Spheres of Power
Equipment Rules (Mojo)
Thematic Feats
Gestalt Characters
This campaign is slotted for 4-6 PCs, 2 slots of which are reserved. I ask that you are active and are willing to post at minimum once every other day. (You may provide notice of absence if you make plans and need to leave for a while, but please don't disappear or I will consider it a drop out.)
I'm a fan of Recruitment via RP. (This need not be your actual campaign character.)
Starting Level: 6th Level
Ability Scores: Pick your scores as you like between 3-18 and apply racials after these choices are made. Please be respectful, but your numbers can be high.
Equipment: We'll be using the mojo and equipment system linked above. Please go by 'par' values for WBL.
3rd Party Content: Generally open to it, but by approval please. (No Godlings, PoW, or Shadow Assassin) Bad Memories, Don't Ask.
Mojo: Your gold wealth is not linked to your magic wealth. You can have as much gold as you like, but it does not equate to magic items as normal. Gold in this case is linked mostly for general expense purposes.
Mojo Cont.: Special Materials count against your magic wealth.
Gear: You may get any travelling supplies/mundane items you wish, but please, again, be reasonable. (I will tone you down if need be.)
Magic Talents: Double Casters only receive the bonus +2 Magic Talents for choosing a casting class once.
A wizarding competition has begun between the greatest wizards of the current era, and to preserve the realm they have created a large plane of existence and selected champions to compete in a challenge of survival. You are among the champions selected.
You find yourself in a fairly bustling bar. Many folks enjoy their drink of choice. You can see some gnomes creating a decently sized gambling corner. You've even heard rumor of a test of strength down stairs.
Regular Text: Character Action.
Bolded Text: "Speech." :: May use spoilers if speaking in a language besides common, but please remember to bold.
Italicized Text: Thoughts or Telepathy. :: Telepathy may also be put in a spoiler tagged with the target's name.
Hi, I'm one of the reserved slots just thought i'd introduce myself before I made the character and got into the RP.
This sounds fun but I will have to read up on spheres of power.
Glad to hear it Uthraed, if you need any help, feel free to ask us, always glad to help.
All extra rulesets are linked above for quick reference, if a link isn't working let me know, but I'm glad to see interest :)
Very Interested, looking to do a mix with a normal class and Spheres of Power to see how it bans out. I want to make somekind of magic blaster type with high int or Cha.
I am loving all the attention Spheres of Power is getting. I am intrigued by the system and having reasons to make new characters will help me learn it quite a bit more.
Not sure what I want to play yet, but once I get a remotely close idea, I will dive into the RP.
I want to see if i can maybe make a character that creates some kind of tank (like the weapon, not the party role) for the party to roll around in, or at least for himself to roll around in.
I'd say check out the 3rd party class Machinesmith, and the Mechanus Greatwork
Definitely interested. Just curious, is the mojo ruleset for equipment available for HeroLab?
Sorry, Demon, unfortunately it is not, but I can always help with anything you need.
I have played a Machinesmith before, and I liked it but felt it was extremely sub-par. At least for me. I haven't been that good at optimizing since 3.5.
I think a Thunderscout from Thunderscape would be a little better on that front. Not that I am dying to try it, but would that be available?
Reading through the OP again, and either I missed it, or there's no mention of available races.
That is true, Demon, for the most part I'll accept all paizo within reason, if you feel like your race might be given a double take, just approach me, I'll look it over and approve or deny.
Third party races follow third party rules stated above.
I'm not very picky and I encourage creativity. I've accepted custom races before, but with that I want to chat before that process begins. (If it begins.)
Thanks for the prompt responses. I'll see what I can work up.
I'm doing my best, mostly because I'm awake and have been thinking a lot on pathfinder lately, so I have this tab to refresh often. I work a 40 hour week so expect that I'll be absent at times :P
Also for those present, again, the RP for the session exists, I enjoy the interest thoroughly, but I'd like to get a good feel for all of you :) So please, indulge.
Dotting. Going to look over some stuff because as I recall, Spheres of Power has some unexpected options. Shapeshifter friendly, I believe, which is intriguing.
Do you allow Psionics?
Unfortunately, I'm going to rule out Psionics for this one.
Would this be a PvP campaign? Or a group of party members working together to survive in a competitive setting against other groups?
This campaign is going to have PvP elements, but I assure you all PCs will be allied unless in game tensions arise beyond my control lol
So most like your second option.
I am thinking of a Fey Adept/Incanter with Illusion, Telekinesis, Creation, and Warp. Maybe another sphere like Life or Weather if I can fit it in.
