One other concern...encumbrance. Jonagher's carrying roughly 59 pounds of gear, by my math, which would put him on the upper end of a Medium load. According to the RAW, he should have reduced movement speed, additional ACP skill penalties, yada yada. But, the thing is...I hate Encumbrance, both as a player and as a DM. I'm considering house-ruling out penalites for Medium loads (but Heavy loads would still be enforcible, just to avoid abuse potential). Armor Penalties for medium/heavy armor would still be in effect, however. Thoughts, all?
I have always looked at encumbrance as a GM call. I hate to keep track of every little thing, but I get it when a GM calls someone on lugging around all of their household goods.
So as far as I am concerned, it's up to the GM to say when enough is enough or when someone is slowed.
BTW, I will be always posting as Torden instead of Curn_Bounder--in and out of character.
There's one small snag that I can see. To my knowledge, his club shouldn't be eligible for Weapon Finesse, because it's not a Light weapon.
Right you are. I've replaced his club with a light mace, which is definitely a light weapon eligible for Weapon Finesse...and since it's also a simple weapon, he's still proficient with it as a rogue. The interesting thing is that I used a special spreadsheet provided by Paizo to their freelancers which assists us in crunching up stat-blocks. It granted the Weapon Finesse bonus to the club automatically. So I think I'll go back and check that in case Sean needs to make another correction to the spreadsheet. Thanks for pointing that out.
Also, one other thought occurs to me. Perhaps I could turn it into a Small-sized club (only 1d4 damage) and have it serve as a light weapon? I think I might prefer that over the light mace, because then it's still got potential as a thrown weapon and a bludgeoning weapon. Can you tell Jonagher likes having lots of options when it comes to weaponry? :-)
EDIT: Nevermind. Inappropriately-sized weapons carry a -2 penalty for each category of size difference. I'll just stick with the non-throwable light mace for now. Somewhere down the road, I'll likely have Jonagher invest in Two-Weapon Fighting, but it'll be awhile. Regardless, he'll fight with a weapon in each hand, but only use one of them to attack per round unless he's really desperate or finally learns the appropriate feat.
One other concern...encumbrance.
Yep. Encumbrance can be a royal pain when meticulously tracked. Much of the heavier gear in Jonagher's list is stuff that would be left back at camp, on a horse (assuming we ever have any), or would generally be dropped with his pack if we were going to fight something. I generally take the same approach you've outlined...i.e., encumbrance doesn't really start creating an impact unless it's grossly over...but armor check penalties always apply.
I was adding everything up just this morning and considering the need for revamping Jonagher's ability scores to try and increase his strength to cover the encumbrance issue better. But since you hadn't specifically mentioned anything about encumbrance rules, I figured I'd wait until it became an issue.
--Neil
Neil, I looked over Jonagher's sheet.
There's one small snag that I can see. To my knowledge, his club shouldn't be eligible for Weapon Finesse, because it's not a Light weapon.
One other concern...encumbrance. Jonagher's carrying roughly 59 pounds of gear, by my math, which would put him on the upper end of a Medium load. According to the RAW, he should have reduced movement speed, additional ACP skill penalties, yada yada. But, the thing is...I hate Encumbrance, both as a player and as a DM. I'm considering house-ruling out penalites for Medium loads (but Heavy loads would still be enforcible, just to avoid abuse potential). Armor Penalties for medium/heavy armor would still be in effect, however. Thoughts, all?
I usually get around it by ruling that slipping out of a backpack is a free action, so when things get all rough and tumble you aren't still worrying about carrying anything but combat gear.
I rule that it slows them down for overland travel and such, but make it so there isn't an issue in combat.
That's how I do it anyway! :) Just a suggestion.
@Everyone: If you could, please do let me know when your character sheets' crunchy bits have been 100% completed, so I can review. As far as I can tell, only Neil's rogue is ready for me to look over thus far. A couple of pointers to keep in mind:
1. Please remember to indicate your character's favored class, and if relevant, whether you took a bonus hit point or skill point at first level.
