Aurangh's Savage Tide OG OoC

[Auranghzeb]

Post reserved for the DM.

Spoiler: Big 16

Show

1. What are we playing?
Savage tides. DND 3.5.

2. What setting?
Published Adventure path.
The Free City of Sasserine, North of Cauldron. Greyhawk, but I'm open to touches of Forgotten realms and Ravenloft.

4. How large of a crew are you looking for and where will we play?
I'm looking for 4 and only 4, I don't believe in larger groups in PbP

5. What level?
Lvl 3, milestone system.

6. How much gold or other starting funds will the characters begin with?
No of course not, 1500 gp. Alternatively. you can trade 1/3 of your wealth for something cool. But only after character selection.

7. Are there any particular character classes, professions, orders, etc. that you want... or do not want? What are your rules on 'prestige' and/or homebrewed classes?

This is 3.5. In general, all classes from allowed sources are allowed. But I'll chose those I feel are thematic to the premise. Also, see the Homebrew section.


8. What races, subraces, species, etc. are allowed for your game? Will you allow homebrewed races or species? 'Prestige' races or species?

Races in the allowed sources, be sure to read those before asking questions.


9. By what method should Players generate their attributes/ability scores and Hit Points?

Roll [roll]3d6b2+6[/rolllll] x6, order them, that's it. I don't like point buy.

Max HP at first level, then roll. No averages (however see homebrew).


10. Does your game use alignment? What are your restrictions, if so?

Run any alignment you want, but roleplay it and roleplay within the group. Fair warning: evil characters and chaotic stupid will likely die fast and painfully or simply not be selected, but you can build your character as you want.


11. Do you allow multi-classing, or have any particular rules in regards to it?
Since we are using milestone there are no multiclassing penalties, but I'll cap MC at two classes, no dips on prestige classes. You go in, you stay the full run.


12. Will you be doing all of the die rolling during the course of the game? Will die rolls be altered, or left to the honor system? If players can make die rolls, which ones do they make, how should they make the rolls, and how should they report them?

Roll in the IC in a spoiler by declaring your actions. read the homebrew rules please.

13. Are there any homebrewed or optional/variant rules that your Players should know about? If so, list and explain them, or provide relevant links to learn about these new rules.


Changes to classes

Rangers get full progression on Animal Companion they also apply their FE bonus as an Insight bonus to attack (the bonus to damage remains untyped)

Druid's get the ranger's progression on animal companion.

Fighters and Barbarians get unarmed fighting and do 1d6.

Monks get good BAB

Paladins's spells are based on Charisma, their Smite evil ability works for a full round and it is usable 1/encounter instead of 1/day.

Hexblades can use their hex at will, they don't get spells, instead they gain Martial Maneuvers as a Swordsage-1: they can pick from Shadowhand, Diamond Mind, Iron Heart, Setting Sun, and White Raven.

All classes with a d4 hp get d6 instead, and classes with a d6 get d8 instead.

All classes get +2 skill points per level.



Tier 1 classes do not need anything nice, so no SAD archivists, etc.

Feats and stuff:

One flaw, one extra feat. No traits. Flaws are a few of the materials allowed from Dragon Magazine.

Feats every odd level (1,3,5,7) If your would benefit more from a feat at lv 6, I'm sorry, take it at lvl 7.

No double stat to any roll even if it's from different sources: i.e. Charisma as Deflection Bonus and Charisma as Dodge bonus do not stack.

I'll type any untyped bonuses (Except the Barbarian's rage and the ranger's FE).

Feats from PF: Vital Strike (and the line of).

Weapon finesse adds Dex to damage.

Bows add Dex to damage, crossbows still need a feat.

Dodge gives you a +2 dodge bonus to AC and Ref Saves.

Iron Will, Great Fortitude, Lightning Reflexes, instead give you GOOD Save progression.

Combat reflexes grants 2 extra AoO no more, AoO builds are horrible in PbP, so are grapplers.

However, grappling as a concept is cool and fixing it is a mess unless we use 5ed or CMD and I don't want to go there. Just be advised.


I like combat fast and bloody so:

Natural 20 crits do not need confirmation, other threats do.

A full-attack is a Standard action, max attacks are capped at 6 REGARDLESS of the combination or any ability, max is 6, apply penalties to iteratives as usual.

You can split your movement before and after your standard action, movement provokes AoO as usual.

You can't use Aid another for an attack, that's literally what flanking is for.

You can't have more than an extra standard action per round under any circumstances. i.e Factotum + belt of battle.


14. Is a character background required? If so, how big? Are you looking for anything in particular (i.e. the backgrounds all ending up with the characters in the same city)?
See the other spoiler


15. Does your game involve a lot of hack & slash, puzzle solving, roleplaying, or a combination of the above?
It is a published path that goes up to lvl 20, a bit of everything, more hack and slash. Not so many puzzles, I expect good role playing from everyone, that is essential. I have run this twice in person, I abbreviate a lot and remove most of the random encounters.

16. Are your Players restricted to particular rulebooks and supplements, or will you be allowing access to non-standard material? What sources can Players use for their characters?

Auto accepted: PH I and II, Spell Compendium, The Complete Series, ToM (no true namers), MoI, Stormwrack, Tome of Blade, Psionics, city scape.
There will be zero transparency with magic and psionics. Assume that I'm not limited to those sources and may use stuff from PF for NPCs and monsters.

