Reptile's Requisition - GM Heat's The Dragon's Demand [PF1] (Inactive)

Game Master Red Heat

LOL! I'd like to say no, but....

Yes, I do think we all went over together, so by all means, Danton, stir it up. (Kalig's not arguing with him as she wants to get healed.)

Okay, now that I've read the GM's pushback in the game thread:

I brought up the point of "please don't assume consent" not due to the specific details of that moment but because you are increasingly pushing the boundaries of assuming what a player's character does or says "in the interests of moving things along."

I completely, as a GM and longtime PBP player, understand wanting to keep things moving. However you absolutely can do that without describing what somebody else's PC does or says. You can choose to describe a scene without inferring a PC's thoughts or actions while still moving things forward through your own NPCs' actions or asking the players questions.

Furthermore, this is play by post. We are not in a rush. There is in fact time to ask a question on occasion and wait for an answer. If you do the damage first by making an assumption you shouldn't and just hope a player THEN says, "I don't like this," that doesn't undo the damage you did. Doesn't it make more sense just to ask first and avoid the damage in the first place?

Yes, it takes a little more time. But if common courtesy and promptness are in conflict, my preference is to err on the side of courtesy.

You can ALSO make choices about what you do and don't describe while remembering you are in a globally public room full of strangers of a potentially wide variety of ages, cultures, and experiences. You chose to write the scene you did. Shelyn and the priest you made up didn't force you to write it that way. You could have chosen to describe a moment of no touching and a rush of light and the scent of roses, which also would have been entirely appropriate for the religion. You chose to describe something in a way that seemed explicitly intent on making it dance along lines of acceptable behavior. You chose to describe something your own prose suggests you KNEW could be uncomfortable (Your words: "Their position held a certain intimacy, one the druid wasn't convinced was entirely necessary.") You chose this.

Furthermore, you know not just from my application to this game, but also in the last game you and I are in together is that all I ask is people talk to me first before they describe affection or intimate action regarding my character. I am absolutely 100% certain I am not unreasonable in making that request, given we are in a public space among total strangers.

In before: why don't I send this message as a PM? To invite fellow players to a conversation about what they find acceptable in terms of assumed action on the part of. They may all indeed disagree with me, but I feel like we as players should collectively have a say about what is and isn't assumed about our actions.

I would like to give this game a chance and stick with it, as I really like the player group and I like the emphasis on character interaction and development. I am however increasingly worried that I and my own character are going to increasingly lose agency. Are we in a collaborative game together, or are we just passive participants in the development of your fan fiction?

So should I give this game another chance or should I just leave now?

I read this after I made my post and I will take a bit of time to think about where my various lines in agency are before committing something here.

In terms of basics, I really don't want any assumption on my part unless I explicitly stated to (for example, using my ability on LN actions that Abadar would appreciate in order to expedite). I am very fine with a slower game, in fact it is one of the main reasons I play PBP still despite my friends not getting it at all.

Truthfully the only time I really don't want to feel in control is when I roll dice.

@Kalig: Whether I disagree with you about that line or not shouldn't matter ultimately as it should be respected case by case. And if you are fine with X as your limit and I am fine with Y as mine, then I should do my best to accommodate for X.

I realize this might be the most LN Abadar boring answer here but that's where I stand at least.

Forgive the late reply. I thought it best to both give this some time and gather my thoughts.

Okay, now that I've read the GM's pushback in the game thread...

‘Pushback’ is a strong word. ‘Feedback’ might be my own, though if we are to remain within the context of force and conflict then the phrase ‘standing one’s ground’ comes to mind.

But it is an unfortunately telling choice of word, indicative of my limited experience with you, DeathQuaker. For you to frame events in terms of combat is not surprising as although we have shared only two games, I must admit I have found you an unusually combative player. You don’t respond well when others do not fold beneath your demands. I understand that you may have had some bad prior gaming experiences, but please know that casting all other players and GMs as obstacles to be corrected is neither helpful nor fair.

I hope I’ve been even-handed enough a GM so far, that you may guess I am not given to critiquing the person over the argument like this. I do so here for a few reasons. One is to better highlight your many positive qualities by contrast. For one, I appreciate an outspoken player who knows what they like. It is often preferable to the meek for whom getting a dialogue – whether as GM to player, or PC to NPC – can prove difficult. But given the personal nature of your critique as well as the intimation (threat?) of myself being judged poorly in the court of public opinion, I feel a similarly personal correction is necessary.

Firstly, no; there is absolutely nothing objectionable nor inappropriate about a ceremonial kiss to the forehead or even cheek. You are not going to sway me on this. Nor will you sway any of the thousands of practitioners of a dozen denominations in a hundred nations should you take this fight to them. You may say that you don’t appreciate the practice. This is fine. This is an opinion. You are entitled to one such. But to insinuate the wrath of a global public for the depiction of an action most of that global public would consider entirely normal is proof that your perspective is skewed. Please recognize this.

