"Many years ago, brave heroes put the denizens of the infamous Temple of Elemental Evil to the sword and sealed the entrance for what they thought would be forever. Now dark forces whisper again in the shadows of the once deserted temple...forces far more insidious and dangerous than any sane person could ever dream. Evil has risen again to threaten the village of Hommlet, and unhindered, the world!"
So here's the deal: I've always loved the Village of Hommlet, a 1st edition D&D module written by Gary Gygax himself. I have both run and played it when I was younger, and it holds a warm spot in my heart.
I've GM'd games on table-top for years, and have even run a couple in play-by-post, but never here, and never for Pathfinder, and I'm getting the itch to take a run at it. But how to go about it?
The idea:
I'm planning a highly-modified Village of Hommlet game, converted for the Pathfinder rules, with a long-term goal of playing all the way through the Temple of Elemental Evil. My goal is to try and have an old-school feel to this game (like Gary Gygax intended) and so I want to have as much of a "classic" feel as possible. As such, the game will be set in Greyhawk, Gygax's own setting, and I will only be accepting CORE classes, and a limited number of races.
I'm only promising Hommlet at this point, both for myself and my players. Obviously, it'll be up to the adventurers themselves to want to continue beyond that point...so it's my job to try and make sure they're having fun.
Rules: Pathfinder 1st edition
Party size: 4-5, Balanced group encouraged
Races: Human, Dwarf, Halfing, Elf, Half-Elf, Half-Orc, Gnome
Classes: CORE only, no Archetypes or Alternate features
Stats: 20 pt Buy (I'm not gonna make you all roll dice, old school. ;) )
Traits: 2
Alignment: No evil
Posting Rate: Standard 1/day, Once on Weekends (With communiation I can be reasonable.)
Currently the recruitment is solely for the players who already posted interest in my Village of Hommlet thread, and will remain that way unless the Temple kills them all off...er, I mean, unless we can't find enough players.
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dotting. Thinking Paladin, a light and bastion against the tides. I foresee a memorable self sacrifice in the future, but, if it comes to that. So be it.
I may start with fighter though, so the "finding the faith" can be done in character.
I had another couple of ideas if people wanted to avoid a paladin in the group though. Namely, a barbarian and a druid.
Question: Are we limited to only Core weapons/items/spells as well? I'm also guessing Unchained classes are off the table.
@rorek55: Core across the board unless you can give me a GREAT reason to change my mind on a specific item or spell. No unchained classes. Paladin is fine with me, as is Barbarian or Druid...though you guys can obviously consult each other. :D
@Boram the Burgler: The recruitment will be up no more than two weeks, likely less. I won't shut it down without due notice, though.
;)
Average money or roll: Your choice, but if you roll less than average it's on you.
Gear: So long as it's mundane and not game-breaking, I can allow some non-core gear. Just gotta get my approval on it. Fair?
Kilain Gravendak. 1st Level Cleric of Moradin. Ill have to tweak him from how he was built before, but it wont take much. Are you going to put together a set of campaign traits? or keep it open ?
Kilain Gravendak. 1st Level Cleric of Moradin. Ill have to tweak him from how he was built before, but it wont take much. Are you going to put together a set of campaign traits? or keep it open ?
Honestly, I was just looking them over. What the heck, I'll leave that open.
OH. Almost forgot. As a GM I have TWO major rules. A golden one and a platinum one.
Gold Rule: If YOU can do it, then they THEY can do it.
Basically, before you ask me to allow something that's waaaaaay out of the norm, like an odd spell, ability, or trait, consider that if the game-breaking thing you're asking for is something the players can have, then it's just possible that same thing could turn up in the hands of some opposing npcs or monsters. Fair? Fair.
Platinum Rule: If I say the phrase: "Do you do this of your own free will?" you should immediately pause and think about your next action.
This doesn't mean I won't allow whatever action your character is about to perform. It is, however, a warning that you might be doing something rash enough that your character or the party could suffer dire consequences. I don't do this often, but it happens.