I don't usually ban stuff, I simply don't pick characters I don't like, that said, the only allowed materials from Dragon Magazine are Battle Dancer, Mystic Ranger, the above mentioned flaws and stuff related to Sasserine and the adventure. Please don't ask.


16+. Any banned stuff?
See above

Spoiler: My quick companion guide on Sasserine as I run it

Show

Sasserine was a We Jas Cleric who sacrificed herself to save the life of her lover, Teraknian. Teraknian built a castle as a shrine to his lover and founded the city in her name 700 years ago. It is perched in a safe harbor between two enormous cliffs and prospered as one of the safest ports in the Amedo Region, a subtropical jungle area along the south coast of the Azure Sea: the Jeklea Bay, to the west a large and almost impenetrable line of innactive volcanoes separate the bay from the Dust lands of the old Suel Empire.

For 200 years it prospered under Teraknian and his Descendants with strong ties to Suel, the Church of Wee Jas, and the church of Kord. Then 500 years ago, Orren Teraknian tried to rule as an enlightened absolute ruler and abolished many of the social institutions and religions, his kingdom was long and he had two successors who were highly popular among the destitute. Tat regime lasted until the noble families allied with the Sea Princes under false promises. The Sea Princes seized control, taking the children of the Sasserian elite as hostages, and ruled Sasserine for almost 200 years, isolating it from the main continent and even from the neighboring city of cauldron. This period meant the Sasserine elite had to spent their youth amongst the refined but bizarre Sea Princes in their strongholds in the Flannaes.

Then twenty years ago, the Scarlett Brotherhood, some nasty pirates they are, waged war against the Sea Princes and assassinated most of them. And some of the Sasserinian nobles still in their hold. The people of Sasserine did the rest and liberated the city. For the Past 20 years of so, the powerful families of the city have ruled as a council: The Dawn Council. But this oligarchy is tenuous, subject to treason and porous to crime and parallel powers and always under the threat of the Bullywug tribes to the east and the constant pressure of the Scarlett Brotherhood raids.

Rich families are an old aristocracy, most of them came with Teraknian or shortly after. They have plantations and ships, mainly using indenture servants and cheap labor, slavery was abolished by Orren Teraknian. The main exports are agricultural commodities like coffee and hemp that grows in the volcanic lands to the west of the city, exotic animals and furs.

The law forbids murder, theft and other strong offenses and is severe and swift, often death penalties, for those without connections or influence. But it is very relaxed about minor crimes and misdemeanors and has a bustling underworld. Reason why Sasserine has become attractive for all kinds of people looking to make fortune.

Since the ancient families came from Suel, Wee Jass has some faithful followers, so does Kord, but since the times of Orren Teraknian, the most popular god is Illmater (I know is not Greyhawk, but there's no equivalent), and due to the influence of the Sea Princes, there's also a strong following of other Flanaes deities.

You may be from Sasserine, maybe loosely connected to one of the big families, or you could have just arrived looking to make a name for yourselves.

If you are from the city, then you are most likely Human and if from a noble family most likely you are of Suel origin, dark haired and handsome. There's some tolerance to a few civilized Bullywugs, and the western plantations employ nomadic halflings that do seasonal work, there are a few dwarves from Cauldron.

If you are from any other race the, then you probably arrived recently and will not find many that look like you.

Cast of Characters

Player	Character	Class and Race	Sailor Rank	Associations and memberships	??
BelGareth	Brannick the Bold	Human Fighter	None	??	No
DrK	Aron Mervanchi	Human Rogue/Wizard	None	Meravanchi family,	No
Rilem	Eli	Bardbarian?	Deckhand	Church of the Whirling Frenzy, Lady Silvermane	No
ProudGrognard	Tefkros	Elven Ranger	Boatswain	Jade Ravens	no

[Auranghzeb]

This is the cast I feel works the best together. I want to express some ideas after having run this adventure a couple of times that may improve the experience overall:

1. There's a lot of seafaring, it's a big part of the adventure and it gives your character chances to do stuff you wouldn't be able to do in other campaigns. Consider that in your mechanics. i.e a heavy armored knight makes little sense.

2. There are long-term connections that may not be apparent at first, but could become important as the adventure develops, give me depth, you'll be rewarded.

3. Build with fun and theme in mind. Make request to adapt stuff and do not feel constrained by class descriptions etc.

Spoiler: Rilem

Show

There's a Whirling Frenzy church in the city.

Spoiler: Proudgognard

Show

I really like the "In love with the sea" it's a great hook that would need some mechanical support

[BelGareth]

Thanks Auranghzeb!

Small request, can the 16 and char gen rule stuff be posted to the OP please?

Transposing my rolls and concept to one location:


(3d6b2)[4] +6
(3d6b2)[5] +6
(3d6b2)[7] +6
(3d6b2)[9] +6
(3d6b2)[10] +6
(3d6b2)[10] +6

Brannick the Bold

Spoiler

Show

Description

Tall and strong, Brannick stands like a regal noble lord, he has the bearing, but upon closer inspection, he is a little rugged around the edges. His steel blue eyes pierce through his ruggedness, contrasting to his grey hair and beard, almost as if he has seen things. His tagged but yet, royal looking cloak hang on his shoulders, with his royal blue coat underneath.