Okay! I'm in, then. Got an idea for a mage who creates magical effects by slowly sculpting things, but I realize that might run into some drawbacks...
If I have casting on each side of the gestalt, can I keep them separate, with separate SP pools, talents that can't interact, and separate casting traditions? I'd only apply the +10 to one side, but currently thinking of going incanter/bloodrager.
Thunderbeard, that sounds interesting, the split SP pools would be doable, but there would be a splitting factor to it that we could discuss.
Basically I wouldn't want to give a high amount of extra SP due to game breaking, even if they can't be used together, used apart is just as devastating in most cases.
If I have casting on each side of the gestalt, can I keep them separate, with separate SP pools, talents that can't interact, and separate casting traditions? I'd only apply the +10 to one side, but currently thinking of going incanter/bloodrager.
I believe that is possible with different casting traditions.
The traditions is possible, but the SP Pool, is a special request.
Oh—are you saying I'd be taking the higher SP pool of either side, and getting no SP from the other side? I can probably work with that if necessary, though I'd expect it to be more limiting if the two talent paths couldn't use each other's SP...
Basically, I want to have two casting traditions that in no way overlap (I'm thinking of focusing one on simple, small, utility effects that can be used anytime, and the other requiring large amounts of time and planning to create a few big and interesting effects—one caster side would be reliable but low-caster level magic with a small SP pool, and the other side would require extended, prepared, and maybe skilled or material casting)
----RP----
A small Tannish-yellow Kobold, wearing A Dark Woolen Over coat with many pockets keeping his possessions secure. he also wears a Similarly Dark wide-brimmed hat, he adjusts it occasionally to keep the sun and bright lights out of his eyes. When he takes off his coat he wears simple traveling wear that you'd attribute to a foreign land of a colder climate, well crafted out of Cotton's and some silk.
I walk calmly into the bar looking for any possible tables sized for small folk, if there is none I take a seat at a "normal" unoccupied table. I sit down resting my legs from a days travel before searching the room for some service.
----RP End----
My character is melee oriented mixing shape shifting and armorist to stay armored and equiped for various encounters. With bluff, disable device, and stealth being his highest skills.
RP
Sitting at a bar between two pillars supporting the roof... Not the bar, mind you, a bar, sits a gnome in all-weather clothing similar to what the kobold wears, sans hat. He sits on a high stool, the cross-beams of which present a serviceable ladder for short folk.
"Come for the challenge, eh? You can sit here if you want. Us small folks gotta stick together."
RP
"So, I guess that means you came for the challenge as well?" I ask as I take a seat next to him at the appropriately sized bar. I rub my leg to soothe the day's sore.
Hey guys, I'm the other reserved spot, just thought I'd say hey and get to know you guys.
I'm going to be running a very special charging based fighter/sphere paladin.
RP:
I sit at the bar, eating whatever food they served. A lance protrudes over my shoulder while I eat. I try to tone out the sound of the busy bar. I sigh to myself I shouldn't be wasting time here. I should be out chasing down the evils of this world
Ah, found the RAW on my earlier question.
If a player or GM wishes a player to follow two traditions (similar to creating a wizard/cleric in traditional Pathfinder), they may do so. When gaining a level in a casting class beyond their 1st, the caster may apply that casting level to a new tradition. They gain an entirely separate set of spheres, talents, caster level, spell points, drawbacks, and boons, which are determined similarly to but completely separate from the first set. When creating a magical effect, they must choose which of these traditions (and its associated spheres, talents, spell points, etc.) they will use; they cannot use aspects of one tradition to empower the other.
Whenever the caster gains a level in a casting class, they must decide which of their traditions that casting class level will be applied to for gaining spell points, casting level, and talents.
So if I split my casting pools, I keep the two types of magic entirely separate. (Only one gets the +2 talents). It's unclear whether both spell pools get the +SP from a mental stat, but if the GM prefers splitting SP I'll let them decide that one—if not, I'll keep two separate groups of talents that pull from the same pool.
GM Panic here.
I want to see if I can get a warlock built and working, seeing what I will use on the other side. She will be a blaster, not to strong and dos that much equipment, I have a PC I was working Ill use here.
A tall slender woman gets up and walks to the bar, three things mark her out. 1: She is dressed in an all black well made and simple uniform. 2: The only thing she has in the way of a weapon is a combat Knife on her belt, and a few pouches on her belt. No back pack or adventuring gear at all. In fact by the looks of her no armor as well.
