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Call to Action
You come across a posted bill:
“Hiring adventurous types for the protection of a newly established trading post and ferry on the Sellen River north of the Isle of Arenway. Please report to the Chateau Lambert in Threegates district of Cassomir to interview with Marquis Markus Lambert.”
The bill is stamped in wax with a seal that portrays three towers.
This bill was posted in the Taldan city of Cassomir as well as the nearby locales of Ridonport, Triela, Souston, and Steyr.
The Threegates district of Cassomir is impressive with its broad avenues and rows of expansive villas. The Chateau Lambert is on the outer edge of the district, a stately home of three stories. At the door you are met by an uptight butler who ushers you to an office on the second floor. Inside, seated behind a large mahogany desk, is a man in his prime, sporting a thin strap of a beard. Behind him stands a portly fellow, rather gruff looking, who grumbles and snorts as you enter. The man behind the desk stands and gestures you towards a chair. "I am Marquis Markus Lambert. I assume you are here for the job. Please, sit, tell me about yourself."
Campaign Info
The early campaign will be mostly set in the Verduran Forest, with homebase a trading depot on the Sellen River. This region has a rich history with several factions keeping a tenuous peace and stability. I will try to reward your skill investments with as much political intrigue and diplomatic missions as action/adventure. Expect downtime. Expect lots of wilderness adventure, as well as dungeon delving and perhaps? extraplanar excursions. As the game progresses, I promise to make the best possible effort to include elements of character background in the unfolding story. My philosophy is that tabletop RPGs are a game of collaborative storytelling. If you feel your character has no investment in the story, then a conversation on how to best make that happen is necessary. The basic theme of the campaign is that this is a highly contested border territory kept somewhat stable through ages old treaties. There will be several factions of varying power with their own agendas for you to interact with. As the campaign plays out, it will be up to you to decide which factions to side with or not. Expect loads and loads of characters and the occasional NPC joining you on missions. I will do my best to keep a character and location log in the campaign info tab, updated with info as you uncover it.
Using Google Slides for battle maps.
Let’s try for a minimum of a post/day. I enjoy RP!
I will be selecting a party of 5.
Recruiting will be open for 1 week.
Character Creation
20pt buy
Races: Core and Featured
Classes: Core, Base, Alternate, Hybrid, Unchained, Occult
No 3pp material please
Starting lvl 1
2 traits, or 3 traits and a drawback, no campaign traits
Max HP at 1st lvl, half + 1 every lvl thereafter
Avg starting wealth for class
Background skills
Character Submission
You can post with an alias or not. Please include the usual crunch and fluff (backstory, description). In addition to this, please treat this as your character’s interview with the Marquis. In your character’s voice, tell me why you are the best candidate for the post.
If you have the invested skills, you may make the following Kn. Local checks before going into your interview:
House Rules
This is all open for discussion, but these are the rule variants I would like to use:
I will be using a critical hit generator for confirmed critical hits. I’m a Dwarf Fortress fan so expect to see punctured lungs, spilled entrails, and severed heads sailing in arcs.
Diseases and Poisons optional rules.
Background skills.
The person before is somewhat outlandishly dressed, though the parade armor he wears is scuffed from use and the buckler and dagger your guards allowed him to keep alert you to at least a foundation of martial acumen. While not a pure human, the man is close enough - despite his unique appearance.
His armor creaks and he winces slightly as he attempts to sit, before deciding not to.
"My Lord, I might stand if it pleases you..."
His eyes wander to your functionary standing behind you, as if attempting to appeal to, or appease another force that might be judging him.
"I am Attai Kah, late of Magnimar, trained in the art of war, and schooled in the styles of courtiers and ambassadors."
Attai bows, and looks about the room, seeming to think to himself.
"These lands require the strength of purpose and resolve you promise, and have been requiring for some time. I have skill, and some magic gifted by the gods. By your leave, I can help you hold these lands, and in a manner that would bring you honour."
As a real life practitioner of multiple forms of divination, I love it.
Thank you for your interest!
Ah! Really like the sound of this. Good, solid boilerplate setup and lots of open-ended possibilities.
Gonna start putting something together. I've sorta been desperately excited to play an Oozemorph Shifter since the moment I laid eyes on it. >_>
I'm not at all familiar with the shifter class as I have yet to look at it. I am aware of all the hubbub around the class, so I'm wary.
If you're feeling comfortable enough...
Maybe this can be a learning experience for both of us?
I'm not at all familiar with the shifter class as I have yet to look at it. I am aware of all the hubbub around the class, so I'm wary.
If you're feeling comfortable enough...
