Just curious what your thoughts on Boomer are. I enjoy playing support type characters and its not often I can even think about trying a combination like alchemist and bard on the same character. It's an interesting concept that, despite the comparatively high stats, depends heavily on party aid/interaction to really shine. At the very least, it was a fun exercise in how to take the higher end of the possible stats, and turn them into something party friendly.
(Rin Lightbringer)
I Dmed for 11+ years and I know how it is when you start allowing a ton of books into the game, gets WAY complicated way quick if your new at Dming. (I own so many books it would drive you mad!)
Thank you for the the character, Rin.
I think Cavalier class was made for the halfling. (Any mounted class for that matter) And they can carry more hardware pound for pound too. That AC is through the roof!
Make sure that all the armour check penalties are accounted for, eh?
There are in fact no nomadic halfling tribes in the Andoran which I envision.
Suggestion: What if he starts as a stablehand in the garrison at Adamas, who is constantly "overlooked" by the warriors there due to his stature. So he takes his carreer into his own hands and sets off to be a knight errant?
Regarding wolves...perhaps - while he was an infant - he was discovered in the keeping of a wolf by one of the Diamond Regiment paladins while on a war mission in the Arthfell forest?
Let me know what you think.
(Mikael Sebag)
Naturally, I opted for the 22-point buy.
I also decided to go with wizard as it ultimately works better with the character concept anyway...!
Cameric Dunstable
Male human abjurer 1
NG Medium humanoid (human)
Init +5; Senses Perception +0
DEFENSE
AC 11, touch 11, flat-footed 10 (+1 Dex)
hp 8 (1 HD)
Fort +1, Ref +1, Will +1
Resist energy 5 (variable)
OFFENSE
Speed 30 ft.
Melee +5 bastard sword (1d10+3;19-20/x2)
Special Attacks disruption (+3 touch, 7/day), bonded object 1/day
Spells Prepared (CL 1st; 10% spell failure; concentration +5 [+9 defensively])
1st – shield, magic missile, sleep (DC 15)
0 (at will) – detect magic, light, mage hand
Opposition Schools Illusion, Necromancy
STATISTICS
Str 16, Dex 12, Con 13, Int 18, Wis 8, Cha 9
Base Atk +0; CMB +3; CMD 14
Feats Improved Initiative, Combat Casting, Scribe Scroll
Skills Diplomacy +0, Knowledge (arcana) +8, Knowledge (local) +8, Knowledge (planes) +8, Perception +0, Spellcraft +9, Use Magic Device +0
Languages Common, Auran, Celestial, Draconic, Sylvan
SQ bonded object (bastard sword), traits (Heirloom Weapon, Classically Schooled), counterspell school, resistance
Combat Gear 70 gp
BACKGROUND
Since leaving his studies less than a year ago at the Arcanamirium in Absalom in order to enlist in the Andoran Eagle Knights, Cameric has been unrelenting in his proposal for the establishment of a dedicated wizard order within the Golden Legion. Though he argued convincingly for the value of such a force in the fight against Cheliax, his superiors in Almas quickly tired of the young wizard’s persistence and sent Cameric to Falcon’s Hollow where he could no longer continue to stir up controversy. While obligated to obey his commander’s orders, Cameric longs to see some action in the desolate logging town, hoping that bold exploits performed in the line of duty may lend weight to his ambitions.
DESCRIPTION
At 26 years old, Cameric stands an impressive 6 feet tall, with tanned skin, blue eyes, and messy locks of golden hair (the corners of which, however, are rapidly receding). He is always dressed in his Eagle Knight uniform; blue coat, white vest, white breeches, and black riding boots. Though he has handsome features and a welcoming smile, his ambition betrays either his clumsy social skills or his utter obliviousness to his surroundings.
Here's a quick sketch: CLICK ME! ^_^
Disregard post, just testing if the Google Reader extension on Firefox and my cellphone are working.
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Roger that on the supplements~ On the Darkmoon Vale stuff I own some of the books about that area but as of yet my focus has been more on Kingmaker, Serpents Skull and a 3.5e (not in golarion) Pbp i'm in. So I haven't read into it at all.
