Welcome players, to the discussion thread!
We need to get to the business of statting up character sheets to get this game underway, 'tis true. However, it is very important to me that each character have a background and physical description, so I want to start the character creation process with that. We'll crunch numbers after the 'fluff' has been sorted out.
Please use the campaign guide as a resource for developing your character's background. Ideally, the background should tell me something about your character's history with the city of Westcrown.
Secondly, the campaign will begin as the PCs have gathered for a secret meeting of disaffected Wiscrani citizens who seek a change in the diabolical status quo. To that end, each PC will have been contacted by a woman named Janiven Key, and invited to a tavern to meet with other like-minded individuals. So, your background should indicate how it is that the character has come to Janiven's attention, and indicate that the PC was invited to this meeting. The IC thread will begin with the characters arriving at the secret location.
If there is any further clarification needed, or if I can answer any questions, please don't hesitate to ask. Let's make it a great game!
And now that the player roster has been revealed, we should talk a bit more about character concepts.
As you all will notice, there is no rogue that has been submitted from the six players accepted. With that in mind, if any of you should wish to change concepts, I'd have no problem discussing that. I will point out that Celestial Half-Porc's tiefling could be converted to a rogue without altering the concept too much. But, that's just a suggestion, not a requirement.
Sniggevert, I'm hoping you'll go with your dwarf cleric of Abadar. far_wanderer, either of your martial concepts would be terrific.
So, that would give us a lineup that looks sort of like this...
MoFiddy - Paladin
Camris - Wizard
PsionicFox - Aasimar Sorcerer
Sniggevert - Cleric
far_wanderer - Fighter or Ranger
Celestial Half-Porc - Tiefling Fighter (DEX-based)...unless he switches to Rogue
So, a pretty good balance it appears to me.
Finally, I wanted to say that if PsionicFox and Celestial Half-Porc want to tie their histories together and do the twin/sibling Yin-Yang thing, I'd be all for that. But, it's totally up to you. I am curious about the physical description Celestial has in mind for his Tiefling.
Camris here! More later tonight.
Is it max gold for equipment, average, or roll it here?
Same question for hit points.
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Yay, I'm in!
I've got a profile for Katya up already. I just need the creation rules in regards to hp, gold, attributes, traits (how many, what restrictions), and whether you want me to take the tweaked version of the Tiefling Bastard Campaign trait.
@Half-Porc: I'd be happy for us to do the sibling thing I talked about in the Connection thread. We can be twins, or just siblings if you like. Katya is the sort of person who would always try and look after you, even if your character didn't want it. Considering your heritage, she's probably the only person who understands, and who treats you like a person. If you don't wanna go that route, that's fine too.
Thank you for picking me!
I actually do require a tiny amount of number crunching, as I'd prefer to play Jacob (the fighter) slightly more, but he's a character that really requires fairly high stats (like at least a 20-point-buy) and a decent amount of downtime scattered throughout the campaign for crafting things.
That said, Patches would also be a lot of fun to play, and he'd have almost all of the classic Rogue abilities. If traps are going to be critical, I could either take a level of Rogue or, with your permission, substitute Trapfinding for Hunter's Bond. The only reason I didn't go with Rogue in the first place is that I wanted him to have a more straightforward fighting style instead of Sneak Attack.
Otherwise, basic backstories are as outlined in the previous thread, I'll fill in the details later so I can tailor them towards getting along with the rest of the party. Jacob would have come to Janiven's (and everyone else's) attention by being VERY outspoken at how upset he was at losing his shop. Patches would have come to her attention quite some time ago if she's the type of person who watches the shadier goings-on, because he was very good at keeping his neighborhood safe, and she would have noticed that he is recently at loose ends.
Thanks Havoc. I will expand on Dolmar's write up, and setup an alias after dinner this evening.
