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25-point buy (I know it's unusually large, but from what I can see, RotRL is a bit of a meat-grinder)
I'm in a long-running RotRL game, I think book three, and you definitely don't need to worry about the PCs being too strong lol. I think my fighter's been knocked to 0 HP in a single hit about three times now.
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*Unless I can convince you, oh wise, generous, magnanimous, merciful, and handsome GM, that since the Butchering Axe's description states that it is "A creation of the orc smiths of Belkzen", that a half-orc's Orcish Weapon Familiarity should allow me to treat it as a martial weapon, even though it doesn't have "orc" in the name. Pretty please?
There are multiple instances where the dev responsible for the creation of the butchering axe (Isabelle Lee) saying it was purposefully written in a way not to qualify for Weapon Familiarity.
Up to the GM, of course, to rule it one way or the other. Just wanted to provide context with the "official" ruling from Paizo.
*Unless I can convince you, oh wise, generous, magnanimous, merciful, and handsome GM, that since the Butchering Axe's description states that it is "A creation of the orc smiths of Belkzen", that a half-orc's Orcish Weapon Familiarity should allow me to treat it as a martial weapon, even though it doesn't have "orc" in the name. Pretty please?
Unfortunately, I'm inclined to agree with the Paizo people on this one - most of the racial weapons (elven curve blade, orc double axe, gnomish piston maul, etc) are simply different approaches to what is fundamentally the same type of weapon, i.e. a Belkzen orc/half-orc given standard training in weaponry would learn how to use an axe with a head at the other end instead of a standard battleaxe, or an elven guardsman might learn thrusts and parries for a curve blade rather than a longsword.
A butchering axe, on the other hand, is so explicitly large and unwieldy that it wouldn't be part of the martial weapons training regimen - even in Belkzen, only a few elite orc warriors (those with significantly above-average strength [even leaving out PC exceptionalism, only 13% of 4d6-drop-lowest rolls would hit the target number for an orc's Str score] who take the appropriate Exotic Weapon Proficiency feat) would be able to lift it, much less use it effectively in combat. Analogously, the M1 Abrams is "a creation of the human smiths of Chrysler Defense," but even the average U.S. Army soldier doesn't know how to operate one at the end of basic training.
Looking at the submitted characters, it's a very fighty group overall. I think a fighting cleric is maybe a little too much of the same.
I'm withdrawing Ferelith the Cleric of Kurgess, and submitting Marisan here instead.
Marisan is a Half-Elven Dual-Cursed Oracle with the Time Mystery, and a worshipper of Shyka. Actually Marisan and Shyka have a more complicated relationship than "worshipper" implies, but I'll get into that in the 20 questions, which I'm still working on. Hopefully those will be finished by the end of today.
Marisan isn't all that big on weapons. She's more of a caster, handling support like healing and buffing, and offensively debuffing.
I have Jenni's crunch largely done, still need to tweak her equipment a little, and the description hasn't been fully fleshed out yet (will have that done over the next day or so).
*Unless I can convince you, oh wise, generous, magnanimous, merciful, and handsome GM, that since the Butchering Axe's description states that it is "A creation of the orc smiths of Belkzen", that a half-orc's Orcish Weapon Familiarity should allow me to treat it as a martial weapon, even though it doesn't have "orc" in the name. Pretty please?Unfortunately, I'm inclined to agree with the Paizo people on this one - most of the racial weapons (elven curve blade, orc double axe, gnomish piston maul, etc) are simply different approaches to what is fundamentally the same type of weapon, i.e. a Belkzen orc/half-orc given standard training in weaponry would learn how to use an axe with a head at the other end instead of a standard battleaxe, or an elven guardsman might learn thrusts and parries for a curve blade rather than a longsword.
A butchering axe, on the other hand, is so explicitly large and unwieldy that it wouldn't be part of the martial weapons training regimen - even in Belkzen, only a few elite orc warriors (those with significantly above-average strength [even leaving out PC exceptionalism, only 13% of 4d6-drop-lowest rolls would hit the target number for an orc's Str score] who take the appropriate Exotic Weapon Proficiency feat) would be able to lift it, much less use it effectively in combat. Analogously, the M1 Abrams is "a creation of the human smiths of Chrysler Defense," but even the average U.S. Army soldier doesn't know how to operate one at the end of basic training.
That’s more or less what I expected you to say, and I get it. But it was worth asking.
Always worth asking! If you don't ask the answer is always "No"
"Analogously, the M1 Abrams is "a creation of the human smiths of Chrysler Defense," but even the average U.S. Army soldier doesn't know how to operate one at the end of basic training." True about most military vehicles, or at least those without civilian versions. If you aren't trained on it, don't even try to drive it! Watching new drivers learning to drive the dragon wagon is fun!
And here is Delightful's entry: Kára Hjortrdóttir, intrepid young Cleric of Erastil.
