A group of strangers will grow into the lords of Harmondale, and get involved with more than they would have imagined.
Will their land stand the test of the years to come?
Date: February 11th
Okay, well we need to sell some things, and then perhaps gear up... any suggestions about what we could purchase to fight this particular challenge?
Is our pet thief coming along as an NPC, or staying holed up until we come back? Looks like it will be a while before we can keep our promise and get him out of town.
Okay, well we need to sell some things, and then perhaps gear up... any suggestions about what we could purchase to fight this particular challenge?
Is our pet thief coming along as an NPC, or staying holed up until we come back? Looks like it will be a while before we can keep our promise and get him out of town.
It depends on how long you estimate 'a while' to be. If you are selling items, and leave the next day for Welnin, he'll wait to get picked up no problem. On that note, where would you like to drop him off, once you get him out of the Barrow Downs. Would you like to put him to use in Welnin in some way? Ditch him at the enclosed trade post across the border in the Contested Lands?
If he's left alone a couple of weeks more, his purse will only get him so far before he'd have to get back onto the streets.
Personally, i'd suggest making your lands safe for travel first.
Estelle's player saw her going there to help and foster good will with Welnin's people.
I would love to go back to the castle and try to stabilize the area, but this "side quest" in the dwarven kingdom keeps dragging on until it seems like the only thing we have, and we just got a quest that could suck up most of our money if anyone gets turned to stone. ... If he can't participate with us, can we send Estelle-bot back with him? We told him he had a place with us, so he could theoretically live in our castle, but it is currently not a great place to live.
Male human Here is an image for Daniel Fighter 2 |HP: 28/28| AC: 22| T:13|FF: 19| Fort: +4 | Ref: +3 | Will: 0 (+2 vs charm, compulsion or emotion, +1 additional vs fear) | CMD:20(22 vs trip/grapple)) | Init: +2| Perc: -1
IC and OOC, I'm a bit worried about rushing into the side quest from the king. A single Medusa(usually, IDk what changes may be implemented) would be incredibly dangerous for us, much less 2 or 3. And either way, it would best not to have to spend all our money to save someone that got turned to stone. Which is a point I'd make known IC, sorta. Also, Daniel intends to keep his word, long as Ryan(his name IIRC) keeps his. Makes himself useful, stays out of trouble, he has our protection... limited as it may be for now. I think we should go back to Welnin, deal with anything that's potentially popped up, and set Ryan to work. It might also be a nice way to leave Estelle until she returns. I'm also assuming we were told the name and a brief rundown of a Medusa by Severa?
Daniel sighs. He didn't know the best course of action, he wants to save the workers as soon as he can, but he also knows his first responsibility is to welnin's people, not its castle or the workers. But, the workers are likely the ones most in danger at the moment... And what about the snake haired women? How could they ensure they didn't meet the same fate as the workers? He'd only ever heard tales of such creatures, from less than factual accounts. Hell he hadn't ever known the name until now. But what he heard, even if only half true, unsettled him.
I... am unsure if we should pursue this request immediately. I honestly know nothing about a Medusa, other than what has been told to me like the name now, and tall tales I've heard adventurers tell at taverns of such creatures. But, from those. I am not sure if we could handle it safely. And, I'd rather not poke the dragon with a stick again.
He says, thinking back to the encounter on the island.
Besides, our first priority is to our new town and its people. I doubt people will think too kindly of us if we stay away for too long aiding others seeking to rebuild our own castle. We should see to it that any immediate issues in and around welnin, new and old, are sorted, prepare for this task while there, and then head out. Hopefully, it won't take too long and we will be heading towards the mine in short order. We could also use the time to better learn about the mines and the creatures within... Perhaps if we can obtain a good map of the area and the mine, as well as any books on the nature and abilities of a medusa, perhaps ways to stop or nullify their ability to turn someone to stone. Maybe even a way to turn it against them or their allies? I don't know... He shrugs again. Maybe that was a possibility? He thinks to himself before continuing.
Likely, The best case scenario would be only having to deal with their subordinates, and being able to sneak in, save the workers, and get out without battling a Medusa but... I'm not sure that will be likely. .
Strom listens carefully to Astella and Daniel, nodding in agreement.
"Ah have no concept of a Medusa beyond that it can turn a man to stone with a stray glance. Given that Sage and Ah were just nearly killed by a small band of common street thugs, the idea of facing such terrible monsters - more than one! - frightens the piss out of me.
"Now Ah have pledged myself to see the task through. If there are more immediate tasks that would aid in the security of your lands, then perhaps we look on that first. That is merely mah suggestion, and of course Ah want to see about getting to the Desert when mah service to this party is complete, so long as we take every precaution."
