I'm still not sure what you're trying to get at. My point was that I don't think anything but straight text is necessary (or desirable, for me personally, as I prefer a novel-like style).
The more I think about it the more I agree with Rhylis. Is using different text necessary if we tell our story in a novel-like storytelling style? Not really. That is what quotation marks are for. It just creates more work for us to switch text styles all the time. Besides, italicised and bolded text have conventional uses as well.
I vote for straight text....we'll settle this at the end of the week before action begins.
Durgan was among a team of Dwarves from the 5 Kingdoms who were in Almas on a seasonal trade mission. He and Cameric now head north to Olfden, en route to Falcon's Hollow. I will make more entries soon to introduce the rest of the characters into the narrative...
The Shop of Fangan the Smith, Almas
15 Rova, 4709 AR
Durgan and Cameric:
Nestled on a quiet alley in the Dwarven quarter of Almas - Capital of Andoran - is the well kept smithy of Fangan the Master Blacksmith. The floor is cleanly swept. The oak counter is polished clean. A fire roars in the pit. The burly smith stands at the counter immersed in conversation with fellow dwarf, Durgan Stoneshield.
Fangan sees Cameric enter and nods in greeting.
"Ahh. The bastard. It is ready. Durgan, my friend...this is Cameric - the man with the bastard of whom we spoke. You know where the blade is - can you please fetch it for us?"
As Durgan leaves to fetch the sword, Fangan continues:
"Durgan will be accompanying you in the caravan to Darkmoon. He has his own business there. He can be relied on, sir."
Durgan returns with Cameric's sword.
"Thank you, Durgan. . A very special blade and unusual - even for a bastard. There are few who know how best to wield such a thing, but a wizard? ...
... So they're sending you away to The Vale? You think they want to be rid of you, eh? Well just so you know...I do business with many an old Legionnaire. These men are not stupid. You can be sure that it does matter to them what you do up there. I hear that Odeber's men in Adamas are not particularly popular in the lumber camps of Darkmoon. They need a fresh face there to help the local sheriff...and look out for Andoran interests. That would be you, I gather. Well I hope for your sake you can wield this blade...and wield it well. The Vale is a dangerous place...so I hear.
Now, Sir Cameric. Allow me to show you what I found while cleaning up this blade for you...I can't say I know what it means."
Fangan uses a pair of long tongs to pick up a white-hot ember from the fire. He places the ember on an anvil and rests Cameric's blade onto it from a point just above the sword's haft. Using bellows he stokes the burning coal. After a minute of stoking he grabs a leather belt and uses it to raise the blade. Where the metal is discoloured from the heat you can see the faint lines of a rune, finely imprinted on the blade just above the haft. The rune starts to fade as the blade cools. You do not recognize the rune.
Once the sword is cool, Fangan expertly cleans the blade and applies tung oil before handing it to its owner.
Cameric, The blade looks like brand new and it feels great to hold it in your hand once more.
I just need to shop for equipment and put my backstory one paper if the DM so desires.
As long as the backstory is in your profile I am happy, Mikael.
I think the backstory is great, however Cameric has not yet succeeded in convincing the Legion's leaders of adopting any of his proposals at all. On the contrary, it appears they are trying to avoid him by sending him to a remote and dismal outpost in Darkmoon Vale, where his proposals are likely to remain unrealized for quite some time. Such is the respect that wizards hold in the military ranks these days.
Please think of how you will describe the sword at the opening of the game. Where did Cameric acquire it? I have an idea of what its metallurgical properties might include.
What region is Adamas and Olfden in, so I can look up the basic information of the area in my primer?
Olfden is the main town in the Darkmoon Vale region. Adamas is a significant military fortification nearby and home to the Diamond Regiment, who follow the banner of Iomedae.
The adventure will likely begin on the road from Olfden to Falcon's Hollow - a lumber town at the eaves of Darkmoon Wood.
If Boomer is travelling in from Absalom - that would work. There is also a large Gnomish settlement - the city of Brastlewark - which lies West of Andoran on the other side of the Aspodell range.
