OK – we’ve got to the end of the first book in the AP and with two characters unable to continue, we have need of an arcane caster.
Read this first – it might affect your decision to progress:
I wanted to start with an apology. You see I'm about to rant endlessly. My PbP recruitment process inspires this outpouring. What follows is not so much a set of rules to apply for a position by – as a necessary sharing of thoughts and emotions.
My 'other' job is in HR and I get tired of the number of times I have to tell prospective job hunters the cardinal sin they commit when they send out their standard cv/resume. Yes it's quick to email/upload - and that allows you to apply for 20 jobs an hour – but as a recipient of such a document, I know it's your standard, unmodified, unthought-of resume.
Some organisations won't accept standard resumes. They insist on you filling out application forms and make you write answers to questions – the sort of questions that make you think. Questions that start with why or how. Why? (See what I did there?) Because it puts off people who just want to send you their uploaded resume. The people that can be bothered to spend an hour (and then some) filling out that form really do want to work for you.
Where am I going with this? The recruitment process that inspired this is one I went through that put me in mind of that sort of job-hunting. It's easy to plug in HeroLab and cut and paste some crunch. It's even easier to present 'one I made earlier but can tweak if I'm accepted.'
The process made me think long and hard about the character I was creating. I started with an idea and I worked on it and worked on it until I had something substantial. I cared about the character – enough to be devastated if she didn't make the cut.
As a player, it has historically taken me a while to get into character in PbP as I need to think through motive, character and personality past the two or three bullet-points I had in mind initially. This time round, I already knew what this character would say in any given situation. Sure she'll change - I expect her to have a story-arc through the levels - but circumstance will alter her, not me changing my mind about her personality. And the GM knows who she is too – and can plan accordingly.
Still with me?:
I can understand if you think this process seems a little detailed and long-winded but it's not supposed to be scary. Instead it is my way of letting you know what sort of game you will be getting into – and I’m hoping that players who get what I’m trying to achieve here won’t be put off. What I hope comes across is my love of fluff and aversion to crunch. If you desire a rules-heavy GM, I'm not your guy. I want to tell a story first and foremost. I also like a fast-paced game with lots of posts and banter.
Example: I'm flexible about the use of skills. In a game I’ve played in, the GM said only knowledge arcana can yield any information about the creature we'd seen. If I were the GM, I'd be looser. Perhaps the character came across one in a dungeon crawl one day? Get a good roll and it can be the case. Or perhaps this area is plagued with them. Knowledge local then. You see I don't ignore the dice but I don't let them rule the game. That doesn’t make me right and the other GM wrong by the way – we’re just different. Which is my way of saying, if you like crunch-based/rules focused role-playing, I’m going to disappoint you.
I'm also English, so if you're offended by the 'correct' spelling of words like colour, grey or armour - you may need to look elsewhere! Rest assured, I'm OK with the trans-Atlantic spelling of words.
For what it's worth, I've GMed on the boards and played for some time now – and if I’m honest, it’s taken me a few years to get into a groove. Unlike face-to-face where you can get the feel for a group in a couple of sessions, I’ve found PbP a slower process. Or perhaps it’s the same in terms of actual hours spent playing?
As I eluded too before, in my opinion the difference between success and failure (well over half the games I've played died out within a month or so) is not just getting good players – it’s getting players that match the style of the GM.
What are we playing?:
Council of Thieves.
There are a few tweaks along the way. Book One was pretty vanilla and that was a challenge for me. It needs some more oomph and I’ll have to work on that. It also needs some more RPing – rather than jump from fight to fight – and you’ll have to work on that.
You need to consider how you’ve ended up as part of the group (feel free to read the posts and speak to the other characters in the Discussion Thread).
Finally, the recruitment rules:
I'm a story driven GM and will always ensure that the fluff of a character is what drives me to recruit them. And, in my experience, a lack of effort in recruitment leads to a lack of effort in the game. I tried this very recently to backfill a position in an ongoing game and it a) reduced the number of people applied and b) substantially improved the quality of the application.
I'm looking for strong role-playing, so pick your class wisely. Paladins that shoot first and ask questions later or rangers that care nothing for killing animals are not (in my opinion) in character.
So where’s the crunch? The truth is I want you to know about the stat rules before you commit any time to the process but I don’t want to see any stats yet. Once I agree to a character, then we can look at the crunch. But I accept you’ll need to know some of the mechanics rules before you can work on your character.
