bluedove's War for the Crown

Game Master bluedove

Cheerio, everyone! And if you've been directed here by PM, Welcome to the game!

I very much enjoy both reading and writing, in-depth characterization, sensory invoking descriptions, convoluted plots and multi-faceted heroes and villains. All of which you will find here in this Adventure!

We will begin Gameplay before the actual event that truly begins the Path, so that we can set the tone of the city of Oppara and define the PC's places in it. These "prequel" events can also set-up meetings between the PCs so that at least some characters have some prior associations before the big event, the Grand Day of Exaltation. Please feel free to hammer out any prior associations and relationships here.

There will be shopping, meetings, and other preparations in these early days but most of all, there will be celebration! So be sure to tell me how your character likes to party!

Gameplay is open for dotting. Be sure to let me know if you have any questions.

I am so happy I checked the boards before going to bed! I got back from a drill weekend just in time to see the invitation I received. Greetings to those others who fall in.

Thanks for the invite Bluedove! I'm checking in ready to go!

Hiya Torin!

Hey! There is a familiar face. I was hoping to wake to new stuff here.

I know I looked over Thonis before, but I didn't get too deep into meta stuff such as oracle revelations/traits/feats/spells. Giving it some thought to her and Torin working together gives me all sorts of ideas. Bards and oracles both have some real doozy spells even at low level when it comes to uniquely approaching fights. Social combat as well for that matter, being able to make someone unable to understand language just invites social faux pas. I would mention shadow trap, but she already took it!

If we're going to link up character stories in advance the two of them would go together like peanut butter and jelly. He is eager to endear himself to those who can better navigate social circles like her, and if she wants someone strong of arm and willing to draw attention she could find few better.

I have given a lot of thought to what kind of contest he initially may have completed to draw attention. The most obvious thing to me is a melee tournament as his dragon style approach to combat is very different than other monk styles, and would give him the best chance to stand out. He may have a solid athletics modifier, but it is nothing next to his damage potential that could clear out other first level characters in a single combat round.

Also, it might give her/others the chance to notice his vengeful nature... at least in combat. It is something that has been carefully cultivated by his teacher. One of many pieces of head canon I have been thinking over adding as I had planned to revamp the bio a bit after not being chosen.

Thank you, again, for the invite, bluedove.

I'm currently in the Southern Hemisphere (GMT+10).

What is your posting expectation? What kind of pace are you looking for in game?

Hello, Torin and Thonis. :)

Hi guys, nice to meet you!

Also on the Southern Hemisphere (Brazil, GMT-3).

Will take a look on your charaters and think about possible connections, and I invite you to do the same with Zahur!

Yay! I'm excited to see you all. We are still waiting for a few, but we can get started as soon as we've worked out some "networking" connections.

I'm currently in the Southern Hemisphere (GMT+10).

What is your posting expectation? What kind of pace are you looking for in game?

I'm GMT-5 but my posting times can be all over the place. We will shoot for a post per day sort of pace, weekends optional. Though I am apt to post on the weekends myself.

I will also be running a GMPC as a part of the group. I know we all wanted a chance to play these gestalt builds and enjoy this AP's story and I am no exception. XD
I wouldn't do this at a in-person table (ever again, ha!) because it would distract me from GMing well, but I've seen some good examples of this on Play by Post and I think she can contribute according to her role without detracting from or spoiling the story.

So here she is! You might remember Ismene from the recruitment as well. She's rather a bookish sort, so she will be working hard to keep you all informed.

She's a minor noble which leaves room for association with many of you. She's probably a bit of a foodie with a taste for exotic cuisine as well, so maybe she's been to Zahur's restaurant a time or 10. ^_^

Why hello there. Dotting in here, I'm definitely interested! I'll try to take a look through the other backstories this evening [I'm GMT -5 as well], in the meantime I'm certainly open to other suggestions!

I'm a bit unsure of GMT but looking at it... I look like -5 GMT here in the midwest US. My posting can be all over the place as well.

Zahur, I imagine if your restaurant is good his mentor would enjoy it when heading out of the temple. Not sure if any friendship or anything could come out of that, but familiarity is definitely an option.

Being familiar with PBP campaigns Bluedove I can see why people would want a GMPC as groups often need a voice pushing the party or bringing elements together. Even good groups.