From the same vein, this notion that my GMing style needs to be discussed, that it may be an obstacle to the continued survival of the game, has a wrinkle to it. Namely, how over the two games we have participated in, DeathQuaker, I have received unprompted private messages from no less than three players now about how your own conduct caused serious consideration to bow out. Please know that I hate politics. I don’t have the words to describe my contempt for office politics in particular. I loathe writing every word of this. But it is necessary you be told that while we can agree I am far from the perfect GM (boy, am I not), the game may have another, larger problem.

I am absolutely 100% certain I am not unreasonable...

And I am roughly 99% certain I have written nothing unreasonable. Now what? How does one progress from such a position? Are your sentiments worth more than mine? Are the thoughts of one worth less than the other? You can see that plain sentiments are not conducive to discussion. Demands that others comply with one’s opinions are certainly not conducive to group play. You may say that people’s personal boundaries should be respected. Yet when a certain GM laid down such a personal boundary in a previous game of ours, you did not pay this respect in kind. Instead you disregarded it with what at the time almost seemed like eagerness.

I bring this up because it has become a pattern. One cannot demand respect without giving it in kind. You cannot expect others to work within your arbitrary standards without being willing to work within theirs. This idea that one’s opinion is uniquely ‘correct’ and therefore supersedes all others is the mindset of bullies at best and fascists at worst. I fear I have been too generous in our past squabbles and enabled you in this. I will try to correct this mistake of mine for the future.

You chose to describe something your own prose suggests you KNEW could be uncomfortable...

Moving from ad hominem to ad rem, I’ll admit that ‘intimacy’ may have been a poor choice of word in describing the scene. As stated, I envisioned the kissing of the forehead as purely ceremonial, something that fit the clergy of a goddess of love. What I alluded to in calling it “not strictly necessary,” however, was the gameplay mechanics behind the scene. Remove Disease is a spell like any other, one that requires nothing more than the statement that it is cast as we so often see spells being used at tables and in pbp.

But what I adore about the pbp format is that it forces us to think in-universe. We do not write ‘ooc’ as we’ve gotten accustomed to calling it. When playing, say, a sorcerer out of spells for the day, the player has no option but to consider how to represent this in writing - in the context of the narrative – in universe. Does a caster out of spells feel physical exhaustion as a martial character might? How about a wizard or cleric? Does magic in the blood vs magic through study vs magic channelled manifest differently? Should arcane and divine magic be portrayed differently? How about individual spells? Does the spell Hold Person look, feel and present differently depending on the religion of the priest? As I mentioned once before here, these are the considerations that make up my favourite part of writing games like these, the intersection of hard rules and storytelling, to represent mechanics in a narrative context.

I know my prose can be overwrought. At worst, it even gets in the way of progressing the action. It’s another reason pacing is a concern of mine. But to write a contextual mechanics driven game without giving those mechanics context is to rob both of meaning. It is my sincere hope that no one is here to read or write a story consisting of “(1d20+6) = 16+6 = 22 ; (1d10+7) = 3+7 = 10 ; goblin HP -3/6”. We might as well be writing binary. Context is what turns numbers into your PC’s first slain goblin. Context is what mulls in that PC’s mind as they contemplate glory or whether they’ve just become a murderer. And context is what turns a spell like any other into a believable ritual in an established religion, a story element that characters can actually engage with. In this case I chose to portray Remove Disease with sympathy, lyricism and yes, a chaste kiss (‘cause it’s a touch spell, see), all of which I thought befitting a religion of love and beauty. I still think it perfectly befitting. I won’t apologize for trying to provide players something engaging. And I’m disappointed that a flat [ooc]Kalig’s cured, move on.[/ooc ] would have been preferable.

No, DeathQuaker, you are not passive participants in my “fan fiction.” If indulgences are what I wanted, then indulgences are what I would be writing. I assure you my writing process is akin to pulling teeth. I’m that sort of writer. I put in the effort regardless because the resulting bloody mess, every bit of fluff written is there to give the players something to engage with. I do so with the best of intentions. All of this is to say that I regret and apologize for nothing.

You should have asked first...

Maybe I should have. As you say, common courtesy goes a long way. Yet I’m not convinced it would have been so common in this case. This dispute forced me to consider what this transgression is exactly that I’m accused of. Depicting what is, again, an innocent, even banal rite? No, the idea of asking permission for this is absurd. Involving a particular PC in said rite, then? A PC whose every other post for literal weeks has revolved around removing this disease? Who has sought out this magic specifically to remove a disease? Whose only requirement in removing the disease is to stand still for a bit? Choosing to resolve this longstanding issue in a single post, this issue that has been bothering the player? Is this the transgression? Assuming that doing so might be acceptable?

Given the context, I did think this acceptable and still do. I thought it a favour, actually, laying to rest an issue plaguing a player as expediently as my own narrative sensibilities allowed. Courtesy? There was no violation of player agency. There was no objectionable material. There was nothing to ask permission for.

