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

Game Master Dread

"And now to the Watchers, who have sent you to pray for them, who in the beginning were in heaven, Say to them, In heaven you have been; secret things have been kept from you; yet you have known a reprobated mystery. And this you have related to women in the hardness of your heart, and by that mystery have women and mankind multiplied evils upon the earth. Say to them, Never therefore shall you obtain peace.”

The Book of Enoch

Year of our Lord 2004

Ret. Colonel Michael Aquino walks to the conference room. The ceiling was low and the hallways are narrow. Necessity, due to the fact that they were beneath the Paris catacombs. The Colonel enters the well appointed conference room. Sculptures and paintings from the Masters adorn the opulent walls. "Gentlemen. My division have elicited the DNA sequences to create a magic conduit in humans. The fallen angel insists that they will be instrumental in bringing Lucifer."

Year of our Lord 2008

Just as he had during MK Ultra, Ret. Colonel Michael Aquino broke his subjects when they grew to a toddler. Unspeakable horror and depravity shattered the subjects mind. Splintered personalities that were programed by him.

Year of our Lord 2021

He found himself outside the Bodega Bay Union Church. He entered and is unsure why. He sees a cross at the other end of the wooden church. It's left of center, but it moves. Suddenly it grew and slid to the center. It lights and then glows with a righteous fire. He cowers before it. An angel whispers in his ear. "Through the Lord only can a curse be turned to blessing." His broken minds knit together in an overwhelming explosion of memory and suffering. He screams. The church walls fall away under a holy light. He collapses to the carpet. He wakes to see the church as it was when he entered. All evidence of the holy revelation was gone.

Except.

He was free.

Aquatic Elf / Alchemist (Fermentor)

Owner/Operator of A-FrAme Brewing Co. in Bodega Bay.

Chloe's family has a long history in Bodega Bay on both sides. Her father's family arrived from Norway in the 1910's and her mother's side arrived from Hawaii in the 1950's. Her family has always been involved in fishing, and their fortunes have declined along with the industry in recent decades.

She was a good student and made it into UC Berkley in scholarship, where she majored in chemistry. During college she began working at Fieldworks Brewery as a server an bartender. When she graduated she stayed on at the brewery as an apprentice, then assistant brewer. After being away in the Bay Area for 8 years, Chloe returned to open her own brewery in Bodega Bay almost a year ago.

Most of Chloe's time now goes into running her business, but she occasionally gets away to surf on weekends. She has been surfing since before she was even a teen, and it is her second great passion.

There is a long family tradition claiming her father's family has a bit of elf blood from many generations back. One of her ancestors was arrested as a witch because she had claimed to be a Donas de Fuera, an elf, posing as a human. Nothing came of it and there was no trial.

It's said some women in the Santini family have manifested odd talents occasionally over the generations in various ways. This is true, but not obvious in Chloe's case. Whatever bit of magic is hiding in her only manifests invisibly, through her talent for chemistry and an unusual affinity for the water.

Bodega Bay isn't a big place. Since she was born and raised there, Chloe knows plenty of the town's residents.

Notable Contacts:

Sarah Santini: Chloe's mother, now in her early fifties and a grocery store cashier.

Laura Santini: Chloe's sister. Laura owns a boat which she charters for fishing trips and whale watching excursions. Chloe and Laura don't tend to get along well, the reasons for which are long, tangled, and complicated. The most recent explicit reason is Chloe's decision to open her own business rather than partner with Laura in hers.

Kendra Deverin: Chloe is a new member of the Chamber of Commerce and looks up to Kendra as someone from whom she can learn a great deal.

Chloe has either rented or bought a building, an old warehouse or cannery building by the water makes the most sense, and partitioned it so portions serve as her brewery, bar, and residence respectively. The bar probably isn't much to look at yet, but she can start with a more limited size (a tap room I guess you'd call it) and make it nice enough. As her business grows, she can renovate a larger area and expand its size.

She can also do wholesale to other places, restaurants, bars, etc. who want to have a tap or (hopefully) two of her beer available. She'd even have a couple of part-time at the least employees.

