Savage Tide in the Darklands

Game Master Edward Sobel

Thinking of switching Nathrae’s Pride drawback for something like Haunted. Might be more appropriate for her background…

On second thought, I was going to add the Undead Master archetype to Thanaton, if it's okay with the GM.

Additionally, I have a quick question for the GM regarding templates - could they be added later in the campaign? Specifically, could my necromancer character become a lich?

GM, would you allow me to switch Nathrae's Pride drawback with the Warded Against Nature drawback?

On second thought, I was going to add the Undead Master archetype to Thanaton, if it's okay with the GM.

Additionally, I have a quick question for the GM regarding templates - could they be added later in the campaign? Specifically, could my necromancer character become a lich?

Another one...so many undead

Another one...so many undead

In fairness, the character was originally an Undead Master - I had switched him to a basic wizard shortly after submitting him, but I thought I might switch him back.

Also, as far as I can tell, there are currently only two "skeleton lord"-type characters, and our characters will fill different but potentially complementary roles, both in combat (I was doing an unorthodox build focused on supporting a smaller number of elite minions) and in social situations (my character is a straight-laced, dour scholar with a focus on Knowledge skills, your character is a hedonistic cleric who eats children and focuses primarily on Intimidate).

If you have a moment, GM, would you be willing to look over my character's backstory, personality and the like, make sure it fits in with both the campaign setting and the general tone of the campaign? I've been trying to toe the line regarding "evil, but less evil than the rest of Telderist," but I'm worried I've crossed the line somewhere - as currently written, my character carries around his mother's severed hand, is that too dark? I don't think I'm conflicting with anything in the player's guide, but I just wanted to check.

Also, as far as I can tell, there are currently only two "skeleton lord"-type characters, and our characters will fill different but potentially complementary roles, both in combat (I was doing an unorthodox build focused on supporting a smaller number of elite minions) and in social situations (my character is a straight-laced, dour scholar with a focus on Knowledge skills, your character is a hedonistic cleric who eats children and focuses primarily on Intimidate).

Eats children's flesh... The child's bones slug around doing work for the monastery

Whoa, I think that is a little too NC-17 for the boards

Whoa, I think that is a little too NC-17 for the boards

*throw's Hansel and Gretel into the trash

On an unrelated note, I noticed that my character is the only one (at time of posting) currently submitted who has put ranks into Diplomacy...

Not sure how I feel about that

That's the reason for Hidden Diplomacy

Well, I can't really afford to dedicate an entire spell known to that, I'm afraid.

It felt weird to not put points in Diplomacy given how many skills Shikki has, but she would not make a good party face. It seemed better to focus on her strengths and leave the talking to other people.

On second thought, I was going to add the Undead Master archetype to Thanaton, if it's okay with the GM.

Additionally, I have a quick question for the GM regarding templates - could they be added later in the campaign? Specifically, could my necromancer character become a lich?

probably not the lich unless it is granted via a class feature or something like that.

As far as undead master - it is a wizard Archetype so it would be approved

As far as diplomacy is concerned - it does have an impact in the campaign and would rather useful

in ship to ship combat whoever ends up being the Ship captain can use diplomacy each round for various effects on the combat.

(this stuff will be handled when the situations come up in game)

If you have a moment, GM, would you be willing to look over my character's backstory, personality and the like, make sure it fits in with both the campaign setting and the general tone of the campaign? I've been trying to toe the line regarding "evil, but less evil than the rest of Telderist," but I'm worried I've crossed the line somewhere - as currently written, my character carries around his mother's severed hand, is that too dark? I don't think I'm conflicting with anything in the player's guide, but I just wanted to check.

the back story looks good - my only concern would be what loyalties would he even have to the Vanderboren house should the situation arise. I mean would your character be the sort to abandon them if the pay wasn't enough or if they asked you to perform a mission that might not further your personal goals but rather the goals of the Vanderboren house as a whole?

As far as the severed head... not so sure about that might be a little too much

GM, would you allow me to switch Nathrae's Pride drawback with the Warded Against Nature drawback?

The thing I am wondering is the warded against nature has wording to imply all animals.

so lets say you are attacked by a hungry T-Rex, would such a creature be affected by the drawback? or would it be restricted to common domesticated type of animals?

what about rat swarms or bat swarms? they are animals seems pretty powerful for a drawback making you effectively immune to most swarms?

