Id like to arrange how your characters come to the main site of the module, Piren's Bluff, rather than play it out fully if that's alright. To do that, I think I should give a bit more of the story.
After three decades of civil war, in which the diabolists of House Thrune consolidated their hold on the mighty empire of Cheliax, the tide of revolution swept through Andoran. Frustrated with centuries of foreign rule and appalled by Cheliax's new masters, the people of Andoran banded together to throw off the shackles of the empire and embrace republican rule. During those days, the Andoran nobility faced a difficult choice: side with the people of Andoran and forfeit their titles, or join with the evil Chelish empire and face the wrath of the people. In the end, those who openly sided with Cheliax were killed or driven into exile, while those who embraced the revolution retained much of their wealth and influence. A brave few nobles chose neither side, unable to relinquish their cherished nobility and unwilling to side with the foreign empire. The most famous of these is Baron Vendikon, once master of a large barony, who now controls little more than the few miles around his keep in Piren's bluff. While his remote holdings were small enough the avoid the wrath of the mob during the revolution, Piren's Bluff is key in defending the new nation of Andoran from its enemies in Cheliax. Of late, the People's Council in Almas has been leery of leaving such a strategically important position in the hands of a neutral party, but as of yet, they have been unable to take direct action.
Depending on your character story, you could be contacted by General Dakovya of Andoran and given the following objectives: gathering information, sabotaging any defenses, and above all, taking out the baron of Piren's Bluff. The general's army will be right behind you and plans to besiege the hamlet and keep, but wants to avoid killing loyal Andorans, hence this covert operation. If pressed, he might offer 2,500 on the spot and 2,500 on completion.
If that sounds boring to you, I'm open to other options. If you choose this route, then after getting equipped you will arrive together disguised as travelling merchants (or performers, or a gang of bandits, or anything) perhaps only a day ahead of Dakovya's advancing forces.
Now's the time to briefly discuss if that works for everyone, and make sure everyone understands what's going on. Let's also solidify class and other details quickly here.
Any chance we could take over the castle for ourselves so long as we swear loyalty to the Andoran cause and defend it against the Chelians? And I vote we go in as traveling performers.
Mags, Llyran was also raised by the temples (Calistrian) for a while (see, someone cared enough to read your backstory!), so you could possibly know her from that time in your life.
This will work with my concept of an Ex-Commando. I could have been assigned under General Dakovya's command as a scout/commando/dirty work guy.
I could be sent by the general to link up with the rest of the party, or even be the messenger that searched them out.
Up to you DM.
If you are good with my Urban Ranger Skirmisher thats what I will set up today.
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excellent I'll start remaking the character.
Paellat will be there because A Pathfinder Venture Captain owes the General a favor, and Paellat is good at gathering information.
So just Core? Or as long as you have published reference?
I know you had said SRD only originally. (I can work within SRD) Though there are a cool couple PRD items I'd be more than happy to use.
Character Sheet updated for feat, skills and spells for 5th level. What guidelines do you want us to follow for gold and equipment?
Alternately, Mags, Llyrann could also have wandered with her after she found her inheritance squandered. Or both, possibly.
Llyrann, that's sounds good to me. I think I might go with both. Meeting once at the temple, and then traveling together later. BTW, nice to know someone read through that whole thing. I tried showing it to some friends once. They basically counted the pages and said, "Nice" before handing it back. lol
Now that I know a little more of the setting I'm going to try to do the final tweaks tonight after work. Still thinking about how Mags is going to become a member of the party.
Llyrann- That can totally be one result of the module. If you mean assaulting the baron's keep immediately, that too can be organized.
Kozaric- Sure, you can totally be the messenger if you want. And yeah, looking forward to urban skirmisher.
Paellet- That sounds good character wise. And anything from Paizo that is also on d20pfsrd for mechanics. I just want to avoid 3rd party stuff really...Oh, yes, the PRD should be fine, too.
Llyrann2- You can start with the normal 5th level character amount (let me find that figure) plus the 2500 the general gave you. If you really must have some item in addition to that, let me know and it will likely be allowed.
