[Interest Check]-Pathfinder-Faerun (Old School)-The Elf King is Dead

[National Acrobat]

Welcome to my first serious attempt to run a PF game on E. I've run a lot of them elsewhere, and if there is enough interest, would enjoy running a campaign that was successful and a lot of fun for my tabletop group.

It's a bit of a specific scenario however, which may not be that appealing for a lot of folks, so let us get down to some of the specifics.

Recruiting is Closed, I have made my Selections

Dormouse-playing Jhessail
Chulanowa-playing Siannadorel
The Glyphstone-playing Aeven
Grizzly-playing Morwenna

The OOC thread is here--->  https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=258114.0

I will put up an in-game thread once we work all the details out for the characters.

Thanks to everyone who showed interest.

The Moon Elven Kingdom of the Cloakwood has lost it's ruler. King Gabilgathal Tol Galen has been found murdered in his gardens. The benevolent King's death has sent a shock wave through the kingdom. His wife, Queen Yvannah has declared a month of mourning, but is wasting no time in trying to figure out who has killed her husband. It will be a far ranging investigation that will take a few of her subjects far from home. As there are some delicate matters, she is selecting the investigative team from among her people. She fears it was an outside influence, but cannot be certain.

Some say that her exiled son, the former Crown Prince may have had a hand in it, but she doesn't believe that. Her granddaughter's, who are the former prince's children, don't believe that either but the rumors have already started.

The game starts in the Cloakwood, on the Sword Coast, in the Moon Elven Kingdom of the same name. The Royal Family guards a gate to Evermeet, although that is a closely guarded secret.

The year is 1357 D.R. and I use the original boxed set from 1985, which gave just enough of a blueprint of the Forgotten Realms to allow Gamemasters to create their own version of the Realms, and that is what I have done. Given that the current year is so far back from current history of the realms today, events that unfold will differ from original Faerunian Canon.

I am looking for four PCs, who will be either Moon, Copper or Half Moon or Half Copper elves, that are somehow connected to the Royal Family, and who will be called upon to lead the investigation for the Queen into the death of the king. She doesn't trust outsiders, and only trusts those close, to look into it. This group that she is forming for the investigation, will answer to her, and will not be publicly announced.

There is a world building thread I have up in the World Building section detailing my take on Faerun, and it is a work in progress.

Likely to be 20 point buy, 2 traits, no drawbacks, characters will be 5th level, good alignments for the most part (after all, the Queen is calling you), and there will be investigation, combat, intrigue, role play, etc.

Obviously this is an elf-centric game in the Forgotten Realms and will not appeal to all, but I thought I would see if there is enough interest to run the game.

Thank you for looking.

[Chulanowa]

You know, I'm usually not a big fan of elves or forgotten realms, but your put-together is actually enough to intrigue me! Speaking of, finally, a chance to use Ultimate Intrigue!

Lucky me I have the boxed set too so I can go look and see what the hell you're on about 

Consider this an interesdted posting!

[indarkestknight]

Tentatively interested.

Are we using standard pathfinder elf stats for copper elves (in 3rd they had +2 Strength, +2 Dexterity, -2 Constitution, -2 Intelligence, -2 Charisma)? How much material, if any, from 3rd edition is considered permissible (regional feats)?

[Wolfy]

Slightly interested, since I love pathfinder.

But I have to ask what limitations are placed on classes and archtypes, if any....and what the stats for copper and moon elves are, along with the half variant because I've never heard of them. :p

[National Acrobat]

-Standard Elf and Half Elves from Pathfinder, although I'm willing to allow Copper Elves to swap the +2 intelligence for a +2 on strength. Half Copper and Half Moon is just flavor for your half elf.

-Never owned the 3.0/3.5 material for Forgotten Realms, so I don't use the feats, etc. from it. I use the old 1E Boxed Set for Faerun for the flavor, maps, history, with Pathfinder Rules, to keep it simple.

-My group actually played this campaign last year with 1E rules.

