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I am looking for one or two characters to complement the other four PC already selected to star in a PBEM version of Pathfinder’s Skull & Shackles. However, this is not your typical S&S Campaign. Please see the Skull & Shackles ala Fabian – Player’s Guide that I put together with my expectations for this campaign.
Please work the following into your background. At one point in your past, Dumont D’Argent (see below) saved your ‘butt big time’ (freed you from slavery, found you dying, saved you in a fight, etc.). The details of this event are left up to you but please include Pirate Captain Harrigan as the perpetrator of your woes. At that time, you pledged yourself to Dumont and wanted to join his crew whereas Dumont told you to lay low and that the time would come for you to sail with him. A month ago you received a message telling you that Dumont would be at Port Peril early in July 4713.
Revenge is a B$~!@
Early in the campaign you are likely to make some enemies, some of these enemies will be big and all encompassing, and others will be petty and vindictive. The Shackles is a massive Sandbox, which means not every challenge is beatable at the level you first face it. What does this mean? Sometimes vengeance must wait for the opportune moment.
Captain Dumont D’Argent
Dumont is a living legend in the Shackles. Although, he never held a seat in the Pirate Council, Dumont is well-known by practically every pirate in the Shackles. Captain Dumont is fair to his crew and feared by his enemies and his enemies are sometimes pirates. Dumont preys on particularly vicious pirates, slavers, and unscrupulous merchants. He stands for freedom of the seas and has always walked a fine line between angering the stronger pirate lords and continuing to ply his trade. Slavers, in particular, dread to catch a glimpse of his colors with their bellies full. Although, many times in the past, small pirate fleets have tried to take him down, Dumont somehow found a way to escape and/or defeated them. The captain is well past his prime but tales of these exploits are still sung in every port of the Shackles.
Traits (pick any two)
The PCs will bond through their debt to Dumont D’Argent and may also bond through their hatred of Captain Harrigan. As such, modified traits from the Carrion Crown AP and the Curse of the Crimson Throne AP may be used, substituting Dumont for Professor Lorrimor and Harrigan for Lamm. Bear in mind that some minor modifications will have to be made to make these traits fit the pirate/sea theme of the campaign.
Skills
The campaign is heavy on roleplaying so some sort of social skill will be very useful. You also get 1 extra skill points per level to be used in profession-sailor, craft-ships, or craft-sails; other allocations will be made available for this extra skill point as the campaign advances.
General
This is a pirate-themed campaign so leave your heavily-armored knights in Lastwall and give me some appropriately themed characters (archetypes, bloodlines, domains, etc.). The campaign will entail adventures near, on, and under the sea and ships will be a recurring feature. Since we can’t have pirates without guns, this campaign will use the ‘emerging guns’ category.
I’m also a firm believer in tailoring the campaign to the PCs so make sure there are at least a couple of plot hooks in your background for me to incorporate into the game.
As stated above this game will be run as a PBEM (Play By Email). If you don’t know what a PBEM game is, you’re in luck because I’m currently DMing the Carrion Crown AP as a PBEM. So if would like to see what the game will be like, please see this site where you will find simple PBEM rules, characters, turn recaps, use of maps, how combat is handled, etc. I have finished the first part of the Carrion Crown AP in nine months with lots of roleplaying so I am convinced that this game format has plenty of merits. If you have any questions about this game format, please do not hesitate to ask.
Still here? Good then read on.
Character selection will NOT be first come first served, and we will take time to develop characters. The game will have action as well as problem solving so a good mix of characters is recommended and I prefer well-rounded characters to min-maxed munchkins. The pace will be about two to three turn recaps per week. I am looking for "roleplayers" whose posts are NOT a one sentence reply. All players are expected to write one to two paragraphs per turn recap within 48 hours after the recap is posted so if you can't meet that schedule please do not bother applying to the game. Depending on player preference (more on that later), you may be required to post at least once per day for the combat portion of the game.
If this sounds like a game for you, then provide me with a character with the following sections: a) appearance, b) background, c) personality, and d) portrait or picture. Please make the characters interesting, the strong and silent types just don't cut it in this type of game.
