The Reign of Winter

Game Master Nayr Trebrot

Ithariel sits down, This is a long story, but we basically sent ourselves here- there's a problem here, and its spreading to where we are from. So we came here to fix it... Which involves the Pale Tower, and getting things the way they should be around here. He looks up the group to see if they have anything to add...

Tchezze shies away from the others at the talk of burning the body. He backs up Ithariel, "As I said before, we were sent by the town elders of Heldren. We came upon the portal we mentioned after taking out a nasty troll that was trying to do us harm. From him we learned of the Pale Tower. With or without your help we will go to the tower. I, personally, will try to rescue your daughter, Nadya, you have my word on that. We did not come here to drag anyone else into this, so we will not ask for your help. We, however, will not bring harm onto you and those with you. If that was the case, we are no better than those that have attacked us." While his words contain some stretching of the truth, he does not see them as an outright lie.

Diplomacy w/ Honor in All Things: 1d20 + 7 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 7 + 4 = 16
Bluff: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19

By the Rider's call... She shakes her head. Yes, yes...it's just...a lot to take in. I would appreciate that...though I'd hoped that this shipment of goods may help to convince Radosek and Nazhena to release her. I - She shakes her head sadly. - I have my doubts.

Okay, so making sure - you're taking the body of Mierul out into the night and burning it. Then hitting the hay? Any watches?

By the Rider's call? Hmmm.

"Say, what does that mean, 'by the Rider's call'? We, uh, heard of someone called a Black Rider. You know anything about that?"

Because we sure do.

Actually, burning the body might prove tricky AND locate us to any watchers...

”Let’s simply bury the body deep in the cave here...” suggests Ote, not actually carrying a shovel.

Nadya waves it away. It's just an old saying. There are three mythical riders who exist in Irrisen lore. They herald Baba Yaga's return every century. It's merely a mild curse. She looks to Ote. [b]That could prove better, though we should wait till morning, when we're leaving this place. Were the wind not furious outside, I'd take you now...as I feel we must make haste to Waldsby.

"Huh. How interesting. Could you tell us about this Baba Yaga and these black Riders? After we bury the corpse, of course. Or burn it. Oooorrr burn it AND bury it!"

Well...I can...as I guess we have all night. She glances outside at the howling winds, then turns back. Over a millenium ago, the great witch Baba Yaga came to our world, from where...I don't know. She took over this land and called it Irrisen. From here, she has ruled through her daughters, coming back to this world every one hundred years to replace the current ruler with a new daughter. She then takes the previous one away...to where...again, I don't know.

The riders, they herald her coming. There are three of them in all, and they've been seen in our land. But, Baba Yaga has not come.

”Wait...Nadya... are you saying Baba Yaga is late...missing?”

You must understand, we in Waldsby are a common folk and, yes - we have records, but some of them may be inaccurate, for they are so old. Our records show that, though very close, Baba Yaga is not due back quite yet. But, the riders are only seen when she is coming!

"Um, what happens if one of the riders is killed? Or all three? Would that keep her from returning? 'cause if I was the reigning queen, I might encourage an accident or two if it would."

Nadya chuckles as she gazes into the fire. Nothing can kill one of the Riders; they are immortal Fey creatures. At least, we don't have to worry about that.

"In my experience, and reading, I have come to understand that immortal does not mean unkillable. Let's hope you are right though." He hazards a look at his comrades.

Ithariel grimaces badly, but lets it slide by him.

Well, maybe he wasn't a black rider. Or maybe she is just plain wrong. I'm betting the latter considering all the weird crap going on.

Ques fidgets, the information he has struggling to find it's way out of his mouth through clamped teeth. When Tchezze says that they could be killable and looks at him he almost spills the beans. Even opens his mouth for a moment. Then he snaps it shut with pinched lips and grunts.

I hate keeping secrets. They seem like nice folks!

