| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Salutations, all!
Long-time PbP Player, first time PbP GM. I have been itching for some storytelling lately, and while I haven't ran a game on the Paizo website before, but I think I have enough references to do so well. I'd like to get my start with an idea that has been rattling around in my head for a while.
Your characters belong to a mid-large size adventurer's guild. Your party has been working together for a fair while now and for whatever your own reasons are, you'd like to move up in the ranks and become the top party in the guild for some sweet rewards and recognition.
One morning, your party is called to action. The guild has been contracted by a nobleman who owned a mine in a town a few weeks out from his city, and the head honcho decided that your party would be sent.
The Lord had not heard from the miners in quite some time. The weather had been bad lately, so it wasn't too strange. However, days turned to weeks, and weeks turned into a couple of months. No couriers sent had returned, so the Lord went to the next step, magic.
When magic couldn't reach anyone from the one in charge of the mine to the lowest foreman, the Lord began to panic and reached out to your guild.
As such, you have been tasked with traveling to the mining town and figuring out what happened to the workers and others who populated the town.
What I have: I have most of the adventure already written down and ready to go, sans names. I'm horrible with names in just about all capacities; remembering, giving, coming up with, etc. However, I'm not the type to stop something for the sake of "the perfect name," and I'll have that kind of stuff ready to go by the time we start.
What I'm looking for: 4-5 players who don't mind jumping into the unknown. I'm looking to create a story driven by its characters. Since it's character-driven, I'll be asking a lot of questions about the character's backstory, personality, connections (family, friends, rivals, etc.), and more. Once the "initial adventure" wraps up, I'll provide paths for the party to go down, all of which will be relevant in some way to the characters.
Knight of Rust as a GM: Most of my GMing experience came from PFS. I am a 4 star GM of Pathfinder 1st edition, and I am/was a Venture Captain for my area (I am currently in the midst of retiring, but that's neither here nor there.) My style of gamemastering is firm but fair. Even at a table, I roll my dice in the open, and what the dice says, goes. I am in favor of the rule of cool, even if it's not completely supported by the rules. The biggest thing that hits players is that I am an avid believer of the consequences of your actions catching up with you, both good and bad. I believe in a healthy mix of roleplay and combat, but I also know how to cater to the table depending at who is sitting at it.
Game details: Pathfinder 1, level 8. Standard gold. 25 point buy. Hit points after 1st level are roll or take average. Elephant In The Room. First party sources only, but as long as it's not outrageous (here's looking at you, Drow Noble) go crazy as long as you can come up with a backstory suitable for it.
If you're interested: Let me know! I'm not looking for full character builds yet, but if you're interested and you have one already, feel free to post it. I would like at least a character synopsis with a snippet of their backstory, race, class, and whatever else you think I should know about them. If this somehow blows up, I may even run two tables just to see how different the stories will go. 5 is personal maximum per table.
Hmm...color me curious, color me curious indeed. I do have a question or two before jumping in, however.
1. Could you explain, at least on a high level, what kind of themes/genres we may expect to see in your game? Do you want to run a dark and gritty game or something more upbeat, do you like political intrigue or more about the adventures, black and white depictions of good and evil vs shades of grey, etc. What can we expect for the feel of your game?
2. What is the setting for this campaign? Is it Golarion, or something homebrew? If the latter what details are there to be had about it?
3. For the "character-driven" format (which is something I'm a huge fan of by the way, here's looking at you Avatar series), do you prefer us to give you a feast of background options to pick from and surprise us with story arcs later, or do you want to work with the players on where their story might go pre-game?
That's all I have for now. There is a certain character I have in mind who I would love to see set free in a character-driven campaign, but I want to make sure he would thematically fit with the kind of feel you're going for before suggesting him.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Excellent questions, let's go through them.
1. Could you explain, at least on a high level, what kind of themes/genres we may expect to see in your game? Do you want to run a dark and gritty game or something more upbeat, do you like political intrigue or more about the adventures, black and white depictions of good and evil vs shades of grey, etc. What can we expect for the feel of your game?
