[Pathfinder] Reclaiming the Stolen Lands (Kingmaker AP, no longer recruiting)

[Chulanowa]

   Be it so known that the bearer of this charter has been charged by the Swordlords of Restov, acting upon the greater good and authority
vested within them by hte office of the Regent of the Dragonscale Throne, has granted the right of exploration and travel within the wilderness
region known as the Greenbelt. Exploration should be limited to an area no further than thirty-six miles east and west and sixty miles south of
Oleg's Trading Post. The Carrier of this charter should also strive against banditry and other unlawful behavior to be encountered. The punishment
for unrepentant banditry remains, as always, execution by sword or rope.
   So witnessed on this day 24th day of Talistril, under watchful eye of the Lordship of Restov
and authority granted by Lord Noleski Surtova, current Regent of the Dragonscale Throne

   With this charter safely in hand (or pack, or where-have you), you have set out to chart and tame the wilderness of the so-called Stolen Lands, a region found between the kingdom of Brevoy and the anarchic River kingdoms. Together with allies, you will attempt to forge a new beacon of civilization within your charter - or maybe, just maybe, the wilderness will claim you as it has so many others over the centuries...

This is a recruitment thread for the Pathfinder Adventure path, Kingmaker. it's a traditional fantasy-themed, kingdom-building adventure that - if I haven't said "wilderness" enough - takes place in a frontier hinterland. The characters start out struggling against the elements and threats of the Green Belt, and - hopefully - end up as leader and founders in their own right.

The rules!
• Any (and only!) Paizo-published sources.
• All characters start at 1st level
• 25-point buy for abilities
• Max HP at 1st level, rolled after 1st
• Average starting gold for your class or roll; whichever ends up higher.
• All characters get three traits; One of these must be a Campaign Trait from the Kingmaker Player's Guide. No flaws.
• All Paizo-published classes are allowed; Most archetypes as well (No synthesist summoner, Trench Fighter Fighters, or Techslinger Gunslingers, off the top of my head.)
• No evil-aligned characters. (of course, alignments can change over play...)
• Background Skills and Fractional Base Bonuses are a "go." You can either use Variant Multiclassing or "traditional" multiclassing, but not both. The Stamina / Combat Tricks system can be accessed via the Combat Stamina feat.
• Please use Myth-weavers for your sheets.

The advice!
• Don't lean too hard on the "kingdom roles" when making your character; Try to make characters that can fill several of them ably, rather than fill one perfectly. After all, you might end up eaten by a troll.
• I'm allowing any Paizo-published race; but bear in mind that the AP is rather conservative racially; You're being recruited by officials of the regency after all. A party with a goblin mascot is one thing. A team consisting of a tiefling, a Wyrwood, two merfolk and a kitsune is a random encounter.
• Speaking of; random encounters are a thing. No tears, you signed up for this.
• This AP is very friendly towards mounted characters, wilderness-themed classes, and classes with good self-sustainability. It's somewhat less friendly towards characters with a heavy urban or dungeon focus. Ranger good, Vigilante less good, basically.
• Brevoy was reputedly founded by the Targaryens Choral the Conqueror and his red dragon allies. If you've ever wanted to pull a dragon-themed character into Pathfinder, this is as good an excuse as any.
• Any religion works, though the AP has some Erastil-heavy stuff in places. of course if you really want to dedicate your new kingdom to Arshea or something, you do you man 

As ever, I am happy to answer any questions and dispense any advice you guys might want, and I welcome players of any skill level. Bring 'em on folks!

