... okay, well 'neophobes' may be a little harsh. Many GMs have legitimate reasons to exclude certain classes from their games, whether it be through a dislike for the flavour of the class, uncertainty over the mechanics or balancing, not having the time to research new pathfinder class additions, a clash between the class and the style of campaign they like to run or just simply not having the right books at their disposal.
Similarly, I know that the alchemist, gunslinger, magus, ninja and the like are hardly 'new' anymore - but they're not core, and those are the classes that I see on 'disallowed' lists on almost every recruitment thread, or that are subject to a variety of GM-imposed limitations.
So...
I was wondering what kind of interest there would be for a future homebrew campaign (not anytime soon, I'm already happily GMing one game and there's another in the works, and I do need to sleep sometimes) in a world that is specifically tailored to accommodate such classes? I'm sure many exist - I've even played in them, back in my tabletop days - but there seems to be something of a shortage of opportunities on the PBP boards at the moment.
What I'm looking for from you is concepts for characters that you think would be both interesting and fun for you to play - no crunch, or anything more than a brief description - that follow one simple rule...
They must utilise at least one 'newer' aspect of pathfinder.
I won't go into my own likes or dislikes, class-wise, or anything similar - I just want to see what kind of interest a homebrew world based around the core pathfinder mechanics and rules but specifically tailored to be accessible to the rarer classes will generate.
Gunslingers need adventures too, remember!
Count me as interested. Besides, I've been wanting to experiment with the gunslinger class, and I would actually like to try out a pure gunslinger that focuses on being very good at using guns.
I'd enjoy doing something with the Summoner. A mounted charger or a teamwork feat user.
I would be interested in playing in Golarion where the personal biases of the GM were such that they didn't infringe on the availability of the existing classes in arbitrary ways. All those classes listed, were created/flavored specifically to fit into Golarion, so I don't think we need a homebrew setting to make them work, we just need people running games that aren't trying to play "grand pappy's D&D" and are willing to look into the mechanics of things. If you decide to run it in Golarion, I'm absolutely interested, if it is truly a homebrew setting, I hope you have a good time.
... we just need people running games that aren't trying to play "grand pappy's D&D"...
I think you're hitting the nail on the head with that last post. I love old D&D style games, but there do seem to be a lot of them going around compared to, as you say, the use of certain other settings.
But I'm definitely not saying that a homebrew setting is needed, just that a lot of the DMs I know (tabletop, not play by post) prefer to homebrew their own campaign worlds as it gives them a little more flexibility to say yes or no to character concepts, as well as in terms of story. And for some players seeing the ideas they've had during character background creation become an enduring, maybe even pivotal part of a campaign world can be fun - after all, I'm pretty sure that's how most of the rpg campaign settings came into being in the first place. :)
I think with pbp games, a lot of it comes down to trust. For the most part, we're all strangers, until we've chatted/played together long enough sure, but for the most part strangers. Having a set world, with set rules, gives everyone something of a base line for where to start. If I say "I want to run Curse of the Crimson Throne", with just that statement I've implied quite a bit, because that game exists in a given world with certain expectations. Granted, I might mean I want to run Curse of the Crimson Throne in Toril using the Save World rules, but I think a reasonable expectation would be for me to spell that out sooner rather than later.
When people get into homebrew it absolutely gives them more flexibility. In my experience that is more often a bad thing than good. The majority of people aren't very creative, and I've seen nothing to suggest that gamers are that much more creative than the rest of people. So while it's entirely possible someone's homebrew setting is going to be jaw droppingly spectacular, chances are it's not going to be that good. Time being a premium, I'm generally speaking not willing to take a chance on someone elses work until I've gotten to know them pretty well.
That being said, it's obviously all just my own thoughts on the matter. An explanation on why I personally avoid homebrew campaigns online. If someone I knew at the local shop mentioned running a homebrew game, it'd likely be a different story, as they're likely someone I know and have talked gaming with before.