Definitely more high fantasy. The themes will shift with the narrative. Whether it's dark or upbeat will depend on the actions of the party, and the events that take place around them and very well may shift like a metronome when it's proper. I like to run a large gambit of personalities, from serious characters like Jargon the wizard/baker who's trying to get his life where he wants it to be to "joke" characters like Shooter McGavlin, Sr, who's absolutely the worst thief you've ever met but he's so harmless that he barely spends more than a night in jail because "Well, it's just Shooter." I don't believe in Black and White Good and Evil, but there will likely be characters that do, but most people are morally grey.
So I suppose you can expect high fantasy for the most part, with tonal shifts when it's proper to do so. The first leg of the journey will be dark just from the contents of the premise, but the only dirt and grime you'll likely come across is from the area itself. Mining towns are notoriously dirty.
I'm not as... experienced running political intrigue, but I'm here for it if that's the kind of route the party goes down.
2. What is the setting for this campaign? Is it Golarion, or something homebrew? If the latter what details are there to be had about it?
Ah, I can't believe I forgot to mention this one. It will be in Golarion, likely set in Taldor (at first) although I do reserve the right to change things to fit the narrative. Nothing too huge like sweeping away countries or cities, of course (or will I...?), but popping up a town here or there where I need it to be.
3. For the "character-driven" format (which is something I'm a huge fan of by the way, here's looking at you Avatar series), do you prefer us to give you a feast of background options to pick from and surprise us with story arcs later, or do you want to work with the players on where their story might go pre-game?
Avatar is fantastic. Please don't expect Avatar quality, you'll make me cry when I can't deliver.
A little bit of both. Having more backstory tidbits for me to pick from is ideal, definitely, but I also plan to ask something like "What would you be happy to see happen to your character, what would make you drop from the game if happened?" Everyone has their safe zone, and while I don't plan on treading any lines, who knows where the story will go when it's based on the heroes, and not the adventure?
I’m interested. Not sure yet what I’d play. That’s a pretty good level for jumping directly into a Dragon Disciple, though. Built as more of a gish than a caster. That’s a strong possibility.
Thank you for the detailed responses, definitely helps me narrow down what I am interested in exploring.
So, focus on high fantasy, and an aversion to political intrigue. I can delve quite deeply into the political intrigue rabbit hole myself, so it's good to know to avoid that particular potential snare. With that in mind the original character I was considering would be an excellent fit.
The character I would like to bring to the table is Drask Umbra. I was playing him in a very excellent Shattered Star game before it unfortunately went belly up. I was even fortunate enough that one of my fellow players, Esriri, made some very cool 3D models of Drask. I would need to adjust his crunch, if and when the time comes, but the background and personality/appearance would be largely the same (perhaps adding a little between his escape and where he is now as a successful level 8 adventurer).
Drask was born into a primitive tribe as a tortured plaything, and all that he has learned about life and civilization he has learned as an adult, so he brings a very outside perspective to most situations. He also deals heavily with survivor's guilt, especially since his twin brother who sacrificed himself for Drask still actually manifests himself through his class abilities (with the very cool Ankou's Shadow archetype, as well as his rage manifesting from a barbarian dip).
Let me know if Drask seems to have some ideas you would consider interesting in exploring. I ended up developing a pretty intricate personality for him and I would love to chance to breathe life into him again.
Edit: As far as other potential applicants are concerned, in combat Drask will fulfill the role of a frontliner. He's mostly slayer, but a fairly tanky build (as far as slayer's go), so he would be first into the fray in most situations.
Sounds interesting. I will give it a better look when I get home from work and see what I can pull together.
I shall also put forth a character submission after I narrow on down.
|
Definitely interested. I have a straight up melee character (Aldori Swordlord) idea. Here is the first snippet:
The smoky tavern was filled with noise, most of it coming from the large table in the back corner of the room. A large group of young toughs were gathered there drinking and engaged in boisterous conversation. Their dress marked them as young nobles, while their swords marked them as probable students of one of the dueling academies that Restov was famed for.
"But Tristan, where could you possibly go from here? Surely you can make amends at home, after all your father is stinking rich!"
"I've burned that bridge as thoroughly as could be." Responded the one that had been questioned. He was slightly older than the rest of the group and appeared to be its nominal leader.
"First, I'm the fourth son so I wouldn't be looking forward to much involvement in the family business even if I had the interest. Second, after I escaped that accursed monastery my father stuck me in...."