Just so you can start thinking about the crunch part (some people work this way), here are some guidelines: core races strongly preferred, anything Paizo is OK, 1st level characters, 20 point buy system for abilities (nothing lower than 10 or higher than 16 before modifiers), no evil characters, average gold, maximum hit points at 1st level, and two traits. I’ll provide a .doc character sheet for you to fill out with stats so there is NO need to provide stats in the alias (you can if you want to). However, please be reminded that PC selection will be based on the ‘fluff’ and not the ‘crunch’.
I will accept character submissions until Tuesday June 25th, 2013.
I tried to be thorough but I’m sure I missed something so... questions?
Game on!
Fabian
Fabian [dot] benavente [at] gmail [dot] com
PS: The PCs already selected are:
- Male elf barbarian,
- Female human gunslinger (buccaneer);
- Male human alchemist (chirurgeon); and
- Male human oracle.
Hi Fabian,
Are you looking for any PC class in particular?
Thanks!
Would an aquatic druid or ranger be a good fit? This is a concept I did to apply to another pirate themed campaign. Could adjust if you like her. I could also adjust my go-to Elf Ranger character, Daeris if you prefer something more mundane.
Question: What kind of pace would you like to set?
Hey there. Rannveig from the Ravenloft game here. Gotta say, you've got some interesting ideas to play with. I'm not entirely sure I want to get involved with a PBEM, but I am sufficiently intrigued to start at least brainstorming.
@Isabella: I would rather you did not duplicate the characters already accepted but, as long as you come up with an interesting character, I would seriously consider your PC.
@Cyan: All three of those concepts seem appropriate.
With regards to pace, I normally send out a turn recap every 2 - 3 days so you minimum posting would be a couple of paragraph a couple of times a week. More is always better and I don't want to stifle your creativity. One good thing is that you don't have to post everyday.
I just posted turn 101 in my Carrion Crown PBEM which is almost 10 months old. We have covered the first book and about one quarter of the second book with plenty of roleplaying. I think you will be hard pressed to find a PbP game that moves that 'fast'
@Viscount: Thanks for the interest. What concerns you about a PBEM game? From the amount of applications I receive, it is obviously not a well liked format and I am just wandering why. Let me know what your issues are and I'll try to address them.
@all: I look forward to submissions!
This is an interesting variant to PbP and I'm willing to try it out. Just to make it clearer and not to duplicate any existing character, can you precise what mystery has the oracle ?
This is an interesting variant to PbP and I'm willing to try it out. Just to make it clearer and not to duplicate any existing character, can you precise what mystery has the oracle ?
I'm glad you are open to try something new. Feel free to peruse the site of the game in progress and look at how combat is handled, the use of maps, etc.
The oracle is a witch doctor, shaman type with the nature mystery and the haunted curse.
Let me know if you need more info.
Again, I would rather the PCs already selected not be duplicated but an interesting backstory will go a long ways to make me review that notion.
I don't have any particular issue with a PBEM, as far as actually playing the game is concerned. Where my problems lie is a bit more meta than that.
First, I'd rather not clutter up my email inbox even further with the many posts that these endeavors usually involve. As frivolous as most of the crap I receive are, I still occasionally need to actually find things in there.
Second, honestly, I do most of my online gaming in one big chunk, and I'd prefer to keep it all tied to the same space - i.e., these forums. Otherwise, I rather suspect I'd start to get games confused or miss some, since I'm involved in more than is probably good for me.
None of this is really a dealbreaker, but it does kind of make me a bit cautious.
Yes, your points are valid.
You can expect to receive an average of 4-5 emails a day. I use an email list (Google groups) and depending on what email program you use (I use gmail), all the game related posts are neatly ordered in one 'email'. I'm not use if that's clear.
Let me know if you need further info.
Game on!
This sounds fascinating to me. I'll see if I can submit something to you this evening.
This sounds fascinating to me. I'll see if I can submit something to you this evening.
Great, I look forward to it.
I'd like to try for an oracle of waves. Not sure on all the fluff yet, but I'm definitely gonna be looking and trying to decide.
