The Portal Between Worlds; A Pathfinder Adventure.

[Blinkin]

The concept

It’s game night, and you’re in a hurry to get to the Student Union. Your GM, Professor Arthur Merdin has promised a new campaign that will “drag your heart, body and soul” into it’s depths. A step up from the usual exciting and entertaining sessions that you have come to expect from the talented GM over the last few months has you anxious to get to the session before it begins.

You are part of a group of 5 university students (Age 17-24) who have been role-playing together, under the GM-ship of Professor Arthur Merdin, the head of the Archeology department of the university. Merdin, a gifted story-teller and GM has spun out tales, scenes and worlds in such vivid detail that you can almost see them in your mind and provided such an amazing adventure that you can’t think of anyone who has missed a session since you’ve joined the group. It’s been worth losing a Friday evening for the fun of the experience.

As you enter the wood paneled room with it’s large, well used conference table, you see Professor Merdin already sitting in his usual seat, a battered briefcase that he uses as a GM screen open on the table. You take your usual seat and greet the other players; all of them familiar faces by now and if not real friends, you know them well enough to understand their style, taste and interest; even if you accidentally call one or two by their character names sometimes

As Professor Merdin lowers the lights in the room, you set out the tools of the trade. The carefully painted miniature of your character, the bag of dice and character sheet; the pencil and pad for notes… followed by whatever else you feel necessary for a night of gaming. As you settle in, the battery operated candelabra comes to life from it’s place in the center of the table; the corners of the room fall into gloom. The only thing that you hear is the ticking of the old clock on the wall between two now dark paintings of former university leaders as everyone goes quiet and the stage is set.

“As promised,” Merdin’s deep baritone comes out of the darkness behind the briefcase, only his bright blue eyes seem to appear over it’s top, “Tonight, you embark on a new journey. An adventure unlike any that you have had before… one filled with unparallel danger and unseen possibilities… if you’re strong enough… and smart enough to take them.” His voice, although low seems to fill the room in the same dramatic way that it
has each time for months; almost as if it were echoing up from a deep, dark tunnel. “You may continue to use these characters that you know so well, or create a new one. I would, however, suggest that you stay with the one that you know so well at this point.”

A voice pops up from the side of the table, “I’ll stick with this one, and I like him.” And then, “Do we want to order pizza now, or wait for a break?”

From another figure across from you, a soft whisper that no one could miss, “I snuck in beer.” Then a grin at Merdin, “you didn’t hear that Professor.” Followed by some chuckles.

Once the questions have been settled, Merdin continues, “When last we paused, you were camped for the night in the Forest of Everwood; your victory over the ogre raiders a heroic tale that will spread from the beleaguered village a few miles to the west to the surrounding countryside. The leafless branches of the winter-sleeping trees does nothing to hide the full red moon or stars above as you each slowly drift off into the sleep of the jus-“

“Umm, Professor…. Didn’t we set a watch? I think we set a watch.”

A soft, deep and somehow sinister voice comes from behind the briefcase, “Did you?” The player’s chuckle and Merdin looks about the gathered role-players, “Who is the victim, I mean guard this night?” The matter is quickly settled and the sound of a coke can being opened fills the silence a moment before Merdin continues, “But, you awake to a different place. You are lying on a grassy hillside, laid out in a semi circle on your backs; a chilly wind blows across your skin in a constant breeze as you stare up into a night sky filled with stars. The sounds of thunder booms in the distance. In spite of all of this, you feel warm, moist air about you… not far from where you lay are 3 large chest that appear to be bound with brass and made of a strange, dark wood.”

Even as Merdin’s baritone flows over you, you suddenly feel light headed as a sensation of vertigo washes over you and your stomach threatens to rebell only a moment before the room goes dark…

What seems like years later, Your eyes open slowly, feeling incredibly heavy as you gaze up at a night sky filled with stars of every imaginable color… far, far too many stars… eclipsed by a red moon. A chilled breeze blows across your skin as the sounds of thunder come to you in the distance… you smell salt water in the humid, warm air that caresses your bare skin… it’s at that moment that you realize that you’re naked and laying on a grassy hillside; 3 wooden chest lay a few yards away in a line in the grass. The brass fittings gleaming strangely in the reddish moonlight.



You are playing a college student who is a role-player. During a gaming session, your character is transported, via methods unknown to him or her, into the body of his fantasy character and the world in which he, or she, inhabits, for purposes yet unknown. The college students know each other fairly well, the fantasy characters know each other very well and can work together. MUST work together to survive and succeed at their task.

The catch: The fantasy characters are alive; have been living their own lives in their own world in paralell to the decisions and actions that the role-players have been playing them. But, these fantasy people have minds of their own, feelings and ambitions, goals and desires all of their own and they may not take kindly to sudddenly being pushed into the back of their own minds by some strange mind with even stranger ideas. They are going to want their bodies back and will, at least occasionally, try to excert what control that they might to influence the role-players. They know things that you don't, but you know everything that they do about how to do things, how to use weapons and a lot about the wrold. It's up to you how you deal with the voice in your head and come to terms because both of you need each other to get the job done. Some may be in the mind set of, "Hey Friend, how about you do it this way..." while others may simply scream "Get out of my body you mutherfucking bastard!" It's all up to you on how you come to terms, but terms must be set to co-exist.

Character Generation

All character information is to be directed to me via PM. DO NOT post it in thread. You may, if desired, share information about the Role-player character’s background and personality that you feel would be common knowledge among the others once character generation is complete. I do things this way to preserve the illusion of secrets and surprises that players may want to use during play or as sub-plot points for their characters.

