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We are small. We are reminded of this daily, by the giants who lumber over the clouds, by the distance that breaks us apart. We are minuscule creatures swarming atop a world far too big for us. But we are not petty. By the gods, the littlest halfling matters just as much as the greatest mountain giant. The path before you is vast, and your footprints are small. They will make a difference nonetheless.
The world has as many names as it has peoples, and it is a populous one indeed. To you as players, though, it is the Scroll: A massive expanse of land and sea with no end in sight. Hi, I'm Kobold Cleaver. Most of you probably know me as the forums' third most prominent s&*#poster. I'd like to run a Play-By-Post.
This is not a campaign with a strict narrative. This is a campaign about a journey—a journey through a strange world most PCs won't have seen a hundredth of. A journey over rivers of oil and haunted mesas. A journey through mineshafts built for giants and forests infested with dolls. A journey made with the help of strange friends and in spite of even stranger foes. Each of you has slightly—or vastly—different reasons for making this journey, but you're all heading to the same destination. It may not be Waiting for Godot, but it is a quasi-sandbox game, and a lot of it will just be about exploring a fantastical world as you make your way across its surface.
System: Pathfinder
Players Needed: 3-7
Posting Frequency Expected: One post per day is expected. If you go longer than two days without posting at all, make sure there's a reason. Even just an in-character prompt for other PCs can help keep the PbP going.
Playstyle: Relaxed, with a heavy mix of roleplay and combat. Expect a rough 50-50 split. I want players who roleplay proactively, who start conversations with one another without always needing a GM's nudge. And I don't run a murderous campaign, but I would rather players worry more about roleplaying their characters than keeping them alive. I'm not out to screw you over, and if a character's death doesn't match the story, there will often be other options for you. Don't be afraid to let bad things happen.
Standard: 15, 14, 14, 13, 10, 10
Specialized: 16, 14, 14, 13, 10, 8
Generalized: 14, 14, 14, 13, 12, 10
Races: Any! No, really. This is a big, weird world. You can take one from third-party, you can create your own, you can take something from 3.5, or you even can be an aasimar, if you insist. You also get a fair bit of leeway over the flavor of that race. Just approve it with me first. Some races already have some stuff set in stone about them, however—see "Setting Details". Races above 15 RP will need to be re-balanced in some way.
Classes: Anything from Paizo is fine. Beyond that, I get reluctant, because that can get difficult to manage.
Hit Point Generation: Max at first, average-rounded-up afterwards. You're all starting at first level.
Backstories: Everyone starts in the quaint little town of Barlily, a fairly religious fishing community mainly comprised of humans. You aren't necessarily from there, of course, though you can be. Regardless, you'll soon be embarking on a journey. The exact destination will be stated at a later date, but for now, I'd like to see some potential motivations when you delve into backstory. Treasure? Glory? Adventure? Escape? Protecting your loved ones?
Note: I do ask that you try not to get too "cobbly" with your stats. It can be easy, especially if you're using PFSRD or HeroLab, to accidentally create a super messy character with features from a dozen different books. It becomes incomprehensible. Be mindful of how many sourcebooks you're referencing. Including links in your profile can help with that.
Also, a lot of non-humanoid races, like the planetouched, don't automatically get darkvision in my game—keep this in mind.
Most of the setting has not yet been fleshed out, but here is most of what has—primarily centered around Barlily, the town the campaign will start out in. House rules are also presented in this doc, containing some important information about skills and classes to keep in mind.
Recruitment will be open for two weeks, and will close around December 3rd. After that, I'll make my selections. There may be a "bonus slot" for short-term play, but we'll see if there's much interest first.
I would like to see by December 3rd:
Character build concepts (class/race/specialties).
Some bare-bones backstories and/or personalities and/or character goals.
your setting document is not open to the public.
Are you okay with multiple character submissions (not expecting to play multiple)? I have a a concept I already had thought up that I want to play, but I also want to see what i can do with your open-ended race guidelines.
Oh no! Fixed that. Can't have an open world without an open world doc, right?
Sure, you can give multiple submissions!
Sweet! Please give me a maximum, otherwise I am going to be flooding this thread, because this sounds awesome.
Hm. Consider me intrigued.
The maximum is three. That seems like a good arbitrary rule to live by. :)
Ok thanks, sounds good.
Hey KC, despite our friendly rivalry I'd love to get in on one of your games, and since you opened up to any races, I was wondering what you think of a sprite PC. They're just plain my favorite race. They're a bit powerful, so I could see you dropping their racial SLAs and ability to see constantly in detect evil/good if you'd want.
This guy is my first submission (Dotraj). He is practically finished, but the gear should change a bit. Are we using standard starting wealth by class?
