[PF-1e] A Great and Terrible Burning

[RasterFarian]

Originally Posted by CatCanCook

Hi RasterFarian -

A couple things. The child Grace-Maria, if born after the massacre at Dead Horse would be a newborn, as that event has just happened.

The family shows a lot of magical powers (Adept, Cleric or Shaman, Kineticist). Those might have to be yet-to-happen things. The thing is, as of the starting of the story, the Topangan tribe has largely suppressed magic. Your PC would have been on outlier, as one of the few early persons embracing magic. Other that the PCs, tribal members will largely start utilizing magic between Chapters 1 and 2.

"(That was x number of years ago)." ==> it actually just happened.

Ok, might have to kill off Ben earlier...Grace-Maria is supposed to be around 8.

I understand about the magic classes. Definitely was intended as "yet to happen" or just possible. The idea is what they would/could become.

For Maria, I thought to give an ancestry connection for the twins. Maybe magic is something recent for her or something she kept secret. Pony Boy could be something less magical, maybe straight rogue or rogue/bard, but maybe magic will run in the family via Maria's minor ability that bursts forth in her offspring. She's only an adept because she's been shamed and suppressed.

The PC class comes later so I'm writing in future tense some of the time. Rationale's get rickety in future history! : )

Stats are OK. Traits are OK.
There is this homebrew feat:
It fits your intended theme. Maybe put it in your default Greater Stance at some point (though not early when I expect you need to focus on just getting a build effectively off the ground.)

Clarify if you want to do Shaman or Cleric. If Cleric, it's OK as is. If Shaman, the Fire and Life spirits each seem to match part of what you want, except you'd have to pick one and forego the other.

OK, this is all work in progress. I get hung up on classes defining my image of the character. Shaman fits this world and is easier to explain. But maybe not. I'm thinking I should abandon real world religion and take a page from fantasy or the character could be "shamanistic" spiritualist that develops along the cleric path of abilities. Hmm so rulebook says:

As their powers are influenced by their faith, all clerics must focus their worship upon a divine source. While the vast majority of clerics revere a specific deity, a small number dedicate themselves to a divine concept worthy of devotion—such as battle, death, justice, or knowledge—free of a deific abstraction. (Work with your GM if you prefer this path to selecting a specific deity.)

Religion: most people are associated with real world religions and/or philosophies; but people with Lore skills may worship a patron derived from something they and others have read about and began worshipping.

Would The Force work? Riddley travels a lot, reads whatever pulp finds or trades for, falls in love with the Star Wars stories, especially Luke since they share a similar last name. He begins to believe that such a thing as "The Force" is real. Or someone convinces him to believe it's real. Meanwhile Sarah is delving into the spirit world and the two develop spiritual abilities, but along different paths so they are same but different as fraternal twins are. This all ties in nicely with the fraternal twin motif since Luke and Leia were fraternal twins. Huh. I didn't see that coming, but I like it if it's ok with you Cat? It's all rather meet-cute.

I will put the Inured to horrors on the list.

Is a Sanity Domain possible? Something commensurate with the Madness Domain?

Depends. So healing radiation is hard. A Restoration spell is normally 2nd level, but if you want it to restored ability score points lost to radiation and otherwise not normally recoverable, you'd have learned it as a 2nd level spell but you would have to be of a level to cast it using a 3rd level slot.

Now, things would break a bit if the domain spell takes away something that you'd get at a given level. Then we may need to negotiate some adjustment.

So for the life Spirit, one thing breaks:

Spirit Magic Spells: Detect undead (1st), lesser restoration (2nd), neutralize poison (3rd), restoration (4th), breath of life (5th), heal (6th), greater restoration (7th), mass heal (8th), true resurrection (9th).

So -- at 5th level get Pillar of Life instead of Breath of Life.

Most shaman Spirits don't run into issues with that ruling.

