D&D 3.5 Expedition to undermountain (No new applications, please.)

[Tamhansen]

It's been a while since I've played on E, having to leave due to family reasons, but now I'm itching for some old fashion PBP D&D. In order to get back to DM'ing I wanted to use an old module and adapt it to may style of leading games.

Before you apply, please ask yourself the following:

Do I want to play in a game where I'm expected to post at least once every two days?

If for some reason I cannot post for a while, can I notify the DM? (Basically tell me how long you're gone for.)

Am I ready for a long term commitment to the game and my character? (The campaign will be running from level one to level thirty (Yes, it isn't a typo.))



Character creation:
Your characters are young people living in Waterdeep. You may be an apprentice at the temple, a tavern wench, a stable boy, or anything suitable for your prospective adventuring class, and your age. Use the age table to generate your age, based on the class you wish to play as. If you want to roll for it that's fine but just bear in mind the age maximum.

Maximum starting age for humans and tieflings is 23, for dwarves 68, for elves 150, gnomes 76, half elves 102, and Halflings 36.

Races:
dwarf, elf, gnome, half elf, halfling, human or tiefling.

Classes:

Barbarian. (City Brawler would make a good fit.) Alternates are usually allowed if from WOTC source, please check with me. Horselord is a no, halfling substitutions are allowed.
Bard. No savage bard. Racial variant and bardic colleges are allowed (excepting mountain top and wind dancers).
Cleric. Racial substitutions and peripheral beliefs are allowed. Alternates are usually allowed if from WOTC source, please check with me.
Fighter. Alternates are usually allowed if from WOTC source, please check with me., racial variants and variant buids are allowed.
Paladin. Alternates with good alignment will usually be allowed, as is the gnome paladin alternate. Racial substitutions are allowed, for variants please check with me.
Ranger. (Urban ranger would make a good fit) Alternates are usually allowed if from WOTC source, please check with me. Racial substitutions are allowed, variants please check with me.
Rogue. No wilderness rogue. Racial substitutions and variant builds are allowed.
Sorcerer No poltergeists, for anything else check with me. You may choose a sphere if you wish.
Wizard. No alternate class, no variant specialties, though I might relent if the character has a really good background for it.

Alignments
LG, NG, CG, LN, N

Attributes:
I use the appearance stat from the book of erotic fantasy. Although this is not one of your major attributes, and it will not have any skills directly linked to it, it can provide you with certain bonusses (Or penalties) in social situations.

As such characters must be built using a 34 point build with 7 attributes. (That's roughly equal to a 28 point build for six attributes)

Starting gold
Sorcerer, Wizard = 75 GP
Barbarian, Bard = 100 GP
Cleric, Rogue = 125 GP
Fighter, Paladin. Ranger = 150 GP



The story so far:

You've only just reached adulthood. In fact, quite often you are still seen as a child by your elders. Your experience of the wider world is rather limited, and society still holds a few secrets that older people all seem to get. Your dream is to be an adventurer. Whether it is the wealth that attracts you, the fame, or simply a thirst for heroics, you only wish to be out there on the adventurers path.

Unfortunately, you're stuck here, in Waterdeep doing menial tasks in the hope of one day getting a better life. It doesn't seem to be happening though. One bright spot is the yawning portal inn. A rather worn old place where owner Durnan entertains many willing adventurers who go on quests beneath the building in the ruins of the abandoned fortress of an ancient evil wizard.

Though in reality, most of these adventurers are just braggards who go into the undermountain for a few hours, hoping to find a few trinkets and nothing dangerous, they are the closest thing your young mind has to heroes. Hopefully, one day soon you will be able to go down there yourself, but so far Durnan has refused you entry, saying it is too dangerous for children to play around down there. So for now you comfort yourself by listening to the (usually grossly embellished) exploits of those who have gone down, waiting for the one day you will finally be able to go on an adventure.

[Chulanowa]

Oof. It's hard to build in 3.5 once you've had a taste of Pathfinder  ;D Even so, I'm game. Even have a few ideas because, hey... Waterdeep? Undermountain? Can't go wrong!

[Zaer Darkwail]

I voice interest also, but have to ask why you allow tieflings but not aasimars?

[Chulanowa]

Because nobody likes a teachers' pet  :P

[Zaer Darkwail]

Not sure what aasimars you have met but I have met wide variety of them :P. Including goth-alikes.

[Tamhansen]

Mainly because at the time that the events take place, Aasimar are not known to exist outside of the eastern realm. It's the same reason half orcs aren't on the list. They do not walk around in waterdeep. If a player character would be one, they'd be a curiosity, someone of interest. Instead I'd like the players to be very common, or at least that's how they start out. Tieflings on the other hand, are a significant part of waterdeep's population.

[Zaer Darkwail]

Ok, then second question; are focused specialist (from Complete Mage) wizard variant okay? Or the following sorcerer variants; Divine Sorcerer (Complete Champion), Battle Sorcerer (Unearthed Arcana), Stalwart Sorcerer (Complete Mage). If Divine and Battle Sorcerer are okay, I had sort idea for a aspiring 'mage knight' type of char which haves a divine inspirations (or born gifted with magic while being raised in temple of Mystra). Or something similar but not related to Mystra (still not decided on race yet).

[Tamhansen]

I'll have to look up Battle sorc, but have no issues with the others. I don't have the unearthed arcana on me so I'll get back to you tomorrow.

[Chulanowa]

Every single published variant can be found here. including stuff from Dragon and the "dead levels" pieces from the WotC website.

[Chulanowa]

Well, I'm st up to go with either a barmaid-turned-burglar flavor of rogue, or a squire / apprentice / stablehand kind of fighter.