Edit: And the links, I'll get the links up too.
A sprite could be very interesting. Some modifications would be necessary, you're right, but it depends on the class you pursue. A sprite barbarian, for instance, could probably go entirely unmodified. ;D
Yeah, we'll use class wealth—average or rolled, your choice.
I was thinking an unchained rogue, to be honest, or perhaps a potential arcane trickster with fey sorcerer. I always liked the idea of the little guy with basically a toothpick who nicks an artery really bad. The whole "stepping into their square to attack" downside turns out, in practice, to be pretty rough, tbh.
I've never gotten to play a centaur. Would dropping the advanced Str/Dex/Con make it workable.
I'll definitely start kicking some ideas around. Something more open would be a good change of pace for me right now, I think.
Also, continual flame seems (going by your restrictions on easy darkness piercing) like it could put a damper on the low-light campaign you appear to be going for. You might want to do something about that too.
I'd say the centaur would be okay if you ditched the advanced scores and the natural armor.
TGTG, I think the "stepping/fluttering into their square to attack" downside is a good balancer for a sprite unchained rogue. A sprite caster would be pretty powerful, but making them an arcane trickster does cut back on that. :P
For the record, my concern isn't so much overpowered characters—a strong party can be matched by more challenging encounters, after all—as unbalanced characters who render other partymembers redundant. So that's the way I'll be looking at potentially powerful builds.
Also, continual flame seems (going by your restrictions on easy darkness piercing) like it could put a damper on the low-light campaign you appear to be going for. You might want to do something about that too.
Oh, good catch! For now, it's not a big concern—nobody is high-level enough to cast it right now, after all. If anybody wants to spend that much on it at startup...well, we'll see.
I like the idea, and I like going about character creation as a concept exercise! Some initial character concepts before I narrow things down:
An Elven Eldritch Scoundrel Rogue who travels to 'hack' and break the many magical traps and ancient wards of the world. He sees it as asserting his dominance as the best spellcaster in the world if he can tear apart the enchantments and best laid spells of other mages. If there happens to be treasure behind those traps and wards, well... finders keepers right?
A Half-Elven/Human Unchained Monk who is the Prince of another land. The duties of the noble court bored him to tears and caused him no end of stress. His royal tutor was a learned Monk who had always wanted to travel the world but never had the opportunity. His tutor taught him not only mentally, but also physically in the martial arts. When his tutor passed away he vowed to travel the world in his tutor's stead. Deep inside he cannot help but wonder if he used his beloved tutor's death as nothing more than an excuse to shirk his duties.
A Gnomish Summoner who comes from a long line of vintners. When the family vineyard fell on rough times he struck a Faustian bargain with a sinister being rumoured to dwell in a nearby shrine. In exchange for saving the vineyard the being bound himself to the Gnome. This binding takes the form of an eidolon made up of the sinister being's quintessence. The Gnome is bound to travel the world with the Eidolon at his side with no understanding of the being's plans.
A Dwarven kineticist who lived in the warm tunnels of a volcanic mountain with his clan. One day their home erupted explosively leaving nothing behind but a caldera and one confused young Dwarf with newly minted powers of fire. The volcano was carefully kept in check by the Dwarves so he suspects foul play. With nothing to go on and nothing left to lose he ventures out into the world with a sense of vengeance in his mind and wonder in his heart.
An Android/Wyrdwood (whichever you think fits the world better) Magus/Arcanist who 'awoke' in an odd tomb/temple like structure with no knowledge of how it came to be there or even where it came from. It has the ability and know-how to cast spells and knows how to fight. It leaves its tomb behind and sees a starry sky that goes on forever and a great river that reflects it. A strange wanderlust awakens in the automaton and it begins to walk along the roaring river.
Very Interested...will tweak the alias soon
Alright--my interest is piqued.
I have a question, though--if I wanted to submit a Ninja, would I be allowed to take Weapon Finesse for free like an Unchained Rogue does?
Hmmm... I'm thinking Kitsune Ranger would be a cool character to do. An archer and hunter who loves nothing more than seeing what's over the next hill, wandering for the sheer thrill of discovery. Also for the fun of surprising people who don't know he can turn into a fox-person.
I'd say that yes, ninjas get Weapon Finesse.
I'd say that yes, ninjas get Weapon Finesse.
:)
Prepping an elven ninja for your perusal. :)
Very intriguing, I have wanted to build a race but hadn't found the game or the time.
K.C. what would the level of firearms be in your campaign?
Never mind found it in the House Rules/Setting Info. Let me see what I can put together.
So, for cleric deities, should we make them up, give em a portfolio, favored weapon, and domains and just try to be thematic about it?