Personality

Brannick is a thoughtful man, and applies this to all of his actions, attempting to figure things out, and apply the correct amount of effort as is appropriate. While smart, he is more of a social butterfly, and can rub elbows with nobles and beggars alike, a poor facsimile of a Paladin.

Background

Brannick is a bastard son of a noble long dead to the city, though their ancestors may remain within the city proper as the elite. Not So for Brannick, being the bastard son, he was given no heed, and was left to fend for himself. His family dates back to the old Suel Empire. And, having stumbled upon an ancient grimoire of Ancient Suloise, he realized what he found was perhaps valuable to some, he absconded with the tome, and fled the city. He became a self made man on a mission, he was hunting for anything that could help him read his book, so he could learn its secrets and unlock them. Hopefully becoming something along the way, and not having to rely on his family, who doesn't even recognize him anyway.

He has found his way back to the city of his origins, book in hand, and new, but old language learned, what could he find here that could help him on his transformative journey....

Mechanics

Fighter into Suel Archanamach

EDIT: mechanically i was hoping to start in something with full bab and then move into Suel Archanamach later on. I was thinking straight fighter, but now maybe Spelless Ranger? Maybe a combo of Warrior Ranger to remove spells, and then Arcane hunter? but now im thinking having a spattering of small wis based spells might be useful later on, as well as fit nicely into the theme of the character, a dashing rogue in exile returning, prodigal son kind of thing.

EDIT: and now im seeing we have a ranger, so maybe Fighter, back to my original idea.

[Rilem]

Thanks very much! Very glad to be here.


Looking ahead, will probably pick up a level of either Whirling Frenzy Barbarian (immediately) or Crusader (prob. at level 5). Both seem to lean toward unstructured, seat-of-the-pants fighting; Eli isn't a trained fighter.

WIP sheet

moving over my earlier stuff as well:

Spoiler: rolls

Show

(3d6b2)[11] +6
(3d6b2)[7] +6
(3d6b2)[8] +6
(3d6b2)[10] +6
(3d6b2)[10] +6
(3d6b2)[8] +6

Spoiler: intro

Show

There's somebody like Elliot on every boat. And in every bar, for that matter. And Elliot himself has spent much of his life in one or on the other.

He spent his childhood with his fisherman father, trawling the near shores off of Sasserine. Nearly drowned in a storm at age 16, after which he promised his mother he’d stay off the water.

These days he’s the most popular person at his uncle’s bar in the Champion’s District — and would be even if he wasn’t the one pouring drinks. You probably know the guy: He’s the one who starts a song that others join, or who can poke fun at the other regulars without leaving any hard feelings … usually. He’s grown into his frame now and he’s a big fella with a big smile — think a young Robbie Coltrane — able to end a bar fight just by announcing it’s over.

He misses the water, though, and he worries that the time’s coming when he’ll have to disappoint his mother.

[DrK]

Thanks very much! Much appreciated

[ProudGrognard]

Thanks for the chance to be here! I will post in more details later.

[ProudGrognard]

So, I am back.

Here is Tefkros, the elven ranger charsheet. Still WIP. If I have made any mistakes please tell me, it has been a while since my 3.5 days.

Spoiler: Tefkros

Show

History
Tefkros Telamonassa is a young elf, hailing from the clan of Nastaroquen in the Amado jungle. Tefkros' people have resided in these lands since time immemorial, and enjoy a certain status among the other elven and non-elven clans. The Nastaroquen are hunters and tamers of wild beasts, herbalists of some renown and lorekeepers of Solonor Thelandira and Fenmarel Mestarine. Tefkros learned to hunt and to fight from the clan's hunters, and the basis of the Clan's herbal magic from the lorekeepers. In the young age of 100, he was considered a fair shot even by elven standards.
But Tefkros was a bit strange, by the standards of his people. Something called to him, but he did not know what. He often ignored the demands of his clan and went out alone, paddling in the rivers or scouting in the very borders of elven lands . He also displayed a great love of luxury and of comforts, resulting in him trading objects and objects that would have been useful for the clan, for things that made Tefkros’ life more comfortable. His elders chided him again and again, but Tefkros continued to defy them. The final straw was a trading journey to the Emerald Cove, where Tefkros saw the sea for the first time. His heart was captivated,by the city and by the sea both. Despite the behests of his family and friends, he went back to the sea the first chance he got. His elders disavowed him and sentenced him to become an outcast for the next century. Tefkros, furious, denounced them in turn and vowed that this was not a punishment, but a blessing. Privately, he vowed to go back in fame and fortune, and prove these doddering old men and women fools.
This is how, fifty years ago, Tefkros ended up in Sasserine, with the clothes on his back, his gear and a few scant coins, barely speaking the language. It took him years to get used to life in the human city and decades to get accepted as a native. But Tefkros did not care. He was happy to sail the large human ships as a sailor, a warrior and a hunter. He was happy to live near the eternal but everchanging sea. He even made friends with these short-lived humans. Over the years, his skills adapted to his new life. He is still an archer and a tracker of some renown, and with a fair reputation for impartiality. Why would do petty, short-lived, human intrigues concern him?

