Fanguar's Untitled Campaign

Game Master Fanguar

I'm thinking ratfolk rogue/thief as early concept.. maybe a servant or some form of slave/butler from a rich dwarven house caught stealing from them so sent on the boat..

Tossing around the idea of a human wizard/spell caster as well... unsure of background yet..

Any input?

If you want to roll back a number to yourself a negative modifier, fly at 'er. Personally, I think stat flaws make for a more interesting PC, but I'm not going to force you to do so. The dice gods, they giveth, but they also taketh away.

I'm thinking ratfolk rogue/thief as early concept.. maybe a servant or some form of slave/butler from a rich dwarven house caught stealing from them so sent on the boat..

Tossing around the idea of a human wizard/spell caster as well... unsure of background yet..

Any input?

Either those are fine.

I don't have an adventure in mind yet, so I can't really say what would be a good character. Rogues are good, wizards are good, spellthiefs are cool, warmages are cool, Slayers are great, Alchemist are fun and so on.

One thing that I would recommend for all is to make sure whatever got you put on the boat wasn't a hangible offense. I guess a PC could volunteer as well.

My thoughts exactly but I'll hold off till I've solidified a concept if we're not calling it a re-roll tax.

Sorry if this is a given, but are we doing the whole traits thing?

I've got a concept in the works that'll likely be full BAB front liner or perhaps a rogue assuming unchained stuff is cool. If anyone is taking a disgraced dwarf that still has the status for a recently enlisted/acquired half-orc body guard I'd be down for that collaborative back story.

I was hoping to clarify "untouchable" and below indentured for half-orcs: are you thinking virtual slave class/property so far below other races they're barely worth acknowledgement or do you mean they're literally an untouchable class RP wise? Assuming the former could they have enlisted/been voluntold hoping for a more tolerant frontier if they were say, unexpectedly no longer, errr, mastered up?

@GMF: No worries - have a mulling concept of a Dwarven Brawler (Steel-Breaker) - is of low status (Forge-scrappers) - who trade their wares in the slums etc.

Might have been a deal went south or an item made from forge dross was used in a crime and traced back to his folk..?

Background needs some hammering, but am liking the base idea :)

@GMF: No worries - have a mulling concept of a Dwarven Brawler (Steel-Breaker) - is of low status (Forge-scrappers) - who trade their wares in the slums etc.

Might have been a deal went south or an item made from forge dross was used in a crime and traced back to his folk..?

Background needs some hammering, but am liking the base idea :)

Kind of really liking the idea of being dwarven outcast. Thinking of going Dwarf Wizard at this point. If you're interested in some form of historical ties to one another would be down.

Either caught up in the same bad situation, from the same fallen clan? Thoughts?

So brainstormed and came up with what I think is decently interesting framework to start with.

Elf wizard who meanders his way through the empire spending years searching for magic and finally gets a breakthrough. Though since magic is so rare he draws the ire of a clan leader, he is hired to study some magic items he has and discern the magic behind them (maybe magic items are strictly controlled or the items are a little on the risky side). When he decides to leave to continue on so the dwarf decides to make him disappear by volunteering him for service.

Any feedback is appreciated.

Also DM question. As a wizard gets arcane bond and can craft the items without the feats how would you handle caster levels that are above 6? I have two ideas and one has involves an arcane bond and it would be a shame to lose out on working on said arcane bond.

Black Dow wrote:

@GMF: No worries - have a mulling concept of a Dwarven Brawler (Steel-Breaker) - is of low status (Forge-scrappers) - who trade their wares in the slums etc.

Might have been a deal went south or an item made from forge dross was used in a crime and traced back to his folk..?

Background needs some hammering, but am liking the base idea :)

Kind of really liking the idea of being dwarven outcast. Thinking of going Dwarf Wizard at this point. If you're interested in some form of historical ties to one another would be down.

Either caught up in the same bad situation, from the same fallen clan? Thoughts?

