Homunculus's page

"Oh, Superman, where are you now
When everything's gone wrong somehow?
The men of steel, the men of power
Are losing control by the hour!"- Land of Confusion, Genesis

Hi Folks

I just set up a new PBP game: Black Dow's Golden Heroes but after dotting and deleting in the Game Play Thread think I may have messed with its protocols as I can no longer post (or at least see any posts/content).

I vaguely recall doing this once before and it being resolved... but any help or steer on this one is greatly appreciated :)

Cheers

BD

The year is 1985. The location… The United Kingdom & Commonwealth of Great Britain. Civil unrest is rife, the economic & political divide is widening as corporations clash with unions, and supernormal crime is on the rise as the authorities struggle to cope.

And while Tina sings "We Don’t Need Another Hero”… The UK most definitely does! And so it is that this Land of Confusion sees a new wave of so-called “superheroes” arise... Ready (and willing?) to bring justice to an unjust world!

Congrats and welcome to our Golden Heroes game - Phase 2. Here we'll thrash out the backstories a little more, refine the powers and discuss overlap/power levels etc.

With 7 of you I'm mulling having everyone limited to 7 Power Rolls, but we can discuss that one as a group.

Best idea is to get some aliases pulled together and we can look at everyone's Powers & any WIP etc.

Oh, Superman, where are you now
When everything's gone wrong somehow?
The men of steel, the men of power
Are losing control by the hour - Land of Confusion, Genesis

So this is a thread to gauge interest on playing a rather niche Superheroes game from my halcyon days of gaming: Golden Heroes.

Bit of background - Golden Heroes was published by Games Workshop back in 1984 in a time when the Warhammer juggernaut hadn’t crushed all before it. GW produced a bunch of roleplaying and board games and White Dwarf supported them admirably.

As a comics fan (2000AD and 70s/80s Marvel were my escapes pre-roleplaying) I was naturally drawn to Golden Heroes, and its kept a special place in my Grognard heart ever since.

Recently I’ve moved home and been dusting off long forgotten boxes of old roleplaying material, notes and games of yesteryear. Golden Heroes once again piqued my interest - given I’d barely scratched the creative surface in my storytelling some 4 decades (yikes) ago…

So here we are. I’m battle tested upon these boards - I’ve had the privilege to play under some amazing GMs and alongside numerous creators and players of the highest calibre. So thought I would test the superheroic waters with an interest gauge on a Golden Heroes game (could be I’m one of a dwindling few who played it and even rated it lol).

I’ve hyperlinked a copy of the Player's Rulebook in the spoiler below:

Right now I’m not looking for any character concepts (as much of the fun of GH was the randomness and creative jigsawery of building a hero). Plan would be if there’s enough interest for players to roll up a bunch of characters, see what piques the interest then take it from there.

The game would be set in the 1980s and in the UK. Hometown will either be London or Granite City (a comic book version of my hometown of Aberdeen, Scotland). Leaning toward the latter as Aberdeen is a oil city so attracted workers and families from across the globe. Americans and Commonwealth personnel were (and still are) a familiar sight in the city. Will give any prospective players plenty of rationale to why they are in the UK (homegrown or otherwise).

Am envisaging the game to have a real Bronze Age feel - we’re not in Dark Knight or Watchmen or Antiheroics (…yet…) but it’ll have some dark veins of storytelling as we will be playing in a Cold War world where civil and social unrest prevalent in British society (jeez could be 2025..! however I digress)

I have all the published scenarios - both GH and from White Dwarf and have earmarked some 80s Champions adventures to convert also. More than enough for a full blown campaign.

If I get enough interest I’ll either run a full blown recruitment or turn this thread into one.

Am curious to see if there’s any appetite for this at all to start with at all tho’ - could easily be a dud lol.

If you’re still with me then please indulge me in the following:

Have a read of the Wiki and Player’s Rulebook if your not familiar (or reacquaint yourself if its been a while)

Feel free to ask any questions regards the rules and aspects of the game.
Again GH isn’t a game where you can peg a archetype and build that character.

Your character will start with 2d6 (halved) +4 Power Rolls. You can use these power rolls in 1 of 4 ways:
- Roll for a Superpower (random, d100)
- Upgrade an already rolled Superpower
- Select (or Roll) an Advantageous Background (d10)
- Enhance a Superpower (a gimmick or improvement)

So depending on your first batch of rolls you will get an idea on who or what you might end up with. In the true spirit of the game, typically discarded concepts become supervillains for us to use :)

Like I said at the outset this is really an interest gauger - I’ve no set idea on number of players… (as I might get none!) - but if I have one it’ll be a solo game… any more it'll be a dynamic duo, terrific trio or fantastic foursome, 5+ will be simple Excelsior!

Cheers BD

Hey Folks

I started a campaign and put up a placeholder post in the gameplay thread just to get things started, and then deleted said placeholder post which has now caused the gameplay thread to essentially "disappear"...

Checked the site and now understand that this totally noodles the system - my bad, so needing one of you helpful tech goblins to assist me in getting the campaign live again if possible...