"Wait! What monastery? You were a monk?!?" interrupted one of the youngest at the table.
Tristan sighed. "Yes, for about a year. My father thought it would be a good idea to have kin in the monastery of Irori in the Icerime Peaks that overlooks one of the only trade routes through there. It didn't matter to him that I was completely unsuited for that lifestyle. Of course, back then was when I still believed all that "honor of the family" stuff. It was the most hellish year ever. Can you believe they expect you to drink water with dinner?"
The table burst out in laughter at that and Trsitan punctuated the ridiculousness of the idea by taking a long draught from his tankard.
"Well, needless to say, I stole out of that place as soon as I could. Although, I have to admit that some of the stuff I learned has been very useful here at the academy."
At that comment, there were several nods around the table. They all had seen Trsitan use techniques that were unique and even the instructors had commented on.
"Father was none too pleased when I returned and then when I sort of borrowed some family funds to come here, I believe that was too much for him. So, now I'm looking into some things I've heard and will strike out on my own. Besides I was getting sick of my family's insipid fawning over the Surtovas."
Several of the Rostlanders smiled at that. One of them responded.
"I hear rumor that the Restov council is going to offer charters to explore the Stolen Lands, perhaps you would be interested."
"Yes," replied Tristian. "I had heard the same. With such charters come lands and titles. With those I could completely sever my ties from here and begin a new House. Who knows, years from now you all could be visiting Lord Tristan."
Tristan beamed at the table. And was rewarded with good natured chuckling from the rest.
They think I'm joking, but I will found a new noble house and be remembered in the histories.
|
Here is the crunch for my submission, he is a Dwarven Stonelord (Paladin).
Jarkralzak
Dwarf paladin (stonelord) 8 (Pathfinder RPG Advanced Race Guide 16)
LG Medium humanoid (dwarf)
Init 2; Senses darkvision 60 ft.; Perception +2 (+4 to notice unusual stonework)
Aura courage (10 ft.), resolve (10 ft.)
--------------------
Defense
--------------------
AC 21, touch 12, flat-footed 19 (+7 armor, +2 Dex, +2 natural)
hp 84 (8d10+32)
Fort 9, Ref 4, Will 8; +2 vs. poison, spells, and spell-like abilities
Defensive Abilities defensive training, fortification 25%, stoneblood; DR 4/adamantine; Immune charm, fear
--------------------
Offense
--------------------
Speed 20 ft.
Melee +2 corrosive dwarven dorn-dergar +15/+10 (1d10+9 B plus 1d6 acid)
Special Attacks hatred, stonestrike
Paladin Spell-Like Abilities (CL 8th; concentration +8)
. . At will—detect evil
--------------------
Statistics
--------------------
Str 20, Dex 15, Con 16, Int 12, Wis 14, Cha 10
Base Atk +8; CMB 13; CMD 25 (29 vs. bull rush, 29 vs. trip)
Feats Darting Viper, Dorn-dergar Master, Elemental Channel, Exotic Weapon Proficiency (dwarven dorn-dergar), Two-weapon Fighting
Traits armor expert, defensive strategist
Skills Acrobatics +0 (-4 to jump), Appraise +1 (+3 to assess nonmagical metals or gemstones), Craft (siege engines) +5, Diplomacy +7, Knowledge (engineering) +5, Knowledge (nobility) +9, Perception +2 (+4 to notice unusual stonework), Profession (engineer) +10, Sense Motive +8; Racial Modifiers +2 Appraise to assess nonmagical metals or gemstones, +2 Perception to notice unusual stonework
Languages Common, Dwarven, Undercommon
SQ defensive power (increase damage reduction[APG]), defensive stance, lay on hands 4/day (4d6), mercy (diseased), stone servant
Other Gear +1 mountain pattern armor[UC], +2 corrosive dwarven dorn-dergar, belt of physical might +2 (Str, Con), ring of sustenance, backpack, bedroll, belt pouch, flint and steel, hemp rope (50 ft.), holy text[UE], mess kit[UE], pot, soap, trail rations (5), waterskin, wooden holy symbol, 739 gp
--------------------
Special Abilities
--------------------
Aura of Courage +4 (10 ft.) (Su) Allies in aura gain a morale bonus to saves vs. fear.
