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Can a sorcerer hold a loaded crossbow in one hand, and still cast spells using only the other free hand? Thanks!

Jonagher's background is now complete. Let me know if you want to tweak anything. He's there to serve as "glue" for bringing everyone together however you'd prefer.

All I can say is great job, Neil. Lots of detail, and plenty of opportunity for hooks with any of the other PCs. Well done!

With that said, I believe the time has come to get this thing rolling! Look for a link to the IC thread very shortly. :D

Background up (at last!). Let me know if you need me to tweak it, Doc.

It's very good, Eric. I believe the discovery of Saventh-Yhi's existence (or the hint of it at least) is an important part of establishing the storyline of The Serpent's Skull (pending the product release, of course). When those details come out, it's possible that some tweaking may be in order, but for now it's great. One minor fuss, the former Chelaxian colony is spelled Sargava not Sargavia.

Otherwise, wonderful!

Will update his sheet in a moment - actually, since he has a Shield Proficiency (all fighters get it automatically), the armor check penalty for it only applies to Strength and Dexterity based skills. Does it also apply to ACP? Maybe I just misread it.

The combined -3 applies to all STR and DEX based skills, that's correct. ACP is just short-hand for saying Armor Check Penalty, it's the same thing. The upshot is just that, while wearing his armor and carrying his shield, Bran's totals would be Climb +0, Ride +3, and Swim +0.

Also, Bran's father used to be a Pathfinder - perhaps he has a writ with him saying so or perhaps the Society has tracked him down to Absalom? Just some thoughts.

Those are good ideas. I think I've got our intro worked out in a fashion which will let each player have some flexibility in his PC's motive for jumping into the action. Once play begins, you'll be able to go with whatever seems best for Bran.

Edit: Which Knowledge skills do I need to omit? Dungeoneering? Nobility?

You have to have at least one rank put into Knowledge skills to use them, so the only one available to Bran right now would be Geography.

Incidentally, hedgeknight, I really like Bran's background. Got so focused on the mechanics of his sheet, I forgot to mention this.

Great job!

Background tweaked, spells put up, and ready to go tomorrow! Frik is ready to rumble.

Excellent! I'm working on preparing the intro now...I'm struggling a bit with trying to explain why random guys off the street like Frik and Bran would get called on for an assignment for the Pathfnder Society, though. Any ideas would be appreciated.

Maybe when Neil's b/g for Jonagher goes up, the whole thing will come together! (No pressure, Neil). :)

Me too. I'm glad that you liked the idea. Maybe we'll be seeing the Dread Pirate Leopold someday.

Perhaps so! :D

I'll have to see if the adventure gives me a place where I can sensibly integrate some of Frik's background elements.

Thanks David - all corrections made.

Excellent, thanks for your quick work!

Actually, I noticed a few other things as I looked over him again.

1. Flat Footed AC (15) is missing.

2. He can know one other language beyond common.

3. His ACP is -3, including his shield. Could you account for this in the relevant skill totals, please? Something as simple as Climb +0/+3 would be fine (Ride and Swim are also impacted)

4. You've got some knowledge skills listed that he won't be able to use untrained. He'd need at least one rank in those to make a check.

5. I know we're not making a big deal about weight carried, but it looks like his listed load of 99 pounds might be too high (Eyeballing it, it looks high by about 20 lbs. to me). That's just me stickling.

Hmm, sorry I missed these things on the first go 'round. :)

Bran is up and ready for approval. Please let me know what I need to tweak, change, or redo. Looking forward to the start!

hedgeknight,

I looked over Bran's sheet, and I did see a few issues to address.

1. I didn't see a favored class listed on the sheet, but I assume that it's fighter, and I assume that you put the bonus point in skills. You have (6) at the top of your skill point breakdown, but I counted seven ranked skills (which would be correct if you used the favored class skill point bonus).

2. Speaking of skills, all of Bran's ranked skills should be 3 points higher. This is a PF rule that is different from D&D 3.5, so sometimes does get overlooked.

