Álainn the Fey's page

Almas, glorious capital at the heart of the greatest political experiment Golarion has ever known. A beacon of prosperity, equality and fair governance - if you listen to the criers on the street corners at least. Anyone who spends any time in Almas realises the truth - Andoran is everything its supporters say it is. But it is also a nation of people - honorable and venal, generous and corrupt, fair and false by turns. Andoran may be a shining beacon of virtue but the people who run it... well, everyone knows the saying about laws and sausages.

Councillor Trand, befitting his station as one of the most junior members of the People's Council, has taken a relatively small house in Almas for the Council's month long legislative session. It isn't large enough to house all of his staff but it does have a well-sized dining room which has served admirably as a war-room and conference center over the last three weeks.

You all arrived this morning expecting nothing much - there is a meeting this morning and a vote on a special taxation round to support 'Andoran's navy and its continued efforts against piracy', which is thinly veiled funding for the Grey Corsairs. As this is a matter close to the hearts of Trand's faction he was always going to attend, which in turn means less work for you. Which makes it all the stranger when you arrive and are met by Frederick, Trand's valet, who ushers you each into the conference room and implores you to "Stay here until the Councillor returns. He was most explicit."

Fortunately the drinks cart is fully stocked and Mrs Lant the housekeeper has left a tray of excellent pastries. All you can do now, is wait.

A missing...

moment.

Some moments seem to last a lifetime. Some vanish so quickly they may as well never have existed at all. Since the moment that wasn't a moment, when you chased your dreams and vanished from the world for three months, there have been many moments and most of them have flowed by like water in a river.

Meeting Dr Ritalson, a man as fussy and formal as his organisation, the Illuminated Consortium of Epopts.

Meeting your companions, men, women and dolls(?) like yourself that Ritalson assures you are "The best of the best!"

Grindingly long interviews with the Doctor, sometimes with a scribe, more often with an odd machine that Ritalson tells you is recording what you both say - an invaluable record for future scholars. Moments that will matter.

Painful physical tests, stretching, expanding and cataloging your new powers. Always difficult, sometimes excruciating. These are moments best forgotten.

Rain. So, much, rain. The roads north and east from Ustalav are rarely kind, even the 'great' roads to Brevoy are washed out as often as not, particularly in spring, and despite the efforts of the new kingdom of Nightsong which sits to Brevoy's southwest and offers a modicum of civilisation and decent highway construction, the journey has been long, slow and above all - wet. Moments washing away like the water droplets on your face. So many moments. Not missing, but gone none the less.

Thankfully everything ends, your journey at least, even though the rain hasn't let up and as the border of Sevenarches approaches - marked by a low bridge that barely rises above the fast flowing stream below - Doctor Ritalson pulls out a hankerchief and wipes the excess rain from his face once more.

"I fear this is as far as I accompany you,” he says. “I have matters to attend to farther east. But I’ve no doubt that you can handle this investigation yourselves. Of all my field researchers, you show the greatest promise for uncovering the secrets of the hidden world. I need not remind you of the importance of your mission.” A sure sign that he is about to, and probably at some length.

Ritalson points to the mysterious rune emblazoned across his throat—the same mark that brought you together, the one you all share. “Three months ago, we embarked upon a mystery. All across the world, elven teleportation gates — aiudara — burst with light and lured people like us in with visions of our greatest desires. A subset of we so-called ‘gatewalkers’ returned from the sojourn — some, like you, bearing fascinating new abilities. We all, however, remain ignorant of what befell us on the other side of our doorway, how we came to be marked with this unknown sign, or what may have happened to those who did not return.”

He chuckles ruefully. “In every university and seminary, scholars are ransacking their libraries to understand this ‘Missing Moment.’ Yet I believe that we — that you — will succeed where they all fail. For our quest into the paranormal is not merely academic, but personal."

“Toward that end, I’ve given you my most promising lead: Sevenarches. For centuries, any elf who approached the city’s infamous Seven Arches has been subject to a terrible curse. Yet, on the night of the Missing Moment, the curse was somehow lifted. We need to know why. The city’s famed aiudara no doubt hold some of the answers we seek, and moreover represent a prime research opportunity to study the portals in person. That’s where you come in."

“To help, I’ve arranged for you to meet with an old associate of mine. Fianara Caralestri claims to have crucial information about the arches. Ah, and there she is now!”

An elven woman wearing traveling leathers and a backpack overflowing with scrolls waves from the caravanserai’s porch on the far side of the bridge as the Doctor continues. "If you have any more questions for me now is the time to ask."

Greetings Gatewalkers,

I am planning to run the up-coming Gatewalkers AP, here on the forum. I have four players already and am looking for one more player to round out my merry band. Currently we have a poppet bard, half-elven investigator and a flame(?) oracle with one character TBD.

Required:
- Someone who takes their role-play seriously and wants to interact with others (in the party and outside it).
- Someone who can post regularly – the rest of the group are pretty consistent so realistic pace is 5+ posts a week.

Desirable:
- A tank(ish) build – we have plenty of support and skills, what we don’t have is HP!
- A quality background – it doesn’t have to be long but it should be well written.

I think it’s always good to offer a space to a new player so submissions from people who are new to the boards/PBP gaming/2e are particularly encouraged.

I use Discord for discussion/general out of character stuff so you must either have an account or be willing to get one. I will send an invite link to the chosen player.

The PDF becomes available on January 25th so I will be purchasing it then, with the aim of starting no later than Monday 30th January. Submissions will close 16.00 GMT on January 25th.

It is miserably appropriate that a light rain should fall as a small and rather rag-tag group of people approach their final destination. The single winding route they has been following from Kintargo into Ravounel's hinterlands has been difficult, boggy and rutted as it passes through terrain that looks more like something from the Boneyard than part of a young and vibrant nation recently freed from the shackles of tyranny.

All in all the rain, light but freezing cold and possessed of a strange ability to penetrate even the most carefully waterproofed cloak, is simply the crowing jewel in a miserable week. The journey however appears to be at an end as a salt breeze parts the grey clouds above and reveals a small, dilapidated town near the cliffs - the long-abandoned settlement of Crooked Cove and, standing on a small buff above it, a large and imposing manor house and Eliza’s new home, Xarwin Manor.

The village, or what remains of it, is completely deserted as you pass through towards the manor house. The buildings are still of reasonably sturdy construction and seem to have been deliberately abandoned as there is no sign of anything easily portable left behind. There are however a number of beds, tables and even a rough bath to be found although water remains a problem. Still, the village is not the target of this expedition. That lies at the end of an overgrown road, crowned by pair of rusty wrought-iron gates flanked by two stone pillars.