Current Submitted Characters
Talan'thanel Caladria Myriadon Male Half-Elf Bladebound (Magus)
Jazzy Feldspar Female Gnome Feyspeaker (Druid)
Sophia Peace-Bond Female Scarred Rager (Barbarian)
Edril Medvyed Male Half-Elf Swashbuckler
Wladyzlaw Medvyed Male Human Courtly Knight (Cavalier)
Kalen Rogarvia Male Human Crossblooded (Sorcerer)
Brendan Briar, Male Half-Elf Witch
Calim Lebeda Male Human Bard
Raphaela Aldo, Female Human Alchemist
Suruma, Female Catfolk Guide (Ranger)
Esmeralda Florescuralyn-Medvyed, Female Elf Herald Caller (Cleric)
Mit, Female Gnome Twilight Sage (Arcanist)
Arianna mac Delvon, Female Human Rogue

[Vergil Tanner]

Putting down a bookmark for this for me to put in a bio later tonight.

Question; where do we find a list of traits and kingdom traits?

[Silver Phoenix]

Hooray, it's up!  I'll be working on a human or half-elf oracle or druid in most likelyhood.

[Chulanowa]

Question; where do we find a list of traits

For this, I recommend Archives of Nethys' trait index. it's... thorough.

and kingdom traits?

Not sure what you're asking for there. If you mean the kingdom-building stuff? You can find that on d20pfsrd; However as I mentioned in the advice section... don't sweat it. Your characters don't know yet that they might end up in charge, and it's a lot of sub-systems to worry about before we even have characters in the first place. Let's wait to see how many of you fall into deep pits with spiders in the bottom before we start talking about what the castle's curtains will look like 

[HopeFox]

Sweet!

So I'm thinking a female human barbarian, probably worshipping Erastil, good at Diplomacy, Insistent Diplomacy (Intimidate) and Diplomacy By Other Means (greatsword). I'll get started on the sheet right away.

I only know about the setting from what I've read on the wikis, so are there enough barbarian tribes in the River Kingdoms that a travelling barbarian who moves from tribe to tribe is a reasonable backstory? I'll be taking the Scarred Rager archetype, which boosts Diplomacy with barbarian tribes and Intimidate with civilized folks.

[Bibliophilia]

I'm working on a gnome druid, possibly with an archetype, but I'm not certain, yet.  She's designed to be high in Charisma and Wisdom, but not strong in melee.  She also rides a giant frog named Runt.

[Chulanowa]

Sweet!

So I'm thinking a female human barbarian, probably worshipping Erastil, good at Diplomacy, Insistent Diplomacy (Intimidate) and Diplomacy By Other Means (greatsword). I'll get started on the sheet right away.

I only know about the setting from what I've read on the wikis, so are there enough barbarian tribes in the River Kingdoms that a travelling barbarian who moves from tribe to tribe is a reasonable backstory? I'll be taking the Scarred Rager archetype, which boosts Diplomacy with barbarian tribes and Intimidate with civilized folks.

There's a few options.
• Some of the original settlers of Brevoy were Ulfen. Think vikings. Though generally "civilized," they probably still preserve some tradition of berserkergang warriors.
• The region's original inhabitants were Kellids (think Cimmerians from "Conan."). Some tribes still live "wild" in the region such as the Tiger Lord raiders in Western Brevoy, the Blood Gar pirate tribes on the Sellen River.
• To the northeast of Brevoy is the region of Iobara, which has seen numerous unsuccessful attempts at colonization over the ages. There's no doubt plenty of tribal-types who might migrate south and west to escape some of the plagues and other threats that are rife there.
• Pretty much anyone with anger control issues can be a barbarian, so hey there's always that option.

[Vergil Tanner]

Sorry, I meant Campaign Trait, not Kingdom Trait.

So at the end game, will there be only one new country, or is it possible for several countries to spring uo as PC's go their own way? Because my Magus doesn't want to share power with some filthy humans.

[Silver Phoenix]

Druid in the works, so Oracle for me.  Now I'm tempted to also work on my Catfolk Gunslinger!  Might just have to submit two characters.

[HopeFox]

• The region's original inhabitants were Kellids (think Cimmerians from "Conan."). Some tribes still live "wild" in the region such as the Tiger Lord raiders in Western Brevoy, the Blood Gar pirate tribes on the Sellen River.

