Hello, everyone! Congratulations for being selected for this adventure. If you haven't already, please complete your character sheets using the character creation criteria below. Please complete this by end of day Thursday, so we can start the adventure in a week. Or sooner, if possible.
Character Creation
1) 20-Point Buy, 1st Level
2) Core races only
3) Three traits. It is required that you pick one from the campaign traits.
4) No evil characters.
5) Max HP at first level (roll or average thereafter).
6) Max starting gold
7) Archetype stacking is allowed, assuming the bonuses don't overlap.
I'll wait to set up the game thread, so you can all have time to flesh out and finish your characters. I'd like to create some PC connections, so we'll take some time to work on those.
The More You Know:
I like to have fun and err on the side of fun over rules. This is usually in your favor, so if you show creativity, we may be able to avoid a dreaded dice roll (the dice roller on this board often hates my players).
I am going to be using the in-fashion "Step Advancement System" that is sweeping the boards like wildfire. However, in the first level, you won't be able to take the HP bonus as a step reward. That totally throws the balance off of the early game and you already have a large party as it is. Once you actually reach level 2, you make take any of the four rewards whenever you like.
I will roll initiative and use your passive perception for you when necessary. This speeds up the game considerably. If you wish to make an active perception check, please state so and roll the dice. If I don't want to use your roll (or if it's stupidly low) I will simply reject it. Your group initiative will be averaged and then you or the enemy will move first, depending upon whose is highest. This may inspire you to change feats or traits, as individual initiative is less important than in a normal game.
When doing a skill check, go ahead and state what skill you're using and roll the dice. Again, I might reject your roll if it is unnecessary, but it speeds thing up if I don't have to ask for it.
Let me know if you have any questions and when your character sheet is ready for review.
I'm looking forward to getting started!
Thanks for the opportunity!
I notice we might have two wizards with Patcher. I'm willing to discuss options. This AP made my mind fizzle with ideas!
I...don't know what to say. I'm speechless.
Thank you very much. Truly.
Do you want me to be a Wizard (Spellslinger) or Fighter?
Well, we can discuss that. We also have two clerics currently, but I've emailed with the human behind Kallista Firebloom, and it's possible that character will become a bard.
One of you needs to be a wizard, the other a fighter. I selected Niko as the wizard and Patcher as the fighter. If you two want to swap roles, that's fine with me.
Well, I presented my application as both fighter and wizard, and I'll play him as whatever I need to be - but I must admit there is a fondness to the idea of a Spellslinger or Gun Mage that really appeals - even if it is an archetype that truly gives up a lot more than it gives.
It's the personality and character that matters, though.
Reporting In!!
Thanks so much for choosing me. I'll have the lil gal all switched over to a bard if needed by midnight tonight.
Thanks for the acceptance and looking forward to it. Have a busy day with work, but will have Tobar finished up and aliased tonight.
Alright, I think I have this all lined out now. Big thank you for giving me a chance, this looks like it will be alot of fun. :) Sadly for avatars there is not a single monk with a conical hat :(
I also had a small question about nomenclature, are Tian names family name followed by given name or are they like standard western names?
Well, I presented my application as both fighter and wizard, and I'll play him as whatever I need to be - but I must admit there is a fondness to the idea of a Spellslinger or Gun Mage that really appeals - even if it is an archetype that truly gives up a lot more than it gives.
It's the personality and character that matters, though.
Then if GM_Todd likes the idea of a spellslinger, I'll gladly make a fighter (or a ranger if GM_Todd is ok with this option).
I'll work on either when I get the signal.
Nami - I think they're like standard western names.
Dreaming and Patcher - I liked both of your wizard concepts. I picked Patcher for the fighter, but if Dreaming is willing to switch to Ranger (which might actually be better for the party than a fighter) I'm good with that. I don't want to dictate, so let me know what you guys would prefer.
Kallista, proceed with the switch to a bard, please.
Kallista, proceed with the switch to a bard, please.
Will Do!
Kallista - have you seen the Dawnflower Dervish archetype in Inner Sea Magic?
Its a bit more selfish than your normal bards, but dripping in Sarenrae flavour.
It looks really cool Tobar, but is a bit too physical for the little gal. I think it's awesome they switched it over to Bard from Fighter too.
I changed her deity to Desna and gave her a nice range of alternate racial abilities, traits to bolster her face skills and a shortbow for some ranged plinking.
The whole "Gnome Cleric of Fire" concept was actually one of my sister's creations for the Kingmaker game we're running, and I really liked her surprising efficiency as well as the flavor. The extra damage die on burning hands was critical in clearing out a certain lair they stumbled upon early in the AP and she was a top-notch healer with all those Channels she had.