Does that mean feat choices (future as well as current) are core only as well? (for example, that would mean no Boon Companion)
Also, you said you're not going to make us roll dice, old school, but is there an option?
Non-Core means it needs permission...but I'm not a monster or control freak. Most things that aren't game breaking can be used, but I'm going to keep the "Broken" stuff out if I can. :) Boon Companion is fine.
Average money or roll: Your choice, but if you roll less than average it's on you.
Gear: So long as it's mundane and not game-breaking, I can allow some non-core gear. Just gotta get my approval on it. Fair?
Fair:
Non core items looking for approval: Bandoliers (to use as pockets) and a traveling kettle it would be used for tea, and as a bludgeoning weapon.
Also, with your permission, since I had him created with average wealth, I would have stuck with that. May I keep average instead of the roll?
Fine, and Yes.
OK....elvish ranger coming up ....I think :)
Another Q, Unchained versions of core classes, Y/N?
Sorry, no.
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Dwarven settlements nearby?
Well, the ToEE is outside Nulb, which is near the village of Hommlet. Hommlet is on the Eastern edge of the Kron Hills.
There are far more gnomes than dwarves in the Kron ills, but there are two dwarven settlements relatively close by: Irondelve and Rockhall.
A little further away, in almost the opposite direction, is the Free City of Dyvers, which took in a large dwarven population fleeing the destruction of their home by Iuz. These dwarves took over the constabulary and judgeships in Dyvers, running strongly lawful law enforcement for the most mercantile mercenary city on the map. "Typical" crime generally isn't the crime. A lack of license is usually the crime. Yeah, I'm a fan of the Free City Dyvers, more so than the Free City of Greyhawk, their rival.
There's a REALLY nice map online. Much nicer than my old paper maps, honestly.
https://www.annabmeyer.com/greyhawk-maps/online-map-1/
Edit:
Also, Nulb (and the ToEE) are in the edge of the Gnarley Forest. It may, or may not, come into play that the borders on the map within the Gnarley Forest are disputed. Not as much by the nations that claim them as by the distrusting (mostly) humans who live in the forest and consider IT their home, not any of those nations. These peoples are nominally led by a group of Druids, and their "army" are a group of very racially prejudiced HUMAN rangers known as the Rangers of the Gnarley Forest. They operate as guerillas, not a stand up army, pitting strength against strength. People invade the Gnarley all the time, and are allowed to pass, and then their supply lines and stragglers begin to get hit. It has happened to Celene, the Pomarj, and others.
When WotC published Greyhawk material as part of the 3rd Ed salesmenship, they specifically eliminated this racism. That way people could play whatever they wanted, just like they were trying to define the system to do.
I appoint thee Official Historian.
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I admit, the core feats are limiting, especially for dex builds. But, at the same time its nice to narrow things down a bit from time to time.
and before I forget again, lets see what the dice gods hold in store. 200g, not too shabby, Was going to go for a semi-sheltered farm boy with a loving family, but now I might up that to a merchant family.
Going to dwarf that dwarf and have dwarf in my dwarf.
Dwarf Fighter. Scottish accent all the way!
Here is my character. I think I will be following the idea of a fighter finding faith in the game. I haven't finished his background fully yet, but the premise is there. I'll also be filling out a personality for him.
I realize this may be a little premature, but since were limiting it to the people who posted in the interest thread, thought it wouldn't be too tough.
The folks who posted in the interest check:
mighty_avenger:
Phillip Gastone: Dain Bramage dwarf ranger
Spazmodeus: OK....elvish ranger coming up ....I think :)
Ridge:
rorek55: Daniel Cedric Human Fighter
Dave Young 992: (Hoga the half orc}(A highly regarded expert)an elf evoker. I'd love to play him again.
AdamWarnock:
pad300 Kelvieran Elven Wizard
GeraintElberion:
Dread: Kilain Gravendak 1st Level Cleric of Moradin
Archpaladin Zousha:
Tarondor:
hustonj: I play a Gnarley Ranger, Dyvers-based (or Rhenee) Rogue, or a Celene Olf.