Ah, OK, I was thinking the hard spells were cast AND learned 1 level higher. But here's an example:

Trickery Domain
Domain Spells: 2nd—invisibility,
So at 3rd level (5th in this case) a cleric has the option of choosing invisibility as the 2nd level domain slot. At 3(5) cleric does not have a 3rd level domain slot or even a 3rd level spell slot.

---

Additional note: This family backstory isn't intended for the characters to lend support or get anything extra. I wanted to add detail/texture to my backstory. The only thing I might be angling for is maybe it's a stable I could draw from in case of death with a shared campaign trait so it's consistent.

Regarding Outsider's Child: Ben and Jacob come from outside the canyon originally and continue traveling as part of their trade. They do wind up in Dead Horse. So my question is: does that satisfy the campaign trait?

That brings me to another question: How will death be handled? Does a player have the option of running a new character or must we wait for an opening?

[17fromgreatness]

@CAT - Couple of Thoughts:

Alternate multi-class ability. Any secondary class ability listed here may be purchased as a feat; the constraint is it must occupy a feat slot of a higher level than the level at which the base class would gain the ability. Additionally, if a class ability has a precursor of a similar name or cumulative effect, then the precursor is a prerequisite.

These will often be as good or better than feats, so they may be worth consideration.

Errata: The 1st level choices and effects are mandatory prerequisites and taken before one gets any of the benefits of an alternate multiclass. That includes a cleric's deity, a druid's code, a paladin's oath, etc.

Considering Cleric - as the Alternate (Multi-Class)

Main Class - Mystic>(considering - Archetype - Knight-Chandler) - Is there conflict with an Archetype?

TRAIT - Practiced Initiator (Combat) - Benefit: – Pick an initiating class—your initiator level in that class gains a +2 trait bonus as long as this bonus does not raise your initiator level above your current Hit Dice.

Seems similar to Magical Knack, albeit for Practiced Initiator. Though it might be better to take Magical Knack when considering the Multi Class Feat.

Religion is important; if not organized religion then at least faith. Most people in Topanga Canyon follow the examples of the Ladies of the Canyon, and are either Christian, Buddhist or Wiccan -- with average alignments leaning toward Lawful-Good, Neutral-Good and Chaotic-Good respectively.

Do we create/describe our own philosophy/religion if selecting Cleric as the Multi Class (and choose our Domain) through the Feat? Do we get Spells as normal for the Cleric class but with the abilities kicking in as described here?

[CatCanCook]

Would The Force work? Riddley travels a lot, reads whatever pulp finds or trades for, falls in love with the Star Wars stories, especially Luke since they share a similar last name

Yes, it would. (There's already one starwars reference on the Topanga Canyon region map, sure to be more Star Wars cropping up.)

Re: Trickery -- if you want that you could go for a substitution, such as this:

Domain Spells: 1st—disguise self, 2nd—Mirror Image, 3rd—invisibility, 4th—confusion, 5th—false vision, 6th—mislead, 7th—screen, 8th—invisibility (mass), 9th—time stop.

Regarding Outsider's Child: Ben and Jacob come from outside the canyon originally and continue traveling as part of their trade. They do wind up in Dead Horse. So my question is: does that satisfy the campaign trait?

Yes, that is OK.

That brings me to another question: How will death be handled? Does a player have the option of running a new character or must we wait for an opening?

Death most often happens because a player stops posting and disappears, and while the DM most often retires the character into an NPC, sometimes the character is killed off. I've gone with both paths depending on whether the story is at a low-risk or high-risk phase.

Characters passing away due to battle or dangerous circumstances has happened in my games. It has been uncommon -- it has been most common when one charges into melee vs. something big and bad. In those cases players most often choose to rejoin with a new character. I usually support that, if that's what the player wants.

Having a predefined stock of characters is not necessary.

In one of my games, a player brought back their deceased character as a conjured spirit summoned by their replacement PC. So ... there is possibly a fair bit of freedom in what stories one tells.