Aura of Resolve +4 (10 ft.) (Su) Allies in aura gain a morale bonus to saves vs. charm.
Damage Reduction (4/adamantine) You have Damage Reduction against all physical damage except Adamantine attacks.
Darkvision (60 feet) You can see in the dark (black and white only).
Darting Viper You may change whether you’re using the dorndergar as a normal or reach weapon as a swift action.
Defensive Stance (20 rounds/day) (Ex) +4 Str, +4 Con, +2 to Will saves, +2 to AC when defending, but may not move.
Defensive Training +4 Gain a dodge bonus to AC vs. monsters of the Giant subtype.
Detect Evil (At will) (Sp) You can use detect evil at will (as the spell).
Dorn-Dergar Master You can use a dorn-dergar with only one hand.
Elemental Channel (Earth) Channel Energy can affect a chosen elemental subtype of outsiders.
Fortification 25% You have a chance to negate critical hits on attacks.
Greed +2 to Appraise to determine price of nonmagic goods with precious metals or gemstones.
Hatred +1 Gain a racial bonus to attacks vs. Goblinoids/Orcs.
Immunity to Charm You are immune to charm effects.
Immunity to Fear (Ex) You are immune to all fear effects.
Lay on Hands (4d6 hit points, 4/day) (Su) As a standard action (swift on self), touch channels positive energy and applies mercies.
Mercy (Diseased) (Su) When you use your lay on hands ability, it also removes disease, as per the remove disease spell at a caster level of your Paladin level.
Stone Servant (Medium, 2/day) (Su) Summon an earth elemental to fight beside you.
Stoneblood (25% fortification, +8 to stabilize) (Ex) 25% fortification, +8 to stabilize.
Stonecunning +2 +2 bonus to Perception vs. unusual stonework. Free check within 10 feet.
Stonestrike +2 (8 rounds/day) (Su) Gain bonus to att/dam/CMB, ignore 16 hardness & if on earth/stone add to CMD.
|
|
So here is the crunch:
Tristian
Human (Taldan) fighter (aldori defender) 7/monk (master of many styles) 1
NG Medium humanoid (human)
Init +8; Senses Perception +13
--------------------
Defense
--------------------
AC 23, touch 19, flat-footed 17 (+2 armor, +1 deflection, +6 Dex, +2 shield, +2 Wis)
hp 64 (8 HD; 1d8+7d10+8)
Fort +9, Ref +11, Will +8 (+2 vs. fear); +4 vs. effects that cause you to lose your grip on weapons
Defensive Abilities defensive parry +2
--------------------
Offense
--------------------
Speed 30 ft.
Melee +1 aldori dueling sword +19/+14 (1d8+10/19-20) or
. . unarmed strike +13/+8 (1d6+1)
Special Attacks disarming strike, stunning fist (2/day, DC 16), weapon training (heavy blades +3)
--------------------
Statistics
--------------------
Str 12, Dex 23, Con 12, Int 14, Wis 14, Cha 8
Base Atk +7; CMB +13; CMD 27
Feats Advanced Weapon Training, Agile Maneuvers, Aldori Dueling Mastery[ISWG], Blind-fight, Combat Expertise, Crane Style[UC], Dazzling Display, Deadly Aim, Deft Maneuvers, Power Attack, Quick Draw, Shatter Defenses, Slashing Grace[ACG], Stunning Fist, Unarmed Combatant, Weapon Focus
Traits bruising intellect, sword scion, threatening defender
Skills Acrobatics +17, Diplomacy -1, Handle Animal +10, Intimidate +16, Knowledge (dungeoneering) +13, Knowledge (nobility) +5, Perception +13, Ride +10, Sense Motive +13, Sleight of Hand +11, Stealth +10
Languages Common
SQ finesse weapon attack attribute, fuse style, pride
Other Gear +1 aldori dueling sword[ISWG], belt of incredible dexterity +2, bracers of armor +2, cape of free will +1/+2[MA], gloves of dueling[APG], mark of the grinning skull, ring of protection +1, stagger-proof boots, 180 gp
--------------------
Special Abilities
--------------------
Advanced Weapon Training You are specially trained to use your weapon skills in new ways.