Oceanshieldwolf:
Robert Henry: Boram the Burglar Halfling rogue
trawets71:
Profession Smith 6 ranks Bataleigha Silvercrest Human Cleric (Pelor)
DM Lil" Eschie:
Blaydsong:
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@Plastic Dragon, I was wondering if you would be open to allowing people to pick power attack or deadly aim as a free feat/ a general combat option?
I've always thought those should be base mechanics for anyone really. I'm fine either way, just figured I'd make the suggestion.
also, traits- do we run them by you, or should we just pick two? I don't think traits are Core?
Hmm, I'm thinking of a human barbarian that had his family kidnapped by cultists and has tracked them to Hommlet. Is that too on the nose?
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@Robert Henry: I removed interest after this was designated PF1...
I am now a fighter. Too bad there isn't a Drunken Fighter like Drunken Barbarian. :)
I am thinking of running one of my old AD&D characters. Human Evoker is my first choice as that was my first ever character. The one I most enjoyed playing is a gnome cleric/illusionist. I'll have to decide anf whip up something. I'm leaning gnome as I haven't tried to rebuilf him in pathfinder.
[dice=Money]2d6X10
Also, WRT equipment, is a Haramaki (armor) available?
Essentially the same as leather armor. Somehow you found some exotic armor from Kara-Tur. I can live with that. :D
@Plastic Dragon, I was wondering if you would be open to allowing people to pick power attack or deadly aim as a free feat/ a general combat option?
I've always thought those should be base mechanics for anyone really. I'm fine either way, just figured I'd make the suggestion.
also, traits- do we run them by you, or should we just pick two? I don't think traits are Core?
1. I was involved in the conversation regarding that in MonkeyGod's RotRL thread, and I agree with it, mostly because it's a balanced action. That's cool with me.
2. Two Traits, just run them by me if they seem to be overly-powerful.
Hmm, I'm thinking of a human barbarian that had his family kidnapped by cultists and has tracked them to Hommlet. Is that too on the nose?
Maybe tracked them too this region. You would't be heading immediately to Hommlet. As we get closer to the game, and backgrounds are being set up, and characters chosen for the game, I'll give you an NPC name or something to be tracking. That work?
Okay, crunch is done for the most part, still need to pick traits.
Question- what level is this game planning to get to? I admit I am a tad unfamiliar to the greyhawk settings, as the majority of my early gaming was done in forgotten realms before moving to Golorian.
ATM, leaning towards two of the following-
Principled- okay for now, null at a later level.
Armor expert- another decent trait for early on, less impactful later
signature moves- A way to get a nice mastercrafted weapon at the start and falls in line with having his mom forge his blade for him. kind of falls off later on. favoring this one.
Reckless- Acrobatics class skill, good throughout, another trait I'm favoring atm.
blood of dragons- gain low light vision. Looking at this one because it is cool, and a fun little secret Daniel would not know about himself.
I can't believe I forgot to include the Baklun in the above list of human ethnicities. VERY Arabic.
None of the ethnicities listed are especially rare, but purebreds of ANY type (other than in the nation focused on racial purity) are VERY rare.
I should note that the Rhenee "aren't from around here." They are descended from the crew of a ship that crashed (Not that anyone remembers this truth). Whether it was a "traditional" space ship or a Spelljammer is, as far as I know, not admitted anywhere. Wrecks of both types are on Oerth. Their language and cultural gods have no direct connection to anything else on Oerth. Many have taken to worshipping from the local pantheons.
I'm rambling instead of picking a character to work on. Bad choice.
1. Loving the background/history lesson. Reminds me of the good-ol-days of my youth. You know, I was looking for websites to share with everyone, but all I gotta do is tell them to read YOUR stuff. ;)
2. Not bad choice. Maybe, unwise would be better.
I realize this may be a little premature, but since were limiting it to the people who posted in the interest thread, thought it wouldn't be too tough.