@Polz: Sounds a potential plan. I'm planning on taking the alternative race trait to reflect his low status:

Wonder if there is a "shanty town" (the Scrap Quarter?) where outcasts etc congregate? So less that they are from the same clan (although they could easily be) but patrons of the same neighbourhood/city area?

Mythicman's mooted background has me thinking - wonder if we're all patsies of the same magic item scheme? Perhaps it's an item or spell that is "powered/material component" by a ancient lore skymetal long thought useless to the dwarves and now only found in the Scrappers yard? Perhaps Mythic's Elf Mage-Sage identified its properties (and risks), Polz Dwarf Wizard was able to active it (bloodline to an ancient clan) and my Brawler sourced the metal.

Depending on c1n0g's class/background they could have connections to one of us or have been involved in the chain of events..?

I think I'm going to go Dwarven Fire Elementalist - Primalist Wizard.. With early origins of thinking that Dwarven wizards are of the earth, not born so much as created by the elements in times of need, or trying times.. orrr turmoil.. or something..

this could fit nicely into your thoughts that my characters wizard activated whatever thing was nearish?

thoughts?

@All: You can all have 1 trait to start. Ideally, something that actually fits your character concept more than just providing a mechanical benefit. (I'm looking at you Reactionary...) Don't need to worry about equipment, as anything you require will be provided by your most beloved Empress. Long may she reign.

@c1n0g: Unchained rogues are fine. Half-orcs are untouchable in the social sense, in that they have no rights and are barely recognized as people in the Empire. Killing a half-orc wouldn't even be seen as much of a crime. I could see situations where press-gangs sweep through the slums and just round up every half-orc they could find to 'volunteer' them for imperial service. As a half-orc, something as small as bumping into the wrong person (assault!) could be sufficient to get you on a transport ship.

@BD: That all seems fine. Penal transportation is definitely a possibility. There are definitely slums or shanty towns.

@Mythic: Concept seems solid. As for the arcane bond stuff, RAW for E6, it would prevent you from using a ring or staff as your arcane bond, but amulet, weapon, and wands would still be on the table.

@Polz: An elemental wildmage? I fully support the injection of chaos into the system.

@all: If you all want to be connected to start, that's cool and I'll run with anything you folks give me, but there is no need for you to be. Realistically, you don't even need to be from the same city.

@GMF That's actually... encouraging. I think Greg the Half-orc is gonna like the 'new world.'

The concept I've been mulling was a Half-orc (maybe just a boring human) barb-slayer-rogue type that was picked up (read: bought) to be the guard/roadie for a travelling bard. Greg (working title) had previously managed to successfully desert enlistment in another of the Empress' endeavors (Ranger corps? Shocktroops? A lil help @GMF for learning Slayer style skills then deserting) and in doing so struck up with a human bard that he provides protection for and a bit of crowd "encouragement" to donate for the bards performances. His style of encouragement would have undoubtedly lead to him being tossed on a ship, if not summarily executed, long ago if not for the smooth-talking bard. The bard has taught him some chords on the lute and their separation of ways started when the bard drunkenly told him he was shit at performing, and Greg disagrees as his few forays into busking have gone reasonably well (possibly due to the stare-downs he's much more capably handing out to passer-by).

So ideally if he can volunteer for conscription to keep his precious lute (stolen), or if one of the squishy caster types wanted a body guard for their volun-told trip to the new world (@Mythicman, feeling a bit paranoid about your employer? Need a burly half-orc to watch your back? He's cheap! He'll need a few hours here and there for busking/practicing) it'd skip him having to find a new instrument later...

Alternatively he'll have a personal quest to find a lute in the new world and he broke the bards jaw, punching his ticket there and then!

Introducing, Breg Slaghammer your elemental wildmage. Secret worshiper of Ymeri, Queen of the Inferno.

Creation to come.

Debated a little and figured I would change it up a little instead of a wizard I’m going to go Do a Elder Mythos Cleric. It also opens up a for the magic time to be a little more sinister.

Debated a little and figured I would change it up a little instead of a wizard I’m going to go Do a Elder Mythos Cleric. It also opens up a for the magic time to be a little more sinister.

