Lost Lands

Game Master Edeldhur

Now that we have everyone gathered, I will just lay it out in the open - most of you know my thoughts about gaming in general, and PF in specific, what bothers me, what frustrates me and what I like about it. Some of you will know this better than others because you have most likely been a victim of one of my ‘old gamer’ rants, etc :)

In any case I just wanted to invite you all for a brief discussion before we even get to the gist of it, the setting, character creation, etc.

It took me a while just trying to decide what could make for an interesting game to such a varied and experienced group of players, and also which game system to use, but so far my plan is as follows:

- I want to start small, so this will mean level 1 characters and a sort of ‘introductory’ adventure for now. Depending on the pace, the success (or not) of the game itself, our ‘feel’ for the setting, etc, we may level to 2 shortly after or not. It is open ended for now;

- The setting will be a small corner of the Lost Lands, by Frog God Games. I know some of you will be familiar with bits and pieces of it (FGG has some pretty well known titles like Rappan Arthuk and Slumbering Tsar, just to name a few), while for others this will be completely new (for me it is very new, apart from RA and ST). That is one of the many reasons which made me choose this one - I wanted to get away from Golarion (for some reason the lore is not working out for me), and find something that would give us all a ‘new…ish’ and ‘unknown…ish’ feeling. The Lost Lands seem like a good setting for that;

- The game will be themed. Adventure options/possibilities will present themselves, but hopefully others will be originate from your characters. I guess we can call it a ‘mixed’ sandbox environment of sorts, in which there will definitely be one (or more) over arching plot, driving adventures and paths to follow. But also room to play around with character ambitions and backgrounds. But not to worry, the ‘amount’ of Sandbox will adapt to you, so as not to paralyze the game;

- The system will be Pathfinder First Edition. I know it was not the main preference for all of you, but it is the system I am currently most familiar with, as well as the majority of you I believe. I am not going to put up a lot of restrictions on character creation upfront, but I will have some more notes on the subject further along during this ‘Discussion’. On the table were also D&D5E (which lost to PF1 due to me being much more familiar with PF), and PF2 (I can’t put my finger on it yet… But I have now played it a couple of times and I don’t like it. Also I am definitely not familiar with it);

So starting with these notes, what are everyone’s thoughts and/or questions? Does this sound good?

I'll just go through bit by bit to give my thoughts.

-I do not particularly enjoy level 1 play, but I'm fine with it. I think PF1 is best from levels 3-12 and I would ideally like to spend most of my playing time at those levels.

-I'm familiar with RA. I like the idea of a more unknown setting. Despite enjoying fantasy novels and the concept of worldbuilding, I dislike reading setting lore for RPGs. Is there a setting book or anything that I should read?

-Sounds reasonable.

-PF1 is my favorite.

Some things about myself.

-I'm a competative gamer and enjoy feeling challenged. I generally do not get upset by things like character death.

-I enjoy the mechanical aspects of the game.

-I would like to have a 'target power level' or sense of other players character power level when designing my character to avoid over-optimizing.

-I have found that I enjoy the creative writing aspect of PbP.

-I think that the best source of satisfying flavor and story elements is RP with other players.

That's all for now.

Hi all, here's my two cents, feel free to take or leave as you like.

I'm fine with starting at level 1. While the power level is low, I can use it to 'get to know' the character a bit more without having to worry about all of the crunch. Will we have the ability to 'revise' PC's during those initial 1-3 levels? That said, given PbP speeds, it would be welcome if we end up moving up a little bit faster than usual.

Any particular corner of the Lost Lands you're thinking of starting in? I think I've got a bunch of Frog God stuff in a couple of different Humble Bundles so that'll help me narrow down where to focus any limited background reading I might need to do. If there are lore/canon type details you want us to stick with or incorporate (or not) into backgrounds, posts, etc. then just let me know. I'll often just make odd little background details up on the fly just to add a bit of creative life into a character or NPC.

Sandbox with a few reasonable hooks and potential plot lines works for me.

PF1 is okay. Not my favorite these days as I simply don't have the time or interest in sorting through and managing all the fiddly options as a GM. (Since I've been GMing more than playing, that's been important lately.) Instead I've been enjoying more narrative focused systems like FATE or Blades in the Dark in addition to the somewhat less rules heavy, but putting on some bloat, 5E. I'm also a big fan of DCC just because it is so random, old school, and fairly simple. (I'm eagerly awaiting the new DCC Dying Earth Kickstarter materials). But I know PF1 and totally okay rolling with it.

Typically I can post once a day depending on work and family stuff with maybe a "creative energy recharge break" on a Saturday or Sunday.

As a GM, I'm partial to running 'Theater of the Mind' style on the boards. But as long as I'm not the one coming up with maps and moving everyone's icons around, etc., I'm okay with a more tactical/mechanics oriented game.

My personal preference is also to avoid maps when I GM. I don't think they're that important.

