GM Jhaeman's "Dawn of Flame: Soldiers of Brass" (Inactive)

Game Master Jhaeman

Now recruiting two new players to join an existing trio at the launch of Chapter 2 of the Dawn of Flame adventure path. This is a great jumping on point for new players, and the premise of this particular run is that you're all members of a scientific expedition from Near Space that has arrived to survey the Pact Worlds' sun.

Example Near Space races include Branneri, Damais, Dromada, Embri, Espraka, Ghoans, Hobgoblins, Ijtikris, Osharus, Pahtras, Phentomite, Skittermanders, Telia, and Vesk, though other races specifically mentioned as originating in Near Space will be considered.

The two roles in the expedition team that need to be filled are Security Specialist and Lead Engineer. Both new characters will start at Level 2 (with XP midway between Level 2 & Level 3). The only commitment I ask, and that I'll promise in return, is to finish the chapter.

If you're interested, please post here. I'll leave the thread open for a week and then choose from among those who have put their hat in the ring.

where is the original thread? Is this play by post or roll20?

I'm interested if it is a play by post here in the forums but I also should take a look at the near space races, I'm mostly familiar with the core options

Also I once started to play the first book but never finished it due to the quarantine and such so I've a basic understanding of what going on.

I submit Xylian Xuuvats!

JK, I'm already in the game.

The game is on the forums. HERE is the gameplay thread for chapter 1.

Xylian is a damai. The other two team members are a housecat and some kind of Furby.

GM Jhaeman is great GM =)

Throwing my name in the hat (wait, wrong expression) - I'd like to join with a hobgoblin soldier, or preferably with a kanabo, if possible.

I'm picturing a former Gideron Authority security specialist working as a freelancer in the scientific expedition, or even representing the Authority in said expedition. He was chosen this time due to his open-mindedness, acquired by working in several diplomatic missions prior.

@DoubleGold: Yes, play-by-post here on the Paizo forum.

@Ms Bloodrive: Sure, take a look at the Near Space races and see what you think. I imagine there's lots of "stranded" players who weren't able to make it all the way to the end of Book 1, so this can be a good opportunity to continue on.

@Xylian: Thanks--I'm blushing under this mask!

@The Ragi: That's an interesting idea! I know the Gideron Authority has a . . . vexed . . .relationship with several other Near Space worlds, but it's perfectly possible the organisers of the scientific expedition have realised (after the events in Chapter 1) that some more "militaristic" representation could be useful. I'd be okay with a hobgoblin or Kanabo. Please continue to develop the idea and submit a character sheet if you get a chance.

@The Ragi: That's an interesting idea! I know the Gideron Authority has a . . . vexed . . .relationship with several other Near Space worlds, but it's perfectly possible the organisers of the scientific expedition have realised (after the events in Chapter 1) that some more "militaristic" representation could be useful. I'd be okay with a hobgoblin or Kanabo. Please continue to develop the idea and submit a character sheet if you get a chance.

The Gideron Authority depiction varies a lot between society scenarios (and even in the current AP in print), but generally it isn't very great. Very pragmatic - in their point of view - but generally as bad as the early Veskarium, likely worst.

I see my soldier as a defender of the cause, but not fanatic about it as his higher ups would like.

I'll commit him to a sheet probably by tomorrow.

Uh i would love to play some Starfinder again!
Security specialist also sounds like just the character role for me :D

I have an operative from another busted game who already would fit into that niche and i would love to continue.
Let me check out the race thing and give it a look.
Probably would change some stuff.

@Hayoto: Ok, thanks--let's see what you come up with.

Dotting

Out of curiosity, are you doing Starfinder Society credit?

@Master Han Del: Yes, I will provide Chronicle sheets for anyone who wants them after the chapter is completed.

Seo-Yeon is an Astrazoan, currently taking the form of a Damai, i hope you are allright with that race. Could change it with no problem though.
I'm getting the feeling this character may be better suited as lead engineer, having a lot of skill points.

Here’s Jin Goei, my Kanabo Guard Soldier:

https://hephaistos.azurewebsites.net/character/1900048006

Or

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1x2Uwie-wPZzzzApGJpYEGDj3QdJ98sDl/view

He’s quite adept at causing damage when necessary, but also has a +13 to grapple to have some other options. Going forward, I would probably invest in feats and alternate class features that expand this combat maneuver.

He also appreciates good clothing.

@Seo-Yeon: I think I'd say no to Astrazoans--they don't seem to have any particular connection to Near Space, as far as I can tell. They could be there, of course, just like any other race, but I'm trying to set up a particular premise.

@The Ragi: Thanks, definitely a contender. I like the suitcase full of clothing. Could you tell me a bit about Jin Goei's personality or background?

