GM Tempest's page

Scribing a scroll - if I can copy Mage Armor from my spellbook, I'd prefer that.

Sure thing.

In the morning, Pricess Almah tells you that she knows that a monastery to Sarenrae stood near the village of Kelmarane, and that the ruined building would make a much better base of operations for the coming battle for the gnoll-held village—yet chances are good that the monastery is far from abandoned.

The merchant princess also informs you that she desires that you scout ahead and deal with any potential threats, as you've already proven yourself capable assets of the caravan. She does expect to pay you of course, to the measure of 200gp upon completion, and hands Uzma a map of the local environs.

Note: Images updated

Alright. Shall we give our little collection of researchers a name?

Just thinking that Ignavius, as that will be our primary focus, especially in the beginning. Something along the lines of the the Researchers League of the Arcane? or Illuminates Thassilonus? Could be anything you guys think is cool really.

Your connection and the kickstart to the adventure will be Charia Salvus (reskinning of Sheila Heidmarch, in case any of you play PFS, the Heidmarch manor & the family will not be in our Magnimar - and the society will not be a major part of the this story) Charia is the primary financial backer of your researcher group.

Also, it's probably going to be necessary to have some stronger ties to the rest of the group, Gara. I could see something solid with Kael as you two mentioned. Probably should make something a little more solidified there, plus adjoin with someone else?

All in all, looking good guys. I'm going to start the gameplay thread tomorrow morning.

Alright, I don't mind. I'll likely be trying to stay at the best in in the city, just let me decide which one that is... Hmm...

I know literally nothing if this city :P

Maybe this will help?

Feel free to dot in here if you wish...

You all have your fill of food, and then the rites and burial are observed for Eloais. Father Zastoran adds a few words about the All-Seeing-Eye, and praises Eloais for her service for Princess Almah. He then gives opportunity for Almah to speak, who declines, and then any others who wish. After that, everyone dismisses to their respective beddings, and the guards start their evening watches. Garavel reminds you to see the Lady Almah in the morning.

Would it be possible for her to have some sort of a reputation I'm the district? Even something as innocuous as people in taverns saying "be wary of a red haired beauty?"

I would say that's certainly possible. Especially if it's only in the district and generalized/innocuous such as that.

If we wish to have discussions at the meal to gain more information, feel free. Otherwise, I can fast forward to the funeral or even the next day. Feel free to dictate the pacing. I don't want to push to far. This adventure can be kinda Railsy as is. Whatever you guys wanna do.

Go ahead and dot in here guys. Once everyone's here, you can start connecting to each other. I'd like everyone to be connected to at least two other PCs in the party, if not more. Looking to start Thurs/Fri if we can...

Suddenly, I feel like this adventure is going to turn into the Seven Samurai, but the Samurai are the bandits this time. Anyways, here’s the Seven in order of appearance in post:

William Nightmoon - Gara Voreata - Pride
Storyteller Shadow - Genevieva Ree - Lust
Ignuspyre - Kael Torrin - Wrath
Chapel36 - Seyllana - Envy
Seth86 - Angelos Ree - Gluttony
Harakani - Ignavius - Sloth
Teiidae - Magnus Harzhor - Greed

Head on over to discussion guys!

May not be the most balanced mechanic-wise, but in the end I want to see the best collaborative story told, and this is who I’m choosing to try and do that. If you didn’t make it, perhaps there will be a spot that opens up in the future for you. There are a couple I feel real bad about not picking, but there it is.
Happy gaming everyone!

Hey guys, so today is decision day! Just now able to get on (crazy site issues lately).
So obviously we had some real solid character concepts, and I have the unfortunate job now of breaking some hearts. Nothing personal, of course. I just don’t think I’ve got enough to run two tables honestly, so without further chatter, I’m in the process of finalizing right now. I’ll have the Seven selected in around an hour.

Note: Clyde & Cuan, I did see the posts and updated with changes.

Spreadsheet updated.

One more day for submissions. At this point, I think I am only going to run one table, simply based on the applicants, just so everyone is aware.

"It IS curious, however, what the pugwampi hoped to accomplish."

"Indeed," the lady Almah replies. "I guess as we haven't any answers, we will proceed as intended for now. If any new information arises, we can alter our course if need be. In the morning, I have a task for you lot. For now, make sure you've had enough to eat, and then we'll see to the burial of Eloais and then get some much needed rest."

”Has any arrangements for Eloais’ rites been made?”

