| 5 people marked this as a favorite. |
Faerun is beset by enemies, new and old. The past two years has seen untold danger - The Lord of Tyranny, Bane, has been reborn, the Phaerimm have emerged from beneath Anauroch, the City of Shade has returned to claim Netheril’s lost glory, raiders beseige the isle of Evermeet, King Obould has united the humanoid tribes into the Kingdom of Dark Arrows, the Zhentarim gather power in the Moonsea, and the Wailing Death devastates the people of Neverwinter. All the while the simple folk of the land cry out for heroes. Who will defend them from these untold threats? Who will rise up and fight back the darkness? Who will bring peace to the Heartlands?
The Forgotten Realms were where I enjoyed many adventures in my youth. In the 3rd edition days I came into DMing, and ran many a game across the continent of Faerun. I have enjoyed playing in Golarion for years, but a nostalgic part of me misses the “good olde days”. To that end I offer you this - a game of high fantasy, set in Ed Greenwood’s own creation. This game will start in the spring of 1373 DR, in the era during which 3rd edition FR was set, and more than 100 years prior to the 5th edition setting. Who is ready to delve back into the Realms we explored in days long past?
Recruitment I am tentatively going to set a cutoff date for recruitment of 11:59 pm EST on September 10th.
Applicant Chart I will be tracking applicants using this Spreadsheet
Party Size I intend to take 6 players for this AP.
Posting Expectations 1/day during the week, 1/weekend. Please include some content and flavor in your posts. They don’t need to be novels, but more than a single sentence would be nice.
Regarding Character Creation I like gaming for the chance to play someone different, someone unique, someone heroic. This will be a game of epic fantasy, with high ability scores, extra skills/traits/feats, and magic items a plenty. To that end I am very generous with character creation - please don’t turn it into a power gamer. I ask that you create characters that are dynamic and feel real (in a fantasy sense), and aren’t min/maxed to the utmost. If I am concerned that is the direction of a build, it will probably not be selected.
Source Material We will be playing using the Pathfinder 1st Edition rule set, using only Paizo published content. No 3rd party options, rules, classes, etc.
Ability Scores roll 3d6 (drop the lowest) then add 6, repeat six times and assign to your preference. If you are not satisfied with your rolled scores, you are welcome to use the 25 Point Buy method as an alternative.
Race Core races are welcome. I will consider applications that include Featured and Uncommon races, but will not have a party made entirely of them, so please keep that in mind. Races will be slightly reskinned to fit their FR form (elemental planetouched are “genasi”, etc). If there is a 3rd edition FR race that you feel needs a little more modification to match, please message me and we can discuss. I am also open to altering Racial Ability Score modifiers as has become common in newer game editions.
Class Core / Base / Hybrid. I am not familiar with the Occult classes, and would prefer not to deal with them.
Archetype You may select one archetype without losing the abilities it normally replaces. There are at least a handful of archetypes that could make this utterly broken, so please use discretion with your selection.
Level Your characters are established adventurers, and will be starting at 5th level.
Alignment No evil.
Hit Die max at first level, roll at successive levels. If below average, you may opt to roll again (keeping whatever you roll the 2nd time) OR take the average, your choice.
Skills 2+int increases to 4+int, all others increase by +1. We are also using Background Skills.
Traits 3, or 4 with a drawback. You may select one Campaign Trait from an Adventure Path as one of your three.
Feats Elephant in the Room feat tax rules are in effect.
Each character will start with 2 feats at 1st level, and then gain one feat at each level (as opposed to one every other level). I highly encourage applicants to use these additional feats to create flavorful characters. And yes, they can be used for Variant Multiclass.
Favored Class Bonus you are not restricted by race when selecting your FCB.
Equipment 12000 gp (no items worth more than 5500 gp).
