[PF-1e] The Forsaken Plane: The Plane of The Elder Evils

[PopCultureBard]

While I am having to step away from the game due to life nonsense, I would recommend this game to anyone who is seeking depth of character and drama. Xian is doing an amazing job of tying characters to the setting and making choices matter. If you like personal horror in your Pathfinder this is a great choice for you.

[suburbanplankton]

"about to be executed"? Remind me not to piss off the DM in this game

A question about the introduction of new characters: will they be plucked out of wherever they call home and dropped into the existing setting at the "present time", or will they have been living on the Forsaken Plane for some time and just now run into the other player characters?

[Cristal08Darkmoon]

Originally Posted by suburbanplankton

It appears that I applied for this game way back in 2016 when it first started. The fact that it's still a going concern more than two and a half years later makes me want to take another shot at it.

I vaguely remember the character I originally applied with; I think that a couple more years of experience will allow me to do a better job, so I'll [probably be working on a completely new submission.

If we could get a 10,000 foot view of the campaign so far, that might help with creating a character that can fit in easily.

I'm in the same boat.

[AlphaZ]

I've been idly browsing for a good low-magic game with a different tone. This just might be it.
I'll start drafting the application below, but for now I'll say that she's an old woman that practices dark magic.

 

Mother Perrish, Human Summoner

Alignment: Lawful Evil - stickler for the rules and sees lawfulness as the greater good; evil in the sense that she practices dark magic behind closed doors (and is honestly just not very nice)

Appearance and Personality: Mother Perrish is ambiguously old with white hair and stooped posture. She generally wears obscuring layers and carries a staff to help her get around. However, she's unusually spritely when the task at hand requires it, suggesting she may be possessed of an almost supernatural internal youth. Yet to interact with her comes with all the unpleasantries of an old and condescending woman, hard-set in her ways and generally inconvenienced by the existence of others.

Place of Origin: (I think I'll need help working this part out)

Ten Minute Background:
Traits

• She works as an embalmer.
• She never married and has no living family.
• She is a private person and generally prefers the company of the dead, but her mood can be cheaply bought with token gifts.
• She has a tense relationship with the priests with whom she works, not being religious herself.
• She likes to write, sew, and otherwise craft in her alone time.

Goals

• She is searching for more ways to prolong her life.
• She is always trying to hide her magic.

Contacts

• Anther Riese, the Pharasman priest and undertaker for whom Mother Perrish works, does not like her at all. He keeps her around as much to keep an eye on her as because she is a diligent worker.
• Sellen Maywere, a young and insufferably positive shop worker from the town square, has adopted Mother Perrish as a grandmother figure. She always brings a candy with her and is therefore tolerated.
• Ruth Listrov, a stout older woman and one of the less popular, if more affordable, healers in town. She provides a channel for Perrish to get her hands on some otherwise forbidden materials.

Memories

• She remembers finding a scroll with an evil inscription in her mother's room when she was young.
• She remembers the first time she summoned something from the beyond, forming a pact with a being that would last to present day.
• She remembers her mother's funeral after she was claimed by old age. She swore to outrun the same fate as long as she could.

What attracted the Dark Powers?
She practices dark magic, and as such has undoubtedly attracted some unwanted attention.

sample post "We are closed." The brash voice answered the knock on the shop door as sounds of cleaning continued within. "Even for an old friend?" Perrish responded in a sickly sarcastic tone, punctuating with a small self-satisfied cackle. Sounds of shuffling and a loud clang ensued from within, accented by a quiet curse before the door was unbarred. "Of course, it's you." Said the broad woman mirthlessly. She jerked her head behind her. "In." Within the shop hung an assortment of herbs and talismans from every rafter while shelves lined with pots and jars created something of a maze. The woman shuffled wearily towards the back as Perrish followed with ease of habit. "You bring me money?" She asked as she stopped behind a desk and placed her hand on a shelf, poised and waiting for the answer. "Ruth, would I come see you if I didn't?" Though the tone was polite, Perrish's words always carried a certain venom. Ruth scoffed and pushed the shelf to reveal a small, hidden chamber. "What do you need? More raven quills? A fingerbone needle perhaps?" There was no humor in Ruth's voice as she made her suggestions. "No, I need scroll paper. Vellum." Suddenly Perrish was concise and transparent, fake grin washed away in an instant. Ruth groaned. "Ugh. Grisly business. Why not get it from your own dead?" She asked, already knowing the answer. "You can't just skin the dead. People notice." Perrish's reply was curt and emotionless, so familiar it even lost any air of annoyance. "People notice." Ruth parroted with notable distaste. "I have only this. You pay me well I will get more. Next time someone loses a leg." Perrish fished a few coins from her robe and a slightly unsteady hand slowly deposited them on the desk. "Thank you Ruth. You always come through for me." Suddenly the fake smile was back and so was the poisonous sarcasm. Ruth smiled; she wasn't always sure if they liked or hated each other, but they certainly had an understanding.

