The Winter of Discontent [Recruitment; Pathfinder Golarion]

[Cythieus]

A strange new cult has sprung up in the land with mysterious fiendish ties and with it, children have started to disappear from small settlements around the sleepy town of Ravenmoor. Our adventure starts in the Howling Stein Tavern. This game will be one of some social intrigue, combat and a threat that could endanger the whole of Golarion.

I’d like to ask that people be able to post once per day and if there’s need for you to be away please tell me so that we can DMNPC your character or, if the absence is more permanent, find a suitable replacement. As for the type of game. I was thinking of putting this under Human Group NC, but I want to see what everyone else thinks. This game will be story focused, but there will be plenty of opportunity for downtime and things of a sexual nature.

I’m a storyteller at heart and love roleplaying and writing. But I don’t want to put you all on the rails nor am I the perfect DM. So if you see something wrong or have a dispute, just tell me.

Character creation rules are as follows

-Characters Start at Level 1
-25 Point Buy
-Two traits (one of which must be from the campaign traits provided), drawbacks are allowed, but subject to approval.
-Max starting gold for your chosen class
-Allowed races: Core, Aasimar, Tiefling and Kitsune.
-Any non-evil alignment.
-Allowed classes: Core, Base and at later levels Prestige.
-I don’t like the encumbrance rules, so you’re allowed some leeway with carried items. Just don’t have a water clock or something else ridiculous on your person.
-Not going to count mundane ammunition. It's assumed that an archer has arrows or bolts for their crossbow unless those arrows or bolts are something magic or special in some other way (ie, silver arrows).
-No high tech weapons or advanced firearms.
-A short backstory and picture are required.

Also include what category you want this game to be under.

Allowed classes:

Spoiler: Click to Show/Hide

Barbarian
-Bard
-Cleric
-Druid
-Fighter
-Monk
-Paladin
-Ranger
-Rogue
-Sorcerer
-Wizard
-Alchemist
-Cavalier
-Gunslinger
-Inquisitor
-Magus
-Oracle
-Witch

I’d like the party to be a balanced skill set of different types, so the roles I’m looking to fill are:

-Melee
-Skilled
-Arcane Caster
-Divine Caster

If it comes down to it and someone has a really good character that doesn’t fit into this, I might let them slide by.

Homebrew Campaign Traits

Former Slave: You were sold into slavery at a young age in one of the many secret auctions around Golarion, as such you came to know a mysterious benefactor that helped you to earn your freedom. Perhaps she paid your way or perhaps she got you on your feet after you escaped. Regardless, your time in servitude taught you much about the nobility of the land and their history through overheard conversations. You gain a +3 on Knowledge Nobility and this is always a class skill for you.

Finding Father: Maybe your father is all you have left in this world or maybe you’ve got little siblings and an ill mother at home, but your father’s mysterious disappearance and the hole it left in his wake has caused you to set out in search of him. From a young age he taught you to be wary of others, thus Sense Motive is a class skill for you and you gain a +3 bonus to discern the motives of others.

Born Under A Bad Moon: There was a comet in the sky on the day of your birth and the moon was painted blood red as it passed. You’ve had visions all your life of a great calamity to come and you feel called to the road as there’s something inside of you telling you that the time is near. You know not of the hoard of tragedies to befall the land, but your resolve is steeled against hardship. You gain a +2 to WILL saves.

Scholar of the Ancients: Growing up with your nose in books, you’ve had a great interest in past cultures and ancient history. Furthermore, having grown up in Varisia, you know the monuments dotting the landscape belong to an ancient civilization known as Thassilon. From your life of study and dogged research, you’ve pieced together the language and partial history of this once-great empire. You gain a +2 trait bonus on Knowledge (arcana) and Knowledge (history) checks, and begin play able to speak and read Thassilonian.

Fiendish Taint: Somewhere along you bloodline there was a person who dabbled in dark magics as a play for strength and wellbeing. Great tragedy was cast upon them and they were cursed, but in some form their dabbling garnered results. You begin play with one extra hit point and +1 on FORT saves.

This isn’t first come first serve. Characters converted from other games are welcome and you have until October the thirteenth to get something in for me to review.

[Ghostwheel]

I've always wanted to learn more about Golarion and its environs, and this seems like a good place to do so :-)

I'll think a bit more about what kind of character I want to go with... *ponders*

[Blinkin]

Although I think that the posting rate will cause you some trouble, I'll show my interest.

I don't suppose that you'll allow the Swashbuckler from the ACG, would you? ;)

On the requirement of a pic... is this a negociable element? I have no problem offering a detailed description; in as much detail as you want, but an image is beyond my capabilities (Refer to the statement in my signature). I suppose that I might find someone to search for an image, but this is usually an iffy position at best.

[Ghostwheel]

...you have until October the thirteenth to get something in for me to review.

Do you mean the 30th?

Although I think that the posting rate will cause you some trouble, I'll show my interest.

I agree, I think you'll inevitably lack posts every single day as very few people have the ability to post that often, and a post every 2-3 days might be a little more reasonable :-)

[Ghostwheel]

Name: Ebron

Role: Skilled

Race: Tiefling

Class: Monk

Background:

Tielfings have never been looked on kindly in Varisia ever since the Everwar. The battles, one after another as the Chelish encroachments on Varisian territories continued to exapnd had left a deep scar on the mentality of many inhabitants of Varisia, and with how commonplace diabolism is among the Chelish it was not strange that the tieflings were seen as a symbol of Chelish expansion and invasion. Many of the Chelish devils invaded the peaceful land in one guise or another, spreading their seed in various gambits to serve them in the future--after all, their progeny would quickly heed the call in their blood and turn an invasion into a quick rebellion that would lead to a coup d'etat within a few years. These devils saw the long road, preparing their invasion always a step behind the Varisian resistance.