Just got Hero Lab and love it - very user-friendly and seems complete, best character developer I've seen. Thanks for the recommendation, Rhylis and Kornin!
The Arthfell forest used to be far greater in size than it is today, but has not been home to Elves since elder days. It is told that old and fey power still gathers in the northern, Darkwood groves near Falcon's Hollow - which are now sundered from the larger forest to the south. The fate of theses unique forests might interest an elven traveller. May I devise a plothook for Valaerdrel along these lines?
I think the bold or italics for actual speech coming from the character, otherwise, everything else in character can be handled by effectively in regular text. Considering that the ooc stuff is also going to be there, limiting the variations in the text will help emphasize them when they do occur and keep them from getting overlooked.
Where would you like Boomer to come from, Sunshadow? Since he is so well travelled he need not be from the region. There is a noted gnomish alchemist who resides in Adamas, near Olfden. I might involve him in some kind of plothook for Boomer. The unusual Geothermal activity in the region could be a potential draw for an alchemist as well.
I have to say I am not very fond at all of these format differentiations.
They just seem lazy to me -- it's done in neither books nor novels and I personally see no reason why they should be used in roleplaying. To differentiate between inner monologue, dialogue, feelings or expressions should be done the same way it is done in novels: by making it clear, in writing, that they are one and not the other.
You make a good point. Those differentiations can be messy and bothersome. Everyone here can write well enough without needing them. I'll wait to hear what others have to say and then make a ruling.
I'm usually a strong proponent of giving XP not for combat or beating monsters, but for completing stories, quests and specifically for good roleplaying, but I can live with that.
So, any idea when we'll get started?
Good roleplaying is has its own rewards. I can't judge how well you play your character. I hope you play the way you like without worrying about how I feel about it.
Maybe I can award something for "style". Just for fun. I have to think about that.
But I can reward your character's success or failure to meet a challenge.... It will not be all combat, either.
I plan to start action by Friday. I will open a thread even sooner to introduce the characters.
Thanks for your patience. Hope it's not too slow for you.
Edziza, one last question before we get started, I swear! Would you prefer our posts to include or exclude what's happening with our characters mentally (thoughts/emotions/reactions/etc.)? I've seen it done both ways. When it's included it feels a little more like reading a novel because you get a peek inside the heads of the PCs, but without it, everyone is reacting to what they observe only - we can only guess at what the others are thinking and feeling from facial expressions, body language, and the like - which is perhaps a little more true to life. Any preference?
May I suggest the following conventions?:
Plain text is for third person narration of observable events(description).
"text in quotations is in first person"
"use bold when quoting character speech" text in italics is for omniscient third person narration. Character thoughts may be described here or "quoted" ooc text looks like this
eg.
The DM wants to make sure that the players are free to express themselves as they see fit. He thinks, "That was a good question Valardriel asked. I often wondered about this when reading other pbp threads. I am delighted that he brought it up here"
He types his response.
"Here is how I see it. Others may wish to weigh in on this.
I see PbP as a collaborative storytelling excercise. Everyone brings something unique to the thread. Some prefer to show the emotions of their character through the description of the characters' external actions (show don't tell). That works very well. Others like to describe the inner thinking of their character. I do not wish to restrict any player from exploring a style they like to narrate in.
If you do like to show a character's thoughts, please make sure that the distinction between interior thoughts and exterior actions is very clear. That way other players can be clear on what their characters do or do not know about your character. "
That's a hard question to answer straight up. While it gives higher numbers for levels, it's also relevant to know how much XP you're planning to award, and for what. Just for monster encounters? Are you going to reward good roleplaying, or give extra XP for 'solving' a situation non-violently, or for trying to find a better solution than the easiest one?
I will be rewarding XP for problem solving in general. For example, by slaying the beast who is attacking. Or by tricking your way past an enounter etc..
At first I intend to follow suggestions in the published material. The consensus appears to be for medium progression = perhaps that is safest.
