D0 - Hollow's Last Hope (Pathfinder for Savage Worlds)

Game Master Branding Opportunity

This will be the OOC discussion thread for our Pathfinder for Savage Worlds Hollow's Last Hope game.

For those of you who are using the pregens, I want to again state that you may freely "reskin" them to look like anything you want. Just because you picked Ezren, let's say, doesn't mean he has to be an old human man with a beard. Unless you change the character's ancenstry it will not make a difference in terms of the rules.

For those playing the game:

In the past whilest playing SW, I have been able to run combat as a "theater of the mind" experience without combat maps, but I think for this game I would like to go back to using them. This leads me to the following question:

Would players prefer that I do this using Google Drive (using Slides for maps) or Roll20?

Ah! I have found this thread. Nothing hides from the senses of Gustav.

I would prefer Google Drive with Slides. Roll20 sometimes gives me trouble depending on the device I access it on.

I will get the character sheet made this weekend. I chose "Ezren the Younger" because "Ezren" was already taken.

Oh and I prefer Google Docs too.

Okay, I think the character sheet is complete.

How detailed do you want the background?

Is there any information you want in the header fields?

Okay, I think the character sheet is complete.

How detailed do you want the background?

Is there any information you want in the header fields?

I'd rather you come up with a basic idea for a character concept. I find that it helps party cohesion and tell the story if the group isn't a complete group of strangers, but are coming together for adventure either because they know each other, or they have someone in common. The Paizo AP Curse of the Crimson Throne is like that.

As for header fields, I'd say your attributes (A, S, S, S, V), Parry, and Toughness (with armor) are enough for now.

I'm a bit concerned that only 2 of the 4 people who expressed interest have checked in.

I am here. Busy weekend, so sorry for delay.

I have no preference on maps, fine with using the Google Docs the others prefer.

Will be working on backstory write-up soon/tomorrow.

I'm a bit concerned that only 2 of the 4 people who expressed interest have checked in.

That's unfortunately one of the issues with having a long recruiting window. Perhaps give it a day or two more???

I'll wait another day or two to see if folks show up. The site has also been down again recently, which might drive people away as well.

What we can do in the meantime is figure out what all of you are doing in Falcon's Hollow. Are you from there? Have you traveled there, and if so, why? Falcon's Hollow is a very small, out-of-the-way Andoren town dominated by the local logging industry (known as the Lumber Consortium) and is currently in the midst of a major outbreak of a disease that defies even clerical healing. If you are (and also if you are not) from Falcon's Hollow, do you know someone who is afflicated by blackscour?

Angus is from Falcon's Hollow, indeed. To say he loves the place would be a vast mis-statement, but he is dedicated to the idea of making it a better place to live. Angus and his twin brother Alden grew up in the clutches of the Consortium. His father, Benjin, was a consortium lumberjack who ended up owing the company more money than he could make working for them, and essentially recruited the boys to help pay off this debt through work at age twelve.

When they were fourteen years old, Alden was killed while the two boys were felling a large tree. Angus blames himself for his brother's death, but only half as much as he blames the consortium and Boss Kreed.

He quit the lumber business age sixteen and left to Augstana, joining the militia. Having served three years, he has returned to Falcon's Hollow with the single purpose of making it a better place to live for his family and families like his, only to discover his father stricken ill with blackscour and laid off by the consortium. His mother has taken a job at the cutyard and is doing the dangerous kind of work Angus fled from three years ago.

I haven't put much thought into Ezren's background. When I added "The Younger" to his name to create the character/alias, I didn't think about his Major Hindrance Shamed. If he was ashamed of his father, he wouldn't call himself "Ezren The Younger". So I imagine people began calling him that and at this point he can't escape the name. I have no idea what would be a good heresy for his father to have committed. Maybe trying to make positive engery undead? Creating weird familiars?

Ezren came to Falcon's Hollow on his way to Droskar's Crag. Even though it's an arduous task, he thinks he may be able to find some long lost dwarven treasure that will finance his next magical research. If this idea isn't good, I'm happy to change it.