Name: Terrance R Wagner
race: Half Giant
Occupation: Dentist
Class: Cleric [Merciful Healer]
"Now hold Still"
"MMuumm Meeerr muuu meer"
"Yes I know but I have to put may nee on you chest to keep you still"
"MUUEMME MEEmERR!"
"Look, you will be able to breath in a moment, I...jussst..neeeeedd.ttoo...PULLLLL!"
THUNK!!
"MMEMEERRRR!!!!"
"Don't be such a baby, your a barbarian for gods shake, you big girl, now drink the pink stuff, rinse out your mouth and spit it out."
"Will it hurt"
"No"
Glug! glug! "ARRRRRR" SPIT "You said it would not hurt!"
"I lied, and here you go this was the sucker giving you all the problems. Real long rooted one as well, gone bad see, just there, that whole and the black stuff. Now I'm only going to tell you this once so open you lug wholes. Wild men like you come down to the big city looking for fast gold by means of your Chopper. Now most get coin gold that is and soon as they do go off and start living the city like, Drinking, a-Horing and eating all the nice stuff made in the City. Now I dont blame ya,I've eaten horse and it tastes like C88p. But wofing down candy cakes and sweet meats us going to give you two things. A one pack made of lard and bad teeth. So keep of the cake, and run more. That will be 20 gold coin true and a tip of the girl at the door you hit on. Off ya pop."
"Next!!"
Standing some 8' tall Terrance R Wagner, bright Red hair, Deep Green eyes, hands like plates, strong back. Is a Dentist. Now and then he dos other work but most of the time its pulling teeth.
If that sounds like a fun PC you would like to see in your game let me know.
First of all, if you go through with this please Please PLEASE select Dr. Wagner as one of the PCs. :o) A half-giant dentist? Talk about a deliciously frightening (and frighteningly delicious) concept! Even if I don't get to play, I intend to lurk based on that character alone.
Second, regarding interest: Yes, please. I enjoy the traditional stuff but, as you've noted, "there's a lot of it about." I've started actively seeking out "different." A persistent, (intended to be) multi-GM sandbox set in a pocket dimension. A wild west/steampunk/fantasy mashup. A homebrew playtest that includes a new class and such bizarrities as elf-orc PCs. And so on.
I'd be totally up for this. Are you open to the new classes currently in playtest, and/or 3PP? I have several "orphaned" characters I'd love to play again/more; here are two of them:
Ralf Tergsvor, a human vitalist (3PP). When we lost our cleric in a local game, I created Ralf as a substitute and ran him as a second character... but he's so much fun to play he quickly became my primary. Because I had to start him at L6 to match the existing game, I jumped at the chance to clone his first level iteration for an E6 game here... which, sadly, the GM bailed on before the first game day had ended. ("Omani" is essentially Varisian reflavored for the homebrew E6, so he'd need little if any porting for another non-Golarion world.)
Amria, a tiefling bladebound magus I wanted to try running as a tripper. I built her for a local interim game but never had a chance to do much with her.
Some of the playtest stuff looks interesting too, plus there are concepts within the official framework I'd love to explore (I'd like more time on an alchemist like this guy, if nothing else).
In short: dot!
Interested. I love playing the Gunslinger class (I used to play ranger but as soon as I saw the gunslinger I switched and have been blowing away orcs with my rolling thunder ever since) and I hate how no one really allows for them here.
Just a quick question, though. Would you allow 3rd party stuff in too? I found The Pale Rider archetype from Amazing Races: Dhampir That I'd love to try out.
I have the pdf and I found it on d20pfsrd earlier, but I can't find it there now, but here it is if you want to look over it
A dhampir walks a lonely road, enduring the fear and prejudice their heritage inspires in others as they trod the forlorn path laid out before them by their long lifespans. Wearied by the journey, some dhampir choose not to walk, but to ride.
A pale rider has the following class features.
