Way of the Wicked (solo) (Inactive)

Game Master Whack-a-Rogue

Post all out-of-character discussion here. This is also the place to post level-up changes and gear purchases. For the moment, dot here with your character concept and any questions you might have. I've listed some preliminary crunch in case you want to start working on your build, but don't feel like you need to rush that part. Since there's so much homebrew involved, I want to make sure you're as comfortable as possible.
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Before we do anything else, solo games are challenging, so you deserve a buff of some sort. First off, you'll get Toughness as a bonus feat. Second, you'll gain max hit points each level. Third, you have a fun choice to make. You can either play a gestalt character OR begin the campaign a level higher than usual. Let me know which is your preference. The reason I say "a level higher than usual" is because I'm pretty sure you've played through a portion of this AP before. If that's the case, we don't need to start at the beginning (most games end during/immediately after the prison break) if you don't want to. Let me know your preference in that regard. XD
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A few things to note, rules-wise.
- Perception is no longer a skill. Instead, it's calculated according to (character level + WIS mod + any bonuses). Essentially, all characters get max ranks in Perception for free, but nobody gets it as a class skill.

- Feint and Demoralize are now considered "Psychological Maneuvers." PSB (offense) is BAB + CHA mod + any bonuses. PSD (defense) is 10 + BAB + WIS mod + any bonuses.

- Lore is a skill now. This has two uses. First, you can use Lore to make relevant Knowledge checks untrained. For example, if you don't take Knowledge (divine) but have Lore (Aroden), you'll be able to attempt checks on anything Aroden-related. Second, if you DO have the associated Knowledge skill, you can add your Lore bonus to the Knowledge check. So, if you have both Knowledge (divine) and Lore (Aroden), you'll get a nice bonus when attempting Aroden-related checks.

- Climb, Swim, and Jumping have been rolled into a new skill: Athletics.
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STAT GENERATION
This is a four-step process that will result in all attributes between 8 and 18.
1) Select a race and gain the relevant attributes and abilities. You'll also get a free ability boost that can go anywhere except a stat that's already been boosted. This can be used to eliminate one penalty if desired. If the race you want isn't listed on my website, feel free to run it past me.
2) Choose one of your starting classes and gain an ability boost in that class's spellcasting or practicioner attribute. Wizards use INT, Bards use CHA, Monks use WIS, etc. This ensures you're capable of using all class features at Level 1 even if you normally have a racial penalty. If you have a selectible attribute (like Fighters do), the ability boost needs to match. For classes with a wonky attribute (like Barbarians and CHA), feel free to run an alternative attribute by me if desired.
3) Choose a Background and choose one of the ability boosts. You'll also get a free ability boost that can go anywhere except whatever ability you already picked.
4) Boost four unique stats of your choice.

In case you need extra clarification, this is basically identical to PF2e's character creation system, so feel free to reference that as needed.

Traits: Select one trait of your choice. This doesn't have to be a campaign trait if you find a different one you'd like more.

That should be enough to get started. Send me any questions you have.

Sorry got a little swamped and almost missed this. Will read through and reply further later tonight! Looking forward to it!

No worries. XD I'm out of town until the 21st, so Gameplay can't start until the 22nd at the earliest. I'm available to answer questions and such until then, though.

Looking at the classes (thinking going with gestalt). The 1/2, 1/3 entries under save are a little confusing. I'm assuming it's just to show the progression rate and it just remains the same until the next progression point?

So for one side of the Gestalt I'm most likely going with Ranger (good balance of martial prowess/full BAB/ good saves/ good skills) for the other side as much as the Armorist intrigues me with the chance to basically play Erza Scarlet, I'm thinking for the balance of adding some magical power and fitting a sort of assassin theme, I'll most likely go Clericwith the Darkness domain.

Are we using your Deities or those of the Way of the Wicked setting?

It's the fractional bonus system from PF Unchained. Makes mticlassing slightly less penalizing. XD

Well be using the WotW deities.

Ah cool. While listed as the Lord of Darkness, Asmodeus doesn't have that listed as one of his domains. Would I still be able to take it? Can't find any Archdevil that offers it.

Yes, that's fine.

So character creation basics for transparency:

1) Racial:Fetchling (probably play off as pale unhealthy human when I can) +2 Dexterity, +2 Charisma, –2 Wisdom / Free boost Wisdom
2) Class: Cleric/Ranger (Urban) +2 Wisdom
3) Background: Assassin +2 Wis , (bonus) +2 Dex
4) Boost 4: +2 (Wisdom, Dex, Int, Con)

Str: 10
Dex: 16
Con: 12
Wis: 16
Int: 12
Cha: 12

Settled on an appearance and name

I have to say, I'm finding the intricacy of putting the character together quite enjoyable.

