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Other Games, Development, & Campaigns => Play by Post Games => Topic started by: Enkhidu on March 07, 2006, 09:17:29 AM

Title: Paths to Glory - Game has started! Check the PbP Forum now!
Post by: Enkhidu on March 07, 2006, 09:17:29 AM
Attention! I've temporarily suspended signup as we've already hit one more than my target number. But please check back throughout the week.

Hi all!

I've decided that - despite my ever mounting pile of responsibilites - I need a way to blow off some steam and kill some PCs. And since in our regular group I'm  more a player than DM (and we've got about a 6 to 9 month stint coming up where I think I'll be playing exclusively), this is going to be my outlet.

Paths to Glory will be a series of "Return to" adventures which should be fun for both grognards and 3E n00bs alike. Material will be made up solely of recycled modules from the 80s (sometimes beyond the ability to recognize them!), and players who sign up for the long haul should keep this in mind.

From a "keeping the game moving" perspective, I am going to request (not expect, but request) from the players that they post at least once every weekday, so this might affect your decision.

If you are interested, please sign up today! I'm looking for five to six players, and hope to have PCs created within the next two weeks so we can get up and running soon afterward.

Player List

Megamieuwsel
Mirth (dropped)
Roudi
Ottomsoh the Elderly
willpax
Elidia (dropped)
the ultimate nullifier
tleilaxu


[synopsis]Game Setting: TBD
Game System: D&D 3.5 (with houserules)

Paths to Glory[/synopsis]
[announcement]More info coming soon![/announcement]
Title: Paths to Glory - Recruiting and PC Talk
Post by: Megamieuwsel on March 07, 2006, 02:07:43 PM
Enkh :
A few specifics on the mechanics?
3.0 or 3.5? (If the latter , I'll have to locate that link to that damn pdf...)
What about "Splatbooks"? I prefer to do without , but can live with it if being "briefed" about the "extras" in play , derived from them. (That my character could reasonably know of ,that is..)

Are we going to use the board's system for rolling the initial stats , or are they handed out by you? (I'm quite fine with either)

Emphasis on story-telling or action? (Or anything in between , although I'm quite aware , they're not mutually exclusive....)

I'm very interested.
Title: Paths to Glory - Recruiting and PC Talk
Post by: Enkhidu on March 07, 2006, 02:29:31 PM
Quote from: Megamieuwsel
Enkh :
A few specifics on the mechanics?
3.0 or 3.5? (If the latter , I'll have to locate that link to that damn pdf...)
What about "Splatbooks"? I prefer to do without , but can live with it if being "briefed" about the "extras" in play , derived from them. (That my character could reasonably know of ,that is..)

Are we going to use the board's system for rolling the initial stats , or are they handed out by you? (I'm quite fine with either)

Emphasis on story-telling or action? (Or anything in between , although I'm quite aware , they're not mutually exclusive....)

I'm very interested.


We'll be using 3.5 for our base system. Mainly because there are so many online SRDs available for the masses (like http://www.d20srd.org for example). In addition, I'm mulling over making it a core only game, simply to level the library playing field. And because I can't fucking stand spell creep.

As for initial stats, I'm partial to generous point buys (like 34 pts) for character generation. It gives me fewer headaches.

For the story vs action thing, I'm by nature a simulationist who loves a good mix. That being said, I think this one will err on the side of story, simply because PbP doesn't lend itself well to lots of combat.

I should also mention that the way we'll be handling combat will be a bit different. Before we talk about specifics, rest assured that 1.) the changes won't be drastic and 2.) everything will be laid out before we start play. All changes will be aimed at making combat easier for everyone to deal with. While creating a virtual mat and figures is possible, it's not my idea of fun.
Title: Paths to Glory - Recruiting and PC Talk
Post by: Mirth on March 07, 2006, 04:55:46 PM
Color me interested. Starting at 1st level?

Mirth
Title: Paths to Glory - Recruiting and PC Talk
Post by: Roudi on March 07, 2006, 05:12:55 PM
I'm also interested.  Haven't played in a long while...
Title: Paths to Glory - Recruiting and PC Talk
Post by: Ottomsoh the Elderly on March 07, 2006, 06:44:36 PM
I'm interested, too.

What do we know about the setting?
Title: Paths to Glory - Recruiting and PC Talk
Post by: willpax on March 07, 2006, 08:34:30 PM
I'm interested, and second the notion of keeping to the core (not least because I never even got around to buying the 3.5 books).

There may be days when I won't be able to post (such as when on vacation), but I assume there will be some flexibility for those not-so-common situations, right?
Title: Paths to Glory - Recruiting and PC Talk
Post by: Elidia on March 07, 2006, 08:45:30 PM
Interested, want to hear more.
Title: Paths to Glory - Recruiting and PC Talk
Post by: el-remmen on March 07, 2006, 08:49:01 PM
With this fine group of people, I have to thrown my hat in as well. . .

Though I am curious about 1) setting, and 2) the same issue willpax brought up.  There will be a few times a year when I won't absolutely be able to post everyday.
Title: Paths to Glory - Recruiting and PC Talk
Post by: Enkhidu on March 07, 2006, 09:12:41 PM
Cool! People!

I'll get in a little more depth on setting sometime tomorrow. I've got some rough background material that I need t dust off and tweak.

As for time away - there's a number of ways I think we could handle it. If multiple people are going to be out at the same time, we'l probably take a full break (for example, I think we'd do so for a few weeks around the holidays). If not, we'll handle that on a case by case basis.
Title: Paths to Glory - Recruiting and PC Talk
Post by: Enkhidu on March 07, 2006, 09:25:17 PM
OK - we've got 7 interested parties at this point. What I'm going to do is temporarily cap the signup until Friday. Over the rest of the week I'll be adding setting content and answering questions, and at the end of it I'm going to ask for all those still interested to commit. If we at that point have less than 6, I'll open it back up.

In any event, start looking for setting content either late tonight or tomorrow!
Title: Paths to Glory - Recruiting and PC Talk
Post by: Guest (Deleted) on March 07, 2006, 09:59:10 PM
Quote from: Enkhidu
OK - we've got 7 interested parties at this point. What I'm going to do is temporarily cap the signup until Friday. Over the rest of the week I'll be adding setting content and answering questions, and at the end of it I'm going to ask for all those still interested to commit. If we at that point have less than 6, I'll open it back up.

In any event, start looking for setting content either late tonight or tomorrow!


In that case Gary Gygax official confers the title of Gamemaster upon you.
Title: Paths to Glory - Recruiting and PC Talk
Post by: el-remmen on March 07, 2006, 10:06:27 PM
Can the players discuss the kinds of characters they might want to play?
Title: Paths to Glory - Recruiting and PC Talk
Post by: Enkhidu on March 07, 2006, 10:53:00 PM
By all means - please start conversing!

Here's a tidbit on Races. Note that in the first campaign I ran in this setting, Goblins were player possible races, and Elves were not. Halflings in this setting  intermingle with humans, and culturally they have very few differences, and since noone ever played a gnome, they never came up.

Humans: This is the “normal” race, and needs no other explanation. Humans make up 99% of the Empire and the land surrounding it.

Dwarves: At the southern edge of the Empire, in the range of Mountains known to men as the Divide, lie the Dwarf Kingdoms. Dwarves rarely leave their homes, though an odd dwarf or two can be found throughout the south, playing the role of trader, craftsman, or noble advisor (dwarves, due to their long lives and memories, are prized as counsel throughout the Empire).

Goblins: These hairy, brutish creatures live barbaric lives in the forests to the west of the Empire. While not “evil” at heart, their savage nature has led them to raid and pillage along the frontier, taking livestock and goods where they are able. Goblin war parties are something to be feared, though luckily they are rarely seen by civilized folk.

Goblins come in a variety of sizes, from as short as a dwarf (though not nearly as meaty) to over 9 feet in height. Stories tell of even larger goblins (up to three men tall) though most scoff at such rubbish.

Elves: Some of the most popular folk tales throughout the Empire center on the legendary beauty and generosity of the elves. Yet for each tale a bard can tell about such qualities, two more exist about the less savory side of these magical creatures. They are both faerie and bogeyman, and their dealings with mankind range from romantic to frightening. All the stories agree that encounters with elves are exhilarating, and sometimes dangerous, events.
Title: Paths to Glory - Recruiting and PC Talk
Post by: Enkhidu on March 07, 2006, 11:00:40 PM
By all means - please discuss characters! Complementary PC are my bread and butter.

Here's a bit about time, and the passage therof - it should give you an inkling of the type of setting we'll be playing in:

The Passage of Time:

The Calendar: Since the earliest days of the Empire, each year has been split into 36 tendays and 5 more High Days. Then, every 5th year, and extra High Day is added in honor of the Daughter of the Sun, who appears from behind her father on the longest day of the year on that day. The tendays are ordered as so:

New Year
9 Tendays of Spring,
Birthday
9 Tendays of Summer,
Daughter’s Day
*Daughter’s Day (every 5th year, when the Sun’s Daughter lights up the sky for a day, a night, and this – the following day)
9 Tendays of Fall,
Remembrance Day
9 Tendays of Winter
Year’s End

Within a 10 day, most days are labeled for what day they are (Firstday, SeventhDay, etc.) However, 6th day is almost universally also know as Halfday. In many parts of the land, Halfday is a day of rest.

It is currently Eighthday in the 7th week of Spring, in the 2476th year (Empire reckoning).
Title: Paths to Glory - Recruiting and PC Talk
Post by: Enkhidu on March 07, 2006, 11:07:09 PM
Quote from: the ultimate nullifier
Can the players discuss the kinds of characters they might want to play?


test
Title: Paths to Glory - Recruiting and PC Talk
Post by: el-remmen on March 07, 2006, 11:45:30 PM
So I am thinking I want to play a wizard (maybe invoker), with a level or two of fighter working towards the Eldritch Knight (if available).
Title: Paths to Glory - Recruiting and PC Talk
Post by: Elidia on March 08, 2006, 12:17:54 AM
I might want to go the human monk route - Any alignment (no, I'm not going to go evil) or religious bits I need to know about?
Title: Paths to Glory - Recruiting and PC Talk
Post by: Ottomsoh the Elderly on March 08, 2006, 08:11:23 AM
Quote from: Enkhidu
Goblins were player possible races


Thank you. I appreciate it. I suppose the tall goblins you spoke off are hobgoblins and bugbears?

(OOC)

I'm thinking about a true neutral goblin druid with a wolf for animal companion. If psionic material from the SRD is open, I'm also interested for other character concepts.

Now, I'm open to options completely disconnected from my psionic goblin schtick here. Among the character concepts I've yet to play are the paladin (without a stick up the arse) and the "seeker of harmony" (a multiclassed druid/monk).
Title: Paths to Glory - Recruiting and PC Talk
Post by: Enkhidu on March 08, 2006, 09:06:11 AM
Otto: Yes, the larger goblins are simply hobgoblins and bugbears with the serial number files off - scholars disagree on exactly how goblins progress in size, and since so few goblins have been willing to take part in such conversations, its been a mystery in more civilized lands. In fact, during the game its quite likely you won't see anything but goblins as "humanoid of the week." There will be no orcs in this game. Speaking of which, anyone who wished to play a half-orc is more than welcome to. Keep it mechanically the same (a side effect of the goblins' advancement process mixed with human blood), but call them half-goblins.

And, since we've had not one but two people talk about playing more divine classes: a word on both politics and religion, which - as always - seem to be tied together.

Politics:

The following facts will be known to anyone with any sort of education or knowledge of current events.

The Crimson Empire: Sometimes called the Bloody Empire by its detractors (though always quietly), the Crimson Empire has been expanding rapidly for the past generation, when the current Emperor (his August Majesty, Tannic V, the Conqueror) took the throne. While his grandfather, Tannic III had been successful at peaceful annexation of nearby lands, the latest Emperor has captured lands through brute force. Six different kingdoms have fallen to the Emperor and his Marshalls, each more bloodily than the last.

The latest addition to the Empire was the Kingdom of Faris. When the Farisian King died without a full grown male heir, the Emperor put forth a claim to the crown based on ancient texts. When the nobles rejected his claim, Tannic invaded, taking the King’s eldest daughter as a consort and claiming the throne by right of marriage. The nobles, predictably, fought and were slaughtered wholesale by Marshall Rax, a cunning and brutal general, in a long and drawn out conflict that finally ended 10 years ago.

At present, the Empire is split into provinces, each of which is under the control of a Marshall. Laws are uniform throughout the Empire, and citizens (with papers to prove it) are supposedly able to travel without hindrance from one side of the Empire to the other. In practice, however, taxes stifle this sort of travel for all but the most wealthy. Additionally, certain parts of the Empire are under martial law (and have been since they were conquered).

The Frontier: While life within the borders of the Empire is filled with taxes, laws, and the like, the frontier is something wholly different. Though the Empire claims ownership of the land, it has little power there. It is fair to say that the reach of the Empire ends in the shadow of the trees. That is not to say, however, that the frontier is totally without law.

Across the frontier are a loose confederation of forts and townships governed by men “loyal” to the Empire. However, many of these men, while loyal to the Empire itself, have little love for the Emperor and his Marshalls.

The Post: Since its expansion, the Empire has either taken over or destroyed several large organizations under the protection of conquered Kingdoms. However, three have managed to retain some level of independence: the Silver Wheel, a very powerful merchant’s guild with a stranglehold on cloth and fabric, the Forge, a semi-independent network of master weapon and armor smiths, and the Post, which delivers mail all over the Empire and even into the Frontier. The Post is known to have ties with the Church of the Rising Sun, and many of their faithful volunteer to carry Post packages from area to area.



Religion:

In the Empire and the surrounding lands, the worship of local nature gods is common. Shrines often dot the landscape, and certain areas of the Empire even have “house gods” that watch over families. However, three major sects also exist, all of which believe they serve the “one true god.”

The Children of Rao: The oldest and largest church in the Empire has endured as long as the Empire has. However, since its founding by the Daughter of the Sun 1500 years ago, it has changed many times. Currently, it is a religion centered in the mountain monasteries at the northern edge of the Divide in the South Eastern Empire. Most people in the Old Empire consider themselves to be one of the Children of Rao, though this has little bearing on their day to day lives beyond the occasional visit to temple and yearly offerings.