Agile Maneuvers Use DEX instead of STR for CMB
Aldori Dueling Mastery Gain initiative and defensive bonuses when wielding an Aldori dueling sword.
Blind-Fight Re-roll misses because of concealment, other benefits.
Combat Expertise -1/+2 Bonus to AC in exchange for an equal penalty to attack.
Crane Style Fight defensive pen reduced to -2. When in style, dodge bonus increases by 1.
Dazzling Display (Aldori dueling sword) Intimidate check to demoralize can affect those within 30' who see you.
Dazzling Intimidation (Weapon Training [Blades, Heavy] +3) (Ex) Add weapon training bonus to Intimidate checks to demoralize opponents.
Deadly Aim -2/+4 Trade a penalty to ranged attacks for a bonus to ranged damage.
Defensive Parry +2 (Ex) Gain dodge bonus to AC against melee attacks after making a full attack with Aldori dueling sword.
Deft Maneuvers You don't provoke attacks of opportunity for disarm, dirty trick, reposition, steal, and trip combat man.
Disarming Strike (Ex) Deal damage to foe when you disarm them with dueling sword.
Finesse Weapon Attack Attribute Finesse weapons use Dexterity on attack rolls.
Fuse Style (2 styles) (Ex) At 1st level, a master of many styles can fuse two of the styles he knows into a more perfect style. The master of many styles can have two style feat stances active at once.
Power Attack -2/+4 You can subtract from your attack roll to add to your damage.
Pride -2 to diplomacy and sense motive vs. those who threaten, accuse, or challenge you, until they apologize
Quick Draw Draw weapon as a free action (or move if hidden weapon). Throw at full rate of attacks.
Slashing Grace (Aldori dueling sword) Treat chosen weapon as 1-handed piercing weapon and can add Dex instead of Str to dam.
Stunning Fist (2/day, DC 16) You can stun an opponent with an unarmed attack.
Unarmed Combatant Always considered armed, no attack of opportunity on grapple attempts.
Weapon Focus (Heavy Blades) Choose one weapon group. You become better at using that type of weapon.
Weapon Training (Blades, Heavy) +3 (Ex) +3 Attack, Damage, CMB, CMD with Heavy Blades
I would need to tweak this backstory, but the basic premise holds: he owned a bookstore, reading every book in his stock, including several on magic, unlocking his sage sorcerer bloodline. His son left home to join this adventurer’s guild and disappeared on a mission, and so Edmund, despite his age, sold his shop and joined the guild himself, trying to find answers as to what happened to his son and if he’s still alive.
Mechanical principle behind the character is a highly-intelligent sorcerer who knows all my personal favourite utility and god-wizard control spells, employing an arsenal of wands to supplement his spell list with situational low-level buffs and utility.
Potentially interested. GM, would you allow a ghoran character, or would that be considered to out-there?
If not, I will likely play a human or dwarf.
Got quite a bit of interest here, alright!
@Draynen
Starting at 8 helps sell the characters as mostly-seasoned adventurers, I felt. I'm also fine with a Myth Weavers sheet, with a caveat that there's a link to it in the character's header line so it's just as easy as clicking the name.
@Brainiac
"I am Groot!"
@ Everyone
Here's what I've got for a timeline.
I have decided that the deadline for characters is 00:01 on December 1st! I'll be choosing characters based on backstory before noon on that day. If you have your crunch done, then excellent, if not, no worries, right now I'm working on character concepts. After that, we'll spend a few days to a week answering questions that dive deep into your character and their relationships, tweaking characters to fit the story (if needed), and figuring out what kind of things you as a player like most. Any crunch not resolved can be done so then. Once we're nearing the end of the questions, we'll start up!
Interested thus far
CampinCarl9127 - Drask Umbra - Half-Orc Ankou's Shadow Slayer/UnBarb
Daniel Stewart - Jarkralzak - Dwarf Stonelord
Ouachitonian - Interested
Jovich - Interested
The Waskally - Interested
Galahad0430 - Tristian - Human Aldori Swordlord/Monk
Nazard - Edmund Gwenn - Sage Sorceror
Daynen - Interested
Brainiac - Potentially Ghoran
Pad300 - Dot
If anyone else has any questions, feel free to shoot them my way!