This was where Ebron came from; a newly-married Varisian girl trying to become pregnant with her husband's seed was fooled into believing her husband had come early from the fields one day when she was impregnated by one of the devils. The girl and her husband were ecstatic to learn that she was pregnant... until the day of the birth. Ebron bursted into the world in blood and sweat, and almost killed the girl. His fiendish heritage was apparent, and the pair could not fathom where the cursed child came from... nor could they stand being near it. Yet it was still of her blood, and they could not kill it, so they chose the next best thing, abandoning the child at the steps of a monastery.

Ebron grew as an orphan there, and all could see the evil in his blood from his curling tail to the twin horns that sprouted from his head. Despite being eager to train, he was often derided by the Varisian monks, all but an old monk by the name of Galt who did his best to comfort the young tiefling in his misery, and shelter him from the abuse heaped upon him by the other monks and children who were too rough with the boy and left bruises and scrapes that turned to scars as the years went by.

Despite taking solace in Galt's presence and protection, Ebron turned himself inward, becoming taciturn and unwilling to interact with the other trainees. This lasted for years, until one day that cloak of protection was robbed from him. Galt, who had been old even when Ebron was but a babe, passed away peacefully one night. Ebron knew he would have no friend among the monks, and ran for fear of his life, taking only the old monk's cestus as a token of rememberance for the kindness the man had shown him.

And so he fled, far far away from the monastery, sure that the monks would rally the trainees and go hunting after him in force. He had no more heart for the endless training, and travelled as quickly as he could. He was often wary of travelers, and for good reason, for he was shunned for not only for his race, but also for the scars that twisted along his body. After much journeying, he found himself within the city of Riddleport, home to thieves and pirates.

He spent months in the city, stealing for survival and picking the pockets of those fresh off ships and ready to spend their gold. He gained a reputation for his quick reflexes among the street urchins, and after a time was taken in by one of the thieves guilds that almost seemed to run the city. Many shunned him here too, but among them he found a mentor, an old alchemist that showed him the magic of potions and brewing pots. Here he found his love, as various elements stirred within a boiling pot before turning into something truly wondrous. He had little knack for the craft, but did his best to study at the old man's feet, and picked up the basics which he would at the very least carry with him for the rest of his life.

Calamity struck once more as the rivalry between guilds heated, and finally broke into an all-out war. Despite his best, Ebron and those others in his guild were quickly struck down. When he woke up, bruises swelling upon his body and scars ripped open anew, he was one of the few that had survived the attack. Among the dead were many, and most importantly to him, his mentor. The others suggested that they join a different guild, but Ebron had had enough of everything. No longer a child, he would set out and find his own fortune, a distaste for the thieving lifestyle filling him.

And so he struck out for a second time. Despite his decision not to follow the lifestyle that had led him to the guild, he found himself needing to steal and pick pockets once more as people turned him away when he suggested that all he wanted was an honest day's work, a bed within a barn, and a hot meal. But still the conviction stayed with him, and he continued to journey through the land, trying to find some place to call home, some people to call friends.

It was so that he came upon the town of Ravenmoor, and the people, despite their dislike of tieflings, were willing to take any help that they could get regardless of the source. This is how he finds himself within the Howling Stein Tavern, ready to hear precisely what's happening and how he can help.

[Blinkin]

[/floatleft
Name: Tari Gravante
Age: 19
Class: Swashbuckler
Catory filled: Melee

Physical Description:
Standing at 5’7, Tari is a leggy woman with an athletic figure that none the less shows off soft, womanly curves. Her mass of thick, dark curly hair frames a heart shaped face that is dominated by large, intelligent dark gray eyes, a full, slightly pouty lower lip and a chin that stops just a shade short of being too stubborn. Her lightly tanned complexion and softly upturned eyes gives her an exotic beauty that seems to match her unconscious grace when she moves. Normally dressed in a cream colored tunic under a dark blue jacket that does nothing to hide the rounded mounds of her C cupped breast,, her leather pants are tucked into high, dark brown turned over boots; a weapons belt hangs low on her rounded hips with a rapier on her right hip and a matching dagger on the left.

Personality:
Tari is a fascinating blend of outrageous flirt and bold, even reckless seriousness. If you’re a friend, you’re a friend for life and none other will be as loyal as she will. If you are an enemy… enjoy what time you may have left. If you’re fun, you’ll get a time that you’ll never forget. In spite of her conflicting personality traits, she holds a set of morals and principles that can be absolutely depended on to hold true; exactly what those are may sometimes be in question, but never that she’ll follow them. She has a mischievous streak a league wide and a love of anything the least bit exciting and new. This can range from a new place to a new man (or woman) for a night of wenching and drinking… Hey, women can wench; they just call it something else! When the times call for seriousness, however, her mind is focused on whatever needs to be done and although she may trade witty comments and barbs with her opponent, she never forgets that it’s life and death… and she intends for her and hers to walk away with the life side of the equasion. Often sweet and funny, she’ll happily sit down with the same “bad guy” for a civil conversation at a tavern simply because it’s the civilized thing to do and good conversation is good conversation… as long as the rules of courtesy are obeyed. Then, the next morning, do her best to best said bad-guy with her blade; unless the point of the fight isn’t to kill each other, but she’ll fight just as hard all the same! If you want to beat her, you’re going to have to work for it!