No summoners or gunslingers. Archetypes on a case by case basis. 

[TheGlyphstone]

Is not having this box set a problem? Otherwise I can totally go for what sounds like a lower-than-average combat game that isn't hardlocked to FR canon.

[National Acrobat]

No, it's not necessary. I just prefer the original version of the setting, because it's bare bones. It allows me to run the Realms without a dearth of canon material, which is at times, contradictory. Greenwood and TSR's first version of the campaign setting is merely a framework for the realms, a guide, with some brief history, some notable personages, a brief timeline and some minimalist geographical descriptions, which allows the gm to fill the rest in. I've always thought that it was the simplest, best version of the Realms, and I haven't bothered to really get into the rest of Realmslore.

[Wolfy]

Mmm....Could I be a half-elf Bloodrager?

[Muse]

  Oh, wow.  This is an awesome concept!  May I play? 

  There's an elven magus archetype that plays nicely into the RP info from the 2nd edition Elven Bladesinger. 

  Or I could do a cleric of one of the awesome gods of the elven pantheon.   

[Zaer Darkwail]

As fan of Faerun and elves I voice interest to join as well :). So far thinking making a half-moon elf investigator (adventure sounding perfect for that class).

[TheGlyphstone]

I'm feeling like an Oracle myself right now. Not sure what Mystery would be best, though I don't want to end up with Life and just be the healer.

[Tamhansen]

Go with lore, and be the tank?

Awesome concept though. I might pop in a application for rogue or bard.

[Chulanowa]

Not quite sure what I'm doing just yet.'Cept that I don't wanna play a damned bard or Paladin  matter of fact, I'm feeling kind of an aversion to the Charisma-heavy classes in general. You guys can have all the bards, bloodrager, oracles, whatever you want. It might be time for a grumpy ranger, wild druid, happy wizard, or sneezy dwarf sneaky fighter. 

[National Acrobat]

Ok so it seems that there is indeed enough interest.

I will keep the interest thread open until Saturday Evening, Oct. 29 and will make my decisions on the four characters by Sunday afternoon.

We will do the crunchy bits and character generation after the four pcs have been selected. Keep in mind when pitching characters that you have the wealth of a 5th level character when describing equipment, etc. in your background.

Bloodrager is indeed an acceptable class.

[Zaer Darkwail]

I think I found pic for my half-elf investigator (obviously going for rapier/dex build and also taking empiricist archtype and possibly take eldricth heritage to get familiar; parrot ).

[Grizzly]

I haven't played in an Elf centric game before so this sounds like it might be fun.  Not sure what I would play just yet but I thought that I'd toss my hat in here for interest sake.

[National Acrobat]

Since I have enough interest for submissions, I will put the notes I have here, to help. I will accept submissions of characters through Saturday night. The current year is D.R. 1357 so any backstory that you want, just has to fit within the current history of Faerun, and mind the specifics of Cloakwood. You are assumed to be a member of the royal family, potentially distant, or a trusted advisor or friend of the family.

Notes and Setting Information in the Forgotten Realms

Sourcebook Used for All FR Campaigns is the Original Grey Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting (1E version)

The Current Year is 1357 D.R. (Year of the Prince)

-There will be no Time of Troubles

-Events that will occur will be Faerun affecting (meaning official timeline of events will not be happening)

The Moon Elven Kingdom of the Cloakwood

-Located South of Baldur's Gate

-Ruled by the Tol Galen Family of Moon Elves.

-Population is entirely Moon Elves (75%) and Copper Elves (24%). There are some half-elves (1%) with Moon or Copper Elven Blood residing in the kingdom. Fey creatures like Dryads, Centaurs, etc. are not considered part of the elven population.

-There are six noble houses, Gabilgathal (Current Ruling House-Moon Elven), Van Ymir (allied with the Ruling House through Marriage-Moon Elven), Du Masigny (Moon Elf), Churnst (Moon Elf), Gamaliel (Copper Elf) and Shar-Tal (Copper Elf).