Starting wealth: Its 10,500gp + 2500 from the general, so 13k gp.
<====== Work in progress, am finalizing tonight.
Mags- Although I haven't found info on Desdenova (help?), its a good possibility that Plague would appear eager for you to come...for undisclosable purposes...
You could also know from your wilderness experiences (or any of you with that type of character) that there is a sort of gathering hall for the Aspodell's Hunter's Guild where they welcome outdoorsmen and naturalists from around Avistan. Or you might have at least been warned about giants and trolls in the surrounding mountains.
Good thoughts. Thank you.
Desdenova is entirely made up. The APG gave next to no info on the various patrons, so I just picked that name from an old Blue Oyster Cult song. :P
For stats, you can choose to do standard roll, dice pool, or 20pt purchase as described in the phb.
What are we doing for stats generation? I will go with the group.
Mine was also 20 point buy.
20pt buy then.
How are we doing HP?
You can choose to roll it, or half it. And you can choose individually.
Well, clearly, this is the sort of operation that Jervaise specializes in ;-)
I am happy with the concept of a 'covert-ops' style insertion plan, but the traveling troubadours concept might stretch credulity a little - Jervaise does not exactly look like a performer, although I suppose he could bill himself as the party's 'handler'/muscle, in a pinch. If we really wanted to go that route, it would probably be a good idea if everyone took at least 1 rank in a Perform skill, so that our cover is not blown if we are asked to do a performance...
Another alternative is to go in as a group of traveling merchants + bodyguards - asking the General for two horses + wagon + trade goods (nothing too ludicrous - say, 1000gp of miscellaneous trade goods, plus a small selection of weapons and shields) would probably help with that...
I would definitely veto the idea of being a group of bandits - that would attract entirely too much attention ;-)
Thoughts?
By the way, if possible lets try to have everyone ready by Thursday night. Id like to start either Thursday night or Friday.
I'm also going to do a thing where if someone is gone for 2 days I'll control them in movement, combat, and yes/no decisions. Or is that too short a window?
If you need/want more info let me know. I can't operate without feedback, don't worry about being annoying or anything like that. If you even want to roll some knowledge checks or just get what you already know with a DC10 that's cool.
I guess that's another thing, any time you want to do something like checks just do it. If you can't do it for some reason I'll let you know. Its just easier, quicker, and encourages you to be creative, I feel.
In general I feel like the game is most like an improvised play where we all are actors, writers, and directors together. Chance is the driver. So just be adventurous and go for the coolest, most dramatic, or most tasteful ends you can...without ruining anyone else's good time. Hopefully I'm not sounding like too much of a douchebag right now...
PAELLAT:
I will often take control of a character during play if they're holding up the show...I have this handy dandy avatar for that...
Also, I'll try to have Paellat ready to go Thursday...hmm that's tomorrow... I'll still try.
Last role was my HP by the way.
Any traits? Or none?
Jervaise- Without a doubt your character has the potential to be a leader of the group, if you guys want/need that. And yes, you could get that type of equipment to add to the disguise no sweat. The only exception would be bringing in bag after bag of food...since its going to be a siege pretty soon.
Other options if you all aren't sold on being performers:
-In town is a newly built temple to Asmodeus. You could pretend to be a small cult coming in for the first time. Raise the risk, raise the reward.
-You could pretend to be some Chelish emissaries with an important message for the baron, or a wanted prisoner or beast.
I suppose the best strategy would be whatever affords you the most freedom and status. You need to find and take out threats to Dakovya's force and Andoran loyalists pretty quick. You might also think about establishing a line of communication and/or supply with his forces.
Ilorian- As far as traits go I'm inexperienced. If people think they're good/fun then lets do 2 each, not required.
