Plastic Dragon's page

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.

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.

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

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

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

Kudos on the whole scene presentation, Galahad. Echoing Sven's statement, this does indeed feel like a living, breathing world rather than a standard opening of a classic AP. Bravo, sir.

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

"Myrp, running with scissors is not a good idea." Starigati has a memory of learning that the hard way when she was five.

This literally made me chuckle out loud. :D

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.

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

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.

Is your last name known, not sure if you revealed it or would have while traveling together. Vasily would not have, as his name is of some ill repute for those from Brevoy who know.

Khalaros hasn't yet mentioned his family name, and usually doesn't. He's not embarassed by it, specifically, but he's kind of a black sheep in his family. Like Vasily, he doesn't generally offer it. I'm sure the surname will eventually come up, though.

All good on the map. And good job on it too!

Mouth full of venison, chewing happily, Culver says, "ThwiSth if rWreely Goodth..." He pauses to swallow, then wipes his mouth on the back of his sleeve and grins, "Seriously, Good job. 'Compliments to the chef!"

"So...I have a question." From his spot near the fire, the halfling glances around at everyone in turn. "While things are kinda quiet right now, they're sure to get a bit more wild tomorrow or at the day after at most. What do we really know about this place we're going? Like, we all know the rumors and what the other candidates have said, but..."

Culver shrugs, surprisingly sounding much less naive and fun-loving than usual, and a bit more mature than maybe he usually lets on. "What do we KNOW, and what are we planning to do once we get there? What do we all bring to the table, so to say?"

While most of the group may have not ever seen this side of the halfling scoundrel, Grobradon has, which he knows means that Culver actually is taking things seriously, despite his demeanor.

Betzolte raises an eyebrow at Culver's words.

"Garth's speech got to you a bit, seems like," she comments. "Never really seen you be nervous before..."

Culver winks,"Not nervous exactly. Cautious. Yeah, that's the word. Rabid armadillos are NOT to be underestimated..."

At the Camp

One moment, Culver is unrolling his bedroll, setting up his personal space in camp, small though it might be. And the next, Maidie is screeching, and the blonde-haired rogue spins, dropping into a crouch as he does so, drawing two daggers as he moves.

A long pause follows as Culver takes in the situation and then sheathes his blades with a chuckle, "Maidie, don't DO that! Hey, Keth. Good to see you." He then turns sheepishly and goes back to his efforts, muttering quietly to himself, "Nope. Not nervous at all...

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12
Survival: 1d20 ⇒ 5

"Huh? Something moving? Like what? An angry bear? A stalking Wolf? A rabid armadillo?" A slight pause, followed by a defensive response to any odd looks, "What? It could happen. You don't know..."

Beyond that, however, Culver is really of little use in picking and setting up a camp. To that end, he begins to expound upon that fact to anyone willing to listen, all the while taking in what the others are doing so he can learn...which he also comments upon.

Dropping out of "Spoilervision" as well...

Coldanna smiles as she enjoys breakfast and the banter between the two of you. She even laughs when Culver brings up Mayor Uptal's love of Trelvar's special recipe sausages and the incident with Betzolte and Casina. It's not everyday magic goes awry like that. Colbin Ventar being in the middle of the mess only made the memory that much more enjoyable.

It's about this time you hear a distant scream coming from the direction of Casina's aunt's and uncle's house.

The blonde-haired rogue jolts at the sudden disruption, darting out of his chair and almost toppling the mug he'd been about to sip. "What was that??"

Culver moves towards the door (knowing he'd be too short to see out the window, and opens it, stepping out a few paces and looking around to see if anyone was reacting in terror or not). "Grob! What was that all about? I can't get caught overreacting again...charging down the street with weapons out or something...not like that time I saw a lot of smoke and I took off yelling that there was a fire at Maidie's house and it turned out that they were just doing some work with their forge...And everyone came running for nothing. Boy, were they mad! The council made me do chores around town for a week!"

There's a pause, and the halfling looks antsy as he glances back and forth between the street and the Druid. "Should we...?"