Nadya seems to incline her head to concede the point, then nods. Indeed, let's hope. Either way, the coming of the riders is always a sign that Baba Yaga is to return, and that a new ruler will sit on the throne of Irrisen in Whitethrone.

She shrugs as she gazes into the fire. We will see...as for us here in Waldsby, it matters little. What matters now is that the Pale Tower rules over us and is always watching. In our little part of Irrisen, the ripples from what's done in in the capital will take much time to reach us.

When...or, after...you deal with this portal, what will you do with the Pale Tower and those who dwell there? Are you going to go there, negotiate, and leave?

"Honestly, my lady, we are really taking this one step at a time. At this point, our interest lies in closing that portal, and, as we have stated, trying to get your daughter back to you. That reminds me, how did she come to be in the Pale Tower anyways?"

My husband...he fell two years ago to an ice troll. Since then, times have been...tough. I've had to take on work as a food merchant and importer to make ends meet, which leaves my children at home quite often. I'm very thankful for those in Waldsby who have helped to care for them while I'm away.

I, also...supply food for the Pale Tower. She motions back to the dogsleds. Though at times the witches' guards commandeer my shipments instead of paying for them. When I was away...Thora, my daughter, apparently insulted Nazhena in the presence of a guard. She had Thora hauled away to the Tower for punishment. I begged and pleaded for her return, but Nazhena only agreed if I could provide a new shipment - much larger than before.

This shipment...I've traded nearly all I have for it. But, my family is all I have left, and I'll not leave Thora in their clutches. I can't imagine what the witches need with all of this...they've not enough room in the Pale Tower to fit all of the people this would feed. But, that's not for me to know, I suppose.

Hearing the awful tale of the pain that has befallen Nadya, Tchezze can't stop himself from replying, "Excuse me if I speak out of turn, but I think the residents of this Pale Tower need to dealt with. Be it at the end of my swords or the tip of my tongue, I promise I will get your daughter back and make them pay for their wrongdoings upon you and the rest of those in Waldsby."

Ithariel nods, I agree Tche, we'll help Waldsby and rescue your daughter from them. They won't bother your family any longer. I suspect they are gathering supplies for warfare, although I do not know who their enemy is exactly.

I do. Us, my home, and my people.

"So, IF we are successful, and I make no promises," unlike Tchezze, "you could save yourself the trouble of giving them all that food. I suspect that in a place like this food is pretty dang valuable. When do you plan to deliver the food and where will you be in case we rescue your daughter. I mean it would be pretty sad if we rescued her and you went ahead and let them extort you out off all that food anyway!"

Nadya seems to think about this, then furrows her brow. I know not why you'd help, outsider, but if you can - I thank you. I will return to Waldsby where the Tower's guards will pick up the food and take it to the tower. When I get to Waldsby, I'd rather get you to my home quickly, where you can stay while you're here. You must understand, if we just walk up to the tower, as outsiders, they'd not even open their gates...or, if they did, it would be bad for you...and me.

She gives a quick nod, as if she'd convinced herself. That's it then. In the morning, its on to Waldsby. Once you get situated there, we will work out how to get you in contact with the Tower.

"Thanks for you help, Nadya. I think we'll take you up on your offer."

Ques looks to the others for approval.

Nox sits quietly, cleaning his pistol. That was stupid. What were you thinking? But it seemed to work out alright. So far. Maybe. As he listens, something Nadya says piques his interest. "Your daughter, how old is she?" he asks, thinking of the strange apparition of a girl they'd found at the hut, with that odd doll.

She's seven, two years older than her twin brothers.

Ote has a little difficulty focusing on all these details. All this chattering makes his head spin.

It is so cold here, enough to chill a brain inside its box.

”Yess-s, let’ss get to Waldsssby, get inside a warm building and m-make a plan.”. The tengu shakes out his ruffled feathers and masters himself.

”So - the body? Do we just throw it out into the snow and let it be buried? There isn’t anything, except apart from Nox’ weapon that could link it to us...Right?”

"And burn it. Don't forget to burn it!"