Beyond, the faint lights illuminate a large clearing of tall, dry grass, at the center of which looms Xarwin Manor. The building’s roofline rises in the middle to a third level surrounded by a walkway, while the closed dome of what appears to be an observatory rises above. Slate shingles cover the steeply-slanted roofs below this central dome with more rusty ironwork adorning its eaves. The paint along the manor’s wooden walls has mostly peeled away, leaving behind a weathered building clad in creeping vines that looks like forgotten by the world. Even at a distance, the building’s facade seems unusually moist, as if it had just weathered torrential downpour despite the dryness of the surrounding grounds.

Even since the emergence of superpowers on a widespread level, the villains have rarely come out on top. Whether it's their naturally competitive instincts or simply a universal law which says that for every villain there must be a hero to challenge them is unclear, but it is a fact.

Sable City is one of the few exceptions. Once a shining metropolis the city was claimed in a single day by a hitherto unknown villain named Sable. This powerful figure cloaked the city in a seemingly perpetual night and then proceeded to defeat not one, but fourteen heroes who sought to challenge them in quick succession. Within two days the city authorities capitulated to Sable and declared that the city would hereafter be an independent entity, ruled solely by Sable. The villain immediately declared an amnesty on all crimes committed within the rest of the world and instantaneously turned Sable City into a centre of villainy for the entire world.

Even Alpha and The All-American Hero, the two most powerful heroes on the continent couldn't unseat Sable, because if there is one thing that will make villains put aside their differences it is an existential threat. Every villain in Sable City, numbering hundreds by that point, joined together to turn back the forces of Good and when Sable engaged The All-American Hero above the city and sent him plummeting to earth Alpha called a retreat.

However the forces of Good have not completely abandoned Sable City. The Night Police are not omnipresent and some villains will seek to skirt, or outright flaunt Sable's rules, whether through hubris or greed. Some people in the cities underground speak in hushed whispers of Nightlight, a powerful hero who appears to help the threatened and vulnerable in their times of need. He is a symbol of hope for those who have yet to resign themselves to villainous rule and who pray for the return of the sun.

You are not Nightlight, but you know him or at least know of him. Whether you were rescued by the hero, trained with him at his securely hidden refuge or have simply heard stories and seek to emulate your hero, you have taken up Mask and Cape, ready to use your powers for the benefit of others rather than yourselves. You may not make a huge difference, you may not save Sable City, but you will make a difference for the better and after-all isn't the path of a hero always one against insurmountable odds?

Here be a place for loot.

Korvosa, the Jewel of Varisia, has long sparkled on the shore of Conqueror’s Bay. Established just over 300 years ago by Cheliax at the height of that empire’s expansion, the city now commands its own destiny. A line of Korvosan kings and queens emerged to rule the city, establishing an infamous seat of power — the Crimson Throne. Rulers have sat upon the Crimson Throne for more than a century, and the city has flourished; yet the monarchy always seems on the brink of disaster. The Crimson Throne is not a prize to be won — it is a curse. No monarch of Korvosa has died of old age, and none has produced an heir while ruling. Even though King Eodred II controls Korvosa more fully than any previous monarch, that control remains tenuous, and many secretly count the days until their latest king falls to what they call the...

Curse of the Crimson Throne

3rd Abadarius 4708

Korvosa has been becoming more and more restless over the past weeks. King Eodred is ill, 'dying' many whisper, despite the efforts of high ranking priests of Abadar, Shelyn and Asmodeus to save his life. His young wife, Queen Ileosa, has taken over the day-to-day running of the city and so far has proved a competent, if uninpsired, administrator. Most people attribute this to the influence of Neolandus Kalepopolis the long-standing Seneschal of the city who is widely respected as a fair and capable administrator. However rumors grow in the taverns that shadowy figures have been seen leaving the castle at odd hours and some even claim that Kalepopolis is behind the king's illness - hoping to use the Queen's youth and inexperience to seize power for himself.

This morning, somewhat blustery with a wind charging across the waters of the bay, Adriel Moonflower finds something unexpected lying on top of her neatly folded clothes - a single Harrow card. The card had a message written on the back in bold ink: I know what Gaedren has done to you. He has wronged me as well. I know where he dwells, yet cannot strike at him. Come to my home at 3 Lancet Street at sunset. Gaedren must face his fate, and justice must be done.

The card is 'The Uprising', showing a mob of people with pitchforks and flaming brands. It symbolises the weak rising as a group against the strong and, in the traditional varisian Harrowing, can never be misaligned

When you arrive, you find yourself at a small, humble home. The interior consists of a single cozy chamber filled with a fragrant haze of flowers and strong spice. The aroma comes from several sticks of incense smoldering in wall-mounted burners that look like butterfly-winged elves. The smoke gives the room a dreamy feel. The walls are draped with brocaded tapestries, one showing a black-skulled beast juggling human hearts, and another showing a pair of angels dancing atop a snow-blasted mountain. A third tapestry on the far wall depicts a tall, hooded figure shrouded in mist, holding a flaming sword in a skeletal hand. Several brightly colored rugs cover the floor, but the room’s only furnishings are a wooden table covered by a bright red throw cloth and several elegant, tall-backed chairs. A basket covered by blue cloth sits under the table.

A stone paperweight weighs down a simple note on the table: Thank you for coming. I had to step out for a bit, but shall return shortly. Please, have a seat while you wait. The basket under the table contains bread and drink for you.

Indeed, inside the basket is the promise loaf of bread and a bottle of inexpensive but well thought of wine.

It is miserably appropriate that a light rain should fall as Alexi Alaro approaches her final destination. The single winding route she has been following into Ravounel's hinterlands has been difficult, boggy and rutted as it passes through terrain that looks more like something from the Boneyard than part of a young and vibrant nation recently freed from the shackles of tyranny.

All in all the rain, light but freezing cold and possessed of a strange ability to penetrate even the most carefully waterproofed cloak is simply the crowing jewel in a miserable week. The journey however appears to be at an end as a salt breeze parts the grey clouds above and reveals a small, dilapidated town near the cliffs - the long abandoned settlement of Crooked Cove and, standing on a small buff above it, a large and imposing manor house - the subject of Alexi's current employment, Xarwin Manor.

Another hour's travel should be enough to traverse the remaining distance, giving you a few hours of sun (or at least lighter clouds) before night settles in...

For leveling up etc...

