevious

Here is the fluff of my character. Rather than the crunch which I will try to get up by tonight.

Human Paladin//Eldritch Scion Magus (Elemental Bloodline)
Thessan is the thunderer, specializing in the use of Shocking Grasp and his thrown War Hammer. He has an electric personality and while he is LG he is by no means dull. He loves to drink and have fun. But he maintains his good nature throughout.

Paizo boards crashing all day, can't seem to get a post through.

Okay, everything's posted for Rehenza! GM - If you decide to have me along, feel free to PM me if you have any interest in incorporating stuff from my backstory into the campaign.

EDIT: tl;dr version of my character other players - I'm a human ghoul-blooded sorcerer/slayer. Most of my spellcasting is going to be used for battlefield control, utility, and stealth, and I'll plan to do damage using more mundane means. Also I'm skill monkeying pretty hard - social skills, trapfinding... you name it.

Was hoping for at least one more day to work on this. I have a day off tomorrow.

The forums have been balls all day because of the HumbleBundle.

On the plus side, it's a fantastic deal. For ~$17 you can get like $300 of Pathfinder stuff and support a worthwhile charity.

I've been waffling on that just for the Hell's Rebels books (I have just about everything else there in PDF form at least).

I directed some of my friends who are newer to Pathfinder to it and they snapped it up though.

This is Han Del's crossbow submission. I kept his background kind of vague on purpose is case an opportunity to link back stories comes up.

Because of both my hectic work schedule this week, and Paizo's forums being down most of the afternoon yesterday, I'm going to extend the deadline for submissions until Friday evening.

Another day past, another day of Paizo getting wrecked by humble bundle traffic. Again, deadline extended until Saturday evening (and will keep extending on a daily basis until Paizo clears up!)

Waffling between two characters. Similar, largely, but with some differences.

I want to play a Magus. Usual Dex based fare, because the stat arrays available are a bit off for a Str/Mental stat based character who isn't wearing heavy armor.

I'm caught between having Investigator or Swashbuckler as my other class.

The main reason because I want Fencing Grace as quickly as possible, and 6th level is too late for my tastes. But I really want to play an Investigator because the class is cool. But my damage will suuuuuck before I get that Feat. And I hate dipping on casters.

Considering instead making a "fallen knight" character, assuming we seem to be going with the "guard unit" theme.

A sort of blackguard brawler sort. Drunken Master Monk/Fighter or Brawler, or maybe just a Barbarian or Bloodrager/Brawler who drinks a lot to forget whatever he might have done in his past. Still good at heart, but a bit jaded.

Riordan Rothschilde

I'm still here. Just having a little trouble narrowing down what to submit (still). I have several ideas that I'm playing with builds for and have at least the skeleton of a background for; I'm trying to watch what's being pitched and fill in where the gap is but haven't quite nailed it down yet...

Is anyone keeping a list of submissions by any chance?

disclaimer: I hope I didn't miss anyone, sorry if you've updated something and I missed it, and sorry if I characterized your role incorrectly, it's tough w/ gestalt.

Submission list:

Full Arcane Progression:
Rehenza Caravesco - Sorcerer/Slayer [human]
Kyriel of the Whitecaps - Fighter/Wizard [elf]

Martials:
Cal Concord - Bolt Ace/Monk [human]
Thessan the Thunderer - Paladin Magus [human?]
Corporal Vincent - Fighter/Paladin [human]
Allyo Shan - Paladin/U.Summoner [half-elf]
Harrow the Arrow - Ranger/Inquisitor [human]
Riordan Rothschilde - Ranger/Inquisitor[human]

Full Divine:
Nukilik - Skald/Oracle [Naatanuk]
Fiora - Paladin/Oracle [human?]
Bringer of the Holy Light into Dark Places - Cleric/Paladin(or Inquisitor) [aasimar or human]

Skilled:
Marconius the Maven - Magus/Rogue [human]