My guess is that all our worry over the body and treasuer is overkill. Should we just hand wave it at this point?

That's a fair guess, though I enjoy your discussion about it. I feel like your characters would be similarly indecisive.

"Yes, let's burn it."

Tchezze sighs with resignation, "I think we need to do whatever we can to avoid this coming back to Nadya and those with her. If burning this body helps to that end, I agree that it must be done."

Burn it it is!

You finish the night by building a quick pyre outside and burning the corpse out in the falling snow. It takes some perserverance to keep it lit, but you're up to the task and by nights end you're left with a smoldering pile of ash. Given that it needed some tending, you set watches to coincide with re-lighting the pyre during the night.

The next morning, the driving winds have lessened, but it's still terribly cold and dreary. Nadya gets the sleds and her men together, and then it's on towards Waldsby!

The going is tough, but Nadya and her teamsters are used to this type of travel, and they have some tips and tricks to make it easier going. You can see, in the distance, smoke from many fires in Waldsby. Nadya ensures you that its normal. We have fires nearly all the time to fight the cold...it's the only way to survive. To supplement the wood we take from Hoarwood forest, we sometimes use Whale oil, which burns a bit darker.

By late morning, the sky darkens a bit behind you...Nadya turns back to look, and hisses out a warning. Damn...ravens! Radosek uses them to spy on the area as he sits in the Pale Tower. She looks to her teamsters. Quick, the tarps! They begin to unfurl white tarps as Nadya turns to you. You'll have to get underneath. Quick, quick!

You have one round before they're close enough that you'll have to get under, if there's anything you want to do. Otherwise, please roll stealth checks with a +5 circumstance bonus due to the tarp!

Tchezze dives under the tarp doing what he has to keep him and his friends safe.

Use Honor in All Things: +4 to Stealth check.

Stealth w/ tarp and honor in all things: 1d20 - 3 + 5 + 4 ⇒ (6) - 3 + 5 + 4 = 12

stealth: 1d20 - 1 + 5 ⇒ (4) - 1 + 5 = 8

Ques is caught flat footed and gets tangled up in his snow shoes as he plods towards the tarp, kicking up snow as he goes and casting a shield spell on himself.

Stealth: 1d20 + 5 - 4 ⇒ (9) + 5 - 4 = 10

K*klonk, K*klunk, Kunk

Ote has trouble moving quickly in his scalemail...

You try and work your way under the tarp, but this terrain is simply not something you're used to. Nadya looks at you as if to say "really?", as you each waddle through the snow to get under the tarps. You know - when the first Caw! comes - that you've been spotted. The ravens dive down upon you!

No map for this one, as it's largely vertical in nature. You're getting under the tarp and the ravens are coming down upon it. Nox and Ithariel, you can take an action retroactively still if you like, as you hustle under the tarp.

intiative Ques: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 1 = 12
initiative Ithariel: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23
initiative Stelmaria: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12
initiative Tchezze: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9
initiative Ote: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15
initiative Nox: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22
INitiative Nadya: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 17
Initiative guards: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 1 = 17
initiative swarm: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9

Ithariel will calmly stand in the snow, focusing his will on his innate powers and mastery over nature, summoning an air elemental!

Initiative Air Elemental: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11

Ithariel will observe the elemental as it assumes a whirlwind form and engulfs the raven swarm...

DC12 reflex save x2 for the raven swarm - 1st one: save v. 1d4+1 damage; second one: be entrapped within the whirlwind
Entrapment damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

I looked, but can't see a reason this won't work on the swarm...darnit.

save 1: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26
save 2: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26

Ummm....well.

Ithariel, having begun summoning when the ravens first appeared, finishes his summons and an elemental arrives, immediately spinning into a whirlwind! The ravens, however, slip around the cone, safely attacking the tarp around it.

Ithariel, you still have your action as well.