The sect is a monotheistic religion that believes that Rao is the source of all things. All other supernatural beings are spirits, ghosts, demons, and angels that exist – as does Man – at the whim of Rao. Devout followers of the sect believe that the Universe follows Rao’s plan (and that such a plan is both supremely ordered and beyond mortal comprehension), and that the best possible life is one that fits perfectly in that plan. Thus they concentrate on perfection of self in word, deed, body, and spirit.

[Clerics of the Children of Rao can freely mutliclass as Monks due to their emphasis on spirituality, order, and the belief in perfection of self.]

The Church of the Rising Son: Originally, this sect was simply an offshoot of the Children of Rao, but 400 years ago, when the Daughter’s Son returned and put evil men under sword and hammer, some believed that he was more than a saint. They spoke of him ascending to the heavens on a stallion made of fire to live with his mother and grandfather. Eventually, this sect broke with the Children of Rao to become the Church of the Rising Son.

Faithful in the Church believe strongly that the good and just will be rewarded in the afterlife (as do the Children of Rao), however, they also believe that righteous men and women have the duty to spread as much good works as possible while still mortal. At their best, they run charitable organizations, serve as guardsmen to protect the weak, and support the Post (because there are few joys that match seeing the look on a person’s face when they receive much needed news from a home far away). At their worst, however, they have been known to also try to mete out punishment to the evil and wicked. Yet the most righteous of the faithful temper their justice with mercy, as the Son did when he spared Cadogen the Redeemed.

[Clerics of the Rising Son can multiclass freely as Paladins due to their emphasis on order used for the protection of the innocent and the smiting of evil.]

The Cult of the Red God: The Cult, known to its members as the Holy Order of the Crimson Hand, was a little known religion from beyond the Divide until the rise of House of Tirel (the current ruling house) 140 years ago. Since then, it has grown to become one of the more popular religions in the Empire. 50 years ago, it even became the Official religion of the Empire. Lay persons in the Holy Order attend services every High Day in huge celebrations, while the priests of the order hold Halffday services for the Initiated. The Initiated do not speak of the services.

The Holy Order is a popular religion that teaches many of the same credos as both the Children of Rao and the Church of the Rising Son, but historians agree that it is not related to the other two.


And some less specific info on druids: if you played or are familair with 1e Druids, you've got a pretty good handle on the Circle. They are a loosely organized group of druids who watch over the forests, swamps, and hills of the Empire. Most druids watch over a specific area (as in most NPC druids will be static in nature), though a handful after "training" have been allowed to roam freely. These druids are most often the ones that have been idenitified as being destined for greatness or leadership.
Title: Paths to Glory - Recruiting and PC Talk
Post by: Megamieuwsel on March 08, 2006, 10:52:33 AM
I think I'll break with my own tradition and go with a Fighter (I usually play rogues ,bards or sorcerors...)

More questions : Starting at 1st lvl?
How much background-story is "too Little" , how much is "Too Much"? (I can easily come up with a small novel for background alone...)

34 point-buy , eh?
Good.
I'll start working on it.
Title: Paths to Glory - Recruiting and PC Talk
Post by: Enkhidu on March 08, 2006, 11:30:15 AM
Quote from: Megamieuwsel
I think I'll break with my own tradition and go with a Fighter (I usually play rogues ,bards or sorcerors...)

More questions : Starting at 1st lvl?
How much background-story is "too Little" , how much is "Too Much"? (I can easily come up with a small novel for background alone...)

34 point-buy , eh?
Good.
I'll start working on it.


Let's split the difference - how does everyone feel about starting at level 2 instead of level 1? It would give a chance for a little backstory, and increase survivability for the PCs.

Another thing to think about during backstory/character creation - I strongly encourage talking about PC connections early and often. My best gaming experiences have come from said connections.
Title: Paths to Glory - Recruiting and PC Talk
Post by: Ottomsoh the Elderly on March 08, 2006, 12:34:49 PM
I'm perfectly okay with starting at second level.

I'm not very familiar with 1e druid, so... What's the Circle? Just an organization or a religion too? Are there racial tensions inside?
Title: Paths to Glory - Recruiting and PC Talk
Post by: el-remmen on March 08, 2006, 12:37:25 PM
2nd level works for me, i can start off as fighter/wizard right away. . .
Title: Paths to Glory - Recruiting and PC Talk
Post by: Enkhidu on March 08, 2006, 02:08:28 PM
Quote from: Ottomsoh the Elderly
I'm perfectly okay with starting at second level.

I'm not very familiar with 1e druid, so... What's the Circle? Just an organization or a religion too? Are there racial tensions inside?


I've always seen Druids as a bit of an odd duck. No two Druids will see nature in exactly the same way (unless they are master and student, and even then its not guaranteed), and as a result there's really no unified dogma. So there's really no "religion" per se. Some may believe their gifts come from a deep and primal connection with the earth. Others may see it as working with the natural forces. And still others might say that their powers result from knowing how to properly call upon the spirits of wood and water an stone.  Still, druids as a rule recognize other druids as fellows in the good fight, and treat them as such. This is where the Circle comes in.

The Circle is loosely organized group of druids that works toward common goals, and who's tiers equate roughly to the levels at which druids gain new spell levels (for example, most 7th level druids are Initiates of the Fourth Circle). In this respect, advancement within the organization is based on merit.  The higher Circles often watch over the lower Circles, serving to coordinate efforts when needed, arbitrate in disputes over territory (because many druids in the Circle - especially those who relish wildshaping - tend to be protective of said territory), etc.

As for racial tensions, their aren't many. In fact, the normal prejudice a goblin (large or small) might find in more civilized lands is often absent in the Circle.

Oh, and there's two more things a landless druid (which I think you will want to play, for mobility's sake) should know. One, Circle custom when moving through another druid's territory requires granting a boon if you are met by the druid in question. Two, if you meet another landless druid, custom dicates ritual (and non-lethal) combat, supervised by the nearest grove (landed) druid.

Hopefully that answers come questions without bringing up too many others.
Title: Paths to Glory - Recruiting and PC Talk
Post by: Roudi on March 08, 2006, 05:27:46 PM
I'd like to play a bard... I already have a 1st level human bard statted up from a game that never got off the ground, so I think I'll just advance him.  Hope no one has any issues with having a eunuch in the party.
Title: Paths to Glory - Recruiting and PC Talk
Post by: Ottomsoh the Elderly on March 08, 2006, 07:02:08 PM
Okay.

So let say a true neutral goblin druid. Landless of course. Spiritual beliefs are a personal synchretism of animism and Rising Son credo. (Not a member of the Church at all, but has some sympathy for them and the Post.) Comes from the Frontier, of course, and accepts sometimes to serve as guide to people needing to travel through the forest (with the added bonus that this way it's easier to keep an eye on them, and keep them away from places sacred to the druid).

What do you think, all?
Title: Paths to Glory - Recruiting and PC Talk
Post by: el-remmen on March 08, 2006, 07:16:29 PM
Quote from: Ottomsoh the Elderly

What do you think, all?


I like it a lot.

I see my guy as a kind of mystic.  He is a wizard only because he is a seeker of lore and its applications - and that also applies to the martial arts - in particular swordmanship (we'll see how that part of him develops - I like to leave that kind of thing to the campaign. I usually don't come at it with a pre-build mentality.  At first I though eldritch knight, but now all sorts of things seem possible.

He is going to be a bit of an odd duck.  I envision looking a bit like Kramer from Seinfeld, with a bit of that awkward energy (but not as annoying or flakey).  He has a strong impetus to do good deeds because he feels it is a kind of spirtual strength as being "good" is not easy.
Title: Paths to Glory - Recruiting and PC Talk
Post by: willpax on March 08, 2006, 09:30:05 PM
I have two concepts in mind. I'd be happy with either, so I would appreciate some advice about which the other party members would see as more likely to join in with the emerging band.

Concept #1: A young son of a noble house (one of the supporting houses in Faris, perhaps) that is presumed destroyed by the Crimson Empire. In reality, he escaped and has been living a rough life in anonymity. He alternates between resignation at his cruel fate and a burning desire to avenge his family and his land. In terms of class, he will be a multiclass rogue/sorceror (with more rogue levels over the long haul, possibly leading to some assassin levels if it works with the story). Although revenge is a motive, he is also somewhat constrained by a sense of honor and ethics, leading to frequent moral dilemmas and anguished cut corners. All the while, he is aware that, should his identity become known, he may not have long to live.

Concept #2: A mendicant holy man in the mold of Friar Tuck--a cleric, but one more reliant on a swift knock on the head instead of a sermon, and a great mace instead of a pen. He's big, boisterous, and doing Rao's dirty work. Given a naturally disorderly nature, he quickly realized that he would not get far in the traditional hierarchy, so he has taken to the back roads and hills, carrying messages for the Post and helping people however he can.

As I said before, either sound like fun, so it really is whichever character you think might be more fun to have around.
Title: Paths to Glory - Recruiting and PC Talk
Post by: Megamieuwsel on March 09, 2006, 12:48:57 AM
Will : That first option is exactly in the same vein , I had in mind.
Care to set 'em up as brothers?
Btw : I had a thought or two about 'em being also part of a partisan cell of sorts. Not sure , how that will fly.
Title: Paths to Glory - Recruiting and PC Talk
Post by: Roudi on March 09, 2006, 01:01:49 AM
willpax, if you're willing to play your first concept, then I think our backstories could weave together nicely.

Julian Fairhair had only one blessing in his life; his ability to produce stirring, angelic, and lyrical song with his voice.  He and his twin brother were the youngest of seven siblings, who lived with their father and mother deep in an urban slum.  A few years before their birth, their father had lost a successful exchange business.  Their were only four Fairhair children at that time.  The cost of raising a family (a family that gained three more mouths in three short years) brought the moderately wealthy Fairhair family down into the streets.  When Julian had reached seven years of age, the elder Fairhair and his wife decided the best chance for their family was to sell off the youngest five children into servitude.  Julian was sold to a wealthy noble family, where he became a waiting boy to the mistress of the house and a regular source of entertainment.  Julian's singing enchanted the noble family so much that, on his ninth birthday, they had him castrated to preserve his angelic voice.

Julian was well-treated in the noble household, but he yearned for a different life.  The other servants would often catch Julian in the master's study, pouring over tomes containing great tales of valor and epic adventure.  Julian longed to travel the world and witness the kind of adventures he read about, desiring to tell their tales as did the bards who penned the volumes.  Though he probably didn't realize it, deep down he wanted to be a part of a great adventure himself.


This is where you come in, willpax.  If you go with your first concept, then we could easily say that the noble house you seek to avenge is the same that kept a teenage waiting boy with a voice of gold.  We'd probably know of each other, even if the son of a nobleman such as your character didn't associate with the "help".
Title: Paths to Glory - Recruiting and PC Talk
Post by: Ottomsoh the Elderly on March 09, 2006, 06:50:25 AM
OK, it seems Willpax will go with concept #1, given the positive responses so far. I think #2 is funnier and easier to integrate with my character, though.
Title: Paths to Glory - Recruiting and PC Talk
Post by: el-remmen on March 09, 2006, 08:48:57 AM
Yeah,  I was going to suggest #2 because we should probably have a cleric.
Title: Paths to Glory - Recruiting and PC Talk
Post by: Enkhidu on March 09, 2006, 09:43:31 AM
A word or two about money:

Money and Commerce:

Barter: Throughout the Empire and the surrounding states, barter is the most common form of trade. Livestock, produce, and other goods are the most prevalent, though the trading of services through “Task Houses” in the Empire are growing in the south.

Coinage: Merchants, while cursing the Empire for the wars it has caused over the past two generations and the taxes it collects on roads and bridges, love Imperial coin. The coins are standard, accepted almost everywhere (even in areas not controlled by the Empire), and is widely regarded (by men) as the best coins ever made. The different coin types (plus their equivalent worth in standard D&D) are described below.

The “Cheque” is a rectangular coin about the size of a large man’s thumb, scored to be able to be broken into 10 “Bits.” [A Bit equals one copper piece, and a Cheque equals one silver piece]. Both coins are made of SilverSteel (a lightweight and relatively soft metal). The Plaque is made in the same manner as the Cheque, though it is actually made of gold and is half the size (though nearly the same weight). All Plaques are emblazoned with the Imperial seal on one side and the name and image of the emperor on the other. Plaques are not scored as Cheques are. [A Plaque equals on gold piece].

1 Plaque = 10 Cheques = 100 Bits
Title: Paths to Glory - Recruiting and PC Talk
Post by: Megamieuwsel on March 09, 2006, 11:42:07 AM
Quote from: the ultimate nullifier
Yeah,  I was going to suggest #2 because we should probably have a cleric.

Duh...
Fighter+Cleric...
Knights Templar anyone?
I'd be willing to go that route.
If Will decides on #2 , no problem either ; The I could go Fighter/Rogue. More fitting with the "Resistance-cell"-thingy.

But I'd rather have Will make up his mind soon enough for me to decide my own path.
Title: Paths to Glory - Recruiting and PC Talk
Post by: Mirth on March 09, 2006, 06:55:26 PM
I played a Cleric in an all-Goblin PbP campaign on EnWorld that kind of petered out. He was eventually going to be a Cleric/Paladin because the DMG actually had a line in it about Goblin Paladins not being playable characters and I liked the irony. I played him as a civil rights leader for the Goblins who were trying to assimilate into Human society.

I absolutely loved the character and would love to dust him off for this campaign, but I can understand if that steps on other character concepts, especially since I'm delivering him late in the process. Let me know what you all think, one way or the other. Perhaps I can drum up something else that would fit...

Mirth
Title: Paths to Glory - Recruiting and PC Talk
Post by: Roudi on March 09, 2006, 07:31:06 PM
I rather like the idea of a goblin paladin.  That's the kind of character that someone like Julian would gravitate towards... an underdog hero, playing against the odds, and possibly (maybe, hopefully) destined for greatness!