Background:
Tari is the youngest daughter of Baron Phenael Gravante, and admittedly, the apple of his eye. Even though she continues to disobey him and avoid suitor after suitor with some skill, she knows that She would not inherit from the family and must make her own way in the world if she wants to be free.

Tari, following the example of her 4 older brothers, gravitated to the ways of the warrior and her fascination with the blade has led her to no small amount of trouble and, because she is a woman, an unorthodox method of training. When her father’s Man-at-arms refused to teach her, she went out on her own and discovered an old rogue who, for a price that shouldn’t be spoken of in polite company, taught her the ways of light blades and speed, of movement and grace when many of her opponents will be larger and stronger than she is… to face anger with a sort of glee that is shown in the way that the tongue can taunt and tempt the enemy to act without thought… where her own body might be a lure to act without wisdom… to be bold and wait for the subtle moments.

Tari has known for some time that something bad was coming that would change the world; something that could only be described as evil and darkness. Something that she was much too aware that if she didn't act, or at leat try to act, might leave the world and people that she loves in ruins. With her trusty rapier and the supplies that she has carefully collected over the last few weeks, she snuck out of her father's home and set out upon the road to seek out her quest and do what ever she could to blunt the impact of the coming events; even if she's not exactly sure what it may be.

I'm cool with NC whatever.

[Chulanowa]

Similar to Blinkin, I'd be interested to know if the ACG class, Investigator is allowed.

If not, well, I can work around it :D

Also, what part of Golarion is this taking place in?

[Cythieus]

Although I think that the posting rate will cause you some trouble, I'll show my interest.

I don't suppose that you'll allow the Swashbuckler from the ACG, would you? ;)

On the requirement of a pic... is this a negociable element? I have no problem offering a detailed description; in as much detail as you want, but an image is beyond my capabilities (Refer to the statement in my signature). I suppose that I might find someone to search for an image, but this is usually an iffy position at best.

Similar to Blinkin, I'd be interested to know if the ACG class, Investigator is allowed.

If not, well, I can work around it :D

Also, what part of Golarion is this taking place in?

Was going to say no, but I'll allow those two just because I want to give people a chance. Those aren't really that odd of concepts anyway

[Chulanowa]

Well, if you were going to say no, that's what I'll go with; no big deal, re-reading the class shows it to be rather different than I thought in my head. :-\ as you do.

But, still interested!

[eBadger]

you have until October the thirteenth to get something in for me to review.

Um...one day only fire sale? 

I can try to get something in, but that's rushing things quite a bit.  I can't put together characters at work.

[Blinkin]

Perhaps it was a typo and the 31st was meant instead of the 13th (today).

Question. Will you allow Fencer's Grace? It can be found here. It's an upcoming feat for rapiers and is essencially the same as Slashing Grace from the ACG, only narrowed for a single weapon.

[Chulanowa]

*Hits the googles* Varisia. Gotcha!

[eBadger]

Edit: these concepts are still workable if needed, but nixed for now: Arianna is a bit fluffy for a serious pathfinder and Viktoria is a Huntress.  See my Rogue application on page two. 

Spoiler: Click to Show/Hide

   

Arianna Morgan
Kitsune Transmuter


Arianna began her life as a simple fox; perhaps a bit more lithe and cunning than her fellows, but unexceptional until she was summoned by a young transmuter to become his familiar.  Arianna was initially resentful, unleashing her ire at captivity in surprising and destructive ways.  Fortunately her new master found the antics charming and slowly won her over: they spent many years adventuring together in adventure and study.  The name and exact fate of Arianna's master is unclear: she has stated at various times that he was devoured by demons, ascended to immortality, or was simply passed out drunk when she left.  Some friends suspect she's still in regular communication with him.  Whatever the real situation, Arianna was the recipient of a powerful form of transmutation before she was released; life as a Kitsune allowed her to keep her memories, her vulpine nature, and maintain some shapeshifting abilities of her own. 

Although at first somewhat adrift, it quickly became apparent to Arianna that she had learned a very great deal at her master's side.  Her smattering of absorbed magical knowledge and few humble skills were, she came to realize, more than many so-called wizards could claim.  She maintains her sharp sense of humor; combined with her penchant for alchemy, others are best wary of any food or drink she's handled.  She wouldn't harm someone, but sees little reason not to spike a chaste monk's drink with aphrodisiacs or turn a bard's voice to a croak for an evening. 

Perhaps as a result of her time as a familiar - a position where being ignored is routine - she is surprisingly fond of simple observation.  She is fascinated with people, sexuality, manners, and behavior.  At times she will even contrive a situation simply to take note of how people react. 

Although now technically a kitsune, Arianna has had few relations with others of her race and doesn't consider herself one of them.  She makes no attempt to hide her nature, but is more frequently found as either human or fox, with her kitsune form as a somewhat awkward halfway point. 

 

Alternatively, if a Huntress were allowed:

Viktoria,
Elven Feral Huntress


Viktoria is young for an elf, lean from long winters and short rations, pretty, and toned from a life on the edge of the wild and possessing a slight accent.  Her bestial aspect usually manifests in her eyes and teeth, giving her a slightly inhuman, feral look that can be unsettling or intriguing.  Her hunting armor is an amalgamation of various bits of leather, metal, and fur scavenged or collected over the years, worked together into a functional, personalized garment.  The rest of her small wardrobe tends toward hoods and dark clothing which conceals her fairness while still allowing ease of movement in the wilderness. 

In personality, she is quiet and withdrawn, nervous with anticipation of abuse.  She is quick to befriend and to anger.  She’s clever, but cynical and distrustful. 