Gustav has traveled a lot in his life. He tends to wear out his welcome more often than not... usually by finding things that aren't really lost. He crossed a thief's guild in Cheliax and had to make haste. The boat he stowed away on just happened to be headed across the Inner Sea. Trying to keep a low profile he ended up in Falcon Hollow... where hopefully the temptation to find things is not too tempting. He's been here about two weeks now and is not only running low on funds, but more importantly getting bored.

Angus, your background is strong and will obviously work very well for this game. What do you think Angus' short-term goals are for himself and Falcon's Hollow?

Ezren, as for where his shame came from, here's an idea. You're free to take it or leave it. Perhaps Ezren grew up in neighboring Cheliax where his father was a prominent member of a Chelish city's upper crust or a member of the devil-worshipping clergy? Perhaps Ezren had to flee to Andoran when it was discovered that his father was secretly working behind the scenes (with a good god/organization or perhaps in league with demons?) to bring down the city's or the nation's infernal power structure? If your father was in league with demons, that would work as a "Shamed" background both in Cheliax and Andoran. Maybe some of your power could have demonic trappings or you could even have an imp familiar (without stats for now). As written, Ezren does speak Abyssal, which feeds into this narrative. Another idea is that his father (and perhaps Ezren as well) were secretly worshippers of the dwarven and duergar deity Droskar. Dwarf and duergar stuff would be easy to add to this campaign (as it takes place very near an ancient dwarven stronghold).

Gustav, if you ended up in Falcon's Hollow you must have really drawn a short straw in life. A dwarf with your skillset would have very slim pickings indeed in such a podunk town. What do you think drew you to Falcon's Hollow, or perhaps you are escaping from someone or hiding out until the "heat" on you blows over after a big job in one of the bigger cities to the south? Alternatively, you could be in possession of a map that is supposed to lead you to an ancient dwarven treasure, but you just haven't found the right group of people to share the dangers of retrieving it with you?

Hi folks, I had expressed an interest in this last week. I had to go out of town for the weekend for a family members college graduation.

I'm still interested in playing, and it looks like the group could use a front liner. If you're willing to accept me, I'd be happy to play using the pre-gen fighter Valeros.

I can work on a backstory and alias this afternoon.

Edit: I'm fine playing whatever class, if there is a different role that might fit the group better.

As I mentioned in the brief background, he ran afoul of an Influential Thieves Guild in Cheliax, and is beating feet to stay far away from them as possible till things cool down. I also like the idea of the map. He won it in a dice game (Honestly/Dis-honestly?) years ago, and some of the landmarks on the map lead him to believe he might be in the area.

I'm still interested in playing, and it looks like the group could use a front liner. If you're willing to accept me, I'd be happy to play using the pre-gen fighter Valeros.

I can work on a backstory and alias this afternoon.

Edit: I'm fine playing whatever class, if there is a different role that might fit the group better.

Excellent! Although Valeros is great, I'd suggest that you take a look at the other martial classes as well. Perhaps you'll find something that strikes your fancy.

As I mentioned in the brief background, he ran afoul of an Influential Thieves Guild in Cheliax, and is beating feet to stay far away from them as possible till things cool down. I also like the idea of the map. He won it in a dice game (Honestly/Dis-honestly?) years ago, and some of the landmarks on the map lead him to believe he might be in the area.

Sounds good! We can begin working in this backstory soon.

Angus has two main goals right now: Heal his dad and get his mother away from the cutyard. He actually sees healing his dad as a means to get his mom out of working for the consortium: If his dad becomes able-bodied again and Angus becomes something of a local hero, he might be able to exert enough pressure to get dad re-hired (by the scruff of his neck if necessary.)

GM, thanks fo the suggestion. I'm flexible.

Regarding Valeros, I'm not terribly excited for dual wielding, I'd lean towards a 1hander & shield or a 2H weapon.

I'm also leaning away from a Paladin for this module, i'm not sure how I feel it fits the adventure. I've also never much enjoyed playing Barbarians.

I would like to be a frontline melee to fit the group. I'm not sure what changes, if any might be made to the pre-gen to better fit the mold.