FLAW The characters built through this recruitment are going to be highly impressive specimens. When you look at fantasy/sci-fi/pulp/hero literature and film, such characters generally have a flaw. It could be the righteous hero’s pride, a romantic character’s jealousy, perhaps an aging injury that flares up on occasion, a rare case of seizures, or something completely different. I would like you to create a flaw for your character. Don’t worry about the mechanics of it, we will handle that together. I want you to come up with the concept.
Example Sir Reginald the Brave fought valiantly in one of the last battles of the Third Crusade. Suffering a mortal wound to his abdomen far from the hands of a healer, Sir Reginald’s squire bandaged him, hoisted him onto a mount, and brought him back to his allies. Reginald’s body was cold, and his skin had taken on the pallor of death. They swore the man was dead, but the cleric could barely make out the faintest of breaths. Seeking his god’s blessing, he healed Reginald’s grievous wound. Regionald walks again, but strangely his skin still bares the pale, deathly cast of the grave, making him an unnerving sight to see.
Beyond the establishment of a “Flaw”, how you develop your character’s fluff is up to you. The Ten Minute Background is favored by some. Others like to write their background solely from their character’s perspective. I have listed below a simple format that I use with my TTRPG group.
Appearance What does your character look like? What kind of gear do they wear or carry? Do they have any remarkable features?
Personality & Motivation who is your character and what makes them tick? Do they have any interests or quirks?
History what was your character’s life like before today? What adventures/challenges have they encountered?
Allies & Associations who is your character connected to (friends, mentors, loved ones)? Are they a part of an organization or order?
Below are a few optional and house rules that we will be using (many that I have gathered from other GMs over the years).
Hero Points we will be using Hero Points to start the game, with each PC beginning with 1.
Grouped Initiative This seems to be a common tool in PbP. After initiative is rolled, we will act in clusters of PC or NPCs that have close initiatives. This will allow game play to not be slowed by waiting for a single player to post.
Wow, sounds very cool. I am very interested. I’ll take some time to think about given the build flexibility. I love playing characters instead of min/maxing. So much more enjoyable.
It's been a while since I played in a pathfinder 1e game, but a friend was going to run a game a few months ago that never panned out and I had a character ready that I could use for this. I'd need to rebuild him using the rules here but he was a half-orc brawler named Dud. Worked as a bouncer before becoming an adventurer.
I love the Forgotten Realms, it was such a part of my indoctrination into gaming. Not sure what I want to try and put together at this point, but definitely interested in the game.
4+6+6 = 16
3+6+6 = 15
6+3+6 = 15
5+5+6 = 16
4+4+6 = 14
4+2+6 = 12
I assumed this mechanic would provide for good ability scores, but wow, I can definitely turn that into something magical.
Interesting! Lets see what the dice say.
I'm sure I can build something interesting with that.
My gaming start was in the Realms in the AD&D 2ed times. I'm always trying to recreate that first character. Let's see what I can do.
14
12
16
14
16
9
I did not start in the Realms, but played and GMed a good deal. Is that okay?
Great initiative! Forgotten Realms is definitely worth it.
I am not sure I will apply, but I will roll right away, because it always feels weird when people do not roll on their first post :P
@Tara Ravenheart: Could you share a bit more on the type of game you are wanting to run? Will it be an Adventure Game in which the players explore the region around them, the World and the Setting? In a sandbox kind of way? Or will it be more something along the lines of an Adventure Path kind of thing? I prefer the first, so thought I would ask in advance :)
Another question I have is regarding characters - I am a big fan of a 'quick' character creation, with some very broad strokes in terms of background and motivations. Perhaps no more than one or two paragraphs. Is this a deal breaker?
I do have one last question, just because I am curious. So please do not take it as a criticism. Why such a long Recruitment period? :D
I feel like games tend to lose steam even before they start, when the recruitment periods 'drag' for a long time.
16, 14, 14, 10, 15, 14. Not bad! Thanks Dice Gods!!
Do you plan on centering the campaign in a specific area of Faerun? That information would help me lock down a compatible backstory.