Please know that this is not the reactionary defence of the accused. I gave this time and thought. I even went over the gameplay thread, wondering just how bad my “godmoding” had gotten to elicit this criticism. After all, you are not the only one to make such an accusation, DeathQuaker. I myself made an unprompted apology for it just days into the game. I have long considered assumptions on the PCs’ parts a fault of mine as GM. All the more surprised was I when, upon reading through gameplay, I began questioning even this. What are these sins I’m made to answer for and even suspected myself guilty of? Leading PCs through the next inevitable doorway (never trapped)? Guessing at PCs’ moods (never dictating actions)? Resolving a curative spell a PC pushed for herself (never without providing other options)? Is this the “godmoding” I’ve worried over and been accused of? If so, I am not only guilty, but had better be locked up fast because I’d do it all over again. An oiling of the hinges of pbp as well as acknowledgements of PCs in the GM’s narration are both gestures I would personally be grateful for as a player.

Heck, in rereading the gameplay, I now even wonder whether my eagerness to “move things along” hasn’t been overstated into existence by myself as well. Keeping a steady pace is simply among a GM’s duties, and yet on one memorable occasion the party spent a great deal of time deliberating on how to overcome a DC 8 climb/acrobatics check, then actually succeeded at this, and then backtracked to said obstacle to discuss it all over again. Over a literal week. All of this without a peep from myself on progress or pacing. In brief, not only do I refute the charges levied, I am beginning to doubt my own insecurities.

To close this diatribe, this opposition of ours is not one of viewpoints but rather of degrees. I agree, utterly and wholeheartedly, that a PC is wholly the player’s, a dominion not to be breached by GMs. I too would be exasperated with a GM I perceived as dictating my actions as player. The hitch lies in ‘perceived’. Our ideas, DeathQuaker, of what constitutes such meddling are clearly very different. As for whether you should give the game “another chance”, I have laid out that I don’t accept any blame on my part and have no intention of changing anything. Well, not on this account, certainly.

But should you still – somehow – wish to continue, then some changes do need to be made. Namely, if you think you can be more amenable to others, then you are welcome to stay. If not, then I’ll have to ask you to leave.

I will leave the game. I don't think we are a good fit for each other at the game table. I certainly do not wish to disrupt other players' ability to enjoy the game. Regarding any concerns they actually have with me now or in the future, they are welcome to bring them up with me directly.

I have always made clear I have concerns about and consent and agency in RPGs, especially when participating in a text-based medium in public, largely anonymous forums participated in by persons from a wide variety of ages, cultures, and experiences. These concerns in and of themselves are not unreasonable. Your response, fixating on the specific moment and not the principle, increases my concern rather than reduces it. I moreover know I am definitely not being unreasonable in wanting to control my own character and not being told by another GM or player what my character does, thinks, or says.

This said, I am certain I have much room for improvement in how I communicate said concerns. That does not reduce the validity of the concern itself or the value in lifting it up for discussion. I always try to do better at communicating respectfully and effectively, and I fail, and I try again, and I will continue to work to improve that. I will always prefer to risk conflict by saying something and hope growth and improvement can result from the experience, even if we as fallible human beings may clumsily struggle toward resolution along the way. The alternative is saying nothing and remain uncomfortable and miserable in silence, which I find unacceptable compared to the temporary, if more acute, discomfort caused by disagreement.

My intention in all of this was to protect myself and potentially other players, and my actions are based out of that desire, not out of a desire to "win." If that looks like failing to back down, so be it.

Please mark my character as "inactive" in your campaign so it no longer appears in my campaigns tab.

For whatever it is worth, I genuinely do wish you and all the players in this game well. I hope the universe treats you fairly and you receive in kind all that you offer it. Good luck, and happy gaming.

Edited to add:

Yet when a certain GM laid down such a personal boundary in a previous game of ours, you did not pay this respect in kind. Instead you disregarded it with what at the time almost seemed like eagerness.

Simply as a point of factual correction: I believe in this specific case you have confused me for another player. The only other game that you and I were in when the GM stated a boundary, I was on vacation without Internet access and saw the entire explosion of that issue entirely after the fact. I never even got a chance to post to the thread before the game closed, let alone regard or disregard the request in any way in the game, IC or OOC. My posting history clearly shows this. (I contacted the GM privately after the fact, but based on the context of your statement, I doubt you know the content of those interactions.) I am happy to own the consequences of circumstances I've actually contributed to, but I wasn't involved in that situation at all.

And then there were 3....

And then there were 3....

Possibly more, we'll see.

Regrettable as this whole affair is, I do appreciate that we can handle this parting of ways civilly. All the best, DeathQuaker. Although I have to add an apology. The 'receipts' to that past incident mentioned are lost to me, but if I am misremembering events and accused you of something plainly not true, then I am genuinely sorry.

And with that sorry chapter closed... Alright, who's not dead? Sound off. As Niccan says, our numbers aren't what they used to be. Another apology to those who had to wait in the sidelines as the game effectively took a hiatus. That's my fault, of course. I should have tried to wrap this up quicker. And if this bit of drama has put you off the game, then I don't blame you in the least. I won't lie; it has put a damper on my own enthusiasm.