Character Build:
25-point buy
3rd Level
Max starting gold for a 3rd Level character
Max starting HP, thereafter average (max HP/2 rounded up)
Races – Core Rulebook only (I’m an old-fashioned GM that way – plus non-core races are often chosen because they’re a sneaky way of min-maxing)
Classes – Core Rulebook, Advanced Player’s Guide only (archetypes are allowed) – NO SUMMONERS
Magic - Magical items are rare and GM approval needed to purchase
Weapons - No firearms
Feats - Two (one Campaign)
Alignment - No evil characters
So what do I want?
I’ll start with some don’ts
Don’t:
- Create a character that strikes me as purposefully min/maxed – it will likely get passed over
- Worry too much about who else you know at this point (that can come once the characters are chosen and before we start the game)
And now what you should do:
Do:
- Create a profile/alias and include relevant information inside
- Provide a physical description
- Describe the character’s personality
- Describe the character’s background
- Tell me why the character is part of this group
- Spend time telling me about your character’s backstory – why do you have those skills and languages and why are you that class?
- Tell me about your character's overarching aim in life. This will help with selecting appropriate encounters (or treasure). You may not want other players knowing what it is – so you can PM me if you wish. An overarching aim is to be knighted, marry a handsome prince , create the ultimate spell-book or discover the Sword of Gryffindor – rather than to simply get rich or be a specific advanced class. Basically, what plot hook would have you forget any common sense and rush out to fight a dragon single-handed?
The extra mile
Thanks to GM Beazy for this one…
Write a story or compose a ballad about your character. This is your chance to impress me that you really want a spot in this adventure. It’s not absolutely necessary but it does show you really want to be part of this game. Plus it adds to the character’s background.
Other things to consider:
I'll be honest with you in terms of character submission and will post that feedback on the boards (hidden only by a spoiler) - so shy, retiring types might think twice. I am honest and fair with my feedback I believe and only want to maximise your chance of getting a spot in the game.
I’m likely to start with too many players as people dropping out is always possible and it's easier to manage attrition this way than stop and recruit every time we fall below the set amount. So up to seven may end up the number we begin with. Regardless it would be x different classes as I don't want two rogues fighting over every trap. And I have a rogue waiting in the wings - so my advice (if you choose to take it) is not to submit a rogue.
I would expect at least a daily input but the pace of the group is key. If the majority of the players are posting more regularly, it can be really frustrating to have to wait 24 hours to continue - especially in combat. And posts in combat don't have to be verbose. A few lines will do if that's all that's needed.
I do prefer longer posts in general (but please don’t hog all of the limelight)
One of the slowest parts of play-by-post is combat. I intend to run as much as possible from my iPhone and iPad and so will always simplify combat i.e. describe the situation and ask for your response. This will mean no alpha-numeric maps to determine who can see or reach whom, and no waiting for the person with the highest initiative to decide what to do before you can decide your move (although actions will always follow initiative order).
Rules:
1. I have no firm house-rules at present (but reserve the right to change that later ; p)
2. Speech in” bold” and thoughts in’ italics’ please.
3. I won't be tracking XP, but instead will level up as and when it's appropriate for the encounters. The published modules are explicit of the appropriate level and I'm not going to throw in random encounters to get you there - rather I'll amend the adventures to make sure you have enough 'experience.' For me it’s a story, not a board game.
Applications:
So, you've made it this far down the post, and I presume you're still interested. My aim is to close applications when I have the right players. Recruitment will stay open until at least Friday and I’ll give 48 hours notice when I think I’m close to finalising the spot.
In my experience, people who create outstanding applications don't always post frequently or well – so I’ll be looking at posting frequency and interaction with other applicants as part of the process.. How often you post here (and add value) will be a factor in choosing the final party. As will how often you post elsewhere (I will have a look to see what is your style and frequency).
It is therefore useful to let me know if you are an existing player on the boards, which alias best reflects your playing style.
Now, what do I need on this thread? Dotting for interest is OK. Otherwise please use the Discussion thread for questions (the ability to follow directions is another factor in selection!). Post here with your character concept.
PCs are behind the bad guys and have a surprise round. Due to distance they can do the obvious - either fire ranged weapons or close the gap during the surprise round.
The PC with the highest initiative has chosen to a) attract the bad guy's attention and then b) intimidate the bad guys (using intimidate as a skill not as part of a combat feat).
My questions are:
1. My logic says that calling their attention effectively ends his actions in the surprise round
2. More importantly, does calling the bad guy's attention to the PCs negate the remainder of the surprise round - as they're no longer surprised?