"We have prepared the body and dug a hole. We thought it best to regroup and let things settle, to see what we were dealing with. We will look have a ceremony once everyone has eaten," Almah replies.

Still planning on submitting a character...looks like a changeling bard pirate-wannabe eyeballing Greed. Still have to decide on traits and equipment.

Quick question: Campaign traits from other APs are OK, correct, if justified in the character's backstory? In particular, Trap Finder from Mummy's Mask for an arcane PC to help cover that role?

That would be fine, yes.

"What news from the camp since our departure?"

"Nothing really to report on our end. Most set up to sleep for the evening after a light meal. The guards were just getting ready to set watches for the evening," Almah replies.

Phntm888 wrote:

GM Tempest wrote:

I will be accepting applications for two weeks. That means that Monday, June 12th will be the cutoff date.

First post in the thread :).

I read 170 messages, only to miss that. AWESOME.

XD

Ok. I was going to wait to see if anyone else wanted a chance to do anything, but I can just respond, if you all wish. Didn't want to steam roll forward too fast and not give everyone their chance to do something if they wished.

One of the guards outside Princess Almah's tent opens the flap, allowing you to enter. Upon seeing you at the entry way, Almah and Garavel cut their discussion short and the merchant princess motions for you to enter.

"Back so soon? That's good. It's rather dark now. Who knows what we could find out here in the desert night? So..." she looks to each of you and then her eyes land on Dashki, and then back to the rest of you. "Any news of this Pegwanty?"

Been having a bit of trouble nailing down my character completely, but I should definitely have her done for this weekend.

Roger.

In that case would you be ok with me getting you a printscreen of the page with the archetype in order to be able to use it?

I would.

A question: Do you have access to Legacy of the First World?

I do not.

Spreadsheet updated

As Rafyyk and Korum look around the camp, they see everyone except Lady Almah and Garavel. Two guards, stand armed outside of Almah's tent, keeping watch.

I think my Wizard Evoker going Hellknight isn't on the spreadsheet.

Did you forget to post it? I reread all the posts and didn't see a stat block or profile or anything.

The Yaddithian would be for the arcane table, probably looking at Pride or Greed for his sin. I'll probably submit a former Gray Maiden squire for the other table.

You got the green light. Go for it.

GM Tempest would you be ok with a Yaddithian, considering the race explanation I posted above.

I don't have Bestiary 6, so if you wanna get me a link, and let me know why that specific race, I'll let you know.

Setting a table is always the tough part when you get a lot of quality submissions.

Yeah, I'm going to have to make some tough calls. Privileges and responsibilities, I guess. Always rather having to apologize to some not getting in, than only having a few applicants though, I suppose.

Also, sheet will be updated.

Hey guys, here's the applicant's sheet so far, if you want to see what we're looking like so far. If I missed you, please holler!

Spreadsheet

This looks like it has interesting possibilities.

How evil do you plan to get? I like games that are grim and gritty, but I don't want to be in a game where people are saying "I rape her then I cut her heart out and eat it!"

I note you are running two tables. Can we submit one character for each?

I have a mind to submit Zuru Chan. There's no backstory for him yet because I had no idea what campaign he would end up in when I came up with him, but he's a shadow/illusion focused witch with the Ley Line Guardian (which turns him into a spontaneous caster, because I prefer those). I thought it would be neat to play a character like that. He wasn't designed to be evil necessarily but he could fit in within an evil game. Sin would be pride, obviously (as an illusionist).

meeko wrote:

So, am I safe to assume that Necromancers with undead hordes are also unwelcome at the table? what about summoning focused classes like conjuration wizards?

This is a good question. The other character I would be inclined to submit is Akurna Kenezor. She is a changeling cleric of Anubis, and is meant to be an undead horde necromancer type. Akurna is actually in a game right now, but I suspect that game is doomed because the GM very rarely posts (maybe twice a week, and two players have already disappeared). Her background is very detailed and the only thing that would need to change is the end bit of where she went after leaving Osirion. Like Zuru she is not intended to be evil (she is LN), but works pretty well in an evil game.

Peet

1) I am planning on running two tables, and you may submit for both (see first post), though this is dependent on applications.

Here is my sin mage of greed wizard/arcanist.

Octavian Harzhor.

Link shows no paizo person?...

@GM Tempest

GM Tempest wrote:

"Class: ANY Paizo, except summoner. Don’t have a problem with the class, but that makes too many things on the field for this adventure."

So, am I safe to assume that Necromancers with undead hordes are also unwelcome at the table? what about summoning focused classes like conjuration wizards?