Questions for the dear DM
- How free are we to create background details? Tefkros has been in town for fifty years. I would picture him having associates, crews he has sailed with, antagonists and employers. Can I make those up?
-A similar question: Apart from the info you have already provided, what else from the AP guide is valid? The districts, persons, map? What about languages and deities? I plan for Tefkros to have focused on more peripheral elven deities.
-I gave him the Loner flaw, which means to animal companion. I don't picture him as having one. I would like for him to go the Deepwood Sniper route, if that is OK. His 'spells' will be his herblore.
- To show his love for the sea, I have him Sailor, Rope Use, Balance, things he would have learned as a crew member, even a fighting one. I picture him as having a small boat - an "elven war canoe" in his mind- that he likes to take out. I will put that in my equipment.

Questions for fellow players
- Would anyone like to entangle backstories? I would guess that Aron and Eli would have the chance to know and/or have worked with Tefkros.

[Auranghzeb]

Thanks Auranghzeb!

Small request, can the 16 and char gen rule stuff be posted to the OP please?

Transposing my rolls and concept to one location:


(3d6b2)[4] +6
(3d6b2)[5] +6
(3d6b2)[7] +6
(3d6b2)[9] +6
(3d6b2)[10] +6
(3d6b2)[10] +6

Brannick the Bold

Spoiler

Show

Description

Tall and strong, Brannick stands like a regal noble lord, he has the bearing, but upon closer inspection, he is a little rugged around the edges. His steel blue eyes pierce through his ruggedness, contrasting to his grey hair and beard, almost as if he has seen things. His tagged but yet, royal looking cloak hang on his shoulders, with his royal blue coat underneath.

Personality

Brannick is a thoughtful man, and applies this to all of his actions, attempting to figure things out, and apply the correct amount of effort as is appropriate. While smart, he is more of a social butterfly, and can rub elbows with nobles and beggars alike, a poor facsimile of a Paladin.

Background

Brannick is a bastard son of a noble long dead to the city, though their ancestors may remain within the city proper as the elite. Not So for Brannick, being the bastard son, he was given no heed, and was left to fend for himself. His family dates back to the old Suel Empire. And, having stumbled upon an ancient grimoire of Ancient Suloise, he realized what he found was perhaps valuable to some, he absconded with the tome, and fled the city. He became a self made man on a mission, he was hunting for anything that could help him read his book, so he could learn its secrets and unlock them. Hopefully becoming something along the way, and not having to rely on his family, who doesn't even recognize him anyway.

He has found his way back to the city of his origins, book in hand, and new, but old language learned, what could he find here that could help him on his transformative journey....

Mechanics

Fighter into Suel Archanamach

EDIT: mechanically i was hoping to start in something with full bab and then move into Suel Archanamach later on. I was thinking straight fighter, but now maybe Spelless Ranger? Maybe a combo of Warrior Ranger to remove spells, and then Arcane hunter? but now im thinking having a spattering of small wis based spells might be useful later on, as well as fit nicely into the theme of the character, a dashing rogue in exile returning, prodigal son kind of thing.

EDIT: and now im seeing we have a ranger, so maybe Fighter, back to my original idea.

Consider the BAB requisite for Suel Archanamach waived, You cant take the class at lvl 6. Maybe that helps you with the build. Consider a cloistered cleric crusader

The hexblade is a good entry. But yes, the party may lack some divine power, but who needs clerics?

Thanks very much! Very glad to be here.


Looking ahead, will probably pick up a level of either Whirling Frenzy Barbarian (immediately) or Crusader (prob. at level 5). Both seem to lean toward unstructured, seat-of-the-pants fighting; Eli isn't a trained fighter.

WIP sheet

moving over my earlier stuff as well:

Spoiler: rolls

Show

(3d6b2)[11] +6
(3d6b2)[7] +6
(3d6b2)[8] +6
(3d6b2)[10] +6
(3d6b2)[10] +6
(3d6b2)[8] +6

Spoiler: intro

Show

There's somebody like Elliot on every boat. And in every bar, for that matter. And Elliot himself has spent much of his life in one or on the other.

He spent his childhood with his fisherman father, trawling the near shores off of Sasserine. Nearly drowned in a storm at age 16, after which he promised his mother he’d stay off the water.

These days he’s the most popular person at his uncle’s bar in the Champion’s District — and would be even if he wasn’t the one pouring drinks. You probably know the guy: He’s the one who starts a song that others join, or who can poke fun at the other regulars without leaving any hard feelings … usually. He’s grown into his frame now and he’s a big fella with a big smile — think a young Robbie Coltrane — able to end a bar fight just by announcing it’s over.

He misses the water, though, and he worries that the time’s coming when he’ll have to disappoint his mother.

I have no issues if you pick crusader but I gotta say that an "untrained ToB class" is kind of an oxymoron. How much are you interested in bardic abilities? Would you like to work on a Skald type of character? A foul mouthed inspirational barbaric pirate? I may give you a way,

So, I am back.

Here is Tefkros, the elven ranger charsheet. Still WIP. If I have made any mistakes please tell me, it has been a while since my 3.5 days.

