The Na'aruse Tyranny (Pathfinder, looking for up to 6 players)

[Angie]

The Story So Far:

It has been 30 years since an explosion at Belcher Laboratories in the Gradian Empire led to a chain of events that rocked the world of Folatria to its core. Now, the world has had time to rest.

Saniki, a neutral city between the Empire of Gradia and the Kingdom of Na'aruse, has long been at peace with its neighbors. The Treaty of Saniki, negotiated by a third party known as the Chrono Custodi, has paved the way to make Saniki a place of diplomacy, trade, and rest for all weary travelers. However, Gradia has a long history of aggressive military expansion, and such warmongering is not easily forgotten.

No one was looking the other way, though. They should have.

On that fateful day, the airships of Na'aruse blackened the summer sky. With the Sanikian Militia caught completely off-guard, and the threat of total annihilation hanging over their heads, the Mayor of Saniki had no choice but to formally surrender to Na'aruse. The Treaty of Saniki promises that Gradia's response will come to free Na'aruse, but Gradia must take time to marshal its forces and launch an offensive. And time is what Na'aruse needs to turn Saniki into a fortified staging ground for future attacks on Gradian-held territory.

However, just because empires move slowly does not mean all people do. In the short two months since the formal surrender and the dismantling of the Saniki Militia, the Chrono Custodi have launched small clandestine operations against the occupation forces. Completely bloodless, they focus on stopping the fortification efforts: Replacing building materials with lower quality items, swiping military payroll, and several illusion spells to wreck havoc on the occupiers' day. Already, dissent has formed among the ranks, with quiet whispers of mutiny beginning to form. However, the Custodi have been unwilling-or perhaps unable-to perform anything that might truly spark a rebellion.

Other factions have also taken a keen interest in the proceedings of the Saniki occupation. Gradian spies, unofficial "representatives" of foreign lands, and the Saniki people themselves are eager to undo the efforts of the Na'aruse Kingdom. Every person is different, however, and whether their goals are altruistic or entirely selfish is unknown only to themselves.

In the Silver Unicorn Inn, a man in a black cloak scans his surroundings. Tonight is a summer rain, heralding the approaching autumn. Locals and travelers from all around come inside to dry their boots and enjoy a drink or a hot meal. The mysterious man is looking for those who might be seeking to further their own agendas in the middle of this web of shadows. He has a deal for them. For he is a member of the Chrono Custodi, and he is looking to make that spark of rebellion.

What you need to know (OOC Info)

Welcome! The world of Folatria is one I've been building for a while now. I decided, to get a better feel on how this world works, to make a game with it as the setting. I've done plenty of Pathfinder over the years, but this is the first time I've done something so very very ambitious.

The plot of the game will revolve around a group of up to six adventurers seeking their own, various (or complimentary!) goals in the midst of the Na'aruse Tyranny. The game will involve subterfuge, combat, and enough major character deaths to make Game of Thrones feel jealous. Players will need to use their cunning and intelligence if they want to make it out alive, much less successful in their endeavors!

Below is the character creation and faction info. Pay special note to the faction info, as characters acting on behalf of certain factions may be barred from taking certain classes.

Aether, and how Magic works here

Folatria has a weird way with magic. To put it simply, raw magic flows throughout the world, through all the land and through all living things. The air we breathe, the water we drink, and the earth 'neath our feet is full of Aether. Spellcasters work their will upon the raw Aether, creating powerful magical effects, but they have limits (i.e. we're still using spell slots, boyo). The raw Aether that flows throughout the world has given rise to a new type of special material: Aetherite, stones that are filled with Aether. Aetherite cannot be used to make weapons or armor, instead, Aetherite is used in the creation of nearly all magical items. Most of the cost of creating magic items is wrapped up in buying Aetherite.

