Well, there's the town hero, Erasmus, powerful wizard and pretty good with the ladies. Ameiko and Sava, the owner of the weapon store, had a big public cat fight over him in the beginning. Of course, now he's devoted to Banker Persephone from Magnimar, but he can't show himself in Sandpoint without breaking a few hearts...
Ahem.
Yeah, that's the version according to Erasmus. In reality, Ameiko hardly looked twice at him, and his relationship with Savah was very brief.
Jade Regent, by default, is set four years after Rise of the Runelords. I was already intending to set this game in the same continuity as my Runelords campaign, which technically isn't over yet. Nazard and I have been moving slowly through it in a game played out on Skype for the last several years. We don't have a particularly regular schedule, and there can often be long periods between sessions, but we've made it into part five now. For this Jade Regent game, I'm going to assume it comes to a successful conclusion, but leave the details of that conclusion vague (as they're not really necessary).
Rise of the Runelords just creates some background fluff for Jade Regent, but has no real impact on it. The characters from my RotI campaign will exist, but they won't be in Sandpoint at this time, and alas, they won't be available on request. :)
...and the party of evil goblins turns on each other. It was only a matter of time, really. :)
It would be funny if, now that you've taken out Vorka, you end up killing each other and not making it back with the fireworks. :)
Funny ha-ha, or funny for the DM? :)
I have to say, knowing this is a short one-shot makes for a different experience than most games. Resource management is much less important (which fits goblins, whom I can't see being very forward-thinking or into delayed gratification), and the prospect of us all killing each other now is kinda shrug-worthy, too.
Now if Pussl can just figure out a way to set off the entire chest of fireworks in one blow, we can all go out in one glorious blaze.
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The player's guide talks about the heroic journey. I want Malan to have a personal journey of his own. Tell me what you think about what I have so far.
Malan’s life is a tale of loss. His parents died in a goblin attack when he was young. Shalelu took him in and began to teach him, but soon her responsibilities called her away. She left him in the care of an aging bladesinger who taught Malan what he knew. In time, the old one went away. When best friend went north to seek adventure, Malan chose to stay with his love, a human woman. She died a few weeks ago. Now Shalelu has returned to his life. Perhaps this time, she will stay.
The player's guide talks about the heroic journey. I want Malan to have a personal journey of his own. Tell me what you think about what I have so far.
Malan’s life is a tale of loss. His parents died in a goblin attack when he was young. Shalelu took him in and began to teach him, but soon her responsibilities called her away. She left him in the care of an aging bladesinger who taught Malan what he knew. In time, the old one went away. When best friend went north to seek adventure, Malan chose to stay with his love, a human woman. She died a few weeks ago. Now Shalelu has returned to his life. Perhaps this time, she will stay.
Wow! Add in the part where he busses tables on the late shift at the Rusty Dragon and his dog got run over by a wagon train, and you have the perfect country western song!!
Introducing Melon Sash :)
Melon was the first to befriend Ameiko when the strange foreign family moved in to Sandpoint. It's no surprise, really, that Melon would try her luck with Ameiko: Melon wasn't particularly popular with the boys due to her strict nature and unwillingness to bend to their whims - and too tomboyish for the girls. But Ameiko, for some reason, didn't mind at all; perhaps it is because she was used to the strong hierarchy and traditions of her own family that Melon didn't appear all that strange, and Melon's strong sense of justice and loyalty endeared her to Ameiko.
Melon is what is known as a master of many styles. It was Ameiko that led Melon down the particular path of combat that she now favors: as children Melon was fascinated by the exotic motions and poses that she on occasion observed at the Kaijitsu household - and Ameiko added fuel to the fire by inventing ever more outlandish and alien postures and stances; allowing for afternoons of fun and immitation. These were in no way able to convey the depth and mastery of true martial art styles, but some invisibile switch in Melon was activated, and in growing to a young woman more and more of her time was dedicated to discovering ways to combine different forms of fighting into one fluid offense and defense. She missed the opportunity to adventure with Ameiko - spending her own time back then exploring Varisia and learning the underhanded combat favored by Sczarni, the raw brawl of the Shoanti, the methodical unarmed style of Chelish pitfighters, and the more traditional unarmed combat taught at the few monk monasteries she encountered. Though idiosyncratic, her own form now draws from all these sources, granting her an unusual flexibility in combat that is both up-front as well as subtle and reactive.
Now returned to Sandpoint she recaptures old memories with Ameiko; and in calmer hours at the Rusty Dragon the two of them might be overheard hatching grand plans of adventure and fortune.