Spoiler: Tefkros

Show

History
Tefkros Telamonassa is a young elf, hailing from the clan of Nastaroquen in the Amado jungle. Tefkros' people have resided in these lands since time immemorial, and enjoy a certain status among the other elven and non-elven clans. The Nastaroquen are hunters and tamers of wild beasts, herbalists of some renown and lorekeepers of Solonor Thelandira and Fenmarel Mestarine. Tefkros learned to hunt and to fight from the clan's hunters, and the basis of the Clan's herbal magic from the lorekeepers. In the young age of 100, he was considered a fair shot even by elven standards.
But Tefkros was a bit strange, by the standards of his people. Something called to him, but he did not know what. He often ignored the demands of his clan and went out alone, paddling in the rivers or scouting in the very borders of elven lands . He also displayed a great love of luxury and of comforts, resulting in him trading objects and objects that would have been useful for the clan, for things that made Tefkros’ life more comfortable. His elders chided him again and again, but Tefkros continued to defy them. The final straw was a trading journey to the Emerald Cove, where Tefkros saw the sea for the first time. His heart was captivated,by the city and by the sea both. Despite the behests of his family and friends, he went back to the sea the first chance he got. His elders disavowed him and sentenced him to become an outcast for the next century. Tefkros, furious, denounced them in turn and vowed that this was not a punishment, but a blessing. Privately, he vowed to go back in fame and fortune, and prove these doddering old men and women fools.
This is how, fifty years ago, Tefkros ended up in Sasserine, with the clothes on his back, his gear and a few scant coins, barely speaking the language. It took him years to get used to life in the human city and decades to get accepted as a native. But Tefkros did not care. He was happy to sail the large human ships as a sailor, a warrior and a hunter. He was happy to live near the eternal but everchanging sea. He even made friends with these short-lived humans. Over the years, his skills adapted to his new life. He is still an archer and a tracker of some renown, and with a fair reputation for impartiality. Why would do petty, short-lived, human intrigues concern him?

Questions for the dear DM
- How free are we to create background details? Tefkros has been in town for fifty years. I would picture him having associates, crews he has sailed with, antagonists and employers. Can I make those up?
-A similar question: Apart from the info you have already provided, what else from the AP guide is valid? The districts, persons, map? What about languages and deities? I plan for Tefkros to have focused on more peripheral elven deities.
-I gave him the Loner flaw, which means to animal companion. I don't picture him as having one. I would like for him to go the Deepwood Sniper route, if that is OK. His 'spells' will be his herblore.
- To show his love for the sea, I have him Sailor, Rope Use, Balance, things he would have learned as a crew member, even a fighting one. I picture him as having a small boat - an "elven war canoe" in his mind- that he likes to take out. I will put that in my equipment.

Questions for fellow players
- Would anyone like to entangle backstories? I would guess that Aron and Eli would have the chance to know and/or have worked with Tefkros.

-Quite free, In any case I'll tell you if something is off or would not work. Is only natural Tefkros has knowledge of the Jeklea Bay and the Amedio Jungle surrounding Sasserine, but remember that at lvl 3, he is also likely to hav limited adventuring experience. Let's not get crazy on that.
-I rather not use too much material straight away. I think a good start is that you may have crossed paths with the Jade Ravens, a group of Neutral Mercenaries, during the last 5 years. And well, you remember the times of the Sea Prince tyranny, you may even have participated, low-key in their demise after the Scarlett Brotherhood took out their leaders. Maybe some low level sabotage of ships etc.
-Deepwood sniper is fine (maybe deckwood sniper fluff at some point).
-Nice, and I love the elven war canoe idea.

[ProudGrognard]

-Quite free, In any case I'll tell you if something is off or would not work. Is only natural Tefkros has knowledge of the Jeklea Bay and the Amedio Jungle surrounding Sasserine, but remember that at lvl 3, he is also likely to hav limited adventuring experience. Let's not get crazy on that.
-I rather not use too much material straight away. I think a good start is that you may have crossed paths with the Jade Ravens, a group of Neutral Mercenaries, during the last 5 years. And well, you remember the times of the Sea Prince tyranny, you may even have participated, low-key in their demise after the Scarlett Brotherhood took out their leaders. Maybe some low level sabotage of ships etc.
-Deepwood sniper is fine (maybe deckwood sniper fluff at some point).
-Nice, and I love the elven war canoe idea.

Thank you for this. I was thinking along the lines of having rented a house near the lighthouse to see the sea and be close to his canoe. I was also thinking of having a favorite tavern, and perhaps know a captain or two.
As for character development, I completely agree. I picture Tefkros arriving as a zero-level warrior here and spending the first decade or two foraging and hunting around and in Sasserine, thus becoming first level. He is then known enough to get a job in a ship and spends some decades as a fighting sailor, thus earning his second level. Then, the demise of the Sea Princes came and the work for the Jade Ravens came, and he is now third level.

[DrK]

Thank you for this. I was thinking along the lines of having rented a house near the lighthouse to see the sea and be close to his canoe. I was also thinking of having a favorite tavern, and perhaps know a captain or two.
As for character development, I completely agree. I picture Tefkros arriving as a zero-level warrior here and spending the first decade or two foraging and hunting around and in Sasserine, thus becoming first level. He is then known enough to get a job in a ship and spends some decades as a fighting sailor, thus earning his second level. Then, the demise of the Sea Princes came and the work for the Jade Ravens came, and he is now third level.

