Plastic Dragon's page

Gazul, you are a wealth of knowledge. If you ever to decide to run a game on the boards, Grumbaki, let me know. I want in. :D

I'm in the Pacific time zone, but I tend to keep weird hours in general so I don't think it's a prediction of when I'm online. I've been gaming for most of my adult life, and I am proud of a ton of work that I did for a game called Ars Magica, which was itself an inspiration for a lot of the mechanics that became D&D Third Edition.

Ars Magica?? If you contributed to that, you should be proud. I only got to play it a handful of times, but it was so cool.

Thennor wrote:

Speaking of: Someone in the Recruitment thread mentioned that "Elephant in the Room Feat rules gives everyone Weapon Finesse and Power Attack for free." I didn't see this in the EitR booklet, so I wonder if someone could confirm or deny this for me.

EitR gives these feats for free, yes, but for power attack you need BAB +1.

Yes. You have to still meet prequisites to be able to USE the feats, even if you could have access to it.

Oh we got two Rangers! Is it a problem if we both have the same build as a ranged Ranger? Should I swap to doing melee?

Nope. Play him how you want to play him. I'll adjust if need be.

Always a pleasure! But for favored enemy...in general you can't go wrong with:

Favored Enemy Humans: One of the most common enemies faced
Favored Enemy Undead: Almost always some them around somewhere
Favored Enemy Dragons: Just fits for this adventure. Though probably best choice for the second favored enemy.

If I was playing a ranger? I'd personally go Human and then Dragon. Can't go wrong with that.

Awww, you beat me to answering this. And just so you know, especially with this group having two Rangers, I would definitely add Goblins to that list.

Hmm... I might (please note might) run it if I could get a copy of the module. Imma look at my options.

You could literally run anything you like. Wouldn't have to be THIS module. Just sayin'. I love that you're considering running something.

Hello hello!

In case it matters, I live in western Canada, so my posts might come in a bit later in the day if you are in the east.

Looking forward to adventuring with you all!

That's the wonder of PbP, right? Even in different time zones we can make it work. I'll try to keep that in mind with my posting, Thennor.

Btw, I'm in Michigan, EST.

Good idea regarding some/all the rest of us forming a group and seeing if we can find a GM to run for us. Would it be okay with you if we continue to use this recruitment thread for that purpose, PD?

Absolutely. That would be cool to see.

Oh, and I will make a specific request of you while you're tweaking your characters for the game and whatnot.

If all of you could, using YOUR character info, obviously, come up with a character summary-line something LIKE the following (using one of my characters as example):

NG Male Elf / Conjuration Wizard 1 | HP 8/8 | AC 13 (17) / T 10 / FF 13 | Fort +1 / Ref +3 / Will +3 | CMB +0 / CMD 12 | Initiative +7 | Sorcerer/Wizard Spell List | Diplomacy +5 | Perception +3

And, on your Alias's profile, post that line in the classes/levels box, that'd be awesome. It's really rather helpful to have that info immediately on hand when running a game.

Welcome, each and every one of you!
Say hello, introduce yourselves OUT of character, and just get settled in.

While I'll be posting some prepatory stuff from now through the weekend, the game won't go into full swing until after next week's expected multi-day shut down. (Unless it doesn't happen again, and then we'll play it by ear.)

After a good deal of going back and forth, changing my mind several times and then changing it back, having to reread submissions, and then everything else short of pulling names out of a hat...(Yes, the submissions were THAT good and the choices were THAT difficult...so much so that I upped my player count to 7 rather than the original 5 or 6 that I had planned.)

Will the following adventurers kindly join me in the Discussion Thread?

Aria Tanner - Half-Elf Druid
Daan Honsveld - Human Sorcerer
Gazul Ironfist - Dwarven Two-Handed Fighter
Nabor Antia - Half-Elf Ranger
Thennor - Elf Ranger
Theophania Song - Human Cleric of Shelyn
Ukter Quickmug - Halfling Unchained Rogue

Everyone else, I sincerely wish I could have taken all of you. Honestly, there wasn't a bad choice in the bunch. All of the submissions were worthy of being chosen. Sadly, I just couldn't take all of you. Should the need arise, I plan on contacting your characters as replacement characters.

