"Fists of the Ruby Phoenix" (Campaign) w/ DM rainzax

Game Master rainzax

Hello Community,

Just ordered the "Fists of the Ruby Phoenix" trilogy, and looking for a group to take along these PbP Boards, starting when the books arrive! Interested in applying? Check out my DM, GM, and QM Aliases to see what kind of game I like to run, and if you like what you see, feel free to apply below with an 11th level character with whom you are interested in competing.

You can view the Players Guide here: LINK

I'll admit that I will be selective towards those who have GMed for me and those I have played alongside. Yes to PFS credit. Yes to Ancestry Paragon variant rule. Looking to hold recruitment open for the better part of the week (and extended as needed). Let's jump right into high-level play! Cheers.

I'm very interested in this and would love to play! Would you like a completely fleshed-out character, with complete background and stats? Or would you like to leave a bit of space for the PCs being a team already?

On a similar note to Mr. Tea, I have some character builds I'd like to use, but the details will really depend on the party.

Top choice for me will probably be an Arcane Witch. It's also tempting to take advantage of the high levels and be a Halcyon caster, opening up my choices of spells to basically all traditions.

I'd also be open to playing a Bard, but it's hard to say at this moment with no ideas about what other players may use.

Sounds really interesting. Never played a PC higher than 5th level (and don't have one of my own higher than 4th) so wouldn't mind giving it a try. Do I take it that we can slap together an 11th level PC and play it in adventure mode with the chronicle being applied to an existing PC of ours?

I'll download the Player's Guide and see what I can come up with that will work. I echo Mr Tea's question. How detailed a proposed character do you want? How big a group are we talking about?

--- update

Just had a quick look at the Player's guide and Sanctioning Document and it looks like everyone starts at 11th level and ends up at 20th over the course of 3 books, each worth 12 XP. Not something you want to get into casually since it could take 1-2 years to get through the whole thing.

I'm still game though.

Oh this is very interesting. I'd love to get in on this. At this time I can think of two possible monks.

The first is a sumo with mountain stance and the wrestler dedication from Grand Bazaar. A bully as a child who changed his ways after a humiliating defeat.

The second is the sumo's former teacher. A 90 year old who left the martial arts school that he founded in the care of his son and eventually went travelling in search of greater enlightenment. Mechanically he would be some sort of dex monk with either marshal dedication or bard dedication or both. I like the idea of mixing the traditional sensei/sifu type with some sort of spellcasting to make a character similar to those you might find in one of the wilder wuxia films.

A third option is a character that I was never able to make work in 1e, a white-haired witch in the vein of The Bride with White Hair. It might be possible to do something along these lines in 2e though. The character would possibly incorporate a kusarigama or bladed scarf to emulate the reach of the hair. She would likely be a tiefling hermit or victim of some sort of curse.

I would definitely be interested.

I have 3 PC ideas.

Strix Druid w/Rogue Cirri Merryweather is a Wave Druid who uses form spells to run around the battlefield. Out of battle she likes to explore ruins as an archaeologist, so expect some trapfinding and thievery. I built this character out to level 2 a month ago, haven't gotten a chance to play her yet.

Human Swashbuckler w/Summoner Dedication Bella and her fey sister Khiari can serve as repositioning Controllers in combat, a Face out of combat with some light Stealth. I built this character out to level 2 last week.

Sprite Cleric Shylye's actual name is long and annoying to pronounce. She's watched over a family of vampire hunters for centuries and decided it's time to strike out on her own and show how beautiful the world can be. Mostly a support character, may dip into some druid.. This character isn't ready yet.

I'm also interested if there's room for a self-absorbed Bard who's ego is only exceeded by his need for attention. He lives to inspire his allies in glorious song while they stand boldly between him and harm's way.

All the world is a stage, and the tournament seems the perfect opportunity to give the people what they want. Him. With his Attention Addict background, he's willing to make the sacrifice to shoulder the much-deserved fame and notoriety that is no doubt headed his way!

If Professor Plum and I play together, I definitely won't step on toes by also playing a Bard or Occult caster, so Arcane or even Divine Witch sounds promising.