Again, GM Obermind, thanks for the invitation,

I'm good to see a few familiar faces. I think the last time I was in a game with Wabbithuntr was Brv's Sundered Kingdoms, I've not played with John G but I feel like I know him, I follow Mort's game and used to follow GM Itzi's 'Skull and Shackles' game. And I'm looking forward to playing with Tareth and MelvinVorthos as well :)

ohhhh, the Lost Lands, Killed a whole solo party there once, good times. If I remember right the world was based on pathfinder so PF1 should also be the easiest system for it. Hmmm, assuming that had anything to do with the preferance. As for me, I'm comfortable with PF 1 and so far I've been too cheap to invest in a new system. So PF1 is the only system I feel I can competently play, I am in a PF 2 game 'for newbies' which I was invited to. Still trying to wrap my brains around it.

I'll try to respond to comments as I go, MV MelvinVorthos is so much to type, do you mind if I abbreviate it? Please feel free to abbreviate mine to RH I know I will be. Anyway, MV pointed out he preferred a little higher level than one, but he can live with it. A bit like Tareth it lets me 'get to know the character' But it does depend on the character and class for me. If it's a new character or class I prefer starting at level one to build history with the character. If it's a character that I've played repeatedly which happens a lot here on the boards then I'm used to them and don't mind starting at higher levels.

My posting rate follows my schedule, I'm in EST and have consistent and nearly constant contact with my computer from 8 am to around 4 pm. And check the computer probably eight time before I go to bed around 10 pm. I will wake up and check the boards again sometimes as early as 5 am but normally closer to 6:30 am. though I confess I rarely post before I've had a couple cups of coffee...

I find myself presently in 18 games which is about my limit. The posting rate in them is anywhere from three or four times a day to three or four times a month. I try to be ready to post in every game at least one a day, but If I post, and the GM posts after me, I try to wait for someone else. I've learned it doesn't help the game to drag it along kicking and screaming.

Playing style, Tell me the guidelines you want us to play in and I'll build a character I'm interested in playing with as effective a build as is possible within the guidelines. If the character is big and dumb, you can assume his str is 18 and int is 8, but I will play him big and dumb. For me the Continuity Fairies insist that stats, traits, race traits, skill and feats match the character I'm playing and each other. I like backstories they help me anchor the character.

As for maps, it really depends on the narrative skills of the GM. If their describing everything, I don't need a map. If the description is, 'you open the door, there is a creature in the middle,' I'll need a map; with at least an image of the creature that I can sort of tell what were fighting. Or I'll pull my hair out.

I don't like to drop games. I think it sets a bad precedent for applying to other games. But I don't mind playing a suicidal character, which tends to happen if I start pulling my hair out. Or if I get bored. Just sayin' Actually playing a character 'suicidal' turns most boring games sort of fun.

Sorry I sort of started to ramble there didn't I.

Ok, a couple other things. If were playing in the lost lands, I'd recommend at least a 20 pt build if not 25. I've found I like playing frontliners or skill monkeys that can physically keep a game moving. In my mind we're playing heroic characters that are motivated to adventure, whatever their reasoning is.

Probably time to stop rambling, if you've read all this 'good on ya' :)

Hello again everyone, those of you that know me shouldn't be surprised by me saying, I'm good with anything. Obermon says he wants to run a game and nothing else matters. :)

I love making characters, love telling stories, and enjoy mechanics (though I am far from an expert on any of them).

I do know nothing about the Lost Lands, but I can work on that. Or play someone from a remote village.

I normally can post a few times a day or more but right now I'm travelling for work, so am limited more than normal.

Now I have to get ready for bed. 2am start time tonight, ugh.

PF1 is the only system I play. I've got too much time invested in it to learn anything else. I like the tremendous amount of options available within this system. If something is broken like Dazing, it can be fixed with some reasonable houserules.

Despite not knowing the lore of the FGG setting, I like that they reward intelligent play. Unlike most APs, in FGG you will run into unfair unbalanced fights where retreat is the only real option.

I like the challenge that FGG presents. I enjoy intelligent play and creating optimized characters to overcome the challenges of deadly settings like Tsar and RA.

Having said that I'm a reasonable optimizer. I'm not just going to take a random dip into Medium because it's mechanically powerful. My multiclassing needs to be effective, but it must also fit in with the overall character.

And while I enjoy utilizing system mastery to create optimized characters that is not at the expense of RP. I TRULY enjoyed the relationship that Wabbit (raging halfling paladin vexing dodger mouser) had with John G's Cleo.

A lvl 1 start is painful for me. The character I'm looking to play has trained in the Iron Shield Monastery devoted to Torag or whichever FGG god fits the concept. This Monastery focuses on using Throwing Shields as weapons.

