GM Michael's Rise of The Flickerman:Burnt Offerings (Pathfinder Modern)

Game Master Dread

OOC

so as for character creation. You can start creating, but when you get to feats and traits lets work together to reskin them.

and for character abilities, we will do some minor modifications.

Player 1 (Primary Combatant):Pjp- Frederick "Freight Train Freddy" Johannsen Brawler {Works for Organization recovering 'artifacts'}
Player 2 (Arcanist): Simeon- Cayden Winters Psychic {Forestry Technician}
Player 3 (Divine Caster):Robert Henry- Sariel Patrick Cornelius Cleric {Catholic Priest}
Player 4 (Skilled): Andy Brown- Antonia 'Toni' Smith Rogue <Makeshift Scrapper> {Courier/Grubhub Driver)
Player 5 (Combat Support): grimdog73- John Clark Ranger or Gunslinger {Survival Scool Instructor}
Player 6 (Combat Service Support): Zanbabe- Zania Sheridan Bard <Arrowsong Minstrel> {Owns small travel agency

another thing let me know where you live. If its in another city...let me know the city.

here i am...ok...thinking ranger over slinger...just for skill points...and as for location, i think just out side Bodega Bay city limits...still close enough to get water and such, but far enough out to not worry about neighbours much

Hey folks! I'm thinking that Cayden lives up north in the Arcata Bay area. He's just in town for a week or so...until events inevitable transpire. I'll have my alias up momentarily.

Very cool, thanks for inviting Sariel to the game.

So Sariel is from Chicago, but laying low on the coast with a friend of the family.

I will continue working on his crunch, When you say minor modifications on 'character abilities' what do you have in mind.

Also, are you going to do domain choices for the 'generic good deity', or would you rather I give you a list of what I think would be appropriate for a Catholic priest whose main job is hunting monsters?

What's your opinion on the Roaming exorcist? I like the idea that he travels and that he's specifically dealing with monsters, not traditional 'pastoral' duties, and this is the only one I've seen that does both of those.

ok for instance- Zandia is an Arrowsong Bard.

so lets go 'Bulletsong Bard' and all those arrow feats will be altered for a martial firearm. Probably a Carbine, but could be a rifle if she chooses.

ok Domains..yes I have to do that. But its pretty easy. Use common sense with it if I dont get to it before you want to specify which domain. If you want to build the list for your character, go for it.

the categories will be

Good Domains (taken by good only)

Neutral Domains (having subdomains that are evil or good}

Pagan Domains (taken by pagan religions only)

Evil Domains (taken by evil characters only)

Generic Domains (taken by any)

just have to slot them.

Im ok with the romaing exorcist.

I can build Toni as either Core or Unchained rogue (I forgot earlier that archetypes can work on either); obviously Unchained has quite a few mechanical advantages (getting sneak attack on partial concealment without a feat & dex to damage probably being the biggest), but I'll stick with Core if you prefer.

I'll be using one trait to get Knowledge(Engineering) as a class skill, and building for maximum use of improvised weapons and tool (if anybody's thinking McGuyver at this point...), while also aiming for maximum survivability to avoid Freddy being stuck in melee by himself

naw Im cool with the unchained version

The Knowledge(Technology) & Driving skills, are they adventuring skills or background skills - and is Driving Dex-based?

For Traits. Having been through the books I've got I'm looking at Mathematical Prodigy to get Knowledge(Engineering) as a class skill - Not sure what I'll do with the Knowledge(Arcana) bonus, but we'll see.

And I like the idea of reskinning Hagfish Hopeful to reflect Toni's time spent delivering junk food, grabbing food on the run (including messed up orders, and 'going to be thrown out at the end of a shift' burgers)

How are we handling languages? Are there non-human languages? (possibly known only to a small number of people)
Can we assume that human languages are commonly available (as starting languages and from Linguistics)? Toni would have picked up Spanish from her time delivering food to help pay for university

Hey! Thanks for having me - super excited about this game.

My plan is to start with a brawler, and I am thinking little change is needed. How are we getting started with stats?

Freddie was born and raised on the south side of Chicago, in Evergreen Park. He has been living in St. Louis for the last 10 years, though, before getting recruited, and now is basically living out of his car as he travels so much. He doesn't really bother to keep many possessions, and isn't great with money.

Hey GMMichael, I forgot to ask, does one of the traits need to be an AP trait?