I am happy for there to be traits :-)
Hmmm... Here's an idle thought - with the 2,500gp we each receive, we could all buy Boots of Elvenkind, to become Team Ninja :-P
Regarding trade goods, yes, I understand - hauling ten tonnes of wheat into town just before a siege would be a tad counter-productive ;-)
How about:
Cloth and Spice merchants:
15sq. yards of blue silk (150gp)
15sq. yards of red silk (150gp)
15sq. yards of green silk (150gp)
50sq. yards of bleached linen (200gp)
10lbs of saffron (150gp)
10lbs of cloves (150gp)
10lbs of ginger (20gp)
10lbs of pepper (20gp)
20lbs of tobacco (10gp)
I dare say that with a wagon-load like that, we could probably mix with all of the people around town, and even gain entrance to the keep - the Baron will want to look good, after all, and I dare say his kitchen could do with spices :-D
I don't think it would be unbelievable for some performers to travel with a merchant caravan protected by bodyguards...who just killed some bandits.
Paellat: Looking good, dig the wand rifle. You can probably play the first few posts without a complete character sheet anyways.
I think my character sheet is all set up, if you want to look it over kikkoman.
I'm tending to side with the merchant idea, though if we went as performers and were asked to actually perform, that could be comedy gold.
Here's the character idea I have for Mags. She is a half-elf who was adopted and raised by dwarves. Her natural parents died when she was 12, the result of political disagreements that went too far. Her parents were both very active politically. In any event, after their deaths she was placed for a short while with the temple of calistia where she met Llyrann, before being adopted by the drawven couple. Her parents estate was placed in probate, to be given to her when she reached adulthood. When this time final came she found that the inheritance had been squandered by the officials who were supposed to be protecting it. Though she doesn't know for sure, she suspects that the Baron (or, if you prefer, one of his underlings) was behind the theft. Whether there's any truth to that I'll leave up to the DM. But she believes it to be true. After this she lived her life mostly in solitude, travelling occasionally with Llyrann. When Llyrann learned of the plans to bring down the Baron, knowing Mags hatred for the man, she passed the knowledge on and Mags promptly volunteered for the mission.
The Barons involvement would mean that she spent her youth in the area, but she was young so she doesn't need to know more than you'd feel comfortable having her know.
A painfully more detailed account of her life up til now is on her character sheet btw.
<============Fleshed out ...kinda.
I agree with the merchant idea, we can pass anyone off as a body guard if needed.
Mags: Its not painful, the bullet points make it pretty readable, really. I don't know why, but I'm happy you chose the "cackle" hex. It would be nice if you could put Plague's stats somewhere, but no rush.
If you're wanting a more detailed critique on your writing content, I don't know why my opinion matters, but I'd say you've given yourself plenty of tools to apply in game. The two things that really "pop" to me are your interactions with Plague and the lost inheritance.
I'm also the kind of player who writes a big prep, but I tend to gravitate towards something more "in character" rather than narrative/history just because I personally find it useful, or probably because I play more table top games where its handy to be able to be your character without delay.
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Paellat: Looking good, dig the wand rifle. You can probably play the first few posts without a complete character sheet anyways.
Oh, OK, I haven't even modified it yet, I'll stick with the wand rifle then =D that was from my old build, completely unbroken build really, of course he's a bard so y'know...
That will be less I have to deal with then.
Ilorian: Looks pretty sweet, you'll be front-lining for sure. I don't have the APG though, so you'll have to supply me with the details on Urban Ranger stuff (unless I'm just totally overlooking it somewhere on the SRD site)
Lost- Id prefer cleric or oracle just because I don't have access to the archivist in the SRD. But if you want to type out some stuff its no problem, I recall the general idea from 3.5.
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Lost- Id prefer cleric or oracle just because I don't have access to the archivist in the SRD. But if you want to type out some stuff its no problem, I recall the general idea from 3.5.
Archivist is an alternate bard. I'm already a bard, and was thinking of doing archivist.
Some bards greatly prefer academic pursuits to the drama
(and sometimes melodrama) of their artistic brethren.
Bardic Performance: An archivist gains the following
types of bardic performance.
Naturalist (Ex): An archivist who has identified a
creature with a Knowledge check appropriate to its type
can use performance to share strategies for defeating it
with allies in combat. The archivist and any allies within
30 feet gain a +1 insight bonus to AC and on attack rolls
and saving throws against exceptional, supernatural,
and spell-like abilities used by creatures of that specific
kind of monster (e.g., frost giants, not all giants or all
humanoids). This bonus increases by +1 at 5th level and
every six levels thereafter. This language-dependent
ability requires visual and audible components. This
ability replaces inspire courage.