[Muse]

*waves* i'd like to try.  :) 

I was thinking of an aprentice wizard, but if Zaer becomes a sorcerer, maybe a priestess of Selune would work better?  Or Kosuth.  :)

[CalliLurk]

Chu you are doing the squire and like it! Hi everyone. This will be my first group game attempt here. I am looking at a Sorcerer as well, nothing special as of yet. I like my interactions to form the character. This is actually a remake of my very first 3.0 Sorcerer and not enough changed between editions that much so why the hell not. She was flipping awesome. But her name is Mara Stormwind, human sorcerer, kicked out of her town in the Dalelands when she showed her magic potential. She went to Baldur's Gate, worked at the inn there, killed some rats and kobolds underneath it and decided she wanted something more and went to Waterdeep. Pretty much her.

[Chulanowa]

My, aren't you a demanding one  :P

[Carly]

I would love to play.

I only know srd20 with some awareness, I played 3.5 a while back and remember some of it but I don't own books. Is that ok ? I dont need to  be the most powerful character I can be, as long as I have perfect skin i am happy :)

In short I understand some basics but may need help - so if it has an ooc page I might use it a lot to understand some mechanics. I hope that is ok also.

I am excited about this and love to eventually play a game where we manage to get to high levels, I could play any class that is needed, although i typically like clerics and mages - but I dont mind going a rogue or a fighter if the need calls for it.

[Carly]

One thing I was hoping for was quick battles, where we state our intentions and any backup actions in case our initial attempt fails and then the gm/dm resolves the entire battle from one post each - or something like it, what I am afraid of is that everyone post once per turn, meaning we have really long drawn out battles that go on for ages were everyone posts a one liner with a roll and we wait for everyone to do the same - many times until everything is resolved. I am worried that play by post could be bogged down if we do that.

Thoughts? Do others have that concern too ?

[Tamhansen]

Hi Carly, I have no issue with players who are less familiar with the system, and will be on hand to help.

As far as combat goes, I do tend to try and make it a bit more abbreviated than you would around a table, for exactly that reason. But once the players are selected we will discuss together how we will handle combat and other scenes that require turn based actions.

[HopeFox]

This looks like it could be a lot of fun! I like the idea of starting out as normal folks dreaming of becoming adventurers. I can come up with a concept for just about any class, but I'm having some thoughts about a fighter or urban ranger at the moment.

[Zaer Darkwail]

I was thinking of an aprentice wizard, but if Zaer becomes a sorcerer, maybe a priestess of Selune would work better?  Or Kosuth.  :)

Go ahead and make apprentice wizard :). My char is going to have very few spells. More a gish sort char with few handy tricks than full devoted caster, besides wizard brings unmatched versatillity and my char is going to be waging in melee with weapon while wizard can stand back and focus on battlefield control or other spell uses (my char gets few blasting spells but he is not blaster; mixing between self-buffs and some handful utility and blast spells). As battle sorcerer + divine sorcerer combined I have -2 spells known and -1 spell slot per level (harsh penalties but it fits flavor for a son of adventuring parents where one is sorcerer and other is a knight sort figure).

Here comes my char, need approval for pair of feats he has but otherwise he is done number crunch wise :)

Aaron Brightstar

Approval needed&source citations

Silverbrow humans are race variant from Dragon Magic (source). Divine Sorcery is a feat from dragon magazine (source). Kelgore's Firebolt is from Complete Mage (source). Battle Sorcerer is from Unearthed Arcana (source, scroll down to sorcerer). Divine sorcerer is from Complete Champion alternative class feature (source, scroll down and open spoiler for sorcerers ACF list).

Point of the build/ACF's etc? Well, battle sorcerer reduces spell slots and spells known by -1 to both. Divine sorcerer sacrifices familiar and later on 5th level spells known by -1. So by default I have -2 less spells known and -1 less spell slots per spell level (minimum 1 spell known and 0 on spell slots). So to way add some versatility I went to double take on divine sorcery to gain two useful domains (power wise) and able to once per day pick on either domain spells known to me as sorcerer. Later on I get on 5th level Good domain spells added to my spell known but able cast them only once per day.

So even this way my spell selection is very narrow compared to pure sorcerer builds and silverbrow humans is just flavorful racial archtype which helps explain 'where sorcery potential came from' sort story. Also if approved it opens up later picking spells which get enchanced when cast by dragonblood subtypes or some feats related to draconblooded chars (or draconic sorcerer feats). I base my domain choices and overall church of Mystra lore for these sources;

http://petesfr.wikidot.com/the-church-of-mystra
http://www.nj-pbem.com/data/Gods/humangods/Mystra.htm

Biography

Aaron Brigthstar was born to adventuring married couple; Lady Alistria Dracoward and Lord Maldrake Brightstar and he has also eldest sister Melissa Brightstar. His both parents are active adventurers who travel with group of their own friends (who are sort like family friends also as Aaron has met each one at least once during his 15th birthday). His parents travel a lot but they are present in his life much as they can and at times they are long periods of time at home in Waterdeep. Each time they bring new tales to tell to him and his sister Melissa and they both are deligthed to listen to them and his elder sister attends as scholar at House of Mysteries (church of Mystra) and studies both arcane and divine magic and has personal goal to become a dweomerkeeper!

However, despite strong desire to go do own adventures, his parents and sisters are rather over protective of Aaron. Thinking he is far too young to adventure or do anything exciting! His sister is traditional babysitter but she drags Aaron along to the temple of Mysteries, where in truth his sorcerous powers awakened as he touched Mystra's altar after giving offering to her! Aaron had always felt connection to Mystra albeit unexplained one, so one day without much thinking he bought a cheap scroll from temple shop and burned it as offering to Mystra and thanked her for providing world wondrous magic which allows protect his parents and allow them travel rapidly between adventures. Then shining blue flame coated Aaron and he panicked and rolled around as he thought he was on fire! A priest was present at time and once calming down Aaron he confirmed somereason unknown to clergy Mystra herself blessed Aaron with sorcery....which albeit in truth he had always potential for as according his mother there is silver dragon blood running in the family from distant ancestry to mountain community in Neverwinter where mother's ancestors come from originally. Aaron studied for time excited manner in the house of Mystery on magic, faith and bit historic lore and magic! But he quickly grew bored on the lectures (albeit smart he is energetic and grows bored quickly on traditional class room studies) and started hang around with knights of the church and learn swordplay from them instead much for Melissa's frustration who saw using weapons barbaric and potentially hazardous to her precious little brother!