This is the background that most appeals to me, I think! The Player's Guide does say that the Tiger Lords are too violent and bloodthirsty to be a good origin for PC barbarians. Are you sticking with that, or can we say that there's enough diversity within the tribe that a neutral good barbarian lady can come out with the attitude of "maybe we don't need to kill all our neighbours all the time"?

[Chulanowa]

This is the background that most appeals to me, I think! The Player's Guide does say that the Tiger Lords are too violent and bloodthirsty to be a good origin for PC barbarians. Are you sticking with that, or can we say that there's enough diversity within the tribe that a neutral good barbarian lady can come out with the attitude of "maybe we don't need to kill all our neighbours all the time"?

That it does. Well, there's always minor tribes, you could just make up some bunch of tree-worshipping geatsword-weilding dudes who like to trade pelts for beer or soemthing. 

[Vergil Tanner]

-poke poke- is it just one country being built from this, or is it possible to get several different cities springing up, controlled by different player characters?

[Chulanowa]

-poke poke- is it just one country being built from this, or is it possible to get several different cities springing up, controlled by different player characters?

That really depends on the situation and how it would be handled. I'm going to class it as "too soon to say," but with a stated preference that the PC's work together; if this means that someoen gets to run their own town and everyone's cool with that, hey, sure i guess.

[Vergil Tanner]

Well, Talan - my Magus - will work with them, but his end goal is an independent city state where Elves govern themselves, and where Elves, Drow and Half Elves put aside generations of mistrust to stand together and say "we will not be pushed any further." Difficult? Yes. But that doesn't mean that it shouldn't be attempted. *nodnod*

Question; what are elf/drow/half elf relations like in this world? And what sort of history do they have with the other races?

[HopeFox]

That it does. Well, there's always minor tribes, you could just make up some bunch of tree-worshipping geatsword-weilding dudes who like to trade pelts for beer or soemthing. 

Great! That sounds good. I mean, Sophia is not a peaceful woman by civilized standards, but she definitely feels that the tribes should fight monsters more and each other less. It's not like there's a shortage of things that want to kill all of us. I'll go with her being from a fringe tribe of Tiger Lords, I think.

[Chulanowa]

Question; what are elf/drow/half elf relations like in this world? And what sort of history do they have with the other races?

Elves are your fairly typical elf-types. Live a long time, prefer enchanted woodlands, magical dudes, etc. Their big historical "thing" is that back in aeons past, they escaped a worldwide cataclysm by fleeing to another planet, and came back somewhat more recently (still a long-assed time ago, though.)

Drow... well, let me put it to you this way, Golarion ain't Faerun. Drow are (mostly) the remnants of elves who didn't run away to that other planet, and instead fled into the earth... where they fell under the influence of the god-thing Rovagug, Aberrant energies, all sorts of demons, and their own spite. A few have arisen spontaneously, as elves who perform some truly abominable or wicked deed and "mutate' into Drow. Outside of the Darklands, they're pretty much unknown - most elves think of them as a fairy tale, though there are secret societies dedicated to eradicating Drow entirely, and keeping other races from knowing about the things, since elves see them as a great shame to the race. They tend to fall into the "irredeemably evil" category, and any Drizzt-types that pop up would most likely be turned into a fleshwarped of some sort.

Half-elves are... just about what they always are. There are half-drow too, but they tend to be trapped in the darklands (and targeted by those genocidal elf-squads otherwise.)

[Vergil Tanner]

Hmmm ok...is there any way to "redeem" Drow? Like, are they irrevocably evil, or is it possible to be a "good" Drow? Is it possible to "reform" as a drow?
Also, what are the race relations between elves and the other races (humans, dwarves, etc) like? Is this "everybody hates the elves" land, or is it "eh-world?"
Also, is there any racism against half elves from humans and elves?

[Bibliophilia]

Vergil, some of that info can be found in the player's guide that Chula linked in the first post, along with the Campaign Traits and some good info on the region and suggestions on character building.

