Kisarta: Adventures Beyond Death (Inactive)

Game Master Seer of Shadows

Lawful Lilly wrote:

4. Having my illusions Do Things- How close to the binds of reality will my illusions have to behave before they start requiring saves? Will someone who can deduce it's an illusion but has not saved against the illusion react as if it is an illusion, or will they still react as if it was not an illusion?

I don't plan on treating illusions any differently in this campaign than I would in any other. Assume that illusions work as they normally would in other campaigns.

The problem in this case is that the rules for Illusions are incredibly soft. Mechanically, there's nothing to say that because they see a Lion they react as if they are seeing a Lion, or they might presume it's just an illusion because they know an Illusionist is about. Nothing to say that, if they see the haunted specter of their dying grandfather clawing at them and saying "Peter, peter, please, please, they're killing me peter, please!!!" the target will respond *at all.* I had a campaign where I worked to establish that a shadow creature was haunting the kingdom, only to have it fail because they were just like "Hey, that's all just an illusion, who gives a shit that an ominous ghost is quietly whispering that the kingdom is doomed."

I would say that that is BS. By the normal rules if you interact with the illusion or take an action to specifically disbelieve you get a will save. If you fail that, on some level you believe that it's real. You can say "Well, there's an illusionist around, so I'm going to choose not to accept my senses, but I'd rule that you will still instinctively react to an attack. You can be harmed by the right type of illusions. And so forth. If you are a spherecaster, it looks like they have a little more guidance.

The problem in this case is that the rules for Illusions are incredibly soft.

Indeed. Depending on the GM, Illusion magic is either the strongest or the weakest magic in the game.

Well, Rhombus himself isn't a wizard. Rhombus barely even understands that magic exists.

That will teach me to reply while on the brink of exhaustion. I completely forgot that your character was a Master Familiar and when my eyes settled on "wizard" and "Morporkian", my sleep-deprived brain immediately thought "Unseen University". Please disregard my question.

The problem in this case is that the rules for Illusions are incredibly soft. Mechanically, there's nothing to say that because they see a Lion they react as if they are seeing a Lion, or they might presume it's just an illusion because they know an Illusionist is about. Nothing to say that, if they see the haunted specter of their dying grandfather clawing at them and saying "Peter, peter, please, please, they're killing me peter, please!!!" the target will respond *at all.* I had a campaign where I worked to establish that a shadow creature was haunting the kingdom, only to have it fail because they were just like "Hey, that's all just an illusion, who gives a shit that an ominous ghost is quietly whispering that the kingdom is doomed."

So yeah, I just want to have some examples of where the limits of illusions apply.

Could you give some examples of what you're needing clarification on, specifically?

Thank you, but in this case, I'm specifically talking about the Faction Sphere's Requisition ability, particularly with the Supply package, in order to requisition Scrolls and Wands from my faction. Will I not have access to these talent effects for an extended period of time?

Players will not initially have access to anything requiring a pre-existing reputation, such as the Famous ability for the Chelish Diva archetype or the Leadership feat. This is due to the fact that they are newcomers to Kisarta and I do not want to have a case of gameplay contradicting the reality of the party's situation. That said, characters will be able to arrive in Limbo soon after the game's start and begin building those reputations and connections.

In addition, I do have to ask, but how will we function in terms of economy, wealth, and material goods? Will we be getting goods? How does Aether Shards work?

Traditional metal coins are not worth very much on Kisarta and only collectors and craftsman regard them as having any value whatsoever. Raw forms of condensed aether, however, are regarded much like the coinage that the characters may be used to. The faintly-glowing Aether Powder (in pinches and handfuls), Aether Shards, and Aether Coins effectively replace the traditional CP, SP, GP, and PP system. These new currencies are represented by AP, AH, AS, and AC, but you can simply use the traditional currency section on character sheets to track these in game if you wish.

Bartering is also fairly common with Kisartan merchants. Some merchants will trade merchandise for merchandise, but some requests will run more towards the esoteric: favors, blood, pieces of the customer's soul, memories, et cetera.