Class Skills: Pale riders add Sense Motive and Stealth to their list of class skills.
Weapon and Armor Proficiency: The pale rider is proficient with all simple and martial weapons, all firearms, and with the lasso (see the Pathfinder® Roleplaying Game: Advanced Player’s Guide ™). The pale rider is not proficient with armor.
Grit (Ex): Instead of using his Wisdom modifier to determine the number of grit points he gains at the start of each day, the pale rider uses his Charisma modifier. This ability works in all other ways like the gunslinger’s grit class feature.
Ghostly Grace (Ex): At 2nd level, a pale rider gains twice the dodge bonus listed by his nimble class feature as long as he is not wearing armor, and gains no benefit from the nimble class feature while wearing armor. At 12th level, the pale rider gains Wind Stance as a bonus feat, even if he doesn’t meet the prerequisites. At 16th level, the pale rider gains Lightning Stance as a bonus feat, even if he doesn’t meet the prerequisites. The benefits of these feats only apply when the pale rider wears no armor. This ability replaces the bonus feats gained at 12th and 16th levels, and alters the nimble class feature.
Shrouded (Ex): At 2nd level, as long as the pale rider is wearing a robe or poncho, a broad cloak, a long coat, or some similarly voluminous article of clothing, he gains a +2 circumstance bonus on Sleight of Hand and Stealth skill checks.
Phantom Steed (Sp): At 4th level, a pale rider gains the supernatural ability to call upon a lonesome equine spirit. Just as many vampires feel a kinship with bats, rats, and wolves, the pale rider shares a bond with this forlorn steed. The gunslinger gains the Mounted Combat feat as a bonus feat and can use phantom steed as a spell-like ability with a caster level equal to the pale rider’s class level. The gunslinger may use this ability at will, but he may never conjure more than one steed at a time. The phantom steed is an eerily steady mount whose hooves never quite touch the ground. A rider takes only a -2 penalty on ranged attack rolls when the phantom steed takes a double move. At 8th level, the penalty is negated entirely. This ability replaces the bonus feats gained at 4th and 8th levels.
Startling Spook Deed (Ex): At 7th level, a mounted pale rider with at least 1 grit point can cause his phantom steed to buck and rear, spooking foes. Medium and smaller opponents adjacent to the phantom steed must succeed on a Will saving throw with a DC equal to 10 + the gunslinger’s class level + his Charisma modifier or become flat-footed until the start of their next turn. This is a mind-affecting fear effect. This ability replaces the startling shot deed.
Lonesome Heart (Ex): At 20th level, the pale rider becomes immune to spells and effects with the emotion descriptor. This ability replaces the bonus feat gained at 20th level.
If not, that's fine. I just wanted to check and see first.
I love playing the Gunslinger class... and I hate how no one really allows for them here.
Wow, I must have great luck. I've already been involved in three games with Emerging Guns here, two of which include(d) Gunslinger PCs. In one game it's central enough that "The Way of the Gun" has been established almost as a religion, and breaking any of its tenets (e.g. don't draw unless you're going to shoot, never fire upon the unaware, the secret of gunpowder may not be revealed, etc.) causes one's weapon to misfire.
Maybe it's because I actively seek out non-standard stuff. I wonder if searching Recruitment for e.g. "firearms" or "emerging guns" every so often might improve your luck?
RavenVoron, one of the players in the most gun-heavy campaign's gone quiet lately. I think it's probably just the holidays, but if he doesn't pick up again and the GM decides a replacement is in order, would you like a PM to let you know so you can try to get a bid in?
Yes, I'd love that actually. Thanks a lot!
Honestly, I have the most fun with characters who can be themselves while still fitting into a fantasy world - a lot of characters I see seem to fit into a sort of "low fantasy" setting where they're very serious and gritty. And... well... a lot of these characters just don't seem very happy. I think I'd like to take a nod from the Japanese and create a Witch who was actively positive, enjoyed the adventures, and generally managed to have fun - probably in a setting that rewarded roleplaying more than minmaxing and would be set up to encourage that.