Current Offerings:

Dawn Patrol Red Ale
Pig Dog Porter
Longboard IPA
Pintail Pilsner
Shaka Hazy IPA

Arcanist (9th Spells Arcane or Occult)
4.Simeon- Cayden Winters Psychic {Forestry Technician}
13.BelacRLJ- Ruth Saunders Witch {Store Owner}
--Cucumbertree- Jake Slaughter Sorcerer {Black Ops}

Divine (9th level spells divine)
3.Robert Henry- Sariel Patrick Cornelius Cleric {Catholic Priest}
15.Enzio-Declan Ashton Cleric {Semi-Pro Golfer}

Skilled (6+ skill points)
2.Andy Brown- Antonia 'Toni' Smith Rogue <Makeshift Scrapper> or Monk <Martial Artist> {Courier/Grubhub Driver)
11.Zanbabe- Zania Sheridan Bard <Arrowsong Minstrel> {Owns small travel agency}
16.grimdog73- John Clark Ranger or Gunslinger {Survival Scool Instructor}

Combat Support (martial Weapons)
6.TheSuperDodo- Adoram "Eddie" Brodenberg Skald {Musician}
7.SmooshieBanana- Sona Tanaka Magus <Mindblade> {YouTuber}
10.Edilsmurge- Johnny "Mash" Ramirez Warpriest {Paramedic}
12.Ollie-Twist- Jules Fuentes Occultist {College Student}
5.Pjp- Frederick "Freight Train Freddy" Johannsen Brawler {Works for Organization recovering 'artifacts'}
16.grimdog73- John Clark Ranger or Gunslinger {Survival Scool Instructor}

Combat Service Support (4+ skill points)
8.JonGarrett- Riktor Van Mander Alchemist <Gun Chemist/Bramble Brewer> {Works at Dispensary}
17.rdknight- Chloe Jensen Alchemist {No employment at this point}
6.TheSuperDodo- Adoram "Eddie" Brodenberg Skald {Musician}
2.Andy Brown- Antonia 'Toni' Smith Rogue <Makeshift Scrapper> or Monk <Martial Artist> {Courier/Grubhub Driver)
11.Zanbabe- Zania Sheridan Bard <Arrowsong Minstrel> {Owns small travel agency}
5.Pjp- Frederick "Freight Train Freddy" Johannsen Brawler {Works for Organization recovering 'artifacts'}
16.grimdog73- John Clark Ranger or Gunslinger {Survival Scool Instructor}
12.Ollie-Twist- Jules Fuentes Occultist {College Student}

Not enough to be considered right now
1.Cuan- ?? Investigator <Scavenger> ??
14.Ouachitonian ?? Paladin <Torturerd Soul> ??
18. Fighting Chicken ?? Wood Kineticist or Pyro Kinicist {Dispensary worker/firefighter}
19. Fang Dragon ?? ?? ??
20. Oblivions Scion ?? Ranger {Park Ranger}

ok so lets get to the choices...follow along for how i Make the decisions.

Lets Take the first category- Primary Combatant

only two being considered for this role.

Primary Combatant (Bab +1)
5.Pjp- Frederick "Freight Train Freddy" Johannsen Brawler {Works for Organization recovering 'artifacts'}
16.grimdog73- John Clark Ranger or Gunslinger {Survival Scool Instructor}

so of these two who do I like best.
An ex football player turned Bouncer turned employee for clandestine agency obtaining items for National Security? or a Veteran who now gives the rich and famous a place to pretend they are a combatant.

Very very touch choice here. But I think for the primary combatant I like the idea of someone trained in unarmed combat considering not everything is going to be answered with a gun here in our world...laws still exist.

Arcanist (9th Spells Arcane or Occult)
4.Simeon- Cayden Winters Psychic {Forestry Technician}
13.BelacRLJ- Ruth Saunders Witch {Store Owner}
--Cucumbertree- Jake Slaughter Sorcerer {Black Ops}

Divine (9th level spells divine)
3.Robert Henry- Sariel Patrick Cornelius Cleric {Catholic Priest}
15.Enzio-Declan Ashton Cleric {Semi-Pro Golfer}

Skilled (6+ skill points)
2.Andy Brown- Antonia 'Toni' Smith Rogue <Makeshift Scrapper> or Monk <Martial Artist> {Courier/Grubhub Driver)
11.Zanbabe- Zania Sheridan Bard <Arrowsong Minstrel> {Owns small travel agency}
16.grimdog73- John Clark Ranger or Gunslinger {Survival Scool Instructor}

Combat Support (martial Weapons)
6.TheSuperDodo- Adoram "Eddie" Brodenberg Skald {Musician}
7.SmooshieBanana- Sona Tanaka Magus <Mindblade> {YouTuber}
10.Edilsmurge- Johnny "Mash" Ramirez Warpriest {Paramedic}
12.Ollie-Twist- Jules Fuentes Occultist {College Student}
16.grimdog73- John Clark Ranger or Gunslinger {Survival Scool Instructor}

Combat Service Support (4+ skill points)
8.JonGarrett- Riktor Van Mander Alchemist <Gun Chemist/Bramble Brewer> {Works at Dispensary}
17.rdknight- Chloe Jensen Alchemist {No employment at this point}
6.TheSuperDodo- Adoram "Eddie" Brodenberg Skald {Musician}
2.Andy Brown- Antonia 'Toni' Smith Rogue <Makeshift Scrapper> or Monk <Martial Artist> {Courier/Grubhub Driver)
11.Zanbabe- Zania Sheridan Bard <Arrowsong Minstrel> {Owns small travel agency}
16.grimdog73- John Clark Ranger or Gunslinger {Survival Scool Instructor}
12.Ollie-Twist- Jules Fuentes Occultist {College Student}

3 up for this one...