Oppara is Taldor's thriving capital—a shining monument to the grandeur and majesty once common to the entire Taldan empire. Seated on the black cliffs of the River Porthmos in Opparos Prefecture, Oppara bears all the gravitas and extravagance that 6,000 years of history have conferred upon it. The roofs and domes of Oppara were once plated with gold, earning it the nickname "the Gilded City," and though past rulers stripped the gold away long ago to pay for the empire's follies, the wealth and decadence of Taldor's capital keep the spirit of that name alive.

Oppara serves as Taldor's primary trade center, with traffic coming both from Taldor's interior via the River Porthmos and from the steady stream of international vessels sailing in from the Inner Sea. It is also the home of Taldor's government, hosting both the Imperial Palace of the grand prince and the polished marble halls of the senate. As the economic and political hub of Taldor, Oppara is the beating heart of the empire and the center of Taldan culture. Twin harbors provide goods to the city’s thriving marketplaces and restaurants, and they're often so crammed with ships that the river cannot be seen. Public fountains and marble statues can be found at many major crossroads and plazas. Columned villas and grandiose temples from every age of Taldor's history line the streets, and even the humbler merchant districts are holdovers from an unparalleled age of glory.

The Grand Bridge of the Empire, emerging from the southeastern shore of the city's heart to cross the massive Porthmos, remains one of the most ambitious and impressive engineering marvels in the Inner Sea. Two magically animated lion sculptures stand sentinel atop Oppara's main gate, offering a glimpse into the greatness that currently lies dormant within the empire. At night, the city is lit with tens of thousands of lanterns, causing it to shine like a beacon in the darkness.

Of course beneath the gilded wonders of the city lies another, darker truth. Narrow slums filled with cramped tenements and desperate people. Although barely a stones throw from the great monuments which visitors stop to gawk at, thousands of people live out lives of desperation and squalor - unseen and unacknowledged by their 'betters'.

However today, even the most downtrodden are excited for on this day every year, the empire of Taldor celebrates the Grand Day of Exaltation, the one day when the Grand Prince is empowered to elevate a commoner to the ranks of nobility. The event itself is the embodiment of formality, with the elevated commoner selected months or years in advance. What makes the day truly special is that the preceding week is a holiday throughout the empire. Nobles, senators, and hopeful petitioners fill the capital city of Oppara for galas, performances, and parades. To the nobility, the week before the Grand Day of Exaltation is a time to conduct important business deals, issue noble proclamations, and hold private parties. With so many prominent politicians arriving from across the empire, the Taldan senate uses Exaltation Week to vote on matters of nationwide importance. To the common folk it is an unmatched opportunity for profit, with merchants hawking heraldry ranging from replica banners of the old Armies of Exploration to wooden swords and handheld Taldan flags for children. Taverns offer themed drink and food, with varying bars adopting well-known nobles from the long history of the empire as their mascot or self-declared patron.

Alongside all the pomp and circumstance filling Oppara this year is a noteworthy moment in history: the imperial senate is poised to hold a historic vote to end primogeniture. The potential end of the millennia-standing law of succession is the talk of the town. Streets and taverns are abuzz with conversations; some wish to see the law thrown down to pave a way for Princess Eutropia, the only living child of Grand Prince Stavian III, to ascend to the throne, while hardliners (especially elder nobles) believe the vote to be another wound in the great history of the empire, allowing not only the rabble-rousing Eutropia to inherit family power, but every ill-deserving woman. Regardless of the outcome, both sides of the debate agree that life will go on, and despite the serious ramifications of primogeniture's potential end, the streets of Oppara hold no signs of unrest during the jubilant celebrations of the Grand Day of Exaltation.

In the genteel building that houses the Young Lions club this is more true than for most. Discrete servants move through the halls disposing of the wreckage, and occasionally the wrecked, left over from last night's debauchery. One of the most exclusive clubs in Oppara the Young Lions is open only to nobles of the Most Noble Houses - unless a family can trace its nobility back a dozen generations they are deemed unworthy - and even then only to those below the age of thirty. Among the perhaps two hundred members of the Most Noble Houses there are barely a dozen who have not held membership in their time and it is an accepted fact amongst these families that once you have turned thirty your deeds (infamous, amorous or otherwise) are never to be spoken of again - thus providing a chance for young people to sow their oats and work the 'wildness' from their systems before settling down to the truly serious family business - running the Empire.

Perhaps the most curious feature of the Young Lions is that members are not required to be in good standing with their families. Since the club does not exist in the collective understanding of anyone past thirty in the Most Noble Houses it is quite possible for even a disgraced or cast out scion to be seen at the clubs parties, to eat in their superb dining room and to generally carry on their life as it was before.

Before you head to the meetup, you can shop or handle any business you wish to. You may make either Diplomacy, Knowledge (local), or Knowledge (nobility) checks to learn more about your employer or the political scene in Oppara. Any given player character may roll only once for each given subject. The available subjects are: the Grand Day of Exaltation, Grand Prince Stavian III, Martella Lotheed, and Princess Eutropia. (See post below if you succeed - All checks are DC15)

You may also each attempt a DC 15 Diplomacy check to gather information and hear a rumor that is currently circling throughout Oppara.

Good morning everyone.

War for the Crown is the best AP Paizo have ever published and the game I played in, here on the forum, is probably my favourite ever PbP game. Therefore I thought I'd spread the love a little and run it for myself!

Key Things
- I am looking for a party of five, and have two people already, so there are three spaces open.
- Recruitment will end at 00:00 GMT, March 19th. I may extend this if it proves too short/there isn't much interest.
- I am heavily invested in the story and setting of WftC so while I am trying to make the build rules fairly open I am unlikely to pick the Nagaji Samurai unless they make a spectacular application.

An alias is not required for submission but I would like to see the stat-block and some backstory. I don't have a required length, long enough to do justice to your character/idea will be perfect!

The rain drizzles down, pouring life-giving water down on Summer's rugged exterior. The clean scent of the rain, so unlike the polluted poison that falls from the sky over Nex, carries with it the scent of loam, animal dung and the crispness of cold. This far north, thousands of miles and hundreds of days into freedom, winter is more than a word - it is a real season. Although it has finally passed the spring is still brutally cold and the chill would eat into the bones of a lesser being, but Summer is too hardy for such concerns.

This is not however the case as she approaches the fast flowing stream however. The snow melt has turned this normally placid stream into a torrent and the brave, or foolish, man who attempted to cross it has clearly ended up out of his depth. Summer can see a head bobbing away downstream - but in front of her is a fine looking horse, panicking and thrashing around in the water. Its reins have become trapped in the remnants of the wooden bridge crossing the stream!