Or if that's too close to the current oracle, I could go for a freebooter ranger or maybe a rogue.
I'd like to try for an oracle of waves. Not sure on all the fluff yet, but I'm definitely gonna be looking and trying to decide.
Or if that's too close to the current oracle, I could go for a freebooter ranger or maybe a rogue.
I gave a brief description of the oracle accepted above so as long as you make yours with a 'different flavor', I would consider him/her.
That being said, I have no ranger or rogue submitted yet.
However, just make sure that whatever you submit is a PC you really like to play; the rest will come naturally.
I'd love to give this a shot! I haven't done a PBEM in ages.
I see there are already four characters chosen...how many slots are you looking to fill?
I'll take a look at the link provided, re-read the above and come up with a character proposal over the weekend if it looks like you're not full up by end of the day. I can never just bang out a character concept off the cuff, so I usually miss the recruitment window, but, either way, I'm glad to see you will be taking your time working things up from concepts to finished characters.
I'd love to give this a shot! I haven't done a PBEM in ages.
I see there are already four characters chosen...how many slots are you looking to fill?
I'll take a look at the link provided, re-read the above and come up with a character proposal over the weekend if it looks like you're not full up by end of the day. I can never just bang out a character concept off the cuff, so I usually miss the recruitment window, but, either way, I'm glad to see you will be taking your time working things up from concepts to finished characters.
Hey Doug,
I am looking to fill one or two slots. I agree the time is tight but bear in mind that I don't need the 'crunch' at this time and you do have the weekend to think things over. I'll make my decision based on the fluff of the PC.
Submission deadline is Tuesday June 25th, 2013 at 8:00 PM EST and I'll make my decision later that night.
I look forward to see what you come up with.
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Hi Fabian,
The fact that you prefer no stats lower than 10 or above 16, as well as choose based on fluff and flare makes me extremely interested! I'm currently in one pbp for PFS and it is my first one; however, I enjoy it immensely. The ability to literally "write" your character into the story makes for a wonderfully narrative media form. It also helps me work on my writing and expanding the ol' GM vocabulary :).I shall submit a character concept soon!
Hi Fabian,
The fact that you prefer no stats lower than 10 or above 16, as well as choose based on fluff and flare makes me extremely interested! I'm currently in one pbp for PFS and it is my first one; however, I enjoy it immensely. The ability to literally "write" your character into the story makes for a wonderfully narrative media form. It also helps me work on my writing and expanding the ol' GM vocabulary :).I shall submit a character concept soon!
I like that enthusiasm!
I look forward to what you come up with.
Game on!
This all sounds great, i have a few character concepts i have been looking forward to try out, i am thinking Paladin for some reason right now. I wont be able to submit until Sunday or Monday but I should meet the deadline
This all sounds great, i have a few character concepts i have been looking forward to try out, i am thinking Paladin for some reason right now. I wont be able to submit until Sunday or Monday but I should meet the deadline
Great to hear. I can see paladin as part 'this' pirate crew.
Your timeline seems fine so I look forward to see what you come up with.
Game on!
Bah, time wasn't friendly to me last night so I'll try and get that character to you today or tomorrow. I tend to like rogues, is the gunslinger you already have a rogue or fighter class though?
Bah, time wasn't friendly to me last night so I'll try and get that character to you today or tomorrow. I tend to like rogues, is the gunslinger you already have a rogue or fighter class though?
A rogue would be just fine. The gunslinger is its own class and I would definitely say that it fits more the fighter than the rogue role.
More info on them is here.
Ok great. I might just try Swashbuckler then.
I have sent you my character idea, Fabian, via email.
I have a set up a small website to support the upcoming game here.
I uploaded a couple of the PCs accepted to the game and you may read their stories, see their pics, etc. They have all suffered much in the past but I guess it just goes with the territory. :)
Interesting little website. I like it. Nice work.
I received three PCs so far. If you're going to submit, you have roughly a day and a half left to do so...
Game on!
I received three PCs so far. If you're going to submit, you have roughly a day and a half left to do so...
Game on!
I'm working on it. I've refined my main idea and should be able to send the "fluff" tonight.
