Homebrew Investigative / Psuedo Horror / Gang Warfare Campaign

[yazo]

Hey im looking to start a PbP cityscape sort of game here on the paizo forums. It is a cross between Investigative, Horror, And Gang Warfare and intrigue, with some dungeon crawls and exploration outside the city. I don't have the city entirely fleshed out so if you want to add areas just run it by me. Being Psuedo Horror character death is a frequent threat, expect to go through a couple characters. In this city most gods aren't worshipped, mostly the odd cult and old run down church. So full divine casters are rare. Though paladins and rangers are common enough. You work for an Investigators office and your boss is a Mr. Sicarian. You've been on a couple low risk jobs but are only starting to get into danger. This city is run mostly by billionaires and mob bosses, drug addicts line the streets and you can get someone "disposed of" for a handful of change. it is not a pleasant city, but its home. The arcane magic is monitored by a corporation known as the grey circle, most people with significant magical talent are inducted, some are missed though, such as your characters.

Character Creation
Stats- 3D6 7 times choose the highest 6, i know its tight but your characters arent fully fledged heroes.
Classes- All Paizo, though the eastern classes (samurai and ninja) and the antipaladin aren't big fits for the campaign. I have a houserule where a paladin can be any lawful or good non evil, but if its neutral lawful, it gets smite chaos instead, same with the evil spectrum for antipaladins. I'm also not a huge fan of the summoner. DSP Psionics unleashed is also allowed. I'll also go over other 3PP if you can provide me with a PDF of the system.
Races: All core, tiefling, Drow, Dhampir and Orc, though the city is mostly human and human hybrids (half-elves and half-orcs)
Traits- 2 Traits
Feats: You gain a bonus feat at first, fifth, tenth, fifteenth, and twentieth level.

I hope to post once a day, and once during the weekend, but i understand real life can get in the way.

I'm leaving it open until the 20th and hope to get 4-6 players.

[Jarred Henninger]

So, lvl 1? Class gold?

[yazo]

Level 2 sorry, and 1000 gold to spend

[yazo]

i'd also like to slide in my homebrew dragonborn race if anyone wishes to try it out in a PC. Also the gods in this world are the gods represented in the 4e campaign setting.

Dragonborn:

Dragonborn
After a pact with the dragons and men were made a new race was born, the Dragonborn. Fierce Draconic warriors not to far left of field to a Kobold. Dragonborn are a fierce warrior people with a distinct lack of history, as they’ve only been around for a few hundred years. They are brilliant mercenaries for your cause. They come in as many varieties of colour as they’re draconic forefathers, as akin to the dragons of this world, the parents colouring seems to matter very little to the colour of the children, as do colours to alignments.
Male names: Arjhan, Balasar, Bharash, Donaar,
Ghesh, Heskan, Kriv, Medrash, Nadarr, Patrin,
Rhogar, Shamash, Shedinn, Torinn
Female names: Akra, Biri, Daar, Harann, Kava,
Korinn, Mishann, Nala, Perra, Raiann, Sora, Surina,
Thava

Racial Traits
Racial Atributes: +2 Strength, +2 Charisma, -2 Dexterity. They are a strong proud race, but there large builds tend to be cumbersome and clumsy.
Size: Medium. They gain no bonuses and penalties due to their size
Speed: 30 feet
Scaly Hide: You have a +1 natural armour bonus due to your scales
Draconic Heritage: you gain resist 5 to your selected element, and you gain a breath weapon, this acts like Burning Hands spell like ability but uses your total hit dice as your caster level and Constitution modifier as the casting stat, it also deals damage due to your energy affinity.
Elemental Choice: Choose Acid, Electricity, Fire, or Cold, this is the element to be used with your draconic heritage

Class Reprisentations:
Bard: Dragonborn bards tend to be fighting in the front lines, swinging a sword or banging a battledrum. About 10% of Dragonborn adventurers are bards.
Fighter: A fighter is the archtypical Dragonborn, in the thick of things, usually with a large axe. About 25% of Dragonborn are fighters.
Paladins: Proud servants of both the platinum dragon Bahumut and the sun god Pelor they strive for honor amongst the varied races. About 15% of Dragonborn are Paladins
Sorcerer: Almost exclusively of either the draconic or elemental bloodlines dragonborn sorcerers are held in very high regard in dragonborn society, often in positions of great power or influence. 5% of dragonborn adventurers are sorcerers.
Skald: Skald are slightly more common than bards in the dragonborn society but fill very similar roles, a front line inspiring warrior. 15% of dragonborn adventurers are Skald.
Bloodrager: With hints of arcane magic that lends itself to diluted sorcerer blood the Bloodrager are uncommon but recognised warriors, often prized for their bloodrage. 10% of Dragonborn adventurers are Bloodragers.
Clerics: Generally the Priests of Bahamut or Kord, the dragonborn clerics also lend themselves to leading on the front lines. 5% of dragonborn adventurers are clerics.
Warpriest: More common and more respected than clerics, warpriest are often seen in a small dragonborn troops as a supportive front liner. 10% of dragonborn are warpriests.
The other 5% are a spattering of other classes, though barbarian, cavalier, and brawler also tend to be somewhat common. The least common classes taken up by dragonborn is the Rogue, Gunslinger and witch.