From Magnimar eastwards to Sandpoint along The Lost Coast, your caravan has picked up various travellers along the way and dropped a few more off besides. The reason for the majority to be on the caravan is a simple one – people want to attend the Swallowtail Festival.
The Swallowtail Festival is held on the Autumnal Equinox – generally on the 22nd or 23rd of the month of Rova, and this year is no exception. The caravan master had been pushing to get there the day before it starts as some of the travellers have stalls they intend to set up for the occasion.
But a broken bridge meant a detour and you'll arrive with literally minutes to spare. To the caravan master’s credit, he re-jigged the horses and carts to ensure the vendors got there a couple of hours before the rest of you.
You are sharing the back of a cart and the caravan master has let everyone know that Sandpoint is about an hour away now. The noise from the other vehicles raises a few notches at this news.
Korvosa has long stood as the first bastion of civilization on the wild frontier of Varisia. Yet tragedy seems to haunt the city’s royal bloodline.
Few of her rulers rule for long, and none have lived to a ripe old age, dying instead well before their time. Heirs to the throne are few and far between—in its 300-year history, no king of Korvosa has directly inherited the Crimson Throne from his father. This is the source of much gossip and tale-spinning among the city’s citizens, who speak in
hushed tones of what they have come to call the Curse of the Crimson Throne.
In this Adventure Path, the adventurers help restore the crumbling honour of Westcrown, fight against a decades-old curse, and do battle with an enemy far more deadly than any simple fiend, all in the hopes of returning a measure of splendour to this long-beset metropolis.
Read this first – it might affect your decision to progress:
I wanted to start with an apology. You see I'm about to rant endlessly. A recent PbP recruitment process inspired this outpouring. What follows is not so much a set of rules to apply for a position by – as a necessary sharing of thoughts and emotions.
My 'other' job is in HR and I get tired of the number of times I have to tell prospective job hunters the cardinal sin they commit when they send out their standard cv/resume. Yes it's quick to email/upload - and that allows you to apply for 20 jobs an hour – but as a recipient of such a document, I know it's your standard, unmodified, unthought-of resume.
Some organisations won't accept standard resumes. They insist on you filling out application forms and make you write answers to questions – the sort of questions that make you think. Questions that start with why or how. Why? Because it puts off people who just want to send you their uploaded resume. The people that can be bothered to spend an hour (and then some) filling out that form really want to work for you.
Where am I going with this? The recent recruitment process I went through put me in mind of that sort of job-hunting. It's easy to plug in HeroLab and cut and paste some crunch. It's even easier to present 'one I made earlier but can tweak if I'm accepted.'
The process made me think long and hard about the character I was creating. I started with an idea and I worked on it and worked on it until I had something substantial. I cared about the character - enough to be devastated if she didn't make the cut.
As a player, it has historically taken me a while to get into character in PbP as I need to think through motive, character and personality past the two or three bullet-points I had in mind initially. This time round, I already knew what this character would say in any given situation. Sure she'll change - I expect her to have a story-arc through the levels - but circumstance will alter her, not me changing my mind about her personality. And the GM knows who she is too – and can plan accordingly.
Still with me?:
I can understand if you think this process seems a little detailed and long-winded but it's not supposed to be scary. Instead it is my way of letting you know what sort of game you will be getting into – and I’m hoping that players who get what I’m trying to achieve here won’t be put off. What I hope comes across is my love of fluff and aversion to crunch. If you desire a rules-heavy GM, I'm not your guy. I want to tell a story first and foremost. I also like a fast-paced game with lots of posts and banter.
Example: I'm flexible about the use of skills. In a game I’ve played in, the GM said only knowledge arcana can yield any information about the creature we'd seen. If I were the GM, I'd be looser. Perhaps the character came across one in a dungeon crawl one day? Get a good roll and it can be the case. Or perhaps this area is plagued with them. Knowledge local then. You see I don't ignore the dice but I don't let them rule the game. That doesn’t make me right and the other GM wrong by the way – we’re just different. Which is my way of saying, if you like crunch-based/rules focused role-playing, I’m going to disappoint you.
I'm also English, so if you're offended by the 'correct' spelling of words like colour, grey or armour - you may need to look elsewhere! Rest assured, I'm OK with the trans-Atlantic spelling of words.
For what it's worth, I've GMed on the boards and played for some time now – and if I’m honest, it’s taken me a few years to get into a groove. Unlike face-to-face where you can get the feel for a group in a couple of sessions, I’ve found PbP a slower process. Or perhaps it’s the same in terms of actual hours spent playing?