Currently debating whether I want a Travel Cleric, an Archaeologist Bard, Barbarian, Bloodrager, or Fighter, or some multiclassing within those. I feel I want a really fast and mobile person with lots of fighty options, to take advantage of my base 50 ft speed. Thematically, a roving wanderer, already out to explore the world, but got stuck in Barlily by a leg injury, and has hung out a little longer than intended after making friends.
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For the most part, with the exception of Barlily's patron goddess, the gods you hear about during your journey will be pulled from the creations on the Pantheon Generator thread. A full list of deities can be found here, if you want to just scroll past the portfolios or search by domain. Otherwise, you can browse the thread until you see a deity you like.
You can also totally come up with your own.
In the area you're starting out in, dwarves are frequently regarded as sneaky and greedy, and are often mistakenly connected to fey.
For several months I have been considering a fey character using the race builder. I realize 'thegreenteagamer' has shown interest in a sprite so I don't want to step on his toes; but since the Dwarves are 'mistakenly connected' to fey are there any dwarf-like fey running around? That would be an interesting place to start a build, Gimli with butterfly wings, just makes me giggle.
I'd be open to that idea. :)
You and TGTG could also consider some sort of connection, potentially. Perhaps there's some sort of Seelie/Unseelie Court or the like you both hail from.
I'd be open to that idea. :)
You and TGTG could also consider some sort of connection, potentially. Perhaps there's some sort of Seelie/Unseelie Court or the like you both hail from.
Interesting idea, of course the only thing I know about those is what I learned from Harry Dresden...
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Thinking about a kindercloak or a blesmolfolk. Will have more of a concept tomorrow, but I'm thinking about some sort of socialite-type.
I'd be open to that idea. :)
You and TGTG could also consider some sort of connection, potentially. Perhaps there's some sort of Seelie/Unseelie Court or the like you both hail from.
Based on this idea, would you be apposed to an inquisitor that instead of following a religion followed one of the courts?
Not at all. That sounds very potentially interesting and unexpected.
Looking at playing a kasatha, but they are 20 RP. I can't come up with a good compromise. I like the fluff abilities, and don't think they should be sacrificed, but at the same time the powerful mechanics are what drew me to them.
I looked into the weaknesses in race builder, but didn't see much of use. The only legal weakness was negative energy affinity, which doesn't make a ton of sense.
Wait! Unless we tie them to the River Styx... Ok, so I think I can get them to 17 RP by adding Negative Energy and giving them a standard ability score set (add a penalty). Not sure what the penalty would be though, I'm open to suggestions (and not just from Kobold Cleaver). And if you say I can add an elemental weakness, then a weakness to cold will reach 15!
Edit: But now they are desert dwellers with ties to the River Styx... Can the other side be seen from Barlily? I'm thinking that they live on the other side.
Edit II: Here it is, assuming Kobold Cleaver is okay with the vulnerability. Only problem I see is that they got Perception as a class skill, but it is still a powerful enough race as is
Kasathas are a nomadic humanoid race from a desert world that orbits a red sun.
They are a clannish and secretive people with a matriarchal society, but other races have difficulty recognizing any physical difference between females and males. They keep their mouths hidden behind clothing, and don't remove this clothing in the presence of other races. They are omnivores, but prefer meat and salty foods. Upon reaching adulthood, many kasathas leave their clans to search the world for adventure or treasure. A renegade few decide to forsake their clan and spend their life adventuring. This ritual "tempering" allows young adults to undergo a period of self-discovery before they assume their adult responsibilities.
Ability Score Racial Traits: Kasathas are nimble and perceptive, but not accustomed to terrestrial culture. They gain +2 Dexterity, +2 Wisdom, and -2 Charisma) (0 RP)
Type: Humanoid (kasatha) (0 RP)
Size: Kasathas are Medium creatures and have no bonuses or penalties due to their size. (0 RP)
Base Speed: Kasathas have a base speed of 30 feet. (0 RP)
Languages: Kasathas speak Common and Kasatha. A kasatha with a high Intelligence score can choose from the following: Dwarven, Draconic, Gnoll, Orc, and Sphinx. (0 RP)
Defensive Training, Greater: Kasathas have a +2 dodge bonus to Armor Class. (4 RP)
Desert Runner: Kasathas have a +4 racial bonus on Constitution checks and Fortitude saves to avoid fatigue, exhaustion, and other ill effects from running, forced marches, starvation, thirst, and hot or cold environments. (2 RP)
Stalker: Stealth is a class skill for kasathas. (1 RP)
Spinal Sword Proficiency: Kasathas treat kasatha spinal swords as martial weapons.