We've been BIMBUR-BOMBED! tm

Everything and everyone is good, and I truly appreciate the comments.
It was an entirely too busy week, one of those wtf is going on? kinda things.

And yes, I did under-estimate the time involved in launching this, especially with the mash-up I'm planning. So there's that. I've run games before, tabletop, but it's much different for this.

I am slightly postponing the start of the game, but just to get my bearings, but not indefinitely. I'll take a day or so, and then give you guys a timeframe. At the moment, I'd say two weeks. I'll update if needed.

Thanks for being understanding.

I know, I know. * sheepish grin *
You were correct, and Real Life did indeed swallow me up over the last three days, Adam.

Sunday was my daughter's 16th birthday.

Sunday night into Monday we all got sick with headcolds. (Me too) Doctor appointment was necessary for my youngest.

Also yesterday we discovered my beagle had injured her paw on the bottom of our fence while chasing a squirrel, and tore a quarter-sized chuck out of the top.

A vet visit was required to the Animal Hospital today. (Only place we could get in)

Altogether, not fun.

My apologies. Life happens...this time, too quickly. lol

I'll have a post up tomorrow, guys to open the Game thread. I appreciate your patience.

I know, I know. * sheepish grin *
You were correct, Salsa, and Real Life did indeed swallow me up over the last three days.

Sunday was my daughter's 16th birthday.

Sunday night into Monday we all got sick with headcolds. (Me too) Doctor appointment was necessary for my youngest.

Also yesterday we discovered my beagle had injured her paw on the bottom of our fence while chasing a squirrel, and tore a quarter-sized chuck out of the top.

A vet visit was required to the Animal Hospital today. (Only place we could get in)

Altogether, not fun.

My apologies. Life happens...this time, too quickly. lol

The deadline has indeed passed. I'll be going over the characters and announcing the party members tomorrow. (Mon. 10/2) Today's my daughter's 16th birthday, and I'll be occuppied for most of it.

Here's my understanding of those still wanting to play:

The Applicants:
AdamWarnock: Ping Ibbleting Female Gnome Sorcerer

Djack Nymball: Kaliban the Mishappen Male Half-Orc Rogue

Phillip Gaston: Chestman Barrelhouse Male Dwarf Fighter

Critzible: Dagny Lyght Female Human Cleric of Sarenrae

Trawets71: Laurel Treekeeper Male Elf Fighter

Andostre: Lanliss Endarro Male Elf Cleric of Desna

Aldizog: Dandelion of EaglesHead Male Dwarf Bard

Black Dow: Torvaa Highmettle Female Dwarf Paladin

If I've gotten something wrong, please let me know and I'll adjust it.

Starting Premise:
The party will be traveling with a caravan of wagons that are delivering pots, pans, mead, ale, and pickled fish to taverns along the road, with the final stop being in a town called Belhaim.

You've been traveling for almost two weeks, having made three stops already, with two to go. One in Oakhurst, and another in Belahim. Each of you is making 50 gp each for this run, (10 gp per stop) and have recieved 30 gp already.

BIG NEWS EDIT:
Ok, after a cursory glance at the very cool characters, I'm going to try something. There are currently 8 of you. I planned to take 6 characters. I've decided to have everyone play along until the group gets to Belhaim. (Probably a few weeks of play in real time). At that point, if things are working well, everyone stays. If not, players will have the option of leaving the story, or if it's too much for me and necessary, I'll trim two characters. My goal will be to keep everyone.

Does that seem fair to you guys?

As for you, Jacob Trier, would you be interested in NPCing as the lead caravan wagon driver, and owner of transport service? He'd mostly stay with the wagons and all that, unless the wagons themselves come under attack. At the moment, he's a blank slate, non-adventurering NPC. Have fun with it. (If you're not interested, no worries. I'll cook something up.)

So, all of you are invited to DOT in on the Gameplay thread (once it's up tomorrow) and then delete it, to add your character to the Game. (You guys known the drill)

Feel free to keep offering opinions, but after seeing the current responses, I think I'm probably gonna pull up my big-boy pants and do the mash-up.