Hey Fabian,
You mentioned you already have 4 characters. Are those characters alreadyon the thread or are they from another source?
They are from another 'source'; three of them were part of the recently finished Carrion HIll PBEM and the other player is from my ongoing Carrion Crown PBEM.
I'm working on it. I've refined my main idea and should be able to send the "fluff" tonight.I received three PCs so far. If you're going to submit, you have roughly a day and a half left to do so...
Game on!
And character sent...
Hey everyone,
This game is about half way through the first book and I lost two players due to real life commitments. As such, I'd like to get one or two more players to join the current PCs.
Read the info on recruitment above and let me know if you are interested. PCs are currently level 2.
Given the 'in game' circumstances, we'll have to get creative on how we introduce the characters as quickly as possible but, given the right player (s), we can work it out.
The characters still on board are:
Emma, female human gunslinger;
Jakiro, male elven barbarian;
Matheus, male human alchemist; and
Morgan, male human rogue.
I've set up a small webpage (https://sites.google.com/site/fabiansskullshackles/home) where you can read game turns, character info, etc.
Game on!
Fabian
Ok I will get a character up and running after reading some of the posts and see if I can work something into the current story.
Ok I will get a character up and running after reading some of the posts and see if I can work something into the current story.
@DM Yodler: I look forward to it.
One thing I forgot to mention is that the characters from previous players can also be 'taken over'.
They are a male dwarf ranger and a male human witch.
You can read their backgrounds and how they have been played so far (more play from the witch). I can send you their stats or you can make them up.
Game on!
Fabian
I'll work up a candidate tonight.
Hey all, I play Morgan, the swashbuckling rogue. If you have an interest in trying out Skulls and Shackles then you don't want t miss out of Fabian's PBEM campaign. I have really gotten into my character and Fabian is great at integrating a character into the region of the Shackles. There is a greater writing commitment than in a play-by-post, but that works to your advantage as you can better portray your characters thoughts, personality and actions. I highly recommend pitching your character idea and seeing if it has the mettle to sail the high seas with our crew.
Ooh! This could be quite interesting! I'm definitely wanting to check and see if I can come up with something good. S&S is my favorite.
Just something to add so people aren't scared of the 'writing requirements' is the fact that I'm not looking for a lengthy post every day. In fact, posting every day is not required in this game. I do want a couple of paragraphs after every turn recap, which right now are about two per week. So all being said, we're looking at a couple of paragraphs about twice per week.
Yes, it's more work than your typical PBP but, IMHO, the results are well worth it. In addition, you get to influence the story being written. Read a turn recap or two and form your own opinion.
BTW, we also use maps for tactical combat and a 'live status box' so everyone knows things like health, spell effects, etc. for both PCs and NPCs.
Questions?
Game on!
Fabian
I'm definitely trying to figure out what would be most appropriate for this. I was thinking something along the lines of maybe a wizard, since I've wanted to try one out for awhile. Thinking elemental (either water or void), but I've gotta come up with the fluff.
Do you think that a wizard would be a good fit with you all? Because, I think, it's either that or looking at picking up your male witch (who seems pretty interesting, from what I've read so far).
@ ShadowyFox: Picking up the male witch would be best (read easiest) but I want whoever comes in to be 'happy' with the character they are playing.
The male witch already has a background and a certain style of play developed by the previous player but I'm sure there's plenty of room for customizing and making it 'your' witch.
We could also fit the wizard in if that's your choice.
I am going to read a bit more on the witch (as my browser has been running slow because of spotty internet) but from what I'm seen so far, the witch is quite interesting. I'm kinda curious what patron the witch had. :)
I am going to read a bit more on the witch (as my browser has been running slow because of spotty internet) but from what I'm seen so far, the witch is quite interesting. I'm kinda curious what patron the witch had. :)
I just noticed that his character sheet is not updated on the website. I will update that and answer your question later when I get home.
Alright guys, I'm going to be closing this recruitment in the next 24 hours (Friday 10:00 pm EST) so if you want to be considered please express interest before then.
Happy gaming,
Fabian