There are many markets of various sizes scattered across Kisarta. The Shadow Markets in Limbo and the various bazaars and souks within the Whispering Desert are generally regarded as the places to go if you are looking to buy, sell, or trade, but every Dominion has some form of economy and market in place.

In addition, what are the rules for the creation of martial traditions? 2 equipment 2 other talents? In addition, are Unified Traditions avaliable, with custom traditions on the field?

Martial traditions can be crafted using the general guidelines that have been established by the authors. I will list those below in ooc format for reference.

1. Each martial tradition should include two Equipment talents, typically with at least one discipline, Armor Training, or Shield Training. These determine the weapons, armor, and other equipment a character has available to them (if any).

2. Each martial tradition should include either an appropriate base sphere, or the option to choose between 2 base spheres. The exact appropriateness of any given base sphere depends on the concept.

3. Each tradition should also include one additional thematic talent. This could be a bonus talent in the sphere you gained as part of step 2, an additional base sphere, or perhaps an Equipment talent that is not a discipline but works with the character concept in some way.

Unified Traditions are available.

What materials currently in playtest can we request? I have two things I want to look at- A Leadership Sphere feat that allows them to select Utility Talents, and a Trap talent that allows them to reveal traps as a [Plan]

I generally don't allow playtest material unless it is in the final stages. Having to potentially alter existing rules and relearn how a character works in-game is something I tend to avoid.

Finally, can I request the ability to use Vancian Spells in Trap Sphere Traps through the Spell Trap feat?

Spell Trap is designed specifically for Spheres, so I am going to rule no on that request.

More detail on the Feywild for Ixivixi.

Thanks for expounding upon that.

Hey 'Seer of Shadows' I wanted to drop back in and remove Wulfgar from the 'recruitment' process.

I'd started the application process in three different recruitments. I figured if I wanted to add another game, applying in more than one would strengthen my odds. I'd been reading along here, but waiting to see if I'd gotten in one of the other two games before I posted more. I was accepted in a 'Kingmaker' game, so I wanted to officially remove myself. I hate feeling like I've 'ghosted' something even a recruitment.

Anyway, thanks for running the game, we players really do appreciate it. I'll be reading along, I find you idea really interesting.

Good luck and good gaming all.

That will teach me to reply while on the brink of exhaustion. I completely forgot that your character was a Master Familiar and when my eyes settled on "wizard" and "Morporkian", my sleep-deprived brain immediately thought "Unseen University". Please disregard my question.

No worries! It happens to the best of us. I think if Peanut were in fact a member of the Unseen University he’d be much, much less competent than he is. That said, I think Peanut’s had a fair amount of past interaction with the Librarian. Magical primates gotta stick together after all.

Traditional metal coins are not worth very much on Kisarta and only collectors and craftsman regard them as having any value whatsoever. Raw forms of condensed aether, however, are regarded much like the coinage that the characters may be used to. The faintly-glowing Aether Powder (in pinches and handfuls), Aether Shards, and Aether Coins effectively replace the traditional CP, SP, GP, and PP system. These new currencies are represented by AP, AH, AS, and AC, but you can simply use the traditional currency section on character sheets to track these in game if you wish.

It will come as a great shock to my dragon that his bag of holding full of hoard is considered mostly worthless. But he is a sort of collector, I suppose. And it still makes a good bed.

Seer of Shadows wrote:

Traditional metal coins are not worth very much on Kisarta and only collectors and craftsman regard them as having any value whatsoever. Raw forms of condensed aether, however, are regarded much like the coinage that the characters may be used to. The faintly-glowing Aether Powder (in pinches and handfuls), Aether Shards, and Aether Coins effectively replace the traditional CP, SP, GP, and PP system. These new currencies are represented by AP, AH, AS, and AC, but you can simply use the traditional currency section on character sheets to track these in game if you wish.

It will come as a great shock to my dragon that his bag of holding full of hoard is considered mostly worthless. But he is a sort of collector, I suppose. And it still makes a good bed.

