Also, I looked at Grukk's profile and he doesn't seem to specify his performance type. The avatar and parentheses after Summon Instrument seem to suggest Wind Instruments, but it couldn't hurt to jot it down for the record.
Speaking of, Grukk's assortment of weapons reminds me that I should probably look into additional weapons for Bolkin. The Flail is handy given how many Free Hand Fighter abilities rely on Disarm, but having a wide range of utility weapons would be nice, especially since FHFs don't seem to focus on a specific weapon class quite as much as most Fighters (though they are limited to one-handers).
I updated my own profile again, didn't see that I actually required a preformance skill to do the bardic preformances even though it seems like a big DUH. Currently I'm going with trumpet till I actually make up a chant for a new group if I enter one.
Also I carry a wide array of weapons after seeing many men go down since they either weren't equipped for the situation or were disarmed without a backup plan. You can't have too many weapons unless you cant fit anymore on your person. Edit: Unless I suppose that you don't want someone to know you are armed.
Hi Zeb, I’d like to apply and here’s a character for your consideration. Although, this is just a one-off adventure, I still added a hook in Garik’s background (actually, I think I got carried away a bit with the background LOL)
Garik Randor
Male dwarf barbarian 1
CG Medium humanoid
Garik was a weapon smith from a small village in Nirmathas’ northern mountains bordering Belkzen. He learned his craft from his father Aurus, a skilled weapon smith. Together, father and son built a reputation for crafting the best weapons in that area. They traveled occasionally to surrounding noble houses to accommodate personal requests for weaponsmithing but catering only to the lawful elements of the region. But sometimes master weapon smiths cannot choose their customers.
One day, a group of powerful bandits led by Kurmog, an ogre abducted and forced Aurus to make weapons for the group since the ambitious leader felt his group was ready to abandon a life of banditry for a life of conquest. The dwarf vehemently refused resulting in a fight with the ogre that led to the decapitation of Aurus’s right hand.
Kurmog then abducted Garik forcing the young dwarf to make the weapons instead lest they kill the imprisoned father. The son complied with a heavy heart. It pained Aurus to see his boy become an instrument of evil for his sake and with hopelessness in his tired heart, committed suicide. When Garik finished the weapons, only then did he learn of Aurus’s death; his fury was instant but the bandits easily overwhelmed him. With sadistic glee, Kurmog branded Garik with a large “K” on his left face and told the young dwarf that he was now the personal weapon smith of the group.
Shortly after, Garik escaped and after months of surviving in the wilderness, finally ended in Kassen where he fortunately found a job as apprentice of Braggar Ironhame, a resident blacksmith of the town. Garik managed to have a normal life again with the blacksmith and quietly brooded revenge on Kurmog. He has decided that the best way is to lead a life of adventuring first where he could learn to hone himself with the weapons he makes; and when he feels he is ready, he will return to Kurmog. Garik hopes to start his adventuring day with the coming annual autumn pilgrimage of the town.
The huge ogre glared at the broken greatsword he was holding. It was as shiny and as sharp as a masterwork weapon ought to be but was as brittle as a wooden stick when it came to blows. The same quality was apparent to his bandit group’s weapons as evidenced by the cry of dismay of his troops.
Kurmog had no choice but to call for a retreat. His first campaign for conquest was a failure.
“That bastard son of a dwarf conned us all along! He never intended to honor his end of the bargain.”
The furious ogre smashed two more wooden chairs inside the cave hideout and then sat on the last remaining chair standing in the room and became silent, barely controlling his anger. After several deep breaths, he calls for his lieutenant and speaks.
“Look for another weaponsmith.”
Kurmog was silent again, thinking.
“And spread the word that Kurmog is seeking for his stolen property. The reward for this one is thrice the usual fee. Tell them Kurmog’s mark on this property is readily recognizable.”