I will keep all information on my hard-drive for reference purposes.

The Role-player

This will be fairly basic, as most of it will be short term and only relate to how the role-player’s mind works and interacts with it’s host. You may be as detailed as you wish, but I will probably ask questions to clarify things for my own mind.

Name:
Age:
Sex:
Sexual Orientation:
Major:
Minor: (If Any)

Brief Physical Description: (Include anything out of the normal, prominent birth-marks, disabilities, quirks or mannerisms as well as a brief overview of the character on a physical level. Pics may be used, but as they do not help me, you’ll have to describe him/her to me)
Personality: (What is the character like, strengths, flaws, biases and so on? Anything that you feel may have a bearing on the character in how he/she acts and responds to things in his/her environment. Detail is good here.)
Hobbies, interest, etc: (What does he/she do for fun besides role-playing?)
Background: (The events that shaped the character into which he or she is today. Anything that you feel would be common knowledge or have a bearing on the character as a whole. Detail is good here as well.)
Relationships with other Role-players: (If any, feel free to discuss this with other players to see if there’s more than a friendship involved.

Note: An XP reward will be given for exceptional efforts on this facet of the character(s) story, if the character is selected for the game.

The Character

First, character Generation guidelines. I know this will possibly loose some of you, but everything is actually for a reason for the story arch.

Races: I’m looking for a classic, traditional feel to the story and game. Because of this, I am only allowing the core races of the Pathfinder system. This adds up to Dwarves, Elves, Gnomes, Half-Elves/orcs, Halflings and Humans. I know this will not sit well with players who like the less rare and higher RP races, but there are story driven reasons for this decision.

Classes: Because they don’t really fit with the story and world that I’m building, Pscionics, gun-slingers and summoners will not be allowed. I will, however, allow classes from the Advanced Class Guide on a case by case basis to make up for this restriction.

Starting Level: 5th
Ability Scores: Point buy, 28 points. Place racial modifiers. Don't forget the +1 bonus at 4th level that can be added to any 1 ability score.racial modifiers.
Hit die: Full class HD+Con at 1st level. You have an option for 2nd through 5th levels.
1.   Roll hit die as normal for the class, adding con modifiers as normal.
2.   Take ½+1 of the class hit die+Con modifier

Once the method is selected, this is the method that you will use for the rest of the game. You may not switch back and forth to get the better of the two results. If you’re playing a fighter using the ½+1 HD option, at 5th level (without con bonus), you’ll have 34 HP.+Con bonus. If you use the random roll, you might have anywhere from 5 to 50 HP with the average being 25-30 HP before con bonuses. But you’re stuck with whatever you choose to do at generation.

Traits: 2
Flaws: 1 (if you choose to take a flaw, it WILL be played.
Starting Gold: As per the advancement tables for Pathfinder at 5th level. You may not spend more than half of this amount on any single item.

Bonus Item: Because I’m a kind and generous GM, everyone gets a Handy Haversack for free.

New Feat: Rogue’s Skill: This feat grants the character the skill points of a rogue at each level advancement, regardless of class. The character looses their normal class skill point amounts as a result. This feat must be taken at character generation, at 1st level.

Effect: The character trades his normal skill point allotment for his class for that of a rogue’s skill point amount. This Does not grant any other bonus such as class skills or other bonuses.

Did I miss anything?

Any questions may be directed to me via PM, or on this interest thread. Because of the number of interested parties, I will be making player selections based upon the characters backgrounds and personalities.

Warning

Because I want this game to go for the long term. Any player who does not respond in game, or give notice in the upcoming OOC thread after a week (7 days), will be notified via PM. If the player does not respond via PM within 3 days, the character will be considered forfeit and free for the GM to use as he pleases to further the storyline. This may include death or severe bodily injury. This sounds harsh, but be sure that you want in for the long haul before we get started. I depend on you, as does your fellow players to make a successful and fun experience and it is both unkind and unacceptable to not put the effort into the game that your fellow payers deserve.

The golden rules… or the 2 commandments.

1.   There will be no tolerance for stealing from a fellow party member. Any attempt to do so, for any reason will be met with the wrath of GOD (GM On Duty)… that would be me. I have seen table-top groups fall apart over this kind of activity and we all know Forum-play is even less stable. So, just don’t do it. You can scheme, plot, plan, double-cross, lie to and otherwise deceive your fellow players to your hearts content, but you will not steal from them.
2.   2. No attempt to kill, or seriously harm another party member will be tolerated. This will be met with a 10 foot meteorite from the sky driving said character into the ground like a 10 penny nail… but yet, no one will even see it… “Where the big rock come from? Where’s Billy bo?” IE, the character will suddenly and messily disappear from the world. You can punch, slap, kick, say bad things and otherwise argue amongst yourselves, you can hate each other and plan to hire an assassin, but the moment a blow that does lethal damage appears…. You disappear. Again, I have seen groups fall apart over this and I’ll not deal with it.

These rules are not too hard to follow, they should be fairly common sense, but I sometimes find myself wondering where common sense has gone to…

Important note: Because I will be portraying the personalities of these characters while the role-player occupies the body for the majority of the time, it is important that the personalities and motivations of these characters be particularly well thought out. S that I may portray them accurately.

[Ghostwheel]

There is interest here :-)

[Ebb]

Sounds like fun. I'm interested.

[DisciplinedPleasures]

Another interested party here.

