OSR Greyhawk Adventures -- Dungeon Mag. and others (PF1e w/ Houserules)

Game Master Sebecloki

I am interested in running a classic 1e style Greyhawk campaign with PF1e rules. By OSR I mean not only race and class selection, but also campaign style - focus on treasure over kills, expected character death, dungeon crawling, and sword and sorcery aesthetics.

I would plan to run a campaign closely based around some adventures from Dungeon magazine and homebrew.

I will take up to six players and will leave the recruitment open for 3 weeks starting from today.

The first scenario will be the dungeon crawl Everchanging Fortunes from Dungeon #85.

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).

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.

You had me at Greyhawk! (Plus rolling dice!) My first instinct is to go paladin because I haven’t played one since 1e ….. I’ll check back in once I decide

24d6: 24d6 ⇒ (5, 6, 2, 2, 5, 6, 3, 1, 5, 1, 3, 5, 5, 4, 4, 2, 5, 5, 4, 6, 3, 6, 6, 6) = 100
rerolls: 2d6 ⇒ (2, 6) = 8

Average over 4 on my first pool. I will try to come up with something awesome.

Highest rolls breakdown
6’s (7)
5’s (7)
4’s (3)
3’s (1)

Distribution

6+6+6= 18
6+6+5= 17
6+6+4= 16
5+5+4= 14
5+5+4= 14
5+5+3=13

Dot

Consider my interest piqued. I've been looking to get back into some Pathfinder. My knowledge of Greyhawk is lacking, but I'm aware of it and have started investigating it further.

Is it fair to say martial classes are favored in this campaign?

When it comes to archetypes, are you saying that something like a monk would get an archetype of their choice, the Path of War's Monk of the Silver Fist, and the Spheres of Might's Street Fighter archetypes without losing normal monk abilities?

Not sure if I'll be creating a monk, but I want to make sure I'm designing my character appropriately.

greyhawk, a setting I wish I had been around to experience more.

I'm considering a monk.

When you say you may attempt 12 sets, is that regarding the 24d6 roll??

Dotting In ... Not sure if I will go through with it. Man that's a LOT of house rules, but still, like the concept.

Dice Rolls

24d6 ⇒ (2, 3, 3, 3, 6, 4, 1, 3, 3, 2, 4, 5, 1, 5, 6, 1, 3, 2, 6, 3, 1, 3, 3, 4) = 77

Reroll 1's: 4d6 ⇒ (6, 5, 1, 2) = 14

Reroll 1: 1d6 ⇒ 1

Reroll 1 again: 1d6 ⇒ 3

Final Results
(2, 3, 3, 3, 6, 4, 6, 3, 3, 2, 4, 5, 5, 5, 6, 3, 3, 2, 6, 3, 2, 3, 3, 4)

Four 6's
Three 5's
Three 4's
Ten 3's (use 8)

Hmm, there could certainly be a Bard/Archaeologist/Kung Fu Exemplar/Rubato build in me that I'd never noticed before.

Ok, I'm not too sure that I'm understanding all the archetyping bits appropriately

As I read what you have written, an Investigator gets 3 archetypes w/o actually subtracting any class features in trade offs:
Battered Detective (Spheres of Might)
Polymath (Paths of War)
One of choice as a "Free Archetype"

Is that right?

When you say you may attempt 12 sets, is that regarding the 24d6 roll??

I want to reiterate this. 12 sets of 24d6?

Dotting In ... Not sure if I will go through with it. Man that's a LOT of house rules, but still, like the concept.

Yeah, not sure I want to have to learn Spheres and Path of War. But it is an interesting concept, so...maybe.

24d6 ⇒ (1, 2, 3, 4, 3, 3, 6, 5, 2, 6, 5, 3, 4, 6, 4, 4, 4, 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 3, 1) = 88
rerolls: 3d6 ⇒ (4, 1, 2) = 7
rerolls: 1d6 ⇒ 2

4 6s
3 5s
7 4s
6 3s
4 2s

In homage to my first AD&D character, an elf fighter/magic user/thief, I think I will go magus vmc rogue.

Also, I have never used spheres or Path of war but will give it a shot.

Would an alchemist and/or investigator be considered martial?

