Build Rules
Sources: 3rd party is fine as long as it fits the setting and theme.
Ability Scores: Use Dice Pool method where 1's are re-rolled. You can attempt 12 sets if you want.
Races: I'm not going to make any definitive list, but this is going to be a classic Greyhawk campaign. Pick something suitable for the central Flaeness. No oread samurai or nagaji mesmirists or whatever. Think stuff that's generally at home in a 1e like rule set.
Class: 8th level, with VMC allowed.
*You can have a half gestalt in the form of a free archetype (don't replace features, just add them), as well as a free VMC.
Additionally,
Classes that are eligible get the relevant initiator https://www.d20pfsrd.com/alternative-rule-systems/path-of-war/classes/abili ties-for-other-classes/ archetype for free.
Classes that are eligible get the relevant spheres of might archetype for free http://spheresofpower.wikidot.com/spheres-of-might.
Skills: We will be using the background skills system and skill unlocks from Pathfinder Unchained. For skill unlocks, all characters automatically get access to the expanded skill features when they achieve the requisite ranks in their skill. In other words, this is now a base part of the skill system. If anyone wants to play a rogue, I'll work out some additional feature with you to compensate for everyone getting the skill unlocks.
Feats: 1 per level, with the Elephant in the Playground feat tax rules also in effect. Additionally, all martial characters get the Combat Stamina (Combat) and Push the Limits (Combat) feats for free as long as they fulfill the prerequisites. They also receive Extra Stamina (Combat) when they fulfill the prerequisites.
Equipment/Wealth: Roll or take average.
Hit Points You get some extra hit points. Give yourself twice your constitution value at 1st level, and maximum thereafter.
Xp: I am not using xp, I'm just going to level you up at the appropriate level.
Traits: Six, but they have to be one per category. No drawbacks. You can re-fluff something from a Paizo AP if you want.
Additional Notes:
*All characters receive a Defense Bonus by class.
*Characters can swear Oaths if they wish.
Other Rules:
*I use a hex grid for combat, which changes the diagonal facing opportunities.
*Combat will have the enemies roll, and act, as a group for initiative.
*Called shots from the Gamemastering Guide are an option for combat.
*Artestia is also an option for combat.
Note - this is going to be a classic style campaign. Expect character deaths from save vs die and level drain effects. Some encounters will not be level appropriate and will require negotiation rather than brute force. I intend to kill some characters. The general aesthetic and tone will be Hackmaster/Knights of the Dinner Table.
*Religion is going to be even more complex than the 100+ gods in Greyhawk cannon. In addition to the standard Greyhawk pantheon, there are also real world deities like Thor in appropriate areas. For example, I like the idea of the nunnery dedicated to the Norns featured in Troll Lord Games' Yggsburgh.
Furthermore, some of the Pathfinder deities may show up in some contexts, especially the evil gods like Xon Kuthon and Lamashtu. Old Ones and other Outer Beings will also be present. For example, there will be drow who worship Loviatar and Xon Kuthon as a married pair -- the Lord and Lady of Pain.
*In addition to the gods, there are mysterious entities known as the 'immortals' who are separate, not worshipped, and inhabit the outer planes.
*The Sueloise are in some respects similar to the Thassilonians, and will have used some of their technology and unique magic forms.
*The Sea of Dust area will draw heavily upon Dark Sun inspiration, and will include psionics, thri-kreen, and other planetary adventure elements.
Greyhawk Notes:
In terms of campaign ideas, here are my general inspirations (though this is really going to be more of a sandbox where you can have a lot of pull in what you want to do)
-Underdark adventures inspired by the classic Vault of the Drow -- I have Rise of the Drow from AAW games, and might steal some stuff from that. 2 of the initial scenarios I have planned involve the Underdark, so there's some obvious potential avenues for moving off into those regions.
-Adventures in the Sea of Dust -- this would involve explorations of the Forbidden City in the center of the Sea of Dust -- I'd pull ideas from Dark Sun's Valley of Dust and Fire and City by the Silt Sea, and some other sources. I'm considering including the idea that some of the ancient Sueloise were defilers.
-Adventures in Hepmonaland/Against the Scarlet Brotherhood. I'm interested in Lost World concepts and forgotten jungle choked ruins, as well as a 'against the slave lords' kind of set up. Lost temples of Demogorgon and other horrors.
-Maure Castle or Castle Greyhawk -- both of these are incomplete, so I'd have to make up a lot of stuff, but some material is there.
The origin of the Drow in this Greyhawk is going to be more similar to Golarion -- a group of Valley Elves allied with the Suel fled underground to avoid the Rain of Colorless Fire. They were transformed by the ancient evils of the underworld, such as Rovagug, Tharizdun, the Great Old Ones, and other subterranean evils. It remains a possibility to this day that surface elves exposed to these same malign forces will likewise be transformed into Dark Elves.
Like the original Drow of the Vault, they serve a variety of Demon Lords and other malign powers, including the Spider Goddess.
-Pelor the Burning Hate is real. He killed the old LN sun god and assumed his portfolio. He is in competition w/ Sarenrae, Lathander, and Apollo as sun deities for the Flanaess.