The first 2 lvls of this character are:
Far Strike/Monk of the Iron Mountain (exotic weapon prof Throwing SHield)
Siegebreaker Fighter (able to use shields defensively and wear armor)

A lvl 1 start for this character is awkward because
He needs to start off with the Monk lvl to gain proficiency with his exotic weapon Throwing Shield.

But as Monks lack shield proficiency he will not be able to take the feat Improved Shield bash. So at level 1 he can use his Throwing Shield as a weapon but not as a shield defensively. And the character will be wearing armor after lvl 1. So I guess he'll carry armor in his backpack awaiting the day when he's skillful enough to use it. And at lvl 2 he'll have to retrain whatever filler feat he took at lvl 1 into Improved Shield Bash so he can retain his shield ac while using it as a weapon.

So if we use the lvl 1 start I hope everyone doesn't mind if my character is not really mechanically effective til lvl 2.

I like maps. I see combat as a team tactical game and maps help with that.

My schedule is quite chaotic. But I can normally post at least twice a day. I can't imagine juggling 18 games WOW RH I try to limit myself to no more than 3.

Optional rule-sets that I enjoy:
Combat Stamina
Elephant Feat tax system
VMC
Background Skills
Fractional Bonus system to balance out oddities with multiclassing
not a fan of ABP

I also promise that I'll always give notice if I'm unable to post for any period of time like on a vacation. If I go radio silent without notice please send digital flowers as I'm either dead or in a coma.

edit: I found a way to be effective from lvl1. My character will be a Fighter from the Monastery who hasn't quite gotten the knack of throwing his shield around yet. But with diligent practice he finally gets it and that improvement will express itself at 2nd lvl with a lvl of Monk

@Robert Henry: TL;DR, buddy, TL;DR. ;) (I'm kidding, kidding) I don't know you but I have seen that name around these boards for quite some time. :)

I'm unfamiliar with the rest of you except for that troublemaker JohnGs. Man I can't believe Paizo hasn't kicked that guy out yet! ;) (Kidding again. I'm actually in another game with him, folks). :)

Okay as far as the setting is concerned, I only know Pathfinder. It's the only roleplay game I play. As long as we're using those rules, then I don't care if it's the Forgotten Realms or Candyland we're in. :) As long as we use PF rules, I'm good.

I will say regarding PF2, I'm actually liking it. I'm in one now and the more I play learn, it is actually quite fun. It is a challenge to learn, there's no doubt about that but it is fun.

Okay, I'm going to steal this from Tareth.

I'm fine with starting at level 1. While the power level is low, I can use it to 'get to know' the character a bit more without having to worry about all of the crunch.

I actually do enjoy getting to know the character. I always have this idea of how I want him to be but it's funny how things change once you get to playing him.

And I'm going to steal this from Robert:

Playing style, Tell me the guidelines you want us to play in and I'll build a character I'm interested in playing with as effective a build as is possible within the guidelines. If the character is big and dumb, you can assume his str is 18 and int is 8, but I will play him big and dumb. For me the Continuity Fairies insist that stats, traits, race traits, skill and feats match the character I'm playing and each other. I like backstories they help me anchor the character.

I will echo those.

I typically can only post after 6 pm CST. Unless I have a random day off from work or am on vacation. The weekends I can post anytime.

As far as Maps go: I do like them but ultimately I can take them or leave them. It's really not a big deal to me either way.

I like Elephant feat tax system and Background skills as well. They're pretty handy.

I don't really know enough about VMC and Combat Stamina to have an opinion. I've never used either.

I've used ABP in a game or two. I can take it or leave it. Doesn't matter.

ninja'd by Javell :)
LOL, hey Wabbit, if I put as much detail and class matching in as you did, I'd only be able to play six games :)

I almost never multiclass, the only exception (other than gestalt games). is an 'Oradin' I wanted to try, (paladin, oracle with the life mystery) However I do favor the 'hybrid' classes like Slayer and Bloodrager. I'm also a big fan of the unchained rogue.

Might be a dumb question, but why not take the fighter level first? Obviously he wouldn't be able to throw the shield until second level, but he'd still be fairly crunchy.

So I noticed Wabbit listed Alternative systems, I actually prefer the ABP more than the others. I hate that you need 'the big six' to have an effective character. As well as the fact that there needs to be a 'Magicmart' in every town just to be able to function. One of the things I miss From old school D&D is that magical items seem rare and special, named heirlooms handed down from generation to generation. Almost like their Magical.

I'll echo Javell in that I can play with or without any of them, don't even mind playing 'core' about the only thing I cringe at is a 15 point buy, or a strict roll for stats.

@Robert Henry: TL;DR, buddy, TL;DR. ;) (I'm kidding, kidding) I don't know you but I have seen that name around these boards for quite some time. :)

TL;DR

ABBREVIATIONinformal
used as a dismissive response to a lengthy online post, or to introduce a summary of a lengthy post:
"TL;DR—I just scrolled all the way down but that took forever"

That is the one thing about ABP I do like. 'The big six' are accounted for and you can get 'other cloaks/rings/etc' instead of the same ol' same ol'.

