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Hello everyone,
I'm looking to start a play by post for the Crypt of the Everflame module, though if things go well and people are interested I am more then willing to run the two modules set to come after it and even continue with my own story beyond that.
The module will start at first level with the characters being considered relatively young and inexperienced as the introduction will be something of the classic 'passage into adulthood' plotline. I've put together a text document that combines most of the information out of the campaign setting along with further information on the town where you start. I'll have a link up to this information at the bottom of this post.
I'm looking to have five players for this, though if I get good applications I am willing to have that be six players instead. I am planning on selecting these players by character submission rather than first come first serve however, with an emphasis on an interesting and enjoyable character who will work well with the team and secondary consideration for party balance.
My current hope is to start the adventure next week, depending on how much interest I see by players and how quickly characters come together. I will likely cut off applications at the beginning of next week so we can have a few days of discussion to let the characters get to know each other before we move into the actual plot.
My next post will have information on actual character building in it, but I wanted to get this up here to let people begin to brew up some ideas on just what they may like to play and to see what sort of interest there is. If you have any questions, feel free to either post here or send me an email at felixcosima at gmail dot com.
Here is the link to the document describing the region.
If you have any trouble viewing the above document, I also have it in word format and can email it to you if that will make it easier. If you have any further questions about details of town such as prominent figures or those who hold specific professions(I kept those aspects somewhat vague as the document was already quite long enough), feel free to ask. I'm quite happy to work with you in order to flesh out your backgrounds and make your characters fit better in the world.
Thanks,
-Tarlane
Interested. I'll have to figure out what would be a good fit, but I'm really interested in playing through this.
I'm thinking something like this:
Thindar Darkblood is a half-orc born to a half-orc father and a human mother, though his bloodline is still strong in him. Despite this, Thindar, to any that don't know his father, appears to be completely human, though his intense stare and raised voice causes concern among those that have seen him agitated.
Thindar's father wasn't treated badly, he was just never truly trusted or accepted. Thindar, in his own way, wants to prove himself as a ranger, a protector of the people of Nirmathas, to prove those who thought his father possessed a "blood taint" to be wrong.
Thindar is friendly and warm with his friends, but his moments of excitement or agitation can frighten those around him due to his loud, explosive manner.
(Hoping to be able to take Veiled Vileness from the Campaign Setting with the character)
I would be interested if you have room. I am thinking Paladin or cleric of Erastil
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Alright, glad to see the interest in the game.
As promised, I'll give my ideas for the actual character builds here, though this aspect is what I see as least important right now honestly since I'm looking more for the fluff around the characters to make my selections.
I plan to use a 20 point build, unless there is less interest then anticipated and I only have 4 players, in which case I will allow a 25 point build.
I am trying to stick as close to core as possible, though outside options will be allowed on a case by case basis with special consideration given to things that have a flavorful reason behind them. For an example, KEJR's idea for Veiled Vileness fits well with the character concept and is obviously intended to further the idea rather than to be imbalanced.
Each character can have two traits chosen which fit with the character concept, though each should come from a different category. To explain that, you may choose 1 combat trait and 1 racial trait or 1 religious trait and a social trait or any combination thereof.
Hit points will be max for first level and rolled for any later levels.
Character wealth will be max for first level of your class. If you wish to buy any non-standard gear(including expensive alchemical items or magic items/potions/scrolls) consult me first.
As far as things you could be expected to encounter in the adventure for skills and such, truthfully well rounded characters will do the best. The module is designed to really show off the various aspects of the system, so nearly every skill will be able to see some use. You don't need to worry too much that you'll take something that won't have much purpose. I also enjoy to make heavy use of knowledge skills, so don't be afraid to have characters with some know-how.
Alright, I think thats enough for now. If I think of anything else or if any of you have any questions I'll answer them. Otherwise, I'll try and post up some more information on 'best practices'(format I post in, dice rollers to use, ect) tomorrow.
