This is a short, old-school flavored, convention-style dungeon crawl, with two teams starting at different points in a dungeon with the goal of escaping alive with the most treasure.
Survivors get a chance to move to the bench for my ongoing multi-party sandbox campaign set in the Lost Lands setting of Frog God Games/Necromancer Games.
I suppose it's ok if a few participants are only interested in this as a one-shot, as long as the majority are motivated to eventually join one of the teams in the mega-campaign with the boon of additional treasure earned in this tournament.
*2nd Level
*20 Point Buy
*No starting stat below 7 after racial adjustment, no starting stat above 18 after racial adjustment.
*Bonus Feat
*No Traits, except Rogues (Rogues get 2 Traits)
*Fighters get 4+ Int skill ranks
*CRB: everything (some changes to leadership and crafting and few spells but nothing that matters at this level)
*APG: Most archetypes, most feats and spells, most rage powers and bloodlines etc.
*UM: Most feats and spells, ask first on archetypes and additional class features like bloodlines.
*UC: Some archetypes, some feats.
*Anything ARG ask first.
*Nothing AP or Golarion specific in flavor
*Races: CRB plus drow, tiefling, aasimar.
*Base Classes: Cavalier, Inquisitor, see below
Anything else ask first, if I can see that someone is excited about something for RP reasons, and it strongly fits the flavor of the setting and campaign, I will make some exceptions to the above guidelines, but if I tried to explain my rationale we'd be here all day because I'm actually completely nuts, and make no sense to anyone but myself (*_*)
For example, I don't have Oracle listed, but if someone wanted to make a Rage Prophet I'm suddenly cool with oracle levels as part of that build. So you have to just run things past me sometimes, just please don't send me builds out of the blue that don't follow the guidelines.
Short backstories are ok. Present them as three sections: Background, Personality, Motivations. A few sentences for each is enough. Check out the obsidian portal wiki page for inspiration.
Lost Lands Mega-Campaign Wiki
*I will connect a "Campaign Info" tab shortly, so I can add things that should have been in this first post if I think of them after this post is closed for editing.
*For more info about the ongoing campaign, a good summary post is here. But this recruitment is specifically for the short tournament.
By 7 racial and 18 racial, you mean having no stat above 18 or below 7 after racials?
Will starting equipment be WBL for second level (1,000 gp) or something else?
What do you want in a backstory?
Man, I'd like to submit my goblin gunslinger, but since goblin isn't listed I guess I'll see what else I can come up with.
I'm definitely in for the long haul though. I read a little bit on your interest check thread. The sandbox idea with multiple groups is an awesome idea. Plus it sounds like a frequent post game which I've practically been begging for.
Definitely interested.
With regards to Aasimar and Tieflings, what are your thoughts on the variant ability and heritage tables?
Some things that I'm considering from your 'maybe' lists. I wanted to run them by you before I start to settle on a character submission in case they're a non-starter.
Would taking the Additional Traits feat to get traits defeat the purpose of your campaign rules, or would it be okay?
From UC, would you allow the Sohei archetype and the Empyreal bloodline?
How about the verdant bloodline from APG?
Edit: For Aasimar, how about some of the alternate racial traits from ARG? Like Deathless Spirit and Scion of Humanity?
Thanks!
Yeah, some of the variants just give little flavour things like being able to tell if someone is pregnant or being able to survive on nothing but ash, but others can get OP like stat bonuses, perfect darkvision like a devil, being able to fly, and using weapons one size category larger like normal.
I'm mostly interested in the variant bloodlines like Archon-Blooded.
I think it would be fun to play the child of a Hound Archon. I was thinking going Weapon Master Fighter focused on Great sword (Hound Archon Weapon of Choice). Stat bonus changes from Cha to Con and the SLA is comparable changing daylight to continual flame (both 3rd level spells). I was thinking of changing the skill bonus out for the variant option: Truespeaker (+2 bonus on Linguistics and Sense Motive checks, and they learn two languages each time they gain a rank in Linguistics) to simulate a weaker version of the Archon's truespeak ability.
Its not a super big deal but I thought it would add more character without having to create a huge background.