Getting close to the horse requires either a swim check (if you're going into the river) or an acrobatics/climb check to move along the remnants of the bridge. Then calming it will require Handle Animal.

Hey,

Noticed a slightly odd problem recently. When posting a series of spoiler in succession:

[spoiler=Example 1]
[spoiler=Example 2]
[spoiler=Example 3] etc

The second spoiler simply refuses to open. The tags are all correct because it shows up as a closed spoiler in post but clicking on the reveal button simply doesn't do anything.

Examples here (the 'Dora' spoiler) and here (the 'Bukis' spoiler). I notice that each time it is the second spoiler rather than a random one...

Anyone else seen a similar thing?

You arrive on ship in the order of your spoilers, so Cordelia first. Feel free to introduce yourselves to each other as new people arrive. Also roll a d8 to see what rumors you pick up over the course of the voyage.

Truanu, a small town surrounded by orcs, founded on stubbornness, a decent sized hill, a perpetual spring of fresh water and the townsfolk’s bloody minded refusal to do the sensible thing and just go live somewhere safe. Did I mention the stubbornness?

Anyway, today jubilation fills the evening air in the normally staid town, for it is the twelfth birthday of the Chief Defender’s youngest daughter, Ruby, and the townsfolk have been preparing all day for the ceremony and festivities to follow. A throng of spectators has amassed at the town Commons; the buzz of the crowd subsides as the weathered town leader, Halgra of the Blackened Blades, takes the stage and begins to speak.

“Thank you all for joining us this night. I take immense pride in my responsibility as Chief Defender, especially when it comes to the honor of the hopeknife ceremony. It is always a great privilege to bequeath Trunauan youths their hopeknives as they come of age.” Halgra stops speaking long enough to open an ornamental case and retrieve a slender, ornately decorated dagger hanging from a silver chain. “But tonight is a special occasion, for the recipient of this hopeknife is none other than my youngest daughter.” Once again, Halgra pauses, but this time she turns to talk to the child beside her.

“Ruby, by the traditions of our town, you have come of age. This hopeknife represents your responsibilities as an adult and defender of Trunau. You must be willing to use it on yourself, your fellow Trunauans, and your family—even me, should it come to that. It will be a far quicker death than that which the orcs will offer, and providing it is your duty. Do you swear to guard Trunau from all comers, and to use your hopeknife only for its intended purpose?”
Ruby—dusky skinned, black haired, and painfully shy—nods her head in response to her mother’s question.

“If the orcs come, and there is no other option, this is where you cut—here, here, and here.” Halgra demonstrates which arteries to sever while Ruby watches. When she is finished, Halgra sheathes the hopeknife and places the necklace around Ruby’s neck before turning back to address the crowd.

“Tonight, Ruby becomes a full member of our community! Let us welcome her, and celebrate her passage into adulthood! Trunau forever!”

”Trunau forever!” The crowd echoes Halgra’s last words in a heartfelt roar, signalling the end of the ceremony and the start of the fun and games! Trunauans don’t let their hair down often so a hopeknife ceremony is always a big deal and this being Ruby’s, the whole town has gone all out on food, games and prizes!

Discussion thread for Giantslayer. The title can be changed if anyone plays a guy and cries sexism... :)

This is the discussion thread for those fools brave volunteers who want to help me playtest my AP.

A link to the players guide can be found at the top of the page.

Note that everything is a WIP, so please feel free to comment on things, make suggestions and generally help improve anything you can.

Discuss away!

Kibwe's huge granite walls gleam in the bright sun that shines through the Needle's Gap and onto the great trading city. Dotted around the walls are the great statues known as Pillar-Watchers whose many magical abilities have fortified the city and prevented it from falling prey to subterfuge, siege or the insidious creeping of the jungle.

On this particular morning the city gates open to welcome traders as it does every day. Small coffles of slaves are marched in under the frowning eyes of overseers since selling slaves is still legal for foreigners in Kibwe, even though slave-taking is not. Much more common however are the various trading caravans, exchanging the glass-wares, spices and other wares of eastern Garund for the hard woods, gold and salt of Kibwe and the Mwangi Expanse beyond.

The town's population is vibrant, busy and always eager to trade although some stalls are shuttered even at midday, and there are more distrustful looks flying than is normal for such a cosmopolitan trading town. Even the large caravan marked with the intertwined snakes of the Apsis Consortium receives frowns and disapproving looks, despite the small fortune recently that the Consortium generously invested in Kibwe's infrastructure.

The oddest looks however are reserved for one of the smaller groups entering the city - a pack of catfolk.

Discussion thread.
Feel free to dot in.

An aura of pervasive fear hangs of over fair Aelysos. Sunlight kisses buildings of white marble and scatters diamonds from the cresting foam of the waves across the wide harbour. But everything is wrong.

The buildings, so white in the sunlight, stand pale and alone - all the colourful awnings, ramshackle merchant's stalls and children's toys scattered across flat roofs have been withdrawn, removed, like a scared tortoise retreating into its shell. Wide pavements laid with blocks of marble centuries old gleam, empty of the life and traffic that should be passing across them.

The cry of gulls echoes across the wide bay and the rolling waves break freely, untroubled by the oars of galleys or the proud hulls of far-roving ships. No-one sails from Aelysos this morning. Those who could have sailed already, fleeing into the night and hoping that their paths do not cross that of the behemoth that everyone knows to be coming.

Those who can't, too poor to afford the fees or too damaged to be sea-worthy have been engaged in a struggle no less deadly - to secure moorings inside the Kraken's Eye, that huge fortified harbour of volcanic stone that protects Aelysos from the ravages of angry nature. Securing such moorings could be the difference between ruin and cautious hope for the sea captains remaining and the places have changed hands for sums that would pay for ships themselves.

Unfortunately for Cyanea Micailidis securing one of those berths requires funds, contacts and luck - none of which appear to be on her side at the moment. Instead the Marid's Treasure is moored, or rather beached, on the far side of the harbour giving its captain a worryingly unobstructed view of the harbour and events to come.

One of the only places still moving, in a city that seems to hold its breath is the Seer Heights, where many people have flocked - half remembered tales of the cyclops' ancient wisdom and powers drawing people desperate to avoid disaster. Amongst the heavy guard presence there is Ambrus 'Butter Boy' Stathis standing like part of the immovable rock itself. His reassuring solidity seems to calm many of the frantic people, mostly foreigners, who flap about like agitated birds as a cleft suddenly appears in the horizon...

Hey,

Thanks for your submissions, I really liked both and didn't want to make a choice between them so I went with GM's prerogative and picked you both. Now originally I was planning for this to be a one person campaign and thought I might do a pair of individual threads and tie them together later on in the story.