Good question TheWaskally, I was going to ask the same thing. The realms is large and there is quite some regional variation.
I've got the seed of a character concept: A Dwarven Tortured Crusader Paladin, I've done the high charisma paladin a few times and this sounds like an interesting twist. He either lost his clan to some campaign fitting enemy and is immediately invested in the cause; or to a natural disaster and he's been. looking for a cause worth fighting for, perhaps even dying for.
I'm away from my main computer (and herolab) at the moment so I'll concentrate on background for now.
@Tara, could you explain what you mean by selecting one archetype without losing the abilities it normally replaces?
Yikes those rerolls. I guess the RNG gods can only give me so much love.
|
@Tara: Same question as above, but with a couple of specific examples.
1. If an archetype replaces the Witch's familiar, like Bonded Witch, does the Witch get the bonded item and also keep the familiar?
2. For Oracle archetypes that replace mystery spells (most of them I think), does the Oracle get both the archetype spells and the replaced mystery spells? Same question for Oracle with class skill replacements.
Also, do you think this campaign would be compatible with mounted characters like Cavaliers?
So throwing character ideas around, I was thinking maybe an Aasimar, a child 'fallen from the Sky' and taken in by solitary monks - and thus a Zen Archer wanderer. Yes, much like Kwai Chang Caine in 'Kung-Fu :)
Perfect reason to wander the world, connect with the other characters, look for adventure, chances to do what is right, work for money when needed, try to learn about his origins (maybe he has got some clue?), and so forth.
I could see him becoming an Inquisitor in the future, but that would depend on how the game progresses. A Ravener Hunter could mean he is being guided by some 'Entity' of higher power. Perhaps something related to his own origins?
@Tara: Same question as above, but with a couple of specific examples.
1. If an archetype replaces the Witch's familiar, like Bonded Witch, does the Witch get the bonded item and also keep the familiar?
2. For Oracle archetypes that replace mystery spells (most of them I think), does the Oracle get both the archetype spells and the replaced mystery spells? Same question for Oracle with class skill replacements.
Also, do you think this campaign would be compatible with mounted characters like Cavaliers?
Don't forget to roll, there is still time ;)
I take it Phantom Thief Rogue might be classed under totally broken. A phantom thief that can actually fight sounds hilarious to play.
And don't forget there are Cavaliers without mounts.
|
I'm working on a halfling fighter/cook, with a big inspiration from the series "Delicious in Dungeon".
He'll be focused on being a tank that actually works as he'll be sharing his defenses with his allies. If allowed, I'd like for his heavy shield to be a heavy frying pan/wok/paella pan, and his blade as a cooking knife.
I take it Phantom Thief Rogue might be classed under totally broken. A phantom thief that can actually fight sounds hilarious to play.
And don't forget there are Cavaliers without mounts.
Don't forget to roll, there is still time ;)
Two high stats... if I can I'll take Phantom Thief. Currently have an 18 INT 16 Cha Kitsune Trickster and roleplaying her has been a blast.
Might go Switch Hitter Barb otherwise, or a Gunslinger and just go full 2e with Crossbows and Firearms.
Fair warning, I do like the mechanical aspect of Pathfinder. I'm not a minmaxer proper though, I like doing niche things as opposed to "tear through everything in sight," and then weave them into the character's backstory. Turning everything I can into an INT-skill, bumping a stat that isn't used often absurdly high, that kind of thing. Hopefully that isn't a dealbreaker.
Dotting as I'm a complete nerd for this specific era of the Realms. I'd like to know where the campaign starts, what role we the characters play, and a general impression of what we can expect :)
20/18/17/14/13/11
Tentatively, I want to say I'd like to play a caster of sorts. A wizard from Aglarond who lost the Simbul's favor, a shunned (male!) sorcerer from Rashemen, something 'tragic' like that.
Solicitor, pretty sure you have to drop the lowest before adding 6. 24 in a stat seems absolutely busted.