20-pt buys: 16 (10 pts), 16 (10 pts), 12 (2 pts), 12 (2 pts), 7 (-4 pts)
Str 16, Dex 16, Con 14 (12+2 racial adj), Int 12, Wis 12 (10+2 racial adj), Cha 5 (7 -2 racial adj)
Base Atk +1; CMB +4; CMD +17
Feats Two-weapon Fighting
Trait to follow
Skills Acrobatics +7, Climb +7, Craft (weaponsmith) +5, Perception +5, Survival +5
Languages Common, Dwarf, and Giant
- Dwarven waraxe (30gp,wt:8)
- Light mace (5gp,wt:4)
- Morningstar (8gp,wt:6)
- Shortbow (30gp,wt:2)
- Arrows x2 (40) (2gp,wt:6)
- Hide armor (15gp,wt:25)
- Belt Pouch (1gp,wt:0.5)
- Backpack (2gp,wt:2)
- Bedroll (0.10gp,wt:5)
- Flint & Steel (1gp,wt:0)
- Waterskin (1gp,wt.4)
- Sack x5 (0.50gp,wt:2.5)
- Hempen Rope(50 feet) (1gp,wt:5)
- Grappling Hook (1gp,wt:4)
- Torch x6 (0.06gp,wt:6)
- Trail Rations x3 (1.50gp,wt:3)
- Artisan’s tools (weaponsmithing) (5gp,wt:5)
- Explorer’s Outfit (Free,Wt:0 since worn)
Totals for Items: (Total cost of Items: 104.16gp, Total Weight: 88lbs)
Carrying Capacity: Str 16 – Light Load: 77 lbs or less, Weight to spare before being heavily-loaded: 66 lbs. Speed is still 30feet (due to fast movement and not considered encumbered due to being a dwarf)
Excess coins: 8 sp, 4 cp
Alright, working from my last post... I'm mainly addressing folks with new or significant changes, of course.
@Anwyllia: To put it bluntly, there is some pretty stiff competition. You're certainly not one of the frontrunners as it stands. Your writing's not sharp nor is your background especially engaging.
I don't mean to be mean about it, of course - just being honest.
@Zain Ashvale: Tieflings are not not core. I hate to be heavy handed about it, but that's my ruling. Reading it again, I do like the base of the background - it might be nice to know a little bit more about what Marcus is like (apart from 'conflicted').
It would also be nice if it were split into paragraphs. It's a little bit of a chore to read as it is.
@Obard: This got long, so I put it in spoilers.
I think the specifics of behind how to get into the group for the ceremony may best be decided when we know who the final six are going to be. Most of the selections are based on mentors vouching for them - Iggins would likely recognize Obard as a smart, dependable, resourceful(?) kid.
That doesn't help with actively seeking it, though. If Obard is a delivery boy, he'd probably be able to make a good impression on almost anybody in town. The owner of the Seven Silvers tavern also has a teenage daughter who's quite a gossip (and too young for the ceremony; she'd probably be able to help Obard ingratiate himself. Feel free to write in something about getting the approval of other mentors.
As for the mayor himself, he's actively seeking reelection and wants the whole ceremony to go off without a hitch. Perhaps Obard is helping his campaign (Uptal is a fair man, if a little insular and distrusting of outsiders), which along with some recommendations put him on the short list of participants.
@Malcom: I like how you handled that. I've nothing more to add.
@jamie: I'm liking the idea, awaiting to see how you pull it all together.
@Telparion: I love it. I'm a little concerned about the isolation aspect, but given his relationship with Holgast I'm sure a glowing recommendation from the wizard could get him in.
@Bilbo Bang-Bang: It could be an interesting dynamic... but with so many characters vying for so few spots, I'm not sure it's interesting enough. I do like to see applicants working together, but it's entirely likely both won't get in so I wouldn't delve too deeply into it. (Likewise, I try not to reject both partners simply because they've tied their fortunes together).
@Grukk and Zeph: Not to spoil too much, but there is a 'crypt' in the adventure's title and a variety of weapon types never got anybody killed. :)
@kuli: I know what it is to get carried away with backgrounds, heh. This may evolve into more than a one-off, so giving hooks for that is never a bad idea!
I like it. A tad dark, and though it's not stated (apart from the physical disfigurement), I can see the reason for a 5 CHA. I might like to know a little more about his personality - but apart from that, it looks great.
