This campaign is heavily influenced by Kingmaker and Curse of the Crimson Throne; in fact at the core of the campaign is a Kingmaker/Curse of the Crimson Throne mash-up. It may borrow significantly from some other modules, adventure paths, and influences of my choice as well. This will be my first attempt at running a play by post game on Paizo (though I have experience with running other play by post games and I played a select few a long time ago on the Paizo boards).
The campaign will be set prior to the Swordlord's charter. The official name of the opening chapter is called “A Swordlord's Gambit”.
This will be an E6 campaign that will be using the Slow Progression Chart until Level 6. I will be accepting SIX characters that I find the most appealing for the game and campaign story.
I want to care about your character and I want the other players to care about your character. I want the world to care about your character. I want the characters to be able to work well together as a group. I am not looking for the “Lone Wolf”, the “Anti-Hero”, or the “Mercenary that is only out for himself”. Your character does not need to be a Lawful Good, happy-go-lucky, sickeningly sweet, how could someone be so good hero, but if they do not have any redeemable qualities or I don't think they will get along or be able to work in a group then I will not accept the character.
Character Creation
Level: 1
Alignment: Any non-evil
Ability Scores: Epic Fantasy (25-point Buy)
Traits: You get 2 traits. (Use Kingmaker traits as campaign traits. 1 campaign trait.)
Wealth: You start with the average gold for your class.
What non-Ruler posting(s) will you as a player be aiming for? For optimal player cooperation, aim for a listed role, and let the eventual “ruler” be chosen by the party for in-game reasons.
Table Rules
Hero Points
Critical Fumble/Hits: I own the Pathfinder GameMastery Critical Hit and Critical Fumble decks, and will be using them in game. Fumbles use implementation option #1 (if you roll a natural 1, you follow it with a confirmation roll at your highest attack bonus, if that misses, you will receive a random yet appropriate effect from the deck). Confirmed Critical Hits replace 1x of your critical multiplier with a random card. Regular rules for stacking multiple multipliers apply.
E6
Guns Everywhere
I do not have access to the Advanced Race Guide so I will not be allowing it. I do have access to the Pathfinder SRD so races that appear on it will be allowed.
Sounds amazing! I'll think up a character in the next couple days. Do you have a deadline for applications, or are you going until you have the characters you want?
If I see a character that absolutely amazes me to the point that I can't see myself running the game without them I will give them a slot ahead of schedule but otherwise I plan on recruiting until Friday afternoon (EST) when I will make final selections after I get out of work.
Are Dhampir problematic?
Just added a bit of a primer to the campaign section...
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A labyrinthine political landscape plagues the nation of Brevoy; secret alliance, provincial loyalties, and nefarious plots abound. Brevoy is being pushed closer and closer to civil war by the continued machinations of the increasingly autocratic House Surtova. In the south, the Swordlords of Rostland who have long been enemies of House Surtova, fear such a war because their armies are fewer, their rolling hills and grasslands offer very little in the war of natural defenses, and their southern border lies along a stretch of wilderness infested with bandits and monsters. If Brevoy were to fall into a civil war, then it wouldn't be long at all before the violent, opportunistic vultures to the south move to take advantage of Rostland's problems. As the tension rises some of the Swordlands have begun to set in motions various political schemes...
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Chapter 1: A Swordlord's Gambit
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On the 22nd day of Calistril, the Free City of Restov will be receiving visitors from all over Brevoy to celebrate the betrothal of the Ioseph Sellemius to Lady Alexis Orlovsky. This marriage is a monumental event which will cement a union between northern and southern Brevoy for the first time in centuries by joining House Orlovsky of Issia to the Swordlords of Rostland.
Are Dhampir problematic?
It will not be problematic as long as it follows the above statement about "Lone Wolves" and "Anti-Heroes".
Sweet. Hmm, Tengu Fighter going into Duelist. Also, most of the race specific stuff is on D20PFSRD.com
As I am a huge fan of Tengu, I approve this message. I was aware that most of the ARG was up on the website, but I was mostly trying to put a stop to any "custom" races.
I was thinking about playing a witch, but re-skinned as a shaman instead of the stereotype. Out of curiosity, would you allow the Ability focus feat from the Beastiary?
One of this creature's special attacks is particularly difficult to resist.
Prerequisite: Special attack.
Benefit: Choose one of the creature's special attacks. Add +2 to the DC for all saving throws against the special attack on which the creature focuses.
