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Welcome to the era of Alexander the Great! Inspired by Monte Cook's Ptolus, Phaeselis is a city campaign set during the empire of Alexander the Great. Set in the world of Alexander the Great, you the PCs adventure in a town that has been reserved for the psionically gifted.
You may or may not have the gift. As a city with a multicultural heritage, you will find that they put people from the East in with people from the West. Besides that, the dominate method of teaching psionics is the Will and the Way. As an adventurer, you will find adventure in the most likely of places. Not only in the city itself, but possibly without!
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You Will Need:
* One copy of Pathfinder Core Rulebook, 1st Edition.
* One copy of Ultimate Psionics from Dreamscared Press.
* A copy of the Advanced Race Guide in case you want to play an exotic race. Although the Races part of the wiki provides all the races you can use. From Humans to Nagaji and everything in between.
Please read the wiki. It took many days to craft the world you are about to play in.
Character Creation
Standard 25 point characters, two traits, drawback optional, and first level. You are either natives of Phaeselis, or new comers to the city.
Backgrounds
Backgrounds should be intricate, so I have something to work with. Please note that your background can contain anything you wish (including being a "victim" of pederasty), please note that I intentionally do not talk about certain subjects on the wiki because they are sensitive (like the aforementioned pederasty.)
Just at a glance, this sounds interesting. I’ll dig more into the wiki.
Love me a homebrew setting and at first glance this looks beautifully detailed. (And psion inclusive no less!)
I'll have a root around and see what I can come up with.
A couple of questions:
What sort of power level are you after? Would a less optimum but story/character driven player be an ok fit?
As far as source materials go is it just the Core Book (plus ARG), Ultimate Psionics, and wiki, or are you open to other Paizo/3rd party stuff?
Thanks for setting this up
L
Love me a homebrew setting and at first glance this looks beautifully detailed. (And psion inclusive no less!)
I'll have a root around and see what I can come up with.
A couple of questions:
What sort of power level are you after?
A. Something so you could be a hero. There are strange places to visit.
Would a less optimum but story/character driven player be an ok fit?
A. Sure.
As far as source materials go is it just the Core Book (plus ARG), Ultimate Psionics, and wiki, or are you open to other Paizo/3rd party stuff?
A. I have a large number of character oriented PDFs from Paizo. Including Occult Adventures. So I'm open to other Paizo stuff.
Thanks for setting this up
L
No problem.
bump.
Dotting with interest, I’ll give a read within the next few days but won’t have time to put anything up until end of the week.
dotting - need to find a free pdf of ultimate psionics or something before I devote anything to this
dotting - need to find a free pdf of ultimate psionics or something before I devote anything to this
Most of the stuff you might need is on d20pfsrd. That said, Ultimate Psionics is well worth the pennies if you can stretch to it.
I currently have a couple of different initial concepts I'm mulling over, I'd appreciate your thoughts EltonJ. This feels like the sort of project where collaboration is key:
Also, do you see this moving through levels relatively swiftly? Is aiming for a Prestige class sensible?
Again, this is beautiful world you've created here EltonJ, I'm really enjoying perusing the Wiki and getting my head around adventuring in slightly different time period.
I have a couple of ideas in mind for an aegis or a cryptic. Since these are rare classes, are they more or less likely to be from a minor race?
Also, do you have an idea of where you want to take this campaign, or what kind of campaign you want it to be? Or, are you just going to craft it based on the characters?
dotting for interest, I love me some psionics!
Last question for now I promise... sorry.
Would "Path of War" from dreamscarred press be allowed? It would fit my orc so well!
dotting - need to find a free pdf of ultimate psionics or something before I devote anything to thisMost of the stuff you might need is on d20pfsrd. That said, Ultimate Psionics is well worth the pennies if you can stretch to it.
I currently have a couple of different initial concepts I'm mulling over, I'd appreciate your thoughts EltonJ. This feels like the sort of project where collaboration is key:
1. Lowborn human male. Idolises the hoplites he has seen in parades etc. Knows he will never afford the training/equipment required. Catches bullies haranguing something at some point in youth, manifests shield and spear to defend. Now fights with the panoply of the hoplites but not with their particular tactics/training. Is sent/goes on solo raids because cannot operate as part of a Phalanx. Generous and kind but not booksmart. Shielded Blade Soulknife (and maybe Aegis) moving into either Elocator or Metaforge.