Alternatively, if you'd prefer, we can turn this into a two player game if you two would prefer that. Let me know either way and then we can sort out what we want to do.

@Cyanea: can you finish Iroas off when you get a second?

For both of you if there's any last bits of shopping to do etc now is the time to do this. Hopefully we'll a consensus tomorrow and we can start on Sunday.

Looking forward to gaming with you both!

Aelysos, once the jewel of Iblydos this beautiful city of white walls and shining seas has been the first sight of eastward travellers for centuries. Ruled by mighty hero-gods, with the aid of ancient and knowledgeable cyclopean seers it is a city of beauty, a testament to thousands of years of peaceful co-operation. But beneath its beautious exterior lurk dangers and threats as great as its beauty.

The thalassic behemoth Ousmariku descends yearly upon the city, bringing death and destruction unless satisfied with great sacrifices of treasure and living flesh. Many hero-gods have fought and died against it, and now only two remain Kelksiomides the Green Warden and Psomeira the Divine General. It is thanks to their just and steadfast rule that Aelysos continues to prosper - but the behemoth's return is imminent and the Hero-Gods know they cannot face him alone...

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This is a solo game where the player will ascend to the position of Hero-God and lead the fight back against Ousmariku, encountering all the mythological wonder and deadliness that greek myths are famous for along the way!

That said, if there are two brilliant submissions I may run a second game with the view to combining them later.

Submission Requirements:

Any questions please ask!

"By the pricking of my thumbs, something wicked this way comes!"

Welcome Ladies and thank you for your submissions, excellent and entertaining all (apart from Lavinia's which was really creepy - but that's appropriate too!)

First things first: this is a LAWFUL evil campaign. Most of you aren't (at least, not as far as I can tell). This is fine - just don't try and murder your coven mates, and if Thrune says jump, jump. Feel free to mutter about it but trust me, when Queen Abrogail says jump you really really should!

For many years, ever since the end of the Cheliax Civil War, there have been hags present in the country. Mostly confined to the hinterlands and deep woods, these powerful creatures rarely caused the Infernally backed regime of House Thrune much trouble, mostly due to their small numbers. However thirty years ago a powerful night hag named Blackblight, managed to unify a number of hags and their changeling daughters into a powerful tribe which rapidly conquered the Chitterwood and maintained enough power to achieve practical, if not formal, recognition from the local authorities. Over time Blackblight attracted a number of witches and other women, willing to serve the powerful hag in return for power, swelling her tribes numbers and forming a number of powerful covens under her control.

With their violent, holy work done the Glorious Reclamation retreated and declared their attack a great victory for the Righteous, announcing the complete and utter annihilation of witches in the Chitterwood. They were, however, mistaken. Aided by Ahreni, herself the mother of a witch in the tribe, a single coven was saved – newly formed and barely old enough to come into their full powers, they escaped and planned their vengeance…

As my Coven-themed kingmaker game has died, due to family trouble at my end stealing all it's momentum before it really began, I've decided to have another go at a themed changeling game - focusing on something a little more... Evil!

Submission Requirements:
Race: Changeling, all variant heritages found in Blood of the Coven are permitted..
Level: 1, Gestalt.
Classes: Any Paizo. If there is an Unchained version of your class it must be used.
3PP archetypes to Pathfinder classes may be allowed on a case-by-case basis (For example: the Circle Warden witch archetype is permitted.)
Alignment: Evil! Allowances will be made for Neutral, but the campaign is focused on Evil PC’s so think carefully.
Stats: 25pt buy. No stats lower than 8 or higher than 18 after racial modifiers.
HP: Max for first level.
Wealth: Roll (for the best of your two classes) and then keep your result or take class average, as you choose.
Traits: 2, one of which should be campaign. Drawbacks are NOT allowed but if you want a third trait you may have an Arcane Malignancy instead.
The Rich Parents/Chosen One traits are banned – you are witches fleeing the destruction of your coven – you didn’t have a chance to take a huge bag of gold with you!
Feats: Feat Taxes are in effect. The specifics can be found HERE.
Skills: Background skills will be used.

Additional Rules: We will be using the rules for Changeling Covens (see below) with slight adjustments.
The Coven will use the most common spellcasting level to determine which spells they can use. i.e. If there are at least two ninth level casters in the coven then all the coven spells will be available at their normal levels. However if there is a magus and an inquisitor (both 6th level), then the Coven spells gained at levels 15, 17 and 19 (effectively the covens 7th, 8th and 9th level spells) will never become available to the coven, since the majority spellcasting level within the coven is 6th.
If there is not a most common level then the average will be taken.

FAQ’s
Since I’ve done a recruitment like this before I thought I’d address a few common questions before hand.

1. Can I play a male changeling/Caliban? No. Golarion cannon does not have male changelings.
2. Can I use 3rd party racial traits(specifically Parental Heritage) or favoured class bonuses? No. Blood of the Coven offers lots of ways to customise your changeling.
3. Do I have to play a spellcaster? No you don’t. However I am looking for players to form a coven – and the coven would be considerably weaker with non-spellcasting members in it (see above – Additional Rules). That said, I am willing to take a fourth (non-spellcasting) player if the background and justification is really good.

Recruitment is going to be open for a week, until 12.00 GMT on 31st May 2018. I’ll pick that day and aim to begin by 1st June.

"Welcome... welcome to Westcrown, Heartland of the Greatest Nation on Earth, where shadowbeasts roam the night and your soul is a small price to pay to leave alive!"

Just getting this up now so we don't have to slog through PM's all the time!

As I said earlier, if you'd like to invite someone else in I'm happy to run for two.

Happy to write one for you if none of these really fit, I also removed 'Infernal Bastard' because it's designed to de-power tieflings and that's unnecessary.

Anyone interesting in a solo PbP game? I'm interested in playing through Kingmaker as a single player (presumably with a few NPC's!) and would be happy to run a solo AP or original game for anyone willing to take up my challenge.

If you're interested either post here or feel free to PM me! :)

Be it so known that the bearers of this charter have been charged by the Swordlords of Restov, acting upon the greater good and authority vested within them by the office of the Regent of the Dragonscale Throne, has granted the right of exploration and travel within the wilderness region known as the Greenbelt. Exploration should be limited to an area no further than thirty-six miles east and west, and sixty miles south of Oleg's trading post. The carrier of this charter should also strive against banditry and other unlawful behaviour to be encountered. The punishment for unrepentant banditry remains, as always, execution by sword or rope.