... I guess we can't do much about the undead problem either? There are so many things that I feel like we are supposed to do. I don't even know where to start.
So, okay, I agree. Let's go with your plan. Stone can be broken, so there is some risk, but overall, statues are very patient about being rescued. ... However, we are in much the same position now as we were when we left. Do you know how much money it takes to hire some mercenaries to patrol the roads?
I really have no clue, and we are certainly better off than we were before, but I am not sure that we have enough to properly arm ourselves, clean out the castle, and hire all the people we need even now. ... But by all means, let us take Ryan back and see if we can at least make a dent. Maybe I can find a room in the castle that is intact to stay in.
Male human Here is an image for Daniel Fighter 2 |HP: 28/28| AC: 22| T:13|FF: 19| Fort: +4 | Ref: +3 | Will: 0 (+2 vs charm, compulsion or emotion, +1 additional vs fear) | CMD:20(22 vs trip/grapple)) | Init: +2| Perc: -1
hmmm... mercenaries aren't the most ideal solution... ah! Daniel's face brightens a bit.
Why don't we request help from our friend Markus, or as some would call him, the beard. We might could send a letter, and, we can even offer payment. Though, maybe not as much as he would like. And, to be honest, I'd trust him to better train people a lot better than myself hahah.
Daniel shrugs, adding the last two bit sheepishly. Before clearing his throat and continuing
And, it would likely be worthwhile, and go a ways to both showing our dedication to the safety of the people, and help our watch grow and keep the town and its local area safe if we purchase better equipment to take back with us. And a cart to carry it. Lets see... how many town watch were there?...
how many watchmen were there in welnin, and what was their equipment? I was hoping to finish up the materials for Daniel's fullplate, but it may be worthwhile to purchase better and more gear for the guards if the improvement is worth the cost. Thinking about it, probably should have offerend Markus a job after we won, if we didn't then.
Don't forget what we already have in our loot log... several masterwork armor items that we can use without spending money actually.
Good idea. Let's go back to the inn and go through what we have first. We might have several items that will help already. After we pull out the stuff we want, we can sell the rest before we go.
how many watchmen were there in welnin, and what was their equipment?
5 and 2 guard dogs, plus 3 puppies. 1 is a former soldier, 1 used to be a scout and current dog trainer, and 2 young men who got basic training from Lewis. Their equipment is basic. Studded leather, mundane short swords and daggers. With the exception of Lewis, who uses slightly better equipment remaining from his prior work. Their levels varied, with Lewis being the most experienced of the bunch.
0th: detect magic, ghost sound, mage hand, message/1st: color spray, mage armor, silent image, silent image/2nd: glitterdust, minor image, minor image
|Darkvision 60 ft (light sens.)|Active effects: Mage armor
Severa nods. "Yes I would be happy to help improve security before any exceedingly ambitious undertakings. Besides, that will give us time to research and plan for these snake women."
With a plan for the current time in mind, the group bows and leaves the king's court.
Outside, ambassador Elstar is waiting. Before anything can be said, the king audibly calls for him..... "Ambassador. Le' us speak of the matter of safety, le' the young ones be, they have importan' work te do."
Sense motive 20, a hunch:
Yup, the king wants to make sure no nosy questions are asked about what he may have shared with you and not him.
For an informed diplomat would most likely inform their home country of geographical developments.
I assume the party waits near the embassy while Severa gathers her essential belongings.
Getting back to Grog's Grog tavern, you find Ryan sitting in the far back corner. Seemingly he had just won a game of cards, of the regular kind. The others at his table leave, and he greets you with a raised hand.
When done with any preparations the following morning, can i get 2 perception and 2 survival rolls from each.
Male human Here is an image for Daniel Fighter 2 |HP: 28/28| AC: 22| T:13|FF: 19| Fort: +4 | Ref: +3 | Will: 0 (+2 vs charm, compulsion or emotion, +1 additional vs fear) | CMD:20(22 vs trip/grapple)) | Init: +2| Perc: -1
before leaving, is there a messenger guild type thing in stone city? A postal service if you will? lol.
before leaving, is there a messenger guild type thing in stone city? A postal service if you will? lol.
What kind do you mean?
Large towns or cities would undoubtedly have messengers at certain key places. If you'd like, you could request a messenger near the court to leg it and deliver what message you have within the city. Outside of the city, missives get dropped off at the nearest city with a proper messenger service. With the exception of messenger birds between one of the inns on the route towards the Contested Lands.