Ithariel will take cover behind his shield, and wave his spear manacingly at any ravens which get too close...That was my brilliant idea for swarm :) Total defense

Stealth: 1d20 + 2 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 2 + 5 = 13

Nox is left with half his body outside the tarp when the ravens arrive. He pulls back out and flings a dagger at them.

Attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21
Damage, P/S: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

Ehrm...Total Defense? Does that even work against swarms? I though they just inhabited your space and you take damage...

Nox hurls out a dagger into the mass. Though it seems like this is a less than perfect instrument for this battle, it still seems to damage the swarm, as it takes out two ravens - shearing off one wing and the hitting another's skull with the hilt and braining it.

It did some damage...but not full. That's correct Ote - the swarm does auto damage, so total defense wouldn't help. The only benefit you have right now is that they have to get through the tarp to get at you.

Nadya draws a handaxe and light pick, seeming to wield one in each hand. Then, she hunkers down back under the tarp as the guards pull the ends in a vain attempt to hold it down.

Figured a simple map may be needed, so put one on Roll20. The black rectangle is the current state of the tarp.

Tchezze seems to have gotten under the tarp at the wrong place for, try as he might, he can't seem to glimpse the rather raucous swarm of his lesser kin. "How do we overcome this?! Any ideas?"

delay

”Not a one. Throw ‘em something shiny and hope they tear each other to pieces trying to get it?” supplies Ote glumly.

"I might be able to distract them with a summons or two."

Ques calls upon a lonely eagle that appears just above the swarm and slashes into it. More of a distraction than a real threat, though If Ques were a raven he might think the eagle the bigger threat.

to hit talon: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5
damage: 1d4 ⇒ 2

to hit talon: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 3 = 15
damage: 1d4 ⇒ 3

to hit bite: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9
damage: 1d4 ⇒ 3

Shadow eagle stats
HP: 5
AC: 14
ER Cold, Electricity: 5
20% miss chance
Move: 80' flight, average man.
darkvision 60', low-light vision
Senses low-light vision; Perception +10

Nox pulls out his pistol and takes a shot.

Ranged Touch Attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12
Damage, B/P: 1d8 ⇒ 8

He immediately begins loading another round.

The small elemental reforms itself, and lashes out with a hardened fist of air!

slam: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15
Damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

Tchezze steps out of the relative safety of the tarp, knowingly open himself up, he draws forth his both and attempts to take down some of the ravenous birds. "I mean you no disrespect, however, you leave me no choice."

Composite Longbow: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 22
P damage: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

Ques's summoned eagle slashes away and takes out one or two of the several hundred ravens flying about. Tchezze, seeing a distraction offered, jumps into the fray (having delayed from the bottom of last round - figuring you now go right before the swarm) and fires an arrow into the swirling dark cloud of wings and talons. It seems to do some damage, as a raven comes tumbling down out of it to hit the snow.

The raven swarm narrows its focus on an enemy. 1 = eagle; 2 = party
1d2 ⇒ 2

The swarm moves down to batter and rip at the tarp, tearing it away over Ote and one of the dogs, which hunkers down and yips in fright!

Lucky for you, it has to spend an attack to rip through the tarp, which it does easily. Ote and the dog are now open targets. Everyone's up!

Keeping his distance, Tchezze will draw and fire another arrow at the mass of terror attacking his cousin.

Composite Longbow: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 22
P damage: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

Please feel free to discuss any character creation here, and any questions you may have.

dotting

Hi there! I’m thinking strongly about a fetching slayer. Eternally at war with his upbringing versus his newfound faith.

So it’s a melee/some skills/ can do traps at some point.

What are others thinking?

Also a little about me, I’ve been tabletopping for 25 years give or take, I’ve run a successful LARP for 15 years, I’m involved in my local SCA, and i enjoy good role play AND creative number crunching/combat. Hi all!

Hi Torilgrey, and welcome everyone! Please feel free to take your time; I still have some work to do before we get up and running. Impressive tenure in the Land of RPG;) I think I'm around 25 years or so as well, between IRL and PBP. I'm a 40+ father/husband who always makes time for gaming.