...
I have a lot of ideas, really. XD I definitely wouldn't mind seeing something like this, though.
How about this idea.
Brother wayne, a inquisitor who has black powder inquisition as his domain. I'll stst him up for view.
Saddle up, pilgrim.
(Hurriedly ducks) :)
"Courage is being scared to death but saddling up anyway."
:o)
"Courage is being scared to death but saddling up anyway.":o)
Well I could play clint of the eastern woods (ow stop hitting me) or james of house Stewart ( ok I'll stop)
:)
I say go with Rango the Righteous! :o) (Impressive Eastwood rendition, I thought.)
Speaking of little critters like lizards: Someday, in some game somewhere, I want to run Octavius from the "Night at the Museum" franchise. As a Tiny creature he wouldn't be worth much in combat, but it would be so totally worth it to have a squirrel as a mount and be able to pull off scenes like this! :oD
is there still room for this game? if so, I would LOVE to try out the Aegis class (can't get anyone to let me play one for some reason). barring that, a cryptic would be cool so that I could run with the theme of playing a T-Man from rifts....
I say go with Rango the Righteous! :o) (Impressive Eastwood rendition, I thought.)
Speaking of little critters like lizards: Someday, in some game somewhere, I want to run Octavius from the "Night at the Museum" franchise. As a Tiny creature he wouldn't be worth much in combat, but it would be so totally worth it to have a squirrel as a mount and be able to pull off scenes like this! :oD
Ha, l like it. Go for a pixie gunslinger and you could pull off the squirrel. John of the depth.
Lol
pixie gunslinger and a half gaint as a best mate, hehe so much fun to be had there
I can see why people want to play the "newer stuff" and I enjoy seeing it in PFS play. I probably would enjoy it in the proper homebrew setting as well. However when I started my own homebrew recruitment here, just before Christmas, I excluded Summonners, Alchemists, and Gunslingers because I have been developing that setting off and on for more than 20 years. I have specific reasons for excluding those classes that have nothing to do with their newness or power level but are campaign driven. I in fact opened up the campaign to non standard races and the play test classes. I've had a few peoples submit play test class characters but haven't gotten any non core race submissions except for 1 assimar. Where are all the Drow noble ninja? The pixie cavaliers and the cat folk samurai are missing too sadly.
Hmmn you be right, still I did approve a were tiger I forgot to mention, her player decided to play the assimar instead, so maybe I can be forgiven for forgetting her.
Well, the Weretiger bit was a template, not a race, so I'm not entirely sure that counts in regards to what races are submitted. XD I guess it depends on how you look at it?
Didn't mean to hijack the thread, so to get it back on track I would love to play a non core race and non core class combo, something against type, like an orc samurai or maybe a kobold ninja.
Didn't mean to hijack the thread, so to get it back on track I would love to play a non core race and non core class combo, something against type, like an orc samurai or maybe a kobold ninja.
Ha, hijack away! I was enjoying the discussion.
And as a note for anyone else who has a concept they'd like to try, I've ensured that the Phantom Limbs game on the recruitment boards is flexible when it comes to class and race - there's a little competition to get in, because I obviously can't take everybody, but the roleplay portion of recruitment will start today if anybody who doesn't already know is interested.
what sort of idear did you have about levels and whatnot? I could definitely see changing what I played based on what level it was. for example:
level 1:
orc Aegis
level 5:
Human Machinesmith
level 10:
muse bard/oracle/mystic theurge
level 15:
Dwarf Mighty Godling (with mythic guardian tiers)
level 20:
relluk warlock
Hmm... building on my earlier thoughts, I might also want to play a Template-heavy game. I've always found templates to be excellent prompts for roleplays (especially with the adapted Advanced Bestiary coming out).