Im working on the backstory for Tomas Valeros, a man-at-arms. Who is returning home to Falcon's Hollow after a few years of contracted service. (Name and details subject to change).

Thank you for the suggestions. I really liked the ties to Cheliax and the demonic element to offend pretty much everyone. I opened up the Lost Omens World Guide and started to read about what was going on in the 4600s in various regions. House Thrune victorious in 4640. Third Mendevian Crusade in 4665. Galt's first Revolutionary Council in 4667. Andoran independence in 4669. The Fourth Mendevian Crusade. Here's a rough time line of Ezren's life (and the birth of his father Ezren the Elder). Most details are vague, but I hope this gives us enough to start from.

Time line
4619 Birth of Ezren the Elder (EtE) in Cheliax (but current day Andoran).
4640 House Thrune victorious in Cheliax; EtE joins an order of Hellknights
4655 Ezren born (in current day Andoran)
4667 Galt declares independence; first Revolutionary Council forms. EtE fights against the revolutionaries.
4669 Andoran declares independence; again EtE fights against the region's revolutionaries.
4670 EtE revealed to be an agent of a powerful demon, planting magical stones for a ritual dealing with the World Wound
4672 family stripped of lands and estates; all sentenced to hard labor.
4682-4704 Ezren released from prison; leaves Cheliax. Goes to a magic academy. Starts a family.
4704 Ezren joins the Fourth Mendevian Crusade, hoping to redeem family name.
4708-present day Ezren searches for magic stones his father left behind and researches what his father and his demonic allies were attempting to do.

OK, after a short illness (nothing serious, thankfully) I am now "back in the saddle".

Will write opening post shortly.

Before we begin, I'd like each of you to please post the following here:

1) What brought you to Falcon's Hollow?

2) Why haven't you left after hearing that a new disease (blackscour) has recently broken out in the town that seems to be resistant to clerical (and mundane) healing?

If you are looking for inspiration, feel free to check out the PathfinderWiki article on Falcon's Hollow.

Please answer these questions even if you've already posted something on this topic, so that we have everyone's background together in one place.

1. Laying low from a dangerous thief's guild, and at the same time checking out an old treasure map.

2. I am not scared of no sickness. I'm a Dwarf.

Angus was raised in Falcon's Hollow and after a few years away in a nearby city training for war, he has returned home to find his father stricken ill with blackscour and his mother forced to work in the cutyards. In an effort to avoid good honest wageslavery, he has decided to be the hero Falcon's Hollow needs, putting his considerable martial training to use on behalf of his fellow townsfolk, even if it ends up meaning he has to bust a few local heads.

What brought you to Falcon's Hollow? Ezren has information that his father fought a small battle during the Andoran revolution here. The Hellknights won but they punished many of the town's inhabitants for aiding the enemy. Ezren has found traces of a magical emanation coming from near (on?) Droskar's Crag. The magic is similar to others he has found left by his father.

Why haven't you left after hearing that a new disease (blackscour) has recently broken out in the town? Ezren is waiting for magical supplies to arrive that he arranged to be transported on the river.

OK, I've posted the first IC post. Feel free to use the material you've posted above to come up with the backstory of how the three of you became aquainted.

Hi folks. Everyone still around?

I'm having difficulty establishing why Gustav would know the others. He's not from here and trying to lay low. I may be only speaking for myself, but it seems like we're being forced to develop background for the adventure, when we really don't know our characters all that well at the moment.

Since PbP is a little slow anyway, perhaps if you gave us a boost to get to the action you might get a little more activity.

For Gustav, I thought he and Ezren could have met along the road to Falcon's Hollow. Maybe stayed at the same campsite one night or two. Ezren is a slow walker, so maybe the dwarf wouldn't want to keep pace, but Ezren just spends more of his day walking to cover the same distance.

For Angus, perhaps Ezren hired him to take him to the Hellknight battlefield from decades past when Andoran claimed its freedom. Either that or he needs a guide searching the forest for these chaotic-magic stones (they probably aren't there, but he needs to check).

