So, by popular demand in another recruitment of mine, I am now opening recruitment for a "campaign" that is related to This one.
I described the event thusly:
I have a homebrew setting in which two city states are duking it out like men. That is to say, both are doing their level best to kill off each other's fighting age population. Cloud Kill at level 1? You'll probably see it. One shot sniper kills? It Happens.
It didn't quite turn out as planned. So, I have revised by tables of woe, changed up the build rules to match what was requested, and here we go!
This time around you will not be a nameless Jo on the front lines of a WWI-esque battlefield. You're the heroes, the legends that propaganda posters are made from. You go in to finish off the death machines that have chewed up a regiment. You go in to clean up a spell so potent that it's literally melting the rank-and-file's faces off.
Build Rules
Starting Level: 6th, Gestalt
Point buy, 20 pts.
If you wish to use a monster for your race (captured and forced to fight or something), you may use up to a CR6 creature as one "side" of your gestalt. However, you will not have a point buy in that case, use the monster's base stats.
Wealth: by level, 16k
Races: Anything below 20 RP, no race builder.
Classes: Paizo is approved, naturally.
Dreamscarred Press is pre-approved.
The Multiclass Archetypes list is also available.
I don't have access to other 3pp, so you'll have to be able to share a source with me so I can see how it works before you build it. I don't really want to be flying totally blind.
HP: max 1st, rolled (min 1/2 die) thereafter.
Traits: ZERO. I have an idea for those that will come into play later.
Alignment: Any BUT! You must be willing to play nice and work with your team.
The other side of the Coin
This is not really for you to build some kind of unstoppable combat monster. This event's main purpose is to foster experimentation. Everyone has a list of characters they wish they could build and take for a spin. This is your chance. That's because Mortality will likely be high. You will be facing challenges that would be considered near-suicidal or definitely-suicidal in standard games. That's your job. You are the ones to stand up to the things that are specifically designed to mow your countrymen down.
How it works
-I send your suped up characters up against a madhouse challenge. Youall attempt to overcome it without dying.
-Everytime something major happens (aka: when I can't decide to kill you or not) and at the beginning of every round I shall make the Fate Roll. This is a 1d20. The higher I roll, the worse it is for youall. Basically it decides how mean I will be. I'm not naturally a mean person, so this is me abstracting my responsibility to be deadly and taking some of that responsibility and putting it on the boards.
LastlyBecause of the high anticipated character turnover, I will be keeping this recruitment open until this experiment runs out of bloo... I mean steam. *ahem*. That means we could have a very fluid cast of characters. This is the first time I've done this so I will be posting a lot of rules info and such in the campaign description in case I have to set up additional rules. Please build characters in this thread. Discussion will be used for tactics and such in game. Gameplay will be used for... gameplay.
I also suggest using a generically branded alias instead of creating 20 different aliases for one game.
Have at it. :)
Hmm, I'll have to think about what I can do by 6th.
To be clear with the open-ended recruitment, character turnover also means player turnover? A la, if my character gets blown up by arcane artillery, I can make something new or no, but I get sent to the back of the line either way?
If so, considered me interested.
CHARACTER turnover. PLAYERS can stay as long as they wish. New recruits will be brought in after each engagement.
Edit: you can return with the same character if you wish, or make a new one. Makes very little difference to me. :)
Sounds interesting.
Flavor wise you could do something like Paranoia's six pack... it's just that sometimes the clones don't come out quite the same, letting people roll up new characters from the same background.
I will have to think up something good and ultra violent.
Mkay. My reason for asking is that I like having a 'rotating' PbP slot in my schedule where I'm not locked into anything for too long, such that I can remain open to one-shots that might crop up or similar. From the sounds of it though, the required commitment is 'the lifespan of the number of characters you decide to submit'. I'll come up with something to throw at you then.
Ya, sounds good. As I said, one of the purposes here is to try out things that would otherwise never see the light of day on these boards. I just want to know what I'm stepping into first so I can try not to completely invalidate a character with my encounter design.