It'll be less word-for-word adventures and more customized storyline, tailored to the characters and whatever you guys bring to it.

Feel free to change character submissions if you want. (Not encouraging it, just allowing it. I like who you guys have submitted currently, but to be fair, this one DOES include a Dragon. Might change someone's mind...)

Wow GM Plastic Dragon I seemed to have missed the invitation. I just happened to check this thread out and saw that Robert Henry had posted my name as having been invited.

When did the invites go out?

Also if you have, since its been while since you started, filled the spot I will understand otherwise I can get something put together fairly quickly, especially if you have a solid idea of what you might need to help the game the most. So let me know GM Plastic Dragon how things stands. I will read back through the posts to see what is what but wanted to put this out there just in case.

Yours, on Sun. SEPT 17th, check your messages, DeJ. I told you there you were welcome to play, but I understood your aversion to "contests", and that I would be choosing 6 characters out of the applications. You're still welcome to apply, since you mentioned interest then, along with your advice.

Cheers!

Oh, and deadline for submissions will be 9 pm EST on September 30th.

Unless we hear from everyone before that. Only missing one at the moment.

Okay, here we go, some ideas on how Grobradon might interact with other PCs, each idea totally subject to each player of that character's approval.

* facepalm *

Yeah, PF1 Core. Obviously I should have gotten coffee before posting anything this morning. LOL

No worries, Androste. Fair rolls, and I offered the reroll rule.

And there's always the chance of an all 18 stat character when there are dice involved. Right?

If you guys end up being too OP, I'll simply adjust your opponents. ;)

* Looks around at everyone who's got two submissions turned in and feels the awkward peer pressure that he resists, but yearns to surrender to. *
"You know you want to..."
"Everybody's doing it."
*Years later, he knows he'll be seated in a circle of fellow addicts.*
"Hi. My name is Plastc Dragon. And I have alt-itis."
Everyone there, "Hi, Dragonnn..."

I apologize for any inconvience or irritation, but this is an INVITATION only game, based on an Interest Check I posted some time ago, and applications are only open to the players I contacted there.

A LONG TIME AGO IN A KINGDOM FAR, FAR AWAY
* Cue the Soundrack Music! *

Episode One:
The Sunless Citadel

It is a period of quiet unrest in between all too many civil wars.

Eldritch Knights, daring maidens, dashing scoundrels, heroic adventures, and righteous quests...These were once the legacies of old Taldor, a formerly-proud empire that has since fallen from its former glory.

Now rival nobles battle each other with bitter knights and proxy armies for personal power rather than honor. The Eldritch Legion that once fought for peace and justice is a lost and broken order. Taldor’s former region-states, now kingdoms of their very own, look down upon her with contempt. A fragile, smoldering truce with Qadira once again threatens to ignite the flames of war.

All this while worried rumors filter through the streets that dark cultists in Qadira, the Dark Jewel of the East, are creating a an airborne armada and a massive flying fortress with the firepower to destroy whole cities in its wake.

Meanwhile, far from the noble houses and stature of Oppara, the capital of Taldor, there are people living simple lives, far from the pain and fury of War. These common folk, going about their day to day lives, or who perhaps seek to remain out of sight of the local authorities, may soon find themselves thrust into the spotlight of history…

--------------------------------------

Evil Grows Beneath The Earth

Why should anyone travel the cracked cobblestones of the Old Road? The fortress that once cast its shadow across the road does so no longer. Some whisper that the earth swallowed the dwarven fortress whole in retribution for foul rituals performed there.. Four brave adventurers resolved to discover the truth and find their fortunes set off down the Old Road weeks ago, but they never returned…Their townsfolk are worried. Will you answer the call?

The Requirements Will be:
Build: 20 point buy system OR 4d6, drop the lowest, for six stats.

RulesCore rulebook ONLY. Nothing "Unchained". No Elephant in the Room.

TraitEach character will be allowed (1) Trait. AP Traits will be considered on a case to case basis, but NOT automatically allowed. No Flaws.

Hit Points: Max at 1st, Rolled thereafter, minimum ½ HD per level.

