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As Taldor's entire capital city gathers to celebrate, few realize that conspiracy and royal rivalries are about to shake the empire to its core! When a high-minded cabal of senators and nobles tries to steer the nation away from disaster, Emperor Stavian III orders a bloodbath in the senate halls, trapping neophyte spies inside layer upon layer of magical security. As tensions rise and the emperor falls, can the heroes escape the forgotten halls beneath the senate and save the heir of Taldor from an assassin's blade? And even then, can anyone prevent a civil war that will tear of the Inner Sea's oldest nations apart at its rotting seams?
The game is reserved for a pre-selected group of players, so please do not apply unless invited!
Welcome players!
Feel free to use this space to plan, build and discuss your characters for this new campaign.
Feel free to otherwise think about roles, traits, and synergies that your group can develop over time.
The War for the Crown Player's Guide is a free pdf that you will need to learn the backstory for the campaign and your heroes roles in it. Please read and understand it. I will be making 2nd edition adjustments to the campaign traits to make them into Backgrounds instead, but that will take a little development time.
Look forward to seeing what intrigue and trouble you can get up to in this setting!
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Camber's player here. For this campaign, I'm imagining a human cleric of some kind. Not sure yet who the deity will be; whether it's tied to the major powers with Abadar or Shelyn, or focusing on getting people through tough transitions, and being a cleric of Alseta.
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Hey everyone, this is Nox’s player. I’m looking to do something different than sorcerer this time so I am considering some sort of monk. Maybe human dexterity build using crane style for some AC help. Still considering backgrounds, etc.
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Laijiri's player here.
I was thinking a Rising Star Pistolero Gunslinger, used to being a proxy for duels, coming into his own.
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I'm thinking of playing a rogue who starts out as a mercenary, not really caring about the cause, just in it for the money. At first.
Hi everyone, Daesra here!
I'm thinking the half-elf gladiator/duelist would be fun and there are a few ways I can build her: fighter, swashbuckler, or bard if we need some magical support. She may be along to pay off her patron for her freedom, or was just freed and is looking to make her fortunes outside the arena.
Here's some of the bare bones for Wrong John Silver/Camber's cleric of Alseta. I haven't added the equipment, background, or history yet, but it should be able to get us started.
And here's Vylora. I'll try and write up a backstory for her this weekend.
Tomorrow is my wife's BD and then we have some family plans for the 4th, so my time tied to game prep is a little light. Hopefully some time on Monday.
That said, as you are developing characters make sure to do three things:
1) pick a background that works for PF2e. I plan to get some PF2 adjustments to those prepared in the Players Guide, but they will follow pretty closely (Athlete will be trained in Athletics etc.). Feel free to send questions, but those may change builds so be thoughtful.
2) Make sure your back story ties you in some way to the spymaster Lady Martella Lotheed, the illegitimate daughter of the prestigious Lotheed family. How did you come to her attention? How did she meet you? How has she cultivated you so far?
3) Need a believable backstory to be a Senate-level events. This generally means being from a family of wealth as Taldan is in all ways an oligarchy. Some starving street rat rogue is not going to fit in with the people and places you need to rub elbows with to be successful.
Have fun with it! Let me know if you have questions. And I wil try to get the Backgrounds up soon!
Hello, this is Rienas' player. Sorry for the delay, was out of town for a couple of weeks.
I'm looking at a swashbuckler from an established merchant family. Motivated by the money my family's 'generations old' trading arrangements bring in, this character initially enters the AP looking after his own interests but will develop his own form of patriotism as he goes. I believe I'm the second person to mention a swashbuckler so please let me know if I'm stepping on toes here.
Any recommended languages for the builds? The suggested ones from the players guide aren't relevant for PF2.
It looks like the party is swinging heavily to the martial side this time, so to keep things relatively balanced, I might try a wizard instead of the monk idea.
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Psh, who needs balance? We can just multi-cast "Fist"!
Rules question: How does drawing weapons work in PF2e? Not sure I've seen a reference to it in the ruleset.
Usually drawing or readying a weapon that is not already in hand is an Interact action. There are feats like Quick Draw that can change that mechanic.
Here are some of the backgrounds as customized for PF2. More will be up tomorrow. You must choose one of these, or discuss an acceptable substitute. Remember, all backgrounds need to build in the recruitment by Lady Lotheed, per the Player's Guide.
Choose two ability boosts. One must be to Strength or Dexterity, and one is a free ability boost. You’re trained in the Athletics skill and the Games lore skill. You gain the Hefty Hauler general feat.
With this trait, the assumption is that you belong to a minor noble family (and can make up your family name). In this case, your family keeps a small manor in Aroden’s View or Senate’s Hill.