I would allow it as long as we keep it somewhat limited as to what animals are affected

I'm taking the max height of 6'8" But I would like her weight to be ~250 lbs which is far over max weight. Is that ok?

** spoiler omitted **...

that seems fine however can you provide a little more on what you did as being employed by the Vanderboren's what tasks would you have been assigned or services would you have rendered.

Would be adverse to making an alias for the character before selections are made?

I’m working through tomorrow but should be finished with my submission by Sunday night. Edward, did you see my earlier question about Necromantic Affinity? Would you allow it to apply to the Antipaladin’s Touch of Corruption and Channel Negative Energy as well as Inflict Spells?

I’m working through tomorrow but should be finished with my submission by Sunday night. Edward, did you see my earlier question about Necromantic Affinity? Would you allow it to apply to the Antipaladin’s Touch of Corruption and Channel Negative Energy as well as Inflict Spells?

I would have to say yes. necromantic affinity allows you to be healed by negative energy so channeled negative energy would heal you Also since touch of corruption heals undead, thus it would heal you as well with the necromantic affinity feat as well

Ok so far here is what I have for character submissions:

Andrea1: Trevor Culexis - Drow Alchemist 2

Dragoncat: Nathrae Khalazza - Drow black blooded oracle 2

Mokmurian the Great: Thanaton Sirov - Tiefling Necromancer 2

Ever_Anon: Shikki the Sailor - Female Aqueous Ratfolk Unchained Rogue 2

CucumberTree: Aranda Slade (I don't know how to link individual posts) - Drow Cleric (Undead Lord) of Urgathoa 2

Ouachitonian - mentioned an Antipaladin - have not seen the character yet

To fill out a little more, mine will be a Tiefling Antipaladin of Dagon with the Dread Vanguard archetype and Aqueous template. I don’t have the background finished, but I’m leaning towards him being a minor member of the Islaran family. Between being male and illegitimate(and a Tiefling, no less!) he can’t really count on family patronage (matronage?) to get him anywhere and is having to make his own way in the world. But who knows, maybe over the course of the AP he’ll acquire the power and notoriety to position himself to succeed Kiaran Islaran as Harbormaster.

I'll switch Nathrae's Pride drawback for the Haunted drawback and reflavour it as 'evil'-aligned spells being reminiscent of the Black Blood.

Also, DM, if you want to link an individual post, right-click the time/date on the post and you can get the link from the menu there.

The back story looks good - my only concern would be what loyalties would he even have to the Vanderboren house should the situation arise. I mean would your character be the sort to abandon them if the pay wasn't enough or if they asked you to perform a mission that might not further your personal goals but rather the goals of the Vanderboren house as a whole?

As far as the severed head... not so sure about that might be a little too much.

Thanks for the feedback! I'm trying my best to avoid crossing the line too far with this character - I'll be sure to make the adjustments you requested. Also, just to clarify (I will be removing it either way), it was a severed hand, rather than a severed head. It was a stupid idea anyway, but it feels a little less insane that way, more along the lines of how some wizards carry around a hand of the mage magic item rather than "madman who talks to the severed heads of his enemies."

As for the loyalty issue, I probably should have made it clearer in my character's profile - the fault is with me. My character has a very broad view of what constitutes "advancing his plans," and his philosophy for social interaction is based on the concept of enlightened self-interest. To him, becoming known as a loyal minion to a noble house, even a relatively minor one like House Vanderboren, would be worth a certain amount of self-sacrifice. He is thoroughly loyal to the Vanderborens - his impression of them has been of honest and forthright dealings, and he has no issue with demonstrating his genuine appreciation to an employer he is sure won't immediately betray him. As I said in my character's introduction, he is intelligent about his villainy, and abandoning an ally or stabbing them in the back (metaphorically or literally) is not something he would generally do.

My character is not entirely mercenary or unreasonable - alignment-wise, he is extremely lawful and only moderately evil. He realizes that sometimes, he has to do good things in the pursuit of the greater evil.

If Shikki is selected and the party’s short on Diplomacy I can always move some skill points around to help.

Do you have any concerns about her background, build, etc.?

Would be adverse to making an alias for the character before selections are made?

Fine, I pray that it trips your trigger. I've added diplomacy with my favored class bonus.