Sure, I put together a somewhat bullet point list about him, it's also on the Notes tab:

-----

Jin Goei is the eldest son of a hobgoblin diplomat that rose to power by standing with the military government currently ruling the Gideron Authority. He never had much contact with his ja noi mother, since his parents are divorced and she dedicates herself fully to a role as a spiritual leader. He's the only Kanabo in his immediate family, all his other siblings being regular hobgoblins, born from his father's second wife.

Although not cut out for diplomacy itself, Jin's family influence helped him land a position in the security detail of such missions, far away from the militaristic endeavors of the Authority in neighboring systems.

-----

He follows orders, but prefers to approach each situation/confrontation as a challenge to be conquered in the best possible way, usually improvising.

He is loyal to the Authority, but not being exactly a part of the military structure gives him plenty of freedom.

He appreciates effort, even if not successful, and will compliment people who give their all.

In combat he has a certain violent streak, inherent to his race, but has tried to temper such brutality by learning to subdue foes, instead of outright killing them.

He values decorum and dresses impeccably, but does not require similar behavior from others.

Formal at first, when he is familiar enough with someone he appreciates, he will demonstrate affection by attempts at humor.

-----

Appearance-wise, I really like the illustration on page 88 of the Alien Archive 2.

Well they showed up on a search for "near space" races, but i can understand your premise there very well.
Got some other races on the radar and can change it easily, just need to give it some more thought.

Is it alright to pick a race which is already there?

Dotting in for interest. I have always been interested in Dromada, so perhaps an engineer might be fun. I'll do some reading and get a character idea posted.

@The Ragi: Good stuff, thanks.

@Seo-Yeon: Do you mean can you a pick a Near Space race that is already represented in the group? Sure.

@GM Quirk: Cool, looking forward to seeing what you come up with.

Everyone: You've still got through the weekend to get any character submissions in.

This is Quirk, and here is my offering for the lead engineer position on this expedition! Though I have always wanted to play a Dromada, Telias are a close second. Given the fact that they are a more natural choice for engineers it seemed like the right direction. Here's a little introduction to him in narrative form:

A pair of telias plod along a beach. They each carry a ridiculously large cup full of a sweet intoxicant with a garnish of several bits of green fruits and vegetables. The sound of bongo drums suddenly erupts from the hip pocket of one of turtle-like humanoids. He pulls out a small comm device, and after pressing a button the drums stop.

"Dude...I need to get this...it's probably my Mom. She's been checking up on me since I told her I was headed to the Pact Worlds...MOM! Hello! Yes...Mom...no...NO! It's okay! I'll be fine. Yes, everything is packed, and the university knows I'm leaving--they're going to forward my degree to you. YES MOM! I packed my antiemetic, but I'm not going to need it. I haven't had stomach issues since I was kid...MOM! I'm nearly 200 years old! You need to let go...I'll be back after this field work! I promise! Yes...I'll call when we're in orbit, and I'll send a message when I arrive in the Pact Worlds. Goodbye Mom...Aoko and I are going to do some surfing. I'll call you in the morning."

The two telia arrive at a table, set their drinks down, and turn toward the roaring surf, now nearly at high tide. As he does, Hani's shell shows a bright, interesting pattern of colors on each bony plate. The center is bright orange, and the edges glow in a yellow color. The border between the bright orange and glowing yellow is an amorphous, gray line.

Hani picks up a surf board, and looks back longingly at the intoxicant in the massive cup. He thinks to himself how hard it is to let go...the beach...his best friend Aoko...his mother...and his nightly intoxicants.

A surfer-turtle-dude engineer. One with a history of drinking too many intoxicants (as represented by the gray borders on his shell--Telia exhibit colors based on their history and well-being).

Mechanically, I think Hani will be fairly vanilla as far as mechanics go. He'll likely have a drone who is his lookout and a helping hand. Of course he'll have a nice array of skills, including engineering, computers, and physical science. He's on a mission to do field work and science, so he's not expecting to get into any scraps--RIGHT? Just in case, he'll pack the arc pistol his uncle bought for him. Yes, the arc pistol his mother doesn't know about! Hani will be easy-going and an all-around fun guy to have around. His only inner demon will be that temptation to acquire any sort of intoxicant.

His stats aren't done yet. I should be able to create him relatively quickly. I am available to consult with the other players if there are any skills or abilities that might need covering.

I'm one of the current players, and just wanted everyone to know that we have run into a lot of aliens that are immune to fire damage, and we're guessing that is likely to continue, so you might want to keep that in mind as you choose weapons... or at least have a backup option. :)

Guessing that is something we would have passed along when requesting additional help.

I've been looking for another Starfinder AP to join and this looks like an amazing group in your current RP thread, but I am already playing in the Dawn of Flame AP in another PBP, so I will reluctantly have to pass. Please keep me in mind if you crank up a different Starfinder AP.