As to the change in background, both idea's sound good to me. =) A cavalier who is a bit unorthodox in his mount selection, but if a pony is more suitable I can adjust that as well~ That background was a partial rewrite from my original outrider.
Armored Coat + Armored Kilt + Size mod and Dex is a killer combo xD
I will try and get my character worked up asap~
Testing to see if I can do this right with a different alias.
I'm loving the creativity these characters are showing. So often in home games you end up with characters that are lucky to have a name given to them and used. The ideas here are amazing.
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You can go through and check out some of my other aliases Quartermaster Kai'itza, Bein'Meleth and Atzi are my active ones right now. the rest were all failed attempts to get into a PBP.
After years of Dming and several being a player I can't help but be creative. All the character I have created both Player/NPC have had plenty of personality and back story to each one. I tried to always take in to account the individual player wants and expectations and then expand in as many directions as I could. (since my players always went left instead of right!) I used to kinda railroad things in the beginning myself but later on I learned to create a more sandbox style game and allowed my players to go in any direction they wished (coughattheirownperilcough)
My homegroup tended to be very roleplay heavy so it was nice for people to actually play / be in character.
That's actually a good question, Doug. I kinda automatically used traits from Adventurer's Armory and Gnomes of Golarion just because they were the ones that best matched up to the character. I may have to adjust those.
I can use the fortified drinker (religion -Cayden Cailean) and skeptic (magic) traits if the previous ones are from non-allowed sources.
re: Traits. You may select traits from any source. You can even make them up. But they have to be "balanced" and I have to approve it. That's all. Although I prefer core classes...I am open minded about traits...be creative with traits! Also, please specify how they work. If they are not in the PFSRD then you will need to elaborate.
Boomer - wandering cook/alchemist/scribe. I dig the idea of this character. Great choice for the high roller. Earlier you mentioned entomologist (or was it etymologist?). If there is a particular rule for it please elaborate. Either way I think a scientist/scholar -type would be a great choice with the stats you have. ....oh I see...clearly he is a linguist...so etymologist it is....also interesting.
FYI. Darkmoon Vale is known for it's highly unusual and bizarre geomorphological features. The stratovolcano Droskar's Crag is probably the highest peak in Golarion and you'll find all kinds of wierd volcanic activity happening around the place.
I have avoided playing Alchemists in the past because I was always worried aboyt having to having to keep track of all kinds of materials , potions, knick-knacks and gee-gaws. If you like keeping inventories then it's a great choice. A scholarly-type druid might also work. (with those stats you can really think outside of the box)
Cameric: that bastard sword will make a clumsy melee weapon for your abjuror at level 1. (-4 without martial proficiency) But you probably wish to wield it anyway as your bonded object. I don't think the heirloom trait ought to stack with the +1 masterwork quality it already has as a bonded object. It is a bit hard to make sense of it though. How does a wizard bond with a sword he has no training to wield? Why a sword? (or maybe you should start his career as a fighter?)
Doug. The party is looking short on muscle...something to consider. But a party without a warrior might be very interesting too.
So far we have 5 terrific submissions in the works....with Doug working on one as well. Am I missing anyone?
Boomer - Alchemist
Rhylis - Conjuror
Cameric - Abjuror
Kornin - Cavalier
Hedgenight - Cleric
Doug - TBA
The main draw about online games is, I think, its narrative style. Written in prose, a roleplaying game is just a marvel to read -- not to mention that you have some more time to think about how your character would react to something, rather than just play straight out of your gut and often misrepresent what your character is supposed to be and represent.
Incidentally, if Rhylis gets picked, that's just a little tidbit of the background I had in mind. Though I also like to work with the GM and add in some potential plot hooks -- one's already plenty evident in the short part I posted, specifically that she's been sent in secret by Chelaxian officials and is hoping to slow her mission down to such a crawl that the humans might forget about her ... or presume her dead.
Obviously, it'd be really boring if that were to actually happen. It'd be great if someone comes for her at some point. Then she'll have to be all conflicted about her former (more or less abandoned) loyalties and staying true to her new friends, before of course opting for the group and betraying her country (or not. Edziza could totally use illicit means to pressure her, after all), which could lead into many further developments. Yay!