Which is why I feel it best to ask whether the three of you remaining - Danton, Niccan and Quintus - still want to continue. And if so, how. I mentioned this once before, but recruiting for six players was very intentional, knowing that player attrition is so common. I was entirely ready and willing to continue the game as long as we had a party of at least four.

Now that we're three, I'm having trouble envisioning the party managing the module as intended.

It's regrettable that it had to come out like this but it's better that things never fester. I do think that both of you taking your time was the right call so I'm not concerned about the mini hiatus.

I'm fine with continuing but we will definitely need another player to put us back to four. The question is are you?

If the answer is no, that's also fine. If it's maybe, that's okay as well. Ultimately this is supposed to be fun and if it ceases to be fun or is not fun it's fine to say that.

Today I'll be playing Skull and Shackles for most of the day so I won't be following this thread, but I'll check back later on.

I would very much like to continue.

I've PMed the GM that I've reached out to one of the players from the original Recruitment thread who has a martial build. I told them there were no promises, guarantees, etc. that I was only inquiring for availability and interest. They replied that they would like to play.

I have a bit of familiarity with one of the other players (Ironperenti) and he also submitted a martial build.

I also think an arcane build would be a good addition.

But if the GM has lost the enthusiasm for continuing then I'll defer to his judgement.

I very much want to continue. Of course the final decision is with the GM.

I have been thinking about the goblin PC and had to laugh when I thought about the rat looking down his nose at a goblin!!!! Pure silly! But, I do think it would be difficult/interesting to see how the townsfolk would greet a goblin, unless the goblin was with another PC that the town would be happy to see. Additional comedy would be the goblin with a dwarf!?! I can see it now.... A dwarf riding a war-pig and a goblin riding a fighting trained dog! Just kidding of course!

Right. Best to rip this band-aid off.

I apologize for another overdue update. That’s what happens when I really don’t want to write what comes next. You can already tell where this is going.

Sadly, I am shuttering the game. With fully half of the original party gone, it feels too forced to keep the thing going, like a 70s band insisting on reunion tours with most of its members dead. Just plain undignified, you know? Of course, I recognize that this is very much a ‘me’ problem. In addition to just losing my momentum, I’m simply not fond of continually subbing in new PCs. The characters are the soul of a game. This in turn makes an adventure read a lot more like particularly bad slam poetry when Sam and Legolas suddenly disappear to make way for faces all new and unfamiliar. Can it be made to work? Oh, undoubtedly! I’m just not convinced I can do so. I’m especially certain I wouldn’t enjoy the attempt.

This is to say that none of this is on you, Danton, Niccan and Quintus. I really am very sorry to disappoint you, especially with the work you’ve put into your characters. If you’re willing to give this GM another chance, I‘d love to play with you again in some other game somewhere down the line.

Thanks for the brief time shared and a special thanks for the encouragement as of late. Hope you find other RP outlets 'cause you deserve them.

Any chance of doing a "reset" on this game? Start over with a whole new recruitment and we can try different characters? Of course you'd have to change things up in the parts that we've played.... ??

I understand and thank you for running such a well-written and vibrant game and to the remaining players who are also very cool.

Hope to see all of you somewhere in the future.

True Quintus. Thank you GM Heat for a fun game!

Any chance of doing a "reset" on this game? Start over with a whole new recruitment and we can try different characters?

I don't think so, no. Not here and now, certainly. Though I am considering starting an all new game. No promises, but should something come of it, I'll be sure to keep all three of you in mind.

Figured as much.

Not an issue of course. Thanks for the great hooks and the vivid descriptions.

I hope to play with you all again at some point!

Perhaps you should have known better. Perhaps you should have done your due diligence. Perhaps you should have listened to that little voice in your head telling you that your caravan master Gribb was shadier than the blighted Darklands. Perhaps a lot of things. Fact is that your group had only made it halfway from Cassomir to Yanmass before you were stopped by town guards wielding a warrant: that ass Gribb was wanted for smuggling. Turns out the caravan was part of some contraband operation. Go figure. That one wagon did always smell funny to you...
Less funny was the interrogation that followed, the local kettle hats clumsily trying to ascertain whether you were in on the scheme or just an unwitting patsy. You managed to convince them of your innocence, not that this did you much good. For with the caravan confiscated, you are left stranded in Belhaim, smallest of small towns, sleepier than the hoariest dragon atop its hoard. Now what?

Now you become big damn heroes as little old Belhaim will soon be in need of such. Hi and welcome to this GM’s rendition of The Dragon’s Demand. I’ve been meaning to give a little back to the community that’s given me so much enjoyment over the years, and although I’m undoubtedly late in doing so (like an entire game edition too late), I hope you’ll join me on what is likely my farewell to PF.

The Basics

Number of Players: 4 to 6.

Deadline: July 15th.

System: Pathfinder 1st edition.

