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"A new cathedral!"
You haven't been at Sandpoint in many years (or ever) but the news of the consecration of the new cathedral, on the Swallowtail Festival day, convinces you to go be there. You pack your few belongings, say goodbye to your friends and family, and get ready for the long journey up the lost coast.
You couldn't imagine that it would be the most important decision of your life.
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Welcome
Welcome to my recruitment to the "Rise of the Runelords" Adventure Path.
I have mastered this AP a couple of times, on Maptools, and this will be my first time on the Paizo Boards. So I wouldn't mind some help with the forums now and then.
I have been playing Role Playing Games for a long time and Pathfinder since the beginning. I am somewhat "rules-light", and love to have a good time with the players.
English is not my first language, so if you notice some weird grammar or got questions, please let me know.
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Submissions
I am looking for 6 players, wanting to have a good time. No matter if they are veterans or novices.
I hope we can get a nice pace, posting once every workday, and at least one on the weekends.
The version will be Rise of the Runelords Anniversary Edition with Pathfinder 1st Edition Rules.
Please post the character idea and backstory, a reason for going to the new cathedral consecration, the character's religious beliefs, the character sheet, and a couple of lines about you as a player.
The characters will start the adventure while leaving Magnimar en route to Sandpoint. If they want they can go as a group, it is ok. Or go solo. If they want to work as guards, rangers or porters to a caravan on the way, it is ok too.
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Characters
* 20 Points buy
* Maximum Hit Points and Gold for your class.
* 2 traits, one of which will be a campaign trait
* Sources: Core Rulebook, Advanced Player’s Guide and the Players Guide only.
* Fair warning - I don't like gunslingers. "Eastern" Classes will need a good justification.
* Will be VERY hard for evil or chaotic neutral characters to get selected
* If your characters are from Sandpoint, they have not been there in many years.[/list]
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Dates
The deadline for the submissions is October 27th, and I hope we can start playing on November 1st.
Please feel free to ask any questions or make any comments you want.
Let's play!
@Magnus the Magnificent: A veteran! Welcome. Can you change the class from Arcanist to some class from the Core or Advanced Player's Guide?
@Slayde77: It is, but your character has been away for some time (5-10 years).
@Grandlounge: Excellent!
@Arrannai: If you can keep it apart, no problem for me.
Gyorgy here has played the first AP volume twice but never got to the end of it.
I would love to play him again.
He is a member of a travelling Varisian caravan who is travelling to Sandpoint to help look after an elderly 'aunt' (she is a more distant relative in blood but Varisian extended families are very close) who lives in Sandpoint. There are also two young cousins living with auntie while their parents travel across a harsh part of the steppe.
Gyorgy is a sorcerer who is expected to 'pull his weight' with practical things while also adding a bit of flash to the entertainment when they roll in to towns and villages.
I'm going for quite young and directionless. His family have volunteered him to help out with Auntie and the little ones so that he can learn some responsibility and self-confidence.
I have a human ranger I have been working on.
@Gyorgy Elberion: Welcome, at first glance looks like a nice character.
@Xyndar Illambra: Looking forward to seeing your submission.
@hustonj: I evaluated the possibility of applying to them, but decided against it. Looking forward to your submission.
@neodam: Welcome!
Here's a submission:
NG Human (Shoanti) Inquisitor of Milani 1
Str 16
Dex 12
Con 14
Int 8
Wis 16
Cha 10
HP 10
AC 17 (10 base +4 armor +1 dex +2 shield); T: 11; FF: 16
BAB 0
Init +1
Fort: +6; Ref: +3; Will: +8
Speed 20' (30' base)
Heavy Crossbow: +1 to hit; 1d10 damage; 19-20/x2 crit
Morningstar: +3 to hit; 1d8+3; 20/x2 crit
Skills:
Knowledge (Planes, Religion) r1 +3/6 to id monsters
Intimidate r1 +8
Perception r1 +7
Sense Motive r1 +8
Stealth r1 +5
Languages:
Common
Traits:
Armor Expert
Indomitable Faith
Feats:
Endurance
Enforcer
Alternate Racial Features:
Sacred Tattoo
Shaman's Apprentice
Class Features:
Domain (Protection)
Judgement 1/day
Monster Lore
Stern Gaze
Spells:
Spell DC: 13 + Spell Level
Spells/Day: -/2
Orisons:
Create Water
Detect Magic
Disrupt Undead
Guidance
First:
Magic Weapon
Cure Light Wounds
Equipment:
Morningstar 8
Heavy Wood Shield 7
Armored Coat 50
Heavy Crossbow 50
10 bolts 1
24 gp
Azeera began life as a slave; more specifically, she began life as one of the slaves of Whispering Way; just one of a legion of slaves who they experimented on in order to gain talented and mind-controlled soldiers to bolster the ranks of the undead.