So Melissa started assign Aaron on scribe duties....writing scrolls and learn scribe's craft under her tutolage...which Aaron did but grew bored on also! He wanted to go out and adventure but her sister is watching him like a hawk so he would not run off and threatened she will track him down with divination spells and get him grounded if he ever dares to leave! However Aaron is stubborn, young and also clever as he acted submission and waited just perfect oppoturnity to sneak out from temple of Mystra and go for a adventure....finding friends and have own tales to tell for his parents and impress them! He is proud of his parents and he wants to be like them as he grows up!

[Cataclysmic Archangel]

16 replies already.  Amazing.

Since I started this with the 'looking for' thread, I'd be remiss to say I wasn't interested.  I have an idea that will need some research, and unfortunately I'm unavailable until Thursday to start any REAL work, but I will say that the idea is a devotee of Shar.

[Tamhansen]

I love that picture. Everybody has their own preferences so I won't object to people using manga or other styles, but I like a teeny bit of realism, despite it being fantasy. It's easier for some races than others though.

[Chulanowa]

Well, due to popular demand -eyeballs Callilurk- I'm going to be going with

one

of

these

three

. Sadly I have to run off to work before I can actually pull together some really solid ideas. I mean they look to me like a rogue, fighter, and priest of Sune or Sharess.

Personally I have a kind of low tolerance for manga styles, or the weirdly over-wrought Korean MMO-looking stuff (you know, with the filigreed swords and half-boobplates on a chick with legs half a mile long?) Zaer's picture there is juuuuuust north of my limit, since that dude looks likehe has a personality that isn't defined by hairstyle  ;D

[CalliLurk]

Well I have 2 pictures in mind. The first one is

Spoiler: Click to Show/Hide

is for lower levels and then move to this one

Spoiler: Click to Show/Hide

When we start getting to higher levels. Do we need to post more for ideas. And yes... go with 2 or 3 Chu!

[Zaer Darkwail]

Well, I myself favor the anime/manga style pics but I am open to use any image/pic source as visual presentation of my char but I seeked a 'young adventurer' as google search and that pic spoke to me 'take me' so I used that one :). I tried find something pretty young looking for my char as I may later levels (and age) some other pics. But as we are starting as young adventurers so I tried seek something innocent but cute alike (but also mature enough that they are not child and such).

From those three pics my favorite is second and last one, albeit last one appears it could be a pretty male also (and first pic is nice but I think the rogue is a halfling). Also gorgeous pic choice there Carly :).

[wander]

Okay, I'mma gonna dip my toe into this, it's been a while for me with 3.5 though I feel this could be fun if I make it into the party.  :-)

I already have a general 3.5 character statted here, at Level 1 for starting games like this. Obviously I'll tweak their stats and coin/starting gear to be more in-line with the game, (plus share their bio) though for a basic build, I have something done to share with the rest of the class.  :-)

They can be found ar the bottom of this post, spoiler tagged 'Bellamy Carter, Human Rogue on the way to becoming a Shadowdancer'. Scroll past all the pics of pretty male FCs I like to play. ^^;

https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=215565.msg10825383#msg10825383

If all looks well, I'll make the tweaks needed, add their bio in and I'm ready to play.  :-)

[HopeFox]

So I've given it some thought overnight, and I'm now very much leaning towards a half-elf ranger (with the racial substitutions from Races of Destiny). His father is a human in Waterfeep's city guard, and his elven mother visits about once a decade and is generally useless. He does a bit of work for the guard, helping to investigate criminal groups, but it's all very dull. I can steer him towards melee or ranged combat depending on what the party needs.

[Chulanowa]

From those three pics my favorite is second and last one, albeit last one appears it could be a pretty male also (and first pic is nice but I think the rogue is a halfling). Also gorgeous pic choice there Carly :).

Yes, that's a halfling, and yes, that is a very pretty man.  ;D

[Carly]

can we have an official link to a stat generator calculator... there are several around on the net however one problem is they give different values for the same stats. Some start with 0 points for all your stats being 10, and you get additional points if you go less than that for a stat, others start at 8.

also if the book of erotic fantasy is being used, I know that there are spells etc for it.

I dont have the book so perhaps when I get spells the GM/DM can assign BoEF spells when the issue comes up?

Thats if we are using the book for more than just appearance stats?

[Carly]

CalliLurk both of your pictures are awesome but I prefer the first one personally.

by the sounds of it we might have a few mages/wizards/sorceresses and thats fine, even if we are mage heavy the good thing is that the mages can then sort out spells that cover a lot of things and we can always hire hirelings to be fighters/fodder.

[Carly]

HopeFox, by the sounds of it we might need someone that can go toe to toe with others. Besides a quiver of 20 arrows doesn't last long anyway :P

[Miroque]

Allian was quiet but bright student of master Ronan. Ronan, old wizard working on planar studies with the mysterious forces down south. Allian never really knew her parents, but it is known to her, that  they were adventurers who fought against some raising evil in the deserts of Amn. They left their newborn baby to their friend for to be raised in safety if something happened to them. And something did, but noone know what.

Her adolecent years in Waterdeep have only build her spirit for adventure, yet the city was safeish ,and not offering many changes for youngling like her.

Allian is beutiful and witty young girl, but her best asset is her uncanny intelligence.

Character Sheet

[Muse]

  Let's see.  I spy a wizard and a bard, so far. 

  If it's not too late to apply, can someone help me figure out what's most useful? 

  Someone has brought a ranger, ne? 