Thanks,
-Tarlane
I am interested also. I was thinking a Half-Elf fighter named Velios Silverthorn training with the Tamran guard. His father Eravius Silverthorn was an elf who fell in love with a Varisian bard named Kinsava. While Kinsava was pregnant with Velios a jealous unknown member of Kinsava's clan assassinated Eravius during one of his long days of study in his library. Distraught and heart broken, Kinsava ran away to Tamran where she died giving birth in the church of Erastil. From that day on Velios was raised by the church and doesn't really know much about his parents. When he was old enough he enrolled in the guard and has been training ever since.
Rough Ideal
Hanathan recalls very little of his life before the temple. He recalls playing in the woods, sunlight, a woman he thinks may have been his mother, bits here and there. He remembers the fire, the battle, crawling scared from the house with screams and smoke in the air. He wondered lost and alone in the forest, could hungry, the late year wind chilling him to the bone.
That was when the Elk found him, at first he feared it, but then he felt like it was someone he had known, someone he had always known. And he fallowed the elk, for days he fallowed, it lead him to berry's to claim his hunger, and shelter for the cold. But every morning it was there leading him deeper into the forest. It lead him to a shrine of Erastil. It was later that evening when the hunters found him , as the elk faded into the forest.
Every since that day Hanathan has dedicated his life to Erastil. He has learned the ways of the forest, the art of the bow. And he spreads his dedication to his lord with deed not with mere words. Hanathan was giving his life back by Erastil, and he intends touse this gift to do the works of his god.
Very interested!
Character concept to follow shortly. I'm assuming this is a good aligned party.
heh Just in case.....
Here is Velios. Still needs a lot of work.
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So right now, what the offered up character suggestions are looking like this:
KEJR - Half-orc Ranger
Catman - ? Sorceror
Seeker - Human Paladin
CHP - Half-elf Fighter
Backgrounds are looking pretty good so far. For those of you who have placed their characters elsewhere, what is it that brought them to Kassen?
So right now, what the offered up character suggestions are looking like this:
KEJR - Half-orc Ranger
Catman - ? Sorceror
Seeker - Human Paladin
CHP - Half-elf FighterBackgrounds are looking pretty good so far. For those of you who have placed their characters elsewhere, what is it that brought them to Kassen?
Updated background to refer to Kassen Guard instead of Tamran Guard.
Tarlane, are sunrods available for purchase? Or should I go with the standard torch?
here is the sor.
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Alright, I'm going to put up some additional information about the town of Kassen so that everyone has more to work off of in tying your characters to the town. I have a link to a map of the town below, along with some information about a lot of the important buildings within. I also am going to try and give each of you a bit of information about some of the important people in town who I think your characters might end up having ties to from what I have seen so far from your backgrounds.
Generally I am assuming that all of your characters have either grown up in town or at least have lived here for a little while, so the things below will be general knowledge information.
Kassen(For everyone)
Kassen is a small town ruled by Mayor Uptal, a fair, but mildly grim man. While most of the “townsfolk” actually live in small homes or camps in the woods and fields surrounding Kassen proper, the town is quite tightknit. As with most of the folk in Nirmathas, they stand up for one another and refuse to be pushed around.
1. Seven Silvers: Most visitors to Kassen end up at this comfortable two-story inn and tavern. Run by Trelvar Silvers, this inn features modest prices (4 sp/night), decent food (3 sp/day), and a lively taproom. Trelvar is assisted by his daughter, Asina, and the overly friendly Jimes “Short Change” Iggins, who is known for giving himself generous tips.
2. Greathall: Typically used for meetings, weddings, and other celebrations, the Greathall is a tall, three-story wooden structure near the center of town. Inside is one
grand space with a number of smaller rooms on each floor.