I am not sure I will apply, but I will roll right away, because it always feels weird when people do not roll on their first post :PYou are not alone in this sentiment my friend.
Some folks are forgetful, I guess, but they'll eventually roll when appropriate. ;)
;)
20/18/17/14/13/11
Tentatively, I want to say I'd like to play a caster of sorts. A wizard from Aglarond who lost the Simbul's favor, a shunned (male!) sorcerer from Rashemen, something 'tragic' like that.
Solicitor, pretty sure you have to drop the lowest before adding 6. 24 in a stat seems absolutely busted.
Violant is correct Solicitor. Your rolls should be:
16,18,12,10,12,15
I do have one last question, just because I am curious. So please do not take it as a criticism. Why such a long Recruitment period? :D
I feel like games tend to lose steam even before they start, when the recruitment periods 'drag' for a long time.
I believe the reason Tara made the long recruitment time is to give applicants time to create the Character Creation Fluff portion of the submissions.
She clearly wants a full-fleshed out character firmly set in the Forgotten Realms of 3rd edition.
When I decided to run this game, I was a bit concerned there might not be a lot of interest in an “old school FR” setting, so I was excited by the handful of posts last night before I went to bed… but waking up to this deluge of posts, I must say I am both genuinely surprised, and very excited.
There are a lot of questions to answer, I am going to get the first half posted now, and the rest later - here we go:
What Kind of Game (@Albion, @Red Heat) I have run many games in the Forgotten Realms, and my most successful few each started open ended (semi- sandbox), then developed into organic campaign arcs as the adventures have continued. I have a good deal of content planned, but what the PCs decide to do will evolve the game in any number of directions. You could face any of the foes listed in the recruitment intro, as well as others that were not. There may be fights against monstrous hoards, exploring of lost ruins, negotiating with powerful figures, stealthily infiltrating an enemy compound, or facing down BBEGS.
I have enjoyed playing in several Pathfinder APs, but I do feel they tend to pigeon-hole character creation, so I would rather not say something specific like “you are crusaders about to enter a demon-infested realm” or “undead hoards are marching on your town”. Sorry if this is not more helpful toward character creation.
Game Setting (@TheWaskally) I do not intend to keep this game constrained to one specific location, and in preferring open-ended character creation, do not want to pigeon hole it. I will say that the game will start somewhere in the Eastern Heartlands.
Length of Recruitment (@Albion) As I mentioned above, I did not think I would have so much interest so fast. I anticipated needing 3 weeks to assemble a decent list of applicants. And initial interest posts does not guarantee swift submission of characters. While 5th level is not “high”, the extra options available will slow character creation for many applicants. And not everyone may have the time today to invest building a character. All that said, if 10 days there are multiple complete submissions and posting/applicants has slowed, I may wrap up recruitment earlier. I will definitely provide at least 48 hours notice if I decide to do an early end.
Lack of FR Knowledge (@Red Heat) While being knowledgeable about the Forgotten Realms would be helpful, I don’t think your lack of knowledge will be detrimental. There are also tons of resources online with ample details available, and I am happy to assist with filling in any gaps in your character backstory.
Quick Character Creation (@Albion) How you write your character background is up to you. I offered a few options, but you are welcome to approach it how you would like. If you can convey a developed character that exists beyond the mechanics, then you are good. I definitely do not need a 10-page document! And I have definitely played characters who have evolved in personality or backstory as a game has gone on.
Game Setting (@TheWaskally) I do not intend to keep this game constrained to one specific location, and in preferring open-ended character creation, do not want to pigeon hole it. I will say that the game will start somewhere in the Eastern Heartlands.
Possibly my favorite part of the realms!
Drop Lowest Add 6
Drop Lowest Add 6
Drop Lowest Add 6
Drop Lowest Add 6
Drop Lowest Add 6
Drop Lowest Add 6
EDIT: So it looks like we have a 11,12, 15,15,16,&17
This seems like a good chance to give old Theo Oatmeal another shot. Backstory details will need to be changed but I think the overall concept will still work. I'll do some workshopping but he'll definitely be some sort of Magus.