2. Please don't forget to apply Armor Check Penalties to the necessary skill totals (if you like, include an alternate total for when out of armor, but the 'default' number should be when wearing your armor)
Thanks!
Torden should be complete--let me know of any problems.
Can't wait for Monday :)
I generally take the same approach you've outlined...i.e., encumbrance doesn't really start creating an impact unless it's grossly over...but armor check penalties always apply.
I think this is exactly how I'll handle encumbrance for this game. As long as nobody gets crazy overloaded, it shouldn't become an issue. No need to retool Jonagher's stats or anything, his gear looks reasonable. :)
Having noted his weapon change to light mace, I declare Jonagher mechanically approved to begin play (with background and decription still pending, of course).
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I have some questions about touch attacks.
1) Would Weapon Finesse apply to melee touch attacks?
2) I notice that Point Blank Shot and Precise Shot refer to "ranged weapons." Does this include ranged touch attacks? If not, are ranged touch attacks affected by the -4 penalty for shooting into melee?
3) Is the Additional Traits feat an option?
Eric, my answers to these questions are pretty much exactly as Neil so helpfully posted above. I'll let his words stand as my own, with gratitude for saving me the trouble. :D
Thanks to you both. Now to weigh them against Improved Iniative and Spell Focus (Necromancy) . . . .
Torden should be complete--let me know of any problems.
Can't wait for Monday :)
Me too! :)
I'll go over the stats later this evening or tomorrow, but I read over Torden's background, and I'm very happy with it. It makes me believe that this drum-beating, dwarven bard would travel to the deepest heart of the jungle in search of new knowledge and stories to tell. As it should.
Thanks to you both. Now to weigh them against Improved Iniative and Spell Focus (Necromancy) . . . .
Decisions, decisions...
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I usually get around it by ruling that slipping out of a backpack is a free action, so when things get all rough and tumble you aren't still worrying about carrying anything but combat gear.
I rule that it slows them down for overland travel and such, but make it so there isn't an issue in combat.
That's how I do it anyway! :) Just a suggestion.
I like this idea too. Thanks, Sully.
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I generally take the same approach you've outlined...i.e., encumbrance doesn't really start creating an impact unless it's grossly over...but armor check penalties always apply.I think this is exactly how I'll handle encumbrance for this game. As long as nobody gets crazy overloaded, it shouldn't become an issue. No need to retool Jonagher's stats or anything, his gear looks reasonable. :)
But this is even better because I don't have to worry about where my mage keeps his alchemical fire.
Curn_Bounder: Would you mind expanding a couple of the portions of Torden's sheet? Specifically, I'd like to see Touch and Flat-Footed AC totals, and Attack/Damage numbers for his weapons.
Thanks!
EDIT: Also, to my knowledge, he should be able to cast only 2 1st-level spells per day.
EDIT #2: Torden has one additional language available to him from the Dwarven racial list (Goblin, Gnome, Giant, Orc, or Terran)
Work has been kicking the....stuffings out of me this week. I'll work on my fighter/ranger/barbarian thingy and have him/her up by Saturday...hopefully. Great ideas on encumbrance! I hate to keep up with it too.
Curn_Bounder: Would you mind expanding a couple of the portions of Torden's sheet? Specifically, I'd like to see Touch and Flat-Footed AC totals, and Attack/Damage numbers for his weapons.
Thanks!
EDIT: Also, to my knowledge, he should be able to cast only 2 1st-level spells per day.
EDIT #2: Torden has one additional language available to him from the Dwarven racial list (Goblin, Gnome, Giant, Orc, or Terran)
Combat stats/weapons updated.
Yes, I should only have 2 (I used ability modifier rather than spell adjustment.)
Selected extra language.
Thanks!!
Also to Dr. Impossible and other players--as this is my first time playing a Bard, if you want to offer suggestions to me (outside of the game and after the fact) I'm always open to such.