NIGHT BELOW - Black Dow's C&C Underdark Campaign

Thanks in advance

BD

“Light thinks it travels faster than anything but it is wrong. No matter how fast light travels, it finds the darkness has always got there first, and is waiting for it.” ― Terry Pratchett, Reaper Man

"The enemy is within the gates; it is with our own luxury, our own folly, our own criminality that we have to contend." - Marcus Tullius Cicero

"Reaching an Inn after dark is the difference between life and death! Plain an' simple..." - Roadwarden, Otto Trevestein

"My lad I shan't tell you not to go gallivanting off to the Empire seeking brave adventure... No far from it... However my only advice would be to always seek out an inn rather than camping the forest. Inns are warm and safe... and ensure your bloody companions will not badger you into thinking it is your duty to cook for them!" - Retired Halfling Adventurer, Golo Shandymug

"I spent 'alf a day travelling a paltry six miles! I 'ad to personally push my coach on three separate occasions because ze road was so rutted zhat ze wheels kept getting stuck! My coat has been ruined an' my favourite wig was lost in a puddelle ze size of my own grande bath! After all of zhis out pops some boiled faced peasant who informs me I am to be sharged 10 crowns for "road maintenance"! Zut alors! Ez it any wonder I set my man upon 'im eh!?" - Visiting Brettonian Noble, Gaultier de Belloy

Hey Folks

This PBP Game is no longer active - GM ghosted on us.

Could you please deactivate the game for us.

Cheers

BD

Hey There

Could the following PBP Thread Starfinder: On Blade's Edge be shifted to Inactive please?

I dropped out just before GM ghosted and its still showing as active campaign in my (and presumably the other players) Online Campaigns

Cheers in advance

BD

Just wondering if/when we could expect a drop of new avatar images?

There's been a tonne of Starfinder, PF2 and legacy PF1 art that's not appeared and by my reckoning its been a couple of years since the last big drop of art.

Appreciate other stuff takes priority, but for the pbp community they are like mana from the gods.

Even an ETA on when we some new images could be bestowed would go a long way :)

Thanks ahead of time

BD

D/O/T

Hi Guys

I'll direct you to a post that just appeared in a recruitment thread of a PBP I'm in: FInal Post - game is underway and the post itself is a word snatch from an earlier post from one of our group.

Spliced hyperlinks to stuff I have no intention on clicking mixed throughout. I'm a tech neanderthal so have no notion of what's gone on, other than it looks suspect.

Its the only game I'm in that I've noticed it crop up in - but thought it prudent to both flag and cross reference here.

Cheers

BD

Hey All

Not sure if this is the right section of the website for this - so please reassign to the correct venue if not...

Sadly I've been involved in two games here on the boards where unfortunately players involved passed away.

Those we lost were: Nick Goodner (aka Thestrongangel) two years ago, and JustinLWarren only last month.

While the games themselves (and others they were involved in) mourned and offered thoughts, prayers and memories of the two gentlemen taken far too soon, I was struck by the notion that this is a fact of life - people do pass, suddenly and shockingly and (sadly) it has likely occurred many times to our online and wider community.

What also stuck me is there was no Paizo-centric thread or section of the website devoted to these sad announcements, or sharing creative memories of those members of the Paizo community we have lost.

Apologies if this has been broached previously - nothing I searched for flagged up (save threads set up in the memory of specific individuals by fellow players/GMs etc).

The announcement of the passing of both above players took me by surprise, and Justin's really shook me to the core, making me reflect on my own life and mortality. From my perspective these are individuals who built uniquely creative events in the games we shared - humour, excitement, pathos and above all else enjoyment.

Just wonder if an "official" corner of the boards to remember these co-creators and fallen friends would have merit?

Cheers

BD/Gary

Testing... Testing...

Hey Folks

Set up a new Starfinder pbp game and did some renaming of the campaign.

Activated the OOC thread for character development (its a closed recruitment) and gameplay thread to allow dotting and deleting.

One of my players flagged up that they tried to post in the gameplay thread and the post got eaten. Tried it as well and getting no preview and no visible post.

Could someone have a look and see what the issue/possible fix is?

Gameplay thread: GM-BD’s ΘF DISTΔNT STΔRS & DEΔD SUNS - Δ STΔRFINDER ΔDVENTURE PΔTH

Right here’s the OOC thread for my forthcoming PBP take on the Dead Suns AP. Game launch will likely be toward mid September, so we have plenty of time to prep characters and digest the rules.

For the meantime we’ll utilise this thread to discuss character creation, concepts, backgrounds and the AP itself.

From my pov I’ve always been a fan of sci-fi as much as fantasy, both in terms of gaming and as a broader genre. 2000AD and Starlord were my weekly fare for decades with strips like Judge Dredd, The VCs, Nemesis the Warlock, Strontium Dog and Ace Trucking & Co shaping my imagination for decades. Traveller, SpaceMaster, Shadowrun & Judge Dredd RPG were all staples of my halcyon days rolling the bones. Dune is, to me, the zenith of sci-fi writing, but I’ve been inspired by Neuromancer and Ready Player One to name but two. Everything from Space 1999 through to Firefly and The Expanse have ticked my box on the box, and movies like Blade Runner, Outland and Alien(s) to the more recent Rogue One, Dredd and Guardians of the Galaxy have all driven this decision to run Dead Suns.