Setting: Golarion has gone through a lot of revisions over the years, particularly with the switch to 2nd edition. This has led to some retcons and general inconsistencies in lore that may be a bit troublesome to navigate, every player bringing their own understanding of the setting to the table. Do drow exist? Am I playing a half-orc or a dromaar? Which AP conclusions have been added to the base setting? To hopefully avoid such conflicts, know that I’ll be leaning to early sourcebooks over later additions.

The Adventure

The original module I'll be adapting, The Dragon's Demand, is set in a rural corner of Taldor by the name of Belhaim. Thanks to your crooked - and now very incarcerated - caravan master, your PCs finds themselves stranded there, the local law having seized said caravan as criminal evidence. Why you were part of the merchant caravan, you'll have to tell me. Are you an aspiring trader yourself, signing up to Gribb's convoy with no knowledge of his extralegal ways? Or were you perfectly aware of these and merely convinced the simple country coppers otherwise...? Were you hired on by Gribb as an extra hand or entire sword arm? Or did you pay him to travel along as a passenger, the caravan just a means to cross the nation? If so, are you setting out for new sights? Or fleeing old haunts? Whatever your background, the salient question is this: will you rise to the occasion when Belhaim needs you?

Character Creation

Ability scores: Point buy 20.

Starting level: 1st.

Races: Anything goes, but be ready to justify the more unusual options. I’ll also readily admit a certain bias against said options although I will try my level best to consider your kitsune trickster fairly.

Classes: Anything goes once more even if I'll once again confess a bias against more 'recent' offerings. Again, I will endeavor to be fair, but a curse upon you and your house if you make the read the word salad that is the occult classes.

HP: Max at first level, half rounded up or roll for it on every subsequent level.

Starting wealth: Average for class.

Traits: 2 with no drawbacks allowed. Which is to say that your PC may of course be as flawed as you care to make them, but you won't get any mechanical benefits for doing so.

Alignment: Good is not a requirement, but do keep in mind that the original module was written with heroes in mind. Again, be ready to justify your choice.

Third party material: No thanks.

House rules:
Background skills
Automatic bonus progression
Elephant in the Room
Fractional base bonuses

Application

Character sheet: As complete a sheet as you can manage is preferable, though don't worry too much if you struggle filling out your equipment or allocating that one leftover skill point.

Background: Go nuts. I can't and won't demand a novel from you, but I appreciate a well realized PC. Try to wrangle together a paragraph detailing origin, occupation and objective at the very least.

Appearance: Helpful for your fellow players to have some idea what they're looking at.

Roleplay sample: Really not a necessity. That said, if you're up for writing a vignette with your application, there's no better way to showcase your character and writing. If not that, a favorite post from another PC of yours will suffice.

Anything else? The above are just guidelines and should be taken as such. Really, include whatever you think serves your application best. Do you have some thoughts on where you'd like to take the character? Perhaps you even have an arc in mind? Is your PC based on some other figure, whether from pop culture or history? Have a fun build idea? Throw it all in there.

Sounds interesting (I like your selected house rules), but not sure what I’ll submit. Also, thanks for running this.

Dotting for interest! Will see if I can come up with something.

I'll dip here

I have an idea. And willing to discuss if needed:

Dragon Hunter Ranger going for Red Mantis Assassin

Race yet to be decided. Currently dragon blooded human

Tempted to go with a Switch Hitter Barbarian, have two possible builds in mind... one relatively sane (Urban Barbarian), and the other uh... (Savage Tech / Bolt Ace with a Crossbow, no guns involved).

I'll probably pick which one based on whichever submission is there, but I saw "fun build idea" and then just arrived at "gun. but no gun." Likely will just go with standard human, possibly half-orc. Either way, Barbarian with a Crossbow is a hilarious idea.

Huh-ho! Been wanting to play Dragon's Demand for a while now! Will see what I can whip up when I'm home from work this evening.

I’ve settled on an idea of a young noble lady who joined the caravan to flee an arranged marriage. I believe she will be a bard or perhaps something roguish.

A couple of Quick questions:
Where does the caravan originate?
What was its destination?

Never tried The Dragon's Demand before. I'll see about putting together a submission!

I was in a game of dragon's demand here a few years ago, played a character named Francis Firestar. Unfortunately life went nuts a few months in. My wife broke her foot, my daughter developed a near lethal allergy to nuts, and I got a new job and relocated all in a year. Would love the opportunity to give it a try it out again. This time I think I might propose a 2/3 caster. Bard or Magus I think. Will get something put together and throw it up this weekend.

I’ve settled on an idea of a young noble lady who joined the caravan to flee an arranged marriage. I believe she will be a bard or perhaps something roguish.

A couple of Quick questions:
Where does the caravan originate?
What was its destination?

See, those are totally sensible questions that I was hoping to avoid. It's actually mentioned in the opening blurb of the recruitment, though only in passing so you can't be faulted for missing it. The caravan set out from Cassomir heading for Yanmass, both trade hubs of Taldor. This 5-second Paint job hopefully illustrates the route. The route employs both river travel and the nation's many decrepit roads before stranding you in Belhaim, quite near Dragonfen which you'll note marked on the map.