Physical description and personality completed. I'm now working through his background and what eventually brought him to Absalom. I'm probably going to weave in a Pathfinder connection unless you'd prefer otherwise. If anyone's open to having Jonagher as a contact and friend prior to the adventure, let me know and I'll weave that in as well.
I'm game, Jonagher! I'm having a tough time coming up with a reason to be in Absalom, so there we go. Frik and Witt go waaaaay back!
I'm game, Jonagher! I'm having a tough time coming up with a reason to be in Absalom, so there we go. Frik and Witt go waaaaay back!
We already have compatible alignments and worship the same deity (generally-speaking, since Jonagher actually reveres both Cayden Cailean and Desna).
By the way, I noticed Frik should still have 2 ability score points to spend. Also, he should already get Martial Weapon Proficiency (rapier) as the favored weapon of Cayden Cailean. So you might want to save that feat for proficiency with a greatsword and use it on something else...like maybe Selective Channeling so you don't accidentally heal our adversaries when you try to keep us all on our feet in the middle of a battle. Extra Channeling wouldn't be a bad second feat either. Or maybe Dodge to help boost your AC since you've got a 10 Dex.
Just some friendly suggestions,
--Neil
I'm game, Jonagher! I'm having a tough time coming up with a reason to be in Absalom, so there we go. Frik and Witt go waaaaay back!We already have compatible alignments and worship the same deity (generally-speaking, since Jonagher actually reveres both Cayden Cailean and Desna).
By the way, I noticed Frik should still have 2 ability score points to spend. Also, he should already get Martial Weapon Proficiency (rapier) as the favored weapon of Cayden Cailean. So you might want to save that feat for proficiency with a greatsword and use it on something else...like maybe Selective Channeling so you don't accidentally heal our adversaries when you try to keep us all on our feet in the middle of a battle. Extra Channeling wouldn't be a bad second feat either. Or maybe Dodge to help boost your AC since you've got a 10 Dex.
Just some friendly suggestions,
--Neil
The greatsword is a bit of flavor I'm working into the backstory. I was probably going to take Selective Channeling as my second feat since I'm human.
Also, I'm going to go back and check my math! Ha thanks.
EDIT: Here's the stat breakdown and the point value. I think I'm right, but double check me:
Str - 14 (+5)
Dex - 10 (0)
Con - 14 (+5)
Int - 8 (-2)
Wis - 16 (10)
Cha - 12 (+2)
With the extra +2 to any stat for being human I mitigated my intelligence weakness (wanted more than one skill point) so it bumped it to 10.
Look ok?
Here's the stat breakdown and the point value. I think I'm right, but double check me:
Str - 14 (+5)
Dex - 10 (0)
Con - 14 (+5)
Int - 8 (-2)
Wis - 16 (10)
Cha - 12 (+2)With the extra +2 to any stat for being human I mitigated my intelligence weakness (wanted more than one skill point) so it bumped it to 10.
Look ok?
That's one way to spend your points, but not the most efficient. Try it this way:
Str - 14 (+5)
Dex - 10 (0)
Con - 14 (+5)
Int - 10 (0)
Wis - 14 (+5)
Cha - 12 (+2)
You can then raise your Wis to 16 with your +2 bonus for being human. And you'll still have only spent 17 points. So, you've still got 3 more you can spend. So, either kick your Cha up to 14. Or, give yourself a 13 Int and pick up some more skill points. Or, give yourself a 13 Dex and boost your AC, ranged attacks, and Reflex saves.
Also, with respect to the greatsword, I must admit I'm a little perplexed by your choice on that and how you'll weave it in from a flavor perspective. If you intend to have Fric wield it in hand-to-hand combat alot, I'm unsure if that's the wisest choice. It could certainly make for some fun derring-do...but I've always envisioned a priest of Cayden Cailean swishing a rapier more than a heavy two-handed greatsword. I'm also unsure if Fric will have the staying power to be as effective on the front lines given that he'll have a low AC because of his low Dex and lack of a shield...could get hit more easily as a result...and then fall into negative hit points, thereby depriving the rest of the party of the primary healer.