Her stats are complete and on her alias page. She's been kitted out to be an archer with the standard array of Cleric support capabilities. Essentially, if she's not buffing or healing, she's sticking the bad guys full of arrows. She also has decent scores in wilderness-related skills. I've finished her 20 Questions and added a Appearance and Personality section for more flavor. The Backstory section isn't yet complete but that will be forthcoming soon.
Anyways, I hope y'all enjoy the questionnaire as a taste test for the character. I certainly enjoyed writing it.
What is your character's name?
Kára Hjortrdóttir.
How old is your character?
20.
What would somebody see at first glance (i.e. height, weight, skin color, eye color, hair color, physique, race, and visible equipment)?
Kára is a young Ulfen woman with long, curly red hair, lively green eyes, and pale skin that has become lightly tanned in the sun. Like many Ulfen, she is tall and has a hale build. She is often dressed in practical leather or hide clothing that befits a huntress.
What additional attributes would be noticed upon meeting the character (i.e. Speech, mannerisms)?
At first glance, Kára does not seem to be a very talkative person, seemingly being a textbook example of Erastilian stoicism. The truth is it simply takes her a while to open up to strangers, a consequence of being raised in a small community where everyone already knows each other. Once she does start talking you’ll likely notice her thick Ulfen accent and sometimes awkward if still technically fluent use of the Common tongue. You'll also realize that beyond the gruff huntress is a very sociable and energetic young woman who’s likely going to excitedly ask you a ton of questions.
Where was your character born? Where were you raised? By who?
Kára doesn’t actually know for certain where she was born. All she knows is that her parents were Ulfen and likely traders from the Thanelands. Beyond that she can only guess and speculate. She was raised for certain in the small farming village of Stagheim, a Erastilian community in the Linnorm Kingdom of Southmoor that stands as one of the only stable settlements in a land ravaged by trolls, giants, and poor leadership. While she has two adoptive fathers, she was raised communally by the townsfolk of Stagheim and considers them all kin.
Who are your parents? Are they alive? What do they do for a living?
Kára’s birth parents are unknown to her having seemingly died in a caravan attack. All she knows is that as an infant she was found in the wreckage of a trading caravan that likely ran afoul of Southmoor’s monsters or bandits. The apparent sole survivor of the attack, she was taken in by two Erastilians clerics who brought her to their village. Her fathers are both senior clerics for the village and serve on the village council of elders.
Do you have any other family or friends?
She considers everyone in her village back home to be family and Erastil himself to be her spiritual grandfather. She’s made a few acquaintances during her trek across Varisia but Sandpoint is the first place she’s stayed long enough to make real friends.
What is your character's marital status? Kids?
Unmarried and single with no children. She would like to have a partner she could respect and love, and is quite affectionate and patient with children, but also wants to see more of the world before she settles down.
What is your character's alignment?
Neutral Good. She was brought up to be Lawful Good and still leans that way but she’s not as dogmatic about traditions as most Erastilians and tends to question authority more than most in her faith.
What is your character's moral code?
As an Erastilian, Kára believes she is duty bound to protect and provide for her family regardless of what shape it takes. Accordingly, she believes in reciprocal welfare and compassion but is more than willing to help those in need even if she doesn't know them. She takes no joy in killing and only does it as a matter of survival.
Does your character have goals?
She wants to return to her village wiser and more knowledgeable than when she left it and with the assorted seeds of Varisia in hand for the next planting season.
Is your character religious?
Very much so. She is a cleric of Erastil and has spent much of her life trying to understand and embody Old Deadeye’s teachings.
What are your character's personal beliefs?
She believes that people are stronger when they work together for a common good. That nature is a beautiful and sacred thing that must be respected. And that there is wisdom in the Old Ways but that one should not be hidebound to the point of refusing to learn new ways of doing things or adapt to change.
Does your character have any personality quirks (i.e. anti-social, arrogant, optimistic, paranoid)?
Kára can be reserved, blunt, critical, and impatient when it comes to the ignorance and perceived arrogance of cityfolk, but she’s also a curious, resilient, fun-loving, and kind young woman who’s deeply fascinated by the grandeur of the world and wishes to see and explore more of it… even the strange and often smelly city parts of it.
Why does your character adventure?
To see more of the world and return to her village with knowledge that can aid it along with new seeds for planting.
How does your character view his/her role as an adventurer?
Kára sees it as her duty to care for her comrades by keeping them hale and healthy with the aid of her magic and medical knowledge. She also does this by eliminating threats with her trusty bow and arrow.
Does your character have any distinguishing marks (birth-marks, scars, deformities)?
A couple small scars on her arms and legs. Pretty much all of them come from her time as a child learning how to survive in the wilderness.
How does your character get along with others?
She can be rather quiet at times but opens up to people over time once she knows them better.
Is there anything that your character hates?
Raiders, giants, and monsters who prey on the weak. Those who have no respect and despoil nature. Laziness and selfishness are also traits she has little patience for.
Is there anything that your character fears?
Kára fears failing her village and losing her connection to Old Deadeye on account of her doubts about some aspects of the faith. Ultimately, she fears that she does not truly belong in Stagheim or anywhere else for that matter.