Cameric: that bastard sword will make a clumsy melee weapon for your abjuror at level 1. (-4 without martial proficiency) But you probably wish to wield it anyway as your bonded object. I don't think the heirloom trait ought to stack with the +1 masterwork quality it already has as a bonded object. It is a bit hard to make sense of it though. How does a wizard bond with a sword he has no training to wield? Why a sword? (or maybe you should start his career as a fighter?)
He's correct with his stats there, I fear. The Heirloom Trait gives Proficiency with the specific Heirloom (but not the weapon in general), so he can wield this particular Bastard Sword as if he is proficient. And Masterwork stacks with a Trait Bonus.
Essentially, he's picking it because he gets +2 to attack with it due to MW and the trait AND it counts as proficient AND he can later enchant it at half cost (weapons are the most expensive magical items to enchant). The main risk here is that it could get sundered. Or stolen. And, poof, all the nice benefits are gone; that's why it's more powerful than most other traits, which can't just be taken away.
I'd guess that he wants to go the Eldritch Knight route later. I'm definitely staying a Wizard, myself ... well, maybe Loremaster is an option later.
Etymologist is a trait from Gnomes of Golarion that gives one additional bonus language to start with, +1 to linguistics, and linguistics is a class skill. Some gnomes just are that curious about languages.
Durgan Stoneshield - Male Dwarven Cleric of Torag
Did you consider this trait, hedgeknight?:
** spoiler omitted **
Oh my! That's a nice trait - where did you find it? I'll gladly take that in place of Child of the Temple. Thanks!
BTW - does the group need some type of "tank" or "meat shield"? :)
I believe that trait was in Dwarves of Golarion.
As far as a meat shield is concerned, I would personally say that's up to you. If you want to play one, great, if not, the party will just have to be careful about what fights it gets in and when.
Cameric: that bastard sword will make a clumsy melee weapon for your abjuror at level 1. (-4 without martial proficiency) But you probably wish to wield it anyway as your bonded object. I don't think the heirloom trait ought to stack with the +1 masterwork quality it already has as a bonded object. It is a bit hard to make sense of it though. How does a wizard bond with a sword he has no training to wield? Why a sword? (or maybe you should start his career as a fighter?)He's correct with his stats there, I fear. The Heirloom Trait gives Proficiency with the specific Heirloom (but not the weapon in general), so he can wield this particular Bastard Sword as if he is proficient. And Masterwork stacks with a Trait Bonus.
Essentially, he's picking it because he gets +2 to attack with it due to MW and the trait AND it counts as proficient AND he can later enchant it at half cost (weapons are the most expensive magical items to enchant). The main risk here is that it could get sundered. Or stolen. And, poof, all the nice benefits are gone; that's why it's more powerful than most other traits, which can't just be taken away.
I'd guess that he wants to go the Eldritch Knight route later. I'm definitely staying a Wizard, myself ... well, maybe Loremaster is an option later.
The other downside with heirloom weapon is that you can't use that cool new weapon the party just looted, you have to pay for upgrading your heirloom weapon if you want a magic weapon.
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Kornin has a really good AC but he's not a beater by any means. Although if I take a few levels of fighter and get a mix of power attack, furious focus and overhand chop going I can increase his damage slightly. Although it would be nice to have a higher strength lol:P
But if someone takes the beater role I might just focus on AC instead, perhaps go the bodyguard route.
I believe that trait was in Dwarves of Golarion.
As far as a meat shield is concerned, I would personally say that's up to you. If you want to play one, great, if not, the party will just have to be careful about what fights it gets in and when.
Thanks!
I had thought about playing a fighter-type, but once I saw my stats and got to thinking about my character, I decided to go with a cleric - it's been a long while since I played one.
Cameric: that bastard sword will make a clumsy melee weapon for your abjuror at level 1. (-4 without martial proficiency) But you probably wish to wield it anyway as your bonded object. I don't think the heirloom trait ought to stack with the +1 masterwork quality it already has as a bonded object. It is a bit hard to make sense of it though. How does a wizard bond with a sword he has no training to wield? Why a sword? (or maybe you should start his career as a fighter?)He's correct with his stats there, I fear. The Heirloom Trait gives Proficiency with the specific Heirloom (but not the weapon in general), so he can wield this particular Bastard Sword as if he is proficient. And Masterwork stacks with a Trait Bonus.