[Vergil Tanner]

I know...but I'm on my phone and you never know what the GM might change if he fancies it xD

[Chulanowa]

Hmmm ok...is there any way to "redeem" Drow? Like, are they irrevocably evil, or is it possible to be a "good" Drow? Is it possible to "reform" as a drow?

Those are great questions... for a Second Darkness adventure path game  For our purposes here, I'mma class them as "irredeemably evil and generally unimportant to anything." pathfinder is completely full of +Dex/+Cha races though, so you won't be missing anything 

Also, what are the race relations between elves and the other races (humans, dwarves, etc) like? Is this "everybody hates the elves" land, or is it "eh-world?"

Generally the "core races" (Dwarves, elves, gnomes, humans, half-elves, half-orcs) are common enough and interact enough that they are presumed to get along more than not. Some regions of the world are predominantly one race or another and tend to be more xenophobic, but there's really no big White Wolf Style "all members of Race X have this opinion of Race Y" - in some places dwarves and elves have gone to war against each other. in other places they're besties. has more to do with local politics than "you have pointy ears and I have a beard, let's fight!"

Also, is there any racism against half elves from humans and elves?

On a societal level? Well, half-elves are usually seen as the "other half" - humans tend to see the elf in them, elves tend to see the human in them, that sort of thing. There's also an element of so-called "positive racism" going on, where half-elves get stereotyped as exotic and magical (by humans) or worldly and having 'youthful insight" (by elves) regardless if the half-elf actually does or not. I also imagine people come up and try to touch their ears without asking? I dunno. "Bastards of Golarion" covers the subject more than I could here.

[Silver Phoenix]

Chul, I'm considering a half-drow since I've noticed this picture in my collection.  Any objections?  Having trouble with the oracle, so I may switch to Kineticist (wood) Swashbuckler (curse my indecisive mind!).

[Chulanowa]

Chul, I'm considering a half-drow since I've noticed this picture in my collection.  Any objections?  Having trouble with the oracle, so I may switch to Kineticist (wood).

I'd kind of like to leave Drow out of the equation. So, yeah. if he can be a normal elf / half elf instead that would be optimal.

[Silver Phoenix]

I'd kind of like to leave Drow out of the equation. So, yeah. if he can be a normal elf / half elf instead that would be optimal.

No probs, it was largely based on the picture more than anything

[Wargtass]

I will most likely go the male human bard route for my application, unless I find some advanced classes that tickle my fancy. But with the line this AP is very friendly towards mounted characters maybe it is about time I tried my hand at the Cavalier...

Also I have heard the Leadership feat is pretty good to have in this campaign? Not that it will come into play until lvl 7 but...

[Vergil Tanner]

TA-DA!

Name: Talan'thanel Caladria Myriadon (“Talan”)
Sex: Male
Age: 26
Race: Half-Elf

Basic Appearance:
Standing at 6'1, Talan is roughly average-height for an elf, but easily towers above most humans. His slender, athletically built body is less overtly muscular than some but belies a harder, surprising strength coursing underneath his skin. His almond-shaped, leaf green eyes peer out from underneath a well-controlled head of long bark-brown hair – which is also flecked with specks of dark sap-yellows and lighter browns – which is kept in a tightly braided, stylistic shoulder-length flowing style, his hair kept in place by ritualistic, traditional braids and knots that give his hair a more elegantly earthy look.

Basic Background:
Talan was born to an Elven mother and a human father; his mother, Sylvia, was an Elven immigrant to Brevy who had settled in the village some thirty or fourty years before, and his father was a local; a steady, steadfast man known for his skill and bravery in the Town Watch...and, when he grew older, Talan learned that he had also been considered brave to approach the quiet Elven beauty who had lived in the village longer than most of them had been alive. Still, he had a fairly decent upbringing, with two loving parents and a generally comfortable life in the village. Yes, some of the boys would throw rocks at him for his “Knife Ears,” as they jeered, but so too would he get appreciative looks from the women for his fairer-than-average looks – thanks to his mother – combined with the sturdy, solid build of his father. Life was a mixed bag socially, then, but...well, which kid doesn't have that experience with their peers?