I have a necromancer wizard or wich in mind, so I just want to get this clarified before I invest allot of time planing from 1-20. I don't mind coming up with another concept, I just want to know that the concept I stick with will be on an even keel with other applicants.

Thanks again for the quick replies!

No, those classes and roles are perfectly fine. I know it seems like a weird delineation, but it just works for me best that way.

Uzma leads the seven of you back to the Sultan's Claw, while Dashki brings up the rear careful to scuff most of the tracks out to prevent any by chance followers.

Also, I will link a spreadsheet over the weekend. I've had jury duty, so I've been a little busy. Sorry guys. Keep up the submissions. Looking great!

@GM Tempest Love the idea, I have never played shattered star so this sounds like fun!

Quick question about the "arcane" Table, you allow all paizo classes, would a psychic from the occult adventures be considered for both tables?

Good call. I guess I was still stuck in the old mindset. Way to keep the paradigm shift. I am going to say that any Occult classes will only be considered for the ALL CLASSES table (still assuming we have both).

Also, if all submissions could have an alias profile, that would make linking a lot easier for me.

@Gara
"Hmm... Honestly what would an honorable tyrant fall under? Pride?"
-That would seem logical enough, though it looks as though he could be left open for a few, which isn't a bad thing.

Yes. Been trying to get on since last night. Not really able to.

Not sure if it's cuz everyone's on post-con? Either way, yes.

In case it was overlooked:

@GM Tempest - The crunch for my character is done, but I'm having some trouble with the background. I looked over the Shattered Star Player's Guide, but it seems that beyond membership in the Pathfinder Society there is very little to anchor a character. Can you pull the curtain back a little and share how we will know each other or work together if we are not members of the Society? Thanks!

Sorry. I did see that and thought I replied, but I guess not? Anyways. There's a couple of things going on:

This story is going to have some rails for sure, but I'm going to dragging anyone on a hay ride. I'm going to let you decide where you want the hay piles, and then I'm going to throw a little gasoline here and there and watch and see what burns.

This should be dope.

That's the goal!

Dashki turns to follow behind Uzma and the goat he was leading back toward the Claw.

Agreed, Uzma. - says Chakam. The paladin looks deeply at Dashki - So, we're still listening. What else do you actually know?

"Dashki knows that this is all work of the pugwampi."

Dashki draws closer to the lot of you and the goat, continuing to circle in from the right.

"So...this creature...whatever it is...took the goat to...what? Lure us here?" He pauses, "Actually...does anyone know what that creature is...er, was?"

"Ha!" Dashki shouts, pointing to the mess Chakam's sword left on the rock. "Daski told you this was work of Pugwampi!" Maybe now you listen to Dashki." He puffs out his chest a little in indignation.

Ok, just want to toss out a concept before I go to deep.

I'm currently on a Fallen London kick and have read a comic called Blast by the writer Manu Larcenet. My idea is a vagrant, a very large/fat man who is seemingly content to hone his skills and feed his hungers. He sees this as a chance to do both as part of his personal journey.

The Fallen London part is that he is a Seeker of the Name, a follower of Mr.Eaten.

He will be a brawler, going for the Glutteny sin. Legbreaker, cook, mercenary and boogyman.

Ok. I think the idea could be a good one. Where you just looking for an affirmation to run with this, or was there something else I missed?

Do background skills get the +3 bonus for the first rank like class skills do? I have a few choices in mind, but I see no ruling on that one way or another.

I rule it that they only do if they're class skills.

Dang, so if I took unchained Rogue, what would I replace them getting skill unlocks with?

Sorry for Rogue's Edge ability, yes. I misunderstood and thought you meant in general for everyone.

Korum's slung stone ricochets off of the tiny jackal's head, which in turn spins around to face the direction from which it came. In doing such, it never saw what took its life. A large sword swung down on the rock, severing it almost cleanly in two from top to bottom. The sight of blood spraying only causes the goat to panic further, which in turn, jerks the rope even tighter around its front quarters and neck, creating an even worse knotted jumble of rope around it and the bush.

That's it for combat folks

@Korum
It's a sucky premade map, but it was the only one I could find that fit the setting. I think whoever made the map, had planned for all of those to be additional locations of the creatures you are fighting.

@Chakam
How would he know the creature is fey?

Ok. Big list of replies so I'm just going to throw them all here:

@Zarkoth - Entry noted.

@Monkeygod - Unchained classes yes (except summoner which I have of course nixed for this adventure). Skills unlocks? No.
Alternate racial traits are fine, including the one you mentioned.