Viktoria’s mother was a shapeshifter as well; she vehemently insisted it was a result of her ties to nature, but her clan made accusations of illegitimate ancestry or current congress with lycanthopes.  Alienated by their persecution, her parents fled to the Mountain when Viktoria was barely more than a babe, hoping to give her a life free from hatred and prejudice in the near solitude of a rugged frontier community far from civilization.   

They chose poorly.  The group of shapeshifters they’d hoped to join was long gone, slaughtered by members of a radical religion in response to violent predation and theft.  No sooner had her parents established a homestead than men came in the night to murder them in their sleep over perceived transgressions.  There may have been justice of a brutal sort in the first killings – those shapeshifters had certainly slain many humans in their wildness – but her parents were simply different; outsiders to a small, extremist society that were met with hate and brutality. 

The young Viktoria was spared due to her age.  It was considered an act of mercy, but it held little kindness; she was raised by the leader of the humans, a Judge.  For the rest of her life she was treated as if she were subhuman, a thing to be punished for her blood and converted to prove the superiority of man’s religion.  Most unfortunately, she was innocent enough to take the lesson to heart; she grew up ashamed of her heritage, convinced of her own innate evilness and distrustful of her magical abilities – which nonetheless seemed intent upon emerging no matter what. 

It was only the comraderie and respect of animals and the spirits of the woods that saved her from complete belief in the community’s teachings.  Almost from the start of her new life she had been expected to earn her keep, working endlessly to ease the burden of her guardianship, and so she spent any days not necessary for religious instruction or work at the cabin escaping into the wilderness to hunt.  The pull of her companions there and the abusive treatment of her new family had predictable results: rather than stifling her bestial nature, the beatings sent her fleeing into it.  She’s had to practice her craft in secret, taught by fauns and dryads, and has been blooded in combat beside dire wolves. 

Her life has left her torn between a dichotomy: on one hand, the reclusive, guilt ridden child of abuse, always struggling to act as she should, and on the other a chaotic prodigy of nature and fey. 

Predictably, it was the abusive Judge who pushed her too far.  He attempted - forcibly - to extend his claim of guardianship into something else and was met with claws and teeth.  Leaving behind the bloody corpse, she has traveled weeks to seek a life of her own equipped with her father’s sword and her mother’s magic. 

[Muse]

Ack... 

not even going to try to maintain that posting rate! 

But Blinkin, send me the description when you get ti and I'll try and track you down a picture. 

[Cythieus]

I won't require the picture and we can lower the posting rate. As far as the one day thing. I copied that from somewhere else where I did have a week for them to get it done. But that was a week ago. You have until Monday next week .

[Muse]

  All right, I'll send a halflnig cleric your way. 

[eBadger]

I won't require the picture and we can lower the posting rate. As far as the one day thing. I copied that from somewhere else where I did have a week for them to get it done. But that was a week ago. You have until Monday next week .

Excellent, the muse is not with me tonight.  I'm probably scrapping the two characters above and bringing in a rogue - doesn't look like we have one yet? - if I can find a somewhat decent image.  Surprisingly difficult to find decent pictures of male characters. 

[Ghostwheel]

I plan on multiclassing into something rogue-ish next level, so my application is for the "skill" slot :P

[Cythieus]

If there's not enough applicants we can have more than one of a class.

[Ghostwheel]

If ACG is in, a bloodrager might be cool :-)

[Chulanowa]

I hadn't noticed Muse dibbed the divine!

Alright then, easy fix; I find a group can never have too much melee, especially good, solid front-liners that don't revolve around fancy-smancy tricks.

Dwarf fighter is a go!

[Jaded]

A quickly written up character, hopefully I didn't make any mistakes or too many grammar errors.  I can change/expand if needed.  I didn't intend for her to be (potentially) tied to the plot, but I suppose it is natural given the Fiendish Taint trait you created as homebrew ;) .  I kind of used that as a starting point and ran with it, so she may be a bit of a silly character. 

She is a Human 'Dual-Cursed' Oracle with the Dark Tapestry mystery, with the Tongues and Haunted Curses.

Both Dual-Cursed and Dark Tapestry are from Ultimate Magic: (http://paizo.com/pathfinderRPG/prd/ultimateMagic/spellcastingClassOptions/oracle.html)


Loza 'the Cursed' is the daughter of Bollad 'the Mad,' a Wizard of some skill that decided the best way to attain immortality was to trade the soul of his wife and children to a devil.  It ended predictability, with the wife dead, the children slain, and the immortal Bollad chopped into a thousand pieces and scattered across miles.  There is a legend, often told to scare children, that his flesh doesn't rot, and his fingers still twitch.  Loza was saved by the timely intervention of a cleric who accompanied the angry mob.  Still, she was touched by darkness, and anyone who spends any time with her can sense it.  A cold breeze seems to follow her, invisible hands seem to play with objects around her, and the whispers of creatures better left unseen rise from darkened corners around her. 

Although rescued by a cleric, Loza spent only a few short days in his care.  She found herself in the orphaned service of a travelling merchant, trading her skill as a servant for food and shelter.  It was a rough life, but it taught her how hard the world can be.  She learned to avoid notice, and as her abilities began to manifest, much worse.  It was when cornered by a pair of horny guards that her powers first truly manifested.  She pressed herself back against the wood of a wagon wheel in terror, and opened her mouth to plead for mercy.  Instead, words of dark power rose.  One guard pulled his sword and stabbed the other then, in shock and fear, retreated.  She packed her meager belongings and departed the caravan in search of answers, and to escape the terrible fate she was certain was going to befall her.