Yeah I mentioned to Edeldhur in a PM the one thing I just can't do is a 15 point buy. Ugh. That's just the worst. Honestly, that shouldn't even exist. :)

Ugh 15 point buy. Abomination....NOOO
CORE! another Abomination!

@RH re: fighter first
I found a way to be effective from lvl1. My character will be a Fighter from the Monastery who hasn't quite gotten the knack of throwing his shield around yet. But with diligent practice he finally gets it and that improvement will express itself at 2nd lvl with a lvl of Monk without having to revisit the Monastery for additional training.

My distaste for ABP came from a campaign where there were no magic items because of ABP. It made things like throwing builds impossible because there was no such thing as a Blinkback Belt.

The combining magic items rule for +50% of the lesser items cost allows for the Big Six with other interesting items. Only in Society do you have to make the choice between the necessary Big 6 or other more interesting items. The 50% rule allows for both in the same slot. But I'll admit that the 50% rule needs either magic marts or in house crafting from party members

I don't mind ABP, but I also don't find the assumption that magic items are reasonably plentiful to be particularly painful.

I would be interested in linking backstories with other people. I think it's cool to think about how characters interact even if they have not met.

I tend to post once or twice a day, typically after 4pm Eastern US time.

I was thinking Druid would be a fun class to play, but I could also be interested in a range of others. Anyone else have a nature themed character in mind?

Ugh 15 point buy. Abomination....NOOO

CORE! another Abomination!

Lol!

My distaste for ABP came from a campaign where there were no magic items because of ABP. It made things like throwing builds impossible because there was no such thing as a Blinkback Belt.

The combining magic items rule for +50% of the lesser items cost allows for the Big Six with other interesting items. Only in Society do you have to make the choice between the necessary Big 6 or other more interesting items. The 50% rule allows for both in the same slot. But I'll admit that the 50% rule needs either magic marts or in house crafting from party members

Okay, NO magic items at all would just be flat out garbage. I wouldn't like it either if that was the case.

@Melvin: Per the nature themed pc: I do not.

I'm actually pondering going with a Brawler. I've never run one and I've always wanted to give it a shot.

Dude, ninja'd by Javell again!

My distaste for ABP came from a campaign where there were no magic items because of ABP. It made things like throwing builds impossible because there was no such thing as a Blinkback Belt.

Ugh, I didn't say no magical items, I just want to be able to wear something other than the big six. One of my favorite items is a 'cloak of the Manta ray' When I played AD&D back in college I had a fighter that wore one. Loved them ever since.

MV I'm not adverse to linking backstories. Druid is a solid caster choice with lots of flexibility (Not that I've ever played one, but I've read stuff) With Wabbit creating a very crunchy potentially switch-hitting Monk it sounds like he'll have the front line taken care of. If that's the case I'd lean towards a ranger or slayer, or possibly an unchained rogue. The ranger/slayer would be more woodsy, though there's no reason a rogue couldn't hide in the woods enough to be friends with a druid.

Edit:This is when I decided to put the 'potentially' in Wabbit's description. Is the monk able to switch hit and play tank when needed. Or will we need another frontliner?

Edit: Well if JD is doing brawler, that's front line. So I take care of skill monkey, If I go ranger I'll do the trapper archetype so he can do disable devices and get rid of spells. yeah, I really dislike spells that much, I blame Robert E. Howard However, depending on everyone else I might just go unchained rogue....

Did we decide if 'unchained' was ok?

This alias Grymwold, is what I WabbitHuntr am proposing for my character if this is acceptable to everyone else. This is Grym as he appears at 13th lvl, currently in a one-shot module.

Grym is a switch-hitting frontline tank
Far Strike/Sacred Mountain Monk 1
Siegebreaker Fighter 5
Shield Champion Brawler 7

At 9th lvl he becomes able to craft magic armor and shields for the group

He follows Torags paladin code and views his Martial Flexibility as divine gifts/insight from Torag, the God of Tactics and Strategy

And there should be nothing wrong with having 2 brawlers in the group. Should make for a versatile front-line

Lol! You gotta stay frosty, Robert. ;)

Unchained is cool. I like it a lot. Especially the rogue. I'm not exactly sure what Obermind has in mind. (See what I did there? Oh yeah, I gotta million of 'em. Wait... are those groans I hear? Oh no that's just my stomach growling. Got a little concerned there a moment). :P

You mentioned Slayer too. I like slayer. That's a cool class. I got one of those. Real fun guy.

I love me some front line. :)

@Wabbit: (I hope this doesn't offend, dude, but every time I read Wabbit I just chuckle. All I can think of is: THIS Oh man I just love it. lol! :)

Anyway, that dude is cool. Fighter then Brawler. Ultimate fighting machine. :)

@JD no offense taken at ALLLL!