3. I don't explicitly see a longsword listed under his gear, although from his background and combat array, I know he is carrying one. Minor issue.

4. His AC appears to be low by 2 (chain shirt gives +4 AC)

5. His throwing axe attack line should have +3 to hit, 1d6+3 damage.

I'm trying to decide between a longsword and a bastard sword; leaning toward bastard sword figuring he would have been trained to wield in one-handed. Also considering Power Attack as his second Feat and then working toward Cleave, and some Shield-related areas.

Also, as a woodworker and lumberjack, would he be more prone to using a crossbow as a ranged weapon or stick with throwing axes? Or both?

Just interested in what you guys have to say.

Personally, if you're wanting to go with a sword and board type fighter, I'd probably just stick with the longsword. I don't know if the extra damage, on average, is worth burning the feat for proficiency. That's just my personal preference, however.

For ranged weapons, the picture of a woodsman burying the head of a throwing axe in an enemy from 15 feet away is too classic to resist! Supplement with a crossbow, too, by all means, but I like the throwing axe.

Frik's background is done. I didn't reference any other characters so it will be easy to work me in to their background. It isn't a secret. In fact he tells everyone his "hook" nearly as soon as he meets them.

Interesting background. It certainly explains the use of the greatsword very well! I wonder if it might feel more organic to begin the game if there is some connection to the Pathfinder Society...even through a friend/acquaintance who is a member (i.e., one of the other PCs). This would explain why he might be a part of the party more naturally.

Just as a reminder, I would also like to have a list of spells Frik has memorized at the beginning of the game.

Good job!

Here is my character - Bran Morigon - so far I have just a few crunchy bits; working on skills, feats, traits, and equipment and background. Will work on it as I can today and tomorrow - hopefully have him fully done by Sunday night.

Looks like you're off to a good start. For what it's worth, I like the decision to go with the variant, more skill-oriented, fighter. I believe it will serve the party well over the long haul.

hedgeknight wrote:

Another question: is everyone gonna be a member of the Pathfinder Society and choose a region of allegiance?

I can go either way on factor, but Origen is definitely a Pathfinder. If we are faction members, he'd probably be Taldane, but possibly could be Osirion or Andoren.

I imagine that the choice of yea or nay for factions is largely a matter of individual character background. I'm neutral on the issue. If it interests you, feel free to choose one. If not, that's perfectly fine too. I certainly wouldn't try to shoehorn a faction onto a character if it doesn't naturally fit.

Will the background be open for us to look at, or do you want to reveal it in-game?

Eric, I have been operating under the assumption that backgrounds are considered fair game for everyone to read, unless otherwise specified.

It occurs to me that you may not be under the same assumption, and maybe I should have used spoiler tags in discussing Origen's b/g with you in this thread. I apologize if I gave anything away you wanted kept secret.

As far as the "Mists" opening, I can foresee Torden, given some piece of knowledge, grouped with the rest of the group--during which time he discovers what it is Pathfinders do. (Not to put to much into the GM's mouth.)

No, that's fine. PFS Scenarios (as you know, I'm sure) tend to skip over the meet and greet, and jump right in with the action. This is natural, given the time limitations inherent in tournament style games.

As written, 'Mists' makes similar assumptions. It begins with the party assembled and arriving at the trouble spot du jour, with the assignment from the local PF Venture Captain provided as a flashback.

My question to everyone: Would you prefer to role-play the party coming together in a meeting with the Venture Captain instead? In a pbp, we clearly have more time for such niceties, and it could be a fun way to introduce the characters. Your preferences?

As I think I've said three or four times before, I think Torden is up and ready to go :).

Once again . . . please let me know if there's something I missed :)

Having noted the changes made to Torden's sheet, I looked things over again and caught two minor errors.

1. His CMD should be 12 (accounting for STR and DEX bonuses)

2. His ranged attack modifier with his dagger should be +1

Once these small corrections have been made, Torden will be ready to roll. Nice job!

I'd prefer Perception if we could houserule a trait like Suspicious except for Perception (switching out Focused Mind).