Loza is certainly not opposed to helping others, but she puts herself first.  She is still convinced, despite several years of study, that she is destined for some dark fate.  She is determined to avoid it.  Still, she has learned to harness the darkness within her, and channel it towards more useful and positive purposes.

WIP

Note: This isn't finished, but I need to sleep and wanted to post it at least as a placeholder.

Human 'Dual-Cursed' Oracle 1

Alignment: Neutral
Mystery: Dark Tapestry
Curse: Haunted, Tongues* (Infernal)
STR: 12 (+1)   INT: 12 (+1)
DEX: 16 (+3)   WIS:  7 (-2)
CON: 10 (+0)   CHA: 20 (+5)

HP: 9
BAB: +0
Fort +1, Ref +3, Will +0

  FEATS
Extra Revelation
Skill Focus (Stealth)

Simple Weapons Proficiency
Light Armour Proficiency
Medium Armour Proficiency
Shield Proficiency

  TRAITS
Fiendish Taint
Planar Savant

  SKILLS
Diplomacy +9, Disguise +9, Knowledge (planes) +9, Sense Motive 2, Stealth +10, Spellcraft +5

  REVELATIONS
Cloak of Darkness (Su): +4 AC, +2 Stealth, level hours/day.
Pierce the Veil (Su): Darkvision 60ft.

Languages: Common, Infernal, ?

  SPELLS
∞/day 0
Known 0: Mage Hand, Ghost Sound, Detect Magic, Light, Mending, Create Water
3+2/day 1
Known 1: Cure Light Wounds, Shield of Faith, Murderous Command

  EQUIPMENT (180 gp)
Dagger
Morningstar
Light Crossbow
  30 Bolts

Backpack
Bedroll
Flint and Steel
Belt Pouch
Trail Rations 10 days
Hemp Rope
Waterskin
? Outfit
Spell Component Pouch

115.9

[Muse]

Blinkin, the formatting tags got messed up.  Try quoting the second to last line of this post into your sheet. 

[Muse]

Still working on Rini, but here's her link: 

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1p50IR7gBQR6AR9j6DYmq6_Lwi7jcUTkDgk5dQMWzK9U/edit

[Pumpkin Seeds]

Will try to provide an elf wizard for the group.  Leaning toward her being a planar researcher type with a focus in Conjuration magic.

[Cythieus]

If ACG is in, a bloodrager might be cool :-)

This is kind of why I didn't can ACG in. I feel like the flavor of the game isn't right for most of those classes and that the classes are a little tough to fit into games with other classes and make the power scaling equal.

[eBadger]

   

Lord Ethan Vayle
Elven Rogue

Ethan Vayle is the scion of a long line of proud aristocrats...who have, according to his parents, fallen into temporary political troubles.  They don't seem very temporary to him, however; he grew up an expatriate in a decaying mansion on a street long abandoned by the better types, decaying townhouses portioned up and sublet to the lowest classes.  The bare remains of the meager fortune the family carried into their exile allowed the Vayle clan the sheen of wealth to disguise spiraling debt, returned correspondence and the continuing disdain of the crown their grandfather once betrayed. 

Well over a century ago, Duke Prouss Vayle played a foolish hand during an attempted coup; he was killed and every Vayle ordered into exile.  Ethan's parents have never faltered in their conviction that the king would eventually relent and forgive.  A child born after the betrayal seemed like exactly the innocent needed to mend old wounds.  Representing the next generation of the Vayle noble line, Ethan was taught courtly manners, chivalric tradition and diplomatic languages; most of which has proven quite useless.  Instead he found his calling among the locals he wasn't supposed to acknowledge: the gamins, hucksters, second story men and street toughs.  He earned his colors early, his weapons training and simple magecraft the education he's found most worthwhile, and he proceeded to gather a reputation as an accomplished rogue that brought respect from his peers, favors from the harlots, and banishment from his parents. 

Undeterred by the new temporary political troubles he set forth with the family sword, his best lockpicks, his mother's collapsible tea service and a few other essentials to either finish the family's complete disgrace or revive its fortunes. 

Personality: Ethan has set out to seize life by the throat and make the most of it.  With the entitlement of a noble and the disregard of an exile, he's willing to risk danger and seek adventure for the promise of wealth and status, enlisting on any mad scheme, crime or noble deed likely to gain him something.  He's callous, but quick to defend a friend or forget an offense, with the polite manners of a peer and the recklessness of a rake.  He hasn't quite decided if he's a hero or a villain. 

Appearance: Ethan is average for an elf, tall compared to most humans.  He's handsome, wiry and well muscled; his most notable feature is long hair of midnight black that reaches well below his waist.  He tends toward tight shirts that display his physique and won't interfere with swordwork or stealing, and loose trousers or wraps that emphasize a flowing, graceful swordsman's stride and disguise his footwork during a fight.  Purple is often incorporated into accents, such as sashes, ribbons, or headbands, as both the color of his house and his former guild.  As massive and exotic weapons, his elven curved blade and longbow tend to gain notice as well. 



In regards to section, I prefer the Extreme; I don't plan any particular shenanigans but I've had things come up in the past (particularly in games like Pathfinder with plentiful non-humans) and it's annoying to split them off, censor them out or move the game around. 

[Muse]

Cytheius, is this story set on Golarion?  Or at least use the Golarion panthen? 

*laughs*  Never mind, it's right there in the tag line! 

[Muse]

Rini is done. 

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1p50IR7gBQR6AR9j6DYmq6_Lwi7jcUTkDgk5dQMWzK9U/edit

I'll try to find her a picture.  Let me know if there's anything else you'd like to see for her. 

if I had my druthers, I'd see this game go in NCES. 

