PATHFINDER: The Dark Continent [System | PF1ed] (Members of evil cult needed!)

[CurvyKitten]

One of us, one of use! LOL So tempted to make another character and make them a cultist. LOL

[Kathadon]

Woah! That is a big E EVIL group.

Bold choice! I so would love to make an evil character. 

The only problem is how tiny Tide Pool is atm. Because 3 out of four of the groups would be motivated in shutting them down just on principle if they started advertising for Zhar, in character. Since they would not have the "legitimate business" angle Nox has. And Nox might act against them just to keep things profitable, and cut down the competition.

Sooo many ideas.

[HopeFox]

Well, we certainly can't say that there isn't variety in the parties now! I love them. :)

[FroggyBoi]

Woah! That is a big E EVIL group.

Bold choice! I so would love to make an evil character. 

The only problem is how tiny Tide Pool is atm. Because 3 out of four of the groups would be motivated in shutting them down just on principle if they started advertising for Zhar, in character. Since they would not have the "legitimate business" angle Nox has. And Nox might act against them just to keep things profitable, and cut down the competition.

Sooo many ideas.

Well, cults don't just advertise in the open silly, you gotta indoctrinate people!

Although that is a good point, they should probably have a cover story.

Also, now that I'm thinking about it, they don't strictly need to be evil or chaotic really, just definitely not good or lawful! Although Gwendolyn is definitely Evil.

[Kathadon]

What about magical academia research as the cover? Then you could in theory take any alignment and slowly have Zhar artifacts or cult members twist or corrupt them over time?

Only thing PhantomPistoleer would have to do then is throw in an occasional Zhar or related object in and you're golden.

[Rhynarion]

The only person without a home right now is Rhynarion, but he said he wanted to build a new character two weeks ago.  He hasn't yet, and I'm not sure if he will.  So, I've actually done an okay job putting players in slots.

Its actually only been just over a week. I'm typing up the concept currently.

[FroggyBoi]

Its actually only been just over a week. I'm typing up the concept currently.

Well, I hope they come to join the cult now that they're coming along!

What about magical academia research as the cover? Then you could in theory take any alignment and slowly have Zhar artifacts or cult members twist or corrupt them over time?

Only thing PhantomPistoleer would have to do then is throw in an occasional Zhar or related object in and you're golden.

I very much like that idea actually.

[ererruz]

FroggyBoi, your cult's idea really piqued my interest and while I usually gravitate towards the lawful side of the lawful-chaos axis when I create evil-aligned characters, the idea of worshipping a truly incomprehensible eldritch horror has its appeal. I don't think Zhar is an actual deity in Pathfinder, with a specific alignment or domains, or at least I haven't been able to find the info on that. If it's not fundamentally evil, just mind-bogglingly alien, it could technically be chaotic neutral as some other outer gods, which would make it easier to spread its visions to the masses. It doesn't mean that the cultists can't be evil -- to be honest, I would still imagine many might be more inclined to do evil if they are indeed fanatics ready to do anything for their god. This would obviously depend on the "message" the cult wants to spread and the portfolio Zhar would have -- if, let's say, it commanded revelry and satisfying one's desires over anything else, adventure- and pleasure-seeking people could be easily enticed to become a part. If its main commandment was more overtly destructive, it might be more difficult to get new followers without a more "appealing" facade to the cult.

Mechanically I would like to play a cleric (possibly evangelist) or maybe a warpriest (cult leader archetype) but given that Gwendolyn's an antipaladin, I think a cleric might fit better in order not to step on Gwendolyn's toes and further differentiate the focus of the two.

My idea for the character, if you're open to such a connection, Froggy, is to be Gwendolyn's "first disciple" so to speak -- one of the first (if not the first) she converted to the worship of Zhar. His whole life he was cursed (or, as he later comes to see it, thanks to Gwendolyn's guidance, blessed) with visions of an incomprehensible primordial void and its weirdly alluring ancient stare, which brought him ever closer to madness. Gwendolyn could have recognized my character as somehow touched by Zhar's infinite wisdom (or simply convinced him that it was Zhar's power even if it's not) and taught him His ways -- however brutal and cruel that teaching had to (or didn't have to...) be. It's just a start of the concept and I'll work on it later but I wanted to ask if that sounds like something that fits your view on the cult and Gwendolyn?

[PhantomPistoleer]

Froggy, why don’t you create an OOC room for your party?

Edit:  This is going to sound REALLY weird to new people, and it was not my original intent, but:

Our game has five OOC rooms.  There is one GENERAL OOC room, and four group OOC rooms.  With Froggy making a new group, we will have SIX OOC rooms.

You only have to keep up with the General OOC and your own group OOC, though.

