Reign of Winter GM |
Reign of Winter
Every 100 years, the Witch Queen Baba Yaga returns to the nation of Irrisen to place a new daughter on the throne, but this time, something has gone wrong. Far to the south, winter cloaks the forest near the village of Heldren with summer snows. The heroes venture into the wood and discover a magical portal to the frozen land of Irrisen, whose supernatural winter will soon engulf all of Golarion unless they can discover the fate of the otherworldly witch Baba Yaga—a quest that will take them through snowbound Irrisen to even stranger lands beyond.
Building a character
We currently have four players, and we are looking for 1 or 2 more. Most players post on average of once per day, with a bit more frequently posting during the week, and a bit less frequently on weekends. You can checkout our gameplay thread if you are interested in seeing how things go right now.
Characters should be built using point-buy rules with 20 points. Any material from the Reign of Winter Player's Guide (RoW PG), Core Rulebook (CRB), Advanced Player's Guide (APG), Ultimate Magic (UM), Ultimate Combat (UC) and Ultimate Equipment (UE) are allowed. I am not allowing any material from the Advanced Race Guide (ARG) in this game. All classes and archetypes from the allowed materials are permitted. Supplemental materials may be allowed on request, but the details must be publicly available online and I must okay the details first.
All characters must be non-evil alignment, and have two traits, one from the RoW PG, and one from the APG. I am open to traits from other sources, but please let me know first.
All players will receive maximum hit points (HP) for their class at Level 1, and average HP + 1 thereafter. (So for example, a class with d8 hit die will receive 8 HP at start, and 5 HP each level after that, plus bonuses from other sources.)
Players will start with the average starting wealth for their class. Any non-magical equipment, weapons and armor from CRB or UE can be purchased. If there are any magic items needed, please clear them with me first. For any potential gunslingers, firearms are emerging, the default assumption for the Golarion setting.
You have the option of assuming control of one of the characters whose player's have dropped out, Caelia Taviskin, a Cleric of Sarenrae or Sarya Melisandra, a simple Druid. If you want to do this, you still need to make a unique character submission to demonstrate your knowledge of the system.
Our current party consists of:
- Aishe Grynne, Half-elf sorcerer
- Arkady Szriakou, Varisian Wizard
- Igmar Cratebearer, Dwarf Bard
- Yagello, Taldan Ranger
How it works
I track character wealth, money, magical/rare items, food and rations, and experience points (XP). We will be following the medium advancement track. I will be using Google Docs to track all this information, and you can see the current state here. I use Google Docs for maps and coordination as well, which you can see in the gameplay thread if you are interested.
Other than the above details, I plan on running everything mostly by the "official" rules. I'd like to have as few house rules as possible. (No hero points, words of power, armor as damage reduction, etc.)
In terms of the general tone of the game, I'm going to try and follow the notes in the adventure path. To this end, I'm aiming for a generally up-beat "exciting adventure" game, with dark elements sprinkled (like snowflakes) every once in awhile in a villain or back-story.
Character backgrounds
In your character submission, I'd like a paragraph or two of back-story, a physical description of the character, and a brief summary of their personality. Keep in mind characters either live in or are passing through the Taldor town of Heldren (see the RoW PG for more details). I'm especially interested in characters that are able to draw from their traits, race, class, or even starting equipment (their favorite weapon, for example) and skills (with an interesting profession rank, for example). I am also interested in seeing submissions that can tie in with our existing characters.
Finally, please also give me an idea of how many other PbP games you are actively participating in.
Timing
Recruitment will be open for four days from the time I post this thread (Monday, August 5th, 2:00 UTC). I will announce when recruitment is closed, and then take one or two days to review applications to select the player(s). I will be consulting with the existing players for my selections. Then I will incorporate those player(s) into the gameplay thread.
Summary
To recap the main details:
- 5-6 players
- RoW PG, CRB, APG, UM, UC, UE all permitted (ARG is not permitted)
- 20 point buy, non-evil, all classes/archetypes, two traits (one from RoW PG)
- Max HP at Level 1, 1/2 + 1 for subsequent levels
- Average starting wealth, all non-magical equipment is available
- 4-5 posts per week
- Include back-story, physical description, personality summary
- Entries open for 4 days, and pick players 1-2 days later
I look forward to reading your entries!
