You're awakened by the movement. You feel an endless, ceaseless rocking beneath and around you. Your stomach surges at the motion, a sensation that brings with it the remembrances of last night's revelries - the ringing laughter of a wild night, the heady joy of excess, the scents of rich stewed meat and perfume lingering in your nostrils.
But those pleasant memories are replaced by more pressing sensations - namely your cheek pressing against rough, splintered wood, a throbbing pain in your skull, the sickly taste of cheap wine in your mouth and stiffness in your joints. You've clearly had a night worthy of a mighty pirate of the Shackles. And the hangover to prove it.
Before you can sit up, your other senses begin to engage. First, sound - a steady creaking of shifting timbers. Quickly followed by smell – tar, salt, sweat. Finally, sight. Opening your eyes, you quickly close them in response to a bright light stabbing into them, cast from a lantern held right before you.
"Still abed with the sun over the yardarm?" snaps a rough voice, far too loudly. A vicious whipcrack punctuates the sentence, sending a new wave of pain through your head. "On your feet, ye filthy swabs! Get up on deck and report for duty before Cap’n Harrigan flays your flesh into sausage skins and has Fishguts fry ye up for breakfast!"
As your eyes adjust to the brightness, you can make out the speaker. A scar-faced man, of average height but above-average ugliness, snarls an expression that might be one of pain on a less hideous human, but appears to be his version of a smile. With him are half a dozen rough-looking sailors, carrying saps and nasty glares.
You're aboard a ship. With a filthy, ugly and unhappy crew. Against your will.
Comprehending your situation, you quickly try to move your limbs and discover you're unbound, but completely stripped of all your belongings, apart from the clothes on your back.
Isabella:
In addition to your clothing, you've managed to smuggle on your thieves tools.
Akadi:
You're still wearing your holy symbol.
Alfonso:
You feel in your pockets and discover that all of your belongings have been confiscated except for the dice you were carrying.
Hello, and welcome to the game, future scallywags! Thanks for all your applications - I look forward to playing with you.
If you haven't already, finish up your profile and create an alias for your character. Let me know when you're ready for me to review your crunch.
Just as a refresher, here are the guidelines;
2nd Level Characters
Max HP at level one, roll or average+1 thereafter
15-point buy
Two traits - one should be a campaign trait. If the flavor of a trait isn't perfect for your character, I'm fine with tweaking the fluff.
Max gold for your class
"In an honest service there is thin commons, low wages, and hard labor; in this, plenty and satiety, pleasure and ease, liberty and power; and who would not balance creditor on this side, when all the hazard that is run for it, at worst, is only a sour look or two at choking. No, a merry life and a short one, shall be my motto." - Pirate of the Shackles, deceased
Because I’m a dope, I had to cancel my Carrion Crown campaign (I no longer have the book for the AP - smooth move on my part).
As such, I’d like to open up recruitment for my second PBP game here on the boards: a Skull & Shackles PbP adventure.
How to Apply
1. Download the S&S Player's Guide
2. Create a Character using the following guidelines (you don’t have to go through all of these steps to apply - and if you have an alias from a previous game or application, don’t feel compelled to update it to these guidelines - these are simply posted here so you know what you’re signing up for):
• 2nd Level Characters
• All Paizo-created classes are allowed. We'll be playing with emerging guns
• Max HP at level one, roll or average+1 thereafter
• Paizo-created archetypes allowed, and may be stacked, if not replacing identical abilities
• Core races preferred, but featured races from the Advanced Race Guide will be considered if the background is strong enough.
• All alignments allowed, but you and your character must be able to play relatively well with others.
• 15-point buy
• Two traits - one should be a campaign trait. If the flavor of a trait isn't perfect for your character, I'm fine with tweaking the fluff.
• Max gold for your class
3. Come up with your character's story. I don't want to applicants to feel like they have to flesh out a complete backstory - in my brief perusal of the boards, I've seen how many applicants there can be for a game, and making players write a novel for applications seems harsh.
What I'm Hoping For
I'd like at least one post a day on weekdays, slowing down on the weekends. More would be awesome, but I understand how these games go.
I love gaming groups of four players, but I think I may go for up to six - assuming there are six quality applications (of which I have little doubt will be the case).
Lastly, I'd like narratively interesting characters, more than mechanically sound characters. I have no problem with players who like to min/max - it's just not my cup of tea (and I'm pretty bad at it).
Any Questions?
That's it - I hope this will give me enough info to make a smart decision without asking too much of you. If you have any questions, or if I've left anything out, please let me know.