I don't think I will reward XP for just roleplaying per se. There has to be a challenge to the characters. There are other kinds of rewards as well.
Regarding level progression: We will follow the written rules when progressing, however I think that characters should activley work on the skills, feats and abilities in which they are progressing. Use role playing to demonstrate aspects of training and preparation as you advance the character to the next level. Drop some hints here and there.
Abilities should not just magically appear from nothing when you reach a level.
Haha, I love that one of my defining features is that I wield a bastard sword. Priceless!
Well, Cemaric Eagle Knight you'd better kick ass with that thing! cackle
Cameric wrote:
Quick Question: I can wield a bastard sword two-handed when attacking and hold it in one hand when casting spells, right?
That make sense.
Pfsrd: To cast a spell with a somatic (S) component, you must gesture freely with at least one hand. You can't cast a spell of this type while bound, grappling, or with both your hands full or occupied.
So here is a final list. I shall create an OOC thread in short order...
Boomer - Alchemist
Rhylis - Conjuror
Cameric - Abjuror
Kornin - Cavalier
Hedgenight - Cleric
Doug - TBA
I'll withdraw my submission. You've got a large span of characters into which my character would rather stand out in. Hope you all have fun. *courteous nod*
That's for taking the time on this thread, Me'mori.
Well we have 5 characters. Doug's is on the way. The materials I am using were written with smaller, less powerful groups in mind. That is why I wanted a party with no more than 5 characters...
But I really want to see what Doug comes up with. And I hate to turn anyone away....
I am flying by the seat of my pants here anyway...so...sure I'll take a 6th player. What the heck. I'm going to have to learn how to improvise and adjust the challenges anyway. Once Doug submits his character I'll need some time to look them all over and help you flesh out the backgrounds., etc.
Perhaps it`s best that everyone pick whatever kind of character they like. We don`t need meat tanks or glass canons or blasters.
I understand now that the bastard sword may be doable in the RAW. And I do want to see Cameric end up with a kick-ass arcane blade..but I am still wrapping my head around the idea of a level 1 wizard with a big bastard sword...not sold yet.
re: Traits. You may select traits from any source. You can even make them up. But they have to be "balanced" and I have to approve it. That's all. Although I prefer core classes...I am open minded about traits...be creative with traits! Also, please specify how they work. If they are not in the PFSRD then you will need to elaborate.
Boomer - wandering cook/alchemist/scribe. I dig the idea of this character. Great choice for the high roller. Earlier you mentioned entomologist (or was it etymologist?). If there is a particular rule for it please elaborate. Either way I think a scientist/scholar -type would be a great choice with the stats you have. ....oh I see...clearly he is a linguist...so etymologist it is....also interesting.
FYI. Darkmoon Vale is known for it's highly unusual and bizarre geomorphological features. The stratovolcano Droskar's Crag is probably the highest peak in Golarion and you'll find all kinds of wierd volcanic activity happening around the place.
I have avoided playing Alchemists in the past because I was always worried aboyt having to having to keep track of all kinds of materials , potions, knick-knacks and gee-gaws. If you like keeping inventories then it's a great choice. A scholarly-type druid might also work. (with those stats you can really think outside of the box)
Cameric: that bastard sword will make a clumsy melee weapon for your abjuror at level 1. (-4 without martial proficiency) But you probably wish to wield it anyway as your bonded object. I don't think the heirloom trait ought to stack with the +1 masterwork quality it already has as a bonded object. It is a bit hard to make sense of it though. How does a wizard bond with a sword he has no training to wield? Why a sword? (or maybe you should start his career as a fighter?)
Doug. The party is looking short on muscle...something to consider. But a party without a warrior might be very interesting too.
So far we have 5 terrific submissions in the works....with Doug working on one as well. Am I missing anyone?
I Dmed for 11+ years and I know how it is when you start allowing a ton of books into the game, gets WAY complicated way quick if your new at Dming. (I own so many books it would drive you mad!)