Special: A creature can gain this feat multiple times. Its effects do not stack. Each time the creature takes the feat, it applies to a different special attack.
Big fan of E6, sounds like it could be a fun campaign.
Since this looks like it will have lots of intrigue, I assume a socially-oriented rogue character would fit in well?
I've never tried E6, but I desperately want to - this game definitely has my attention!
Are Dhampir problematic?It will not be problematic as long as it follows the above statement about "Lone Wolves" and "Anti-Heroes".
Nope, just bad-azz!
Would you let me take an alternate trait? It gives me free proficiency with 3 exotic weapons instead of swordtrained
Yes. The Exotic Weapon Training alternate trait is fine.
I was thinking about playing a witch, but re-skinned as a shaman instead of the stereotype. Out of curiosity, would you allow the Ability focus feat from the Beastiary?
** spoiler omitted **Big fan of E6, sounds like it could be a fun campaign.
What would the Ability Focus apply too?
Since this looks like it will have lots of intrigue, I assume a socially-oriented rogue character would fit in well?
I've never tried E6, but I desperately want to - this game definitely has my attention!
Yes. Though obviously it is a Pathfinder game so there will be combat!
Hi, am interested in the game, and never played any of the stories you mixed up, would this pirate matey be acceptable if reduced to level 1? with taking some other trait if needed
I have no idea how E6 differs from usual pathfinder either o.O
if you prefer, I can make a warrior/knight kinda char instead the pirate, thinking along the lines of neutral alignment or perhaps neutral good
Hi, am interested in the game, and never played any of the stories you mixed up, would this pirate matey be acceptable if reduced to level 1? with taking some other trait if needed
I have no idea how E6 differs from usual pathfinder either o.O
if you prefer, I can make a warrior/knight kinda char instead the pirate, thinking along the lines of neutral alignment or perhaps neutral good
Theoretically he is fine, though the campaign is unlikely to take place much on any large bodies of water. A river-pirate may work, but even then he is likely to be land-locked most of the game.
E6 doesn't differ from normal Pathfinder until level 6. You max out at level 6, but continue to grow via feats every 5000 XP.
@DM: Ability focus would be to raise the DC of specific witch hexes. Also will you be using maps or would combat be freeform?
hm, I guess the setting fits better the new char option then, would Mighty Godling be accepted?
I have an idea about a abandoned/adopted child who grew up in a village and as member of militia fought off a bandit raid and later alone defeated a dire boar at age 13. We could explain the divinity powers in various ways but let's for simplicity keep it so that he is really a son of a god. Not that ingame he would know.
He would be below age minimum to start if allowed, at age 14, or at the minimum if not. His training made him capable of handling himself well in battle with martial weapons and heavy armor, and he shows signs for leadership ability. I didn't think of proper traits yet.
The lad would have amethyst purple eyes but would otherwise be looking as any other normal human. (if the most common race in the region is something else, then he would be that race instead)
This would be his theme song.
"What non-Ruler posting(s) will you as a player be aiming for? For optimal player cooperation, aim for a listed role, and let the eventual “ruler” be chosen by the party for in-game reasons."
What list?
A) I want to steer clear of 3PP content mostly because I don't feel like I have been using Pathfinder long enough to determine if it is balanced against other things. I just don't want to open that can at this time, sorry.
B) And the list got cut off and I forgot it isn't in the Kingmaker Player Guide except on the sheet. The proper question which came from a questionnaire I got on these boards is...
What non-Ruler posting(s) will you as a player be aiming for? For optimal player cooperation, aim for a listed role, and let the eventual “ruler” be chosen by the party for in-game reasons. Each role utilizes ONE of the two attributes listed.
Councilor: WIS or CHA
General: STR or CHA
Grand Diplomat: INT or CHA
High Priest: WIS or CHA
Magister: INT or CHA
Marshal: DEX or WIS
Royal Assassin: STR or DEX
Spymaster: DEX or INT
Treasurer: INT or WIS
Warden: STR or CON
@DM: Ability focus would be to raise the DC of specific witch hexes. Also will you be using maps or would combat be freeform?
It will probably be some of both. It really depends on what time-crunch I am feeling at the time.
Dotting
hm, then no third party things at all?
as for roles, what is the job of a Warden or Magister?
I am going to go ahead and say "No 3PP content".
The Councilor ensures that the will of the citizenry is represented.
The General commands the kingdom's armies and is a public hero.