My two character ideas at present are
1 - a Geniekin Barbarian (Wizard dedication) who was persuaded to join a cult by a charismatic leader, this character thought they were going to be shaped into a mighty wizard. They were actually an experimental subject. After the transformation, they fled but never gave up on the wizard dream. (Mostly mapped out to 11th level)

2- A disgraced politician, looking for redemption and a second chance at making the big decisions. This idea is not mechanically statted as yet, but is almost certainly a rogue as a base class.

I've been thinking about it and looking at what others are coming up with and it seems to me that given that this is a fighting tournament what we need is an actual no-fuss fighter. It turns out that I haven't played a vanilla Pathfinder fighter before, so this will be a little new for me.

I generally like playing Charisma builds, so I'm thinking of a High-Str and High-Cha human fighter (Entertainer, Gladiator, Attention Addict) who loves the limelight of the arena and wowing the crowd with his fancy moves. Picture a guy in full plate polished to a chrome finish with matching greatsword wielded in two hands (shields are for losers!). With Gladiator and/or Celebrity dedication. In the arena he likes to intimidate with his presence, but between fights/performances (they're pretty much the same for him) he likes schmoozing with his fans, especially the pretty female ones. He's a smooth talker and surprisingly good at getting information out of people.

I'll post more fighter build ideas as they come to me.

I'm set on a human dhampir cleric of Groetus.

I used Pathbuilder to throw together a level 11 build for my gladiator, who I am provisionally calling Slick until I can come up with a better name. No guarantees that I won't tweak it based on feedback or just because.

Slick

I didn't use the Ancestry Paragon variant rules because Pathbuilder doesn't seem to support it.

I didn't use the Ancestry Paragon variant rules because Pathbuilder doesn't seem to support it.

From the menu pick Custom Feat Choice. Add Ancestry Feats at levels 1, 3, 7, 11, 15, and 19.

As an example, here is the PC I created, Yagon Suel.

I didn't use the Ancestry Paragon variant rules because Pathbuilder doesn't seem to support it.

On the (paid) web version, I was able to open the menu, Click on "Custom Feat Choices" and add Ancestral Feats for the odd-numbered levels. (Edit: Ninja'd by Michael Hallet.)

Here's a quick mockup of my Human Swashbuckler w/Summoner Dedication. She doesn't have equipment nor does she have the Ancestral Paragon feats.

I haven't bought equipment yet - Is this the suggested equipment loadout? I'm copying the row from >this table.<

Level: 11
Permanent: 10th: 1, 9th: 2, 8th: 1, 7th: 2
Currency: 500 gp

I haven't bought equipment yet - Is this the suggested equipment loadout? I'm copying the row from >this table.<

Level: 11
Permanent: 10th: 1, 9th: 2, 8th: 1, 7th: 2
Currency: 500 gp

That is one option.

I went with the 3,200 GP option specified in the player's guide as I really wanted +2 armor which is a level 11 item.

Thanks for the heads-up chadius and Michael Hallet. I'd already coughed up for the enhanced web version (money well spent), but hadn't messed with any of the custom stuff. I've gone ahead and added the extra ancestry feats and things are looking good.

Thanks also for the pointer to the starting GP table. With 3200gp I should be able to outfit my guy as well. For the most part, this will involve making Slick's sword +2 Striking (935+65=1000gp) and making his armor +2 Resilient (340+1060=1400), which should leave about 800gp left over for some property runes and basic stuff. Not having any real experience at this level of PC, I'm open to suggestions as to how to enhance Slick's weapons and armor.

I changed Slick slightly from pure Human to Half-Elf to gain access to some of those sweet elf ancestry feats.

Speaking of Ancestries, I think I'm looking at Kitsune to fit the Goka theme and because I want a plain old rock as a familiar.

Hello! I'm definitely interested in this. Just a couple of quick questions. Would you prefer the AP-specific backgrounds, or is any background okay? And what sorts of uncommon or rare options are okay with you? If you'd like to keep weirdness to a minimum, it's totally understandable.

Dotting for interest! Getting over a cold right now but I'll try to get a concept together in the next few days.

Last time this AP came up in conversation I was torn between a Bard and a Thrown Axe Fighter. Sounds like I might have to make a decision!