Where are you at on Drawbacks, Sariel will be Paranoid one way or the other, But If you permit, I would take the drawback: Paranoid You believe that someone or something is always out to get you, so you have a hard time truly trusting anyone.Effect: Anyone who attempts an aid another action of any type to assist you must succeed at a DC 15 check instead of the normal DC 10 check. and the third Trait would be Race Thrall Spotter (Ancient-born) Your heritage gives you an understanding of the powers of domination. You gain a +5 trait bonus on Sense Motive checks made to determine whether a creature is acting under the effects of a charm or compulsion.

Domains

Good
Artifice Domain {Alchemy,Construct,Industry,Toil,Trap}
Community Domain {Cooperation,Education,Family,Home}
Good Domain {Agathion,Archon,Azata,Friendship,Redemption}
Healing Domain {Medicine,Restoration,Resurrection}
Liberation Domain {Freedom,Revolution,Self-Realization}

Neutral
Chaos Domain {Azata,Demodand,Demon,Entropy,Protean,Revelry,Riot,Whimsy}
Charm Domain {Captivation,Love,Lust}
Glory Domain {Heroism,Honor,Hubris,Legend}
Law Domain {Archon,Devil,Inevitable,Judgment,Kyton,Legislation,Loyalty,Slavery,Tyranny }
Luck Domain {Curse,Fate,Imagination}
Madness Domain {Insanity,Nightmare,Truth}
Nobility Domain {Aristocracy,Hubris,Leadership,Martyr}
Repose Domain {Ancestors,Psychopomp,Souls,Ruins}
War Domain {Blood,Duels,Tactics}

Evil
Death Domain {Murder,Plague,Psychopomp,Undead}
Destruction Domain {Catastrophe,Hatred,Rage,Torture}
Evil Domain {Cannibalism,Corruption,Daemon,Demodand,Demon,Devil,Fear,Kyton,Plague}
Trickery Domain {Ambush,Deception,Espionage,Greed,Innuendo,Thievery}
Vermin Domain (ISMC)
Vermin Domain (UW)

Pagan
Animal Domain {Feather,Fur,Insect}
Darkness Domain {Loss,Moon,Night}
Plant Domain {Leshy,Decay,Growth,Thorns}
Rune Domain {Language,Legislation,Wards}
Scalykind Domain {Dragon,Saurian,Venom}
Sun Domain {Day,Light,Revelation,Thirst}

Generic
Air Domain {Cloud,Lightning,Wind}
Earth Domain {Caves,Metal,Petrification,Radiation,Erosion}
Fire Domain {Arson,Ash,Smoke}
Knowledge Domain {Aeon,Education,Espionage,Memory,Thought}
Magic Domain {Alchemy,Arcane,Divine,Rites}
Protection Domain {Defense,Fortifications,Purity,Solitude}
Strength Domain {Competition,Ferocity,Fist,Resolve,Self-Realization}
Travel Domain {Exploration,Portal,Trade}
Void Domain {Dark Tapestry,Isolation,Stars}
Water Domain {Flotsam,Flowing,Ice,Oceans,Rivers}
Weather Domain {Monsoon,Seasons,Storms}

so how this works.

Good Clerics can choose from Good, Neutral (though some subdomains wont apply), and Generic.

Pagan Clerics can choose from Pagan, Neutral, and Generic

Evil Clerics can choose from Evil, Netral (though some subdomains wont apply) and generic

Does this seem workable.

Hey GMMichael, I forgot to ask, does one of the traits need to be an AP trait?

Where are you at on Drawbacks, Sariel will be Paranoid one way or the other, But If you permit, I would take the drawback: Paranoid You believe that someone or something is always out to get you, so you have a hard time truly trusting anyone.Effect: Anyone who attempts an aid another action of any type to assist you must succeed at a DC 15 check instead of the normal DC 10 check. and the third Trait would be Race Thrall Spotter (Ancient-born) Your heritage gives you an understanding of the powers of domination. You gain a +5 trait bonus on Sense Motive checks made to determine whether a creature is acting under the effects of a charm or compulsion.

No Since traits are going to be reskinned anyway. no trait has to be from the original AP

Drawbacks. I will do on a case by case basis. As long as you play Sariel as paranoid and enforce the aid another change Im ok with it.

What I dont want to do is open drawbacks up totally and have someone take a drawback and never play it.

I'm currently assuming motorbikes come under Drive rather than Ride, but would they be their own category or come under 'wheeled'?

Hey! Thanks for having me - super excited about this game.

My plan is to start with a brawler, and I am thinking little change is needed. How are we getting started with stats?

Freddie was born and raised on the south side of Chicago, in Evergreen Park. He has been living in St. Louis for the last 10 years, though, before getting recruited, and now is basically living out of his car as he travels so much. He doesn't really bother to keep many possessions, and isn't great with money.

crunch is on the first post for creation. just when we get to feats and traits we may need to reskin them.