A thought occurs to me that perhaps some of you could assemble yourselves as a pre-made party and see if you can pick up a wandering GM to run something for ya. The submissions are worth it.

Safe travels
~ PD

So I had planned to have a few days to go over things before there was any rush...and now we aren't even going down until next week. Yay?

Wow, you guys have made some excellent character submissions and have made my decisions very difficult. As such, I'm taking another day or so to keep going over them, trying to find what I think will be the best fit, both personality-wise, and for balance. At worst, I'll have a final list posted by Friday morning. Hopefully before that.

I've sent a couple of you messages (if you didn't get one, no worries. Just questions, not invites).

Ok, back to the read-throughs.

~ PD

Pretty sure NPCs don't have archetypes.

Daan said it well, every character has a story, indeed. That said, rarely do first level characters have stories that could be sung by bards. * shrug * Just my take on it.

Now, beyond all that, this recruitment is officially CLOSED.

I will announce the list of characters chosen for this AFTER the site upgrade, since most of you are unlikely to see any post I make before it goes down sometime today. I think.

Good luck to all.

~ PD

DM Ashlar and I discussed them taking on this adventure and I agreed that it should run, wholeheartedly. Just thought I should mention that just so there's no misunderstanding for anyone.

Also, I think it's being run in PF1e, scranford, but not positive.

So many great submissions, Core and otherwise. Gotta say that I'm pleased as well as not looking forward to having to choose amongst them. Gonna be a hard time.

Especially with tonight being Halloween, I decided to extend the deadline until Sunday evening at 6pm EST to allow those with ideas that have not yet come fully to fruition to get a handle on them. (More time will be allowed for tweaking and discussion once the party members have been chosen.)

I'm not going to penalize anyone for a slightly incomplete character sheet. The basics with a good feel for what and who the character is will be enough.

Meanwhile, go have some fun trick-or-treating!

~ PD

Yep, under the Elephant in the Room (EitR) feat tax rules, a bladed scarf counts as a finesse weapon.

Just so we're clear, folks: the only reason I'm allowing stats below 6 is for characters who were rolled up. The usual point buy rules apply to the 20 pt builds.

First, Grumbaki, kudos on listing and assembling the submissions into categories. Much appreciated. I had planned on handling that this morning. Pleasantly surprised to find it handled already.

Second, Elinnea and GM Nowruz thanks for picking up the answer for Veniir's Elephant in the Room question.

Lastly, for Thennor I've looked around and can't really find any specific fixes on the internet that seem reasonable for Bullseye Shot. Without the feat taxes that moderate the feat, +4 to hit at first level is just too much, IMHO. So, here's my offer: I'd allow a character with Bullseye Shot to build up to the +4 with each level increase. +2 at first level, +3 at second, and +4 at 4th level. Otherwise, you could choose a different ranged feat in it's place.

Finally, I"m really enjoying the submissions I'm seeing. Very encouraging.

How long of a recruitment are you going for @DM? I didn't see that listed, but that could always be my poor eyesight.

Open til Nov. 1st is the plan.

Well. This thread has certainly found interest. Or at least the invitation to roll up character stats has. lol Who doesn't love rolling a new character?
That all said, I'm encouraged by the enthusiasm.

Unchained is fine. Forgot to mention it in the opening post.

Alternate racial traits are allowed.

Dragonslayers Wanted!

Founded by a famous dragonslayer, the small town of Belhaim has become a sleepy rural community just off the beaten path, a settlement where everyone knows everyone and strangers are the talk of the town.