Xzaral |
Resubmitting my previous application. Given the option, I'd prefer to play my own character. Mostly as if I picked up someone else I'd constantly try to maintain a consistent RP with what went previously which I'd feel would ultimately detract from the experience.
Also thank you for this opportunity :)
Tenro |
Dotting. Its right before my work time right now but when I get home I will make a submission.
Question: would you entertain a class from the 3pp psionics portion of the d20pfsrd? I see you have an abundance of casters so I would likely go towards a melee character of some description.
Also would I be able to play a draugr (modified to omit the stench ability since that could be considered problematic, and in the cold clime he would likely be better preserved.)
Reign of Winter GM |
Question: would you entertain a class from the 3pp psionics portion of the d20pfsrd? I see you have an abundance of casters so I would likely go towards a melee character of some description.
Also would I be able to play a draugr (modified to omit the stench ability since that could be considered problematic, and in the cold clime he would likely be better preserved.)
I'm open to the idea of a Psionics character, although I am not familiar with those rules. Non-core races are not permitted.
Please keep in mind that I will be soliciting opinions from the existing players as well, and if they are mostly against a character, I will not accept the character.
Aurachas |
Submitting the original concept I had for your first recruitment. If the PCs are still around the starting town, that's great. If not, inventing a motivation to get to them should not be too much of a stretch. I made a slight reinvention of the character sheet - the PC seems to function a bit better as a Hexcrafter, which fits the concept better.
Aurachas |
After reading about the characters in the game, I believe Aurachas might have had the most interaction with Aishe and Arkady. Aurachas has been a fixture in town for a long time now, that "touched" fellow working with the apothecary and doing odd jobs all around the village for no compensation other than to be able to continue to sleep and sometimes read in the annex of the apothecary shop.
When Aishe started showing magical aptitude, Aurachas would have started showing some interest. But not an entirely comforting interest. More like a staring at her for longer than is necessary kind of interest, with a dubious expression that doesn't seem harmful but doesn't seem pleased or welcoming, either.
If Arkady the wizard's been a local for a while, it is highly likely Aurachas fetched him reagents or spell components from the nearby forests. He seems to be pretty handy at wandering off and coming back with something useful. Even if he rarely has anything to say about it.
If Yagello's been in town long enough to notice, he could probably say with some confidence that Aurachas is very much like some soldiers who have returned from battlefields where their own forces were slaughtered.
It isn't a lot to go off of because the character concept is one of reserved isolation and thus no real strong background connections were likely to have been made, but this PC being a fixture in the village is something that would contribute to familiarity in the party. With the exception of Igmar it sounds like they could all reasonably call Heldren home.
Magnus Olafson |
Reign of Winter GM, thank for the PM to let me know that you were looking for new players. I had hoped to get a proper profile up earlier today but couldn't find the free time at work to do so, so this will have to do for now.
Magnus Olafson
Male Human (Ulfen) Magus (Hexcrafter) 1
CG Medium Humanoid (human)
Init +2; Senses Perception +1
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Defense
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AC 16, touch 12, flat-footed 14 (+4 armor, +2 Dex)
hp 13 (1d8+5)
Fort +4, Ref +2, Will +2
Resist cold 2
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Offense
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Speed 30 ft.