Choose two ability boosts. One must be to Charisma or Wisdom, and one is a free ability boost. You’re trained in the Society skill and the Taldor Nobility lore skill. You gain the Courtly Graces general feat. In addition, you start play with a noble’s outfit, a signet ring, and a single additional nonmagical item worth no more than 20gp.
Choose two ability boosts. One must be to Charisma or Intelligence, and one is a free ability boost. You’re trained in the Deception skill and the Taldor Underworld lore skill. You gain the Charming Liar general feat.
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Hi everyone, Daesra here!
I'm thinking the half-elf gladiator/duelist would be fun and there are a few ways I can build her: fighter, swashbuckler, or bard if we need some magical support. She may be along to pay off her patron for her freedom, or was just freed and is looking to make her fortunes outside the arena.
I've built Aira both in Bard and Swashbuckler forms so can run here as either, and the Athletic Champion background is the best fit for her.
Her tie to Lady Lotheed could be by blood - her uncle visited the gladiator pens because he had taken a fancy to an elven warrior and fathered Aria.
A sense of familial obligation and kinship an illegitimate cousin led her to arrange for a suitable sponsor to add Aria to his crew, hedging bets that having a skilled warrior on her side may come in handy one day.
Aria's penchant for singing during arena fights caught the attention of the crowd and those higher-up as well.
Thoughts?
Here are some of the backgrounds as customized for PF2. More will be up tomorrow. You must choose one of these, or discuss an acceptable substitute. Remember, all backgrounds need to build in the recruitment by Lady Lotheed, per the Player's Guide.
** spoiler omitted **
** spoiler omitted **...
I was considering some sort of noble, so I think your Disgraced Noble adaptation would be perfect for my wizard.
I'm set up with Field Medic right now, but I can easily switch it out for Child of Oppara with minimal change.
I'm looking at taking the 'Young Reformer' background, just waiting to see how our GM gets it converted over. Then it's background writing time!
Dr. Evil, Should we submit initial character stats for approval or ore you busy with 1000 other things right now?
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Just submit the final draft. I will review it then.
Yes there are still 3-4 other backgrounds for me to get put up. Those should be done today.
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Gerald, are you swapping to Wizard?
If you are, I'll take Monk for my (theorized) "+1 Monk" build (Fort, Ref, Will, Init, Focus feats).
Gerald, are you swapping to Wizard?
If you are, I'll take Monk for my (theorized) "+1 Monk" build (Fort, Ref, Will, Init, Focus feats).
Yes, I’m going to go with wizard now.
Hello, this is Rienas' player. Sorry for the delay, was out of town for a couple of weeks.
I'm looking at a swashbuckler from an established merchant family. Motivated by the money my family's 'generations old' trading arrangements bring in, this character initially enters the AP looking after his own interests but will develop his own form of patriotism as he goes. I believe I'm the second person to mention a swashbuckler so please let me know if I'm stepping on toes here.
Are you going for the Swashbuckler build? Just want to confirm so I can finalize Aria.
Seems we have a wizard, cleric, monk, rogue so far. Does this sound right?
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Yes, I'd like to take the swashbuckler if at all possible. And your list of others classes sounds right.
Okay, so we have wizard, cleric, monk, rogue, swashbuckler, and bard (warrior muse). Seems like we have a good mix of classes to get going.
Here are the rest of the backgrounds. LMK if you have questions.
Choose two ability boosts. One must be to Charisma or Dexterity, and one is a free ability boost. You’re trained in the Performance skill and the Taldor Art Scene lore skill. You gain the Impressive Performance general feat.
Choose two ability boosts. One must be to Charisma or Intelligence, and one is a free ability boost. You’re trained in the Diplomacy skill and the Taldor Politics lore skill. You gain the Hobnobber general feat. Additionally, Once each week you can call on family connections to obtain a single piece of equipment or consumable magic item (such as a potion or scroll) worth up to your character level × 10 gp. Delivery of the goods you request takes 1d4 days. At 10th level, the potential
value of a magical item increases to your character level × 20 gp, and your requests can also include spellcasting services and wands.
to the people of Taldor.
Choose two ability boosts. One must be to Wisdom or Intelligence, and one is a free ability boost. You’re trained in either the Diplomacy skill or the Society skill. You are also trained in the Taldor History lore skill. Rather than a skill feat, you once per day you can recall a specific fact about a Taldan noble’s personality—quirks such as a hobby or pet peeve—including information you would normally learn as a
discovery check in social combat. No check is needed for this ability.
the system is broken, and you’ve dedicated your life to fixing it. But tradition rules Taldor as much as any Grand Prince, and change requires more influence than you have… so far. You’ve got a few friends and allies, and plenty of determination, but while you work toward the power you need to change the nation, you’ll have to resort to more discrete ways of righting wrongs and curbing the abuses of the upper class
Choose two ability boosts. One must be to Dexterity or Constitution, and one is a free ability boost. You’re trained in the Thievery skill and the Taldor Underworld lore skill. You gain the Subtle Theft general feat. Additionally, once per week, you can use the Taldor Underworld contacts to perform tasks or gather information on your behalf. This could be things like plant evidence in an opponents home, or threaten an enemy. Success or failure of these tasks depends on your roll and the DC will be set by the GM.