An alchemist (not just the class, but anyone with the Craft: Alchemy skill) can distill Aetherite into a liquid with a check. Distilled Aetherite, when drunk, will restore one spell slot of a particular level-see the table below for what DC allows for what spell slot. A spellcaster of any kind can only benefit from one "dose" of distilled Aetherite per day, further doses leave the spellcaster feeling fuzzy and having visions, resulting in the spellcaster being sickened for an hour.

Spell Slot  |  DC
1-3               20
4-6               25
7-9               30

A note on "Mage-Tech":

Folatria is a little different from your usual Pathfinder world: Some "magic items" were made in laboratories instead of a mage's workshop. What this means is that certain (i.e. not spell completion or spell trigger items) Item Creation Feats will have an alternate prereq for non-spellcasters. Crafters everywhere are able to manipulate the natural flow of "Aether" (aka: raw magic) and create items.

The Item Creation Feats are listed below with the Pre-Reqs that are required for non-spellcasters to take them.

Brew Potion: Craft (alchemy) 3 ranks, Knowledge Arcana 3 ranks

Craft Construct: Knowledge Arcana 5 ranks, Knowledge Engineering 5 ranks. Note: Craft Construct has other magic item creation prereqs that must be taken, regardless of spellcasting ability.

Craft Magic Arms and Armor: Knowledge Arcana 5 ranks, Craft Weapon 5 Ranks, Craft Armor 5 Ranks

Craft Rod: Knowledge Arcana 9 ranks, Craft woodworking 9 ranks

Craft Staff: Cannot be taken by a non-spellcaster, staves use Spell Trigger.

Craft Wand: Cannot be taken by a non-spellcaster, wands use Spell Trigger.

Craft Wonderous Item: Knowledge Arcana 3 Ranks, Spellcraft 3 Ranks.

Forge Ring: Knowledge Arcana 7 ranks, Craft jewelry 7 ranks

Scribe Scroll: Also cannot be taken. Using scrolls is stated to be "just like casting a spell", and I can't justify allowing people who can't cast spells to write scrolls that basically work as spells.

Character Creation:

Players will start at 3rd level.
Players choose Attributes with point buy, 25 points given.
All Paizo official classes, races, archetypes and other character creation details are available.
Players may take two traits, all standard rules apply.
Players will start with 3,000 GP. Players may not spend more than 1,500 GP on one singular item.
We will be using the "Fast" Experience track, meaning players will start with 3,300 XP.
Evil alignments are banned. I don't expect a party of saints, but this is not the kind of game where I want evil PCs in the mix.
Finally, characters must have allegiance to a faction of some kind, as detailed below, and a stated goal for what they want to do in the Na'aruse Tyranny. Are they out for coin? Looking to send them packing? Something else entirely? Whatever the reason, they must have A reason for getting involved.

Faction Info:

Saniki: The most important out of all of these, wouldn't you say? Saniki nationals can have every reason under the sun to want to kick Na'aruse out, even as simple as it's their home, gods damnit, and you don't get to take it from me! Saniki produces adventurers of all types, though the role of Saniki as a major trade city means that Barbarians, Druids, and other "wild" classes tend to be fewer within the city limits.

Chrono Custodi: According to the details of the Treaty of Saniki, the Chrono Custodi may act in the interest of Saniki's defense. However, I want the details of this little faction to remain a secret for a while, so no player characters may be made with loyalty to this faction...at the start.

Gradia: The Empire of Gradia is legally bound to do something about Na'aruse's actions. Just because the military takes time to get moving doesn't mean they don't have pawns on this field. Under the authority of Empress Saraphina Gradia, many privateers have been given letters of marque to plunder and pillage any Na'arusan ships, whether they be in the sea or the sky. Spymaster Thomas Malore has also sent agents to Saniki to report on enemy movements and sabotage their efforts. Finally, travelers from Gradia, whether they be merchants, mercenaries, or anything in between, could stand to make a profit from these events...

