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Hey, guys. This thread will serve as a place to check in on the upcoming Shadow of the Fellnight Queen games for PaizoCon. I'm running two sessions, one on Friday night (6PM-11PM) and one on Saturday morning (8AM-1PM). I'll post up the pregen characters here for everyone to review. That way, you can call dibs on a particular PC you really want to play or talk it through with one another. In the meantime, feel free to check in here and let everyone know you're in the game (as well as which session).
Also, here's the adventure synopsis as a reminder:
Trapped within the Fellnight Realm, Rhoswen the fey-queen has long sought to escape her planar prison, growing ever more hateful of those living freely in the natural world. Now, her recent mastery of shadow magic has given her the means to extend figments of her true self beyond the faengard, where she seeks allies to undo the dimensional anchors separating her from Golarion and the First World. Meanwhile, in the nearby Andoren town of Bellis, an annual honey-harvesting competition has led many of its citizens into the forest to gather honeycombs and colonies of bees for their hives. But when one of the beekeepers fails to return, his desperate fiancee calls on a group of adventurers to find him. Can they brave the wilderness in time to save him from the shadow of the Fellnight Queen?
This adventure is for 5th level characters, which I'll provide. I've designed each one to be multiclassed on purpose, because I think it'll enhance the play experience for everybody. It also means just about every class will be represented, so if someone has a particular preference, they can hopefully find at least a PC or two that matches their playstyle. In addition, I think it also ensures there's a decent amount of overlap in terms of skills, abilities, magic, etc. so the group isn't overly dependent on a single PC for something and everyone can stay involved in each scene or challenge. Lastly, I think it also helps demonstrate the breadth of the Pathfinder rules by showcasing as many class abilities as possible.
Shadow of the Fellnight Queen also serves as a prequel adventure for Realm of the Fellnight Queen, taking place about two years earlier. I'm not introducing any spoilers, but there could be a cameo appearance of two from NPCs in Realm of the Fellnight Queen. That also means that familiarity with Realm of the Fellnight Queen won't spoil anything in Shadow of the Fellnight Queen either. So, hopefully, that keeps things fun and interesting for everyone.
--Neil
Okay. The next few posts will each detail one of six pregen PCs that will be available. Each game will only have five players, so all of the PCs aren't necessary, of course. I've just got one extra to provide some additional variety...and also to have as a standby in the event there's a PC death early enough that we can insert another character to keep the game going for everyone. So, without any further ado, let's get to it...
Male half-elf monk 2 / ranger 3
LN Medium humanoid (elf)
Init +2; Senses low-light vision; Perception +8
DEFENSE
AC 19, touch 16, flat-footed 16 (+2 armor, +1 deflection, +2 Dex, +1 dodge, +2 monk, +1 natural)
hp 40 (2d8+3d10+15)
Fort +7, Ref +8, Will +6 (+2 vs. enchantment, evasion)
Immune magic sleep effects
OFFENSE
Spd 30 ft.
Melee +1 short sword +5 (1d6+3/19-20) and +1 handaxe +5 (1d6+2/x3), or +1 short sword +7 (1d6+3/19-20) or +1 handaxe +7 (1d6+3/x3), or unarmed strike +6 (1d6+2) or flurry of blows +5/+5 (1d6+2)
Ranged mwk composite shortbow +7 (1d6+2/x3)
Special Attacks evasion, favored enemy (+2 vs. dark folk), favored terrain (+2 in forests), flurry of blows, stunning fist (2/day, DC 14)
STATISTICS
Str 14, Dex 15, Con 12, Int 10, Wis 14, Cha 10
Base Atk +4; CMB +6; CMD 20
Feats Dodge, Endurance, Improved Unarmed Strike, Mobility, Scorpion Style, Skill Focus (Stealth), Spring Attack, Stunning Fist, Toughness, Two-Weapon Fighting
Skills Acrobatics +10, Climb +10, Escape Artist +6, Knowledge (nature) +7, Perception +8, Stealth +12, Survival +10 (+11 to identify and follow tracks), Swim +6
Languages Common, Elven
SQ elf traits, track, wild empathy +2
Combat Gear elixir of tumbling, potion of bear's endurance (3), potion of cat's grace, potion of cure moderate wounds, potion of displacement; Other Gear amulet of natural armor +1, bracers of armor +2, ring of protection +1, +1 handaxe, +1 short sword, backpack, bedroll, belt pouch, flint and steel, masterwork composite shortbow, 20 arrows, rations (6 days), traveler's outfit, waterskin, whetstone.
BACKGROUND
No one can ever claim you've led an easy life. Orphaned since you were a boy, you've lived most of your years among the elves of Highgrove in the Verduran Forest. Before that, your human father and his elven bride raised you until they fell victim to dark folk raiders in the middle of the night. You vividly remember that attack, hiding under your bed in abject terror. And you've held an irrational hatred of the dark folk ever since.
