The Nyrondal Saga

Game Master EltonJ

Checking to see who is interested in playing in Nyrond, circa 591 CY. Although the player's guide to Nyrond has events going to 598 CY, actual published canon starts Nyrond in 591 CY (see Greyhawk: the Adventure Begins by Roger E. Moore, page 30).

This campaign will take place concurrently with my home game, set in Nyrond about 591 CY. A friend of mine says the two campaigns can play off one another. Like Monte Cook's Ptolus games.

What You'll Need:
1. The Pathfinder Roleplaying Game, 1st Edition. The PDF is still sold here. Don't know if Paizo will let me link it.

2. Greyhawk: the Adventure Begins, and/or the Living Greyhawk Gazetteer available on Drivethru. Both of these books can give you an overview of the Flanaess. I would also recommend the World of Greyhawk Fantasy Setting by E. Gary Gygax for that old school feel, but we are playing in 591 CY. Also of use is the Greyhawk Player's Guide for 2e, but is not recommended.

3. I also recommend the "players guide to nyrond 598 cy", to get an overview on how Nyrond works, it's history, and how it treats adventurers. It also comes with a nice map of Nyrond during the 590s CY.

4. PATHFINDER PLAYER COMPANION books and PATHFINDER CAMPAIGN SETTING books. I have a lot of these in PDF, having recently got them during one of Paizo's sales for Charity (yes, I was lucky). Of course the Player Companions would be of more use than the Pathfinder Campaign Settings, but some of the Pathfinder Campaign Setting books are generic enough to apply to this game (like Pathfinder Campaign Setting: Inner Sea Magic). Just remember, Golarion is different from Oerth. A lot of things that apply to Golarion doesn't apply to Oerth. So, if you want to apply a option from the Pathfinder Player Companions, first ask me if I have the book, please.

5. The Dungeons and Dragons Player's Handbook (3.5e) and/or Deities and Demigods (3e). We are using the Pantheon from the D&D 3rd Edition for clerics, oracles, and other followers of the gods. Correllon Larethian, Garl Glittergold, Heironeous, Hextor, et. al. The D&D Player's Handbook gives you an overview of the gods of the D&D pantheon, while Deities and Demigods gives you a more in depth look at the D&D pantheon.

Creating a Character:
Abilities: To put you, the players, on equal footing we will be using Point Buy as recounted in the PFRPG. 25 points, please.
Character Race: This is the Flanaess, and not other parts of Oerik. Thus we will be using the core races. Please note that humans come in different "races" instead of just the one. But it's not reflected in game stats (although if we were using PF2, the evil word race is replaced by the nicer word ancestry. Which means I'll have you draw up a whole genealogy going back 10 generations for your character to prove your ancestry.)
Character Class: The core classes should be used. If you want to use a different class from the other books, please ask first. This is to keep you on equal footing with the Home Game.
Character Skill: Yes, we will be using background skills.
Character Feats: No, we won't be using Elephant in the Room/Feat Tax rules. They may look good on paper, but they don't reflect reality.
Character Archetypes: Yes we will be using Archetypes. ONE ARCHETYPE per character please. Also, include the reference of the Archetype you like to take so I can look it up. Include both book and page reference as well as the URL reference. Although I know AoN is a good site, but I do have all the PDFs of 1e's rulebooks.
Character Traits: Two traits. No drawbacks.
Level: You will be starting out at 1st level.
Hit Points: Full first level. Average subsequent levels.
Wealth: since you are starting at first level, roll your starting wealth.
Alignment: Try not to choose evil alignments. I want to play all the bad guys.

Well, I think that's it. You will either start out as visitors to Nyrond, or as Nyrondal natives. You come to a nation that's teetering on collapse. The Greyhawk Wars made Nyrond expend so much manpower that it hasn't fully recovered. To adventure in Nyrond, you'll need a license -- and the King of Nyrond is taxing about twenty percent of treasure gained.

Would a tallfellow halfling be acceptable?

Would a tallfellow halfling be acceptable?

Yes.

Oooo sounds fun, Got to be an High elf ranger please,

This will be my alt

This will be my alt

Looks nice! Great job so far!