WabbitHuntr was my online screen name in multiplayer Halo.
Kill the Wabbit!

and going on a "Killing Spree" vs my friends in Halo I'd sing "Kill the Wabbit" into the mic

You know, I always thought it was something like that, But I was too afraid to ask...

@JD no offense taken at ALLLL!

WabbitHuntr was my online screen name in multiplayer Halo.
Kill the Wabbit!

and going on a "Killing Spree" vs my friends in Halo I'd sing "Kill the Wabbit" into the mic

LOL!!! Oh man I freaking love it!!! That is so freaking awesome! I never played Halo but now I wish I had just to hear that. I'd've just died. :)

Good Morning. I love massive amount of posts as I drink coffee. first WABBIT and MAXIMUS! Happy Dance (Cleo and Pigeon are doing happy dances, not me cause the world does not need that).

Happy to play an arcane type, Haste is a a truly splendid thing. I think that slot is still open. Elephant in the room is less important to them of course, but if I remember correctly it does give them precise shot or easier access to it if one wanted to be a blaster.

If there was a base setting book to read, what would it be?

Linking stories is great. Course got no idea what that story would be yet, but like the idea.

Need more sleep before I try and tackle understanding Wabbit's character :) his pathfinder fu is rather and amazingly strong.

Um... that might be all. Off to work now.

I had a feeling this Discussion might 'explode' - I like it, so thank you all :)

Addressing some points (as we nail down some ideas, I will transfer them to the Campaign Info Tab):

Character creation:
- Sorry guys, but I will stick with level 1. It serves multiple purposes, including me gradually being allowed to understand how your characters 'grow in power'. But it also throws something new into the mix which I hope will make multiclassing more... Relevant, instead of simply a feature. Using Wabbit's character idea as an example: the day Grymwold decides he wants to become a full fledged monk, he will probably need to travel to the monastery for some relevant event (a quest? a test? a prayer? fasting? nothing?), which will then allow him to be accepted/indoctrinated/trained as a SomethingA/SomethingB/SomethingC monk of ABC of the Mountain etc :) This is not me making your life difficult, but it is something I would like to incorporate into the game. So knowing your plans slightly in advance is a good idea. On the other hand, who knows? Maybe Wabbit's character finds a captivating NPC with whom he wants to train under, and he will abandon his ideia of becoming a monk altogether? This is the 'organic feel' I am trying to capture;
- 'Will we have the ability to 'revise' PC's during those initial 1-3 levels?'
Yes, I will never tie people down to a character concept/crunch they do not want to play. If necessary, and if we manage to find a way to incorporate it into the game, even better;
- I am inclined to go with 25pt build, no stats below 8 or above 18 AFTER racial adjustments;
- Core, Base, Hybrid and Unchained I think are all good;
- Background Skills are definitely a yes;
- Unchained is a yes;
- ABP will be a no, because there are a LOT of interesting magical items in the Lost Lands ;)
- VMC and Elephant are a no for the time being - I have lived my whole life with Feat taxes and never died from it so :P I am however a BIG fan of handing out outstanding rewards on top of magical items, XP, RP or Status bonuses with NPCs and/or regions, so bonus feats bestowed by the DM can be a thing;
- Combat Stamina and Fractional Bonuses I very unfamiliar with, so I will read about it
- I am also inclined to include Hero Points;

Setting:
- Is there a setting book or anything that I should read?'
I have not found a 'setting book' per se yet (if anyone knows one specifically for the Lost Lands, please let me know), so we will have to go bit by bit;
- 'Any particular corner of the Lost Lands you're thinking of starting in?'
Yep, The Stoneheart Valley. It is the region spanning for about 300 miles West from Bard's Gate (one of the larger metropolis in the Akados region). Here is a link to an old map of the region - it has several incorrect details and scaling (for example, the distance between Bard's Gate and Fairhill is about 10 times shorter than the distance between Fairhill and Reme :D), but it gives you the gist of it, and it is nice to look at original maps. I have a much more detailed, and recent one, but this rudimentary one is more appropriate to level 1 characters ;)

- Out of curiosity, here is a page of the Lyre Valley Beholder, a periodic publication from Bard's Gate, to also give you another tidbit regarding the setting.

- Deities of the Lost Lands
I will just point you guys to this link which is impressive. Ask me for more details as needed ;)

Gameplay:
- I think we can make do with a mix between 'Theater of the Mind' and tactical maps. I admit I like maps a lot, so I will try to have one whenever necessary ;)

John G, like I commented, I'm good with linking back stories. If nothing else be from the same little berg or something.

Very cool, so what I read:
- 25pt build, no stats below 8 or above 18 AFTER racial adjustments;
- Core, Base, Hybrid and Unchained I think are all good;
- Background Skills are definitely a yes;
- Unchained is a yes;
- I am also inclined to include Hero Points;

What races are we considering? Anything beyond core?

