Maximum Profit (Inactive)

Game Master Gilthanis

So…this is be what I was thinking/hoping to run. I’m wondering if people will be interested in the campaign idea so here goes…

The group of 4 PCs, would each put equal amounts into purchasing an Weapon/Armor shop. There would be a silent 5th player (GM) should there be a need to break a tie of ideas/plans. There would be a nearby dungeon that you the PC can go visit/explore. You then in turn are able to sell items through your place of business.

I’ve read that the DT rules for PF are clunky and at time confusing. So Id just be cherry-picking things and making up my own rules.

Leveling would be Milestone based, with hidden ‘achievements’ along the way. (Example: make your first $1000 gp sale…gain +1d4 Influence)

Thinking starting level would be 2nd or 3rd. Gold as WBL-500gp cause purchasing shop.

I’ve been playing Shop Titans mobile game so I was thinking of allowing you to expand your shop using resources to be able to improve your resource gathering like Inspiration or other mechanics.

Shop Titans, yes, I think I know the game xD

I've tangled a little with downtime rules, but not the running a business aspects-I've been building a headquarters. I'm intrigued. So what rules for character creation?

I've tangled a little with downtime rules, but not the running a business aspects-I've been building a headquarters. I'm intrigued. So what rules for character creation?

Character creation I am leaning towards simple…4d6, drop lowest. Races keep it Core and “normal” non-core (ie: Tiefling, Aasimar, Goblin, etc.) just nothing super weird like Strix, Vashankya, or other off the wall races.

The old shop owner of Bartleby’s Battleground passed away, so if anyone wants to tie into that as a springboard then that’s great. Otherwise let your creative juices go.

Color me interested with many questions! Are you looking for questions/ideas or just interest?

Questions, interest, ideas to flesh things out. I try to be an open-minded GM so if there’s concerns/questions/issues by all means speak up. This was an idea, which still needs to be fully fleshed out on my end too.

Cool, cool! I have interest as well as questions and ideas.

Question: Are you open to allowing spheres of power and might for PC builds? I've had an itch to play such ac haracter for a while and I think it's nicely balanced and totally compatible with pathfinder.

Idea: It would be fun for various skills to have established uses for the store that either generate money or do something specific to help the store's sub-mechanics (depending on complexity of the store side of things). For example, appraise checks to sort out the value of inventory and how to sell it. Diplomacy checks to raise the store's reputation. Sense motive checks to keep an eye on our staff and make sure they aren't cheating us. I'd be interested in helping come up with a simple-ish formula for how the different store stats contribute to income. For example, if they're all multiplicative, then well-rounded stats do the most for store income. We'd just have to be careful about balance since products grow very fast. XD

I like this idea and is sort of like something I am in the process of starting as well. As players will earn downtime days as they adventure which they can then use to various things within their base of operations.

So if I can join I would get started on generating a character and their concept for this while working with the other players to help create a solid mesh of characters and talents and such.

However, instead of a Weapons/Armor shop what if it were simply a sort of general shop that caters to adventurers with maybe a few nearby places that someone can go adventuring in each specifically themed in some way. This way if we were to say need certain reagents we might go to A while other reagents are better found in B etc...

This could like some nearby ancient city (or cities) or one giant ancient city with various regions with the main city being the first region you have to pass through in order to get to these sub-regions etc...

Cool, cool! I have interest as well as questions and ideas.

Question: Are you open to allowing spheres of power and might for PC builds? I've had an itch to play such ac haracter for a while and I think it's nicely balanced and totally compatible with pathfinder.

Idea: It would be fun for various skills to have established uses for the store that either generate money or do something specific to help the store's sub-mechanics (depending on complexity of the store side of things). For example, appraise checks to sort out the value of inventory and how to sell it. Diplomacy checks to raise the store's reputation. Sense motive checks to keep an eye on our staff and make sure they aren't cheating us. I'd be interested in helping come up with a simple-ish formula for how the different store stats contribute to income. For example, if they're all multiplicative, then well-rounded stats do the most for store income. We'd just have to be careful about balance since products grow very fast. XD

I haven’t look at Spheres info, so for now I’ll have to decline as I don’t to to overburden myself.