Robert Henry wrote:

Hey GMMichael, I forgot to ask, does one of the traits need to be an AP trait?

Where are you at on Drawbacks, Sariel will be Paranoid one way or the other, But If you permit, I would take the drawback: Paranoid You believe that someone or something is always out to get you, so you have a hard time truly trusting anyone.Effect: Anyone who attempts an aid another action of any type to assist you must succeed at a DC 15 check instead of the normal DC 10 check. and the third Trait would be Race Thrall Spotter (Ancient-born) Your heritage gives you an understanding of the powers of domination. You gain a +5 trait bonus on Sense Motive checks made to determine whether a creature is acting under the effects of a charm or compulsion.

No Since traits are going to be reskinned anyway. no trait has to be from the original AP

Drawbacks. I will do on a case by case basis. As long as you play Sariel as paranoid and enforce the aid another change Im ok with it.

What I don't want to do is open drawbacks up totally and have someone take a drawback and never play it.

Oh, he'll be so paranoid, and the 'aid' will be enforced, I just like playing him paranoid and I thought having a race trait would be thematic.

I imagine him as a free lance hunter, who usually works alone, but will work with others for a short period. But not trusting, nor staying in one place (home, apartment, dwelling) too long. I originally had him homeless, but I don't know if that would work, so I have him visiting "Aunt May"

Really hoping to put together a 'fake ID' but not sure what it would cost or what the mechanics would look like,

Quick question, GMMichael, how would you feel about reflavoring the magaambyan telepath to something like "natural telepath" to make it more setting-neutral. It fits really well thematically with the symbiosis discipline.

RH- fake Id is easy. Just create the ID name and specifics. then we decide where you got it. that will determine the DC to se through it.

Ill assign from the Street: cost 10 Gold: DC12. From a street level pro 25 Gold DC15. From a pro in the underworld 50gol DC20 and from a pro in the clandestine ops world 100 gold DC25.

thatll be id, birth cert, etc...

Quick question, GMMichael, how would you feel about reflavoring the magaambyan telepath to something like "natural telepath" to make it more setting-neutral. It fits really well thematically with the symbiosis discipline.

I like it. yes.

Lets call it Wilderness Telepath for our purposes.

So getting close to moving Sariel's information to his page, Still need to decide a couple of things about the 'cleric aspect' are you ok with the Catholics deity 'favored weapon' being a double edge sword? I assume a long sword would do, or would you prefer something else.

Alignment, this is only relevant because I sort of want Sariel to be lawful neutral. I mean he wants to be good, and maybe that will be a story arch, but he see's himself, because of his Dampir heritage, as intrinsically 'not good.' But sees the benefit of doing what's good and wants to be on the good guys side. That would mean the Catholic's view of their God would be Lawful Good. I guess I could do the same with Good and neutral, but for some reason I see the Catholic church as very lawful...

Would you consider making another organization to fight evil, one that is Catholic, like the Knights of Columbus or something? I'd love to use the traits eyes and Ears of the City and Hunter's Blood Tying them back to the organization he and Raphael are a part of, (probably the same group that taught him to be a Roaming Exorcist) but I figure you need to consider/approve that.

Yes I could do that. As for the favored weapon...let me think on that.

Yes I could do that. As for the favored weapon...let me think on that.

Cool, that would be awesome! Just a lot of references about "double edge swords" in the old and new testament, and in catholic art of angels, so just thought it would be a natural fit. But I'm good with whatever.

o...working on crunch tonight...going with ranger, thinking on the guide archetype....other archetypes were trapper and maybe a reskinned urban ranger...but think guide is best fit...will get a profile set up with all the numbers in a bit....

How much detail do you need on the 3 contacts?

Any limits on rulebooks?

Equipment questions:
Do you have a cost & stats (armor) for a set of motorbike gear?
I don't necessarily see Toni having thieve's tools, but she would probably have various other tools for working on the bike, so any thoughts on cost of a general toolkit (wrenches, screwdrivers, hammers & stuff) or some sort of multitool?

I may fiddle with traits & feats a bit to better reflect her improvisational abilities
Improvisational Equipment
Tool Optimizer
Field Repair

if you need gear ideas, i suggest a reskinned traveler's anytool as a Leatherman...can pretty much do anything...even have a mini pry bar on some...and thieves' tools believe it or not can be bought...there are door jimmy kits and lock pick "cards" out there...they're basically cut outs of the tools needed and you pop them out of the card to use...just an fyi

here I am...someone already had John Clark....so i just dropped the h...will get full profile up in a bit...

ok...3 contacts...
Domingo "Ding" Chavez-Corporal, USMC recruiter in San Francisco...served together in Afghanistan during Spec-Ops missions, current posting after getting wounded

Dr. Cathy Ryan-head doctor at SF VA hospital...worked on Jon when he had his accident..saved his eye...