The kind of stuff bards sing about for ages... or, you know, that get turned into bawdy tavern jokes involving wenches and a pun about lay on hands.
Title: Paths to Glory - Recruiting and PC Talk
Post by: willpax on March 09, 2006, 08:32:05 PM
I thought showing some flexibility would make things easier, not harder. :confused:

So, let's see:

Mirth: goblin cleric or paladin
Ottomsoh: goblin druid
u.n.: fighter/wizard
Roudi: bard
Elidia: monk

We seem to have at least three semi-healers already in the band, so how does this sound to round things out:

Megamiewsel and I can be the brothers of the destroyed house (fraternal twins, but not very similar in talents). He can go the charismatic fighter (or fighter/cleric) type, and be a natural leader. I am the somewhat darker, more devious brother whose talents lie in roguery (we will need a sneak of some type to complement the monk).

So: Roudi was integral in getting us out of trouble when the invasion came, so, although we used to treat him like a servant, we both feel that we owe him our lives (mixed with, perhaps, some lingering guilt over that operation). We have sought refuge in a wilderness/borderland area and befriended the rest of the group, at least one or two of whom see this as home (perhaps the druid).

I'm sure we can work on some better integration, but how's that for a start?
Title: Paths to Glory - Recruiting and PC Talk
Post by: Mirth on March 09, 2006, 08:46:39 PM
Quote from: willpax
I thought showing some flexibility would make things easier, not harder. :confused:


I'm not absolutely tied to the character and I can always come up with something else, so don't feel like you have to change. As I said, I don't want to step on any toes. It's all about love and peace (pax), baby. :D

Mirth
Title: Paths to Glory - Recruiting and PC Talk
Post by: Enkhidu on March 09, 2006, 09:02:57 PM
Alright - based on the replies I'm seeing, I think I know the answer to my next question for you as players, but I'm going to ask it anyway.

As you might have divined from the tidbits I've posted so far, the Empire is a big place, and one that covers a lot of different cultures, which in turn lend themselves to different styles of play and player preferences.

So here's the question: what sort of game are you - as players - looking for? I know my personal preference is to do whatever makes for a more convincing and three dimensional setting, but some of you might have particular tastes. Are you looking for a game heavy in political intrigue? Then we'll start closer to the Old Empire, where the families are ruthless and the streets run red with tape. Or you looking for an exploration heavy game? That would be a game set almost wholly in the frontier. Or maybe you're looking for a tumultuous atmosphere? Then one of the newly annexed kingdoms north of Faris might do well, as long as you could stay clear of the Marshalls, goblins raiding parties, and the mercenaries used by the Empire during their conquest that liked what they saw and just won't leave.

There's room in this settig for all these and more, so what's you're poison?
Title: Paths to Glory - Recruiting and PC Talk
Post by: Roudi on March 09, 2006, 09:57:33 PM
Quote from: willpax
So: Roudi was integral in getting us out of trouble when the invasion came, so, although we used to treat him like a servant, we both feel that we owe him our lives (mixed with, perhaps, some lingering guilt over that operation).

I'm sure we can work on some better integration, but how's that for a start?

I like that; we can work with it.

As for the type of game, Enkhidu, I'm game for all three.
Title: Paths to Glory - Recruiting and PC Talk
Post by: Megamieuwsel on March 10, 2006, 02:19:52 AM
I'd like somekinda mix of it : Some stiff political infighting in the Borderlands ; Lots of "New Nobillity" , vying for power in the fresh lands and stuff like that.
And yes ; those pesky , sticky mercenaries and their bandit ilk can play their role too.
And then ; It's the fringe , so there'll be plenty of uncharted area to appeal to the "exploration"-lovers.

I'll work out a concept for a backgroud and mail it to Will and Roudi for review and correction/additions ,so we can give it here cut&dried.
It would help greatly , if you guys mailed me the basics of your characters' personalities and chosen names.
Title: Paths to Glory - Recruiting and PC Talk
Post by: Ottomsoh the Elderly on March 10, 2006, 05:07:53 AM
I'd say exploration around the Frontier or swashbuckling in troubled kingdoms are my favorite. After all, we're mostly ignorant of the subtleties of the campaign setting, so intrigues would be hard to get into in my opinion. At least in the beginning of the campaign, it can evolve into this direction after a while.

For example we can start in the recently annexed kingdom that once belonged to will's and t.u.n.'s characters, live off adventures for a while, until our exiled nobles decide to try to worm their way back in the political system to get their castle back...
Title: Paths to Glory - Recruiting and PC Talk
Post by: willpax on March 10, 2006, 08:35:13 AM
Quote
For example we can start in the recently annexed kingdom that once belonged to will's and t.u.n.'s characters, live off adventures for a while, until our exiled nobles decide to try to worm their way back in the political system to get their castle back...


This works for me, and should allow for a good deal of flexibility--some wilderness to start off with, with progressively more intrigue as it progresses.

I'll start working on character details with this group in mind. Enkhidu, are there some naming conventions or styles you would prefer for a former member of the Farisian royalty?
Title: Paths to Glory - Recruiting and PC Talk
Post by: el-remmen on March 10, 2006, 09:14:29 AM
I too vote for starting out in the frontier and then moving in a more civilizied direction over time.

Maybe the noble guys came out to the frontier to escape persecution?  

I kind of see my guy like Caine from Kung-fun traveling the west helping people. ;)
Title: Paths to Glory - Recruiting and PC Talk
Post by: Enkhidu on March 10, 2006, 10:15:37 AM
This is just about perfect, as the pseudo frontier is where I set my last game in this setting (and was where I was leaning toward starting anyway). I'll dig my crude maps out this weekend and see if I can scan them in and post them up for Monday.

As for naming conventions, maybe it would be best to look at it in terms of cultural models. Note that I'm not expecting anyone to abide by these guidelines - please feel free to name your PC whatever you want. These are merely suggestions on sound and feel:

* The Old Empire (which lies in the south and east, near the sea) has a very Italian feel to it. Picture city-state era Italy, with a heavy Moorish influence (which comes from south of the Divide). The Medici's would be right at home there.

* To the north of the Old Empire lie a series of small kingdoms with germano-gallic overtones (circa the fall of Rome). Most of these kingdoms ranged in size from Luxembourg to Belgium, and were very fractured. The largest of the kingdoms was about the size of Ohio (and was the first to fall to the current Emporer in a bloody fight). For naming people from here, look to here (http://www.themiddleages.net/people/names.html) for real world examples of good names (look for the portion titled "Early Germanic Names from Primary Sources").

* Faris (the largest of the Southern kingdoms in the west) is related to the Old Empire in that they have a common root, but while the Old Empire grew into a rather Byzantine society, Faris became rooted in tradition. Farisians usually have names that sound vaguely Spanish in origin. Some good examples can be found here (http://www.s-gabriel.org/names/miguel/sahagun/sahagunNames1.html#names).

* The five kingdoms of the NW are much smaller than Faris, and as a result fell to the Empire's conquest much more quickly than the Farisians did. However, their people have so far proven much more difficult to govern: while the high kings are now either dead or converted, the petty kings, eolderman, and eorls have pretty much done as they will. The Marshalls in charge of these ares quickly came to realize that even the former high kings had very little power, but that the people - if left basically alone and occassionally told (forcefully) to pay their taxes - weren't much trouble. At this point, most of of five kingdoms still operates as it did under the old rulership, though the roadways and bridges are considered sacrosanct, and the Marshalls have more than once struck against eorls or thanes who've set tolls on those ways. Here (http://www.s-gabriel.org/names/aelfwyn/bede.html) are a few names that I picture fitting.

* Goblins are, for lack of a better term, quite like the stereotypical american indian. They are tribal, superstitious (and yet very ritualistic), and regarded as savage due to their war parties. They are not as a group evil. However, the different tribes fued constantly among themselves, and who knows what goblin tribes lie further west in the unknown? Goblin names tend to be descriptive in nature or animal oriented.
Title: Paths to Glory - Recruiting and PC Talk
Post by: Elidia on March 10, 2006, 02:20:39 PM
I see myself as a monk of the Children of Rao, who has become so enthralled at the idea of reaching perfection that she has developed a slightly snooty outlook about the lesser beings that surround her. She "loves" them of course, because they are all Rao's children... but she sees herself as an older sister putting up with the antics of the youngers.

Perhaps she can be a cousin to Willpax's character, who others are trying to "convince" to leave the church and resume her place in the nobility by marrying her off to a lord who wants the easiest way to gain the land that she's first in line to inherit. She had avoided bloodshed in the war by running off to join the church and becoming a monk, the local version of joining the nunnery. Say she was 12 when this happened at the beginning or mid-point of the war and 11 years have passed, leaving her a 23 year old who doesn't have much experience out there in the world, but is utterly convinced that she can change social problems through her force of will and shining example of perfection.

Are we agreed to be from Faris? I'll name myself as soon as I get the answer to that.
Title: Paths to Glory - Recruiting and PC Talk
Post by: Megamieuwsel on March 10, 2006, 03:17:08 PM
More questions :
Starting Gold and Hitpoints : Both max? DM doles 'em out? going with board's dice-roller?

Trying to create my character , y'know...
Title: Paths to Glory - Recruiting and PC Talk
Post by: Megamieuwsel on March 10, 2006, 04:28:16 PM
Also:
For those who want to join the "da Silva"-family ;
I need at least the following in order to write up the mutual concept-background:

-Physical appearance
-Traits(The obvious ones at least)
-Class(es) - In case of multi-class , mention starting-class.
-Character-name.

My character-name will be Ramirez da Silva*

*)Working-name ; can be changed if desired
Title: Paths to Glory - Recruiting and PC Talk
Post by: willpax on March 10, 2006, 05:56:56 PM
In keeping with the theme, I'll go with Ferro da Silva as my given name. Ferro has some inborn magical talent (an infrequent trait that isn't really seen as a good thing, so is usually kept quiet). Mostly, Ferro spent his time sneaking around the family castle, as he was fairly certain he would not be destined for leadership; while in hiding, he has developed his magical talents a bit more (translation: rogue 1/sorceror 1, with some ranks in knowledge:nobility).

How's this sound, M: dad was a rather prolific man with quite a number of children; he outlived (the less charitable would say "wore out") four different wives (and several concubines, if the rumors are true), and each produced between two and six offspring. Family dynamics were, to say the least, complicated. We were the offspring of wife #3, and never had any expectation of anything more than a modest holding when we came of age.

The da Silva family is known for jet black hair (or whatever); given the family tradition, that trait is fairly common in Faris.

My children have been pestering me incessantly over the 1 1/2 hours it has taken me to do this, so I'll end here and try to add more later.
Title: Paths to Glory - Recruiting and PC Talk
Post by: Ottomsoh the Elderly on March 10, 2006, 06:27:47 PM
First, the point-buy chart:
Code: [Select]
9: 1 point
10: 2 points
11: 3 points
12: 4 points
13: 5 points
14: 6 points
15: 8 points
16: 10 points
17: 13 points
18: 16 points


Now, my character. It'll be a WIP for now, of course.
Ashen Leaves, Goblin Druid 2
[sblock]
1. Buying points:
[sblock]Str 4 pts = 12-2=10
Dex 6 pts = 14+2=16
Con 4 pts = 12
Int 6 pts = 14
Wis 8 pts = 15
Cha 6 pts = 14-2=12
Racial adjustments: -2 Strength, +2 Dexterity, -2 Charisma.[/sblock]
2. Setting skill ranks:
[sblock]30 skill points, 24 at first level and 6 at second.
+4 size bonus to Hide, +4 racial bonus to Ride and Move Silently
Class skills are:[sblock]
Concentration (Con), Craft (Int), Diplomacy (Cha), Handle Animal (Cha), Heal (Wis), Knowledge (nature) (Int), Listen (Wis), Profession (Wis), Ride (Dex), Spellcraft (Int), Spot (Wis), Survival (Wis), Swim (Str)
Weird that they don't have knowledge geography.[/sblock]
Concentration 5 ranks
Handle Animal 5 ranks
Knowledge (nature) 5 ranks
Ride 5 ranks
Survival 3 ranks
Spellcraft 3 ranks
Swim 1 rank
Craft (alchemy) 1 rank
Knowledge (geography) 1.0 ranks (even though it's cross-class, it would be weird for a landless druid to ignore the lay of the lands he traveled...)
[/sblock]
3. Choosing a feat:
Mounted Combat, naturally :)

All that may still be changed, of course.
[/sblock]
Title: Paths to Glory - Recruiting and PC Talk
Post by: willpax on March 10, 2006, 10:41:44 PM
If I can get these spoiler tags right, I'll post the first draft of Ferro da Silva, rogue 1/ sorceror 1, vengeful former (human) noble.