Sounds like a cool concept!

@GMF ...

I've chosen cantrips.. Spark, Read Magic, Scrivener's Chant ... I am assuming that i do not have a spell book?

Was thinking to start.. Dancing Lantern (fire), Endure Elements, Mage Armor would be reasonable spells that Breg would have memorized before being hauled off. Completely okay with not having a spell book to start, the idea of finding one or reclaiming lost spells is appealing.

Being Fire Primalist i have access to Flame Jet.. which seems op'ish early soo not too concerned.

@Black Dow

Didn't realize that slagchild racial trait you had up there until after i created my character! I guess i will have to think of some reason why my guys last name is slaghammer now haha.. (not taking that trait though)

the shame!

Debated a little and figured I would change it up a little instead of a wizard I’m going to go Do a Elder Mythos Cleric. It also opens up a for the magic time to be a little more sinister.

I approve. Bonus points if you worship something truly weird out of the old 3.5E Elder Evils source book, like Father Llymic or The Worm that Walks.

@Breg: Most-likely you would not have your spellbook to start. Slagchild is an alternative trait for dwarves it replaces existing racial traits, so unless you really want to be good at dodging giants and hitting orcs, it's not really that costly to take.

@GM I hadn’t even thought of that, I’ll take a peak and see if I can find one that fits the idea I have.

@GMF: Still mulling my options.

Not feeling the dwarven vibe anymore - played them a bunch (in numberous ways) so thinking of a different path in this instance.

What that is I've no idea lol. Will delve into my chaotic mindspace for some inspiration - definately getting an "anti-hero" vibe from the cool concepts pitched by everyone so far.

No worries. No real rush to get things done.

I do find it a bit surprising that everyone has been leaning towards characters that deserve to be shipped off. I would have thought that there would have been more interest in the whole wrongfully accused angle. Seems like a pretty easy way to deal with political rivals, agitators and malcontents.

For my part, I'm partial to bards arrested for singing bawdy songs about the Empress, but that's just me.

Hmm maybe new origin story for Breg.. maybe be is one of those tasked with taking new recruits over to the new world

I fought the law but... the law won!

I fought the law but... the law won!

Such a good avatar!

Hathok Kosgreg wrote:

I fought the law but... the law won!

Such a good avatar!

Hah... Usually I can ponder an avatar for_ever but when I saw this one it was pretty instant...

No worries. No real rush to get things done.

I do find it a bit surprising that everyone has been leaning towards characters that deserve to be shipped off. I would have thought that there would have been more interest in the whole wrongfully accused angle. Seems like a pretty easy way to deal with political rivals, agitators and malcontents.

For my part, I'm partial to bards arrested for singing bawdy songs about the Empress, but that's just me.

Taking my cue from the above I'm currently leaning toward a Human (or Halfling) Skald (Instigator) who will take the Racial Heritage Feat at 1st Level (Dwarf) to allow him access to Dwarf traits etc.

My "Half-Dwarf" will have been a leading figure in the Scrapper's Union who deal in all the junk, scrap and dross from the cities foundries and forges. He's an ardent fighter for their rights (especially against the toxic attrition his members (likely mostly lowborn races) suffer. Perhaps he pushed too far or was becoming too much of a firebrand? Perhaps his mixed- bloodline is seen as an abomination?

Hmm maybe new origin story for Breg.. maybe be is one of those tasked with taking new recruits over to the new world

I'm leaning towards a no on this one, just because I'm not super keen on a such a power dynamic existing within the party. If Breg used to be a Imperial press-ganger and then had a fall from grace, for whatever reason, that might fit better.

@Hathok Kosgreg: At first pass, everything looks good to me.

@BD: Lots to like with that pitch. I'm down with half-dwarf being an actual thing, especially since it opens up the option of having by-blows from noble houses. I don't think I would want to use the 3.5 Mul stat line, as it's for darksun and a bit busted, but I think there's a 3rd party pathfinder version floating around that would save you a feat. Abomination might be a bit much, since it doesn't carry a death sentence, but perhaps it puts them in the untouchable category with half-orcs?