  Um... 

  And was someone seriously going to apply wiht a cleric of Shar? 

[Muse]

Talinda Embersong

LG Human Female Cleric 1 of Kosuth

Str   12  +1   
Dex   12  +1
Con   12  +1
Int   12  +1
Wis   15  +2
Chrs   12  +1
App   14  +2

Hit Points:  9

Armor Class:  15 (Armor +2, Dexterity +1, Shield +2)
--Armor: Leather Armor (Bodice, skirt, and jacket.) 
--Shield: Heavy Wooden

Saving Throws: 
--Fortitude      2 + 1 + 0 + 0 =d20+3
--Reflex         0 + 1 + 0 + 0 =d20+1
--Will           2 + 2 + 0 + 0 =d20+4

Base Attack +0
--Melee    +1
--Missile   +1

Attacks:
Dagger
--Attack Roll d20+1
--Damage Roll d4+1
--Critical    19-20 x2
--Range       10'
--Amo         1
 
Dart
--Attack Roll d20+1
--Damage Roll d4+1
--Critical    20x2
--Range       20'
--Amo         10

Mace, Heavy
--Attack Roll d20+1
--Damage Roll d8+1
--Critical    20x2

Class: 
Domain: Fire
Domain: Renewal
Turn Undead 4/day


Feats: 
Augment Healing
FIRE DEVOTION [DOMAIN]
   You can burn your enemies with your melee attacks.
Benefit: Once per day as a swift action, you can sheathe
your body in red and orange fl ames. The fi re does not harm you, but you illuminate the nearby area as a torch would.  While you are thus alight, each of your melee attacks deals 1 extra point of fire damage + 1 point for every three character levels you possess (maximum +7 at 18th level). This effect lasts for 1 minute.
Any foe injured by this fire ignites and burns for an additional 1d4 points of fi re damage per round unless it succeeds on a Reflex save (DC 10 + 1/2 your character level + your Cha modifier). A burning creature can take a move action to automatically douse the flames.
Special: You can select this feat multiple times, gaining one additional daily use each time you take it.
Special: If you have the ability to turn or rebuke undead, you gain one additional daily use of this feat for each two daily turn or rebuke uses you expend.

Skills: 
Concentration         4 + 1 + 0 + 0 =d20+5
Craft: Brewer          4 + 1 + 0 + 0 =d20+5
Diplomacy              1 + 1 + 0 + 0 =d20+2     
Heal                   4 + 2 + 0 + 0 =d20+6
Kn. Religion           2 + 1 + 0 + 0 =d20+3
Prof. Barmaid          1 + 2 + 0 + 0 =d20+3

Spellcasting: 
D.  Burning Hands
1.  Divine FAvor
2.  Shield of Faith

Orisons
1.  Light
2.  Mending
3.  Purify Food and Drink

Stuff: 
Containers: 
--Backpack
--Belt Pouch

Garb: 
--Artisan's Outfit
--Barmaid's Outfit (Entertainers)
--Cleric's Vestments
--Explorer's Outfit

Gear: 
--Artisan's Tools (Brewer)
--Bedroll and Winter Blanket
--Candle x7
--Chalk x3
--Flint and Steel
--Sun Rod x3
--Tinder Twig x5

Magical Items: 
--Holy Symbol of Kosuth, Ornamental (25gp)

Platinum 3
Gold     5
Silver   2
Copper   10

History: 
--Talyrand Embersong was driven from the kosuthian monestary where he resided as a young man over theological diferences with the leadership.  Like any Fire Walker, Talyrand saw life as an endless crucible in which he would be tested and purified and argued the superiority of the element of fire. 

Talyrand also preached that the power of fire to purify was not something reserved for the faithful, but a healing force that could be used for the betterment of Toril. 

After some years as an iternerant adventuring preacher, he settled in Waterdeep.  Here, rather than pursue the life of a smith, he used his savings and his skill at the spiritually edifying practice of brewing to open a tavern and resteraunt called Jubilee.  Along with good drink, Jubilee serves fondue and a varity of flamign deserts.  There is also a small shrine to kosuth in the back, and people can come here seeking minor miracles of healing--and the purchase of healing potions--from Talyrand and his children. 

The youngest of these, is Talinda Embersong.  For several years now, she has worked as a tavern maid at Jubilee and provided minor magcial intercessions for the faithful.  Instructed by her father in a variety of combat styles, the young redhead aspires to put herself to the test in the crcuible of life, both for her own edification and to prove her father's teachings. 

[HopeFox]

Melee-based half-elf ranger with a city guard bent it is, then! I may end up taking the archery fighting style anyway and be decent at both, especially since I think he might use a halberd instead of two light weapons.

Should I put a character sheet together already, Tamhamsen? How many players are you intending to recruit?

[CalliLurk]

Almost done with my sheet! Just got Equipment to mess with. *groans*

[Cataclysmic Archangel]

    And was someone seriously going to apply wiht a cleric of Shar?

I was originally going for an illusionist wizard and my back up was cleric. Both were based around Shar and the Shadow Weave. As there's already a sheeted cleric and wizard on the board, and I'm still out of town until tomorrow unable to create anything, it seems timing is everything, and I'll wait for another campaign to come around.

[Tamhansen]

I'll select five players. Ill try to get a mix of classes and characters to make a good working group.

[CalliLurk]

Mara Stormwind

http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=1002856

Mara was born in a small village in the Dales and lived a normal farmgirl's life. The normal fun, the normal trouble,  the normal life. At 14 was when her abilities first manifested on the way to the market with her mother. They were set upon by brigands and she held her hand out and little sparkles formed in before the bandit dazing him long enough to run.When word had spread about what had happened her parents told her to run. They packed her off and she fled. In time she had some how made it to Baldur's Gate. She found work at a tavern there, The Elfsong Tavern, serving drinks and cleaning rooms. Once it was revealed she knew a little of the arcane arts the owner of the tavern allowed her to clean up a pest problem under her place.