Sounds good. Looks like I'll have to read up on the Metaforge prc. Lowborn, I see. Probably couldn't afford tutelage in the Academy of the Will and the Way. But really admires the hoplites. Gotcha. :)
Orc, aspiring Son of Grom. Devout worshiper of Grom (not Cleric) comes to believe he is some form of prophet. Maybe visions or whispers, all very banal though. Quotes 'scripture,' often made up. Has been 'told' his destiny lays beneath Phaeselis. very 'in the moment' snap decisions and lack of remorse. Fights with a Rhomphaia. Not sure on class, probably Inquisitor would be closest, but don't want to pass on psionic opportunities...Psionic warrior? Wilder?
"No one expects the Orcish Inquisition!" So a devout worshiper of Grom. Not the Orc Cults? Actually, if you want more options for your orc, you can check out the Orcs of Kara'Kar wiki for more options for this character. So, is he part of the Orcish Embassy? Anything else can you tell me about him? He can have levels in Inquisitor and Wilder if you think that fits his concept. I can see him as a street preacher.
Also, do you see this moving through levels relatively swiftly? Is aiming for a Prestige class sensible?
Well, PbP games go slowly. Slower than games on roll20. But I expect you to roleplay your character. But you can aim for a prestige class.
Again, this is beautiful world you've created here EltonJ, I'm really enjoying perusing the Wiki and getting my head around adventuring in slightly different time period.
I had to do my research on Alexander the Great. And to think in terms of a Hellenistic culture rather than a medieval one. Sure, the middle ages had it's castles; but to me, the Greek "Empire" was much more exciting.
I have a couple of ideas in mind for an aegis or a cryptic. Since these are rare classes, are they more or less likely to be from a minor race?
Also, do you have an idea of where you want to take this campaign, or what kind of campaign you want it to be? Or, are you just going to craft it based on the characters?
50% urban adventures, 25% dungeon exploring, and 25% wilderness exploring.
Last question for now I promise... sorry.
Would "Path of War" from dreamscarred press be allowed? It would fit my orc so well!
I don't have that book. So no.
Will there be any downtime?
I’m looking at the pattern wielder cryptic, but it uses the psionic tattoos from Scribe Tattoo, which takes a day to scribe.
Will there be any downtime?
I’m looking at the pattern wielder cryptic, but it uses the psionic tattoos from Scribe Tattoo, which takes a day to scribe.
Oh wait. It’s for Elan’s only. I missed that. Never mind.
Just to clarify - we don't have to play a psionic character? Looking at the options and none really interest me - I may look at some of the psionic-focused base class archetypes if that would be alright.
Oh wait. It’s for Elan’s only. I missed that. Never mind.Will there be any downtime?
I’m looking at the pattern wielder cryptic, but it uses the psionic tattoos from Scribe Tattoo, which takes a day to scribe.
So, I wax dumb and thought Elan wasn’t one of the races in the setting, but it is. Soo… Will there be any downtime?
First draft of Toc is done. I know his backstory/character in my head, just need to write it up.
Few queries when you have a minute GM:
On the Wiki the equipment section there are lists of a few items with costs, will we be using this coinage? Are there stats for these items? I've just taken bare bones at the moment (need to add armour and misc)
I've added background skills, let me know if these aren't in use and I'll lose them.
One of the traits I've selected, Big-boned, is technically for Tieflings only. Its perfect for fluff and crunch but again, if your not happy I'll pick another.
So, I wax dumb and thought Elan wasn’t one of the races in the setting, but it is. Soo… Will there be any downtime?Oh wait. It’s for Elan’s only. I missed that. Never mind.Will there be any downtime?
I’m looking at the pattern wielder cryptic, but it uses the psionic tattoos from Scribe Tattoo, which takes a day to scribe.
There can be some downtime. :)
Just to clarify - we don't have to play a psionic character? Looking at the options and none really interest me - I may look at some of the psionic-focused base class archetypes if that would be alright.