*What is your posting availability like? What do you like in terms of pace for PbP?
*How familiar are you with the setting? Have you run or played in Necromancer/FGG modules before?
*How many PbP do you currently participate in? Player or GM?
*What does "Old School" mean to you?
*Would you have still been interested in this campaign if it was CRB only? Why or why not?
Hmm. I want a kite shield. How will you handle that? +3 to AC, perhaps?
Anyways, you made a good reason for not taking Rich Parents. The only viable reason an adventurer would take that is if they were raised by a dragon.
Also, if I had a really good backstory for it, would you allow a LG Barbarian?
I'm also going on the assumption that 10 is average, so that my character isn't a total idiot. I never dump Int because I never want to play Thog.
Not finished yet but here's as far as I've gotten on allowed archetypes. Still need to look at Monks, Paladins, Sorcerors.
Barbarian:
Elemental Kin
Savage
Superstitious
Totem Warrior
Bard:
Court Bard
Dirge Bard
Magician
Savage Skald
Songhealer
Sound Striker
Cleric:
Cloistered
Crusader
Merciful Healer
Druid:
Mooncaller
Storm Druid
Tempest Druid
All Shamans
Fighter:
Archer
Crossbowman
Lore Warden
Mobile Fighter
Savage Warrior
Swordlord
Two-Handed
Two-Weapon
Weapon Master
Ranger:
Skirmisher
Trapper
Infiltrator
Spirit Ranger
Trapper
Wild Stalker
Rogue:
Burglar
Knife Master
Scout
Survivalist
Swashbuckler
Thug
Trapsmith
*What is your posting availability like? What do you like in terms of pace for PbP?
I'm ok for just about any pace. I can post throughout the day most any day but generally in the morning or evening every day.
*How familiar are you with the setting? Have you run or played in Necromancer/FGG modules before?
I haven't run through much of this, most of what I have played in is homebrew.
*How many PbP do you currently participate in? Player or GM?
I'm applying for a few currently but I am not in any at the moment.
*What does "Old School" mean to you?
Old School to me means bare bones. Meaning that we cut out the fancy fluff and go with the old classics, none of the fancy prestige classes.
*Would you have still been interested in this campaign if it was CRB only? Why or why not?
While I would be sad because I like some of the fluffy stuff, I would be fine with going CRB if all the extra stuff became troublesome for others.
Yeah, some of the variants just give little flavour things like being able to tell if someone is pregnant or being able to survive on nothing but ash, but others can get OP like stat bonuses, perfect darkvision like a devil, being able to fly, and using weapons one size category larger like normal.
I'm mostly interested in the variant bloodlines like Archon-Blooded.
I think it would be fun to play the child of a Hound Archon. I was thinking going Weapon Master Fighter focused on Great sword (Hound Archon Weapon of Choice). Stat bonus changes from Cha to Con and the SLA is comparable changing daylight to continual flame (both 3rd level spells). I was thinking of changing the skill bonus out for the variant option: Truespeaker (+2 bonus on Linguistics and Sense Motive checks, and they learn two languages each time they gain a rank in Linguistics) to simulate a weaker version of the Archon's truespeak ability.
Its not a super big deal but I thought it would add more character without having to create a huge background.
That character sounds cool as all hell.
The only thing I'm iffy on is the alternate favored class bonus, so far I have strictly only allowed HP or Skill Rank. But that one fits the flavor very well. I have a little leeway for exceptions though, because PC's who survived a tournament to get into the game deserve a slight boon.
oh the truespeaker change is a variant for the skill bonuses the race gives. So normally you would have a +2 Diplomacy and Perception, but instead you have a +2 Linguistics and Sense Motive and gain 2 languages for every linguistics point.
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I'm interested and will work on a character. As for the survey:
What is your posting availability like? What do you like in terms of pace for PbP?
I'm available to post every day and I think every 1-3 days is a good pace for the GM if players keep to it.
How familiar are you with the setting? Have you run or played in Necromancer/FGG modules before?
I've been playing homebrew mostly, so I haven't played the modules
How many PbP do you currently participate in? Player or GM?