No biggie either way. I just thought I'd talk it through some based on the direction you're headed so far. I'll be intrigued regardless with your character concept. I'm just keeping an eye on intra-party support.
Physical description and personality completed. I'm now working through his background and what eventually brought him to Absalom. I'm probably going to weave in a Pathfinder connection unless you'd prefer otherwise. If anyone's open to having Jonagher as a contact and friend prior to the adventure, let me know and I'll weave that in as well.
That sounds like a great idea. Origen has scholarly competencies complementary to Jonagher's (Arcana, Dungeoneering, Planes), so they may have worked together in the past.
I'm up for knowing other PCs too, especially any Pathfinders and Absalom natives.
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Also to Dr. Impossible and other players--as this is my first time playing a Bard, if you want to offer suggestions to me (outside of the game and after the fact) I'm always open to such.
I think Oratory is an excellent Performance choice. You may want to defer adding skill points to Diplomacy and Sense Motive if your next level will be in bard because you can pick that for your Versatile Performance. If you then pick up Skill Focus in Oratory, you'll be really good at negotiation: It's really three feats for one.
By the way, I currently have a rank in Intimidate just because I think that an aberrant sorceror would be horror-movie creepy. If you plan on picking up Intimidate, I can focus my efforts in another area to avoid duplication.
I think Oratory is an excellent Performance choice. You may want to defer adding skill points to Diplomacy and Sense Motive if your next level will be in bard because you can pick that for your Versatile Performance. If you then pick up Skill Focus in Oratory, you'll be really good at negotiation: It's really three feats for one.By the way, I currently have a rank in Intimidate just because I think that an aberrant sorceror would be horror-movie creepy. If you plan on picking up Intimidate, I can focus my efforts in another area to avoid duplication.
Thanks!
I don't see me taking intimidate. I like to think that Torden would be much more diplomatic than forceful. So, go to it.
Meanwhile, with Jonagher focusing on Improved Feint, he'll be pretty heavily-invested in the Bluff skill. So, between the three of us, we'll all have mastered one of the major social skills...i.e., Bluff, Diplomacy, and Intimidate. We can each probably take a few ranks in the other stuff, too. But, in general, it's probably best if we specialize in one and back each other up in the rest.
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I wholeheartedly agree. One advantage of Charisma casters is that they can be pretty good at Aid Another for communication skills without taking many ranks.
By the way, I generally prefer the Diplomacy approach too: We're the good guys, after all. Intimidate just seemed to match how the character would be perceived by others.
I'm tempted to pick up Use Magical Device for access to priest touch spells (e.g., an Inflict wand or long-range battlefield Heals). What do you think?
Work has been kicking the....stuffings out of me this week. I'll work on my fighter/ranger/barbarian thingy and have him/her up by Saturday...hopefully. Great ideas on encumbrance! I hate to keep up with it too.
No problem, hedgeknight. Hopefully things will lighten up in the next couple of days for you. I'm eager to see what you come up with!
Also to Dr. Impossible and other players--as this is my first time playing a Bard, if you want to offer suggestions to me (outside of the game and after the fact) I'm always open to such.
Thanks for making those fixes for Torden's sheet! Don't forget that all of his attacks have +1 damage due to his Strength score.
I also see a couple other items to address:
First, can you please indicate the amount of money Torden has left after purchasing his possessions? (My hasty math suggests he should still have around 40gp, but I haven't double checked that).
Second, and this is really a matter of design, rather than an error or omission. I'm curious about your rationale for applying Gifted Adept to the Cause Fear spell. The only benefit I can see is an added 5' of range, which seems somewhat trivial to me. Perhaps I'm overlooking something, though.
