Hey there! I'm here to go on and try to be a GM, and what better way to start than with the very first Adventure Path from Pathfinder, RotRL? I know it's a bit cliched, but it's the only Adventure Path that I currently have, and that I've read from front to back.
Before I post the rules, I have to let you all know something:
Yeah, since I'm a first-timer in Gamemastering, I may make a slip-up every now and then, or just outright forget some of the rules. If any of these happen, please don't hesitate to let me know, and I truly apologize for any and all mistakes I make in the campaign.
My time in the real world can be pretty tight, but I have enough room for me to come in and make some rolls. Here are my available times (all in Central Standard Time):
-Sunday: usually 8 or 9 a.m. until 12 p.m., then 1 p.m. until 5 p.m.
-Monday-Thursday: 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., then 6 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. Do note that on these days there may be a chance that I can get on around 8:30/9 a.m. until 10:15 a.m., but this is not guaranteed, and it may end within a few weeks.
-Friday: 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., then 6 p.m. until anywhere from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m.
-Saturday: 7:30/8 a.m. til 12 p.m., then 1 p.m. til 5 p.m., then finally 6 p.m. until 9 or 10 p.m.
So for the sake of my time limits, the campaign is going to be a bit of a slow paced, but hopefully things won't be that slow.
If anything happens to where I cannot reply for a certain amount of time, I will notify you guys ASAP.
Now, for
Races: All Core, plus Aasimars (with -2 CON), Ratfolk, Tengu, and Tieflings. Any alternate racial traits you want? You must ask for my approval first. You can only choose ONE alternate racial trait (even if it replaces 2 or more original racial traits). Once you’ve chosen your alternate racial trait, you cannot change it after approval.
Classes: All except Antipaladin, Cavalier, Gunslinger, Ninja, Samurai, and Summoner. All classes from Advanced Class Guide and Occult Guide are prohibited. Archetypes are prohibited unless you have my approval.
Traits: Choose 2 traits from Advanced Player’s Guide. One MUST be from the following campaign traits:
-Eager Performer: +1 to any one Perform skill/+1 to the save DC of any one enchantment spell
-Family Ties: +1 Knowledge (local), Knowledge (local) is a class skill, begin reading/speaking Varisian
-Friends & Enemies: Get a heavy combat trained horse, military saddle, saddlebags, bit & bridle, 1 month's worth of feed (for free), and a lifetime stabling at Goblin Squash Stables (for free).
-Giant Slayer: +1 Bluff, Perception, & Sense Motive and +1 attack & damage rolls versus Humanoids (giants)
-Goblin Watcher: +1 Appraise & Perception; +5 Appraise to find the most valuable item in a treasure hoard
-Hagfish Hopeful: +2 Fort saves versus diseases
-Merchant Family: GP limit is increased by 20%, and you can resell items for 10% more gp.
-Monster Hunter: +1 attack & damage towards aberrations and magical beasts
-Scholar of the Ancients: +1 Knowledge (arcana) and Knowledge (history) checks, and begin speaking/reading Thassilonian.
-Student of the Faith: +1 caster level for cure spells, +1 to save DC of channeled energy.
-No PC selected will have the same campaign trait; make sure that the campaign trait selected matches your character's personality (or make a part of the personality a part of the campaign trait).
Max Gold
1st Level
Max HP, after this average HP for every level increase
Alignments: Any non-evil
Weapons: All except firearms
Magic Gear: Unapproved until GM gives permission to purchase
Crafting: Limited to just scrolls and potions (until GM gives permission for magic weapons)
15-point buy
Provide with following descriptions:
-Physical: Scars, hair color/eye color, facial hair (if any), skin color, birth marks, tattoos, etc
-Personalities: Happy, anti-social, impatient, naïve, bubbly, easily tickled (i.e. is easy to make him/her laugh), etc
-Origins: If your PC is from Sandpoint, explain his/her relations with some of the NPCs. If the PC is not from Sandpoint, explain where he/she came from, why he/she left, and/or why the PC decided to come to Sandpoint.
-Likes/Dislikes: Should be simple enough.
-All of these shouldn’t be in-depth, but should be more of a summary for each category.
ABSOLUTELY NO:
-God-modding
-Cheating
-Insulting/bad-talking other PCs or GM
I'm going to be selecting no more than 4 characters, and you can submit your entries until next Friday. I will then select the best choices.
I hope my first time being a GM will be a blast!
I am interested. Not sure what I will make for it, I am debating about playing a halfling which leads me to the following question; will you allow the warslinger alternate racial trait to apply to the halfling sling staff?