None of this is terribly relevant to the plot, however, which is why I didn't place much emphasis on it above. I didn't want people to feel limited to, say, only make PCs from Cassomir. Really, as long as your character has some reason - any reason - to join a caravan, whether that be as a guard, guide, passenger or just to travel the country, they'll fit the game's intro just fine.

Thanks for asking. Also, fun character idea!

Here is my work in progress submission.

Since its Taldor, Ulfen Guards are a thing, and until he ran into some outsiders while partying, becoming an Ulfen guard is Aekolds intention.

Currently, he is level 1, a caravan guard, and nothing really special.

His background-rp sample was initially for another game, but it gives the GM one antagonist stronger then the party, and one "extremely risky possible friend", for shenanigians, but it can also be fully ignored.

I need to double check on traits etc. but point buy and initial selections should be fine.

In terms of capabilities: Hard nosed but by no means evil merc, Caravan guard, definitly a glory hound. Heroic reputations do result in better pay, as long as you do it properly.

I interpret Chaotic neutral as absolutely having a moral code, just one that gives little credence to other peoples laws.

ABSOLUTELY interested.
Will get working on a character right away! Leaning towards a Dwarven Cleric or a Human Wizard. (Actually, it's more like rocking back and forth than leaning, I suppose...)

See, those are totally sensible questions that I was hoping to avoid. It's actually mentioned in the opening blurb of the recruitment, though only in passing so you can't be faulted for missing it. The caravan set out from Cassomir heading for Yanmass, both trade hubs of Taldor. This 5-second Paint job hopefully illustrates the route. The route employs both river travel and the nation's many decrepit roads before stranding you in Belhaim, quite near Dragonfen which you'll note marked on the map.

None of this is terribly relevant to the plot, however, which is why I didn't place much emphasis on it above. I didn't want people to feel limited to, say, only make PCs from Cassomir. Really, as long as your character has some reason - any reason - to join a caravan, whether that be as a guard, guide, passenger or just to travel the country, they'll fit the game's intro just fine.

Thanks for asking. Also, fun character idea!

Thanks, this is why I shouldn’t read/post from my phone :/

(GM Labyrinth here...)
Definitely going with Dwarven Cleric, probably of Torag, who's a former mercenary turned Priest. I'm working on a few ideas. Details to come!

dot

"Were you dropped on your head as a baby?" It's a question that is often asked when someone does something exceptionally stupid. In Oren's case, the exact opposite happened.

Born to a careless mother, Oren was dropped on his head frequently as a child. Dwarves are not well known for dashing good looks, but Oren was ugly even by dwarven standards thanks to his misshapen head and squashed nose.

Instead of spending time with other youngsters his age as a child, Oren spent most of his time reading books, especially books about magic. So it was no shock to anyone when he learned the intricacies of magic, and wove them together with the martial prowess he had learned from his father, who was a city watchman in Cassomir.

A budding Magus eager to see the world, Oren hired on to Gribb's caravan as a guard, hoping to travel to Yanmass, and then beyond into the Empire of Kelesh. Now stuck halfway between, in a sleepy backwater village, he finds himself nowhere near where he wants to be.

Alrighty then!

I would like to present Jethryk Devarre, LN Human** Monk(Zen Archer) 1 for consideration :-)

**Some minor variations may apply.

Very interested!
Love a good PF1 campaign with no frills.

Are the Unchained Rogue / Barb / Monk / Summoner allowed?

Considering doing something kind of old school, with a Rogue / Cleric mix. I have no idea why but I'm drawn to the way Paizo's NPCs have really weird, disparate stat blocks.

On that note, is chained Barbarian allowed? Unsure which you'd allow, but both Savage Tech [note: would only use a crossbow and a melee weapon, it'd be for +4 STR/DEX rage] and Urban Barbarian kind of rely on the original rage being +STR/+CON.

The crunch of this version should be done. Plans are for eventually a Composite Longbow to truly take advantage of this archetype without using guns, and I'll probably switch the melee weapon to a warhammer instead of a scimitar.

The fluff should be done within a week, I'm just wondering if the archetype choice is acceptable. I decided not to go with Bolt Ace, mostly because it would mean less rage, though.

Hey GM Heat.

Wanted to stop by and commend you on taking the initiative to run this game. It is a good thing that you're stepping up as a GM, and it should not go without a compliment, especially since there's always a shortage of DMs.

I am not going to submit an application simply because PF can be quite rules-bloated for my taste sometimes, and I generally prefer it more restricted (maybe even Core only). Nonetheless, I'll be dropping by every once in a while for a peek and a lurk :)

May your game be filled with thrilling adventures, vibrant characters, and critical hits when they matter most!

How about a ratfolk Inquisitor/Monster Tactician?
I've got the basics in the CS. Haven't written the history yet.

Since its Taldor, Ulfen Guards are a thing...

Love the idea of an aspiring Ulfen Guard viking wandering this land of knights and princesses. Fits the setting as you say, and has some fish-out-of-water potential. Looking forward to reading your finished submission.