[Metro Mech]

I would like to join

[Blinkin]

Well, that's 4 interested parties. We'll leave this open and up for a few more days to see if anyone else states an interest. Thank all of you for letting me know that there is interest for the concept. :)

[ulthakptah]

This actually seems like it would be really funny. Count me in.

[Muse]

  I loved it when you ran this in second editon, Blinkin, it would be great to try again. 

[ulthakptah]

Ah I changed my mind. I probably don't have enough time. For this game.

[Blinkin]

Ah, Mr. Muse. I thought that I would see you appear sooner than later. ;)

[Blinkin]

Ah I changed my mind. I probably don't have enough time. For this game.

I'm sorry to hear that. The more, the marrier, but I'll wish you much enjoyment on your other games.

[Callie Del Noire]

Heh, I see what inspired that. 

Ave to think on an idea that doesn't go by the name Karl Cullinane.

[Blinkin]

Nor will we want to see Walter Slavoski (sp?). Yes, I read the series by Rosenberg many, many moons ago, the game concept is only loosely based upon the opening and the fact that a portal exist between the worlds. Beyond that, there is little, or no relation between the series and my own concept... I just thought that it was a fun way to put in some inner tormoil and play a game.

So, does that mean that you're interested?

[Ghostwheel]

How many people are you planning to take at the maximum?

[Callie Del Noire]

Nor will we want to see Walter Slavoski (sp?). Yes, I read the series by Rosenberg many, many moons ago, the game concept is only loosely based upon the opening and the fact that a portal exist between the worlds. Beyond that, there is little, or no relation between the series and my own concept... I just thought that it was a fun way to put in some inner tormoil and play a game.

So, does that mean that you're interested?

It's one of my favorite fantasies. So yeah.

[Metro Mech]

But what to be is the question?

[Chaeronea]

I'm interested. Is this game going to be freeform or system based?

[Ghostwheel]

I'm interested. Is this game going to be freeform or system based?

Pathfinder in the title kinda implies system ;)

[Blinkin]

Ghostwheel:

I'm looking for 4 to 6 consistant, reliable players. I would actually like to have around 8 or 9 interested people to make sure that I get the 4 to 6. When I start laying out character(s) generation guidelines, I'll lose a couple... not that I'm going to be difficult on generation, but I will be asking for more than the usual detail on personality and background and not using a point buy system.

Chaeronea:

It is a system based game. Pathfinder to be specific, and all of the material that you'll need can be found on the d20 site for the game.

Callie:

Rosenberg was actually the first fantasy book that I read. After him, I moved on to Eddings and the other big names of the time, but Rosenberg will always have a soft place. It helped that I was a role-player at the time and I liked how it was done in the book.



More Info Dump Stuff...

Obviously, the "Real world" role-players will awake in the game to find themselves in the bodies of their RP characters, in the world that Prof. Merdin had described and had them active in during play. So, the characters will know something of the world, the basic factions, general rules of etiquette and a general idea of where some things are in relation to others. Rather than do a massive info dump at the beginning of the game, I'll be dropping information in during play as it's needed.

The Real WorldCharacters, called RPers for less confusion, know their characters as well as anyone who creates a character knows their creations. They also know whatever is reasonably acceptible in regards to their majors and life experiences based upon their background.

Here is the catch. The fantasy characters, simply called Characters for less confusion, have been living their lives in sequence with the descisions and actions of the RPers. BUT they are real, active and determined people who have just had their bodies pre-empted by a stranger. They aren't going to be thrilled and are in the back of the mind. They will try to influence the RPers,take control when possible and generally range in attitude from "hey friend, you don't want to do that to us..." to "Get out of my body you muther-fucking bastard!" It's up to the players how the personalities of each are portrayed, but I will be doing most of the inner communication and portrayals based upon the personalities you provide for the Characters. I think that this will add some interesting twist as if the RPers aren't careful, they may do something that isn't their idea, or find that they are getting free advice at the least appropriate moment.

The RPers have complete and total access to the skills, abilities and powers of the Characters. They may not realize it immediately, but some thought will bring up information. The Characters won't know anything about what's going on and probably not be happy about things. This is a major part of the game and it's up to you how the RPer and the Character end up working together to get the job done. There may be objectionable material in the game, so be warned; non-consent and slavery are only two areas that will pop up... thngs may be very interesting for those playing two opposite sexes and that will be fun to say the least.

Any questions?

[Belisuavious]

If you're still looking, I'm interested

[Metro Mech]

No questions here but other then what does the sheet look like?

[Blinkin]

The sheet looks more or less whatever you want it to look like. Mythweavers and Plothook produce one automatically if you use one of those, but as long as all of the information is there, I don't care much what it looks like. I can send you the format that I use in a word document if you like.

[Metro Mech]

No I meant any home brew

[Blinkin]

Not that I have considered. Character generation will be fairly standard and along with the rules. I will be limiting the class list, but offering alternatives that are pathfinder approved... I will be restricting 3rd party material, but otherwise, it's pretty standard. I'll reveal more when I have an idea of who's interested and what's going on.

[Melange]

I'm also interested in joining. I've played in a similar game before, but the addition of warring souls occupying the same body adds an intriguing twist. I'm thinking that my character could be an architecture major with a love of castles and other old buildings. And that interest led to her discovering roleplaying and Pathfinder.

[Metro Mech]

I have thought of couple questions: first do you care if a male plays a female and vise verse  second do you want a background?

[schnookums]

Damn, life clams down enough for me to rejoin E again, and I come in quite late to the party. Well, if  spot does open up I'd be itnerested.