If within the city, a silver will get it delivered.
Male human Here is an image for Daniel Fighter 2 |HP: 28/28| AC: 22| T:13|FF: 19| Fort: +4 | Ref: +3 | Will: 0 (+2 vs charm, compulsion or emotion, +1 additional vs fear) | CMD:20(22 vs trip/grapple)) | Init: +2| Perc: -1
just someone to get a letter/request to the mercenary guild, since that's the only real lead I remember us having on where the beard would be. Request his service by name sorta deal. And if that doesn't work out, we're likely out of luck.
just someone to get a letter/request to the mercenary guild, since that's the only real lead I remember us having on where the beard would be. Request his service by name sorta deal. And if that doesn't work out, we're likely out of luck.
(soft whistle). It's possible, but getting a message across will take time. The bigger dots on the world map, are the main cities of the provinces. All of them will have some discrete 'office' where you could hire local additional manpower. If you seek to hire him specifically, you'll want to have a message get delivered to the Guild's HQ office in the Western Lowlands. Copies of contracts get sent there, so they'd have some records of what forces get hired out to whom and where, and can then inform you where to hire him. Via horseback, sending a request would take about 6 days starting from Welnin.
I've put prices for messages on foot and on horseback on the world map.
Alternatively a DC 25 Kn. Local, with a d100 on success.
You may have heard what part of Erathia he may have served in before his current line of work, which would likely be his location for hiring. 1-15 on the %, it will reach him as intended, cutting in expenses. 16-100 means it will take 1d3 weeks to reach his location.
Severa thinks about the native flora and fauna as they travel, paying no attention to the specifics of her immediate surroundings but staying quite oriented to the general natural setting.
Theses are not my strong suits but the survival die are being friendly.
Strom later muses about Severa, the group's other new companion. He's known elves and he's known wizards, but what caught his attention was her interest in the natural word as they passed through it.
"Rather peaked looking, sad to say," he says to her regarding the blighted landscape.
"I was here once before, years ago, and it didn't look this bad. My fear is that it is spreading, though I do not know that to be the case. My caln lives in the Weatherchurch commune, in southeastern Avlee. It's quite beautiful there, warmer than other parts of Avlee but close enough to the sea to feel the heaviness of the air and on certain days you can even smell the brine of the water. If this blight ever got there I'd lose hope.
The barrow downs have been barren and difficult for all but the toughest of meager plant life and weeds, for as long as Stone City has been there, and presumably long before that even. The blighted areas, where the ground cracks from lack of hydration, are most present around the burial barrows. Those are marked by the yellow circles. The blighted zones may well spread very slowly, but you are safe Stone City and upwards.
Since the Tularean Forest is also part of Avlee, is your village in Tularian Forest's coastal region, or in the Avlee section a little more north?
Since the Tularean Forest is also part of Avlee, is your village in Tularian Forest's coastal region, or in the Avlee section a little more north?
I imagine Weatherchurch is located in the eastern reach of the Tulerean Forest, several days north of Pierpont.
With the measurement of our current map, the Tularean Forest's coast north of Pierpoint is about 4 days drawing a line, beyond that the Tularean forest transitions into the larger Avlee part of the continent. Along the traveled road from Pierpoint, that could amount to give or take 6 days.
Male human Here is an image for Daniel Fighter 2 |HP: 28/28| AC: 22| T:13|FF: 19| Fort: +4 | Ref: +3 | Will: 0 (+2 vs charm, compulsion or emotion, +1 additional vs fear) | CMD:20(22 vs trip/grapple)) | Init: +2| Perc: -1
Daniel would explain what he was doing to everyone when he would have everyone go with him to send the message. So feel free, if you can beat the DC, he'd likely send both just as a measure of assurance.
Daniel would have his message sent, then go about finding the remaining material needed for his armor to be repaired at its best quality. Then, he would purchase a cart, and a mule to pull it along with the equipment for the town guard.
0th: detect magic, ghost sound, mage hand, message/1st: color spray, mage armor, silent image, silent image/2nd: glitterdust, minor image, minor image
|Darkvision 60 ft (light sens.)|Active effects: Mage armor
Severa nods to Strom. "I am also from Avlee. Specifically, I hail from a small town where my father was something of an apothecary and alchemist... My mother led the town's night watch." Strom is certainly canny enough to note that Severa speaks of her father fondly but of her mother as an uncomfortable afterthought.
Picking up Ryan the rogue from the Grog's Grog Inn, the group sets out on their journey back to Welnin.
1d6 ⇒ 2
None in the group were particular alert that day, but luck would have there were no encounters to be had. That night the group arrived at the first inn on the way back.