Lamentable Belabourment (Ex): At 6th level, an archivist
can bewilder a creature already fascinated by his
performance. Using this ability does not disrupt the
fascinate effect, but it does require a standard action to
activate (in addition to the free action to continue the
fascinate effect). The target must make a Will save (DC 10
+ 1/2 the bard’s level + the bard’s Cha modifier). Success
renders the target immune to this power for 24 hours,
but failure leaves the target either dazed or confused
(archivist’s choice) for as long as the performance
continues. If the target takes damage, this effect ends
immediately. This mind-affecting ability relies on audible
components. This ability replaces inspire greatness.
Pedantic Lecture (Su): At 18th level, an archivist can
affect as many creatures with lamentable belaborment as
he currently has fascinated. In addition, he may choose
to cause targets to fall asleep rather than be dazed or
confused. This ability replaces mass suggestion.
Lore Master (Ex): At 2nd level, an archivist may take 20
on Knowledge checks once per day, plus once per six levels
beyond 2nd. This ability replaces versatile performance.
Magic Lore (Ex): At 2nd level, an archivist gains a bonus
on Spellcraft checks to identify magic items or decipher
scrolls and may take 10 on such checks. An archivist
can use Disable Device to disarm magical traps as per a
rogue’s trapfinding ability and gains a +4 bonus on saves
against magical traps, language-dependent effects, and
symbols, glyphs, and magical writings of any kind. This
ability replaces well-versed.
Jack of All Trades (Ex): At 5th level, an archivist can
use any skill, even if the skill normally requires him to be
trained. At 11th level, he considers all skills to be class skills,
and at 17th level he can take 10 on any skill check, even if it is
not normally allowed. This ability replaces lore master.
Probable Path (Ex): At 10th level, an archivist can calculate
the action likely to bring success with the least risk. Once
per day, he can take 10 on any d20 roll. He may use this
ability one additional time per day for every three levels
after 10th. This ability replaces jack of all trades.
Note: The majority of all bard alternate classes are just alternate bardic performances.
Thanks, I see it now in the SRD, too...still can't find Ilorian's urban ranger though.
From APG:
Many rangers rely on spells, but there are some who eschew
aid from divine powers for their own reasons. Skirmishers
rely on their wits, their wisdom, and sometimes even
instinct to aid in their quests. A skirmisher has the
following class features.
Hunter’s Tricks: At 5th level, a skirmisher ranger
learns the use of hunter’s tricks, which typically grant
a boon or bonus to the ranger or a nearby ally. At 5th
level, the ranger learns one trick, selected from the list
below. At 7th level, and every two levels thereafter, he
learns another trick. A ranger can use these tricks a total
number of times per day equal to 1/2 his ranger level + his
Wisdom modifier. Tricks are usually swift actions, but
sometimes move or free actions that modify a standard
action, usually an attack action. Once a trick is chosen, it
can’t be retrained. A ranger cannot select an individual
trick more than once. This ability replaces the ranger’s
spells class feature. Skirmishers do not gain any spells or
spellcasting ability, do not have a caster level, and cannot
use spell trigger and spell completion magic items.
For the urban ranger, the streets and sewers of the city are
just as dangerous as the barren wastelands or the deep
forests. An urban ranger has the following class features.
Urban Ranger: At 1st level, an urban ranger adds Disable
Device and Knowledge (local) to his list of class skills and
removes Handle Animal and Knowledge (nature) from
his list of class skills.
Favored Community (Ex): At 3rd level, the urban ranger
forms a bond with a community. While inside the limits
of this community, he gains a +2 bonus on initiative
checks and Knowledge (local), Perception, Stealth, and
Survival skill checks. An urban ranger traveling through
his favored community leaves no trail and cannot be
tracked (although he may leave a trail if he so desires).