Age N/A Height 5'9" Weight 41lb, Hair: Jet Black, Eyes: Jet Black Body: Slender and short, Skin Pale white, Voice: Husky: CN:
Lady Blake is tall, slender, a well-defined, beautiful female Dhampir. Jet black hair, pale blemish free skin, jet black glinting eyes. Clothing. Her clothing is a fine black uniform with the Silver Insignia that points her as being in the Intelligence corp Officer. It's practical and it speaks of a highly civilized look. Around her wast is also a light well made utility belt from which hangs at times a combat Blade, a pouch and some kind of small oval like device. She seems to be always clean. Anna seems a statuesque of unearthly human beauty. In ideal conditions she could even pass for human, but then again her movements seem unnaturally fluid and perfect. That may give away her true heritage but the one thing that dos, is the fangs, that and drinking human blood, for she is Vampire-Kin.
"Nice to see the Bar so full on a weeknight"
She says with a light smile, there is confidence and control in that voice.
Okay! Will update SP stuff as necessary, but I have a build.
My basic idea was a character who could summon an extremely talented orchestra, all day long if necessary; but I figured as long as I was burning an entire half of the gestalt on nothing but summons, I might as well give them a bit of utility. Tried not to make it too game-breaking, but there's a bit of useful party buffs stored in each of his conjuration pets, and can scale the effectiveness up or down pretty easily (assigning 24 talents was harder than I expected).
Story summary (until I get around to writing it properly) is a former barbarian warlord with tons of tactical cunning and skill at song magic/stone-totem-summoning, who had a change of heart and decided to give up a life of violence in order to bring people joy as a musician. (With teaching music to his stone-carved totem beasts as a sort of swords-into-plowshares decision, leading to a musical group he calls his "Rock Orchestra"). Dan wants to show off his magic, not his fighting skills, but he carries around a giant sword anyway and will probably wind up having to use it quite a bit.
* * *
Tavern:
A hulking man leans against a wall in the corner of the tavern, well over six feet tall—though some of that may be in his boots. Dan'drik of Redmaw seems a bit out of place among the rogues and wizards and smallfolk, as he stands comfortably in his spiked armor, tribal tattoos coating every inch of bare forearms. In his hands he holds a massive accordion—elegantly inlaid with rare woods and metals, and sized for a giant, its octagonal key plate the size of a serving tray—and truly, this might be a weapon more frightening than the gleaming greatsword at his side, were he not playing it with surprising softness and emotion.
Next to the musician sits a bear skull, its top hollowed out and "Howling Dan, the One-Man Band" scrawled on the side in crusty ink. A few coppers have been tossed into the skull, but for the most part, it's a slow night.
So when he hears talk of the challenge, his ears perk up. Carefully, he closes and holsters the accordion, making sure to avoid any sudden and loud moves. Leaving the bear's skull behind, he kneels next to the short folk, and waves a hand in solemn greeting. "I... heard... the competition?" Dan rumbles. "Rather hard to get information out in the Northern Mountains. Just arrived yesterday... is there news?"
RP
"Yes, i find myself drawn to these things like a moth to flame, the small fey responds tot he kobold. Turning to the hulking man who just stepped in, he answers, "No new news that I've heard. Just that it'll be in this town sometime. Judging by all the varying types of people here, I think it'll be soon. I don't think a town could sustain this fever pitch for long."
|
Too many people. Some of these folks ain't even gonna make it to the trials. Lots o wanabees and couldashouldas, I'd say. Some o them have real power. But have they talent? Anyone can learn how to kick ass. How many can do it with flair?
Krenkaw entered slowly, taking in the many faces in the place. His oily black feathers shone in the flickering light. His beady, haunted black eyes darted about the room, assessing those playmates appearing before him. His loose tan shirt and dark pants showed signs of travel, but his boots were immaculate.
Once satisfied he had the feel for the room, he moved with blurring speed to the bar. A little bit of showing off never hurt.
"Barkeep, got anything rotten you were going to throw out? I've got a taste for carrion and was in too much o a hurry to pick something up on the road. And, perhaps some stout to wash it down." He knew the effect his eating habit had on humans, but, today, he just didn't care.
After finished, I also replied to the man "I'm afraid I likely know less than you, I just arrived this very minute". I adjust myself on the stool trying to get my coat and tail over the back end of the stool. "I hope it lives up to expectations".
At this point I take a quick glance at the figure that burst through the room, sizing him up for a moment, perhaps a bit startled, before quickly returning to his usual demeanor.
"Yeah, I hope so too. So many interesting people here. I hope I can live up to the challenge."
After finishing my food and drink. I stand up, walk out the bar and mount my hippogriff. I then proceed to fly away.