In 4606 AR, Aroden, god of humanity, innovation, and history, died. No city in all of Golarion was wracked more fundamentally by this catastrophic event than your home, Westcrown.
Whether you’ve lived here for weeks or your lifetime, you are well aware of Westcrown’s descent, accompanied by the the Thrice-Damned House of Thrune’s ascension. This had made life, at best, difficult, and at worst, a living hell.
Something must be done to improve the lives of your fellow citizens. Someone must stand against the tide - even if it means being swallowed themselves. But who possesses such courage?
Morning, 2 Gozran, 4708 AR
Lucina:
The previous night’s revelries were still with you when you awoke this morning. A pounding headache, cotton-dry mouth and extreme sensitivity to light and noise, all served as unpleasant reminders of your refusal to let an ugly dock worker beat you in a drinking contest. Fortunately, the jingle of coins in your pouch were far more pleasant. You’ve earned an additional 20 gold pieces.
As you made your way down to the main floor of the Sleepy Hound, you heard Nic’s voice - particularly piercing this morning - informing you that you had received a parcel. He quickly followed that up with a directive to get the tavern ready for the coming patrons.
You see the small envelope laying on the bar top - its red wax seal is still in tact. Your curiosity overcoming your hangover, you open it immediately. Inside, you find a neatly hand-written note:
You are not alone in your concerns for the people of Westcrown. Meet me at Vizio's Tavern in Rego Scripa this afternoon for dinner. - Janiven
Stanley:
You were still eating breakfast when you heard a knock on your door. Upon answering the door, you see a woman carrying a large parcel. ”Your week’s delivery, sir,” she says, lifting the items towards you. Taking it from her, you notice a small envelope with a red wax seal on top. You set it aside as you pack away the items. You’ve received a surgeon’s kit.
Once you’re done with the menial chore, you turn to the strange envelope and crack it open. Inside you find a short, hand-written note:
You are not alone in your concerns for the people of Westcrown. Meet me at Vizio's Tavern in Rego Scripa this afternoon for dinner. - Janiven
Tervon:
You awoke outside your home this morning. Immediately, you tasted blood and felt the large knot on your head - the memories of last night flood back with the sensations.
The jokes. The dancing. The gambling. The dice.
The dice!
You quickly felt in your pockets - the dice were still there. You have superior loaded dice. Why you grabbed them once the gambling got nasty, you don’t know. But they’re yours now, and as far as you know, Dervon the Bellower was none the wiser.
You remember running home, your hand pressed against your forehead to stem the bleeding. You’ve taken 2 points of damage. You vaguely recall having lost your house key. But your memories of passing out on the threshold are nowhere to be found.
As you sit, trying to gather your sense, you spot a female gnome walking towards you. She frowns slightly when she notices you, but quickens her pace to reach you. ”Are you Tervon? Tervon duJoncleur? Are you alright?” She examines your wounds with a look of disdain and annoyance. ”I was told to deliver this to you. Hope you’re ok,” she says, withdrawing a small envelope from her cloak and handing it over. Without another word, she turns on her heels to walk away, ignoring your requests for more information.
Opening the small envelope, you find a short, hand-written note inside:
You are not alone in your concerns for the people of Westcrown. Meet me at Vizio's Tavern in Rego Scripa this afternoon for dinner. - Janiven
Leeka:
Your morning meditations were interrupted by a sharp knock at the door. Choosing to ignore it, it was followed by a second, louder knock. Completing your meditation (you gain two additional stunning fist attacks for the day), you rise and move towards the door. Upon opening it, you see a serious-looking female. She looks down at you and wordlessly hands over a small envelope. After a curt nod, she turns on her heel and walks away.
Curious, you flip over the red-wax-sealed envelope and open it. Inside you find a short, hand-written note.
You are not alone in your concerns for the people of Westcrown. Meet me at Vizio's Tavern in Rego Scripa this afternoon for dinner. - Janiven
Enera:
You awoke with a start as your head fell from your hand and hit the table. Another night spent studying and experimenting. You were getting better - you think - and the lack of explosions testify to that. Unfortunately, while you nodded off, the chemical combination you’d mixed burned a small hole in the desk. You move quickly to clean up your mess, scooping the acid-like mixture into two small vials. You’ve earned two acid flasks.