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Garen has been updated to current rules set. The 20 questions are his background found in the profile. If you want it in standard prose let me know and I can write it out.
Some posting samples:
To the grey robe...
"At what level would I have access, when I wear a robe like yours?" Garen asks trying to sound sincere.
With a sigh, wishing he were swinging practice swords in summer heat while wearing an itchy gambeson rather than doing copy work, he puts his pen to paper. While not a scholarly student, Garen is persistent. His skill is fair at best but he hammers away at the task. Finally, after three hours of rigor, a cramped hand, and anger over the fact he will never get those hours back, Garen sets aside his final copy.
-----
The visions of vileness covering Krant are bad enough but with his senses open Garen feels the oiliness of the man's soul and smells the rot of his personality. Regardless of how this endeavor goes, Garen will remove this stain from the prime plane of existence. With a grimace and a shake of his head, Garen moves back into trying to match the others' stride.
-----
Garen looks the two over in the morning but he is unable to identify their issue. With nothing to be done for it he helps break camp and get everyone on the road as quickly as possible.
In town, Garen tries to catch the mayor’s eye early on and shake his head no but he fails. When the cat is obviously out of the bag he tries to answer questions as best he can and let’s the mayor know he will be by in the morning.
When Sledge gets irate with the crowd, Garen tries to deescalate the situation. ”Calm down Sledge. They are just worried for those who have returned and in particular those who have not. Everyone please, Roldare has had a very difficult encounter and needs time to recover before answering a multitude of questions.” Alas, the situation is already out of hand by the time he speaks.
Finally, he says to the others, ”I’ll meet you at the mayor’s office in the morning.”
Garen then leaves the gathering to find his parents and younger siblings. After finding them and answering their questions for about an hour he then excuses himself to go speak with Sir Dramott about how they should proceed.
Three days left in the recruitment, so I thought it fitting to update the list. Again, if I have miscategorized any of your submissions, please speak up - this list is as much for me as it is for the other players, and I'll likely be referencing one such list at the end of recruitment to determine applicants.
Complete:
"Cricket" - Sir Longears
Cashmerez "Cash" Magravi - GM_Drake
Isidiana - Ridge
Doctor Ethyl Ermengarde - Delmoth
Erridon Drallen - AGM Lemming
Lazur Anil - trawets71
Ntisi Kwazeel - Corrik
Zorlen Brightstar - Pancakes
Saquiel - Aldizog
Titania Olivia Thrune - AdamWarnock
Lutke Geshburger - pinvendor
Garen Williamson - Ironperenti
Kára Hjortrdóttir - Delightful
Incomplete:
Erryl Reyven II - Evindyl
Baanritiu Mistcreek - NotEspi
Jenni Torlini - Drogeney
Grod the Cunning - Ouachatonian
Marisan Korzha - rdknight
Dots:
Ruin Explorer
Critzible
Irnk, Dead-Eye's Prodigal
Lots of phenomenal players so far - I'm starting to feel a bit self-conscious regarding my own skills as a GM, and I certainly won't have an easy time deciding!
Hey, GM, quick question. I'm confused as of to what is missing from my (updated) submission? Could you clarify? Thank you.
Well, as I mentioned before in my previous character index, I'll largely be making my decisions based on the RP questions submitted, but ideally, I'd also like a stat block - it's liable to be a difficult decision process, and how well each character fits in mechanically with the others will be a consideration. A party comprised entirely of monks, irrespective of the roleplaying skill of the players themselves, is unlikely to last long with the sorts of challenges Rise of the Runelords throws at them at even moderate levels.
If I missed yours, I apologize, but it seemed that your posts re: backstory/questionnaire are so far the entirety of your submission - don't get me wrong, they're very well-written, but I'm having a bit of difficulty understanding what exactly Buttons would do (in terms of combat situations, that is) if she opened a door and found a handful of zombies standing behind it, for instance. Does she hang back and pepper them with arrows? Charge in and scatter them with a battleaxe? Freeze them solid with spells? Take control of them with dark necromantic magics? While it's not necessarily a death sentence if your character doesn't have a ludicrously optimized build, I would like at least a sense of what role your character will fill in the party.
A tentative description has been added (it may get adjusted a bit once I find an image I like for her, avatar will be finalized once appearance is). I also polished off the equipment. I think that largely finishes her since the personality is already largely defined in the 20 questions section. Please let me know if I am missing something.
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I think Isidiana is completely complete, though she might need to buy more gear I figure she can do that in Sandpoint. I can change her first level spells if it suits the party better. Right now she has CLW in case a back up healer is needed but I can swap that for Sleep or grease if crowd control is needed. Let me know if you need more or have questions about her.
And while not exactly an RP sample originally, here's a song about gnomish history
♫ Just hide back here and you'll hear a tale,
A tale of a crazy trip
That started from some First World Port
To give that home the slip
No one's sure why we had to run
The histories aren't so clear
But we gnomes still have that touch of fey
And we still hold wonder dear. Still, wondering dear?
