Giantslayer: Against the Giants Redux

Game Master Branding Opportunity

Below are character creation guidelines:

- 20 Point-Buy; no Ability Scores below ten, before Racial Adjustments

- Characters will start at 1st level with max HP and max gold. Levels 2-4 will also progress at max HP. Level 5 and above, the player will have the option of rolling or taking 1/2 +1 HP.

- Two traits, one trait being AP specific mentioned in the Player’s Guide for this AP.

- No evil characters.

- Characters will start with 1 Hero Point. Hero Points are awarded for in-game ideas and heroic deeds.

Expected Prelude Start Date: 2/1/21

Brogann is ready!

Gabsen should be ready, will twist maybe a thing or two before the beginning

Hello! Escharid/Gabsen mentioned you might need a few more hands for fighting giants - is this true? If so, who is already in the party? I've got some ideas I'd be happy to present for possible participation, but wouldn't want to step on anyone's toes (unless all parties involved agree to having a pair of similar characters XD).

Sigrun is close to ready. I just need to change her backstory to link with Giantslayer rather than the old Jade Regent campaign.

Hiya Hawthwile! Whatcha got in mind for characters?

I’ve got an idea for a dwarven inquisitor of Torag who seems like a fun time in an anti-giant campaign. But I can also see that we’ve got quite a few folks jostling for the front lines already - are we worried about too many cooks and not enough sous-chefs? An inquisitor would have rather limited support capabilities due to being a spontaneous caster, but still be able to use wands and scrolls for restorative magics if need be.

Thoughts?

I asked a player from my War for the Crown game (motteditor) to take a look at Mioki's style and see if they wanted in.

I pointed out that we look good for melee but could use skill/support. They were thinking it over and considering Investigator.

@Hawthwile, Inquisitor could work, but would you consider the Preacher archetype? That "make enemy reroll attack" ability would be fantastic to use on crit threats.

@Sigrún - Urban Bloodrager is a pretty cool archetype. I have one in Strange Aeons (Destined Bloodline).

@Hawthwile: I think we're largely in play what you want mode, but a campaign called Giantslayer needs a dwarf!

@Brogann: Awesome! I'm in a game with motteditor as well! That's great! Tell him Emi says 'hi'!

@Brogann: Yeah, the Destined Bloodline looks really cool. I almost switched over to it from Arcane.

I'd love to play Strange Aeons sometime. What do you think of it so far?

Hello! Escharid/Gabsen mentioned you might need a few more hands for fighting giants - is this true? If so, who is already in the party? I've got some ideas I'd be happy to present for possible participation, but wouldn't want to step on anyone's toes (unless all parties involved agree to having a pair of similar characters XD).

Welcome!

A spot is yours if you would like it.

You can check out my Azlant Game if you want to review my GM style.

I see there is already a discussion brewing. We currently have:

A Sword-Binding Wizard, Fighter, and BloodRager.

TBD: possible Shaman of Shoanti ancestry.

Sigrun speaks truth. Play what you want. Don't worry about filling holes. Although she is also right that we are missing a Dwarf.

I really like Strange Aeons. We are most of the way through Book 4.

I might look to run it.

Nice, I'm currently in book 2 of a 2e conversion of strange Aeons. So far it's done pretty well (the conversion -- at least as far as I can tell based on challenge).

And yeah, I see interesting is hopping quickly, so I'd better settle on my class (shaman or not) sooner :)

Hah! Boodiddly sends his regards, Jevar! Maybe we'll not all go insane quite yet. XD

@Hawthwile, Inquisitor could work, but would you consider the Preacher archetype? That "make enemy reroll attack" ability would be fantastic to use on crit threats.

I know, but I've also never played with Teamwork feats and thought I might give them a try. That being said, if this inquisitor does end up going with Preacher, then y'all better be ready to hear the good word of Torag. A lot. XD

@GM, what are your thoughts on Crafting in this campaign? I know it's a subsystem that not everyone wants to use due to how it messes with expected wealth-by-level, and it depends greatly on the time available for creating things and how much the GM/players want to track that. But it would be highly thematic for a follower of Torag, so I thought I'd ask.

Well, Teamwork feats are pretty sweet, so I can't fault you there. And inquisitors do get the Shared Training spell (in addition to Solo Tactics of course).

Shield Wall, Lastwall Phalanx, Escape Route, Lookout, Shake it Off, Coordinated Charge... I have a cavalier and a fighter in PFS who both make extensive use of teamwork feats; the cavalier has Tactician, and the fighter has both Tactician (Drill Sergeant archetype) and also Solo Tactics through Advanced Weapon Training.

Divine casters can eventually get Divine Interference to negate crits, and Brogann has the campaign trait to do so 1/day.

And it looks like motteditor will take a pass on this one due to busy schedule.

So it looks like we have 6 PCs, if Malakar is in with his nature oracle.

@Brogann, I appreciate the advice and I trust that it is coming from a place of good intent, but it really does feel as if you don't trust me and don't think I can design a competent character - and that makes me sad and hurt. I'm certainly happy to know that I've got an experienced source of wisdom if I have questions or want advice, but I'd appreciate being able to ask for help before receiving it.