I don't want to discourage further applicant's concepts too much, but we've got a fair number of front-lining full-BAB hit things types with solid backgrounds here. If you're wanting to do a character like that, you've got stiff competition.
@Zain Ashvale: Tieflings are not not core. I hate to be heavy handed about it, but that's my ruling. Reading it again, I do like the base of the background - it might be nice to know a little bit more about what Marcus is like (apart from 'conflicted').
It would also be nice if it were split into paragraphs. It's a little bit of a chore to read as it is.
Whoops, sorry about that. Not sure why that didn't register with me xD I'll fix it up.
Here is Mathias Orsza, Halfling Cavalier. Alias of Bilbo Bang-Bang. I have included full stats, equipment, and backstory in the profile so as to not clog up the thread. Let me know if any re-tooling is necessary. Thanks!
Thanks for the input Zeb...I do not relish the decisions that you have to make...it will be difficult. I await final selections!
@kuli: I might like to know a little more about his personality - but apart from that, it looks great.
Thanks much, Zeb for reading. Here's more about
Garik acquired the strong work ethics, open-mindedness and kindness of his father. He respects authority as long as it does kindness. He also follows his own conscience without regards to whether it’s acceptable or not with others.
For everyone here, whether they make it or not, Boomer's Bar & Grill is still open for any who decide to step in off the road and kick up their feet for a while.
I have to aggree that nothing much has happened so far to Anwyllia but in a way that's the point
She is 16 years old and first level and I did not want to put anything traumatic in her background (except the death of her mother).
Being a native of the town and the town being a quiet place (or so I understand) I could not justify to myself her having had a special background full of fury and anguish. So her history so far is a quiet one.
I did try to make her interesting by making her a bit of an outsider but looking fast throuh the others subscriptions , I can see she is more local than most of the others
I will await your decision
Here is catman char. Oh by the way one of his traits is from the Adventure Armory it fits the concept but I want to know is it ok?
|
@Telparion: I love it. I'm a little concerned about the isolation aspect, but given his relationship with Holgast I'm sure a glowing recommendation from the wizard could get him in.
Thanks! I'm glad you liked it. I've had fun putting him together.
Anyway, I left out any reference to other folks in town or the party until you select your players. I figured there might be another apprentice of Holgast, or I might have developed relationships during my errands or other trips to town. I'll work something up with a fellow PC or two if I'm selected, no problem.
I updated Bolkin's gear to give him some backup weapons and some other...pragmatic additions.
Also, since I can't find any official ruling in the APG or the FAQ, I'm gonna ask for a GM call on this: Does using an action to recover from a Dirty Trick provoke an Attack of Opportunity? It seems like it would to stay in keeping with the other Combat Expertise maneuvers (since picking up a weapon that was knocked out of your hands or getting up off the floor after being tripped both provoke), and because using a Standard Action to make the enemy use a Move Action without provoking seems like it'd be a pretty poor use of an action.
I'll keep looking to see if there's been any official calls, but some clarification would be nice.
Pravlox has had spells and eidolon stats entered; I will do equipment tomorrow. Sorry about the delay but I have 5 players eager to get their characters killed and making maps takes time.
Obard has had a slight updated to include helping Mayor Uptal in his campaign for re-election.
@kuli: I might like to know a little more about his personality - but apart from that, it looks great.
Thanks much, Zeb for reading. Here's more about ** spoiler omitted **The short of his personality now is Garik can be thought of as a teenager dwarf who had just suffered a terrible experience and is now in the process of how he is going to cope with it.
Hi Zeb, to aid you in your player selection I have also created a profile for Garik Randor and shall use this in this thread from now on.
This is kuli$ap, by the way. Thanks again for reading.
Karen 'Raven' Vargidan's profile
Doh! Corrected link.
Alright. First up, I'm gonna note people who directly asked me stuff and things that jumped out. Not gonna hit everybody this time, so if I didn't say anything, assume I liked it but was not moved to comment.