Female human master of many styles 1
LG medium humanoid (Varisian)
Init +2 Senses Perception +6
-=DEFENSE=-
AC 15, touch 15, flat 12
HP 10
Fort 3; Ref 4; Will 4
-=OFFENSE=-
Speed 30ft
Melee unarmed attack +4 (1d6+4 20/x2)
Melee unarmed attack of opportunity +5 (1d6+4 20/x2)
-=OTHER=-
Str 18, Dex 14, Con 12, Int 10, Wis 14, Cha 8
BAB +0; CMB +4; CMD 19
Feats dodge, crane style, snake style
Traits bullied, best friend (campaign, Ameiko)
Favored class monk, +1 hp
Skills
Trained acrobatics 6(1), diplomacy 5(1), perception 6(1), sense motive 6(1), swim 8(1)
Untrained bluff -1; intimidate -1; climb 4; heal +2; survival +2
Wealth 18gp
Weight 22lbs
Encumbrance 100 (light), 200 (medium), 300 (heavy)
- pathfinder's kit 12gp 22lbs
human - dodge
level 1 - crane style
monk 1 - snake style
monk 2 - snake fang
level 3 - combat reflexes
level 5 - crane wing
monk 6 - dragon style
level 7 - crane riposte
level 9 - weapon focus (unarmed)
monk 10 - dragon ferocity
Pathfinder kit: This kit consists of a backpack, a bedroll, a belt pouch, a clay mug, a dagger, 2 fishhooks, f lint and steel, a sewing needle, a signal whistle, 50 feet of string, 50 feet of thread, a waterskin, a week’s worth of trail rations, and a whetstone. For Small creatures, the weight of a Pathfinder’s kit is 7-1/2 pounds. Leaving the bedroll and rations at camp or on a mount reduces the weight by 12 pounds for Medium creatures and by 3 pounds for Small creatures.
Ah. I missed that the frog had moved. He'll have to stand up, five foot step (can't remember if you can do both) and make that kick. If no step allowed, he just stands.
While standing up is a move action, you are not actually moving out of your square, so yes, you can 5-foot-step.
Ah. I missed that the frog had moved. He'll have to stand up, five foot step (can't remember if you can do both) and make that kick. If no step allowed, he just stands.While standing up is a move action, you are not actually moving out of your square, so yes, you can 5-foot-step.
That was my thought also.
On the website, I've added a "Relationships" section for each of the PCs so you can keep track of relationship scores.
I have to admit, I'm a bit uncertain about the relationship "rules". I think they're a great idea for groups who need a little incentive to roleplay relationships. However, since my games tend to include complicated relationships anyway, it's going to feel weird having codified rules telling me how people respond, rather than just improvising it like I'm used to. We'll try them out, but I may end up tossing the idea of having a relationship "score" and just reverting to doing it by improv. :)
On the website, I've added a "Relationships" section for each of the PCs so you can keep track of relationship scores.
I have to admit, I'm a bit uncertain about the relationship "rules". I think they're a great idea for groups who need a little incentive to roleplay relationships. However, since my games tend to include complicated relationships anyway, it's going to feel weird having codified rules telling me how people respond, rather than just improvising it like I'm used to. We'll try them out, but I may end up tossing the idea of having a relationship "score" and just reverting to doing it by improv. :)
You just don't want Gilfroy to be able to start the campaign with his 400 free xp!! I know that's it!!
I don't mind not using codified ways of changing relationship score - but I like the idea of set bonuses for achieving particular relationship levels.
I don't mind not using codified ways of changing relationship score - but I like the idea of set bonuses for achieving particular relationship levels.
Ditto. If it grows tiresome, I'm fine with dropping the tracking system but the bonuses sound like fun. Kinda like the Serpent's Skull NPC quests/ training.
Oh, we'll keep the bonuses in some way. The essence of the system will be there; I just might tire of the numerical values. But then, maybe I won't. The numerical values may stick around. Who knows? I just thought I should give fair warning. :)
Ultimate Combat is almost (finally) available for general purchase. Now I just have to figure out a way to get it past my work's firewall. Either that, or it's going to be a looong wait for tonight to be able to actually download it.
Anyway, soon as I can actually get my hands on it and read through it, I'll start posting my Jade Regent character info.
@Navior: how's Melon Sash looking to you?
I've been looking at UC from time to time throughout the day. Lots of good stuff. It's going to be a hard choice.