So witnessed on this 24th day of Calistril, under watchful eye of the Lordship of Restov and authority granted by Lord Noleski Surtova, current Regent of the Dragonscale Throne.

Hey Everyone,

Congratulations on your submissions - they were all awesome. I'm looking forward to this a lot.

Before we start I'd like to sort out the exact dynamics of your coven - since you all know each other could you please introduce yourselves in this thread and we can discuss who started the coven, what roles you all play, who is 'big sister' etc etc.

I believe you are all True Neutral, which should help the coven dynamic. :)

We'll start the campaign proper sometime soon - it basically depends on how long we spend sorting out our dynamics.

You have lived, for the past five years in the city of Restov. From birth you were different, marked somehow as different and behind your back you were called names ‘different’, ‘strange’, ‘Changeling’. In Restov you found friendship and sisterhood, others like you. You formed a group, a coven and lived quietly – doing as you willed.

Then something went wrong, it may not have been your fault, perhaps one of your sisters was to blame, but regardless you all had to leave in a hurry. The announcement that the swordlords were looking for brave souls to tame the Stolen Lands came not a moment too soon!
----------------------------------------------

Hey Everyone, having picked up Blood of the Coven recently I was struck by inspiration for just how cool a changeling/witch themed adventure path would be so here I am on the forums recruiting for it!

I’m looking for 3 players to join with an already selected fourth to make their own coven and venture into the Stolen Lands in search of fame, fortune and the chance to live without government interference!

Submission Requirements:
Race: Changeling, you may however use any of the variant heritages found in Blood of the Coven.
Level: 1, Gestalt. You do not have to take spellcasting classes (see ‘Bonus’ below) as you will be members of the coven regardless.
Classes: Any Paizo (Shifter included). Unchained classes must be chosen over chained versions.
Alignment: All alignments must be at least partly N. Anyone wanting to play a Paladin must play LN rather than NG.
Stats: 25pt buy. No stats lower than 8 or higher than 18 after racial modifiers.
HP: Max.
Wealth: Roll (for the best of your two classes) and then keep your result or take class average, whichever is better.
Traits: 2, one of which should be campaign. Drawbacks are NOT allowed but if you want a third trait you may have an Arcane Malignancy instead (new mechanic in Blood of the Coven which acts as drawbacks). Roll a d100 called ‘Malignancy’ in the thread and I’ll post your result for you. Also the Rich Parents trait is banned.
Skills: Background skills will be used.
Bonus: All witches receive the Coven Hex for free. In addition the requirement for the coven to contain a hag is waived.
If you are not a witch you received the Coven-Touched feat as a bonus feat (see below) without needing to meet the Charisma pre-requisite.

Final Note: I'm really keen on how War for the Crown (the next AP) is sounding. Anyone willing to run a game of it for me and my wife in the future will find their submissions given extra attention! ;)

Recruitment will run until 12 noon GMT on 2nd December. If I get lots/no interest then this may change, but if it does I'll let you all know!

New thread for New England Frost Giant's Giantslayer campaign!

Character Gen:
Gestalt, Paizo classes (unless there's something else you really want!)
4d6, drop lowest - or 25pt buy whichever is better.
Two traits, third trait if you take a drawback.
Background skills Here
Bonus Feat - must be a story feat. I like them for extra flavor.
200GP to start.
Begin with 2 Hero Points.

Hey Everyone,

I'm reading around the forum since I've started running RoW with a gaming group and I just came across THIS THREAD where the idea of giving out a mythic tier, rather than the Geas was given.

This seems like a really cool idea and I was wondering how many poeple have done it, what else you changed, how many tiers you give/gave out by the end etc?

Any help would be great! :)

Discussion thread up Helikon!

First of all, any preferences on character generation etc? Dice, point buy etc.

Also, what would you prefer Gestalt lvl 1 or straight level 2?

Hi,

About 8 months ago I tried a PbP swap with another GM on the forums. It was going well until he had to drop out for real life reasons, so I thought I'd give it another go.

I'd like a GM willing to run me (and possibly someone else, I like having a partner) through either Ruins of Azlant or Wrath of the Righteous.

In return I will run a game for them. I have Council of Thieves, Reign of Winter and everything from Wrath of the Righteous onwards. If there is anything else someone would like to play then I'm happy to do it if I can be provided with the necessary materials.

If you're interested please let me know below!

Best
Nikolaus.

Two weeks out from Andoran and life has now settled into an easy routine. Wake up, eat, help around the ship, eat, personal time, eat, relax, sleep. Captain Jacob Markosi keeps the Peregrine running like clock-work, assisted by his able crew the voyage so far has been a poster-child for sea travel.

On this particular morning the sun is shining and a stiff breeze fills the Peregrine's sails. The sailors are mostly aloft, doing something complicated with one of the smaller sails and various colonists move about the ships decks, performing all manner of minor tasks.

Welcome everyone to the Peregrine. This is a short introductory bit of role-playing for you to talk to each other and any significant NPC's you'd like to. You've already been on the ship two weeks so you know each other a bit - this is just a chance to set up the bonds that really should be present by the time the adventure starts properly in four weeks time.

Significant NPC's include:

Go forth and roleplay - I'll time skip forwards to the 'official' adventure start once you've all gotten to know each other a little.

Hey everyone - congratulations on getting in!

A couple of things before we begin.

Mechanics
1. We will use the feat tax breaks found HERE if that changes any of your feat choices, please feel free to change before we begin.
2.Can you all please put the following in your aliases so that I have all your character information easily available in every post? :)

In the Race line: |HP: 9/9 AC: 13 (12 Tch, 11 Fl) | CMB: -1, CMD: 11 | F: +1, R: +6, W: +4 | Init: +3 | Perc: +5, SM +5, Bluff +8(13), Dip +11
In the Class/Levels line: | Speed 30ft | Spells: 1st ?/? | Other special features: 4/4| Active conditions: None.

Non-Mechanics
1. Aurelian - why exactly have you joined the adventure?
2. Fleur - what's your last name?

Gameplay will start a week or so out from the colony to give you guys a chance to meet each other IC and hobnob with all the other colonist NPC's.

Looking forward to it! :D

Hey everyone.

After many years on the boards and a number of played-in games under my belt I have recently returned to GM-ing IRL and therefore have decided to pluck up my courage and run a game here on the boards as well!

I am going to be running The Ruins of Azlant for a party of 4-5 characters. I have one space reserved so I am looking for 3-4 people to round out the party. The reserved character will be an Archaeologist Bard.

Please consult the players guide if you have any questions. Find it HERE.