Melee Dagger +3 (1d4+3/19-20/x2) and
. . Heavy mace +3 (1d8+3/x2) and
. . Longsword +3 (1d8+3/19-20/x2)
Ranged Light crossbow +2 (1d8/19-20/x2)
Magus (Hexcrafter) Spells Prepared (CL 1):
1 (2/day) Grease (DC 14), Frostbite
0 (at will) Read Magic, Detect Magic, Light
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Statistics
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Str 16, Dex 14, Con 12, Int 16, Wis 10, Cha 8
Base Atk +0; CMB +3; CMD 15
Feats Rime Spell, Toughness +3
Traits Magical Lineage (Frostbite), Northern Ancestry
Skills Acrobatics +0, Climb +5, Escape Artist +0, Fly +0, Intimidate +3, Knowledge (arcana) +7, Knowledge (dungeoneering) +7, Perception +1, Ride +0, Spellcraft +7, Stealth +0, Swim +1
Languages Common, Draconic, Giant, Hallit, Skald
SQ arcane pool (+1) (4/day), hex arcana, spell combat
Other Gear Lamellar (leather) armor, Crossbow bolts (10), Dagger, Heavy mace, Light crossbow, Longsword, Backpack (empty), Bedroll, Belt pouch (empty), Flint and steel, Ink, black, Inkpen, Spellbook, Trail rations (3), Waterskin, 3 SP
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Special Abilities
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Arcane Pool (+1) (4/day) (Su) Infuse own power into a held weapon, granting enhancement bonus or selected item powers.
Damage Resistance, Cold (2) You have the specified Damage Resistance against Cold attacks.
Hex Arcana You can substitute Hexes for Magus Arcana.
Magical Lineage (Frostbite) A chosen spell counts as 1 level lower when metamagic feats are applied to it.
Rime Spell Spell with the cold descriptor also entangles creatures if the spell damages them
Spell Combat (Ex) Use a weapon with one hand at -2 and cast a spell with the other.
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I will get his background updated and posted tomorrow, but now it's time to put my daughter to bed and then myself shortly thereafter.
Tenro |
changed my mind, going to go with a human two-weapon fighter. im thinking two handaxes or a maybe picks, looking at him having been a knight but lost it due to the political machinations of another, and having no reason to stay where he was, has decided to set out to test himself. has somewhat of a fatalistic attitude, but doesnt really want to die.
Cervin Kelinson |
Hey why not? I'll apply with this guy. Cervin is a ranged paladin of Erastil and a kind of wandering Taldan do-gooder. He's conversely both well-travelled and naive as he walks a path through rural Taldor, avoiding cities and with no intention to leave the country. I like the idea of him this campaign so he can be yanked from his comfort zone into a very alien, hostile place that challenges his personality and faith.
I am also happy to make Cervin melee if that works better.
Tenro |
my submission is complete, save one choice that hinges upon your reply to a message i sent you.
Kennar, Lawful Neutral Two Weapon Fighter, Mercenary, Craftsman, and erstwhile minor noble.
Kennar was raised in a family who had been northern Taldan nobility for only a few generations, but they had become accustomed to a modest level of noble lifestyle. This being the case, it was an emotionally crippling blow when his family was edged out of their place in the nobility by a political rival of his father's, right on the cusp of Kennar nearly receiving his knighthood. His father was placed in prison, his mother and he eked out a lifestyle the best they could for several years before she succumbed to a wasting sickness. By that point, the letters from his father had ceased and he assumed the worst. Having no family to take care of and a burning desire to leave familiar places behind, he set out on his own as a mercenary, and ended up in Helden after completing a job guarding a caravan.
He still wears remnants of his past in his demeanor, his erstwhile nobility covered in a thin layer of gruffness expected from a mercenary. He has taken to carpentry in between jobs, something to do when the summer brings out all the competition for mercenary work. His memories of his cold castle home give him an edge on the mercenary work in the winter, particularly because many aren't willing to take the work, content to drink away their summer earnings next to a fire.
Kennar appears older than his age by a few years due to the time of troubles he endured when his family was cast out from the nobility. He has hard hazel eyes and brown hair that is cut out of convenience rather than style. He stands relatively tall and broad-shouldered for a human. Those from Heldren will have seen him come and go with the seasons. During winter he passes through with the few trade caravans, during summers he has been absent, save the last. During the last summer, he stayed in Helden and worked with locals to build houses and sometimes furniture and fencing. Although not the most talkative man, he was kind and known to both take joy in and find peace in his work. He would sometimes disappear for mercenary work, but that was rare in the summer.
as for my activity on the boards, i am in:
14 games currently, of which
1 DM placed the game on hold pending paizo's release of official mythic rules,
1 DM quit due to dispute with another player,
1 DM placed game on indefinite hiatus (internet issues), hoping for return,
1 DM (who runs two of the games i am in) disappeared with no warning.
so i am only in 9 active games.