Cool, five of six players have checked in! :)
In answer to the basic character creation questions, here are the rules in a nutshell:
-Average starting gold according to class
-20 point buy for stats
-Max hp at 1st level (method for further advancement TBD)
-2 traits (must be from different categories)
For the tiefling and aasimar races, I think my preference would be to allow the full spectrum of extraplanar powers, but to require an xp debt to be paid off before leveling up, as detailed on pg. 5 of the player's guide. What say you to that?
@far_wanderer, there should be enough downtime sprinkled throughout the adventures that Jacob should be able to do some crafting, I don't see it as a drawback. So, if he's your first choice to play, I say go for it.
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2 traits (must be from different categories)
For the tiefling and aasimar races, I think my preference would be to allow the full spectrum of extraplanar powers, but to require an xp debt to be paid off before leveling up, as detailed on pg. 5 of the player's guide. What say you to that?
Is that two traits PLUS a campaign trait, or two traits INCLUDING a campaign trait?
I'd be interested in The Pathfinder's Exile or Conspiracy Hunter.
Basic traits I'm thinking of: Sacred Touch and one of the Magic traits...
And I'm totally fine with the XP debt.
Hi Havoc. Please let me know what you think of the write up. Let me know if there's anything you'd like me to clarify or expound on.
I'll add stats, feats, skills and equipment later...
PFox, it's two traits total. One of those could be a campaign trait from the player's guide, but it doesn't have to be so. If anyone likes the concept behind one of the campaign traits (and wants to include it in his background), but doesn't officially want to select it as a trait, that's fine too. But, yeah, characters should only receive the mechanical benefit of two traits altogether.
Sniggevert:
When Jacob was 26, his grandfather died, and Jacob stood to inherit the smithy. However, a minor bureaucrat who has always been an enemy of Jacob's grandfather seized on the opportunity to evict Jacob, burying the smithy under obscure regulations and taxes until he could order it seized. Jacob was left penniless, but his generosity was repaid by the townsfolk and he was given enough money to buy a set of armor and weapons. He declared himself a soldier of fortune, and seeks to make enough money to rebuild his business. And if And if a few corrupted officials end up in the way, so much the better.
Jacob is muscular, tanned, and calloused like most blacksmiths, but he also has an unusual fluid grace about him from his years as a child playing in and around the river. His weapons and armor are sturdy but cheap, as he accepted only what charity was necessary. Around his neck at all times hangs a holy symbol of Torag, an heirloom that has been in his family for 7 generations and the only thing he was able to keep when the smithy was seized.
Jacob has recently been frequenting bars, getting somewhat drunk, and relating his story and woes to anyone who will listen, so if any players want to read that go ahead.
Also let me know if there's anything that needs changing to better fit in with the party or plot.
So am I the only play-by-post first-timer? What do I need to know?
And now that the player roster has been revealed, we should talk a bit more about character concepts.
As you all will notice, there is no rogue that has been submitted from the six players accepted. With that in mind, if any of you should wish to change concepts, I'd have no problem discussing that. I will point out that Celestial Half-Porc's tiefling could be converted to a rogue without altering the concept too much. But, that's just a suggestion, not a requirement.
Sniggevert, I'm hoping you'll go with your dwarf cleric of Abadar. far_wanderer, either of your martial concepts would be terrific.
So, that would give us a lineup that looks sort of like this...
MoFiddy - Paladin
Camris - Wizard
PsionicFox - Aasimar Sorcerer
Sniggevert - Cleric
far_wanderer - Fighter or Ranger
Celestial Half-Porc - Tiefling Fighter (DEX-based)...unless he switches to RogueSo, a pretty good balance it appears to me.
Finally, I wanted to say that if PsionicFox and Celestial Half-Porc want to tie their histories together and do the twin/sibling Yin-Yang thing, I'd be all for that. But, it's totally up to you. I am curious about the physical description Celestial has in mind for his Tiefling.
Let me submit my background for my dwarf rogue:
He left his family on poor terms, but his clan brother still believed in him. He gave Heirang some advice: Accept the punishment and come back when he has gained prestige and wealth.