I can see why you went with Master of Many Styles, Lorekeeper. It's a very attractive Archetype.
Then again, so is Manuever Master (and Martial Artist and so many more). Of course, from the looks of it, I could go with Master of Many Styles and Manuever Master. Or MoMS and MA.
Decisions, decisions.
@Navior: how's Melon Sash looking to you?
The name sounds like one of the Strawberry Shortcake dolls I didn't manage to collect when I was a kid. :)
@Navior: how's Melon Sash looking to you?
I haven't had a chance to go over the mechanics in detail, but I like the background. Her name did immediately remind me of something, but I couldn't quite place what until Joana's comment above. :)
I will take a more detailed look soon.
@Wander Weir: I actually think the Sensei has a lot of potential too; though I'd possibly cross-class him with Ninja (neither of which will fly by Navior for now). For raw damage I'd go with martial artist, but for a more versatile build the maneuver master will be epic fun.
Heads-up (and shamelessly pilfered from some other thead), Monk Archetype mixing:
Qinggong Monk plus...
...[Drunken Master -or- Ki Mystic] / Master of Many Styles / [Monk of the Lotus -or- Monk of the Sacred Mountain]
...[Drunken Master -or- Ki Mystic] / Monk of the Four Winds / [Monk of the Sacred Mountain -or- Sensei]
...[Drunken Master -or- Ki Mystic] / Monk of the Lotus / Sensei
...[Drunken Master -or- Ki Mystic] / Weapon Adept
...Flowing Monk / Monk of the Sacred Mountain
...Hungry Ghost Monk / Master of Many Styles / Monk of the Sacred Mountain
...[Hungry Ghost Monk -or- Martial Artist] / Sensei
...Maneuver Master / [Monk of the Four Winds -or- Weapon Adept]
...[Master of Many Styles -or- Sensei] / Sohei
...Monk of the Empty Hand / Monk of the Four Winds / Monk of the Sacred Mountain
...Monk of the Empty Hand / [Monk of the Lotus -or- Weapon Adept]
...Monk of the Healing Hand / [Monk of the Sacred Mountain -or- Sensei -or- Tetori]
...Zen Archer
Unless I missed something, Martial Artist and Master of Many Styles will work together so I'm going with that. (If I did miss something, please let me know.)
I love the Maneuver Master but in my opinion the MAD is even worse than usual. You really want to get a decent INT as well as STR, DEX, CON and WIS. I just couldn't figure out a way to make it work with a 20 point buy in a way that I was happy with.
I agree that Sensei is nice.
Unless I missed something, Martial Artist and Master of Many Styles will work together so I'm going with that. (If I did miss something, please let me know.)
I love the Maneuver Master but in my opinion the MAD is even worse than usual. You really want to get a decent INT as well as STR, DEX, CON and WIS. I just couldn't figure out a way to make it work with a 20 point buy in a way that I was happy with.
I agree that Sensei is nice.
Monks don't need to meet pre-requisites for their bonus feats, so you don't need a 13 Int for Maneuver Feats.
Monks don't need to meet pre-requisites for their bonus feats, so you don't need a 13 Int for Maneuver Feats.
I was wondering about that. The Maneuver Master didn't specify that so I thought it might be an exception.
I was wondering about that. The Maneuver Master didn't specify that so I thought it might be an exception.
Monks don't need to meet pre-requisites for their bonus feats, so you don't need a 13 Int for Maneuver Feats.
Maneuver master/Weapon Master with temple sword...
Okay, Wander Weir here introducing Aago Belgas, Martial Artist / Master of the Many Styles. I think I covered most everything but if anyone sees an error somewhere, please let me know. This is actually the first Pathfinder Monk I've made.
Oh, but I haven't actually rolled for starting gold yet so I haven't loaded up on equipment. Here we go.
X 10 = 30 gp.
Just checked again why the "short-hand" list didn't show martial artist + many styles: both replace perfect self. Sorry :(
Just checked again why the "short-hand" list didn't show martial artist + many styles: both replace perfect self. Sorry :(
You know, I've looked at the entry for Martial Artist and I've never seen it say anywhere that it replaces Perfect Self. Where is that at?
Edit: Never mind. I finally found it listed under Extreme Endurance. I thought it'd be nearer to the bottom of the list. Dammit. Back to the drawing boards.
Man, I hate spending all that time on a profile only to find that it's got to be done all over again.
Edit #2: What's really annoying is that no AP path ever gets people up to 20th level so it's not as though I'm even going to be dealing with the Perfect Self replacement. Gah!