Okay, so we have wizard, cleric, monk, rogue, swashbuckler, and bard (warrior muse). Seems like we have a good mix of classes to get going.
I agree, this seems like a strong, balanced party.
I have two questions regarding making the custom background, directed to anyone that can answer:
1) What information do I enter in the box marked 'Traits'?
2) Where do I enter the 'once per week' ability given by my background?
I'm hoping you don't tell me question 2 answers question 1.
What box are you referring to? What system are you using?
Sorry, that was a little light on information. I am using Pathbuilder 2e, and 'the box' is an entry field on the 'create custom background' screen. All other information needed to create the background is straightforward. As a default in this box, it says '3rd party'.
Sorry, not familiar enough with Pathbuilder to help...
Alright, Senatorial Hopeful is even better for what I was thinking than Disgraced Noble. I’m going to grab that as my background. Give me a day or so to get things written up and I’m ready to rock and roll.
I've still got some equipment to choose, but my character should be done!
I've still got some equipment to choose, but my character should be done!
Same here!
I will start looking at builds on fully finalized characters tomorrow, so stay tuned for questions etc.
Athletic Champion Trait
The Firdraes were always a lesser house, whether by chance or choice. She knew that there were things about her mother that were different, but the older she grew, the more Sennos found that she did not care about that. What she found enjoyment in was the simple feeling of exertion, and discovered that as long as she was tired enough, she could find bliss in rest. As tearing about the fields like a Wildling was deemed less-than-appropriate, steps were taken to find an outlet for her that was somewhat more acceptable. What started as a summer diversion and outlet training in the competitors houses turned into a wholehearted pursuit of every accolade that could be won.
Victories saw sponsorships. Sponsorships saw her skill reach a wider audience, and that wider audience brought more acclaim to her wins. So it was inevitable that when an invitation from Mariella Lotheed to be sponsored with the focus on the events during Grand Day of Exultation, the offer was accepted. This was a once-in-a-lifetime chance, and the stakes were something that she intended to see ratified.
This is the alias Gerald is reusing for his wizard.
I’ll be tinkering with it all day tomorrow and hopefully have the back story done by then as well.
Thanks!
I've finished crunch of Vylora and the broad strokes of her fluff is done.
Half of a background, a name and gear purchases should see our swashbuckler ready to go, any planning between us for gear? For example, I think we should have a grapling hook but the group only needs 1, not 1 each. Any input or suggestions here or should I just wing it?
I will be reviewing what is submitted over the weekend, so feel free to brush it and/or stay tuned for questions.
Equipment done! Character fully ready.
I think I’m ready for review as well although I might pick up another item or two.
OK, here is our swashbuckler, I anxiously await the review of version 1. I welcome a critique from anyone with time to look at it, as I've never played or built this type of character before. I know my deity is missing, just a fluff component, I'll catch it up on the first edit.
Name: Voltario 'Volt' Levinus
Ancestry: Human Heritage: Versatile Heritage (Fleet) Background: Young Reformer
Class: Swashbuckler (1) Swashbuckler Style: Battle-dancer
Alignment: N Deity:
Size: Medium
Traits: Humanoid
Perception: (T/E/M/L) +5
Languages: Common
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AC: 18 FORT: (T/E/M/L) +5, REF: (T/E/M/L) +9, WILL: (T/E/M/L) +5
Resistances & Immunities: -
HP: 20
Class DC: (T/E/M/L) 17
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Speed: 30
Space: 5ft Reach: 5ft
Melee:
Dagger: 1d20+6 (T/E/M/L), 1d4+2 P/S
Throwing Dagger: 1d20+7 (T/E/M/L), 1d4+2 P
Spiked Chain: 1d20+7 (T/E/M/L), 1d8+2 S
Ranged:
Dagger: 1d20+7 (T/E/M/L) 1d4 P Range: 10
Throwing Knife: 1d20+6 (T/E/M/L), 1d4+2 P Range: 20
Hand Crossbow: 1d20+7 (T/E/M/L) 1d6 P Range: 60'(Reload 1)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------------
STR: 14 DEX: 18 CON: 14 INT: 10 WIS: 10 CHA: 12
Skills:
• Acrobatics (T/E/M/L) +7
• Athletics (T/E/M/L) +5
• Deception (T/E/M/L) +4
• Diplomacy (T/E/M/L) +4
• Performance (T/E/M/L) +4
• Stealth (T/E/M/L) +7
• Thievery (T/E/M/L) +7
• Lore, Taldor Underworld (T/E/M/L) +3
Untrained Skills:
• Arcana +0
• Crafting +0
• Intimidation +1
• Medicine +0
• Nature +0
• Occultism +0
• Religion +0
• Society +0
• Survival +0
--------------------------------------------------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------------
General Feats:
• Fleet
Human Feats:
• Natural Ambition
Skill Feats:
• Fascinating Performance
• Subtle Theft
Swashbuckler Feats:
• Flying Blade
• Focused Fascination