The folks who posted in the interest check:
mighty_avenger:
Phillip Gastone: Dain Bramage dwarf ranger
Spazmodeus: OK....elvish ranger coming up ....I think :)
Ridge:
rorek55: Daniel Cedric Human Fighter
Dave Young 992: (Hoga the half orc}(A highly regarded expert)an elf evoker. I'd love to play him again.
AdamWarnock:
pad300 Kelvieran Elven Wizard
GeraintElberion:
Dread: Kilain Gravendak 1st Level Cleric of Moradin
Archpaladin Zousha:
Tarondor:
hustonj: I play a Gnarley Ranger, Dyvers-based (or Rhenee) Rogue, or a Celene Olf.
Oceanshieldwolf:
Robert Henry: Boram the Burglar Halfling rogue
trawets71:
Profession Smith 6 ranks Bataleigha Silvercrest Human Cleric (Pelor)
DM Lil" Eschie:
Blaydsong:
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Melee
Phillip Gastone: Dain Bramage dwarf ranger
Spazmodeus: OK....elvish ranger coming up ....I think :)
rorek55: Daniel Cedric Human Fighter
Adam Warnock: Human Barbarian
Arcane
Dave Young 992: (Hoga the half orc}(A highly regarded expert)an elf evoker. I'd love to play him again.
pad300 Kelvieran Elven Wizard
Divine
Dread: Kilain Gravendak 1st Level Cleric of Moradin
trawets71:Bataleigha Silvercrest Human Cleric (Pelor) needs adjusted
Skill
Robert Henry: Boram the Burglar Halfling rogue
Undecided
hustonj: I play a Gnarley Ranger, Dyvers-based (or Rhenee) Rogue, or a Celene Olf.
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(Just getting a look at the actual character(s) or character ideas getting tossed into the pot.)
Okay, crunch is done for the most part, still need to pick traits.
Question- what level is this game planning to get to? I admit I am a tad unfamiliar to the greyhawk settings, as the majority of my early gaming was done in forgotten realms before moving to Golorian.
Depending on how many characters get accepted into the party, and how far the group actually goes, story-wise, I think the game should reasonably end up somewhere around 14th-15th level. This is not a short jaunt. ;)
Hmm, I'm thinking of a human barbarian that had his family kidnapped by cultists and has tracked them to Hommlet. Is that too on the nose?Maybe tracked them too this region. You would't be heading immediately to Hommlet. As we get closer to the game, and backgrounds are being set up, and characters chosen for the game, I'll give you an NPC name or something to be tracking. That work?
Works for me. I’ll post something tomorrow.
Here's my Elf. He's 7th level here, but I can have him back to 1st easily. He was playing in the Greyhawk setting, so that part of his story is already set up.
He's a pretty grim, no-nonsense type, a good tactician, and a solid spellcaster.
ah, the counter balance to Daniel's almost annoying optimism and more jovial nature. haha.
Divine
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trawets71:Bataleigha Silvercrest Human Cleric (Pelor) needs adjusted...
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This wasn't my character. I believe someone else may have offered it.
alias of Profession Smith 6 ranks..
Thought I would change the fomrat to match what P.D. posted
The folks who posted in the interest check:
Melee
Phillip Gastone: Dain Bramage dwarf fighter
rorek55: Daniel Cedric Human Fighter
AdamWarnock: Human barbarian family kidnapped by cultists
Spazmodeus: OK....elvish ranger coming up ....I think :)
Arcane
Dave Young 992: Seltyn Sevenleaf Elven wizard (evoker)
pad300 Kelvieran Elven Wizard
Divine:
Dread: Kilain Gravendak 1st Level Cleric of Moradin
Profession Smith 6 ranks Bataleigha Silvercrest Human Cleric (Pelor)
Skill
Robert Henry: Boram the Burglar Halfling rogue
Undecided:
hustonj: Olven Cleric, Suloise Monk or an Oeridian Barbarian,
mighty_avenger:
Ridge:
GeraintElberion:
Archpaladin Zousha:
Tarondor:
trawets71:
DM Lil" Eschie:
Blaydsong:
Major dottage.
Major dottage.
Yep got you on the list :)