It was a pretty easy switch to bard, because the Religion-Obsessed concept was my own device. It fits a scholar better than a healer, so she works out just as good, and I still get to enjoy the original character concept every other week or so when I DM the AP.
Well, here are the pros and cons of my choices.
With the fighter, I'm more single-minded in what I do: damage. I will be lightly armoured, but have high dex. I need to full-attack to do most of my damage, though. Two-Weapon Warrior is supposedly inferior to regular fighter, because I lose the armour training class bonuses. On the other hand, I'm using an orc double axe - a weapon I don't think I've ever seen being used.
With the spellslinger, I'm basically a less versatile wizard. While it oozes with flavour, it also sacrifices a LOT! 4 opposed schools instead of 2, no arcane bond, no cantrips, no scribe scroll - for a free gun (1500 gp), the ability to enhance spells with a gun (with a 10% risk of explosions - which are fun), the ability to shoot spells, the ability to enhance bullet with spells...
Neither of my options are particularly efficient by an optimized standard. I don't want to be a detriment to the group in combat. Both options are very conditional - as a fighter, I need to be up in their faces constantly. As a wizard, I do have the gun to fall back on when I've used all my spells for the day - the ability to attack touch AC with d12 damage is pretty decent. However, I only have 5 doses of black powder. That's 5 attacks with the gun. I can't afford much more.
Admittedly, the insane prices for black powder is also a concern. 10 gp per dose, that is, per shot, gets really expensive really quickly.
If either of the archetypes are too detrimental in general, I can play a vanilla fighter or wizard as well. To me, it's the character that matters.
Dreaming Warforged (and GM Todd), I'm fine with both. I know the advantages and disadvantages of my choices. I'll leave it up to you.
Well, Patcher, I suggest you go with flavour. While it's not my cup of tea, the spellslinger does ooze with flavour. So just go for it!
Also, I love rangers and am not playing one atm. So win-win.
I'll be working on my ranger.
It's a bit of a catch 22 because regardless of what you told me to play, I'd be disappointed, heh. And I was looking up feats for the fighter and everything...
I'll have the character and sheet prepared shortly, but right now I have a CotCT game to advance.
GM Todd: How common are guns? The prices for ammunition and firearms depends on their rarity...
Alternately, can I, as per the Gunsmithing feat, craft my ammunition prior to game start? That way I won't be excessively gimped with only 5 shots until we get a significant amount of money...
I hear you...
I'll work on the ranger, but since my wizard is pretty much finished, feel free, as you start building your spellslinger, to change your mind if you, after all, prefer the fighter. Just let me know.
Well, I just completed the Spellslinger's character sheet, and fixed all the formatting. I'll do the same for the fighter just in case.
I'm poking through the basics of all your character sheets. I'll have some more questions, but initially I notice that Tobar is short one ability point. Not really sure where you want to put it, but you've only spent 19 points.
I'm poking through the basics of all your character sheets. I'll have some more questions, but initially I notice that Tobar is short one ability point. Not really sure where you want to put it, but you've only spent 19 points.
Do notice that Tobar is a dwarf. My calculations show 20 points.
10 (0)
12 (2)
10 (0)
13 (3)
16 (10)
14 (5)
After modifiers,
10
12
12
13
16
12
Whoops. My fault. I ran the numbers with you as a human. Apologies. Press on!
This does, actually, highlight something very important: I'm not a numbers/detail guy. If there are any number crunchers in here, I hope we can get along and work together.
Patcher reporting for duty.
This is my spellslinger. I haven't copy-pasted the descriptions/background, but the sheet is completed.
If I'm going fighter, the completed sheet is in Patcher's profile.
Profile picture is sorta WIP - I couldn't find anything that represents the character better. But he's green. A lot greener.
Out of interest Dreaming Warforged - are you looking at archetyping or straight Ranger?
Straight Ranger, unless they come up with a Texas Ranger archetype with cowboy-boot FoB...
He could have met anyone on the trip from Kaer Maga to Magnimar.
Sevastien got educated in Magnimar - whether it was through personal effort or he got into some school I've left open.
In Sandpoint he's generally been reserved, only really open and noticeably different around Sandru. He's a librarian, so if anybody's a proper reader in-character, they would know Sevastien.
I'm open to any suggestions, though.
Tobar: I simply assumed as much. I'm fine with it.
Everyone: Wow, nice spread on the traits. I'm impressed with myself.
Here's what I was thinking about connections. These are extremely barebones, but can help get us started. All of you have been in Sandpoint for more than a year, correct?
Nami and Theo are connected as Theo has spent hours at the House of Blue Stones, studying the tomes available there. Nami is impressed by what he perceives as Theo's control of his bestial nature.