Okay, I updated the character sheet to drop the effects of Master of Many Styles. That was really the easiest way to fix it without remaking the character from scratch. Anything else would have required a rewrite of the character background as well, so what the hell. No more griping from me.
And you can still follow one or two styles - just a bit more "manual" than the archetype.
And you can still follow one or two styles - just a bit more "manual" than the archetype.
Don't you have to fulfill the requirements without the archetype, though?
I was just going over the martial artist archetype, and I noticed that it does not replace abundant step, and yet abundant step requires a ki pool to use and the martial artist does not get a ki pool. A search through threads on this board shows that it has been noticed, but there doesn't seem to be an answer to it yet.
However, abundant step is a long way off. I'm sure there'll be an answer by the time you get to that level. :)
I was just going over the martial artist archetype, and I noticed that it does not replace abundant step, and yet abundant step requires a ki pool to use and the martial artist does not get a ki pool. A search through threads on this board shows that it has been noticed, but there doesn't seem to be an answer to it yet.
However, abundant step is a long way off. I'm sure there'll be an answer by the time you get to that level. :)
Yeah, I saw that too. The contributor has already suggested some other options so even if it doesn't make it to the FAQ eventually (which is hard to imagine) we can probably work something out.
No maneuver master? Now I'm sad. Perhaps Gilfroy will have to take a few levels in that. Oracle/Sorcerer/Mystic Theurge/Maneuver Master with a 5 Strength!! Woo hoo!!!!
No maneuver master? Now I'm sad. Perhaps Gilfroy will have to take a few levels in that. Oracle/Sorcerer/Mystic Theurge/Maneuver Master with a 5 Strength!! Woo hoo!!!!
I really wanted to play a Maneuver Master but my whole character concept is based on the idea that he's not Lawful. That's the problem with coming up with a concept first and then picking a class/ archetype that fits it. Still, I'm pretty impressed with just how many options Paizo has come up with that perfectly fit my character's background and personality.
What does being Lawful have to do with anything? Not wanting to speak for Navior, but he's pretty hand-wavey when it comes to alignment.
Sometimes...
I can be somewhat hand-wavy when it comes to alignment restrictions for some things (but not all things; I still enforce lawful good for paladins, for example). I could probably be convinced to allow a non-lawful monk.
In other news, I finally have my print copies of Ultimate Combat, Brinewall Legacy, etc. Hooray!
Their common enemy vanquished, the goblins now have no incentive not to turn on each other.
Their common enemy vanquished, the goblins now have no incentive not to turn on each other.
Especially with Reta's girly parts to fight over. Goblins are like frat boys with teeth and torches.
If I weren't so keen on playing Gil (and there weren't already two monks in the party) I'd be tempted to work up my own maneuver master. Ki Throw at first level, Improved Ki Throw at third. By fourth level, with an enlarge person and 1 Ki point, you can go bowling with stone giants! How could that not be fun??
Their common enemy vanquished, the goblins now have no incentive not to turn on each other.
Funny thing is, even though Pussl is the one most likely to do exactly that, *I* don't want to. I feel bad about beating up on my pals. Even when it's just a game (and a one-shot at that!).
Especially with Reta's girly parts to fight over. Goblins are like frat boys with teeth and torches.
Now that's just funny stuff right there! And soooo true...
Funny thing is, even though Pussl is the one most likely to do exactly that, *I* don't want to. I feel bad about beating up on my pals. Even when it's just a game (and a one-shot at that!).
Yeah, I'm the same way. I just can't do it. Even knowing that goblins would technically kill each other for whatever reason they can randomly come up with, I just can't purposefully attack a fellow party member.
(Unless provoked, of course.) ;)
I don't think goblins kill each other randomly much. I mean, sure, it does happen, but mostly it is about dominance. Grievances are generally forgotten too quickly (or rather new grievances replace them too quickly) for long term grudge feuds. Otherwise (even with rapid breeding) the society would die out.
So hurting each other frequently, sure, especially in a haphazard, non-committal, for-the-fun-seemed-a-good-idea-at-the-time sort of way. But actually getting all-the-way-brutal is not all that common. In my opinion.
If I weren't so keen on playing Gil (and there weren't already two monks in the party) I'd be tempted to work up my own maneuver master. Ki Throw at first level, Improved Ki Throw at third. By fourth level, with an enlarge person and 1 Ki point, you can go bowling with stone giants! How could that not be fun??