You would still find competition for your worthless bed. *giggles*

Just popping in to say that I'm still following along. My recovery is going well, but progress on my 'malkyrie' is moving slowly. I think I'll still have him done by the deadline, but if not I'd still be excited to play either version of Maia or the Master of the Seas and Storms. I didn't see any questions/comments on the latter, although that could have been because of the meds... Rokugan as an origin and his build were all okay, right?

On another note, I finally saw Quantumania the other day and then--whilst convalescing--rewatched No Way Home, Multiverse of Madness, and the Loki series, and I got this really impish desire to put together a bunch of submissions that were just variants of other submissions from alternate versions of their universe (with the intention of creating a weird self-team-up, not to weasel anyone out of a pick). I'm not going to do it but I still think it would be hilarious.

Is it the 15th yet?

:)

Just popping in to say that I'm still following along. My recovery is going well, but progress on my 'malkyrie' is moving slowly. I think I'll still have him done by the deadline, but if not I'd still be excited to play either version of Maia or the Master of the Seas and Storms. I didn't see any questions/comments on the latter, although that could have been because of the meds... Rokugan as an origin and his build were all okay, right?

On another note, I finally saw Quantumania the other day and then--whilst convalescing--rewatched No Way Home, Multiverse of Madness, and the Loki series, and I got this really impish desire to put together a bunch of submissions that were just variants of other submissions from alternate versions of their universe (with the intention of creating a weird self-team-up, not to weasel anyone out of a pick). I'm not going to do it but I still think it would be hilarious.

I've been playing in a Starfinder game here on the forums where we're basically interdimensional superheroes. One of the players has been switching between different dimensions' versions of his character from time to time kind of like this. :D

I've been eyeing this recruitment for a while and have finally decided to try throwing something together for it. Should be interesting.

Seer of Shadows: This is basically just a cheese request because who doesn't like cheese? XD So I won't have any hard feelings if you say no. I want to play a paladin/synthesist summoner because a monstrous paladin sounds fun thematically and mechanically. The issue is that the eidolon's medium bab overrides the summoner's bab when they are fused. I think RAW, this would also override the paladin's good bab. Can I get permission to use the paladin good bab instead of having it overridden by my fused eidolon?

Only two days remain until the deadline. I am still waiting to hear back from a few people, so I will send out a few messages and determine where things stand with their applications. The lengthy process of breaking down statblocks to check for errors and test for cheese began two days ago and I am roughly a third of the way done with those.

This is basically just a cheese request because who doesn't like cheese? XD So I won't have any hard feelings if you say no. I want to play a paladin/synthesist summoner because a monstrous paladin sounds fun thematically and mechanically. The issue is that the eidolon's medium bab overrides the summoner's bab when they are fused. I think RAW, this would also override the paladin's good bab. Can I get permission to use the paladin good bab instead of having it overridden by my fused eidolon?

This is a gestalt game, so it should be assumed that the higher BAB takes precedence regardless.

Do not worry, having a high BAB is not something I would consider cheese in the slightest. My definition of cheese is, for example, using the Sage class to give yourself unlimited regeneration and immunity to falling unconscious with a feat (thus making you nigh-immortal when it comes to damage) or 30+ ft touch attack area of effect combat maneuvers, utilizing the unlimited Flurry of Blows attack loop that will only end if you miss (which only requires a specific archetype and three feats to accomplish), using the online tool for Sacred Geometry instead of figuring it out for yourself, et cetera.

Trying to nail down the final few details of my actual submission. Getting the right flavor connect with mechanics is hard, it turns out. Hoping to have it done tonight.

Chyrone's submission.

Sorted things out at last.

Oh well. And I was afraid of using the Sage. I would never have reached such points of cheese by myself.

Using Ki Blaster Sage + Armorer to reskin Iron Man would have been cool.

I think I'll just stick with my first character idea Kiya.

Dammit just realised I accidentally copied my second character over my first one, I'll have to fix that up.