@GM, another question: Is this campaign using Background skills? I didn't see them mentioned in the Character Creation guidelines posted earlier, but I can see some folks have included them in their profiles and some folks haven't.

@Hawthwile, we've played together before in a high-level game (Passing the Torch) and I know you know your stuff. I was more just thinking out loud about how cool they are. I'm a huge fan of teamwork feats and was sharing my enthusiasm. I apologize.

@Hawthwile: I have not read through the entire AP, nor have I used the Craft subsystem. I kind of learn as I go. I am very much into the story of the game and if Crafting adds to the story, then I am all in. We'll make it work somehow.

Regarding Background Skills: I knew I was forgetting something. I have been a bit scatterbrained lately. Yes, please take a couple of Background Skills.

Thanks for taking the time to notice that.

Informations about Giants enter the "Know-Nature" skill, right?

still working a few things here and there

Informations about Giants enter the "Know-Nature" skill, right?

still working a few things here and there

Nature would work. Depending on the info: could use geography, history, local also.

I think that with the party composition shaping up as it is, Brogann as I had originally envisioned him would not be a good fit.

He just doesn't bring to the table a capability that the party lacks.

And I don't feel inspired to create another PC.

I will withdraw.

Alright, I got the inquisitor built, was finalizing stuff, and realized they weren't actually doing what I wanted for a dwarven priest of Torag. XD So I remade them into a warpriest, which then shifted into warpriest/evangelist, and I think I'm happier with the result for the following reasons:
- Take advantage of Torag's Divine Fighting Technique for decent crowd control via Combat Patrol
- Extra frustrating for enemy spellcasters thanks to Disruptive and Spellbreaker (which will eventually affect everyone inside the Combat Patrol area)
- Built-in Heavy Armor proficiency (what dwarf wouldn't have this, lol)
- Swift-action casting means no need to worry about having hands full of warhammer and shield
- Prepared spellcasting and automatic access to all cleric spells makes meeting Crafting requirements much easier

I didn't leave room for Craft Wondrous Item, but I could shuffle stuff around if we really want it (probably dropping Greater Shield Focus and pushing Dodge a level later). If you want to check out the planned build progression, you can find it here! Sheet is "Schwertleite, Daughter of Stone", and feedback/comments are welcome and appreciated!

I think that with the party composition shaping up as it is, Brogann as I had originally envisioned him would not be a good fit.

He just doesn't bring to the table a capability that the party lacks.

And I don't feel inspired to create another PC.

I will withdraw.

This bums me out. I was really looking forward to this big guy whipping a greatsword into the chest of a giant.

We'll always have Azlant.

Alright, I got the inquisitor built, was finalizing stuff, and realized they weren't actually doing what I wanted for a dwarven priest of Torag. XD So I remade them into a warpriest, which then shifted into warpriest/evangelist, and I think I'm happier with the result for the following reasons:

- Take advantage of Torag's Divine Fighting Technique for decent crowd control via Combat Patrol
- Extra frustrating for enemy spellcasters thanks to Disruptive and Spellbreaker (which will eventually affect everyone inside the Combat Patrol area)
- Built-in Heavy Armor proficiency (what dwarf wouldn't have this, lol)
- Swift-action casting means no need to worry about having hands full of warhammer and shield
- Prepared spellcasting and automatic access to all cleric spells makes meeting Crafting requirements much easier

I didn't leave room for Craft Wondrous Item, but I could shuffle stuff around if we really want it (probably dropping Greater Shield Focus and pushing Dodge a level later). If you want to check out the planned build progression, you can find it here! Sheet is "Schwertleite, Daughter of Stone", and feedback/comments are welcome and appreciated!

I think I'll need a manual for this guy.

Everyone else knows this. I am not the strongest with rules. So when I mess up a post with your character, let me know so I can fix for next time.

Dwarven Warpriest sounds perfect.

No worries, GM - the nice thing is that we’ll be learning how she works one new thing at a time. And if something seems off, I’m always happy to explain where it was found and how it can be used as I currently understand. And at least this character doesn’t have stuff like Parry/Riposte. XD

I’ll try to finish up a profile and have her post here tomorrow - or at least by Sunday. Back to work tomorrow, so we’ll see how much time is left after reading a million emails.

... Back to work tomorrow, so we’ll see how much time is left after reading a million emails.

I recommend 'Select All' then 'Delete'

Are your sure?

'Yes'

This leaves us with 5 players. I would like to start with 6.

10% increase to max gold referral bonus

Gabsen - you get a referral bonus.

They also stack.

I've been going back and forth on this.

I guess I'd still be in if that is okay.

I am really concerned that this party will be too powerful. We'd have 3 9-level casters and 4 powerful martials (including the animal companion). Brogann's damage-dealing would be irrelevant and overkill. But that doesn't usually become a problem with APs until mid-high level.

