[Pathfinder EX] Curse of the Crimson Throne: All the Queen's Men (Application)

[Pockets]

Edward Kessel

Edward Kessel

Edward Kessel lives and dies by two things. Money and Contracts. Everything else revolves around that. His loyalty comes with a price tag, a steep, steep price tag. But once his loyalty has been purchased, it doesn't waiver. If someone offered him the right amount to kill his own mother, he'd do it. Assuming he knew who his mother was to begin with.

Edward is a master of many things, including disguises and the art of the deal. When in doubt, err on the side of caution. And for the love of your particular deity, don't try to double cross him. Things haven't ended well for those who have tried.

Edward is particularly vain and as such wears a white porcelain mask to protect his face and his identity. After all it wouldn't do for his identity as one of the Queen's assistants to be called before a magistrate for murder.

Edward dresses as much for function as he does for comfort and appearance.

Edward grew up as a street rat in Absolom until he was taken in by a guild of assassins. However, they were the religious sort and Edward worshiped a different god. Gold. However, that soon changed when he learned of the worship of Asmodeus, God of Contracts, Lies, and Trickery.

His journeys soon brought him to the attention of the Queen. A deal was made and he was given relatively immense power in exchange for being her boytoy and silent assassin.

Note: Subtract 303 gold for a masterwork garrote.

[1651Leviathan]

I think Kerrick can thematically make a great marshal even if his ability scores arent great for it. I had wondered if maybe we'd lost you.

There's also always the Magister role for an arcane character. Maybe a bit dull, but it's there!

[PaleEnchantress]

Okay Im letting in both Edward Kessel and Kargash Wolfsnarl.  I don't know if I'm ambitious or crazy.

Also "Edward" nice charsheet and image, very well made.

No more, everyone else can apply for the waitlist.

[Lockepick]

There's also always the Magister role for an arcane character. Maybe a bit dull, but it's there!

Somebody else already has Magister, sadly. That would have been my first pick.

[Faeli]

Okay Im letting in both Edward Kessel and Kargash Wolfsnarl.  I don't know if I'm ambitious or crazy.

Could be both!

[PaleEnchantress]

Somebody else already has Magister, sadly. That would have been my first pick.

When you meet the professor you'll understand. It's where he was meant to be, no one else fits better and he fits no where else.

That said what do you think about warden. The idea that you use divinations to keep track of the distant lands and whats going on there.

[Lockepick]

I didn't mean to come off as criticizing! I was just explaining why I didn't go that route.

The theme of Warden isn't terrible (even though at L4, I can't actually use any divination to keep track of distant lands) -- but it's really tough for me to go from offering a +6 Bonus (Int) to a +1 Bonus (Con). If we can double on jobs, hilariously: we'd get a greater net bonus by me ALSO being a Magister/Spymaster than we would between my bonus as Warden and the Vacancy Penalty I'd be offsetting.

I'll settle and pick whatever in the end -- but I don't think it's really worth discussing too much until we have the final group of selected players. Since Kennick might not even be there, and less of the roles will be taken up.

[Zaer Darkwail]

Well, I give short list of roles which we are missing atm (plus effects what their absence or presence means) and I make some assumption that Faeli's char (Jasmine Sleet) covers role as a general (she can fluff/background events wise be harem guard but she has duties of general as well and in pathfinder kingdom building wise she covers that spot).

Consort: No vacancy penalty, but adds half of charisma mod for loyalty and if for whatever reason ruler is absent (or unable to act) then consort than cover ruler's spot so long a check for loyalty or unrest. I imagine that pre-set the queen covered role of consort but is now making transition to be ruler of the kingdom (considering she is not popular she gets hefty penalty on the checks and results determine how much unrest or stability is lost).

Grand Diplomat: -2 to stability (adds charisma or inteligence to stability of the person), he is the guy who deals with outside relations and without said guy you cannot initiate negotiations or any meetings with foreign government bodies or rulers (nor send people explore).

Heir: Functions same as consort basically and by default we have no heir(s) yet.

Marshal: -4 economy (adds dexterity or wisdom to economy), considering queens goals to bolster economy she needs someone cover this position. This position presents as guy who deals with protecting kingdom borders and keep/enforce law and order in the kingdom backwater areas (basically away from large settlements).

Treasurer: -4 economy and you cannot collect taxes (so thus kingdom gains no income whatsoever), a rather critical role in regards gaining more wealth to the crown. Adds inteligence or wisdom to economy.

Viceroy: A ruling presentative in another country, so when you conquer country you need assign viceroy as guy in charge or else new conquered country has penalties with lack of ruler.

Warden: -2 to loyalty&stability, adds constitution or strenght modifier to loyalty. Works as guy who secures and enforces laws in large settlements (capital example) and concentrates protecting the rulers from angry mobs with pitch forks.