The adjustment here was pretty rough,
Golorian living has a cost,
If not for passions and new things to do
To the Bleaching we'd be lost! And suffer color loss
But our folk are tough and lovable, with flamboyant styles
Seeking thrills again
A quest or two
Maybe meddling in some strife,
or traveling far,
Obsessions and crazy plans
Join in and watch a gnome smile!♫
I've gone through and fixed some typos and a bit of a contradiction in her profile.
SO.
Twenty-FOUR questions later, I am all set.
Well, 23.
I edited AND conscientiously object to Question 20, but look forward to our discussion of lines ... and veils ... and pronouns. I think it will be a good chat.
What is your character's name?
Erryll Reyven II
1 - How old is your character?
23
2 - What would somebody see at first glance (i.e. height, weight, skin color, eye color, hair color, physique, race, and visible equipment)?
The violet eyes usually gets people first; second, the seemingly more than half-elven ears
3 - What additional attributes would be noticed upon meeting the character (i.e. Speech, mannerisms)?
Wardrobe being, well, everything, it was sometimes noticeable that there were tattoos of somekind on Erryll’s chest … high enough to be seen if his collar isn’t buttoned.
4 - Where was your character born?
Magnimar
5 - Where were you raised?
Both Magnimar and Sandpoint
6 - By who?
His parents initially … and servants more recently. His uncle & grandfather aren’t really all that engaged with the young man. Erryll is totally okay with that; he believes his mother chose for him to have his father’s last name very purposefully.
7 - Who are your parents?
Erryll Reyven I of Zirnakaynin & Octavia Valdemar of Magnimar
8 - Are they alive?
They are not
9 - What do/did they do for a living?
Absolutely nothing
10 - Do you have any other family or friends?
Family, sadly yes; friends, gladly yes. The aforementioned uncle & grandfather are Erryll’s known relatives, but he believes there are certainly elves in Kyonin to whom he is related to as well; they do not, however, seem to be in a race to find him. His friends in Sandpoint are Ameiko Kaijitsu, Kaye Tesarani, and another young half-elf named Trystyn who also works at The Pixie’s Kitten. Erryll is, for any number of reasons, also on very good terms with Belor Hemlock.
11 - What is your character's marital status?
Erryll moonlights at The Pixie’s Kitten
12 - Kids?
Erryll moonlights at The Pixie’s Kitten
13 - What is your character's alignment?
Cautiously Positive (Chaos-inclined NG)
14 - What is your character's moral code?
K … so I googled this. Not for lack of truly knowing, but to at least set a baseline for my answer. “A moral code is a set of rules that a person or group of people use to guide their actions and decisions in order to live a good life. Moral codes can help people determine what is right and wrong, and how to behave in society. They can also be used to evaluate whether an action is ethical or unethical.” – In spite of every contributing factor which would otherwise motivate him; inclinations of drow culture, inclinations of affluent culture, inclinations of metropolitan culture, Erryll genuinely cares about people and defends their freedoms. It colors everything for him. It sets him at odds with many of his ancestors too.
15 - Does your character have goals?
YES – to continuously improve his conduit, and no, Erryll does NOT have a “familiar” – while he understands why less educated practitioners think bonded witches have familiars, that doesn’t make them less wrong: they have items which act as conduits to their patrons, and Erryll intends to make his conduit much more powerful.
16 - Is your character religious?
[b]YES – he has a very very special place in his heart for Yuelral
17 - What are your character's personal beliefs?
That there is nothing wrong with people paying him to spend time with him, or anyone else for that matter, and that the Scarnetti family needs to step back before he seriously gets upset about their attacks on the personal freedoms of Sandpoint’s residents.
18 - Does your character have any personality quirks (i.e. anti-social, arrogant, optimistic, paranoid)?
Erryll is HIGHLY social, somewhat arrogant, somewhat optimistic, and generationally paranoid. That said, Erryll’s father was able to present traditional drow paranoia as a valuable form of social vigilance and this is important to Erryll.
19 - Why does your character adventure?
At least partly because his parents did, and at least partly to irritate his (living) grandfather, and more partly because people in Sandpoint respect it.
20 - How does your character view his/her/THEIR role as an adventurer?
21 - Does your character have any distinguishing marks (birth-marks, scars, deformities)?
YES
22 - How does your character get along with others?
Incredibly well for the most part
23 - Is there anything that your character hates?
Cruelty – and in fact if there were a singular way to incense Erryll, it would be by being cruel in front of him. Simple rudeness is a problem, and many people lack couth. Cruelty is another thing.
24 - Is there anything that your character fears?
True evil, like true. No, structured evil doesn’t count, so no, Cheliax evil doesn’t count. Nope, demonic evil doesn’t count either. Pretenders. They all crave power so much, the evil is practically window dressing. Chopper? Yeah, that is a different thing. True evil for its very own sake, THAT is evil. There is no plane designed to punish that evil either, it is something that needs to be taken care of in the here and now.