Also, you posted a link to Brv's page, I was in four five different games with him in the 'lost lands' or maybe more appropriately, TFGG's game world, the fifth one was a pirate game on the Razor Coast. Would it help if I gathered relevant posts about the 'Lost Lands' Races, maps and such?

John G, like I commented, I'm good with linking back stories. If nothing else be from the same little berg or something.

Very cool, so what I read:
- 25pt build, no stats below 8 or above 18 AFTER racial adjustments;
- Core, Base, Hybrid and Unchained I think are all good;
- Background Skills are definitely a yes;
- Unchained is a yes;
- I am also inclined to include Hero Points;

What races are we considering? Anything beyond core?

Some adaptation is usually required because the system for which The Lost Lands were originally designed did not include such a wide array of races as PF does. This should be a good races reference. But bottom line, I am thinking Core + Tiefling and Aasimar.

Also, you posted a link to Brv's page, I was in four five different games with him in the 'lost lands' or maybe more appropriately, TFGG's game world, the fifth one was a pirate game on the Razor Coast. Would it help if I gathered relevant posts about the 'Lost Lands' Races, maps and such?

No need to go off gathering info, but if you have any interesting links sure, send them my way :)

Cool, hard to resist Aasimar....

I had looked at that site but was disappointed that it wouldn't let us open the races. However it does have a really good map. Speaking of maps and races this is what I've found.

People groups
Akados regionThis is the northeastern coast. It has 'Bard's Gate' in the south, but doesn't go far enough west to cover Reme.
Sinnar Coast Region This is the south eastern coastal area just south of Bards Gate. Most of the people groups listed above are from there.

So far our conversation about classes looks like:
MelvinVorthos: Druid
Tareth:
Robert Henry: Ranger or rogue
John Gs: arcane type
WabbitHuntr: Fighter/monk
Javell DeLeon: Brawler

Tareth do you have something in mind? I can be flexible if you want to do a skill monkey. We have two casters, a third is always nice. If I were to do the third caster it probably would be a Hunter, I played Rory for a bit, his wolves reminded me of the huskies we had while the kids were growing up.

Don't get me wrong, I'd rather play a slayer or some such, but I don't want to be a pig and insist. If the skill monkey is your preference I'm willing to defer.

I've had to go back and take a look at PF classes (It's been 3-4 years since I've really dove into the system.) I was actually looking at Hunter myself. But for whatever reason I always had a liking for Swashbuckler but never actually gave it a try, so that might be another direction. Finally, I could give a Summoner a whirl, again just because I've not tried it yet.

I've played plenty of Rogues before, so if that's your liking go for it.

Cool, I'm leaning towards something that can deal with traps, and have a little knowledge about stuff. Not sure rogue or ranger or slayer. I was just thinking that with six players, and two frontliners that if I didn't go with a skill monkey that I should take a caster.

I've never played a swashbuckler, I know their a dex based class, can they also deal with traps?

Cool, hard to resist Aasimar....

I had looked at that site but was disappointed that it wouldn't let us open the races. However it does have a really good map. Speaking of maps and races this is what I've found.

People groups
Akados regionThis is the northeastern coast. It has 'Bard's Gate' in the south, but doesn't go far enough west to cover Reme.
Sinnar Coast Region This is the south eastern coastal area just south of Bards Gate. Most of the people groups listed above are from there.

Thanks for the links Robert!

On Combat Stamina, I am going to say yes to when acquired Fighters Bonus Feats.

@GM for Combat Stamina. Are you saying Fighters get Stamina free from lvl 1 or that Fighters can access take Combat Stamina if taken with a Fighter bonus feat?

I plan on taking 5 lvls of fighter, this archetype trades away ALL bonus feats at those lvls.

"Martial Training (Ex): At 1st level, a brawler counts her total brawler levels as both fighter levels and monk levels for the purpose of qualifying for feats."
So I will get bonus feats as a brawler.

I've never played a swashbuckler, I know their a dex based class, can they also deal with traps?

A swashbuckler with the Trapfinder trait would do a good job with traps

So will hunt through pictures around the web for a starting point, with the general idea being a person who has ignored the comings and goings of the world with their nose buried in a book (or more likely an entire library full of books). Something or someone(RH?) is dragging them into the world of adventure.

Tis a starting point. Now pictures, classes, bits and bobs, and then sleep.

Something or someone(RH?) is dragging them into the world of adventure.

:)

Let me know when you get a few particulars and I will start working on hooks

@GM for Combat Stamina. Are you saying Fighters get Stamina free from lvl 1 or that Fighters can access take Combat Stamina if taken with a Fighter bonus feat?

Yes, I am saying Fighters can access Combat Stamina (and other related Feats) with Fighter Bonus Feats ;)

Good Morning. I love massive amount of posts as I drink coffee. first WABBIT and MAXIMUS! Happy Dance (Cleo and Pigeon are doing happy dances, not me cause the world does not need that).