Maybe this can be a learning experience for both of us?
Is there hubub? Like, bad hubub? I've been... out of the loop for a while, with regards to internet discussions of Pathfinder. I imagined Shifter would be popular, though, because it seems like folks have wanted an outright martial shapeshifter since the dawn of time.
For what it's worth, Oozemorph seems to trade away nearly everything the Shifter does in exchange for some attack versatility, good Strength buffs, and the novelty of... well, playing an ooze. Which is to say, while I haven't given it a hard analysis, I think it's considerably weaker than the base Shifter.
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I say go for it if you think you can make it fun. I'm scanning through it now, and I'm honestly a fan of character flavor over mechanics optimization. From what I can see, it allows for some interesting outside-the-box problem solving, which is cool. Also, Alex Mac was like my favorite show as a kid.
I say go for it if you think you can make it fun. I'm scanning through it now, and I'm honestly a fan of character flavor over mechanics optimization. From what I can see, it allows for some interesting outside-the-box problem solving, which is cool. Also, Alex Mac was like my favorite show as a kid.
Ahahahaha, I was thinking about throwing an Alex Mack joke in there somewhere!
I am also of the "Character First" sort. The novelty of being an ooze was just too much for me to pass up.
But the angle I'm really interested in taking is, oozemorphs are created through a Druidic ritual (if a somewhat unpopular/looked down up one), but my character has no memory of that *or* their life beforehand. For all they know, they weren't a willing party to the transformation. I'll still have plenty of established character history between waking up and ooze and the start of the campaign - learning how to get by in society when you run the risk of dissolving into a pile of goo if you try to stay in a more presentable form for more than an hour, etc. But I like the idea of taking the "Who am I?" angle and tacking "And why am I a blob???" onto it.
I appreciate you being on board! I'll get to work on putting it all together.
wait, am I reading Fluidic Body correctly? Basically, you are playing an ooze until you are high enough level to maintain a humanoid body all day, which i guesstimate to be around lvl6 (3x6hrs+8hrs of sleep to regain the ability to hold shape?)? That sounds like a major hurdle to overcome.
wait, am I reading Fluidic Body correctly? Basically, you are playing an ooze until you are high enough level to maintain a humanoid body all day, which i guesstimate to be around lvl6 (3x6hrs+8hrs of sleep to regain the ability to hold shape?)? That sounds like a major hurdle to overcome.
That is correct. I can keep it going for longer if I succeed at some Fortitude saves. I saw it as the kind of hurdle that could provide a lot of unusual and/or funny situations ("Wait, who knows the password", "Oh, it was Squip who got it off the guard." *pause* *party all turn and look at the puddle of ooze hanging out in the back* *puddle waves*)
I also imagine that the party would figure out my character is actually an ooze pretty quickly, so we could normalize me hanging out in ooze form for at least the core group of characters.
Here is a thread you guys might hate:
A tempting lure, I'll make up an Arcanist and have them up soon.
Here is a thread you guys might hate:
I'm a few pages in, and while there are definitely a lot of (justly) "please FAQ this" elements, the archetype's creator offers a pretty good rundown of Rules As Intended for the archetype that I would be absolutely fine following if djdust is.
I'm a few pages in, and while there are definitely a lot of (justly) "please FAQ this" elements, the archetype's creator offers a pretty good rundown of Rules As Intended for the archetype that I would be absolutely fine following if djdust is.Here is a thread you guys might hate:
I’m reading through the thread too. I don’t want to be discouraging, (or shifty ;)) but I’m honestly feeling discouraged myself. I do like the background idea as it has strong ties to a few plot lines, but the inherent challenges to RP are what’s really throwing me off. I imagine it will be very difficult to interact with and thus build relations with the other party members if you tend to be an animate puddle of goo for the first 5 levels of your adventuring career.
I appreciate the enthusiasm, but I’m going to rule against it. A big factor of my group selection will be thinking in character as the Marquis; it’d be a shame for you to fail a fort save in the midst of your interview! Please, feel free to play a base shifter, the class looks interesting. Or anything else within the guidelines. Thank you for being understanding.
Ah, boo.
Back to the drawing board.
A young woman with dirty blonde hair wearing studded leather, a backpack, and worn brown pants enters the Chateau with rolled up sleeves. She mutters under her breath with a hint of spite as she enters:
Looks like there's money here...
She moves confidently to the chair and immediately makes herself comfortable. She looks at the Marquis then back at the butler.
Well, I figured that establishing a trading post could require some muscle.
She pauses, then says with more urgency.
What exactly is the pay?