I created a human noble paladin of Lathander from Cormyr, from House Huntsilver. Now I need to create the fluff and make the character profile.
Wish me luck!!
|
Im gonna be an Elven Missonary of Finder Wyvernspur. Seeking to convert more to the Gids unique fellowship of creativity and the cycle of life. Armed with his songs and words, I seek brave adventurers to help not only them and my own goals but ultimately spread word of Finder so they too become part of his faithful
Tara, thank you.
Good luck everyone!
If I could make a recommendation:
When you're creating your character, have Ed Greenwood talking in the background.
Gets you in the right head space!!
Thinking a NG half-orc uRogue/Lore Warden turned protector off the people.
Perhaps human mother is retired military leadership and diplomat, while father was a caravan drover, dealing with less savory sort.
This exposed to different worlds he's seen "the good in the bad" and "the bad in the good" for himself. His sense of justice is strong as he gets it from both parents.
The extra feats are welcome as they will allow for both greater story telling and fun mechanics.
Okay, answering more questions:
Archetype without Losing Abilities (@TheWaskally, @Rdknight) When taking an archetype for a class, many abilities say “this replaces X at Y level”. With this alternate rule, you get one archetype without losing the abilities that are replaced.
For example, I decide to build a Ranger with the Hooded Champion archetype. The archetype grants the Swashbuckler’s Panache ability and some Deeds, but at the cost of Favored Enemy, Wild Empathy, Endurance, and Evasion. Now, the character will retain the base Ranger abilities, but still gain Panache and several deeds.
Abilities that are “Altered” take the new form offered by the Archetype (for example, if an archetype changes the Ability Score a class gets abilities based on, it does not now get from both, only the new ability score).
Does this help?
Archetype Abilities (@Rdknight) Yes, a Bonded Witch would both get the Bonded Object and retain a Familiar. The same is true for Oracles, so they would get both their mystery spells/skills and their archetype spells/skills. There will be opportunities for mounted encounters, but there will also be many times when your mount would not be available. As someone pointed out, there are cavalier archetypes that “replace” your mount, which could allow you the option of a normally mountless cavalier build, while still having the mount (as the ability would not be lost).
Archetype Power (@Violant) I think Skill Unlocks were a great development in the late stages of Pathfinder 1e, and wish they had been introduced years prior. The Phantom Thief makes that their focus, and within these rules gets a significant upgrade, but I would say it is within the realm of acceptable (though like anything else, if it gets out of control, we will have to make adjustments).
-2=18
-3=17
-4=16
-2=16
-3=16
-1=13
Well. How do you say no to that? Not sure what I want to play yet, though. May as well be something MAD, given these stats.
Would it be excessive to play an unMonk and take my free archetype as the Scaled Fist (the important thing being that this would give me Wisdom *and* Charisma to AC, plus a couple of ki powers back that SF replaces).
Double Bonuses (@Oauchitonian)
In my last post I actually addressed this:
Abilities that are “Altered” take the new form offered by the Archetype (for example, if an archetype changes the Ability Score a class gets abilities based on, it does not now get from both, only the new ability score).
So no, you will not get the bonuses from both Wisdom and Charisma.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
dot
Double Bonuses (@Oauchitonian)
In my last post I actually addressed this:Abilities that are “Altered” take the new form offered by the Archetype (for example, if an archetype changes the Ability Score a class gets abilities based on, it does not now get from both, only the new ability score).So no, you will not get the bonuses from both Wisdom and Charisma.
Entirely fair, sorry I missed it.
You had me at Forgotten Realms....
Researching time!
Thank you for running!
After a quick tour of the Eastern Heartlands, Half-Elf War priest of Tymora has called to me. Is there an official Harpers Prestige available?