Character is all set up, I’m not really sure where to go with feats, so any suggestions would be welcomed. I’ll have up an alias some time in the next couple days.

@GMF - Sounds good. I guess I'm trying to fit in how a individual that can wield magic would be on the boat.. are they coveted or shunned by society? Do you have any sense of whether magic would instill wonder and revere.. or fear and punishment in society.

@mythic: It kind of depends on what kind of Cleric you've built. If you plan on mixing it up in melee, then you can't go wrong with good old fashioned power attack. Selective channeling can't hurt either.

@Polz: Well, I have no issue with dwarven society being somewhat adverse to magic on the whole. If you were a sorcerer, the taint angle would work better. I mean, there's no reason that you are on the boat for anything to do with magic. Your a scion of a noble house and your younger sibling framed you for murder so they could move up the line of succession. Maybe you're a lowborn dwarf that was caught philandering with a highborn and their family got you exiled. Maybe you got drunk and punched the wrong person. Maybe Brag Slughammer is a wanted man, and the officer wasn't wearing his glasses when he read the arrest warrant.

damn you Slughammer!

He’s a caster cleric averse to getting hit in the face. But with his main stat being Cha due to the archetype selective channel works nicely keeping you all from being channeled.

lulz Slughammer...

@BD: Lots to like with that pitch. I'm down with half-dwarf being an actual thing, especially since it opens up the option of having by-blows from noble houses. I don't think I would want to use the 3.5 Mul stat line, as it's for darksun and a bit busted, but I think there's a 3rd party pathfinder version floating around that would save you a feat. Abomination might be a bit much, since it doesn't carry a death sentence, but perhaps it puts them in the untouchable category with half-orcs?

Sounds a plan. Only one I've found on the SRD is this version of the Half-Dwarf

Would you be happy with me running with this?

Have some very cool ideas for the character - have a couple of questions regards builds (traits actually - you know I do like my traits lol)

- Traits: 2 Starting? We have the option of a Drawback?

- Additional Traits feat permissible?

@BD: That must be the one I'm thinking of. Seems fine to me. I think I said 1 starting trait to begin with. I'm fine with an additional trait along with a drawback. Yes to the additional traits feat, but only at first level.

@Breg: So I think an evil twin is now officially part of your backstory...

W'ell drive our ships to new lands
To fight the horde, and sing and cry...
Acheron I am coming! (To you)

My apologies haven’t gotten around to staying out an alias, I’ll try to get it down by Friday.

@All: Just a wee heads up that I'm off down to Edinburgh (Auld Reekie) tomorrow for a couple of days catching up with an old buddy.

Back Friday but likely (a little) worse for wear. Anticipate normal service will resume o'er the weekend.

Please bot me as necessary :)

I'm going to kick things off next week, just to get us going. If you don't have your whole profile put together by then, no worries, but try to have something just so that you can post in character.

No worries - am working on him as we speak. WIP profile :)

Crux of his background is a former slag/scrapper who earned the displeasure of a noble. They arranged for him to be paid in molten dross in punishment - if he could carry it he could keep it.

The stubborn half dwarf managed the feat in defiance, but it cost him the use of his hands. They are ruined (hence his 7 DEX).

No longer able to work, he turned his will toward representing the Scrap and Dross workers - earning repute as a champion of their causes and resolute spokesperson.

Spitballed ideas, but will keep chipping away.

@Hathok: Wouldn't your character be a good fit for Skald? Music and raging?

I could easily make Tobir a Bard (Demagogue)...

Another thought that occurred to me (and by no means look to deeply into it) - the group we are pulling together seem to fit rather nicely into the Hell's Rebels AP..?

I'm not hugely familiar with the AP (never played it) but know the crux of it is to free an occupied city? state? from Chelish rule. Since you mentioned preferring to run published materials (which I know to my own cost is much easier than conversions) - would you moot running the AP re-skinned to our Dwarven Imperium? Brag's evil twin could be a Diabolist :)

Not sure if it has merit??