While I can’t say if this game will be my typical grimdark[star] fare yet - I will be striving to make the feel of the game come alive. From post styles, to use of languages to maps et al… I’m aiming to give the setting a futuristic feel and vibe.

There’s already been some verbal interest given from my freebooting shipmates;

Mark ▸ Ysoki Mechanic
Voodoo ▸ Ysoki [pilot] Mechanic or Android [Merc] Soldier
Scran▸ ????
JW▸ ????

Won't hold you to the above concepts folks as I know reading into SF and the plethora of other sources might throw up some new inspiration. Had a party of 5-6 in mind so we're pretty much there [you guys will get first refusal for the game] and I'll up-recruit from other games I'm in.

CHARACTER CREATION▸
Okay now onto the nitty-gritty [will reprint most of this is under my Galactic Master Black Dow profile for ease of reference]:

Classes▸ All classes from the Core StarFinder rules. This game will not be a mass bug-hunt, so character roles covering all types will be highly desirable. You will ultimately get access to ship[s] as the AP develops, but those can be covered and developed upon as you see fit.

Races▸ Core races only please. Appreciate dropping the legacy races into the mix would be fun, but with a tonne of new racial options and flavours I’d prefer to go with the new over the familiar.

Starting Level▸ 1st.

Ability Scores▸ Standard 10 point buy. Flaws are allowed [HouseRule #1: For every 2 points you drop in one ability, you may raise another by 1]

Feats▸ Core.

Languages▸ All characters start off with Common, Racial Tongue and Planetary Language regardless of any additional from INT or Skill picks. Fair warning here I’ve been looking at some of the more colourful and odd language options in Google translate. Some of these may well be attributed to Pact World tongues [but I’m open to discussion on which - would we agreed on a default for Akitonian or Vesk than me imposing it].

Alignment▸ No Evil cheers. You’re heroes, albeit potentially hard-bitten ones lol.

Starting Credits▸ 1000CR

Background▸ The Adventure Path starts on Absalom Station - which is the massive space station that is the epicentre of the Pact Worlds, and now system’s primary home of humanity. The PCs have come to Absalom Station for any number of reasons, but they should have a connection of some kind [be it professional/personal/vague/familiar/convenient/desperate] with a Dwarven Starfinder named Duravor Kreel.

Through data transmissions you have arranged to meet Duravor on Absalom Station (Docking Bay 94) where he has promised to show you round the station, assist in your assimilation to your new home and hopefully recruit you to the Starfinder Society…

Some flavour by Mr Kipling... draw from it what you will... ;)

The King's Pilgrimage - Kipling (1922)

Our King went forth on pilgrimage
His prayers and vows to pay
To them that saved our heritage
And cast their own away.

And there was little show of pride,
Or prows of belted steel,
For the clean-swept oceans every side
Lay free to every keel.

And the first land he found, it was shoal and banky ground -
Where the broader seas begin,
And a pale tide grieving at the broken harbour-mouth
Where they worked the death-ships in.

And there was neither gull on the wing,
Nor wave that could not tell
Of the bodies that were buckled in the life-buoy's ring
That slid from swell to swell.

All that they had they gave - they gave; and they shall not return,
For these are those that have no grave where any heart may mourn.

And the next land he found, it was low and hollow ground -
Where once the cities stood,
But the man-high thistle had been master of it all,
Or the bulrush by the flood.

And there was neither blade of grass,
Nor lone star in the sky
But shook to see some spirit pass
And took its agony.

And the next land be found, it was bare and hilly round -
Where once the bread-corn grew,
But the fields were cankered and the water was defiled,
And the trees were riven through.

there was neither paved highway,
Nor secret path in the wood,
But had borne its weight of the broken clay
And darkened 'neath the blood.

Father and mother they put aside, and the nearer love also -
An hundred thousand men who died whose graves shall no man
know.

And the last land he found, it was fair and level ground
About a carven stone,
And a stark Sword brooding on the bosom of the Cross
Where high and low are one.

And there was grass and the living trees,
And the flowers of the spring,
And there lay gentlemen from out of all the seas
That ever called him King.

'Twixt Nieuport sands and the eastward lands where the Four Red Rivers spring,
Five hundred thousand gentlemen of those that served their King.

All that they had they gave - they gave -
In sure and single faith.
There can no knowledge reach the grave
To make them grudge their death
Save only if they understood
That, after all was done,
We they redeemed denied their blood
And mocked the gains it won...

KRALJOTVORAC ACT 1: SKROMNI POČECI (HUMBLE BEGINNINGS)

1st Calistril, 4713 AR

In contrast to the bleak late winter that hangs, pall-like o’er the nation of Brevoy, the meeting chamber deep within the Lord Mayor of Restov’s mansion is warm and opulent. Tapestries drape the walls, their stories of the Rostland region’s history retold in rich colour and thread.