After they departed, you managed to survive on your own for several days, having learned how to live off the land by your wilderness-savvy father. But your mother's people eventually found you and took you in. You never realized she had married an elf before meeting your father. But her first husband perished long ago while defending Highgrove from orcs. Adapting to life among the elves proved difficult at first, but your half-sister, Tess'ara, has done much to guide you. She still thinks you're impetuous and foolish sometimes, but she's the closest family you have left.
As you've grown up, you've also done much to train and harden yourself into a capable warrior in the hopes of making a difference in safeguarding the lives of other settlers and communities in the woods. That's why you and your sister joined the Foresthawks, a group of rangers dedicating to patrolling the Verduran and keeping it safe. While among their company, you made lots of friends, including a fellow-ranger by the name of Elyin Ursage. He recently retired to the frontier town of Bellis along the Sellen River and took up beekeeping as a new profession. You and Tess'ara have gone to visit him on a number of occasions when passing through town.
In truth, however, you had an ulterior motive for going to Bellis so often. For there's a very beautiful apothecary's daughter there named Kailah Winmede and you fell in love with her at first sight. Unfortunately, and in keeping with your run of bad luck, she and Elyin have developed an interest in one another. In fact, the couple recently got engaged, all but dashing your hopes of wooing her.
However, now something terrible has befallen Elyin and he's gone missing. Apparently, Bellis hosts a honey-harvesting festival every year and the beekeepers venture into the surrounding forest to bring back as many bees and honeycombs as possible for their hives. Elyin never returned and now Kailah's worried something happened to him. You're torn between helping to look for your friend as part of your duties as a Foresthawk and also hoping he decided to leave Kailah after getting cold feet. Regardless, it's up to you, your sister, and handful of volunteers to look for him. You promised that much to Kailah, and you know she's depending on you.
Female elf fighter 3 / ranger 2
CG Medium humanoid (elf)
Init +4; Senses low-light vision; Perception +8
DEFENSE
AC 22, touch 15, flat-footed 17 (+7 armor, +4 Dex, +1 dodge)
hp 37 (3d10+2d10+10)
Fort +8, Ref +9, Will +3 (+2 vs. enchantments, +1 vs. fear)
OFFENSE
Spd 30 ft.
Melee +1 rapier +11 (1d6+2/18-20) or mwk dagger +10 (1d4+1/19-20)
Ranged +1 composite longbow +11 (1d8+2/x3) or mwk dagger +10 (1d4+1/19-20)
Special Attacks +2 on caster level checks to overcome SR
STATISTICS
Str 13, Dex 18, Con 12, Int 10, Wis 12, Cha 10
Base Atk +5; CMB +6; CMD 21
Feats Deadly Aim, Dodge, Point Blank Shot, Precise Shot, Rapid Shot, Weapon Finesse
Skills Climb +5, Handle Animal +5, Heal +5, Intimidate +5, Knowledge (nature) +5, Perception +8, Stealth +10, Survival +8 (+9 to identify and follow tracks), Swim +5
Languages Common, Elven
SQ armor training +1, bravery +1
Combat Gear potion of clairaudience/clairvoyance, potion of delay poison, potion of heroism; Other Gear +1 composite longbow, 20 arrows, +1 elven chain, +1 rapier, backpack, bedroll, belt pouch, cloak of resistance +1, masterwork dagger, efficient quiver, flint and steel, rations (6 days), traveler's outfit, waterskin, whetstone.
BACKGROUND
As a member of the elven community of Highgrove in the northern part of the Verduran Forest, you have long safeguarded the woods from the rampages of beasts, men, and things only half-seen and half-imagined by those you protect.
Thus, you know more about the horrors hiding in the woods than most, including the dark folk who live underground in their tunnels and caves. Several years ago, one such group attacked and killed your mother, including the human settler she married after your father died protecting Highgrove. You helped find and rescue her son and your half-brother, a half-elf named Merrick, bringing him to live among your people and training him in the way of the elves.
You've always felt very protective of Merrick. He's often impetuous and foolish in your eyes. But you also believe those differences in his nature, by virtue of being half-human, help him deal with the loss of his parents better than most would. Still, you sense a restlessness in him. Much like you, he's taken up the duty of being a Foresthawk, a group of rangers sworn to protect and guard the Verduran Forest. And he's particularly efficient at hunting down the dark folk. You worry about his avenging attitude, however, fearful that it may lead him to ruin as well. And then, you'll be the last of your family.