As I eluded too before, in my opinion the difference between success and failure (well over half the games I've played died out within a month or so) is not just getting good players – it’s getting players that match the style of the GM.
What are we playing?:
I intend to run Rise of the Runelords. Why? If I had £1 for every time I’ve started this campaign and not got past the opening adventure, I’d have…well about £10. I’m determined to see it through all of the chapters and levels – and I’m in more control as a GM than a player.
There are a few tweaks, some of which you need to know up front. Firstly you will all start outside Sandpoint and be on a caravan bound for the town. This ensures you all know each other before the ‘game’ starts. It also ought to ensure you play nicely with each other. There’s no point having great role-playing if we have characters whose philosophies are opposed to each other. I played a paladin in a game – and played it right – but I was a pain to one of the other characters who wanted to shoot first and ask questions later. Then the group had to take sides and it slowed the game down rather than adding to the experience.
I’ve put a link in the Campaign Info tab with lots of information about Sandpoint – more than the Player’s Guide has – but I’d recommend you download a free copy of that too for yourselves as it has the campaign traits in it.
Finally, the recruitment rules:
I'm a story driven GM and will always ensure that the fluff of a character is what drives me to recruit them. And, in my experience, a lack of effort in recruitment leads to a lack of effort in the game. I tried this very recently to backfill a position in an ongoing game and it a) reduced the number of people applied and b) substantially improved the quality of the application.
I'm looking for strong role-playing, so pick your class wisely. Paladins that shoot first and ask questions later or rangers that care nothing for killing animals are not (in my opinion) in character.
So where’s the crunch? The truth is I want you to know about the stat rules before you commit any time to the process but I don’t want to see any stats yet. Once I agree to a character, then we can look at the crunch. But I accept you’ll need to know some of the mechanics rules before you can work on your character.
Character Build:
25-point buy
1st Level
Max starting gold
Max starting HP, thereafter average (max HP/2 rounded up)
Races – Core Rulebook only (I’m an old-fashioned GM that way – plus non-core races are often chosen because they’re a sneaky way of min-maxing)
Classes – Core Rulebook, Advanced Player’s Guide only (archetypes are allowed)
Magic - Magical items are rare and GM approval needed to purchase
Weapons - No firearms
Feats - Two (one Campaign)
Alignment - No evil characters
So what do I want?
I’ll start with some don’ts
Don’t:
- Create a character that strikes me as purposefully min/maxed – it will likely get passed over
- Worry about who else you know on the caravan at this point (that can come once the characters are chosen and before we start the game)
And now what you should do:
Do:
- Create a profile/alias and include relevant information inside
- Provide a physical description
- Describe the character’s personality
- Describe the character’s background
- Tell me why the character is on a caravan on its way to Sandpoint (I’ll mention again that my link is extermely useful as is the player’s guide - which is a free download from the Paizo site if you need inspiration)
- Spend time telling me about your character’s backstory – why do you have those skills and languages and why are you that class?
- Tell me about your character's overarching aim in life. This will help with selecting appropriate encounters (or treasure). You may not want other players knowing what it is – so you can PM me if you wish. An overarching aim is to be knighted, marry a handsome prince , create the ultimate spell-book or discover the Sword of Gryffindor – rather than to simply get rich or be a specific advanced class. Basically, what plot hook would have you forget any common sense and rush out to fight a dragon single-handed?
The extra mile
Thanks to GM Beazy for this one…
Write a story or compose a ballad about your character. This is your chance to impress me that you really want a spot in this adventure. It’s not absolutely necessary but it does show you really want to be part of this game. Plus it adds to the character’s background.
Other things to consider:
I'll be honest with you in terms of character submission and will post that feedback on the boards (hidden only by a spoiler) - so shy, retiring types might think twice. I am honest and fair with my feedback I believe and only want to maximise your chance of getting a spot in the game.
I’m likely to start with too many players as people dropping out is always possible and it's easier to manage attrition this way than stop and recruit every time we fall below the set amount. So up to seven may end up the number we begin with. Regardless it would be x different classes as I don't want two rogues fighting over every trap. And I have a rogue waiting in the wings - so my advice (if you choose to take it) is not to submit a rogue.
I would expect at least a daily input but the pace of the group is key. If the majority of the players are posting more regularly, it can be really frustrating to have to wait 24 hours to continue - especially in combat. And posts in combat don't have to be verbose. A few lines will do if that's all that's needed.