[Blinkin]

I have thought of couple questions: first do you care if a male plays a female and vise verse  second do you want a background?

First question: You can play whatever you want as far as sex goes. If you are male and want to play female, I do it myself on a somewhat regular basis. The potential for a male RPer to find him/herself in the body of the opposite sex might be quite interesting to play, so keep that in mind if you're a male playing a female college student playing a male fantasy character. Your female RPer is going to have a little trouble relating to being a man for a little while. Vice versa and so on.

Second question: Yes, a background is going to be very, very nessessary. It will not have to have very much specific on where things happened in the fantasy character, but for the RPer, a little more detail will be required. I will also note that Personality of both characters will also be very important in some detail because I'll have to play the fantasy character in his brain accurately for at least a short while.

[Blinkin]

Schnookums, there's still time if you're interested. I haven't made any decisions on players and with this much interest, it's going to come down to character concepts on who gets the slots. So, still plenty of time. I haven't even posted the part that'll wwhittle down the interested. ;)

[Ebb]

Schnookums, there's still time if you're interested. I haven't made any decisions on players and with this much interest, it's going to come down to character concepts on who gets the slots. So, still plenty of time. I haven't even posted the part that'll wwhittle down the interested. ;)

$5 / week GM fee, PayPal accepted?

[Blinkin]

$5 / week GM fee, PayPal accepted?

That was 10 years ago... today, it's $7.50, or a weekly pizza for the GM's enjoyment. ;) If I were serious, sending me a pizza every week would get you in in a heartbeat. lol

[Blinkin]

Ok, character generation guidelines have been added to the first post. I am open to discussion about customization of character(s) development if asked, but you'll have to ask to find out what the answer is.

For the moment, I would prefer that only class and race be discussed here, although a broad and general idea of the character may be offered as well if desired. All details will remain between me and the individual player until final decisions are made though.

Thank you for your interest and I hope to see some good concepts. For those who make it, if you give me good background and personalities, there may be an XP bonus involved.

Good luck and see you in the funny papers!

[Muse]

Hm... 

May I ask for dibs on wizard?

[Blinkin]

You can ask for dibs, but no garrentees. We both know how popular spell-slingers are in Pathfinder.

[hunkaroo]

Hey, not sure if this is closed or not, if so good luck to everyone, but if you're still looking for one of the 8-9 interested parties I'd love to feel this out.

[Blinkin]

Hey, not sure if this is closed or not, if so good luck to everyone, but if you're still looking for one of the 8-9 interested parties I'd love to feel this out.

You're free to offer a character concept and see what happens. Out of the interested people who offer characters, I'll be picking 4 or 5 for the game based on the characters and how they fit the story that I'm trying to tell.

[hunkaroo]

Well I'd love to toss my hat in.  So we're all brainstorming together in terms of class(es) and race choices?  Well I guess the best idea is to figure out what people were most interested in, right?  I'd say a Bard, Cleric, or Oracle would be my top choices as either a Half-Elf or Human.  Of course I'm open to most things and don't want to step on any toes!  It's always fun to make characters that tie together in some way, I realize it might be limiting in this situation given more than the five are submitting applications, but it's all in the nature of fun and if anyone has any thoughts or wants to work on a pair together, let me know!  (Assuming it's okay by Blinkin)

[Blinkin]

The sharing of race and class may be useful, otherwise I'll probably end up with all spell-throwers and nothing in the melee or sneaky departments. There WILL be a need for both (hint, hint) in the game, so someone offering them may be nice. I won't comment on what I've seen so far in submissions, but I can't promise that a "working team" will both get in. But, feel free to talks amongst yourselves and see what falls out. It'll certainly help me to see what initial thoughts are.

[Ebb]

I've submitted a concept to Blinkin for a Human Oracle. But with a little squinting the same character could be redone as a Druid.

[Belisuavious]

Submitted a concept for a Human fighter

[Metro Mech]

Sent character for examining

[Muse]

... 

Characters area already being sent in? 

I must have missed something.  (Or forgotten it.  I have slept since then...) 

[Blinkin]

... 

Characters area already being sent in? 

I must have missed something.  (Or forgotten it.  I have slept since then...)

A few have been sent in for review, mainly the college students side of things. There's still time and I won't make a final selection until it looks like I have everyone who's interested in applying.

[Muse]

Is it too early to roll the attributes?  With a random element like that involved I like to know what I have to work with before I concept. 

I'm also torn between another incarnation of Gabriel and coming up with something COMPLETELY different. 

[Blinkin]

Is it too early to roll the attributes?  With a random element like that involved I like to know what I have to work with before I concept. 

I'm also torn between another incarnation of Gabriel and coming up with something COMPLETELY different.

You can roll abilities whenever you want to. I would like to have something on the college student as well.

[Blinkin]

GM Announcement!

After several peole asked about the point buy system and seeing a couple of the randomly rolled scores, I've agreed that then point buy is a more balanced system to use. I want to apologize to anyone who has already rolled up the ability scores, but we'll be using a 28 point point buy for the ability scores. Add in racial mods and don't forget that you get a +1 to 1 ability score at 4th level.

Thank you for your interest and we are still accepting character concepts for the slots to be filled.

[Metro Mech]

Alright I understand but you wanted to speak to me?

[Blinkin]

Godric, I'm not sure what you mean, I'm hoping for some more details on the college student's background, but that's about it, I think.

[Callie Del Noire]

I'll come up with a student and character concept if you like.

[Blinkin]

I'll come up with a student and character concept if you like.