In addition to the lines/veils/pronoun chat, there's another one that I would like to have also.
You'll pardon my temerity, I'm sure.
Would you discuss, at whatever length you are comfortable with, what your player's take away should be when they read: "I hope to finish the campaign, but if I leave, I will inform the players first."
I am submitting for a tiefling runesage wizard! I have the stats and backstory in the profile posting here. I hope to be picked, I have never ran fully through runelords, having only every made it to the glassworks previously. I would really like to play in one that completes the whole game.
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I edited AND conscientiously object to Question 20, but look forward to our discussion of lines ... and veils ... and pronouns. I think it will be a good chat.
Well, my intention isn't to offend anyone, but as mentioned in the initial post, the list isn't mine - I took it from another Rise of the Runelords recruitment I applied to a few months ago, and the GM there found it on Reddit. It simply seemed like a good way to summarize a character's fluff in an easily accessible way, but if you'd like, I can see if I can find the original link so you can take it up with the initial poster.
Would you discuss, at whatever length you are comfortable with, what your player's take away should be when they read: "I hope to finish the campaign, but if I leave, I will inform the players first."
Sure! Apologies if my wording was unclear. All I mean to say is that I'll do everything I can to keep the game from dying, but that if something comes up and I do have to leave, I'll let everyone know - I promise I won't ghost.
As a corollary to that, I'll do my best to post regularly as well - I've been trawling the boards for a while, and it seems like most games don't die out to a family emergency or some such as much as they just fizzle through apathy when participants don't want to have to deal with an ever-growing backlog of posts. With that in mind, I'll do my best to post daily, but at the same time, I commit to posting at the very latest once a week (when on a tight work deadline or the like) unless I give prior notice (vacations, intense research postings, etc, might take longer).
Thank you! That's a really thoughtful answer and I appreciate it.
I'm not actually opposed to a campaign that's steeped in the whole binary thing either, but I did think it was worth bringing up.
I realized that oracles don't need a divine focus, so I swapped the Birthmark trait(faith) for the Arcane Scholar trait(faith).
Made some major changes to the backstory and the character as what I had before just didn't seem to fit together well. Much happier with it now. If selected, there are a lot of mechanical questions about how the Ghost Rider archetype works, but no need to deal with all that now.
Here are the 20 Questions responses for Marisan. I've also added them to her profile, along with a backstory summary that lay outs out how Marisan and her sister got into the First World, how Marisan got out of the First World, and a bit about what's up with Shyka in a more coherent way than the 20 questions replies allowed.
What is your character's name?
Marisan Korzha
How old is your character?
21 years old.
What would somebody see at first glance (i.e. height, weight, skin color, eye color, hair color, physique, race, and visible equipment)?
Marisan would seem a bit taller than average (for a human), quite thin, and rather young. If rates of maturation are a bit slower for half-elves than humans, Marisan’s 21 years are roughly equivalent to maybe 17 or 18 human years. She would also be recognizable as a Half-Elf unless her ears were hidden by her hair. This is unlikely; while her hair is almost waist-length her ears are rather prominent compared to most Half-Elves. She might possibly be mistaken for an Elf if the observer wasn’t close enough to see her eyes well. Marisan’s hair is black, her eyes are light blue, and her skin tone is light compared to most Varisians. While Marisan’s clothing is nothing special, it’s very neat and clean. Marisan is always wearing jewelry in some fashion, which tends look out of place paired with her plain clothes. Marisan also typically uses cosmetics, especially rouge for her lips and kohl as eyeliner.
What additional attributes would be noticed upon meeting the character (i.e. Speech, mannerisms)?
Marisan’s first language is Varisian, and she speaks Taldane with a light accent that would immediately identify her as Varisian to anyone native to the region. She is is typically outgoing and friendly, though she does have her dark moods. Marisan is very good with people, and other intelligent beings for that matter since she has only recently returned from the First World, where she was “lost” for more than 3 years. Humans are sparse in the First World. In conversation Marisan is clever and agile. While she can defend herself if she needs to, she found it safer and more reliable to use deft talk to get by in the First World.
While Marisan generally comes off as pleasant, even playful or whimsical, she also can seem unreadable. A person might feel like they can’t get below the surface with her.
Where was your character born?
In the caravan she lived in with her mother and relatives.
Where were you raised?
Traveling on the road, so various places in Varisia over time.
By who?
Marisan was raised by her mother and her extended family in the caravan.
Who are your parents?
Zora is Marisan’s mother and Aumanas is her father.
Are they alive?
As far as Marisan knows, both are still alive and well. She never met her father, a Mierani Elf who only knew Marisan’s mother briefly. It’s been more than 3 years since Marisan has seen Zora.
What do they do for a living?
Well for Aumanas, who knows what elves actually do for a living? Zora doesn’t hold a single occupation, but works as a member of the caravan’s extended household. She helps with the tasks that are needed day to day. While traveling this could be food preparation, mending or sewing clothes, etc. While stopped in a settlement or city, she could be selling things the caravan is carrying for trade, or dancing or storytelling as an entertainer.