Regardless, good luck with DMing your first pbp.
I am interested. Not sure what I will make for it, I am debating about playing a halfling which leads me to the following question; will you allow the warslinger alternate racial trait to apply to the halfling sling staff?
Regardless, good luck with DMing your first pbp.
Yes. Like I said, any and all alternate racial traits are available, but you can only choose one.
And thanks!
I don't understand what you talk about when you talk about buying magic items. What do you mean, 'approval'? Obviously if you don't create magic shops there won't be access to magic items.
Anyway, I think I'll be creating a ranger. Would you give some advice about favored enemies at level 1?
I don't understand what you talk about when you talk about buying magic items. What do you mean, 'approval'? Obviously if you don't create magic shops there won't be access to magic items.
Anyway, I think I'll be creating a ranger. Would you give some advice about favored enemies at level 1?
By the magic items, it means that unless you are at the level that you guys are available to get magic items by buying them, you cannot purchase magic items.
Also, a ranger is fine. What do you mean by advice for favored enemies?
I don't understand what you talk about when you talk about buying magic items. What do you mean, 'approval'? Obviously if you don't create magic shops there won't be access to magic items.
Anyway, I think I'll be creating a ranger. Would you give some advice about favored enemies at level 1?
By the magic items, it means that unless you are at the level that you guys are available to get magic items by buying them, you cannot purchase magic items.
Also, a ranger is fine. What do you mean by advice for favored enemies?
sooo what level is that? is there a level restriction to buying magic items?
you can only purchase magic items that the GM says are available. I don't think there is any "magic" level rule.
to be honest this whole concept has me confused as well
I don't understand what you talk about when you talk about buying magic items. What do you mean, 'approval'? Obviously if you don't create magic shops there won't be access to magic items.
Anyway, I think I'll be creating a ranger. Would you give some advice about favored enemies at level 1?
By the magic items, it means that unless you are at the level that you guys are available to get magic items by buying them, you cannot purchase magic items.
Also, a ranger is fine. What do you mean by advice for favored enemies?
sooo what level is that? is there a level restriction to buying magic items?
you can only purchase magic items that the GM says are available. I don't think there is any "magic" level rule.
to be honest this whole concept has me confused as well
Ok. Then I'll just cut that rule out-PCs can get magic weapons whenever they're able to.
It was a rule that was supposed to prevent PCs from getting magic weapons too early, but...yeah I'm cutting that out to avoid confusion.
I don't really see how that would happen in the first place. If you don't want us to have something, simply make shops not carry it and don't give it out as loot.
Advice about favored enemies: I'd like to know what would be a reasonable pick at level 1. Should I go for humans, giants, undead, or are all those going to be useless until level 5?
I don't really see how that would happen in the first place. If you don't want us to have something, simply make shops not carry it and don't give it out as loot.
Advice about favored enemies: I'd like to know what would be a reasonable pick at level 1. Should I go for humans, giants, undead, or are all those going to be useless until level 5?
Ah. Well, arguably the best choices could be either some kind of humanoid (especially at the early levels), or evil outsiders. I'd honestly go with selecting dragons and giants as favored enemies at later levels, but still, it's your choice on what you would like to pick.
Also blame that rule on my lack of Gamemastery knowledge. X(
Huh. That doesn't tell me much. One of the traits mention goblins, another giants, and the last one abberations & magical beasts.
So I'm going to go undead, probably with giants coming in at level 5. Giantslayer campaign trait, stats like this:
Str14
Dex17
Con12
Int10
Wis14
Cha7
Human Ranger.
Huh. That doesn't tell me much. One of the traits mention goblins, another giants, and the last one abberations & magical beasts.
So I'm going to go undead, probably with giants coming in at level 5. Giantslayer campaign trait, stats like this:
Str14
Dex17
Con12
Int10
Wis14
Cha7Human Ranger.
Sorry. I guess that undead could be a good choice for now. If you were wondering if choosing the same favored enemy as what you have for the trait (like picking giants as a favored enemy with the Giantslayer), then ya, I'd recommend to select any favored enemy that shares your trait at a later level.
Is that a bit better? Again, I apologize for my lack of Gamemastering.
Also, those stats seem to be okay. Just make the Character's physiology, background, personality, etc, and send me a link to see what I think about it.
If this is actually rise of the runelords AP. I have GM's the first two books of this AP and played parts of the first book.
I recommend goblinoids for level 1
That's a pretty specific list of extra races. I don't suppose you'd be open to other races if we provide a compelling enough concept?