For example, since I've had the hankering to play a ghost, imagine a ghostly Oracle of Time whose powers (and undead existence) were granted by a sympathetic deity who took pity on them and the powerful desire they had for more time to accomplish a goal.
I guess... there's a lot of room for creativity in Pathfinder even at the basic class/race level, but adding something on top of that can significantly enhance the possibilities and lead to rather more opportunities for character development and interaction. My favorite sorts of roleplays are ones that encourage playing concepts instead of optimized builds - people should take what matches who their character is, and while combat exists, it's not the primary focus. I'm semi-seriously considering trying to GM myself just to give people the opportunity for something like this. XD
Drill teeth I say
I'd definitely agree that using templates can make for interesting characters: way back in the days of 3.5 I played a Half-Celestial Ogre Paladin in the Living Planar campaign. Again, it would really depend on what sort of level scheme we were talking about.
New concept, since I statred the inquisitor elsewhere. A goblin alchemist, banished from his tribe becauseche can read. Well not so nuch banished as "Flee the rampaging mob out to kill me". Actually make it an alchemist/gunslinger
I will do a LG Duergar Abberant Aegis.
I'm playing onna those right now in the Phantom Limbs PBP forum game: they seem pretty neat.
having gotten a taste of the godling, I would say that I would probably play a Dwarf Mighty Godling son of Moradin/Torag/Dwarf patron deity.
What all of them? The mind boggles. Thats a new age relationship, but hey they are gods.
:》
Sorry couldn't resist.
lol. just lol.
Currently I is Playing PCs wise
A half Devil CG Cleric of Luck
A Gold Dragon [Just out the egg]
A Replicant Mounk Gun Slinger [4.7 days old]
A Female Elf noble SteamPunk Psion Telepath Spy [in Vrog's game]
A Soul powered doll and her Kitsune Trickster sister. [Who's the Cohort?]
A celestial Half Giant Dentist [yet to start play if let in, now open wide hehe]
so since it was slow at work today, I sat down and kicked out my dwarf godling build at multiple levels. still working on him, but he's not horrible at low levels, and a force of destruction after 10th.
Playing in a few other games so I must with draw
Good luck all
[.hijack]
since this is a thread about non-core stuff, I'm gonna steal a moment of your time to point out that I am starting a high level game with a different format that so far hasn't had a lot of interest. raksha, if you are bothered by me doing so, let me know and i'll delete this post.
if you interested in playing high level pathfinder using non-core rules, you can find the link to my thread here.
[./hijack]
Hey Vrog! Hijack all you like, if it gets people into games I'm happy with it. I'm GMing for quite a few of you guys now, and have just finished the planning for one more thread to GM, which might give a few more people an opportunity - but in the meantime, poach away!
- Raksha
I will admit interest here.
Concepts:
A Dhampir (who doesn't know who her father is and doesn't understand why she is so pale) necromancer of the Life school with a domineering mother.
A swashbuckler sailor ... who gets terribly seasick.
Mysterious Stranger/Bard - Gritty inspiring speeches and I shoot you dead with my gun.
Divine Hunter - I really want to play an archerdin.
Maerid Daivrat - Not only am I a genie, I summon others and talk them to death. (A genie talk-show host, basically)
Pistolero with summer rogue ability - disable device: I shoot it until it opens. Or I could just play Derringer Meryl.
A magus samurai with a naginata. Probably Kensai.
Halfling gun tank - little girl BIG gun! Knocks her back half the time. Using a weapon that is you big for her will be difficult, but fun visual.
What about psionics and 3PP archetypes?
If you are up to Psionics a marksman with the volley or finnese style could be fun.
An winged (aasimar, Erin yes, strix, tengu) tactician would be fun.
Or an elemental based meditant pshycic warrior (suli, oread, undine, efreeti ...).
well, now that I suckered convinced my homegame gm to let me play a godling, I would probably change to a machinesmith (cause they're incredibly neat, and they would be fun at all levels without "breaking the bank" like the godling would).