3. Woodcutter’s Guildhall: Kassen’s primary export is lumber taken from the surrounding Fangwood. While many of these logs are taken right down the Tourondel River to Lake Encarthan, the woodcutters require that all logs bear the stamp of the guildhall, which of course requires a small fee. As a result, the woodcutter’s guild is one of the more powerful groups in town, under the firm hand of the ever-opportunistic Colbin Vetnar.
4. Temple of Erastil: The only stone building in town is home to Kassen’s only temple. While the church is officially dedicated to Erastil, there are a number of faiths practiced here, including Gozreh, Gorum, Shelyn, and Torag. Father Prasst is the only priest, but most in town refer to him as the “High Priest.”
5. Town Watch Headquarters: Guard Captain Wisslo spends most of his time in this building or patrolling the streets of Kassen. While the guardsmen are mostly relaxed in their duties, they become an effective force if there is trouble in town.
6. Renet’s Steel: While Renet’s shop services much of the town’s needs when it comes to metalworks, his quality is nowhere near that of Braggar’s. Most metal items can be found here for the standard prices, but there are no masterwork items to be found at Renet’s Steel.
7. Arnama’s Home: This is the home of Arnama Lastrid, one of the few rangers who lives in Kassen. Mayor Uptal, who trusts the ranger’s instincts implicitly, frequently calls Arnama to the town council to report and advise.
8. Sir Dramott’s Home: This is the home of Sir Dramott, a knight from Lastwall who keeps watch on the town.
9. Braggar’s Shop: This is the workshop and home of Braggar Ironhame, a dwarven blacksmith. Braggar’s works exceed those of Renet’s Steel, but he works much slower and charges a higher price. Braggar can forge nearly any masterwork metal tool, weapon, or armor.
10. Vargidan Estate: This is the home of the large and eccentric Vargidan family, and has a bit of a spooky reputation in town.
11. Holgast’s Tower: Holgast, the town's slightly senile sage, has a slightly crooked tower which stands at the edge of town.
12. Mayor Uptal’s Home: This modest building along the water is the home of Mayor Uptal, who can frequently be found in the Greathall holding meetings or on his small boat in the river, fishing.
13. Ilimara’s Home: This is the home of Ilimara Oniri, the mysterious woman from Qadira. Spending much of her time in meditation, Ilimara maintains a small shrine to Irori in her home. She has often had apprentices who seek to learn her exotic disiplines, but they rarely remain long.
KEJR
Secondly, the ranger Arnama is a well traveled and and stoic warrior with good standing within the town. She is unlikely to look down on you do to your race, and so if you were truly looking to bolster your status in town you may have apprenticed yourself to her. She isn't the best teacher because she is impatient and without much discipline, but she is good and leading by example and you likely will have been taken on her far-ranging patrols and hunts and gained good experience this way.
Catman
Secondly, there is a family in town, the Vargidans. They are generally regarded as the strangest family in town with the patriarch of the family having a dozen children each with a different wife. There is thought to be magic in the blood of the family though and many of the children show sorcerous powers. If you thought it might fit your idea to come from this family I can give you a bit more information on them.
Seeker
There also is a paladin who does live in town, Sr Dramott. He is stationed here from lastwall to keep an eye out for any incursions from the orcs of Belkzen. The villagers generally like him and appreciate his assistance when there is trouble, though for the most part the townsfolk would prefer to have him head back to lastwall so they could take care of themselves rather then having an outside military presence in town.
CHP
If you wish to be a part of the local militia, you would likely be familiar with a few of the soldiers. The guard captian is Gregor Wisslo. He is quite a skilled fighter, though he is now aging. He's a good teacher, though his strict discipline tends to have him teased by most other guards.
The other guard who somewhat stands out is guardsman Golfond Kir. Golfond is a remarkably dedicated guard and can always be counted on to the tell the truth and try and give any aid he can. When he was young, he was kicked by a horse so that it knocked the sense out of him, and since then he has been the victim of cruel pranks and japes by many of the town bullies, but he has always taken it with a smile and a laugh. If you'd prefer, he could be a good mentor in terms of swordsplay and morals, though you would likely be more the big brother in other aspects as he needs his share of looking after as well.