The is a gate to Evermeet in the Cloakwood. The Tol Galens of Cloakwood are a Moon Elven family charged with keeping a portal to Evermeet safe, the responsibility has been in the Tol Galen family as far back as could be remembered among the Moon Elven Community. The Tol Galen ruler has the only key that works it, and the knowledge is passed on to the eldest child of each generation, who in turn, once their parents decreed it, would become the guardian of the gate. It was a prestigious honor, and a solemn responsibility. Generally, the heir, whether Crown Prince or Princess, is the one trusted with this knowledge, with the expectation that they will rule once their time comes. Any other children of the ruler are free to pursue other studies and avenues in life. It is expected that the heir go forth into the world as well, to gather a wealth of knowledge of how the world works and interacts with each other, and brings it back with them, to help shape their understanding of how to rule the Cloakwood, and manage the secrets therein.


Royal Family

Gabilgathal Tol Galen-King of Cloakwood
Yvonnah Tol Galen-Wife of Gabilgathal, and Queen of the Cloakwood
Arion Tol Galen-Son, eldest child of the King and Queen, exiled and disinherited
Ci'ona Tol Galen-Daughter of the King and Queen, Crown Princess of the Realm

Naramis Van Ymir-Queen's Brother, and Steward, Chief Advisor to the King and Queen

The roles below are available for pcs, and I will change the names to reflect a pc taking one of them. If you decide to be one of the Exiled Prince's daughters, obviously you will have the last name Tol Galen

Jhessail Tol Galen-Eldest daughter of Arion Tol Galen, Princess of the Realm
Aerilinas Tol Galen-Youngest daughter of Arion Tol Galen, Princess of the Realm
Morwenna Churnst-Moon Elven Captain of the King's Guard, mother of Jhessail Tol Galen
Emiliarana Naramis-Moon Elven member of the Arcane Council, mother of Aerilinas Tol Galen

The former Crown Prince, Arion Tol Galen, was exiled eight months ago from the Cloakwood in a public ceremony by his father, the King. He was stripped of his title, his inheritance and advised to never return from exile, under pain of execution. What exactly his crimes were, remain hidden from all but the most closest of the King's advisors and friends. It was also noted that the timing coincided with the funeral for one of his childhood friends who had perished under unusual circumstances. All who saw that king that day, could clearly see the pain that this act was causing him, and the fact that it was done publicly leads most to believe that had it not happened this way, it would have never happened. The right of succession passed to his sister, and left his two daughters out of the line. Since his banishment, the former Crown Prince has not been seen or heard from. Ambassadors from Evereska advised that he was not welcome there, and Evermeet has announced the same.

The Seldarine

•Corellan Larethian, Father of the Elves (CG)
•Aedrie Faenya, Mother of the Skies (CG)
•Alathrien Druanna, Rune Mistress (CN)
•Darahl Firecloak, Warden of Elven Fire Magic (LN)
•Deep Sashelas, Father of the Seas (CG)
•Erevan Ilesere, the Fey Trickster (CN)
•Fenmarel Mestarine, the Outcast (CN)
•Hanali Celanil, Lady Goldheart (CG)
•Kirith Sotheril, Mistress of Magic (CG)
•Labelas Enoreth, the Timeless Scholar (CN)
•Melira Taralen, Mistress of Song (CG)
•Mythrien Sarath, the Master of Portals and Mythals (CN)
•Naras Analor, God of Healing, Death and Passage (NG)
•Rillifane Rallathil, the Forest Warden (CG)
•Sarula Iliene, The Nixie Queen (CG)
•Sehanine Moonbow, the Luminous Cloud (CG)
•Shevarish, the Tortured Warrior (CN)
•Solonor Thelandira, The Great Archer (CG)
•Tarsellis Meunniduin, Lord of the Mountains (CN)

[Zaer Darkwail]

Okay, here comes my char name/bio and stuff :).