Provisionally this recruitment will be open until 00:00 on Saturday 7th October. This may change depending on popularity.

EDIT: please do include a background to tell me a bit about your character. It doesn't have to be an essay but I would like to know how your character came to be aboard the Peregrine and a little about their personality.

Seven days have passed since the original appointment of Paracount Barzillai Thrune as Lord-Mayor of Kintargo, and in those seven days he has split opinions and skulls with the same arbitrary violence. Some people, the Sarini’s included, see his presence as a return of the lawful Thrune government after a too long period of laxness and depravity. Most however see his arrival as that of a tyrant, out to line his own pocket and crush the famously free spirit of Kintargo.

His first few actions seem to support the later view more than the former. The first things to happen were the Seven Proclamations the following day of the implementing of martial law. These laws were read aloud by the very same criers that announced Thrune’s arrival, and as the day wore on, they marched along the streets, always with a patrol of Dottari, repeating the Seven to all those would hear to ensure no one would be uninformed.

The first proclamation saw raised eyebrows from some, nods of approval for others - vermin were always a problem, and although doves, mice, and ravens weren’t usually seen as such, the poor of the city quickly began hunting said pests in droves before presenting them to the Dottari.

The second proclamation caused quite a few grumblings amongst more than one of the city’s businesses - although reasonably priced at a mere ten gold crowns apiece, many businesses rankled at showing Her Infernal Majestrix’s face in their shops. Those who ignored the proclamation were quickly fined, and in the case of more than one shop, saw their property seized and them hauled off to one of the quickly-filling prisons within the myriad of guard towers in the city.

It is a well-known fact that Barzillai loves dogs, particularly the larger breeds, and as a result the third proclamation came to little surprise. It is also a well known fact that Barzillai has invented a form of excruciation using said dogs aptly named ‘Dog Housing’. Although no such punishments have been met out during Barzillai’s first week of office, many whisper of things to come, especially if the Dottari keep collecting said dogs from the populace.

The fourth proclamation came as a severe annoyance to the city’s noble population, and to a lesser extent its performing one. Although many of the nobles easily purchased the right to keep wearing their expensive and extravagant clothing, many of the city’s performers had to make due with illusions or faux-jewelry to avoid being fined and having their clothing stripped from their very persons.

Unsurprisingly enough, the fifth proclamation merely caused a few eyebrows to raise in curiosity. Those who discussed it in coffee shops and parlors speculated it was to prevent a famine in case of a riot or uprising - as food shortages are common during such periods. Those in less well-to-do places such as the myriad of taverns around the city assumed it was just a way to kick the little guy even further - their logic being that the person who spilt the grain had already wasted his grain, yet now must spend the time to pick it up, clean it, or be fined and possibly imprisoned?

The sixth proclamation came about with a few small protests, as tea is a much beloved drink amongst the city - almost as much as coffee and alcohol. Being unable to consume such a drink at night simply made no sense!

The seventh proclamation was little more than a curiously discussed topic amongst most citizens, as it had nearly no effect on them. That being said, there are quite a few confectionary shops within the city, and those who offered mint candies and treats quickly either threw them away lest they get fined or - in most cases - offered out said candies free of charge to get rid of them before they got in trouble. Such was the case at the Sweet Tooth neighboring the Tooth and Nail, as its proprietor, a young, frail woman with an eyepatch named Luculla Gens, was a regular amongst the Tooth and Nail. Although her delicious candied blueberry tarts are the most well-loved in the tavern, her final batch of mint treats disappeared quickly amongst the drunk (and hungry) patrons.

Overall, for a city that prides itself on its diversity, creative spirit and artistry, the yoke of martial law and increasing rules and regulations particularly onerous. With Thrune’s inquisitors, the Dottari, and the growing Thrune-supporting militia known as the Chelish Citizens’ Group growing increasingly aggressive in their enforcement of martial law - and Barzillai’s increasingly ridiculous proclamations - the undercurrent of revolution builds within the city, and the atmosphere in Kintargo is tense. Numerous minor protests against Thrune have popped up, demanding a variety of changes, only to be quickly dispersed by the dottari, Hellknights of the Rack imported from the south, or the Chelish Citizens’ Group.
It’s been only a week since Thrune seized control of the city, and word on the street is that the largest protest yet will be gathering in Aria Park, just south of the Kintargo Opera House where Thrune has made his new home.

H E L L ' S R E B E L S
Book I: In Hell's Bright Shadow

Even with the cobblestones of Argent Avenue and the foliage of Aria Park still wet from the morning’s light rain, dozens of Kintargans have gathered along the facade of the opera house to protest the city’s new lord-mayor, Paracount Barzillai Thrune. The city’s new leader was appointed by Her Infernal Majestrix, Queen Abrogail II, in the wake of the previous lord-mayor’s ‘sudden flight’ from the city— an event that still has local rumormongers whispering furiously. In a scant seven days, Paracount Thrune has instituted martial law, a curfew, and seven outlandish and polarizing proclamations. These actions and more have called many of Kintargo’s dissatisfied citizens here on this overcast morn. There’s been no sign yet of Barzillai Thrune himself, and the opera house’s doors remain tightly closed—as they have since the man chose the landmark as his new home—but judging by the growing sound of the protesters, he surely can’t ignore the scene on the streets below much longer.

A dozen Dottari stand guard in front of the Opera House, warily watching the growing crowd but making no moves to disperse them - in the middle of them stands a gruff, scowling woman armed with an exquisite glaive, heavy black-and-red chain armor and sporting four throwing axes - Nox, Barzillai’s personal bodyguard and your intended. As of yet, she and her entourage of guards stand vigilant, their black-and-red leather and mail armor glistening with the morning’s rain, but none move against the growing crowd.

Some of the protesters call for their new lord-mayor to lift his unreasonable restrictions, while others call for an end to foreign rule and demand a proper election to determine Lord-Mayor Bainilus’s successor. Many seem content merely to yell and agitate, but a growing minority show their unabashed support of Barzillai Thrune by arguing back at the protesters.
________________________________________________________________
Welcome to Hell’s Rebels! Here at the start of the protest, you get a Protest Action you may take for each hour of the protest.
Amongst the various groups at the protest, the following five ‘factions’ are the most prominent: Kintargo Partisans (who despise Cheliax’s tightening grip on their city and demand local rule); economic conservatives (who feel the squeeze as Thrune enacts new taxes and business policies); advocates of democracy (whose bitterest complaint is Thrune’s appointment instead of legal election); anarchists (who hope the protest turns into a good riot); and Chelish loyalists (who support Thrune’s actions to curb the city’s independent streak).