That's a pretty specific list of extra races. I don't suppose you'd be open to other races if we provide a compelling enough concept?
Hmm...Perhaps. I won't acccept anything like drow, goblins, orcs, and similar races, but what do you have in mind?
I like Favored Enemy: Undead. Here's Rane, the Dragon's character.
You'll find his background and stats in the alias.
Then you might not like this one, but here goes:
He's a kobold draconic sorcerer who has white scales instead of his tribe's usual proud red. Although he is afforded respect thanks to his power, he feels out of place and wanting to expand his power. He's heard that a dragon used to call Sandpoint it's home long ago, and so he's left the safety of his tribal home in search of anything that remains of the dragon. He's hoping to explore the area, crush all monsters that might threaten his rule, and claim dominion over Sandpoint and the surrounding areas.
And his first step is to root out the source of these pesky goblins he keeps hearing about.
Any chance?
I like Favored Enemy: Undead. Here's Rane, the Dragon's character.
You'll find his background and stats in the alias.
I like it! Although I would explain a bit more about Rane being in Sandpoint. How long has he been there? Who does he view with respect/uncertainty? You know, how does Rane fit within the citizens of Sandpoint?
Then you might not like this one, but here goes:
He's a kobold draconic sorcerer who has white scales instead of his tribe's usual proud red. Although he is afforded respect thanks to his power, he feels out of place and wanting to expand his power. He's heard that a dragon used to call Sandpoint it's home long ago, and so he's left the safety of his tribal home in search of anything that remains of the dragon. He's hoping to explore the area, crush all monsters that might threaten his rule, and claim dominion over Sandpoint and the surrounding areas.
And his first step is to root out the source of these pesky goblins he keeps hearing about.
Any chance?
I can't help but think: What happens if the adventure leaves Sandpoint? More opportunity for power? Potential to meet new dragons, perhaps?
I like it! Although I would explain a bit more about Rane being in Sandpoint. How long has he been there? Who does he view with respect/uncertainty? You know, how does Rane fit within the citizens of Sandpoint?I like Favored Enemy: Undead. Here's Rane, the Dragon's character.
You'll find his background and stats in the alias.
Ehh, haven't read that much about Sandpoint. Let me just dig out the player's guide.
Then you might not like this one, but here goes:
He's a kobold draconic sorcerer who has white scales instead of his tribe's usual proud red. Although he is afforded respect thanks to his power, he feels out of place and wanting to expand his power. He's heard that a dragon used to call Sandpoint it's home long ago, and so he's left the safety of his tribal home in search of anything that remains of the dragon. He's hoping to explore the area, crush all monsters that might threaten his rule, and claim dominion over Sandpoint and the surrounding areas.
And his first step is to root out the source of these pesky goblins he keeps hearing about.
Any chance?
Huh...y'know, I think I can allow that.
But there is the trouble of his light sensitivity. Unless his scales are just thematic and have nothing to do with an alternate racial trait, you may run into problems with that weakness.
Not to argue unnecesarily here, but light sensitivity isn't that big of a deal. It's just -1 to hit, and spellcasters usually don't need to make to hit rolls at all.
I was considering that. I'm thinking I might take the Day Raider alt race trait. Granted, lacking darkvision would kinda stink, but I suppose there are worse penalties either way.
Also, his scales are thematic. He's focused on cold powers, and I'm thinking of grabbing the Frost Spitter race trait along with the Monster Hunter campaign trait (one because it suits his concept, and the other because kobolds come into contact with a lot of weird things underground - fighting them is kinda ingrained into them).
I was considering that. I'm thinking I might take the Day Raider alt race trait. Granted, lacking darkvision would kinda stink, but I suppose there are worse penalties either way.
Also, his scales are thematic. He's focused on cold powers, and I'm thinking of grabbing the Frost Spitter race trait along with the Monster Hunter campaign trait (one because it suits his concept, and the other because kobolds come into contact with a lot of weird things underground - fighting them is kinda ingrained into them).
Hmm...Frost Spitter. Not entirely familiar with that trait, but I'll look that up real quick.
*looks it up*
Hmm...Not sure if that's a bit too OP'd, but I'll allow it.
Go on ahead and create the statistics and character personality/history/etc and send me a link like what Dragon did.
Rane's interactions with Sandpoint:
He's run into Cyrdak Drokkus a few times, and thinks he's pretty foolish.
He has stayed at the Hagfish in a few times, and knows the proprietor by sight. They don't really talk, though.
That's about it. If he isn't 'on the job' so to speak, he usually keeps to himself.