@Brainiac
"I am Groot!"
Awesome! I'll get to work on creating a ghoran character, then. Right now I'm eyeing the aromaphile mesmerist archetype. :D
A new GM who has experience? Lvl 8? Character story focused? Color me interested! Is VMC allowed?
Ok...here is my idea. Introducing Valera Waverunner. An elven Unchained Rogue (4) Unchained Monk of the Mantis (4) VMC Magus. Plan is to take 2 more levels in unchained monk (giving +1d6 sneak attack) and then 10 levels in student of perfection prestige class.
Highlights
* Dex to hit and damage, flurry of blows power attack with an elven curve blade. +16/+16/+10 to hit, with 1d10+19 damage and 3d6 sneak attack
* Prestidigitation at-will, 2/day mage armor, first casting lasts 20 hours, second is a backup.
* Ki used for self-healing at the moment.
* Constant Detect Magic + Spellcraft trained = identifying magic items
* Really low HP...having 12 Con and losing out on FCB really hurts
* Good AC at 29
* Not that good saves...8/16/8
* So it's multiclass until lvl 10 and then prestige from there. Good damage, good AC, low HP, low-ish Fort/Will. I think that's pretty balanced. Was going for an elven warrior-monk who mixes magic, martial arts and swordplay.
-----------------
Basic character idea is Valera is an elven monk from Kyonin, whose school of mysticism sees ki as another form of magic. It mixes together traditional forms of elven swordplay, spellcasting and discipline into a blended whole, with worship of Nethys and Irori prevalent. She has reached the end of her initial training, and has been tasked to leave the confines of her homeland to hone her skills. The goal is to seek perfection, and to use the harshness of the world as a grindstone upon which to do so.
In this, she wields a weapon unique to her monastery. It is an elven curve blade, made from a metal found within the First World. Her training is centered around being one with this blade, and the entire build is pretty much focused on it as well. Splurged on "glamered" both to keep it safe and because thematically it's such a great enchantment. Better backstory to come when I have more time.
Dotting. I think I’ll be playing a paladin on the run from her step mother:
By the way, do you have an issue with a character being a duchess? And is it okay if instead of a mount I pick a wolf for the animal companion feature the class gets at fifth?
I'm looking forward to seeing what everyone's making!
@Grumbaki
I'm not really a fan of VMC, personally, but I don't see any reason not to allow it.
@AdamWarnock
Not at all! If you'd like your character to be a person born into the noble class, I'm here for it. You would just have to decide how they became an adventurer working for a guild. Obviously, in this case, it's running from her step mother, so it all works out. Sure on the wolf as well, since they become Large at level 7 and therefore can be rode.
I’m going to go with a half-orc Sorcerer/Dragon Disciple.
I've been considering what I want to play and I would like to use this opportunity to try playing a Skald, specifically the Fated Warrior archetype.
A quick question though; is it alright for me to switch out Scribe Scroll with Extra Perfomance? Another six rounds of Raging Song makes me happier than spells, even though I know the Scribe Scroll feat is exceptional.
@KingHotTrash
Sure thing, I don't mind the PFS switcharoo on that one.
@rorek55
Emerging Guns rule. Hard to find, Early guns only, probably won't find anyone familiar with them unless you're in a metropolis.
@ Valera Waverunner- Might I suggest looking into feinting flurry?
Never saw that before! That's a great find. Her Bluff isn't all that high, and unlike most sneak attack characters, her sneak attack isn't her main source of damage. I'll think about it, but as of now it will likely be in her feat selection going forward.
Also added Eldritch Scoundrel archetype to rogue. For a gish, it felt right to expand the magical arsenal.
The nice thing about this build is that the Arcane Amplifier familiar can provide mage armor. CL 4 means 4 hour duration. 1/day empower spell and 1/day extend spell makes it CL 6, for a 12 hour duration. With 2 mage armors prepared, that's 16 hours per day. Enough to keep a near permanent +4 Armor. And it leaves 2 more spell slots, for 2x vanish.
This change also means having trap sense 10ft for magical traps only. A useful ability to have.