I'm a player in 1-3 (only one has started) and I'm applying to a couple of others. I'm hoping for 4-5 regular games.
What does "Old School" mean to you?
Umm...ADnD, first edition Black Lotus, Zelda: A Link to the Past, Text based MMORPGs.
Would you have still been interested in this campaign if it was CRB only? Why or why not?
I would have still been interested. However, I do like options that are opened up in later books, such as totems for barbarians, certain combat styles for rangers, and interesting fighter archetypes.
Alignment? and would you be open to allowing the elemental races?
(Ifrit, Oread, Sylph, and Undine / Fire, Earth, Wind and Water, respectively)
Alright: First the survey, then the character.
What is your posting availability like?
I can post 2-3/day, however, I won't talk to myself.
Are you familiar with the setting?
No.
How many PbPs are you in?
I play in 2 PbPs: A Tale of Two Worlds and Lords of Creation. I'm a player in both.
What does old school mean to you?
You already know, Grimmy ;)
Would you be interested in this game if it was CRB only?
Yeah. I like the new stuff a LOT, but I'm fine with almost anything. Plus, my barbarian is straight since TM is out.
Talric kneeled before the Jotunslayer chieftan. The grizzled old barbarian was an imposing sight, and he made many brave warriors quake despite his old age. Though Talric had grown used to it, being the old man's son. "Talric Jotunslayer!" the chieftan boomed. "You have successfully led a hunting party for a Jotun and slayed it. This is the prerequisite for undertaking the Journey. Before you may become chieftain, you must bring back three trophies of formidable monsters. Then, it is within your right to challenge me and take the title of Chieftain. Until you claim this title, you are hereby stripped of all rank, title, and influence among the Jotunslayer tribe. You go forth with nothing but your armor, weapons, and food. Now, begone!"
As Talric left the meadhall with nothing but his most meager possessions-his earthbreaker, scale mail, and rations-he recalls all that lead to his challenge. Fourth in line for the throne, his two brothers and his sister got all the grooming required for leading and taking Chieftanship. Talric, quite literally, was left out in the cold. Given thin clothes and an earthbreaker, Talric was told that if he wished to become a warrior, he would have to learn himself.
For twelve years, Talric pushed his limits-and often pushed himself too hard. Living in the mountains, Talric had to learn how to survive on his own, and contend with threats that his siblings did not face in their training. One by one, when the time to slay a Jotun, his siblings were slain. Grudgingly, the old chieftain called upon Talric, his last heir. Leading the hunting party, he chose to work and coordinate with his fellows rather than go for all the glory himself. And now, after six months of nearly unsuccessful leadership training, Talric was setting out for his Journey, the second part of the threefold Trial.
I know that was a bit lengthy, but I couldn't help myself.
Talric takes the responsibility of his potential rulership very seriously, and while others of his kind boast and swill ale, he is quiet and introspective. Humble in his exploits, Talric will give much more credit to his companions than himself, and although he has a hard time relating to others, Talric is a great, understanding friend. Strangely enough, Talric is generally merciful unless the target is obviously irredeemable. The barbarian prince avoids using his rage unless it is a dire situation. But then, his might is great indeed.
Simply enough, Talric wishes to complete his journey and confront his father. However, Talric knows that he himself cannot lead the Jotunslayers, and that it will simply be enough to free the tribe from his father's cruel regime. After that, he will probably do what he did during his journey: helping others, especially outcasts.
A Jotun is a frost giant. Pretty much them and the fire giants from Muspelheim are the main evil guys in Nordic lore, with the BBEGs being Ymir and Surtur, the kings of the frost and fire giants respectively.
And thank you, writing's a hobby of mine.
And, in case you're wondering, I'm in for the long haul.
*What is your posting availability like? What do you like in terms of pace for PbP?
*How familiar are you with the setting? Have you run or played in Necromancer/FGG modules before?
*How many PbP do you currently participate in? Player or GM?
*What does "Old School" mean to you?
*Would you have still been interested in this campaign if it was CRB only? Why or why not?
1) I work at a hotel, front desk. I spend most of my day waiting for the phone to ring. So I'm online at least half the day with paizo open in a tab.