Alright, I think that should do it for now. Look forward to more background ideas coming in and working with you to flesh out any of those I do see. If my ideas are way off or you just have something else in mind, please let me know and we can always find some folks in town who your characters can have some good connections to.
Thanks,
-Tarlane
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CHP, a everburning torch is fine and will be readily available in town for sale by the local sage.
Catman, doing a quick skim the character looks good. You seem to have built with a 25pt buy, so don't forget that if things go according to plan and I have five players we'll only be using 20pt buy. Also, I'm still going to be waiting for a background from you to fit with the concept to put you in the running.
Thanks,
-Tarlane
I may have over looked it but starting gold? Do we take average or roll?
Character wealth will be max for first level of your class. If you wish to buy any non-standard gear(including expensive alchemical items or magic items/potions/scrolls) consult me first.
Here ya go. :)
headdesk Doh!
I believe I am ready. Tarlane, if you want to take another look at my backstory and description, I changed and added some stuff.
I have a question. I read a thread awhile back about not counting an outfit towards starting gold and encumbrance as long as it is 5lbs and under. How do you feel about this?
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That is fine with me, I believe you are supposed to start with an explorers outfit or the like in any case that won't go against your starting cash. Also, I am not so strict on encumberance as long as things are kept within reason. If you are within a couple pounds of one encumbrance level then it is no big deal.
The character is looking pretty good, I'm sure I'll come up with some questions to try and flesh out more of the character, as well as being able to give you some more information now that I know what you have in mind for your characters background.
In any case, you certainly have a good start in the running.
Thanks, I'm still relatively new to PbP.
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No worries, your character does look good. In truth I'm trying to be more picky then most people are with PbP just because its fairly common for player attrition or games to stall out, and I'm hoping that if we get together a really good group that will be much less likely. When you have people who really put a lot into their characters they are much more likely to put a lot into their posts as well, and that makes the game better for everyone.
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Alright, I'm going to put up some additional information about the town of Kassen so that everyone has more to work off of in tying your characters to the town. I have a link to a map of the town below, along with some information about a lot of the important buildings within. I also am going to try and give each of you a bit of information about some of the important people in town who I think your characters might end up having ties to from what I have seen so far from your backgrounds.
Generally I am assuming that all of your characters have either grown up in town or at least have lived here for a little while, so the things below will be general knowledge information.
Kassen(For everyone)
** spoiler omitted **...
Secondly, there is a family in town, the Vargidans. They are generally regarded as the strangest family in town with the patriarch of the family having a dozen children each with a different wife. There is thought to be magic in the blood of the family though and many of the children show sorcerous powers. If you thought it might fit your idea to come from this family I can give you a bit more information on them.
i think i'll take you up on that offer.
Did some revising and expanding on my background. Let me know what you think Tarlane.
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Hey there i've been looking over this thread and i noticed that you don't seem to have a confirmed 5th player as of yet(Unless i've overlooked it, in which case i've wasted a bit of both of our time, :P).
Anyway, I'd like to Join.
My rough idea:
a rogue named Manduzi Steelsong(An old name from a now dead pbp) , Coming from a proud line of strong backed warriors, with strong expectations for military prowess,perhaps even some relation to the previously mentioned knight, or under the tutelage of him. Needless to say, Manduzi realized at an early age that his strength was in his guile,wits, and speed, and not necessarily in his sword arm. Perhaps because of this, He took a great interest in the cerebral aspects of battle, Picking up easily on tactics and the philosophies of war. He adheres to a personal code of honor perhaps somewhat similar to the knights he emulates, but just as much based upon what he sees as common courtesy (Never battling an unarmed foe,Never leaving a good soul in need,no matter the personal cost, exc. exc. This sense of honor might also be his greatest downfall as a tactician). Save for title, he might even consider himself a knight, simply one that understands that Razor wit and an equally sharp rapier are a better armament in some cases(such as his) than half plate and a long sword.