1d6 ⇒ 5
The next day they were more aware that civilization was drawing more distant. They heard footsteps approaching from a nearby corner on the path between hills.
The dark brown squares are steep 5ft higher elevated ground.
Thereby preventing nearly bumping into a small number of shambling dead.
Strom also spots a flying form in tattered rags flying nearby nearly at the same time, some 15ft off the map, at 15ft altitude. It has noticed the group.
Severa, Kn. Local or Kn. Religion 12 for basic knowledge. Ask away for every +5 beating the DC.
==============================================
Male human Here is an image for Daniel Fighter 2 |HP: 28/28| AC: 22| T:13|FF: 19| Fort: +4 | Ref: +3 | Will: 0 (+2 vs charm, compulsion or emotion, +1 additional vs fear) | CMD:20(22 vs trip/grapple)) | Init: +2| Perc: -1
apologies, was out of town this weekend
Daniel will move up to block the path between the zombies and the party, readying a strike with his blade as he does so.
As preparations are made by Astella and Daniel, the first head rolls, as the zombie approaching Daniel loses its own.
Green shuffles closer, taking a swing at him.
Fetid fist:1d20 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 101d6 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10
Daniel notices there was force behind that swing, but too poor of aim to harm him anyway.
The wight flies west, nearing the edge of the map. 5ft off the map.
---------------------
Estelle bot moves to in front of Astella, and readies a strike against an incoming wight.
Ryan does the same but in front of Severa.
Strom
---------------------
Zombies Red & Yellow
Sorry, I've managed to screw up the battle map and lose Strom.
Strom moves forward beside Daniel, arming himself with is chain-flail and bringing it down on the nearest undead. He motions for Sage to stay back for the moment.
Called 'fliers' by the locals and those not versed in lore on undead, these flying skeletons are called wights.
Sometimes restless spirits, instead of becoming incorporeal ghosts, possess their skeletal remains, granting it flight.
Kn. check: wights have no special effects on their attacks.
Strom's chain-flail hits the zombie, crushing some bones inside, but the shambling thing remains standing.
3 dmg.
The next two zombies approach Daniel, swinging their fists at him.
Fist:1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23Dmg:1d6 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6 Fist:1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20Dmg:1d6 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10
The first fist is accurate enough to hit Daniel with a sucker punch.
Shaking the dizziness off in time to see the next come up to him, he raises his shield in time to block the other one. Feeling the impact on his shield, that one would have hurt more than the previous.
-----------------
Severa
Male human Here is an image for Daniel Fighter 2 |HP: 28/28| AC: 22| T:13|FF: 19| Fort: +4 | Ref: +3 | Will: 0 (+2 vs charm, compulsion or emotion, +1 additional vs fear) | CMD:20(22 vs trip/grapple)) | Init: +2| Perc: -1
Severa casts glitterdust to catch two zombies in the cloud of sparkles, hoping to blind them.
Will saves DC 16:2d20 + 3 ⇒ (12, 13) + 3 = 28
Green and red are covered in sparkling dust, and green's milky dead eyes detect nothing anymore.
=================================
Round 2
Astella & Daniel
-----------------
Green (-3)
Wight
-----------------
Estelle, Ryan, & Strom
-----------------
Zombies Red (blind 3 rounds) & Yellow
-----------------
Severa
Male human Here is an image for Daniel Fighter 2 |HP: 28/28| AC: 22| T:13|FF: 19| Fort: +4 | Ref: +3 | Will: 0 (+2 vs charm, compulsion or emotion, +1 additional vs fear) | CMD:20(22 vs trip/grapple)) | Init: +2| Perc: -1
Daniel continues his work, and lashes out at the zombie Strom hit.
Male human Here is an image for Daniel Fighter 2 |HP: 28/28| AC: 22| T:13|FF: 19| Fort: +4 | Ref: +3 | Will: 0 (+2 vs charm, compulsion or emotion, +1 additional vs fear) | CMD:20(22 vs trip/grapple)) | Init: +2| Perc: -1
Daniel cuts deeply into the zombie in front of him, exposing rotting guts in the process.
Astella hits the wight for 5, as part of the damage is resisted by the skeletal frame.
------------------
Green (-11) flails its fist at Daniel again.
Slam:1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20Dmg:1d6 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10
Once more, Daniel blocks it in time, but again he feels the impact vibrate in his shield arm.
The wight's broken bones slightly repair itself.
-4 HP.
It moves around, then suddenly makes a dive past Astella, before going back up again.