I like the idea of RP'ing the day of the tournament. It would be a chance for Torin to meet some of the other PCs while actually out of the temple. Going to lunch, coming across acolytes of Sheyln giving succor to the poor, catching the eye of a noble daughter at the tournament. Also, it would allow me to introduce his mentor.

edit: Two more people pop up while I post!

A tailor and an alchemist? I feel Torin is going to be blessed.

In a city as big as Oppara, I believe it would make little sense for all of us to know each other, specially with diverse backgrounds. Here are a couple suggestions, though:

Thonis, Viviana, and Ismene are all young female minor nobles, so I believe it is perfectly reasonable that they met in numerous occasions in the past.

On the other hand, Shiyara, Torin, and Zahur are not nobles, even if they have occasional contact with then via their patrons. I believe these last three could have spoken to or met some of the "noble girls", but probably would not know each other.

I have the opinion that too much linking in the background could feel artificial and is not something needed here since Lady Martella will be the one putting the group together.

@Torin: Zahur's restaurant should be pretty good. He has +9 in Profession (cook) and according to Unchained a "meal of exceptional quality" would be a DC 20 task. Considering Zahur would be taking 10 on his daily job and would probably have one or two Aid Anothers from those working for him, his meals will reach the exceptional quality most of the time.

Once/If we leave Oppara, Zahur will also be in charge of preparing the travel rations, which is a DC 10 check and takes 1 hour/trail ration. We'll be eating like kings on a daily basis!

I agree Zahur. I think a contact or two between characters should be enough. Too much too fast can start feeling implausible. It can also be a straitjacket that hinders the growth of connections between characters based on play.

A couple of thoughts:

1. We have a witch in the party and they are famously good debuffers. Thonis uses the Court Bard archetype, which also debuffs rather than the typical bard buffing. Will Shiyara be stepping on each others feet too much? Is that too much debuffing to the detriment of buffing?

2. Even if the above isn't a problem, would the party prefer getting the benefits of bardic performance for themselves rather than it being used to stick it to opponents?

I could probably answer some of these questions by doing some research myself. But I'm at work and likely won't have time after work today either. So, I'll just throw the questions out there.

Zahur: Thonis is gluten free and vegan. She does not consume sugar. It is important that travel foods are wrapped in waxed paper, no plastic or metal. Leaves are also acceptable for wrapping if they do not affect the taste of the contents. Please and thank you. :p

A couple of thoughts:

1. We have a witch in the party and they are famously good debuffers. Thonis uses the Court Bard archetype, which also debuffs rather than the typical bard buffing. Will Shiyara be stepping on each others feet too much? Is that too much debuffing to the detriment of buffing?

2. Even if the above isn't a problem, would the party prefer getting the benefits of bardic performance for themselves rather than it being used to stick it to opponents?

I could probably answer some of these questions by doing some research myself. But I'm at work and likely won't have time after work today either. So, I'll just throw the questions out there.

Taking a look at Court Bard, I think that our abilities could actually help each other out nicely and generally help the party clown on our opponents. With my Stalker Vigilante abilities, giving enemies a penalty to saves vs fear sounds really juicy. Also note that I don't actually have any hexes yet at first level, so I can choose those based on things that don't overlap too much, but I think misfortune and evil eye could still see some good use.

Ok, I did take a little peek and yeah, I think there's some good synergy there. It looks like the penalties from the Satire performance and untyped so they should stack with anything Shiyara does. Shiyara has access to Ill Omen. There's some real potential for pain delivery with more difficult saves on fear and charm spells.

Thonis will still have spells for buffs. Shiyara's offensive spells will punch harder. Thonis can help set up opponents for Shiyara's spells.

I like the idea of RP'ing the day of the tournament. It would be a chance for Torin to meet some of the other PCs while actually out of the temple. Going to lunch, coming across acolytes of Sheyln giving succor to the poor, catching the eye of a noble daughter at the tournament. Also, it would allow me to introduce his mentor.

This sounds good to me too. Very typically Taldan to love a good tourney. I'll do a little research and start writing.