The Grand Diplomat oversees international relations.
The High Priest guides the kingdom's religious growth and sees to spiritual needs.
The Magister guides a kingdom's higher learning and magical employment.
The Marshal leads the kingdom's defenders and city guards.
The Royal Assassin can serve as a public executioner, a headsman, or a shadowy eradicator of kingdom rivals.
The Spymaster observes the kingdom's underworld/criminal elements and spies on other kingdoms.
The Treasurer organizes tax collection and manages the treasury.
The Warden helps organize patrols and enforces justice in rural and wilderness regions.
I have a backstory all ready to go, I'm just going to have to stat the character. It will be a paladin of Sarenrae, also going for either Warden or General.
Thinking a ninja (4 or 5) sorceror (1 or 2) mashup.
Not so much a black pajamas ninja as an agent with mystical powers. Beefed up by his level or two of sorc, he should end up competent as a face, a scout, and a stealthy striker, with a good spread of skills.
Race=maybe a fetchling?
halfling cavalir, centered around helping allies, and mounted combat, will need to change some things to make him fit this game.
Thinking the un-cola... Dhampir Ranger, Undead Favored Enemy.
Not a recluse. If I remember, there is a Bastard trait which could help backstory.
I think he would prefer to be the General or Warden, because of the amount of combat those two would see. He wouldn't like it, but he could also be a decent Councilor.
Full Name Teyran Rilskel
Race Aasimar
Class Oathbound Paladin (Oath of Chastity)
Gender Male
Size 5'5” 150lbs
Age 128
Alignment Lawful Good
Deity Sarenrae
Location Brevoy
Languages Common, Celestial, Dwarven
Occupation none, really. He's been a farmer, and he still counts as a
Paladin.
Str 18 +4
Dex 12 +1
Con 14 +2
Int 13 +1
Wis 10 +0
Cha 16 +3
Uh, Teyran is a fairly old guy, by human standards, but he is an Aasimar. He was born in Grayhaven to dwarven parents. He became a paladin, and then wandered Brevoy and the surrounding region for several years. He eventually bought a farm near Restov, and lived there for several decades before abandoning the house and heeding the call to retake the Stolen Lands. Also, he has a Tiefling woman painted on his armor, so yeah. . .
Anyway, that is just a teaser background, the real one is long and involved, and I'd rather it be a mystery, until it comes out, so it will be included in a PM.
Initiative +1
Saves
-Fortitude +4
-Reflex +1
-Will +2
AC/Flatfoot AC 16/15
Touch AC 11
CMB +5
CMD 16
Hit Points: 12
BAB +1
Attack bonus: +5
Speed 30/20
3 ranks per level
Diplomacy +7 (1 rank)
Sense Motive +4 (1 rank)
Perception +4 (1 rank)
Traits:
Noble Born (Garess): Ignore movement penalty for first five feet of
rocky ground per round, +2 to appraise to assess the value of natural
stones or metals.
Adopted: Militant Merchant: +1 to perception checks to determine
surprise, perception becomes a class skill.
Race Abilities:
Native Outsider
Darkvision 60ft
Skilled: +2 on Heal and Knowledge (Planes)
Spell Like Ability: Use Alter Self once per day
Celestial Resistance: Resistance 5 against Acid, Cold and Electricity
Class Abilities:
Aura of Good
Detect Evil
Smite Evil: select a target, then add Cha bonus to attack rolls and paladin level to damage rolls
Feats:
Power Attack
Greatsword 50gp 2d6 19-20/x2 8lbs S
Scale Mail 50gp +5AC +3Dex -4Armor check 25% 20ft 30lbs
Current carry weight is 38lbs
Gold 75
I have a couple of questions:
E6 doesn't differ from normal Pathfinder until level 6. You max out at level 6, but continue to grow via feats every 5000 XP.
So does that mean we wouldn't acquire any new class abilities after 6th level (e.g. the Cleric's second and typically 8th level Domain power)?
How does the Guns Everywhere bit interact with gun-toting archetypes? There is mention that the Gunslinger loses the Gunsmith ability and gains Gun Training, but even that is a little wierd since that means they don't start with a gun and guns, even at 10%, still cost hundreds of gold (which 1st level characters don't have). How would it all work?
By the way, I forgot to mention, Teyran isn't the standard Aasimar, he is an Angel Blooded.
Bowing out... Game on!