Oh yes I didn't mean cheese in terms of being OP or anything. I meant in terms of contradicting the RAW rules. Sacred Geometry in general is cheesy op and ridiculous, imo, without contradicting any RAW rules.

Thanks for letting me keep my full bab! I think I'm pretty close to finished with character creation. We'll see if I get my submission done in time.

Seer of Shadows: This is basically just a cheese request because who doesn't like cheese? XD So I won't have any hard feelings if you say no. I want to play a paladin/synthesist summoner because a monstrous paladin sounds fun thematically and mechanically. The issue is that the eidolon's medium bab overrides the summoner's bab when they are fused. I think RAW, this would also override the paladin's good bab. Can I get permission to use the paladin good bab instead of having it overridden by my fused eidolon?

Paladin/Synthesist is a great idea. Like a magical Ironman.

...The lengthy process of breaking down statblocks to check for errors and test for cheese began two days ago and I am roughly a third of the way done with those.

I have my characters in HeroLab. I'm happy to send you copies of the HL files if that would be helpful to your process. Just let me know.

I've also ginned up some of my different 'alpha strikes' to see what my characters can do. Happy to send you those details, if you'd like.

GM, i probably won't complete it, but i've got to ask anyway.

On a vanilla monk, would you allow scaled fist and tetori to work together?
The only aspect that both affect, are bonus feats, but in potentially non conflicting ways?

The tetori replaces the standard bonus feats.
The scaled fist adds additional bonus feats to the monk's selection.

Something else, regarding to Wiconi's submission,
How would you say linguistics affect her? She has some ranks in linguistics, and a positive intelligence modifier. However, since earth has no races other than humans, is it assumed she gains knowledge of new languages as part of their time in the new world? Or perhaps some wandering spirits in this world considered it beneficial to have taught her some?

I don't think I'll be able to complete Nioku's build on time... but I'll try. If by the deadline I have something to present, even unfinished, I might present it anyway.

This is Giant Halfling's malkyrie, in progress. He's mostly done on paper and I'm working on his profile. Aside from typing, I just need to finalize his traits/feats/skills, so hopefully he'll be ready to go by the deadline (as long as I can type fast/long enough with one hand, lol).

Two non-submissions.

Ozai is an imp pyromancer. I'm not submitting because his solution to every problem is to create a huge area of fire and burn everything. For things immune to fire, he can make his fire out of cold, electricity, acid, or bludgeoning. He's a bit monomaniacal about it.

Penelope is a medusa bard focusing on divination. I suspect that a 60' selective petrifying gaze would be counted as cheese.

My crunch is all posted, sort of... I finished typing everything and went back to double check, and realized I made a big screw up. I spent a trait to switch out one of my PoW disciplines for piercing thunder (because it fits the theme so well), and then I forgot to take any maneuvers from it. SMH. I need to take a break from the computer now, but I'll try to get his fluff up before the deadline.

If its allowed at all, I'd love to rework his maneuvers known to include some piercing thunder, but I probably won't have time to get to that until after the deadline. I guess, maybe, if he gets picked we could talk about it?

Phew! Caster here. Finished my paladin 7+scaled fist monk 1/summoner 8 just in time. It was a lot to put it all together but quite fun.

Cheers to everyone as we near the submission deadline. Seems like it will be quite a fun game for all selected. And character creation was a fun trip, for me at least, regardless of who is selected.

All my fluff is posted now too, so Lief should be ready for review. He's definitely the most effective combatant I'm submitting, but it was fun playing around with two new bags of goodies I haven't used before (and this way I have options at a variety of different power levels depending on what kind of party you're putting together).

After reading through the piercing thunder maneuvers, my blunder doesn't seem so big; if I'm allowed to, I'd probably still switch out a couple maneuvers known just because the discipline is so thematic for me, but mechanically it's really not a big deal either way.

Good luck, everyone!

I finally got around to clarifying that Bhornkild was indeed killed by a lich. And that he's part ifrit, cuz he is.

Numerically he's probably a bit overtuned, but I suppose that can be adjusted based on the other PC's, if needed.