What no one could have counted on, however, was that her magical abilties would awaken.
Azeera used this power to escape her meager cell and lead an escape of the slaves. She was only seven at the time.
Hazij, the Khelish Necromancer who ran the prison camp, however, was not so accomedating, however; he swore to recapture all of the slaves and continue the experiments.
What started as a blind flight quickly became a forced march across the hellish landscape of Geb. As time went on, more and more people fell by the wayside, lost to animal attacks, starvation, thirst, or even the desire to go their own way.
So it was that the warrior came across the band of stragglers who followed Azeera.
As he came into view, Azeera stopped, stood up straight, levelled her blade at him and, after examining him for a moment for markings as a servant of the dread necromancers, said in a clear voice "You must care for these people." before collapsing.
Azeera slept for more than a week, nearing dying multiple times due to several infected wounds, as well as several types of poison that were coursing through her veins.
When she finally awoke, she was in what had once been a command tent. She was bandaged and laying on a cot, but she was uninjured. Whe she could finally find the strength to sit up, she found a full waterskin next to her cot, which she drank from eagerly. It was clean water, which she drank greedily. Satiated, she rose and made her way out of the tent, where the man she had met on the horse sat roasting a hog over an open fire. He turned at her approach, nodded as if in approval, then pointed at the rock which sat opposite his. She sat, and he handed her a plate of food, which she devoured. Having finally eaten, she asked about her friends, the ones she had escaped with. It quickly became apparent, however, that the man could not speak.
He scratched something into the ground: wierd markings she had never seen before. It was clear, however, that he was attempting to communicate with her. Eventually, however, she managed to get out of the man that those she had cared for had been turned over to the temple of the eight for help.
The next morning, the man began to pack up his camp and load it onto his pack horse. Azeera awoke during this process, and began helping.
The man smiled, but said nothing. He did, however, show her how to pack a tent.
So began the several year long process of her training: the man would do something, she would make the decision to try it herself, and he would correct her training. He taught her to read and write, how to use a blade, how to wear armor, and a great many other things. As he was also a praticioner of the magic she used, he taught her to form and refine her talents.
Eventually, as is the way of things, the man passed from the mortal world. With a great many tears, she buried the man under a pile of rocks and made her way towards the nearest town: the city of Magnimar. She quickly discovered that Magnimar was no place she wanted to be, and so she signed on as a caravan guard going to the small town of Sandpoint.
Azeera is a Shoanti teenager who stands nearly 6' tall with the broad shoulders and musculature common to her people. She carries herself with an air of defiant nobility about her.
She has dark hair, Sea-Green eyes, and a scar that bisects her right eye, where a practice swing from her mentor nearly took her eye when she was half a step too slow in dodging. Her black hair is kept in the traditional soldier shorn hair, with only an even line of stubble remaining atop her head.
@Vrog Skyreaver: Welcome. It seems like an interesting character. A question... I saw some alternate racial traits... Do they appear Core or Advanced Players Guide?
So she is an "adopted" Shoanti?
Help me giving her a reason to go to Sandpoint. What about her adopted father telling her she has "family" there?
A question... I saw some alternate racial traits... Do they appear Core or Advanced Players Guide?
They do indeed. There are some alternate racial traits in the Advanced player's guide, although re looking at my submission I realized I left her race Human instead of Half-Orc.
So she is an "adopted" Shoanti?
No, she's actually at least part Shoanti, although she does have darker skin than what most people associate with the Shoanti, likely due to her Half-Orc heritage.
Help me giving her a reason to go to Sandpoint. What about her adopted father telling her she has "family" there?
I was going to have her just arrive in Sandpoint (as it was the closest city to where she buried her mentor, but I wanted to tie her into the group's travels to the city so I had her start in Magnimar, where she quickly learned that the city was NOT for her, and so the caravan that was leaving for Sandpoint was the first caravan that she joined.
The travelling potion salesman Kar-ak Valan.
I think everything should be in order. The alternative racial traits I'm using are APG. I have included in the background a reason for heading to Sandpoint and I think his personality will make it clear why he would involve himself in any adventure.
Thanks!
@Vrog Skyreaver: Got it about the Alternate Racial Trait. I love Milani, by the way. Ok, need a reason why she will join a caravan, instead of going full-on Shoanti into the Cinderlands... Maybe his "father" had a revelation on the Sandpoint Catedral many years ago? Or asked her to put his ashes there? She can work on the way there, but I would like a reason for her to go into Sandpoint specifically (and get some plot points on the way).
@Kar-ak Val-kan: Looking good, but... He has traveled and experienced a lot for a level 1 alchemist. Also... Merchant? Many places wouldn't like to deal with "Orcs"... Maybe his family are guards for the merchants, and Kar-ak, who doesn't want a life of "guarding the rich guys" decides to strike it on his own, using what he has observed and whatever founds he has?