In the corner a fire glows bright, its heat providing welcome warmth to bones and spirits, while torch light makes shadow’s dance to a flickering jig. Underfoot the room’s lacquered timber floor bears detailed carvings of beasts and fey, each hallmarks of Brevic craftsmanship and tradition.

A finely wrought oaken desk finishes the room; each of its four stout legs a carved vista of snapping wolves chasing dancing fey. Atop its surface sit five pewter drinking mugs, each steaming in the room’s low light. Their unmistakeable bouquet confirms their content as Grzaniec – a potent mulled wine of Restov. A calm subtle voice cuts through the eve’s silence;

“Please, please do not stand on ceremony my friends... drink... drink... Let the grzaniec warm your bones.”

Leaning forward into the lamplight reveals the owner of the rich, crisp voice as a woman, lean and angular; perhaps some thirty winters old. Her night black hair frames a face noteworthy for the two pale scars that run from lip to crown; mementos to her martial profession. You notice she is dressed in fine russet robes of imported Tian silk and wears a fine cloak of ermine; all declarations of her status.

At her hip sits an icon of Brevic culture; the signature razor edged duelling blade of the famed Aldori Swordlords.

Idly the woman plays with a silvered letter opener; a miniature doppelganger of the sword she wears, as her eyes scrutinize each of you in deliberate measurement. Whether her gaze is one of the experienced soldier weighing up new recruits, or that a Katapeshie lioness weighing up its next meal you cannot yet distinguish...

Nodding as if the solution to a silent question had revealed itself, she finally speaks:

“Dobrý...Good... Anando seems to have picked adeptly for this particular endeavour we all embark upon.”

Her eyes glance to the leather journal open before her; the self-same journal in which the aforementioned Halfling scrivener “Anando” had judiciously noted names, professions and finer particulars during your initial selection regarding the venture. A venture that many had answered when Restov’s petition requesting “Privateers and Pioneers of a discerning nature, who seek expansionist profit and intrepid adventure” had been first issued to guilds, churches, taverns and upon placards. Yet now only you five stand...

“Ladies and Gentlemen, for those of you who do not know me - I am Swordlord Jasna Aldori, and will act today on behalf of my blade brethren and of course the City of Restov’s Lord Mayor Sellumius, to whom we all owe a debt for the warm hospitality on this cold winter eve”.

Those of you familiar with the nation’s language note the woman’s first name. In Old Brevic “Jasna” meant “clear or sharp”, an apt forename for a Swordlord; men and woman renowned throughout the Inner Sea for their duelling prowess in both the political arena and upon the battlefield.

“To business then, let us see what our astute Anando made of you all...”

Here’s the OOC/placeholder thread for all would be adventurer’s in my Kingmaker Adventure Path PBP. Game will be looking to begin in say a couple of weeks [want plenty of time to prep characters and intro scenes].

For the time being we’ll use this to discuss character creation, backgrounds and the upcoming game itself.

As this is an AP I'm hoping it'll run slightly quicker than my Iobarian Saga game, but I'll be flexible to the party's needs.

Most of you know me as a player, so know what to expect in terms of style etc. I enjoy roleplaying as well as roll-playing, so please indulge yourselves when we get underway and don’t take myself too seriously. That being said my version of Kingmaker will be at times be pretty grim, as befits the land you’ll be travelling to. I’m drawing from Old Slavic and fey materials and mythos and also Tales of Old Malgreve sourcebook.

Recap of those interested in answering Restov's call:

Mark Sweetman: ????????
Drayen: Human Aldori Sword Lord?
Thanos Maximo: Elf Wizard (Diviner#?

Have a party of 4-5 in mind, and currently no-one is nailed down to any classes or concepts #hence the ?#.

May open a recruitment thread if needbe, but if any of you know of players in other pbp looking for a game and have had good experiences with then please direct them here.

CHARACTER CREATION

Okay now onto the nitty-gritty [most of this is under my DM Black Dow profile, but I’ll reprint for ease of reference]:

Classes: All classes/archetypes from Paizo sources.*/**

* Ninja & Samurai will need a great validation/background before I let them in; it’s not that I’m not a fan – just don’t them fitting into this AP too well.

** Gunslingers... Am torn here. Not typically a fan, but the "frontier" nature of the class and the prospect of "cold iron bullers" may make me a believer lol###

#b#Races#/b#: Core ideally, but any fey/slavic flavoured would be considered#

#b#Starting Level#/b#: 1st

#b#Ability Scores#/b#: 20 point buy#

#b#Feats#/b#: Paizo materials are sound# Other sources must be approved by me#

#b#Traits#/b#: 3 traits #one of which must be a Campaign Trait - see below, other sources as above## Please ensure the Campaign Trait selected is reflected in/of your character's background# As with my Iobarian Saga I'll be awarding traits as part of advancement rewards #although unlike the Saga will choose those that fit individual characters particular in-game achievements##

Kingmaker Campaign Traits

Languages: All characters start off with Common and regional language.