Sounds good. I am having trouble figuring out what to play. A fetchling sounds cool. We could both (Torilgrey and I) play fetchlings. I'd love to take the Shadow Caller archetype for a spin. We could even create a backstory to tie the charcters together if you would like.

We could, that would be very interesting!

Sounds great, make sure to have a reason to be in Heldren, a small town of about 175 mostly human, in Taldor. In southern Taldor, you're always on the lookout for Quadiran aggression, so that could be a reason. The town is very tolerant, and friendly

Say GM Nayr, could you add the character generation rules to either the recruitment or campaign tabs?

Here's what I have so far:

Level 1
20-point buy
Max gold
Max HP
background skills
2 traits (one is campaign trait)

Are you allowing drawbacks and, everyone's favorite, are you doing the elephant in the room feat tax elimination. Also, what restrictions to classes, archtypes, etc. are there. Paizo only or are third-party allowed? There are some abusive things out there like the Synthesized Summoner (or something like that). And I know a lot of folks like to play spheres of power/might though I never have. Oh, and another frequently ruled thing is that the Unchained Summoner is preferred over the original version. I'm going to do the shadow caller so half of those questions are for the other players.

Also, I think you can earn PFS credit for this AP. Are you interested in doing that?

Call me Mr. Questions. Hey, that could work as the character name.

(Attai's player here) How many players are you looking for Nayr?

Welcome Attai/Oceanshieldwolf!

Looking for 5; we could take 6, but I'd have to really scale up your opposition. I'm fine with either...I like to take 5 at least to bank on losing at least one eventually

Hello Mr Questions,

Drawbacks are just fine; creation goodies added to the info tab

For your elephant in the room; please elaborate what you mean by this

I'm okay with some third party stuff, but I'm an old man and really don't care to have to delve very deeply into learning a brand new type of playing. That said, I'm open to ideas, so if there's something you really want to play run it by me and it'll probably be fine, unless it brings up concerns in the group.

PFS credit - I've played in a PFS game before, but never GM'd one. If that's something you want to do, I can certainly look into it. I think it's a cool system, I just really don't know enough about it yet to know how to track it on the GM side

One version of the ‘Elephant can be found HERE - there may be an updated doc/rules reference.

According to the authors, the system attempts “to simplify feat progression. Large feat chains have been trimmed down; feats with narrow or questionable value have been improved, eliminated, or merged together; and the way combat maneuvers and options are handled has been completely rethought. Overall, there are fewer, more impactful feats, and builds tend to hit their stride at a much lower level.”

I usually play martials or 3/4 casters (Inquisitors etc) but I am intrigued by the Occult classes, particularly kineticists. I know Iagon is one, so I hope you aren’t oversaturated if I choose to submit one...

Hey all! I'm thinking of playing a Ulfen human witch with the Tatterdemalion and Mirror Witch archetypes. Still working on a background story/concept but thinking something like mother was a winter witch and expected her to be one too, but she couldn't handle that lifestyle and ran off on her own. I'm building her with debuffing in mind (like any good witch). In addition, I want her to be a local clothier/tailor. I would be open to other concepts and/or classes, if the group thinks it makes sense.

I have not had many opportunities to be a player in an RPG for a while. While I have been "playing" for about 20 years, I currently only GM. My group and I are running the Ruins of Azlant AP and we are recording it as an actual play podcast. Unfortunately, due to life circumstances, we've been on hiatus for a bit and I have a real itch to play.

Thanks! I'll take a look under the trunk and let everyone know.

Perfectly cool with a kineticist; I'm still trying to muddle my way through the class with Iagon - my first go at it. I'm keen on seeing how someone else goes about it.

Sounds great, eijel, and welcome! I'm running Ruins here, and seems to be going fairly well; do you like it so far?