I should mention here - small (or even large) mechanical quibbles can be sorted out after being accepted. It's a bit late to say it, but I don't demand a full charsheet at this stage - though I admit, I do enjoy looking over them, which may be why I was remiss in mentioning it until now. :)
@Mathias ... this one had me scratching my head a bit. In the end it's a good tale and I like how the Cockatrice order is played up, and I like the personality you're shooting for. Though at first I thought the Rabbit Knight thing was a bit too much of a joke, I think it's a neat piece of background fluff and it does help the avatar selection.
My only concern is that the tie to Kassen is tenuous and cryptic. Perhaps if you actually expounded on what he did once he arrived, that would be a bit better.
@Garik: I only see one trait in your profile; you're allowed two. Thank you for expanding on his personality as well.
@jamie: I like the allusions to the sibling rivalry in your selections. Sheet looks good.
@Saliam: Splitting your backstory into paragraphs would be nice. The concept doesn't wow me, to be honest, either. I assume your familiar is the scorpion? I don't see what your patron is, either.
@Bolkin: I've read up on it and I think my initial thought is like your own. Perhaps not everything that can be done with dirty trick should provoke - but 'GM discretion' is very much a part of that maneuver, and I think most actions or conditions you can inflict would provoke when the move action to get rid of it was used.
Basically, I'll certainly work with you to make it mechanically useful.
@Pravlox: Your Eidolon has a couple of errors. If he's serpentine, his STR and DEX should be 12 and 16; his init mod looks off in any case as well.
Alright, first up, I've been thinking about breaking my deadline. We haven't had any new apps here, and I think I have most of what I need to make a decision.
Before I do that, I want to get a good idea of who's still here (especially folks who haven't posted since the first page) and who wants a little more time to polish stuff up. If everybody were in agreement I think I'd shoot for getting the OOC up, discussing characters possibly knowing each other and such and polishing charsheets, by Friday evening.
To anybody who's just arriving, don't take this as a reason not to apply - if it becomes apparent I need to wait 'til the 7th, I can certainly do that too.
@Pravlox: Your Eidolon has a couple of errors. If he's serpentine, his STR and DEX should be 12 and 16; his init mod looks off in any case as well.
I'll give it a quick look over and fix any errors when I do the equipment today; that's what I get for trying to do it after staring at CC3 for most of the afternoon.
Take however much time you need, the flood of submissions seems to have stopped so even if you get one or two more, it shouldn't be overwhelming.
Quick question: If I buy equipment for the eidolon, will it go with him when he is dismissed or be left behind? I know there is was a fair bit of debate on that, so I figured I would get your opinion on that.
I am still with you and ready to rock and roll if selected. I agree that you certainly have more than enough to consider at this point, but any schedule you choose would be fine with me.
I suppose that I may clean up my background a little and throw together some made up names and put it in my profile once i wake up today. Night.
I want to get a good idea of who's still here (especially folks who haven't posted since the first page)
Drosk is here and ready for inspection, sir!
Karen 'Raven' Vargidan's profile
I added just a bit to her background, and added a character arc spoiler. One thing I'm liking more and more about her is that she's so confused, even I don't know where she's going.
Fix the paragraph. The scorpion is the familiar And the patron is vague on purpose.
C Beltais Final avatar
Marcus (Charthagnion)
Human Monk
Age: 19
Marcus was born into one of the more prestigious Cheliaxian houses and by all rights should have grown into just as dark an individual as the majority of his family, however in his youth Marcus had a 'nanny' so to speak. In truth this nanny was a slave of his family whom they had charged with overlooking little Marcus as his parents were far to busy to do so themselves. However Marcus' nanny was not a simply commoner in her life prior to slavery, no she had been a monk but in the battle that resulted in her capture her arms were horribly damaged and while they healed over time the likelihood of her ever being able to fight as she once had was an impossibility.
She however saw a chance in her young charge, previously she had only been tasked with watching over children who had already for year has Chelaxian views drilled into there skulls, but now they had handed her a baby to watch over likely for quite some time. And so she set about teaching young Marcus in the ways that she had been taught and when finally it was time for young Marcus to begin his schooling(and thus she was no longer needed) the seeds of doubt were firmly planted within young Marcus.