I do prefer longer posts in general (but please don’t hog all of the limelight)
One of the slowest parts of play-by-post is combat. I intend to run as much as possible from my iPhone and iPad and so will always simplify combat i.e. describe the situation and ask for your response. This will mean no alpha-numeric maps to determine who can see or reach whom, and no waiting for the person with the highest initiative to decide what to do before you can decide your move (although actions will always follow initiative order).
Rules:
1. I have no firm house-rules at present (but reserve the right to change that later ; p)
2. It would be helpful to have a volunteer rules-guy as one of the party - I love GMing but would appreciate someone who loves the crunch helping out in the Discussion thread concerning rules matters.
3. Speech in” bold” and thoughts in’ italics’ please.
4. I won't be tracking XP, but instead will level up as and when it's appropriate for the encounters. The published modules are explicit of the appropriate level and I'm not going to throw in random encounters to get you there - rather I'll amend the adventures to make sure you have enough 'experience.' For me it’s a story, not a board game.
Applications:
So, you've made it this far down the post, and I presume you're still interested. My aim is to close applications when I have the right players. Recruitment will stay open for at least a week and I’ll give 48 hours notice when I think I’m close to finalising the group.
In my experience, people who create outstanding applications don't always post frequently or well – so I’ll be looking at posting frequency and interaction with other applicants as part of the process.. How often you post here (and add value) will be a factor in choosing the final party. As will how often you post elsewhere (I will have a look to see what is your style and frequency).
It is therefore useful to let me know if you are an existing player on the boards, which alias best reflects your playing style.
Now, what do I need on this thread? Dotting for interest is OK. Otherwise please use the Discussion thread for questions (the ability to follow directions is another factor in selection!). Post here with your character concept.
A party has need of a rogue – or at least a roguish-type. Please follow the link here to access the campaign.
Read this first – it might affect your decision to progress:
As a player, it has historically taken me a while to get into character in PbP as I need to think through motive, character and personality beyond the two or three bullet-points I had in mind initially. A recent experience meant I already knew what my character would say in any given situation. Sure she'll change - I expect her to have a story-arc through the levels - but circumstance will alter her, not me changing my mind about her personality. And the GM knows who she is too – and can plan accordingly.
Still with me?:
I can understand if you think the following process seems a little detailed and long-winded but it's not supposed to be scary. Instead it is my way of letting you know what sort of game you will be getting into – and I’m hoping that players who get what I’m trying to achieve here won’t be put off. What I hope comes across is my love of fluff and aversion to crunch. If you desire a rules-heavy GM, I'm not your guy. I want to tell a story first and foremost. I also like a fast-paced game with lots of posts and banter.
Example: I'm flexible about the use of skills. In a game I’ve played in, the GM says only knowledge arcana can yield any information about the creature we've seen. If I were the GM, I'd be looser. Perhaps the character came across one in a dungeon crawl one day? Get a good roll and it can be the case. Or perhaps this area is plagued with them? Knowledge local then. You see I don't ignore the dice but I don't let them rule the game. That doesn’t make me right and the other GM wrong by the way – we’re just different. Which is my way of saying, if you like crunch-based/rules focused role-playing, I’m going to disappoint you.
What are we playing?:
I’ll let the link above answer that one – but in summary we’ve started the second leg of a three adventure campaign. The characters are at third-level and the rules for crunch are in the original thread.
Finally, the recruitment rules:
I'm a story driven GM and will always ensure that the fluff of a character is what drives me to recruit them. And, in my experience, a lack of effort in recruitment leads to a lack of effort in the game.
So where’s the crunch? I’ve pointed out the link to the stat rules before you commit any time to the process but I don’t want to see any stats yet. Once I agree to a character, then we can look at the crunch. And you’ll need to know some of the mechanics rules before you can work on your character.
Character Build:
My only variation to the original crunch rules are:
- Races – Core Rulebook only
- Classes – Core Rulebook, Advanced Player’s Guide only n.b. archetypes are allowed
So what do I want?
I’ll start with don’ts
Don’t:
- Create a character that would strike me as purposefully min/maxed - it will likely get passed over
- Offer me ‘one you’ve prepared earlier’ and could tweak if selected – indulge me enough to think that this game deserves a character in its own right – not a reject from another game
And now what you should do:
Do:
- Provide a physical description
- Describe the character’s personality
- Describe the character’s background
- Tell me why you’re in a bar called Gar’s Last Meal – in Tamran
- Spend time telling me about your character’s back-story – why do you have those skills and languages and why are you that class
- Tell me about your character's overarching aim in life. This will help with selecting appropriate encounters (or treasure). You may not want other players knowing what it is – so you can PM me if you wish. An overarching aim is to be knighted, marry a handsome prince , create the ultimate spell-book or discover the Sword of Gryffindor – rather than to simply get rich or be a specific advanced class. Basically, what plot hook would have you forget any common sense and rush out to fight a dragon single-handed?