Doravor Rhuielon

Race: Half-Elf
Class: Investigator 5 (Empiricist archtype)

Background

Doravor Rhuielon (Doras for friends) is result of union between a elf blademaster and a traveling female bard. His mother met his father while his father was traveling and they fell in love with each other and father married his mother (despite much protest from father's relatives). He was born to Rhuielon family which has long traditions being best swordsmen in Cloakwood and traditionally heir of the family serves a time in queen's guard (who's present captain is Morwenna Churnst). Same happened with Doras father once he married and settled down back to his home city. It resulted that his immediate family lived in palace while he worked on his duties and so resulted Doras early on get involved with elven nobility in young age (despite not being noble born himself) and it was not pretty. He was often bullied and insulted but he endured it while he studied swordplay with his father and learned in ways how wield dueling sword graceful manner.

Then on tender age of fiftheen where youths hormones are full swing he fell in love with a elf maiden from one elven noble families; Anastra Gamaliel. He was smitten by her and she was charmed likewise on his grace and also for his exotic looks compared to other elves, however family did not approve them dating but they dating did. His father had defied his family in sake of love, so why he and she cannot do the same? However there were official suitors designed for her (which she did not want but were assigned anyway) and one of the suitors; Camiel Van Ymir, grew jealous of Doras. Camiel started bully Doras more seriously than ever before, making even ugly unaccetable scenes whcih raised scandals in the court for his misbehavior (which was not approved but most subject was buried because Doras was non-noble born half-elf who just happened live in palace with his father). The final straw came when Camiel insulted Doras mother, calling her as 'human whore'. Doras then challenged Camiel for a duel and in his own arrogance Camiel accepted, believing on his own elven superiority alone than for his training in blade arts.

He lost, horribly, but he did not yield nor give up for sake of his pride and soon the duel where was agreed end the fight on disarm or first blow.....turned a full out murder attempt in Camiel's part while Doras tried defend himself. Camiel used magic to blind Doras and he blindly made counter defensive thrust to keep him at bay....but Camiel had immediately charged on Doras and attempting plunge his sword on him, but Doras thrust was quicker and even blind deadly accurate; killing Camiel instead. This created shocking scandal in local community for several generations to gossip about. Doras was excused as according several witnesses Camiel had lost his cool entirely and he was not dueling but attempting kill Doras, so his killing blow was placed into self-defense. However because of the scandal Doras father was dismissed from queen's guard early and so he and his family was moved out from the palace.

However, even so there was chilling constant stares from elves towards Doras who viewed him nothing but as killer, what one half-elf life compares to elf life? Albeit it was not said, many elves thought it would had been better if Doras had died instead Camiel (who was noble born, heir and a elf). Also Doras blamed himself as he had started the duel and he had wanted humiliate Camiel but his own pride had led into tragedy, so he left Cloakwood for good and headed to Baldur's Gate to go tutorship under his uncle (in mother's side) who was a wizard. However despite sharp mind he had not spark for magic, but he helped his uncle on alchemy experiments and became skilled in alchemy. Also even if had no gift in magic, he studied and devoured all tomes in his uncle's library and used his allowance to buy more books for himself to read and study.

So he was well rounded scholar by the time when a murder case occured in Baldur's Gate and he was called as alchemist to help identify poison used on the victim. Long tale short albeit he was called as one field expert, his natural sharp perceptive eyes, sharp mind and insight taught from books resulted figuring out the killer who was none other than very person who hired him! It established then on Doras reputation as a investigator and then his career started. He started solve crimes which were hard figure out just magic alone and when magical methods ran out, he was called in and he solved cases. Over the twenty years in his self-imposed exile from Cloakwood he had visited his parents, albeit briefly, over the years. Always arrive at dusk and leave before dawn as to avoid making a scene with locals (and personally avoiding meeting his youth crush; Anastra Gamaliel as he fears she may have feelings for him and if he meets her, he may fail to leave Cloakwood and just result creating another scandal with her). However during his visit this time he was greeted directly by the queen in his parents house, he greeted her and she requested his aid for crime done against her husband as she had heard from his father about his exploits outside Cloakwood as crime investigator and she has need for one....feeling he felt indebted for the queen, as she was one who announced Doras being innocent for killing Camiel years ago he agrees and so his planned short visit turns to a more lenghty one.