Do you have any other family or friends?
Aside from her mother (she doesn’t really count her father) and various grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins in the caravan, Marisan has an identical twin sister who is a few minutes younger than her who is named Sigita. Otherwise, most of the people who belong to the caravan are both relatives and friends to some greater or lesser degree. But, Marisan hasn’t seen any of these people for over 3 years.
She was friendly with some residents of the First World, mostly gnomes. But she still moved about mostly and would count very few of them as close enough to call true friends.
What is your character's marital status?
Single
Kids?
None
What is your character's alignment?
Neutral Good
What is your character's moral code?
Marisan doesn’t really believe in moral absolutes. She wants people to be happy and safe. Doesn’t believe random acts of violence are justifiable, and so forth. Basically she adheres to the broad principles that make good people good people. However, an extended time in the First World has shown her that most things are relative and contingent. She might not like theft or have any desire to engage in thievery, but that doesn’t mean she would never steal on principle. Circumstances could arise in which it is the surest way to get the best outcome. In such circumstances Marisan believes it is at least short-sighted to probably stupid to categorically reject options due to adherence to some abstract code. Would she summon the undead for fun and profit? No way. Would she summon the undead to fend off raiders attacking a defenseless village? You bet. Marisan is more focused on good outcomes than proper behavior.
Does your character have goals?
Marisan’s most immediate goal is to do everything she can to help the adventurers she’s with succeed at whatever they’re supposed to succeed at. That fulfills her part of her bargain with Shyka, which will reunite her with her sister and get them returned to Golarion. Afterward, their goal will be to find their mother.
Marisan is acquisitive and likes pretty, shiny things. Nice clothes, jewelry, the money to buy those things, she likes them all. Marisan isn’t greedy exactly, not in the way some find satisfaction in socking away endless wealth. She just likes nice things, mostly things that make her look good, and wants to have them.
Is your character religious?
Not in a fervor of faith kind of way. By tradition she’s a Desnan like so many Varisians. But, the real deific power in her life is Shyka. Marisan is pragmatic about such things. Obviously there are unimaginably power beings out there. In some cases, like her own bargain with Shyka, one does as one is told to get what will be given in return. In other cases like Desna, religion is a shared belief that in part defines a group and bonds its members to each other. Marisan absolutely would participate in prayers or worship of Desna. Both because she respects her family and because it is something that brings them together.
What are your character's personal beliefs?
First and foremost for Marisan is loyalty to family.
Does your character have any personality quirks (i.e. anti-social, arrogant, optimistic, paranoid)?
I’ve mentioned already that Marisan is good with people, but there is another side of her that can sometimes come through. Marisan is used to a place where the facts of nature and existence, and the logic that follows from them, are more variable and contingent. She can sometimes say things that seem disconnected to the subject at hand, or just deeply weird. This can be a strength sometimes since it takes a lot to rattle her no matter where a conversation suddenly goes. Marisan is the one most likely in most any group to have a pleasant and productive conversation with an insane person. She isn’t at all insane herself, she’s just still adjusting.
Marisan gets what gnomes are all about much better than most people if that might be considered a quirk.
Why does your character adventure?
Because that’s what Marisan’s bargain with Shyka demands.
How does your character view his/her role as an adventurer?
This is something that will probably change with time. Initially Marisan and the rest of the party could have different but parallel views on the subject. While the others adventure to save Sandpoint, etc. Marisan sees her role more as a fail-safe addition due to Shyka’s interest in the outcome. The adventuring party is supposed to succeed at something, but Marisan wasn’t told the specifics. Marisan is there to make sure the right outcome occurs. With time, Marisan might well adapt other views that embed her more deeply in the party with shared goals. But, initially she thinks of herself as a planted among them as insurance against their failure, and thus a wrong outcome.
Does your character have any distinguishing marks (birth-marks, scars, deformities)?
Aside from being remarkably attractive, there is only a small broken hourglass image that looks like a tattoo on the inside of her left wrist. It isn’t a tattoo, but a mark placed there by Shyka to seal her bargain with Marisan.
How does your character get along with others?
Marisan gets along well with others. People tend to like her, even if they don’t necessarily understand her. For her part, Marisan is extremely flexible and adaptive, able to find ways to relate to, and work with a wide range of personality types and mindsets. She is less likely to seek leadership roles than to look for openings when she can more effectively insert her perspectives and opinions. Marisan is generally conflict avoidant, but she won’t avoid a conflict if she thinks nothing else will work.
Is there anything that your character hates?
There’s the standard list: terrible or mean people, cruelty, needless violence and so forth. There’s also the petty list: getting all dirty, gross things like bugs especially when they land or crawl on you, a bad meal.
Is there anything that your character fears?
She fears being robbed. She’s very careful about keeping her possessions safe. She fears the undead, but not in a paralyzing terror kind of way; they just really creep her out. Her greatest fear is never seeing her sister again.
