You have the sensation of falling before you wake with a start. Something hard stabs your back and you roll to the side. Your hands move to your waist, your chest, your back, searching for the familiar weapons and adventuring gear. But you find nothing. As the fog clears from your eyes, you scan your surroundings with seasoned wariness, looking for threats. You see walls of fitted stone reaching toward the sky, perhaps 50 feet tall, stretching away in both directions. The sky is a swirling mass of red clouds and grey…something. The air smells faintly of old blood and hot sand. Cautiously, you rise to your feet and listen. In the distance, echoing strangely on the stone walls, you hear the sound of others.
This is a recruitment for a game I’ve had rattling around in my head for quite a while. Accomplished warriors and adventurers from across the Material Planes are gathered into the Endless Maze, the domain of the Demon Lord Baphomet. Here, they will struggle for survival, all for the amusement of The Prince of Beasts.
Character Creation and Submisisons
Characters can be from any world on the Material Plane.
Stats: 25 point buy (Only the truly exceptional are chosen for Baphomet’s amusement.
Races: All Paizo races are acceptable with the exception of any sort of minotaurs. 3rd party races are possible on a case by case basis. If we end up with a race that is unbalanced in some way, we will negotiate some sort of balance within the party. No custom races, but customizing races may be necessary.
Sourcebooks: All of Paizo stuff is pre-approved. Unchained is fine. Third party materials are on a case by case basis. I’m also willing to look at other takes on classes like Legendary Rogue or Rogue Genius Talented Barbarian, etc.
Gear: You start with whatever is absolutely necessary (component pouch, holy symbol, bonded item). If your character is built around an item, that item will be available in the first encounter (so if you are a crossbow specialist, there will be a crossbow available).
Hit Points: Not sure yet. I'm thinking 75% of max.
Traits: Standard two traits, only one per category.
Level: 10
As part of your submission, please write up your character’s experience being captured before they were brought to the Endless Maze.
Posting Pace: At least 1 post per day, even if it is just to check in and say you are still around. I get paranoid when people are silent.
Interesting. Is Spheres of Power okay?
I don't know it at all, but I'm open. Part of what I want to do is open the floor to some of the variety of options that are out there.
This sounds super interesting. Count me in. Now to roll up ...
Dotting. Would Aegis from Dreamscarred be acceptable?
@The Chess, Aegis is fine.
@Jesse, I see how that was unclear. No, it isn't intended to be PVP. It is intended to be high action survival, probably a bit of horror or at least suspense. Inspired by things like Running Man, Maze Runner, Predators, AvP, The Walking Dead, maybe? Characters must find a way to survive in an infinite maze full of monsters, but not everything or everyone is monsters.
I am not entirely opposed to PVP in the context of the story, or at least to abandoning someone to save yourself.
As for finding a way out, that is a likely but not mandatory motivation. It is conceivable that someone could be motivated to "rule in Hell," as it were. Or rule in the Abyss, I suppose.
Good time to play a monk.
Have you considered Automatic Bonus Progression? Or is a big part of the start based on how handicapped the characters are without their gear?
Imagine a gladiator scenario where you are tossed into an arena where there are weapons that you can run to. It is more like that. There will be weapons around. Even armor, maybe, but of course donning that would take forever.
And yes, starting with a handicap is part of the fun (for the people who brought you here).
Dotting. Would you allow me to make a Scholar?
Factotum and Scholar are fine.
Interesting. I'm thinking maybe a Tortured Crusader Paladin, or a Paladin in general... or maybe someone who fits the gladiator bill and just lives to fight. Might be a good time to play my Gorumite battle-cleric concept...
Last question about 3rd party stuff from me: Will you allow Cunning or Improved Cunning? Also, are we using any of the skill systems from unchained (background skills, consolidated skills)?
So if you take both of those, you get two extra skill points per level? That's fine with me.
Definitely not consolidated skills. I could be sold on background skills if the group wanted to do them. Also willing to use skill unlocks if that is the direction the group wants to go.
excellent.....*steeples fingers*
Here is my crunch. Still working on backstory.