Other things to consider:
I would expect at least a daily input but the pace of the group is key. If the majority of the players are posting more regularly, it can be really frustrating to have to wait 24 hours to continue - especially in combat. And posts in combat don't have to be verbose. A few lines will do if that's all that's needed.
I do prefer longer posts in general (but don’t hog all of the limelight).
Applications:
So, you've made it this far down the post, and I presume you're still interested. My aim is to close applications when I have the right player. Recruitment will most likely stay open for a week and I’ll give 48 hours notice when I think I’m close to finalising the player.
In my experience, people who create outstanding applications don't always post frequently or well. How often you post here and elsewhere (I will have a look to see what is your style and frequency) will have a bearing on my final decision.
It is therefore useful to let me know if you are an existing player on the boards, and which alias best reflects your playing style.
Now, what do I need on this thread? Dotting for interest is OK. Otherwise please use the Discussion thread for questions (the ability to follow directions is another factor in selection!). Post here with your character concept.
If you want to ask questions of the other players on the game’s discussion thread, I’m OK with that too.
The bells atop the Temple of Erastil toll their midday song, echoing throughout the quiet town of Kassen. As the peals begin to fade, the first of the townsfolk make their way into the square, dressed in black, as if attending a funeral.
They slowly fill the square, moving quietly across the cold, hard ground, their eyes downcast and mournful. After a few moments, a murmur passes through the crowd as it slowly parts to let Mayor Uptal through. He leads the way with a tarnished silver lantern. Behind him, an old pony drags a cart laden with backpacks and supplies.
Once he reaches the center of the crowd, Mayor Uptal stops and calls out to the assembled townsfolk. Once again the winter winds blow through the Fangwood, marking the end of another harvest. There are wolves in the woods, howling at our walls, and serpents in our shadows, waiting to strike. Just as it was one hundred and seventy-four years ago, when Kassen himself left these walls to protect us, so it is today. Where are the heroes? Where are the brave folk that will venture out to Kassen’s tomb and retrieve the flame to keep this community safe for another winter?
He looks around the square expectantly and the crowd hold their breath in anticipation.
If this post seems a little detailed, it's not supposed to be scary. Instead it is my way of letting you know what sort of game you will be getting into. What I hope comes across is my love of fluff and aversion to crunch. If you desire a rules-heavy GM, I'm not your guy. I want to tell a story first and foremost. I also like a fast-paced game with lots of posts and banter.
I'm also English, so if you're offended by the 'correct' spelling of words like colour, grey or armour - you may need to look elsewhere! Rest assured, I'm OK with the trans-Atlantic spelling of words.
Overall Philosophy:
I intend to start with Crypt of the Everflame and complete the Price of Immortality trilogy (with appropriate tweaks) to progress from 1st Level. Once complete we can take a vote and continue with other canned adventures to progress to higher levels. Crypt of the Everflame starts in in the town of Kassen which is in Nirmathas (on the western shores of Lake Encarthan).
I'm looking for strong role-playing, so pick your class wisely. Paladins that shoot first and ask questions later or rangers that care nothing for killing animals are noT (in my opinion) in character.
Character Build:
25-point buy
1st Level
Max starting gold
Max starting HP, thereafter average (max HP/2 rounded up)
Races - Any Paizo official that works within the setting (you may not want to be the only catperson within five thousand miles as it may make remaining anonymous a challenge). The demographics of Kassen are 93% human, 3% hafling, 2% half-orc, 1% elf and 1% half-elf.
Classes - Any Paizo official that works within the setting
Magic - Magical items are rare and GM approval needed to purchase
Weapons - No firearms
Feats - Two
Alignment - No evil characters
I would prefer 'new' characters to ones you've used before and the theme for the first adventure is broadly a dungeon-crawl.
Starting Players:
Likely to start with two too many players as people dropping out is always likely and it's easier to manage attrition this way than stop and recruit every time we fall below the set amount. So eight may end up the likely number we begin with. Ideally it would be eight different classes as I don't want two rogues fighting over every trap.
Posting frequency:
I would expect at least a daily input but the pace of the group is key. If the remainder of the players are posting regularly, it can be really frustrating to have to wait 24 hours to continue - especially in combat. And posts don't have to be verbose. A few lines will do if that's all that's needed. However, eight strong and silent types might make for a dull game.