Thank you for the the character, Rin.
I think Cavalier class was made for the halfling. (Any mounted class for that matter) And they can carry more hardware pound for pound too. That AC is through the roof!
Make sure that all the armour check penalties are accounted for, eh?
There are in fact no nomadic halfling tribes in the Andoran which I envision.
Suggestion: What if he starts as a stablehand in the garrison at Adamas, who is constantly "overlooked" by the warriors there due to his stature. So he takes his carreer into his own hands and sets off to be a knight errant?
Regarding wolves...perhaps - while he was an infant - he was discovered in the keeping of a wolf by one of the Diamond Regiment paladins while on a war mission in the Arthfell forest?
You are able to tap into the living energy of the world to shatter lesser magic.
Benefit: You gain a +1 trait bonus on caster level checks while touching the ground or unworked stone. This includes dispel checks and checks to overcome spell resistance.
I will pull out of any consideration for this game. I am in quite a few already, and will bow out so that as many others that aren't involved with as many games get a chance.
Edziza, if you want to offer up my stat rolls to someone else, please feel free to do so. Good luck with the game, and have fun.
Thank you for participating, Talomyr. Check back on us some time, will you?
muttering ..even though your rolls helped drive up the group average, grumble :-)
Talomyr may be a gentleman offering his rolls to others. But the DM is not as generous. The rolls were Talomyr's alone.
Phew, managed to edit the character description in just in time, I think. Responding nevertheless because, I believe, RSS feeds won't catch up on the edit ... at least mine usually don't.
Y'know, it's rather curious that Hero Lab lists your Memorized Spells as Spells Known and ... doesn't actually list the spells in your spellbook.
Good stuff, Von Doom. Although I am curious about the restricted schools.
I always imagined conjurors as the types who should also study abdjuration. Imagine (at high levels) summoning a powerful infernal creature...without powerful wards to protect. Just a thought. But it's your character, who am I to say?
.... and the character will surely be dead before she gets to that level anyway. evil cackle .
@ Dm: You are only using core books correct? Nothing from the genius guides or anything like that for classes?
I will try and post more later, working 18hrs tonight so posting on my blackberry lol.... its hard to type much
Please take whatever time you need, Rin. Are you still thinking about a halfling cavalier?
Mikael Sebag, I remember now that you wish to play a Wizard/Fighter. Perhaps it would make more sense to try the Magus class, rather than having to multiclass. I will take the time to read it through. Go ahead and make a Magus if you like.
Out of curiosity, are you allowing the Magus playtest class?
I did put a lot of thought into this....I started to write a long explanation about why I am reluctant about it....then I realized that I was spending too much time thinking about a new test class and not about the coming adventure....which is exactly why I wish to stick with core rules and APG.
Since coming from Cheliax is an option but non-core races are not, would it be alright to essentially use the Elf race and 'fluff it up' character-wise as a Tiefling? I don't have the expanded Tiefling options available, but presumably the descendant of a more caster-y devil type could easily be made to fit with the Elf stats.
I can just play an Elf, mind you, and won't be cross if you say no, but I'd like to try the story potential of a Tiefling.
Also, since you mention first concepts should be brief and all -- we aren't going to be brief about descriptions in general throughout the game, are we?
Sorry Von Doom. I am excited that you wish to play a devillish caster type of character from Cheliax. That would be very interesting, however I would like to stick with core races this time. (Tieflings are probably not going to show up in the campaign at all). If you like we can work on a cool infernal trait or two to enhance the character. Let's keep it in mind.
About description. I like lots of description in general. I just want to keep things concise to start with. My impression in previous campaigns has been that characters will start with elaborate character backgrounds before the characters are even played. I always envisioned a style of playing that allows elaboration and detail to emerge through play. I think some of the best characters develope that way. Create an open-ended seed for your character. Then let's see how the character grows.