Set 1: 24d6 ⇒ (2, 1, 1, 5, 3, 5, 6, 6, 4, 4, 5, 3, 5, 4, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 4, 4, 4, 6, 3) = 87

Reroll 1s: 4d6 ⇒ (4, 3, 1, 1) = 9

• 1 - 2
  
• 2 - 2
  
• 3 - 5
  
• 4 - 7
  
• 5 - 5
  
• 6 - 3

A round of rolls.

24d6 ⇒ (2, 5, 2, 4, 3, 5, 2, 3, 1, 6, 1, 3, 6, 2, 3, 6, 6, 6, 2, 1, 6, 5, 4, 4) = 88
3d6 ⇒ (6, 4, 4) = 14

7 6s
3 5s
5 4s
3 3s

So roughly 18, 18, 16, 12, 12, 10

set 1: 24d6 ⇒ (3, 1, 2, 5, 4, 4, 2, 1, 2, 1, 3, 1, 1, 6, 3, 5, 5, 1, 2, 1, 5, 1, 3, 4) = 66
Reroll: 8d6 ⇒ (2, 3, 6, 6, 4, 3, 6, 1) = 31
Reroll: 1d6 ⇒ 3

2, 2, 2, 2, 2, 3,

3, 3, 3,
3, 3, 3
4, 4, 4,
4, 5, 5,
5, 5, 6,
6, 6, 6,

set 2: 24d6 ⇒ (1, 5, 1, 1, 6, 4, 4, 4, 3, 6, 5, 6, 6, 5, 2, 2, 6, 6, 6, 2, 2, 5, 6, 5) = 99 That's better
Reroll: 3d6 ⇒ (6, 5, 6) = 17

2, 2, 2, 2, 3, 4,

6, 6, 6, = 18
6, 6, 6, = 18
6, 6, 6, = 18
5, 6, 5, = 16
4, 5, 5, = 14
5, 5, 4, = 14

Interesting. Step one is rolling then:
24d6 ⇒ (2, 6, 2, 4, 6, 1, 1, 3, 2, 5, 5, 1, 4, 4, 6, 5, 1, 5, 1, 1, 2, 4, 2, 4) = 77
rerolling 1's: 6d6 ⇒ (3, 2, 3, 1, 5, 2) = 16

3 6's, 5 5's, 5 4's, 3 3's; 2 of the 2's required to make 18 dice. It could work, but since the option's there I might try once more.

24d6 ⇒ (1, 6, 1, 1, 2, 5, 4, 5, 6, 6, 2, 5, 1, 2, 3, 3, 1, 6, 5, 4, 2, 5, 6, 5) = 87
rerolling 1's: 5d6 ⇒ (2, 1, 2, 6, 2) = 13

6 6's, 6 5's, 2 4's, 2 3's, 2 2's. Better.

Str 14-2 race = 12 (5,5,4)
Dex 18 (6,6,6)
Con 12+2 race = 14 (5,4,3)
Int 18 (6,6,6)
Wis 10 (5,3,2)
Cha 12+2 race = 14 (5,5,2)

I'll try to replicate a gnome fighter/illusionist (personal gaming history, yes), that means the magus class w/the puppetmaster archetype to me.

Consider my interest piqued. I've been looking to get back into some Pathfinder. My knowledge of Greyhawk is lacking, but I'm aware of it and have started investigating it further.

Is it fair to say martial classes are favored in this campaign?

When it comes to archetypes, are you saying that something like a monk would get an archetype of their choice, the Path of War's Monk of the Silver Fist, and the Spheres of Might's Street Fighter archetypes without losing normal monk abilities?

Not sure if I'll be creating a monk, but I want to make sure I'm designing my character appropriately.

Correct on rules. Martial characters definitely preferred.

Would an alchemist and/or investigator be considered martial?

[dice=Set 1]24d6

[dice=Reroll 1s]4d6

• 1 - 2
  
• 2 - 2
  
• 3 - 5
  
• 4 - 7
  
• 5 - 5
  
• 6 - 3

Yes

Ok, I'm not too sure that I'm understanding all the archetyping bits appropriately

As I read what you have written, an Investigator gets 3 archetypes w/o actually subtracting any class features in trade offs:
Battered Detective (Spheres of Might)
Polymath (Paths of War)
One of choice as a "Free Archetype"

Is that right?