Now he finds himself in the human city of Westcrown, where the corruption grates on him each day. He felt striking against the ruing class here might give him pointers to move against his own clan, when the time is right. So when he was contacted by a woman named Janiven Key, and invited to a tavern to meet with other like-minded individuals, he jumped on the chance.
Let me know what you think, if you have any suggestions for me, please let me know, thanks.
far_wanderer, I'm happy with Jacob's backstory. The only thing I might add is a statement to the effect that Janiven overheard Jacob's plight as he loudly recounted his woes in a tavern one night, and has thus invited him to a meeting to discuss possible action that could be taken to change the status quo.
As for play by post gaming generally, there are a few things that I think are important to have a good game.
1. Participate regularly! If you can post daily that would be ideal. There is nothing quite so deadly to a pbp as the stagnation that ensues when posting rate slows to a trickle.
2. Have your PC interact with the other PCs. This kind of role-playing builds a sense of camaraderie.
3. Don't just talk about doing things, do things! Here's a sample of the kind of thing I've seen, and it's deadly to pbp games.
Player A: Okay, we need to infiltrate the bad guys' stronghold. I think we should do X.
Player B: That's not a bad idea, but I think we should do Y instead.
Player C: Either one of those would be fine with me.
*Days Pass*
DM: Um, what are you guys actually going to DO?
4. Roll your own dice whenever you can. If you want to attack something, roll the attack and damage dice. If you want to make a skill check, roll for it. Exceptions are that I will roll for all initiatives when a combat starts, and I may roll for some PCs' saving throws and such.
I'm sure there are some other tips for making a good pbp, but those are a few things that jumped into my head right away. If any of your fellow players have tips or advice, I'd be happy to hear their thoughts too.
As for dice rolling, I plan to use Invisible Castle and post links. Players, you can use that method, or you could use the dice server here on the boards if you find that easier.
Eric Swanson, thanks for posting your character's background. For right now, I'll just let it stand on its own. If you do join in the game at some point down the road, we can talk more about his story at that time. Thanks!
Eric Swanson, thanks for posting your character's background. For right now, I'll just let it stand on its own. If you do join in the game at some point down the road, we can talk more about his story at that time. Thanks!
No problem.
I've redone the backstory a little bit. Let me know if that is more of the intro you were thinking for Janiven.
I've got the stat basics down, and will try and do my purchases, feats, and traits later tonight.
Thanks.
I've redone the backstory a little bit. Let me know if that is more of the intro you were thinking for Janiven.
I've got the stat basics down, and will try and do my purchases, feats, and traits later tonight.
Thanks.
Alright, sounds good. It's been a quiet day overall, how are the rest of you coming along?
Sorry for the silence. We had no sitter for my daughter the last few days. I will have something up tomorrow. I will switch to rogue if it is a better fit.
Alright, sounds good. It's been a quiet day overall, how are the rest of you coming along?
I need to expand on the fluff, but most of the crunch is done. I just need to purchase my gear, and do my skill selection.
CHP, if you want to do some background-sharing, let me know, and we can work on it.
This week has been insane and doesn't seem to be slowing down. As much as I hate to do this, because I really want to play CoT, I need to drop out. I am glad you have tons of backups and hopefully they have fun. Good Luck and Good Gaming.
I'll have Kyras' corrected stats to fit your specific character creation rules posted by tomorrow afternoon. I think I only need to change my base stats, but I'll check on total value of equipment as well when I have time.
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Sorry to see you go CHP.
Hey, Kyras! Do you want a sister? If you go human, it could be fun. Heck, we could possibly make it work even if you're still a half-elf. If we share a mother, but have different fathers, it could work. I think Katya really does need a sibling (or at least a good friend) to pull her into the whole revolutionary thing.
Ok, I've got most of the character written up, and geared up.
I did have a question for you in regards to other source material. Do you have Gods and Magic? And would the Abadarian spells be available?
Thanks.
Sorry to see you go CHP.
Hey, Kyras! Do you want a sister? If you go human, it could be fun. Heck, we could possibly make it work even if you're still a half-elf. If we share a mother, but have different fathers, it could work. I think Katya really does need a sibling (or at least a good friend) to pull her into the whole revolutionary thing.