In a city as big as Oppara, I believe it would make little sense for all of us to know each other, specially with diverse backgrounds. Here are a couple suggestions, though:

Thonis, Viviana, and Ismene are all young female minor nobles, so I believe it is perfectly reasonable that they met in numerous occasions in the past.

Very true, what I'm looking for is a sort of daisy chain of friendships or at least loose associations to help tie the group together. Some pretty polarizing things happen early on and it's just to help lend a little camaraderie among the party when things get sticky. Let's shoot for at least one association to another PC.

Edit: I'm certainly up for being a trio of gal pals with Thonis and Viviana.

And definitely we can adjust for any redundancies that we find. Just keep in mind that Bluff, Diplomacy, Intimidate, Disable Device, Knowledge(Nobility), Knowledge(Local), Perception, Sense Motive, Stealth and even Disguise will be some of our more important skills for this campaign.

I still offer to play through Torin's important day before hand and if anyone wants to be a part of that yay.

As to debuffing Thonis both scaled fist and dragonheir scion gets bonuses to intimidate builds. Dragonheir gets a bonus to intimidate in place of bravery, an improved version of dazzling display at sixth, and scaled fist add some relevant feats to their list of bonus feats. I have wiggle room on a feat or two as well during leveling if this is something that would work well with the group.

@bluedove, can you expand on "no feat taxes?" Were you thinking Elephant in the Room rules or something different?

@bluedove, can you expand on "no feat taxes?" Were you thinking Elephant in the Room rules or something different?

Yes! Sorry, I could not think of the name of the article when I made that post. My brain has apparently mislabeled it as the "no feat-tax system", lol!

Here is the link if anyone is unfamiliar:
THE ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM: FEAT TAXES IN PATHFINDER

Oh, I forgot to mention I'm in -8 UTC, Portland, Oregon USA

I am good with having connections with the minor noble gals in one form or another - they probably will have had the chance to see each other at gatherings and soirées. I agree with Zathur on keeping the linking organic and between a select few. It'll also make first introductions with some other characters a little more fun if it's the first time through Lady Martella. :)

As an Urban Ranger, I do get Disable Device as a class skill and during the other recruitment I swapped it out for another skill (I can swap it back in, no problem). She already has the Masterwork Thieves Tools in her gear. (Edit: Okay, Viviana now has DD. It looks like Zahur has DD as well. If it's overkill to have them both have it, I can easily swap it back out for something else. Please let me know.)

@Bluedove: I've never used the Elephant in the Room Feat Tax before.

Does that mean that if Viviana has finessable weapons, she doesn't have to take the Weapon Finesse feat and can simply use her dex mod in lieu of her str mod on weapon attacks? At the moment, I have WF listed as feat, but if I don't have to take it, then it frees me up to take something else. Thanks. :)

Zahur wasn't build specially to take advantage of the Elephant in the Room rules, but he'll be massively be benefited by them as it will free me many feats and let me access many more.

A question about the Deft Maneuvers feat: When these rules were created, it was focused on the feats from the core rulebook, so a couple combat maneuvers were left behind. Can I assume the new maneuvers will be also divided between Deft Maneuvers and Powerful Maneuvers according to either having Combat Expertise and Power Attack as their pre-reqs?

This means Deft Maneuvers would also apply to the Dirty Trick, Reposition and Steal, right?

I see how it is. Too good to be seen associating with us common types ahead of the campaign forcing it. :P

No, not at all Torin. As a Shelyn cleric, Viviana does spend some time on the streets of Oppara, with other acolytes, helping out those less fortunate than she. If she has crossed paths with those outside her immediate social circle, then there is a chance she may have seen or met some others during these walks about the city.

Just teasing. I have to admit bringing in feat tax stuff frees up some room for Torin to do big damage.

I definitely think it's good to have Disable Device covered by multiple characters. My Ismene has it too, though it will get better at 2nd level when she will swap her INT modifier for the bonus. They will be able to aid another, which is good.

You know how sometimes you run a rogue in a non-society game and end up regretting it because you don't see one trap the entire dungeon? Yeah... this is not that game. Not by a long shot... XD

@Bluedove: I've never used the Elephant in the Room Feat Tax before.