[Xian]

Team,

First of all, I would like to welcome the newcomers and appreciate your initial interest in my Gothic guilty pleasure for nearly four years. For those, that are making another go of this, welcome back!

Originally Posted by Keante

Could you provide a summary of the existing characters in the game, which our new characters would be joining?

EDIT: Here is what I've put together, but I'm not sure who is actually leaving the game.

The current cast of the game are:

• dbaque as Doctor Aurelius Alymer, Outworlder Elven Alchemist and devotee of science and reason accompanied (formerly) by his Homunculus Companion, Yana
  
• kaylara as Kallev Littleton, Homeworlder Aasimar Dragon-touched Witch and Magical Heiress of the land of Luminous.
  
• WhiteStag as Jonathan Rawncer, Homeworlder Aasimar Dragon-touched Bloodrager with a dragonheart of gold that houses a white hot rage.

DMNPC (for the time being)

• PopCultureBard as Ephram Du'Chaine, Outworlder Knight-Errant with a heart of gold...'ish... astride his faithful steed, Euripides!
• GeoAvanti as Alexis Lightbringer, Outworlder Shifter Barbarian and former gladiator from the World of Eberron.

For those that are not familiar with this game, the term Outworlder refers to characters that were brought / drawn in from other planes into the Forsaken Plane, while Homeworlders refer to characters that were born and raised on the Forsaken Planes. Certain game mechanics, such as knowledge and divine magic, operate differently due to the nature of the Forsaken Planes, but is mainly intended as flavor and not game changing element.

Needless to say, the fine caliber of players that I have had the privilege to grace my game is the reason that this story has sustained itself for this long and a lot has happened in the nearly four years of the game's run time. The party (past and current members) have survived several horror scenarios , ranging from a invasion of goblins part of the enigmatic army of demi-humans, known as the Black Wolves, to a night in a deadly haunted manor, to a fighting for their lives in a woods inhabited by an ancient evil to name a few. In each instance, one or more of the characters were presented will dilemmas that tested not so much their strength of arm, but the strength of their character. So with that in mind, I will summarize the current situation and give a short synopsis of the next story arc that those selected in this round of recruitment will be participating in.

Currently, the company has finished undergoing a tribunal where they, and in particular the character Kallev Littleton, stood trial for the massacre at the town of Hofstra. Kallev had willingly summoned a dark creature to murder an inquisitor that attempted to arrest her and some members of the party, but ultimately found that she had unleashed a creature far beyond her understanding or control. The creature subsequently slaughtered nearly every man, woman, and child in the town, but had left the party alive and unmarked to witness to their act. The tribunal had found Kallev, Ephram, and another former PC, named Raven guilty for their crimes. Newer arrivals, Jonathan and Aurelius, in addition to former PC, Alexis Lightbringer, were found not guilty. Kallev has been sentenced to public execution for her crimes and now stands in public display. As part of their sentence, the two former PC have been designated as Kallev's executioners. The instrument of the execution is magical orb that will kill the subject, if the activators/executioners know/believe that the subject is guilty of the crime for which they stand accused. So it is at this moment that the story currently stands.

By the time, the selection process has been complete this scenario will be concluded and the next major arc of the story will begin. In this arc, the party will begin discovering more of the nature of the Forsaken Planes itself and the Elder Evils that lay imprisoned and slumbering deep within it. The party will encounter those, for myriad of reasons, that will be attempting to awaken and release the Elder Evils and it will be up to our party to stop them or not. There are several subplots that will be developed under this arc with plenty to explore and most importantly RP.