[eBadger]

I peeked a bit at the wiki for Golarion; it seems like a basic fantasy world from what I saw, right?  Is there a better source than this or things we should know? 

[Muse]

  That's the best free source I know of.  The setting book is called The Inner Sea World Guide. 

[eBadger]

Fair enough; I just didn't want to be surprised to learn we were all ruled by vampiric overlords or used ouija boards for magic or something. 

[Chulanowa]

Also, look into the book, "Varisia: Birthplace of Legends" - it details the specific region we're in

[Blinkin]

Character sheet sent in, although I may make a change or two to the equipment, it's pretty much done. I want to look at armor a bit more.

[eBadger]

Thank ya, found this for Varisia (in case anyone else wants a reference):  http://pathfinderwiki.com/wiki/Varisia

Sounds frontierish, lots of city states, lots of ruins and wilderness.  Not a lot of elves, so Ethan can be an odd duck - yay!  That will make his thrillseeking nature more entertaining, as he can blame any eccentricities on elven culture. 

[Chulanowa]

I've got my build pretty much settled (it took me a grueling five minutes to make a 25-point dwarf fighter!) but finding a picture for a female dwarf fighter is... another matter. At least, a picture that i like.

[Ghostwheel]

I've got my build pretty much settled (it took me a grueling five minutes to make a 25-point dwarf fighter!) but finding a picture for a female dwarf fighter is... another matter. At least, a picture that i like.

A fine specimen of dwarven femininity right here. Here's another take on her--check out those high-heeled shoes, sexy ;)

[eBadger]

finding a picture for a female dwarf fighter is... another matter. At least, a picture that i like.

I am SO not bored today.  Really. 

Spoiler: Click to Show/Hide

[Muse]

nice.  Want me to throw a few into this pile? 

[Angie]

So, are we full around here? Because if not, I'll jump in with an idea or two.

[eBadger]

nice.  Want me to throw a few into this pile?

I'm always on the hunt for good character images, so sure!

So, are we full around here? Because if not, I'll jump in with an idea or two.

Current characters (ranging from just posting interest to completed submissions):

eBadger - male elven rogue
Muse - female halfling cleric
Ghostwheel - male tiefling monk
Blinkin - female human? swashbuckler
Jaded - female human oracle
pumpkin seeds - ? elf wizard
chulanowa - female dwarven fighter

...unless I missed someone.  So I believe we have everything, but aren't necessarily glutted on anything.  I'd tentatively suggest avoiding a divine caster or melee and if you wanted to aim purely for need, I think our only arcane caster is just an interest post or we could probably use a bow focused ranger for some distance combat and nature skills. 

[Angie]

I'm always on the hunt for good character images, so sure!
Current characters (ranging from just posting interest to completed submissions):

eBadger - male elven rogue
Muse - female halfling cleric
Ghostwheel - male tiefling monk
Blinkin - female human? swashbuckler
Jaded - female human oracle
pumpkin seeds - ? elf wizard
chulanowa - female dwarven fighter

...unless I missed someone.  So I believe we have everything, but aren't necessarily glutted on anything.  I'd tentatively suggest avoiding a divine caster or melee and if you wanted to aim purely for need, I think our only arcane caster is just an interest post or we could probably use a bow focused ranger for some distance combat and nature skills.

I feel like rolling up a Dwarven Ranger. With a Crossbow, which is practically the same as Bow but with a couple different feats. Although I did just look at the original post, and apparently there was a time limit of Oct. 13th, which makes me sad. I'll do something if Cy allows it.

[Pumpkin Seeds]

          Naesala Cyithrel

          Elven Conjurer and Planar Researcher







There is order in magic.  A process by which someone can elicit a set response exists inside the arcane sciences of this world.  These processes are built upon laws and these laws exist throughout not only this plane of existence but across other planes as well.  Certainly the appearance of these laws vary from one existence to the next and certainly some truths that we hold dear in this world do not exist in others.  Still the principles hold true that across the universe there is laws that we all adhere and uphold.  Of course the question comes as to what these laws are, but then to know those without understanding would be a true tragedy.  Perhaps you are wondering at the source of my words, the credentials of this understanding.  I can give you only my name, Naesala Cyithrel.  From there I can trust that you know of my father’s work and know that I will dare walk his footsteps.

If you have not heard of him then I must enlighten.  Valum Cyithrel was a great professor of the arcane sciences, a true master of his arts and understanding.  Many of his colleagues still speak of his endeavors.  Such was his dedication that my own time with him was quite brief before he was taken from this world.  An accident I am told and assured the rumors are not true of his intent to open such an unstable portal by design.  He was a believer in the laws such as I, but he simply failed to grasp the law he was making use of on that night.  Still the screams and cries that came from that portal still haunt me as I was only a child then and understood only what children can.  Fortunate for me that his estate afforded me the luxury of tutors so that I might understand his works and legacy.

Among my tutors was one of his colleagues, Scholar Zikzazelzak, for whom I credit with much of my meager understanding today.  He instructed me in the rules and laws of the universe, allowed me my first glimpse of their complex yet simple design.  A great mind indeed, this gnome I count as a dear friend of mine.  Still books may only instruct so much and as I said to gain knowledge without understanding is a great tragedy.  So I now embark on a journey with a troupe of others to not only seek funding for my research but also understanding through practical application of my arcane studies.

[eBadger]

I feel like rolling up a Dwarven Ranger. With a Crossbow, which is practically the same as Bow but with a couple different feats. Although I did just look at the original post, and apparently there was a time limit of Oct. 13th, which makes me sad. I'll do something if Cy allows it.