Yes

greyhawk, a setting I wish I had been around to experience more.

I'm considering a monk.

When you say you may attempt 12 sets, is that regarding the 24d6 roll??

Yes

The campaign will start with three adventures from Dungeon Magazine that take place in Furyondy, the edge of the Pomarj, and the Duchy of Urnst.

I'm imagining most characters as non full casters with the idea such characters are mostly mysterious npcs like ningauble and sielba from the lankhmar stories.

Plan your characters without the expectation you'll be leveling up quickly. All the first three scenarios are level 8. You won't go higher until we're done with those.

oh why not dot in for interest...

stats: 24d6 ⇒ (2, 3, 6, 6, 4, 1, 6, 5, 3, 3, 1, 2, 5, 6, 3, 5, 3, 3, 6, 5, 6, 1, 3, 2) = 90

reroll 1's: 3d6 ⇒ (4, 3, 4) = 11

6 6's
4 5's
2 4's
1 3...decent batch...will try another

stats2: 24d6 ⇒ (2, 4, 4, 5, 3, 4, 4, 4, 6, 6, 2, 2, 3, 3, 3, 2, 1, 1, 6, 2, 3, 5, 3, 3) = 81
reroll 1's: 2d6 ⇒ (2, 6) = 8

first one it is...thinking elf slayer...archer style...because why not?

set1: 24d6 ⇒ (1, 3, 3, 2, 6, 3, 4, 5, 5, 4, 1, 3, 2, 2, 3, 5, 1, 3, 5, 6, 2, 1, 1, 1) = 72

set 2: 24d6 ⇒ (6, 5, 5, 1, 4, 5, 5, 2, 4, 4, 1, 2, 5, 4, 5, 4, 1, 1, 5, 5, 6, 6, 6, 6) = 98
rerolled1s: 4d6 ⇒ (5, 2, 3, 6) = 16

6s= 6
5s= 9
4s= 5
3s= 1
2s= 3

SO dropping the 2s and 3s, and 2 4s leaves me with the following

stat 1 6,6,6 =18
stat 2 6,6,5 =17
stat 3 6,5,5 =16
stat 4 5,5,4 =14
stat 5 5,5,4 =14
stat 6 5,5,4 =14

Oh yeah, I can have some fun with this. I Almost don't even want the path of war stuff.

definitely going monk. He uses a fishing pole as a quarterstaff.

with the one feat per level, can they be combat feats?

with the one feat per level, can they be combat feats?

Yes

For monk characters, you should be friar tuck style western monks in terms of aesthetics. I don't want multiple shaolin monks from the celestial imperium

Correction. I meant to say DON'T plan for quick level ups. We're staying 8th level for at least the first three scenarios

Got it. I've been playing around with a couple of ideas. There are a lot of rules going on so seeing how they can be mixed and matched.

First set seemed underwhelming, so here's my second.

Set 2: 24d6 ⇒ (1, 5, 2, 1, 4, 5, 5, 2, 1, 3, 4, 3, 2, 3, 2, 4, 5, 5, 3, 2, 4, 2, 2, 6) = 76

Reroll 1s: 3d6 ⇒ (3, 6, 6) = 15

2's - 7
3's - 5
4's - 4
5's - 5
6's - 3

And yet they came up less whelming...

Set 3: 24d6 ⇒ (4, 4, 5, 1, 3, 1, 3, 2, 2, 5, 3, 3, 2, 6, 5, 1, 5, 6, 2, 4, 2, 5, 5, 2) = 81

Reroll 1s: 3d6 ⇒ (2, 6, 2) = 10

2's - 8
3's - 4
4's - 3
5's - 6
6's - 3

Set 4: 24d6 ⇒ (4, 5, 2, 2, 4, 2, 2, 3, 4, 2, 6, 2, 6, 3, 4, 2, 4, 5, 5, 5, 3, 2, 6, 6) = 89

2's - 8
3's - 3
4's - 5
5's - 4
6's - 4

Also, the first two adventures are underarm settings and the third is wilderness if that helps.

I will extend the deadline if there are interested parties that need more time.

I'm looking at Ranger.

Base Class: Ranger
VMC: Bard
Archetypes:
*Free Archetype - Freebooter
*Free PoW Archetype - Ambush Hunter
*Free SoM Archetype - Nature's Blade

This would still leave me with all of the Ranger's base abilities on top of the Archetype abilities, correct? Are we allowed to trade out abilities for archetypes as per the normal rules?