Battle Maps:
I will go with Battle Maps on a simple to use platform. One of the slowest parts of play-by-post is combat. I intend to run as much as possible from my iPhone and iPad and so will always simplify combat i.e. describe the situation and ask for your response. This will mean no alpha-numeric maps to determine who can see or reach whom, and no waiting for the person with the highest initiative to decide what to do before you can decide your move (although actions will always follow initiative order). I will use pictures if applicable – sometimes words can’t do something justice – and will use a simple link to Dropbox.
Rules:
1. I have no house-rules at present (but reserve the right to change that later ; p)
2. It would be helpful to have a volunteer rules-guy as one of the party - I love GMing but would appreciate someone who loves the crunch helping out in the Discussion thread concerning rules matters.
3. Speech in bold and thoughts in italics.
4. I won't be tracking XP, but instead will level up as and when it's appropriate for the encounters. The published modules are explicit of the appropriate level and I'm not going to throw in random encounters to get you there - rather I'll amend the adventures to make sure you have enough 'experience.'
Applications:
So, you've made it this far down the post, and I presume you're still interested. My aim is to close applications on Friday 25th January. This is a long time ahead and allows as many prospective players to show interest. It also allows me to see how many people re-post and interact with other prospective players on the thread. In my experience, people who create outstanding applications don't always post frequently or well. How often you post here (and add value) will be a factor in choosing the final party. As will how often you post elsewhere (I will have a look to see what is your style and frequency). It is therefore useful to let me know if you are an existing player on the boards, which alias best reflects your playing style. I will open up the Discussion thread. Pherein this thread with your character ideas and on the Discussion thread with general observations, questions about the game, setting up possible links between characters etc.
Now, what do I need on this thread? Dotting for interest is OK. Otherwise use the Discussion thread for questions. Post here with your character concept (basic crunch is OK at this stage) and a back-story. A reason for living in Kassen is needed, plus any link to other prospective characters. As a would-be adventurer, you start the game with a mentor in town, so consider this when considering race and class.
Once selected, I will be asking for your character's overarching aim in life. This will help with selecting appropriate adventures (or treasure). You don't need one now, but can provide it if you wish (you may not want other players knowing what it is). An overarching aim is to be knighted, marry a handsome prince , create the ultimate spell-book or discover the Sword of Gryffindor. Basically, what plot hook would have you forget any common sense and rush out to fight a dragon single-handed?
The area known as the Shingles is a relatively new addition to Korvosa's skyline. It has been created over the last few decades when urban renewal projects pushed most of the cities poor into the area known as Bridgefront, located in Old Korvosa.
Styled after similar structures in Kaer Maga, the Shingles are built upward towards the sky, their foundations on the roofs of other buildings. Most homes in the Shingles are shacks and lean-tos that create an impromptu third story on many of the ward's buildings and as much as five stories on some others. Some of Korvosa's poorest and most desperate citizens reside in the shacks above the city streets.
While the majority of these rooftop homes can be found in the Bridgefront section of Old Korvosa, over time other structures and settlements have been built through out the most crowded parts of the city. No accurate map of these areas exist as the neighborhood by definition is in a constant state of change. Imps, stirges, large spiders, and creatures known as chokers prowl the roof top settlements.
It is in the Shingles that Pedrach the alchemist has a shop with an apartment above. Torr lives rent and board free in return for helping Master Pedrach (with free tutelage thrown in for good measure).
Of late, the shop has been quieter and the quality of their evening food has diminished. Finally, Master Pedrach informs Torr that they need to take an additional lodger in order to pay the bills. He informs Torr that a young half-elf that also frequents Twitcher's (the most well-known bar in the Shingles) has taken a shine to the young noble and has agreed to meet up to discuss becoming the third occupant of the building. Torr has worked out this would mean sharing a room with the bard.
Not wishing to offend Pedrach, Torr accompanies him to Twitcher's soon after dusk, to meet the bard. The warmth of the bar is a welcome change to the chill outside that signals autumn's arrival.
Pedrach scans the bar and spies Fawkes alone at a table, nursing a pewter tankard. "Head over and say hello lad," barks Pedrach, slapping Torr on the back and then striding to the bar.