As for yourself, you have your own enemies against which to wage a personal war. For a long time, the elves have lived in peace with the fey. But occasionally, one of them gets out of hand. The legends and myths of the elves often speak of the more powerful First World fey. And occasionally one of them steps between worlds to influence the forest. As dangerous as they are beautiful, the elves help shield the other races from the worst of their outbursts. You've become quite adept at identifying and dealing them.
While serving with the Foresthawks, you've also made a number of allies. One of these men, a retired ranger named Elyin Ursage befriended you and your half-brother, even mentoring both of you in some ways—though he seemed more focused on helping Merrick grow into adulthood than spending time with you. Despite that, you particularly appreciated the influence he had on your younger half-brother. Elyin retired to Bellis a couple of years ago and occasionally the two of you check on him when your travels take you close to town. Of course, for Merrick, you know your visits aren't just to see Elyin again. He's fallen in love with a young apothecary's daughter named Kailah Winmede who lives there. Of course, the girl doesn't know, but you can tell the changes in your half-brother whenever he's around her.
Unfortunately, on your last visit, you learned Kailah and Elyin are engaged and you're worried about how Merrick is taking it. Elyin is his best friend, almost a father-figure. But if you've learned anything about humans, it's that their emotions run deep and make them unpredictable. So you're keeping a closer eye than usual on Merrick to make sure he doesn't do anything rash. Especially now that Elyin has gone missing. After failing to return from a honey-harvesting trip in the forest, you and Merrick volunteered to find him.
Male human fighter 4 / sorcerer 1 (celestial bloodline)
LG Medium humanoid (human)
Init +1; Senses Perception +3
DEFENSE
AC 21, touch 12, flat-footed 20 (+5 armor, +1 deflection, +1 Dex, +4 shield)
hp 45 (4d10+1d6+20)
Fort +7, Ref +3, Will +4 (+1 vs. fear)
OFFENSE
Spd 30 ft.
Melee +1 mighty cleaving longsword +9 (1d8+6/19-20) or dagger +7 (1d4+3/19-20) or shield bash +7 (1d4+3)
Ranged longbow +5 (1d8/x3) or dagger +5 (1d4+3/19-20) or heavenly fire +5 ranged touch (1d4)
Special Attacks heavenly fire (1d4, 4/day)
Sorcerer Spells Known (CL 1st; concentration +2)
1st (4/day) – protection from evil, true strike
0 (at will) - light, mage hand, message, prestidigitation
STATISTICS
Str 16, Dex 12, Con 14, Int 10, Wis 10, Cha 13
Base Atk +4; CMB +7; CMD 19
Feats Eschew Materials (B), Improved Bull Rush, Improved Shield Bash, Power Attack, Shield Focus, Toughness, Weapon Focus (longsword), Weapon Specialization (longsword)
Skills Intimidate +5, Knowledge (arcana) +5, Perception +3, Spellcraft +8, Use Magic Device +8
Languages Common
SQ armor training +1, bravery +1
Combat Gear potion of cure light wounds (2); Other Gear +1 mithral shirt, +1 mithral shield, cloak of resistance +1, ring of protection +1, +1 mighty cleaving longsword, backpack, bedroll, belt pouch, dagger, flint and steel, longbow, 20 arrows, rations (6 days), traveler's outfit, waterskin, whetstone.
BACKGROUND
Few can claim membership in the Eagle Knights of Andoran and you enjoy how it sets you apart from the average man. Some take that to mean arrogance on your part, but in reality you just fully believe you're meant to do great things, helping others establish and protect their individual liberties and defending them against evil.
The reasons behind your zeal are more personal than the typical Eagle Knight. You could even say it's in your blood, as your family ancestry reportedly traces back to a celestial guardian during the Age of Enthronement. Evidence of this bloodline sometimes manifests in the weak sorcery you call upon. But nowadays, you prefer to carry out your order's responsibilities with your sword-arm as you visit the more remote towns and villages of Andoran.
While riding the circuit between Carpenden and Sauerton, you recently learned about an upcoming honey-harvesting festival in the town of Bellis and decided to pay a visit. Besides the good food and music, you expected to introduce yourself and stay for several days to learn more about the border with Taldor and those living in such close proximity with Andoran's former enemy.
To your surprise, you've learned the locals fear the unnatural denizens of the forest more than the imperial foot-soldiers of Taldor. In fact, the recent disappearance of a respected ranger, a man named Elyin Ursage who retired from the Foresthawks, has the town quite worried. It seems the man is engaged to marry the local apothecary's daughter, a beautiful lass named Kailah Winmede. The poor girl has desperately asked for volunteers to look for her fiance. And how could you refuse such an opportunity? Indeed, you feel it's your personal duty to ensure they find her lost love and return him safely home. What better way to prove your worth to the locals of Bellis?