But when Belhaim's peace and quiet is shattered by the sudden collapse of the last standing tower of its founder's castle, things quickly bloom out of control. Why were there bodies of kobolds amid the rubble? What's the sinister secret behind the strange sounds of flapping wings in the night? And what's happened to local wizard Balthus Hunclay, who's not answering knocks on his door? The collapsed tower had long been an eyesore to the cantankerous old man—could he have had something to do with its destruction? And what of the rumors of strange stirrings in nearby Dragonfen?

Has Belhaim's ancient draconic nemesis returned?

********

Looking for 4 - 6 characters built with a more-or-less Classic fantasy feel.

What does that mean?

It means that I’d prefer Core or Base classes along with Core races. What it doesn’t mean is that I’m going to require all submissions to stick to those requirements. I’m not trying to stifle creativity. Just looking for a certain thematic bent to the game.

Core classes and race entries are far more likely to be chosen by me than those that are built outside of those parameters. Any character chosen beyond those circumstances will be on a case by case basis, and I reserve the right to such decisions, should they happen. Suffice it to say, any characters chosen outside of this criteria will, in my mind, have earned consideration.

Stats will be 4d6 each, drop the lowest result, arrange as you like. Full Hp at first level, Average starting wealth. (1)Trait, with the option to earn another for characters that complete their first level. (I find that helps with player retention) Background Skills and Elephant in the Room Feat rules will be in play. Archetypes would be considered on a case-to-case basis, but no guarantee.

********

Character Creation Breakdown:

The Rules

Starting Level: 1st Level

Ability Scores: 4d6 (drop the lowest die roll) x 6 OR 20 point buy (You can decide after you roll.)

Preferred Races:
Core, though alternate racial traits will be allowed.

Alignment:
Any Non-Evil.

Preferred Classes:
Any Core Paizo, (including Unchained versions), Only 1 Archetype allowed per character.

Skills:
Background skills

Feats:
Elephant in the Room

Traits:
One at first level, no Flaws (May earn another Trait by reaching 2nd level)

Starting Wealth: Class average wealth for Level 1

Hit Points: Max at first level, Rolled or Half HD +1 (whichever is better)

Background:
(2 paragraphs) None of the characters will be natives of Belhaim, and will be part of a small caravan to the town, possibly acting as guards ( or their own reasons ) for what turned out to be a rather uneventful, boring trip.

Posting Expectations:
I’d hope for one post each weekday and one on the weekend, though in reality I’ll ask for a minimum of four posts a week.

********

I will be aiming for a reasonably balanced group…though we’ll see how that works out. Sometimes it just doesn't. We'll make do. Depending on the mix and number of applications I’ll leave this recruitment open until November 1st at 11:59pm EST.

I would assume until told otherwise that the recruitment hasn't started yet as Plastic Dragon said he was planning to post a separate recruitment thread.

Yep.

While working on my recruitment and going over things to include, I changed my mind on the adventure I want to run.

Since it's likely that this will end up being my one and only game I'm going to run here, (due to real life time constraints, bandwidth, and whatnot) I've decided not to run the Borderlands adventure, but rather to go with a mini-campaign, similar to an AP, but still technically a single module.

I've owned The Dragon's Demand for several years but have never had the chance to either play or run it. And it's really quite good. It'll take the characters from 1st level up to around 7th level.

So after a lot of consideration, THAT's what I'm going to run, and post a recruitment for by the end of the weekend. I apologize for any confusion or disappointment. In the long run, I think that the game will be far better for it

This conversation has given me reason to rethink this, and so when I post the recruitment in the near future, I'll probably offer it more like this:
Aiming for a classic feel, and will be far more likely to choose Core-type characters than not. That said, I don't want to stifle creativity...and so will allow: ....(and there I'll add any changes to what I'll consider)

Or something like that.

Thanks, folks.
~ PD

True to old-school, if the dice gods are unforgiving, maybe your character dies in the first encounter. We toast to him/her and build another, MAYBE better one :D

Ahhh. Such cheerful thoughts. :D

Albion, The Eye wrote:

Definitely interested :)

Hopefully you keep it as close to Core as possible.