Iagon’s feet tapped nervously on the unblemished wood floor, laying out a quick-paced version of the children’s song, “Wind of the Mighty Malgorns.” He didn’t notice the cadence or would have thought the song a bit of an immature response to stress and no doubt set his teeth to chattering instead.
It wasn’t that Iagon was a nervous person by nature, it was instead the complete lack of knowledge of social niceties that a place such as this would no doubt be expecting.
Iagon? A voice inquired from a few feet away. He will see you now, this way.
Iagon nodded and stood, then followed, mentally preparing himself for the interview. Marquis Markus Lambert….Mar-keece….Markus...Lam-bear...Lam-bert...oh boy he was sweating a little when he walked away from the small pile of old dried dirt he’d inadvertently tapped off of his worn boots and onto his potential employer’s pristine floor.
There was an ackward moment at the door, when the butler attempted to usher Iagon through but the socially inept young man interpreted it a bit incorrectly, but soon enough Iagon found himself standing before the desk of the Marquis Markus Lambert, to whom he bowed deeply, then took a knee.
I assure you, that’s not necessary. Lambert said as he bade Iagon rise. The young man did, and took the offered seat, his face a look of displeasure at the uncomfortable, rigidly backed chair. Now...please tell me about yourself.
Iagon ‘s eyes widened for a moment, and then he mentally calmed himself, reminding himself that Lambert was a man, just like him...no different. A look about the room proved otherwise, but he stilled his nerves.
Well, sir...lord...mister Lambert, I feel like I’d be a great asset for you and your team. I know that I’m young, and don’t have the sweet tongue of many, but I have other qualities that I, for one feel are more important.
Throat clearing….
First off, I’m honest, always have been, even when it’s not good for me to be. Second, I’m sturdy, and know the woods...better than just about any in your employ, I’d bet. Those woods are vital to your trade...wood for ships, black tar, game and pelts...I know where and how to get it all. I know who you have to know to avoid trouble, too...been out there for years, just like my Da….
Throat clearing again…
And, I...I can do things with wood. Things I can now control. A vision of his mother forces his eyes shut for a moment. He opens them, his voice strong. Let me work for you, and you won’t be sorry.
I think ABP could be useful for this campaign, as access to large population centers and thus a choice of magical goodies will be limited. There will be plenty of downtime though, especially early on, and many travellers and caravans passing through, and of course monster hoards so this isnt like a low magic campaign. I do like that ABP opens up more creative use for item slots.
I'm going to say yes.
My apologies, djdust...I've now granted access to the char sheet
Dotting! Going to dig up an old archaeologist build that I think might be fun here.
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How long are you expecting this to run? I was hoping to play Paemil (my first attempt at a Druid) in the Online convention coming up in March for some PFS credits. His backstory is built out of Verduran Forrest, so this would be a great kickoff for his adventuring career. I can tweak the character to the setting too. His current build is more of a melee, but I could easily flip it to a primarily divine caster/support role depending on party need. Either would be a fun new adventure for me.
If this is going to be a longer run, I would likely just build a new character for the convention.
Either way, I would love to be involved! Just gotta know what you think fits best! Paemil is currently updated with a character sheet for a melee focused Druid, including background.
@Paemil
This will definitely run longer than March. It should be AP length at least. Right now i see a brawler, an inquisitor, and a kineticist, with a few others expressing interest, so you could go either way with the build it seems. Still a lot of time left, so we'll have to see who else crops up. You'll have till saturday to make changes as you see appropriate. I'll also give a grace period before the game officially starts for the selected players to get acquainted and I highly encourage y'all to do so.
Please remember the interview part of the submission process. It helps me to get a better sense of the character.
Malryk stood in a substantial line awaiting an audience with the Marquis Lambert. Scents of nervousness and fear were intermingled with a sickening smell of perfume. Each individual had a distinct smell that Malryk mentally catalogued. It had been over a year since Malryk had arrived in Cassomir. The half-orc had worked diligently and learned much of Cassomir and the Verduran Forest.
Despite regular reports of the local activity in Cassomir and the Verduran, including the identification of several nobles involved in press gangs funneled through pirates and bandits located upriver, Malryk had heard little from his contact until recently. His latest directive had instructed him to seek a position with Marquis Lambert’s expedition.
It was not long before Malryk brought before the Marquis. He was not surprised by the Marquis’ disinterested attitude because he was after all a half breed in an bigoted human nation. Despite his complete disdain for the decedent noble, Malryk addressed the Marquis with feigned respect.