Is it me, or I am seeing a lot of Harf-Orcs?
That could be nice, in a way...
I like the conflict of being a half-orc merchant which you rightly note. Human merchants are common and I think everyone has played a half-orc bodyguard at some point.
This conflict is why he can't do business in cities normally and why his margins are so low. He has to travel to areas with no competition to gain a captive market. Part of the reason for travel was to gain skills like access to abilities like disguise self for the times when he has to hide is 'better half'. Osirion seems to me, using real-world analogies, where alchemy would originate, it is also on a coastal trade route, and has it has its own ancient civilization to spark Kar-ak's curiosity. Travelling is also the reason for worshiping Desna.
I could restrict the travel and training to just with the tribes along the Sphynx River but I figured it would make more sense to trade as he was travelling to pay the way. If you are not into the explanation the character concept can be switched to human or half-orc Varisian in a travelling caravan with a similar feel as there is a lot of Varisian prejudice.
Working on a classic fighter, maybe 2 weapon. Well-rounded, no dump stats. Born in Sandpoint, been away with some official army for a while?
Working on a Halfling Paladin of Shelyn with the Divine Defender and Hospitalier archetypes.
@hustonj: You got time. No hurries. If I can say it, half-orc seems to be in fashion this season.
@Digger Chandler: He is level 1, so maybe we went to train in the Magnimar Militia (Sandpoint doesn't have anything like it). He finished a very boring "tour of duty" in the militia and is going back home?
@SamuraiNitta: Archetypes? Just remember Core and Advanced Player's guide only.
@Sbodd: You got time. Welcome. And remember, is the season of the half-orc :D
@DMJohnnyBlack that sounds perfect. This is the crunch for Digger's entry. Now to write up the good stuff!
Reworked the backstory.
Kept Kar-ak a half-orc but his family is part of a travelling troop of Varisians composed of both half-orc and humans. He was trained in Varisia by his family and partial by alchemist and wizard when he travelled near the borders of other countries. He can either be setting out on his own as you suggested or it could be his troop that is leading this caravan if Kar-ak is lucky enough to be chosen.
Thanks for the feed back.
Stats are up still working on backstory.
She's not complete yet, but here is the alias for Meji the gnome oracle. She is going to very focused on healing and I will be moving her in the direction of the Holy Vindicator prestige class in the Advanced Player's Guide. I will post here again when she is done.
Okay, give me a bit to think on it and I'll get something posted.
I am interested, need a day or two to think things over. I have started this module a few times, never made it though the first module. I see the sources listed above, does that include class archetypes? I was thinking possibly the Elven Treesinger Druid or the Wizard Wood Elemental Arcane school.
Might rework a witch I'd made for a earlier failed rotrl game
Hi!
Neodam is here. My fighter is ready, just need backstory.
@hustonj: About Yvnsa... -1 INT and -1 CHA. Really? What about NOT making him unlikeable and stupid?
@Magnus the Magnificent: No problem, waiting for the new one.
@Anton Ionescu: I don't think Sandpoint Faithful is a valid trait... How many feats do you have?
@Kar-ak Val-kan: You tell me... What him to be traveling with his extended family/troupe or alone for the first time? What about the Sczarni? Does he like them/disliked them/what to be part of them?
@Ezmerelda Santana: I have to say I like Varisians a lot. Can't wait for the backstory. What about the Sczarni? Does he like them/disliked them/what to be part of them? What god does she worship? BTW: Your skills seem a little off.
@Meji Farborough: Can't wait to see her finished up. I would like her more without the -1 in wisdom but is not a deal-breaker, I think it can match the character concept.
@Vrog Skyreaver: Excellent, please do.
@The.Squirrel.Ninja: Let's make sure we finish it this time. Elven Treesinger Druid? Sure, why not. Wizard Wood Elemental Arcane school? Not this time, sorry.
@Spazmodeus: Please do, and let's see this time we get a good game.
@Luke Redwood: I think you forgot the Campaign Trait. And Carefully Hidden is a good one to change. -1 to Charisma? :( I have always found harder to master an adventure where many characters are grumpy men grunting at each other.
@JohnnyBlack: definitely had an extra feat there, thanks. Took Dodge out. I've been having trouble finding an unaltered list of traits ...anyone have a good link?
@Kar-ak Val-kan: You tell me... What him to be traveling with his extended family/troupe or alone for the first time? What about the Sczarni? Does he like them/disliked them/what to be part of them?
I would prefer alone. Though it is likely he has travelled alone at times as he is not a young pup. He has a few years under his belt. He does not like being confused for Sczarni but will tolerate their lesser criminals. He will not snitch on the worse one but he will not turn them over either.
@The.Squirrel.Ninja: Let's make sure we finish it this time. Elven Treesinger Druid? Sure, why not. Wizard Wood Elemental Arcane school? Not this time, sorry.