Gradian characters are banned from taking any spellcasting class. Hybrid classes, such as Paladin or Ranger, must take an archetype that trades out their spellcasting for something else. It is unclear exactly why Gradians cannot cast magic (as they can understand the basic theories just fine), but they cannot.

Na'aruse: What, did you think I'd leave traitors and defectors from decadence out of a political game? YOU FOOL! Ahem. Na'aruse defectors work without any support of their government. As such, their reasons for defecting tend to be altruistic, though pirates and other scoundrels thinking they can make far more coin on their own abound. Na'aruse traitors will more than likely be seeking to boot out their own army knowing that this will not end will for the country as a whole, but again, the choice of goal is yours.

Na'aruse is a land where nature is held in high regard, and mining for anything (except Aetherite) is heavily punished. Even their grand airships are made almost entirely of wood, and trade with other nations supplies the metal that builds airship engines. Na'aruse characters cannot take classes that grant heavy armor proficiency. As with Gradia, Na'aruse characters may take archetypes that give up heavy armor in exchange for something else. In addition, Na'aruse characters cannot take Heavy Armor Proficiency as a 1st level feat, regardless of how many feats they get at 1st level.

Other: Foreign countries have their own desires. Maybe you're from the island nation of Ragarda, acting on behalf of its Marquis. Perhaps you're from somewhere else entirely. You might even be from a land conquered by either Gradia or Na'aruse, but culturally different from their conquerors in every way.

Like Saniki, player characters from other lands may have any goal they wish, and take any class they wish. However, if you do wish to be from elsewhere, your work is cut out for you: You're basically inventing an entire land from scratch. Make sure it's up to snuff.

If Interested, well, say so! If you have questions, ask them! If you just think it's awesome, say so, I'll take compliments too!

[Vergil Tanner]

Hmm...Truthfully, I'm really tempted. I might break out my newly created Nomad character out. I just have a few questions:

1) Does this still use standard weapons?
2) What will the terrain be like? Cramped streets, or will there be a few open areas as well?
3) If I take a Ranger and buy a horse until 4th level, assuming that horse is still around at that point can I just upgrade that horse to my Animal Companion?
4) How are we calculating scores? Point Buy, Dice, or House Rules?
5) Would an exiled member of a Nomadic Horse Tribe (like the Dothraki and the Mongols) be acceptable as a character?
6) With the Ranger Favoured Terrain and Favoured Enemies, what would decent choices for this campaign be?

Because I'd love to break out my Horse Archer character, I just need the above deets before I figure out if I'm interested in this game. Also, I need to work out if I have TIME for another game, too.

[Angie]

I'm glad you asked!

1: Yes. Mage-Tech means that guns are more prevalent, but are still expensive and standard weapons are still preferred.
2: Saniki is a big place, so expect dark alleys and cramped streets as well as open plazas. There will also be some wilderness areas when you guys go outside Saniki where more of Na'aruse's forces are.
3: I'LL ALLOW IT!
4: 20 point Point Buy, I will add to the main info at a computer (on my phone at the moment).
5:Absolutely, Saniki sees all types. I will still expect them to have a reason why they're mixed up in this, though.
6: Na'aruse is primarily human and elf. Terrains are planned for more city and plains type areas, but others can happen depending on other players. So it may be best to wait on terrain until we have a clearer picture of the party.

[Marie Reynolds]

I could be interested in this what cultures do these nations draw their themes from?

Like is Sankili just a Middle eastern style nation or does it have other influences on it.
What are the cultural themes for Na'aruse and Gradia?

[Rhynarion]

Quick question while I am at work!

Vishkanya are allowed as a race, right? You mentioned 'Mostly Elf+Human', so wanted to check.

[Angie]

I could be interested in this what cultures do these nations draw their themes from?

Like is Sankili just a Middle eastern style nation or does it have other influences on it.
What are the cultural themes for Na'aruse and Gradia?