Hmm... 6th level gestalts... and a challenge to make things that don't see a lot of play. Yeah, I can work with that. Could we use feat retraining rules so that the feat acquired at 5th level is used for something that you need to be level 6 for? I'm thinking of a Kinetic Whip build, gestalted with Fighter for the good BAB and feats and weapon training, with Cut From the Air allowing me to slice up some projectiles with my awesome fire whip. Just need the Extra Wild Talent feat, which needs Kineticist lv6, since I don't get my 3rd level infusion til level 9 without it thanks to lv7 being Infusion Specialization.
Feat retaining is ok as long as the training cost is accounted for.
I kind of like the idea of making a hero whose mantle is taken up by someone else whenever they retire or die. Which works well with a generic alias. From the description it seems like there won't really be roleplay, is that true?
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If we play as a monster(one side of gestalt), how are our saves and hp calculated - the lower of the two? Also, do we get skill points(if other half is monster)?
Also bestiary 2 states for natural invisibility, the creature remains invisible, even while attacking. -> Does it work on wil'o'wisp as my entire concept hinges on that.
I'm thinking of playing a wil 'o wisp ranged rogue, but I found out that they have a strength score of 1, so it means I won't be able to use any weapons. I intend to combine 3 classes, warlock(vigilante), alchemist (2 levels), and 3 unchained rogue. Is that ok?
Roughly going to look like this:
Lv 1 Alchemist: Point blank shot
Lv 2 Alchemist: Discovery (Vestigial arm)
Lv 3 Vigilante (warlock): Extra discovery - Vestigial arm
Lv 4 unchained rogue
Lv 5 unchained rogue: Twist Away
Lv 6 rogue talent: combat trick(two weapon fighting)
I wouldnt mind dropping alch levels, but its stated under warlock(vigilante) that you need a hand to use mystic bolts.
color me interested.
Dreamscarred Press is pre-approved, o my gosh!
I take it we are playing transparency rules
I have a pc ready to roll for this
Elan [Gestalt] Psion (Telepath) L6 / Cryptic L6
So intarested im jumping like a cat on a hot tin roof
I am somewhat tempted to see how a harbinger/magus gestalt truly works. Hmm, that or something with myrmidarch or spellslinger ...
Oh, I'm always interested in something as flexible as this.
well thats less then 1/2 so make that 23.
GM whats your feeling on Templates?
Ok, a few questions to be answered:
1) Will there be RP?
Yes, but your job is to take out monsters. This will be leaning toward the combat side. I do have this idea for a monster that functions off Diplomacy attempts, but that's all you're getting from me on that. The lion's share of RP will be with each other.
2)
If we play as a monster(one side of gestalt), how are our saves and hp calculated - the lower of the two? Also, do we get skill points(if other half is monster)
You take the higher resulting save from either side. A pixie fighter would probably take the fighter's fort, but the pixie's reflex, for example. Skill points are determined by your non-monster side. Some monster types have a skill point progression defined by their type, but 9/10 times your class will have a better or equal progression.
3)Multiclassing one (or both) sides of your gestalt is acceptable.
4)
Also bestiary 2 states for natural invisibility, the creature remains invisible, even while attacking. -> Does it work on wil'o'wisp as my entire concept hinges on that.
Be wary of your natural Invis entry though. It's variable for each monster that has that ability name. Whisps, specifically, operate as the spell [i]Invisibility[/b], meaning you would become visible once you attack. An Invisible Stalker, however, more closely follows that general rule in Bestiary 2 and cannot become visible period.
5)Psionics transparency is in full force, yes.
6)Templates are a no go, sadly. I have to draw the line somewhere for my sanity's sake.
Recent clarifications have been added to the Build Rules section of the Campaign Info.
Wait, I could play a griffon with these rules. *Immediately starts to plot how to make this work*
As I said, things will appear here that will NEVER SEE THE LIGHT OF DAY elsewhere. :)
Yes, I love the medic. Let's see how well it operates under extreme circumstances.
GM Panic here, O I had much better idea, for a PC,
Still being worked on but meet.
Lady Incendia Anisha Rosala
[Gestalt] dread [L6] kyton-ostiarius [CR5] Psion (Telepath) L1
Hehe, she is all about shadow and getting into your head.
Yes she is LE, BUT she play's well with others.
OK, I have a quirky build. This is a halfling overwatch sniper.