Stats[sblock]
Str (2 pts): 10 (0)
Dex (10 pts): 16 (+3)
Con (4 pts): 12 (+1)
Int (10 pts): 16 (+3)
Wis (2 pts): 10 (0)
Cha (6 pts): 14 (+2)[/sblock]

Skills[sblock]
Ranks: 48 first level rogue + 5 for level in sorceror (class skills accounted for)

Balance (1 rank +3 stat): 4
Bluff (2 ranks + 2 stat): 4
Climb (4 ranks + 0 stat): 4
Concentration (2 ranks +1 stat): 3
Craft trap (1 rank + 3 stat): 4
Decipher (2 ranks + 3 stat): 5
Disable device (4 ranks + 3 stat): 7
Disguise (1 rank +2 stat): 3
Escape artist (1 rank + 3 stat): 4
Forgery (1 rank + 3 stat): 4
Hide (4 ranks + 3 stat): 7
Jump (2 ranks + 0 stat): 2
Knowedge: nobility (1 rank + 3 stat): 4
Listen (2 ranks + 0 stat): 2
Move silent (4 ranks + 3 stat + 2 familiar): 9
Open lock (4 ranks + 3 stat): 7
Search (1 rank +3 stat): 4
Sense motive (2 ranks + 0 stat): 2
Sleight of hand: (4 ranks + 3 stat): 7
Spot (2 ranks + 0 stat): 2
Swim (2 ranks + 0 stat): 2
tumble (4 ranks + 3 stat): 7
[/sblock]

Feats and abilities: [sblock]
Sneak attack +1d6
trap finding
familiar (a black cat named Cid)
feat (human): point blank shot
feat (1st level): precise shot
Spells known (0): mage hand, ghost sound, message, open/close
Spells known (1): color spray, silent image [/sblock]
Title: Paths to Glory - Recruiting and PC Talk
Post by: Megamieuwsel on March 11, 2006, 03:51:47 AM
First the stats for Ramirez , Rogue1/Fighter1:
As you can see : Going the Scout-way

Stats:[sblock]Str   : 16
Dex : 15
Con : 10
Int   : 14
Wis  : 10
Cha : 14[/sblock]
Skills:[sblock]Balance-4 ranks
Bluff-4ranks
Climb-4ranks
Disable Device-4ranks
Escape Artist-4ranks
Hide-4ranks
Knowledge Nature(woodlands)-4ranks
Listen-4ranks
Move Silently-4ranks
Search-4ranks
Spot-4ranks
Survival-4ranks
Tumble-5ranks
Use Rope-5ranks[/sblock]
Feats:[sblock]Sneak-attack : 1d6 (Rogue)
Alertness (1st level)
Ambidexterity (Human)
Two-Weapon Fighting(Fighter 1st-lvl)[/sblock]
Title: Paths to Glory - Recruiting and PC Talk
Post by: Ottomsoh the Elderly on March 12, 2006, 01:21:14 PM
Let's recapitulate:

Characters so far:
Suggested character ties so far:
Since we have three exilees (four if Elidia's character is included) trying to hide in the Frontier, my own character's tie is obvious, the Silva bros used the services of Ashen Leaves to find a safe place to hide and to discover safe trails to nearby communities where various necessities can be found.

If Mirth's character's a goblin, he can be from the same tribe as Ashen Leaves, maybe even a friend or relative.
Title: Paths to Glory - Recruiting and PC Talk
Post by: Guest (Deleted) on March 12, 2006, 02:33:12 PM
Guys, once Enkindu starts a blog page for this I'm going to merge this thread into the comment thread for that blog - afterwards I'll apply the markers to this thread for Out of character as needed then close this forum.
Title: Paths to Glory - Recruiting and PC Talk
Post by: Megamieuwsel on March 12, 2006, 04:25:52 PM
Cool.

Now the following :
Will ; Don't you think it a tad unlikely , the twins' entire carreer-achievement took place , before their home was run over and nothing worth mentioning was achieved in the time between that "happening" and the start of the adventure?

Just a rough sketch , I had in mind:
Quote

Both , albeit for different reasons , practised their "Rogue"-skills , when still under the somewhat slacking supervision of their father.(Sometimes , it's a boon , not beying "the apple of daddies eye"...) ; Ferro to hide his innate magical nature and Ramirez out of a sense of "I'm not gonna be tha King , so might as well get me some Life-Experience and fun".
Ramirez , lacking his brother's magical incling , leaned more toward the physical parts of City-life , as well as spending some quality-time in the surrounding forrests.

When the Ancestral Castle fell to the hands of the Empire and Julian , their buddy on many a nightly "adventure" downtown , Managed to drag them out of it through a secret passage , he discovered some time ago(See : Nightly "adventures" downtown...) , both brothers decided the days of frolicking and fun were over. Were they to ever make a chance of regaining their ancestral heritage , they'd better make sure their skills would match their challenges.

For Ferro this came naturally ; Without the overbearing eye of the parents and their disapproval of "Untamed Arcana" he was free to unleash his innate powers , so long oppressed and develop them with the help of the few tomes , he managed to snatch from the castle'library , during their flight.

Ramirez , on the other hand , had no such "special gift" , which set him apart from his brother ; They were identical in appearnce 'till then : Slender ,not too tall and both gifted with the raven-black hair and ice-blue eyes , so typical for the Da Silva-family.
"Where the brain is lacking , the muscle must make good" and thus Ramirez , already the stronger of the two , came to find himself training swords and combat-techniques , when Ferro's "tricks" weren't enough.
His early-on interest for the woodlands and what lives in it , more than once saved them from a foe , stronger than even the meanest band of brigands ; Hunger&Thirst. The boy had developped a keen eye for what's edible and what's not from an early age.

And then there's Julian.
Good 'Ole Julian Fairhair , with his golden voice and unmatched knowledge of the old castles hidden pathways. A pal from early on , since he was about the same age as the twins , he was the one that sparked their innate curiousity for the weird and unknown. Not to mention , his voice more than once managed to get them a hot meal and a soft bed when they were wandering the lands since the occupation.

And then there's the odd nugget in this company ; Ashen Leaves.
As handsome(physically) the three lads from the Da Silva-castle are , as "out of place" this one looks. But looks are decieving ; The goblin may not meet the beaty-standards , humans set , he's got an inner beauty of his own.
The human lads better keep this in mind , for it's the little (even for the twins) goblin that offered them shelter in the wilds , when the Emperor's men were still combing the lands for survivors of the old houses.
It's during this time , Ramirez honed a few pieces of knowledge of the woodlands , he was interested in and Ferro found the inner peace to forge his mind into a lethal weapon , if so desired.

There are times ,however , the twins wonder about the relatives they lost out of sight , like their li'l cousin Elidia , who devoted her life to the Church. Would she have made it? Would the Emperor let her sancted status prevail over the more mundane (and frankly speaking : rather miniscule) threat of her claim to nobillity?


If you peeps could give a tad more info on what you want to have included about your characters , I could make a more cohesive total out of this.
Title: Paths to Glory - Recruiting and PC Talk
Post by: el-remmen on March 12, 2006, 06:43:36 PM
Are we assuming that we are starting with everyone having met already? Or will some of it happen in-game?

Just because some info about my PC would not be readily available until it was revealed later.

Oh, and he is called "Xamot the Strange"
Title: Paths to Glory - Recruiting and PC Talk
Post by: Ottomsoh the Elderly on March 12, 2006, 07:09:30 PM
Seems fine to me, Megamiewsel, though I couldn't resist editting it a bit. :p

   Both Da Silva brothers, albeit for different reasons, practiced their roguish skills when still under the somewhat slacking supervision of their father; Ferro to hide his innate magical nature and Ramirez by sheer indulgence, knowing he could afford to be the family's black sheep since he wouldn't inherit the throne.

Ferro, the firstborn, was destined to be the next Lord and learned mostly the arts of managing a small kingdom and intriguing with other nobles. He was also naturally gifted for sorcery, to the dismay of the parents, afraid that their bloodline could have one day to end because of a superstitious mob -- a truly undignified end for an old ruling family!

Ramirez, with more time and freedom, got more physical excercizes. He sparred and fenced with the family's armsmaster, he climbed walls and trees, he played in the woods with young commoners (especially female ones, once he was old enough, for another kind of games), he joined his father in hunting parties, and so on. As a result, despite being the cadet, he was stronger than his big brother.

Except for this difference in musculature, they were identical in appearance: Slender, not too tall, and both gifted with the raven-black hair and ice-blue eyes, typical of the Da Silva family.

Both brothers enjoyed spending their nights with their old friend Julian Fairhair in the seedy places of the city. Julian played his instruments and sang in taverns and inns to make a little money by the side and to help the boisterous nobles wooing wenches and barmaids. Julian himself, being a castrati, saw these expeditions as a way to live by proxie what had been forever denied to him. When they were at the castle, Julian, being an apprentice bard, knew all sorts of tall tales and epic songs and constantly learned new ones. He knew a world that was bigger than life, richer, stranger, more beautiful; a world of heroes, monsters, desperate efforts, uncovered mysteries, and glorious rewards. A world that he shared with the young nobles, giving them a taste for the unknown and for audacity.

When the Ancestral Castle fell to the hands of the Empire, Julian managed to lead them through secret passages and dark, cramped alleys away from imperial troops. But after this disaster, the brothers knew their days of frolicking and fun were over. Were they to ever make a chance of regaining their ancestral heritage, they'd better make sure their skills would match their challenges.

For Ferro this came naturally once fred from the overbearing scrutiny of the parents and their disapproval of "Untamed Arcana." He was free to channel his long-repressed innate powers and experiment with them, developping them with the help of a few tomes he managed to snatch from the castle library during their flight.

Ramirez, on the other hand, lacking that "special gift," had to perfect his swordsmanship. "When the mind is lacking, it's up to the muscle", thought Ramirez, a choice that was natural for him as he had always been more athletic than his elder. He already knew how to fight fair, he learned to fight dirty as well -- and teached these tricks to his brother, as Ferro's own tricks were, afterall, less reliable as long as he would not master more his gift.

His early-on interest for the woodlands and what lives in it saved them more than once from foes stronger than even the meanest band of brigands: Hunger and Thirst. The boy had developped a keen eye for what's edible and what's not from an early age.

Julian still accompanied them. When the boys were in communities, between two expeditions in the relative safety of the forest, it was more often than not Julian's beautiful voice and charming words that managed to get the small team hot meals and warm beds.

It's on their way to a small village they found an unlikely friend astride a large grey wolf: a goblin named Ashen Leaves that proposed them to guide them through the woods and to find them safe havens hidden deeper in the forest than most men dare to go. Ashen Leaves wanted "a human face" to deal with the nearby communities without suffering too much from prejudice, while the humans needed a guide and safe shelter.

Ashen Leaves shown them a small grotto in the forest that was turned into a simple and functional home. Well camouflaged, near a spring and several wild fruit trees, it was perfect if a bit cramped when everybody was there.

Cinders, the goblin's wolf, often brought back meatier diner than the roots, nuts, and berries that could be gathered. "Like a cat offers dead mice to his master, my wolf brings me rabbits and partridges. And sometimes dead mice, too, when game becomes scarce."

During this time Ramirez honed a few pieces of knowledge of the woodlands he was interested in, and Ferro found the inner peace to forge his mind into a lethal weapon if so desired.

Alright. Now, TUN, Elidia, and Mirth, your ideas to bring your characters in the Great Scheme of Things?


Quote from: the ultimate nullifier
Are we assuming that we are starting with everyone having met already? Or will some of it happen in-game?

Just because some info about my PC would not be readily available until it was revealed later.

Oh, and he is called "Xamot the Strange"


As far as I have understood it, we've all already met.
Title: Paths to Glory - Recruiting and PC Talk
Post by: willpax on March 12, 2006, 07:30:47 PM
I like what's been written so far; I will probably tweak my skill choices to show more training in nobility and stewardship (but not too much--Ferro wasn't the best student for such things).

Thanks for the write ups, M and Ottomsoh.
Title: Paths to Glory - Recruiting and PC Talk
Post by: el-remmen on March 12, 2006, 07:50:57 PM
I was thinking I could be linked up with both Elidia's character and the noble brothers.

What if Xamot (real name unknown) was the slightly deformed son of a servant in the Da Silva household (he has that scaley purple discoloration on one side of his face and neck - don't know what that is called) and because of superstition (or prejudice or both) he was sent off as an infant to a monastary - and his mother was nursing maid for the one of the noble brothers (depending on which is closer to his age) - perhaps she acted as a kind of surrogate mother to one or both of them as they grew up - and when the house fell she begged them to seek out her son, just to make sure he was okay and had grown up alright.

I am imagining this monastary as being a secluded place on the border of the frontier - so if that doesn't work we can change it.

In the meantime, the boy (my character) had fled the monastary seeking his own path to enlightenment (perhaps he left with a traveling wizard acting as his page and apprentice).  However, a few years later he returned having broken from his master and being down on his luck and not very successful at his attempts to help people (esp. b/c of his awkward and sometimes abrasive ways - i.e. low charisma) and so nearly starving he came back to the monastary where Eledia's character who was his only real friend snuck him food and the like.

When the others arrive at the monastary, the monks in charge would have claimed that he long ago left, but Eledia's character could have informed the other PCs of the truth and led them to Xamot's hiding spot.

I am just throwing ideas out there.
Title: Paths to Glory - Recruiting and PC Talk
Post by: Megamieuwsel on March 13, 2006, 01:44:21 AM
Otomseh : good job on expanding that first "off the cuff" write-up.
Unless Roudi has something to add in regards to Julian , I think it's fine as it is.
Title: Paths to Glory - Recruiting and PC Talk
Post by: Megamieuwsel on March 13, 2006, 05:50:01 AM
Btw.-
I'm not sure , if this is gonna be an issue , but...
When the game starts rolling I think it's good policy to keep OOC-comments outside the story line completely.
If nessecary , a link to the ooc-thread , disguised as an asteriks would be appropriate.
Makes for a better reading-experience. My experience with PBP-games is that there tends to be solid reader-base for the better ones...
Title: Paths to Glory - Recruiting and PC Talk
Post by: Enkhidu on March 13, 2006, 09:55:13 AM
Interconnected backgrounds make DM-Enkhidu happy. :)

OK,

Before we get into the nitty gritty, I want to discuss a few things that might make our experience go more quickly and enjoyably.

Combat. This is going to be our biggest obstacle, and one I'd like to address before we begin. Core style 3E combat is a bear to do when not in person, and for that reason I think we need to discuss how best to nip potential slowdown in the bud.

A - Initiative: believe it or not, I think we can fix a couple of our problems by simply revamping Initiative rules. Here's how it would go: At the beginning of combat I post a map with everyone's position on it. Then (after determining Init) all PCs and NPCs declare actions in reverse initiative order (lowest to highest). Then I apply those declarations in Initiative order while describing the action in the round, ending with another map to start the cycle anew.

B - Die rolling: either I can roll all dice in combat, or you can roll (during your action declaration), or we can do some combination of the two.

C - Go "mapless:" this could cause issues with reach, AoOs, etc, but I would try it if we had an overwhelming response.

D - Set actions: players would come up with a list of "standard tactics" to be applied if for some reason they weren't able to post during combat (if they were out, etc).

Please let me know if you have any other ideas.
Title: Paths to Glory - Recruiting and PC Talk
Post by: Enkhidu on March 13, 2006, 09:56:32 AM
Quote from: Pooka
Guys, once Enkindu starts a blog page for this I'm going to merge this thread into the comment thread for that blog - afterwards I'll apply the markers to this thread for Out of character as needed then close this forum.