Kicking around an idea of a hag's apprentice from the Gnatmarsh. Short pitch, still in development: Things were looking desperate for the family after Eunice's father was hauled off to debtor's prison, and so her mother probably could be forgiven for not hesitating when the old woman from the swamps of the Nesser came looking for a girl to help her with chores. And that was how Eunice came to study under Shun, the Poisoned Eye of the Gnatmarsh.

Now witches aren't available per the rules, but something like types of druid would fill the role. I'd considered Death Druid (Horror Adventures pg. 50, no wild shape, replaces Animal Companion with Spiritualist phantom), which seems like a valid path for a failed necromancer type — Eunice is good-natured enough to care for the souls of Shun's victims and see they find peace. If that's too esoteric or doesn't fit Greyhawk cosmology, there are other archetypes, like toxicologist, that also feel witchy.

5d6 ⇒ (4, 3, 4, 1, 6) = 18 x10 = 180gp Starting coin

Gm I know you said core classes but would you allow
Hunter as a class in place of ranger.

I was considering playing a Zen Archer Monk, a traveler from a faraway land, recently arrived in Nyrond. Probably an half-orc. Would that work?

Kicking around an idea of a hag's apprentice from the Gnatmarsh. Short pitch, still in development: Things were looking desperate for the family after Eunice's father was hauled off to debtor's prison, and so her mother probably could be forgiven for not hesitating when the old woman from the swamps of the Nesser came looking for a girl to help her with chores. And that was how Eunice came to study under Shun, the Poisoned Eye of the Gnatmarsh.

Now witches aren't available per the rules, but something like types of druid would fill the role. I'd considered Death Druid (Horror Adventures pg. 50, no wild shape, replaces Animal Companion with Spiritualist phantom), which seems like a valid path for a failed necromancer type — Eunice is good-natured enough to care for the souls of Shun's victims and see they find peace. If that's too esoteric or doesn't fit Greyhawk cosmology, there are other archetypes, like toxicologist, that also feel witchy.

You can ask me if you want to play a witch. :)

I was considering playing a Zen Archer Monk, a traveler from a faraway land, recently arrived in Nyrond. Probably an half-orc. Would that work?

Yep. I believe it can work.

Gm I know you said core classes but would you allow

Hunter as a class in place of ranger.

Yes, it's possible.

He would look something like... This:

He would look something like... This:

(qinggong monk, zen archer)

I looked up Zen Archer in the APG, and yes, you did a good job.

Starting Gold 4d6 ⇒ (1, 5, 1, 1) = 8 x 10 = 80 gp

Rickton Hucleberry
Halfling cleric of Yondalla 1
NG Small humanoid (halfling)
Init 3; Senses Perception +5
--------------------
Defense
--------------------
AC 17, touch 14, flat-footed 14 (+2 armor, +3 Dex, +1 shield, +1 size)
hp 10 (1d8+2)
Fort 4, Ref 4, Will 6; +2 vs. fear
--------------------
Offense
--------------------
Speed 20 ft. (15 ft. in armor)
Melee short sword +0 (1d4-1 P/19+)
Ranged sling +4 (1d3-1 B)
Domain Spell-Like Abilities (CL 1st; concentration +4)
. . 6/day—touch of good (+1)
Cleric Spells Prepared (CL 1st; concentration +4)
. . 1st—bless[D], command (DC 14), magic stone
. . 0 (at will)—guidance (at will), resistance (at will), stabilize (at will)
. . D Domain spell; Domains Community (Family[APG] subdomain), Good
--------------------
Statistics
--------------------
Str 9, Dex 17, Con 13, Int 11, Wis 16, Cha 15
Base Atk +0; CMB -2; CMD 11
Feats Extra Channel
Skills Acrobatics +2 (-6 to jump), Climb -2, Heal +7, Knowledge (religion) +4, Perception +5; Racial Modifiers +2 Acrobatics, +2 Climb, +2 Perception
Languages Common, Elven, Halfling
Other Gear leather armor, light wooden shield, short sword, sling, backpack, bedroll, belt pouch, candle (10), flint and steel, hemp rope (50 ft.), holy text[UE], mess kit[UE], pot, soap, spell component pouch, torch (10), trail rations (5), waterskin, wooden holy symbol, 41 gp
--------------------
Special Abilities
--------------------
Binding Ties (1 round, 6/day) (Su) Transfer touched ally's condition to self, they are immune while you bear it.
Cleric Channel Positive Energy 1d6 (7/day, DC 12) (Su) Positive energy heals the living and harms the undead; negative has the reverse effect.
Cleric Domain (Family)
Cleric Domain (Good)
Fearless +2 bonus to save vs. fear (stacks with halfling luck).
Touch of Good +1 (6/day) (Sp) Grant +1 to skill checks, ability checks and saving throws for 1 rd.