I have noticed that, as expected of Elephant in the Room, there are quite a lot of Dex builds. If it is okay, I'm going to hurt myself and make two builds under the same character sheet.
The first one will be for if we get a group that will use more of the STR/CON raging song and will be the Fated Warrior build. The second one with be a Spell Warrior, which the magical weapon enhancement will be more useful for those that don't want to rage or need to be casting spells frequently.
The background and will be the same regardless so it'll be more of a "which will help the party more" kind of situation.
Neat! Character-driven games are fun because you don't feel like you're a placeholder in a story that could've happened to anyone (nothing against pre-written games, but it's nice to have both).
I'm thinking of making an orc magus with the Armored Battlemage archetype. The idea is that he looks like your basic tank fighter, but then he starts casting spells and out of combat he's actually a big softie.
Oh! quick question! Yay or nay on background skills.
That's a no to background skills.
I think I am going to throw my hat into the ring with Trawets my admixture wizard and several times Reign of Winter starter but never finisher. He will be focused on damage dealing. I will work on getting background and crunch updated. He tends to be my rebuild of my first ever character.
Former 17 year resident of Gainesville here. Hope things are warmer down there than they are in NC currently.
I love Guild based games, they're a great way to give the characters motivation to go do the thing. I'm thinking a Warpriest might be good fun to play here.
@trawets71
It's 62 degrees down here, so, maybe? Still, hello once was neighbor!
@Everyone
Alright, expanded ruleset in no particular order
Pathfinder 1
level 8
Standard gold.
25 point buy.
Hit points after 1st level are roll or take average. (But as this wasn't clear, for those who have already rolled, you can choose)
Elephant In The Room.
First party sources only (No outrageous things but I'm open to most stuff)
VMC, sure why not?
No background skills
Two traits, or two traits and a drawback that may be exploited later in various ways
I am going to make my hitpoint rolls here.
That gives me a total of 62 hitpoints
Edmund has been updated to your rules. I have him listed as middle-aged, but that's just for flavour, as I find it slightly tacky to make an old caster just for the mental score bonuses. If you would prefer I take those into account, I can rejig the ability scores to keep things roughly the same where they are.
I built this guy four or five Christmases ago after watching the Miracle on 34th Street remake with Sir Richard Attenborough and I wanted to make a kindly old man in a similar vein, but with the sadness of loneliness and grief. I've never gotten him into a game that has lasted more than a hundred posts, other than one Rappan Athuk dive that went a bit further.
Likely usefulness of mounted combat? Might make a mounted halfling if size is and issue.
Hey Rust. What do you think of a possible monster PC. I was thinking a CR4 satyr with 4 levels in bard. What do you think?
My ghoran mesmerist's crunch is almost done! Just need to finish choosing spells and then write up the fluff.
GM, would you allow the Extended Stare feat to apply to the aromaphile's hypnotic aroma ability? Perhaps increasing the radius that it effects by 5 feet, or 10 feet for creatures with scent? If not, that's cool, but thought I would ask. :)
@Edmund
Middle Age, on the cusp of old age, is fine by me! I actually completely forgot about aging bonuses and penalties to be honest. And the inspiration paintss a good picture in my head for him.
@Elbow
Depends on the path of the party, but this initial adventure will be about 30-70 against for a large sized mount.
@Daynen
Pregame crafting is fine. A bit weird, but I would ask you to remove the standard good for levels before you get the crafting feat from the pool of money you can grab from, if that makes sense.
@TheWaskally
I'm not opposed, but I'll have to be really convinced of it, and you'll have to be okay with being discriminated against as a "monster."
Which I should bring up. I do run realistic kinds of games. Some characters will be downright racist, misogynistic, etc. I, personally, don't care about any of that and I'm full of marshmallow fluff irl, but there will be characters who will actively discriminate based on their background, status, etc. Some might have "good" reasons, some might just be a@@@!+&s. I don't do it out of any malicious intent, I'm just interested in telling a story. Once again, of those selected I'll ask what would ruin a game for you and act accordingly, but issues like these will pop up.
@Hyacinth
I'll allow it, but I do worry about your party mates since it doesn't tell friend from foe.
@Everyone
Posting will be a bit sparse for me this weekend, but if there are more questions feel free to ask.