Finally, since you asked for some character-building advice: In addition to Eric's excellent comment, I direct you to TreantMonk's Lab. Please understand that I am not a big advocate of mandatory 'optimization', and I'm not willing to have you rebuild Torden from scratch. But, having said that, there is a lot of good advice there on how to make the most of your bard (and some of the other classes as well). You may find it good reading.
A few random comments:
1. I'm paying close attention to the dialogue between Neil and Sully regarding the design of Leofrik. Thanks, Neil, for sharing the benefit of your experience! Sully, whatever you decide regarding Frik's weapon is fine with me. The choice between flavor and practicality can sometimes be a tough one. Please let me know when Frik is ready for my review.
2. I'm all in favor of shared backgrounds, guys, so let me know if I can contribute to the endeavor in any way. You all are welcome to be as closely tied to the Pathfinder Society asd you'd like. As has been pointed out, the Pathfinder Society looks to play an important role in The Serpent's Skull, so it should make for a good lead-in to the AP. Of course, there will be three other (not so nice) factions in play too, so I wouldn't want to preclude any 'deal with the devil' type alliances, if it comes down to that. We'll see how the AP plays out this summer, I guess...
3. Eric, Origen's sheet looks pretty complete at a glance, but I'll wait for your go-ahead to start crtitiquing it. Also, I can't wait to see the other PCs' reactions when his unusual nature becomes more fully known. Can't wait. :)
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A few random comments:
3. Eric, Origen's sheet looks pretty complete at a glance, but I'll wait for your go-ahead to start crtitiquing it. Also, I can't wait to see the other PCs' reactions when his unusual nature becomes more fully known. Can't wait. :)
He's almost done, but I need to check his equipment and add backstory. I'll try to do the equipment tonight.
I'm tempted to pick up Use Magical Device for access to priest touch spells (e.g., an Inflict wand or long-range battlefield Heals). What do you think?
I'm also headed in that general direction with Jonagher...i.e., I took Skill Focus in Use Magic Device with his bonus feat for being a half-elf. And I'm also planning on adding the minor magic and major magic rogue talents down the road. In general, I'm casting him as a dabbler in magical things. Hence, I also gave him the magical talent trait and chose read magic as the 0-level spell he can cast 1/day. That should let him automatically interpret most scrolls as well as avoid a few glyph and symbol spells while dungeon-delving.
The other aspect of adding Use Magic Device is so I can have Jonagher back up the rest of the spellcasters in the party. If Frik or Oringen plan on carrying any wands or scrolls, and they should happen to get cut down in the course of battle, and yet we really need someone to be able to pick up their wand of cure light wounds or cast a scroll of delay poison or lesser restoration and so on...I'm positioning Jonagher so he can do that for us. Even so, it might not be a bad idea for Oringen to have the same capability. It's a nice-to-have, but not necessarily a need-to-have since Jonagher will also have that ability. So, if you want to spend your points on anything else, you should feel free to do so.
But, I can also see the added appeal to picking up as many touch spell effects as possible with Oringen's reach. One thing I noticed, though. Oringen only has a 10 Wis. That means even if he takes Use Magic Device, he'll only be able to cast 0-level cleric spells unless he also attempts to emulate an ability score...which is a lot harder than activating a wand or using a spell scroll. That's why I decided to boost Jonagher's Wisdom to 12. That way, he can reasonably rely on Use Magic Device to cast 1st and 2nd level cleric or wizard/sorcerer spells from a scroll.
Regardless, it's really your call...I just thought I'd run through my own reasoning for Jonagher's Use Magic Device in the event it helps with your decision.
--Neil
Thanks, NSpicer for the aid on stats. I'm a veteran gamer, but usually use the "roll" method for stats rather than the point buy, so I've not mastered the intricacies.
As for the greatsword, it is going to play heavily in the character. He knows that as weak as he is, without such great armor, that charging in is suicide. As he gets stronger and gets better armor he'll get more staying power and be more effective short range.
He's not the smartest guy in the group, but he knows tactics and his limitations. He loves a good fight, but won't get in a serious one and set himself up to lose.
