So, for the longest time, I have been trying to snag a spot in a CotCT game with little luck. For an equally long time, I've been reluctant to look too much at the Vigilante class, since I initially wrote it off as a way to push superheroes into Pathfinder. Having taken the time to finally look through it, I am sorely disappointed with myself for not giving it a proper chance, and it has sparked my creative juices in a way I haven't had in quite some time.
So, my request is simple: are there any GMs around these parts willing to take a stab at a solo Curse of the Crimson Throne game for a lone vigilante? I've got a few character concepts in mind to keep things flexible, and I've grown fond of the idea of a "comic book" sort of fantasy, but I like to keep things loose to accommodate any willing GMs. If it helps, I'll be happy to post a few of them to allow GMs a springboard for any ideas they might be interested in trying out themselves!
Dream Weaver: A former drug maker bitten by a divinely blessed dream spider, Dream Weaver has seen a vision of what Korvosa could be like without crime and drugs, and has vowed to use his alchemical abilities to rid the city of the shiver he has produced and sold, using the image of his dream spiders to inspire the poor and meek. And his first target is Gaedren Lame!
The Hydra: An amateur anthropologist and archaeologist, Hydra has a fascination with his Shoanti culture. When his father's criminal connections place the blame of a murder on his uncle, Hydra dons a pair of Shoanti klar and takes to the streets as the The Hydra, three headed champion of the innocent, out to find proof of his uncle's innocence and bring the one responsible to Justice!
Wyrmclaw: With two older brothers ahead of his potential inheritance and a little sister to dote on, Wyrmclaw has never wanted to complicate things by yelling his family he's got dragon blood in him. But when his little sister is kidnapped during a trip to the market, he's brought his Draconic heritage to bear and aim it squarely at the man who took his sister: Gaedren Lamm.
I have a few more in mind, but I thought I would toss a few out in case interested GMs would like an idea of what they have to work with!
Thanks in advance for any interest! I certainly hope I can entertain a willing GM as much as I would be entertained with a solo game!
Hi! I'm new to this board, but not new to DMing or pathfinder in general. I'm coming on here to scratch a more RPy itch than my current group is into, and I think a solo campaign could be a good way to start off. So I guess I'm interested in DMing this if you don't mind taking a chance on an unknown?
Let me just read through my CotCT again and let me see if I can run it right though.
In the meantime, I've some random ish questions for you to kind of nail down the tone and the changes I'd be doing;
What's the thing about "comic book fantasy" that appeals to you? Would you want it to look more like the Daredevil TV show or a superman comic, or if you're not familiar to those, an avengers movie?
Comics also often tell intimate stories, getting into the character of the protagonist. Is that the sort of thing you're interested in? How interested are you in the secret-identity-related storylines?
I hope you don't mind me lurking on this. I saw your post a while back, CaptainFord, but I am not confident in my abilities to modify the AP for just 1 player, so I am curious to see how Groundhog manages it.
Also, if you ever need a stand-in for a hapless sidekick or a Leadership lackey, I'm pretty good at playing useless-ish characters, lol.
Hey! I'd almost forgotten this! Glad to see a bite!
@Groundhog Good to see a new face on the boards! Hope you enjoy it here! Snacks and drinks are in the lobby, don't mind the goblins under the couches! They've had their shots.
As for what I like about comic book fantasy... I'll admit, I grew up watching superheroes more than reading them, but to me, the thing that always stuck out was the dialogue and the clever out-of-the-box solutions they had. Static Shock, Batman Beyond, The Amazing Spider-Man, Justice League, etc. Even Darkwing Duck was a pretty fun jab at heroes. My modern equivalent would probably be Earth's Mightiest Heroes with the Avengers or the Marvel movies as of late. I do enjoy the intimate story lines as well, getting into the character's head and watching what makes them tick. It's also nice to see a superhero who remembers that, oh yeah, I've got a mild mannered personality too! Honestly, the versatility of these stories is what makes them so much fun for my scattered brain and it's nice to see heroes who remember they're still a part of the society they strive to protect. One minute, they're cleverly discussing a casual issue, the next, a super villain has to be stopped. All while trading snarky quips because that's how they cope with the stress, by smart-mouthing the danger they face. And I figure an urban setting like Crimson Throne would make for a good superhero story: apparently, Korvosa is like Gotham City, but with magic.