[FroggyBoi]

I don't think Zhar is an actual deity in Pathfinder, with a specific alignment or domains, or at least I haven't been able to find the info on that. If it's not fundamentally evil, just mind-bogglingly alien, it could technically be chaotic neutral as some other outer gods, which would make it easier to spread its visions to the masses. It doesn't mean that the cultists can't be evil -- to be honest, I would still imagine many might be more inclined to do evil if they are indeed fanatics ready to do anything for their god. This would obviously depend on the "message" the cult wants to spread and the portfolio Zhar would have

To start with I'll just say that I'm not a huge fan of the alignment chart, but anyway... You are correct that Zhar isn't canon. It's actually the name of a Lovecraft great old one. And also, spoiler alert, that picture is actually Hastur, not canon Zhar, but (again) anyway...

I think that Zhar is evil because he has very little mercy for even his followers. He does try and treat His believers well, but He's not a very kind father. I also think Zhar is chaotic because He is hard to define metaphysically (Is that the right word? You get it.), His teachings largely disregard the laws commonly found on Golarion, and His rules are mostly subject to His whim.

Then again, He does have rules, and He does preach for His children to recognize their faults and each other's faults as mortals and encourages self-improvement. So there's a bit of positive spirituality and some guidelines, but I wouldn't say it makes him lawful good.

I think that the message that accompanies the rumors used to actually pull in new members would focus on a community where no one will look down on you for being inferior (as we are all inferior), an aspect of self-improvement, and guidance for those who are lost in life. That way it doesn't sound so evil, even if it is.

Mechanically I would like to play a cleric (possibly evangelist) or maybe a warpriest (cult leader archetype) but given that Gwendolyn's an antipaladin, I think a cleric might fit better in order not to step on Gwendolyn's toes and further differentiate the focus of the two.

My idea for the character, if you're open to such a connection, Froggy, is to be Gwendolyn's "first disciple" so to speak -- one of the first (if not the first) she converted to the worship of Zhar. His whole life he was cursed (or, as he later comes to see it, thanks to Gwendolyn's guidance, blessed) with visions of an incomprehensible primordial void and its weirdly alluring ancient stare, which brought him ever closer to madness. Gwendolyn could have recognized my character as somehow touched by Zhar's infinite wisdom (or simply convinced him that it was Zhar's power even if it's not) and taught him His ways -- however brutal and cruel that teaching had to (or didn't have to...) be. It's just a start of the concept and I'll work on it later but I wanted to ask if that sounds like something that fits your view on the cult and Gwendolyn?

I like both of those classes you suggested, and especially both of those archetypes. I wouldn't worry too much about stepping on Gwendolyn's toes too much, especially if there's going to be 5 or 6 of us. So play whichever you would like more. And anyway, Gwendolyn is going to be about tripping and zoning people out in general, so she's a bit specialized away from generic (un)holy fighter anyway.

I like the idea for the character too. As long as nobody else really wants to be the first disciple as well, I'm totally okay with you taking that position. And besides, we're all equally pathetic under Him. No seniority here.

I like the idea of his curse he becomes convinced is a boon. I think it would even be best to not decide and intentionally leave it vague as to if he was truly receiving His message or not.

Once your character is about done I'll see what I think again, but I'm not too picky. For now your idea is good!

Froggy, why don’t you create an OOC room for your party?

I will do that today, hopefully soon!

[PhantomPistoleer]

I just wanted to say:  Zhar isn't canon in Pathfinder, but the world is technically homebrew.*

In it, Zhar can totally exist.  As a matter of fact, Zhar exists even if the Children of Zhar group doesn't develop.  It's a great idea, and I am going to love incorporating that mythos into my game. :)

This is OUR world, erreruz.  You are free to build to it.

* Edit:  I say technically homebrew because I would describe a homebrew world as being GM-made, but this world is made by the community.

[FroggyBoi]

Here's the new OOC.

I'm hoping I'll add some more details to it today.

[PhantomPistoleer]

Just wonderful:

Here is a set of current links!

LINKS!

House Nox OOC
House Nox IC
Fortune OOC
Fortune IC
Crimson Dawn OOC
Crimson Dawn IC
Sept of the Green Horizon OOC
Sept of the Green Horizon IC
Children of Zhar OOC

MAIN OOC
Character Concepts
Recruitment

[ererruz]

I just wanted to say:  Zhar isn't canon in Pathfinder, but the world is technically homebrew.*

In it, Zhar can totally exist.  As a matter of fact, Zhar exists even if the Children of Zhar group doesn't develop.  It's a great idea, and I am going to love incorporating that mythos into my game. :)

This is OUR world, erreruz.  You are free to build to it.

* Edit:  I say technically homebrew because I would describe a homebrew world as being GM-made, but this world is made by the community.

Absolutely. Apologies if I suggested that it was any other way. The only reason I've mentioned Zhar as being canon was because I was wondering if he might have a list of domains or portfolio, which, given that I intend to play a cleric, was important for me to know  I will continue the discussion on Zhar and reply to Froggy's post on my idea in the OOC.

[PhantomPistoleer]

You don’t have to apologize!  C’mere, let the GM give ya a noogie!