Since PF places way more emphasis on ability scores than older systems, I would personally prefer a point buy.

But if you prefer to go with rolling for ability scores, I would suggest an external die roller, so people cannot preview their results. Keeping it fair for all. As Crom intended.

An easy rule:

First post in thread must roll for all stats. No questions, interest, dot. Lose priority on choosing if you don’t follow rule.

I like that. Fair.

"A ruined monument to folly and ego, the Shadowed Keep stands atop an isolated bluff deep in the mist‐wreathed Arthfell Forest. Sacked by marauding goblins decades ago, the place was thought abandoned, but shadows now creep among the forest's great boles and footprints have appeared on the single, overgrown track leading to the keep. Travellers have begun to disappear with alarming regularity from the nearby road and the local folk fear some slumbering evil has claimed the ruin as its own."

"Dare you brave the terrors of the Shadowed Keep to crush that which lurks within or will darkness shroud the surrounding lands?"

What is it? Raging Swan Press's 1st Edition Pathfinder adventure for first level characters. An homage, but not reboot, to the classic Keep on the Borderlands. Unlike that classic module, the Shadowed Keep is a specific adventure and not a sandbox setting.

What is this? This is me seeing if there's any interest in a classic-feel game for 4 - 6 characters built with more-or-less the CORE rules. Core races only, Core classes, and whatnot. (Considering some of the Base classes as well as some of the Unchained versions) Classic fantasy feel, I guess you could say. In any event, this is rookie adventurers doing what they do.

Stats would be 4d6, drop the lowest result, arrange as you like. Full Hp at first level, Average starting wealth. (1)Trait, with the option to earn another for characters that complete the adventure. Background Skills and Elephant in the Room Feat rules would be in play. Archetypes would be considered on a case-to-case basis, but no guarantee.

The setting Golarion, specifically in the region near the Arthfell Forest which makes up one of the most infamous woodland regions in the nation of Andoran.

What this is NOT An actual recruitment, because I'm simply not prepared...yet. But I will be soon. Just wanted to see if there's anyone likely to want to play.

Cool review, Eltonj!

Would consider Strixhaven, sure. PF1e or 2e.

Life is busy. Sadly, I think I'm going to step back from this excellent recruitment at this time. So if someone else wants a Cleric spot, there's less competition here. :)

Have fun!

Currently Unnamed Human Cloistered Cleric of Sarenrae
Under Construction, but the basics are there, sans equipment.

Wait. A vampire driven storyline and it's NOT set in Ravenloft??

Could definitely be interested. Probably in a Cleric of some kind.
Hmmm. A follower of Sarenrae almost seems a must-have. I'd likely go with that.

What are your brothers looking to play? I can work around their options - I have in mind a flurry ranger, a magus, a thaumaturge and a warpriest.

Also what options are available? Do we get uncommon or rare options, Free Archetype, etc?

Same questions. :)

Concept: Elven Sage Bloodline Sorcerer (Int based), born to a long line of prestigious Wizards. He spends his youth trying in vain to somehow move past sorcery and instead master wizardry, but in the end, quite obviously, the result should never have been in doubt.

Wracked with guilt and shame, as much of his own creation as that of aimed at his by his family members, he has left home to seek out his own path and (presumedly) his own place in history in the Stolen Lands...especially if the offer at Jamandi Aldori's is on the level.

As a result of his upbringing and studies, he is quite well read and learned, he sees himself as much a scholar as he is a spellcaster, followed closely by counselor and advisor. I am considering Arcane Trickster for down the road, however, that is far from a definite path for him.

Personally I have never played any of the variations of Kingmaker. I never wanted to spoil it, should I ever get the chance to play in it.

I'm far from a new player, though I have only recently come back from an extended time away from these boards, brought on by difficult and unavoidable bits in real life that should have no reason to repeat themselves.

Dot. Have wanted to play this AP for ages.

After reading through the Player's Guide, I'm adding the Azlanti Scholar Campaign Trait to my Bard WIP.