I'd be okay with a house rule like this. Call the trait 'Watchful' or 'Alert' or something similar, if you like.

Sully, I had a look at Leofrik's mechanics.

Did you specify a favored class for him? I can't seem to find it on the sheet. If it's cleric, of course, he is entitled to a bonus hit point or skill point.

Otherwise, he looks just fine (pending spells and a background).

hedgeknight wrote:

Worked on some stats last night, just need some advice from you guys. I either gonna play a human or half-elf and I'm trying to decide among three classes: fighter, paladin, or ranger.

Thoughts as to what would best fit the group?

We're going to need a well-armored, high hit point, damage-dealing "tank" of a warrior, because none of the other characters in our party will be capable of that.

Yep, this is absolutely correct. This party will need someone who can stand up front and go toe-to-toe with the hordes of darkness.

Of these three options, my personal inclination is to nudge you toward the fighter. The ranger has the mechanical limitations already described by Neil. The paladin makes me slightly nervous because of alignment strictures and 'The Code'. I know this is a goodly-aligned party, but I'd still want to have some discussion with you about how you'd role-play a paladin (just to head off any party-breaking situations down the line).

And, the fighter variant would be on the table for you if you wanted to pursue that option. No problem.

Crunch should be done. Still working on some background ideas and having a hard time deciding on which to choose. I'll probably make a couple lists of prepared spells for adventuring, day to day, combat expected etc. and list each.

Anyway, ready for review, save background.

Great! I'll take a look tonight or tomorrow, and let you know if I have any comments or questions.

You've almost convinced me to raise Wis to 13 by dropping Origen's Chr to 16 (or Str to 8). I'll also ponder if UMD makes sense given his background.

If you do make any tweaks, please don't forget to remind me here, Eric. I'll want to have another look at the sheet, being the obsessive sort that I am.

I think that the doomed expedition will be an attempt to find Saventh-Yhi, and Origen's mentor was a wizard sage fascinated by Azlant.

Based on what we know so far, I think that sounds perfect.

I figured that the missing NPCs are all really one thread. Also, more NPCs means a chance to ally with more opposed factions in a later adventure, which would increase the tension for Origen. Alternatively, NPC x could show up in adventure 3, where he says that NPCs Y and Z went on without him/her.

However, I could make the lost NPC Origen's sister. That seems more closely tied to his father, and it would simplify his background a bit. What do you think?

I don't really have a strong preference as to whether the lost expedition consists of a romantic interest or only family and friends. I'll still have lots of fun trying to think up nasty things to have happened to them by the time Origen finds them. :D

Actually, Origen doesn't remember learning Aklo: After his period of amnesia, he woke up knowing Aklo and not knowing several other languages that he used to understand. I was envisioning that as an ex-wizard, Origen's Int and Chr were swapped during his re-purposing.

Ah, cool. I like that explanation quite a lot!

I've purposely avoided reading more about the AP to avoid spoilers, so I would appreciate your suggestions as to how to make his background fit better. That seems like it would increase the fun for all parties.

Well, right now, there's not a whole lot to read. The only information I have is the product descriptions for the first five installments of the AP...and even those aren't finalized yet. So, it's pretty hard to do much integration with so little to work with. Actually, I think it might be helpful to go ahead read the product descriptions that are up now. I view it like watching the trailer for a movie. It gives you an idea of what to expect, but doesn't ruin all of the details (well, some trailers do in my opinion, but that's another conversation altogether). The point is, they should be safe for you to read if you want, and might help you put some things together for Origen's background.

Yes on both counts, I think. I left it slightly nebulous to see what you think about that thread.

I have no problem with including a lost love interest if you'd like to. On the other hand, it seems like there's still plenty of motivation without such an element (Origen's missing father and mentor, mysterious amnesia and transformation, etc.) Is it too much maybe? Up to you.

Eric, I've had a good perusal of Origen's sheet.

Mechanically, he looks quite good. One thing I would appreciate is a separate array for his ranged attacks for those times when he is not close enough to benefit from Point Blank Shot. I find that having separate attack lines like this helps me remember to double check whether the feat is in play or not.