I guess I am also a little overwhelmed with the prospect of being a DM. I don't want to get swamped with tonnes of player information in the beginning. Eventually you will add as much description as you like...just come up with a brief headline for the purposes of recruitment. It can be more that 3 lines if necessary.
I also realize that you are putting alot of effort up front in creating the character. Since I can only select 5 characters, I wouldn't want people to put through all that effort up front only to find they are not selected.
Falcon's Hollow: a miserable lumber town at the eaves of Darkmoon Wood, where darkwood is hravested. Home to lumberjacks, greedy consortium roughnecks and other ill-smelling rif raff. PC's are likely to be lumberjacks or poor sods in general, if they come from here.
Olfden
Large Town conventional (mayor); AL NG
The largest town in the vale and centre for local resource extraction industries (ie. logging). A large conventional town. The largest temple here is the Temple of the Sun (Sarenrae).
Arthfell Forest: A large and mysterious wood. Known home to packs of lycanthropes and other fell beasts. The northern eaves of the forest are patrolled by the Rangers of the Fangwatch. An outdoorsy sort of character from the Olfden area may have dealings with the Fangwatch.
Aspodell Mountains: The Aspodell Rangers patrol the territories along the Cheliax border. They have no allegiances in the rivalry between Cheliax and Andoran. A character may come from the Piren's Buff area have dealings with the these Rangers
Adamas: A fortress and Citadel near Olfden in Darkmoon Vale. Home to the Diamond Regiment (commander and Iomedaean Paladin: Ingrid Odeber). A suitable place for a for a lawful regimental character to come from. The soldiers of Adamas patrol the region looking to bring law and order.
Five Kings Mountains: Wild and inaccessible to most people. Dwarf characters might be compelled to leave their mountains stronholds to explore ancestral territories at the foot of Droskar's Crag, .
Wolfrun Hills: Rugged and wild hills patrolled by the Greenfire Circle. The Grotto of St. Elth of Sarenrae is found here. Outdoorsy types may have dealings with the Greenfire Circle.
Fangwatch: An organization of Rangers who patrol the Arthfell forest and Darkmood Vale to protect the forests and people from the Werewolves who plague the region.
Greenfire Circle: An organization of Druids and their followers. Their mission: bring peace to the humans, fey and forests of the vale. Active in the Wolfrun Hills and Darkmoon Wood.
A treehugging type of character might have dealings with them.
Oregent. A small city down the road from the Vale and headquarters of the Lumber Consortium.
Piren's Bluff: Border town guarding the Aspodell Mountain passes to Cheliax. Relations between Cheliax and Andoran are strained. The allegiance of this town are suspect. Smuggling thrives here.
Brastlewark: Centre for Gmonish culture. Thriving manufacturing centre on the other side of the Aspodell Mountains in Cheliax.
Cheliax: Powerful people in Cheliax eye the Darkmoon Vale as a region which they feel should belong to them. They have their own designs on the region. A character might come from Cheliax and somehow be involved with such schemes.
Almas: grand capital of Andoran. The government wishes to protect its borders with Cheliax, although the Vale is somewhat remote and ignored by Almasians at large.
Augustana: Naval harbour of Andoran. Principle market for Darkmoon lumber.
Do you want us to post that information in this thread or send it to you via email?
You can post the information in your profile for your character. You are welcome to email me as well if you do not wish to post it for everyone to see yet.
I am back from my holiday. Thank's for trying this out and making these rolls.
On average everyone rolled a 22 point buy. Pretty high if you ask me!
I was kind of hoping it would be lower...but I will honour the plan as proposed.
Now you get to choose whether to build a character with the stats you rolled or
with a point buy of 22.
If you choose a character with truly exceptional rolls...his/her background will have to reflect a truly exceptional character (that means you, Doug Maynard and Sunshadow. 44/41 points! My Word! :-).
Any further submissions may use the 22 point buy only.