So far as I can tell Royal Enforcer example has no penalty with vacancy and said guy works both for Marshal and Counsilor and also has neat caveat to give right to regular citizen to kill in name of the crown. Just suggesting that if 1651Leviathan is not attached to be royal enforcer he could be marshal (it would fit for barbarian/figther and also gives tremendous boost to economy and his dex mod is +2 so not bad). However he could work as unorthodox warden (ruling with iron fist or what not as intimidating police chief sort figure).

For Lockepick he statically can work as treasurer (you need someone handle the stuff or else you cannot collect taxes from the peasants). Albeit he is not local and is sort from tribal background but that all can serve queen's interest to have 'smart guy but not one who understands civilization' and thus can easily snitch gold from coffers without him even blinking it as amoral thing . But then another ideal role for Lockepick's char is grand diplomat role (he is foreign native and so thus ideal guy to deal with tribal people or other foreign embassy people as he has social skills and bit decent charisma for it). Just my musings, but in end he could cover role of marshal or warden (as to both he has minor ability modifier and he negates the vacancy penalties, I think as warden he has social/investigation/divination tools to track down rebels/criminals in capital as warden or in wilderness as marshal).

[PaleEnchantress]

I didn't mean to come off as criticizing! I was just explaining why I didn't go that route.

The theme of Warden isn't terrible (even though at L4, I can't actually use any divination to keep track of distant lands) -- but it's really tough for me to go from offering a +6 Bonus (Int) to a +1 Bonus (Con). If we can double on jobs, hilariously: we'd get a greater net bonus by me ALSO being a Magister/Spymaster than we would between my bonus as Warden and the Vacancy Penalty I'd be offsetting.

I'll settle and pick whatever in the end -- but I don't think it's really worth discussing too much until we have the final group of selected players. Since Kennick might not even be there, and less of the roles will be taken up.

Well firstly, My list of players is the final list. Kennick is in the game, no question.

Second, no role can be filled by more than a single person, no person can fill more than a single role. In the parties interactions with NPC's you may find worthwhile allies. These NPC's can be convinced to join our side (but not the harem) and can fill empty rulership positions. - Securing the loyalty and cooperation of these NPC's is something the party faces should consider. Even the Butcher might find "YOU ARE A GIFT TO MY QUEEN. SERVE WELL OR ILL RIP YOUR BALLS OFF AND FEED THEM TO YOU!" to be a way to get someone's attention.  You never know.

However for roleplay purposes I will probably make a houserule that a player (and only a player not an NPC) can be someones assistant in the position for a flat +2 bonus to what they provide. It's like "Aid another" for  rulership. This is for if you don't have a role you really want to fill at all but don't mind being some other guy's boy. If anyone does this it's all the more reasons to recruit reliable NPC's since it means more vacancies.

The parties first mission doesn't really leave to much potential for diplomatic tactics. Everyone is too young, too stupid, too violent, or too crazy and they certainly aren't the type we want running our government. But the second task is able to be done through social interaction even easier then violence and there is at least one NPC of note to consider.  He isnt bad looking so even if you attack him you might score points with Artemicia if you bring him back to her for her to enjoy torturing to death. SO many possibilities.

[SeraphAzriel]

I just realized that there's a full blown Rogue in the party...

Pssst, hey Pockets you wanna be flanking buddies?   

But damn.  We've got a small army going on here.  Plenty of front liners, good back row support.  I'm very much liking how this party is shaping up! 

[Zaer Darkwail]

And my guy duals in role as social diletante and also front line brute (albeit dangerous one in party as if there is nothing to fuck/kill he turns upon the party unless you all go aid another action to help me roll will save to break off from Butcher form). Iron Will and greater are on list of feats to get in future but for now focused more on his harrow deck and also get decent Ini score.

[Lockepick]

I mostly joking about doubling up in a category. I think I'd rather stick with Grand Diplomat. I can get some of the same themes that I like from being Warden, but I actually offer some real bonus there -- plus I can play off the divination and enchantment from witches to be a sort of threat there. I think with most of the party having Charisma 18 -- Kennick isn't the best at the skill Diplomacy, but a Diplomat's job would be more than just that check. It also seems like one of those positions we really need to keep our options open -- like how we really need a Treasurer.

I didn't realize all those people were actually accepted! Are we going to breaking into two parties? Or is the entire squad of 8-9 (not sure if Artemicia is coming with the party) going on each mission?

EDIT: I added the 'Cold Blooded' Flaw -- as well as the Witty Repartee Trait to give him Bluff as a class skill.

[Zaer Darkwail]

Artemicia will not join on 'adventures' but give via orgies her instructions and assignments.