As far as skills playing a minor role in the shop side am totally for it. Diplomacy to increase reputation or influence. Sense motive to judge customers or get a better sale price. Sense motive to notice a forgery versus real item. Once I get more of the DT mechanics sorted out I’ll better be able to incorporate and establish such minor mechanics.

I like this idea and is sort of like something I am in the process of starting as well. As players will earn downtime days as they adventure which they can then use to various things within their base of operations.

So if I can join I would get started on generating a character and their concept for this while working with the other players to help create a solid mesh of characters and talents and such.

However, instead of a Weapons/Armor shop what if it were simply a sort of general shop that caters to adventurers with maybe a few nearby places that someone can go adventuring in each specifically themed in some way. This way if we were to say need certain reagents we might go to A while other reagents are better found in B etc...

This could like some nearby ancient city (or cities) or one giant ancient city with various regions with the main city being the first region you have to pass through in order to get to these sub-regions etc...

So my initial idea was to have it be a general adventurer store (weapons/armor/scroll/potions/etc). Maybe an adventurer will commission a certain blade or scroll and you’ll have to go to nearby area B in hopes of finding said item(s). Maybe you’ll need to acquire materials/supplies to give to a higher level NPC to finish said commission.

I’ve got an initial means of adventure site for you guys which I don’t wish to fully divulge at this time. Just know that the ‘basic intro’ should be fairly easy.

I don’t plan on having more than 1 group of 4, as to not stretch myself.

I am also allowing your group to hire NPC managers to tend to the shop when/if you go out adventuring. You’ll roleplay out minor interviews and select whom you wish to hire for ‘x’ timeframe and the NPC will have some sort of bonus or drawback. Sense motive could help figure out what they are good/bad at.

Totally fair to not want to overburden yourself!

Random question on the dungeon-crawling side of things: What are you thinking for maps? Roll20? etc?

Totally fair to not want to overburden yourself!

Random question on the dungeon-crawling side of things: What are you thinking for maps? Roll20? etc?

Totally fair to not want to overburden yourself!

Random question on the dungeon-crawling side of things: What are you thinking for maps? Roll20? etc?

Only on mobile so Roll20 sucks ass. Gonna do a Google slides or something where I add a link to the header page and adjust as needed :)

So when do we get this party started ;) seems like we have the basic crew.

So when do we get this party started ;) seems like we have the basic crew.

So the party would include:

If these four people are committed to giving my idea a run then you may roll for stats.

Official Character Generation is as follows:
4d6, drop lowest and assign as wanting

Level: 3rd

GP: 2500gp (WBL is 3000, but you each put in 500gp to purchase storefront)

Alignment: non-evil :)

Classes: Core, Advanced (gunslinger/alchemist/etc) No Anti-Paladin of course cause they be EVIL lol

Races: Core, Non-Core (Aasimar, Tiefling, Goblin, etc is okay. The super weird stuff like Suli/Samsaran/etc are not allowed. If wondering just ask.)

4d6 ⇒ (6, 3, 4, 1) = 14
4d6 ⇒ (4, 2, 6, 4) = 16
4d6 ⇒ (4, 6, 4, 5) = 19
4d6 ⇒ (1, 3, 3, 3) = 10
4d6 ⇒ (3, 3, 1, 3) = 10
4d6 ⇒ (5, 6, 3, 6) = 20

13, 14, 15, 9, 9, 17

Been wanting to play a witch.

Str: 9
Dex: 15
Con:14
Int: 17
Wis: 9
Cha: 13

Human, so gotta figure out where to put the +2.

Questions: Are archetypes allowed? Or alternate racial abilities? Figured I'd ask.

4d6

4d6
4d6
4d6
4d6
4d6

13, 14, 15, 9, 9, 17

Been wanting to play a witch.

Str: 9
Dex: 15
Con:14
Int: 17
Wis: 9
Cha: 13

Human, so gotta figure out where to put the +2.

Questions: Are archetypes allowed? Or alternate racial abilities? Figured I'd ask.