He basically hides back at a distance and snipes (2/round no stealth penalty). Oddly enough I don't use sneak attack.
Canaan Fodda
Halfling fighter 6/gunslinger (bolt ace) 6/gestalt 6 (Pathfinder RPG Advanced Class Guide 94, Pathfinder RPG Ultimate Combat 9)
N Small humanoid (halfling)
Init +7; Senses Perception +12
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Defense
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AC 23, touch 18, flat-footed 16 (+5 armor, +5 Dex, +2 dodge, +1 size)
hp 52 (6d10+12)
Fort +8, Ref +11, Will +4 (+2 vs. fear); +2 vs. fear
Defensive Abilities nimble +3
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Offense
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Speed 20 ft.
Ranged +1 seeking light crossbow +11/+6 (1d6+13/19-20/×3)
Special Attacks deeds (gunslinger initiative, gunslinger's dodge, pistol-whip, sharp shoot, shooter's resolve, vigilant loading), grit (1), weapon training (crossbows +1)
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Statistics
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Str 10, Dex 20, Con 14, Int 10, Wis 12, Cha 10
Base Atk +6; CMB +5; CMD 22
Feats Deadly Aim, Expert Sniper, Master Sniper, Point-Blank Shot, Rapid Reload, Rapid Shot, Weapon Focus (light crossbow), Weapon Specialization (light crossbow)
Skills Acrobatics +13 (+9 to jump), Climb +9, Intimidate +4, Perception +12, Stealth +20; Racial Modifiers +2 Perception, swift as shadows
Languages Common, Halfling
SQ armor training 1, crossbow maven
Other Gear +1 shadow mithral chain shirt, +1 seeking light crossbow, 1,815 gp
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Special Abilities
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Armor Training 1 (Ex) Worn armor -1 check penalty, +1 max DEX.
Crossbow Maven A bolt ace is proficient with all crossbows instead of all firearms and begins play with a masterwork crossbow of her choice. This ability alters the gunslinger's weapon proficiencies and replaces gunsmith.
Deadly Aim -2/+4 Trade a penalty to ranged attacks for a bonus to ranged damage.
Deeds Use Grit to perform special abilities with your firearms.
Expert Sniper Reduce sniping penalty for staying hidden to -10.
Fearless +2 racial bonus on all saving throws against fear. This bonus stacks with the bonus granted by halfling luck.
Grit (Ex) Gain a pool of points that are spent to fuel deeds, regained on firearm crit/killing blow.
Master Sniper Make two ranged attacks while sniping at highest attack bonus -2.
Nimble +3 +3 (Ex) +3 AC while wearing light or no armor.
Point-Blank Shot +1 to attack and damage rolls with ranged weapons at up to 30 feet.
Rapid Reload (Light crossbow) You can reload fast with one type of Crossbow or Firearm.
Rapid Shot You get an extra attack with ranged weapons. Each attack is at -2.
Swift as Shadows Reduce the penalty for Stealth while moving by 5 and reduce the penalty for sniping by 10.
Weapon Training (Crossbows) +1 (Ex) +1 Attack, Damage, CMB, CMD with Crossbows
Was a bit unclear on how much actual fluff was needed here.
The fluff is yours to decide, and I will place a description of the setting in Campaign info in a few minutes for reference.
There will be some narrative, yes, and I expect some narrative description of what exactly you're doing in character, but the nature of the game will naturally push roll over role in the initial builds.
Quick question on monster builds--if your monster's CR is less than 6, do you take class levels on that side to make up the difference? Templates? Use the Bestiary rules about modifying monsters to make it a higher CR? Or maybe just be able to use a partial point buy to boost its stats to a more CR 6-worthy level?
You use class levels of a class that is not your other side of the gestalt to make up the difference.
Quick snippet of the setting has been eaten by the forum monster. I will re-post that as soon as I can.
All right. Oh, other question--would a monster character gain a +1 to one stat from reaching 4th level, or is that assumed to be taken into account in its base stats?
It does gain the +1 for fourth level.
Sharptalon, First Talon in the Griffon Cavalry, is nearly ready for battle! He just needs feats and some hit die rolls:
Bumping up rolls that were less than half, and adding Con:
10 + 7 + 9 + 5 + 5 + 6 + 9 + 21 = 72
...which reminds me, how is FCB going to work for a gestalt monster here? Should I count the other side of my gestalt as my favored class?