Once she reached 17 however stories of Waterdeep had reached her and she heard of all the wondrous tales of the city. It sounded like magic. It was then she finally decided that she needed more and off she went to Waterdeep to find something of the magic she was hearing about. She had hoped to find a school that would accept her but she wasn't exactly approved  for anything and ended up working at the Yawning Portal serving drinks and keeping the place clean once again. It wasn't what she had hoped for but it was a start. Some of the stories though made her itch to  do something more, especially the ones about Undermountain.

She is a quiet little thing till you get her to open up to you and then she doesn't stop talking or even flirting with the right clientele. Even with as friendly as she is there seems to be something hidden within her that makes her seem darker then what she is normally.

[Carly]

i dont know pathfinder and I was told by another you can have max 4 rank in any given skill in level 1 (Max ranks on Class skill = 3+lvl) 1rank/level = Pathfinder rule.

So ... is that allowed, or we playing 3.5 but not pathfinder (I dont know pathfinder)

[Re Z L]

i dont know pathfinder and I was told by another you can have max 4 rank in any given skill in level 1 (Max ranks on Class skill = 3+lvl) 1rank/level = Pathfinder rule.

So ... is that allowed, or we playing 3.5 but not pathfinder (I dont know pathfinder)

Pathfinder simplifies skill ranks by getting rid of the Character Level + 4 maximum that 3.5 has and does things a little differently aside from that.

In 3.5 you have a maximum amount of ranks you can put in a skill equal to your Character Level + 4.  This is why level 1 gives you a number of ranks to distribute x 4.  (explained a bit more here:  http://www.d20srd.org/srd/skills/skillsSummary.htm )

So, a level 1 Bard gets (6 + Int Mod) x 4

In your case that's...  (6+2)x4 = 32 points to spend.  Looks like you've spent 19 which means you've got another 13 to spend.

There's a handful of skills that are usually good to keep maxed out as you level.  Did you need help?

[wander]

I also posted upthread (end of prior page) a Human Rogue, though I'm wondering how useful they'll be, skills-wise. I concentrated them with ranged attacks.

I'm also pondering (unless I missed it) about point generation, as there's quite a few rulings out there and I only have the 3.5 Player's Handbook, not the Dungeon Master Guide which contains that stuff.

[Re Z L]

I also posted upthread (end of prior page) a Human Rogue, though I'm wondering how useful they'll be, skills-wise. I concentrated them with ranged attacks.

I'm also pondering (unless I missed it) about point generation, as there's quite a few rulings out there and I only have the 3.5 Player's Handbook, not the Dungeon Master Guide which contains that stuff.

Each has slightly different rules for Point Buy, 3.5 starts at 8 and you increase from there.  This should hopefully help:  http://www.myth-weavers.com/pointbuy.html

[Carly]

thanks for the offer to help, I have updated my characters skills and background now.

I am assuming 3 ranks plus level is the max ranks you can have right? So we can put 4 ranks in a skill when we start at level 1

[Tamhansen]

Yes indeed. Level + 3 for skills.

For those asking about the stuff from the Book of erotic fantasy, I'll have a list of spells and feats up later, but in reality they aren't all that useful outside the bedroom.

[Chulanowa]

Uff, with all the political crap, I seem to have fallen behind. Well. I have general ideas for what I'm doing, I just need to paper it all out (so to speak) so... guess that's work for tomorrow ><

[Muse]

i dont know pathfinder and I was told by another you can have max 4 rank in any given skill in level 1 (Max ranks on Class skill = 3+lvl) 1rank/level = Pathfinder rule.

So ... is that allowed, or we playing 3.5 but not pathfinder (I dont know pathfinder)

Meep!  Hope I didn't confuse you by relating a confusion of my own, Carly.  It wasn't my intention. 

Thank you again for noticing that I'd missed the Concentration skill. 

[Re Z L]

I'll try and piece something together too, probably with the aim of being a front-line sort of person (cleric maybe)

[wander]

Each has slightly different rules for Point Buy, 3.5 starts at 8 and you increase from there.  This should hopefully help:  http://www.myth-weavers.com/pointbuy.html

This is perfect, thanks ReZ!  :-)


I should very likely have the character all restatted and ready by tomorrow, if that's okay!

[Fey]

Hi! I'd like to join but I have some questions.

1)How will character defeat be handled? Do characters die for good when they hit -10 HP?

2)How much and what kind of sexual content do you plan to have?

I am thinking of something based on either one of these pics.

http://s1246.photobucket.com/user/ysariel66/media/46465F55-0140-4F52-B81C-019DB9C0B408.png.html

http://s1246.photobucket.com/user/ysariel66/media/8ABEB99F-2797-4E24-BB2C-3EB2F5DFB84F.png.html

[Miroque]

@GM: What is going to be the selection date for apps ? And when is this going to get started ? :)

[Zaer Darkwail]

Both char pic choices are cute there Ysariel :).

[Cataclysmic Archangel]

Ys is working on a character? Maybe I should try and scrape something together...

[Tamhansen]

I'll probably cut off applications tomorrow, so say 23.59 GMT/UTC on rthe twelfth of November.

If people have a concept, but not a full character feel free to post it, if selected you will have time to finish your character later.

The game will likely start just before next weekend, giving those chosen and me a few days to go over details.

For those not chosen, there is a pretty big chance I might start a second table, but it will be likely at least a month ahead, so I know the storylines will be far enough apart for me not to get confused as happened with my PF games.

Character defeat.
Characters die if they reach a minus of 10 + con bonus + Wis bonus + (2*level) This gives characters with strong bodies and/or minds a small advantage. Also remember, this is waterdeep, death is seldom truly permanent.

NPC's and monsters die at the standard -10

Sexual content is something to be discussed with the players once chosen, but will not be the main focus of the campaign. Usually, I place my games in N/C so that people have a bit of leeway, but as said, it will depend on the players.