Yes, both Archetypes and alternate racial stuff is allowed as it helps to make unique characters.

So, as far as Downtime goes, here is what so was initially thinking and things can always be discussed and decided upon. I feel the rules are clunky and not very well defined. I’m boiling then down into bare bones as I can to keep everything straight more so myself to be honest lol.

The shop will be located in Absalom…the biggest trade center I know of :) This will give you access to ports/ships/exotic ideas/etc.

Your shop can be open 5 of 7 days. Over 5, saves will be asked for since you still need to sleep :)

Each player can make a roll 1/day (I will prompt for such a roll) to gain either Goods/Labor/Influence/Magic point(s). You can then spend the points to expand using the current list of options or even to expand the size of your shop to be able to hold/sell more wares (therefore generating more GP).

The cost to keep your shop open will be determined shortly…and it can be paid in full for a month or even a year. Remember, the bigger you get, the more they are gonna want :) Think of it as Absolom wanting their own cut (gotta hate taxes lol)

Hostile takeovers can happen…whether it’s you starting it or someone trying to bully you out.

Your basic shop consists of an Office Space (2x2), a Common Room (6x6) and a Basement (2x2). I’ll make a link(s) to help keep track of it all :)

There will be hidden achievements that give rewards…there will also be hidden events that can be ‘set into motion’ based on the actions you take.

You can hire NPCs to watch the store as you go out and adventure. The cost will vary based on days, the NPC level, etc. you can use various skills to determine what they are good/bad at to make informed choices. I will attempt to make every skill count for something…whether it be Geberation Capital, gaining information on NPCs/locations. Since you will still be adventuring, every skill can be utilized when it comes to the dungeon after all so nothing should/will be wasted.

Gaining levels will be Milestone based…but feel free to interact with whomever and whatever NPC/location/etc you wish. I’ve got lots of Alias’ I can burn through if I want and I want you to get immersed as much as you feel like doing.

If anyone seems to drop, then I’ll address it as it comes. Real life is 100% top priority, and as long as each of you are taking care of yourselves that’s all that matters to me…we are all humans first, gamers/nerds second :)

Feedback/questions/concerns/etc are all welcome as I’ve said before.

Next questions as I explore my options.

1) Background skills? Traits?

2) Question regarding favored class bonus. Normal for a human witch is that they can get a spell to feed their familiar. But one of the archetypes I'm thinking about is ley line guardian, which loses its familiar and casts like a sorcerer instead of a prepared caster. Would that fcb then be null? Human sorcerers can get bonus spells too.

Stats roll: 4d6 ⇒ (3, 4, 5, 2) = 14 12
Stats roll: 4d6 ⇒ (4, 3, 1, 6) = 14 13
Stats roll: 4d6 ⇒ (4, 4, 6, 4) = 18 14
Stats roll: 4d6 ⇒ (4, 6, 2, 1) = 13 12
Stats roll: 4d6 ⇒ (1, 1, 3, 4) = 9 8
Stats roll: 4d6 ⇒ (3, 6, 5, 1) = 15 14

Haha. So what build doesn't need any strong stats? Hmm... Want to let me re-roll?

Next questions as I explore my options.

1) Background skills? Traits?

2) Question regarding favored class bonus. Normal for a human witch is that they can get a spell to feed their familiar. But one of the archetypes I'm thinking about is ley line guardian, which loses its familiar and casts like a sorcerer instead of a prepared caster. Would that fcb then be null? Human sorcerers can get bonus spells too.

1) Yes, background skills are in effect. Standard 2 skills and Linguistics is valid. Yes, standard 2 traits from different sets, no drawback allowed for a third trait however.

2)so if I’m understanding it correctly: you lose the witch familiar, but gain bonus spells as per a sorcerer (more innate and not studied). If the Human variant is “Sorcerer (Advanced Race Guide pg. 73, Advanced Player's Guide pg. 23): Add one spell known from the sorcerer spell list. This spell must be at least one level below the highest spell level the sorcerer can cast.” I’m okay if you replace the Witch FCB to the Sorcerer one.