He extended it in a later post - don't be sad!  You have time!

[Angie]

What the hell, I'll throw one in.

image

Nevan Stoneface Sheet

http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=1035910

Nevan Stoneface, man of the mountains. Specifically of the Iron Peaks, where he lived alone with his father. His mother had died soon after his birth from a powerful disease, one that Nevan and his father, Fathrel, were lucky to not be infected by. Still, the pair of dwarves built a relationship of trust, respect, and love, having only themselves to rely on in the mountains. Nevan learned all his father knew-how to hunt, how to make and set traps, and all the many things needed to survive in the mountains. When Nevan was 30, he made his first crossbow, and used it to kill a pheasant. Fathrel was delighted, as pheasant was a delicacy, and on that day declared that Nevan was more a man then Dwarves twice his age.

Two weeks ago, however, Fathrel disappeared. Nevan did his best to track him, but Fathrel has 60 years on him, and his tracks were impossible to follow. So Nevan has come to Ravenmoor, hoping to find some information that may, potentially, somehow lead him to his father.

(Trait chosen: Finding Father)

(I don't care what kind of game it is-I personally draw the line at NC, though. It just gets under my skin.)

[Chulanowa]

Unarmored

Taavia Perkele
Female Dwarf Fighter
Character sheet


Background:
   Taavia's something of a rarity among dwarfs; she grew up around the other races, rather than secure in the heart of some dwarven citadel. Well, actually it was both the cliffside city of Dorganbar happened to have an in very popular with travelers and adventurers; her father ran that inn. And of course, he expected Taavia to fall in line. For a good many years, she did, serving, washing, cooking, pouring, sweeping, always hearing the gale and gust of adventurer's tales. it all sounded terribly romantic to her, heroes storming through old ruins, slaying savage monsters and liberating townsfolk and whatnot.

   Of course, her father hated such notions and soundly rebuffed her over the dinner table many a time. he'd have no daughter of his hieing off to get eaten by some undead fae-touched ooze dragon half-construct, no-thank-you-sir! Instead, he did as any right-minded dwarven father would do, and set about forging an arranged marriage between his daughter and one of the local lord's second cousins or whatnot.

   Taavia seethed at this of course... and more so when she overheard a company of travelers talking about one Kyrpä Perkele saving some town or other in his own adventuring career. Her father! Well, she decided then and there that she wasn't going to let dear old dad marry her off to some man who would spend more time braiding his beard than attending the necessary matters - especially after her father had kept this from her! When the adventurers left, they numbered one more in their company. Lacking any sort of special training other than a few of the town's mandatory militia drills, she fell into the role of a fighter easily enough.

   Of late, Taavia has suffered nightmares; half-remembered visions of a looming doom, barely defined and usually vanishing like mist shortly after waking. She remembers enough of them to occupy a small, troubled space of her mind, with vague urges and symbols pulling her along the road to somewhere in Varisia. She knows something is coming, and is not only prepared to meet it, but to triumph - and secretly live up to what she's learned of her father's own heroics.

Personality:
   Taavia tries to stay open to new experiences; she's still young (for a dwarf) and new to this "adventuring" thing - at times, she's over her head. Despite her belief that her upbringing was cosmopolitan and far-reaching, she is in fact rather sheltered. She's not terribly concerned with tradition, but has a very strong sense of right and wrong, and no fear of making herself heard, if that's what she needs to do. She actually enjoys the thrill of combat (or at least, victory...) but still tries to maintain some aspects of being a dwarven lady, rather than some grubby campaigner or sellsword.

additional images

pre-adventurer

Pinup

...needless to say I actually managed something of a surfeit of dwarven dames.

[Blinkin]

Question for the GM. WOuld you allow Silk, a silk, Aranea Tunic? (Yes, I know the price is way too high, but planning ahead.) As Swashbucklers are suppose to avoid real armors, it seems like a fair compromise... unless someone can suggest an armor that isn't really an armor in the traditional sense?

And can anyone explain the "trap" in the special materials description regarding piercing weapons?

[Ghostwheel]

Light armor is very iconic for swashbuckler types. Mithral chain shirt or padded armor are both good choices. Being a swashbuckler doesn't mean that you're a monk...

[Angie]

Oh man, I think my ranger has more HP then the fighter...

[Chulanowa]

Oh man, I think my ranger has more HP then the fighter...

Yup. One more HP.

What are you gonna do with that handaxe though, tickle something? pfft.

[Ghostwheel]

Let's try to play nice :P

We don't know who we'll be playing with, and better to make friends than... frenemies? ;D

[Angie]

Yup. One more HP.

What are you gonna do with that handaxe though, tickle something? pfft.

It's called being prepared. We're going to run into something that laughs off my crossbow, like a skeleton or a zombie, and then I will be prepared with extra weapons.

No joke, I've seriously seen a party almost get TPKed because nobody brought a slashing weapon to a zombie fight.

[Ghostwheel]

Update: My post has now contains a background.

[Chulanowa]

It's called being prepared. We're going to run into something that laughs off my crossbow, like a skeleton or a zombie, and then I will be prepared with extra weapons.

No joke, I've seriously seen a party almost get TPKed because nobody brought a slashing weapon to a zombie fight.

Thankfully, this will never happen against skellingtons; so long as someone made a small race character, you ALWAYS have an improvised bludgeoning weapon  ;D

[Pumpkin Seeds]

:: munches on elven treats::

Just let them fight it out.  They're dwarves, it's what they do.