Saniki has a bit of a middle eastern thing going on, that's kind of the primary influence. There are other influences due to its center as a major trade hub, but Middle Eastern is the big one.

Gradia has a mix of British and German influences, and despite its past as a heavy military powerhouse, it's become known as a place of science and industry-especially in major cities.

Na'aruse has a Japanese flavor to it, with wooden buildings and expansive, beautiful forests. Na'aruse culture is built on respect (bordering on worship) for the land, and appreciating the natural beauty of the land. Bob Ross would be right at home.

Other nations can be whatever the creator feels like.

Quick question while I am at work!

Vishkanya are allowed as a race, right? You mentioned 'Mostly Elf+Human', so wanted to check.

Vishkanya are Paizo official from my reading, so yes, I will allow them. They don't seem to have any huge benefits over other races, so they get the stamp of approval.

[Vergil Tanner]

1: Yes. Mage-Tech means that guns are more prevalent, but are still expensive and standard weapons are still preferred.

Awesome sauce. Mounted archer with a composite longbow it is!

2: Saniki is a big place, so expect dark alleys and cramped streets as well as open plazas. There will also be some wilderness areas when you guys go outside Saniki where more of Na'aruse's forces are.

What kind of terrain is Saniki? You mentioned "Middle East," so is it mostly desert, or jungle, or what? What kind of climate is it?

4: 20 point Point Buy, I will add to the main info at a computer (on my phone at the moment).

Oh wow, only 20? I'm used to 25 for High Fantasy. Hrm...that might scuper my plans a little...I think I can work it out, but I'll have to alter some numbers...

5:Absolutely, Saniki sees all types. I will still expect them to have a reason why they're mixed up in this, though.

Well, my general idea was that out in the Saniki wilderness, there are still roving bands of Nomads. My character would be from a Tribe who capitulated to the invaders in exchange for...y'know, not being wiped out, and my character tried to rally the Tribesmen against the invaders. Long story short, he led a failed raid, and the invaders demanded he be punished to prove that he was just a firebrand. They exiled him as a result, and now he travels the country eking out an existence. He secretly dreams of returning from Exile and freeing his Tribe, but he has no idea how to even begin doing it, so mostly sells his services as a mercenary. Not honourable, but...as needs must.

6: Na'aruse is primarily human and elf. Terrains are planned for more city and plains type areas, but others can happen depending on other players. So it may be best to wait on terrain until we have a clearer picture of the party.

Ok, so...humans or elves would be a good favoured enemy. Gotcha. I'll wait on the terrain.

[Angie]

I can be convinced to up it to 25, 20 is usually my standard.

The culture is Middle Eastern in style, but the land around Saniki is more "US Great Plains" kind of style.

[Vergil Tanner]

Plains Nomads works as well! Does that character concept work for you? If so, I can get the bio done and dusted....tomorrow, probably.

And yeah, I just prefer 25 because it gives people more freedom to alter their stats...and also punishes disliking tanking a stat a little less. Besides, some skills and feats do require some higher stats, which are hard to get if you only have 20 to play with. Like, one of the things that makes my character concept viable  - since archery is pretty fucked in Pathfinder, unless you go with a very specific build - requires 19 Dex...which even with the Human +2, is pretty tough to do without making another pair of stats, like, a pair of minus modifiers...which I hate, just because dice have a tendency to hate me anyway.
I can do 20, though. It just means I have to do some tricky number juggling.

[Angie]

The concept is pretty good. There's a clear goal to be working towards, so you're golden.

I want to hear from other potential players before I fully decide on stat point buy.

[Rhynarion]

I would like to add my voice in stating that, while 20 is fine, I would enjoy 25 quite a bit more.

On a side note, do you expect that the out of combat impact of people without Spellcasting will be very limited? Or will the intrigue-laden nature of the game make it more of a wash, with Skills being important too?