Jumper: Kasathas are always considered to have a running start when attempting Acrobatics checks to jump. (2 RP)
Desert Stride: Kasathas move through non-magical difficult terrain in desert environments at normal speed. (1 RP)
Multi-Armed: A kasatha has four arms. One hand is considered its primary hand; all others are considered off hands. It can use any of its hands for other purposes that require free hands. (4 arms; 8 RP)
Elemental Vulnerability, Cold: The desert dwelling kasatha are not native to this world. Their home world is a scorching place, and the kasatha have never quite adapted to this new temperate climate. As a result, they have vulnerability to cold damage (-2 RP)
Negative Energy Affinity: While it is uncertain how the kasatha came here or how long they have been here, but they have lived on the northern side of the River Styx long enough that it has changed them. (-1 RP)
While he probably has a bit more information about her, I think the idea was that we build on the little information he gives us with our own imaginations.
I think that was the general idea. I'd just keep in mind what little we do know is concrete about her.
This is my second submission (I know you haven't ok'd the kasatha at all, but you seem open to whatever race wise, I can easily change it, and I have literally nothing to do today). You mentioned to talk to you about powerful builds, so I thought I'd give you fair warning on him. Most of the crunch is done, it's all in the profile.
Edit: I always forget to mention who it's an alias of (Dotraj)! I know it's probably obvious, but it seems like a helpful thing to just say outright.
Looking at playing a kasatha, but they are 20 RP. I can't come up with a good compromise. I like the fluff abilities, and don't think they should be sacrificed, but at the same time the powerful mechanics are what drew me to them.
I looked into the weaknesses in race builder, but didn't see much of use. The only legal weakness was negative energy affinity, which doesn't make a ton of sense.
Wait! Unless we tie them to the River Styx... Ok, so I think I can get them to 17 RP by adding Negative Energy and giving them a standard ability score set (add a penalty). Not sure what the penalty would be though, I'm open to suggestions (and not just from Kobold Cleaver). And if you say I can add an elemental weakness, then a weakness to cold will reach 15!
Edit: But now they are desert dwellers with ties to the River Styx... Can the other side be seen from Barlily? I'm thinking that they live on the other side.
Edit II: Here it is, assuming Kobold Cleaver is okay with the vulnerability. Only problem I see is that they got Perception as a class skill, but it is still a powerful enough race as is ** spoiler omitted **...
I guess the answer would be, "it can't now", since the idea of people from the far side of the Styx is interesting.
Can you tell me a bit more about the goddess Flicker?
I can tell you her domains, at any rate:
Death, Fire, Water, Repose, Travel. She is a Neutral goddess. You can pick favored weapons and such that suit you.The kasatha seem alright, but I would caution you about hailing from another world. This is a strictly medieval setting—guns are new and exotic, and not only is interplanetary travel not a thing, the very existence of other planets might not be.
I have never seen Words of Power in play, nor have I thoroughly examined the rules. So I'm not sure. It sort of reminds me of the system from Magicka (the video game). From what I can see, they seem fine.
No technology is necessary to travel the void of space in Pathfinder! ;)
There are spells, artifacts, and creatures capable of carrying creatures between planets. Namely off the top of my head Interplanetary Teleport, Elf Gate, and Astral Leviathan.
That all said, I was thinking along the lines of technology you're right. Let me know how you feel about these, or something along similar lines to one of them, and if you still think they should be from Scroll, then I'll change it.
The kasatha seem alright, but I would caution you about hailing from another world. This is a strictly medieval setting—guns are new and exotic, and not only is interplanetary travel not a thing, the very existence of other planets might not be.
I'm not totally against a species that came from a distant world, but I am a bit leery. Part of the point of making it a "big world" is that people don't have to come from some other plane or planet.
Would you be opposed to a Painterlilly? I love the idea of a living painting or someone who has suffered a magical or cursed, leaving them 2dimensional. It's a unique concept, I've yet seen payed. I know it's odd, but I'm aware of very few games besides this one where it could work. 11RP
I was considering a papercraftjng themed caster who used paper related spells. Maybe a summoner with origami summons? Here is an bard archetype with a relative template
Painterlilies are fine. That's a neat archetype, and I'd allow it, though Irresistible Storytelling seems slightly mediocre.
Those all seem interesting, though the pixie would need some adjustments—Pixie Dust is a pretty powerful ability as-written. The grig would have a similar level of caution to the sprite, essentially depending on what you want to do with it.
Sorry, got carried away with all the ways to get between planets and forgot about that other part. You make a good point, and I agree with you. I'll change the fluff around to fit.
Edit: FYI I put the whole race in the alias profile for Ispthd.
Out of curiosity, how do you pronounce his name? :P
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I'm up in the air about submitting one, but I was interested in the concept so I statted up a conversion of the Diopsid, if anyone wants to use it.