I'm less of a min/maxer and more of an interesting character kinda guy.
Thanks for the advice, and I really do appreciate it, but I think I'm going to make this guy slightly different than the archetype cleric of Cayden Cailean.
Will finish today! Had a freak power outage last night or Frik would be done.
Thanks for the advice, and I really do appreciate it, but I think I'm going to make this guy slightly different than the archetype cleric of Cayden Cailean.
Cool. I look forward to the spin you put on the character concept. :-)
Thanks for making those fixes for Torden's sheet! Don't forget that all of his attacks have +1 damage due to his Strength score.I also see a couple other items to address:
First, can you please indicate the amount of money Torden has left after purchasing his possessions? (My hasty math suggests he should still have around 40gp, but I haven't double checked that).
Second, and this is really a matter of design, rather than an error or omission. I'm curious about your rationale for applying Gifted Adept to the Cause Fear spell. The only benefit I can see is an added 5' of range, which seems somewhat trivial to me. Perhaps I'm overlooking something, though.
Finally, since you asked for some character-building advice: In addition to Eric's excellent comment, I direct you to TreantMonk's Lab. Please understand that I am not a big advocate of mandatory 'optimization', and I'm not willing to have you rebuild Torden from scratch. But, having said that, there is a lot of good advice there on how to make the most of your bard (and some of the other classes as well). You may find it good reading.
I will add the dmg and gp to my sheet, and I've got Treantmonk's guide open now--thanks for the signpost.
As for the "cause fear" I really wasn't sure which spell to attribute Adept to. I picked that believing that the caster level would increase the save against. However, I'm more than willing to change it--which I'm assuming is okay until play starts. I have been using the SRD online since I don't have access to my books at the present. Tonight, when I get the chance I will see about changing that.
As for shared backgrounds, I'm always open to that. Torden is well traveled--though much of it with his family. If I have a shared background, it probably wouldn't be much more than as an acquaintance, but I'm happy to make tweaks to have an old buddy in my past.
Doc:
Origen's crunch is done, so please take a look. Also, I have a very rough outline of his backstory that I'd like your feedback on, Doc.
Sounds good, I'll go over Origen's sheet later today! :)
As for the "cause fear" I really wasn't sure which spell to attribute Adept to. I picked that believing that the caster level would increase the save against. However, I'm more than willing to change it--which I'm assuming is okay until play starts.
Of course, there's no problem if you'd like to make small changes like that. Just let me know when you've got Torden's sheet completely done, and I'll give it one final lookover.
Eric, I've had a good perusal of Origen's sheet.
Mechanically, he looks quite good. One thing I would appreciate is a separate array for his ranged attacks for those times when he is not close enough to benefit from Point Blank Shot. I find that having separate attack lines like this helps me remember to double check whether the feat is in play or not.
Also, I notice a -1 damage penalty for his melee dagger attack, but I don't think that's necessary.
I confess that I was initially a bit dubious about your choice of Aklo as a bonus language for high intelligence. Normally, I would require a rank in Linguistics for such an unusual choice, but having read your background ideas, it seems to be a rational choice for the character. He could have learned the language from his father, so I've decided to let it stand.
Speaking of the background ideas, I think you've got some good seeds there. I am happy to try to weave some of those elements into the ongoing narrative, so long as we don't go too far off the rails of the plot called for in the AP. Interesting questions have certainly been raised here (what happened to Origen's father and the rest of the expedition? What is the source of Origen's amnesia and transformation?), so we'll see how we can integrate things to try and provide some answers. I am curious for more detail about the 'friend's daughter' you mentioned. By 'involved', do you mean that she was a romantic interest for Origen? What has happened to her since, was she also a part of the vanished expedition?
All in all, a very good job. Thanks!
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I'm tempted to pick up Use Magical Device for access to priest touch spells (e.g., an Inflict wand or long-range battlefield Heals). What do you think?I'm also headed in that general direction with Jonagher... .