Probably going to go with the good doctor. I need to do a pass over with her profile and get you the 20 questions.
Alchemists get throw anything for free, however that is not a feat you can take with Elephant. The rules are silent on whether alchemists get catch-off guard which throw anything is merged into.
Do alchemists get catch off guard as a bonus feat? That is the recommendation for fixing monsters.
Don't know if anyone's responded to you yet, but as someone who's playing a will-be Alchemist in a different RotRL game, there is a difference in the throw anything compared to the normal feat. They get INT to damage.
I already have a character in a Runelords game so I'm going to sit this one out.
Ok, this profile is updated with answers to the questions.
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Also, hi Zorlen! Long time no see!
Hi Tot! Nice to see you here as well!
I think I've finished messing around with Zorlen's build - the main change was switching his specialization - I wasn't too happy with the previous choice, and I think this one fits him better - specializing in magic to enhance himself is more in line with his personality than conjuring others to help - and the associated Thassilonian sin (Greed) is also a better fit, I think. Not in a materialistic way, but I think it works for his desperate search for more power.
I've also compiled the answers to your twenty questions, although most of it was straight from what I already had on his backstory, appearance and personality sections. But works as a nice summary.
What is your character's name?
Zorlen Brightstar
How old is your character?
20
What would somebody see at first glance (i.e. height, weight, skin color, eye color, hair color, physique, race, and visible equipment)?
Zolren is tall but thin, and usually dresses in simple traveller clothes - the less he stands out, the better. Which is why he normally has his hood down, as his horns and red skin would easily stand out otherwise. The only item of note on his person is the deep black ring on his left hand.
What additional attributes would be noticed upon meeting the character (i.e. Speech, mannerisms)?
Zolren is a bit reserved and slow to trust, given how most people tend to mistrust or fear his demonic heritage.
Where was your character born?
Sandpoint
Where were you raised?
Sandpoint
By who?
The Desnan clergy
Who are your parents?
Amanda and Cyas Brightstar
Are they alive?
Amanda died giving birth to Zorlen. Cyas is alive and does not know the fate of Amanda or Zorlen.
What do they do for a living?
Cyas is a paladin, and was part of a squad of demon slayers with Amanda. But he has set out to look for her, but never found her or learn of her fate.
Do you have any other family or friends?
An uncle living in Magnimar (Amanda's younger brother), although Zorlen doesn't know about him.
What is your character's marital status?
Single
Kids?
None
What is your character's alignment?
I've placed him as CN, as I feel it's closer. TN could fit, and the idea is that he would be moving towards the CG as the adventure goes on (if all goes well.)
What is your character's moral code?
Doesn't have any strong moral code, for now at least. Zorlen wants to have enough power to save anyone from tragedies like the Cathedral fire five years ago. How he comes by that power doesn't matter to him, as long as he gets it.
Does your character have goals?
Zolren is focused on acquiring more powerful magic through any means necessary, in the hopes that he'll be able to prevent tragedies like the ones that happened five years ago.
Is your character religious?
It's complicated? ;). He has distanced himself from his religion since he left town, doubting his faith since it didn't save the church or those who died in the fire, the rare moments he has turned back to praying have been the only time he feels at peace.
[B[What are your character's personal beliefs?[/b]
Well, the strongest one right now is that he shouldn't rely on anyone but himself, as even the gods can fail their followers. But he doesn't push this on others, on the contrary - he wants power exactly to be able to be ghere for others who don't have it.
Does your character have any personality quirks (i.e. anti-social, arrogant, optimistic, paranoid)?
Nothing that would usually be noticeable, besides being a bit reserved and slow to trust, and maybe a bit too desperate about increasing his knowledge and magical power. His fear of losing people and being unable to do anything about it, however, can lead him to be overwhelmed when someone is on danger, and is his main drive to seek more power.
Why does your character adventure?
It's mostly been a journey throughout Varisia trying to learn as much as possible about magic from whatever sources he can.
How does your character view his/her role as an adventurer?
Zorlen doesn't exactly view himself as an adventurer. Still, he's someone who tries to help others as much as he can, and knows his best contribution is usually his extensive knowledge and his arcane magic.
Does your character have any distinguishing marks (birth-marks, scars, deformities)?
Horns, red skin, yellow eyes. A flexible tail he tries to keep rolled around his waist, disguised as a belt, when he's trying to get by unnoticed.
How does your character get along with others?
As stated, he's a bit reserved, slow too trust, and assumes most will look to him in fear or mistrust for his appearance. He can more easily reach out to others that are viewed in the same way, and won't hold back on giving help or sharing his knowledge with anyone just because of that - he'll always offer to help, it's up to the others if they trust him and let him.
Is there anything that your character hates?
Hate is a strong word. But he dislikes superstitious people, those that would judge him only based on his appearance, and not his actions.
Is there anything that your character fears?
Being helpless and losing someone important again.
Also, hi Zorlen! Long time no see!Hi Tot! Nice to see you here as well!