”M’Lord, I am very grateful for this opportunity to seek employment with you for your upcoming endeavor. I am well traveled and familiar with the Verduran Forest. I am a capable scout and a skilled cartographer. Rest assured, my humbled heritage insurers that I will not aspire to a station more than serving your interest.”
Malryk bowed and waited for a scent to indicate the Marquis’ mood.
Changed Attai's alias image
I'm interested - Gonna get a wizard going, with plans to work toward Arcane Trickster (I'm gonna do a thing to get somewhat earlier access to the class, and if you have an issue with that, I'll probably just rework some of his skills).
Dotting for interest. How would you feel about an occultist with the silksworn archetype? I built one for a Reign of Winter recruitment that fell through. I'd like to re-purpose for this game if acceptable.
How open are you to more monster-ish races? Because I've got a Kobold trapper/falconer ranger that would probably work quite well for this! His focus is more on traps, sniping, and non-magical battlefield control, and is probably going to sign up to keep the pesky humans from encroaching on his tribe's territory.
Dotting for interest. How would you feel about an occultist with the silksworn archetype? I built one for a Reign of Winter recruitment that fell through. I'd like to re-purpose for this game if acceptable.
Yes go for it
How open are you to more monster-ish races? Because I've got a Kobold trapper/falconer ranger that would probably work quite well for this! His focus is more on traps, sniping, and non-magical battlefield control, and is probably going to sign up to keep the pesky humans from encroaching on his tribe's territory.
I think this would put you at odds with the group and your employer. I'm pretty set on the races. However, mostly humans so far, would be nice to have more variety.
@malryk
May I kindly suggest you take a look at the unchained rogue?
I'm going to dot for interest and see if I can get a character made in a timely fashion. I'm currently contemplating a Half-Elf or Halfling investigator (cartographer). The backstory I am considering would be a shipwright turned adventurer so that he can further his interest in maps.
@djdust: Ok! I've got my new idea. Would you be fine with the Divine Fighting Technique rules from Weapon Master Master's Handbook/Divine Anthology? I would like to make a Bard devotee of Desna that goes into the Evangelist prestige class, and being I feel like being a Starnkife specialist would help top things off.
Story angle would be he's a consummate wanderer, but what he believes to be an inkling from Desna in his dreams has urged him to sign on at the new outpost to protect other travelers and lead others to Desna by example.
@malryk
May I kindly suggest you take a look at the unchained rogue?
@djdust: Ok! I've got my new idea. Would you be fine with the Divine Fighting Technique rules from Weapon Master Master's Handbook/Divine Anthology? I would like to make a Bard devotee of Desna that goes into the Evangelist prestige class, and being I feel like being a Starnkife specialist would help top things off.
Story angle would be he's a consummate wanderer, but what he believes to be an inkling from Desna in his dreams has urged him to sign on at the new outpost to protect other travelers and lead others to Desna by example.
Sounds great :)
Sounds great :)@djdust: Ok! I've got my new idea. Would you be fine with the Divine Fighting Technique rules from Weapon Master Master's Handbook/Divine Anthology? I would like to make a Bard devotee of Desna that goes into the Evangelist prestige class, and being I feel like being a Starnkife specialist would help top things off.
Story angle would be he's a consummate wanderer, but what he believes to be an inkling from Desna in his dreams has urged him to sign on at the new outpost to protect other travelers and lead others to Desna by example.
Awesome, thanks!
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Interesting.
One question. Crits. Are those rule for ALL crits (including against PCs)?
You are aware that this makes the game MUCH MUCH more deadly, right? Crits DO occur and one "You've lost your arm" crit (at least at the levels where regeneration isn't an option) basically takes the character out of the game.
Its also MUCH worse for the frontliners.
Obviously, tastes vary. But if you're using those rules I'll NOT be submitting a front liner :-). Far too dangerous for my tastes :-).
Although at the moment I'm strongly considering a Cha focused Druid as a character anyway :-). So maybe its (for me, at least) a moot point :-)
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Paemil waits patiently, if not awkwardly, for his meeting Marquis Markus Lambert. It has been about a week since he first saw the posting up in Steyr but the travel to Cassomir was relatively uneventful- as long as you don't count having to leave his leopard Hinsra outside of the city. He is dressed in a flowing green/grey cloak, of clearly elvish design, with silver embroidery throughout. He isn't a large man, but he carries with him an air of strength. He sits relatively rigid, appearing uncomfortable with all of the eyes and people crowding around.
This is not as easy as I thought it would be. The city here moves so fast, and so many people crowd and push, and fail to see what is right in front of them. I am beginning to see what my brothers warned me about
It was nice to be around his kin, albeit still very removed from their culture. This is certainly the most humans I have ever been around.