What I am looking for:
1. A concise 1-3 sentence-long background concept for your character indicating what brings the character to Falcon's Hollow. I will propose some suggestions and information on the region soon. Use the Pathfinder Wiki or local guides for ideas if you like. Details on the region may ultimately diverge from what is written, of course. I am not looking for alot of detail. I am hoping the detail will emerge as we play. If your background idea does not quite work I promise not to discount it and I will provide suggestions.
2.Description. Brief...even point form if you like.
3. Select two traits which make sense for the background of your character. Subject to approval at the DM's whim. I will discuss it with you if it doesn;t work.
4. Select Feats and Allocate Skill points (These can be adjusted later - I just want a general idea of where you are going with the character)
5.Average starting gold. (Please do your shopping after the characters concept is made and character selected - no need to rush on this) If you have any specfific equipment in mind you can certainly mention it.
6. Core races only. APG classes are OK. Select archetype and class options.
7. Evil characters are shunned.
8. No need to Rush!. I need some time to get my act together here myself. I'll post some information Darkmoon Vale in a couple of days and set a deadline for submissions at that time.
If I take a while to post, I apologize. I am generally busy 4 days out of a week....so the frequency of my posts will vary a little as I go. On average it will be 1-2 times a day
I will be selecting up to 5 PC's for this adventure.
I hope you are as excited about this as I am.
Thanks for rolling, folks. I shall make my calculations and request submissions right after Christmas. I already see some "flaws" with the ability generation scheme I proposed, however I shall stick to to the method I suggested and count everyon'es first roll. (too late to go back now). I'm sure it will all work out in the end.
Players who roll exceptionally well might end up choosing the average point buy as well. Or not. Just choose whatever you think will be most interesting or fun for your character...when the time comes.
After Christmas - when I present the optional point buy - I shall provide a brief guide with a few optional suggestions for player backgrounds in the Darkmoon region.
I see some folks here are new to the PbP experience. That's great. Welcome aboard.
Keep 'em rolling! Thanks and Merry Christmas...holiday...whatever you celebrate!
I would like to try my hand at DMing. Can I interest anyone in a sandbox-style, 1 or 2-post-per-day PbP campaign set in Darkmoon Vale? I would plunder some of the Pathfinder Modules which take place in that setting, among other things. I do not expect to be ready to start until at least three weeks from now, but by opening this thread early I hope to get a reading of player interest and perhaps exchange some ideas in anticipation of an adventure.
The adventure will begin in the gritty lumber town of Falcon's Hollow, nestled in the mountainous, forested and temperate wilderness of Darkmoon Vale on Andoran's northwest frontier . The campaign will probably follow paths suggested in the published Pathfinder modules - but who knows where the characters will take it?
It should be noted that with this campaign I will take my first crack at DM'ing in many years (I once DM'd a Warhammer Fantasy Campaign - a long time ago.) I'll probably start cranking out cliche's, exploring familiar territory and following published material early on - just to get my feet wet. (I'm just letting you know in case you consider yourself an experienced gamer and seek something on the cutting edge).
I shall provide some further information to help prospective players come up with more detailed character concepts at a later time. To begin I would ask that anyone interested roll their stats and announce the character class they would like to play. I would welcome a one-line description of your character idea....but you will have more time to think about concepts later. I require nothing detailed at this time.
Here is how it will work.
1. Roll stats for a level 1 character. 4d6 - drop 1.
2. Calculate the point value of the character you rolled...using the standard point buy values from the PFSRD. Include this in your post.
3. Select the character's Race (core only)and class (APG classes welcome.)
4. Once I have a good list of submissions I will calculate a median point value and announce it on this thread. When the time comes to submit a character concept you will have the opportunity to choose between the stats you rolled (allocated to the abilities of your choice) or of building a character using the listed median point value as the point buy target.
5. Starting wealth will be determined in a similar random/average way.
6. Characters will begin with 2 Traits subject to DM approval.
I would also like to know what you think about the ability generation scheme I am proposing. Any questions or suggestions? The idea is to allow the variation that comes from rolling ...while still allowing characters with poor rolls to opt for a build which approaches the average level of the party.