We've almost completed book 1 and on the whole we all like it so far. I'm really looking forward to putting my players through the next part of the story because I think it's really going to throw them for a loop. I'm not extremely familiar with many of the APs, but Ruins seems different from the others I do have familiarity with in that the questions seem to go unanswered. I kind of like that, if I'm being honest. Maybe that is the sadistic GM in me, though.

Nice; my guys just freed up the outpost, so we're into that sandbox phase where they can pick and choose what to do. I enjoy that, but its a bit tough to get people on PBP to buy into it sometimes. Either way, seems to be a fun one so far.

I have done PFS for small quests, but never for an entire AP. How does it differ at the larger level? Maybe to be safe, I will only pick options that are PFS-legal.

May be a good idea...

As it is, I'm fine with the adjusted feat rules. Of course, that is given that they are PFS legal - if you decide to go PFS. Majority rules for these, so everyone please let me know what you think.

Hey, I just popped in to look (Kytes from Iagon's game). Just so you know, because you will be running RoW in campaign mode, the players don't have to be PFS legal to get PFS credit. If they finish the first book, you can assign them a Chronicle sheet for AP 67 (Snows of Summer) which they would then apply to a different, PFS legal character. The campaign mode characters do not have to be PFS legal to secure the credit, unless of course the GM rules otherwise.

Hope that makes sense. I am running and playing in RoW game currently (and have run the entire AP in RL tabletop) so if you need any aid, ping me.

Awesome, thanks Kytes!

I should have my character finished up after the weekend. I’ll go with the majority about the pfs, feat tax, etc. I’ve never done pfs before, and the feat tax is not really that bad for doing what you desire in combat as a specialist.

I'm flexible. I'll go with whatever everyone else wants.

The PFS credit thing is cool, but I have enough characters that it's not an issue. Just in case, though, I created this PFS character and will be using it as the avatar/character.

Still need to build out the character though.

I have little understanding of PFS integration, and am not part of orgsnised play so I won't vote on that. I don't really have the time or inclination to fully grok the 'Elephant so I'll likely ignore it - happy for others to use it.

I'm nowhere near having a concept nailed down yet beyond toying with kineticist so apologies there.

It's not hard to set up a PFS account but if you are not going to be using it, then it will be an annoying bit of bureaucracy you would probably not want to do. It does not sound like a lot of folks are really into the PFS thing so I'd advise we not do it unless at least one player (or GM) wants the credits.

I saw on Discord that there was some concern that we do not have a dedicated healer? Would it be preferable I brought a Cleric or Oracle to the party instead of a Summoner?

Alternatively, I think it would be better if I were to alter my character, going with the Hedge Witch archetype. I can still have fun with debuffing, but add the healing aspect in. Hedge Witch gains the ability to spontaneously cast Cure spells.

I just want to get GM weigh-in on when that happens. The ability does not specify a level at which it occurs, but it does replace the 4th level hex. Additionally, the other Hedge Witch ability, Empathic Healing, does not have a specified level at which it is gained, but replaces the 8th level hex. There is no official word from paizo (that I can find) on this.

Either way, I think I will change my character to this. The previous incarnation of the character would be a fun idea, but not practical for the party. I will likely stick with the same race (human). I just think that the Summoner would be a more effective character than the Tatterdemalion. That being said, I would be happy going either way.

On second thought, in light of working on building such a character, perhaps I would go with a changeling (snow may) to fit in with the backstory. Of course, that is hinging on approval from the GM...

Sounds good eijel; that would be your 3rd hex - normal at 1st and 2nd level, then at 4th level you'd get the spontaneous healing. In game, this would be a 3/4 of the way through book 1, so you'll go through quite a few encounters without it.

Sounds good eijel; that would be your 3rd hex - normal at 1st and 2nd level, then at 4th level you'd get the spontaneous healing. In game, this would be a 3/4 of the way through book 1, so you'll go through quite a few encounters without it.

That wouldn't be a problem. I've got the gap covered.

Ok...I'm going to be one of <i>those</i> players...