Lol!

My gosh that guy did a TON of work on all that info. Talk about an info dump. Man that's a LOT of typing. There's like A MILLION deities. My guy JUST became an atheist. Who knew?! *shrugs* ;)

As far as race is concerned, I was just going to go with human. I thought about dwarf - because I'm a big fan of dwarves - but I really like the extra feat that humans get.

It'll be one of the two. Right now I'm leaning toward human. But with Wabbit's(lol! Man I just love that. Makes me chuckle every time. :) ) pc being a dwarf I might roll with dwarf. That'd be kinda cool. Especially with us both being Brawlers.

And please tell me I don't have to learn ALL that. Because that's just WAAAAAY too much. :P It would take me a LOOOONG time to try to wrap my head around all that info. You know they say ignorance is bliss, right? ;)

On the Fractional Bonuses alternate rule, I will go with a no. I don't think multiclass characters are broken, so I will not fix them :)

If along the line, it seems like they need correction, then we will revisit it.

Added a few more blurbs of information on the Campaign Info tab:

- The World: with a small intro/description of the Lost Lands world;

- The Lands: describing the main 'land-masses'/continents.

There is additional information to be had on multiple human and non-human races, but we can delve deeper into this (if/as needed) once you get an idea of the kind of character you want to play, in terms of backstory, personality, etc. I don't think there is a point in adding tons of text for a level 1 adventure, but I can add further info upon request.

I think by now, we should have most of the necessary info to start working on actual characters? :D

Let me know!

My gosh that guy did a TON of work on all that info. Talk about an info dump. Man that's a LOT of typing. There's like A MILLION deities....

Don't tell anyone, but I think he copied and pasted it...

Obermind, what do you think about letting folks us the AP traits along with the regular ones? I'm only thinking that if we have a swashbuckler that might make it easier for them to do traps as well.

Not sure what race or class I'm doing, I've got about four different Ideas going right now, depending on Traeth's class and my characters connection with John Gs or MV's druid.

I've been thinking about my character a bit, and I'm going to go ahead and provide the background ideas I've gathered. I think I'll stick with druid for now.

Gonna name my character Guthlaf, non-finally. This name means survivor of the battle in Old English.

A half-orc raised in an orc tribe, Guthlaf never lived in human society.

A gentle soul, he did not fit in well with the others in his tribe. He was bullied regularly.

Guthlaf is still young, perhaps 17.

He showed a talent for magic and was selected for Shamanic training in his tribe. One of his eyes was dyed completely white at this time.

After running away from his tribe, Guthlaf found a nearby druid and became his apprentice.

Before he got farther than level one in his training, Guthlaf's mentor died or was killed. If he was killed, then Guthlaf has a motive to go adventuring in order to catch the murderer.

Guthlaf wants to learn more about druids and the circles his mentor participated in. He barely speaks druidic, and will need someone to show him how to wildshape by level 4.

That's all for me for now, I think. I have been reading along, but don't have any questions yet.

I'm going to go with Swashbuckler either human or half-elf. GM, are there restrictions on what traits we can use? Is Trap Finder okay to take?

Will start pondering background.

@MelvinVorthos: I like what I am reading. Will look up some info on orc tribes from my end.

Obermind, what do you think about letting folks us the AP traits along with the regular ones? I'm only thinking that if we have a swashbuckler that might make it easier for them to do traps as well.

I think I will be ok with almost any, as long as it fits the character, and we are not looking for Haleen ;)

I'm going to go with Swashbuckler either human or half-elf. GM, are there restrictions on what traits we can use? Is Trap Finder okay to take?

Trapfinder: 'Forgotten dungeons and ancient tombs have always held an appeal, and you’ve never been able to resist the urge to delve into these lost sites in search of knowledge, treasure, or both. You may not have received any formal training in the roguish arts, but you’ve nonetheless become skilled at spotting and disabling hidden traps' - if that is the case for your character, go for it! :)

Hmmmm so if Tareth is able to replicate Indiana Jones with a rapier instead of a whip, I will lean toward either Rory a halfling hunter, or Naomi an Sigh, I can't resist aasimar bard.

Rory is a wolf riding 'scout' with a little magic and Naomi is a 'Bard's Gate' born prodigy raised by musicians who'd rather be an adventurer. I'll work on both of them and see who jives with the others better.

The scout would be more useful in rural area's covering nature type stuff that the Druid may not be able to catch. The bard would be more natural for urban locations and conversing.

Any opinions?

@RH Personally, I feel like Hunter and Druid are pretty similar classes, and would prefer you go for a Bard. It's not a dealbreaker for me or anything, and if you are into the idea of Rory then go for it. Just giving my honest opinion since you are asking.

@GM Obermind sounds good. I would enjoy reading a bit on orc tribes. If you find any info on Druid circles, societies, whatever, I'd look at that too.