[SeraphAzriel]

Artemicia will not join on 'adventures' but give via orgies her instructions and assignments.

Best 'debriefing' every.  ; D

Also, regarding going Grand Diplomat Locke, you might take a look at Clever Wordplay and Bruising Intellect.  They let you key off Diplomacy and Intimidation with Int instead of Cha, respectively!

[Zaer Darkwail]

I myself consider taking Hedonistic drawback, albeit not sure what trait to pick to go with it. Got race/combat related traits picked so far.

[SeraphAzriel]

At this point I'm still trying to figure out overall stats and where the traits are going to fit into that.  It's most definitely very hard to get stats that fit the character as you envision them. 

[Lockepick]

Also, regarding going Grand Diplomat Locke, you might take a look at Clever Wordplay and Bruising Intellect.  They let you key off Diplomacy and Intimidation with Int instead of Cha, respectively!

Hmm! That's really nice! Now I'm considering working in Additional Traits to get some extra stuff. Though I need to pick a single Social skill -- not sure if I should go with Diplo or Bluff...

[SeraphAzriel]

Well if you're going Grand Diplomat, Diplomacy is right there in the name, and we do have a large hulking brute you could tow around to make him look more fearsome yet!

[Zaer Darkwail]

Yeah, my char can be big hulking brute but problem is that by time you attempt to talk things....Butcher is already using his knuckle sandwhich diplomacy skills.

[SeraphAzriel]

Intimidate doesn't necessarily only entail words.  Shattering a stone column with a bare fist could suffice.  Or smashing a table, throwing a mook through a window, that sort of thing.  Actions speak louder than words after all.

[Zaer Darkwail]

Yeah, Butcher can cover that part pretty well. But do note that he can be max 6 hours per day in given form so rest 18 hours (or well, 12) he is suave talking muscular stud fortune card reading counsilor who has so far highest diplomacy skill modifier (at least so far as I had seen). Also thanks his renown ability everyone in non-human areas are default one category friendlier towards him.

[PaleEnchantress]

Yeah, Butcher can cover that part pretty well. But do note that he can be max 6 hours per day in given form so rest 18 hours (or well, 12) he is suave talking muscular stud fortune card reading counsilor who has so far highest diplomacy skill modifier (at least so far as I had seen). Also thanks his renown ability everyone in non-human areas are default one category friendlier towards him.

I just thought of how Artemicia has a monster inside her too, although one she completely controls because that monster is her. I wonder how everyone will react to her soul not only being part (male) dragon but what specific dragon she is.

Honestly looking at the party I imagine the reaction to simply range from "This is a most fascinating development" to "HELL FUCKING YEAAAAAH! *blazing heavy metal chords*"


There is nothing wrong with Kennick being Grand Diplomat but I was thinking Eirrian fit that like a condom. He can use his eyes, ass, or mouth for negotiation.The mouth is particularly multi purpose even.

Edit:

Artemicia will not join on 'adventures' but give via orgies her instructions and assignments.

It will be one group of 8.  Artemicia will not join most adventures but the "grand prize" of the treasure at the end of the first adventure is a magic item she had stolen from her that allows someone to call a projected image of her for 30 seconds every day.  She might join for a few adventures herself. Mostly of them the later ones, like the temple of Zon-Kuthon where she can tell the two bickering priests you're supposed to seek guidance from "Fuck off! I know this place better than either of you." or One I may add/alter where you help her assemble the Crown of Fangs.

[Lockepick]

I think I'm going to bow out then.

I apologize for all the conversation about Kennick to no avail -- but I was under the impression it would be a smaller party. 8 players in a DnD game on a play-by-post, with no posting speed requirements, all pretty much sounds like we will be in the first combat for easily months and quite possibly, literally years.

I'm also feeling like my character choice isn't exactly blending well with the party -- between attractiveness of my model and the inability to find a niche.

[PaleEnchantress]

I think I'm going to bow out then.

I apologize for all the conversation about Kennick to no avail -- but I was under the impression it would be a smaller party. 8 players in a DnD game on a play-by-post, with no posting speed requirements, all pretty much sounds like we will be in the first combat for easily months and quite possibly, literally years.

I'm also feeling like my character choice isn't exactly blending well with the party -- between attractiveness of my model and the inability to find a niche.

I haven't said it yet but combat has a 48 hour limit per phase before your turn is skipped. Your model is hot, if my character had a dick id want to titfuck him.  If you want to bow out, though, I won't stop you. It was a nice idea, you and your character, at least.

[Pockets]

Well if you're going Grand Diplomat, Diplomacy is right there in the name, and we do have a large hulking brute you could tow around to make him look more fearsome yet!

MASTER BLASTER!