Funds: Average starting gold for class

Posting Rate Post Daily if possible, min.5 posts per/week. Communicate if there will be absences if necessary. Life Happens.

The Party: 6 characters based on background and fit. Any characters not chosen will be first in line should other characters leave, and possibly offered NPC roles as the game progresses.

Alignments No evil. It’s up the the Players to explain why characters are staying.

Dieties: I will allow either Greyhawk or Golarion dieties for this game.

………………………………

Well said. :D

My comments were not intended as anything other than a clarification of my thinking process on the matter of choosing characters for my game, based on a few heated conversations I have seen as of late, which I do not intend to rehash here.

Nothing was intended as a jab at anyone, and if I somehow ruffled any feathers, my apologies. I hope that is not the case.

Welcome, one and all! Glad you could join us.
Real recruitment post coming soon.

* Culver blinks, then shifts his portable hot tub behind his back, looks at the ceiling and whistles softly, feining innocence *

I'll probably have the recruitment thread up by the end of the week.

No worries, Mr. Henry. :) I'm a sucker for reunions.

Ok, so after doing some reading of both adventures, I think that when I start this, we'll begin with Sunless Citadel, THEN if there's still interest, into the Shadowed Keep on the Borderlands.

I have an idea to tie the Sunless/Shadowed locations together with an overarching story. There's some definite similarities that could make this work, methinks.

My two cents, coming from a father of four:

DJ, basically what you offered Black Dow was "I'm sorry, but here's why what I said and how I said it was ok."

I think that, after seeing this back and forth, I'm going to back out of the Colony game. Too much of a Rules Lawyering thing in Shadow Dark for my taste.

No hard feelings, folks. Everyone plays their own way.
Happy Gaming.

I think it means control them since Dak is on the forward guns...I think.

Just don't shoot ME. :)

Thank ye. Somehow I missed that. Or rather, I remember reading it, but it didn't register. * yawn * Got up too early for a Saturday, methinks. lol

I pretty much have to go with RPing being the primary, but that wouldn't need to mean it can't be a kick-ass Dungeon Crawl anyway, right?

Less Diablo and more Baldur's Gate. (The video games, that is.)

"She's coming up FAST!" Dak calls out, gritting his teeth with the light freighter grows larger and larger in the viewport as the two ships charge directly at each other!

Nothing new. Just atmospheric and for tension. LOL

So. Learning new things every day. Like the fact that I hate ships.

As a less-than-stellar swimmer, Rhaedlaf had planned to spend most of the voyage below decks, studying his spells, the mage had discovered to his absolute horror that he was, in fact, rather prone to sea-sickness, and had spent the entirety of the journey so far at the rail, vomiting, or wishing that he could.

Puffy-eyed and feeling frail, the magic-user drew some comfort from the fact that the row boats were far less likely to induce more nausea, and did his best to be amicable as he stowed his gear aboard one and found a spot to secure himself.

"So. This is fun, eh?" he muttered and sighed.

Back. Was MIA with some serious OT the last two days. Apologies. Wasn't expecting it or I would have warned you guys."

Quiet during the entire encounter, having entered silently after they'd begin and then simply nodding and perhaps brooding as the conversation drew on, Raedlaf purses his lips and arches a bushy eyebrow, "Done. A question, however: Have you access to potions that would allow one to breathe under water, or might you know where we could find draughts like this?"

A small pause and a glance around the table at his newfound business partners and the mage shrugs, "I like to be prepared for possible...especially probable...contingencies.

Just saw this. I wasn't trying to be a Diva or overly dramatic...lol Re-reading my comment it kinda reads that way.
Apologies.

Ok, after some consideration, I'll give it shot and try to keep up. I really do like the characters and you folks are really quite talented, so it's worth giving it a go.

While technically a conjurer, Rhaed will cast as a generalist wizard for the most part, excluding necromancy and enchantment. He's more of a battlefield controller than a blaster, to be sure. Though, he won't forego damage dealing spells altogether.

And he has a healing-ish spell of his own, as well. ;)