@Monkeygod & Raltus. Background skills are indeed 1/level.

@The Tick in the Barrel - 4712. The adventure starts just after the completion of the Rise of the Runelords AP, as the Runelord (I will spare the name from spoiling, in the off-chance that there is a person out there who doesn't know who that is) has just been defeated.

@Hedwick - Spellslinger is good with me. I've played one before and I didn't feel like I was as powerful as other wizards, but that could have just been my build. It was really fun though.

A Thassilonian Specialist Wizard (flexible on which Sin but Evocation would work very nicely thematically) and taking a dip in slayer to go for Hellknight Signifier. Possibly with a twist logic of only the Runelords could bring order to Varisia, I will become a Runelord, I will bring Order! Probably a native of Varisia (most likely Korvosa) who draws inspiration from Ancient Thassilon and the Hellknight Orders.

Order of the Nail (as the most local branch) or Order of the Gate.

Makes sense. Look forward to seeing everything sketched out.

Could you point me towards an example of the character sheet formatting you're looking for? .

The Genevieva submission above is a very good example of formatting.

Speaking of which, Genevieva, looks good. The spellbook request is granted.

William here, this is the alias for the Tengu Samurai I'm making. He's gonna be a foriener from Tai Xan.

I was wondering if I could take the Daring General Archetype and replace the Samurai's last stand instead of the Supreme Charge?

The samurai possess the rest of the Abilites except for Tactician, which isn't​ replaced rather Than used different.

Or perhaps I could just keep the Last stand and leave the Supreme Tactician out of it

If you want to swap it out for Supreme Tactician, that's fine. It is at level 20, so we'll only be having the final encounter there. Not too big of a deal at the point, I guess.

Should our characters start as members of the Pathfinder Society, as in standard Shattered Star?

Very excellent question. I knew I would forget something important.

GM tempest, Should i go for a primalist bloodrager, would you allow me to get beast totem without picking lesser if i already got claws from my bloodline? Otherwise i would have 2 abilities that give me claws when i rage, which would be redundant.

Unfortunately, I think I have to say no. Slippery slope. If it were a character replacing another character of an existing campaign, I may feel differently about it. Not sure. But if I say yes, especially this early on in the submission, it's likely that someone else is going to see that and stretch other boundaries, and so on. It is unhelpful for your concept, but I'm afraid I have to say no in this venue.

Thats what i was planning on, but with sloth. I decided having a bunch of extra minions would be annoying for the gm.

I don't have a problem with Conjurers or Druids that summon. I just have to draw the line somewhere, and based on previous game experiences, a Summoner tends to be a little bit more than I want to deal with in a large group. It may seem a trivial difference, but there it is.

@Guy St-Amant
Answers to your questions
* Races: any 17 RP or under, does it mean we could, in theories, "uplift" what we pick? No

* Traits: does one of them have to be a Campaign Trait? Also, Drawback for Extra Trait? Any trait. No drawbacks.

* Background Skills: aside for the 1/level, does it work like Pathfinder Unchained? Good question. It's going to be working as original rule book, just granting more to help flesh out more backgrounds. This is especially for classes that are kind of skimped skill points.

* Ability Scores Adjustments by Age Categories, CRB or PFS style CRB
* Young Characters? If you're committed to this concept, you can try, but I'm already inclined to say no for this type of game, so I would have to be blown away.

Quick question: Are arcane spellcasters (wizard or otherwise) expected focus on their intended sin's associated school and/or shy away from its prohibited schools, even if they're not a Thassilonian Specialist?

I've got a decent framework (based on another character of mine) for a witch that probably would be aiming for Envy, but isn't really focused on Abjuration and CERTAINLY would not be willing to give up Necromancy.

Would that be feasible, or should I go for something else?

The most important thing is that the character embody what you are going for (in this case, Envy). I certainly don't care about prohibited schools. The choice to abstain from Abjuration, with a possible Runelord of Envy doesn't exactly seem thematic, though I wouldn't hard and fast "No" it. Hope that helps, Veltharis.

Do one of our traits have to be a campaign trait?

No. Any 2.

Dotting in. I may submit two, but I'll have to see if I have time to.

Two questions. First, if we plan on going Eldritch Knight, can we make the first level Fighter, with the idea that after that levels would be Wizard into EK, and still get into the arcane only group, or should wizard levels come first?

Two, can we choose campaign traits, and if so, can we choose them from other APs?

EK: Wizard first if you're submitting for the Arcane group.