Rickton Huckleberry is a devotee of Yondalla, patroness of the halfling people. As a tall fellow halfling, he is 4 ft tall and very serious. He wears his holy symbol on his neck and it is painted on his shield, the cornucopia reminded people who he serves. As Yondalla is his patron part of his mission is to go out and help halfling communities where he finds them and he attempts to destroy evil which may impact good communities.

I like Rickton!

I like Rickton!

I like him too.

I like Rickton!

Thank you!

Albion, The Eye wrote:

I like Rickton!

I like him too.

Tallfellows are my favorite of the Greyhawk halflings. I hate that they are not in 5e unto themselves.

Contemplating a Cleric of Heironeous Angelfire Apostle (if the whole Party is Good, anyone who is Neutral would be affected badly so I wouldn't choose that Archtype in such a case) or a Herald Caller.

BUT.

There is no Wizard submission at the moment, no Archtype. I'll think on it more.

Contemplating a Cleric of Heironeous Angelfire Apostle (if the whole Party is Good, anyone who is Neutral would be affected badly so I wouldn't choose that Archtype in such a case) or a Herald Caller.

BUT.

There is no Wizard submission at the moment, no Archtype. I'll think on it more.

No, there is no Wizard or sorcerer submission.

So far everyone appears to be of good alignment.

Maybe a multi class Cleric of Heironeous (Angelfire Apostle)/Wizard (Armored Battlemage) and if we play long enough, a dip into Mystic Theurge...

Crap, that's a Magus Archtype, I could have sworn there was an Armored Wizard option, I'll have to keep searching...

Lirillith is True Neutral, like her Wolf.

Lirillith is True Neutral, like her wolf.

Ah, thanks for the heads up! Then I would NOT choose that Angelfire Apostle archtype!

I guess we are basically done, no? :D

- A Hunter and her Warcat
- A Tallfellow Halfling Cleric
- An Arcane something or other :P
- An archer focused monk (might dip into something divine in the future - an Inquisitor?)

Seems like a pretty good group to me.
If needed, we hire a Fighter and a Rogue in town and we are good to go.

Rickton Hucleberry
Halfling cleric of Yondalla 1
NG Small humanoid (halfling)
Init 3; Senses Perception +5
--------------------
Defense
--------------------
AC 17, touch 14, flat-footed 14 (+2 armor, +3 Dex, +1 shield, +1 size)
hp 10 (1d8+2)
Fort 4, Ref 4, Will 6; +2 vs. fear
--------------------
Offense
--------------------
Speed 20 ft. (15 ft. in armor)
Melee short sword +0 (1d4-1 P/19+)
Ranged sling +4 (1d3-1 B)
Domain Spell-Like Abilities (CL 1st; concentration +4)
. . 6/day—touch of good (+1)
Cleric Spells Prepared (CL 1st; concentration +4)
. . 1st—bless[D], command (DC 14), magic stone
. . 0 (at will)—guidance (at will), resistance (at will), stabilize (at will)
. . D Domain spell; Domains Community (Family[APG] subdomain), Good
--------------------
Statistics
--------------------
Str 9, Dex 17, Con 13, Int 11, Wis 16, Cha 15
Base Atk +0; CMB -2; CMD 11
Feats Extra Channel
Traits blessed touch, mediator
Skills Acrobatics +2 (-6 to jump), Climb -2, Diplomacy +3, Heal +7, Knowledge (religion) +4, Perception +5; Racial Modifiers +2 Acrobatics, +2 Climb, +2 Perception
Languages Common, Halfling
Other Gear leather armor, light wooden shield, short sword, sling, backpack, bedroll, belt pouch, candle (10), flint and steel, hemp rope (50 ft.), holy text[UE], mess kit[UE], pot, soap, spell component pouch, torch (10), trail rations (5), waterskin, wooden holy symbol, 41 gp
--------------------
Special Abilities
--------------------
Binding Ties (1 round, 6/day) (Su) Transfer touched ally's condition to self, they are immune while you bear it.
Cleric Channel Positive Energy 1d6+1 (7/day, DC 12) (Su) Positive energy heals the living and harms the undead; negative has the reverse effect.
Cleric Domain (Family)
Cleric Domain (Good)
Fearless +2 bonus to save vs. fear (stacks with halfling luck).
Touch of Good +1 (6/day) (Sp) Grant +1 to skill checks, ability checks and saving throws for 1 rd.