The other aspect of adding Use Magic Device is so I can have Jonagher back up the rest of the spellcasters in the party. . . .
Yes, I didn't want to overlap too much with Jonagher, but I thought that we could use the skill for different things.
One thing I noticed, though. Oringen only has a 10 Wis....
Yes, I noticed this too and raised it to 11 last night. I could raise it to 13, but I don't want to nerf his strength or lower his other stats. Wis 11 will let him read 1st level scrolls without the double emulation roll.
Wands don't have an ability requirement, do they? I thought they were just a flat 20.
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Thanks, I'm glad that you like him so far.
One thing I would appreciate is a separate array for his ranged attacks for those times when he is not close enough to benefit from Point Blank Shot.
Will do.
Also, I notice a -1 damage penalty for his melee dagger attack, but I don't think that's necessary.
Sorry. That's a holdover from the prior character who served as a template.
I confess that I was initially a bit dubious about your choice of Aklo as a bonus language for high intelligence.
Actually, Origen doesn't remember learning Aklo: After his period of amnesia, he woke up knowing Aklo and not knowing several other languages that he used to understand. I was envisioning that as an ex-wizard, Origen's Int and Chr were swapped during his re-purposing.
Speaking of the background ideas . . . I am happy to try to weave some of those elements into the ongoing narrative, so long as we don't go too far off the rails of the plot called for in the AP.
Absolutely. I've purposely avoided reading more about the AP to avoid spoilers, so I would appreciate your suggestions as to how to make his background fit better. That seems like it would increase the fun for all parties.
I am curious for more detail about the 'friend's daughter' you mentioned. By 'involved', do you mean that she was a romantic interest for Origen? What has happened to her since, was she also a part of the vanished expedition?
Yes on both counts, I think. I left it slightly nebulous to see what you think about that thread.
Actually, Origen doesn't remember learning Aklo: After his period of amnesia, he woke up knowing Aklo and not knowing several other languages that he used to understand. I was envisioning that as an ex-wizard, Origen's Int and Chr were swapped during his re-purposing.
Ah, cool. I like that explanation quite a lot!
I've purposely avoided reading more about the AP to avoid spoilers, so I would appreciate your suggestions as to how to make his background fit better. That seems like it would increase the fun for all parties.
Well, right now, there's not a whole lot to read. The only information I have is the product descriptions for the first five installments of the AP...and even those aren't finalized yet. So, it's pretty hard to do much integration with so little to work with. Actually, I think it might be helpful to go ahead read the product descriptions that are up now. I view it like watching the trailer for a movie. It gives you an idea of what to expect, but doesn't ruin all of the details (well, some trailers do in my opinion, but that's another conversation altogether). The point is, they should be safe for you to read if you want, and might help you put some things together for Origen's background.
Yes on both counts, I think. I left it slightly nebulous to see what you think about that thread.
I have no problem with including a lost love interest if you'd like to. On the other hand, it seems like there's still plenty of motivation without such an element (Origen's missing father and mentor, mysterious amnesia and transformation, etc.) Is it too much maybe? Up to you.
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I think it might be helpful to go ahead read the product descriptions that are up now.
Did so. I'm salivating a bit more: One of my favorite tropes as a teenage GM was sticking PCs in an island jungle a la The Isle of Dread.
I think that the doomed expedition will be an attempt to find Saventh-Yhi, and Origen's mentor was a wizard sage fascinated by Azlant.
I have no problem with including a lost love interest if you'd like to. On the other hand, it seems like there's still plenty of motivation without such an element . . . . Is it too much maybe? Up to you.
I figured that the missing NPCs are all really one thread. Also, more NPCs means a chance to ally with more opposed factions in a later adventure, which would increase the tension for Origen. Alternatively, NPC x could show up in adventure 3, where he says that NPCs Y and Z went on without him/her.
However, I could make the lost NPC Origen's sister. That seems more closely tied to his father, and it would simplify his background a bit. What do you think?