[Cataclysmic Archangel]

Ok, basic concept at least.

Human.  Rich, minor noble of Waterdeep (wealthy merchant's son, that sort of thing).  Specialist wizard dabbling in 'the dark arts', namely shadow magic.  So as specialized illusionist as possible.  Specifics will be based on what rules are accepted/allowed, but think of this as the Tom Riddle to some future Voldemort... He's not necessarily evil, he's simply 'better than everyone else' and so that means he assumes morality doesn't apply to him as much.  But don't worry, he's so much better than you he can absolutely handle these powers.  *sagenod*

[Fey]

Both char pic choices are cute there Ysariel :).

Thank you!

Ys is working on a character? Maybe I should try and scrape something together...

Awww. I'm very flattered. ;D



So here's my character, presenting:

Fey
Human Barbarian 1 (character sheet)

When the veteran adventurers settled down in Waterdeep to marry, they hoped for a nice, quiet daughter they could pamper with the wealth of a lifetime's dungeoneering. Instead they got Fey the Fearless (nom de gurre coined after she decided 'Amanda' sounded embarassingly square and unexciting), daredevil, rascal and adrenaline junkie. Swift and sharp of blade and tongue, Fey has gotten herself into no end of trouble with her parents over dares she couldn't turn down and skimpy clothes that probably aren't legal for her to wear -- and just as often gotten out of it with some zany scheme or another. She can typically be found at the Yawning Portal inn, flirting with adventurers and exchanging tales of derring-do.

Fey's fox ears and tail are the result of cheekily describing herself to a drunken archmage as a 'sassy vixen' after getting caught burglaring his house on a dare. They are cosmetic and have no game mechanical effect, unless you count getting disowned by her family. She is fully human for all purposes.

* * *

I am very tentatively decided on a rogue/fighter/City Brawler barbarian multiclass (not certain which class I will take at 1st level yet), hoping for GM approval to rename my barbarian rage as 'adrenaline rush' or something like that.

Normally, for this character and background I'd go with a two-weapon high dexterity rogue.

However I really like the idea of a light armor polearm fighter, darting in and out to strike with spring attack and a reach weapon, taunting the enemy into range of (combat reflexes) attacks of opportunity, sweeping their feet out from under them with improved trip, and dodging fireballs with evasion.

In Western culture, the polearm is typically the boring weapon of pikemen and common peasants, or the lance of the jousting knight. I like the idea of someone who subverts that expectation as an acrobatic and flashy combatant who loves being the center of attention, kicking butt with a fluid, nimble fighting style she developed from cracking skulls with a broomstick while wenching.

[Zaer Darkwail]

Ysariel: Another way how get flashy acrobatic polearm action is to go for monk (but wait, listen me for sec! You do not need be lawful monk!). There is ACF which allows you be chaotic aligned monk (in dragon magazine) which traded some monk class features. But then again you can start as ex-monk (you keep all the stuff as monk but no longer progress as a monk and you multiclass as rogue or barbarian or figther in 2th). But monk has largerly similar class skills as rogue does and is acrobatic and such. With just single level you can later on enter most monk PrC's to progress your monk features.

Urban figther would be a thug ACF from unearthed arcana but they are the 'bad guys' usually (and can trade bonus feats for sneak attacks). However overall what I get from Ysariel is that she is rogue (or roguish) sort already. If want wield a real polearm weapon (like glaive) you can take martial weapon profiency feat (or Exotic Weapon Profiency and pick exotic polearm). But these are just my musings :).

[Cataclysmic Archangel]

There is ACF which allows you be chaotic aligned monk (in dragon magazine) which traded some monk class features.

Urban figther would be a thug ACF from unearthed arcana but they are the 'bad guys' usually (and can trade bonus feats for sneak attacks).

I think it's antics like this that made Tam suggest very limited alternate options. :p

[Zaer Darkwail]

But he also said you can ask are the alternatives ok or not  :-) (he has so far not commented are my stuff okay or not, he was okay with battle sorcerer + divine sorcerer combo and I went with feat which was published in dragon magazine as I felt it fit for my build and also human racial alternative). I love 3.5 and I know it has moving parts which can be intimidating for potential new 3.5 players and so understand why Tam is limiting the classes and alternatives used.

[Cataclysmic Archangel]

I was going wizard and he stopped everything. I'm busy 'applying' for each switch on my concept. :p

[Zaer Darkwail]

Well, wizards have some most potent ACF's out there :P. With sorcerer the ACF's give some nice stuff as flavor. Example my char is a gish and he is going to be one than traditional sorcerer (just a kid who can swing spells and swords in melee).

[Tamhansen]

Yeah. As I told Arcanyx, the wizard ACF's lend themselves way too much to munchkinnism. It's easy to make a build that overshadows the party at mid level and up.

But as said, bring stuff before me and I will judge 1 on 1.

Zaer I thought I'd checked everything you asked me. If there's something I missed, let me know.

[Cataclysmic Archangel]

Yeah. As I told Arcanyx, the wizard ACF's lend themselves way too much to munchkinnism. It's easy to make a build that overshadows the party at mid level and up.

But as said, bring stuff before me and I will judge 1 on 1.

That's why I PM'd it to you.

I've never had a high level wizard, so I couldn't really tell you how crazy it might get, unfortunately.  Was building to to theme far more than anything else.  I'm honestly usually not a fan of wizards unless I do something crazy like this.

[Zaer Darkwail]

Zaer I thought I'd checked everything you asked me. If there's something I missed, let me know.

If you had checked my charsheet already then there is no problems :). However if we speak that you approved battle sorcerer and divine sorcerer only, then I now inform you my char is silverbrown human (a minor racial variant from dragon magic supplement) who has a spell from PHB II (fire bolt) and divine sorcery feats which originally come from dragon magazine. Each of the extra stuff I had linked to source so you know wording and details of each thing.