I'm happy that Tefkros could know Aron, maybe from doing jobs together or from fencing / appraising recovered artifacts.
I'd imagine that Aron would know the jade Ravens for a similar reason, both occasional frequenting the Adventurer's Guild and for being in the shop were the jade Ravens resupply their magics


@ the GM
Can we buy part charged (i.e 10, or 25) wands?
Still okay with Pathfinder style unlimited Cantrips?

[Auranghzeb]

1. Sure, PF cantrips are sound.
2. Aron is a Meravanchi. The younger brother of Avner Meravanchi? I'd be cool with that.
3. Is the magic/fencing of things a way to defy the family? Does he have connection in the underworld?

or

Aron is part of or wants to be part of the Witchwatchers? A society of Wizards.

[Auranghzeb]

I changed the columns on the table at the OP to reflect some useful game information. I'll give you a sailing rank according to skill and experience. This will become important in the adventure.

[DrK]

1. Sure, PF cantrips are sound.
2. Aron is a Meravanchi. The younger brother of Avner Meravanchi? I'd be cool with that.
3. Is the magic/fencing of things a way to defy the family? Does he have connection in the underworld?

or

Aron is part of or wants to be part of the Witchwatchers? A society of Wizards.

1/ Excellent, I love the unlimited cantrips for minor magic
2/ Yes that’s good. He also know the other nobles families like the Vandeborens and Kellanis as is a similar age to them so would know Lavinia and Vanthus socially
3/ Yes. The magic shop is his attempt to be legitimate, the fencing and mercenary work is the trying get power and wealth quickly

[Rilem]

I have no issues if you pick crusader but I gotta say that an "untrained ToB class" is kind of an oxymoron. How much are you interested in bardic abilities? Would you like to work on a Skald type of character? A foul mouthed inspirational barbaric pirate? I may give you a way,

I agree on the TOB point; I'd started looking at them as a way to get Song of the White Raven, but I can get that through feats if I really want it.

The bard's core abilities are a big draw for me, so some way of Skald-ing things up or the inspirational pirate would be nice. I've always thought bard & barbarian should mesh better in 3.x than they do, as the PrCs are mostly underwhelming. Even a feat along the lines of "Devoted Performer," but for bard/barbarians, would help a good bit.

(Something else that would help: Letting bards have Intimidate, like in Pathfinder; I totally forgot they didn't get it in 3rd edition.)

Oh, and a mechanical question: It seems like Inspire Courage can be used while raging, unlike some other bardic musics, since it doesn't require perform checks -- but I'd understand a ruling against that, as well.

Planned Alternate Class Features I'm looking at:

Spoiler: other stuff

Show

• Barbarian: Whirling Frenzy Rage Variant
• Barbarian: Sub Fast Movement for Roof Walker feat (Complete Scoundrel), the abilities actually seem like the sort you'd pick up on a boat

• Bard: Maybe Bardic Knack for Bardic Knowledge, gotta think on if I'm planning a lot of bard levels
• Bard: Spellbreaker song for countersong.

EDIT: Oh, one other thing I was looking at from 3.0 — the whip-dagger. His main weapon is just going to be a big club, at least at first, but I just had the image of swinging around a giant fishhook on a rope and though it seemed nifty.

[Auranghzeb]

1/ Excellent, I love the unlimited cantrips for minor magic
2/ Yes that’s good. He also know the other nobles families like the Vandeborens and Kellanis as is a similar age to them so would know Lavinia and Vanthus socially
3/ Yes. The magic shop is his attempt to be legitimate, the fencing and mercenary work is the trying get power and wealth quickly

Cool, but I’ll monitor alignment. Not against evil on this campaign, and we are all adults. But evil like in the lesser of two evils. There’s a point where a character is just an npc.

I agree on the TOB point; I'd started looking at them as a way to get Song of the White Raven, but I can get that through feats if I really want it.

The bard's core abilities are a big draw for me, so some way of Skald-ing things up or the inspirational pirate would be nice. I've always thought bard & barbarian should mesh better in 3.x than they do, as the PrCs are mostly underwhelming. Even a feat along the lines of "Devoted Performer," but for bard/barbarians, would help a good bit.

(Something else that would help: Letting bards have Intimidate, like in Pathfinder; I totally forgot they didn't get it in 3rd edition.)

Oh, and a mechanical question: It seems like Inspire Courage can be used while raging, unlike some other bardic musics, since it doesn't require perform checks -- but I'd understand a ruling against that, as well.

Planned Alternate Class Features I'm looking at:

Spoiler: other stuff

Show

• Barbarian: Whirling Frenzy Rage Variant
• Barbarian: Sub Fast Movement for Roof Walker feat (Complete Scoundrel), the abilities actually seem like the sort you'd pick up on a boat

• Bard: Maybe Bardic Knack for Bardic Knowledge, gotta think on if I'm planning a lot of bard levels
• Bard: Spellbreaker song for countersong.

EDIT: Oh, one other thing I was looking at from 3.0 — the whip-dagger. His main weapon is just going to be a big club, at least at first, but I just had the image of swinging around a giant fishhook on a rope and though it seemed nifty.

Cool on the whip-dagger.