For years Marcus struggled with the beliefs he had been taught by her and what he was 'supposed' to believe until finally on his fifteenth birthday Macrus gathered a few basic supplies and left Cheliax all-together.
Recently(about a three months ago) Marcus arrived in Kassen, he had heard of a Monk who lived in the area that many claimed to be far too demanding and difficult of a teacher. With what little knowledge of the monk ways that he could remember from his youth and what he had managed to pick up from studying the training done at various temples Marcus sought out this woman in hopes that she could teach him the true way of a Monk.
After that I'd say it's safe to assume Ilimara drilled as much Monkness into Marcus as possible in the time he has been here. Perhaps a good way for him to be allowed into the ceremony would be Ilimara putting his name forward for it? As a sort of 'your basic training is complete, now go forth and seek perfection' sort of thing.
Strength: 16
Dexterity: 14
Constitution: 12
Intelligence: 11
Wisdom: 14
Charisma: 12
1st Level Feat: Improved Grapple
Monk Feat: Dodge
Still working on a more defined personality for Marcus. Pretty much what I have at the moment is that he's driven to follow the monk's path that he was set on by his nanny but tends completely overlook his achievements(such as actually having a basic grasp on how to be a monk prior to arriving in town) and focus far more on what he needs to do to make better himself.
@Garik: I only see one trait in your profile; you're allowed two. Thank you for expanding on his personality as well.
Oops. Sorry about that. Ok, I added a campaign trait that fits his background --- Outlander: Exile +2 trait bonus on his initiative checks. Thank you, too for reading my application.
If everybody were in agreement I think I'd shoot for getting the OOC up, discussing characters possibly knowing each other and such and polishing charsheets, by Friday evening.
Hi zeb, not that I am assuming being picked but just so you know my time zone is Hongkong (GMT+8) and I am online only during mondays to fridays (usually 10am to 6pm HK time, so that'd be 8pm to 4am your time) if I calculated it right I'm 14 hours ahead of you.
But I am really interested to join the group but in case my posting time would be a problem during the campaign I'll understand if I'm not chosen. Thanks again!
I'll clean up the lead in for coming to Kassen this evening.I was actually at work when I was writing and realized I had been doing so for about 45 minutes over lunch, lol. I'll be sure to polish the story a bit more. Glad you liked the Rabbit Knight thing. I was looking for a way to jazz up the Cockatrice outside of the self,absorbed,a-hole that suits a villian more than hero. I keep thinking of the old 80's D&D cartoon and the black haired,knight kid whenever I read the description of this order. Very annoying to be around after bit I would imagine.
If everybody were in agreement I think I'd shoot for getting the OOC up, discussing characters possibly knowing each other and such and polishing charsheets, by Friday evening.
Hi zeb, ....... I am really interested to join the group but in case my posting time would be a problem during the campaign I'll understand if I'm not chosen. Thanks again!
Also the "preferred 1 post a day excluding weekends" I can certainly do. It's just that there might be cases where you are all online & would so like to post back & forth that you don't wanna wait for one character; and certainly I wouldn't want to be such an "anticlimactic" poster then :)
Hey Garik,
I am in Japan,GMT +9, and I have found that I can do alright on the boards if I post between 5am and 9 am my time. This evening central time, so it tends to fall in with the majority of the posting. Just FYI.
Also @ Garik, Have you checked out the GMT+8 thread in Gamer Connections yet? Might be some points of interest over there for you, too.
I think I can re-write the last paragraph of the backstory a couple of ways to make for a tighter bond with Kassen. Would you like to see a connection to the paladin mentor, possibly? I think it could be legitimate that the paladin would have been in attendance if it occured in proximity to Kassen. Plus, it seems a show-boating cavalier halfling would naturally be at odds with the zealous knight. Thus, giving him a reason to try and "fix" what he considers a promising, but misguided youth. More father and rebellious son approach. The Desna connection could be filled by this mentor as well.
I would also be fully willing to keep the reason for coming to Kassen as is, but leave it less open ended. I imagine upon arrival he would seek out the cleric or one of the fighter types in order to see if there was, in fact, a reason for him to have come to the town.