Wylliam Harrison |
Submitting this char. Cleric-crusader of Sarenrae
A sturdy broad shouldered fellow in his late mid twenties.
Brown hair and matching eyes.
Background:
One day a high priestess in Solku received a vision from Sarenrae. An evil would occur in Irissen. Something terrible would come to be if this would go unchecked. And so a division of crusaders, including Wade, set of for Irissen. They searched for 2 years, skirmishing with it's natives, for any clues. Alas, it had not been discovered. To make matters worse, some had come down with strange afflictions and would need to be sent back to Solku. This would proceed to the point where nearly 75% of the crusade was headed back. Wade and a small group were last remaining. One snowy night, there was a large midnight raid upon the crusaders' camp. Only a handful including Wade survived. Wade chose to warn other churches of Sarenrae of the vision and split off from his detachment. Heldren being the next stop.
Character sheet:
Domain: Sun; Light
LG Medium Humanoid-Human
Init +0; Senses Perception +3
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DEFENSE
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AC 18, touch 10, flat-footed 18 (+ 5 armor, +3 Shield)
hp 15 (8+3+3+1)
Fort +6, Ref +0, Will +5 (+1 save against cold damage)
Cold resist 2
Armor: Scale Mail, Shield; Heavy; Steel
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OFFENSE
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Melee:
Scimitar +1 (1d6 +1, 18-20/x2),
Morningstar +1 (1d8+1, x2)
Movement: 30ft =>20ft, run x4
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STATISTICS
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Str 13, Dex 10, Con 16, Int 10, Wis 17(15+2), Cha 10
Base Atk +0; CMB +1; CMD 11
Feats: Shield Focus , Endurance, Toughness
Traits:
Northern Ancestry: One of your parents came from the North, and the tales of the frozen lands at the top of the world that you grew up listening to excited your imagination. Alternatively, maybe one of your ancestors passed on the blood of some frost-rimed creature. You feel most alive during the chill of winter, and as a child, you spent hours playing in the snow. You rarely feel the cold, and you’ve always had a restless longing to travel north. You gain a +1 trait bonus on Fortitude saves, as well as cold resistance 2; this resistance does not stack with cold resistance gained from any other source
Battlefield Disciple: You gain a +2 trait bonus on Heal checks made to stabilize a dying creature. In addition, when you successfully use the aid another action in combat to grant an ally a bonus on her next attack roll, the bonus you grant increases by 1.
Ice Walker: You gain a +1 trait bonus on saving throws against attacks that deal cold damage. Furthermore, you may ignore the Acrobatics penalty for ice and can move across ice at normal speed.
Skills: Heal 1 rank (+7, +2 to stabilize), Sense Motive 1 rank (+7), Knowledge (religion) 1 rank (+4).
Languages: Common
Combat Gear: Scimitar (15gp, 4lbs), Scale Mail (50gp, 30lbs), Shield-Heavy-Steel (20gp, 15lbs)
Other Gear Backpack (2gp 2lbs), Bedroll (1sp, 5 lbs), Belt Pouch (1gp, 0,5 lbs), 3 torches (3cp, 3lbs), 4 trail rations (2 gp 4lbs), Cold-weather outfit (8 gp 7 lbs), Snow goggles (12gp), Snowshoes (5gp, 4lbs), holy symbol-wooden (1gp), Rope 50ft - silk (10gp, 5lbs), winter blanket (5sp, 3lbs), Waterskin (1gp, 4lbs)
Encumbrance: 92 lbs; Medium Load (up to 50=light)(51-100=medium)(101-150=heavy)
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SPECIAL ABILITIES
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Favored class: Cleric
Favored class bonus: +1 HP
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SPELLS
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0-level spells DC 13 (10+3)
1-level spells per day (1+1=2) DC 14 (10+1+3)
Personality:
Kiren Blatterkin |
Here is my merciful healer, the ex-prostitute Kiren Blatterkin. I think she is complete, but I intend to flesh out more interaction with the other players and Heldren today during my lunch hour.