Well, if you want to try to get in, that would be helpful. ;)

At the moment, there are 4 submissions out of the 10 interested parties with 2 more promising character information in the next few days. I'm holding off on making decisions on character selection until I have a few more characters to look at. Still plenty of time to get a character in if you want a chance; no real rush, but I'm shooting for having the list of players from those submissions by the middle of next week.

Thank you for your patience.

[Metro Mech]

Was mine good? and did you like the Background of the Collage student?

[Blinkin]

It was fine Godric.

[Chaeronea]

Guys, I've thought this over and I'm withdrawing from this game. If a spot has been kept aside for me, allocated it to someone else.

[Blinkin]

GM Note:

When interested players send in character(s), please include at least a brief history of the fantasy character and a brief personality  overview. A "Doesn't like bad people and quiet." won't do it.

Note, the above quote was NOT sent in by anyone, it is merely an example of the fact that more thought needs to be put into it.

A final decision of the players selected will be made on Wednesday, April 23, 2014. I regret that there ar only 5 slots and no slot is being held for anyone in particular. Everyone has an equal chance to get into the game, but if I don't have completed characters, it won't help you get in.

As of this moment, the following classes have been offered, or implied to be in the works

1 fighter
1 sorcerer
1 Inquizitor
1 oracle
2 rogues

I am not opposed to doubling up on any one of the classes, and no selections have been made, so you can still offer ay of those above, or something else.

[Muse]

 I'm generating the characters now. :)  (She'll be a sorceress.  She's coming together now.) 

I'd like your permission to take a feat, Blinkin.  It's printed in Psionics Unleashed, but it is not a psionic feat. 

Open Minded:  The character gains an extra skill point every level.

[Ebb]

I'm generating the characters now. :)  (She'll be a sorceress.  She's coming together now.) 

I'd like your permission to take a feat, Blinkin.  It's printed in Psionics Unleashed, but it is not a psionic feat. 

Open Minded:  The character gains an extra skill point every level.

Blinkin has already added a new feat called "Rogue's Skill":

New Feat: Rogue’s Skill: This feat grants the character the skill points of a rogue at each level advancement, regardless of class. The character looses their normal class skill point amounts as a result. This feat must be taken at character generation, at 1st level.

Effect: The character trades his normal skill point allotment for his class for that of a rogue’s skill point amount. This Does not grant any other bonus such as class skills or other bonuses.

That's 8 points per level plus Int bonus. Probably better than taking Open Minded.

[Blinkin]

Muse,

As Ebb has so helpfully pointed out, the Rogue's Skill feat (homebrew feat of my own) grants you a sizable increase in skill points, and if the character is human, you can also take Fast Learner, which also grants you the hit point as well as a skill point (or any two of the three options for favored class), I'm thinking that the open mind feat may be redundant. However, if you want to take it, send me the full text of the feat and I'll consider it.

[Callie Del Noire]

I'm curious about the gods in the game. Would there be a Cayden cailen type for my Rogue?

[Blinkin]

I'm curious about the gods in the game. Would there be a Cayden cailen type for my Rogue?

The gods being used are the ones from the Pathfinder Pantheon.

[Ghostwheel]

The gods being used are the ones from the Pathfinder Pantheon.

So the campaign/world/etc is actually set in Golarion?

[Blinkin]

No, it's my own world, I just hate trying to create a pantheon and the Pathfinder Gods are so handy for these things... plus, I can't see the maps and can't tell you where jack shit is in that world. It's easier to use my own from my mind's eye.

[Muse]

Oh!  That's right, thank you for reminding me! 
And yes, I did in fact take Fast Learner for her other 1st level feat.  :)

[Melange]

I might be jumping the gun a little, since we won't know who has been accepted for a few days. But wouldn't it be helpful if we described our characters a little? When I've been in games where we're supposed to know each other from the beginning, the ones that thrived were the ones where we discussed our characters and came up with anecdotes they could tell and interests they could relate. The ones where we didn't do that tended to die very quickly.

Since someone has to go first, I suppose I'm going to have to volunteer!

Name: Kayla Mortimer
Age: 19
Sex: Female
Sexual Orientation: Bisexual
Major: Architecture

A sophomore at the university, Kayla has been part of Professor Merdin's group since last fall. She was introduced to the group by her boyfriend at the time, Mike, but he stopped attending when they broke up. Since then she's been a regular, missing a night now and then, but in general you can expect to see her at the student union on Fridays. She has a heavy course load this semester: physics, introduction to architectural design, world history, and mythology.

She usually brings food of some type, usually a packet of cookies, and a thermos of tea. Jasmine tea is her favorite, and her corner of the table is usually scented with it.

Kayla is on the shyer side during sessions, but can be quite vocal when her interest is piqued. That generally means one of two things: castles, and elves. Her current character is a half-elf rogue, though she has been considering playing a bard instead.

She tends to sketch buildings while waiting for others to take their turns. Her character sheets inevitably become covered with fanciful drawings and designs.

Possible image for her RP character

[Melange]

Also, am I reading this right? 28 point buy? That seems pretty high, since I'm used to 15 points.

[Belisuavious]

That's what I thought too, but I got unlucky on a couple rolls, so I won't complain too much haha

[Muse]

I've finished my RPer.  Do I put her in here? 