Glad you're enjoying it. XD The intent was to help facilitate roleplay by making any race/class combination viable and giving backstory assistance via Backgrounds.

I'm back home. The preliminary glance-through of your sheet looks good. You'll need a background, of course. Something I mentioned in my first post was that I'm pretty sure you've played through part of this AP before. If that's the case, do you want to start over from scratch or start partway through? If the latter, we'll level you up a bit and give you some money to buy gear.

It's a catch 22 on that. I wouldn't mind staring a little further on, but at the same time playing out the prison break, especially solo sounds like a fun challenge. Especially since I've built her to be pretty effective with practically no equipment.

I'll have background and other level one finishing touches done tonight

Looks like you just need skill ranks and a short backstory. Once that's set, I'll open up Gameplay. XD

Gameplay is live! If you want to roleplay your thoughts, feel free. Once your crunch and backstory are done, I'll advance the plot. XD

Yeah sorry, today got hijacked by a catastrophic bank error. Putting up the backstory now.

Background complete!

Background
Assassin

Ability Boost: Dexterity or Wisdom

Bonus Feat: Go Unnoticed or Sneaky Vagabond

Class Skills: Lore (underworld) and Stealth

On the Hunt: While in public locations, you can actively stalk a single creature without arousing suspicion so long as you do not speak to them or their associates.

Raised in the slums of Talingarde, Lyr’aan spent much of her youth as a runner/messenger for her parents’ smuggling/theft ring, becoming exceptional at not being seen unless she wanted to. That is, until the day when they were raided by the King’s guard, their home burned, her parents dragged off in chains, and rumored to be executed. There is no doubt in her mind that had she been there, the self righteous paladins would have found an excuse to do the same to her.
Left alone, she found whatever way’s she could survive, first as a thief, then once of age, as a dance in one of the seedy entertainment houses in the darker parts of the city, eventually transitioning to also working in one of the better illegal brothels. It was there that her fate would change forever, as an especially drunk and violent patron made the mistake of trying to hurt her, and ended up with a dagger in his throat. Instead of the rage she was expecting for causing trouble, her employer was not only impressed, but pleased, having the body disposed of and made to look like a robbery.

Lyr’aan’s skill with a blade, exotic paleness and sensual ability, made her a perfect candidate for her madam’s secret business. An elite selection of entertainers that were trained as assassins, specifically to target the rich and powerful, able to get to them when others could not because of their vices, often with secrecy arranged by the target. It was during this training that she also initiated the girl in a shadow cult of Asmodeus, the Children of the Night, an assortment of those who reveled in the secrecy and power of darkness, and it’s capacity to conceal deed best kept out of the light of day.

She took to the work well, her beauty skill and reputation making it easier for her to gain the attention of high profile targets with a taste for alluring women, taking special joy in those times where a client/target was one of those sel;f-righteous types, keeping is true nature a secret.

Nice background. XD How were you caught?

Tougher/smarter target than anticipated or tipped off, possibly by a rival.

Okay. Feel free to post in Gameplay once you get your skill ranks assigned.

Okay, skills up posting in a moment. Happy to get going!

After quite the rough weekend I should be back on track and getting in a few posts a day. Sorry for the slow start.

Apologies for the lack of posts today. My Bones V pledge rewards arrived, so I've been busy sorting through $700 worth of miniatures. Things will be back to normal tomorrow.

That's pretty awesome! Enjoy. I'll be here.

Ata glance does it look like Grimjack would be able to fit through the door of the guardroom?

He'll have to squeeze a little to get through the doorway but will otherwise be fine.

Sorry about the delay. My internet's down, and I'm not sure when it's coming back up. I'll update Gameplay when I'm able.

Okay. Good luck! Hopefully it comes back up soon. Had a long tiring day myself so no biggie

Not sure if you saw my post.

Apparently the system are my last post. Posting shortly.

*DING*

You're now Level Two. As usual, post all level-up changes here. Don't forget to select a Background Feat.