Personality: Doras discovered while studying under his uncle he had craving desire to learn and study. He in truth is addicted to learning new things and he is disgusted on any stagnation on his mind (information outdated or lacking information on certain subject etc). he is naturally curious of his surroundings and reason why he mastered swordplay so young age was because his desire to learn elven bladearts which stimulate both body and the mind. Thanks his curiosity to surroundings he often goes to figure out things either reading or experiencing it. He once even bribed a drow assassin to purposefully stab him with poisoned dart so he can experience drow sleep poison effects! So overall his life is colorful book of experiences, experiments and sensations. He considers crimes and murders as puzzles (if nothing personal is attached to the case) which he loves solve out thorough manner.

Sexuality: As a man who wants mind stimulated much as possible and experimenting eagerly on things he has done a lot of things in bedroom which are better not discussed in polite company. He has not done no criminal acts nor killed anyone (even willing victims) in bedroom. Through these experiments he has learned understand himself and various fetishes what people may have, even if he shares not similar interest in them. Overall he is heterosexual who can practice sex with a partner which is mostly female in form and function but he can do sex with futas or women who have penis (which are simply men disguised via magic into women minus their genitalia). He has got dozens relationships of various women of various races and he has been both holder of the leash and leashed himself, all according personality of the female partner he has been with so he is effectively a switch in dominance and submissive scale.

However despite rich and colorful sex life, none women had reached to his heart. Some women he has good memories with but they haven't claimed his heart like the first woman he fell for; Anastra Gamaliel.

[indarkestknight]

Should we select just one concept for our submission, or, if we have more than one concept for characters we're considering playing, are we allowed to submit more than one?

[National Acrobat]

I'd prefer one. Submit want you really want to play,  or what you'd be happiest with.

[Zaer Darkwail]

National Acrobat: Is my char background suitable for the campaign you have in mind? It's bit long read but overall point being my char grew up in palace until some tragedy pushed him leave Cloakwood for several years .

[National Acrobat]

Yes, fits well.

[indarkestknight]

Not 100% settled just yet but right now the concept I'm drawn to most strongly is a bladebound magus, since we seem to be sounding off our class.

[Dormouse]

Considering my love of LotR, I'm quite interested. I'm thinking of applying for the role of one of the prince's daughters. But before that, I have some questions about the prince's family. I've been reading historical fiction about Henry VIII, his wives, and his children, and I couldn't help but notice something unusual about the Tol Galens. The prince has children with two different women, and both of his daughters appear to be legitimate heirs. I'm thinking there are some interesting family dynamics there. Is there anything we should know? Marriages, divorces? And would any of that be considered unusual in elf society?

[National Acrobat]

Considering my love of LotR, I'm quite interested. I'm thinking of applying for the role of one of the prince's daughters. But before that, I have some questions about the prince's family. I've been reading historical fiction about Henry VIII, his wives, and his children, and I couldn't help but notice something unusual about the Tol Galens. The prince has children with two different women, and both of his daughters appear to be legitimate heirs. I'm thinking there are some interesting family dynamics there. Is there anything we should know? Marriages, divorces? And would any of that be considered unusual in elf society?

Great question. This is just how I run FR, so the Moon Elven kingdom at the center of this adventure, doesn't discriminate between full blooded elven children of a noble, even if there are multiple children by multiple partners. Half elves are considered illegitimate however. In this case, since Arion was exiled, his sister is now the Crown Princess, and his daughters would only inherit if she dies without issue.

The Cloakwood elves inherit based on birth order, gender has no importance in that regard.

Arion has never been married. He has had ongoing relationships with both elven woman, producing a pair of children, and yes, he will be a part of the campaign at some point.