By the way, Origen is starting to give me Fox Mulder flashbacks (for multiple reasons).
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That's why I decided to boost Jonagher's Wisdom to 12. That way, he can reasonably rely on Use Magic Device to cast 1st and 2nd level cleric or wizard/sorcerer spells...
You've almost convinced me to raise Wis to 13 by dropping Origen's Chr to 16 (or Str to 8). I'll also ponder if UMD makes sense given his background.
Thanks for the detailed rationale, by the way--it is helpful.
Crunch should be done. Still working on some background ideas and having a hard time deciding on which to choose. I'll probably make a couple lists of prepared spells for adventuring, day to day, combat expected etc. and list each.
Anyway, ready for review, save background.
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Crunch should be done. Still working on some background ideas and having a hard time deciding on which to choose. I'll probably make a couple lists of prepared spells for adventuring, day to day, combat expected etc. and list each.
Anyway, ready for review, save background.
Looks good! I think that Frik gets another skill point for being a human.
Looks good! I think that Frik gets another skill point for being a human.Crunch should be done. Still working on some background ideas and having a hard time deciding on which to choose. I'll probably make a couple lists of prepared spells for adventuring, day to day, combat expected etc. and list each.
Anyway, ready for review, save background.
Well paint me green and call me Gumby so I do!
EDIT: Fixed!
I think that the doomed expedition will be an attempt to find Saventh-Yhi, and Origen's mentor was a wizard sage fascinated by Azlant.
Based on what we know so far, I think that sounds perfect.
I figured that the missing NPCs are all really one thread. Also, more NPCs means a chance to ally with more opposed factions in a later adventure, which would increase the tension for Origen. Alternatively, NPC x could show up in adventure 3, where he says that NPCs Y and Z went on without him/her.
However, I could make the lost NPC Origen's sister. That seems more closely tied to his father, and it would simplify his background a bit. What do you think?
I don't really have a strong preference as to whether the lost expedition consists of a romantic interest or only family and friends. I'll still have lots of fun trying to think up nasty things to have happened to them by the time Origen finds them. :D
You've almost convinced me to raise Wis to 13 by dropping Origen's Chr to 16 (or Str to 8). I'll also ponder if UMD makes sense given his background.
If you do make any tweaks, please don't forget to remind me here, Eric. I'll want to have another look at the sheet, being the obsessive sort that I am.
Crunch should be done. Still working on some background ideas and having a hard time deciding on which to choose. I'll probably make a couple lists of prepared spells for adventuring, day to day, combat expected etc. and list each.
Anyway, ready for review, save background.
Great! I'll take a look tonight or tomorrow, and let you know if I have any comments or questions.
Great! I'll take a look tonight or tomorrow, and let you know if I have any comments or questions.Crunch should be done. Still working on some background ideas and having a hard time deciding on which to choose. I'll probably make a couple lists of prepared spells for adventuring, day to day, combat expected etc. and list each.
Anyway, ready for review, save background.
Background will be done by Saturday morning. Work is crazy and my band has a show to play tomorrow night, so I won't be home until 2-3 in the morning.
He'll be done Saturday...totally done...and I'll be ready to game on Monday!
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A possible thought for Origen:
A Wisdom of 13 seems high for his Lovecraftian background. What do you think of the following modifications?
Wis 8 (lots of nightmares, etc.)
Con 14
I'll probably pick up UMD at L2, but just one rank for using wands. Instead, I'd put the points probably into either Perception or Sense Motive.
I'd prefer Perception if we could houserule a trait like Suspicious except for Perception (switching out Focused Mind).
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If you do make any tweaks, please don't forget to remind me here, Eric. I'll want to have another look at the sheet, being the obsessive sort that I am.
All right.
Changed weapon proficiency from Wizard to Simple.
Added separate attacks for point blank range.
Added ranges to ray abilities.
Added sorceror bonus feat Eschew Materials.