Also, I notice a -1 damage penalty for his melee dagger attack, but I don't think that's necessary.

I confess that I was initially a bit dubious about your choice of Aklo as a bonus language for high intelligence. Normally, I would require a rank in Linguistics for such an unusual choice, but having read your background ideas, it seems to be a rational choice for the character. He could have learned the language from his father, so I've decided to let it stand.

Speaking of the background ideas, I think you've got some good seeds there. I am happy to try to weave some of those elements into the ongoing narrative, so long as we don't go too far off the rails of the plot called for in the AP. Interesting questions have certainly been raised here (what happened to Origen's father and the rest of the expedition? What is the source of Origen's amnesia and transformation?), so we'll see how we can integrate things to try and provide some answers. I am curious for more detail about the 'friend's daughter' you mentioned. By 'involved', do you mean that she was a romantic interest for Origen? What has happened to her since, was she also a part of the vanished expedition?

All in all, a very good job. Thanks!

As for the "cause fear" I really wasn't sure which spell to attribute Adept to. I picked that believing that the caster level would increase the save against. However, I'm more than willing to change it--which I'm assuming is okay until play starts.

Of course, there's no problem if you'd like to make small changes like that. Just let me know when you've got Torden's sheet completely done, and I'll give it one final lookover.

Doc:

Origen's crunch is done, so please take a look. Also, I have a very rough outline of his backstory that I'd like your feedback on, Doc.

Sounds good, I'll go over Origen's sheet later today! :)

A few random comments:

1. I'm paying close attention to the dialogue between Neil and Sully regarding the design of Leofrik. Thanks, Neil, for sharing the benefit of your experience! Sully, whatever you decide regarding Frik's weapon is fine with me. The choice between flavor and practicality can sometimes be a tough one. Please let me know when Frik is ready for my review.

2. I'm all in favor of shared backgrounds, guys, so let me know if I can contribute to the endeavor in any way. You all are welcome to be as closely tied to the Pathfinder Society asd you'd like. As has been pointed out, the Pathfinder Society looks to play an important role in The Serpent's Skull, so it should make for a good lead-in to the AP. Of course, there will be three other (not so nice) factions in play too, so I wouldn't want to preclude any 'deal with the devil' type alliances, if it comes down to that. We'll see how the AP plays out this summer, I guess...

3. Eric, Origen's sheet looks pretty complete at a glance, but I'll wait for your go-ahead to start crtitiquing it. Also, I can't wait to see the other PCs' reactions when his unusual nature becomes more fully known. Can't wait. :)

Also to Dr. Impossible and other players--as this is my first time playing a Bard, if you want to offer suggestions to me (outside of the game and after the fact) I'm always open to such.

Thanks for making those fixes for Torden's sheet! Don't forget that all of his attacks have +1 damage due to his Strength score.

I also see a couple other items to address:

First, can you please indicate the amount of money Torden has left after purchasing his possessions? (My hasty math suggests he should still have around 40gp, but I haven't double checked that).

Second, and this is really a matter of design, rather than an error or omission. I'm curious about your rationale for applying Gifted Adept to the Cause Fear spell. The only benefit I can see is an added 5' of range, which seems somewhat trivial to me. Perhaps I'm overlooking something, though.

Finally, since you asked for some character-building advice: In addition to Eric's excellent comment, I direct you to TreantMonk's Lab. Please understand that I am not a big advocate of mandatory 'optimization', and I'm not willing to have you rebuild Torden from scratch. But, having said that, there is a lot of good advice there on how to make the most of your bard (and some of the other classes as well). You may find it good reading.

Work has been kicking the....stuffings out of me this week. I'll work on my fighter/ranger/barbarian thingy and have him/her up by Saturday...hopefully. Great ideas on encumbrance! I hate to keep up with it too.

No problem, hedgeknight. Hopefully things will lighten up in the next couple of days for you. I'm eager to see what you come up with!