Intrigued.

Build points: 15 + 1d4 ⇒ 15 + (2) = 17

Brainstorming a Bard of some sort, documenting the expedition...a work in progress...

Mature Beastmaster Companion (Feat 4) Same as Druid

Incredible Beastmaster Companion (Feat 8) Same as Druid

Specialized Beastmaster Companion (Feat 14) Same as Druid

I'm not doubting ya, but I went and confirmed it myself. What I had been reading before was a comparison between base Druids and Rangers.

So, along with all the conversation about healing options that's transpired, I think I'm going to keep Khalaros as a Ranger. (Eventually he'll get access to the Warden Healing Mist spell...such as it is.)

Thanks for the advice.

So, while considering the Druid vs Ranger, two things pop out at me. 1. The Ranger is MUCH tougher in the Melee combat area...an area we might be lacking. But, 2. The druid's animal companions "mature" 2 levels earlier than the Ranger's. Could be important.

Looking into Ranger with Druid Dedication rather than Beastmaster, but not sure yet. For the record, NOT min/maxing here. Looking for balance that aids the party, if that makes sense.

More later...

A couple of comments real quick.

....

To the group, something you want to start to consider is healing, both in and out of combat.

You have very limited healing options at this point. That is not a bad thing! But you will need to start considering your plans for how you'll work around it.

I want to emphasize I am not saying 'OMG, someone must be a cleric' or 'You all need to get medicine.' What I am saying is during this session 0, which will hopefully move to session 1 within a week, that some chatter and planning around this happens.

On that note, I'm considering a change...c o n s i d e r i n g...not a threat here...to Druid rather than Ranger. Khalaros' primary function is the ability to survive in the wild and to help guide his companions through whatever environs they find themselves in. With Drake's suggestion regarding animal companions, I've taken that on...all of which could be covered by a Druid as well as a Ranger, as well as addressing some of the healing issues, methinks. I'm currently reading through the Druid class to see what's what. I'll get back to you on it.

I'm open to opinions on it.

GM-Lia wrote:

@Dr. Evil: Two questions. What subclass do you plan to use, since I didn't see that in the mini profile. Also, where is Exacting Strike coming from, as it seems to be just a fighter feat?

@Myrp: That's something you should discuss with the group. Stealing a mechanical horse from a noble right before a 1400-mile trip might not be something everyone is ok with. I'm not saying it can't happen. I am saying something that could both have group repercussions and be a logistical factor, should be bounced off of everyone.

Per my bullet points the horse had already been sent to the shed to be dispensed of later. I guess he could wait till it went from the garbage to the junkyard. Not really a big deal either way as it won't come into play right away. I had imagined he disassembled (If it's not already) the horse and hauled it around in a wagon.

I'm good with just waiting till he takes the FA to begin assembly, was just tying it to Myrp's limited history and knowledge of the world.

Could simply be "locked away" in that shed? Maybe Myrp steals the keys to the shed? Far less likely to put anyone on alert if they simply can't find the keys. Or maybe the unicorn is hidden in a secret chamber of some sort? Or at another location altogether, using the aforementioned wagon?

Besides, having the "Quest for the Clockwork Unicorn" as a thing to do for the group after our initial arc...or at least when we level up for Archetypes...that could be fun.

Plastic Dragon wrote:

Still a work in progress, but here's where I'm at on him, at the moment.

Khalaros Medvyed I'm open to thoughts on him, especially since I've never really played a 2e Ranger. I'm currently debating between a Bird (Peregrine Hawk) or a Wolf Animal companion. Can't decide.

Wouldn't a bear be more appropriate? It IS House Medvyed's heraldic animal after all... ;)

THAT is an excellent point...

Yes, I would take Aldori Duelist archetype. Was looking into a bit after I posted. Have not yet decided if SW or Fighter is the right base class, but kinda leaning towards swashbuckler for the cinematic moments using panache etc.

Any thoughts?