If I spend the funds to buy scroll(s) before we start playing, can I roll to attempt to add spells to my familiar? I would, of course, make all rolls and purchases very clear.

If not, that is perfectly fine.

OK, I will stick with my original idea then and build a shadow caller.

Yes, that's fine eijel

@GM - looked at kineticist and found the chaokineticist (void element) the most enticing. I came across ganzi in another recruitment, would you allow this for my race? Thematically it's a great fit as they are chaos-infused.

Okay I've got my character sketched out here. I didn't use the Feat tax since I wasn't sure if we were going in that direction, but I can change out the Power Attack feat for something else.

Ocean, yeah, that's fine...never actually seen one in game. What would your oddity be - chaos champion?

Thanks Arsiel; I think that the Feat tax is fully up to the individual. I'm fine either way...ultimately would rather not use it if given the choice, simply because it's something new for me to remember. However, happy to allow it if you want to use it.

As I see it though, it's not something we have to either be all-in on or all-out of, right?

I think it would create an Imbalance if we’re using it differently, because some characters would have less of a gateway to feats than others would. I’d definitely use it as a martial character, but i didn’t want to presume without hearing specifically.

I've got my character sketched out as well. I, also, did not use the Feat Tax. Just wasn't necessary for this character.

I'm good with no feat tax. I'm with you on that in that it will make things harder for me as I will have to look it up. Lot's of people swear by it though. I have 50% of the character done. I need spells, gear, eidolan build, and a bit of number crunching.

Arsiel, where is Sir Karek now? Is he in Taldor as well?

Garland, given your occupation, you would know or know of Old Mother Theodora, Heldren's resident wise woman - good for herbal remedies and also a skilled midwife. Feel free to say you apprenticed with her or even have a different take than her and are at odds.

I felt like he was in Taldor, somewhere near the capital, but not in the central city. Maybe on his own lands with a small manor house and village to keep track of.

When Garland first got to Heldren, she was apprenticed by Old Mother Theodora. Over the years, however, her power and reliance on alchemy instead of herbalism has put a rift between them. Garland is now biding her time, knowing the day is coming that she will need to move on from her one-time friend, mentor and mother figure.

90% done. Just need to build the eidolan.

I will let the RNG choose from the list or if I roll 21, a roll from the Expanded Oddities list.

Chaos!: 1d21 ⇒ 21

Ehrmagherd. Ok.

Advanced Chaos!: 1d20 ⇒ 7

7–10: Racing Mind (Ex) A ganzi whose lineage is linked to hunduns might inherit an aspect of the outsiders’ chaotic minds. The ganzi’s churning vortex of thoughts bolsters it against mental attacks, granting the ganzi a +2 bonus on Will saves against mind-affecting effects.

Ok, so a child of human parents (one or both of whom are touched by hunduns, agents of planar chaos) with chaokinesis. I imagine his childhood may have been challenging (hates discipline, order etc) but am going to go with strong family connections rather than runaway trope. Perhaps educated parents (maybe planar scholars or former adventurers) who had other children, but their chaos-child is definitely the black sheep. Some ganzi exhibit physical marks of chaos - in this instance shifting birthmarks in vague spirals and rough spreading chevrons on hands, feet, forearms and shins, especially active when tense, when using powers or attempting a Will save vs mind affecting effects.

@Nayr - can you find a hook for this character?

@Arsiel and Garland - all good, thanks for clarifying

Thanks Ques, will take a look

@Ocean - there aren't many in Heldren with former adventuring careers, but I have a good caring family for you. Menander and Kale (human man and woman, respectively) own the Silver Stoat, Heldren's only tavern and a fixture of village life. It's a life of hard work, to be sure, but they're caring parents. You'd also have a tie-in to Arsiel, who seems to really like their Three Devil Ale, brewed with Chelish hops

If not, let me know and I'll find something else.

@Ques - the general store you worked in is owned by Vivialla Steranus a female human commoner.

@Garland -