Curn_Bounder: Would you mind expanding a couple of the portions of Torden's sheet? Specifically, I'd like to see Touch and Flat-Footed AC totals, and Attack/Damage numbers for his weapons.

Thanks!

EDIT: Also, to my knowledge, he should be able to cast only 2 1st-level spells per day.

EDIT #2: Torden has one additional language available to him from the Dwarven racial list (Goblin, Gnome, Giant, Orc, or Terran)

Thanks to you both. Now to weigh them against Improved Iniative and Spell Focus (Necromancy) . . . .

Decisions, decisions...

Torden should be complete--let me know of any problems.

Can't wait for Monday :)

Me too! :)

I'll go over the stats later this evening or tomorrow, but I read over Torden's background, and I'm very happy with it. It makes me believe that this drum-beating, dwarven bard would travel to the deepest heart of the jungle in search of new knowledge and stories to tell. As it should.

I generally take the same approach you've outlined...i.e., encumbrance doesn't really start creating an impact unless it's grossly over...but armor check penalties always apply.

I think this is exactly how I'll handle encumbrance for this game. As long as nobody gets crazy overloaded, it shouldn't become an issue. No need to retool Jonagher's stats or anything, his gear looks reasonable. :)

Having noted his weapon change to light mace, I declare Jonagher mechanically approved to begin play (with background and decription still pending, of course).

Neil, I looked over Jonagher's sheet.

There's one small snag that I can see. To my knowledge, his club shouldn't be eligible for Weapon Finesse, because it's not a Light weapon.

One other concern...encumbrance. Jonagher's carrying roughly 59 pounds of gear, by my math, which would put him on the upper end of a Medium load. According to the RAW, he should have reduced movement speed, additional ACP skill penalties, yada yada. But, the thing is...I hate Encumbrance, both as a player and as a DM. I'm considering house-ruling out penalites for Medium loads (but Heavy loads would still be enforcible, just to avoid abuse potential). Armor Penalties for medium/heavy armor would still be in effect, however. Thoughts, all?

Sounds great, Neil. And, you raised a good point which I will address to everyone.

While I'm not going to go so far as to require a 'tactics' section on your character sheets, it is really a good idea, and I highly recommend all of you do so. If an extended absence from any player requires me to NPC actions in combat, this is where I would turn for guidance. Please consider it, everyone.

I have some questions about touch attacks.

1) Would Weapon Finess apply to melee touch attacks?

2) I notice that Point Blank Shot and Precise Shot refer to "ranged weapons." Does this include ranged touch attacks? If not, are ranged touch attacks affected by the -4 penalty for shooting into melee?

3) Is the Additional Traits feat an option?

Eric, my answers to these questions are pretty much exactly as Neil so helpfully posted above. I'll let his words stand as my own, with gratitude for saving me the trouble. :D

I'm totally gonna be lurking and paying attention, even if I didn't get my homework done in time for the cut. :)

Mists of Mwangi (and the Serpent's Skull AP) sounds tres cool.

Thanks for the kind words, Set! I'm happy to have you lurk along for the ride. :)

Party rogue statistically completed. Still have to go back and write up background, physical description, personality, and tactics. But this should give you an idea where I'm headed. If you have any comments or further guidance, let me know...

I'll have a closer look at Jonagher later today, and let you know my thoughts.

I was thinking the same thing, Neil. I like the character concept, but it might not work in this setting. I'm up for a human fighter...got several ideas in mind.

This sounds fine, hedgeknight...looking forward to your ideas.

Any idea when you're looking to actually get the ball rolling, Dr. DM?

I was thinking Monday of next week might be a good target date, but it all depends on the length of character creation, of course.

@Everyone: If you could, please do let me know when your character sheets' crunchy bits have been 100% completed, so I can review. As far as I can tell, only Neil's rogue is ready for me to look over thus far. A couple of pointers to keep in mind:

1. Please remember to indicate your character's favored class, and if relevant, whether you took a bonus hit point or skill point at first level.