As for other PbPs, I am currently running 3 APs as DM Bigrin, and playing in one as Firebeard, the dwarven monk I originally submitted here.
Kiren Blatterkin |
However, she felt there was more of a reason for her to be here than this. Just last week she had received a dream whose major images and message seemed to be "wait". She could only interpret that as a message from her patron goddess, but she was confused at its meaning.
Kiren had been working with Elder Natharen Councilor Ionnia on the wounded guardsman, but was absent when the party of adventurers first arrived, off gathering more spider silk for the man's poultices. She was disappointed that she missed them, especially when word got back to her that they had departed on some mission to track down a missing noblewoman and investigate the unseasonable cold that had been affecting the area. That seemed like exactly the sort of thing she would have expected Milani to have in store for her.
In fact, maybe it was what Milani had in store for her! She ran to Ionna to ask which direction the party had gone. Maybe if she moved quickly enough, she could catch up to them before the next day...
Reign of Winter GM |
By when are we going to find out if we are a go?
Recruitment will be open for four days from the time I posted this thread (until Monday, August 5th, 2:00 UTC). I will announce when recruitment is closed, and then take one or two days to review applications to select the player(s), consulting with the existing players for my selections.
By around Wednesday, August 7th, I will announce the selections, then incorporate those player(s) into the gameplay thread.
Mero - Random Pregen |
Hello! I would like to submit my character, as follows:
LN Medium Humanoid (Half-Orc)
Init +2; Senses darkvision 60 ft.; Perception +0
Favored Class Option: HP
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DEFENSE
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AC 17, touch 12, flat-footed 17 (+5 armor, +2 Dex)
hp 13 (1d10+2+1)
Fort +4, Ref +2, Will +0;
Resist Cold 2
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OFFENSE
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Speed 20 ft. (Medium Armor Encumbrance)
Melee Greatsword +6 (2d6+6/19–20/×2), Handaxe +5 (1d6+4/x3), Dagger +5 (1d4+4/19-20/x2)
Ranged Shortbow +2 (1d6/x3)
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STATISTICS
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Str 18, Dex 14, Con 14, Int 12, Wis 10, Cha 8
BAB +1; CMB +5; CMD 17
Feats: Weapon Focus (Greatsword); Power attack;
Traits: Northern Ancestry (+1 trait bonus on Fortitude saves, as well as cold resistance 2; Armor expertise (Reduce armor check penalty in 1 point)
Skills: Climb; Knowledge(dungeoneering); Survival
Languages Common, Orc, Giant
Combat Gear Greatsword, Handaxe, Dagger, Shortbow, 20 Arrows, Scale mail;
Other Gear Winter Blanket, Bedroll, Backpack, Flint and steel, Bell, Rope, Rations (7), Waterskin, Cold weather outfit, Cleats, Snowshoes, 9 SP
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SPECIAL ABILITIES
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Orc Blood: Half-orcs count as both humans and orcs for any effect related to race
Intimidating: Half-orcs receive a +2 racial bonus on Intimidate checks due to their fearsome nature. (Will replace for Rock Climber, if acceptable)
Orc Ferocity: Once per day, when a half-orc is brought below 0 hit points but not killed, he can fight on for 1 more round as if disabled. At the end of his next turn, unless brought to above 0 hit points, he immediately falls unconscious and begins dying.
Weapon Familiarity: Half-orcs are proficient with greataxes and falchions and treat any weapon with the word “orc” in its name as a martial weapon.
Darkvision: Half-orcs can see in the dark up to 60 feet.
And thus he began his journey, wandering through cities and already empty dungeons. At this point he was frustrated, partly because of the way other races saw him. So he realized that harsh conditions bring different perspectives, as people need each other if they want to survive and evolve. He, for some reason, always felt sad for living in a warm place, and lounged for some colder climate. So he though about going far north, to the extreme cold, and see what wonders could wait him there. Besides, he could easily hide his race behind heavy furs, so yeah, that would be a nice choice, he though.
But, as destiny would have, barely had him started his journey when cold found him and, guess what? the weather has come to stay...