Male gnome rogue 2 / wizard (illusionist) 3
NG Small humanoid (gnome)
Init +3; Senses low-light vision; Perception +6
DEFENSE
AC 18, touch 15, flat-footed 14 (+3 armor, +3 Dex, +1 dodge, +1 size) (+4 dodge vs. giants)
hp 34 (2d8+3d6+15)
Fort +3, Ref +7, Will +2 (+2 vs. illusions)
Defensive Abilities evasion
OFFENSE
Spd 20 ft.
Melee +1 spell storing short sword +7 (1d4+1/19-20) or mwk dagger +7 (1d3/19-20)
Ranged mwk dagger +7 (1d3/19-20) or scorching ray +6 ranged touch (4d6 fire)
Special Attacks +1 on attack rolls against goblinoid and reptilian humanoids, gnome spell-like abilities, sneak attack +1d6
Spell-Like Abilities (CL 5th; concentration +6)
1/day - dancing lights, ghost sound (DC 12), prestidigitation, speak with animals
Wizard Spells Prepared (CL 3rd; concentration +5)
2nd - blur, hypnotic pattern (DC 15), pyrotechnics (DC 14)
1st - color spray (DC 14), expeditious retreat, shocking grasp, silent image (DC 14)
0 (at will) - arcane mark, detect magic, mage hand, message, read magic
Specialty School Illusion Opposition Schools Abjuration, Necromancy
STATISTICS
Str 11, Dex 16, Con 14, Int 14, Wis 8, Cha 12
Base Atk +2; CMB +1; CMD 15
Feats Arcane Armor Training, Arcane Strike, Dodge, Scribe Scroll (B), Weapon Finesse
Skills Acrobatics +7 (+3 jump), Appraise +7, Bluff +7, Craft (alchemy) +6, Craft (jewelry) +10, Diplomacy +6, Disable Device +7 (+8 vs. traps), Escape Artist +7, Knowledge (arcana) +8, Knowledge (local) +8, Knowledge (nature) +8, Perception +6, Sleight of Hand +8, Spellcraft +8, Stealth +12
Languages Common, Dwarven, Elven, Gnome, Sylvan
SQ arcane bond (short sword), extended illusions +1 rounds, rogue talents, trapfinding
Combat Gear potion of cure moderate wounds, scroll of invisibility, wand of scorching ray (15 charges); Other Gear +1 leather armor, +1 spell storing short sword (shocking grasp), backpack, bedroll, belt pouch, 4 masterwork daggers, flint and steel, rations (6 days), thieves' tools, traveler's outfit, waterskin, whetstone.
BACKGROUND
You've lived your entire life in the small forest town of Bellis. And, while some of the local gnomes obsess over the bountiful honey industry and ardors of beekeeping, you've always had a knack for collecting rocks. Not just any rocks, of course, but the most exotic and interesting rocks. You love talking about them. You love searching for them. And you love digging them out of the ground or collecting them along river banks so you can take them home to polish and practice your growing gem-cutting skills. Some day, you hope to learn a spell that can actually sculpt rocks into all kinds of artistic shapes. And maybe then, you can give one to the unrequited love of your life, Lumi Reasonknot, and ask her to marry you!
You grew up with Lumi as a childhood friend and have had a crush on her ever since. As much as you love your rocks, you also love her. It helps that she's an amazing baker, too, winning several bake-offs at the town's annual honey-harvesting festival. You've developed something of a sweet-tooth sampling the many fruits of her labor over the years. In fact, her honeyed rock candy is to die for! And, you always keep a batch on you when you travel to remind yourself of how sweet she is to you. You hope to ask for her hand in marriage at next year's festival, provided you can find the prefect gift and screw up the courage to tell her your true feelings.
In fact, a friend of yours in town, the ranger Elyin Ursage, has agreed to help you in your goal. He recently got engaged to a local girl in Bellis as well. And, since retiring from his adventuring days, he's taken up the profession of beekeeping like many of the town's residents. While searching for bee hives in the Verduran Forest, he says he found a cave in some wooded hills that has the most beautiful pink quartz growing in thick clusters almost like flowers. You just know this would make the perfect gift to give Lumi when you propose to her.
Unfortunately, Elyin went missing recently. Like most of those participating in the honey-harvesting contest this year, he ventured into the forest to gather bees and honeycombs for his hives, but he never came back. His fiancee, Kailah, is very worried and asked for volunteers to help serach for him. As a true friend, you agreed to join them. You just hope he hasn't perished in the wilderness. Otherwise, your dreams of finding the perfect gemstone to give Lumi may die with him.
Male human bard 3 / ex-cleric of Shelyn 2
NG Medium humanoid (human)
Init +2; Senses Perception +6
DEFENSE
AC 19, touch 14, flat-footed 16 (+5 armor, +1 deflection, +2 Dex, +1 dodge)
hp 32 (3d8+2d8+10)
Fort +4, Ref +5, Will +8 (+4 vs. bardic performance, language-dependent, and sonic)
OFFENSE
Spd 30 ft.