[dice=Stats roll]4d6 12

[dice=Stats roll]4d6 13
[dice=Stats roll]4d6 14
[dice=Stats roll]4d6 12
[dice=Stats roll]4d6 8
[dice=Stats roll]4d6 14

Haha. So what build doesn't need any strong stats? Hmm... Want to let me re-roll?

I’ll let you redo the 8, and then if it doesn’t get better I will probably let you redo the whole array. The other stats: 12/12/13/14/14 aren’t horrible as I’ve seen worse lol

Haha. Yeah they aren't terrible stats, it's just a mild bummer when the primary stat can't be very good and everything is in the middle.

Reroll: 4d6 ⇒ (3, 6, 5, 2) = 16

Working on the character now. I need to solidify my archetype, pick a skill to be useful in the business too. Probably going to have potion brewing as my main shtick for the business, depends on my feats.

Idk if that counts as not getting better or not. My only problem is that I won't have a high main Stat. I usually go for 18 minimum, after racials. So here's a reroll if allowed but it's fine with me if that's not allowed. I'll figure out something decent.

rerolled Stats 1: 4d6 ⇒ (6, 6, 2, 5) = 19 17
rerolled Stats 2: 4d6 ⇒ (6, 2, 5, 1) = 14 13
rerolled Stats 3: 4d6 ⇒ (1, 4, 5, 2) = 12 11
rerolled Stats 4: 4d6 ⇒ (6, 5, 1, 2) = 14 13
rerolled Stats 5: 4d6 ⇒ (5, 1, 5, 1) = 12 11
rerolled Stats 6: 4d6 ⇒ (5, 2, 4, 4) = 15 12

I'm happy with that. Again, if allowed.

Idk if that counts as not getting better or not. My only problem is that I won't have a high main Stat. I usually go for 18 minimum, after racials. So here's a reroll if allowed but it's fine with me if that's not allowed. I'll figure out something decent.

[Dice=rerolled Stats 1]4d6 17
[Dice=rerolled Stats 2]4d6 13
[Dice=rerolled Stats 3]4d6 11
[Dice=rerolled Stats 4]4d6 13
[Dice=rerolled Stats 5]4d6 11
[Dice=rerolled Stats 6]4d6 12

I'm happy with that. Again, if allowed.

I’ll let you keep the second set as you have the high stat of 17 base and the rest are average. I just want people rolling over and over until they get a crazy bonkers set of a couple 16+ and the rest are 14s or something silly.

Sounds good to me! Did the math for whoever cares, first roll was equivalent to 15 pt buy. With replacing the worst roll, 22 point buy. Final set of rolls was 23 point buy. Lathiira's was equivalent to 26 point buy. So it's working out to be quite even.

You said advanced classes, so that includes summoner. Just checking if you are ok with me playing a summoner party face, party buffer, with scout eidolon who picks locks and stuff. I know some GMs dislike summoner. I think it usually works a little better in PBP since I don't make people sit and wait while I roll monster attacks.

If for some reason a spot opens up, or you need one more for some reason, let me know.

If for some reason a spot opens up, or you need one more for some reason, let me know.

If you want to roll and join in go for it. I was going to have a silent “5th” aka Me to break any ties in decision making should the need arise.

I’ll just keep the starting gold the same and say there were late taxes/fees/etc to pay the City before purchasing could be done.

Sounds good to me! Did the math for whoever cares, first roll was equivalent to 15 pt buy. With replacing the worst roll, 22 point buy. Final set of rolls was 23 point buy. Lathiira's was equivalent to 26 point buy. So it's working out to be quite even.

You said advanced classes, so that includes summoner. Just checking if you are ok with me playing a summoner party face, party buffer, with scout eidolon who picks locks and stuff. I know some GMs dislike summoner. I think it usually works a little better in PBP since I don't make people sit and wait while I roll monster attacks.

Hmmm…I guess I’ll allow a summoner. Just don’t make me regret it :)

Note for roll overs my guideline is if you happen to average greater than a 13 you should be good to go and if you average less than 13 you can choose to roll over but do not have to. This keeps folks from re-rolling willy-nilly and guarantees everyone will be above average.

