I'll throw out a wild card and say that having a rotating cast of characters works better for a system with a progression curve with less vertical, more horizontal growth.
In Pathfinder (especially at low levels), CR matters a lot. Given when/how unlucky a player is they could be stuck with characters that are pretty much completely useless for multiple delves, if those characters even survive the inevitable AoEs that kill them even if they save.
Playing a system like Savage Worlds (which does conveniently have a Pathfinder add-on) might work a lot better for having a rotating cast. It also has built-in rules for sanity and permanent injuries, so you get the "grim and gritty" feel with less homebrew. It makes it easier to justify a character sitting out a mission if they get their arm broken (or lopped off) on a mission.
FWIW, Dark Sun had a system for managing a bench of back-up characters and leveling them. Essentially you could level up a backup every time the main did.
A similar approach would be XP earned would apply to the active character and the same amount would go into a reserve pool. The reserve pool could be used by the bench.
The serial killer idea is fine though you won't exactly have much time to indulge. A lot of it has a sense of "impending doom" with very little downtime. Delaying without compelling reasons can have unforeseen consequences.
Thanks, but I think I'll hold off. There's been some movement with some other games which might be too much if everything happens at once.
Given that this is a non-PFS game, I'd like to inquire if a 3pp class would be allowed? I always ask since I'd like to use some of the material I've collected, and a one-shot keeps it pretty contained. Kobold Press' Elven Archer(halfling sling master) comes to mind.
Otherwise the other idea that comes to mind is playing a Dexter type character, using the Vigilante - serial killer archetype. Of course, that requires some discussion since the alter ego has to be evil. For a band of unsavory, migratory monster hunters, that might not be that big of a deal, especially if it's more neutral with the exception of the killings themselves, which is offset by the quarries/targets, and thus a reason for taking the profession in the first place.
Can 5E function without a designated healer? There's no point overlapping barbarian if Mishima has one lined up. I can go Bard - College of Valor, but that might not be the healing that we need...
Greetings all and thanks for the invite! This ramped up faster than I expected, looking at the thread.
Let's see what the dice throw at us for a suggestion:
Suits: (1)swords, (2)stars, (3)coins, (4)glyphs
Background
[dice=suit]1d4
[dice=common]1d10
Soldier
War and sacrifice; the stamina to endure great hardship
Class
[dice=suit]1d4
[dice=common]1d10
Berserker
The brutal and barbaric side of warfare; bloodlust; those with a bestial nature
Homeland
[dice=suit]1d4
[dice=common]1d10
Anarchist
A fundamental change brought on by one whose beliefs are being put to the test
Dark Gift
[dice=High]1d20
Tempter
One who has been compromised or led astray by temptation or foolishness; one who tempts others for evil ends
Flaw
[dice=High]1d20
Broken One
Defeat, failure, and despair; the loss of something or someone important, without which one feels incomplete
Ideal
[dice=High]1d20
Artifact
The importance of some physical object that must be obtained, protected, or destroyed at all costs
Here are my current thoughts:
Getting the Beserker for class pretty much implies Barbarian, although skald, drunken master, or brawler would also work... or whatever the 5E equivalents would be. I only have the PHB handy, so I'd have to re-skin abilities to make one of those fit.
Originating from Kartakass puts the wolfwere spin on bloodlust and bestial fury.
The problem roll was getting Tempter for Dark Gift... charisma and subtle machinations didn't really seem to go with a rough and brawly type.
Thankfully an idea hit while I was writing this. Echoing Feast of Souls, a temptress/love interest has asked X to collect the Crown of Soldiers (working in the artifact part here). However, X has failed to do so, falling into despair and forced to flee Kartakass.
Given the domain, a skald equivalent would work best... is there one? Or would a bard - college of valor fit the role?
If not, I can default to a Barbarian - path of the totem warrior(wolf).
Taking a closer look at the submissions: was hoping to have someone else on the front lines with me, but it looks like we've got all back liners.
Welp! Looks like it's me and the bird in the thick of it. If nothing else, a giant buzzard and a Junji Ito monster should be an excellent distraction while everyone else unloads arrows and spells lol.
My offer to switch to a melee hunter before gameplay begins still stands. If I'm selected, of course. I'm happy to wait and see who is finally selected in the end, though
Pending how things play out, I can make adjustments to be more melee orientated as well. The death mage - reaper can server as a flanker/striker if needed, although it'll change the backstory concept since a gnome wouldn't fit that role. Or I could hop to the Archon... so that should add flexibility as well.
The general concept is that he was an herbalist/alchemist that started to experience the bleaching. However, it brought along some additional side effects like hearing the voices of dead people which puts him on the path to being a death mage.