Would a changling druid with a Roc animal companion be acceptable to you? Will work out background later when home from work
Yes
I have a couple of questions:
E6 doesn't differ from normal Pathfinder until level 6. You max out at level 6, but continue to grow via feats every 5000 XP.So does that mean we wouldn't acquire any new class abilities after 6th level (e.g. the Cleric's second and typically 8th level Domain power)?
How does the Guns Everywhere bit interact with gun-toting archetypes? There is mention that the Gunslinger loses the Gunsmith ability and gains Gun Training, but even that is a little wierd since that means they don't start with a gun and guns, even at 10%, still cost hundreds of gold (which 1st level characters don't have). How would it all work?
Yes. E6 only uses the first six levels. E6 Website
Gunslingers still start with a gun, but do not have Gunsmithing (because they don't need it). I have to assume that Archetypes with guns follow a similar method as well.
Bowing out... Game on!
A shame... I was looking forward to seeing the Dhampir! Happy Gaming!
I do pull out a lot. True. Hard to tell how the group or pool of prospects will shape up.
It just gets to a point where I don't see my character fitting in, and I'm not into 'skating up hill'.
So, I leave it to my betters. When I think Kingmaker, I think mostly human or nearly human. Then I see who's out there. And, just doesn't appeal as a mix. Think about it. Tengu, fetchling, aasimar (not garden variety), a roc, halfling... And a dhampir?
Operating in Korsova and Brevoy?
No offense to anyone, especially the DM. So I bow out.
I've never quit a game yet. 3 so far. And typically true to character. Maybe our paths will cross a little more permanently.
You too DM! Love the concept.
For the most part I am not going to deny a concept that is viable within the rules, but I agree with your assessment about how ideally the Kingmaker would blend itself better to Human or nearly human characters. I am not against up-hill battles. I have a goblin gunslinger in my tabletop game, and I am making his life hell for it. I gave him fair warning though.
The party does need more typical races through... some more human (or near human like a Dhampir, lol) or some elves... maybe dwarves. Assamar comes close atleast, and it is the only official character put forth.
I don't even see a king or queen to devote myself to. I wasn't looking to be king. But if I'd apply with a human (non-freak class), I'd almost expect to be king.
I mean Human Ranger, BAM... Aragorn from LotR.
I want the "Ruler" (Queen or King) to develop through the role-playing in game, which is why I asked everyone to claim a non-ruler type above.
Currently the only official character applied is Teyran (Aasimar Paladin), and they applied for General or Warden. That leaves a wide range of things open.
Concepts that have been suggested (barring Black Thom) is a Tengu Fighter, a Witch (no race mentioned), social-oriented rogue (no race), a ninja/sorcerer (possible fetchling), halfling cavalier, Changling Druid... none of which have chosen a non-rulership role to fill at this time.
Which reminds me...
@DM: Ability focus would be to raise the DC of specific witch hexes.
That is fine, but I reserve the right to ask for it to be changed later if it turns out to be entirely too unbalanced.
Presumably, gunslingers don't need gunsmithing in the guns everywhere thing because, although doesn't seem to be explicitly stated, anyone can just pick up Craft(gunsmithing) since they're simple weapons (although still expensive).
Guns Everywhere: Guns are commonplace. Early firearms are seen as antiques, and advanced firearms are widespread. Firearms are simple weapons, and early firearms, advanced guns, and their ammunition are bought or crafted for 10% of the cost listed in this chapter. The gunslinger loses the gunsmith class feature and instead gains the gun training class feature at 1st level.
Pretty much everyone should use guns instead of other weapons as soon as they can afford one, they hit against touch AC.
As for the king/queen role, it doesn't have to be a PC. We could throw whatever puppet NPC up there we wanted. Anyways, my character would be a Human witch, shooting for one of the int based non-leader roles. I will try to put together something a little more concrete shortly.
I am thinking about a human barbarian, archetypes urban barbarian and invulnerable rager. Background would be he was born into a noble house as the result of an affair between the countess and a tribesman possible a chieftain. His mother knows that he isn't a legitimate son and others suspect. His mother told him and he decided to spare her the embarrassment and possible reprisal from the wronged husband to leave for adventure and build his own position in live. I envision him as a friendly large man with quite a temper but with a good heart, caring for others. As for role General or Warden would be the obvious but your take on the royal assassin as a headsman is interesting, I never thought about it that way, it was always some shadowy rogue character for me. So primary assassin secondary general or warden.