Here he is again, I forgot to give him traits.

OK, while I do plan on multiclassing, I will start as a Wizard (Sword Binder) and at second level become a Cleric of Heironeous (no Archtype). Race Human. I'll have the build and background up within a few days. Looking forward to playing IN Greyhawk again, haven't done that since the 90s!

OK, while I do plan on multiclassing, I will start as a Wizard (Sword Binder) and at second level become a Cleric of Heironeous (no Archtype). Race Human. I'll have the build and background up within a few days. Looking forward to playing IN Greyhawk again, haven't done that since the 90s!

Hmmmm, ok. In that case we do not have our 'Arcane something or other' anymore, and instead have two clerics.

Maybe I should be an Arcane Trickster instead, and just get both Arcane and Rogue-ish stuff sorted.

Storyteller Shadow wrote:

OK, while I do plan on multiclassing, I will start as a Wizard (Sword Binder) and at second level become a Cleric of Heironeous (no Archtype). Race Human. I'll have the build and background up within a few days. Looking forward to playing IN Greyhawk again, haven't done that since the 90s!

Hmmmm, ok. In that case we do not have our 'Arcane something or other' anymore, and instead have two clerics.

Maybe I should be an Arcane Trickster instead, and just get both Arcane and Rogue-ish stuff sorted.

Well, my plan is to go for Mystic Theurge so I will be both, starting as a Wizard.

Albion, The Eye wrote:

Storyteller Shadow wrote:

OK, while I do plan on multiclassing, I will start as a Wizard (Sword Binder) and at second level become a Cleric of Heironeous (no Archtype). Race Human. I'll have the build and background up within a few days. Looking forward to playing IN Greyhawk again, haven't done that since the 90s!

Hmmmm, ok. In that case we do not have our 'Arcane something or other' anymore, and instead have two clerics.

Maybe I should be an Arcane Trickster instead, and just get both Arcane and Rogue-ish stuff sorted.

Well, my plan is to go for Mystic Theurge so I will be both, starting as a Wizard.

Aha, all is sorted then. We are good to go :D

Storyteller Shadow wrote:

Albion, The Eye wrote:

Storyteller Shadow wrote:

OK, while I do plan on multiclassing, I will start as a Wizard (Sword Binder) and at second level become a Cleric of Heironeous (no Archtype). Race Human. I'll have the build and background up within a few days. Looking forward to playing IN Greyhawk again, haven't done that since the 90s!

Hmmmm, ok. In that case we do not have our 'Arcane something or other' anymore, and instead have two clerics.

Maybe I should be an Arcane Trickster instead, and just get both Arcane and Rogue-ish stuff sorted.

Well, my plan is to go for Mystic Theurge so I will be both, starting as a Wizard.

Aha, all is sorted then. We are good to go :D

I still want to see your backgrounds before we start. I want to know what I'll be working with. :)

Albion, The Eye wrote:

Storyteller Shadow wrote:

Albion, The Eye wrote:

Storyteller Shadow wrote:

OK, while I do plan on multiclassing, I will start as a Wizard (Sword Binder) and at second level become a Cleric of Heironeous (no Archtype). Race Human. I'll have the build and background up within a few days. Looking forward to playing IN Greyhawk again, haven't done that since the 90s!

Hmmmm, ok. In that case we do not have our 'Arcane something or other' anymore, and instead have two clerics.

Maybe I should be an Arcane Trickster instead, and just get both Arcane and Rogue-ish stuff sorted.

Well, my plan is to go for Mystic Theurge so I will be both, starting as a Wizard.