Rane's interactions with Sandpoint:
** spoiler omitted **
That's good, I'll just put you down as the 1st player...
Man, how can you allow ratfolk but not ninja? That's just cruel. I guess the good news is it means I don't have to try to figure out how to get turtles as animal companions.
Seriously, though, I am interested in joining up. I have a few different ideas percolating... how do you feel about the Unsworn Shaman archetype? Right, no ACG. Never mind about the Shaman then.
Man, how can you allow ratfolk but not ninja? That's just cruel. I guess the good news is it means I don't have to try to figure out how to get turtles as animal companions.
Seriously, though, I am interested in joining up. I have a few different ideas percolating...
how do you feel about the Unsworn Shaman archetype?Right, no ACG. Never mind about the Shaman then.
Um...yeah, sorry, but I don't allow ninjas because of thematic reasons (if this was taken place in Tian Xia then I may consider it). Sorry.
And yeah. Sorry about no ACG classes. I heard a lot of mixed views about those classes, so I'm not allowing them to stay safe.
Hello KoolKobold. Would you allow an experienced DM of this adventure path to play? I am willing to swear an oath of no-metagaming.
Hello KoolKobold. Would you allow an experienced DM of this adventure path to play? I am willing to swear an oath of no-metagaming.
Of course. Anyone who wants to play is welcome to play. :)
Thanks, I'll have an application ready soon.
"All hail Mighty Azzerix, Dragon of Sandpoint and Regions Beyond! Hail me! ...HAIL ME!"
Azzerix should be set.
Also, I just realized that I should probably change my profile pic... otherwise, that might get confusing in the gameplay threads. X)
Lemme go dig one up...
"All hail Mighty Azzerix, Dragon of Sandpoint and Regions Beyond! Hail me! ...HAIL ME!"
Azzerix should be set.
Also, I just realized that I should probably change my profile pic... otherwise, that might get confusing in the gameplay threads. X)
Lemme go dig one up...
Actually, I'll change my profile pic. It's more fitting for your character.
And approved!
2 spots left!
Tarnok, reporting for consideration. Description, background, and stats at his profile.
If you're cool with hex channelers doing variant channeling (and with the hex channeler archetype to begin with) then I'd like to go for that, but if not then vanilla witch is perfectly fine.
Tarnok, reporting for consideration. Description, background, and stats at his profile.
If you're cool with hex channelers doing variant channeling (and with the hex channeler archetype to begin with) then I'd like to go for that, but if not then vanilla witch is perfectly fine.
Hmm...I honestly would like you to be vanilla witch, but if you really want to be the hex channeler archetype, I can accept it.
Holy copper cattle, 1 spot left!!
Also, I would like the full statistics for Tarnork (i.e. Initiative, AC, attack, spells, gear, feats, traits, skill ranks and hp). Also, I would like to see a little bit more info about your scorpion familiar. Other than that, this looks great!
Okay, this may be weird, but as I will go to bed, I will let more applications come in. If there's more than one, I'll think about which will be the better choice for the campaign.
Rane (LG male human ranger)
Mighty Azzerix Wyrmclaw (LN male kobold draconic sorcerer)
Tarnok (CN male human witch)
Huh. Pretty cool party. We don't have any healing at all though.
Hello, I seem to have been lost in these woods, has anyone seen the town of Sandpoint?
here is Fulito Ferrywarden, Bard of the River Kingdoms, teller of tales, singer of songs. misplacer of maps, and all around this way and that way guide.
Hey there, the call has been answered. A Half-Elf Druid fisherman is ready for inspection. I suppose I should get permission for the Ancestral Arms Alternate racial Trait. I had him pick up a net proficiency, instead of the skill focus. I would have rather picked up the monster hunter trait, but someone already took it, so I had to improvise.
Half Elf Druid
Skills: Perception +8, Profession: Fisherman +6, Stealth +5
Traits: Friends and Enemies, Rough and Ready (Alt Race: Ancestral Weapon: EWP: Net)
Feats: Net Adept
Spells: 0th- Know Direction, Light, Mending
1st- Cure Light Wounds, Shilelagh
Stuff: Quarterstaff, Spear, Net x2, Hide Armor, Wooden Buckler, 8gp
HP: 10 AC: 16 (FF:15, Touch:11)
Animal Companion: Small Cat (Varisian Red Pelt Cougar)
12, 21, 13, 2, 12, 6
Feat: Dodge
Skill: Stealth +13, Perception +5
HP: 10 AC:18 (FF:12 Touch: 17)
He was only a few years old when that old adventuring spirit took his mother, as she volunteered to root out a goblin menace, and ended up losing her life to the threat, even though they were successful in driving the cruel imps back. So Ashleaf ended up living a quite isolated young life although many remembered his mother's sacrifice and treated him kindly.