Flyby claw, height advantage:1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 5 + 1 = 12Dmg:1d4 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5
Astella ducks in time to avoid the claw hitting her, and the creature flies back up again to 10ft altitude.
-------------------------------
Estelle and Ryan move to attack the creature.
Lucerne hammer, inspire:1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 5 + 1 = 10Dmg, inspire:1d12 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 4 + 1 = 11 Club, inspire:1d20 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10Dmg, inspire:1d6 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 2 + 1 = 8
Neither hit, though.
0th: detect magic, ghost sound, mage hand, message/1st: color spray, mage armor, silent image, silent image/2nd: glitterdust, minor image, minor image
|Darkvision 60 ft (light sens.)|Active effects: Mage armor
Severa mutters to herself "I should have known to prepare for undead specifically." She raises a finger and fires a ray of shimmering energy at the flying wight.
Touch attack with -4 for shooting into melee:1d20 + 4 - 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 - 4 = 1Blinded one round if the enemy is hit. No save. But it's obviously a miss with a nat 1.
Maybe it was some excitement of actual fighting today, Severa's ray wasn't quite near the wight there. But there's a next time, as long as her reserves lasted.
Male human Here is an image for Daniel Fighter 2 |HP: 28/28| AC: 22| T:13|FF: 19| Fort: +4 | Ref: +3 | Will: 0 (+2 vs charm, compulsion or emotion, +1 additional vs fear) | CMD:20(22 vs trip/grapple)) | Init: +2| Perc: -1
Daniel continues his fight with the punching dead. beheading the first one seemed to work well, so he attempts to reproduce the feat.
With red's vision gone still, Daniel removes yellow's head instead, and the corpse falls to the ground.
Astella's arrow breaks a few pale ribs.
------------------------
The wight slightly repairs some fractures. At -6.
It quickly ascends, before coming down just above Astella.
Hey GM Chyro, it's been an age. I've read your post, but have not read the two links yet. I wanted to go ahead and dot, but I won't really have a chance to work on a character until after the holiday.
I took a look at the players/characters in the game alread. I've been around the block with a couple of them :)
It looks like you've got melee and ranged covered and divine touched but might need a wizard or rogue. I don't play a lot of casters, but might be able to put together a rogue, maybe someone who's upset the wrong mob and needs to get out of town.
Yeah, I think balance-wise someone high on skills and/or a full arcane caster would help us out a lot. On the rogue side of things there actually was an NPC dwarf rogue the party recruited recently so that might be a good tie-in if you wished to go there. That was a gang member that got into a bad spot with his own gang, thought of being a traitor, and to get him out of it he was made to swear an oath of loyalty to Daniel, the main tank.
As an aside, I'm not entirely sure though if said tank/Daniel is still with us; his last message was three weeks ago and the last in-character post two months. If he doesn't return, we might need help there too. Estelle is a Fighter 1/cleric x using reach weapons, so while she can hold the front a bit she's not exactly main tank material herself.
Hey Robert. Yeah, if you want to come in as Ryan, we already have an NPC that you could take over, but Grumbaki is right. Be whoever you want. Always sad to play the game as a character that you aren't invested in.
Also, just pointing out that Astella can find and disarm magical traps like a rogue, so she is already in that niche for the party. Not saying we can't have someone even more skilled of course. :)
Hey there folks! A lot of familiar names here. I'd be interested in making a character as well but it'll take me a little bit to pour over all the documents. Dotting in!
@Robert, If you would prefer to not go full arcane caster, another option to cover both more of the arcane and the rogue roles would be the eldritch scoundrel. IDK if variant multiclassing is allowed, but eldritch scoundrel with VMC Magus is always decent. With spellstrike being a psuedo capstone for the projected end of the campaign. (a couple levels early since IIRC end game levels are slated for 13 or 14.) Our newfound dwarven friend and Astella could make quite a team in that regard were you so inclined.
And do note, I'm merely making a suggestion. Please submit whatever you wish.
One thing to note, we are currently locked to core classes and archetypes are subject to GM approval. However, there is a 'talent tree' system of sorts that allows you to specialize and gain certain special abilities in areas you specialize in, and apparently your base class itself can be upgraded as well through certain trials.