Hopefully, I have encapsulated enough information to help those that are interested in the game. If there are those that would like to see the tone and what kind of game you are getting yourself involved with, please feel free to go to the game forum and have a look around.

Onward!

Cheers, Xian

[Xian]

Permitted Resources Paizo Pathfinder materials are baseline. Essentially, anything Pazio on the Pathfinder SRD is pre-approved with the exception of races. Still, I reserve the right to restrict anything that I feel is not consistent with the game world. (very, very rare and unlikely that it will ever be invoked... ) Will consider requests for use of other / third party material or adaptation of existing 3.5e material, especially if it is related to Ravenloft, but inclusion will be based on Role Play potential vice Roll Play potential.

Writing Standards Writing standards. Instead of restating what has been said so well by others I refer you to this link reference the famous Art of the Two Paragraph Post article. This is the standard that we all should collectively strive for with every post.

Character Creation - Application I do not want to make this too intense of a writing exercise where you flesh out an in depth history in the application that turns into a novel. The principal point of the application should be a short summary of what the characters motivations, strength, and most importantly flaws are. You do not need to make a character sheet and in fact should not until accepted (I would hate for you to do all of that work), but some people visualize better so here are the basics: UPDATE: The current character level of this game is 7th so accommodate that accordingly in your character write ups . Multi-classing will be permitted. 20 point character buy. Races: All Paizo Core and Uncommon and Featured Races (15 RP or less). All others by DM approval only. Classes: Any Paizo class - Any Archetypes that you are considering - Not bounded to this if you change your mind as long as it does not radically change your overall character concept. Alignment: Any - while a guide this should be tied to your character concept and personality how it should be role played. Basically, this should give me an initial idea of your character's tendencies. Appearance and Personality: Should be a simple extension of the above, but provide a very BRIEF description of the appearance (can use an image) and personality, noting any odd mannerisms. (2-3 sentences max) I want to see most of this fleshed out in the posting sample portion of the application process. Place of Origin: Where does the character come from? Essentially, this breaks down into those born on the Forsaken Plane and those that get brought here from other places in the multiverse. If born in the Forsaken Plane, simply state Forsaken Plane - equivalent Golarian location. If from external to the Forsaken Plane then state indicate where in Golarian they were taken from. I am familiar with other settings, so if you want to go wild and be from Faerun or Eberron let me know. (This does not automatically mean that those racial type available in those settings are available.) The selection means that certain things and skills operate differently for you, especially divine casters and summoner. Character Concept: Use the ten minute background - but try not to make 10 hour background (please). An alternative that I have come to like regardless of what format I am playing is D&D 5E format. The sort of narrative format helps me to get a better feel of the character/player behind it by hearing their "voice". You are welcome to use this format, but you are not bound only the traits, elements, and flaws in the 5e books. Feel free to customize or improvise as you see fit. The only additional item for the 10 minute background or the 5e format is what aspect of your character attracted the attention of the Dark Powers to your character and for those from the outside, abducted to the plane? Initial Sample Post: Write a short introductory post for your character and with the initial hypothetical context that they have just been introduced to the current cast of characters above by mysterious fortune teller. The PCs may know them by reputation or not, but they will not have in depth knowledge of the PCs.

[DoubleL1987]

Haven't seen a nice proper dark horror game in a while, so definitely colour me interested

[Keante]