OH, yeah, hunter and druid are very similar crunch wise. The difference, I played Rory mounted on a wolf, with a second wolf companion. (packmaster) So he was able to scout effectively and used solid hit and run tactics in combat. Actually, the wolves used solid hit and run tactics and he tried to not make them look stupid. So, if we're outside more and doing less 'diplomacy' then Rory would be the way to go.

I certainly appreciate you're impute and agree the bard would add more. Especially, if I decided to keep all the buffing stuff instead of going 'archeologist' or something more along those lines.

So I've played Naomi as a bard and a rogue, maybe I should take a play out of wabbithuntr's book and multi-class. I'm considering keeping Naomi's personality the same, but going with a different charisma based build. Maybe oracle...

In bigger groups of 5 or more, I LOVE having a Bard.

Failed your save? Saving Finale to the rescue.

Your high lvl wizard doesn't want to start off combat with Haste? The Bard will handle that and Inspire ALL in the same round.

Your big dumb Fighter got confused and is about to kill the Cleric? Cast Unbreakable Heart. All better.

Wizard failed the knowledge check? Bard to the rescue.

Cleric died? :( Who's gonna UMD the Breath of Life scroll? The Bard.

Yup...I like Bards

If you end up preferring Rory that's cool. Just my 2 cents

Re: Oracle Multiclassing

Gives you the option of being primarily an Oracle and with only one lvl of Bard be able to Inspire Courage which you could make more powerful with the Banner of Ancient Kings attached to a Longspear with the Training enchantment bestowing the Flagbearer feat

this combo would allow you to have Inspire Courage up every fight and give you access to the 1rst lvl Bard Spell Saving Finale which is amazing.

Just my 2 cents as the resident multi-classer if you want your primary class as Oracle

I like both characters equally, I'm looking at what background will fit, and which is needed more, scout or face.

Obermind, I'm looking at an oracle build that relies heavily on a Desma based Feat. Divine Fighting Technique (Desna)

Way of the Shooting Star

Optional Prerequisite: A chaotic good bard of at least 2nd level can replace a versatile performance with the following initial benefit.
Initial Benefit(s): You can add your Charisma bonus to attack rolls and damage rolls when wielding a starknife. If you do so, you don’t modify attack rolls and damage rolls with your starknife with your Strength modifier, your Dexterity modifier (if you have Weapon Finesse), or any other ability score (if you have an ability that allows you to modify attack rolls and damage rolls with that ability score).
Advanced Prerequisite(s): Dex 17; Divine Fighting Technique; Point-Blank Shot; Rapid Shot; base attack bonus +11 or Sleight of Hand 11 ranks.
Optional Advanced Prerequisite: A chaotic good bard of at least 10th level can replace a versatile performance with the following advanced benefit without meeting its prerequisites.
Advanced Benefit(s): You can impart a powerful spin to a thrown starknife so that multiple blades strike the target rather than just a single blade of the four, dealing extra damage with the other blades. As a full-round action, you can make a single attack with a thrown starknife, rolling 1d4 to determine how many effective strikes you gain with the attack (if you roll a 1, then only one blade strikes). If the attack hits, all of the effective strikes damage the target. Apply precision-based damage (such as sneak attack damage) and critical hit damage only once for this attack. The damage bonus from your appropriate ability score modifier applies to each strike, as do other damage bonuses, such as a bard’s inspire competence bonus. Damage Reduction and resistances apply separately to each strike.

Would I be able to use one of the listed gods to supply a similar feat with either the star or their favored weapon? I'll start looking at the deity list and see if anyone seems similar.

Tykee - Goddess of Luck and Good Fortune (Hyperborean); Bard’s Gate

Tykee is the Goddess that my Starknife wielding Bard worshipped in a prior campaign using Desna's Way of the Shooting Star

I'm flavoring Torag as Dwerfater as there's so much more info available for Torag than Dwerfater
My character follows Torag's Paladin code.

How did you get around qualifying for the starknife: Varisian Tattoo?

I was hoping I could use a sickle with Narrah, the Lady of the Moon (Source:Borderland Provinces), Alignment = N. Domains = Darkness, Protection, Travel, Void. Favored Weapon = Sickle. Druids, oracles, fey and lycanthropes. Since I'd take Oracle with the lunar mystery.

But I'd do Tykee if I can get the starknife with a trait.

re: How to gain proficiency with the Starknife

Lol...Through more multiclassing

Throwing builds are so feat intensive that almost all of my throwing builds start out with a lvl of Far Strike Monk

this a 1 lvl dip gives you:
proficiency with ALL thrown weapons. For Grym that means the exotic proficiency Throwing Shield. For you that would mean martial proficiency Starknife.

and the bonus feats Quickdraw and Precise Shot. Both of which are critical to any throwing build.

LOL. I think it would be easier for Naomi to be Varisian than a Monk. I have no way to figure out how to throw being a 'monk' casually into someone's backstory.