I was having problems finding stuff about Chaldoth’s Tooth and the Grand Hunt in the context of Golarion, but I see now that the Ironbound Archipelago ties it to the lands of the Linnorm Kings, so I'll do some additional research to make a background. It looks like Iceferry makes the most sense for a gnome...
I chose Chaldoth's Tooth specifically because it has next to no lore on it! I wanted an island, and all the other ones bad bigger populations. If you want info on the island, I can always give you some. It's an independent island, a part of the Archipeligo but not part of the Islands, if that makes any sense?
No need - thanks for confirming. I don't like to create backgrounds that deviate from lore, which tends to be a bottle neck at times. I find it just becomes harder to keep track of the exceptions if they are made since official lore is usually the common thread for folks playing together online.
The general concept is that he was an herbalist/alchemist that started to experience the bleaching. However, it brought along some additional side effects like hearing the voices of dead people which puts him on the path to being a death mage.
I was having problems finding stuff about Chaldoth’s Tooth and the Grand Hunt in the context of Golarion, but I see now that the Ironbound Archipelago ties it to the lands of the Linnorm Kings, so I'll do some additional research to make a background. It looks like Iceferry makes the most sense for a gnome...
How do you view 3pp content? I mainly ask because I'd like to use some of the classes I have sitting around - no intention to break the rules, and I can pass the info along to pre-approve if needed.
Third party's iffy with me, but I can take a look and see what you're wanting to use.
Thanks for taking it into consideration. I think the first 3pp book I purchased for Pathfinder has yet to be used, so I'll go with that. Here are the links to the classes that show up there (from Super Genius Games):
How do you view 3pp content? I mainly ask because I'd like to use some of the classes I have sitting around - no intention to break the rules, and I can pass the info along to pre-approve if needed.
djpika, if it makes any difference, if I GM the next game there will be 'space' for another squishy (depending on what noral & Hawthwile want to play ;)
It's ok. Now that he's level 4 and picks up weapon specialization, his damage output may actually start to catch up. Besides, he's gotten more play as the "last class to be picked" more often than not. That was his M.O. at creation so why change that ;)
@Party - I mentioned the delay in the Flaxseed thread. GM Tyranius and Watery Soup offered to assist. The real world is still a bummer, so hopefully this off loads Garmon while freeing up the characters for everyone.
I've run #0-05 before so I have blank Chronicles and I am pretty sure I have Garmon's PFS number somewhere. I can fill out Chronicle Sheets for you, but I think to make everything kosher you should get Tyranius's OK to report it through OSP.
Thanks for the quick assist; sure, let's see what Tyranius says and go from there.
Is there someone that can help with closing out some paper work for a PFS scenario? The GM disappeared after the session ended without logging the game. Here is a link to the game.
Also, good to have a fellow 3pp class with Bryn Wilde's entry to the RHC. :)
Thankfully GM Fanguar is open to the idea. I originally planned on trying out the engineer class, but it looked like someone else was pushing for a battle suit pilot concept already. At least a war master requires less paperwork - no need to manage a 2nd "pet".
Eschatologist was too depressing for me, personally.
I see a lot of parallels to the Babylon 5 technomages. The philosophy doesn't have to be fatalistic; after all, it could be viewed as having the best intent. How to end things without pain, or at least minimal pain. Perhaps with a hint of sorrow or altruistic resignation. Knowing that all things end is one thing, but seeing that they're also new beginning and doing your best to make peaceful transitions is very John Lennon...
Sticking with the steampunk theme, would you consider the Rogue Genius Games Engineer or the converted Eberron artificer? I see people already mentioned the Machinesmith.
The engineer might be fine, I don't have the document, so I don't really know the power level. Going to say no to the artificer, just because magic item crafting isn't really going to be a thing in the campaign.
Fair enough. I can try and copy/paste what I can and DM you details on the Engineer... and if it becomes problematic, the character can be phased out.
Sticking with the steampunk theme, would you consider the Rogue Genius Games Engineer or the converted Eberron artificer? I see people already mentioned the Machinesmith.
PFS:
1) Character name: Stiggur
2) PFS#-Character#: 9165-15
3) Character Class & Level: Monk (Tetori) 1
4) Faction: Grand Lodge
5) Day Job with roll (and any special notes): NA
6) Regular or slow progression: Regular
@GM Fangaur - Deep Magic didn't provide any inspiration, at least for the back story that I was going for. If possible, I'd like to try a Sphere of Power Elementalist, but if that doesn't work, a regular Wizard - Water school will suffice.
Izadel:
Class: Elementalist or Wizard
Race: Human
Stats: 20 pt buy
Background:
Izadel's father belonged to the Water Temple sect of the Temple of Elemental Evil. When the Orb of Golden Death was destroyed and Zuggtmoy banished, he fled to Sasserine. Barely finding a place to stay in Shadowshore, he began a new life as an herbalist (and occasional provider of forbidden arts). As his new life stabilized, Izadel's father settled down and married. Izadel was born shortly thereafter.