@pinvendor No worries, my man! I know GM duty takes a lot of work, so I'm grateful to anyone who volunteers. I'm flexible and easy-going about it! I would leave sidekicks up to Groundhog's discretion, but I wouldn't have a problem with a little buddy tagging along!
Yeah, I think I could do this.
As an aside, you'll probably end up meeting people from time to time who'll join you briefly in something - if I do it right, it should run something like a crossover episode; maybe I'll pull out one of the iconics from PFS for the occasion and weave them into the story, who knows?
Mechanically, I was thinking something like 30 point buy and gestalt, starting at level 2, but I'm open to hearing what you think would be good. Do you want to use the Automatic Bonus Progression ruleset or nah?
I can generally accomodate most variant rules you want in there, so feel free to speak up.
If you want to play a chatty character like spiderman or deadpool, I'd recommend giving your character something to talk *to*. Spiderman homecoming fixed this by giving spidey an AI in his suit - were I you, I'd do something like a familiar or animal companion or something, if I were you.
Or, this being a solo game, you could have an intelligent scaling magic item for you to shoot the breeze with when you're sneaking about on your lonesome.
I know I'm gonna sound weird for this, but I have actually never been big on gestalt. It's hardly bad, I've just never been too big on it. I had been considering just doing with the Vigilante class... though I can think of a few amusing combos for that. Starting at second level may not be a bad idea, though...
If I were going with the intelligent item idea, however... I would wager the Hydra to be the best for that. Namely because having a hero talk to his serpent head weapons on his hands makes it sound like he's conversing with sock puppets, and that alone makes me laugh!
As for variant rules... The only one that comes to mind that I consistently enjoy has been the Background skills, but that could just be because I liken putting points into non adventuring skills.
Edit: By the way, I meant to say that I love the crossover idea. One of my biggest geek out moments as a kid was watching Superman Animated, and suddenly Batman showed up to save Lois and my mind being utterly blown away!
I get not liking gestalt, but a solo character on his lonesome would really fare a lot better for it - especially as the Vigilante doesn't normally get access to magic, and thus lacks a vital tool in his kit, one that the enemy will be able to access for sure.
Heck, even investigator would be very thematic, and add a few tricks to you, allowing you to cure various ailments you get saddled with and that sort of thing.
If you're dead against it, I won't force you of course. But I think it'd make the whole thing run smoother.
Another thing I'd like to add (although I'm not so set on it as gestalt) is the Automatic Bonus Progression variant, and the elephant in the room feat tax houserules. The first because I find the magic item christmas tree tendency annoying me on general principle, and the latter because it allows you to do combat maneuvers and pick up niché things easier, and that sort of thing is appropriate in a comic-book flavoured campaign. If you don't want to add either, we can avoid it.
And I'm glad you like the crossover idea :D I hope I can make it as awesome as you envision it, though. Incidentally, are there any Golarion NPCs that have made an impression on you? I'm not saying I'll neccesarily make them fit in, but if there's a fitting story to be had, that could work.
Briefly running into and working together with a young Adisson Adrissant from Carrion Crown for example, or maybe one of the class iconics finds business in Korvosa, as I mentioned earlier.
__
Moving on, it sounds like you were mostly into the "Hydra" idea? In that case, here's some details on the case against your uncle, for me to better weave him into the plot:
The still-bloody murder weapon was found in his home when the city guard raided it during his arrest. It's a long serrated single-edged saber. He also confessed to the murder under influence of truth-revealing magic. Right now, he's languishing away in jail, awaiting execution. In the days before the murder got pinned on him, he was frequently accompanied by a beautiful raven-haired younger woman, who has since disappeared tracelessly.
You know, you could always get a sidekick/companion that handles the magic (especially if the gm allows SoP).
To expand on the sidekick idea, if you had a butler(or similar idea) who was an alchemist, you could cherry pick infusions from that list to take with you.
You'd have to use UMD and wands/scrolls to cover any field magic though. If you were very thorough about being prepared, the idea of running a solo character without gestalt could work.
I'm also not a fan of gestalt rules but I've run more than a few solo campaigns for my wife and it's usually really tricky unless I throw an NPC in with her or give her gestalt.