That being said here be my rolls -- and I will feel a class we are not covering whatever that may be..

Okay that averages 13.8 so its a go

Attribute-1: 4d6 ⇒ (5, 3, 1, 3) = 12
Attribute-2: 4d6 ⇒ (3, 3, 6, 2) = 14
Attribute-3: 4d6 ⇒ (6, 2, 3, 6) = 17
Attribute-4: 4d6 ⇒ (5, 2, 5, 2) = 14
Attribute-5: 4d6 ⇒ (5, 5, 1, 3) = 14
Attribute-6: 4d6 ⇒ (1, 2, 6, 3) = 12

So what character types do we have thus far?

GM under the Gameplay tab can you create a thread that is simply for the purposes of the players to check in so we can get this game on our list of games. Thanks in advance.

GM under the Gameplay tab can you create a thread that is simply for the purposes of the players to check in so we can get this game on our list of games. Thanks in advance.

Gameplay thread is open so you can dot to find the game easier :)

Dice Rolls

Stat (1): 4d6 ⇒ (5, 4, 6, 3) = 18 / 15
Stat (2): 4d6 ⇒ (5, 2, 5, 3) = 15 / 13
Stat (3): 4d6 ⇒ (1, 4, 6, 1) = 12 / 11
Stat (4): 4d6 ⇒ (4, 4, 1, 6) = 15 / 14
Stat (5): 4d6 ⇒ (5, 4, 2, 1) = 12 / 11
Stat (6): 4d6 ⇒ (6, 3, 3, 2) = 14 / 12

Considering an Inquisitor (Sanctified Slayer)

I dotted and deleted with the wrong profile. You are welcome to remove Alwin if you like. That won't be the profile I'll be using.

Note for roll overs my guideline is if you happen to average greater than a 13 you should be good to go and if you average less than 13 you can choose to roll over but do not have to. This keeps folks from re-rolling willy-nilly and guarantees everyone will be above average.

That being said here be my rolls -- and I will feel a class we are not covering whatever that may be..

Okay that averages 13.8 so its a go

[dice=Attribute-1]4d6
[dice=Attribute-2]4d6
[dice=Attribute-3]4d6
[dice=Attribute-4]4d6
[dice=Attribute-5]4d6
[dice=Attribute-6]4d6

So what character types do we have thus far?

That's a 12.3 average after you drop one of the lowest 4 dice rolled.

I definitely don't want to make you regret it! Help me make sure I don't by letting me know what would make you regret it. Some thoughts

1. Being powerful: It definitely will be but that's true of lots of builds.

2. Hogging the spotlight: Less so as I intend to VMC bard to buff the party (if allowed) and do other party-buffing stuff too.

3. Laborious for the GM: It can be but I've adapted a lot to make that smoother for the GM. It especially helps if we've IDed the monster's AC or if the GM is willing to let us know OOC because then I can just report damage in a number of hits for DR purposes. Here is an example from a turn when my 10th level monster tactician summoner, his animal companion, and his summons took 21 attacks but I kept it very easy for the GM. Despite the fact that at 10th level and higher, Pathfinder gets insane.

4. Other concerns?

I definitely don't want to make you regret it! Help me make sure I don't by letting me know what would make you regret it. Some thoughts

1. Being powerful: It definitely will be but that's true of lots of builds.

2. Hogging the spotlight: Less so as I intend to VMC bard to buff the party (if allowed) and do other party-buffing stuff too.

3. Laborious for the GM: It can be but I've adapted a lot to make that smoother for the GM. It especially helps if we've IDed the monster's AC or if the GM is willing to let us know OOC because then I can just report damage in a number of hits for DR purposes. Here is an example from a turn when my 10th level monster tactician summoner, his animal companion, and his summons took 21 attacks but I kept it very easy for the GM. Despite the fact that at 10th level and higher, Pathfinder gets insane.