I'm envisioning a teammate who uses his abilities to boost his party's abilities while perhaps acting as a switch hitter with melee and ranged.

This might be too much for me to unwrap but I might as well roll as a start:

Dice Pool #1: 24d6 ⇒ (5, 6, 2, 3, 2, 2, 2, 5, 6, 4, 5, 6, 6, 6, 4, 5, 1, 1, 6, 3, 2, 1, 5, 4) = 92
Dice Pool #1 - reroll 1's: 3d6 ⇒ (1, 5, 6) = 12

2's - 5
3's - 2
4's - 3
5's - 6
6's - 7

That seems rather good. Will have to see what I can do with it.

No need to worry, I wasn't going to go for any shaolin or other type monk vibe. Though those work great with path of war style. Just a dude with a stick that knows a few tricks.

to further clarify intent

Human
VMC- Unsure
free archetype- Martial Artist
PoW- I have to take Monk of the silver fist I think??
SoM- Street Fighter (that said, the system seems confusing to me, and the ones I get don't entirely work with my idea...)

Statline- Pre racial and level boosts
Str: 15
Dex: 18
Con: 14
Int: 14
Wis: 18
Cha: 13

Post race and level adjustments

Str: 16
Dex: 21
Con: 14
Int: 14
Wis: 20
Cha: 13

Are we starting at 8th level with 1st level wealth? You said to roll or take average. That is why I'm asking.

For 8th -- I copied that from another 1st level recruitment and forgot to change it.

I'm looking at Ranger.

Base Class: Ranger
VMC: Bard
Archetypes:
*Free Archetype - Freebooter
*Free PoW Archetype - Ambush Hunter
*Free SoM Archetype - Nature's Blade

This would still leave me with all of the Ranger's base abilities on top of the Archetype abilities, correct? Are we allowed to trade out abilities for archetypes as per the normal rules?

I'm envisioning a teammate who uses his abilities to boost his party's abilities while perhaps acting as a switch hitter with melee and ranged.

correct

I have a couple of questions as I am unfamiliar with spheres/paths & stamina and have been doing some research.

spheres
1. Can we trade feats for talents?
2. Can we chose racial options?

Paths
If our class doesn’t have an archetype can we select the martial training feat?

Other
Is the magus class considered a martial character for combat stamina purposes?

Thanks!

spheres
1. I hadn't thought about it, but I guess that's fine.
2. Yes.

2. Yes
3. I guess by 'martial' I basically mean anything except a full caster gets the stamina system for free, so yes.

stats: 24d6 ⇒ (4, 2, 4, 6, 2, 4, 4, 1, 1, 2, 5, 3, 2, 2, 5, 6, 5, 6, 6, 1, 3, 4, 4, 5) = 87
1 rerolls: 3d6 ⇒ (2, 6, 3) = 11

So:

6-5
5-4
4-6
3-3
2-6

18 (6,6,6)
16 (6,5,5)
16 (6,5,5)
12 (4,4,4)
11 (4,4,3)
10 (4,3,3)

I am thinking a double bladed sword wielding fighter.

Thanks for your quick response!

let's do this: 24d6 ⇒ (6, 3, 1, 1, 1, 6, 1, 2, 5, 6, 1, 2, 4, 3, 6, 3, 5, 4, 2, 1, 2, 4, 2, 6) = 77

reroll ones: 6d6 ⇒ (4, 5, 1, 1, 4, 3) = 18

reroll: 2d6 ⇒ (5, 1) = 6

reroll: 1d6 ⇒ 2

set 2: 24d6 ⇒ (1, 6, 1, 2, 2, 4, 3, 1, 5, 1, 1, 3, 6, 4, 1, 3, 1, 4, 1, 6, 1, 3, 3, 1) = 64

reroll: 10d6 ⇒ (3, 2, 4, 3, 2, 4, 6, 5, 3, 6) = 38

set 3: 24d6 ⇒ (5, 1, 4, 3, 6, 3, 6, 2, 2, 6, 5, 4, 3, 5, 2, 4, 2, 3, 3, 3, 5, 1, 5, 1) = 84