I give boons to players to customize characters without having to crank and crunch the rules until you end up dipping classes to get one thing you like and 4 feats to don’t. I wanted to see more mechanics as we move on, but I can offer you yours right away:

inspirational Foulmouth(su): your foul words and astute quips inspire deckhands to steer a ship, wenches to work the peak hours of your tavern, and patrons to drink beyond their possibilities. You know all kind of tavern and ship songs some would blush the hardest of pirates!

Basically you get inspire courage and inspire competence as a bard your level -1 whit any class other than bard.

And you also get: Barmaids’ son (ex): you were exposed to all kind of stories and tall tales growing up, you can tell a story and some of them hide secret truths.

Basically you get bardic knowledge when a tall tale or a story would make sense.


That way you get some bardic goodies without having to dip.

[Rilem]

Interesting; that could work and I'm curious to see how it'd do.

I've started mapping out a revised sheet with early feats for a straight barbarian with the bardic tweaks. (Grabbing diplomacy via Martial Study and gather info via CityScape skill swap, so he can still function well socially).

If he winds up going with the Champion of Gwynharwyf, does that class have similar tweaks to the Paladin mechanics? At
the moment, I sort of see him as involved with the Church of the Whirling Fury because

a) It's more exciting than regular church and
b) He's smitten with some of the women there.

Tossed in a cross-class rank of Know (religion) from his experiences there, mostly acquired by osmosis.

[ProudGrognard]

Tefkros is mostly done. Just a few touches left.

@DM: Would you consider allowing the exchange of Wild Empathy with something else? By RAW, there is the Spiritual Connection which is somewhat of a sideways move. Would you consider something else? As an example, I would suggest a Favorite Environment: Sea three times per day for 10 minutes, or perhaps a Swim and Climb Bonus?

Optionally of course.

@Fellow players:
I suggest then that Tefkros knows of Aron's shady dealings, and has worked with him in the past alongside the Jade Ravens. Tefkros respects his prowess, but is wary of the man's shady side.

I also suggest that Tefkros has sailed with Eli in the past, more than once. Tefkros does not frequent bars in the Champion district, but that is not a problem. They frequently run into one another in a boat or another.

[Auranghzeb]

Ok, how does these work for you as your boon.


Hold Breath (Ex): Tefkros loves for the sea is not limited to it's surface, he is an excellent diver and can hold his breath for 8xConstitution bonus rounds.

Dexterous Swimmer(Ex): Your elven grace translates into your movements in water, you can choose to use your dex-bonifier instead of your Str for swim checks.

Elven Harpooneer (Ex): You can shoot from land to water more effectively, instead of taking a penalty for every 5' of water, you take a penalty for every 10' of water. You can effectively use thrown weapons from land to water up to 10' deep with a -5 penalty.


Those above are for free if you like them as boons.


Then, feel free to swap out Wild Empathy for Favored Environment. Use it as normal, it is not that powerful, and it is insight bonus so it doesn't stack with your favored enemy bonuses.

[Auranghzeb]

Thanks Auranghzeb!


EDIT: mechanically i was hoping to start in something with full bab and then move into Suel Archanamach later on. I was thinking straight fighter, but now maybe Spelless Ranger? Maybe a combo of Warrior Ranger to remove spells, and then Arcane hunter? but now im thinking having a spattering of small wis based spells might be useful later on, as well as fit nicely into the theme of the character, a dashing rogue in exile returning, prodigal son kind of thing.

EDIT: and now im seeing we have a ranger, so maybe Fighter, back to my original idea.

Hexblade is an excellent entry for Suel, the thing is that Hexblade usually sucks. Check my "fix". I'm also open to allow your great revision of Soul Born.

Interesting; that could work and I'm curious to see how it'd do.

I've started mapping out a revised sheet with early feats for a straight barbarian with the bardic tweaks. (Grabbing diplomacy via Martial Study and gather info via CityScape skill swap, so he can still function well socially).

If he winds up going with the Champion of Gwynharwyf, does that class have similar tweaks to the Paladin mechanics? At
the moment, I sort of see him as involved with the Church of the Whirling Fury because

a) It's more exciting than regular church and
b) He's smitten with some of the women there.

Tossed in a cross-class rank of Know (religion) from his experiences there, mostly acquired by osmosis.

Yeah, consider any ability like Smite Evil to work as for the paladin.


@Drk. Thinking about your boon. I was thinking something themed around your shady intentions and your noble origins.

Not what it seems (Ex)!-You'd get Cloaked Casting as a Beguiler and Surprise Casting as a Beguiler of your Character Level -2.

Socialite (Ex): The Meravanchi are famous for their flamboyant ways, parties and political influence. You grew up in a house where everyone who is anyone in Sasserine was a visitor. You can always take 10 on gather info checks in Sasserine or when dealing with Merchants and Aristocrats.

The last child (Ex): Your older brother, Avner, is famous for his charm and arrogance, you grew under his influence and became the exact opposite, relying on your wits and inventive where your charm was lacking. Use your Intelligence instead of your Cha for Bluff and Use Magic Device.

[DrK]

@Drk. Thinking about your boon. I was thinking something themed around your shady intentions and your noble origins.

Not what it seems (Ex)!-You'd get Cloaked Casting as a Beguiler and Surprise Casting as a Beguiler of your Character Level -2.