FYI, I'm going on vacation beginning tomorrow (6/16) through 6/26. I'll have internet access and will be posting during that time, but it may be a bit sporadic. Apologies.

Sorry about the delay in returning. Stuff had piled up while I was on vacation that had to be taken care of. Hope everyone is doing well. Now back to the show!

I should also mention at this point that I enjoy RP in PbP games as much or more than combat. Because of this, I tend to take my time in RP situations when others who enjoy it less might want us to move on.

What are your preferences?

I too enjoy roleplaying with pbp. You get to get your thoughts down and develop a voice/style for your character, and explore more fully the relationships between characters.

Especially with a shorter module like this.

I agree about the RP part of gaming. I think that this develops as we play, however. I have no reason to trust or know anything about my two mates. As we play and see how the characters react and interact the Roleplaying aspect will develop organically. Very hard to do this away from the table, so giving us new reasons to bond is the fastest way to develop this interaction.

I enjoy role-playing more than combat in some systems; probably most. One factor with pbp that sometimes affects my roleplaying is forgetting what was said three or four months ago. Another issue is wanting to provide a detailed post but at the same time keep it brief. If characters have drama, I definitely want to keep the players out of it.

Oh I also consider expressing the character's thoughts or internal monologue (usually as italics) as an important tool for pbp RP.

I agree with everything that's been said. Thanks for your input.

Sorry I missed the "Sketch a rough map" out comment. Just trying to move things along :-)

Sorry I missed the "Sketch a rough map" out comment. Just trying to move things along :-)

No worries, I was just waiting to hear if anyone wanted to post any RP with the folks at the advanced lumberjack camp. They're not a terribly interesting group as they're ok and they sleep all night and they work all day.

Also waiting to hear which of the places you want to check out first. I'm assuming it's the Elder Tree (since it's the closest), but was waiting to hear.

I will try to be more explicit in the future if I am waiting for one of you to post something so that I don't slow down the game.

I typed up Bolt below to make sure that my copy matches yours. For it's Trapping, I'll use light.

Rank: Novice
Power Rangers: 1 per missile
Range 12/24/48
Duration: Instant
Trappings: Fire, ice, light, darkness, colored bolts, insects.
Damage is 2d6
Additional Bolts: Up to 3 bolts can be cast by spending a like amount of Power Points.
Additional Damage: Cast a single bolt that does 3d6 damage for 2 Power Points.

I will copy the full descirption into the spoiler tag below. What I also suggest is that you create your character using the website Savaged.us. It's a great website that allows you to create characters (and store them) and I believe has all the descriptions for Powers, Edges, etc. from Pathfinder for Savage Worlds.

Thanks for the suggestion about using Savaged.us. I visited the site and made a .pdf of the character sheet. It should help. Deciding what Trapping to give the mage armor took me way too long.

I want to remind everyone again that I will leaving town this coming Thursday (7/28) and won't be back until August 16th. My computer access will be VERY sporadic as I will be camping most of that time, and although I may post from time to time, don't expect much until I return home in mid-August.

Thanks for the reminder. Enjoy your camping trip. It sounds wonderful.

I'm actually going to go volunteer at my son's summer camp (where I worked when I was in high school and college). I'll be staying in a tent while I'm there, but it won't be serious back-country camping, sadly. Still, the mountains of Virginia are certainly a nice place to spend a few weeks :)

Angus wasn't the only one sleeping on watch over the weekend, sorry I didn't post.

Your summer camp overlaps my wedding in Oregon (Aug 5-10) during which I will be likely incommunicado as well.

Your wedding, as in you're getting married? If so, congrats!

Not my wedding, but rather the wedding I'm going to. My daughter's best friend from high school and one of my best role-playing mates is getting married. She says she looks at me like a father and wanted me to go, so here we go all the way across the country.

I'm honored she sees me that way and my daughter is unlikely ever to get married herself (or at least unlikely to make a big deal of it if she does.)

Was tied up yesterday with the funeral of my favorite uncle, so there's some bitter with the sweet these days; I'll take all the sweet I can get :)

Sorry to hear about your uncle's passing. I hope you have a good time in Oregon (which is where I just traveled from).