I'll be doing this as soon as I can find where Pooka hid the @*!?$! Create Content button.
Title: Paths to Glory - Recruiting and PC Talk
Post by: Megamieuwsel on March 13, 2006, 11:28:59 AM
-I'm perfectlt happy with the DM doing all the rolls.
-As far as initiative goes ; Rolled one time per combat , right?(Unless something really whacky is happening...)
-Maps can be very helpfull , but I usually manage quite well with just a good description.(Played more PBPs) Whatever the general consensus is here.
-The list of Set Tactics is a good idea regardless ; In the OOC-thread please.
Title: Paths to Glory - Recruiting and PC Talk
Post by: Megamieuwsel on March 13, 2006, 11:31:03 AM
Quote from: Enkhidu
I'll be doing this as soon as I can find where Pooka hid the @*!?$! Create Content button.

Upper left menu ; fourth entry or such.
Title: Paths to Glory - Recruiting and PC Talk
Post by: Ottomsoh the Elderly on March 13, 2006, 11:34:45 AM
Quote
D - Set actions: players would come up with a list of "standard tactics" to be applied if for some reason they weren't able to post during combat (if they were out, etc).


This is my favorite approach. Also, if one has a small initiative, list conditional intents; to take a stereotypical example:

   "If an enemy reaches me I draw my dagger and attack him.
Otherwise if the orc #1 is up and fighting, I'll cast magic missile on him.
If orc #1 is down but orc #2 is still there, then #2 is the target of my magic missile.
If all enemies are dispatched by the time I can act, then I hurry to unconscious bard to make him drink his healing potion.
But if someone else already healed him before me, then I'll cast detect magic at the chest to see if it's magically warded."

Such a declaration also has the asset it helps the DM play your character for the next round if you miss it.
Title: Paths to Glory - Recruiting and PC Talk
Post by: el-remmen on March 13, 2006, 11:44:30 AM
Let's see:

Does that help?
Title: Paths to Glory - Recruiting and PC Talk
Post by: el-remmen on March 13, 2006, 11:45:00 AM
So, anyone have any comments/suggestions on what I wrote about connecting my character? :confused:
Title: Paths to Glory - Recruiting and PC Talk
Post by: Ottomsoh the Elderly on March 13, 2006, 01:45:28 PM
It's OK with me.
Title: Paths to Glory - Recruiting and PC Talk
Post by: Roudi on March 13, 2006, 06:48:50 PM
If someone lets me know the tag format for those Spoiler-button-thingees, I can go ahead and start posting my stats.
Title: Paths to Glory - Recruiting and PC Talk
Post by: Ottomsoh the Elderly on March 13, 2006, 07:28:08 PM
Quoting the wise is the key to wisdom. Or at least, to appear to possess it.

But anyway, the spoiler tags are, respectively,
{spoiler}Obscured Text{/spoiler}
SPOILER (Hover over section below to view.)

Obscured Text

{sblock}Collapsed Text{/sblock}
[sblock]Collapsed Text[/sblock]

Of course, replace the curly brackets {} by their straight versions [].
Title: Paths to Glory - Recruiting and PC Talk
Post by: willpax on March 13, 2006, 08:29:09 PM
U.N.: I like the tie in. Let's say that your mother was nursemaid to Ferro; he seems to have a slightly stronger lawful streak than Ramirez, so would be more likely to seek you out. Of course, Ferro isn't completely disinterested; he also hopes that Xamot will be a potential ally loyal to his family. I'm not sure that Ferro would have wanted Elidia's character to come, however (thinking her safer at the monastery in the short term). Perhaps she feels somewhat protective of the socially awkward Xamot. . .
Title: Paths to Glory - Recruiting and PC Talk
Post by: el-remmen on March 13, 2006, 08:51:10 PM
Xamot the Strange
Wizard 1 / Fighter 1

Height: 6' 3" (wirey build)
Eyes: Hazel
Hair: Black (kept short, but get bushy when long)

Stats:
[sblock]
Str: 14
Dex: 15
Con: 14
Int: 16
Wis: 10
Cha: 8
[/sblock]

Feats:
[sblock]
Weapon Focus (longsword)
Combat Expertise
Combat Casting
[/sblock]

Skills:
[sblock]
Total Points: 24 (wizard) + 6 (fighter)

Concentration 4, Knowledge (religion) 1, Knowledge (arcana) 2, Spellcraft 3, Profession (wood-cutter) 1, Craft (alchemy) 2, Listen* 2, Spot* 2, Heal* 1, Ride 2, Handle Animal 1, Jump 2, Swim 1

*cross class
[/sblock]
Title: Paths to Glory - Recruiting and PC Talk
Post by: Roudi on March 13, 2006, 09:31:43 PM
Thanks, Ottomsoh.  Let's begin, shall we?

Julian Fairhair, human Bard 2

Ability Scores:
[sblock]Str 9 (-1)  1 point
Dex 15 (+2) 8 points
Con 12 (+1) 4 points
Int 14 (+2) 6 points
Wis 13 (+1) 5 points
Cha 16 (+3) 10 points

Total = 34 points[/sblock]
Skills:
[sblock]Concentration +6 (5 ranks + 1 Con)
Decipher Script +7 (5 ranks + 2 Int)
Diplomacy +8 (5 ranks + 3 Cha)
Gather Information +8 (5 ranks + 3 Cha)
Knowledge (Dungeoneering) +4 (2 ranks + 2 Int)
Knowledge (Geography) +4 (2 ranks + 2 Int)
Knowledge (History) +4 (2 ranks + 2 Int)
Knowledge (Local) +4 (2 ranks + 2 Int)
Knowledge (Nobility) +4 (2 ranks + 2 Int)
Perform (sing) +11 (5 ranks + 3 Cha + 3 Skill Focus)
Spellcraft +9 (5 ranks + 2 Int + 2 Magical Aptitude)
Use Magic Device +9 (5 ranks + 2 Int + 2 Magical Aptitude)[/sblock]
Feats:
[sblock]Skill Focus: Perform (sing) (starting feat)
Magical Aptitude (human bonus feat)[/sblock]
Title: Paths to Glory - Recruiting and PC Talk
Post by: Enkhidu on March 13, 2006, 09:54:20 PM
This is moving along nicely, so I think I can say that we should plan on starting in earnest on Monday the 21st.

In the meantime, I got a few bits of feedback on the combat issue. Has anyone else got any views on this?
Title: Paths to Glory - Recruiting and PC Talk
Post by: willpax on March 13, 2006, 11:34:40 PM
I don't care about dice rolling, and I think some kind of standing orders (and general strategies with conditions) would be a good idea. I don't use maps in my own pen and paper campaigns, so I certainly don't feel the need here. I trust you to help us optimize things as if we had the character's perspective in the world.

Look forward to starting. The 21st should be a good day (I will be back from a visit to my in-laws).
Title: Paths to Glory - Recruiting and PC Talk
Post by: Mirth on March 14, 2006, 06:04:49 AM
I'm afraid I'm gonna have to drop outta this one, folks. Work has me swamped recently and I just don't have the time to devote to this game that I want. I definitely don't want to bog the game down, so I think it's better that I drop out. It looks to be shaping up well and I'll be following along. Everyone have fun.

Mirth
Title: Paths to Glory - Recruiting and PC Talk
Post by: el-remmen on March 15, 2006, 09:13:52 AM
Hey Enk!

Do you want we should send you completed versions of out characters?  

And, did you mention starting gold somewhere in this thread?  I can't find it.

Any house rules I should know about spells/choosing spells?
Title: Paths to Glory - Recruiting and PC Talk
Post by: Enkhidu on March 15, 2006, 09:40:51 AM
Quote from: the ultimate nullifier
Hey Enk!

Do you want we should send you completed versions of out characters?  

And, did you mention starting gold somewhere in this thread?  I can't find it.

Any house rules I should know about spells/choosing spells?


Completed versions of PCs you can send to my gmail account (which has the same name as my nick here).

Starting gold should be as per a standard 2nd level character. I don't have a DMG in front of me, so I couldn't be certain, but for some reason 900gp worth of stuff sounds about right.

As for house rules on starting spells, I have very few. To begin with, we'll be doing core only spells. Wizards will add spells as normal (through level up and through discovery/research), and other spellcasters will have normal spell advancement.

However, that does not mean that we'll always[/] be core only as far as spells go. Adding spells from new sources will occur one of a two basic ways, either I will introduce them (for example, the PCs might find a spellbook that a wizard or sorcerer could take and use for thier own purposes), or the player can introduce them (by approaching me and saying "there's this cool spell I want to try from here, can you look at it?"). Either way, I want to look over new spells in the game before they hit play. In addition, I'm open to home grown spells that you might come up with. Ping me in the same way and I'll take a look at them.

One final note for divine spellcasters - if you as a players decide to use an introduced spell, you must add the spell to your available spells list, and remove an existing spell. For example, if a druid wanted to add a 4th level spell that temporarily gave a creature, say, a half-plant template, then the druid would in turn have to give up another 4th level spell like, say, rusting grasp. Such a change to a spell list is permanent.
Title: Paths to Glory - Recruiting and PC Talk
Post by: Enkhidu on March 15, 2006, 10:31:47 AM
OK,

As go time draws near, let's nail down the little changes we'll be making to speed up combat. Based on the feedback I got from you, this is what we're looking at.

Change #1) Multiple actions in combat: When declaring actions in combat, give two or three choices so that if the first is no longer available, the second/third will apply.

Change #2) Roll your dice when declaring actions: Make sure to roll all necessary dice (attacks, possible damage, etc) when declaring your actions. For example "I attack the crazed goblin chief (Rolled an 8, +7 bonus, 15 total, spear damage rolled is 5 + 2 = 7)". In fact, feel free to play with the auto die roller on the site over the next few posts to see how well it works.

Change #3) Standard tactics: In your character sheet, add a few lines about favored tactics (for example "Xamot loves using true strike followed by a full power attack on the biggest target available"). I'll be able to incorporate these when you as a player are not available.

Change #4) No map: We will not be using a map during combats. AoOs will be determined ad hoc. All actions, unless otherwise dictated, will be automatically assumed to be the least risky, and areas of effect will be optimized as much as possible. For certain combats, I may set up a map for myself, in order to properly judge PC actions, but that map will not necessarily be shared with the players.

I've dumped the reverse init order + map idea, and the DM rolls all the dice idea, as those didn't seem very popular.
Title: Paths to Glory - Recruiting and PC Talk
Post by: Megamieuwsel on March 15, 2006, 12:09:29 PM
Quote from: Enkhidu
Change #2) Roll your dice when declaring actions: Make sure to roll all necessary dice (attacks, possible damage, etc) when declaring your actions. For example "I attack the crazed goblin chief (Rolled an 8, +7 bonus, 15 total, spear damage rolled is 5 + 2 = 7)". In fact, feel free to play with the auto die roller on the site over the next few posts to see how well it works.

One remark :
Multiple instances of a similar roll in one post (Say , where there's like three times a single D20-roll is needed) all reseults will be equal.
So , having to roll these three checks , you'll need three posts.
Title: Paths to Glory - Recruiting and PC Talk
Post by: Enkhidu on March 15, 2006, 01:56:26 PM
Good point, Mega - I hadn't thought about that restriction.

Speaking of that, what is the syntax for die rolling again?
Title: Paths to Glory - Recruiting and PC Talk
Post by: el-remmen on March 15, 2006, 02:10:53 PM
Ok, this is going to seem like a dumb question - but I have setting specific rules in Aquerra to determine the # of spells a wizard starts the game knowing.

I cannot find anything in the SRD that tells me how to determine that.
Title: Paths to Glory - Recruiting and PC Talk
Post by: Enkhidu on March 15, 2006, 02:17:22 PM
It's sort of funky, but its listed in the spellbook section under the Wizard class:

"A wizard begins play with a spellbook containing all 0-level wizard spells (except those from her prohibited school or schools, if any; see School Specialization, below) plus three 1st-level spells of your choice. For each point of Intelligence bonus the wizard has, the spellbook holds one additional 1st-level spell of your choice. At each new wizard level, she gains two new spells of any spell level or levels that she can cast (based on her new wizard level) for her spellbook. At any time, a wizard can also add spells found in other wizards’ spellbooks to her own."
Title: Paths to Glory - Recruiting and PC Talk
Post by: el-remmen on March 15, 2006, 02:31:23 PM
Thanks!
Title: Paths to Glory - Recruiting and PC Talk
Post by: Enkhidu on March 15, 2006, 02:33:29 PM
OK, here's the skinny of how I'm planning on kicking things off on Monday:

- Over the next few days, I'll be laying out some more detailed information about the western edge of Ffolk, one of the petty northern kingdoms recently "conquered" by the Empire (and now claimed as a "County" by the Marshall installed there, who has begun styling himself the "Count of Newffolk"). We will begin play in and around one of the larger villages (a walled compound that normally houses about 250 people, though about 750 to 800 people would fall back to it in times of danger), a place named King's Crossing.

- Please feel free to ask questions about the tidbits I post - I'd like for you all to be at least somewhat comfortable with the local setting.

- Also, feel free to decide for yourselves how long you have been in King's Crossing, and whether or not you have come as a group or singly.

- Sunday night/Monday morning, I'll be posting an opening scene based on information you give me before hand. After that, expect about one involved post from me per day as I describe action and move time units along.
Title: Paths to Glory - Recruiting and PC Talk
Post by: Megamieuwsel on March 15, 2006, 02:35:29 PM
Quote from: Enkhidu
Good point, Mega - I hadn't thought about that restriction.

Speaking of that, what is the syntax for die rolling again?

[ dice=1 ]20[/ dice ] (but leave out the spaces...)