Aha, all is sorted then. We are good to go :D

I still want to see your backgrounds before we start. I want to know what I'll be working with. :)

Just as a preliminary. Grew up IN Nyrond, my Father and Mother were part of the Church of Heironeous and expected me to be in the Clergy. PC despite his devotion to his God wished to learn magic and managed to, though political connections, become an apprentice to Otiluke. When he was assassinated, with an unclear idea of what to do next. He stayed in Greyhawk trying to learn magic on his own and combined his Arcane magic with what his parents taught him of bladework (Longsword of course!). Once the Greyhawk Wars started, he went back home to fight for Nyrond. Once I look over the Gaz you suggested, I'll fill in the rest.

Born in the war-torn borderlands of Nyrond, Hedrak’s early life was shaped by hardship. His mother, a Nyrondese woman, never spoke of his father, save for cryptic warnings about the “blood of ruin” running through his veins. From a young age, he was marked by mysterious tattoos—ancient sigils that neither priest nor scholar could decipher.

Orphaned by bandit raids along the Franz River, Hedrak found refuge in a secluded monastic order, one that revered perfection of mind and body through the bow rather than the blade. Trained in the discipline of the Way of the Unerring Hand, he learned to channel his focus into each shot, striking with impossible precision. Yet, as he honed his art, a restless urge grew within him—the call of the wanderer.

Now in Nyrond, a land recovering from war yet still riddled with strife, Hedrak walks the road once more. Whether fate or chance has led him here, he stands ready, bow in hand, silent as the wind before the storm.

Just as a preliminary. Grew up IN Nyrond, my Father and Mother were part of the Church of Heironeous and expected me to be in the Clergy. PC despite his devotion to his God wished to learn magic and managed to, though political connections, become an apprentice to Otiluke. When he was assassinated, with an unclear idea of what to do next. He stayed in Greyhawk trying to learn magic on his own and combined his Arcane magic with what his parents taught him of bladework (Longsword of course!). Once the Greyhawk Wars started, he went back home to fight for Nyrond. Once I look over the Gaz you suggested, I'll fill in the rest.

Okay, Shadow, that is a good start.

Born in the war-torn borderlands of Nyrond, Hedrak’s early life was shaped by hardship. His mother, a Nyrondese woman, never spoke of his father, save for cryptic warnings about the “blood of ruin” running through his veins. From a young age, he was marked by mysterious tattoos—ancient sigils that neither priest nor scholar could decipher.

Orphaned by bandit raids along the Franz River, Hedrak found refuge in a secluded monastic order, one that revered perfection of mind and body through the bow rather than the blade. Trained in the discipline of the Way of the Unerring Hand, he learned to channel his focus into each shot, striking with impossible precision. Yet, as he honed his art, a restless urge grew within him—the call of the wanderer.

Now in Nyrond, a land recovering from war yet still riddled with strife, Hedrak walks the road once more. Whether fate or chance has led him here, he stands ready, bow in hand, silent as the wind before the storm.

Did you change your character's concept from being a vistor to a Nyrondish native?

Wealth 2d6 ⇒ (3, 3) = 6 x 10 = 60 GP

Lirillith Gillantian is a high elf, born into a somewhat wealthy family of Flanaess, in the Vesve Forest. But from an early age the call of the land was strong in Lirillith, she loved nothing more than to be in the woods, shunning outsiders and even other elves. When she came of age wonder lust got the better of her and she took upon herself to lean with the mountain Grugach. Their learning her trade as a huntress. There she also learn the nick of Animal taming, taking a liking to the warcats of the mountings the Grugach used. Taff she has raised from a cub and they are all but inseparable. She has now traveled home to her sisters wedding and is looking for the her next adventure.

Personality:
Shy, hard to trust, but friendly when she knows you. She only knows a few words of common, having not bothered to learn it, but she is trying. Her fath is that of the Green, neutral in things, taking natures view, That Good/evil law/chaos need to be in balance for nature to thrive.

Description.
Well made but Weather warn elf gear, she stands some 6' slim, dark-hair and green-eyes, pale complexion. Clothing color light green pastels, blues and greens and violets. She has a long thin 2h blade, and well made comp long Bow. By her side is her warcat Taff.