Riordan is being changed to Ranger(Trapper/Divine Tracker)/Inquisitor

Thank you Devious. I have attempted to make a similar post a few times over the past couple days, but the forums have not been kind to me. It is quite possible/probable that I will delay the start of this campaign until after the humble bundle sale is finished. At this time I am going to limit applications to those who have posted in this thread already, sorry for any new faces popping in now! I have far more applicants than I anticipated and am considering running two tables. If any of you have friends posting here that you prefer to play with, please message me and let me know and I'll try to keep you in the same group. I am grateful for all of your interest, the work and time you've put into your submissions, and the communication I've had with each of you!

how many of the divines are planning to focus on healing and support? (I'm pretty sure Fiora, at least, is more focused on melee)

I don't want to step on any toes but my favorite idea right now is a brother of The Blessed Order of St. Macarius- a life oracle with the wasting curse (and either paladin or merciful healer cleric for his other side)... the basic concept is that his connection to the positive energy plane is so strong that he can't really contain it (he has the wasting curse because his body can't handle the amount of energy that moves through it). He heals people because he sees his abilities as a gift from Mitra that should be used, but also because directing the energy outward provides some relief for him.

Nukilik won't be a channeler but he's supportive and I don't plan to change course in the near future. Bless, barkskin, skald weapon buff, and heroism make him a pretty good melee/combat force multiplier. For healing he's limited to cures.

A character like the Dread pirate might be nice. Like a Ranger(Trapper to get ride of spells)//Magus (Use the arcana to pick up Swashbuckler deeds)

My daily blahblah:

It looks like the message boards are functioning this morning. I'll keep a close eye on them today. If all goes well, I will officially close recruitment today.

Important Announcements

1. I've decided I'm going to run two groups. I will post some of the acceptances today.

2. I mentioned early that I was considering it. Decision made: we will be using the Automatic Bonus Progression rules.

3. More goodies may come as we play and I see how you fare against the villains. Because of the nature of this campaign, you'll be facing a lot of NPCs instead of bestiary monsters. Most of these NPCs are the creations of other players that I've run through the AP, and some of them are particularly nasty. That being said, tinker your builds if need be: godly optimization not necessary, but viability is.

4. Even though you will be fighting a lot of NPCs, monsters will still show up. I tend to use modified monsters (especially with gestalt groups), I find this helps break metagaming too. Knowledge skills come exceptionally handy here! Speaking of knowledges...

5. All knowledge skills will be viable, but even most wizards will be struggling to fill them all. Just some useful notes. Arcana, dungeoneering, nature, and planes will be very useful in combat. History, Local, Nobility and Religion for rp and story. Engineering and Geography, while still useful, won't be used as much here.

GROUP ONE: KNIGHTS OF ALERION

Thessan the Thunderer: Paladin/Magus
Corporal Vincent: Paladin/Fighter
Allyo Shan: Paladin/U.Summoner
Fiora: Paladin/Oracle
XX: Paladin/Bard (waiting on Nate Lange to give me a name).

GROUP TWO WILL BE ANNOUNCED TOMORROW.

Sorry. Auric Lightmane.

A commoner of uncommon birth, Auric was raised in the church of Mitra. His natural ability to inspire others, and his skill at arms lead to him becoming one of the Knights of Alerion, and even a leader among them.

I have a lot of updating left to do but here's my alias. Thanks for the pick, looking forward to this.

By Gods this should be fun.

Cool, will get profile made today.

Just checking in to see the status of Paizo's messageboards. I have a session to run at my home that's about to start in a few minutes. Everything looks good so far, so applications need to be submitted by midnight for group 2. Tomorrow, I will PM each person to let them know they are in and get the threads started.

If you have an idea for your personalized campaign trait, feel free to message me. I'll be re-reviewing each of your builds and backstories myself and sending my own propositions.

OK, alias built.

I will have to think about the trait.