Application in Progress Name: Hoyt Race: Human Class: Unchained Summoner, Soulbound Summoner archetype, with a fey eidolon Alignment: Neutral Good Appearance and Personality: Hoyt has always been regarded as a simpleton and an oaf in his village. In reality, his intelligence is not below average, but he has a slow manner of speaking and a sincerely held belief in the presence of many spirits all around, and these traits of his have led others to look down upon him. Physically, Hoyt is a very large man. So much so that looking down upon him in a physically literal sense is quite impossible for most, unless they stand upon high ground or sit astride some steed. His meaty fists and overall size might have been quite intimidating to the people of his village if he hadn't always been so gentle and mild-mannered. Were he to be enraged, he almost certainly would be quite a danger to any individual example of the common folk--but in his 24 years of life, such a thing has never happened. Place of Origin: Forsaken Plane (Golarion equivalent - town of Haugin's Ear in the nation of Isger) Why the Dark Powers chose me: They have a sadistic interest in seeing this gentle giant become a violent brute--and to test how far he must be pushed to achieve it. 5e Format Character Concept Personality Trait: I like reading fairy tales and rhymes. It keeps me calm and happy. Ideal: I try to help people, much as I can. There’s no good in pretending to be something I’m not. Bond: There’s evil in me, I can feel it, deep down. It must never be set free. Flaw: I talk to spirits that no one else can see. Trinkets: I've always held onto this little picture I drew when I was a kid of my fairy friend. I call her Cherry. Cherry, the eidolon:

[wodine]

If only I had time to pick up another game!

Good luck finding some stellar players Xian.

Onward!

Cheers,

Wodine

[Xian]

Originally Posted by wodine

If only I had time to pick up another game!

Good luck finding some stellar players Xian.

Onward!

Cheers,

Wodine

Wodine,

Appreciate the props! If in the future, time and space opens up, I would be honored to have a Wodine in the game!

Onward!

Cheers, Xian

[Xian]

Team,

Just because someone asked me in PM, I thought I would share my thoughts and philosophy here in terms of character mechanics and allowed mechanics, especially third party.

I only consider 3rd party materials when there is a need based on a character narrative and concept and there is nothing currently existing in Paizo PF materials to substantiate it. Based on my read of the two classes requested, it looks like it could be replicated with multi-class and archetypes selected.

For me as a DM, my principal interest is not in the mechanics of your character (though important for balance in relation to the others) but of your character narrative because that is where the focus of the game is. To be transparent, the nature of this game is designed challenge the players by neutralizing their apparent/class strengths or even turning them into weaknesses/disadvantages.

Now having said that, I do understand the delight in playing something that a player is excited about mechanically and will do my best to support if it does not inherently unbalance the game in relation to the other players and most importantly, it supports a compelling character narrative and concept. Mechanics should help to bring the character to life and not be the principal core on which the character is built. Unfortunately Path of War and most third party materials does not for the most part meet this criteria very well in terms of overall potential brokeness.

I hope that helps and helps to emphasize that clear character concepts and narrative will be more important criteria for selection than things like part balance or class mechanics.

Onward!

Cheers, Xian

[Mrjoegangles]