Here's the output of aformentioned "snap" :[dice=1]20[/dice]
Saving this one for my first check in-game :D

Edit : HEY! in the preview I got 18!.....
Title: Paths to Glory - Recruiting and PC Talk
Post by: Megamieuwsel on March 15, 2006, 02:46:55 PM
A little something for Willpax here:
About the looks of the twins ; We already settled on Ravenblack hair , now about the rest:
Ice-blue eyes and "classical" nose-line (family-traits)
Lithe , almost skinny posture (With Ramirez being better described as "sinemy"..)
Short ; About some 5"3' (I'd really hope to get to the point where the Bar-bully goes : "Bwuhahaha! What does the little guy..*urkh*..." ...*feet dangling 1" above the ground*....

or something similar
Nothing set in stone though. Your thoughts?
Title: Paths to Glory - Recruiting and PC Talk
Post by: Enkhidu on March 15, 2006, 02:54:32 PM
Quote from: Megamieuwsel
[ dice=1 ]20[/ dice ] (but leave out the spaces...)

Here's the output of aformentioned "snap" :[dice=1]20[/dice]
Saving this one for my first check in-game :D

Edit : HEY! in the preview I got 18!.....


Ha!

That's funny.

Let's see what happens to that 4 when I quote it.

[dice=6]6[/dice] Hey look! Fireball damage!

I'm thinking that the rolling mechanics might be a little wonky. Editing your own post preserves the roll, but previewing and quoting end up doing a reroll.
Title: Paths to Glory - Recruiting and PC Talk
Post by: Megamieuwsel on March 15, 2006, 03:12:12 PM
BTW dudes : Maybe it'd be handy for our beloved and already over-worked DM , if we used a standard character-sheet to send him.
I've found a nice , easily editable one in .doc format here : http://www.geocities.com/lmolls/index.html. (Fuck the PDF-maffia!)

I mean : There's plenty of PDFs going 'round , but none of 'em are editable....
Title: Paths to Glory - Recruiting and PC Talk
Post by: Enkhidu on March 15, 2006, 03:55:13 PM
The Red Trail:

The Red Trail (known further west as the Reed Trail, and further east as the Imperial Way) is an old road who's bed was laid when the Empire was young and full. It runs into the heart of the Empire, all the way to the capitol itself, and is does more to connect Ffolk to the rest of the world than all other forms of transport.

The Trail gets its name from the short red walls on either side of the beaten and red bricked roadways. It is in astonishingly good repair, considering how little care it receives. Legend says that it was built by dwarves, before their self imposed exile.

To the west, the Trail's bricks give way to hedges and stands of reeds (even in areas where reeds should not grow), while to the east, it becomes grander, with numerous archways and gatehouses. Even further east, inns dot its edges, and merchant caravans filled with goods ride along its wide thoroughfares.


Forts, towns, and villages along Western Ffolk:

Western Ffolk is a place that many would consider wild country, full of trappers and trees and little else. However, especially with the Empire pushing its borders ever onward, a new breed of settler has become more common. Farmers, craftsmen, and those in search of fortune have swelled the size of the old villages. Today, the border between Western Ffolk and the true frontier boasts several growing communities.

Berem's Post: Berem's Post is built on the ruins of a very old keep. What caused the keep to be ruined is a source of much speculation by the inhabitants, but all agree that it was due to the actions of a hero(?) named Berem, a warrior of either unmatched skill or unaccountable stupidity (depending on which version of the tale is begin told). It is well fortified, and has about 100 men, women, and children as permanent residents. A number of farmers also call Berem's Post home (about 1200 or so), and dozens of closely grouped homsteads surround the community (all within a leisurely day's ride).

Crooklake: Rather than being a single village, Crooklake is more a series of villages strung out along their namesake, the Crooklake (which feeds and is fed by the Winding River). Crooklake houses 50 or so craftsmen and merchants, all who cater to the hundreds of fishermen who spend their days and nights on the water. Crooklake pike is regarded as a delicacy through Ffolk.

Mansker's Fort: This small outpost is less than 20 years old, and was built by (and still maintained by) a tracker and trapper named Mansker. Today, it serves as a way station for travelers, a meeting place for trappers, and place to deal with the goblin tribes of the frontier (whether by parlay or by force - the Fort is equipped for both). The Fort is widely considered to be the last bastion of civilization before entering goblin territory, and lies farther west than any other settlement in the north.

King's Crossing: Will be covered in the next post, in more detail.
Title: Paths to Glory - Recruiting and PC Talk
Post by: tleilaxu on March 15, 2006, 05:07:24 PM
too late to join? if so put me up as interested backup
Title: Paths to Glory - Recruiting and PC Talk
Post by: willpax on March 15, 2006, 09:36:15 PM
Quote
About the looks of the twins ; We already settled on Ravenblack hair , now about the rest:
Ice-blue eyes and "classical" nose-line (family-traits)
Lithe , almost skinny posture (With Ramirez being better described as "sinemy"..)
Short ; About some 5"3' (I'd really hope to get to the point where the Bar-bully goes : "Bwuhahaha! What does the little guy..*urkh*..." ...*feet dangling 1" above the ground*....


I like it, I like it. Since it seems we have wandered far from Faris, we can explain that by needing to get to a place where our distinctive looks didn't immediately identify us as people who should be dead.

A question for the GM: are their language issues we should worry about? I may need to pick up a few extra if that is the case.

A final note: I have learned today that I will be taking my youngest child to a specialist in Cinncinnati on Monday (nothing life threatening). I hate to stumble out of the gate, but I will probably post either very early or very late on Monday. I'll try not to make it a habit.
Title: Paths to Glory - Recruiting and PC Talk
Post by: Enkhidu on March 15, 2006, 09:59:13 PM
Quote from: willpax
I like it, I like it. Since it seems we have wandered far from Faris, we can explain that by needing to get to a place where our distinctive looks didn't immediately identify us as people who should be dead.

A question for the GM: are their language issues we should worry about? I may need to pick up a few extra if that is the case.

A final note: I have learned today that I will be taking my youngest child to a specialist in Cinncinnati on Monday (nothing life threatening). I hate to stumble out of the gate, but I will probably post either very early or very late on Monday. I'll try not to make it a habit.


Languages:

Don't worry about the languages for right now - the Farisians and the petty kingdoms of the north speak the same tongue, though different dialects. The difference will be about the same as, say, a native Irishman and an Australian. The same language is spoken in the east (the old empire) with yet another dialect, though the nobility there (as well as higher echelons of society) speak a completely different tongue.

And don't worry about the posting late - life happens, you know?
Title: Paths to Glory - Recruiting and PC Talk
Post by: Enkhidu on March 15, 2006, 10:08:44 PM
Quote from: tleilaxu
too late to join? if so put me up as interested backup


With Mirth dropping out, that puts us at a solid 6. I think for now we'll put you as a first alternate. Check back with us over the next few weeks!
Title: Paths to Glory - Recruiting and PC Talk
Post by: tleilaxu on March 15, 2006, 10:24:51 PM
Quote from: Enkhidu
With Mirth dropping out, that puts us at a solid 6. I think for now we'll put you as a first alternate. Check back with us over the next few weeks!


or if you want someone to play an npc or something...
Title: Paths to Glory - Recruiting and PC Talk
Post by: el-remmen on March 18, 2006, 12:06:14 PM
Hey Will, what age is your character?

I figure if Xamot's mom nursed Ferro as baby then I'd guess Xamot is only a few months older.
Title: Paths to Glory - Recruiting and PC Talk
Post by: Enkhidu on March 18, 2006, 10:14:09 PM
Good news! I finally gotten some technical difficulties out of the way, and will be starting the PbP blog beginning on Sunday night/Monday morning (I didn't have the capablity previously - that has now changed).

In the interim, before I begin the PbP with a detailed description of King's Crossing, I want to ask if you've got any last minute questions about setting, character, etc.

And finally - a note on character sheets: I'll be going over the ones you've created for me already, but I would prefer it if I could get a more formal softcopy that I can file away for my own nefarious porpoises purposes.

See you tomorrow/Monday!
Title: Paths to Glory - Recruiting and PC Talk
Post by: willpax on March 19, 2006, 09:37:44 AM
I'm struggling with fitting the complex motivations and attitudes of my characters into an alignment. How important is it to have a stated alignment at the beginning?

U.N.: I was leaning toward a younger character--14 at the time of the death of his parents, making him about 24 now. Does that work with you? I'm happy to adjust.

[EDIT: This version of the character has a few minor changes in skill selection to reflect some small training in the ways of nobility and estate management]
Title: Paths to Glory - Recruiting and PC Talk
Post by: el-remmen on March 19, 2006, 02:18:54 PM
Quote from: willpax

U.N.: I was leaning toward a younger character--14 at the time of the death of his parents, making him about 24 now. Does that work with you? I'm happy to adjust.


That works - I'll just have Xamot be about 9 or 10 months older.
Title: Paths to Glory - Recruiting and PC Talk
Post by: Megamieuwsel on March 19, 2006, 03:21:42 PM
BLOODY HELL!!!!!

Just when I wanted to save my (complete) Charactersheet , Open-Office crashed.
Recovery blew as well.
Now I have to re-do it all , and can't do that before Tuesday (Local Time).

Anyway ; Here's a quick rundown of it:
Weapons :
Masterwork Rapier
Dagger
Composite Shortbow+2
40 Arrows

Minor differences with Ferro:
A little heavier , due to musculature (143Lbs)
Slightly tanned complexion('been more in the open)
Raven Black hair (Slight blue hue over the black , see : complexion)

Armour
Masterwork Studded Leather

*I'll adjust the Skills-list ; Overlooked some Cross-class-issues.
Title: Paths to Glory - Recruiting and PC Talk
Post by: Enkhidu on March 19, 2006, 07:42:16 PM
Aligment was one area we didn't cover. Per core, alignment is a palpable thing, but I have to admit that I don't like playing it that way.

Depending on response I get from you concerning the subject, we can play it one of a handful of ways:

1. Alignment is basically core, save that you as a player don't dictate your PC's alignment, your PC's actions do. That means alignment changes, etc based on behavior. It also means that detect alignment spells/abilities will work exactly as they do in the core rules.

2. Alignment is dealt with as a purely supernatural thing. Extra planar creatures, undead, etc have alignments but mortals (save for a few) do not. Mortals with alignments include any character level 15 and above, divine casters capable of casting 4th level spells, and and character with a template that is extra planar (or undead) in origin. Detection spells will divine current motives, but little esle save for that which is supernatural in origin.

3. We ditch aligment completely for the d20 modern allegiances model, with the addition of "essences" which operate similarly to core alignments for spell purposes.

My preferred method is 2, but I'd like to see what you all have to say before we implement it.
Title: Paths to Glory - Recruiting and PC Talk
Post by: willpax on March 19, 2006, 08:59:37 PM
I'm happy with option #2. I like the idea that a pattern of actions over time might "brand" a mortal with an alignment, but only in more extreme cases.

I look forward to trying this out tomorrow.
Title: Paths to Glory - Recruiting and PC Talk
Post by: el-remmen on March 19, 2006, 09:20:07 PM
My guy's lawful good. :)

yeah, #2 works for me. . .
Title: Paths to Glory - Recruiting and PC Talk
Post by: Megamieuwsel on March 19, 2006, 11:28:21 PM
#2 is fine with me as well.
Title: Paths to Glory - Recruiting and PC Talk
Post by: Ottomsoh the Elderly on March 20, 2006, 08:18:16 AM
I'm fine with #1 or #2. In my experience, alignment isn't all that intrusive, even with the core rules.

Of course I never had to play with someone for whom the paladin's detect evil feature is a targetting radar; and it doesn't bother me to give most nameless NPCs a faint evil aura when the paladin looks around.

Anyway, my character is neutral and a druid, so alignment will mostly be irrelevant to him regardless of the way that is chosen.
Title: Paths to Glory - Recruiting and PC Talk
Post by: Enkhidu on March 20, 2006, 11:33:18 AM
Have we lost Elidia?

Elidia- if you're out there, please let me know!
Title: Paths to Glory - Recruiting and PC Talk
Post by: Enkhidu on March 20, 2006, 02:56:41 PM
Hey - work just kicked me in the proverbail nuts, and I'm going to have to push this back until Wednesday. That'll also give everyone a chance to finish up characters sheets and Elidia a chance to check in.

I'll keep you all posted.


EDIT: Correction. Life just kicked me in the nuts. Hard. Today my son decided that cough medicine was the new Gatorade, or something, and tried to drink a bottle of Children's Motrin. Child proof caps my ass. He's alright (turns out he didn;t get enough to really hurt himself) but he scared his mother and I 95% to death.

Needless to say, I'm not doing anything tonight expect holding my children. I hope you understand.
Title: Paths to Glory - Recruiting and PC Talk
Post by: Roudi on March 20, 2006, 07:00:19 PM
I'm partial to #3, myself.  I can live with any of the options.
Title: Paths to Glory - Recruiting and PC Talk
Post by: willpax on March 20, 2006, 08:46:34 PM
Given what you've just been through, take all the time you need. I'm glad to hear that your child will be okay; you've earned a freak out.
Title: Paths to Glory - Recruiting and PC Talk
Post by: el-remmen on March 20, 2006, 08:57:41 PM
It's all good.

Take care of your own.
Title: Paths to Glory - Recruiting and PC Talk
Post by: Elidia on March 21, 2006, 02:01:04 PM
Augh - life just decided to pick up out of nowhere. I'm going to have to drop out. Sorry. :(
Title: Paths to Glory - Recruiting and PC Talk
Post by: el-remmen on March 21, 2006, 05:41:10 PM
Quote from: Elidia
Augh - life just decided to pick up out of nowhere. I'm going to have to drop out. Sorry. :(


That sucks, but. . .

Enkhidu, do you think Tleilaxu would want to play a monk?  

Is he first on the waiting list?
Title: Paths to Glory - Recruiting and PC Talk
Post by: willpax on March 22, 2006, 09:04:14 AM
If not a monk, some kind of healer might be good--we lost our paladin earlier.
Title: Paths to Glory - Recruiting and PC Talk
Post by: el-remmen on March 22, 2006, 09:07:06 AM
When do we create our alt-ids?
Title: Paths to Glory - Recruiting and PC Talk
Post by: Enkhidu on March 22, 2006, 11:46:44 AM
tlei - please PM me (if you can), or simply let us know (in this thread) if you'd like to join. Elidia dropping out leaves us with an opening for which you are first alternate. We'll be beginning play sometime today, but I'm confident we can work you in fairly well. In the meantime, we've got a quintet of PCs with well tied together backgrounds that we'll be starting with.