Braggarts, bullies, and children of dangerous folks are Shadowshore's education system. Not being the strongest or the quickest meant Izadel spent a lot of time avoiding other kids on the streets. These moments of self-preservation were often filled with reading - anything Izadel could get his hands on - from penny dreadfuls, adventuring chronicles, and local news. That is until Izadel discovered his father's spellbook. Given a path to adventure, Izadel was immediately hooked, and proceeded to teach himself as much as possible.
When the Elder Elemental Eye decided the stars had aligned again, it came looking for Izadel's father. Reluctant to return to his past life, he refused. Izadel returned home to bloody carnage. His parents were tied down to the dining table, the symbol of the Elder Elemental Eye carved into their forehead and their abdomens torn open from being disemboweled. Entrails formed a rough circle, divided into quarters, around the table. Each section was filled with sea salt, soil, ash, and a dense, fog-like substance, respectively. The rest of the house was ransacked. Cabinets torn down. Mattresses ripped open. Dried herb bundles battered, fragments falling like snow and coating the ground in an earthy brown-green speckle pattern.
Fearing it was one of Shadowshore's local powers, Izadel quickly scrounged for anything useful and took off.
Character Name: Bander Summercloud
Player Name: djpika
Prime World: Krynn
Intended Mythic Path: Trickster
Character Race: Kender (halfling)
Class: Luckbringer, Jinx-Debuffer Build
Basic Backstory: Bander's companions were taking far too long arguing over their next steps when the glass-eyed man entered the tavern. Maybe it was the way he held himself or the constant stopping to scan the room that got Bander's mind wandering - or just as much the lack of interest in listening to Graznan pitch his idea for opening a brewery again. Kit and Zephi had their work cut for them when the dwarf dug in, which was most of the time, so no one noticed when Bander stepped away. The glass-eyed man sat down at a table in the back with some dour-looking fellows. After some greetings and the ordering of drink, the dour looking men pulled out a small box. Cracking open the hinged top, the glass-eyed man gave a satisfied nod and then pulled out a bag of coin, tossing it across the table and landing with a heavy thud. Shortly thereafter, the men stood up to exchange a terse farewell and dispersed through the crowd. Bander followed the glass-eyed man outside the tavern as he made his way through several dark alleys before stopping at a cobblestone wall. Tracing his hand along the surface, the glass-eyed man found a stone of black granite veined with red and turned it as if it were a dial. With a click, a section of the wall gave way to reveal an icy blue light coming from within.
Bander followed, stepping through the entrance and down a flight of stairs that opened into what appeared to be a wizard's laboratory. A potpourri of herbal aromas and animal musk hung in the air. Small globes of glacier-like crystal hovered above iron-wrought sconces, highlighting the small box from the tavern as it rested on the middle of the desk. What was is in it? Why keep it in a secret room? Bander had to know as he stepped forward to open the box. Inside rested a large lizard-like hand cast in stone. While awing the piece, the sound of footsteps began to grow louder. Worried about having to explain himself yet again about how he just wanted to see what all the trouble was about, Bander started to look around for a place to hide. The footsteps grew louder and a long shadow started to cast itself into the room when an ethereal green light started to fight the cold white-blue tones of the sconces. Perplexed, Bander looked down to see the lizard hand glowing as well as the outline of the large wooden crate he just entered. With a deafening pop and a burst of blinding light, Bander readjusted his eyes to find himself in the weathered streets of Sigil.
Great! I'll work on submitting a Kender Luckbringer... since it seems to suit the race and I probably won't get the chance to mix the two again. Do you have a preference for Kender conversion stats or should I just use halfling stats skinned as a Kender?
Hmm, I read somewhere that they should show up in the Organized Play->GM/Event Coordinator tab, but I don't see it. Is it just the generic table of credits?
so the only one I’ve played is Mists of Mwangi. I have a level 2 Tengu Skald that actually played Mists, but Could just as easily start a fresh level 1. I guess that’s only relevant if you start a 2nd table now ;)
#0-05 Mists of Mwangi
#35 Voice in the Void
#2-11 The Penumbral Accords
#3-07 Echoes of the Overwatched
#4-09 The Blakros Matrimony
#5-03 The Hellknight's Feast
#5-14 Day of the Demon (tangential)
#5-23 Cairn of Shadows
#6-02 The Silver Mount Collection
#7-09 The Blakros Connection
#9-05 Call of the Copper Gate
#9-17 Oath of the Overwatched
#2-07 The Blakros Deception