Is anyone interested in doing a themed team as mentioned in the player's guide? Something like the following:

1) All Kitsune
2) All spellcasters
3) All bards
4) All monks
5) All champions of the same type (paladin, redeemer, etc)
6) Only deal non-lethal damage

The current version of my first character idea, Azlan Silmani, Barbarian fits #2 on the list.

Right now Bella (my Swashbuckler) prefers to fight unarmed so she would fit category 6.

Cirri is a Druid, so she could fit category 2 (if you don't mind her casting transmutation and then wading into melee)

I'm thinking of a Half-Orc Champion (redeemer) of Kofusachi. Go all in on the Tian Gods and appreciate the setting.

I'd loved to do a racial theme party, but I don't see that being fair to DM rainzax picking players.

Is anyone interested in doing a themed team as mentioned in the player's guide? Something like the following:

1) All Kitsune
2) All spellcasters
3) All bards
4) All monks
5) All champions of the same type (paladin, redeemer, etc)
6) Only deal non-lethal damage

No. I already have my mind made up about the PC I want to play and I'd rather others be able to make that decision without any restrictions.

Is anyone interested in doing a themed team as mentioned in the player's guide? Something like the following:

1) All Kitsune
2) All spellcasters
3) All bards
4) All monks
5) All champions of the same type (paladin, redeemer, etc)
6) Only deal non-lethal damage

Though still a work in progress, my Slick is currently a half-elf fighter with sorcerer dedication, so I guess he might squeeze into category 2, but that's about it.

Kitsune sounds interesting though. Maybe I'll play around with a Dark Fields Kitsune Ruffian Rogue with good Cha for Deception and Intimidation.

NovelEnigma wrote:

Is anyone interested in doing a themed team as mentioned in the player's guide? Something like the following:

1) All Kitsune
2) All spellcasters
3) All bards
4) All monks
5) All champions of the same type (paladin, redeemer, etc)
6) Only deal non-lethal damage

No. I already have my mind made up about the PC I want to play and I'd rather others be able to make that decision without any restrictions.

That's definitely fair. In a long game like this, you need to enjoy what you're playing and have some RP drive for your character as well. If you get forced to play something you're not "passionate" about, it may be a quick burnout of feeling forced to post rather than wanting to post.

Is anyone interested in doing a themed team as mentioned in the player's guide? Something like the following:

1) All Kitsune
2) All spellcasters
3) All bards
4) All monks
5) All champions of the same type (paladin, redeemer, etc)
6) Only deal non-lethal damage

Those themes affect a player mechanically and most would say no. Themes can also be done without interfering with major choices. Like all worship Gorum, or all are from Jinin. Or once a team is chosen, players can find out what they do have in common. Oh, look at that, the team just happens to have all darkvision. Or they are all good aligned, hopefully that one is true.

Interested in applying? Check out my DM, GM, and QM Aliases to see what kind of game I like to run, and if you like what you see, feel free to apply below with an 11th level character with whom you are interested in competing.

Is there anything specific you want in regards to an application (concept, character sheet, backstory, reason for entering the tournament, etc?)

Human Swahbuckler with Summoner (Fey Eidolon)

Strix Druid with a dash of Rogue

I'll stick to these two characters for now. Gear is always the stickiest part of character creation.

Hey folks - busy week! - popping in.

Yes apply with a character you want to play - I prefer it be mostly complete and in an Alias - but I will consider all characters submitted.

Due date is Friday, I will make my selection Saturday.

Then start "session 0" while we await the shipping of the books.

Cheers!

I asked a couple of questions earlier, but I'm sure they must have gotten lost with how many replies this got. Repeating them so you can see!

Hello! I'm definitely interested in this. Just a couple of quick questions. Would you prefer the AP-specific backgrounds, or is any background okay? And what sorts of uncommon or rare options are okay with you? If you'd like to keep weirdness to a minimum, it's totally understandable.

Yes apply with a character you want to play - I prefer it be mostly complete and in an Alias

Your wish is my command. I may still play with him a little on the margins, and I also need to fill out his equipment some more, but essentially what you see if what you'll get.