You don't have to play a psionic character. I went to all the trouble listing all the classes, including psionics so that everyone can have an option.
First draft of Toc is done. I know his backstory/character in my head, just need to write it up.Few queries when you have a minute GM:
On the Wiki the equipment section there are lists of a few items with costs, will we be using this coinage?
Yes.
Are there stats for these items?
Sure, in other d20 games. No, seriously there is no stats. If you get the linothorax armor, it protects just like a breastplate (they did some tests on the linothorax, although it's expensive to produce). It's better protection than maille.
I've just taken bare bones at the moment (need to add armour and misc)
I've added background skills, let me know if these aren't in use and I'll lose them.
Background skills are a thing.
One of the traits I've selected, Big-boned, is technically for Tieflings only. Its perfect for fluff and crunch but again, if your not happy I'll pick another.
We'll see how it works through play.
I’m sketching out a concept for a human (probably Hellanic) cryptic. He’s recently come to Phaeselis looking for training and to find his place in the world.
I look forward to seeing what you come up with Ruin.
Some more details on Toc
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Five concept capturing points
1) Born physically ‘different’ (see appearance) bony, lean, facial structure is more simian than traditional orc. Toc also has regular dreams, unusually vivid dreams. Toc was maltreated as a child and eventually left his society as a young adult. To what extent this was his own decision vs it being forced upon him is debatable. He survived, barely, through a combination of self-sufficiency and working as a guard on the occasional mercantile caravan.
2) Finds an old hammer, abandoned in the wastes, and as he touches it it changes in his grip, a crystalline shell forms around it and the haft seems to mould to his fist. To Toc this is obviously an ancient relic. Toc’s mind drifts back to stories he had heard, to watching brutal soldiers sparing. The Sons of Grom. In Toc’s rather simple mind there is no doubt, this is The Hammer of Grom.
3) Following the finding of the hammer Toc’s dreams begin to feel almost prophetic, he gets the idea that he must travel to The City, that under the city lie the answers, the meaning. He is Grom’s Chosen one and he must follow his destiny.
4) Arrives in the city and has been working as a foundry assistant. Working bellows and breaking raw materials. He is biding his time for the opportunity to travel the undercity and follow his ‘destiny.’
5) Toc is a fanatically driven and zealous character. He is unapologetically physical and considers it his destined duty to honour his god, Grom, to the extent that he refers to himself as Brother Toc (a nod to his parallel path with the sons of Grom.) He is slow of speech and unlearned but wise in his own way. He is loyal just so long as that loyalty does not get in his way and serves his agenda (as defined by his interpretation of his dreams/what he believes Grom wants him to do)
Two character goals
1) (Known to Toc) To get bellow the city and find the answers that the voices in his head are promising.
2) (Unknown to Toc) Awakening to the fact that the power he wields is not divine but his own. That his personal “Cult of Grom” is actually a “Cult of Toc.”
Two secrets
1) (Known to Toc) While he is forthright in his desires and drive, Toc is not always open about his faith, and particularly his perception tht he is the “Chosen One.”
2) (Unknown to Toc) His hammer is not divine, he is not on a divine quest. The power comes from himself. (The voices in his head are more ambiguous…)
Dramatis Personae
1) Daaren, Hellenic Human. Chief foreman of the foundry where Toc is currently working/living, Daaren allowed/hired Toc into the foundry. Toc is a strong, reliable worker and does not cause drama with drink the way other laborers do.
2) Grimlok, Orc. Patriarch of Toc’s clan. They parted on bad terms, Grimlok was always disgusted by Toc’s abnormalities.
3) Hob, Halfling. The closest thing Toc has to a friend. The two first met when Toc was working a caravan, they moved into the city at the same time. Hob finds Toc’s serious nature entertaining and would follow the Orc on his adventure given the opportunity, if only to hear how the story ends.
Key memories
1) Tripping and falling as he ran from the encampment on the night of his ‘banishment.’ The lights of the fires behind him called him back from the darkness ahead. But he was resolved onwards into the dark.
2) Finding “The Hammer.” Everything in his life suddenly slots into place. Power seems to flow up his arm and fills his body. He has kept it close ever since.