2. Please don't forget to apply Armor Check Penalties to the necessary skill totals (if you like, include an alternate total for when out of armor, but the 'default' number should be when wearing your armor)

Thanks!

Sounds great, Neil.

Just FYI...in designing my rogue concept, I may take him down the path to Improved Feint to better take advantage of sneak opportunities in combat (aside from flanking).

A design that's not for the feint of heart!

sorry.

Eric Zylstra wrote:

Out of curiosity, could an aberrant-bloodline wizard feint with his unnatural reach? Even if he could, I'll have too few feats to take Improved Feint, but I was wondering about the option.

Let me look into this and get back to you, Eric.

Having looked into it, I can't see any reason why your PC couldn't feint with long limbs. So, the answer to your question is yes, as far as I'm concerned.

Out of curiosity, could an aberrant-bloodline wizard feint with his unnatural reach? Even if he could, I'll have too few feats to take Improved Feint, but I was wondering about the option.

Let me look into this and get back to you, Eric.

I was thinking of a dwarven bard--either with skills in oration or with a mighty war drum--still mulling it over.

So, to sum it up...

Sully - Cleric of Cayden Cailean
NSpicer - Half-Elf Rogue
Eric Zylstra - Human Sorcerer (Aberrant Bloodline)
hedgeknight - Dwarf Fighter
Curn_Bounder - Dwarf(?) Bard

I like that mix, especially given that I've been partial to dwarves ever since I read The Hobbit way back when.

I have definitely decided to DM 'Mists of Mwangi' as our PFS intro adventure. Please write a background for your PC with the character ending up in Absalom, ready to do a job for the Pathfinder Society. This doesn't mean characters have to be full-fledged members, they could also be freelancers brought in for this one job. If your character is a member of the society, and you want to belong to one of the five regional factions, that's fine also...just let me know. Completion of a faction mission will be only for depth of role-playing and the character's story, though. There won't be a tangible reward, per se.

Let me know if you have any questions as you work on character sheets and backgrounds. I'm here to help!

No problem at all, Sully. I certainly wasn't expecting that fast of a turnaround on character creation anyhow! I'm sure we'll get the PCs put together over the next few days, and that will be fine.

Sounds good, Neil. So, with a cleric, sorcerer, and rogue accounted for, it would be a very good thing if either Curn_Bounder or hedgeknight would play a martial character. Otherwise, the party looks well balanced.

Those who have made up their minds can go ahead and start putting together a character sheet (and corresponding alias) any time now.

So far we have a definite cleric and a sorcerer...right?

That does appear to be the case.

Excellent, everyone is present and accounted for! :D

I also like the idea of carrying characters over IF we like them, but have the option of scrapping them if not. We could even do a party "reboot" having all the same characters, meeting up for the first time all over again.

I'm not a huge fan of the 'reboot' idea, but I will have no problem with any of you creating a brand new character if the first is deemed unsuitable for some reason. Still, I'd encourage you to create a PC that you hope to carry over, because I'm going to try my best to create a link between the PFS scenario and the introduction to Serpent's Skull.

Of course, since it will be some time yet before the Skull stuff is available, I can't make any promises. But I'm gonna try. :)

Okay, I'll think more about the sorceror. I was envisioning a gradual physical transformation similar to The Fly. Rather than becoming hideous, however, he would receive a non-human intelligence's version of an idealized human form. The creepy, doll-like handsomeness would make the extendible arms even more disturbing.

Thanks Eric. Now I'll have nightmares tonight.

I think that I'd prefer a non-mandatory option to continue. The adventure could be a good trial run for character concepts as well as party cohesion. This would allow us to keep the characters that are working, but switch out any that aren't working for whatever reason.

This sounds like the way to go, as I think more on it. Characters could be created with the intent to last long-term, but changes could always be made after the short intro adventure, if in the group's best interest.

I'm also really thinking that running Mists of Mwangi might be a fun way to get the party interested in what's happening down in Garund. That scenario is set in Absalom, which really would be no more or less difficult a launching point than Cassomir. Either way, it's a long boat trip to Sargava. :)