So would my idea for an Advanced Troll (CR 6)//Reincarnated Druid 6 work?
With Wis 13 he can cast 3rd level spells which is all he can cast at level 6 anyway. And his real gimmick is more Troll Smash with a touch of spell casting.
So would my idea for an Advanced Troll (CR 6)//Reincarnated Druid 6 work?
With Wis 13 he can cast 3rd level spells which is all he can cast at level 6 anyway. And his real gimmick is more Troll Smash with a touch of spell casting.
If "advanced" is the template, no. Otherwise, it should.
For those of who might want a divine character, what deities should we use? Your own, Golarion, FR, Earth, etc?
Random question - would it be okay if monster characters used a 0 point buy? That way they can shuffle their stats around just a little bit : )
What if we pick a monster PC whos CR is less than 6?
Do they still have to use the Monsters Stat layout?
1) Which gods?
Use Golarion Dieties for simplicity's sake.
Monster characters have their stats fixed. That's one of the downsides to choosing to play a monster race. changing the HD above CR thing can get messy as that alters their base saves, BaB, and other things. I don't forsee it being a huge problem.
If your monster is less than CR 6 you still use the monster's stats. Add PC class levels to that side of you gestalt to bring it up to 6.
Ok ty, is it wbl?
Yes. 16k.
The city states of Calfon and Galbar have been at war for several years now, and neither is pulling punches. The cities stand about 60 miles apart on opposite sides of a 20 mile wide stretch of land between the Sea of Slaves in the south and the Q'Tel mountains in the north. This strip of land was once fertile farmland, but is now the site of the most destructive and brutal war the world has ever known. No holds are being barred. No strategy untested. That roughly 20 by 50 mile stretch of the world has become hell on earth.
You are a special tactics squad consisting of trained beasts, professional soldiers, mages, priests, mercenaries, and just about everything else. Your job is to take out the horrors that Galbar is unleashing on your countrymen, assassinate key leaders, stunt offensives with backline attacks, and support your side's offensives as shock troops.
Your faction, Calfon, is smaller in number, but has the advantage of excellent archery traditions and an advanced knowledge of engineering and fortifications. Glabar has the distinct advantage in men, but is also famous for their heavy armor, making their men in general rather hard to kill. Calfon is trying to force Galbar into a war of attrition, but the lines haven't quite solidified enough to implement that yet. This is still a very fluid war, and death can come at any time.
If you desire more, just ask.
Okay, I think Sharptalon is ready for war now. The only thing with him that remains a question is his use of Lesser Beast Totem--I'm assuming that it basically just buffs his talon attack, since it has a larger die than his normal talon attack. If it replaces it, though, I can swap that rage power out for another one, since then it would end up being weaker due to no longer gaining the benefit of his talon-focused feats.
Also fully expecting my poor griffons to die often, because all they can do in combat is dive on an enemy and tear into it with talons, claws, and beak, and that's often not a good idea with really nasty opponents. Also because their stats are rather mediocre--less than a 20 point buy, when you get down to it. But hey, I get to play griffons, so who cares?
Which reminds me, is there any possibility of character advancement (gaining levels/loot) if we manage to keep a character alive for a while?
Yes, character advancement can happen, but I'll get to that later. :)
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How do monsters as 1/2 of the gestalt work for things like feats/skills/etc?
I'm thinking about possibly something like an incubus magus, but a CR 6 incubus has 8 HD, so 4 feats whereas the magus would only have 3 naturally.
For skills do we just toss out the old skills, apply the class granted skills using the 6 HD from the class and apply racial modifiers at the end?
The way I did it was you get the monster listed skills as race skills, = class skills and then spend the points from the class side of your gestalt on them. I would say all monsters have 2+int skills so anything class wise over that is good. You only get to spend the skills points from one side of your gestalt. Some monsters get skill race bonus, like if they fly well, you just have to work out what they are as most don't list them. The rule I work by is, if its not listed then don't add one. Keeps it simple if its a PC.
Any how Lady Incendia is shaping up well.