Yeah, I think balance-wise someone high on skills and/or a full arcane caster would help us out a lot....As an aside, I'm not entirely sure though if said tank/Daniel is still with us;
I was thinking a skill monkey and I had assumed Daniel was 'departed', thus the 'one or two.' Once again proving what happens when you 'assume'
Zanbabe wrote:
... if you want to come in as Ryan....Always sad to play the game as a character that you aren't invested in. Also, just pointing out that Astella can find and disarm magical traps like a rogue,,,,
I've learned the hard way not to start a character I'm not really interested in. Sorry I missed where Astell has disable device, I don't want to step on her toes :)
rorek55 wrote:
@Robert, If you would prefer to not go full arcane caster,
Yeah, I was trying to be gentle. Basically, I don't play arcane casters. I mean I've put together a couple 'gestalt' characters with arcane spells, but that's been it. I tell folks it's because I read too much Robert E. Howard as a kid, but really, it's just that I don't have any interest in playing them.
Trevor86 wrote:
One thing to note, we are currently locked to core classes and archetypes are subject to GM approval. However, there is a 'talent tree' system...
I saw that and found it interesting, I don't mind core, I think there's plenty of room to build a well-developed personality. I'm going to go ahead and read the info and think about it a bit. Hopefully you'll get someone that wants to play a full arcane caster, it would really round out the group.
I'd rather not play yet another low level sorcerer, because waiting until 4th level to get my second level spells feels... bad, and was thinking about rolling up a tanky fighter-type of my own, but if arcane is what we need then arcane is what I'll play!
While I appreciate it Grumbaki, I already discarded my pacifistic shield-bashing ranger in favor of a conjuration wizard that is coming along nicely. I'm a fan of trying new things, and a pbp wizard would certainly be new to me! Grease for everyone!
The other thing for everyone to keep in mind in this game is that things are very rarely solved by just hitting them a lot. I advise making sure any character you submit has other options besides pure combat... it is a tricksy game where we get in ethical conversations with goblins and nobody seems to be pure evil, so you have to walk a fine line where you solve the problem without murdering anyone.
It makes the game super interesting in some ways, but just try to make sure that your character isn't going to be bored if we aren't hitting things. Maybe come in with a hobby or a non-combat sidequest so you always have something to be asking about or pursuing as we go.
It could be an opportunity to do nifty things that usually get overshadowed in normal hack and slash games too... like illusion magic, mind manipulation, traps, or a high intimidate or bluff skill could really be useful in some of our situations... other ways to make things happen.
too add to that, our resident fighter makes these things all the more difficult what with being Lawful good and all. To the more chaotic/tricksy minded characters chagrin.
I had nearly forgotten to mention, for those interested.
Questions about your character
1) What did you do during the conflict?
2) Name one specific person from your past, you have lost contact with during the conflict.
3) Quirks to be aware of?
4) What unsettles your PC?
5) Particular goals in life?
Very fun. I'm going to make an elven illusion wizard of some sort, I think. Delving into the setting info now.
On that note, illusion is the school that leaves the most up to GM discretion. Do you have a general take on illusion spells? And more specifically, what would you say it means for an enemy to interact with an illusion spell (e.g., silent image)? If I make a silent image of a brick wall and hide in the alley behind it, does everyone who passes by get a will save as if they've interacted with it or do only those who take a moment (e.g., a move action) to look at the wall get a will save?
That aside, i take it you're working on background.
On the 1st page of recruitment, there is a couple of extra questions for me to work off on top of that.
And from curiosity, aside from its armies, most inhabitants do not leave the savage lands. (Krewlod & Tatalia)
If your PC knows orcish, giant, and gnoll, please give a description how she came to know the languages.
Haha. That's a side effect of hero lab. I accidentally had World is Square (aka Elephant in the Room) turned on since it's in my defaults which automatically gives everyone some feats like power attack for free. Totally not relevant to my illusionist so I hadn't thought about it.
The actual total is 5 feats. One from an alternate elven racial trait, scribe scroll from wizard (do you allow trading that way in the style of PFS official play?), one that's just wizard weapon proficiency, and two from level-up.
Yes just started working on background, partially dependent on brushing up more on the setting and campaign so far. Good point on the savage lands! I'll think about that or change the languages and answer the questions.
Alright I think I'm ready! Everything should be in the alias. If I'm invited to join, I'm very open to brainstorming how Severa would be integrated into what's going on with the party.
Note that Severa is decent at helping with face-type skills thanks to the Orator feat which lets her use linguistics for some face skills. I thought this plus illusions and other arcane utility would help me enjoy non-combat challenges and have some things to contribute there.
If you want to scribe scrolls for personal use, go for it.
Though any scrolls you sell are at the usual 1/2 market value, like selling any other kind of item.
If you want to scribe scrolls for personal use, go for it.
Though any scrolls you sell are at the usual 1/2 market value, like selling any other kind of item.