Tobar and Kallista are connected. Tobar frequents the Rusty Dragon where he has struck up numerous conversations with the religious bard. He found they had much in common and though they aren't close by any stretch of the imagination, there is a good rapport and friendliness between them.
Dreaming's Yet-To-Be-Named Character is well-known around town for being a drunken fool.
Just kidding. We'll see what he comes up with.
EDIT: Also, feel free to review this handy little guide to Sandpoint and its environs I stumbled across to help flesh out any Sandpoint connections you want.
Tobar, what are you plans for the Caravan Bond skill? It's intriguing, but I'm not really sure which domain abilities you're going to be able to share that you wouldn't be able to target. And the loss of medium armor seems pretty steep.
I'm all for story and flavor, but couldn't you sacrifice some of the mechanics and be a "pilgrim" in story only. Just a thought. Maybe (Probably) I'm missing something cool about the archetype.
Works for me too.
Kallista could easily have been an entertainer at the Rusty Dragon for the last year between reviewing her passion for religious knowledge and preparing for another adventure, given her lengthy gnomish lifespan and general inattentiveness to to time.
Plus Tobar is a Cleric! Even more fitting! Throw in a relatively obscure religion and a similar outlook on the world (ie Chaotic Good alignment) and its a match made in... Sandpoint, I guess!
Ah, I missed the 30' part. I thought that just meant anyone within 30' could be targeted. I'm all for keeping it - just wanted to see what your major inspiration was.
The House of Blue Stones sounds like a perfect place for Nami to hang his hat in Sandpoint. Perhaps the friend of the temple mentioned in my background was Sabyl Sorn instead of Ameiko. Ameiko could be a trade contact he was sent to meet. Maybe she wants to import some exotic Minkai Sake or Rice Wine brewed by the temple.
Knowing Theo (I assume you mean Sevastion Theodorus), would be very appropriate if he spent time in the House of Blue Stones. Nami would certainly wish to acquaint himself with the local customs and ways of thinking if he were to attempt to establish a sect in the area. Sabyl and Theo could perhaps help him with that acting as tutors and he could provide insight into the Minkai side of things.
What season would this AP start in? I imagine Nami's journey from Minkai started in the early spring, arriving in Hongal around the beginning of summer and crossing the Crown of the World along the Path of Aganhei, then finally arriving in Sandpoint near the beginning of winter. If we're starting out the next spring that would probably put me in Sandpoint 4-6 months. If it needs to be over a year for some reason, then I would say the preparations and dealings took a year to finish up.
Nami, I was actually thinking the AP would start about 4 weeks into fall.
Then a year it is :)
I reckon Sevastien lost sight of what he really wanted out of life after arriving in Sandpoint - sorta overwhelmed by Sandpoint and Sandru that he decided to stay. Then the emptiness happened and he just sorta grew reclused and reserved.
That's a pretty sweet link GMT. I'll be reading that for the rest of my night here at work. Let me know if you need anything changed on the gal. I'm a bit behind on the which Pathfinder stuff is up to date except the core books.
Sounds good. I genuinely have no guidance for you on Turn Undead vs. Extra Channel. I haven't finished reading the first chapter (probably shouldn't admit that) and I have no idea where this AP will take us.
Choose wisely!
Patcher: I missed your initial question about crafting ammo. I need to think and read up on that. I'm not actually sure how I'm going to naturally incorporate ammo and weaponry into the game, so I want to make sure I have all my ducks in a row before dictating anything.
Head on over and roleplay a bit. No need for rolls yet.
Nik'o, you're a bit of a loner - well known, well-liked, but quite reserved. You're somewhat suspicious of the other PCs. Anyone new to town rouses your suspicion, as they could be an agent of your enemy. You know much about them, but they know little of you. Other than your name, that you're friendly and that you often accompany Shalelu.
As I'm new to this I just wanted to ask a thing or two. I read through a FAQ over on enworld but it didn't answer these questions. They're mostly up to GM/player style anyhow but figured I should ask.
In generic dialogue is it ok to add in NPC response dialogue or is that GM only territory? Like:
PC-hello, how are you?
NPC-A great day indeed my lad, I think you dropped your mcguffin.
PC-Oh thank you! I would have never been able to kill the demonic trolls without that.
It seems that IC dialogue is in bold? Or is that simply a common style?
Is internal dialogue common and accepted? Are italics the method to convey it?
What about actions? Are there any special ways to note them? Like: I draw my sword. Should that be in italics, or bold, or red blinky lights?
Any big faux pas or GM pet peeves (we all have them) that I should watch out for or avoid? (other than common gaming etiquette)
Sorry for the noob questions but I hope I can help to make this enjoyable for everyone. :)