CG Half-Orc Scholar 10
STR 14
DEX 14
CON 14
INT 20
WIS 12
CHA 8
HP 82
AC 21 (+2 dex, +5 int, +4 armor), Touch 17, Flat-Footed 14
BAB 7
Init +2
Fort +7
Ref +11
Will +10
Speed 40'
Unarmed: +13/8 to hit; 1d3+2 damage; 20/x2 crit
Skills: Bluff r5 +11, +Diplomacy r5 +11, Intimidate r10 +16, Knowledge (Local) r10 +31, Knowledge (Arcana, Dungeoneering, Nature, Planes, Religion, History, Geography, Nobility, Engineering) r10 +23, Perception r10 +14, Sense Motive r10 +14
Traits: Fate's Favored (Faith), Blood of Dragons (low-light vision; Race)
Alternate Racial Features: City Raised (replaces Weapon Familiarty), Scared Tattoo (replaces ferocity)
Feats: Improved Unarmed Strike, Cunning, Improved Cunning, Skill Focus (Knowledge: Local), Kirin Style, Kirin Strike
Class Features: Lore, Smart Defense, Evasion, Tough-Minded, Identify Magic Items, Trap Sense +3, In the Bag, Decipher Script, Erudition, Scholar Secrets (Deliberate Accuracy, Smart Weapon, Fast Movement, Minor Magic: Prestidigitation, Major Magic: Mage Armor)
Languages: Common, Draconic, Giant, Sylvan, Celestial
@Vrog, what do you envision Knowledge (Local) representing?
I'm not sure what you mean precisely. per the PRD/core rulebook, knowledge local covers:
Local (legends, personalities, inhabitants, laws, customs, traditions, humanoids)
I vote for background skills
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Dot..
Third party requests:
Mystic
Luckbringer
Celestial Commander
Purifier
Warlord
Inspiring Commander
Sent you a PM with a couple of questions, but otherwise, posting to register my interest!
I'd most likely put forth an Aasimar paladin. A mote of light in the darkness of the maze, shall we say, defying the will of its demonic ruler.
Emissary here showing some due interest.
Thr premise is good enough, but the chance to request 3rd party stuff turns the Interest up to eleven.
What would you say to the Righteous Flame Acolyte paladin archetype?
Another question that pops up relates to races. You said all Paizo races are available, but some tewaking might be necessary. That I can totally agree, and I had a concept with which I need some help to choose and probably tweak the race.
North of the human realms lies a fortress monastery. There live the Order of the Sacred Flame's paladins and priests.
Their members are few but hardened and have the sacred duty of protecting the relics and knowledge that the Order had gathered for who knows how long.
While not usual, attacks on the monastery are fierce and even the steel and fire wielding protectors need help.
For that purpose the Order's leaders had long used the Warmstone Guard: a number of statues modeled after fallen heroes and legends that come to life when the Order needs their help.
The Warmstone Guard fights for as long as its needed and then return to their resting place, awaiting the next time their brothers need their aid.
But one day, one member of the Guard didn't return to their everwatching sleep... After the battle it stood there, witnessing the movement, the wounded allies being helped, the wounded enemies being finished... and he stood, wondering who he was.
The paladins and priests took him in as a long lost brother and helped him during the first steps of his awakening. He needed a name, and they gave it to him. He needed a reason to live, and they gave it to him. He needed to feel one of them, and they made him one...
And so was born Bulwark, Defender of the Fortress, Paladin of the Sacred Flame.
And that's it. First race that comes to mind is Gargoyle, but they are overpowered -what with a hugeass Strength, fast flying, high Natural Armor and more- and if I were to play one it would need some balancing as well as discusing its appearance (I was aiming more towards a stone knight rather than a winged rocky monstrosity)
So... I'm at a loss regarding race. I guess I could still make it a Human or Aasimar and assume that the Warmstone Guard turned to "humanlik" conditions when they were awakened, but I'd appreciate any input from the GM or other people!
Oread? They can easily be fluffed to be more rocky than fleshy.
I've been wanting to try this. What would you say to a Kasatha Gunslinger(pistolero) with Muliweapon Fighting and four dragon pistols?
That sounds delightful.
Dot..
Third party requests:
Mystic
Luckbringer
Celestial Commander
Purifier
Warlord
Inspiring Commander
I'm not familiar with Celestial Commander, but I don't see anything in any of these that is a problem.
@GM SuperTumbler: Would you consider a Lawful Evil assassin who is a strong pragmatist but also someone who works well in structured groups and recognizes the value of having companions with a variety of skills, especially in this situation?
I'm not opposed to evil characters in this campaign. As long as their motivation isn't "I'm evil."
A question as I'm looking at options--how powerful should we be making these characters? Should I be busting out the stops to make a warrior who just won't quit, or should I just make something very competent and leave it at that?
I know some GMs have preferences one way or the other, and I want to make sure I'm not about to go too far when you had a certain level of strength in mind. I'd guess given the premise that shooting for high-power isn't a problem, but it's always worth it to ask.
Also, I think I've settled on a bloodrager, since I haven't played one in a bit and I have a couple concepts that could work well for this. Now the question is which route I go--depending on your answer to the above.