I would like to present Jethryk Devarre, LN Human** Monk(Zen Archer) 1 for consideration :-)...

Thank you kindly for the application. The nod the game's intro in your background is noted and appreciated.

How about un/chained classes?

Go wild, gents. No, using any particular version of a class won't be a mark against you. I mean, it's an awfully cruel GM that forces a player to use the OG monk over the one that actually works (with apologies to Jethryk above). Please take my admitted biases against certain classes stated in the recruitment as the curmudgeonly grumblings they are. Yeah, I have my preferences, but I'll strive to judge every application by its own merits.

Hope to see PCs from you both.

Far too kinds words...

I've never met a compliment I couldn't dismiss, but thank you regardless. You're too kind.

Ratfolk?

It might not be what I set out looking for, but hit me with a neat character and a neat character I shall seriously consider. Yeah, I'll be happy to read any application you send my way, ratfolk or otherwise. Just know that many Taldans, small town Taldans perhaps in particular, might not be overly welcoming of a strange rat person initially.

Magdh, though. Neat choice.

"Magdh, though. Neat choice."

Thanks. I'm working it into his background. I'm on the road over the weekend but should have the history written up Monday or Tuesday.

Here's my entry, Khavel Ironknuckle, for your perusal and deliberation. :D

Mightypions submission here, I confused the Aliases haha :)

need to finalize equipment.

Alright, I think that's enough fluff? Kellid that decides his tribe was about to make a dumb decision and left.

Savage Technologist's Rage is weird, and the primary reason I decided to go with an archetype that likely won't use any of its unique abilities. It gets +4 STR/DEX during rage, no AC penalty, and keeps the Will save bonus... that means AC increases, instead of decreases, during rage.

The major downside is lack of armor proficiency, and no uncanny dodge.

@GM Heat: What is your opinion on Variant Multiclassing from PF Unchained? I'm drawn to the idea of a Cleric of Abadar who protects caravans and travellers (which should dovetail well into dragons, hoards of money to be given back and defending a community) and was flirting with the idea of VMC Cavalier for some Order.

If not, no problem but I think I'm fixed on some Cleric of Abadar. He's a deity I've never built around and it feels pretty good here.

@GM Heat: What is your opinion on Variant Multiclassing from PF Unchained?

Oof, I'm gonna say no, regrettably. Not because I think there's anything inherently wrong with the system, but simply because I'm too unfamiliar with it to consider it fairly.

As for the character, a follower of Abadar definitely has potential here, yeah. Battling such an inherently anti-communal force as a dragon, protecting and maybe even improving upon a small town on the fringe of larger civilization - that all sounds very appropriate for an Abadaran.

Applications though! We got them!

Mightypion - Askold Sörenson, human Abyssal bloodrager.

Luke Parry - Jethryk Devarre, human Zen Archer monk.

GM Labyrinth - Khavel Ironknuckle, dwarf cleric of Torag.

Violant - Korom Ragemaven, human Savage Technologist barbarian.

Gwahiir777 - Oren, dwarf magus [incomplete]

Thanks for your interest, folks. The effort is appreciated, really. Will be updating this list in the coming two weeks.

Sorry been travelling. I'll try to finish my application asap.

I would like to apply but I'm struggling with my concept working for the 'big encounter' at the end. I've never played it or read it so that isn't helping me.

Question: If a class gets a feat that is no longer there due to elephant in the room (such as weapon finesse) do they get a bonus feat to replace it?

@Seth86: Absolutely no hurry. Deadline is still two weeks away (he said, trying to calm his own new game jitters).

@Shadow Dragon: Don't hesitate to reach out - either here or in PM - if you have any questions.

Question: If a class gets a feat that is no longer there due to elephant in the room (such as weapon finesse) do they get a bonus feat to replace it?

Knew there was something I missed in the recruitment. Yes, and thanks for asking. If a class gives you a feat EitR has already made 'free' for everyone, you may replace it with a combat feat you qualify for. If EitR replaces a feat you would otherwise get as a bonus feat, you get the replacement feat.

Hope that's clear.

@Shadow Dragon: Don't hesitate to reach out - either here or in PM - if you have any questions.

PM sent.

Swashbuckling Taldoran marine running from one kiss too many.

I added a progression plan and an overview of projected power levels:

I think I've got everything needed on the CS.

Dotting for interest. I'll work on something and have it in the next few days.

Danton Trallius is a cardinal cleric of Abadar who was sent on this caravan trade mission by a jealous Abadaran brother who did not like his quick rise up, hoping to have him detained or worse.

Now he's looking for a way back in order to deal with his political rival and is looking for work and another trade caravan to travel with before getting waylaid by the quest.

Going to focus mainly on Negative Channeling because it is something I've always wanted to do and this archetype trades away all the combat power to become a Skill Monkey, so I might as well!

Stats and FCB stuff still in the air for the most part.

Thanks for taking the time to take a look during recruitment!

Post Samples

Can't think of a good character concept, so I will withdraw. Have fun, everyone!

Askold's modular progression plan.