As for alts, that's a question better suited for an admin. I don't see it being an issue, though (at least for me!).


And on a final note, my next post in this thread will be a link to the starting post of the PbP. See you soon!
Title: Paths to Glory - Recruiting and PC Talk
Post by: tleilaxu on March 22, 2006, 12:49:10 PM
Quote from: Enkhidu

And on a final note, my next post in this thread will be a link to the starting post of the PbP. See you soon!


yes, i'm interested. what sort of character should i play? what is the rest of the party? what do i need to know to do what i need to do?
Title: Paths to Glory - Recruiting and PC Talk
Post by: Ottomsoh the Elderly on March 22, 2006, 02:09:11 PM
Quote from: tleilaxu
yes, i'm interested. what sort of character should i play? what is the rest of the party? what do i need to know to do what i need to do?


The characters of the players that are still there are:
The characters of the players who won't play were:
With this in mind, we have no real healers (a druid and a bard only) and no full-on tank, so a cleric or a paladin would be a nice complement.
Title: Paths to Glory - Recruiting and PC Talk
Post by: Enkhidu on March 22, 2006, 02:32:56 PM
It has begun:

http://www.therpgsite.com/node/82

tlei - read through this thread again to get a feel for the setting. You all should be able to hash out what sort of role you want to play amongst yourselves - I have no preference.
Title: Paths to Glory - Recruiting and PC Talk
Post by: Megamieuwsel on March 22, 2006, 04:29:28 PM
Got your first post as well : Ramirez is alive!
Title: Paths to Glory - Recruiting and PC Talk
Post by: tleilaxu on March 22, 2006, 06:15:50 PM
i've read through the thread. 34 point buy, 2nd level, check check.

i'll play a cleric. what are the domains availible? what are the favored weapons?
Title: Paths to Glory - Recruiting and PC Talk
Post by: willpax on March 22, 2006, 09:53:59 PM
I've got a post ready, but I can't figure out how to get the nifty alt id. It keeps saying that "that email is already in use." I'm feeling a bit stupid, but I'll blame it on the headache.
Title: Paths to Glory - Recruiting and PC Talk
Post by: Enkhidu on March 22, 2006, 10:08:33 PM
Quote from: willpax
I've got a post ready, but I can't figure out how to get the nifty alt id. It keeps saying that "that email is already in use." I'm feeling a bit stupid, but I'll blame it on the headache.


You can only have one ID at a time linked to a particular email address. You;ll have to use a different one, I think.
Title: Paths to Glory - Recruiting and PC Talk
Post by: el-remmen on March 22, 2006, 10:13:55 PM
Quote from: willpax
I've got a post ready, but I can't figure out how to get the nifty alt id. It keeps saying that "that email is already in use." I'm feeling a bit stupid, but I'll blame it on the headache.


You need to use another addy, Will.  That's what I did- I plan to see if I can now go back into that profile and change it to my main "gaming stuff" address.
Title: Paths to Glory - Recruiting and PC Talk
Post by: Enkhidu on March 22, 2006, 10:23:17 PM
Quote from: tleilaxu
i've read through the thread. 34 point buy, 2nd level, check check.

i'll play a cleric. what are the domains availible? what are the favored weapons?


Everything is one the table, because of all the nature spirits, gods of home and hearth, etc, though I admit it will be easier to come from one of the larger religions. However, even in those larger organizations, some splintering can and does occur.

As for domains, remember that as a group the Children of Rao are more cerebral than the Servant of the Son, while the latter are far more martial as a group. The Children favor simpler weapons: staves, spears, and maces, though certain sects favor unarmed combat above others (the ones closely aligned with monks). On the other hand, the Servants favor hammers. Hammers, hammers, and more hammers. Big, small, two-handed, etc.

If you decide to go with a follower of the Red God, then I'll give you a bit more free reign, as I have not done a great deal of fleshing out yet.

Let me know which way you want to jump.
Title: Paths to Glory - Recruiting and PC Talk
Post by: el-remmen on March 22, 2006, 10:26:58 PM
So can we have Tleilaxu's cleric fill the same role as the monk in our background?

Basically, someone who helped me out when I was down?  Or are you more of a ruff n' tumble likes to scrap cure light wounds is for pussies kind of cleric?
Title: Paths to Glory - Recruiting and PC Talk
Post by: tleilaxu on March 22, 2006, 10:34:11 PM
Quote from: the ultimate nullifier
So can we have Tleilaxu's cleric fill the same role as the monk in our background?

Basically, someone who helped me out when I was down?  Or are you more of a ruff n' tumble likes to scrap cure light wounds is for pussies kind of cleric?


i'm gonna play a straight up LG heroic cleric. servant of the sun, thinking Good and War for domains.
Title: Paths to Glory - Recruiting and PC Talk
Post by: Enkhidu on March 23, 2006, 08:35:12 AM
Quote from: tleilaxu
i'm gonna play a straight up LG heroic cleric. servant of the sun, thinking Good and War for domains.


That'll fit well within the sects of the Servants. As soon as you can whip up a character sheet, I can add you in.
Title: Paths to Glory - Recruiting and PC Talk
Post by: el-remmen on March 23, 2006, 08:43:46 AM
Quote from: Enkhidu
That'll fit well within the sects of the Servants. As soon as you can whip up a character sheet, I can add you in.


I still owe you a character sheet. I just been lazy on buying equipment.
Title: Paths to Glory - Recruiting and PC Talk
Post by: Enkhidu on March 23, 2006, 08:55:36 AM
Quote from: the ultimate nullifier
I still owe you a character sheet. I just been lazy on buying equipment.


Heck, MOST players still owe me a character sheet.

I'm not too concerned until we get into sheet-necessary-exercises (like combat), but I'm going to need them post haste.


By the way, I'm going to give a continuing update tonight, in order to let everyone get on board with the first post and get comfy. After that, I'll be assuming that those who don't post play "tag along" in one fashion or another, and we'll begin our "advance the action by one step every weekday" thang.

Cool?
Title: Paths to Glory - Recruiting and PC Talk
Post by: willpax on March 23, 2006, 09:36:13 AM
That sounds like an excellent plan.
Title: Paths to Glory - Recruiting and PC Talk
Post by: Ottomsoh the Elderly on March 23, 2006, 10:56:39 AM
Alright, alt-ID created, first post in the blog made.
Title: Paths to Glory - Recruiting and PC Talk
Post by: el-remmen on March 23, 2006, 11:28:53 AM
Hey, where/how do we ask OOC questions about surroundings, etc?
Title: Paths to Glory - Recruiting and PC Talk
Post by: Megamieuwsel on March 23, 2006, 03:05:12 PM
This would be a proper place for it , now wouldn't it?
Title: Paths to Glory - Recruiting and PC Talk
Post by: el-remmen on March 23, 2006, 03:15:23 PM
Quote from: Megamieuwsel
This would be a proper place for it , now wouldn't it?


Would it?  

Would it not be better in the actual game thread labeled as OOC, or in a spoiler tag so we are sure the DM notices it?
Title: Paths to Glory - Recruiting and PC Talk
Post by: Ottomsoh the Elderly on March 23, 2006, 03:17:12 PM
Quote from: Ottomsoh the Elderly
Alright, alt-ID created, first post in the blog made.


Stupid attachment system that doesn't like .rar files.

Here's a temporary character sheet, stolen from Willpax (:p), I still have a lot of stuff to buy (the equivalent of 869 gp) and a few other changes may be needed -- as I don't know how we calculate hp, I just maxed out both HD, for example. :D
Title: Paths to Glory - Recruiting and PC Talk
Post by: tleilaxu on March 23, 2006, 06:32:23 PM
I should have a character sheet tonight.

edit: i'm having trouble with the character sheet. is it strictly necessary or can i just post the character in statblock form?
Title: Paths to Glory - Recruiting and PC Talk
Post by: Enkhidu on March 23, 2006, 09:00:04 PM
For OOC stuff - simple stuff (like clarifications) can go in the IC thread in marked OOC sblocks. More complex things we can take care of via PM or email is private, or in the new OOC thread (check the Games tab!) if public.

tlei - go ahead and post a stat block to get yourself going, and give yourself a few days to get the sheet going. I do, however, need sheets from everyone ASAP.
Title: Paths to Glory - Recruiting and PC Talk
Post by: tleilaxu on March 23, 2006, 09:42:58 PM
Aitor
Human Cleric2
HP: 12+d8
Init: 0
Speed: 20 ft (in armor)
AC: 18 (flatfooted 18, touch 10)
BAB: +1
Attack: Warhammer +4 melee (1d8+2/x3) or Heavy X-Bow +1 ranged (1d10/19-20)
Space/Reach: 5ft./5ft.
Special Attacks: Spells
Saves: Fort +5 Ref 0 Will +7
Abilities: S 14 (+2) D 10 C 14 (+2) I 10 W 18 (+4) Ch 10
Skills: Concentration +7, Knowledge (religion) +5, Spellcraft +5
Feats: Scribe Scroll, Power Attack
Alignment: Lawful Good

Spells: 4/3+1 (Good and War Domains)
1: Protection from Evil, Bless, Command, Shield of Faith
0: Cure Minor Wounds, Detect Magic, Read Magic, Detect Poison

Items:
Armor: Splint Mail and Large Steel Shield
Melee Weapon: Warhammer
Ranged Weapon: Large Crossbow
Other Stuff: Dagger, Silver Holy Symbol, 10 Bolts, Backpack, Waterskin, Cleric's Vestments, Traveler's Outfit, Light Horse, Saddlebags, Riding Saddle, Bit+Bridle, Bedroll, Winter Blanket

Money: 489 gold, 4 silver


----

this is the crunch.
can i have any scrolls scribed?
Title: Paths to Glory - Recruiting and PC Talk
Post by: el-remmen on March 23, 2006, 10:00:00 PM
Whatcha say for starting gold again?
Title: Paths to Glory - Recruiting and PC Talk
Post by: tleilaxu on March 23, 2006, 10:08:53 PM
Quote from: the ultimate nullifier
Whatcha say for starting gold again?


isn't it 900 gp?
Title: Paths to Glory - Recruiting and PC Talk
Post by: Enkhidu on March 23, 2006, 10:19:48 PM
Quote from: tleilaxu
Aitor
Human Cleric2
HP: 12+d8
Init: 0
Speed: 20 ft (in armor)
AC: 18 (flatfooted 18, touch 10)
BAB: +1
Attack: Warhammer +4 melee (1d8+2/x3) or Heavy X-Bow +1 ranged (1d10/19-20)
Space/Reach: 5ft./5ft.
Special Attacks: Spells
Saves: Fort +5 Ref 0 Will +7
Abilities: S 14 (+2) D 10 C 14 (+2) I 10 W 18 (+4) Ch 10
Skills: Concentration +7, Knowledge (religion) +5, Spellcraft +5
Feats: Scribe Scroll, Power Attack
Alignment: Lawful Good

Spells: 4/3+1 (Good and War Domains)
1: Protection from Evil, Bless, Command, Shield of Faith
0: Cure Minor Wounds, Detect Magic, Read Magic, Detect Poison

Items:
Armor: Splint Mail and Large Steel Shield
Melee Weapon: Warhammer
Ranged Weapon: Large Crossbow
Other Stuff: Dagger, Silver Holy Symbol, 10 Bolts, Backpack, Waterskin, Cleric's Vestments, Traveler's Outfit, Light Horse, Saddlebags, Riding Saddle, Bit+Bridle, Bedroll, Winter Blanket

Money: 489 gold, 4 silver


----

this is the crunch.
can i have any scrolls scribed?


I don't have a problem with scribing scrolls at the half-cost rate. Please keep track of the XP burned in this way, though. It probably won't come into play with the amounts we'll be seeing, but there's the chance.

This also goes for other spellcasters - scrolls (if you've got the feats) can be bought at half price (as long as the spells on them come from your spell list). Also, I have no issue with the forms of the scrolls being different either - if your scrolls are pieces of wood inscribed with hexagrams that need saliva smeared on specific parts of the image in order to function, more power to you.
Title: Paths to Glory - Recruiting and PC Talk
Post by: el-remmen on March 23, 2006, 10:57:37 PM
I just sent you my sheet, but I am going to burn through that money I mentioned on some scrolls. :)

BTW, i sent it to your gmail accout - I hope that's cool.
Title: Paths to Glory - Recruiting and PC Talk
Post by: tleilaxu on March 24, 2006, 10:56:44 AM
so... besides the character sheet, what do i need to get going?
Title: Paths to Glory - Recruiting and PC Talk
Post by: Enkhidu on March 24, 2006, 11:29:37 AM
Quote from: tleilaxu
so... besides the character sheet, what do i need to get going?



To ask me any questions you think you need to. I'll be fitting you in relatively quickly - but it might take a few days to get to that point.

Background would be good - we can either fit you in as another PC with Farisian ties (or at least da Silva ties), like what looked to be happening with Elidia's PC, or we can go another direction. Either way will work.