I think you should go for it! Can't have too many monks - and it would be different from the other two, since neither is a maneuver specialist. (We have a style master and a martial artist.)
If I weren't so keen on playing Gil (and there weren't already two monks in the party) I'd be tempted to work up my own maneuver master. Ki Throw at first level, Improved Ki Throw at third. By fourth level, with an enlarge person and 1 Ki point, you can go bowling with stone giants! How could that not be fun??I think you should go for it! Can't have too many monks - and it would be different from the other two, since neither is a maneuver specialist. (We have a style master and a martial artist.)
Nah! A maneuver master would be fun, but Gilfroy is more fun.
I'll just write up a maneuver master for the next major villain in my Arcadia game with Navior. Dwarf-tossing, anyone?
Now, I've got a question for some Melon Sash. You know, if I recall correctly, some certain person brought up an issue about, what was it...oh yeah; Hm. I can't seem to remember who that was? Maybe you can help me out there, Lorekeeper. I just KNOW I read a thread...or something...about that somewhere. ;)
Now, I've got a question for some Melon Sash. You know, if I recall correctly, some certain person brought up an issue about, what was it...oh yeah; Hm. I can't seem to remember who that was? Maybe you can help me out there, Lorekeeper. I just KNOW I read a thread...or something...about that somewhere. ;)
Ha!
Laugh...out...loud.
Now, I've got a question for some Melon Sash. You know, if I recall correctly, some certain person brought up an issue about, what was it...oh yeah; Hm. I can't seem to remember who that was? Maybe you can help me out there, Lorekeeper. I just KNOW I read a thread...or something...about that somewhere. ;)
hehehe - you're right. In fact the first build for Melon had 14 Charisma; and if the party needs it I can revert to that. The build has the drawback that it takes until level 5 or 6 before it deals significant damage; which in pbp terms is 2 years; so I decided to build her more front-loaded.
I call upon monk MADness to justify it :) (the 14 Charisma build is essentially a monk build that reduces the MAD by eliminating Strength as a relevant stat). The other option would be to rely on a Dexterity replacement, doable to some extent - but it falls apart on Combat Reflexes (which is an essential part of this particular style master build).
Alternatively, if you would like - I can pull out my super secret build! The high-Charisma monk that is so fearsome that I keep it sealed in a forbidden text file for fear of what it might do to the Pathfinder meta-game if its eldritch powers are revealed to the general public. Oooooo (fear it...)
I actually find that a low Charisma can make a lot of sense for many monks. All that introspection and meditation causes one's personality to turn inward rather than outward.
As for the crazy kung-fu movies where the ancient monk sages cause you to spill all your inner-most secrets with nothing but a look...must be +6 Headbands of Charisma!
So long as there is an RP justification for the character's low Charisma, its not a dump. "Dumping" implies that you reduce the number to as low as possible just to get the extra point buy to buff some other stats into the stratosphere, keeping it only a mechanical consideration and forgetting about it when RP time comes along. So the barbarian who dumps his Intelligence with the player who always comes up with the brilliant battle-plan solutions for the group in-character...that's when the problem comes up. Personally, I would find the 7 Intelligence much more fun to play with than the 20 Strength I got by dumping.
That being said, I'm never EVER dumping Constitution again!! Poor Chiggo.
For the benefit of Nazard, who I think is the only one not to read it in the Serpent's Skull OOC and probably thinks we're being overly critical of LoreKeeper's PC stats, LoreKeeper's anti-Charisma-dumping manifesto ;)
and ensuing discussion, spilling onto the following page.
For the benefit of Nazard, who I think is the only one not to read it in the Serpent's Skull OOC and probably thinks we're being overly critical of LoreKeeper's PC stats, LoreKeeper's anti-Charisma-dumping manifesto ;)
and ensuing discussion, spilling onto the following page.
Sorry, I didn't mean for that post to turn into a rant at all. I haven't read the manifesto, but I totally got why you were razzing him. I was grinning from ear to ear because of the huge humor in the irony of it, as well as the great vibe of comraderie I'm getting from this group I've joined.
That being said, I also enjoy entering philosophical debated on role-playing styles, so I shot my mouth off.
All of which completely distracted me from why I checked this thread in the first place, which was to ask, "When are we getting this show, I mean caravan, on the road already!?" :)
Of course, I will have to have a read through the manifesto, to make sure I haven't fallen in bed with a cabal of hack-and-slashers!
Edit: Slashers! Not "flashers". Stupid iPod auto-correct feature...