There are a number of Protest Actions you each may take during the protest. Each one represents an hour of the protest and are affected by the “Reason for Protesting” minitrait you each took. The following actions are available:

Listen for Rumours: Anyone wandering the crowd can listen for rumors and learn more about what’s going on in Kintargo’s new political landscape. The character must succeed at a Diplomacy check to gather information or a Perception check to overhear something of note.

Pilfer: Criminal-minded characters can use the large gathering to line their pockets, lifting purses or goods from the street vendors by succeeding at Sleight of Hand checks. A successful check earns a character 1d6 gp in coins and other small objects. If the character fails, roll a single Perception check at a +4 bonus to see whether anyone notices the attempt—if someone does, the pilferer can attempt a Bluff check to play off the failed attempt at an innocent jostle.

Rabble Rouse: Persuasive characters may want to better organize the protest by attempting a Diplomacy or Perform check.

Search for a Contact: Characters who are searching for someone wearing a black glove on only one hand may attempt a Perception check.

Silence Undesirable Elements: With several distinct factions among the protesters, the message delivered is a jumbled mess. Characters can try to silence or outshout elements of the crowd they disagree with. To silence a group, a PC must succeed at a Bluff or Intimidate check.

Watch the Crowd: Characters can simply choose to watch the crowd for anything unusual. A character who does so can attempt a Perception or Sense Motive check.

Welcome EmEss.

Character Creation for you!

Level 2
Stats - either 25 pt buy or roll 4d6 (reroll 1's) and drop the lowest.
Races: Core and Featured
Classes: anything Paizo (you wanted Vigilante right?)
Traits: 2, you can take a drawback for trait 3, one should be campaign.

Other: background skills
and a bonus feat, it must be a Story Feat. (I like the extra character depth it gives).

Anything else just say!

Hi everyone.

Inspired by this recruitment I'm looking for someone willing to run Ironfang Invasion for me. I'm also interested in playing a Dragonrider. I really love the Eragon type vibe of young man/woman saving their village and becoming a hero that this AP has.

Provisionally, if a GM was willing, I might look for another player to play the 'Obi-Wan Kenobi' mentor type figure that every young hero needs!

Now for the return. I'm willing to run a solo PbP campaign in exchange. I've got all the AP's from WotR onwards, equally if you have an idea you'd like to play then pitch it and we'll see what we can work out!

Official gameplay thread for Mowque's Qadiran adventure!

Any ideas for campaign names?

Hey Mowque - discussion thread as promised.

Quick reminder of the gen rules:

Stats: 20pt buy (or 4d6, drop lowest if you want the risk!)
Starting Level: 7
Wealth: ABP +2, so 25% of normal.
Races: Core and Featured
Classes: Anything Paizo
Traits: 2, drawback for a 3rd.

Other: Background skills, ABP +2
Bonus: 1 bonus feat, must be a Story Feat.

Anything else you want to know? Fluff is still ongoing I'm afraid.

Hi Everyone.

I'm posting on behalf of the players of THIS Hell's Rebels game, which died out about 9 months ago due to the GM's real life commitments.

We've just decided to try and revive the game and we're looking for a GM who is willing to take on the challenge! We're about half way through the Fair Fortune Livery - although I imagine if a GM wanted to go back to the start of that dungeon, or skip through to the end then there would be no objections.

Current players.

Darian Aulamaxa - Arcane Duellist bard
Varian Tanessen - Hidden Priest cleric
Isabel Rhelian - Mesmerist
Avrora Vikta - Warpriest.

I'm yet to hear back from Galen (psychic) and Phineas (Negotiator bard) but there's at least 4 players, maybe 6 interested.

Hope someone is interested!

Dot...

Dot...

Been going back and forth on whether to put this thread up for ages. If I get laughed off the forum I have no-one but myself to blame...

I've been wanting to play in Wrath of the Righteous ever since it came out - in particular I want to play with this character, a fey-born paladin of Shelyn, who focuses on the redemption aspect of the campaign. Unfortunately so many good submissions come in every time a game opens up I've never managed to get into one. So I thought I'd be egotistical and see if I can find 3-4 players and a GM to go on this adventure with me.

So anyone who is interested just say so and hopefully a kindly GM will come along to give us all a game.

I'll go and sit down now...

Hey everyone.

Oyzar and I recently submitted a pair of characters for The Lost Voice’s ‘Two by Two’ game. We were unsuccessful but are hoping that another GM would be interested in running a game for the two of us and our characters.

Our background is as follows:

We’re looking for a GM who will help us tell the story of Issi’s inheritance and Kas's struggle to keep her alive long enough to claim it! As well as the adventures, and romance, that the two of them share in the process.

In terms to mechanics we didn’t set much. Issi is a Sylvan sorceress, Kas is a summoner but other than that we haven’t done mechanics so we can start from any level. We’d prefer a relatively early start <3 preferably but that could be negotiated.

Hopefully someone is interested in telling this story with us!

I have done my searches in this forum and came up with http://paizo.com/threads/rzs2o1v8?Creating-a-golem-from-scratch-versus-buyi ng-a#1 and http://paizo.com/threads/rzs2mmnj?Using-a-Golem-Manual#1.

This answered a couple of questions and gave me some more.

If I am constructing an Iron Golem its going to cost me 80,000gp, including 15,000 for the body, leaving 65,000 to be spent on miscellaneous costs including, presumably, the cost of spell components for cloudkill, limited wish etc.

By buying an Iron Golem manual for 35,000 I get to bypass some of these costs... how many? The manual description states that "The cost of the book does not include the cost of constructing the golem's body", no problem so far since the golems body is referenced as a separate cost (15,000). It simply seems strange to me that I can build an Iron Golem from scratch for 80,000 or buy a book and just build the body for a mere 45,000; a nearly 50% saving and avoiding a feat tax of at least 1 feat...

The only other alternative I could see is that the Golem Manual is an expensive way of getting access to spells that a limited caster, such as a sorceror, might not be able to have/use normally. This combined with an increase in effective caster level and crafting bonus might just about be right for lower golems, but not for a stone or iron golem (I'd have thought).

Context: I'm runnning a paladin/sorceror/DD and I'm interested in golem crafting. Do I need to spend my next 3 feats of Craft MA and A, Craft WI and Craft Construct, as well as amassing 80,000 gp of raw materials or can I just buy a book and save myself a huge amount of time?

I appreciate there's the 'in-game rarity issue', and that's one GM's will hash out with their players - I just don't understand how the maths can possibly be balanced... can anyone help me on this?

Thanks for just reading this far...