Does that mean that if Viviana has finessable weapons, she doesn't have to take the Weapon Finesse feat and can simply use her dex mod in lieu of her str mod on weapon attacks? At the moment, I have WF listed as feat, but if I don't have to take it, then it frees me up to take something else. Thanks. :)

Yes, precisely! Some feat-trees for focusing on maneuvers, ranged combat or two-weapon fighting are so daunting that no one other than a human martial class with gobs of bonus feats can really play them. These rules make them much more accessible to everyone else. Also, if you take a class that pre-loads one of these standard prerequisite feats, you may take another bonus feat in it's place.

A question about the Deft Maneuvers feat: When these rules were created, it was focused on the feats from the core rulebook, so a couple combat maneuvers were left behind. Can I assume the new maneuvers will be also divided between Deft Maneuvers and Powerful Maneuvers according to either having Combat Expertise and Power Attack as their pre-reqs?

This means Deft Maneuvers would also apply to the Dirty Trick, Reposition and Steal, right?

Absolutely! In fact Deft Maneuvers specifically replaces Improved Trip, Improved Disarm, Improved Dirty Trick, Improved Feint, Improved Reposition, and Improved Steal. So it most definitely applies to the three you mentioned and yes, you can interpret the RAI to apply Deft or Powerful Maneuvers based on the prerequisite feat.

Shiyara has DD as a class skill as well, although I haven't taken ranks in it. Looks like we have that covered pretty well.

So does anyone have something they desire for a start? I put forward something that works for me, but obviously it doesn't work for everyone.

If the idea is to have something to give us an opportinuty to know each other, perhaps we could have Martella having arranged a party for the party. The girls could think this is just another party, while Zahur was hired as the cook. Torin could perhaps be tricked into thinking this party is to celebrate his victory, while Shiyara, as a vigilante, knows exactly what the reunion is about?

I feel that this meeting (whatever it is) should be something deliberate on Martella's part, in a sense that she handpicked us for one reason or another. This whole spy/agent thing doesn't really fit the general "tavern meeting and quest" thing.

About the connection to the other PCs, I believe the easiest way for Zahur to be know is due to his profession. Either the other PC is a frequent client to his restaurant, or Zahur was hired to make a dinner for this PC and family.

So late to the show in so many ways... getting things all done.

(-8 UTC, Royal City, Washington USA)

I present the nameless one... I don't have a first name yet.

__________ Stavian
Bard-barian Court Fool

More to come today! XD

2. Even if the above isn't a problem, would the party prefer getting the benefits of bardic performance for themselves rather than it being used to stick it to opponents?

No worries, I got the boost for inspiring the group.

Ismene, Thonis, and Viviana likely know Arthur Stavian from the same circles of noble life. Being the cousin of the Grand Prince means I am likely invited to most events or at least go with him as part of his entourage. He parties with the best of them and is a good fool to keep the laughing going!

I remain excited to get things rolling.

Yay! The gang is all here. *dances*

I feel that this meeting (whatever it is) should be something deliberate on Martella's part, in a sense that she handpicked us for one reason or another. This whole spy/agent thing doesn't really fit the general "tavern meeting and quest" thing.

About the connection to the other PCs, I believe the easiest way for Zahur to be know is due to his profession. Either the other PC is a frequent client to his restaurant, or Zahur was hired to make a dinner for this PC and family.

The connections sound good. I'm allying Ismene quite closely with Martella, giving them a sort of Mentor/Apprentice relationship. That will help Ismene to give good suggestions when Martella is not available. Perhaps they came to your restaurant for planning sessions because they know you will help keep the conversation secure.

There is actually a proper meeting with Martella (as part of the AP) in a cafe the day of the event. Should we just make it Zahur's establishment? These opening scenes are meant to be stage dressing, really. Mostly meant to set the tone for the city of Oppara.

We could do pre-gala shopping with the Noble girls and maybe encounter Shiyara in her shop or perhaps working out of the popular Tailor's shop, "Thread Rare", if she doesn't have her own.

Some of us could be spectators at Torin's tournament, probably Martella and Ismene at least. The whole city goes through a week or more of revelry preceding this annual event. I want to give us a chance to show off the characters at 'play' before they get down to work and also give us a chance to Gather Information, overhear some rumors and maybe even get in a scrap. ^_^

I remain excited to get things rolling.