Essentially, he's picking it because he gets +2 to attack with it due to MW and the trait AND it counts as proficient AND he can later enchant it at half cost (weapons are the most expensive magical items to enchant). The main risk here is that it could get sundered. Or stolen. And, poof, all the nice benefits are gone; that's why it's more powerful than most other traits, which can't just be taken away.
I'd guess that he wants to go the Eldritch Knight route later. I'm definitely staying a Wizard, myself ... well, maybe Loremaster is an option later.
Rhylis is correct on all counts (since, of course, the masterwork quality isn't doubled with itself or any such strange nonsense). I figure that since I'm selecting the bastard sword as both my bonded object and my heirloom weapon, I'm offsetting one of the inherent benefits of either ability by effectively "wasting" a free masterwork item at 1st level.
I have two reasons for the weapon to be a bastard sword:
1) It's the iconic weapon of the Eagle Knights.
2) It's a backstory thing that the DM is more than welcome to ask me about, but otherwise remains a secret. Albeit, it's not a very juicy one, but eh, I'll keep it anyway.
I know that many consider Heirloom Weapon to be a powerful trait (myself included), which is also why I took Classically Schooled, which though it honestly kinda sucks, though fits my background. ^_^
Plus, I'm planning on taking Fighter at second level anyway, which should help mix it up a bit. As predicted, Eldritch Knight is the ultimate goal here.
Rules Question Which My Tabletop Group and I Routinely Wonder About:
In combat, a character can hold a two-handed weapon in one hand while casting a spell and then use both hands when attacking (in different rounds, of course), correct?
Sounds like a cool character Cameric. Heirloom Weapon is a cool trait, and I actually toyed around with it with one of the other character concepts I had in my brain. It's only too powerful if its taken solely for its mechanical advantages, with any attempts to create backstory shunned.
So far we have 5 terrific submissions in the works....with Doug working on one as well. Am I missing anyone?
Boomer - Alchemist
Rhylis - Conjuror
Cameric - Abjuror
Kornin - Cavalier
Hedgenight - Cleric
Doug - TBA
I'll withdraw my submission. You've got a large span of characters into which my character would rather stand out in. Hope you all have fun. *courteous nod*
I'll withdraw my submission. You've got a large span of characters into which my character would rather stand out in. Hope you all have fun. *courteous nod*So far we have 5 terrific submissions in the works....with Doug working on one as well. Am I missing anyone?
Boomer - Alchemist
Rhylis - Conjuror
Cameric - Abjuror
Kornin - Cavalier
Hedgenight - Cleric
Doug - TBA
That's for taking the time on this thread, Me'mori.
Well we have 5 characters. Doug's is on the way. The materials I am using were written with smaller, less powerful groups in mind. That is why I wanted a party with no more than 5 characters...
But I really want to see what Doug comes up with. And I hate to turn anyone away....
I am flying by the seat of my pants here anyway...so...sure I'll take a 6th player. What the heck. I'm going to have to learn how to improvise and adjust the challenges anyway. Once Doug submits his character I'll need some time to look them all over and help you flesh out the backgrounds., etc.
Perhaps it`s best that everyone pick whatever kind of character they like. We don`t need meat tanks or glass canons or blasters.
I understand now that the bastard sword may be doable in the RAW. And I do want to see Cameric end up with a kick-ass arcane blade..but I am still wrapping my head around the idea of a level 1 wizard with a big bastard sword...not sold yet.
Well, he does have 16 Strength. Perhaps his line actually is one of Eldritch Knights, and that sword has been wielded by his father and his father before him. And he is, of course, expected to fall in line?
(Yes, wield that big sword, you nice other Wizard, you! I'll just be staying right here, back behind my big summoned minion! Oh, and here, you don't mind carrying my spellbook for me for awhile, right? It's just so heavy!)
*cough*
So here is a final list. I shall create an OOC thread in short order...
Boomer - Alchemist
Rhylis - Conjuror
Cameric - Abjuror
Kornin - Cavalier
Hedgenight - Cleric
Doug - TBA
Thanks everyone.