It's always awkward running a GMPC, but I bet you could find a player here to play the sidekick who wouldn't mind leaving you to have the spotlight and not always being a part of the story etc.
Just wanted to post that I'm around. Will be busy the next few days, but I'm around and will reply if you post something.
Same here. The holidays seem to creep up on me around this time of year. But rest assured, I have not forgotten this! I'm thinking of coming an avenger vigilante with the archaeologist bard. Seems fitting for both the mechanics and the flavor of being an amateur anthropologist and archaeologist.
I've run a few solo's too and my wife and I actually prefer gestalt now, but usually either gestalt or running a level ahead of what the AP recommends works fine. (So start at 2, finish book 1 at level 5 etc).
A spell-casting/support GMPC back home works well too.
One thing I like doing is giving a bonus feat at character creation which must be used for a 'story' feat. I find it gives a little bit more impetus early on when it can be difficult for a character to be 100% engaged. If you have the 'Nemesis' feat for example, then you have inbuilt reason to be a good guy and to become strong so that Damian Dark/Venom/The Joker doesn't curb stomp you and your city.
Just my $0.02.
I'd love to play a gestalt CotCT if possible
Oh wait you said solo
Why solo?
Because OP asked for it politely.
You get to play storylines in more detail - and with a GM who is willing then the stpry is much more tailored to you.
It's like playing the Lies of Locke Lamora and getting to be Locke Lamora, rather than playing a generic 'Thieves in a huge city' campaign. CotCT is a great story - but its a generic story, it has to be. Which means you can't be the Dark Knight, you have to be Batman in the Justice League - working with other people, not just doing your own thing. In a solo game you're the only hero - you do things your way when you want to. It's nice to be THE hero instead of A hero sometimes.
The other factor that I imagine goes into something like this, is that the game is just two people, so you're never waiting on 4-5 people to post. Every time that notification pops up, it's your turn to post.
Actually sounds pretty cool. With a driven player, you could move the story pretty quickly, but the player really has to know what he wants. When I run solo games for my wife at home, I feel like we spend half the time waiting for her to be indecisive...
On the flip side of things, I'm in a campaign with 9 PCs here and it's almost never my turn to post lol.
These are all valid points. I myself took it upon me to GM this game because I feel there's a greater chance of it really going somewhere if there's only one player and one GM who has to keep up their interest, as opposed to a whole group of five or more who can split up. It keeps the game sort of agile, I think.
Also, bump?
OK! Sorry about the sudden silence there. I was out of town for the holidays - WAY out of town. So out, I thought the area would have some internet access... and it didn't. Family activities eat up your time like that...
Anyways, I am back in town and have most of my new character ready. All that is really left is skills and equipment (I always seem to save equipment for last...). Other than that,I should be able to get things going! I kept the background slightly vague so as to not step over anything you might have had planned, GM-Hog. Let me know what I need to change or clarify!
As to why a solo campaign... A few reasons! 1) I find they roll a bit faster than a group. And with a PbP, speed is kinda needed to keep momentum going. 2) I think a solo game allows for more intricate RP. A bit more character development than a group would allow. Not that a group can't develo characters... but you don't have to split up so much of it. 3) I'm hoping it'll be a little less taxing on the GM. It seems easier to keep track of just one player versus a number of them. This one is kinda speculation on my part... I'll do my best to try and keep things simple for the GM!
Hey! I've gotten busy as all heck, but I'll be back after new years.
I return, and just about ready to start us off, to boot. Let me read through your story real quick, and ask some questions.
Okay, q&a time.
How high do you want to rank on the social ladder of Korvosa? What's your father's title? Howsabout your uncle? Do you attend the various social gatherings that surrounds the court?
What sort of thing do you get up to in pursuit of the truth here? Searching the crime scene, breaking into the dead guy's mansion, what are we after?
Some names for the Benett family might also be nice.
Welcome back, and Happy New Year!
So, social scale, I imagine Ford's family ranking maybe on the middle with a lean towards the high end. His father is more a trumped up Taldan merchant and his mom being a wealthy socialite of Chelish descent, but between the two, I would say... Duke level? I think? Been a while since I brushed up on fantasy social ladders. Ford has developed a reputable being good natured and passionate, but foppish and a bit lazy. If he misses a gathering, folks probably wouldn't be surprised: he known for enjoying academics more than parties... which suits him gone. All the better of a cover story.