If you click on the following Pathbuilder link you can see the latest and greatest version of... Slick Silvertongue

I've been thinking about submitting for this & took a peek at Slick's alias. Does anyone know how to get the symbols they have in their stat profile? Did that all come from Pathbuilder?

If I got in, I'd prefer to have a party theme as well. The player's guide suggests it and it seems cool. It does seem more workable in this format to pick a theme after the party exists though.

Alias should be complete.

Does anyone know how to get the symbols they have in their stat profile? Did that all come from Pathbuilder?

No. They're just Unicode characters that are a little more difficult to enter because they don't appear on standard keyboards. I just cut-and-paste them from a text file. Here you go...

Action Symbols: (◆), (◆◆), (◆◆◆), (◇), (↺)

There are plenty more Geometric Shapes and Arrows where they came from.

Do we have access to buy magic items that have "Member of the Pathfinder Society" as the Access requirement? I'm specifically thinking of an Aeon Stone (Pearly White Spindle).

Equipment is hard. But hey, here's my swashbuckler alias. The eidolon is inside the profile (so I don't spam this thread too hard.)

And here is my other character, the Strix Druid. Transform and roll out!

I have a fighter build that I should be able to adapt to just about any themed crew. Because of the nature of the team aspect of the AP, I wanted to stay open with the other aspects of the character.

Personality-wise, he will be a solid embodiment of CG. His fighting style will also be a slurry of weapon, hand-to-hand, and maneuvers. His style reflecting his chaotic nature.

Popping in to share a resource someone in my lodge created: Item Bonus Equipment.

AP Backgrounds: Suggested not required - again I will consider all submissions here.\

Let me know if I missed or misrepresented you above - will fix the next pass

AP Backgrounds: Suggested not required - again I will consider all submissions here.

I originally went with the standard Guard background, but have switched it to the AP Background Second Chance Champion without a problem; I prefer it that way anyway.

Unfortunately, Second Chance Champion isn't available in Pathbuilder, but the Deckhand background is an almost exact match (except for getting Sailing Lore instead of Gladiatorial Lore), so I used that instead and tweaked the resulting stat block.

DM rainzax wrote:

AP Backgrounds: Suggested not required - again I will consider all submissions here.

I originally went with the standard Guard background, but have switched it to the AP Background Second Chance Champion without a problem; I prefer it that way anyway.

Unfortunately, Second Chance Champion isn't available in Pathbuilder, but the Deckhand background is an almost exact match (except for getting Sailing Lore instead of Gladiatorial Lore), so I used that instead and tweaked the resulting stat block.

Second Chance Champion is available in Pathbuilder under campaign backgrounds

Second Chance Champion is available in Pathbuilder under campaign backgrounds

Excellent! Thanks NovelEnigma. I've tweaked Slick to use it.

Online Pathbuilder is a pretty nice piece of web software. From now on I'll have to work on the assumption that if I can't find how to do something it's because I'm not looking hard enough.

Here is the build link for Shinma Tsuyomi. My Arcane Witch. I dropped the concept of using the Halcyon archetype because there was too much from Witch I wanted.

In case I'm in a group that needs a Frontline, I also have Dasat Sarand. Dasat is a Redeemer Champion from Rahadoum that follows the laws of mortality. This means that I immediately lose my focus pool and divine ally class features and don't count as having such features for abilities. To make up for it, Dasat is a wrestler with a lot of medical skills. I also don't get a deity skill or any benefit from deific weapon, though I took monk dedication to improve my fists.

Hey!

Here is my submission for Osh, the poppet beastkin barbarian. Haven't fully updated his sheet on here yet. Still looking at items to buy and doing some finishing touches on his build. Will finish everything by tomorrow morning. But just wanted to post my character before it gets too late.

Do you want us to post a background? If so, how long do you want it to be?

** spoiler omitted **

Let me know if I missed or misrepresented you above - will fix the next pass

You can remove me. After trying out 4 character concepts, I just can't get enthusiastic about this AP. Maybe once I've played more high-level games.

I'm withdrawing this character from consideration for the AP. Some of my RL friends are starting up a party and they asked me to bring this character along.

Submission Deadline: Midnight Friday (PDT)

There is also a second Recruitment (different GM): HERE