Khory Khory Malfinn “The bigger they are, the harder I hit them.” Protector of the Planar Shrine Race: Human Class: Eldritch Guardian Fighter Alignment: LN Appearance: A young lass in her early twenties, wearing a hodgepodge set of ill-fitting and poorly made armor. Few would notice the unremarkable woman at first glance if not for two things: The steel blue eyes, intently examining and starring down all who approach her, and the massive hammer nearly her size that she lugs around behind her at all times. Homeland: Outlander, she doesn’t know what people here call her Plane, only that her people called the planet Gaea. 10 minute Character Concept Step 1: Background 1) As the middle child, Khory is the newest and youngest guardian of her family’s shrine. 2) While dutiful and mindful of her family’s oaths and obligations, wishes she was free to pursue her own dreams. 3) Befriended Kun, one of the shikigami charged with defending the shrine, has likeminded dreams of adventure. 4) The Holy Site guarded by the Malefinn family is actually a site attuned for planar travel. 5) The destruction/defilement of the shrine, and the assault on Khory’s family is what spurred her to travel the Planes in search of revenge. Step 2: Goals 1) Track down the formless figure who assaulted her family and murdered her father. 2) Unlock the mysteries of the Shrine’s Planar Travel, so she may continue to explore. Step 3: Secrets 1) Was absent from her post, fears her lax guard is what allowed the Formless One to so easily slip past. 2) Has no desire to return to her home, even if her mission for revenge succeeds 3) Her Sledgehammer, while large, is not nearly as enormous as it seems. Rather the combat style she learned under Kun is what gives it it’s massive appearance. Step 4: Characters of Note Kun, the Eternal Guardian 1) Kun: The friendly Shikigami who helped defend the Shrine, now determined to redeem himself for his failure. Impetuous and mischievous, but also a loyal and boon companion. 2) Harrod Malfinn: Oldest brother and new head of the Malfinn Clan, left before Khory to seek the Formless One down. Unaware Khory has followed him through the Planar Gate. 3) The Formless One: A figure cloaked in billowing shadows, powerful and fierce he defeated Khory’s father and scattered much of the defenses before using the Planar Gate hidden in the shrine to evade the Clan’s counterattack. Step 5: Memories/Mannerisms/Quirks 1) Spits in her hands before undertaking difficult tasks or shaking someone else’s. 2) Puts the first flower of a tree in bloom in her hair, in honor of her father who often adorned her in such a manner. 3) Hates to stay still, even when in battle often choosing to move around rather than stand her ground. Step 6: Flaws 1) Impatient and Impetus; prone to action over thoughtful strategy. 2) Adventurous and Wanderlust; Can’t stand still, always looking over the horizon. 3) Overconfident and Boastful; Over estimates her own skills and abilities, not afraid to tout her strengths. 4) Honor-bound and Dutiful; Raised in a clan sworn to Oaths and Obligations, grew up in an environment where your word was your bond and honor ruled all. Step 7: Why have we been chosen The conflict that dwells within Khory is a tempting target for the Dark Powers. Within her is a juxtaposition of conflicting ideals: Duty vs. Desire, Obligation over her dreams, the need to stay and stand guard conflicting with a need to move and explore. Her honor, and her family’s honor is in direct conflict with her wanderlust and is what fuels Khory’s flight from her home. Indeed it was probably the Dark Powers who sent the Formless One to Khory’s home, knowing that the act would give her excuse to follow to this realm. Add in her access to a Planar Shrine and Khory was an obvious choice for the Dark Powers to lure. Introductory Post: Khory shivered as she stepped through the shimmering portal of her home Plane, beyond the flicker image of her family’s shrine flitted in her vision before slowly fading away. It seemed that not even the power of the Planar Shrine could long effect this realm. “It’s..... it’s so different. I mean, I knew it wouldn’t be home, but everything is so..... muted.” Shaking her head the young guardian looks down at her friend and companion. ”It’s like the colors all washed away, like the light itself is dimmer, even the smells seem lesser. Perhaps this wasn’t the best of ideas.” The small spirit looks around warily as it surveys the world around them. The small earthen form he is bound to tightens it’s grip on its makeshift hammer, it’s liferunes pulsing briefly as he tests his powers in this strange place. ”My connection to this world is different than it was to Gaea, but I’m still strong enough to fight, let’s track down this Formless One, and find our way back home.” Smiling widely as her unease starts to dissipate, Khory reaches down and places her tiny protector on her shoulder, and with a grin spits on her palms, rubbing her hands together before hefting her own weapon over the other shoulder. “I couldn’t do this without you Kun, you’re a true friend. Let’s head that way, first we find civilization, and then we avenge my family, my clan..... father.” Pointing her hammer over the horizon the two adventures set off onto parts and paths unknown.

[Qiksilv]

I'm interested in trying to get in but, alas, am woefully ignorant of the Forsaken plane, ebberron, golarion, etc. I recognize the names but have never really played in them specificallydnd settings or the motivations behind the "Dark Power" that make it take interest in people across the multiverse.

Is there a 'cheat sheet' that might be able to clue me in?

What is your posting rate?

Is there a deadline?

[suburbanplankton]

Name: Adria
Race: Changeling
Class: Cleric of Pharasma (Ecclesitheurge archetype)
Alignment: True Neutral
Place of Origin: Golarion

Appearance and Personality: Adria is tall and very thin; with her pale skin she gives the appearance on someone sickly, but she has found that her appearance helps when dealing with the ill and dying, so she takes no measures to change it. Despite her appearance and her fascination with death and dying, she has a vivacious personality. She knows that everyone, regardless of what happens to them during their lifetime, will end up taking the river of Souls to Pharasma's Boneyard, so she believes that people should try to enjoy life as much as possible while they are in it.