Arcanist (9th Spells Arcane or Occult)
4.Simeon- Cayden Winters Psychic {Forestry Technician}
13.BelacRLJ- Ruth Saunders Witch {Store Owner}
--Cucumbertree- Jake Slaughter Sorcerer {Black Ops}

so another tough choice.

A tree Hugging Psychic working for the forestry service, A local 'witch' running a oddity store, or a person genetically altered to fight for the government.

The Psychic will bring some unusual abilities in including mental spells that fit in well with the campaign.

The Witch fits in perfectly into the area and town and brings in some healing.

The Sorcerer doesnt fit in so well to the area or the story, but brings a lot of umph to the role.

so I think that takes the sorcerer out because I cant see the character in my minds eye in the game fitting.

of the other two. I think I like the difference the Psychic brings to the table.

Skilled (6+ skill points)
2.Andy Brown- Antonia 'Toni' Smith Rogue <Makeshift Scrapper> or Monk <Martial Artist> {Courier/Grubhub Driver)
11.Zanbabe- Zania Sheridan Bard <Arrowsong Minstrel> {Owns small travel agency}
16.grimdog73- John Clark Ranger or Gunslinger {Survival Scool Instructor}

Combat Support (martial Weapons)
6.TheSuperDodo- Adoram "Eddie" Brodenberg Skald {Musician}
7.SmooshieBanana- Sona Tanaka Magus <Mindblade> {YouTuber}
10.Edilsmurge- Johnny "Mash" Ramirez Warpriest {Paramedic}
12.Ollie-Twist- Jules Fuentes Occultist {College Student}
16.grimdog73- John Clark Ranger or Gunslinger {Survival Scool Instructor}

Combat Service Support (4+ skill points)
8.JonGarrett- Riktor Van Mander Alchemist <Gun Chemist/Bramble Brewer> {Works at Dispensary}
17.rdknight- Chloe Jensen Alchemist {No employment at this point}
6.TheSuperDodo- Adoram "Eddie" Brodenberg Skald {Musician}
2.Andy Brown- Antonia 'Toni' Smith Rogue <Makeshift Scrapper> or Monk <Martial Artist> {Courier/Grubhub Driver)
11.Zanbabe- Zania Sheridan Bard <Arrowsong Minstrel> {Owns small travel agency}
16.grimdog73- John Clark Ranger or Gunslinger {Survival Scool Instructor}
12.Ollie-Twist- Jules Fuentes Occultist {College Student}

so

we have two in this category

Divine (9th level spells divine)
3.Robert Henry- Sariel Patrick Cornelius Cleric {Catholic Priest}
15.Enzio-Declan Ashton Cleric {Semi-Pro Golfer}

both are very helpful players. both active. so it comes down to the character.

1 is a catholic priest

the other is a cleric worshiping the sun.....

and thats where I think the tide flips to one character. Theres more chance of good roleplaying I think with the Catholic Priest (but Im willing to say I may be a little old school there)

Skilled (6+ skill points)
2.Andy Brown- Antonia 'Toni' Smith Rogue <Makeshift Scrapper> or Monk <Martial Artist> {Courier/Grubhub Driver)
11.Zanbabe- Zania Sheridan Bard <Arrowsong Minstrel> {Owns small travel agency}
16.grimdog73- John Clark Ranger or Gunslinger {Survival Scool Instructor}

Combat Support (martial Weapons)
6.TheSuperDodo- Adoram "Eddie" Brodenberg Skald {Musician}
7.SmooshieBanana- Sona Tanaka Magus <Mindblade> {YouTuber}
10.Edilsmurge- Johnny "Mash" Ramirez Warpriest {Paramedic}
12.Ollie-Twist- Jules Fuentes Occultist {College Student}
16.grimdog73- John Clark Ranger or Gunslinger {Survival Scool Instructor}

Combat Service Support (4+ skill points)
8.JonGarrett- Riktor Van Mander Alchemist <Gun Chemist/Bramble Brewer> {Works at Dispensary}
17.rdknight- Chloe Jensen Alchemist {No employment at this point}
6.TheSuperDodo- Adoram "Eddie" Brodenberg Skald {Musician}
2.Andy Brown- Antonia 'Toni' Smith Rogue <Makeshift Scrapper> or Monk <Martial Artist> {Courier/Grubhub Driver)
11.Zanbabe- Zania Sheridan Bard <Arrowsong Minstrel> {Owns small travel agency}
16.grimdog73- John Clark Ranger or Gunslinger {Survival Scool Instructor}
12.Ollie-Twist- Jules Fuentes Occultist {College Student}

we have three players that can fit this bill

Skilled (6+ skill points)
2.Andy Brown- Antonia 'Toni' Smith Rogue <Makeshift Scrapper> or Monk <Martial Artist> {Courier/Grubhub Driver)
11.Zanbabe- Zania Sheridan Bard <Arrowsong Minstrel> {Owns small travel agency}
16.grimdog73- John Clark Ranger or Gunslinger {Survival Scool Instructor}

If Andy plays the Rogue she brings a tried and true character type to the role and being a person who is a courier and drive for fast food makes her fit easily in the game.