Okay, here's Ouachitonian's submission. Pretty standard Antipaladin (Dread Vanguard). Hit things with sword until they stop moving. Not a lot of skill points, but the Aqueous template does make him an expert swimmer, even able to breather water, which should come in handy in an aquatic campaign. And if any of the rest of you can heal from negative energy, he can help you out. If not, well, more healing to keep to himself. Hopefully I'll eventually get a Conductive weapon and be able to channel that negative energy into foes as well.

Well, Nathrae would certainly be happy to hear that.

Perhaps go Unholy Vindicator and channel smite for bonus damage

So far all the applicants seem to be in order.

I am not going into extreme detailed examination of each submission at this time. I am mainly concerned with backstories and connections to the campaign overall

So the following can report to the pre-game selection roleplay thread

link to the pre-game thread

Andrea1: Trevor Culexis - Drow Alchemist 2

Dragoncat: Nathrae Khalazza - Drow black blooded oracle 2

Mokmurian the Great: Thanaton Sirov - Tiefling Necromancer 2

Ever_Anon: Shikki the Sailor - Female Aqueous Ratfolk Unchained Rogue 2

CucumberTree: Aranda Slade - Drow Cleric (Undead Lord) of Urgathoa 2

Ouachitonian: Pertinax Islaran - Tiefling Antipaladin 2

This re uitment us still open if any are wondering about joining g, no sele tons have been made yet

Glad to hear it - I had some of my kids ill and had to focus on them and existing games for a bit, but I definitely still want to submit something for here.

I'll go for a Caligni Arcane Trickster(via Accomplished Sneak Attacker to maximize Spell Progression), will start with UC Rogue 1, Wizard 1, I'll try and write some background and basic build by tomorrow evening.

Hej, I swapped to Whisper Gnome as that was clearly a superior choice(I mostly wanted Caligni for the "See in Darkness" - which Whisper provides as alternate option, albeit with a drawback, without the racial penalty to Int), and mechanically I am mostly done.

But now I'm struggling a bit with the background, as I simply don't know enough about the race.

I found reference to the Ambassador of the Shadowhand, but found little other info on that in my brief research.
Would it make sense to be associated with the embassy? Or is it just by chance Anteki is a Whisper Gnome too?
Basically I'm not sure what my social status would be in the city - is the champion district ok? Or would I rather end up in Shadowshore?
Could you give 2 or 3 lines about how Whisper Gnomes fit into society and are different from their surface cousins(apart from the obvious)?
Just enough to allow me to finish the background without blindly guessing.

Also, one tiny mechanical question: Are you using fractional bonus system?
(As in, with one level in a 3/4th Bab class and one level in a 1/2 Bab class, would I have 5/4ths = 1 Bab or 0+0=0?)

Whisper gnome are an offshoot of Dread gnomes (those are gnomes with the dread gnome alternate racial features)

most whisper gnomes are gnomes that has survived the bleaching. when a gnome suffers from bleaching most end up dying, but a few actually survive, and some are taken by the whisper gnome community to cared for through the process to increase their chance of survival.

Whisper gnome exist both on the surface and in the Darklands.

in the Darklands they simply exist in the shadows. and are only spoken of in whispers. (the origin of the name)

I will send more info on them via private message as much more would be privileged info to someone want to play a whisper gnome

I am NOT using fractional bonus system

let me know if you are definitely choosing Whisper Gnome before I send the info

Thank you, GM.
I already finished building mechanically, so yeah, Whisper Gnome is a lock-in on my side.
I'll wait for the added info, then finalize my background.

Pity about the fractional bonus, that'll make early game a bit harder, but it'll all work out.

Hi everyone,

I just spent hours and hours reading these posts and researching races and classes that I have never had the opportunity to play before. I would like to present a Fetchling Shadow Summoner for review.

Originally from the Plane of Shadow, she was captured by the Vanderboren parents and enslaved as a servant-teacher for Lavinia. She hid much of her potential power over shadow creatures, but was a dutiful handmaiden, professor, and eventually friend to the noblewoman. She had numerous chances to escape, but the risks were too great, and she knew of no way to return to her home plane. She was seldom beaten, given her grace and charisma, and was entrusted to her own quarters (more of a closet) adjacent to Lavinia's.