Melee +1 defending glaive +6 (1d10+2/x3) or light mace +4 (1d6+1) or dagger +4 (1d4+1/19-20)
Ranged mwk light crossbow +6 (1d8/19-20) or dagger +5 (1d4+1/19-20)
Special Attacks bardic performance (6 rounds/day, standard action), countersong, distraction, fascinate, inspire competence +2, inspire courage +1, channel positive energy (1d6, DC 13, 5/day)
Domain Spell-Like Abilities (CL 2nd; concentration +4)
5/day - bit of luck, dazing touch
Bard Spells Known (CL 3rd; concentration +5)
1st (4/day) - charm person (DC 13), cure light wounds, hypnotism (DC 13), silent image (DC 13)
0 (at will) - dancing lights, ghost sound (DC 12), mage hand, message, prestidigitation, read magic
Cleric Spells Prepared (CL 2nd; concentration +4)
1st - divine favor, remove fear, sanctuary (DC 13), true strike*
0 (at will) - guidance, mending, stabilize, virtue
* domain spell; Domains Charm, Luck
STATISTICS
Str 12, Dex 14, Con 10, Int 10, Wis 14, Cha 15
Base Atk +3; CMB +4; CMD 18
Feats Dodge, Skill Focus (Use Magic Device), Toughness, Weapon Focus (glaive)
Skills Bluff +8, Craft (paintings) +5, Craft (sculptures) +5, Diplomacy +8, Knowledge (local) +7, Knowledge (religion) +5, Perception +6, Performance (sing) +10, Sense Motive +6, Spellcraft +4, Use Magic Device +13
Languages Common
SQ aura, bardic knowledge +1, versatile performance (sing), well-versed
Combat Gear potion of cure light wounds (3), potion of neutralize poison, scroll of shield of faith, scroll of sound burst, scroll of spiritual weapon, wand of divine favor (9 charges), wand of cure moderate wounds (10 charges), wand of lesser restoration (5 charges); Other Gear +1 chain shirt, ring of protection +1, +1 defending glaive, backpack, bedroll, belt pouch, dagger, elixir of love, flint and steel, holy symbol, light mace, masterwork light crossbow, 10 bolts, phylactery of faithfulness, rations (6 days), traveler's outfit, waterskin, whetstone.
BACKGROUND
You've only recently arrived in the forest town of Bellis. Mostly, you've come to visit your sister, Viviana Albercroft, who was recently appointed as the town's priestess at the chapel of Shelyn. You used to share your sister's faith, wearing the robes of a priest as well, but also moonlighting as a bard, singing in various taverns and wooing a number of women along the way. Unfortunately, this conflicted with your promise of betrothal to a lady back in Taldor. And after so many affairs and lies, you've noticed your goddess doesn't answer your prayers anymore.
And so, you've ventured to the tiny town of Bellis in hopes of seeking out your sister's advice. You're reluctant to tell her the exact reason why you lost your faith, as you're certain she would hold your infidelity against you and send word of it back to your parents in Taldor. You both come from a noble family of means back in the empire and it would cause them no uncertain amount of embarrassment. Thus, you've also lied to her, claiming that you inadvertently broke an important piece of sculpted art intended for another monastery devoted to Shelyn and this must be the reason why she no longer hears your prayers.
Your sister is also a bit of a fatalist, believing everything happens for a reason. Recently, one of the town's favorite sons, a retired ranger by the name of Elyin Ursage, went missing in the forest. He's engaged to a lovely apothecary's daughter named Kailah. Your sister, Viviana, is convinced that helping search for the girl's fiance will surely put you back in Shelyn's good graces, atoning for your sin. You certainly hope so. You're not exactly the most proficient adventurer and, without access to your usual spells, you've had to rely on faking your faith by using scrolls and wands to duplicate the powers you once called your own.
But Shelyn's faith teaches love will always find a way to overcome any obstacle. That's what you're attempting to do. And there's a group of good-hearted people intent on finding the missing ranger and returning him to his girl. Maybe along the way, you'll discover a bit about your faith and yourself, too.
Male human barbarian 1 / druid 4
N Medium humanoid (human)
Init +1; Senses Perception +6
DEFENSE
AC 20, touch 11, flat-footed 19 (+5 armor, +1 Dex, +1 natural, +3 shield)
hp 44 (1d12+4d8+20)
Fort +9, Ref +3, Will +7 (+4 vs. fey and plant-targeted effects)
OFFENSE
Spd 30 ft.