[Re Z L]

Name:  Lapis Atem

Race:  Human (Mulan)

Age:  19

Class:  Cleric 1

Alignment:  Lawful Good

Background:

Born in the Mulhorandi capital of Skuld it was perhaps inevitable that the high-born child would end up in the service of the Priesthood.  Blue eyes the color of the cloudless midday sky and hair that grew to an almost burnished gold appearance from roots of smoky black marked her as different.  While some saw it as potential favor of Horus-Re others were skeptical.  Regardless she was chosen to join the priests of Horus-Re at a young age which would place her squarely in the middle of one of the major centers of power in the Empire.  It also placed her in the middle of the various intrigues of state, which she would remain ignorant of for many years.

To say she was devout would have been an understatement.  All Mulan people are loyal to their gods, and the clerics even more so, but she stood above many others in her devotion to her god.  The once-incarnate beings that personally led their people were always of paramount importance to the people of the Mulhorandi nation.  To some, therefore, devotion was a metric of ambition and ambition could often startle those who were more interested in keeping their own positions of power instead of relenting them to the next, younger generation.  Lapis--named for the color of her eyes--was not truly in touch with the schemes of power, more interested in her duties as a priestess and learning to better herself as a warrior to protect the people against the many threats that surrounded them.

When she finally turned 18 she was sent on a mission devised by those that did not want her to linger within the temples any longer.  It was a 'crusade' to recover vaguely described Mulhorandi relics that had gone missing over the years.  It was a win-win situation for her superiors, either she would never return, or she would return with the relics--in either case they would benefit in her long absence from the temple.  She swore herself to this new duty, to recover the relics and visit swift vengeance upon whoever may have stolen them away.

Nearly a year into her quest she arrived in the port city of Waterdeep, reaching a point in her journey where she needed to stop and gather resources for herself having long been accustomed to the provisions that she received in her homeland.  Finding some similar sentiments from the followers of Tyr she has offered her help to the temple of Tyr, the Halls of Justice, while also seeking out other things that she can do to resupply herself.  The great port city was also an ideal location for her to stop and see if she could follow the trail of any relics that may have passed through the city, or had fallen down into the depths of the Undermountain...

[wander]

Character Complete;

Name: Bellamin (Known as 'Bellamy' or 'Carter') Carter
Level 1 Human Rogue

Description:
Alignment: Chaotic Good
Gender: Male
Age:19
Height: 5'5"
Weight: 156lbs

Looks:


Ability Scores:
Str 11, Dex 14 (+2), Con 11, Int 14 (+2), Wis 12 (+1), Cha 14 (+2), App 14 (+2).

Languages = Common, Dwarven and Elven.
Speed= 30ft.
Hit Points = 6.
BAB = +0 (+2 for Ranged Attacks)
Armour Class = +4
Fort +0, Ref +4, Wil +1
Special Abilities: Sneak Attack +1d6, Trapfinding

Skills:
Bluff 4, Disguise 4, Diplomacy 4, Hide 4, Jump 4, Knowledge (Local) 4,
Listen 4, Move Silently 4, Perform (Dance) 4, Search 4, Sense Motive 4

Feats:
Martial Weapon Proficiency: Composite Longbow
Point Blank Shot

Equipment:

Weapons;
Composite Longbow (100GP, 3 lb)
20 arrow quiver (1GP, 3 lb)
Sickle (6GP, 2 lb) = 107GP on weapons / 18GP remaining.

Clothing:
Explorer's Outfit
(Cloak, scarf, shirt, jacket, gloves, belt, leather breeches, sturdy boots)

Leather Armour (10GP, 15lb) / 8GP remaining.

Gear;
Backpack (2 lb) 2GP
Bedroll (5 lb) 0.1
Flask (1.5 lb) 0.03
Flint and Steel (-- lb) 1GP
Lamp, common (1 lb) 0.1
Oil (1-pint flask) (1 lb) 0.1
Rations (Trail), x2 days (2 lb): 1GP
Signal Whistle (-- lb) 0.8
Whetstone (1 lb) 0.02

Total = 5.15 GPs

Belt Pouch (1GP, 0.5 lb) containing;
Coin:
1 Gold Piece
8 Silver Pieces
5 Copper Pieces.

Bio;
Bellamy, or Carter to those who aren't too fond of the young man (such as the City Watch, for reasons we shall touch upon later...), is well-formed with a body like a coiled spring ready to pop and take flight through the air. A little short and slim, he is nevertheless gifted with a captivating face, which combined with his great manners, make it ever so easy to believe whatever Bellamy may say.
Bellamy was born to a generally decent trader family, not exactly rich by any standard, though he does not come from a peasant background. Whilst he himself tends to enjoy spending his nights in Inns about the city, his relatives are his aunt and uncle of which he does his work for (see below). His education comes more from 'the streets' in needing to think fast to get by, though he does have a brain in his head and is quick-witted enough to think on his feet, which has got him out of some scrapes in the past...
Bellamy grew up in Waterdeep to eventually work as a hunter on it's outskirts for his trader relatives. Whilst there is no real trade in hunting itself, leather to to be made in the fine leather clothes is a massive export and also sold to those who came looking for a decent outfit. These hunts would take him mainly walking along the River to venture the edges of Ardeep Forest, where moon elves have dwelt. Ardeep is not a place to be taken lightly by those who not belong there, though Bellamy has earned the right to take what is needed at least from the outskirts.