At 8th level, and every five levels thereafter, an urban
ranger may select an additional favored community.
In addition, at each such interval, the skill bonus and
initiative bonus in any one favored community (including
the one just selected, if so desired) increases by +2.
For the purposes of this ability, a community is any
settlement consisting of 100 or more individuals. The
community may be larger than this minimum. Outlying
farms, fields, and houses are not considered part of a
community. This ability replaces favored terrain.
Trapfinding (Ex): At 3rd level, an urban ranger can
f ind and disable traps, as the rogue class feature of the
same name. This ability replaces endurance.
Push Through (Ex): At 7th level, an urban ranger is never
slowed by difficult terrain in his favored communities.
In addition, he can move through the space occupied by
local citizens as if they were allies. This does not apply to
creatures intent on harming the ranger. Areas that are
enchanted or magically manipulated to impede motion,
however, still affect him.
Added stats for my familiar.
Having Plague working against Mags is a fine idea. To some extent that's already an element of their relationship. While she is struggling to return to the NG of her youth, he (or Desdenova more likely) is trying to pull her toward the CE side. I see this desire to pervert Mags more in line with what Desdenova would want than actually killing her outright, I guess. Nothing I can think of would explain why she would want Mags dead, not that there couldn't be something that just hasn't occurred to me. For all practical purposes her inheritance is gone without much in the way of recourse. So that leads me to the thought that Plague could be trying to stop the party from succeeding. Desdenova would almost certainly prefer to see the Chillaxian influence win out. Gets kind of complicated though. Maybe too much?
I'm curious on the mechanics of this type of situation though. My old DM used to just let familiars be handled by their masters, but it seems like this would lend itself to you having more control over Plague. I know some DM's prefer that anyway. What are your thoughts on this?
Also, I know the revenge thing is a bit of a trope. If you'd rather avoid that, I'm totally fine with that. I couldn't quite tell from your post. I'm really pretty easy going. And if we go with the Plague thing, the revenge bit may be too much anyway, or vice-versa.
If you've ideas that you think would be fun or interesting to play out, I'd love to hear.
Mags: I like our characters having met twice. Also, a friendship with Mags gives Llyrann a reason to join the group to take down the Baron. I doubt Llyrann cares much about the Baron either way (unless he's actually her father who abandoned her), but she's fiercely loyal to her friends, and would see helping Mags take her revenge as almost a holy quest (worshiper of Calistria).
I had liked the entertainer idea simply because of Llyrann's high Charisma (and beauty), thought she'd be a good fit for that as a sort of "Fragile Beauty Handles Dangerous Animals!" act. I can see that the merchants idea would make better sense tactically, though. Llyrann could still take care of the animals for the caravan/wagon, but the performing act would surely be more fun. Even the weapon types could have 'theatrical' swordplay and weapon demonstrations for the peasants and such, and could be interested in castle defenses and weapons 'for the sake of our art.'
Thanks, that looks fun. Pardon my lack of popular gaming materials.
To recap where we are right now,
-4/6 players are finished with character ideas.
-Illorian,Jervaise,Mags are down for the merchant disguise. Jervaise suggests cloth and spices.
-Mags and Llyrann know each other from childhood.
I'll go ahead and plan to start the game late tonight (morning to me now) unless something crazy comes up. It shouldn't be a problem if character sheets aren't 100%.
Another way would be that Plague is the reason Desdenova hasn't completely succeeded in corrupting her yet. Somewhere he has a good heart but is just routinely dominated by Desdenova. Just a thought, perhaps a plucky young mouse defying the patron of plagues is ridiculous.
I like the revenge thing. Most things have been done before, I don't feel like it cheapens the character or game. Kill Bill was still an interesting movie years after the first revenge flick. Besides, it gives you one clear motivation.
I'll pitch more as the game goes on. At this point I'll plan on both, and hopefully spice it up so you feel engaged when it actually happens somehow.
Llyrann- There's no reason you can't be an entertainer traveling with the merchants. You could be like the flashy girl that brings in customers. That might be nicer than a scar faced 64 year old saying "wanna buy some spice" with 14 charisma. I feel like historical gypsy caravans (who were also merchants) had some type of entertainment wrapped in their enterprise. And thanks for finding a motivation.