2nd we have a Bard who owns a travel agency (which could have good benefits in game)

and 3rd our if grimdog plays his ranger he fits in here.

this one is ultra hard for me. I like all three characters...and all three in the role.

but the old school in me wants the Rogue. so Andy unfortunately you have this slot, but only playing the rogue. so if you were thinking monk Ill have to rethink...but for now Im going this way.

This role needs someone who can step in and fight or stand back and help support the fight. Someone who can plug holes or augment in other ways. Having the ability to use martial weapons is what separates this type character from another in my mind, as martial weapons make a difference in choice. (espeically since firearms are on the table)

Combat Support (martial Weapons)
6.TheSuperDodo- Adoram "Eddie" Brodenberg Skald {Musician}
7.SmooshieBanana- Sona Tanaka Magus <Mindblade> {YouTuber}
10.Edilsmurge- Johnny "Mash" Ramirez Warpriest {Paramedic}
12.Ollie-Twist- Jules Fuentes Occultist {College Student}
16.grimdog73- John Clark Ranger or Gunslinger {Survival Scool Instructor}

Combat Service Support (4+ skill points)
8.JonGarrett- Riktor Van Mander Alchemist <Gun Chemist/Bramble Brewer> {Works at Dispensary}
17.rdknight- Chloe Jensen Alchemist {No employment at this point}
6.TheSuperDodo- Adoram "Eddie" Brodenberg Skald {Musician}
11.Zanbabe- Zania Sheridan Bard <Arrowsong Minstrel> {Owns small travel agency}
16.grimdog73- John Clark Ranger or Gunslinger {Survival Scool Instructor}
12.Ollie-Twist- Jules Fuentes Occultist {College Student}

with 5 who can fill this roll-

6.TheSuperDodo- Adoram "Eddie" Brodenberg Skald {Musician}
7.SmooshieBanana- Sona Tanaka Magus <Mindblade> {YouTuber}
10.Edilsmurge- Johnny "Mash" Ramirez Warpriest {Paramedic}
12.Ollie-Twist- Jules Fuentes Occultist {College Student}
16.grimdog73- John Clark Ranger or Gunslinger {Survival Scool Instructor}

The Skald will bring good buff abilities, and being a starting musician gives some good opportunities for role playing.

The Magus player has been very helpful and thats a big plus in my book, and being a wealthy socialite can open doors role playing wise. The Magus most assuredly can fill combat holes.

A warpriest paramedic is an easy to fill spot and ugments healing nicely.

a college student who messes with the Occult fits...and rbigns the psy stuff again to the table...but having a psychic already takes some of the luster off this character for me.

finally 3rd time to see the ranger/gunslinger. who both could easily fill this roll...and having a Combat Veteran makes it very appealing.

hugely hard to choose. But I think I want going with my gut on this one.

The Ranger or gunslinger (his choice)

what defines this slot is someone who can generally support the play over all in a lot of small ways. to limit the choices I went with the defining trait being 4 skill points

Combat Service Support (4+ skill points)
8.JonGarrett- Riktor Van Mander Alchemist <Gun Chemist/Bramble Brewer> {Works at Dispensary}
17.rdknight- Chloe Jensen Alchemist {has an IPA brewery}
6.TheSuperDodo- Adoram "Eddie" Brodenberg Skald {Musician}
11.Zanbabe- Zania Sheridan Bard <Arrowsong Minstrel> {Owns small travel agency}
12.Ollie-Twist- Jules Fuentes Occultist {College Student}

5 in this field as well

first we have An Alchemist who is a lay about pot dealer (players own words). interesting choice. The gun chemist means familiarity with guns and can augment his ammunition and bramble brewer means tapping the tanglefoot alchemy items as well.

second we have another alchemist choice with someone who wants to be brewing beer for the locals. interesting choice.

next we see the Skald again and the Bard again as well as the college student with occult leanings.

this choice is by far the hardest as I can see each player fitting in easily. after much delibration Im going with

11.Zanbabe- Zania Sheridan Bard <Arrowsong Minstrel> {Owns small travel agency