[CatCanCook]

Main Class - Mystic>(considering - Archetype - Knight-Chandler) - Is there conflict with an Archetype?

This archetype is fine:
https://www.d20pfsrd.com/alternative...ight-chandler/

Do we create/describe our own philosophy/religion if selecting Cleric as the Multi Class (and choose our Domain) through the Feat?

Yes, if you like. Most NPCs are going to be in some defined religion whether real-world or from one of the Lore skills. However, PCs are outliers. If they survive to high levels then they may by then have influenced the game world around them.

Do we get Spells as normal for the Cleric class but with the abilities kicking in as described here?

The variant multiclass rules give you absolute nothing whatsoever beyond what they say they give you.

So the variant multiclass cleric says this:

Deity: At 1st level, she must select a deity within one alignment step of her own. She gains the cleric's aura, bonus languages, code of conduct, and restriction from casting spells of opposed alignments. She also gains the cleric's spontaneous casting ability, which she can use with any prepared casting classes that have the appropriate spells on their spell lists.

What that means is if you get spellcasting from another class (and Mystic does not cast spells) then you could spontaneously convert those spells into cure spells. So this part of the variant multiclass is just void if your class is not a spellcasting class.

[17fromgreatness]

What that means is if you get spellcasting from another class (and Mystic does not cast spells) then you could spontaneously convert those spells into cure spells. So this part of the variant multiclass is just void if your class is not a spellcasting class.

Thanks for the clarification. I thought as much but wanted to check.

So Mystic is not a Spontaneous Caster - Does the "Mystic" fit the Black Sheep Campaign Trait?

I'll look into this more.

I'm looking for "Powers" but it doesn't necessarily have to be spells. I want to be able to do Item Creation (later). I thought the Multi Class Feat could add some stuff... (but no spells). Lack of "spontaneously converting spells" is defeating.


At one point I considered a Sorcerer - But wanted to be careful about "Bloodlines".

[CatCanCook]

So Mystic is not a Spontaneous Caster - Does the "Mystic" fit the Black Sheep Campaign Trait?

No. The Black Sheep campaign trait is for spontaneous casters.

At one point I considered a Sorcerer - But wanted to be careful about "Bloodlines".

Bloodlines would be allowed, without being literally descended from exotic races.

The Uruk Hai were once humans, at some point they didn't descend from ancestral orcs.

[CatCanCook]

@17, So you can start as a Mystic, if you want, taking this trait:

Canny Hunter Canny Hunter. While other people pursued foolish trivia or everyday skills, you and several like minded people focused on the essentials of keeping the tribe fed, especially through the hot and difficult summers. When orcs attacked, unfortunately most of the Topangan tribes' strongest warriors were the first to die, but you survived. You have heard that some tribes out there have developed martial practices that develop extraordinary abilities of varied sorts. The martial disciplines of Solar Wind and Tempest Gale seemed in particular of interest to you, given that they extend ranged weapon abilities. You have heard that the centaurs of F’nando Valley practice the Solar Wind discipline, and the people of The Angels practice the Tempest Gale. Ability. Gain Knowledge (martial) as a class skill and a +1 trait bonus with it. Instead of starting as a commoner, you begin as any class that has proficiency with all martial weapons. You start with a longbow, a shortsword and 5 gp of arrows. You gain +1 trait bonuses to Survival and Stealth, and both are class skills for you. Your 2nd and 3rd levels must be of NPC classes, so that by 3rd level you will be at parity with, and not have a permanent advantage over other starting characters.

The long term bonuses this trait gives are mild and not as good as some of the other Campaign Traits, but it would start you off temporarily as more powerful than NPC-based PCs. For Chapter One.

[RasterFarian]

Originally Posted by CatCanCook

Yes, it would. (There's already one starwars reference on the Topanga Canyon region map, sure to be more Star Wars cropping up.)

Ok, v2 on the way!