I’m DMing a Hell’s Rebels game at the moment, it’s quite fun and very cool. Though having read the books they are interesting but do have some parts and mechanics that need some polish.

Good to know Mm19 - am just conscious that a published AP might also make it easier for GMF to set the scene and provide the raw materials that he can add some "mustard to".

Hell's Rebel's just struck me as a potentially good fit for this dissident group but I don't want to derail any good work done so far.

On a side note - clocked from the Hell's Rebel player's guide that there is a dwarf foreman in charge of the city's Saltworks... Slughammer would seem pretty apt lol.

Interested to hear what everyone else thinks (especially GMF).

@ BD, I like some bits of Skald, particularly the Advanced Versatile Performance, but I think this Half-Orc is less a charisma based performer and more of an intimidating presence holding a lute... that wants to be/thinks he's a performer. Thanks for the tip though!

RE: Hell's Rebels: sounds good if we're flipping it on it's head for us scoundrels. That being said, Hathok as a typically (alas) CN outcast can roll either way on rebelling against LE or of LG overlords whichever way GMF leans.

We still doing the scoundrel thing? If so... more of a redemption-story turning back to good or saving our own skins and maybe the world in the process?

@c1n0g: Yeah figured that - was just concerned that me pegging a Skald might have taken some of your options away.

Mmmm. Forgot we we're running an E6 game (facepalm) - think that would nix the AP (or any AP...)

Shoot sry... Took too long editing that last one...

We may find ourselves in the same space time to time but it looks like Skald leans to the opposite side of the buff equation... I didn't delve too far into Bard spells though so if it makes any difference on your choices I'll be menacing and tricking my opponents before/during the whole uhhh, Barb SMASH thing.

BTW if this is too "meta" discussion-wise I'll lock it up...

No worries mate. Am still spitballing ideas - my concept is based around a revolutionary/rabble rouser (hence the interest piqued in Hell's Rebels).

I'm probably going to hang fire on developing any ideas further until I get a better feel for the long term/setting/etc as I'm want to change things on a dime and go in a different direction depending on where we end up.

Caveat: I'm in a long running Freebooter/Pirate E6 game so while we are currently kicking off onboard a ship I've no appetite to run in a similar port/ship based setting (would feel a little like retreading old ground for me).

Have a bunch of alternative concepts to Tobir. Might have a rethink on him as well depending on the gameplan.

@All: Apologies - hope I'm not over complicating or derailing things with my queries etc.

Caveat: I'm in a long running Freebooter/Pirate E6 game so while we are currently kicking off onboard a ship I've no appetite to run in a similar port/ship based setting (would feel a little like retreading old ground for me).

@All: Apologies - hope I'm not over complicating or derailing things with my queries etc.

No worries, I am not that interested in running a pirate theme either. I just think we are off to the brave new world on this chariot to start!

I haven't seen anything from you that doesnt enrich or make the game better so continued queries are 100% A-OK to me.

All cool - just needed some focus that's all.

Will be running Tobir as a Bard (Demagogue) - with the Burned Drawback (should make for an interesting dynamic with Ol' Slaghammer :)

Former member of the Clinker's Union, Tobir was a toiler (labourer) until an industrial accident/incident in which he was the sole survivor resulted in injuries caused him to no longer be able to work.

With no income he set about bringing the unscrupulous forge owners to justice (nobles/high ranking merchants). While he found new purpose (and respect) amongst his fellow toilers, his actions in rabble rousing drew the attention of the authorities and those in power. While his firebrand (pardon the pun) status meant he could not merely be "disposed of" - he was found guilty of sedition (and exiled as a result).

- that's the crux of my concept. Half-Dwarf bard seems suitably against type for me lol, and I've plenty of RP to run with.

Can hammer him into whatever setting we're running with or redact into a familiar one.

Appreciate the patience all :)

Looking forward to the bard rivalry about to begin. Or potentially the winners of "Best New Duet" .

My character is by no means polished.. but i think i have the meat and potatoes down.. First time playing pathfinder just seems like a lot to sort out.