Character Concept:

Background:

• Adria was born in the Echo Wood in the River Kingdoms. Her mother has a hag named Kresida, who known to the residents of the area as "the Wood Witch"; her father was a Taldan adventurer who was trying to map the River Kingdoms and had become lost in the wood.
• She was left with a farmer and his wife when her mother stole their baby away. They turned her over to an orphanage when she was only three months old.
• She was raised by clerics of Pharasma. She was initially trained to assist the midwives, but she found that she was more comfortable assisting with the sick and elderly, assisting souls with their exit from the world, rather than their entrance into it.
• When Civil War came to the area, Adria found great satisfaction aiding the wounded, and especially with easing the dying with their transition to the next plane.
• She joined a group of clerics who travel to places of unrest to assist with the needs of the people. While others in her group concentrate on healing and tending to wounds, Adria aids those for whom recovery is impossible.

Goals:

• She would like to visit the Boneyard. She knows that she will pass there once her time on this plane has passed, but she wishes to see it as a living person, and then return to her life on the Material plane. She thinks that she will be better able to help her 'patients' if she has first-hand experience with what is about to befall them.
• She would like to meet her mother. She was told about her parentage when she came of age, and is quite aware of who, and what, her mother is, but she wants to see for herself.
  

Secrets:

• Her fascination with death borders on the unhealthy. She experiences a kind of thrill when she is able to look into another person's eyes at the very moment that their soul leaves their body, so much so that there have been occasions where she has gone beyond "easing" the transition, to actually "aiding" it...but only in cases where the end was already inevitable (at least, that's what she tells herself).
• Her father is alive, and aware of her existence. Adria has always assumed that her mother killed her father once she was done with him, but he escaped...and somehow found out about Adria's birth. He is not certain what became of her, but is still trying to find his daughter.

People:

• Irondu Petrescu, a Varisian Cleric of Sarenrae. Adria met him at a hospital where they were both tending soldiers wounded during one of the seemingly endless series of civil wars. He took note of her skill at tending to those soldiers who were beyond his case, and invited her to join his traveling band of clerics.
• Alanna Brighpetal, the halfling nurse who tended to Adria when she was brought to the orphanage, and served as a surrogate mother to her growing up.
• Cathales, a half-elven soldier, captain of a company of mercenaries that operate in the River Kingdoms. He has crossed paths with Adria on a number of occasions over the years. He is disturbed by her apparent obsession with dying soldiers, and strongly suspects that she has killed more than one of his soldiers who might otherwise have been saved.

Memories, Mannerisms, and Quirks:

• When she was thirteen, one of the first times she assisted with the preparation of a body, the body opened up beneath her hands as thousands of spiders burst forth from it. She has had a horrible fear of spiders ever since.
• She dislikes small children, and finds babies especially disconcerting; their almost complete helplessness makes her very uneasy.
• Every time she helps a soul to pass on from the Material Plane, she carves a small scar into her left forearm.

Why was she chosen?:
Her intimate association with death, and with her willingness to skirt the line between 'terminal caregiver' and 'instrument of death'.

[Xian]

Originally Posted by Qiksilv

I'm interested in trying to get in but, alas, am woefully ignorant of the Forsaken plane, ebberron, golarion, etc. I recognize the names but have never really played in them specificallydnd settings or the motivations behind the "Dark Power" that make it take interest in people across the multiverse.

The Forsaken Plane is my Pathfinder adaptation of the D&D Ravenloft setting. You do not need explicit knowledge of this or any setting to play in this game. The game is character centered and not centered on the setting. If you read the information in advertisement then that is all the knowledge that you will need or be familiar with to play in this game. As for the motivation of the Dark Powers, they are as implacable as they are mysterious. Reading the introduction post for the advertisement is all you need.

Is there a 'cheat sheet' that might be able to clue me in?

Outside of what is available in game and in the advertisement, no.

What is your posting rate?

There might be a spike on rare occasions such as combat, but 1-2 posts per week is the norm.

Is there a deadline?

I have put a soft deadline for the end of the month/first week of October. This may be adjusted depending on the level of interest and the quality of the applications.

Consider (as advice if you will) for your character narrative for the application not so much the nitty gritty details of their life story, but focus the characters motivations, goals, and most importantly flaws since these three things are what makes characters interesting and engaging.

Onward!

Cheers, Xian