...Thanks...

@Hani: Awesome! That sounds really fun.

@Zharis: Yes, it's definitely fair to assume the existing group passes along suggestions or requests to the expedition sponsors when they're considering reinforcements.

@Brother_Guiness: Thanks, will do.

I decided to play a low-gravity Vesk operative/technomancer.
Story and character details upcoming tonight or tomorrow.

Of course i'm available to discuss any details and consult about things that need covering or would overlap.

@Hayato: Ok, thanks--curious to see the submission.

This is the Vesk character. Decided to go with 1 level of soldier because that seems to fit Vesks more, but technomancer is going to be the main class.
I am currently reading up more on Vesk to fill in a bit better stuff to the backstory.

I want to play this character as two-sided. Typical combat and competition, hard and reserved Vesk on the outside, but cute, talkative and science/knowledge oriented on the inside and to friends who are accepted into the inner circle.
You could say this is kind of a Vesk Bobby Draper from Expanse, but with magic and a lot more science backup.
Technomancer also provides a lot of skill points with a high INT engineering, computer and other INT based skills will be high, some getting boni from the class.
There's gonna be a family backstory explaining why they want to go to the pact worlds, already got the raw draft, featuring involvement with some of Vesks military and secret services as well as family drama^^
That should provide for interesting character motives between Vesk always looking for conquests and information to further those, looking to achieve dominance within their own family, but also a streak of rebellion against all of that and a yearning for new knowledge and cultures.

@Hayato/Veda: Thanks, looks good!

@Everyone: Another 48 hours or so to get submissions in, and then I'll make picks and we'll get going with the adventure.

Hopefully i find the time to write down the complete backstory until then and post it. I run 2 games tonight and tomorrow i still need to prep a bit for. Both PF2 though.
I'm the only one over here who wants to play Starfinder sadly.

Also have to admit playing a Vesk is slightly outside my comfort zone, since i definitely prefer more humanlike races and this character is outside the type i usually play, but i think it's a nice roleplaying challenge and i'm looking forward to it.

Jhaeman, just let me know if you want to see some stats on Hani. I really doubt if there will be anything too unusual about him (fairly standard mechanic). I'd like to think me concentrating on his personality and quirks is what is going to make him fun. A nice array of skills is important, but can be thrown together quickly.

I do want to do some work on his drone. I can't imagine Hani putting together a full-on combat drone (though perhaps in the future...). I don't think he'll ignore having a shooty drone though--something tells me Hani and his friends would enjoy blowing stuff up with a hover drone out on the beach.

@Veda: I'm with you--I think it's good to stretch those role-playing muscles sometimes by trying something different.

@Hani: Some stats would be useful if you get the time.

I did some very bare-bones work on Hani tonight. I would have fleshed him out, but I had my local game tonight over discord.

I decided to sound an audible at the line. Hani will choose the experimental prototype (armor) feature.

I thought this could potentially stack well with his "retract" telia ability (+6 AC and unflankable when taking the total defense action).

I also would prefer to concentrate on Hani's actions instead of a drone. Drones are fun, but they're an element that demands the player keep up with them.

This is simpler. And moreover, this character is beginning to make me happy! His background might be tweaked ever so slightly, and he probably doesn't have an arc pistol--most of his money will go into his armor and upgrades (speaking of which, how much will Hani start with? Standard for a second level character is 2,000 credits). I'm thinking that he and his surf buddies were working on a cosplay suit and things just got out of hand. If anyone else from the Pygosia system comes across him, they'll surely comment upon his "Commodore Ajax" armor--an excellent copy of a comic book character's armor.

He'll have about a +11 on engineering here at second level--+1 from his theme, and +2 from his race (and two ranks, +3 class skill, and +3 ability).

Updated the background a bit.

Thanks to everyone who submitted! Some hard choices here, but the expedition team sponsors have made their picks.

Lead Engineer: Hani Makoa
Security Specialist: Jin Goei

If a vacancy opens up in the team, Veda will be the first alternate.

I'll get a starting post up in Gameplay in about 12 hours to bring the "old" and "new" team members together.

Nice!

I'll dot in the gameplay tab, and update this profile with his information.

Have fun everyone and thanks for considering me.

I will dot in later today! Thanks for the opportunity!

Have to admitt i'm a bit sad.
After the Ninja Division Starfinder Minis failed kickstarter i'm finaly hyped about Starfinder again.
If you know any other game, please let me know.

Definitely, will do. I regularly run Starfinder Society games (just finishing "Skitter Home" as we speak), so keep an eye on the SFS thread. Also, don't forget about (online) PaizoCon coming up!

Yup, might run PF2 games there!
As a VO, nearly all my live game time goes into running games :D