Elspeth Sanderson

Name: Elspeth Anika Sanderson
Age: 19
Sex: Female
Sexual Orientation: Bisexual
Class: Senior
Major: Art
Double Minor: Creative Writing/Astronomy

Description:  A slender, ginger haired girl with bright green eyes and a long ponytail, Elsepth stands 5'5” and weighs 125 pounds.  Her body is sleek and slender with gentle curves and pert little breasts. 

   Not terribly curvy or particularity outgoing, Elspeth was nonetheless raised with a sense of presentation and style.  She favors subtle makeup and blue eye shadow.  She owns several nice dresses and woman’s suits and often wears them to class—especially on test days or when giving a presentation. 
   Elspeth's casual wear leans towards snug jeans and green keyhole necked crop tops.  A line of tight tummy from above her hips to above her naval and the golden cross dangling bellow the hollow of her throat is about all the skin Elspeth is comfortable showing.   At the hottest parts of summer she trades her jeans for knee length skirts. She enjoys breaded bracelets and playful hair styles.
   Even the 'little black dress' she let a few friends buy her for her eighteenth birthday falls most of the way to her knees and obscures most of what such a dress would normally show with lace. 

Personality: Very much a product of her upbringing, Elspeth seems a paradox. 
   A home schooled bible belt Mormon, she attends church regularly and enjoys doing so.  Even after four years in high school, she's never experimented with a drug harder than mountain dew—not even tea or coffee.  She's a virgin and intends to stay that way 'til marriage.  She kissed a boy once, but broke off the encounter when it got too hot, leaving her feeling guilty.  She kissed a girl once.  It felt inocnet, and very good.  It wasn't 'til the girl puled her bikini off that Elspeth realized what was happening and fled to the nearest church to pray for forgiveness. 
   The image of a fundamentalist christian 'nice girl' actualy stops there.  She's nervous about proselytizing and dreads doing her missionary work between graduation and going back for her masters degree.  Elspeth rolls her eyes at people who claim the bible is an accurate representation of science or history.  She is perfectly comfortable with her holy books being divinely inspired parables, written thousands (or hundreds in the case of the Book of Mormon and Pearl of Great Price) of years ago by dozens of different people—and revised repeatedly as God revealed new truths to the writers. 
   Elspeth has been a gamer since she was old enough to read the Players Handbook. Her family played D&D together every Monday night for most of her life, sometimes with friends.  They didn't see fictionally characters praying to fictional gods and working miracles in their name as a threat to their beliefs.
   While other college kids go wild in various ways as they establish their own identities away from their families, Elspeh is far too busy studying, painting, reading, and writing too go to parties.  About the only time she's not studying, Elspeth is either at church, conspiring with other perspiring comic book artists and sketch club, reading fantasy, or at her weekly RPG. 

Hobbies:   Elspeth doesn't have hobbies anymore.  When she first started drawing, painting and writing comic books, it was for fun alone.  These days it's her school work and one day—she hopes—her career. 
   Well, she does still game and read extensively on her Kendel. 

Background:  Elspeth was born in Odessa, Texas to Brenda and Michael Sanderson.  Named for a character from a Mercedes Lackey book, she has an older brother—Chris, a younger brother, Skiff, and a youngest sister, Aiden. 

   Brenda has an advanced science degree and owns a bookstore and tutoring service.  Michael was often a stay at home dad.  All four children were intelligent and benefited from one on one attention with their teachers.  On top of this, Chris and Eslpeth were especially hard working.  Chris got his high school degree at 14 and is currently doing his masters degree in physics at MIT while acting in community theaters  Eslpeth graduated at 15 and came here to study the arts and also astronomy.  It is her ultimate goal to become a successful independent comic book writer.  Skiff graduated at age 16 and Aiden—currently 13—is doing high school level schooling while exercising the power of cute over anyone and everyone susceptible. 

Game Nights:  Over the last four years, Elspeth's game characters—like the topics of her comic books—have become increasingly outlandish and risque.  She likes to bring a chill 12 pack of mountain dew—half of which she shares. 

   When she first met Kayla, the redhead's cheeks colored a little and—for the first time in her life—the redhead was embarrassed about turning down tea.  To say she has a repressed crush on Kayla might (or might not) be overstating the case, but she likes the blond a great deal and has invited her to her sketch club.  She's also very attracted to her.  While she can usually manage to ignore this fact, the pictures she draws of Kayla—and of her character—reveal her attraction. 

   Elspeath doesn't have enough money to pitch in as much on game nights as she would like.  She makes up for it by keeping an illustrated campaign journal and offering to do character portraits. 

   Last summer, she did character portraits on commission, ranging from 50 to a hundred dollars.   Through somewhat frugal use of the excess profit, she's been able to eat much more healthily now than in most prior times in her life and afford the ocasional indulgence. 

Hm...  So there's already a sorceress applied?  Perhaps instead of a pure sorceress, then this girl will be an aspiring Dragon Disciple...  That will give her a little extra physicality when she gets to he class without too much loss of spellcasting or special abilities. 

[Blinkin]

Also, am I reading this right? 28 point buy? That seems pretty high, since I'm used to 15 points.

Nothing wrong with your eyesight. ;) It is a 28 point buy. It's above the average, but when I rolled out scores, 4 out of 5 sets, plus both sets from characters that I have seen, were well above that when converted into point buys. I think the average was in the upper 30's. So, even an old school straight 3D6, you were looking at near 28 points.

I would also point out that PC's should be a cut above the rest of their kind. I hesitate to use the term heroes, even if they may of shown heroic tendencies. This is because my view of heroes is that they are made, not born and a hero is, to me, an unfortunate person who was in the wrong place at the wrong time but did the right thing without thought to him/herself.