That's about all i have for now, I hope you'll take my character into consideration =]
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CHP- The expanded background looks really good, adding in the various details to flesh it out gives me a lot more to work with. Also, since its essentially just a fluff detail but fits well with your character, you can feel free to treat perform(lute) as a trained skill.
MM- I think that background has a lot of potential and the character would fit well with what is shaping up to be a primarily good group. Looks like you already have a little bit of detail from above on the knight that is in town, if you see yourself as emulating him, would you imagine that you are here from lastwall to serve almost as an apprentice? Or would you more have latched on to the knight while you were growing up a native to the town? Either works, or any other ideas you may have. It just will help me have a better idea of your character as being more fleshed out. Character looks good though.
Catman- I'll just need to get the background from you. If you aren't sure of any details on the family, I can help you fill them in or you can leave them generic for the moment now(Honestly, you can help flesh some of them out as the family isn't too specificly detailed and I would be making up a lot of the details myself). I have seen the build of your character, but I haven't seen much in terms of the background yet.
KEJR, I just wanted to make sure that you were still around as well. I did like your character idea, and I was hoping to hear more from you.
Sorry, I had my RL Pathfinder Society game last night, so I didn't get my ranger worked up yet. Will do so shortly.
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No worries, KEJR, I hadn't been planning on finishing up the recruitment until Monday so that we had time for everyone to flesh out their background however they wanted and to submit them. I just hadn't heard from you since your first post, so I had wanted to make sure you were still around and interested.
I had enjoyed the flavor of your SW game you ran a few months back, so I figured I would see something pretty good from you. No pressure and all, of course.
I'm still doing some fine tuning on the history. I have the jist of it written down on the profile, but I really want to flesh out a few places.
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MM- if you see yourself as emulating him, would you imagine that you are here from lastwall to serve almost as an apprentice? Or would you more have latched on to the knight while you were growing up a native to the town?
I was considering both of these options, and I rather like the idea of him coming from lastwall as well to serve as an apprentice.
Sweet, I can't wait to jam with my lute around the campfire with all you guys!
will get everything up and finished my Monday or Tuesday
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Alright, since it sounds like a few of you would like a couple more days to flesh everything out, I'll bump back the end of the open call for applicants until wednesday morning so you will all have all day monday and tuesday to finish up.
Don't worry about posting up something before it is very polished though, as I have no problem helping to find some details that will fit with the setting for you.
If it's not to late i would like to add Bandar Stonegut, a dwarven monk.
If it is supposed to be an adulthood rite how old should a dwarf be when the adventure start?
History
One night he was dragging himself home from a particalarly wet night. He had been in four fights this night alone, and so he was feeling on top of things. So when an old nemesis, a stupid half-orc named Bret, blocked the alley and challenged him, he gladly charged in. But before he reached his mark he was knocked down by an unseen enemy. Suddenly five other guys came bursting out of the dark and started to beat him up.
Drunk and out numbered he was quickly forced to surrender, and placed on his knees before Bret, who came closer with a wicked grin. Seeing everything in a blur he could only just make out the shape of a huge knife Bret had concealed. Bret placed the cold knife on Bandars throat and bended low to whisper something that Bandar was to drunk to understand, but he surely understood that this was not his best night. Suddenly Bret was kicked in the face by an old man, and staggered backwards. Bandar fell to the ground and got knocked out by a stone. The last thing he saw was the old man making a leap over one of the thugs kicking him in the head, to drop down besides another and with an impressing speed swiped him off his feets.
He woke up several days later, finding himself in the old mans wooden hut, no longer in the city. For the next few years he practically a slave to the old man, carrying water, chopping wood, making dinner, cleaning the house and shopping in the nearby village Kassen, all in the name of 'building character'. After three years of service, the old man took Bandar out to some caves. This was to be his new home and the old man was to be named Master Kenzai. In the beginning his master forced him to hit the rock with his bare fist, several hours a day. In the end his knuckles was as hard as the rock it self, and he was able smash smaller stones with them.