I think I've finished messing around with Zorlen's build - the main change was switching his specialization - I wasn't too happy with the previous choice, and I think this one fits him better - specializing in magic to enhance himself is more in line with his personality than conjuring others to help - and the associated Thassilonian sin (Greed) is also a better fit, I think. Not in a materialistic way, but I think it works for his desperate search for more power.
I've also compiled the answers to your twenty questions, although most of it was straight from what I already had on his backstory, appearance and personality sections. But works as a nice summary.
** spoiler omitted **...
I greatly enjoyed reading your background story and stuff! What is the main difference between a runesage and a wizard that specializes in Thassilonian? I haven't really played wizard's before.
What is the main difference between a runesage and a wizard that specializes in Thassilonian? I haven't really played wizard's before.
Thassilonian specialists are basically just D&D 3.5E specialists - in exchange for more potent school abilities, their opposition schools are strictly defined by their choice of specialist school, and they can't cast spells at all from said schools. Runesages are more complex - they have the same school restrictions, but in exchange for their bonded item/familiar, they get the ability to eschew certain material components, as well as switch between schools at significant cost.
I actually really like many peoples backstories here, which makes me excited for those who play, even if I am not one. Do you know when you may close the recruitment? I see some people who if I am picked, we would have some backstory stuff to hash out as we would know each other. Which I find gives a good feel for and helps us continue the game.
And backstory is finally done. Kára is good to go.
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Well, it's the 27th, and it looks like everyone who's interested has submitted a character - I'll be closing recruitment, and I hope to have decisions up before tomorrow. Unless I missed something, the following is a full list of the players who have applied:
Cashmerez "Cash" Magravi - GM_Drake
Isidiana - Ridge
Doctor Ethyl Ermengarde - Delmoth
Erridon Drallen - AGM Lemming
Lazur Anil - trawets71
Ntisi Kwazeel - Corrik
Zorlen Brightstar - Pancakes
Saquiel - Aldizog
Titania Olivia Thrune - AdamWarnock
Lutke Geshburger - pinvendor
Garen Williamson - Ironperenti
Kára Hjortrdóttir - Delightful
Erryl Reyven II - Evindyl
Baanritiu Mistcreek - NotEspi
Jenni Torlini - Drogeney
Grod the Cunning - Ouachatonian
Marisan Korzha - rdknight
Marha Suntouch - fatmanspencer
I'll try to make decisions today - lots of great submissions here, and it will definitely be a tough decision.
I am not comfortable doing such planning before being selected, but should I be selected I would be happy to explore connections.
Best of luck everyone!
After a good deal of work, I have finally managed to narrow down my selections to six. It was not easy by any means - quite frankly, I wish I could run two or even three tables to accommodate all the great concepts in here.
If the following characters could check in to the Discussion thread when able:
Titania Olivia Thrune - AdamWarnock
Zorlen Brightstar - Pancakes
Garen Williamson - Ironperenti
Grod the Cunning - Ouachatonian
Isidiana - Ridge
Saquiel - Aldizog
Again, it was not an easy decision by any means, and I wish nothing but the best of luck to all not selected in their future endeavors.
Interesting choices. Good luck everyone!
Thank you very much!
Congrats to those who made it.
Congrats to the chosen! Have fun!
I hope posting this in your recruitment thread is not a etiquette violation, Mokmurian, as you have already selected the characters for your campaign.
I'm not sure about forum etiquette in general, but in my case, I have no problems with it - as I said, there were lots of great characters submitted, and I'm feeling a bit guilty about not being able to accommodate all of them. Another campaign in the same recruitment thread means that all these great players will have another chance for their characters to get into an AP they wanted to play in. Best of luck to you and those selected!
Generally I think it's alright as long as you don't try to take over someone else recruitment. There have been a few times in the past where others have stepped up to GM a game using characters that weren't accepted in another recruitment.
I am still reading through the backstories of the characters submitted and am tempted to offer to start a RotRL PBP for a few of them.
Fair warning: I have been a GM for many years but I have never played in nor run a PBP campaign. I would also not be using all the same variant rules that Mokmurian is using in his campaign. Though two variant rules that will be used are Automatic Bonus Progression and Background Skills. The point-buy would be the same (25 points) and average starting wealth.
I would need some time (a minimum of a week or two) to decide which other non-core rules I would decide to use for the campaign.
Two characters thus far (not selected for Mokmurian's campaign) have given me the impression they would be a good fit in campaign with Cashmeric, with part of that working with the faith their characters have in one of the six deities represented at the Sandpoint Cathedral.
I hope posting this in your recruitment thread is not a etiquette violation, Mokmurian, as you have already selected the characters for your campaign.
I will send a PM to the players who have characters that I would like to run the campaign for within the next week if I have not done so today.
Honestly I consider those willing to take up the GM mantle to give folks another chance the unsung heroes of PBP! It's darn nice of you! There are some great concepts here that almost made it
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I agree. Second chance for those that weren't picked.