Anyway, everyone can certainly share generalized information about their college students. I THINK everyone has offered them by now. *tapping Muse* I would suggest a limited exchange at this point since no one has known each other for more than a few months of 4 or 5 weekly sessions of playing someone else. What you shared Melange, is fine though... Just don't become a mentat on me and start muttering about spice, lips and speeding the mind. ;)

My general view of characters is that the majority of the character should remain a mystery for a variety of reasons. You do learn certain things via play, and the fantasy characters have been adventuring together for about 2 years IC time and know each other fairly well, but most will have something of a plot hook waitng for them in the wings that no one will expect if something is held back.

I would also announce that I have beeen contacted by two other players who have never shown up on this thread and may not.

[Blinkin]

I've finished my RPer.  Do I put her in here? 

I would rather that you hadn't of done that. PLEASE read the GM request, Muse.

I appreciate the detail put into it, but it'll be hard to fix if one or the other of the characters don't make the cut.

Still, spilt milk and so on. Thanks for the submission

[Muse]

Ack! 

I did review the GM request thread.  I couldn't find the information. And I was somewhat fatigued by working on her off and on for 20 hours! 

I'll move her to a PM now.

[Melange]

Wow Muse, your character is quite a study in contrasts. Um, so based on the last couple of posts, I wasn't supposed to see that. But since I did see it, I wouldn't mind a connection between our characters. I'd like if they were friends, with Kayla joining the sketch club. More than that? We'll see when the actual game begins, assuming we're both accepted. :-)

[schnookums]

things got crazy this weekend (so much for actually having days off) but I should have a concept tomorrow if that's alright.

[Ghostwheel]

Might be best to hold off on connections until we know who got in and who didn't :-3

[Blinkin]

You have time Schnookums, I won't make a decision until some time Wednesday. At this point, I have 3 completed characters to choose from and 7 partials. One of those back out last night though, so I'm back to 6. Just don't schnooker me. ;)

Muse, your RPer concept WAS an interesting contrast, I'll wait to see the actual character to see how it all works out.

I've been asekd twice for a text character sheet, and I'll put the one that I use below. It's not in the same order as plothook or mythweavers, but it has all of the important items that you'll need. and if you need to improvise something, just squeeze it in.

character sheet

Name:                Player:
Race:                Sex:
Class:                 Favored Class: 
Level:              EXP:
Alignment:             Next Level: 
Age :               Height:
Measurements:          Weight:

Ability Scores:
STR:    (+) Carry: L: , M: , H:
DEX:    (+)
CON:    (+)
INT:    (+)
WIS:    +)
CHA:    (+)

Saving Throws:         Combat:
Fort: +         HP: /
Reflex: +         Init: +
Will: +         Speed: 30’

Offense:            Defense:
BAB:+/+            AC: 10
TAB: +/            AC (Flatfooted): 10
Ranged: +            AC (Touch):10
CMB:+            CMD:
AC(Special):

Class Skills
Total   Skill (Ability) (CS+Abil+Mod+SP)
   Climb (STR) ()
   Craft; Bows (INT) ()
   Handle Animal (CHA) ()
   Heal (WIS) ()
   Knowledge; Dungeoneering (INT) ()
   Knowledge; Geography (INT) ()
   Knowledge; Nature (INT) ()
   Perception (WIS) ()
   Profession; Hunter (WIS) ()
   Ride (DEX) ()
   Spellcraft (INT) ()
   Stealth (DEX) ()
   Survival (WIS) ()
   Swim (STR) ()

Languages: Common,

Feats/Racial Traits: (RF=Racial Feat, CF=Class Feature)


Traits/racial traits:

Spells:  1st,  2nd
Current:
1st:   
2nd:   

Coin:
PP:
GP:
SP:
CP:

Equipment:
Weapon
Dam:      Crit:      Wgt:   Rng:   Cost
Armor:
AC:   Skill Pen:   Spell Fail:   Wgt:   Cost:

Other Items:
Item:         Weight:   Cost:   Notes:

[Muse]

Wow Muse, your character is quite a study in contrasts. Um, so based on the last couple of posts, I wasn't supposed to see that. But since I did see it, I wouldn't mind a connection between our characters. I'd like if they were friends, with Kayla joining the sketch club. More than that? We'll see when the actual game begins, assuming we're both accepted. :-)

*Smiles*  I'm glad you like, Melange. 

Um...  I could explain why I did her that way, but I'm not sure if i should do it in here. 

[Blinkin]

Hi Gang.

Because Plothook and Mythweavers is giving me a major headache with figuring out skills, I am asking everyone to send me a list of the Character skills and the numbers for them. There's been some questions about points spent and I'm concerned that the sites are misleading me on my counts.

Thanks,

[Metro Mech]

Hi Gang.

Because Plothook and Mythweavers is giving me a major headache with figuring out skills, I am asking everyone to send me a list of the Character skills and the numbers for them. There's been some questions about points spent and I'm concerned that the sites are misleading me on my counts.

Thanks,

I have a question... how much starting gold do we get?

[Blinkin]

10,500 GP, no more than 1/2 on any single item. You get a Handy Haversack free, don't forget that. I'm a generous GM.

[Metro Mech]

10,500 GP, no more than 1/2 on any single item. You get a Handy Haversack free, don't forget that. I'm a generous GM.

Wow... ummm that is a lot of money... I will have to get back to you on my character sheet for the character

[Muse]

Wow... ummm that is a lot of money... I will have to get back to you on my character sheet for the character

Here's a hint.  Buy magic items! 