I ask because I want to use a Teisatsu Vigilante, but I play for RP a lot more than combat... And past experiences as Non-Casters have been, frankly, pretty terrible. My characters end up being dead weight whose only purpose is to carry loot for the Caster Overlords - if even that.

So I am worried that given my player profile/enjoyments I should be picking Cabalist, Warlock, or Magical Child?

[Angie]

What people forget about casting is that even illusion magic is very overt. You have to speak and make gestures and all. Spellcasting makes YOU the target. Spellcasters who act overtly against Na'aruse will find themselves with gigantic bounties on their heads.

Basically, I will ensure that magic is not just an easy "I win" button against the Na'aruse Tyranny. Even big dumb brute Barbarians will have an impact-you gotta have someone that intimidates the enforcers into backing down.

[Rhynarion]

I that case, I shall be applying with a Vishkanya Vigilante (Teisatsu) with a vigilante identity based on the Sandora Elite from Legend of Dragoon. Props to anyone familiar with that boss!

[Marie Reynolds]

I am okay with with 20 or 25 point buy, I'll be happy with what the majority chooses. Good to hear magic won't be an easy win button! What about things like the Enrapturing performance from the bard archetype  Lotus Geisha? Would that be more low key or what? I just want to know for flavoring purpose when I have to rp that out.

That was a fun fight In Legend of Dragoon from what I remember though might need to go play again to refresh myself.

[Vergil Tanner]

Awesome sauce I'll whip up the bio when I can, but obviously I'll need to know what Stat Buy we're using first.
I shall be applying with a Human Ranger, of the Horse Archer variety.

[Rhynarion]

Does the Gradian ban against Spellcasting apply only to Spellcasting and Spell-Like Abilities?

Both many Ninja Tricks and I believe all UnMonk Ki Powers are (Su), so I want to make sure whether or not being Gradian is an option for me.

[Angie]

I'm convinced. This game is big enough, you guys could use the 5 extra points. Point buy amended to 25 "Epic Fantasy" level.

I am okay with with 20 or 25 point buy, I'll be happy with what the majority chooses. Good to hear magic won't be an easy win button! What about things like the Enrapturing performance from the bard archetype  Lotus Geisha? Would that be more low key or what? I just want to know for flavoring purpose when I have to rp that out.

That was a fun fight In Legend of Dragoon from what I remember though might need to go play again to refresh myself.

Geishas and other performers often have key roles to play in these dark intrigues. Bardic Performances are not spells and don't ping any magic detecting abilities, so you'll only get found out if it becomes incredibly obvious that Saniki/Gradia/The CC is operating purely on what you're telling them.

Does the Gradian ban against Spellcasting apply only to Spellcasting and Spell-Like Abilities?

Both many Ninja Tricks and I believe all UnMonk Ki Powers are (Su), so I want to make sure whether or not being Gradian is an option for me.

Supernatural != (does not equal) Magic. Gradia is also the forerunner in Mage-Tech devices, so if you want, you can choose whether your Su abilities are from training or from the use of specialized gear.

[AndyZ]

I'll keep an eye on this.

[Marie Reynolds]

Are any races Restricted?

[Angie]

Are any races Restricted?

3rd party races are not allowed. Anything that's Paizo official is allowed, but if you have something that's really off the wall, talk to me first.

[Kathyan]

Definitely interested in this, will think about a concept that fits ^^

Also while I can work with 20 points I do prefer 25 as it will give me more freedom to develop a concept, but whatever you decide I'm fine with

[Angie]

Definitely interested in this, will think about a concept that fits ^^

Also while I can work with 20 points I do prefer 25 as it will give me more freedom to develop a concept, but whatever you decide I'm fine with

25 has been decided on. Will add to the CC Info.

[Marie Reynolds]

Hmm are Kitsune off the table?

[Angie]

Hmm are Kitsune off the table?

PF SRD lists them under Uncommon PAIZO Races. They're allowed.

[Marie Reynolds]

Cool, Where their Na'aruse defectors before the invasion?