Let me know which you would prefer. I will likely work on both anyway mostly because I enjoy writing.;)
Hey Garik,I am in Japan....Also @ Garik, Have you checked out the GMT+8 thread in Gamer Connections yet? Might be some points of interest over there for you, too.
Yey! Thanks Bilbo for the tips. I am actually a newbie with PbP and have not played yet in one. I am actually applying for another PbP and that's where I learned all these aliases and bbc code tagging; and those dice rolling posts which during my days as a lurker confused me :) I'll check the thread you mentioned :)
Hey Garik,I am in Japan....Also @ Garik, Have you checked out the GMT+8 thread in Gamer Connections yet? Might be some points of interest over there for you, too.Yey! Thanks Bilbo for the tips. I am actually a newbie with PbP and have not played yet in one. I am actually applying for another PbP and that's where I learned all these aliases and bbc code tagging; and those dice rolling posts which during my days as a lurker confused me :) I'll check the thread you mentioned :)
oops! that's the newbie in me...dang! should've used Garik not my non-PbP alias...sorry...
Consensus seems to be 'it's my decision' as for when to go ahead. I'm thinking I'll make my deliberations and open an OOC thread in, well... let's just call it about 14 hours from the time of this posting (meaning I'll decide at 4 PM GMT -6) EDIT: This is slightly unfortunately timed since it's right before the weekend, but those of us who can post then can get characters sorted out during that time so it's not quite so chaotic with six guys going, maybe. Also gives a little time to mingle in-character before the adventure proper starts.
Another round; I didn't address everyone again since a fair bit was minor changes.
@Pravlox: My general thinking is that the eidolon's gear goes with him when he's dismissed. Less bookkeeping work ('Hey, who picked up my eidolon's sword again?') and such.
@Daveth: Much more readable, thanks. Basic concept for personality is good too; the rest'll come out in play if need be.
@Bilbo: I like the idea of being at-odds with the paladin mentor. In my opinion you should run with that one.
@posting times in general:
I actually went back and forth on whether I should 'restrict' to time zones near mine, but I really don't like doing that. You lose out on a lot of good folks that way, plus I am prone to insomnia and thus I keep very odd hours anyway. 1/day Monday-Friday seems to be the most realistic way to handle it, and I think that's good enough for my purposes.
@aliases:
Don't sweat it too much. I tend to post OOC with my account name and IC with my alias. I don't have too much trouble keeping up with who's who.
I will re-work the mentor angle. I think it actually jives more with my orginal pitch once I went back over the post. I will start on that in a bit. I am thinking along the lines of being approached after the event and the mentor bringing him back to Kassen. Along the way back they can begin their dialogue on virtue versus fame and how Mathias doesn't see much use in the restrictions of paladinhood.
Equipment has been bought, and eidolon corrected.
Looking forward to selections later today...some interesting ideas out there! Great job to all!
I re-worked the reason for coming to Kassen and attachment to a mentor. If you have any concerns, let me know. Thanks. Good job and thanks to all, too.
Just posting to let you know I didn't disappear. If I do make the cut, I should be able to show up at least once a day throughout the week. The times I'm awake can vary at times, but I usually tend toward afternoons/evenings in my timezone (Central Standard Time or GMT -6)
Better slightly late than never.
First up, what everybody's been waiting for; my party selection is (no particular order):
Zephyr Runeglyph (Bolkin Reid)
kuli$ap (Garik Randor)
ubertripp (Telparion Anastra)
Max Hellspont (Drosk Ironhame)
jamie noone (Raven Vargidan)
Morvik (Grukk)
I want to thank everybody for applying and for making this a difficult decision. I'm going to name a few 'alternates' just in case disaster should strike. If you're so inclined you can leave me an e-mail (or send one to owenquillion(at)gmail.com) and I'll get in touch if a replacement is needed.
Again, no particular order (though I'm just naming characters this time);
Pravlox
Malcom Cavendish
Obard Falconslight
Matthias Orsza
Daveth Ashvale
Thanks for the consideration...vincentacri@gmail.com if you need me.
gflare103@yahoo.com; looks like you got a good group, enjoy the game.