PM me if you want some suggestions. 

[Ebb]

Here's a hint.  Buy magic items! 

PM me if you want some suggestions.

Yes, the money goes pretty quickly once you start spending. 10,500, btw, is the standard from the Pathfinder rules for 5th level PCs. So Blinkin is being generous with the free Haversack, but otherwise it's not like this is wildly profligate.

http://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/character-advancement

[schnookums]

Gonna try and finish everything tonight, but as far as class goes I think I'm going to go with a Human Druid. I've got an excellent idea for her and the student half.

[schnookums]

And by tonight I mean "Tuesday night". Stupid job training.

[Melange]

*Smiles*  I'm glad you like, Melange. 

Um...  I could explain why I did her that way, but I'm not sure if i should do it in here.

Y'know, earlier today I realized why Elspeth is the way she is. At least, I think I know. If I'm right, her last name wasn't chosen by accident, and has something in common with a certain author. :-)

Just don't become a mentat on me and start muttering about spice, lips and speeding the mind. ;)

I'll leave that to the person on E who happens to be named after a mentat. ;) I'm more likely to mutter something like "I will not fear. Fear is the mind killer..."

[Muse]

  *laughs* 

  She has something in common with several authors., but I don't think Brandon Sanderson is one of them. 

  I was actually thinking more or Tracy Hickman and Orson Scott Card. 

[Callie Del Noire]

I used several authors for my character's name.

[Teo Torriatte]

I had no idea this was being done again! Is it too late for me to join?

[Metro Mech]

Alright I am done for the time being so when do you want my sheet?

[Ebb]

Alright I am done for the time being so when do you want my sheet?

I believe that Blinkin has asked for prospective players to PM him their character sheets. For the mechanics part of it, I'm sure it would make it easier on him if you used the rough format that he posted earlier:

character sheet

Name:                Player:
Race:                Sex:
Class:                 Favored Class: 
Level:              EXP:
Alignment:             Next Level: 
Age :               Height:
Measurements:          Weight:

Ability Scores:
STR:    (+) Carry: L: , M: , H:
DEX:    (+)
CON:    (+)
INT:    (+)
WIS:    +)
CHA:    (+)

Saving Throws:         Combat:
Fort: +         HP: /
Reflex: +         Init: +
Will: +         Speed: 30’

Offense:            Defense:
BAB:+/+            AC: 10
TAB: +/            AC (Flatfooted): 10
Ranged: +            AC (Touch):10
CMB:+            CMD:
AC(Special):

Class Skills
Total   Skill (Ability) (CS+Abil+Mod+SP)
   Climb (STR) ()
   Craft; Bows (INT) ()
   Handle Animal (CHA) ()
   Heal (WIS) ()
   Knowledge; Dungeoneering (INT) ()
   Knowledge; Geography (INT) ()
   Knowledge; Nature (INT) ()
   Perception (WIS) ()
   Profession; Hunter (WIS) ()
   Ride (DEX) ()
   Spellcraft (INT) ()
   Stealth (DEX) ()
   Survival (WIS) ()
   Swim (STR) ()

Languages: Common,

Feats/Racial Traits: (RF=Racial Feat, CF=Class Feature)


Traits/racial traits:

Spells:  1st,  2nd
Current:
1st:   
2nd:   

Coin:
PP:
GP:
SP:
CP:

Equipment:
Weapon
Dam:      Crit:      Wgt:   Rng:   Cost
Armor:
AC:   Skill Pen:   Spell Fail:   Wgt:   Cost:

Other Items:
Item:         Weight:   Cost:   Notes:

[DisciplinedPleasures]

As Blinkin knows, I sadly had to withdraw my application for this game. However, I would like to see how everything pans out, so... when the game begins, could you let me know in this thread, so I can read the threads?

[Blinkin]

Luna, it's not too late, but you better light a fire. I've given an extension to tomorrow night, so you have until then. I'll pick the winners then.

Godrick: As Mr. Checkov once said, "Scotty, now would be a good time!"

Disciplined Pleasure: I'll post the IC thread here for anyone who wants to follow. I am keeping all character submissions in the event that someone disappears, but I haven't figured out how to replace characters as of yet.

General Chaos: I WIL be making both an IC and OOC post Friday morning and an opening post. The OOC thread will be sent to everyone accepted, as will the IC post via PM. I'll also post the IC thread here, but if you get an email saying that you have been turned down, it is not for a lack of creativity nor effort. Every character that I have seen to date have been outstanding... which makes the selection process very difficult. This is also why I've given an extension to give myself more time to look over sheets again and make that hard decision.

Thank all of you for your interest and I hope that this will be a great game that will last the duration!

[Metro Mech]

Alright sent, tell me what you think

[Blinkin]

I think that it's a character sheet of some kind... What do you think Indy?

I don't know, it looks more like a rock Brody, Maybe we need to find a nazi and make sure that it's not some diabolical scheme to get some artifact through customs by looking like a charactersheet.

[Metro Mech]

Retry?

[Blinkin]

Retry?

No, I got it was just trying to have a little humor there.

[Muse]

Let's see... 

So I've got my current draft in my drop box... 


Means i have to crack open my lap top, save my work, and then I can reopen ti here... 

*Scrambles* 

Oh, are there any decent acid based attack spell?  It would make so much sense to be half copper... 

[Blinkin]

Well, the decision has been made and everyone notified.

So, while some OOC things need to be worked out, anyone who wants to follow along in the story can find it here:

IC Thread