…and a fear!
1)Physical Failure. Being bested in a test of strength.
Any notes to tighten it into the setting GM?
Well. Lets see.
1) Born physically ‘different’ (see appearance) bony, lean, facial structure is more simian than traditional orc. Toc also has regular dreams, unusually vivid dreams. Toc was maltreated as a child and eventually left his society as a young adult. To what extent this was his own decision vs it being forced upon him is debatable. He survived, barely, through a combination of self-sufficiency and working as a guard on the occasional mercantile caravan.
It's true that orcs are apes. Just like humans are apes. :) So, the more simian appearance is like what I actually seen on some humans (I've seen a man with a more simian face structure when I was going to college). He still has his tusks, right? Maybe he's been to the city once before, and was very impressed with it.
2) Finds an old hammer, abandoned in the wastes, and as he touches it it changes in his grip, a crystalline shell forms around it and the haft seems to mould to his fist. To Toc this is obviously an ancient relic. Toc’s mind drifts back to stories he had heard, to watching brutal soldiers sparing. The Sons of Grom. In Toc’s rather simple mind there is no doubt, this is The Hammer of Grom.
The hammer could be made of ferroplasm, that's why it's so pliable in his hands. It's reacting to his psionic potential. As for it being the hammer of Grom, yes that's possible. He believes it to be the hammer of Grom, so that is enough for him. Also, he could take the artifact to an actual Grom priest to see if it's the actual Hammer of Grom. :)
I'm cookin up a concept for a Gnomish Oracle outcast from society for being.. y'know.. all oracle-y lol. Should be done soon.
I think I saw what you were cooking up.
Whitley Pilwicken is done! just need DM approval and im good to go :) (this is Benobo)
Not ready to approve, just yet. But it looked good.
I’ve struggled with a background for my character. I think it’s because I don’t remember much about Hellenic Greece. Regardless, I’ve finally gotten a brief one together.
Sirrus grew up as a slave in Athens, separated from his parents at a young age. When he showed remarkable intelligence he was allowed to study with the family tutors and received training in arcana, dungeoneering, nature, the planes, psionics, and religion. He was especially talented in dungeoneering, including the deductive reasoning needed to design and disable trap and to navigate underground mazes, and in psionics, which led him to unlock his own psionic powers. This motivated him to earn his freedom and travel to Phaeselis.
Having grown up as a slave, Sirrus is uncomfortable in many social situations and acting as a free man. Despite this, he is looking for a place to belong, a people to belong to. He is also trusting to a fault.
On his pilgrimage to Phaeselis, he was awestruck with the variety of cities and landscapes. Learning about such things and seeing them first hand, he discovered, were two very different things. He hopes to greatly explore the city and it’s surrounding area.
What other kinds of things are you looking for in a background?
any news on this?
any news on this?
I still want to run it, that's for sure.
well, it seems like we have three players (Toc, Myself, and Sirrus). Tok seems to be completed as am I, Sirrus just needs feedback on backstory and then I believe we'd have 3 completed characters. I don't know the amount you're looking for, but 3 is a good number
well, it seems like we have three players (Toc, Myself, and Sirrus). Tok seems to be completed as am I, Sirrus just needs feedback on backstory and then I believe we'd have 3 completed characters. I don't know the amount you're looking for, but 3 is a good number
Yeah, I was looking for four players. :)
I’ve struggled with a background for my character. I think it’s because I don’t remember much about Hellenic Greece. Regardless, I’ve finally gotten a brief one together.
** spoiler omitted **
What other kinds of things are you looking for in a background?
I think you have everything.
Yeah, I was looking for four players. :)
well, lets see if we can scrounge up another player lol
Yes. One more week shouldn't hurt.
hmm. Anyone else interested?
Strange. Oh well.
The three of you it is!
Ha! I'd all but given up on this one. Longest recruitment ever!
Excited to go though, let's do this!
Woohoo!
When are you planning to start?
Wednesday. :)
Looking forward to it!!
Okay, I created a gameplay thread and a discussion thread for this game. Just post on the discussion thread to introduce your characters, and we will get started with gameplay either tonight or tomorrow.