[aceDiamond]

What do you think about a picaroon gangster?

3d6 ⇒ (2, 4, 6) = 12
3d6 ⇒ (5, 6, 5) = 16
3d6 ⇒ (4, 5, 3) = 12
3d6 ⇒ (2, 4, 4) = 10
3d6 ⇒ (6, 2, 1) = 9
3d6 ⇒ (4, 3, 1) = 8 Dropped
3d6 ⇒ (5, 6, 2) = 13

[DM Frogfoot]

I like your houserules. Might be fun to play a Lawful Neutral Dragonborn Paladin.

I give you The Honorable Judge Ralasar. Tired of incompetent and corrupt lawmen botching his execution of the law, Ralasar seeks to bring lawbreakers to justice himself.

3d6 ⇒ (2, 3, 3) = 8
3d6 ⇒ (4, 5, 1) = 10
3d6 ⇒ (2, 4, 1) = 7 - Dropped. Oh god, these stats.
3d6 ⇒ (4, 4, 2) = 10
3d6 ⇒ (4, 4, 3) = 11
3d6 ⇒ (2, 2, 6) = 10
3d6 ⇒ (6, 5, 3) = 14

[CampinCarl9127]

Dotting. I love deadly realistic games as well as subterfuge. Right now I'm thinking along the lines of a investigator.

[JoshB]

Sounds interesting

Are the PCs the good guys, the bad guys, or both? Just curious from a story perspective.

3d6: 3d6 ⇒ (3, 3, 4) = 10
3d6: 3d6 ⇒ (1, 6, 1) = 8
3d6: 3d6 ⇒ (6, 5, 2) = 13
3d6: 3d6 ⇒ (3, 3, 2) = 8
3d6: 3d6 ⇒ (6, 1, 2) = 9
3d6: 3d6 ⇒ (2, 1, 2) = 5 - Dropped
3d6: 3d6 ⇒ (4, 6, 2) = 12

More stats with a penalty than with a bonus ... that's probably a "challenging" character to play

Any chance of a mulligan if a character's stat modifiers aren't positive?

[Entryhazard]

Seems interesting

let's see

3d6: 3d6 ⇒ (5, 4, 6) = 15
3d6: 3d6 ⇒ (6, 1, 2) = 9
3d6: 3d6 ⇒ (1, 1, 6) = 8 dropped
3d6: 3d6 ⇒ (5, 1, 5) = 11
3d6: 3d6 ⇒ (5, 2, 1) = 8
3d6: 3d6 ⇒ (4, 2, 6) = 12
3d6: 3d6 ⇒ (5, 6, 3) = 14

I have still to decide the character but I'm thinking mainly some kind of jester, maybe an arcane caster that makes use of Deadly Dealer but nothing definitive, I'm also considering a gritty Holy Gun but I don't want to step on someone else's toes

[CampinCarl9127]

I know that arcane magic is somewhat monitored, but how does alchemy fall into that kind of surveillance?

[yazo]

@aceDIAMOND Gangsters are cool, are you going to lean on the chaotic or lawful spectrum?

@DMFrogfoot that sounds like it would fit well, and i will be adjusting things to make it a little less slaughterf&&@

@CampinCarl9127 it's very widespread, so are guns, both used often and can be bought in any store

@Entryhazard I probably won't choose multiple characters that fill the same niche, unless its a niche that needs to be filled twice

[CampinCarl9127]

Does that mean that you will be using the "commonplace" rules for guns?

[yazo]

@CampinCarl Actually guns everywhere

[CampinCarl9127]

Interesting...I wonder if taking the steel hound archetype would be worth it in that case or if I could just be another kind of investigator who also uses a gun.

[CampinCarl9127]

Do you have any restrictions on how wealth is spent? Investigators are very gadget reliant.