Will get leveled in a bit

Anything missing or got wrong. BAB layout is still a little odd reading it fractionally

Level up
General/Gestalt: Background feat (Deceitful - +2 bonus on all Disguise skill checks and Influence checks to lie.)
+1 BAB
+1/2 TO GOOD SAVES +1/3 TO BADCleric 2
+8 skill points
d10hp

Cleric
+1 domain slot
+1 Faith point
Deific obedience:
Using a ruby-bladed knife, inscribe symmetrical cuts into the flesh of another creature—preferably an unwilling sentient being you own or hold dominion over. The blade may be solid ruby or forged of metal and edged with serrated ruby fragments. Devout priests of Asmodeus take pride in crafting elaborate daggers made entirely of ruby. Drain the victim’s blood into a bowl of bone made from the skull of a sentient humanoid. The amount of blood drained is up to you; you don’t have to drain so much that you make the creature weak or too useless to serve you. Use the bowl of blood to draw a large pentagram on the ground. Kneel within the pentagram and concentrate on the glory you will bring to the Prince of Darkness’s name. Gain a +4 profane bonus on saving throws against fire effects.

Ranger

Sneak attack 1d6
Talent: Skewer
When dealing your Fencing sphere precision damage to a creature, you may expend your martial focus to increase the bonus precision damage to become +1d6, +1d6 at +3 base attack bonus and every +2 thereafter.

Waiting for the all-clear to update character sheet.

Everything looks fine, so you should be good to go.

Leveled!

Sorry been an insane couple of days. Will have a post up in the morning.

200gp worth of gear

Kit, Courtesan’s 10gp
For the body, the kit contains a razor, scented oils and salves, fragrances, a warming pot, and a variety of appealing outfits. Books of poetry, literature, and plays—often focusing on salacious topics
s

Kit, Grooming:Price 1 gp; Weight 2 lbs.
This pouch of toiletries includes a comb, scissors, a nail file, a sponge, a hairbrush, a miniature mirror, soap, a chewing stick, and tooth powder.

Outfit, Courtesan’s:Price 8 gp;
This outfit includes fine silk or satin garments tailored to complement your figure. In addition, the outfit contains a loose shawl or robe with several discreet pockets for items such as perfume, massage oils, or even a small dagger.

Bedroll, Blanket, waterskin,

Potion CLW
Potion of Protection from Good

Sounds good

Also a pair of wrist sheaths (10gp total)

Sorry would also have reuested a War Mallet (since other than a flute or lute it's apparently the only bludgeoning weapon I know how to use??)

"You are proficient with the battle poi, bladed scarf, chakram, fighting fan, gladius, rapier, scimitar, shortsword, war flute, war lute, war mallet, and whip. "

Yeah, it's certainly an unusual weapon set. You're also proficient with all simple weapons.

Damn, it didn't notify me of your post

Sorry about the silence. My wife had spinal surgery on Thursday morning to replace two discs. She's at home recovering now so should be able to get in a few posts here and there while I take care if her during recovery.

*DING*
You've reached Level Three. As usual, post all changes here. Don't forget that this level, my version of ABP grants a +1 resistance bonus to all saves.

Let me know if it's all good and I'll update my sheet:

General/Gestalt:
1d10 (6)+2+2 Hp +10 (Con/FCB)
Feat :Extra Channel
+1 resistance bonus to all saves.
+1 BAB
+1 Fort/Will
6 skill points
You gain two additional ways to use your Devil's Pact ability.
- When you attack a foe you flank or that is flat-footed, you can spend one use of Devil's Pact. If the attack hits, your foe is staggered for 1 round (1d4+1 rounds if it's a Good outsider).
- When you cast a divine spell, you can spend one use of Devil's Pact to increase your caster level by 2. If the spell targets yourself, you gain temporary HP equal to the spell's level for 1 minute.

Cleric:
Channel energy 2d6,
reputation
1 2nd level spell per day (bonus) + Domain
+1 1st level per day

Ranger
1st favored terrain (Urban) +2 bonus on initiative checks and Perception, Stealth, and Survival skill checks, leaves no trail cannot be tracked
Nature’s healing
Skewer increases to 2d6

Sounds good.

Before we proceed, I wanted to ask if you want to keep this a true solo campaign or if you want an GMPC sidekick. You didn't bring Grumblejack the Ogre into the test dungeon with you, so I wasn't sure if you want him along for the ride. He's a great combat asset but isn't particularly stealthy. Alternately, I could get you someone with access to arcane casting and Knowledge skills to shore up those gaps. Or something else entirely. Thorne has a network of skilled allies, and due to the time jump, it's easy to bring one here and have you train together. As you've hopefully seen, I keep GMPCs mostly in the background, so you wouldn't have to worry about me stealing your spotlight. XD

Or you can go it alone. It'll make the campaign significantly more difficult and will require a great deal of creativity and lateral thinking but should still be possible. Just let me know your thoughts. XD

While Grumblejack is great as a heavy hitter, I'm thinking arcane casting with a good skill assortment would definitely be a big help.

I'll make that happen. Any preference on gender/race?