Ford definitely enjoys the spotlight and probably would be seen roughing up local lowlifes or investigate the crime scene after dark. He probably even confronted a guard assigned to the case and asked him as both himself and as the Hydra about clues concerning the investigation. He has broken into the victims house yet... unless that was the crime scene, in which case, yeah, he totally has. At this point, he would be making a point of finding the woman his uncle was seen with and an origin for the murder weapon, since he highly doubt his uncle would have had access to it.
Gimme a bit and I'll get some family members listed!
EDIT: I should also have mentioned that Ford would be making frequent use of his Ears of the City spell for investigation, hoping to try and gain clues from the past in key areas. Looks like a very handy spell, from what I've read!
A few members of the Benett family tree. Might be more, but I thought I would get a few basics out now.
Joseph Benett - Ford's dad and the blood brother of his uncle. A Taldan merchant mogul who has used his brother's love and connections with the Shoanti to procure rare trade goods most other Korvosan merchants can't get.
Sarah Benett - Ford's mom, a wealthy socialite and "part time politician", she has her fingers in the political scene of Korvosa, though what parts or how deep, Ford isn't sure. He suspects it's more in the financial and trade districts than anything.
Hayden Benett - Ford's uncle and the one accused of murder (obviously). A bit eccentric and overly eager, but a good man, scholar and philanthropist. Hayden was planning on something of a public museum of human history to help educate the masses of Korvosa, but that's still a few months off. Seems to be on very friendly terms with a number of Shoanti tribe representatives.
Accacia Benett - Ford's 10 years old cousin, and Hayden's daughter. Bears a good resemblance to her mother, who died during her childbirth. Hayden dotes on her constantly. She is currently staying with Ford's family while Hayden is under arrest.
Salazar Benett - Ford's 22 year old cousin, childhood friend "Sal". Ford's playmate as a child. Salazar is a devoted older brother and currently the heir to Hayden's estate, which has left him unimaginably busy.
It goes (roughly anyway) Duke, Marquis, Count/Earl, Viscount and Baron, in that order. Lore-wise, the system dates back to the old empire, so they use the same titles from Cheliax to Taldor.
"Infernal" whatever if you're from Cheliax.
Cheliax also has the tradition of granting landless titles to those who've gone beyond in service of the crown, styled Paraduke, Paracount or Demibaron. Taldor does something equivalent with knighthoods.
It sounds like Hayden would be a Count or a Marquis.
Ears of the city has revealed several interesting things about the lady. You got the following flashes;
"Yes messere, she rented the grand suite for two span. Infernal Paracountess Imre de Dioso, she styled herself." You get a flash of a haughty-looking manservant.
"She was walking about with Count Benett. He's been a widower for a while now, it's hardly improper." The voice is nasal, the words rapid, and you get the sense that the owner wished she had something improper to share instead.
"Up and vanished, that one. She took her morning tea at seven, like clockwork for two weeks, then poof!" A flash of a middle-aged baker.
You do indeed manage to locate the boarding house at which she was living, but the trail seems to end there. Your search for the weapon is little more fruitful:
"That's a death slayer saber, right enough. The 'Slayers come for the dead that walk again, especially monarchs."
"Best left alone, is what that is. You won't find anyone fool enough to tell you what that is. Go home, try to forget you saw it."
Further, the spell also picked up some unrelated rumors;
"No Korvosan monarch has ever died of old age. No Korvosan monarch has ever produced an heir after being crowned. They call it the 'Curse of the Crimson Throne.' They should cut it up for firewood and no mistake!"
"No one's seen Blackjack in action for years, and things are as bad now in Korvosa as they ever were. So either he's retired, or someone finally killed him!"
"They never caught the Key-Lock Killer; he just vanished after killing nine people in their own locked homes back in 4797. They say that seven of the nine had ties to nobles who opposed the arbiters and that the Key-Lock Killer was on the arbiter payroll. I think the Key-Lock Killer was one of the arbiters themselves, and I think he’s still alive, serving as a judge to this day! It's all a conspiracy!"
In other news, I think we have about enough to start up.