Torin, I can't actually find a monastic temple in Oppara, but the Monastery of the Seven Forms is actually it's own community in Taldor. Could we shift things so that your Mentor has a private residence in Oppara and he brings you there for more focused training and to enter you in a tournament that isn't necessarily just for you and your fellow students?

Shiyara could definitely know any of the noble ladies by way of making clothing for them. If they want to be eminently fashionable, in any case.

Its unlikely she could afford any of Zahur's food, or potentially he her clothing, but they could have met at the market while buying supplies or some such.

I was assuming she had a small shop of her own, but she doesn't have to. It could make for some added drama with vigilante-ing if she doesn't for now.

I'm open to changing Shiyara's patron as well. The Basri family seemed to have a connection to Kiyonin which made sense in order to bring Shiyara to Taldor as an outsider, but if there are other compelling options then I'm fine with making changes.

Same with her vaguely defined witch patron, I just threw some syllables together that sounded cool.

That sounds wonderful. Fits Selvid like a glove.

So on my end I was thinking of rp'ing the morning and going to an early lunch at the "Mamma Crow" with his mentor before preparing for the tournament. Give a bit of insight into what makes Torin and his mentor tick.

DD is one of the few skills I don't have... XD

Zahur, I am sure I am a usual for if I don't eat at a banquet or some other party you can find me spending my extra money on your wonderful food!

I can't wait to get to 2nd level as I can cover the other half of my skills and versatile performance!!!

Revelry, sounds like my kind of party!

Just think Zahur and Shiyara could have a secret deal, he feeds her and she makes sure he has the best clothes to show off his skills in! XP

I think holding the proper meeting with Lady Martella in Zahur's establishment is a wonderful idea as it gives it a little more flavour in terms of bringing in personal bits and pieces of a character/each character into play.

I'm good with doing a re-gala shopping with the Noble girls and encountering Shiyara in her shop.

:)

Aasimar random abilities if allowed:
2d100 ⇒ (92, 47) = 139

92: You gain a +1 racial bonus on Fortitude saves.

47: You feel sick to your stomach and take a –1 penalty on ability checks when within 30 feet of an evil outsider.

Ok! I've decided that our opening scene should encompass a Street Fair in the Grandbridge district, which also contains the Arena. The meeting at the Mamma Crow will be occurring the following day for lunch before the Grand Exhaltation, but everyone will have received their invitation for that meeting already.

I'll get to work!

I'm still mulling how exactly to approach the beginning. Yes, Thonis is an aristocrat, but her family is very out of favor. She can't exactly glide into any place she wants, or hang out with anyone she chooses.

On the other hand, she's unlikely to take easily to slumming it either. It's questionable commoners would find her super fun to hang with, and to her it would feel like giving up.

Just to point out, my idea for Mamma Crow is not for it to be fancy or expensive, quite the opposite! It is like those simple and affordable places where the owner is only interested in serving good food to everyone. Zahur doesn't use expensive ingredients just to make his food fancy and exotic and doesn't really care for the presentation of his dishes.

His specialty will be Yamasan Cuisine. Since this doesn't exist, I'll be basing my posts on Brazilian cuisine, which I believe will still be considered a bit exotic to most of you. I think that will be fun.

Most of Mamma Crow's customers would be simple workers and the few nobles to there would be those interested in the food and that would care not for the "lowborns", which would make an excellent place for the meeting with Martella.

This all sounds amazing.

I love Brazilian baroque. I was lucky enough to visit my uncle in Tera Dontes, I am sure I am butchering the name, for two weeks!

Yup, when I don't eat with the nobles and all their gatherings, this fool would frequent your restaurant. Mamma Crow! I am sure I would be the most outstanding customer you get!

Ok, the opening scene and Ismene's shopping dialogue are up! Ismene is written assuming she has at least one shopping buddy, since it seemed Thonis was maybe not up for girl-time just yet. So Viviana, possibly, and implying Shiyara is the shop-owner.

I am finishing up spells and I should be done. Any suggestions on which Bard spells I should select, I have 2 first level and four cantrips?

Last to respond to the call but first to post in the game! I hope to see your posts soon, and perhaps you will be one in the crowd too!

Bluedove, the campaign doesn't show up yet. So make sure you have everything set up. ;) Strike that, it is up now!!!