reroll: 3d6 ⇒ (6, 6, 1) = 13

reroll: 1d6 ⇒ 2

set 4: 24d6 ⇒ (4, 1, 6, 3, 5, 6, 2, 6, 3, 2, 4, 6, 6, 5, 5, 6, 1, 4, 1, 4, 6, 1, 3, 1) = 91

reroll: 5d6 ⇒ (1, 6, 6, 6, 6) = 25

reroll: 1d6 ⇒ 1

reroll: 1d6 ⇒ 6

I mean wow ok set four it is:
6:12
5:3
4:4
3:3
2:2

6 6 6, 6 6 6, 6 6 6, 6 6 5, 6 5 5, 4 4 4: 18, 18, 18, 17, 16, 12

Set 5: 24d6 ⇒ (1, 5, 4, 4, 6, 5, 5, 5, 5, 4, 2, 5, 6, 2, 2, 4, 6, 3, 2, 2, 5, 4, 3, 4) = 94

Reroll 1s: 1d6 ⇒ 1

1's - 1
2's - 5
3's - 2
4's - 6
5's - 7
6's - 3

Set 6: 24d6 ⇒ (3, 2, 1, 1, 1, 2, 2, 1, 4, 4, 3, 5, 3, 3, 6, 1, 3, 5, 1, 5, 1, 1, 1, 1) = 60

Reroll 1s: 10d6 ⇒ (3, 2, 5, 2, 2, 6, 6, 2, 1, 5) = 34

1's - 1
2's - 7
3's - 6
4's - 2
5's - 5
6's - 3

Set 7: 24d6 ⇒ (3, 4, 3, 2, 2, 5, 4, 4, 3, 5, 2, 6, 1, 2, 4, 2, 1, 3, 2, 2, 3, 4, 1, 4) = 72

Reroll 1s: 3d6 ⇒ (3, 2, 1) = 6

1's - 1
2's - 8
3's - 6
4's - 6
5's - 2
6's - 1

Set 8: 24d6 ⇒ (1, 4, 6, 4, 1, 5, 2, 4, 4, 3, 6, 1, 5, 2, 4, 4, 3, 5, 3, 2, 1, 6, 2, 1) = 79

Reroll 1s: 5d6 ⇒ (6, 2, 4, 2, 5) = 19

2's - 6
3's - 3
4's - 7
5's - 4
6's - 4

Set 9: 24d6 ⇒ (5, 2, 5, 5, 3, 3, 1, 3, 5, 2, 2, 6, 2, 3, 5, 5, 1, 3, 4, 2, 6, 6, 3, 5) = 87

Reroll 1s: 2d6 ⇒ (3, 4) = 7

2's - 5
3's - 7
4's - 2
5's - 7
6's - 3

Set 10: 24d6 ⇒ (3, 1, 3, 2, 5, 1, 1, 5, 3, 1, 1, 6, 6, 4, 5, 6, 4, 2, 6, 4, 5, 2, 5, 2) = 83

Reroll 1s: 5d6 ⇒ (3, 6, 1, 1, 5) = 16

1's - 2
2's - 4
3's - 4
4's - 3
5's - 6
6's - 5

The other adventures I'm thinking about are the Forgotten Temple of Demogorgon, Mature Castle, Kambranexes Machinations, and the Istivin mini path. I love the Sea of Dust and might expand some homebrew in the Forgotten city.

I’ve heard good things about the Forgotten Temple of Demogorgon and the Istivin mini path. The Sea of Dust sound like a sad and lonely place for some PCs to die ;)

gonna roll the other sets of stats but put them in a spoiler...oh...quick question...for the slayer archetype sniper, it says to replace the track ability with the Accuracy ability...so basically keep track and add the other to him?

gonna roll the other sets of stats but put them in a spoiler...oh...quick question...for the slayer archetype sniper, it says to replace the track ability with the Accuracy ability...so basically keep track and add the other to him?

** spoiler omitted **

Yes

sweet...working on character now...should have it done later today...tot some sweet rolls in that one block...he's kinda good. oh and to clarify the bonus HP at first level, it's add the Con bonus twice instead of once?

I mean, if your constitution is 13, give yourself 26 hp plus constitution bonus for first level, if it's 18, give yourself 36 plus your constitution bonus, etc.

gotcha