- Respect intelligent ans wise people
- Don't like intimidating others, monsters included
- Tends to help others, as long as it doesn't put him in risk
- Is afraid of death
- Dislikes religion
- Is eager to find dungeons worth of being explored, since he haven't find one after leaving his tribe
- Will try his best to adapt to a less war-like society
Ralkat is moving north from Qadira, and in present weather managed to pass through the city to buy winter equipment.
I've only played one PBP game before, and even then it was many years ago. I'm currently being DM to a Runelords home game. Since i spend my whole day at home, studying, i figured i could play some online too.
I would like very much to be accepted, and will not disappoint the group!
Marik Whiterose |
Here is a list of current submissions, if I've missed anyone I apologize. Please let me know and I will add you to the list.
Arcane:
JASON RODARTE- Nathalia Greenmeadow- F- C/N- Human (Jadwiga)- Witch (Hedge Witch)
Divine:
Xzaral- Hyporia Stardust- F- C/G- Human- Oracle (Flame)
Troy Malovich- Oliver Hoffman- M- N/G- Half-elf- Oracle (Lore)
littlehewy- Bazikian- M- C/G- Gnome- Cleric of Desna
Chyrone- Wade Irwin- M- L/G- Human Cleric (Crusader) of Sarenrae
bigrin42- Kiren Blatterkin- F- C/G- Half-elf Cleric (Merciful Healer) of Milani
Melee:
Yossarin- Aurachas- M- C/N Human- Magus (Hexcrafter)
Kuolio- Pharrell- M- N Elf- Magus (Hexcrafter/Staff Magus)
Marik Whiterose- Magnus Olafson- M- C/G- Human (Ulfen)- Magus (Hexcrafter)
Wolfgang Rolf- Brynjar Kilaanti- M- N- Human (Chelaxian/Ulfen)- Barbarian
Barvo Delancy.- Cervin Kelinson- M- L/G- Human Paladin (Divine Hunter) of Erastil
Kor - Orc Scrollkeeper- Verak Grimwolf- M- C/G- Human (Ulfen)- Ranger (Guide/Skirmisher)
Tenro- Kennar- M- L/N- Human Fighter (Two-weapon)
Loki Tadych- Ralkat Infer Noghaltz- M- L/N- Half-orc Fighter
Yagello |
Hi, I'm one of the current players in the game and just wanted to pop in and say hello.
What do the players think they need? What sort of character would they support in game?
I agree with Marik Whiterose's reply. Not to discourage any of the applicants, but we definitely need a divine caster and possibly another front line type as well. I've accounted for most of the party's offensive damage so far, so some help would be appreciated. :)
With that being said, I definitely agree with our GM. An interesting character concept trumps mechanical need every time in my opinion. In addition, our sorcerer has expressed an interest in multiclassing to ranger at level 2 so that would beef up the party as well.
Good luck everyone! I hope to meet some of you soon. :)
Xzaral |
Giving up some of the magical aspects of the Magus class to cut things in half with a scythe. I find myself kind of wishing there were a staff magus variant of "scythe magus", but that would probably just be horribly disgusting.
While the Pathfinder Scythe isn't the curved blade implement I envision, I whole-heartedly agree that a scythe magus would be awesome!!
Gedeon |
Submitting Gedeon for consideration. Currently not playing an any pbp, have joined 2 but had them fall apart soon after joining.
@Reign of Winter GM
Arcane Temper: You have quick reactions and fierce concentration. You gain a +1 trait bonus on concentration and initiative checks.
Also rolled up that he was a Prince, but only wrote up his background as him being nobility until I got a ok on the background from you. If you ok that background plan on running it as he is trying to keep that part of his past a secret thus no excess of resources, family having no idea wear he is ect.
For the existing group plan of advancing as magus the whole way no archtype, melee combatant focusing on caster suppression with the spellbreaker and step up line of feats.
Daegan Corsmeir |
Hey, this is Marcus Valere. Thanks for PMing me, I appreciate you letting me know. Sorry for taking so long with this. I've been reading through the gameplay and just judging by who's dropped out and who's applying, it seemed a cleric would be much more valuable to the group than my Magus. So I whipped up Daegan instead! Hope he's to your liking.