When his name is called, he rises quietly and enters the office- he is immediately struck by the lavish wood interior. In his distraction he asks "These trees- they came from Verduran?". He catches himself, but it is too late. An awkward silence ensues before Paemil regains his composure.
"I am sorry Sir. My name is Paemil, Druid of the Angol Grove." He shifts awkwardly before finding his way into a seat before continuing.
"Common is hard for me, though I am learning. This is my first time in a city so large- but I have come to hear more about this opportunity. Even the Druids are not immune from... is politics the word? From politics. I am from the Verduran wood but have the leave of my grove to pursue my own path. I am among those who revere the Great Eld.
He pauses, now suddenly unsure of this man's job or motives.
"What type of protection does this trading post require? I know these woods well, and have no love for evil fey, nor those who would cause intentional harm to other creatures."
As the question lingers, he continues on.
"Being a lone Druid is very difficult. I hope to play my part to achieve balance in the woods. A new trading post is sure to upset that balance in some way, and so I would like to be there to protect it." He quickly clarifies: "Protect both nature and the lives of all those creatures choosing to live in it"
Interesting.
One question. Crits. Are those rule for ALL crits (including against PCs)?
You are aware that this makes the game MUCH MUCH more deadly, right? Crits DO occur and one "You've lost your arm" crit (at least at the levels where regeneration isn't an option) basically takes the character out of the game.
Its also MUCH worse for the frontliners.
Obviously, tastes vary. But if you're using those rules I'll NOT be submitting a front liner :-). Far too dangerous for my tastes :-).
Although at the moment I'm strongly considering a Cha focused Druid as a character anyway :-). So maybe its (for me, at least) a moot point :-)
I hear your concerns loud and clear. I surely want to stay clear of the crit fumbles. A miss is a miss, nothing more.
I’ve been looking at the options available for crit decks, etc. and I haven’t really found anything that totally fits what I’m looking for. What I’m trying to overcome is the fact that a monster at 1HP is as equally viable as one at full HP. I also like the visual flavor of say puncturing a lung with a well aimed crossbow bolt and the consequences involved.
Right now I’m leaning more toward GM fiat rather than random crit generators, based largely on the crit confirmation roll (how much did you beat the AC by to confirm the crit) as well as just feeling each situation out.
If I only apply these rules to the PCs, are combat encounters now in danger of being one sided? I do want this campaign to lean a little on the gritty side in terms of tonality (like, hey, the world is actually a very dangerous place), but obviously fun is the number one priority.
I’m absolutely up for discussion on this, if you’ve had positive or negative experiences with this sort of variant, please, let’s hear them. I’m 100% ok with scratching it if it’s a concern for everyone.
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First, thanks for being open to discussion on this.
My personal experience with crits (almost all in game systems OTHER than D&D) has been almost entirely negative. In one Rolemaster campaign we pretty much lost a character every session due to either death or crits that essentially crippled the character into unplayability.
But others love crits. And, as I say, there is an easy workaround for me so its hardly a show stopper.
My experiences with MERP/Rolemaster's critical tables were...positively negative. In that, the results tended to be negative for your character. Sharp weapons and pointy rock/metal attached to a stick propelled by tensioned wood tends to make a mess of flesh. And bone. And hamstrings, throats, viscera etc.
I'm fine with that. Happy with gritty.
Though I completely empathise with those who aren't.
"Thank you sir" Cyril says as he takes his seat. He begins a bit sheepishly "My name is Cyril Markov and I am grateful for this opportunity. I have various skills that are invaluable to a guard. I am incredibly vigilant and can read people very well. I am a capable fighter and have experience guarding a tavern in my hometown." He seems to grow a bit more confident as he lists off his qualities. "You might not even need to feed me some days as I am adept at finding food for myself" he jokes before continuing. "I have a variety of divine magic at my disposal which can be useful in a multitude of situations. I am also adept at staying out of the way and keeping quiet so you don't have to worry about me disturbing any traders. You also don't have to worry about me slacking off as I am a hard worker and I love to exceed expectations" Cyril finishes. He shifts in his seat as he waits for a response.
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I think crits have the problem of hurting players more than baddies. Most CR appropriate combats, a crit is an autodeath for whatever minion was hit regardless of what crit rules you play- so in many situations a Pc making a crit wouldn't have any real impact on the outcome of combat.
The only time it really comes into play then is if the hit creature has enough HP to take the crit. That leaves pretty much just the PC's and the BBEG.
I love the idea for the flavor component, but it does make combat more dangerous for the PCs.