With as many casters as we have, I'm not all that worried about the chances of our survival. The first few levels may be tricky, but after level 3 or so, survivability won't be an issue.
If you do want to fill a more martial role, Doug, I'd suggest your original pick -- Ranger. We're a little short on people who actually know how to survive out in the wild.
I understand now that the bastard sword may be doable in the RAW. And I do want to see Cameric end up with a kick-ass arcane blade..but I am still wrapping my head around the idea of a level 1 wizard with a big bastard sword...not sold yet.
Well, if you really think about it, character classes are just a mechanical abstraction used to translate elements of a fantasy world into quantitative data. In fact, they're highly presumptuous generalizations that in many ways fail to encapsulate the wide variety of abilities that any individual character may possess.
Sold yet?
Also, any character with a d8 Hit Die has the same attack bonus that Cameric does at this level (+0). Oh, and like Rhylis said, my Strength IS a 16...so yeah...that's coming along.
(Oh, and Rhylis, if you think I'm going to take orders from a Chelaxian infernalist, you'll find that you're quite mistaken!) ~_^
If you do want to fill a more martial role, Doug, I'd suggest your original pick -- Ranger. We're a little short on people who actually know how to survive out in the wild.
Likewise, druid with the right animal companion can be equally good. I can see this party as one that shares aggro and simply overwhelms the enemy with numbers, both party members and potential summons. Either druid or ranger fit well into that scheme.
(This is Doug) Here is my character, Valaerdrel, male elf ranger. Most of the following is in my profile but people seem to be sharing openly, so I'll follow suit.
Background
Valaerdrel hails from the elven kingdom of Kyonin, where he spent the first century of his life as most of his kin do, developing his talents in a variety of directions. His remarkable and varied innate gifts (manifested principally in skill at arms, herbalism, and map-making) garnered the attention of one of Queen Edassseril’s advisors, and the queen quickly sent Valaerdrel abroad, charged with a set of vague, interlocking goals (though all are consistent with her desire to move Kyonin away from its isolationist history). Since this appointment, he has slowly made his way southwest through Druma, and most recently into the Darkmoon Vale, serving his kingdom while seeking the Brightness. He has also taken to traveling with others headed in the same direction, acting as a guide and escort even in lands new to him.
Traits
Seeker of Brightness - +1 to Knowledge (geography) and Perception checks
Anatomist - +1 bonus to confirm critical hits
Feat
Breadth of Experience
Skills
Ranks in Knowledge (geography), Knowledge (nature), Perception, Profession (cartographer), Profession (herbalist), Stealth, Survival
Alternate elf racial features
Woodcraft - +1 to Knowledge (nature) and Survival checks (+2 in forests)
Weapons and armor
Elven curved blade, shortbow, studded leather armor
Other points
Valaerdrel is still a work in progress (e.g., details, physical description, personality). Comments and suggestions are welcome! I am still deciding between the standard ranger build or using the Guide archetype from the Advanced Player's Guide.
I tried to come up with a suitably important background given his high rolls. At the same time, I picked traits, feats and skills that were consistent with this background rather than trying to maximize statistical advantage. The Seeker of Brightness trait comes from Elves of Golarion; I changed Spot check to Perception check to be consistent with the newer core rules.
I love the feat choice, though I may be a little biased there.
Seriously though, looks cool; you did the same thing I did in shaping the stats to fit the concept, which works well for this party. No one, despite the fact the the base line is 22 points, strikes me as being overly powerful or focused on optimizing their stats unless they have a story to match. It should be an interesting party with so many different, and potentially conflicting, backgrounds. Also, no one really stands out as the obvious target in combat, which will help a lot in spreading out incoming damage. The fact that 5 out of the 6 are, or at least will be, capable of spellcasting will be something to watch at higher levels, as that will definitely affect what can challenge the group.
So we have a party of ...
2 elves, a gnome, a halfling, a human and a dwarf. Don't see that every day. Pretty interesting. (Beware, Giants!)
And, yes, the Feat IS pretty awesome. You should absolutely get a compass and one of those cartography sets, too, Valaerdrel.
Please proceed to the OOC thread for some Adventures in Darkmoon Vale.
This finishes up the Recruitment thread. Thanks to everyone who participated.