If we get to level 8 and we are just one-rounding everything and it is boring, well, I'll cross that bridge when we get to it. Maybe I'd change characters down the road. No sense worrying too much about it now.

Taking stock again:

A Sword-Binding Wizard
Fighter
BloodRager
warpriest/evangelist

Seems like we could use some stealth? Even if I keep the Shoanti character idea I had I would probably shift gears from shaman, but I might look for a different idea too.

Taking stock again:

A Sword-Binding Wizard
Fighter
BloodRager
warpriest/evangelist

Seems like we could use some stealth? Even if I keep the Shoanti character idea I had I would probably shift gears from shaman, but I might look for a different idea too.

You have time. My 2/1 start might be ambitious for me. I have some staff out due to Covid. I see a few long days for the next two weeks.

I mentioned this before, play what you want instead of filling a hole. I value you as a player in the game, and I want you to be happy with your character choice.

Glad to still have you here, Brogann.

There’s nothing in the sword-binder archetype preventing you from using utility or buff/debuff spells if you think we’re too focused on dealing damage, is there? You just have another tool for when some giant thinks they’ve got you defenseless and then you stick a sword up their arse.

Also, who has an animal companion?

Another player is bringing a Nature Oracle who will dip Mammoth Rider to get a Huge animal companion.

@PaleDim - stick with the Shaman if you want - having more casters will give either one of us the leeway to get creative instead of always feeling obligated to prep the standard most optimal spells. I guess that's a big upside of having such a powerful party.

Alias created need to work out a few details before I fill it in. Also for max moeny do you mean max for class or max.

Alias created need to work out a few details before I fill it in. Also for max moeny do you mean max for class or max.

max gold for class

@Brogann - Has Brogann officially signed on to be part of the militia?

I'll ask all of you to tie into your backstory that you have either been in Trunau long enough to have some relationship with the militia or you are on a supply caravan from parts north and traveling south to Trunau.

If part of a caravan, this could be your destination or just a stopover for places farther south. In Gabsen's case, he could have signed on as a long-time guard for this route. This is just an example though. The reason you are there is, of course, yours.

Yes, Brogann is part of the militia.

With enough experience so that dipping a level of Fighter or Constable Cavalier could be reasonable in the future if I wanted to go Eldritch Knight.

We do have a powerful lineup, and maybe a little light on skills. I don't know if skills would matter quite so much in this campaign though.

One thing I could do if we would like to dial fighty down a notch and utility up a notch is I could trade out Bloodrager for Skald. I could still do the same things character-wise with Sigrun as a skald. If I went with urban skald the ability score bonuses don't mess with spell casting.

I might want to go with a ranged build though.

Any opinions or input anyone?

As long as Brogann gets the chance to mix it up in melee once in a while then I'm good.

Moreso once he can cast Transformation and Giant Form. Yes, I know it is suboptimal. But it will be awesome. Way down the road.

Ooo, skald could be fun!

One of the benefits of fighting giants and their kind is that they are large or larger so there will be plenty of room to mix up the melee.

@GM Mioki, I saw up thread someone mention background skills. I really like that system hiwever it does in a way replace the default skill system so a confirmation on wether or not we are using it would be helpful.

I went digging around on the back shelves and I actually have a skald already built who could maybe work for the campaign. Built for applying to another campaign but didn't get in.

She's be a fish out of water but I kind of like the idea of a traveling ambassador/explorer getting caught up in things by accident. Kind of a 13th Warrior feel to it, if anyone remembers that movie from back when.

I'll give bloodrager vs skald some thought.

@GM Mioki, I saw up thread someone mention background skills. I really like that system hiwever it does in a way replace the default skill system so a confirmation on wether or not we are using it would be helpful.

You can add 2 ranks per level toward background skills.

I went digging around on the back shelves and I actually have a skald already built who could maybe work for the campaign. Built for applying to another campaign but didn't get in.

She's be a fish out of water but I kind of like the idea of a traveling ambassador/explorer getting caught up in things by accident. Kind of a 13th Warrior feel to it, if anyone remembers that movie from back when.

I'll give bloodrager vs skald some thought.

I really enjoyed The 13th Warrior. It got panned for some reason, but I liked it.

Ok just typed a much longer than intended backstory for Sky Voice. Give it a once over and let me know what you think. I did it at work so it may be a bit all over the place idk. I am off work tomorrow and will post his stats and description.

I'm kind of warming to the idea of an Ilverani Twilight Speaker who has ventured down into the darkest heart of unknown Avistan to explore and search for hints of goodwill in the far south.

Trunau is a stopover on her way to Lastwall and then Ustalav. She was almost about to leave. Stupid coincidences.

Also Sigrun is a good all around character who could be used in about anything (especially a Strange Aeons campaign if one ever came along), while I don't see a Skald working in many other scenarios.

I'm thinking to have Schwertleite also be a part of the town's militia, or at least serving in it as a way to get lessons from the town's giantslayers before she heads deeper into the Hold. @Brogann, do you want to already know each other?

Happily... although it means I have to learn to spell your character's name... copy-and-paste it is!