Depends on if you want to be Frontline fighting, I suppose. Though, in the end, I agree with Drake on this.

Just an observation: This really DOES feel like sitting around the table making characters for a new campaign. Well done, Lia.

In regard to the twin questions about Brevoy'ish pasts.

Yes, PD, that's fine. It seems to me that the only reason it's rare is that it's from an AP. There's nothing concerning about it from any sort of balance reason. However, it could - and I am not saying that it will, just that it could - lead to complications if you encounter nobles of other houses. Brevoy is, after all, a land of pretty cut-throat politics.

That may not come up at all! But, I'd rather bring it up in advance than catch you off guard if it does come up and you had not expected it.

And that's part of the fun, right? I'm a big believer in characters dealing with what comes their way, especially if it's part of their backstory. He won't be seriously ACTIVE in politics amd looking for a conflict there, but should "House" interactions come into play...so be it.

As for Mammoth Lord, since Drake did bring it up, if I said yes to that would depend on how things go in the game. If you never encounter a mammoth, you won't be able to get one as a pet, but in general, if it makes sense narratively, I'm pretty likely to approve it

No 'Mammoth Lord' on the Horizon for me. :D Still playing around with the build, though.

Working on my Half-Orc (Dromaar) Ranger, atm, and wanted to run something by ya, Lia. I'm pretty sure it'll be ok, but, how would you feel about me taking Brevic Noble as a background? I stumbled across it while looking up Brevoy, and it feels right...so long as you approve it, that is. Being less than full-blooded human, he's sort of the black sheep, and while not being chased off with pitchforks, the family is happier when he's ...elsewhere.
(Also it's called Kingdom Noble (Wilderness) in Pathbuilder.

Still a work in progress, but here's where I'm at on him, at the moment.
Khalaros Medvyed I'm open to thoughts on him, especially since I've never really played a 2e Ranger. I'm currently debating between a Bird (Peregrine Hawk) or a Wolf Animal companion. Can't decide.

That is an AWESOME Tengu portrait! I already want to adventure with the guy...

Oooooh. Love that as an entry point for the game. Sweet.
* Runs off to work on his Ranger *

Just a heads up, I think I mentioned this in the Recruitment, but just want to make sure you guys are aware, I have limited experience with PF2. I've played a lot of PF1 and 5e, but this edition, not so much. Pathbuilder definitely helps out. So in case I make dumb, obvious mistakes here or there, feel free to point them out. I don't bruise easy, but I will learn. ;)

In no particular order, as I am also occupied, but want to toss in my two coppers:

1. Agreed on what's not desirable, subject-wise. Commenting that something happened off screen in the past by the GM is fine with me, I'm an adult and the world can seem harsh, as can the evil actions of the bad-guys, but like Drake said, not stuff IN-game.

2. Ancestry Paragon: Honestly, I'm neutral on this. I've never seen it employed in a game, so I'm open to it if everyone else wants it. Could be cool.

3. I'm a fan of Free Archetypes as well, but I understand that it can sometimes feel like it's hindering good roleplay/storytelling in the place of powergaming. I'd like to keep it, since it can definitely help to customize characters so they're not cardboard cut-outs, but am fine with not, if Lia isn't comfortable with it. Maybe limiting which classes can have dedication based on what each specific character is playing? I like Drake's suggestion on this.

4. Fine without SF2 stuff. We all have more than enough to work with, I'm sure. That said, agreed, monster books are awesome.

5. Lia's style: How much discussion do you prefer between you and each particular player in planning their character goals and whatnot? Do you prefer messages back and forth or do you like being surprised in-game?

6. Something not mentioned above, but it's an in-house statement that we've always used as a guide in our home games when gauging whether something was "broken" or powergaming in nature. "If YOU can do it...if the party members can do it...then the NPCs and Bad Guys can do it."

Seemed to help keep people from over-reaching too much. NOT that I'm saying that anyone here is guilty of it. LOL

As an aside, APZ, I like the Kobald idea. :D

~ PD