Melee mwk club +8 (1d6+3) or dagger +7 (1d4+3/19-20) or shillelagh +8 (2d6+4)
Ranged +1 returning shortspear +6 (1d6+4/19-20) or mwk club +6 (1d6+3) or dagger +5 (1d4+3/19-20)
Special Attacks rage (6 rounds/day), wild shape (Small or Medium animal, 4 hours/day)
Druid Spells Prepared (CL 4th; concentration +6)
2nd - barkskin, bull's strength, cat's grace, hold animal* (DC 14)
1st - calm animals* (DC 13), faerie fire, produce flame, shillelagh (2)
0 - create water, know direction, light, stabilize
* domain spell; Domains Animal
STATISTICS
Str 16, Dex 12, Con 14, Int 10, Wis 15, Cha 8
Base Atk +4; CMB +7; CMD 18
Feats Extra Rage, Natural Spell, Power Attack, Toughness
Skills Climb +5, Fly +6, Handle Animal +6, Heal +6, Knowledge (local) +5, Knowledge (nature) +8, Perception +6, Survival +10, Swim +4
Languages Common, Druidic
SQ animal companion (effective druid level 1), nature bond (Animal domain), nature sense, resist nature's lure, speak with animals (7 rounds/day), trackless step, wild empathy +3, woodland stride
Combat Gear potion of neutralize poison, scroll of daylight, wand of cure light wounds (50 charges); Other Gear +1 hide armor, +1 heavy wooden shield, +1 returning shortspear, amulet of natural armor +1, backpack, bedroll, belt pouch, cloak of resistance +1, dagger, feather token (bird), feather token (tree), traveler's outfit, flint and steel, masterwork club, rations (6 days), waterskin, whetstone.
BACKGROUND
You rarely venture into town since you feel less comfortable around the people of Bellis than you do among the wilds In fact, many of the locals have taken to calling you Brother Wolf, because of Frielen, the she-wolf companion constantly at your side.
Most don't realize the full extent of your affinity for wolves, going as far back as your childhood raised among the barbarian tribes living in the northern Verduran Forest. With the wolf as your totem, you followed the traditions of your ancestors to become an ulvik, a shapechanging druid with deep connections to the animal world and a preference for taking wolf-form to run and hunt. As a result, your people occasionally face persecution due to rumors of lycanthropy running in your veins. Stories and myths of werewolves have turned others against your tribe and so you tend to live apart from one another and move around a lot. Sometimes you even foster such beliefs to scare people into leaving you alone. But, deep down, you also miss the interaction between family and friends, longing for a different life.
Your most recent trip to Bellis comes as a result of this loneliness, as well as the local honey-harvesting competition, an annual event of some small fanfare with good food, music, and night-time revels. You also have a couple of friends who live in Bellis, particularly a ranger named Elyin Ursage. Your paths have crossed several times in the forest and you often trade furs, swap stories, and warn one another about dangerous predators in the area. Thus, you were quite alarmed when you heard Elyin had gone missing. As a participant in the honey-harvesting contest, he ventured into the forest with a number of would-be beekeepers to gather bees and honeycombs for their hives and never returned. His fiancee, Kailah, has pleaded for volunteers to find him and you stepped forward to offer your aid, knowing the forest and Elyin well enough to hopefully track him down.
ANIMAL COMPANION
Frielen, Medium wolf, Init +2; Senses low-light vision, scent; Perception +8 AC 14, touch 12, flat-footed 12; hp 13 (2d8+4); Fort +5, Ref +5; Will +1; Spd 50 ft.; Melee bite +2 (1d6+1 plus trip); Str 13, Dex 15, Con 15, Int 2, Wis 12, Cha 6; Base Atk +1; CMB +2; CMD 14 (18 vs. trip); Feats Skill Focus (Perception); Skills Perception +8, Stealth +6, Survival +1 (+5 when tracking by scent); SQ link, share spells, tricks (attack).
Okay. So that's it. State a preference for any of the pregens here if you're playing in one of the two sessions. If more than one of you want the same PC, you can either work it out here, or we'll do a roll-off with a d20 the day of the game.
I'm not in the game, but I must say Lazlo sounds like a hoot to play
I'm not in the game, but I must say Lazlo sounds like a hoot to play
Half the fun of planning these types of games is working out the character motivations for all the pregens. And, yeah...I had a bit of fun with Lazlo. :-)
So, it looks like 3 of the 5 for Friday night's game have checked in with a stated preference. I also notice you've all selected from the more combat-capable characters. To which I feel compelled to say it will avail you nothing! Nothing, I say! ;-)
RPG Superstar 2009 Top 4
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I'm in the Saturday morning game. Lazlo Briarbrimmon sounds fun, a lot of fun really, but I think I'm going to save the party's lives by not allowing myself to play the wizard... so I'm going to go with Sir Navarrus Winnt, sword and broad meat-shield.