Perhaps the death of the parents is an opportunity to spread her wings a bit, but first she must ensure her "best friend" is truly safe.

Hi everyone,

I just spent hours and hours reading these posts and researching races and classes that I have never had the opportunity to play before. I would like to present a Fetchling Shadow Summoner for review.

Originally from the Plane of Shadow, she was captured by the Vanderboren parents and enslaved as a servant-teacher for Lavinia. She hid much of her potential power over shadow creatures, but was a dutiful handmaiden, professor, and eventually friend to the noblewoman. She had numerous chances to escape, but the risks were too great, and she knew of no way to return to her home plane. She was seldom beaten, given her grace and charisma, and was entrusted to her own quarters (more of a closet) adjacent to Lavinia's.

Perhaps the death of the parents is an opportunity to spread her wings a bit, but first she must ensure her "best friend" is truly safe.

Do you have a character sheet?

Do you have a character sheet?

I have some raw numbers, but I will have a character sheet by the end of the day. Thanks!

So I have a character idea that may be rejected, but think it's a neat chance to try a unique archetype! Basically it's a member of the Lantern Bearers, but in my opinion the idea of a "good order" whose goal is a genocide of a race is very icky. Instead, they have pivoted them towards having a goal of redeeming Drow. That's the direction I'd like to take with this particular idea, if that's cool.

Name: Minué Myrett (Real name:Naniro Zhas)
Race:Elf (Appears as/Counts as Drow)
Age: 150
Class: Vigilante (Darklantern) 1 / Unchained Monk (Scaled Fist) 1
Alignment: Lawful Good (Presents as Chaotic Evil, as per Dark Identity transformation)
Deity: Ashava
Picking Ashava as a pseudo-Golarion version of the Forgotten Realms god Eilistraee, taking the idea of "She encourages her followers to steer those who are lost—whether in the wilderness or in their hearts—to where they need to go." and running with it.

Appearance: As her true form, Naniro Zhas appears as much like her Kyonin brothers and sisters. Her skin is smooth and sunkissed, marked across the bridge of her nose with a field of freckles. The Elve's hair is a shade of red, and it hangs smooth and straight, cropped just above her shoulders. Naniro's green eyes are soft and kind, highlighted by her expressive red brows. Having spent decades training her body, she posses a physique befitting an agent with sleek muscles and graceful steps. She dress modestly, and her clothing and equipment all serve their function and purpose.

When she undergoes her Dark Identity transformation, becoming Minué Myrett, generally her facial features and body stay the same, with a few differences of course. Most obviously, her skin darkens to a smoky blue shade, still retaining her freckles, albeit now shades of dark black stars in the smoky sea of her skin. So too does her hair change from the vibrant red to a shade of blue-black. Lastly are her eyes, which shift from their verdant green to a darker brown. Along with the more obvious physical changes, Minué makes a purposeful change to the way she holds herself, going as far as to even change their gait while walking. On all levels of observation, physical and magical, she truly IS a Drow after her transformation.

Personality: Trained to be like a mirror, Minué is able to put on the airs of the matriarchal cruelness of the Drows to those around her when the need arises. In truth however, inside her heart, Naniro is a kind hearted soul who wishes to see everyone rise above their stations, and live in a freely chosen life. Mercy and fairplay lend heavily to her views of the world, given her entire mission is to free and redeem as many of the Drow denizens of the Darklands as she can. Though, it's all an uphill battle, and given the hostile environment she finds herself in, and the fact that she's been in deep cover for so long, it's easy for her to forget herself at times. This can lead her to dwell in bouts of loneliness. It's in her loneliness that she also finds solace, as she is a follower of Ashava, who calls her to find other lonely people and be the guiding light for them.

Background: Naniro Zhas was born and raised on the surface, in the Kingdom of Kyonin. For 100 years, her upbringing was deemed normal by typical Elven means, pursuing passions of theirs and training in their interests. It was when she was then approached by a secretive individual wearing a mask made of brown leaves that her life changed direction. The man offered an alias to her, calling himself Swallowtail and spoke to her of a mission of grand importance. A mission for the very souls of her people. This is how she first learned of the Drow, and of their fall and corruption due to their proximity to Rovagug. It was through this secretive order that Naniro would cast aside her true name and form, and instead undergo an excruciating ritual to change her very nature.