[yazo]

@Campincarl9127 not really

[aceDiamond]

yazo wrote:

@aceDIAMOND Gangsters are cool, are you going to lean on the chaotic or lawful spectrum?

Im thinking that if lawful means ordered, it'd be more in line with putting together a crime family. Might go LE on this, but I'm not sure if I want a picaroon or just a cutthroat with Amateur Swashbuckler.

[DM Frogfoot]

Oh damn if guns are everywhere I'm definitely going to be exploring the Holy Gun Paladin archetype. My divine bond is my rifle. Hell yeah. Law-man...I mean, law-dragon...coming to town.

[Nohwear]

Have you looked into Freeport? It seems to be a good setting for what you want to do. Unless of course you have already have a setting worked out. I am not showing interest. While I would love a good city game, my plate is pretty full already. Maybe if Razor Coast does not work out.

[CampinCarl9127]

Sorry for the onslaught of questions, just trying to get a good first draft up.

Do you allow drawbacks?

[Darksmokepuncher]

3d6 ⇒ (3, 1, 3) = 7
3d6 ⇒ (6, 1, 4) = 11
3d6 ⇒ (5, 1, 3) = 9
3d6 ⇒ (6, 6, 3) = 15
3d6 ⇒ (4, 5, 3) = 12
3d6 ⇒ (5, 2, 3) = 10
3d6 ⇒ (4, 2, 2) = 8

So...15,12,11,10,9,8. That's very tight. I'll start thinking :)

[yazo]

@CampinCarl9127 1 for 1 trait

[CampinCarl9127]

Thanks! I believe that's all my questions for now, so I'll get to work.

3d6 ⇒ (5, 3, 1) = 9 Dropped
3d6 ⇒ (5, 6, 4) = 15
3d6 ⇒ (2, 6, 3) = 11
3d6 ⇒ (6, 2, 6) = 14
3d6 ⇒ (6, 6, 5) = 17
3d6 ⇒ (4, 4, 4) = 12
3d6 ⇒ (1, 5, 6) = 12

Wow, not bad at all.

[CampinCarl9127]

How are we doing health? Also, what languages would be good to have for this setting?

[Cam James]

Hmmm. Should probably roll stats first :)
rolls: 21d6 ⇒ (4, 1, 1, 1, 5, 4, 6, 2, 2, 3, 4, 5, 3, 5, 3, 1, 5, 1, 2, 5, 1) = 64
so: 6, 10, 10, 12, 11, 7, 8...
Yay? -2pb?
Highest stat a 12?

[Entryhazard]

If I choose Tiefling, can I use one of the variants?

Also, just out of curiosity, why no Aasimars?

[CampinCarl9127]

Another question: How prevalent would undead be in this setting?

[Rigor Rictus]

Dotting. Have to run off to give the kids their baths. I'll roll up some stats as soon as I get a chance.

[CampinCarl9127]

I'm going to back out of this one. Good luck to everybody else applying.

[Rigor Rictus]

Ok, I'm back...

3d6 ⇒ (6, 3, 2) = 11
3d6 ⇒ (6, 6, 4) = 16
3d6 ⇒ (3, 4, 1) = 8 - Dropped, obviously.
3d6 ⇒ (2, 6, 6) = 14
3d6 ⇒ (4, 3, 6) = 13
3d6 ⇒ (3, 5, 6) = 14
3d6 ⇒ (5, 4, 4) = 13

So, ideas...

For an investigative game, I've always liked Inquisitors. I've got a revolver wielding Inquisitor that predates the Heirloom weapon nerf that I might actually be able to dust off, given that he doesn't work in most games anymore given the rule change, and that might actually work quite well in this game flavour wise (he was originally from a Carrion Crown game). Depending on what stat I can coax into Dex, it might be worth taking a 1 level dip in gunslinger in order to get Gun Training, given the Guns Everywhere rules... I may have to take a close look at my options.

[Daniel Stewart]

I would like to apply with an urban ranger, if possible.

3d6 ⇒ (6, 2, 3) = 11
3d6 ⇒ (2, 2, 6) = 10 Drop
3d6 ⇒ (5, 6, 6) = 17
3d6 ⇒ (6, 2, 6) = 14
3d6 ⇒ (5, 5, 5) = 15
3d6 ⇒ (2, 5, 6) = 13
3d6 ⇒ (6, 6, 6) = 18

Ok, so stats are: 11, 17, 14, 15, 13, 18. Pretty good, will work up character and submit asap

[Daniel Stewart]

Ok..here is my submission...hope it work for you.