[Angie]

And considering the ranger has a Cha of 5, he's not exactly going to be doing much socializing. Everyone else can do the face stuff, he'll be the comic relief because he's so damn serious all the time.

[Ghostwheel]

And considering the ranger has a Cha of 5, he's not exactly going to be doing much socializing. Everyone else can do the face stuff, he'll be the comic relief because he's so damn serious all the time.

My character experiences the problems of MAD as well :-(

Thankfully, this will never happen against skellingtons; so long as someone made a small race character, you ALWAYS have an improvised bludgeoning weapon  ;D

I don't think the ally would have quite as much fun :P

[Blinkin]

Not to worry, the Swashbuckler has a CHA of 15, so if she's in, the chatty one is covered.

[Ghostwheel]

That's good *nod*. My character's got trap-finding, disarming, pick-pocketing, and general sneakiness down.

[Cythieus]

Good, we're getting more people and all, I'm going to push this back until Monday for the recruitment. Launch weekend at work and one of my best friend's birthdays so I'm beat.

[Karma Sinclair]

Is this still open? I don't have a character yet but I've been wanting to try Pathfinder.

[Ghostwheel]

Is this still open? I don't have a character yet but I've been wanting to try Pathfinder.

Good, we're getting more people and all, I'm going to push this back until Monday for the recruitment. Launch weekend at work and one of my best friend's birthdays so I'm beat.

You'd have less than a day, FWIW...

[Cythieus]

This is still technically open. I'll give one more applicant some more time. I spent the whole day sleep, but tomorrow I am going to start with the selection. I can work with just a concept if it's good enough.

[Cythieus]

Okay, that was plenty of time. Going over things and will get back to everyone later on tonight.

[Cythieus]

Big change in plans, going to just take everyone since there's such a nice distribution of character types. It might allow us to do some kind of wild things within the game and even split into two teams at times.

Here's our list of peoples and the like.

eBadger - male elven rogue
Muse - female halfling cleric
Ghostwheel - male tiefling monk
Blinkin - female human? swashbuckler
Jaded - female human oracle
pumpkin seeds - female elf wizard
chulanowa - female dwarven fighter
Tydorei - female elven inquisitor?
Angiejuusan - male dwarven ranger

If I could get everyone to PM me their character sheets or a link to it if you're using Mythweavers.

[Ghostwheel]

Cythieus, I would ask you to reconsider, even if it means that I'm one of the people that's cut from the list. In all of the system forum games where I've been in, DMs both tend to burn out incredibly quickly when trying to run two groups (especially when they tend to run on different time tracks due to people's posting speeds), and too many people (above 5-6 or so at the very most) leads to people usually getting confused as to who's doing what and what's going on, especially when it comes down to combat.

I say this not to be spiteful, but because I'd like to see an awesome game, and I fear what I've seen happen time after time after time, again and again when DMs try to run two groups at once.

[eBadger]

I partially disagree.  Breaking into two groups presents a lot of difficulties, time continuity being one of them (if one group is done with their scene and the other is not, it can easily make half your players sit around for a month or more without a chance to post).  I would avoid it. 

Larger groups, however, present more opportunities for interaction, which reduces the onus on the GM to provide plot, and frankly the way of E is that a third to half our group will be checked out/barely active within a month (I will never understand why).  Having enough players to be able to remove the inactives and still continue the adventure is very helpful. Similarly, combat can be a pain but it can also mean that moving along without waiting for one or two people to post isn't going to hamstring the entire group. 

[Chulanowa]

Nine people... is quite a crowd for a pathfinder group.

[Angie]

I think I'm with eBadger on this one. I'm also willing to sit this one out.

[Blinkin]

I would remind everyone of one little factor. The game is probably going to loose about half of it's players in the first 3 or 4 weeks. It's a known and proven fact with E and forum games. In spite of all of the best intentions, some of us will simply disapper rather quickly. So, I would be surprised if we have 4 or 5 players this time next month. If our DM wants to start with 9 players, I wuld be more in favor of 1 group and see what happens. The posting rate is going to be as slow as molasses in winter, but I can see some advantage to this. The game might survive after the drops and have some kind of decent sized core.

[Muse]

Blinkin's right. 

And a game this big sin't such a  big deal in a playbypost format.  If we were around a tabletop, no one would get any attention, but when the GM has a few days at a time to sort out what everyone's doing it can be pretty easy. 

[Muse]

Is this a good image for Rini? 

[eBadger]

She might get chilly :) 

Cool pic, though.  I like the pose and close up effect of the sword. 

[Jaded]

I am going to back out, sorry.  Have fun everyone. :-)

[eBadger]

Very bummed to see you go, Jaded!

For the rest of us, any status update/ETA on starting this?

[Blinkin]

Sorry to see you go Jaded.

I guess, on the bright side, 10% down, just 40% left to drop in play. (Yes, a bad joke)

[Chulanowa]

So, does it live?

[Pumpkin Seeds]

Don't know.  Think the ST stepped out.  Guessing the game is sorta on life support now.

[Blinkin]

Considering the date, it may come back as a zombie game and try to eat the brains of other Pathfinder games...

[eBadger]

That could be fun...! 

Will keep hoping this is going to happen, but the lack of current response isn't promising. 

[Miroque]

Are you still recruitting ? I might find time for another system game.

[Blinkin]

I don't think so as he's already selected characters... but since he selected all of the applications, who knows. We're not entirely sure that there'll be a game.

[Ghostwheel]

Think I'll bow out as well. The DM disappearing at this point in the game before it's even started isn't a great sign IMO... :-(