I'm fine with it. You could be my older sister, the one that was conceived legitimately in our mother's marriage (if you read my history, you'll see I'm the result of infidelity). Since we ran and hid, your father never got to find you and take you away. Hell, that could get integrated into the story somewhere.
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I'm fine with it. You could be my older sister, the one that was conceived legitimately in our mother's marriage (if you read my history, you'll see I'm the result of infidelity). Since we ran and hid, your father never got to find you and take you away. Hell, that could get integrated into the story somewhere.
Sounds good. But if Katya is your elder sister, you'll need to be younger than 22. Because almost 30 is almost middle-aged. And that will never do.
So how did we meet then? What brings us together (aside from my good nature)?
This week has been insane and doesn't seem to be slowing down. As much as I hate to do this, because I really want to play CoT, I need to drop out. I am glad you have tons of backups and hopefully they have fun. Good Luck and Good Gaming.
Celestial, I'm sorry to see you go, but I do understand that reality sometimes interferes with gaming. If the timing just isn't right, c'est la vie sometimes. Still, thanks for being up-front about it, and I wish you the best of luck. Maybe we'll game together sometime down the road.
I'll have Kyras' corrected stats to fit your specific character creation rules posted by tomorrow afternoon. I think I only need to change my base stats, but I'll check on total value of equipment as well when I have time.
One man's disappointment is another man's opportunity. Everybody say hey to ChrisRevocateur!
Chris, I just thought I'd mention that at a glance, Kyras' equipment looks fine if he ditches the potions.
Ok, I've got most of the character written up, and geared up.
I did have a question for you in regards to other source material. Do you have Gods and Magic? And would the Abadarian spells be available?
Thanks.
I don't own Gods and Magic, unfortunately. (I'd like to though!) However, that doesn't automatically rule out the inclusion of material from the book. Can you post the crunch relating to the specific spell(s) you're interested in? Then I'll review and say yea/nay.
Random comment: I think shared backgrounds are a very good thing. Makes for better role-playing. Let me know if I can help, PFox/Chris.
Carry on!
Thanks Cry Havoc! I hope to play together sometime also. If it didn't spoil playing the AP, I would follow the thread ;)
Jacob Strongarm
Human Fighter 1 (favored), Neutral/Good
HP 12
Str 16 Dex 14 Con 14 Int 14 Wis 10 Cha 10
Skills: Handle Animal, Swim, Appraise, Craft (Blacksmith), Sense Motive, Perception
Feats: Endurance, Skill Focus (Craft (Blacksmith)), Improved Shield Bash
Traits: Armor Expert, Hedge Magician
175gp
Spiked Gauntlet 5
Scale Mail 50
Shield (H, Wood, Spike) 17
Light Hammer 1
Silver Holy Symbol 25
98gp remaining
I have a little gold left to spend but otherwise that's it. What kind of derived statistics (attack modifiers, total save bonuses, etc.) do you need and in what format?
Camris here.
Professor Faradir Rokannon is substantialy done; but is STILL UNDER CONSTRUCTION.
Questions and comments welcome, still considering background tie ins with the other PCs.
far_wanderer, the usual method for these boards is to create an alias for yourself under the 'My Accounts' tab. Give said alias the title of your character, choose a suitable avatar picture, and create the character's sheet as the alias' profile. For example, if you click on 'Prof. Faradir Rokannon' above, you'll see that this is an alias of Camris, and that he has all of the relevant detail of his PC's sheet laid out there. I'd like to see a full character sheet for Jacob under an alias; that will make it easy for me to refer to anytime I need to do so. It should include all combat attack and damage numbers, saves, AC (and how derived), skill totals (and how derived), feats and traits, race and class abilities, etc. Basically, a full character sheet. Again, looking at what your fellow players have done should be a good guide.