In any case, Talan grew to a young man on stories that his mother told him of her homeland, a place where Elves of all walks of life coexisted peacefully; the Nobles didn't abuse the Peasantry, Half-Elves were accepted into society readily and with no question, and the other races were accepted and played active roles in society. It felt like a fairy tale to Talan – all around him, the villages were always squabbling amongst each other, foreigners and far off races were viewed with suspicion, and even he was viewed as an oddity to be poked and prodded from afar by some of the other children. They were rural, yes, and in a little forgotten corner of the world...but surely the wider world could not be so much different to his own little slice? Whether they were fairy tales or no, it was a nice story...and one that he desperately hoped was true.

As he grew older, he learned swordcraft from his father – made difficult by his Elven halves lack of inherent strength or hardiness, true – and some limited spellcraft from his Mother, something that – in her words – “every Elf should know something about” and soon grew to be a member of the Watch himself, like his father. Which just made his eventual failure even worse; his parents left the village one day, declaring that they needed a holiday and that they would return in a week, fresh-eyed and rested. Talan was loathe to see them leave the safety of the palisaded village – The Countryside wasn't safe for two people alone – but he relented under their insistence; they did indeed need a holiday, and with his mothers spellcraft and his fathers sword, they would surely be ok. A week passed, then two, then three, and they did not return. Justifications of a delay turned into nervous laughter that they had decided to spend longer out in the wilderness together, and then sombre agreement to not speak of it as search parties were sent out, and it was Talan's own party that found them not ten miles from the village. Easily dead three weeks, they hadn't even gotten to their apparent destination before being set upon by some of the savage beasts that roamed the wilderness.

Talan was inconsolable for weeks – months, even – as he threw himself intensely into his studies of the arcane and his practice with the blade. He found a way to meld the two together, using his natural gift with the primal forces of magic to enhance his own agility and speed with the sword, learning quick signals that brought forth powerful forces with only one hand. He had failed to protect the two people dearest to him, and now he was alone in a village that still didn't fully accept him, in a part of the world that treated anything different or out of the ordinary as foreign and disgusting. And then, only a few short years later, the call came; a call to reclaim his fathers peoples land in the Stolen Lands, a chance for fortune and fame...and for Talan, something more. He saw a chance to carve out a piece of land and create a city equal to his mothers stories of her homeland; a city where no matter your birth you could rise to greatness, no matter your race or your nationality, you would be treated fairly for your merits over your blood. A city where citizens didn't die ten miles out because the Watch was too small or lazy...a place people could feel safe, happy and valued. He would honour his parents memory by making certain that her fairy tale city became a reality. And maybe, in doing so...he could find his own redemption along the way.


The Mythweaver Sheet

The Stats and Saves, Overview

Class: Magus
Alignment: Neutral Good
Level: 1
EXP: 0

HP: 11 / 11
Str: 14 (+2)
Dex: 14 (+2)
Con: 14 (+2)
Int: 18 (+4)
Wis: 10 (0)
Cha: 10 (0)

Attack (BAB + Str + Size Mod): (0 + 4) +2.
Ranged Attack (BAB + Dex): (0 + 2) +2
AC (10 + Dex + Armour): (10 + 2 + 4) 16.

Fortitude Save: +4
Reflex Save: +2
Initiative: +4
Will: +2
Will Vs Mind Affecting Effects: +3
Enchantment Spells / Effects: Bonus +2
Concentration: +9
Max Light Weight: 86lbs
Starting Wealth: 150gp
Spells Per Day: 0 Level = 3, 1st level = 2 (+int = 4).