I can live with that, I will get a Elven Treesinger Druid written up up here in the next couple of days.
And yes please, lets finish it this time! I will say that one of them was an in person game and was a random encounter TPK due to crap rolls and it really took the wind out of our sails.
@Anton Ionescu: Easy, you have reactionary, just need a Campaign Trait.
@Kar-ak Val-kan: I also think alone is better. Trying to make a name for himself. I like what Kar-ak thinks of the Sczarni, a very Varisian way to think. Maybe he has done little traveling aline, remember, he is still level 1.
@The.Squirrel.Ninja: A TPK killing a campaign... yes, that has happened to me too.
Ya for traveling alone I mean going into a city for supplies. Make a run to a nearby farm to drop off medicine. Paizo is generally cagey about how many people have class levels but I tend to envision level 1 as being about the same ability as a soldiers, small elemental, or lesser deamon, while being stronger than bandits and other roughians. That way when the barbarian one shots something like a skeleton, troglodyte or wolf is makes sense. This is just suing cr as a guide.
Very nice! This is a Cleric of Shelyn I recently built for this, and I'd like to submit. I'll update it for your character build requirements and come up with a backstory shortly.
Okay, what about this:
Father Zanthus is a friend of Azeera's mentor, who was mentioned several times in her mentor's journal. Hoping to learn more about the man who she considers a near father, she has joined a caravan headed towards Sandpoint, and destiny.
Alright, I think Meji is done! I'm pretty tired right now, so I apologize if the backstory is a little sloppy. I wrote a fair bit but I don't think I exceeded what would be appropriate for a first level character. It takes a lot of adventure to keep a gnome alive, after all!
@Kar-ak Val-kan: Seeing his stats, I can't but wonder about his Cha 7 (-2)... Does he really want to be a merchant? With that "people's touch" I fear that is not going to work...
@Livia Taviskin: Love the image! Please let me know when she is ready.
@Vrog Skyreaver: Better yet, the one in the journal is a "Father Tobyn", and his mentor considered him a great friend.
@Meji Farborough: Like the story, but the Nilmarthas -> Ustalav -> Magnimar route sounds... far-fetched. Isn't anything like Ustalav in Varisia you can use?
I have selected a new trait Hagfish Hopeful. And there is short (for now) backstory.
I had already figured low cha into the backstory so I'm not concerned with it. Charisma is force of personality the ability measures a character's personality, personal magnetism, ability to lead, and appearance. 'Kar-ka thinks he is a good saleman' he is not. Ones ambitions don't alway line up with one's talents. He sells too low, is too generous if someone is in need and is not a good negotiatior. Since his future is as an adventurer, if he is lucky enough to get picked I think he will be moving away from merchant life. He was always more of a crafts man anyway. Characters need a lot motivation to fight evil.
I could probably move the odd happenings in Ustalav to Kaer Maga instead. I'll update it today or tomorrow and notify you here.
@Luke Redwood: Remember, they start at Magnimar. Check my reply to Kar-ak Val-kan.
@Kar-ak Val-kan: Yeah, Merchant is not going to work with him. So -2 CHA half-orc and -1 CHA fighter submissions. As I said, I have always found hard to master a party of grumpy guys grunting at each other. Just saying.
Meji Farborough: I think that would work better, thanks.
Ahhhh. I see what happened. Faithful of Sandpoint was listed on one site as applicable, I've since switched it out with Monster Hunter.
sounds good. I think that's everything I need then!
I have never played low charisma as disagreeable or unlikeable. Charisma is often described as 'force of personality.' Low charisma is a lack of 'personal magnetism, ability to lead' (CRB) someone with low charisma to fit in the confines of pathfinder has only to be bad at convincing people to do things, or be bad a lying. They can be affable, and agreeable. It is more in line with the description of charisma to just go with the group and be dependant for people to speak for them. Followers or quiet intellectuals fall into low cha.
High int, reasonable wisdom, and low cha could be a person that is a great scientist but a bad public speaker or a presidential advisor who does not like the limelight. A veteran who does not like to show his metals and lets his work speak for itself is low cha, as is artesian who thinks the quality of their work speak for itself. Think about all the people you like that are not good at winning debates.
I shy away from trope heavy RP like racist greedy dwarfs, high and mighty elves, boarish half-orc or orphans destined for greatness. They are fun tropes but there are a lot of other people who like to play them I like to play something different. I also think that in writing the most interesting things happen when people go against type it is why people are drawn to reluctant heroes and anti-heroes.
I don't know what else I can write to show you that I have thought out my character and to illustrate my play style but I'm happy to answer more questions. I do have a lot of previous games if you would like to take a look. I don't seem to write or play characters in a way that is in line with your past players (that may be something you like or hate I'm not sure), though I hope I have clarified my thought process enough to still be considered.