Hah. That's a fun idea, letting the character's crunch go wherever the story and dice rolls take him. Also shows a fair bit of system mastery, coming up with all of these. Good stuff.

@Ythiel: Ah, sorry to hear it. I know you to be a great player. The deadline is still a ways away, so there's time to let those creative juices ferment a while yet.

But for those new applicants who have just tossed their hats into the ring, thank you. Looking forward to reading through it all. For those wondering, I believe the list of submissions now looks like so:

Martials:

Ironperenti - Alistair Fox, human Inspired Blade swashbuckler.

Mightypion - Askold Sörenson, human Abyssal bloodrager.

Luke Parry - Jethryk Devarre, human Zen Archer monk.

Violant - Korom Ragemaven, human Savage Technologist barbarian.

Mixed:

AGM Lemming - Niccan Tol, ratfolk Monster Tactician inquisitor of Magdh.

Gwahiir777 - Oren, dwarf magus [incomplete]

Full casters:

Hubaris - Danton Trallius, human cleric of Abadar.

GM Labyrinth - Khavel Ironknuckle, dwarf cleric of Torag.

Thanks again for the interest and let me know if I missed anyone.

@GM Heat: I hadn't even recognised 'Willie' Esq.! ;)

Oh, very well. I'll see if something comes to mind before July 15th. I can't make any promises, though, the creative juices are apparently in short supply!

I am hoping to submit either a half-orc druid or a tiefling rogue. Need to return from travel first but will get it in before deadline.

Finally settled on a demon-blooded tiefling skald. Will start getting the specifics together soon.

Ha. Barbarian, Bloodrager, and Skald walk into a bar.

Ha. Barbarian, Bloodrager, and Skald walk into a bar.

And when they leave, the whole place is in flames. :)

Anyways, here is Dragoncat's submission: Star of The Freeland, an earnest young man who likes playing angry songs!

Don't mind the claws or the tail. They're perfectly safe--usually.

I'm not too fond of tragic backstories. But becoming a dragon Hunter I think deserves a bit of sad story.

My short concept:

Her town was ravaged by a dragon. Hurting and killing many in said attack. Surviving with scarring and being somewhat disfigured in the attack, Zartana start to develop and grow an intense hatred towards dragon. Making her to want to study them so she could better kill them

So with this in mind and hatred in her heart she set out to become a hunter of dragons. Wanting to end any possible future threat of these beasts who seem to care nothing about people that get in their way

Korom Ragemaven wrote:

Ha. Barbarian, Bloodrager, and Skald walk into a bar.

And when they leave, the whole place is in flames. :)

I'm sure it was just an axe-ident.

(cue every prospective applicant closing the tab with a sigh)

@Seth86: What's a proper adventuring party without a little angst? Although Taldor is a good setting for an aspiring dragon slayer. The so-called Dragon Plague years and their aftermath left an enduring distaste for dragons in the public mind, even the otherwise goodly metallic dragons. Dragons as boogeymen to set unruly children straight; dragon slayers as the most virtuous of heroes; these are still part of the nation's consciousness.

Do you imagine your PC as simply travelling the country in search of these flying lizards, or would she have some other reason to join a caravan? Hit me up if you want to workshop this.

Askold reads a book:

The Ulfen mercenaries guide to beeing succesfull in Taldor

So, you are an up and coming merc, ready to make it big in the Ulfen guard and legally retriev phat loots from noodle armed Taldane nobles? Did you know that the taldane word for noble and noodle are similar, and that the Taldane make the most noodly-armed their nobles?

Askold reads with a bit of interest thinking

If any polity would adopt such a completely idiotic system of governance, it would collapse and be conquered within a generation. Taldor lies next to the Quadirans and Andorans, 2 great powers as well as the Galtese republic which is so chaotic and violent, Demon Lord Nocticula issued a travel warning to this place. I think this was mostly due to some intense Callistrian-Nocticulan-f+$!ery, and I am said that I couldnt watch it, but still, these arent easy neighbours to have. As he continues reading

Once you come to Taldor, just establish dominance and smash things, and they will give you noble titles! Its very easy, apply fist to face! the book reads

Askold ponders:
Is the author of this book by chance trying to get Ulfen Mercenaries killed? Let me check the name... Aurellius Voranthemos Tagmatos... Tagmata? Isnt that a taldane term for an assortment of legionarries? So some minor nobility, perhaps raised from the people after spending most of his live in the legions, nursing a massive grudge of effing Ulfen Barbarians who dont fight as a team and get all the girls? Trying to basically troll his competition? Maybe I can derive value from this book by doing the exact opposite of what it proposes! Although his annoyance at Taldors nobility seems genuine enough

Askold continues reading.

Hmm, I do wonder if admitting to being fluent in Abyssal since birth increases the price I can bargain for, or if it gets a bunch of hardasses in plate armor trying to light me on a pyre. I best see and then play it from ear.Overall, I have a feeling the answer will be yes.

I'll work on a roleplaying sample tomorrow, but here's everything else I think.