Good luck, everyone =)

Bigrig107 here, nearly done with my submission. Drukhari haemonculus that got her soul combined with the soul of a Harlequin and now the two 'friends' head out on an after-death adventure!

Putting final touches on skills and crunchy details, and need to put in fluff. Should have it done tomorrow morning, hope it's in time! If not, I gave it my best shot.

Seems today’s the day. Good luck y’all!

Yep! Though there is a lot of work for the GM between closed for submissions and party selected. It can take days sometimes. But maybe Seer of Shadows is very efficient.

Eh, can't get this concept to work flavorfully either. Gonna pull out, good luck to everyone!

Good luck everybody!!! ^_^

I've fixed the crunch in Kiya's profile so that's ready for you to review. But I'm still rewriting the fluff as I didn't have that saved anywhere else. I remember it for the most part so it'll be the same as what I had before, just different wording.

I'm also going to be recinding my applications, both because it's not done, but also because the main crux of both of those applications ended up being denied (The [Plan] talent and Spell Trap, and the Leadership Skill Sphere talent)

Sorry, this is almost mandatory. :D

Bronwyn is still around and waiting (mostly) patiently for the final verdict :)

The deadline to have a completed submission is fast approaching for those who still need more time to submit their character. There are roughly eight hours remaining until the recruitment officially closes at the end of the May 15th, Eastern Standard Time. This is to give any potential stragglers a final chance at submitting their characters and to allow me the time I need to give statblocks one final lookover.

After the recruitment officially closes, I will make my selections, post the opening scene of the prologue where the characters awaken within the Cemetery of Lost Souls, and the game will officially begin in earnest.

On an anecdotal note, selecting from such a fine collection of characters is quite difficult. I enjoy a great many of the characters that have been submitted and each brings something interesting to the table. It's clear that the decision to raise the party size limit was the right one.

And now, it is time to answer the final round of questions before the recruitment ends.

I have my characters in HeroLab. I'm happy to send you copies of the HL files if that would be helpful to your process. Just let me know.

I've also ginned up some of my different 'alpha strikes' to see what my characters can do. Happy to send you those details, if you'd like.

I only have a passing familiarity with HeroLab, as my experience with it years ago was finicky due to my predilection for unsupported content and houserules. Anecdote aside, I have already reviewed the submissions that have been posted thus far, so there is no pressing need to send the HeroLab files.

The 'alpha strikes', however, are something I would be interested in seeing. I like to think that my grasp on what each character can do is fairly solid, but it wouldn't hurt to confirm that straight from their creator.

On a vanilla monk, would you allow scaled fist and tetori to work together?

The only aspect that both affect, are bonus feats, but in potentially non conflicting ways?

Any archetypes whose changes affect an ability in non-conflicting ways can be taken together without necessitating the feat tax I mentioned in one of the earliest posts in this recruitment.

Something else, regarding to Wiconi's submission,

How would you say linguistics affect her? She has some ranks in linguistics, and a positive intelligence modifier. However, since earth has no races other than humans, is it assumed she gains knowledge of new languages as part of their time in the new world? Or perhaps some wandering spirits in this world considered it beneficial to have taught her some?

I would rule that her ranks in Linguistics only apply to Earth languages currently, but that research during any 'downtime' can be used to expand it.

If its allowed at all, I'd love to rework his maneuvers known to include some piercing thunder, but I probably won't have time to get to that until after the deadline. I guess, maybe, if he gets picked we could talk about it?

Those selected will have up until the game's first combat to change their statblocks. While I will not allow for major alterations, such as to class and race, making smaller changes like what maneuvers you have prepared are perfectly acceptable.

Sounds good, Seer. We'll hang out. On the topic of alpha strikes or alpha options, here are summaries of some things Severa can and can't do. These alpha strike options include EVERYTHING she can do, not just what would be the combat normal as I listed on her sheet so the numbers are similar but higher here. She's mostly a flying tank that can do some damage, utility, buffing, etc.

Still about.