IMAGE HERE
Lirillith Gillantian And Taff WarCat

Storyteller Shadow wrote:

Just as a preliminary. Grew up IN Nyrond, my Father and Mother were part of the Church of Heironeous and expected me to be in the Clergy. PC despite his devotion to his God wished to learn magic and managed to, though political connections, become an apprentice to Otiluke. When he was assassinated, with an unclear idea of what to do next. He stayed in Greyhawk trying to learn magic on his own and combined his Arcane magic with what his parents taught him of bladework (Longsword of course!). Once the Greyhawk Wars started, he went back home to fight for Nyrond. Once I look over the Gaz you suggested, I'll fill in the rest.

Okay, Shadow, that is a good start.

Albion, the Eye wrote:

Born in the war-torn borderlands of Nyrond, Hedrak’s early life was shaped by hardship. His mother, a Nyrondese woman, never spoke of his father, save for cryptic warnings about the “blood of ruin” running through his veins. From a young age, he was marked by mysterious tattoos—ancient sigils that neither priest nor scholar could decipher.

Orphaned by bandit raids along the Franz River, Hedrak found refuge in a secluded monastic order, one that revered perfection of mind and body through the bow rather than the blade. Trained in the discipline of the Way of the Unerring Hand, he learned to channel his focus into each shot, striking with impossible precision. Yet, as he honed his art, a restless urge grew within him—the call of the wanderer.

Now in Nyrond, a land recovering from war yet still riddled with strife, Hedrak walks the road once more. Whether fate or chance has led him here, he stands ready, bow in hand, silent as the wind before the storm.

Did you change your character's concept from being a vistor to a Nyrondish native?

Yeah, I thought it could match the half-orc heritage.

Okay. Everyone, we are beginning on Monday (March 31st).

Ok! I'll have everything ready by then!

nice

Solid!

Lirillith Gillantian

Lirillith Gillantian

nice video.

All blond with blue eyes? ;)

Grew up IN Nyrond, my Father and Mother were part of the Church of Heironeous and expected me to be in the Clergy. PC despite his devotion to his God wished to learn magic and managed to, though political connections, become an apprentice to Otiluke. When he was assassinated, with an unclear idea of what to do next. He stayed in Greyhawk trying to learn magic on his own and combined his Arcane magic with what his parents taught him of bladework (Longsword of course!). Once the Greyhawk Wars started, he went back home to fight for Nyrond.

However, as a low level Wizard in a high intensity conflict, his parents made sure that he never went near the front lines. As the Greyhawk Wars continued, the character was relegated to duties at the Church of Heironeous within the capital Rel Mord.

He attempted to politic his own way to becoming an apprentice of Ghiselinn and indeed had an audience with the Archmage once the Wizard had heard he was an apprentice to Otiluke. However, it was apparent that his skill in Wizardy was simply not advanced enough for the Mage to take him on as an apprentice when Ghiselinn had significant duties defending the realm. Thus, he was relegated to defending the Temple while others fought and died.

After the Wars ended, he attempted once more to become apprenticed to Ghiselinn, but he retired from his position in the kingdom and had little interest in teaching a novice. Due to the state of Nyrond, most other prominent Wizards had left the realm as well, and his duties remained the same.

It was not until the attempted assassination of Archibold that his life took a much more interesting turn. He was on hand with his Parents who were directly involved in saving the life of the poisoned King, he had a hand in aiding as well. In return, he was granted one request, he was issued an Adventurer's License.

With that, he began to seek out others who would be interested in joining him to defend the realm which badly needed aid, plus, as he understood it, if he wanted to become a better Wizard, he needed experience! But his victory was short lived as his Parents forbade him from actually suing the license claiming that his Service to the Church came first, even though he was not clergy.

Such was the state of his life until a few months ago when his Parents both passed away fighting an excursion from an adventuring band that owed its allegiance to the Great Kingdom. He decided that it was time, time to take up the mantle of an adventurer and perhaps one day, avenge his parents death.

Storyteller Shadow's submission.

Storyteller Shadow's submission.

I'm impressed.

Van Vynolis wrote:

Storyteller Shadow's submission.

I'm impressed.

Needs editing but this weekend was busier than I expected.

Gameplay thread is up, dot your characters.