Mike Kellerman-US Army Corporal, retired...runs an army surplus/camping/survival store in SF...met during both their time at the VA recovering...

here's my guy..spoiler'ed to avoid eye strain...

and what exactly are the vehicle build rules? i just want to make it clear for when i build my Jeep...maybe a surplus HUMVEE...and exactly how much loot we begin with...

if you need gear ideas, i suggest a reskinned traveler's anytool as a Leatherman...can pretty much do anything...even have a mini pry bar on some...and thieves' tools believe it or not can be bought...there are door jimmy kits and lock pick "cards" out there...they're basically cut outs of the tools needed and you pop them out of the card to use...just an fyi

The Anytool is nice, but it's not starting gear. I'd guess the bike toolkit ismore like Artisan's Tools.

and what exactly are the vehicle build rules? i just want to make it clear for when i build my Jeep...maybe a surplus HUMVEE...and exactly how much loot we begin with...

Starting wealth was max. Have you looked over the vehicle creation on the Campaign info page? Start there. Example: Sariel will probably spend 10 gp on his triumph. so 15 pt build, Motorbike- +2 to Dex -2 Int, Chevy/GMC--Triumph +2 Str -2 Cha. So:

Str. 16, Dex. 16, Con. 14, Int. 8, Wis.10, Cha. 8,

Now will work on a description for his older triumph

ok...that's what i thought for the vehicle...just wanted to double check since it's new to me...hmmm...how to stat up a HUMVEE....how mych gold will it cost to have the roof mounter M2 added on?

ok....so going with a 2005 Jeep TJ...sporty, fairly sturdy and gets the job done....

base stats.

S 14 I 12 W 16 D 13 Cn 14 Ch 10

so counting it as an SUV it get +1 S and Int, -1 W and Dex
jeep adds +2 Wis -2 CH
and it being old gets -2 Cn and Ch...

final form...

s 15 I 13 W 17 D 12 Cn 12 Ch 6

well, a "Ma deuce" means you need a class 3 license, which I think is a $200 application fee. But this one is on sale! Of course your talking California...

Machine Gun, Heavy Cost:1000 Gold Small:5d6+5/Medium:5d8+5 Crit:18-20/x2

taken into account.

still have to put ammo in the cost sheet.

ok answering questions-

first- The Knights Templar still exist 'underground' and have a smart phone app they communicate by. There are a mere 5000 members worldwide.

They are 'The Army of God' Holy Weapon Longsword. (though carrying a sword around would be frowned upon ;) )

3 Contacts- Name, residence, relationship to character, profession a one sentence blurb on how the relationship is. how likely are they to help. and what they can provide.

I will add a level 0 set of armor that will be motorcycle leathers as well as any other type of thick material designed for protection.

for tools use the cost of artisan tools and just specify mechanical or carpentry or electrical/plumbing etc.

now for vehicle build rules...it isnt designed to be a real cost item. its designed to reflect how much % of your income you allot for it, and thats why it mentioned doing it after outfitting. because it doesnt subtract from your allotted gold.

you just see how much you have left and thats the kind of vehicle you drive.

Capische?

Did I miss anything?

For traits, I was thinking rather basic:

Dangerously Curious - UMD +1 and is a class skill

Resilient: Growing up in a poor neighborhood or in the unforgiving wilds often forced you to subsist on food and water from doubtful sources. You've built up your constitution as a result, and gain a +1 trait bonus on Fortitude saves.

For feats, I am thinking my best bet is Combat Expertise and Power Attack (also I get Improved Unarmed Combat). These will give the most flexibility to the Martial Flexibility, and seem to fit well with the football+bar fighter theme.

those all are good and dont really need any reskinning.

Did I miss anything?

Thanks for those.

Other things I've asked are
Any limits on books?
How are we handling language availability?
Is the Driving skill Dex based? And are motorbikes their own subgroup or part of 'wheeled'?
Are the new skills Background skills?

first- The Knights Templar still exist 'underground' and have a smart phone app they communicate by. There are a mere 5000 members worldwide.

They are 'The Army of God' Holy Weapon Longsword. (though carrying a sword around would be frowned upon ;) )

Nice! So Sariel's 'alias' will be 'Patrick Knight.' Will have a 'burner phone' as well as the smart phone for the templars. I will start calculating costs, and that may determine the 'quality' of the fake ID.