Day to day, Bellamy loves to spend his pieces when he gains them, the reason he doesn't just stick to being a hunter is down mainly to how unfulfilling it is for him... He gets by this presently with a love to spend time at celebrations of Waterdeep, he is the proverbial gatecrasher, buying a bottle mead-wine at many a good inn's private function and worming his way into the loins of a pretty lady... Which often has him needing to tend to some rather adventurous rooftop running out the window the next day to avoid getting caught by a lover or husband of said lady... He is somewhat a thorn in the side of the City Guard because of this, though he causes more exasperation than anything else, through exposing a disguise of his gaining a "Oh, not again!" mentality.
Truly though, Bellamy only does such trickery out of boredom, he wants more from his life and as much as anyone needs escapism from the despair over alot of the injustice to others he sees around him. He believes in the liberty of others and this is often what springs him into action to become somewhat more of a hero, standing up for many downtrodden and down on their luck occupants of Waterdeep.

[Chulanowa]

I'm gonna go ahead and bow out this time around. Cheers everybody  :-)

[wander]

Character finally complete, hope all is well enough with him.  :-)

[Carly]

I modified my background and added a personality section as well as another photo of my character.

One way to break us into two groups could be based on our portraits for our characters.

Photo-realistic group A Comic/manga group B?

Gosh i hope i get chosen.

[wander]

Quick note on my character's choices; I went to look toward upgrading to Shadowdancer for my Rogue in the future and have left Open Lock and Disable Device from their concept, making them more like a pseudo-ranger.

I could trade Knowledge (Local) to put one of these skills back in, as they're probably gonna be important and they're only Class skills for Rogues. The other skill I'd trade out, I'm not so sure on, though veering toward Disguise or Diplomacy if required, more on the former.

However, I'd keep my equipment as is, as I'd prefer to buy the Thieve's Tools in-game if I traded those two skills in.

[Tamhansen]

Ok, I have these applications. If I missed anyone, I do apologise, it happens to me now and then.

Callilurk       Sorceress
Carly           Bard
Muse          Cleric
HopeFox     Ranger
Zaer           Sorcerer.
Arcannyx    Wizard
Wander      Rogue
Miroque      Wizard
Re ZL         Cleric   
Ysariel        Fighter/Barbarian/Rogue

If I missed anyone's question, again I'm sorry. Please repeat.
@Zaer, yes everything is okay. Silverbrows are a bit above normal humans, but not enough to warrant issues. The rest is fine.
@Ysariel, renaming things is fine, only if it changes the effects, just pop me a PM.
@Hopefox, sorry for missing your question entirely. No need yet, but if selected I will require one within a few days.


Now as I've said, I'll select 5 characters for this table. Which is going to be tough as I don't see any concepts I do not like.

I will not start two tables this week, as that's where I went wrong last time. (Having to write out the same situation slightly differently every time, turned to copy paste, and I kind of got bored.)
I will however start another table somewhere half way into december. At that point I will give those not selected for this group first pick. I will contact those people when I'm ready to start, and if they are interested, they'll be in automatically. I will then hold a short recruit sesh for any gaps.

I hope this is clear to everyone, and everyone can live with this.

One thing I will say. If I don't pick you for this group, it is not because I don't like you or your character, it is simply because other characters meshed better.

I will spend tomorrow going to people's applications, and trying to find the best fitting party.

I will likely have the group selected somewhere around 18.00 UTC/12.00 server time.

Please feel free to ask any questions here, or by PM.

[Zaer Darkwail]

Ok, it's fine that you start second table group later in december so you can focus in other group activities first  :-). I know the pain in picking chars/players when all applications are good.

[Fey]

Ysariel: Another way how get flashy acrobatic polearm action is to go for monk (but wait, listen me for sec! You do not need be lawful monk!). There is ACF which allows you be chaotic aligned monk (in dragon magazine) which traded some monk class features. But then again you can start as ex-monk (you keep all the stuff as monk but no longer progress as a monk and you multiclass as rogue or barbarian or figther in 2th). But monk has largerly similar class skills as rogue does and is acrobatic and such. With just single level you can later on enter most monk PrC's to progress your monk features.

Urban figther would be a thug ACF from unearthed arcana but they are the 'bad guys' usually (and can trade bonus feats for sneak attacks). However overall what I get from Ysariel is that she is rogue (or roguish) sort already. If want wield a real polearm weapon (like glaive) you can take martial weapon profiency feat (or Exotic Weapon Profiency and pick exotic polearm). But these are just my musings :).

Thank you, although Monk wasn't in the list of allowed classes. :)

I finally decided on barbarian with a little rogue later on. Here's my character sheet for Fey. I'd also like to ask for Skilled City-Dweller (Cityscape) skill substitutions if that's OK.  ;D

[HopeFox]

Well, I've got a sheet here. Not really happy with the picture, so I'll hunt around some more if he gets picked. He should be able to handle a mixed melee/ranged role with some scouting and stuff.

[CalliLurk]

*eagerly awaits decision*

[Re Z L]

Well, I've got a sheet here. Not really happy with the picture, so I'll hunt around some more if he gets picked. He should be able to handle a mixed melee/ranged role with some scouting and stuff.

Sheet looks blank to me

[HopeFox]

So it was! Thank you, I have fixed it now.

[Carly]

There isn't many fighters, and no pure rogues? might have to hire henchmen or the mages may need to take up open locks as a spell, or have scrolls of open locks or something.

[Cataclysmic Archangel]

There was one mention of a front line cleric, and built correctly, they make decent tanks.  I shied away from that style because I'm doing that in a 5E game... although the Dm already has burnt out after the first 2 encounters, so .... yeah.

[Zaer Darkwail]

Also my char is a gish so he is going to be melee even if he is a sorcerer. I took battle sorcerer variant after all so he is going to be swinging sword around and slinging spells from his super narrow list.

[Tamhansen]

Okay folks. Sorry for being massively late, but it was truly one of the toughest choices for characters I've ever had.

So final decission.

Callilurk
Carly
Ysariel
Muse
Arcannyx

As said, I will start a second table about 3-4 weeks from now, And I will contact anyone not chosen today to ask if they want to take part. I feel all these characters deserve to play, but doing both tables simultaneously will burn me out to no avail, doing them staggered will keep me fresher.

I will contact the five players above via mail tomorrow with further instructions.