That sounds great! Also, if the opportunity arises to take the castle for ourselves, Llyrann would rather it go to Mags, ironic justice and all. Now I just have to figure out what to do with all that starting gold. Never started a character that high level before.
Edit: Ack! Just realized that the Serpentine bloodline for sorcerer isn't on that SRD document, though it is in APG. If you don't want to mess with the Serpentine bloodline, I'll switch it to Abyssal.
Lly- Its ok, you clearly listed them on the sheet. And yes, purchasing can be overwhelming. After you pick a few magic items it should be closer to what you're used to. Id choose fun stuff over practical stuff, but that's just me.
Ilorian checked his saddle bags for the third time, and turned to look down at the scraggly wolf laying in the dirt, that was the unofficial mascot of Raptor Company. ”You and me is all that’s left boy, let’s get rambling.”
The wolf raises its ears and bounded to its feet, standing strait and rigid. Damn wolf only does that when…
“SGT Darlok.”
Ilorian spins on his heels and snaps to attention. ”General Dakovya. Good afternoon Sir.” Before Illorian stands the old General in charge of the Andoran army.
“You don’t have to do that anymore Darlok. You have been released from service.” The old man turns and spits into the dust swerling around his feet.
Ilorian relaxes his stance and looks sheepishly at Dakovya. “Old habit General.”
”Are you sure you won’t change your mind about this, we can still use you here.” the General turns his head and looks around at the bustle of the military encampment that is in the process of being brokin down.
It’s Ilorian’s turn to spit into the dust, ”No Sir. I am done with this. I have been in the Army almost half my life and other than all the scars, I have nothing to show for it. Time to move on and make the gold I need for a life better than seeing my friends butchered because of a wet behind the ears nobles’ son’s incompetence.”
General Dakovya grunts and shakes his head. “That was some bad business there I agree, but the Lieutenant has the potential, luckily you brought him back.”
Ilorian’s lip curls in a resemblance of a wolf’s snarl. ” That’s because he didn’t diserve to die on the battlefield with the rest of the company.”
”I will chose to believe you meant that with compassion Darlok.”
”Chose what you want Sir, I am a civilian now.
The two men stare at each other for a moment and the wolf lets out a small whine.
“I guess you’re right. Well, that all being said, I have another mission for you Ilorian.”
In fifteen years under the Generals command, not once had he called Ilorian by his first name, and the significance was not lost on the ex-sargent.
“I’m listening General.”
”Since your new found career is all about gold, how does 2,500 strike you?”
Ilorian grins; 2500g is more than he would ever see in the Army. It strikes me like a bag of anvils General. Who do I have to kill?”
“It may not come to that. Right now I just want you to deliver some messages. Follow me to my tent Ilorian, we will discuss it over an ale.”
The general turns and strides away, leaving Ilorian and the wolf in the dusty compound. “Well boy, looks like we just got promoted.” He then reties his horse’s reigns to the hitching post and walks after the old man.
Very cool stuff. I'll go ahead and open the game in a few minutes.
Even though its started, feel free to make drastic last minute changes to stuff. And Lost Soul, no rush, if you have at least a vague idea of the character just start playing and we'll make it work.
T
I'll go ahead and plan to start the game late tonight (morning to me now) unless something crazy comes up. It shouldn't be a problem if character sheets aren't 100%.** spoiler omitted **
Will get the character done this weekend. If you have an email I can send you the class. I will be a scholarly person whom has tagged along with the merchants to come and browse the older temple for "knowledge". I would put more work into it tonight, but I DM tomorrow here at my house.
Gnite All
P.S. He will be similar to this char.
Lost- Sure, all can use this email account for anything:
kikkomanDM@gmail.com
Sorry about the late post; just got home from work.
Llyrann isn't really trying to take over the caravan or anything, she just wanted to distract the guards from thinking too clearly and does love being the center of attention.
Not a problem on both counts. You got it, what are you going to do with it?