Specials:
• Confident Finisher
• Panache
• Precise Strike
--------------------------------------------------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------------
Inventory: - Starting Wealth: 15 gp, (Remaining: 5gp, 8sp, 3cp)
• Dagger
• Throwing Knife
• Throwing Knife
• Throwing Knife
• Hand Crossbow
• Spiked Chain
• Explorer's Clothing
•Bolts - 20
• Brass Ear
• Ear Plugs
Backpack:
• Bedroll
• Chalk - 10
• Flint and Steel
• Rope - 50'
• Rations - 2 weeks
• Soap
• Torch - 5
• Waterskin
Current bulk is 3 (7 is encumbered, 12 is max)
Voltario Levinus had been on this ship for nearly 3 years now. At his fathers request, his uncle Brothar had taken him seaward for 12 months and taught him every aspect of running the merchant ship for his fathers company. The following year had seen Voltario running the ship himself while his uncle was never more than a shout away if he hadn't learned everything as fast as he had thought. The final year, up to now, saw the merchants' son running the ship himself while his uncle captained the newest vessel in his fathers merchant fleet. He had progressed exceptionally well in that time but he found that he never felt quite 'at home' on the water, he needed the permanency of solid ground beneath his feet.
The merchant swashbuckler was the third generation of his families business, his grandfather had solidified the original market space, in Taldor, two generations ago with deeds done in service to the crown at that time. These stalls in the market district, due to Taldor's growth and its centralized trading location, would likely be impossible to reacquire so his father had spent several decades maintaining relations with the noble family and his associates in the upper class of Taldor's citizens. Volt wasn't assuming his fathers role yet but he knew what was planned for him. So far, in the last year, with the new found freedom of running his own ship, the aspiring shipmaster had established new trade agreements with suppliers from even further away than the generations before him had managed to secure. In his mind, the further goods came from, the harder it would be to have other stalls in Taldor's market district become his direct competition. Securing these contracts, and the routes back and forth to transport the goods, took more finessing than expected; mercenaries, thieves and pirates were the usual barricades but Volt had, so far, managed to secure safe routes for his ship through several of the necessary trade routes.
Both generations of his family that had come before him were staunch supporters of Taldor and all its glory. As far back as he can remember, his grandfather had always been of the mind that Taldor 'wasn't what it used to be'. For most of his life, Voltario had taken this as the usual reminiscence of an old man; unable to accept the changes in the world around him. Now that his father was getting older, he too sounded more reminiscent of 'better times'. It wasn't until Volt had run his vessel for a time that he too saw what was happening to the Taldorian scene and understood what the generations before him were already aware of. Taldor was losing power among the ruling families in the area and the political situation within the walls was threatening to tear her apart. this would be bad for business.
It was a combination of his families history in Taldor, the formed relationships he both maintained and acquired, and his uncanny ability to transport items in and out of Taldor without notice that had drawn the attention of Martella Lotheed. By far, the swashbuckler knew more of the woman by reputation and rumor than personal experiences though he had come through for her on several occasions. Regarding this woman, his father had stressed to him that he must 'stay on Marella's' good side'. So far, he judged that he had managed to do just that, and though he had no idea why, he assumed that was the reason she had gotten him an invitation to the Exaltation Gala. He could tell already that he would have to sort this one out as he went along.
It looks like your Pathbuilder didn't have the Athletic Champion choice for background, so it may be slightly off. You should get Athletics as a trained skill already, so you don't need to put a skill rank in it. That means you have one unspent.
Also, it appears you can choose a starting language besides Common (Taldan) if you wish.
Last, I don't see any gear in the inventory. A few weapons, but pretty light so far.
I've finished crunch of Vylora and the broad strokes of her fluff is done.
I looked at Vylora's details and only see one issue. It seems you might have too many trained skills. You got Performance and a Lore skill from Background, but it looks like you may have one too many optionals trained.
Let me know if there is one you want to move back to Untrained.
Otherwise, I think Vylora is ready for prime time.
Oh yeah I just forgot to delete diplomacy. It's fixed now and I'm ready to go.
Updated. Gear has been acquired.