"Barkeep, got anything rotten you were going to throw out? I've got a taste for carrion and was in too much o a hurry to pick something up on the road. And, perhaps some stout to wash it down." He knew the effect his eating habit had on humans, but, today, he just didn't care.
Krenkaw finds himself standing next to a stall slender pail skinned human, in a finely made black uniform, its simple also with well kept boots. There is just one single insignia on it, small and silver. She smiles at you, its then you note the fangs.
"I see you like your pray hung for a few days. I myself like it a little more fresher."
She takes a sip of her deep red and viscus drink.
How fascinating, a lot of talent here, most magic users and sell swords. I have a feeling this challenge may be fun to be around.
She turns and says to all at the bar.
"So who would like something fine to eat and drink while we wait, I am Lady Anna Blake, I have had a long table set up, so we can sit and eat at leisure. Much more civilized than stool at the ever more crewed bar, no?. Yet close enough so you can get more drink yes?. So come join me and we can all sit and talk about interesting things to each other"
She points to a long table where an fine assortment of foods and drinks have been placed. Her accent is not local, but her common is well spoken.
She is comming on nicely, just checking somethings.
GM, just a clarification... the Spheres of Power are optional, correct? If I want to run a normal wizard, will I be allowed?
Considering the game is advertised as a Spheres campaign, I doubt it. But I could be wrong. Though requiring Spheres for 4 level casters is a bit of a pain IME.
----
Two characters I'm considering, a more happy go lucky monk-ish sort, and a sterner "wild man" type, most likely from the land of the Linnorm Kings. Will probably have a sample RP for one of the other up tomorrow.
I personally like to min-max for things useless in combat (here: perform (keyboard) and craft (sculpture)) and then figure out what kind of personality it gives me. Although incanter seems a pretty safe choice for a wizards' tournament game.
* * *
Tavern:
Dan'drik gives the crow at the bar a strange look—but he's seen stranger, and eaten worse, and so he turns back to the small folks. "Has anyone been to the basement yet? It sounds a bit pedestrian, but that might be a way to get a foot in the door."
GM, just a clarification... the Spheres of Power are optional, correct? If I want to run a normal wizard, will I be allowed?
Sphere of Power only I'm afraid.
"I haven't. I heard there were contests of strength there, but strength is not my... strength. Haha!"
Apologies all, I was a little more late today than normal due to the fact I had a rescheduled dentist appointment, but I'll be here for the rest of the night.
@Thunderbeard: I'm going to, based mostly upon your character idea, allow you the separate SP pools in the full, but I will make a notation that this is very much subject to on a character by character basis as I don't want min-maxing potential from it to become the norm.
@Sir Longears: As Bandw2 stated, it is not an option, all casting will be converted to spheres.
General Note: All questions aimed at me may be aimed at Bandw2 or Hollyora (and subsequently the new named character.) As they can reach me when I'm not at my computer.
@Reckless/Krenkaw: The barkeep looks at you unamused, "What kind of establishment do you think this is? I can't feed you filth, think of the image I'd obtain!" She turns to go back in the kitchen and brings out a platter of very elegant looking food for you after a little while. "Now enjoy your meal please, first drink and meal are on the house tonight."
The gnome's gambling corner gets a little more rowdy as you hear a very large half-orc getting more and more loud as he is most likely winning big.
A very burly, scarred, and true to his heritage, very drunk dwarf approaches the small group gathered around and less than subtly says to the group of those shorter than himself and the giant among them, "Aye, we have quite tha trial downstairs! Be prepared ta give it yer all! Went a few rounds m'self and managed ta come out tha victor, as always!"
@GM: Sounds good! If it's alright, I've shifted talents around a bit (weakened summons slightly in order to put the +2 talents on the mageknight side) in order to have a bit more to play around with there. (Added Size Change and Mass Alteration, so that Dan's battle shouts can give multiple party members elemental forms at the same time; also it'll be cool to turn into a giant made of stone, but if that's too powerful a use, let me know). Otherwise, I should be done with the mechanics.
* * *
Tavern:
Dan eyes the dwarf with suspicious amusement, noticing the man's extreme intoxication. "If you are the usual victor, not sure I'd be giving it my all. But sure, I'll bite; is it just down the stairs?"
The dwarf gives a hearty laugh, "Aye! Just down stairs!" He then heads back downstairs himself.
Right, and Dan follows him, then, pausing just a second to see if any of the others follow.
"Well, suppose that's it then" I hop down from the stool. "Not sure if I'll compete or anything but I do love these sort of things where ever I go." Then I casually walk toward's the stairs and head down.