2) None and Nope.
3) 2 at the moment. Player in both, one new and one for over a year now. I've got an open application in a 3rd, but it's a very slow game if I were to get in.
4) The oldest TTRPG i've played is 2e, a few times. I enjoy the feel of 2e and I love how anything not combat based is entirly DM and PC roleplaying and not dictated by pesky skill points.
5) Yes. Keeping options limited just means a more balanced and flavorful party. I could easly replicate an elemental bloodline from a RP standpoint, without the need for a whole seperate race.
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Have to do paper work now but if you could link me to some campaign world info or just give me a brief run down that would be much appreciated.
| 2 people marked this as a favorite. |
I'm going to post this again in full instead of as a link because I think it's important everyone see's it:
I see that many are still confused about the structure of the campaign and what exactly I am recruiting for.
Maybe it will help if I use proper names.
So let me start over.
I am running a long-term multi-party sandbox campaign called "The Lost Lands".
Each party begins with a starting adventure located on the same regional map. There is a very detailed city, a massive deadly mega-dungeon, and the surrounding wilderness with dozens of adventure sites and smaller dungeons and other locales to explore.
Each adventuring party has a specific adventure module as their point of entry into the campaign. The actions of the PC's impact the world, and can be felt by the PC's in the other parties. For example if a party slays a dragon and claims it's hoard, that dragons lair will be empty if another party arrives.
There are currently three active groups, playing three adventures, called "The Wizard's Amulet", "The Mouth of Doom", and "Valley of the Shrines".
I am recruiting for a fourth group, who will be playing an adventure called . Play to begin in August. This recruitment thread will be open in a day or so.
I am also recruiting for a tournament style one-shot competitive dungeon crawl pitting two teams against each other to survive and escape with the most loot. Survivors will move to the bench for "The Lost Lands" for placement in any of the four groups, bringing with them any loot recovered from the tournament. This one-shot tournament module is called . Recruitment is live in this thread. You are here now :D
Tournament gameplay will begin in June or July, if recruiting is complete.
Please favorite this post of you read it and found it helpful.
Do we have to meet the prereq's of the Bonus Feat at 1st level? or can it be 2nd?
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Questions.
1. Are you comfortable in non-linear adventures that require self-determination? This is not really anything like an AP, the story isn't written yet. At some points you have to decide what interests you and what you want to pursue. This can lead to option paralysis for some players who aren't used to a sandbox. I have a few players who really engage with the environment and drive the story forward, but I need a couple more to really drive things.
2. Do you have a problem with things like tracking ammunition and rations and using the encumbrance rules? I realize many people are hand-waving these things because they find them dull, but I really love the resource management/attrition/survival aspect of the game. It was close to the heart of the game the way I was playing it growing up. How much treasure can I get out of this dungeon and still be able to survive the trip back to town? That sort of thing. It's not for everyone, but it's too important to me to let go.
3. Do you have a problem with not being guaranteed any kind of WBL figures? I can't call the campaign low-magic exactly. You can find things that are way over WBL but they tend to be more flavorful items that people usually neglect in favor of the "big six". If you like to plan your build around specific items you will be frustrated. Crafting and shopping are limited compared to a standard modern pathfinder game.
4. Where do you see this character being most interested in going at low-mid levels
-Wilderness Exploration
-Dungeon Crawl
-Cleansing Defiled Holy Sites
?
and at mid-high levels
-Mega-Dungeon
-Underdark
-Excavating Ruined Ancient City
?
also how interested are you in urban intrigue throughout career?
1) Not a problem. I find character driven games much more fun.
2) Not a problem.
3) Doesn't need to be exact, but for instance starting level 2 with 150g is almost 1/10th the WBL chart. Which is fine so long as it's taken into account during encounters. If there is a significant gap APL should be adjusted.
4) Can't answer until I've flushed the character out more.
Speaking of which...
Would you be alright with Freya getting the Charm domain? Goddess of Love and Fertility and all.
HP for 2nd level, roll or average?
One of the Charm domains is love only reason I brought it up. I'm not picking the deity because of the domain it just so happened Freya was the one I liked and the love domain is both good and fitting.