Now that his hands were prepared he moved on to more combat oriented training, as his master taught him the art of the scorpion style, a flamboyant style that involved big movements, with jumps and spins serving only to distract the enemies. Soon Bandar was able to render a foe allmost immobile, with a single thrust to the chest.
After five years of service and training Master Kenzai let him out of the cave, explaining to him that he was unable to teach him anymore. It was up to himself to train and improve now.
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Bandar, looks good and I'm glad that you are offering up your services to join us. Some suggestions for potential alterations to fit better into the town below.
If you wish to have her take the place of the old man, you could use her in your backstory in a virtually identical way. Otherwise, perhaps she has taken over your training for some reason, either the old man sending you to a different master to learn new styles, or perhaps he simply passed on and she was one of his equals. She's designed to be a mentor for a monk type character, so if you could blend her(or one of the other NPCs) into your backstory somehow, I think you'll get more out of the game.
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Alright, so this is what our applicants are looking like so far. I'm still waiting for some info on a couple of characters and due to request I am going to leave things open for any new applicants and backgrounds through tomorrow and will decide on the exact party wednesday morning. Things are looking very good so far though.
Kasper - Dwarf Monk
Catman - Human Sorc
CHP - Half-Elf Fighter
KEJR - Half-Orc Ranger
MM - Human(?) Rogue
Seeker - Human Paladin
Bandar, looks good and I'm glad that you are offering up your services to join us. Some suggestions for potential alterations to fit better into the town below.
** spoiler omitted **
I think i will keep the old guy as the first mentor and let it be Ilimara who is responsible for his combat training in the cave.
Are there a bigger city near Kassen? it does not have to be right next to each other, just nearby.
I think I'm all set and ready to go, including backstory. Let me know if I missed anything.
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Sorry that I haven't gotten the information up yet that I was hoping to get things started this morning. It has ended up being my turn to be sick, so I haven't been online today like I normally am. Sick or not, I need to be working tomorrow so I'll be online and able to post who the group is as well as get a discussion thread and the start of the real thread up as well.
The anticipation grows! Get well soon Tarlane.
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Sorry guys, this thing has totally incapacitated me and I've been way worse then I thought I was. I'm just up to let you guys know that I'm not dropping things but I may need another day or two before I'm very coherent and able to sort through the entries.
I haven't made any final determinations yet though, so if the above poster does want to put in a submission I'd be glad to read it as soon as I'm able to think again.
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Alright, I'm still somewhat out of it but I am reading through all the backstories above and it looks like this is what we have as complete entries so far.
KEJR - Thindar - Half-orc Ranger
CHP - Velios - Half-Elf Fighter
Seeker - Hanathan - Human Paladin
Catman - Deilen - Human Sorceror
Kaspar - Bandar - Dwarven Monk
Catman
Memento Mori put in a pretty decent idea for a rogue, but then seemed to have dropped off, so if he is still interested I'd really like to hear from him and see a more final character.
Also, Deserach, you just asked about whether there were any openings yesterday, if You can submit a character concept for me sometime today then I would be happy to look over it.
Otherwise, it looks like the above party is what we will be going with. Truthfully, I'm pretty happy with that group, beyond just trying to drag a little more BG out of catman. My only real concern is party balance, so I was hoping we would get a last minute submission of a cleric or a rogue. Beyond that, with some luck, you will be enough of a bruiser party that hopefully you will take things down quickly enough to not take as much damage as a more diverse party would have. If need be, I can always alter treasure drops and encounters to better fit the party.
In any case, I'm going to go back to trying to fight off whatever I have managed to catch, and I'll put up our entry post tomorrow.
Thanks for the submissions everyone.
-Tarlane