Knowledge Arcana: +8
Knowledge Planes: +8
Perception: +6
Sense Motive: +7
Spellcraft: +8
Use Magic Device: +4

Skills, Feats and Class Features

(2 + Int (4)) = 6

Languages (2 + Int (4) ):
Common, Elven, Celestial, Sylph, Aklo, Necril.

Class Skills:
Knowledge: Arcana (Int) (1), Knowledge: Planes (Int) (1), Spellcraft (Int) (1), Use Magic Device (Cha) (1), Sense Motive (Wis) (1), Perception (Wis) (1)


Spells / Day: 3 Cantrips, 2 1st Level (1 + Int)

Known Spells:

All cantrips.

Level 1 (3):
- Shield: 1 Minute / Level. Protects from Magic Missile. +4 Shield AC.
- True Strike: Requires small wooden Archery Target. Next attack gains +20 Insight Bonus.
- Darting Duplicate: Swift Action, Duplicate. Will Save; fail, AoO on Duplicate.


Racial Bonuses:
- Favoured Class: Magus, +1/4 of Arcane Pool.
- Elven Immunities: Half-Elves are immune to magic Sleep effects, +2 to Enchantment spells and effects.
- Adaptability: Skill Focus as Bonus Feat (Sense Motive)
- Keen Senses: +2 Racial to Perception
- Fey Thoughts: Two Skills, Class Skills: Perception, Sense Motive.


Feats:

Combat Casting: Gain +4 Concentration Bonus when casting defensively.
Skill Focus: +3 to a single Skills checks. (Sense Motive)


Traits:

Issian, Campaign Trait: A native of Brevy. Cares for nothing more than fulfillment of personal ambitions. +1 Will Save Vs Mind Affecting Effects.
Elven Reflexes: +2 Racial Bonus to Initiative
Aldori Caution: When fighting Defensively or using Total Defence, gain +1 Dodge AC.


Class Bonuses:

- Proficient with Simple and Martial Weapons
- Proficient with Light Armour
- When wearing Light armour, ignore Spell Failure chance.
- Arcane Pool: ( ½ Level + Int), 1 + 4 = 5. Refreshes every day when spells are prepared.
1st Level: Swift Action, use 1 AP to +1 Enchantment to weapon. 5Th, 9th, 13th, 17th: +1, up to +5.
Added to Weapon but does not stack. Must be +1 before extra Properties are added.
5th Level: Bonuses may be used to add Dancing, Flaming, Flaming Burst, Frost, Icy Burst, Keen, Shock, Shocking Burst, Speed, Vorpal. Adding these consumes a bonus = to property cost.
- Spell Combat: May wield a one handed weapon and cast spells on the Offhand. Full Round Action, may take -2 to melee attacks and may ALSO cast any spell with a time of 1 standard action. If casting defensively, may take up to Int Mod penalty on attacks to add that amount as a Circumstantial Concentration Bonus. Spell first or Weapon first. If two weapon attacks, not between attacks.

Inventory

Starting Wealth: 150gp
Max Weight: 58lbs

- Spellbook
- Longsword (15gp) (4lbs): 1d8, Crit 19-20 (x2).
- Shortbow (30gp) (2lbs): 1d6, Crit x3, Range 70ft.
- Arrows x20 (1gp) (3lbs).

- Buckler (5gp) (5lbs): +1 AC, -1 ACP
- Studded Leather (25gp) (20lbs): +3 AC, Max Dex +5, Armour Check Penalty -1.

- Bedroll (1sp) (5lbs)
- Blanket (5sp) (3lbs)
- Rations, trail x6 (5sp x 6 = 3gp) (1lb x 6 = 6lb).
- Waterskin (1gp) (4lbs)
- Minor Health Potion x1 (50gp)

- Spell component pouch (5gp) (2lbs): Assumed to have all components besides specific costs.
- Small replica of wooden archery target.

End Wealth: 13gp 6sp
Total Weight: 53lbs

Is that ok, Chul? How does it look?