Experience Track: Standard.

Hit Points: Max at first level, rolled or class average [PC choice] from their-on in.

Alignment: No Evil cheers. You’re heroes, albeit potentially hard-bitten ones lol.

Starting Gold: Maximum for class.

Background: For those of you familiar with Kingmaker AP, you will probably begin the AP in Brevoy as prospective trailblazers selected to forge a realm in the wild uncharted area of the River Kingdoms. Consider a rationale why your character answered the call or was indentured into the venture #by guild, parent, punishment for crime, political alliance, divine inspiration - whatever#.

Part of the introduction will be the roleplay of the final stage of the selection process, so also give me a short self-summary that your character would have given describing their skills, background, heritage #whatever they would provide#; can be as succinct or verbose as your character would wish :)

Wee question regards pbp generally and my game specifically...

One of my players (Marcus Mayes/Drayen) has recently re-joined my Iobarian Saga pbp game. However his character Dísa Valbjörndóttir is not showing up as an active character...

Will this naturally happen after a number of posts or do you guys have a fix for us?

Cheers

BD

As a long time fan of Celtic mythos, wonder if anyone's came across rules/archtypes/rage powers for a Warped Warrior style barbarian?

Fundamentally thinking someone who "hulks up/warps" becoming a Large sized "warped" form (with all the bonuses/penalties that come with it)

Cheers ahead o' time

BD

Alright folks,

Am currently running a pbp set in Iobaria which is my Pathfinderised version of TSR's classic UK 2 & 3 series The Sentinel & The Gauntlet rebadged as northern saga.

The game has peppered swathes of Olde English/Dark Ages feel both in terms of language and setting. Its my first as a DM and a love-letter to the classic adventures of my youth and the legends and tales of the Norse and British Isles.

The party were recruited (pressed into service) from other games I'm lucky enough to be part of here on the boards. Currently we have a dwarven (dweorg) priest and human alchemist, barbarian, ranger and fighter.

Would really like a rogue or bard to fill out the ranks and join this saga...

Here's the link to the Campaign Info to give anyone interested a feel of what the games about.

From there check out the game play for an idea of how I GM and how the rest of the group play.

Pretty open to concepts and ideas. Start at 3rd level.

As its a Dark Ages style campaign, I'm keeping the black powder out of the snowy tundra :)

Queries, Questions and Characters welcome...

Hi Guys

Just moved house and trying to clear the decks a little coin-wise. Reluctantly could I ask you cancel my AP subscription until further notice.

I'm hoping to start again with the next AP, so is it easier to suspend by sub or just create a new one when I'm ready?

Cheers

BD

Hi Folks

Just a longshot here but are there any lawyers on the boards? (I can see the potential one-liners already) Particularly one with experience in employment law...

If your willing (and able) to offer some advice PM me please on:

dmblackdow@gmail.com

Cheers

Wealday 10th Lamashan (Late Autumn)
Late eve in village of Kustir

Weather Conditions: Deep lake haar punctuated with light sleet

The spectral glow from the numerous fishoil lamps does little to ease the eerie feel of Kustnir. And their stink does little to endear you further to this isolated place…

This small Iobarian fishing village, perched on the bank of the Lake of Mist & Dreams, is home to around 90 souls. Though the thick lake haar, and graveyard silence makes you wonder if that the number is wholly accurate…

Barring those villagers who greeted you at the gate or who now sit, morose in their cups within the drinking lodge of The Kelpie’s Net, there has been scant signs of life. Or indeed of death… as the murderous curse the village has apparently endured has also failed to materialise since your arrival.

You have of course seen little of the village since arriving, having been hastily installed in The Net as the village council argue the best course of action. Klenna Fiscsdohtor, the eolder’s daughter has checked on you once or twice, but for the main you’ve sat and waited for a decision and to be formally received in the longhouse. Until this eve. The council have made a decision and on the morrow you will be petitioned by the eolder Pater Fisc on behalf of the beleaguered village. For what purpose or reason remains unclear… as muttered gossip and rumour clouds the place more than the haar that enshrouds the place.

The Kelpie’s Net is one of the few stone buildings in the village. Most fisherfolk live in single storey wooden dwellings with turf roofs. A few of the buildings (including the village longhouse and the drinking lodge) have stone walls with blackened thatch roofs.

The Net offers food and drink, but scant else in terms of hospitality. The cots at the far end of the building are wooden stuffed with straw, whilst the longtables host but a sprinkle of locals.

The lodge is run by Wym Wínmann, a short, rotund man rumoured to have hin blood. Wym appreciates the custom, but like all those in Kustnir is as wary of outlanders as they are their own shadows.

As you enter he hails you in thick Auld Iobarian;

”Welcome… welcome to our gisthus. I shall be over presently with æfengiefl and drinc. Please sit and talk. Aye talk… Would be nice to hear men talk for a change…”

Okay , Kelpie’s Net, yourselves and 4 villagers (including Wym). The eolder will see you in the morning, so use the eve/night to meet, greet, RP… Game on :)

Haar = mist/fog
Wín = wine
Hin = halfling
Gisthus = place to hostel strangers
Æfengiefl= evening food/supper
Drinc = drink, draught

Okay as promised here’s the OOC thread for all would be adventurer’s in my Iobarian Saga (UK2/3: Sentinel & Gauntlet PFRPG Conversion)PBP. Game will be looking to begin late August [want plenty of time to prep characters and digest UC/Inner Sea Magic].