Before you’re finished, you hear a light tapping on your door. ”Enera, a letter has just arrived,” your mentor, Mr. Desdox, says. ”It was delivered by a strange-looking man with green hair. Don’t suppose you know who that is, eh?” he asks. Without waiting for an answer, he slides the envelope under the door. ”Come down for breakfast after you get that…” you hear him sniffing the air, ”acid…cleaned up.”
Opening the red-wax-sealed envelope, you find a short note inside:
You are not alone in your concerns for the people of Westcrown. Meet me at Vizio's Tavern in Rego Scripa this afternoon for dinner. - Janiven
Iolana:
Your morning meditations were interrupted by a sharp knock at the door. Completing your meditation (you gain one additional channel positive energy for the day), you rise and move towards the door. Upon opening it, you see a female halfling dressed in simple clothing. She looks up at you and hands over a small envelope with a wide smile. ”’Twas told to deliver this ta ya. Here ya’ go, m’lady. The Inheritor keep ya!” she says, turning to leave.
You flip over the red-wax-sealed envelope and open it. Inside you find a short, hand-written note.
You are not alone in your concerns for the people of Westcrown. Meet me at Vizio's Tavern in Rego Scripa this afternoon for dinner. - Janiven
Afternoon, the same day.
Vizio's tavern lies on one of the less-traveled streets in Westcrown. The dottari rarely, if ever, bother patrolling this area, as it was not long ago that this tavern was frequented by merchant guards looking for a quiet place to complain and have a drink.
As you approach the tavern, you note that what few passerby's there are either seem completely disinterested in your doings, or are too busy with their own shady dealings to care about yours.
The tavern looks as if it had done some brisk business at some point, but signs of neglect are showing, as the exterior appears to have not been cleaned in a while and the paint is beginning to chip.
The order you post is the order in which you will arrive feel free to interact and get introductions out of the way until everyone has arrived and had a chance to meet.
Hello, new friends. Thanks for having me - and for coming together without the need of a recruitment thread.
I'll post some character creation thoughts later, but please check in with your alias so I can review the party makeup. Obviously, you're not locked into your previously chosen class, but try not to step on anyone's toes with your new selection.
Westcrown has gone to the devils. The once-proud city and its denizens live in a climate of momentary harmony, largely due to their fear of imprisonment - or worse - should they raise their voices or arms against the ruling Thrice-Damned House of Thrune.
Though you have little hope of ever overthrowing such a powerful entity, you are compelled to remain silent and passive no longer. Perhaps your actions will light a spark that ignites a purifying pyre - without immolating the city you call home.
Hello, and welcome to a recruitment thread for a Council of Thieves PBP adventure. I am a newcomer to these boards, but not Pathfinder or PBP games. I'm looking forward to gaming with this active, creative community!
How to Apply
1. Download the CoT Player's Guide
2. Create a Character using the following guidelines:
1st Level Characters
All Paizo-created classes are allowed. We'll be playing with emerging guns (I think).
Max HP at level one, roll or average+1 thereafter
Paizo-created archetypes allowed, and may be stacked, if not replacing identical abilities
Core races preferred, but featured races from the Advanced Race Guide will be considered if the background is strong enough.
Non-evil alignments and no CN unless a VERY compelling case can be made.
20-point buy - Nothing higher than 18 before racial bonuses, and preferably nothing lower than 8 after racial bonuses.
Two traits - one should be a campaign trait. If the flavor of a trait isn't perfect for your character, I'm fine with tweaking the fluff.
Average gold for your class
3. Come up with your character's story using the following questions as a guide. I don't want to applicants to feel like they have to flesh out a complete backstory - in my brief perusal of the boards, I've seen how many applicants there can be for a game, and making players write a novel for applications seems harsh. If you have a character you've already created, that's awesome. Just please answer these questions in addition to what you've already written - even if the answers contradict what's currently in your stat block. In-character responses will earn you bonus points.
How long has your character lived in Westcrown?
What is your day job in Westcrown? (Your character needs to have a job - in between the "adventuring" you will live your life.)
Why does your character harbor resentment or frustration against the government?
What I'm Hoping For
I'd like at least one post a day on weekdays, slowing down on the weekends. More would be awesome, but I understand how these games go.
I love gaming groups of four players, but I think I may go for up to six - assuming there are six quality applications (of which I have little doubt will be the case).
Latstly, I'd like narratively interesting characters, more than mechanically sound characters. I have no problem with players who like to min/max - it's just not my cup of tea (and I'm pretty bad at it).
Any Questions?
That's it - I hope this will give me enough info to make a smart decision without asking too much of you. If you have any questions, or if I've left anything out, please let me know.