Your comments (along with everyone else’s if I am honest) took me to the following place:
1. Two players (but I suspect you already worked that one out)
2. A game that is heavy with intrigue and politics
3. An urban setting (more on this later down)
4. A combination of plot and sandbox (I’ll pull together an overall story-line but I hope it will feel like you have free will)
5. Starting characters will be level 1 – nobody asked for this but in my mind, level 1 will allow you to gel as a duo and build a joint story from the ground up
6. Two traits – I am thinking about a ‘campaign’ trait too and will look to create a list once the details have been fleshed out
7. 25 point buy
8. Maximum gold
9. Magical items are rare – this is something I always like to GM (I want such things to be really coveted and the sort of thing you’d walk half-way around the world to find on the basis of no more than a whisper)
Back to the choices
1. I have three cities in mind (and each comes with pros and cons)
i. Absalom – large (300,000 inhabitants), 65% human, very strict law and order
ii. Korvosa – middle sized (20,000 inhabitants), 90% human, medium law and order
iii. Kaer Maga – small sized (8,000 inhabitants), 90% human, law and order is run by organised crime
It is therefore up for debate which option you pick. I, naturally, will work with any of the three. The city will account for the majority of your activity – with the occasional jaunt into the wilderness or adjoining civilisation. The bigger the city, the wider the scope but the more lawful it will (broadly) be. It will also offer a greater selection of places to buy and sell
2. Races – the challenge with urban settings is that non-humans stick out like a sore thumb. That can be both an advantage and a disadvantage – and may well drive how the game can run.
3. Alignment – I have never stipulated but I was always going to say non-evil – which may limit your character choices
In summary
Please use this discussion thread to ask questions of me – or each other – until we are all agreed on a way ahead. Then I can start to plan the campaign and you can build your characters. I don’t need to have all the answers to get us started but I will spend a few days getting sufficient detail under my belt so you can’t throw me too much of a curve-ball.
Like a few players recently – due to the cast of thousands looking to join each game through to the lack of longevity of campaigns - I am not getting sufficient role-playing from my available time.
Home and work life mean face-to-face games are no longer an option – but I have a lot of time throughout each day to play. So I have decided to GM a game that works for me and will allow one or two players to indulge in some play-by-post Pathfinder.
So what am I looking for? As mentioned, this will be for one (or possibly two players). I am really flexible about where the game is set, what sort of game to run (do you want to fight orcs or daemons, solve puzzles or go on dungeon crawls, do you want an epic campaign up to Level 20 or do you prefer a sandbox approach).
My lack of specifics is based on the fact that I want to create a game that will keep both sides hooked and posting regularly. My preference is for players based around GMT. This is because it will minimise the time between posts. I am available 8am to 10pm most days (slightly less often at week-ends) and so any posts after my ‘end-time’ won’t be looked at for up to ten hours. GMT is not a must – but will be a consideration.
So what’s next? I need to know answers to the following:
1. Your time-zone
2. Your available posting hours
3. If you are an existing player on the boards, which alias best reflects your playing style
4. How often could you post each day
5. Would you prefer to play solo or with one other person
6. What sort of game you would like to participate in (this can be as generic or detailed as you like – this does not have to be lengthy but if it’s too loose, it may not give me enough detail to interest me)
7. What sort of character you would play in the above game (please don’t link me to a character from another game – I’d rather you told me)
8. If applicable, what is your character’s overarching aim (this could be both personal and campaign related)
If this seems a little long-winded, it’s because I want to make the best decision – plus if you are keen to play, I hope you’ll invest the time to answer the questions. To that end, I will set a deadline of Friday 14 September at 12.00pm GMT. I’m expecting that someone who does not see the posting on the board and/or cannot make this deadline won’t have the time to devote to the game.
My style:
This is a two-way process and, alas, I don’t have an alias I can point you at for my GMing style, but here are some pointers to expect:
- I’m not a rules-freak and will always go with the role rather than the roll
- One of the slowest parts of play-by-post is combat. I intend to run as much as possible from my iPhone and so will always simplify combat i.e. describe the situation and ask for your response. This will mean no alpha-numeric maps to determine who can see or reach whom, and no waiting for the person with the highest initiative to decide what to do before you can decide your move
- I will use pictures if applicable – sometimes words can’t do something justice – and will probably use a simple link to Dropbox
Up for grabs:
Here are the things that will be decided by agreement:
- Starting level
- How to determine ability scores
- Starting gold
- Number of traits
- Where the game is set
- The nature of the challenges (this could include a specific adventure path too)
Not up for grabs:
And here are the things I don’t want to move on (or am unlikely to):
- Paizo source material only for classes, skills, feats etc.
- Races (I’ll stick to the Core rule-book here)
- No firearms