Emissary here showing some due interest.
Thr premise is good enough, but the chance to request 3rd party stuff turns the Interest up to eleven.
What would you say to the Righteous Flame Acolyte paladin archetype?
Another question that pops up relates to races. You said all Paizo races are available, but some tewaking might be necessary. That I can totally agree, and I had a concept with which I need some help to choose and probably tweak the race.
** spoiler omitted **
And that's it. First race that comes to mind is Gargoyle, but they are overpowered...
The archetypes is fine. Be aware that there are a lot of fiendish and half-fiend things running around with some fire resistance, so that may be frustrating. I know half of the damage is holy, so that helps.
As for race, Oread seems like a good fit. I have to think there is some sort of stonelike race out there. There is also "In the Company of Gargoyles" from Rite. Maybe you could multiclass that?
In a 10th level recruitment on these boards, and with lots of options available, I am expecting a high level of competence in building characters, so powerful characters won't surprise me. Also, I foolishly gave you 25 points for Attributes, so I guess I deserve what I get for that. That said, I'm more interested in a quirky team dynamic than uber-builds.
As a player, it would behoove you to build a character with some staying power. There may well be more than 4 encounters a day.
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With the above said, I'm going to go with the Goblin Wrecking Ball. Basically a build talking full advantage of the Roll with It feat and a sky-high acrobatics to tank damage like only a goblin can. You may have seen the concept floating around the boards. I've always wanted to play one and this seems to be the perfect time!
Story:Stickymitts has a problem. He likes things. Shiney things. They call to him, they glint at him! How is he supposed to resist when all that niceness is just one grab away! Then people get all offended because a goblin is "stealing their stuff"! Well how do they know that their stuff wanted to be with them in the first place, huh? HUH?
Well, Sticky learned very early that the best way to not get hurt when people swatted at you when you get caught with your hand up their shirt is to just go with the blow. Sticky is a master of getting hit and walking it off. One time a full blooded orc lady back handed him so hard the surrounding people gasped. Sticky flew across the street and into a shop window, suffering only minor cuts. He skipped out of the shop with suspiciously bulgy pockets and gave her a smile. Then ran for his life.
Soon afterwards he found himself face down in the sand. Interesting. Time to find something to eat.
Got my main idea. Druid/witch (no, not a shaman) ...Christopher Lee who's seen it all and is tired of demons.
You will not be literally naked. I'm going to wait until I see what characters make the cut to decide, but you might have something like 1 signature item and 1 random bit of gear or something. You will definitely have an outfit.
Laurelin sounds like the kinds of evil I'm fine with. Also fine with Abilty Focus: Death Attack.
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Am I dating myself if I say that Christopher Lee is the demon, and you should be playing Peter Cushing? Not that I'm old enough to have seen those movies in theaters, but on many Saturday afternoon tv shows.
Thinking about a halfling mouser/vexing dodger that dodges in close and then climbs up on top of the bad guys to stab them in the eye.
Hey Tumbler, would you be willing to accept a Psychic Armory Soulkife? It is an official DSP archetype but I can only find it on the Pathminder website. They present it with the High Psionic rules attached but those are easy to strip out as the just give it manifesting without removing psychic strike.
GM, did you see my plea on minotaurs? Or does Baphomet not suffer blasphemers in his domain?
In what little DnD canon I've managed to collect with regards to the Demon Lord over the years, a couple of sources say that he can control minotaurs with an infallible Dominate Monster type effect. So minotaurs seemed like a bad idea. Is there anything like a minotaur that we could sub in?
Psychic Armory Soulknife is fine.
GM Panic here,
Very interested. humm
would you let in a Warlock?
I have this PC I have been seeking to game to try her out in, and this sounds perfect, She is level 12 now, But I can roll that back to 10 no problem.
She is a Kitsune now But I would rebuild her as a Tiefling
She messed up a teleport and ended up where she is now.
Just crunch here, fluff to come, but here's Loup Blanc's submission. Short version of the background is he's the child of an Ulfen and a Kellid, and he grew up in Numeria in a tribe that constantly faced danger on the border with the Worldwound. Between prophecy surrounding his birth and the tribe's situation, he grew up with a disliking of demons and training in combat to fight them. Add in a splash of mystical power and he's now a warrior through and through, skilled in facing the wicked creatures of the Abyss. I imagine Baphomet found him troublesome and amusing, and decided to toss him in the maze to keep him occupied.
If his setup is a little much, and/or you'd prefer characters not so tied to fighting demons, let me know and I'll change anything that warrants it. (I don't know if the demon part matters, since I could easily see us fighting plenty of things that aren't demons, regardless of the setup.)