Talis:

Talis
Half-elf monk (zen archer) 1/ranger (urban ranger) 1 (Pathfinder RPG Advanced Player's Guide 115, 129)
LN Medium humanoid (elf, human)
Init +6; Senses low-light vision; Perception +13
--------------------
Defense
--------------------
AC 18, touch 18, flat-footed 14 (+4 Dex, +4 untyped bonus)
hp 19 (2 HD; 1d8+1d10+4)
Fort +6, Ref +8, Will +6; +2 vs. enchantments
Immune sleep
--------------------
Offense
--------------------
Speed 30 ft.
Melee mwk temple sword +4 (1d8+2/19-20) or
. . unarmed strike +5 (1d6+2)
Ranged or
. . mwk composite longbow flurry of blows +5/+5 (1d8+2/×3) or
. . mwk composite longbow +6 (1d8+2/×3)
Special Attacks favored enemy (humans +2), flurry of blows
--------------------
Statistics
--------------------
Str 15, Dex 19, Con 14, Int 13, Wis 18, Cha 11
Base Atk +1; CMB +3; CMD 21
Feats Improved Unarmed Strike, Perfect Strike[APG], Point-blank Shot, Precise Shot, Skill Focus (Perception), Weapon Finesse
Traits elven reflexes, truth’s agent
Skills Acrobatics +8, Diplomacy +2 (+3 to gather information), Disable Device +9, Escape Artist +8, Knowledge (local) +7, Perception +13, Sense Motive +8, Stealth +9, Survival +9; Racial Modifiers +2 Perception
Languages Common, Elven, Goblin
SQ elf blood, track +1, wild empathy +1
Other Gear arrows (40), mwk composite longbow (+2 Str), mwk temple sword, backpack, bedroll, belt pouch, flint and steel, hemp rope (50 ft.), mess kit, pot, trail rations (5), waterskin, 59 gp, 1 sp
--------------------
Special Abilities
--------------------
Elf Blood Half-elves count as both elves and humans for any effect related to race.
Elven Immunities - Sleep You are immune to magic sleep effects.
Favored Enemy (Humans +2) (Ex) +2 to rolls vs. Favored Enemy (Humans) foes.
Flurry of Blows +0/+0 (Ex) As full-rd action, higher BAB and combo unarmed/monk wep as if two-weapon fighting.
Improved Unarmed Strike Unarmed strikes don't cause attacks of opportunity, and can be lethal.
Low-Light Vision See twice as far as a human in low light, distinguishing color and detail.
Perfect Strike (2d20, 1/day) With certain weapons, roll twice, higher is attack, lower is confirmation roll.
Point-Blank Shot +1 to attack and damage rolls with ranged weapons at up to 30 feet.
Precise Shot You don't get -4 to hit when shooting or throwing into melee.
Track +1 Add the listed bonus to survival checks made to track.
Truth’s Agent +1 to Diplomacy to gather information.
Wild Empathy +1 (Ex) Improve the attitude of an animal, as if using Diplomacy.

[Gilthanis]

3d6 ⇒ (1, 5, 3) = 9
3d6 ⇒ (5, 6, 4) = 15
3d6 ⇒ (3, 4, 1) = 8 **DROP**
3d6 ⇒ (6, 5, 5) = 16
3d6 ⇒ (5, 6, 6) = 17
3d6 ⇒ (5, 2, 6) = 13
3d6 ⇒ (3, 4, 2) = 9

So: 17,16,15,13,9,9

Thinking of a Thug Rogue. Half-Orc. Built around Intimidation.

Blask rough draft:

Str 17+2=19
Dex 16
Con 15
Int 9
Wis 9
Cha 13

Feats:

1) Sap Master (Whenever you use a bludgeoning weapon to deal nonlethal sneak attack damage, you gain a bonus on your damage roll equal to twice the number of sneak attack damage dice you rolled.)
1) Bludgeoner
2) Rogue Talent: Strong Impression(gain Intimidating Prowess for free)

Skills: 8-1=7

Acrobatics 2+3+3=8
Stealth 2+3+3=8
Perception 2-1+3=5
Intimidate 2+1+3+4+2=12
Knowledge Local 2-1+3=5
Climb 2+4+3=9
Disguise 2+1+3=6

Racial Abilities:
Chain fighter: treat light/heavy flail as proficient; treat dire flail as martial weapon.