As for the sword, I'm Thinking that Father Raphael had a 'Stash' at his sisters house. Probably sword, shotgun and other older stuff that would be no use. Old Fake ID's (for Raphael) phones, credit cards, the sort of thing that would have helped Raphael twenty years ago, but the only thing usable now would be the weapons.

3 Contacts- Name, residence, relationship to character, profession a one sentence blurb on how the relationship is. how likely are they to help. and what they can provide.

I'l make sure this is on the page.

You mentioned you were going to update/reskin 'kits' should I wait, or run an option past you. Torches=flashlight, Trail rations=MRE's etc.

Any limits on books?----non 3pp

How are we handling language availability? Use world languages. ie french, spanish etc until you run into otherworldy creatures and have a reason to learn something else. you an keep language slots for a later time.

Is the Driving skill Dex based? And are motorbikes their own subgroup or part of 'wheeled'?---ahh good point. it should be its own category. Ill add it. Yes its dex based.

Are the new skills Background skills? yes.

Toni's contacts, a couple of details to be finalized

Henry Smith
Toni's Father, born 1972, worked on a fishing boat from 1990 until 2018 when a broken cable almost killed him, leaving him reliant on a wheelchair for mobility. Henry has remained active as a union representative giving him some local and national political contacts.
Maria Lopez
Friend from USC San Diego, Computer Science major and fanfic co-author. Maria is currently working for a tech start-up developing AI marketing tools in Silicon Valley.
Maria may be able to provide information, research and possibly some high-tech components from the junk bins at work.
Name TBD
Owner of the local pizza store Toni does a majority of her deliveries for; a friendly face around Bodega Bay, and probably knows just about everybody in the town. Good source of information, and possibly the occasional free pizza.

The last one could be one of the notable NPCs with a food business, but I'm not sure whether you want us to connect like that,

Just thought of something else - cell phones are a thing... What cost?

Kits-

Bard- WT:17lbs
This includes a backpack, a Sleeping Bag, a belt pouch, a common musical instrument, a Lighter, 2 Pens, a pot, a journal, a mess kit, a mirror, rope, soap, Flashlight with 2 sets of batteries, 5 bags of trailmix and 5 MRES, and a canteen.

Brawler- 18 lbs
This kit includes a backpack, a sleeping bag, a belt pouch, a lighter, nylon rope, flashlight 2 sets of batteries, 5 bags of trailmix and 5 mres, and a canteen.

Cleric-16 lbs
This includes a backpack, a sleeping bag, a belt pouch, 10 small candles, a bible, a lighter, a pot, a mess kit, nylon rope, soap, a spell component pouch (pouch for religious incense and stuff), flashlight and 2 sets of batteries, 5 bags of trailmix and 5 mre's, a canteen, and a cross on a chain.

Psychic-13 lbs
a backpack, a sleeping bag, a belt pouch, lighter, a prismatic crystal, flashlight 2 sets of batteries, 5 days trailmix and 5 mre's, and a canteen.

Ranger-14 lbs
backpack, a sleeping bagl, a belt pouch, a lighter, pot, mess kit, nylon rope, flash light with 2 sets of batteries, 5 bags of trailmix and 5 mre's, and a canteen.

Rogue-18 lbs
backpack, a sleeping bag, a belt pouch, bag of marbles, chalk (10), Lighter, a grappling hook, a pot, a mess kit, a mirror, pitons (10), nylon rope, soap, thieves tools, flash light with 2 sets of batteries., 5 bags of trail mix 5 mres, and a canteen.

all characters begin with the following at no cost.

1 cellphone, 1 keyring with house key, work key car key on it, a bank card, a wallet/purse, up to 10 outfits at home, personal toiletries,, a pen, a notebook, up to 3 books, (normal furnishings for their home), and a vehicle per vehicle rules.

So I read 'Belt Pouch' and picture "Fanny pack" :)

Cool.

Trait reskinning: given that Type 0 armour has an ACP, which makes sense as bike leathers can be a bit bulky, I'm considering balancing that with the Armor Expert trait, which could be reskinned as Toni spending so many hours on the bike that she's got used to the restrictions from the protective gear

or any sort of pouch...

GMMichael, would you mind setting up the gameplay thread so we can dot in?

Good idea Simeon. Thanks GMMichael, dotted and deleted,

Sort of a ticky-tack question, but getting down to counting nickels and dimes. Sariel will use the provided smart phone as his 'templar contact phone' which he will only turn on to report in or fore dire emergencies (cause he's paranoid).

So how much for a burner phone to use while he's in California? You know, one of those flip phones he can purchase in Walmart?$29.88 + $69 set up fee, so 3 gp. 3 sp.?

Say 3 gold