Alright, think I was able to hit a good spot flavor-to-mechanic wise. Re-entering Lae'zekaeri here. Would feel regretful if I didn't at least submit one of my half formed ideas.

Presenting Lae'zekaeri, a drukhari haemonculus that had her floating soul (awaiting the reanimation haemonculi often go through) stolen from the warpway around Commorragh and infused with the soul and body of a Harlequin. Had a few hours to experience this before a pack of invading daemons slaughtered the troupe, sending both of their souls together to the Graveyard. No idea what the Harlequins are upto, those rascals!

Plays as a durable teleporting melee fighter with a bit of healing (infusions) and a bunch of mental tricks/utility with the mind sphere.

To all of us: good luck! Hope to see you all on the other side!

And here's the other submission I'd say is 99% finished, just gotta do skills, but can do those after if accepted.

Playing along with the two minds in one body theme I kept having, Kamahnokh is the result of a cryptek sister fusing herself to her nomarch brother after he attempted to remove the Phaeron, his father, from the throne. The deal with a C'tan shard (the Deceiver) to fuse the two led to some unintended consequences, ending up with the two 'dead' and in the Graveyard.

Character image reference.

Good luck everyone! It'll be quite the fascinating party to watch even for those not chosen, I think. :D

Melkyzadyk is here, lurking. He is patient, for he has time aplenty.

I had a little time tonight so I reworked Lief's PoW maneuvers, he should be completely finished now with nothing I want to change.

That said, I've been looking over some of the other submissions and he does seem (to me) to be on the higher end of the power curve (largely due to what he can do with AoOs) and I am willing to tone him down a bit if you (SoS) love the idea but worry about his power level (although my other 3 submissions are all already less efficient and I'd be thrilled to play any of them).

Actually, speaking of my other submissions, I'll just go ahead and post all 4 together here for your convenience.

Submission 1
Maia Blackwing
a scout with secondary melee and casting abilities from the Shackles (Golarion); vast energies absorbed at her death caused her to awaken with new supernatural powers related to shadows and smoke

Submission 2
Maia Blackwing (v2.0)
the same background as version 1 but in this version she awakens in Kisarta with the same powers she had in life; this version lacks all the godling supernatural abilities (and is a little worse at sneaking) but offers more combat ability than the original

Submission 3
Master of the Seas and Storms
a blaster with some control from Rokugan; originally a capricious kami, he was cast down into a mortal form before eventually being killed, but through it all retained some power over water, weather, and wind

Submission 4
Lief Stoutspear
a tank/melee damage dealer from Midgard (an alternate Earth where norse mythology is true); the surprise son of a valkyrie, he fights with polearm and lightning, and swats away attacks with his shield

Good luck everyone!

Here's my fish-waaaay-out-of-water Lunar Exalt. I'll understand if it's too spicy/weird, particularly the custom feat request to make Brain Consumption work more like consuming a target's Hearts' Blood in Exalted. 'I eat you and take your shape' is pretty core to the Lunar fantasy, and Brain Consumption was tantalizingly close but not-quite-there.

Manosque Zhu, the Viper- N human Shifter (Apex, Martial, Forceful) 8 | Psion (Psychometabolism, Transmogrifist) 8

Good luck to everybody.

Here are the alpha strikes and the big twists of the various characters.

Rehtar Earthfury's Alpha Strike

Considering he's been buffed with Haste and Divine Favor (CL 8), and he spends an arcane point in Arcane Accuracy to Spell Strike/Spell Combat a Sonic or Electricity CL 10 Empowered Shocking Grasp:

Falchion Attack #1 (free from spellstrike): +22 to hit for 2d4+16 slashing and 15d6+45 Sonic/Lightning

Falchion Attack #2 (primary): +22 to hit for 2d4+16 slashing

Falchion Attack #3 (haste): +22 to hit for 2d4+16 slashing

Falchion Attack #4 (iterative): +17 to hit for 2d4+16 slashing

If all attacks hit: 8d4+64+15d6+45 (average: 181.5 damage)