Background:

Blask, grew up poor. He tried his hand at stealing, but never managed to become good at it. He was caught, at received 10 lashes...all for taking a loaf of bead. This hardened him, to the tough life on the streets.

Blask, turned to the local crime scene, but this time relied on his strong points and not weaknesses. His muscles, was all he needed. He got in on the ground level. He went with other senior members as backup. When people refused service or payment, he would rough them up. He would use his fist, his gauntlet, or even his flail to make sure he got the point across. This didn't happen very often, as most times a good glare or two was more than enough to "convince" people to say yes to whatever was needed.

Blask, was never the smartest or the wisest, but his physical prowess made up for it. He was happy getting his hands dirty if the need arose, and was comfortable being the muscle for operations.

[Nohwear]

I am not sure if I am interested, but I feel like rolling stats just in case.

3d6 ⇒ (1, 2, 6) = 9
3d6 ⇒ (5, 2, 2) = 9
3d6 ⇒ (3, 4, 1) = 8
3d6 ⇒ (3, 5, 6) = 14
3d6 ⇒ (3, 1, 4) = 8
3d6 ⇒ (1, 1, 4) = 6
3d6 ⇒ (6, 3, 6) = 15

Uh, any rerolls allowed? Also, any 3pp? Again I will bring up Freeport for harvesting.

[Nohwear]

Also, any way you would allow a racial archetype for a different race?

[The Dragon]

The spread on those rolls are insane. There are people with net negative stat-lines, and then two or three people whose rows add up to ~+10

Let's see if I fit in with the gods or the dregs.

3d6 ⇒ (2, 5, 3) = 10
3d6 ⇒ (5, 5, 2) = 12
3d6 ⇒ (3, 3, 2) = 8 - marked
3d6 ⇒ (5, 5, 5) = 15
3d6 ⇒ (5, 5, 2) = 12
3d6 ⇒ (6, 5, 2) = 13
3d6 ⇒ (2, 4, 6) = 12

Will you look at that. Squarely in between.

Edit: I'd like to use the Path of War books from dreamscarred press. I can't give you a pdf legally, but the whole thing is on the d20pfsrd.
Here's a link to the thing in its entireity, the stalker class in particular is here.

Current plan is Gunslinger 1/Stalker the rest of the way.

By the way, have you considered using E6? It seems a nice fit for the style of game you seem to be going for.

[Atlas2112]

This scenario sounds amazing!

And if this isn't just made for a human rogue, I don't know what is. Tally ho! =)

3d6 ⇒ (3, 6, 1) = 10
3d6 ⇒ (5, 6, 2) = 13
3d6 ⇒ (1, 2, 6) = 9
3d6 ⇒ (2, 2, 5) = 9
3d6 ⇒ (4, 6, 4) = 14
3d6 ⇒ (1, 4, 3) = 8 (dropity!)
3d6 ⇒ (5, 5, 4) = 14

Alright, I...I think this will work. Allow me a moment's time to craft this into something you would be proud to take with you.

[Zayne Iwatani]

This makes two concepts I have in mind worthwhile. But let's see the rolls first.

3d6 ⇒ (3, 6, 4) = 13
3d6 ⇒ (1, 1, 4) = 6
3d6 ⇒ (3, 2, 1) = 6
3d6 ⇒ (5, 1, 2) = 8
3d6 ⇒ (4, 6, 6) = 16
3d6 ⇒ (1, 6, 1) = 8
3d6 ⇒ (4, 3, 3) = 10

That's a nope for me.

[Daniel Stewart]

Is this still happening?? Just curious.

[Rigor Rictus]

Good question. I wondered what had happened to this thread. It dropped off my focus list...

[wanderer82]

3d6 ⇒ (5, 1, 6) = 12
3d6 ⇒ (1, 2, 5) = 8
3d6 ⇒ (3, 2, 5) = 10
3d6 ⇒ (5, 6, 2) = 13
3d6 ⇒ (6, 5, 6) = 17
3d6 ⇒ (6, 2, 2) = 10
3d6 ⇒ (2, 6, 6) = 14

[wanderer82]

Hoping this game comes to fruition, its a great concept.

Thinking a human bard (archaeologist), makes perfect investigative jack of all trades... may multi-class urban ranger later.

basics:

CG Human Bard (archaeologist) 2

Str: 17
Dex: 14
Con: 10
Int: 12
Wis: 10
Cha: 15 (13+2)

Traits: maestro of the society, fate's favored
Feats: lingering performance, power attack
Skills: acrobatics, bluff, diplomacy, disable device, know (local), perception, sense motive, stealth

more to follow...