Let me know.
Title: Paths to Glory - Recruiting and PC Talk
Post by: Megamieuwsel on March 24, 2006, 12:30:04 PM
Just a quickie Character-sheet.
[sblock]
Code: [Select]
Ramirez da Silva
Male Human Rogue1/Fighter1
Length : 5'3"
Hair : Raven-Black
Eyes : Blue
Complexion : Slightly tanned
Weight : 143 Lbs
Handedness : both(see : feats)
Speed(base) : 30

Stats:

Str : 16 (+3)
Dex : 15 (+2)
Con : 10 (+0)
Int : 14 (+2)
Wis : 10 (+0)
Cha : 14 (+2)

BAB=+1
Fort=2
Ref =4
Will=0

AC = 15/12

Skills:(4 skillpoints/lvl as a fighter , 10/lvl as a rogue)

Balance-4 ranks
Bluff-4ranks
Climb-4ranks
Disable Device-4ranks
Escape Artist-4ranks
Hide-4ranks
Knowledge Nature(woodlands)-4ranks
Listen-4ranks
Move Silently-4ranks
Search-4ranks
Spot-4ranks
Survival-4ranks
Tumble-5ranks
Use Rope-5ranks

Class-Features:

Sneak-attack: +1d6
Trap-searching
Martial weapon proficiency
Martial Bonus feat every other level

Feats:

Sneak-attack : 1d6 (Rogue)
Alertness (1st level)
Quickdraw (Human)
Two-Weapon Fighting(Fighter 1st-lvl)

Gear:

In Backpack ( 2Lb) In Beltpouch (.5Lb) On body

Blanket(winter) ( 3Lb) Fish hook (*) Armour(Stuuded leather , MW) (20.0Lb)
Flint&Steel ( * ) 4PP (*) Compite Sh.Bow +2 ( 2.0Lb)
Grappling Hook ( 4Lb) 28GP (*) 2 Quivers(40 arrows) ( 6.0Lb)
Climbers-kit ( 5Lb) 4SP (*) Rapier ,MW ( 3.0Lb)
100ft Silk rope (10Lb 8cp (*) Dagger ( 1.0Lb)
Soap ( 2Lb) Backpack (30.5Lb)
Hammer ( 2Lb) Beltpouch ( 1.5Lb)
5 Pitons ( 2.5Lb)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Totals: (30,5Lb) (1.5Lb) (63.5Lb)

Weapons :
Masterwork Rapier (BAB+Str+MW=+5)
Dagger (BAB+Str=+4)
Composite Shortbow+2 (To hit : BAB+Dex=+3 , Damage : +2)
40 Arrows

Armour:
Masterwork Studded Leather
[/sblock]
Tell me if there's anything wrong with it.
Title: Paths to Glory - Recruiting and PC Talk
Post by: Enkhidu on March 24, 2006, 12:56:02 PM
Mega - I don't think you need both Ambidexerity and Two-Weapon. Having both in order to get the full two-weapon benefit was a 3E thang, and one that they did away with in 3.5 (where you only need two-weapon fighting). So with that you could have an extra feat to play with.
Title: Paths to Glory - Recruiting and PC Talk
Post by: Enkhidu on March 24, 2006, 01:29:23 PM
It just occured to me that I never discussed hp gain!

Let's go max for the first two levels, and then roll from then on out, with a minimum of at least 1/2 the max on the die (so the worst a fighter is going to do is 5 per level).
Title: Paths to Glory - Recruiting and PC Talk
Post by: Megamieuwsel on March 24, 2006, 05:28:01 PM
Quote from: Enkhidu
Mega - I don't think you need both Ambidexerity and Two-Weapon. Having both in order to get the full two-weapon benefit was a 3E thang, and one that they did away with in 3.5 (where you only need two-weapon fighting). So with that you could have an extra feat to play with.

Ah... didn't figure that from the SRD , but if you say so....
I'll let my inner munchkin abuse the notion to its fullest.....
Btw- Could you give me a quick run-down on the penalties , regarding two-weapon-fighting , 3.5-wise?

Edit : If Amb. makes no difference to TWF , I'd go for Quickdraw ; Speed and swiftness are my character's "middle-name" so to say.(Not to mention : stealth and silence....)

Edit #2 ; Not to be buggering , but IRL it does help to be more-or-less ambidextrous ; I learned fencing the Rapier&Main-Gauche. My innate talent for Amb. (a family-trait) helped me a lot with that...
I think I'll take that to the mechanics-talk-part of these boards....
Title: Paths to Glory - Recruiting and PC Talk
Post by: Ottomsoh the Elderly on March 24, 2006, 06:17:00 PM
Quote from: Megamieuwsel
Edit #2 ; Not to be buggering , but IRL it does help to be more-or-less ambidextrous ; I learned fencing the Rapier&Main-Gauche. My innate talent for Amb. (a family-trait) helped me a lot with that...
I think I'll take that to the mechanics-talk-part of these boards....


The idea was that paying two feats for that was too expensive, so now Ambidex is automatically given if you have TWF.

Consider it a "two for the price of one" deal, by buying TWF 3.5 you get TWF 3.0 and Ambidex 3.0, free of charge, no shipping, order yours today!
Title: Paths to Glory - Recruiting and PC Talk
Post by: Megamieuwsel on March 24, 2006, 06:24:37 PM
Joy!
I'll edit my sheet right away.
Title: Paths to Glory - Recruiting and PC Talk
Post by: Enkhidu on March 24, 2006, 08:45:17 PM
Yeah - mechanically, especially with the addition of the new power attack rules,  was seen as needing a bit of a boost. They did this through the "extra" feat.
Title: Paths to Glory - Recruiting and PC Talk
Post by: Roudi on March 25, 2006, 12:35:25 PM
Here's my completed character sheet, posted here and as an attachment for your convenience.

[sblock]Julian Fairhair
male human Bard 2
Hair: Blond, shoulder-length    Eyes: Hazel
Height: 5' 5”    Weight: 135 lbs    Age: 18
Alignment: Chaotic Neutral

Str 9
Dex 15
Con 12
Int 14
Wis 13
Cha 16

Init +2
Fort +1    Ref +5    Will +4

AC: 14, touch 12, flat-footed 12 (+2 Dex, +2 equipment)
hp: 14

Base Attack Bonus: +1

melee +0, 1d4 piercing, dagger
ranged +3, 1d6 piercing, light crossbow

Concentration +6     (5 ranks + 1 Con)
Decipher Script +7     (5 ranks + 2 Int)
Diplomacy +8     (5 ranks + 3 Cha)
Gather Information +8     (5 ranks + 3 Cha)
Knowledge (Dungeoneering) +4     (2 ranks + 2 Int)
Knowledge (Geography) +4     (2 ranks + 2 Int)
Knowledge (History) +4     (2 ranks + 2 Int)
Knowledge (Local) +4     (2 ranks + 2 Int)
Knowledge (Nobility) +4     (2 ranks + 2 Int)
Perform (sing) +11     (5 ranks + 3 Cha + 3 Skill Focus)
Spellcraft +9     (5 ranks + 2 Int + 2 Magical Aptitude)
Use Magic Device +9     (5 ranks + 2 Int + 2 Magical Aptitude)

Feats:
Skill Focus: Perform (sing) (starting feat)
Magical Aptitude (human bonus feat)

Abilities:
Bardic music
Bardic Knowledge
Countersong
Fascinate
Inspire Courage +1

Bard spells known (3/1; save DC 13 + spell level): 0- daze, detect magic, ghost sound, lullaby, prestidigation.  1- cure light wounds, feather fall.

Equipment
Light Crossbow (35 plaques)
30 Crossbow Bolts (3 plaques)
2 Daggers (4 plaques)
Leather Armor (10 plaques)
Spell Components Pouch (5 plaques)
Entertainer's Outfit (3 plaques)
Traveler's Outfit (1 plaque)
Backpack (2 plaques)
Bedroll (1 cheque)
Flint & Steel (1 plaque)
3 Ink vials (24 plaques)
3 Inkpens (3 cheques)
Mirror, small steel (10 plaques)
20 Paper (sheet) (8 plaques)
6 Rations, trail (3 plaques)
Waterskin (1 plaque)

Remaining money: 800 plaques, 60 cheques[/sblock]

edit: forgot to account for equipped weapons and armor in stats.  Fixed on the page, but the .doc version still has these mistakes.
Title: Paths to Glory - Recruiting and PC Talk
Post by: tleilaxu on March 25, 2006, 07:28:23 PM
Ok... I'm changing my character's name to Eneko, because I decided that Aitor is a shitty name. I figured out what the problem with the character sheet is: i use wordpad and .rtf isn't one of the attachable files. I'll try to use someone else's computer to send the character sheet. Non-crunch coming soon.

Here is the revised character.
-5 experience for scrolls.

Eneko Arista
Human Cleric2
HP: 20
Init: 0
Speed: 20 ft (in armor)
AC: 18 (flatfooted 18, touch 10)
BAB: +1
Attack: Warhammer +4 melee (1d8+2/x3) or Heavy X-Bow +1 ranged (1d10/19-20)
Space/Reach: 5ft./5ft.
Special Attacks: Spells
Saves: Fort +5 Ref 0 Will +7
Abilities: S 14 (+2) D 10 C 14 (+2) I 10 W 18 (+4) Ch 10
Skills: Concentration +7, Knowledge (religion) +5, Spellcraft +5
Feats: Scribe Scroll, Power Attack
Alignment: Lawful Good

Spells: 4/3+1 (Good and War Domains)
1: Protection from Evil, Bless, Command, Shield of Faith
0: Cure Minor Wounds, Detect Magic, Read Magic, Detect Poison

Items:
Armor: Splint Mail and Large Steel Shield
Melee Weapon: Warhammer
Ranged Weapon: Large Crossbow
Other Stuff: Dagger, Silver Holy Symbol, 10 Bolts, Backpack, Waterskin, Cleric's Vestments, Traveler's Outfit, Light Horse, Saddlebags, Riding Saddle, Bit+Bridle, Bedroll, Winter Blanket, Longspear

Scrolls: Know Direction, Create Water, Cure Light Wounds (1d8+1), Detect Undead

Money: 446 gold, 9 silver
Title: Paths to Glory - Recruiting and PC Talk
Post by: tleilaxu on March 25, 2006, 08:31:02 PM
I see Eneko as being one of many younger children of a minor landed lord, and thus was sent to become a member of the Church of the Rising Son. Eneko is not from Western Ffolk, but has just arrived with some Post from another part of the world. Eneko could be accurately described as of the 'choleric' humour. He is easily angered, but only at things he sees as 'unjust'.

(I don't have anything else right now, sorry. I'm comfortable figuring out who this guy is through playing, but I'll come up with more if necessary)
Title: Paths to Glory - Recruiting and PC Talk
Post by: Enkhidu on March 25, 2006, 10:28:52 PM
Quote from: tleilaxu
I see Eneko as being one of many younger children of a minor landed lord, and thus was sent to become a member of the Church of the Rising Son. Eneko is not from Western Ffolk, but has just arrived with some Post from another part of the world. Eneko could be accurately described as of the 'choleric' humour. He is easily angered, but only at things he sees as 'unjust'.

(I don't have anything else right now, sorry. I'm comfortable figuring out who this guy is through playing, but I'll come up with more if necessary)


Eneko sounds like he might come from the northern part of the Old Empire - just staid enough that younger sons would have the priesthood and little else as prospects.

My suggetion would be to publically duck your past at every opportunity, while talking with me privately about the direction you'd like to go.
Title: Paths to Glory - Recruiting and PC Talk
Post by: tleilaxu on March 25, 2006, 10:59:15 PM
Quote from: Enkhidu
Eneko sounds like he might come from the northern part of the Old Empire - just staid enough that younger sons would have the priesthood and little else as prospects.

My suggetion would be to publically duck your past at every opportunity, while talking with me privately about the direction you'd like to go.


OK. so i'll go ahead and make an alt-ID, since that seems to be the way we're doing it. I assume that the posting will be in the "Site Comments" board. I guess I'll just keep an eye on the thread until you give me an 'in'. look forward to playing with y'all!
Title: Paths to Glory - Recruiting and PC Talk
Post by: Megamieuwsel on March 30, 2006, 11:17:05 AM
Sorry foer slacking a tad ; New job came with a few footangles...
Title: Paths to Glory - Recruiting and PC Talk
Post by: Enkhidu on April 01, 2006, 12:18:37 PM
No need to fret - the recent hubbub gave us all a little break in the action anyway!
Title: Paths to Glory - Recruiting and PC Talk
Post by: el-remmen on April 03, 2006, 04:36:33 PM
Did we lose our other OOC thread?
Title: Paths to Glory - Recruiting and PC Talk
Post by: el-remmen on April 03, 2006, 04:39:11 PM
Also, Enkhidu: Do you have any of the campaign info posted anywhere else?  Either as a downloadable doc or up on a website, wiki or easily referenced thread?

It is becoming a pain in the ass to reference this thread for the info.
Title: Paths to Glory - Recruiting and PC Talk
Post by: el-remmen on April 04, 2006, 08:53:10 AM
How does the dice rollling work again?
Title: Paths to Glory - Recruiting and PC Talk
Post by: Megamieuwsel on April 04, 2006, 11:08:55 AM
Quote from: the ultimate nullifier
Did we lose our other OOC thread?

Nope , it's here:
http://www.therpgsite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=569
But I was unaware of its existence 'till right after I posted the previous message here.
Quote
How does the dice rollling work again?

[dice=X ]Y[/dice ]  Where X=number of dice and Y=die-type(just the value)
But without the spaces.
Title: Paths to Glory - Recruiting and PC Talk
Post by: el-remmen on April 04, 2006, 11:34:21 AM
Test: [dice=1]20[/dice]
Title: Paths to Glory - Recruiting and PC Talk
Post by: Ottomsoh the Elderly on April 18, 2006, 09:26:41 AM
So... What's the holdup? :confused:
Title: Paths to Glory - Recruiting and PC Talk
Post by: Enkhidu on April 18, 2006, 10:48:33 AM
Quote from: Ottomsoh the Elderly
So... What's the holdup? :confused:


60+ hour work weeks, the pre/post Easter holiday, and a general funk that I have no explanation/excuse for.

Sorry 'bout the delays - we'll fix it this week.
Title: Paths to Glory - Recruiting and PC Talk
Post by: Ottomsoh the Elderly on April 19, 2006, 09:13:32 AM
If you have 60-hour work weeks, you're all excused. It's just nice to have even just a little "sorry, can't update for now, overworked" message so that we know you're not dead and the game isn't aborted, merely delayed. :)
Title: Paths to Glory - Recruiting and PC Talk
Post by: Nelly on April 26, 2006, 08:49:27 AM
Well I am German and I have a lack of language, but I'd love to join a pbp game if possible :)
Title: Paths to Glory - Recruiting and PC Talk
Post by: Ottomsoh the Elderly on May 16, 2006, 09:44:11 PM
:emot-sigh: :gloomy: :imsorry:  :(