I'm fine with it. You could be my older sister, the one that was conceived legitimately in our mother's marriage (if you read my history, you'll see I'm the result of infidelity). Since we ran and hid, your father never got to find you and take you away. Hell, that could get integrated into the story somewhere.Sounds good. But if Katya is your elder sister, you'll need to be younger than 22. Because almost 30 is almost middle-aged. And that will never do.
So how did we meet then? What brings us together (aside from my good nature)?
Actually, considering you're rich, and I'm peasant poor, maybe I'm the rough around the edges cute boy from the other side of the tracks? Could throw an interesting dynamic into your history. You don't want to marry cause you know that you'll marry some boring rich fart, and your father hates the fact that you hang around with a ruffian such as me, and would NEVER allow you to marry someone so low in status. If you do wanna go that route, we should figure out if the interest is reciprocated or if I just see you as a friend, and if it is reciprocated, are we already "dating" or what? If we are "together" Kyras would never want to get married, he feels that whatever we both get out of the relationship would be enough, and if interest is ever lost, he's not one to hold on, he wants to be able to live his life.
So I double checked, and it turns out that the stats that I had were already a 20 point buy. So I'm completely ready. I removed the healing potions from my inventory and added how Janiven contacted me and invited me to the meeting into my history.
I'll start crunching numbers tomorrow for any sheets that are 100% complete. Kyras will be first up. Anybody else ready for final approval?
I don't own Gods and Magic, unfortunately. (I'd like to though!) However, that doesn't automatically rule out the inclusion of material from the book. Can you post the crunch relating to the specific spell(s) you're interested in? Then I'll review and say yea/nay.Ok, I've got most of the character written up, and geared up.
I did have a question for you in regards to other source material. Do you have Gods and Magic? And would the Abadarian spells be available?
Thanks.
I think the sheet is 100% done, except for spells.
In regards to the spells from the Gods & Magic for Abadar, there's 2 new 1st level spells. Also, it Abadarian priests/paladins (in G&M) can prepare Word of Recall as a 5th/4th (respectively) level spell so long as their designated sanctuaries are the temples of their home city. This may never come up, but just for completeness. It's also why I have Know(local), it's a recommendation that their priests normally at least know the basics of their city.
The new spells are:
Abadar's Truthtelling
School: Enchantment (compulsion)[mind-affecting]
Level: Clr/Pal 1 (Abadar)
Cast time: 1 std action
Components: V,S,DF
Range: touch
Target: creature touched
This spell functions like zone of truth, except as noted above. Abadar's symbol appears above the head of the target so all present can see that he is affected by the spell.
Blessing of the Watch
School: Enchantment (compulsion)[mind-affecting]
Level: Clr/Pal 1 (Abadar)
Duration: 1 hour/level
This spell functions like bless, except as noted above. It only works in the caster's home city, specifically referring to areas under the jurisdiction of the city watch. For example, if the watch patrols a shantytown outside the city walls but not hte city's ruined subterranean tunnels, the spell works in the former area but not the latter.
I'll start crunching numbers tomorrow for any sheets that are 100% complete. Kyras will be first up. Anybody else ready for final approval?
I am. (far_wanderer)
I still need to play around with the formatting so it looks nicer, but the numbers are finalized and all there.
Sniggevert: Those spells look okay to me, so you can use them if you like.
far_wanderer: I'm not too worried about the aesthetics of your character sheet, so don't trouble about it too much on my account. As long as the information I need is there, you're golden. :)
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Actually, considering you're rich, and I'm peasant poor, maybe I'm the rough around the edges cute boy from the other side of the tracks? Could throw an interesting dynamic into your history. You don't want to marry cause you know that you'll marry some boring rich fart, and your father hates the fact that you hang around with a ruffian such as me, and would NEVER allow you to marry someone so low in status. If you do wanna go that route, we should figure out if the interest is reciprocated or if I just see you as a friend, and if it is reciprocated, are we already "dating" or what? If we are "together" Kyras would never want to get married, he feels that whatever we both get out of the relationship would be enough, and if interest is ever lost, he's not one to hold on, he wants to be able to live his life.
How about we just be friends? Katya would find Kyras' outlook (in terms of personal freedom and the like) to be refreshing.