Given the power to change from Elf to Drow, and trained in nominally underhanded skills of deception and subterfuge, the newly named Minué was given the broad and lifelong mission of infiltrating the Darklands and Drow society, and trying to turn as many of her forlorn brothers and sisters to the Light once again.

So it came to pass that Minuè descended into the Darklands, into the layer of Sekamina, and eventually found passage on the Dying Sea. Whilst on this ship, Minuè met a couple of Drow nobles also making the transit who went by the names of Verik and Larissa Vanderboren. They seemed kind enough, and all together rather interesting conversationalists to boot. However, much like everywhere in the Darklands, nowhere is safe for long. Their ship came under attack by passing corsairs and some even were so bold as to board the ship. Minuè jumped to action and dispatched a pair of pirates making for the Vanderboren's, saving their lives. The two of them were overcome with gratitude and offered to help her establish herself in the city of Telderist as a thanks.

Having spoken at length with the Vanderboren's on the transit, Minuè was able to land a job and lodging helping at the Twilight Orphanage in the Midnight District, all thanks to the noble couple's connections. It was a fine base of operations in the city, and she actually got to help be a positive influence in the orphaned children in her care.

50 years passed, and Minuè had established herself in the city, and all the while she worked to help soothe the lost souls of the Darklands. The morning the letter came to her informing her of the deaths of the Vanderboren's, she was overcome with a sadness. The pair of them were the first kind hearts to help her, and were the ones to give her the fighting chance she needed to pursue her mission. The news of the nature of the Vanderboren's death also set to mind a target for her, and she was keen to find the ones responsible for burning them alive.

"Thank you for waiting. Mistress Lavinia is in mourning and is not seeing anyone at this time. Do please return for the funeral."

-Her faithful servant and her eidolon (As generated by Phantom Genius)
I'm going to continue adding skills and spells now, but I wanted you to see the first few steps down the path.

At the moment, our submission list is as follows:

Works in Progress:

Faithful Servant Ezzeleer - LE Fetchling Summoner, faithful servant of the Vanderborens

"Minué Myrett" - LG Elf Vigilante/Monk, undercover Lantern Bearers agent

Unnamed Arcane Trickster - Alignment Unknown Whisper Gnome Wizard/Rogue

Suny - Alignment Unknown Sea Elf Fighter

Finished Submissions:

Pertinax Islaran - CE Aquatic Tiefling Antipaladin, Vanderboren house guard

Aranda Slade - NE Drow Cleric, Vanderboren chaplain

Shikki the Sailor - CN Aquatic Ratfolk Rogue, once saved Verik Vanderboren

Thanaton Sirov - NE Tiefling Necromancer, Vanderboren interpreter

Nathrae Khalazza - LE Drow Oracle, studied by the Vanderborens after a military incident

Trevor Culexis - LE Drow Alchemist, sponsored in his studies by the Vanderborens

Out of curiosity, GM, how many submissions will you be taking? The "typical adventuring party" is four or five people, but I have seen functional parties with anywhere between three and seven members.

I believe I have my sheet done, and I'd be happy to join if you'd have me :)

Totally a real drow, by the way.

I think mine is too. I'll check tonight...

I believe I have my sheet done, and I'd be happy to join if you'd have me :)

Totally a real drow, by the way.

Minue, It would seem that you finally arrived at the wake, please see Kora with your letter and and take the time to share your stories with the other mourners

just click on me

Ok I would like close this recruitment in one week.

last date to have your submission competed will be on August 25th

Hi folks.

Sorry, not feeling well.

Can't get things together for a Sunny for this game.

Would have liked to play a "Witch/Cavalier" plus cohorts.

Might not be able to be able to make it.
Did a quick build with HeroLab.

Thoughts? Ideas?

Quick Sunny

The idea is to take 'Squire' and 'Cohort' to quickly generate a 'Coven' at 7Th lvl and ramp up the witch side of things while still being somewhat combat capable.

I understand that 'Squire' and 'Cohort' kind of play out funnily together. Though there's an idea I have for the two NPC's to 'Retrain' at the respective levels and swap feats around to help make it all fit.

Hope everyone has great fun.

Cheers.

(^_^)

Recruitment deadline looks like it's coming up!

Looks like no more submissions

Will try and finalize selections on m9nday

Currently spending the weekend at the beach in MD

Ocean City? I was just there.