Just a note to my group. I am famous, FAMOUS!, for rolling badly. If I'm not GMing, I can't hit anything and I can't dodge anything. I'll do my best by you, but you have been fairly warned. The phrase 'meat-shield' came about because of people that rolled dice like me.
Playing a non ranger for a change will do me good! :)
you and those rangers. would you have switched them to the spell-less variety?
~hands on hips, snarky tone~
I suppose this means you'll want time off posting in my games, Neil?
Sorry, guys, insane jealousy leaking out. Good luck with the game. I'm sure you'll have the best time.
I suppose this means you'll want time off posting in my games, Neil?
I doubt it. They had free internet access at the hotel last year. :-)
I suppose this means you'll want time off posting in my games, Neil?I doubt it. They had free internet access at the hotel last year. :-)
~Stoop forward. Fingertips steepled together. ~
Excellent.
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you and those rangers. would you have switched them to the spell-less variety?Playing a non ranger for a change will do me good! :)
Heh, I might have asked nicely if I could ...
Actually, I just figured that with the recent death of my Council of Thieves character (a archer spell-less ranger) I figured I'd like to play something different.
Man, June 18th can't come fast enough!
Man, June 18th can't come fast enough!
I'm lucky, because I get to run this game for a group of 6 players at ConCarolinas next weekend. So, it's like a precursor to PaizoCon. And, hopefully, I can learn a few things about how the adventure plays so I can tweak it before the double-session running in Seattle.
Howdy, I'm in the Saturday morning game with my friend Amanda... I'd be happy with any of the PC's listed. I too am a bit more inclined to go with Lazlo (I just like gnomes), but seriously anything. I'll have Amanda post here and pick out something definitive for the Saturday am game... excited to play!
Glad to have you aboard, Nathan. And, with your friend Amanda and Megan/Elora participating, I'm also heartened to know there'll be lady gamers in both sessions. That doesn't happen as often as it should.
Glad to have you aboard, Nathan. And, with your friend Amanda and Megan/Elora participating, I'm also heartened to know there'll be lady gamers in both sessions. That doesn't happen as often as it should.
agreed...I'm a bit fortunate in that my regular gaming party is 50% female, it really brings a different dynamic to the game.
I think we actually have 2 ladies in Friday's game...that's the main reason I didn't automatically pick the one female PC (which I really appreciate you including, Neil :).
Hah! You're quite welcome. Although I always make sure to include at least one female PC pregen for convention games, I'm not sure the tables of all guys have appreciated it nearly as much in the past. More recently, however, I can almost always count on one lady-gamer who used to be in my weekly gaming group to sign up for my convention games. It really doesn't matter though. In my opinion, gamers should be comfortable portraying any character regardless of gender. Console and computer games have helped in that regard a bit, too, I suspect. :-)
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In my opinion, gamers should be comfortable portraying any character regardless of gender. Console and computer games have helped in that regard a bit, too, I suspect. :-)
And that's the other reason I didn't snatch up the female PC. I almost never play opposite-gender characters, and figure I should give it a try :).
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Friday night's game is sounding like it's going to be a lot of fun!
So, for the Friday game, how is the pregen selection looking?
Like I mentioned, I would be into playing Lazlo Briarbrimmon, the gnome rogue / illusionist
My son would like Brother Wolf, the druid / barbarian
Erora, you are thinking of Sir Navarrus, fighter / sorcerer
That's 3 of us. Elora, you mentioned you thought there was a second lady? Is she a friend? It looks like we need to here from 2 more yet and then we are good to go!
Like I said - can't wait!
So, for the Friday game, how is the pregen selection looking?
Here's the breakdown I've been tracking so far.
Friday Night:
- Sir Navarrus Winnt, human fighter 4 / sorcerer 1
- Lazlo Briarbrimmon, gnome rogue 2 / wizard (illusionist) 3
- Brother Wolf, human barbarian 1 / druid 4
- no selection yet
- no selection yet
Saturday Morning:
- Sir Navarrus Winnt, human fighter 4 / sorcerer 1
- Lazlo Briarbrimmon (maybe), gnome rogue 2 / wizard (illusionist) 3
- no selection
- no selection
...I do hope you can get this published, or at least share it with the community. It sounds like it'll be a blast.
Well, keep in mind, it's not a completely-written manuscript yet. A good bit of it's still on various notes, stat-blocks, etc. I'm using Paizo flip-mats for the maps. So, while turning it into something publishable is possible, I'd have to set time aside for doing it proper justice.
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...I do hope you can get this published, or at least share it with the community. It sounds like it'll be a blast.Well, keep in mind, it's not a completely-written manuscript yet. A good bit of it's still on various notes, stat-blocks, etc. I'm using Paizo flip-mats for the maps. So, while turning it into something publishable is possible, I'd have to set time aside for doing it proper justice.