What if Kyras saved me from a mugging or an attempted rape/kidnapping? She's pretty enough, and her family influential enough that it's not an impossibility. In fact, it gives a perfect reason for Katya to possess the Conspiracy Theorist trait. Because what if there was a greater plot behind what happened to her? She'd want to know.
Katya's father would put up with Kyras hanging out with his only daughter for a few reasons, not least of which would be Katya claiming she: "Only feels safe when he's around." Playing on the 'sweet, innocent girl' idea that her father thinks she is.
And hey, maybe she does carry a flame for her savior. And maybe he carries one in return. Perhaps he finds her optimism and compassion attractive while he's trying to convince her that the world is a dark and scary place filled with people that would like nothing more than to do her harm.
Just some food for thought.
In other news, my sheet is good to go after I purchase my gear.
Actually, considering you're rich, and I'm peasant poor, maybe I'm the rough around the edges cute boy from the other side of the tracks? Could throw an interesting dynamic into your history. You don't want to marry cause you know that you'll marry some boring rich fart, and your father hates the fact that you hang around with a ruffian such as me, and would NEVER allow you to marry someone so low in status. If you do wanna go that route, we should figure out if the interest is reciprocated or if I just see you as a friend, and if it is reciprocated, are we already "dating" or what? If we are "together" Kyras would never want to get married, he feels that whatever we both get out of the relationship would be enough, and if interest is ever lost, he's not one to hold on, he wants to be able to live his life.How about we just be friends? Katya would find Kyras' outlook (in terms of personal freedom and the like) to be refreshing.
What if Kyras saved me from a mugging or an attempted rape/kidnapping? She's pretty enough, and her family influential enough that it's not an impossibility. In fact, it gives a perfect reason for Katya to possess the Conspiracy Theorist trait. Because what if there was a greater plot behind what happened to her? She'd want to know.
Katya's father would put up with Kyras hanging out with his only daughter for a few reasons, not least of which would be Katya claiming she: "Only feels safe when he's around." Playing on the 'sweet, innocent girl' idea that her father thinks she is.
And hey, maybe she does carry a flame for her savior. And maybe he carries one in return. Perhaps he finds her optimism and compassion attractive while he's trying to convince her that the world is a dark and scary place filled with people that would like nothing more than to do her harm.
Just some food for thought.
In other news, my sheet is good to go after I purchase my gear.
Alright, so I rescued you from a kidnapping attempt, jumping in as the good citizen when I saw you pulled into an alley one night. We don't know who your assailant was (GM, plot hook here!).
So Daddy puts up with me because I make you feel safe, but he's probably not happy about it. You said he'd put up with it for a couple reasons though, and I'm curious what those other reasons would be?
As for whether there's a flame, I guess we'll just play and see how the relationship develops.
So we've known each other for what, 3-4 months by this point? Getting to know each other. Heck, if you end up being important enough to Kyras maybe you can provide another good reason and form of support for him to quit drinking.
Sniggevert: Those spells look okay to me, so you can use them if you like.
Ok, thanks. My TBD spell will be the Blessing of the Watch spell then.
Also, I'll have used it during the past on employers/merchants/what city folk might be about right before heading home for the evening to try and ward off a little of the night haunts for the first part of their evenings anyways.
In other news, my sheet is good to go after I purchase my gear.
Great, just let me know when the gear is settled, and I'll check her sheet over.
Alright, so I rescued you from a kidnapping attempt, jumping in as the good citizen when I saw you pulled into an alley one night. We don't know who your assailant was (GM, plot hook here!).
Sure, that works. Let's just say that from the horns and tail evident, it is clear that said assailant was almost certainly a tiefling. We'll go from there...
Also, I'll have used it during the past on employers/merchants/what city folk might be about right before heading home for the evening to try and ward off a little of the night haunts for the first part of their evenings anyways.
Excellent, I really appreciate little bits of characterization like that. Good job.
MoFiddy, we haven't heard from you since Monday, how's everything going?