For the time being we’ll use this to discuss character creation, backgrounds and the upcoming game itself.

This is my first time GM’ing a pbp, so they’ll no doubt be a feeling out process as we kick off. I’m a pretty regular poster as well so will hopefully keep the game ticking over nicely too.

Most of you know me as a player, so know what to expect in terms of style etc. I enjoy roleplaying as well as roll-playing, so please indulge yourselves when we get underway and don’t take myself too seriously [see Kaul’s exploits for an example ;)]. That being said the Iobarian Saga will be at times be pretty grim, as befits the land you’ll be travelling to. I’m drawing from Beowulf, Old Slavic, Old Norse and Old English mythos, horror and languages to create a feel of Iobaria as a place with an old, cold legacy.

This has been a labour of love for me for some time – finally coming to fruition, but I’m not going to be precious about it – if there’s something you don’t like or want me to address feel free to comment. Know there are at least two of you who are running pbp games, so all input is much appreciated [with that in mind any advice on combat map generation will be most welcome].

Recap of those interested in writing their names into this Saga:

Mark Sweetman: Ulfen Berserker?
Filios: Native Iobarian Ranger (Guide) or Ranger (Battle Scout); dependent on contents of UC.
Meowzebub: Native Iobarian; Knife Fighter Rogue (from UC), a Metal Oracle blacksmith, or a Lore Sorcerer (expert in Runes and Cyclopes ruins).
Randall793: Thinking of filling in as healer, either druid, cleric, or oracle (depending also on UC content)
Drayen: Aldori Sword Lord?

Won't hold you to the above concepts folks as I know UC & other sources might throw up some new inspiration. Had a party of 5-6 in mind so we're pretty much there [you guys will get first refusal for the game].

May open a recruitment thread if needbe, but if any of you know of players in other pbp looking for a game and have had good experiences with then please direct them here.

Character Creation

Okay now onto the nitty-gritty [most of this is under my DM Black Dow profile, but I’ll reprint for ease of reference]:

Classes: All classes/archetypes from Core, APG, UM, Inner Sea World Guide, UC* & Inner Sea Magic. The only party proviso is that it would be hugely beneficial (hint-hint) to have an arcane spell-caster in the group.

* Gunslingers, Ninja & Samurai will need a great validation/background before I let them in; it’s not that I’m not a fan – just don’t them fitting into this mini-campaign too well.

Races: Standard only please.

Starting Level: 1st [may bump to 2nd, but I’ll let you know as I fine tune the adventure, for time being presume 1st]

Ability Scores: 20 point buy.

Feats: Core, APG, UM, UC, ISMagic & ISWG. Other sources must be approved by me.

Traits: 2 traits [one of which must be a Campaign Trait - see below,other sources as above]. May well be awarding traits as part of advancement rewards [will choose those that fit characters particular in-game achievements].

Languages: All characters start off with Common and regional language. Auld Iobarian [a blend of Skald, Sylvan & Hallit] is also an optional regional tongue.

Experience Track: TBC, will be either Standard or Fast.

Hit Points: Max at first level, rolled or class average [PC choice] from their-on in.

Alignment: No Evil cheers. You’re heroes, albeit potentially hard-bitten ones lol.

Starting Gold: Maximum for class. If we’re starting @ 2nd level you’ll get a bonus cache to reflect your experience.

Background: For those of you familiar with Kingmaker AP, you will probably begin the Saga in Brevoy as a group not selected to forge a realm in the wild Stolen Lands of the River Kingdoms. However another opportunity to slake your wanderlust will soon present itself ;) If you’re not I’ll provide an overview here to aid character background.

Missed anything? Let me know :)

Scratch the above - have just bumped it from my sidecart to "ship as soon as"...

All is good in the north again :)

BD

Hi Cos

You might remember me posting around Thanksgiving that my discount wasn't kicking in when I order something. You advised me that it wasn't a Thanksgiving glitch, and if I ordered something and it didn't apply to give you heads up... well...

Ordered the pdf for Cities supplement [thought it would be a good tester] - and no discount kicked in...

Hoping this can fixed [not just for this order but future ones too :)]

Cheers

Hi Guys

Just received my print copy of Pathfinder #11—Curse of the Crimson Throne Chapter 5: "Skeletons of Scarwall", but with an added bonus: a copy of Pathfinder Module LB1: Tower of the Last Baron :)

I already have got a copy of said module from a previous order, and as excellent as it is, it just wouldn't be honest to hang onto it...
[it was a freebie as I wasn't mistakingly charged of it or anything]

Figured you guys have been nothing but exemplar with me - so as a loyal piazite i thought it important to do the same and flag this "honest mistake" up.