No worries, man :)
Hey Niel, Amanda wants to play Tessara, so I'll take Merrick, that way we both have a reason to be there (in game).
Hey Niel, Amanda wants to play Tessara, so I'll take Merrick, that way we both have a reason to be there (in game).
Cool. So that means we'll have...
Saturday morning:
- Sir Navarrus Winnt, human fighter 4 / sorcerer 1
- Merrick Iolandi, half-elf monk 2 / ranger 3
- Tess'ara Iolandi, elf fighter 3 / ranger 2
- no selection
And that should leave three spellcasters available for the remaining two players to choose from...and, it also means you guys will have 3 of the top 4 heavy hitters in the party...one sword-and-board melee guy...one two-weapon fighter...and the ranged specialist.
I may be alone in this, but I would love for someone to record this and post it somewhere as an actual play podcast
Egads, man! I'm terrible on camera! Think about what you're saying!
Egads, man! I'm terrible on camera! Think about what you're saying!
not visual just audio
Oh. Still. I'm not sure an audio recording of a game session would be all that enlightening or entertaining. YMMV, though. ;-)
Oh. Still. I'm not sure an audio recording of a game session would be all that enlightening or entertaining.
I think it would interesting
Some playtest analysis: So, I ran Shadow of the Fellnight Queen for the first time at ConCarolinas here in Charlotte, NC this weekend. I started out with 5 players (because the 6th player and the only alternate didn't show). Later, about midway through the first combat a 6th player joined in who just dropped by our table. And, in my opnion, that was a good thing because the rest of the party needed the extra help. In comedic fashion, however, the additional player selected the sole remaining pregen (the gnome, Lazlo Briarbrimmon) and proceeded to make some "interesting" strategic choices with his spells that may have hindered his companions more than help.
All in all, everyone seemed to have fun with the game. They didn't make it through the entire scenario, but that's because we only had a 4-hour time slot. I suspect it'll play fine in the 5-hour slots at PaizoCon.
The combats proved to be quite challenging. No one died, though a few characters came close in the first battle. Sir Navarrus Winnt got dropped multiple times into negatives with the bard, Galadon Albercroft, putting him back in the fight with very timely use of a wand of cure moderate wounds. Tactically, the bad guys started out with the upper hand, though. It could have turned out very differently if initiative had gone the other way.
In the second fight, the PCs handled themselves quite well. An easy victory and they even avoided a couple of additional combat complications with judicious use of spells and skills.
The last battle they fought presented a tougher challenge, though. In fact, the terrain and conditions played such a big role that I'm considering toning it down for PaizoCon. This wasn't the fight against the primary villain, but rather the fight just before it. We had to call it a night before they could finish, but I highly suspect it might have resulted in some party deaths if we'd kept going.
What does that mean for those of you playing the scenario at PaizoCon? Well, for one, everyone seemed to really enjoy the story behind Shadow of the Fellnight Queen, even if they didn't get to experience all of it. Some of the players were already familiar with Realm of the Fellnight Queen, so they picked up on the connections between some of the NPCs right away. And, once I explained the rest of the adventure's background to them, they seemed to like it.
In addition, everyone really got into their characters (i.e., the pregens) and enjoyed the interaction and interplay of stuff in their backstories. I like doing equal parts of combat and roleplay in any game I run, so that was satisfying to see. I had some great players at the table. And I expect the same from everyone at PaizoCon.
Lastly, you can count on some very challenging combats. As players, make sure you fully review not only what your PC can do before we get into the scenario, but also collaborate a little outside the game by double-checking what the others can do, too...and how that might help everyone survive by combining abilities and working together. I'm also going to focus on limiting the TPK potential of anything and ensuring we keep combats on a quick pace so we can hopefully make it through the entire adventure.
See you in Seattle,
--Neil
Hey Niel, Amanda wants to play Tessara, so I'll take Merrick, that way we both have a reason to be there (in game).Hey guys! Sorry to get in on this thread so late. I'm super excited to be a part of this with you all! See you at the con! Except Nathan, I'm never excited to see you...
Welcome to the thread and the game, Amanda! :-)
Poor Sir Navarrus Winnt, it's a rough life defending your friends from the world full of evils.
Made even moreso when you have to defend your friends from your friends... :-)
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FRIDAY nighters -- I'm going to be whipping up a couple of my famous apple-ham grilled cheese sandwiches for dinner Friday night and I'd be happy to make a few more. So 1) let me know if you'd like in, and 2) are you allergic to walnuts?
*Notification for the paranoid: I have a food-handlers permit and I was, in fact, a sandwich-artist-in-chief for a year. ;-)