As he grew, he took to fishing for large parts of the day, and had brought back fairly large fish up the river, of which he sold to the local eateries on a daily basis. It didn't really surprise anyone when one day he came back with another fisher, Jarro the Firepelt. After that the two were inseperable, and they lived out their lives in relative peace. Although he was antisocial, Ashleaf was still looking forward to the Swallowtail festival, hoping to try his hand at any of several games, and hoping to get a glance at some of the baudy dancer girls.
Here's the Avatar for Oterisk's Druid.
Generally antisocial, he has a habit of using one word sentences when he can get away with it, and often when he can't. He's generally bashful around pretty ladies, and can be terribly shy.
Huh. Pretty cool party. We don't have any healing at all though.
Witches have enough healing to get by provided that scrolls are available for restoration-type purposes. Right now I think the issue is that you're going to get kind of lonely as the only person carrying a melee weapon.
Shouldn't be an issue. I carry a dagger, because I need something to cut up the animals I hunt. It's also handy for cutting rope and making snares. I only go melee with it as a last resort.
Also, you don't actually have any healing spells. So while, yes, in theory a witch could do that, and you probably will once you come a little more to terms with your powers, in reality finding an arcane source of CLW for you to copy into your familiar could easily be a little problematic, meaning we don't have healing until we hit level 2.
This makes me think we need a healer through level 1, at least.
So instead of one person standing between me and the bad guys with swords, we currently have zero? I'm not sure about this plan.
Yeah, once you hit level 2 and onwards, it becomes pretty bad. At level 1 though, 1d8+1 is pretty close to the damage output of a monster. And might be pretty close to full hp, too.
Hmm. Well, we play what party we get, right? You did create a witch for a group that already had an archer ranger and a kobold sorcerer.
We'll just have to make sure to put distance between us and the foes in general.
...Wow! I go to bed and wake up to 2 players waiting for the final spot!
I figured I would run into this problem...It was why I wanted to have 5 PCs and not 4, but...I supposed I can think on it a bit.
Is that okay with you guys?
@Ashleaf-The info is good, but I'm still gonna have to decide between you and the halfling bard. We have a ranger, a kobold sorcerer, and a male witch (I like to call male witches warlocks, but that's just me). It shouldn't take too long, but again, I'll just need to think on this...
Yeah, once you hit level 2 and onwards, it becomes pretty bad. At level 1 though, 1d8+1 is pretty close to the damage output of a monster. And might be pretty close to full hp, too.
Hmm. Well, we play what party we get, right? You did create a witch for a group that already had an archer ranger and a kobold sorcerer.
We'll just have to make sure to put distance between us and the foes in general.
True, it doesn't really matter to me if I'm hexing people until they eat an arrow instead of hexing people until someone carves them a new smile. It could be fun working out our plan of attack as team Death From Afar.
Hmm...I'm not sure who to get. I do agree that you guys may need a hearler/supporter, (i.e. the bard) but I don't want to have the druid to miss out as well...
Decisions, decisions, decisions....
Druids arguably make better healers than bards. Also, access to a full-blown divine list would be nice. And he can melee (Str 18 and Shillelagh), which is sorely needed.
That said, the bard looks like fun. And bardic music is a nice buff.
I don't envy you the choice.
Yeah. Again, I've heard I have to rearrange stats for all of the enemies if I select more than 4 characters, but I don't think I really want to do that. At the same time, both characters are too good to not include...
The bard's efforts are going to be a little wasted with so few attack rolls going on per round. I think a druid is just what the party doctor ordered.
That said, I'm sure we can make anything work. Go with the character you'd rather be seeing across the virtual table for the next few months.
Hmm...I'll go with the Druid then.
NO SPOTS LEFT
GM KoolKobold's RotRL PCs
Rane The Dragon's PC
Azzerix Wyrmclaw CaptainFord's PC
Tarnok chuffster's PC
Ashleaf Oterisk's PC
Jarro Ashleaf's Animal Companion
All right! Looking forwards to getting started.
Alright guys, I think we may be able to start things off sometime soon. I have no idea if the Paizo's site closed tomorrow for Labor Day (I think-it said that the Paizo office will be closed on Labor Day, so I'm not sure), but we can probably start sometime later this week. I'll open up the Gameplay thread to that we can dot our PCs.