Socialite (Ex): The Meravanchi are famous for their flamboyant ways, parties and political influence. You grew up in a house where everyone who is anyone in Sasserine was a visitor. You can always take 10 on gather info checks in Sasserine or when dealing with Merchants and Aristocrats.

The last child (Ex): Your older brother, Avner, is famous for his charm and arrogance, you grew under his influence and became the exact opposite, relying on your wits and inventive where your charm was lacking. Use your Intelligence instead of your Cha for Bluff and Use Magic Device.

Those boons are great, very thematic for him!
Just so I know is this free stuff that you give us 😀 Or is this the boon for 500gp
Either way I’m taking them as I like them

[Auranghzeb]

Those boons are great, very thematic for him!
Just so I know is this free stuff that you give us 😀 Or is this the boon for 500gp
Either way I’m taking them as I like them

Oh, I had almost forgotten about that!

These are free.

I don't think we will be implementing the other one. I accept feedback and ideas on that. TBH I have always liked Bel's VoP as a character option to have unique flavorful abilities instead of gear. There's already too many characters running around with Anklets of Translocation, Healing Belts and Collars of Umbral Metamorphosis (what a silly item).
So I was thinking about using 1/3 of wealth to "buy" something similar. But I think it may already be too many things. And this is a published module with lots of treasure.

[ProudGrognard]

Ok, how does these work for you as your boon.


Hold Breath (Ex): Tefkros loves for the sea is not limited to it's surface, he is an excellent diver and can hold his breath for 8xConstitution bonus rounds.

Dexterous Swimmer(Ex): Your elven grace translates into your movements in water, you can choose to use your dex-bonifier instead of your Str for swim checks.

Elven Harpooneer (Ex): You can shoot from land to water more effectively, instead of taking a penalty for every 5' of water, you take a penalty for every 10' of water. You can effectively use thrown weapons from land to water up to 10' deep with a -5 penalty.


Those above are for free if you like them as boons.


Then, feel free to swap out Wild Empathy for Favored Environment. Use it as normal, it is not that powerful, and it is insight bonus so it doesn't stack with your favored enemy bonuses.

This is perfect! Thank you.

[Rilem]

I also suggest that Tefkros has sailed with Eli in the past, more than once. Tefkros does not frequent bars in the Champion district, but that is not a problem.

I'd say they could certainly know each other, but from Eli's childhood, back when he was regularly fishing with his father … Eli's been off the water for a while. (Tefkros probably knows Eli's father better.)

Also, I think I'd relocate the tavern to the Cudgel district, as that's where the Whirling Fury church is; he'd make excuses to hang out there before work.

@Aurangh: Just realized Inspire Competence is keyed off the Perform skill … any chance of getting that in-class? (Not an issue if not, I'd just take a level of Bard and Able Learner instead of Martial Study/WhiteRaven).

[Auranghzeb]

I'd say they could certainly know each other, but from Eli's childhood, back when he was regularly fishing with his father … Eli's been off the water for a while. (Tefkros probably knows Eli's father better.)

Also, I think I'd relocate the tavern to the Cudgel district, as that's where the Whirling Fury church is; he'd make excuses to hang out there before work.

@Aurangh: Just realized Inspire Competence is keyed off the Perform skill … any chance of getting that in-class? (Not an issue if not, I'd just take a level of Bard and Able Learner instead of Martial Study/WhiteRaven).

Sure you have Perform (sing), Perform (oratory) and perform (spoons).just keep it thematic. You could mix it up and have the full range: foul mouthed pirate songs and then a great soft voice for sad folk songs.

[Rilem]

Sounds good; he'll start with 6 ranks (required for Inspire Competence) in song, then mix in comedy and percussion (spoons, and also drums which I imagine would be helpful on a boat) later on.

(2d12)[20] Hit point rolls for levels 2-3

[Rilem]

Actually we don't have to hand-wave anything on perform -- I forgot about the existence of Versatile (OA) and Apprentice (DMGII) feats; Apprentice (Entertainer Barkeep, not that far off) would give him Diplomacy/Perform. It fits with his recent history working for his uncle and certainly makes more sense than him taking Martial Study/White Raven. (He may still take Martial Study at some point, if he's got room, but it'd come later.)

I've updated his sheet with the single-class focus.

[BelGareth]

rolling for Hitpoints:

(1d10)[9]
(1d10)[1]

[BelGareth]

sorry for double posting:

sheet is done https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheets/?id=2883730

few questions:
what happens if you take Iron will and you already have a good Will save?
Suel has really stupid requirements, will you require me to have the martial weapon proficiency's? currently I only have 1.

EDITY: @DrK, I'm basically going to become your bodyguard, just FYI

[Rilem]

What about the Militia Regional Feat from Player's Guide to Faerun? You'd have to reflavor the location, but it'd give you all martial weapon proficiencies.

(Its existence does not make the requirements for Suel Arcanamach any less weird.)

[BelGareth]

What about the Militia Regional Feat from Player's Guide to Faerun? You'd have to reflavor the location, but it'd give you all martial weapon proficiencies.

(Its existence does not make the requirements for Suel Arcanamach any less weird.)

Oh, that is nice. would want to replace that with my martial prof feat.