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I understand there are situations the group won't be able to tackle. There's a CR 18 werewolf anti-pally in another game I'm in. Were level 5 and as much as we want to kick his ass were not going near that guy. Made that mistake once.
In a situation with a dragon like that our gear would be irrelevant for the most part.
I'm trying to find a better way of putting this than "It's only a problem if it's a problem." Here's my best shot, assuming the group is in a place they're supposed to be.
With 150g A 2nd level fighter can only afford scalemale and a buckler. +6 AC.
With 1000g a fighter can have splint male and a heavy shield. +8 AC. And a MW weapon as well.
Now on a d20 that's 10% more likely to be hit and 5% less likely to hit. May not seem like a lot but when the CR chart is a curve things can go south fast. Especially at low levels.
Roll for Fighter HP
That's fine. I don't think there will be an issue with WBL, I was just thinking worst case scenario.
Alright, time for Talric's stat block :)
Talric of the Jotunslayers
CG Human Barbarian
Str: 18 (16 before racial +2)
Dex: 13
Con: 15
Int: 11
Wis: 10
Cha: 9
Combat
(Raging) [Power Attack] {Powerful Blow} |Power Attack + Powerful Blow|
AC 16(14) (+5 armor, +1 Dex)
hp 23(27)
Fort +5(+7) Ref +1 Will +0(+2)
lucerne hammer +7(+9)[+6] 1d12+6(+8)[+9/11]{+7/+9} |+10/+12|
earthbreaker +6(+8)[+5] 2d6+6(+8)[+9/11]{+7/+9} |+10/+12|
Feats
-Power Attack: When used, this feat grants a +2 to damage and a -1 to attack.
-Improved Bull Rush: You do not provoke an attack of opportunity when performing a bull rush combat maneuver. In addition, you receive a +2 bonus on checks made to bull rush a foe. You also receive a +2 bonus to your Combat Maneuver Defense whenever an opponent tries to bull rush you.
-Weapon Focus, Lucerne Hammer: You gain a +1 bonus when using a Lucerne Hammer.
Rage (10)
-Knockback: Once per round, the barbarian can make a bull rush attempt against one target in place of a melee attack. If successful, the target takes damage equal to the barbarian's Strength modifier and is moved back as normal. The barbarian does not need to move with the target if successful. This does not provoke an attack of opportunity.
Skills
-Climb +5(+7)
-Swim +5(+7)
-Survival +5
-Acrobatics +2
@Tsiron You can have TM as a tournament boon if you want.
Just make sure you constantly tell the story about taking down a frost giant, until the party is sick of hearing about it :p
(jk you can RP it however you want obviously, just understand that is way more epic than what the other PC's have accomplished in their backstory. you would have presumably been leading a big team right?)
Yeah, the prerequisite for the Journey includes leading a hunting party to slay a Jotun, not actually taking it down.
And, yes, I would love getting TM as a tournament boon to fit with my backstory :)
TM will be great for my reach tactics...
Talric opens the fight with a charge and stops when his opponent is within the reach of his hammer, then attacks. When the opponent steps up to meet him, Talric takes an AoO. On his turn, Talric uses Knockback and takes an AoO as the opponent moves backward. Talric repeats this routine throughout the combat, using Power Attack always and Powerful Blow when available.
When the opponent has reach, however, Talric switches to his earthbreaker and gets up close, to negate some of the opponent's reach. While moving through the opponent's reach, Talric uses Acrobatics to hopefully avoid AoOs.
Does this seem sound?
Player: Iron Killer
Character: Unnamed Drow Ninja
Crunch WIP, Backstory WIP
Accepted but MIA
Player:Tsiron
Character: Talric, Titan Mauler
Crunch WIP, backstory done
Accepted
Player: aTiredDude
Character: Leshanda, Sorceror
Backstory done
Accepted but MIA
Player: Grixus Nox
Character: Unnamed Hound Archon Aasimar Fighter
Backstory WIP
Let's hear concepts from jimibones, moonscar, markofbane and whoever else I forgot.
I'll PM ironkiller and tireddude, make sure they're still on board.