4. Other concerns?

I’ve seen Summoner (Not UC version), get crazy number of attacks or are just over-powered compared to the rest of the party. While this campaign idea is different, in that it’s not all combat based…a don’t want everyone to feel as of they belong here. I know it’s MY job as a DM to accomplish such outcomes…but to be at a disadvantage from the get go the have to play from behind isn’t something I want to do lol.

Since you plan on VMC a bit, that does take some of the initial worry out as a pure Summoner is different in my opinion versus a slightly altered one. I don’t want people to play something that they don’t enjoy and I will take everyone at face-value so if people say they have altered things to be party-centric then I will believe you :)

OK sounds good! Yeah the plan is to use bodyguard, combat reflexes, VMC for inspire courage, and the flag bearer feat to buff party to hit, damage, and AC. I'll be very feat-starved but that's fine.

Do you want anything in particular in terms of backstory? A reason for being in Absalom and wanting to start a store? Maybe some details of how we know each other?

Do you want anything in particular in terms of backstory? A reason for being in Absalom and wanting to start a store? Maybe some details of how we know each other?

The backstory can be entirely up to you. You could be a relative wanting to reestablish the lineage of the shop. You could simply want to own a business and found this passing by/through. You could all be former buddies and wanted to branch out to be a dual-income person. Maybe you’re a relative, investigating your “____” disappearance as you are not convinced there’s wrong doing going on. It’s entirely up to you/the group to determine if you know each other. Maybe you all meet at the City Office trying to purchase and decide to split it evenly to save money and have a better financial situation.

Here's what I'm planning so we can figure out what party roles we'll fill:

In combat:
1. Buff everyone's to hit and damage. This will be +1/+1 morale at first and grow a lot later.
2. Buff Frontline AC. Once I can get a +2 weapon, this will come online. Buff AC by 4 and then this bonus will grow.
3. Summons shenanigans. Flanking partners, utility spells/abilities, the works.
4. Summoner spells. Some good ones in combat, like the pit spells.

In exploration:
1. Eidolon has flight, stealth, darkvision, and solid disable device.
2. Good odds of +4 aid another on all knowledge checks.

In the store:
1. Good charisma-face skills

What are others planning to do?

Am I correct in assuming HP is max first level and average for additional levels?

I will probably do a bit of support and debuffing.

Am I correct in assuming HP is max first level and average for additional levels?

Yes

So what do we have forming up here so far I am a --
Dwarf Wizard Crafter

We also have

Nightfiend playing Human Inquisitor (Sanctified Slayer)

Thren playing a Human Witch (bit of support and debuffing)

Caster4Life playing a ?Race? Summoner (party face, party buffer, with scout eidolon who picks locks and stuff)

Jereru playing ?Race? ?Class? ?purpose?

So depending on what Jereru takes and/or if they take anything we are a bit caster heavy, not per se an issue as we can get pets and/or higher cannonfodder um... I mean... uh... Mercenaries ;) yeah those guys

Mara Thorngage will be a human summoner. Would be happy to have a Frontline or two to buff but can also summon cannon fodder.

Nightfiend: Melee or ranged inquisitor? I'm suspecting melee who wants flanking buddies for sneak attacks?

Okay updating then...

DeJoker -- Dwarf Wizard Crafter

Nightfiend -- Human Inquisitor (Sanctified Slayer)

Thren -- Human Witch (bit of support and debuffing)

Caster4Life -- Human Summoner (party face, party buffer, with scout eidolon who picks locks and stuff)

Jereru -- ?Race? ?Class? ?purpose?

He has a light crossbow, but will be more focused as a frontline melee. That said, I went inquisitor do to the higher flexibility with skills. He is currently setting at a 20 AC buffed to 22 with shield of faith, if needed. I could have chosen a patron that allowed a better weapon without burning a feat, but Abadar was to good of a fit for the current plot. I couldn't pass it up.

Ok cool! I will buff your to hit and damage, give you flanking buddies, and buff your AC by 4 a fair bit of the time, once I get a +1 training longspear (8000 gp).

Regarding Jereru, he only posted once, early, and that wasn't a very definite statement of interest. I know him from previous games so I PMed him to see if he wants to play and we'll see.