Totally cool with selling for 50% of market price. I'm only planning to craft at 50% of market price, if at all, so I wasn't planning on selling any magic items I may make.
My question was whether or not you allow wizards to replace scribe scroll with spell focus (choice of school) the way they do in official, organized play (aka PFS). It's not a big deal to me either way because I am planning on picking up the main spell focus that I need via an alternate racial trait.
Mr Kaz, Mr Henry, don't feel late in this recruitment, if you still have interest.
Thanks For the offer.
I was waiting to see if any of the other games I'd applied for panned out. I've been accepted into a 'Kingmaker' game. Not wanting to start too many new games at a time, I will step away from this recruitment.
Thanks for running the game, Chyro, hopefully we will play again sometime.
Oh man, I spent hundreds of hours in 1987 and '88 playing the original Might & Magic on my Commodore 64. There were days I spent more time in Sorpigal than I did outside in the actual real world. I never did beat that game. I'm tempted to enter a contemporary version of Crag the Hack or Wizz Bane. Looks like I still have time to put in a submission...
Based on Party needs and my own personal preferences, I would submit either a Rogue or a Druid. Either build would have better than average CHA to support Astella as a face.
@GM Chyro, would you permit a Half-elf Druid/Lion Shaman?
Hello Therenger. Nice to see another fellow franchise fan.
Personally started at M&M 6, and heroes 1.
In regards to the archetype of lion shaman, sorry but no.
This planet lacks savannah, so i am staying away from all associated animals found exclusively in that terrain.
Therenger, there is a players guide at the previous page, and at the start of the recruitment. Alternatively the links for it and takent tree/specialization chart, are under my header.
This is Therenger's submission. I agonize over every detail. The concept here is a dwarf druid who is a social adept. Please review the alternate racial traits as they contribute greatly to the concept. Nothing looks broken to my eye. I went the animal companion route with a Lynx.
Anyway, the crunch is nearly done and I'll provide answers to the 5 questions and work on a backstory tonight or tomorrow.
Alternate Racial Traits:
Iron Citizen: Dwarves with this racial trait gain a +2 bonus on Diplomacy and Sense Motive checks, and Diplomacy is a class skill for such dwarves. This replaces stability.
Lorekeeper: Dwarves keep extensive records about their history and the world around them. Dwarves with this racial trait receive a +2 racial bonus on Knowledge (history) checks that pertain to dwarves or their enemies. They can make such skill checks untrained. This racial trait replaces greed.
Stoic Negotiator: Some dwarves use their unwavering stubbornness to get what they want in negotiations and other business matters. They gain a +2 racial bonus on Bluff, Diplomacy, and Profession (merchant) checks. This racial trait replaces defensive training, hatred, and stonecunning.
Interesting selection of traits. They even provide some easy options for reasons to be in Stone City.
Being...:
Mercantile potential:
Lady Marlene Greenbriar, the noble the party took work from, has family in Avlee. She herself is matriarch and her house/family crafts and provides arms & armor for the city guard. Her family in Avlee is in similar line of smithing work.
Dwarven history potential:
Ufretin, a well respected man within the dwarven community in Avlee, is both a well seasoned ranger, and a man of scholarly pursuit, when it comes to uncovering dwarven history. Dwarves keep, as much as possible, records of important events. Stone City has its great library and archives, which he would love to peruse. But last time he needed a commendation or request from either the embassy, or a noble house, to get access to the restricted official records. He didn't know back then, and didn't have much time to go wait. Maybe he asked you for a favor, being in the historical field.
Druidic:
There is an old dwarven druid by the name of Darius, in the city. He came from Avlee in hopes of discovering a means to revitalize the lands of his Stone City brethren. Perhaps an urgent missive needed to reach him.
Whichever reason, one can't safely travel the Barrow Downs alone.
A mercantile caravan could have brought you here, getting out unhindered would require some company, or lots of luck of not running into the roaming dead.
Are undead a relatively common threat? Would you permit the Alternate Dwarven racial trait Shadowhunter or Death's End? The answer to that will significant influence the 5 questions and backstory. I'll work on two versions so as not to hold this up any longer, and if you feel like you need to move the game forward please don't let me get in the way. Severa looks like an excellent addition.
Undead are not uncommon a sight, when traveling through the Barrow Downs.
Most often the shambling dead, and flying skeletons, if traveling between the few rests established between Stone City and the civilized lands.
Avlee sees no undead, except in the past war times, when the necromancers were up and about. Or if someone dies and becomes a ghost, but that's universal. :)
Mother warned him there would be seasons such as these.