What do you want me to do - send it back in the robust cardboard envelope that it came in? Don't mind paying postage - tis no biggie...

Gary

Just noticed that we're moving into Hook Mountain Massacre for the PF minis range - and we got ogres and plenty of em...

Based on the other minis i know they're gonna look great, but wonder when we might see pics? Anyone got any links to greens, concept art etc [outwith the interior art in Hook Mountain]

I for one can't wait to order these brutes, although the omission of a Mammy Graul diorama is disturbingly disappointing ;)

It didn't fit through the letterbox due to the quality standard of card envelope you guys sent it out in [which was excellent by the way]

I had to pick it up from my post office 48 hrs later [which is a 40 minute round trip on my way to work]

Any chance you can put a "if occupant not in delivery address, please leave by door or with neighbour" instruction or disclaimer on the envelope - or am I just gonna have to put a note to that effect on my door?

Tis ok if you can't do this - will adapt, but thought I'd ask anyways. Great service though - very impressed folks!

Cheers

So no answer on time zone? There's 4 of them in the US, so knowing which midnight you want to play at could be impacting interest.

> around midnight in the US

Which time zone?

So the first time I check on open recruitment posts in something like a year, and yours is at the top of the list. Feels like a sign. And you know I'm down for any theme if you get this up and running. I'm trying to get some of my IRL friends to start up a standard pbp but it doesn't seem like it's going anywhere, and I need something to scratch that itch.

One last question for my character before I think I'm really ready. Are we using "guns everywhere" rules, or one of the other availability sets for them? This impacts feats and GP costs for some things, so I want to make sure we're on the same page.

"Perhaps, and perhaps not. What kind of assistance do you seek?"

The Unfettered Prince had already covered this but Brother Ismin seems to have gotten sidetracked by the knowledge of the Lattimor just on the other side of the river so Kiyoshi reiterates the situation to keep things clear, "The deal we made with the Lattimor is to return to my own home world and retrieve the ship the Cigar Thane used to reach Perelande in the first place. If we can make our way to Qi, then catch a flight to the moon, I will be able to take us to the last known location of the ship, and then, if it's still there, return it to the Lattimor, easing the tensions between them and you, and possibly get their assistance in reaching the Spire. Or if not their assistance, then their neutrality towards that end. Currently they will make every effort to prevent us reaching the Spire on behalf of the Spinner. So the short of it is that we need the easiest way to find a ship to - and a map of - Qi, as well as supplies for a decently long journey away from this planet."

I am not casting those spells yet. That was just so that there's some sort of acknowledged signal for the most likely scenarios (safe vs danger/need help).

Kiyoshi glides through the earth in a back-and-forth pattern within the embankment, using his sense as an incorporeal creature to identify how many creatures are using the area for their purposes. Once he has identified their locations, he'll move a short distance away and poke his head out for a second or two - just long enough to confirm a headcount and look for any better hiding spots that he can use to try to eavesdrop on the group.

If there is a spot I can use to eavesdrop, Perception to do so to try to identify what they're up to: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (18) + 15 = 33

Dymer lets Iko's hand go with an easy grin indicating that the show was all in good fun, but Dymer doesn't get a chance to respond to any of Iko's statements before he starts singing, and Dymer is entranced from the get-go.

Will vs DC25 or Fascinated: 1d20 + 11 - 3 ⇒ (12) + 11 - 3 = 20
Will vs DC24 or Shaken: 1d20 + 11 - 3 ⇒ (3) + 11 - 3 = 11
Will vs DC24 or Asleep: 1d20 + 11 - 3 - 2 ⇒ (14) + 11 - 3 - 2 = 20

Dymer feels each of the bard's effects wash over him, but he can't seem to muster the energy to respond in any meaningful way. At least until the last couple of verses, when Iko gets his first real reaction, a mere raising of Dymer's eyebrows and the slightest shudder creeping up Dymer's spine. And then the song ends, and Dymer - his eyes already drooping as sleep comes - forces himself to look at the doctor to say, "I like him. He's fun." followed swiftly in the silence after Iko's performance, the rest of the tavern hears Dymer's head hit the table with a loud thunk immediately succeeded by soft snoring.

Dymer scoffs at the apparently-highborn woman and eyes over her minions, "Not all games involving dice are games of chance, sweet cheeks. You can learn a lot about a person from a game of Liar's Dice. But, suit yourself."

Beetly, join the discord with us! We're just missing you and Nazz.

Chanting in the background One of us. One of us. One of us.

Ok, I took this dilemma to a Facebook group, as I wasn't entirely sure what the proper solution was:

Unfortunately, because Dominate Person/Monster does not require continuous effort to maintain, Kei is still forced to follow his last orders, which are to attack the Vulture King.

He'll get a new save once we roll over to a new day in game, but until then he'll have to continue to attack VK.

As one person said, in this case, being dead is just like being apathetic. He gave his command, and that's it.

That's what I figured, but with all the craziness going on already, I figured I'd bring it up just in case. Thanks for clarifying!