The war had been won, insofar as wars are ever won, and AvLee remained AvLee, more or less. But there had been a toll and the Thistlebeards of Weatherchurch were paying it now. The novel community of AvLee dwarven druids had lived free from the cares of the outside world for generations, but the succession war afflicted on Antagarich by the Ironfists changed all of that. No longer secure in their secluded enclave, the Thistlebeards joined their kin and the neighboring Elves in defense of their homelands.
The time of peace was far too short. When Stone City was invaded it sent tremors through the deep ore veins throughout Enroth, reverberating in the heart of every member of the dwarven race. So the call to action brought the druids back into the fray. Strom's brother Matus was killed in battle by his side, defending a city that was not their own. It was a sacrifice to the greater good, to all of dwarven kind. A debt paid, in a way, for the split between ancestral fathers so many, many generation past. In the end, Strom returned to AvLee and to his parents, who had survived the war, and their secluded community. But for Strom, everything had changed.
Not six moons later and Strom bid his kin farewell, and for how long he knew not. Perhaps forever. Stone City was now part of his story, for he had fought and bled there. He needed to return to take history of the events surrounding those dark years in his life, and to honor Matus with a full account and to see that his body was properly laid to rest with the all the proper rites it deserved.
With his faithful companion Sage at his side, he set out on foot, ready for whatever trials the long road set upon him. Only two weeks on the road he was accosted by bandits and forced to give up his meager savings. He talked his way out of being killed, but only just. In the next town he was forced to take residence for several months, earning a living as master brewer for the local pub. He could have stayed, but his roots were laid elsewhere. Finding safety in numbers, he joined a small mercantile caravan for the balance of the journey to Stone City.
His father had given him a name to look up upon arrival: a kindred fellow by the name of Darius. Though not of the Thistlebeards' enclave, Darius is known to them from circles traveled, and he is already working to help revitalize Stone City. It is a noble effort that aligns with Strom's own desire to see his distant relatives made whole. Strom is also aware of the great dwarven archives in Stone City, and would very much like to add the history of his family into that library.
(apologies for any misstatements of the campaign setting)
The 5 Questions
1) What did you do during the conflict? Strom traveled to Stone City with his brother to fight side by side with their distant cousins in the defense of the great dwarven city.
2) Name one specific person from your past, you have lost contact with during the conflict. His brother Matus was killed in battle by his side. Matus was Strom's only brother and best friend, and he grieves the loss even though he knows in his heart that death is part of the journey we all make.
3) Quirks to be aware of? Strom is a pragmatist at heart, but sometimes his emotions get the better of him. As a druid he is in constant conflict balancing the natural forces of law and entropy. (Neutral good alignment) He's also a lover of beer and never misses a chance to sample a local brew and to exchange notes on the craft.
4) What unsettles your PC? Strom is disturbed by true evil and those who perpetrate it. While death is a necessary and important part of everyone's individual journey, he vehemently opposes those who commit violent or underhanded actions solely for the purpose of power or personal gain.
5) Particular goals in life? Strom is in Stone City in part to help heal the lasting wounds caused when his ancestors exiled themselves to AvLee. The memory of dwarves is eternal, and as a keeper of history it is his duty to help others understand the past. Ultimately, he seeks an audience with King Hothfarr to impress on him the spirit of unity, and perhaps serve as an emissary between their distantly related clans. Beyond that, he wants to help protect the traditional lands of druidic enclaves like Weatherchurch by preventing infringement, perhaps going so far as to establish and defend political borders to such lands.
2) Name one specific person from your past, you have lost contact with during the conflict. His brother Matus was killed in battle by his side. Matus was Strom's only brother and best friend, and he grieves the loss even though he knows in his heart that death is part of the journey we all make.
My thought here is that Matus could be lingering as a ghost whose spirit can only be allowed to rest pending some kind of reconciliation between dwarven factions. But that's only a suggestion.
One last question, GM, regarding your Specializations spreadsheet. Can any weapon group be specialized? Where would flails fall? I would consider burning the feat for martial weapon proficiency to use a dwarven chain flail for its reach property, and put specializations there for weapon focus.
Otherwise the trusty druid fallback of scimitar will be my weapon of choice. Typical combat tactic would be to spontaneous cast/summon 1d3 Stirges and advance to melee with reach, preferably. Alternatively, the Spell Focus (Conjuration), Augment Summoning, Superior Summoning (at lvl 5) feat tree is very attractive.
I approved a bardiche as in the axe category, and a flail mostly is a mace with a chain between the heft and the ball.
So i'd put it in the mace category.
The cleric in the party is a summoning archetype, she's got you covered.