Sorry, it hasn't been established in gameplay, only in my head, though I think I might have mentioned it in the discussion thread at some point but maybe that was a PM. You haven't missed anything in game.

No worries then. I'll let the levels accumulate until we figure out in game that even if we don't have time, we can make time to go do things.

Ok, I apologize that I've been getting behind in responding to PM's, I have a lot to do in that regard currently and I will get to each of you. Currently though I have been preparing for my wife's big birthday trip and I am leaving this afternoon for it so I will be out of touch for about four or five days I think.

Thank you for your patience. I'll see you all when I return. =)

Have fun!

Hey all. I know it has been a couple of months but I just wanted to hop in and apologize for up and abandoning the campaigns I was in. I had a 48-hour notice that I was leaving the country for my job (which wasn't even supposed to be an option but we had an emergency come up in the form of another guy having to come home and I was the only one who COULD leave on short notice) and literally haven't had public internet until now (I returned home on Friday). I'm not in here trying to get my spot back or anything like that, I just wanted to apologize and hope it didn't cause you guys any issues with the campaign.

Only the patience gained through raising and listening to the nonstop chatter of children and grandchildren for close to five decades allowed Lucas to keep his silence during the storytelling, plot twists, and transformations, but the Lady's disappearing act finally motivated him to act. "If the stories my grandchildren loved so much were based on memories of the real thing, then we may want to leave immediately. I don't mean this in a derogatory manner, but fey were known to be fickle in their hospitality and cruel in their games. I do not want to find out how much of that was true. Let's move." As he was speaking, Lucas, as unobtrusively and quietly as he could, racked the bolt in his rifle to load the first of the five rounds in his magazine.

Created the Gameplay Thread to get a head start on the game and write the long prologue of the first adventure(less work for me later), check it out if you'd like.

Well damn. I'm hooked. Even if Lucas isn't part of the party, I'll be following this campaign.

Lucas "Hathcock" Martin wrote:

Okay so whose portfolio contains "Get off my lawn!"?

Not sure, please try to explain it another way?

I don't know about you, but any time I think of "crotchety old guy" I think of some war-torn Vietnam vet sitting on his porch with a shotgun telling all the young hoodlum kids to get off his lawn. You mentioned taking a god's divinity and all of a sudden I want Luke to become the Patron Deity of Old Guys With Lawns.

Not really. It was a joke. The link was to a picture of Clint Eastwood playing that exact part in the movie Gran Torino.

You could both play Merlin and than meet another Merlin for the Council of three Merlins =D

Oooh! Plenty of shenanigans available there for Past, Present, and Future Merlin. Since he's a time traveler and all.

Ok, I'm having a bit of a power trip here. Is there a limit on what ability scores can look like or anything like that? The idea i'm going for is crazy powerful force of nature so the physical scores could be arbitrarily high.

"I'm the Juggernaught, b~#+@!" - Absurdly high STR, nothing but the biggest, thickest, hardest armors, and Bull Rush and Overrun feats.

Building on BloodYakura, I have a Crimson King tattoo. Can I be him?

Herrnarrell sighs and follows Nivian and the others up the stairs and into the next room just in time to hear the guard's question.

Linguistics: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22

"Also, what is the Tower of Song and Mist celebrating? My friend Nivian speaks the truth, we do not know exactly where we are at the moment and could use any additional information."

Lothar grins as he whispers in response, the irony not lost on him even if he's never heard the word before, "The same thing we have been doing: Proceeding with caution."

Might throw together a halfling rouge for this.

I've always preferred a half-orc vert.

Decided to go with their real names, just to keep it simple in my head. Also, I realized I didn't mention it in my original post so I feel I should tell you now that, aside from the Gunslinger, I have not played any of the other classes in PF. It's part of the reason I wanted to do this. I don't foresee it being a problem, but let me know if I'm doing anything wrong. Here are the statblocks to include gear.

1 hour 53 minutes. Hofstadter's Law!

Alright, so I still need to gear Bane, Ivy, and Joker, but here are their statblocks. I swapped Bane over to a Ragechemist. It seemed more fitting. I'll come up with character names for them and finish gearing them tomorrow.

Well in that case, swap out Poison Ivy - Jungle Druid for Victor Zsasz and that will be the makeup for the Rogues Gallery themed part so that neither party doubles up on classes. (The four wizards is obviously thrown out.)

Roland laughs at Tandus' comment and Joesph's reaction and adds to it with mirth still clear in his eyes, "Indeed. Adults only though. We've all been sick as children, but it's only the weak who become ill as adults. Sort out the world, and only the strong will continue their bloodlines." With the smile still wide on his face, you cannot be sure if he is serious or just trying to get a reaction from you. With what has happened in the last few days, it is possible that the distinction is becoming muddled even in his own mind.

Had to make sure it was actually said before I went and killed the thing and made life harder for us all. Fortunately, my attack missed because I think that would have killed it. Would have been hilarious to see that happen right after what I said, though.

Eli, Alrik and Quetzal got her to loosen up though, so all will be revealed (as far as this bar-maid is concerned anyway.)

I didn't know we were playing that kind of game.