Re: Trickery -- if you want that you could go for a substitution, such as this:
Domain Spells: 1st—disguise self, 2nd—Mirror Image, 3rd—invisibility, 4th—confusion, 5th—false vision, 6th—mislead, 7th—screen, 8th—invisibility (mass), 9th—time stop.

I am considering knowledge. Looks like it would take a bit of a hit:

Knowledge Domain
Remote Viewing (Sp): Starting at 6th level, you can use clairvoyance/clairaudience at will as a spell-like ability
Domain Spells:
1st—comprehend languages,
2nd—detect thoughts,
3rd—speak with dead,

Travel's a consideration:
Travel Domain
3rd—fly,
5th—teleport,
7th—greater teleport

Having a predefined stock of characters is not necessary

Ok. It makes for good texture/background and I'd like to run one of them if Riddley does go down. Sorta enjoying writing them, not that they are flushed out.

[RasterFarian]

Other questions:
In what ways do the Topangans suppress magic? Is it socially unacceptable or are there laws and consequences?
Do humans ever collude with the Uruk Hai?

Hit points are maximized for your largest hit die (which die is maximized could change if you start with a low HD class and then switch to a high HD class). Otherwise, hit points are HD - 3. So d6 = 3 hit points, d8 = 5 hit points, d10 = 7 hit points and d12 = 9 hit points.

Could you elaborate? Does taking one level of warrior or fighter change the HD used? Seems generous if so.

[CatCanCook]

In what ways do the Topangans suppress magic? Is it socially unacceptable or are there laws and consequences?

It is socially unacceptable. As a tribe, there are not actual formal laws -- the worst that happens is bringing shame to one's family and being exiled from the tribe (which is considered the equivalent of being killed.)

Do humans ever collude with the Uruk Hai?

Topangans do not. The Uruk Hai came by surprise, and could only be recognized for what they were by the small number of people who had read Tolkien. Most people do not know much about the outside world -- that is to discover as you interact with the wider world, build knowledge skills, etc.

[CatCanCook]

Re: clerical domains -- for spells that need to be moved to higher level, pick same school of magic within-level substitutes, and then at the higher levels either take the up-leveled spell in place of what was at that level, or forfeit it.

[RasterFarian]

Originally Posted by CatCanCook

Topangans do not. The Uruk Hai came by surprise, and could only be recognized for what they were by the small number of people who had read Tolkien. Most people do not know much about the outside world -- that is to discover as you interact with the wider world, build knowledge skills, etc.

Hmm, Topangan's do not. Would it make sense if Benjamin had colluded in some way with Uruk's before the invasion? He's an outsider or was an outsider. Just thinking in terms of exiting him from the Walker's life.

[CatCanCook]

@Rastafarian --

So if the Benjamin was a salt trader, he might have had commercial dealings. The Uruk tribe is sea-going; the might buy or trade in salt. Benjamin might have paid protection money. Benjamin might have made an error in communicating something about the Topangans that revealed their vulnerability or military weakness, but if so hopefully he is a blunderer not an intentional evil-hearted traitor.

It's fine to leave a story somewhat simple and with open areas for future development, this is only an application, not a finished product!

[RasterFarian]

Originally Posted by CatCanCook

@Rastafarian --

So if the Benjamin was a salt trader, he might have had commercial dealings. The Uruk tribe is sea-going; the might buy or trade in salt. Benjamin might have paid protection money. Benjamin might have made an error in communicating something about the Topangans that revealed their vulnerability or military weakness, but if so hopefully he is a blunderer not an intentional evil-hearted traitor.

It's fine to leave a story somewhat simple and with open areas for future development, this is only an application, not a finished product!

Understood. Just having fun with it. I will leave it vague with a couple idea/opportunities for later if there's an opening for it, remembering that staying sane is hard and corruption is always a threat. If there's a chance to work it in great. If not then had fun playing with some ideas.

[17fromgreatness]

Arcady Darell Name: Arcady Darell Campaign Trait: Black Sheep Ability Scores: (S10/14/13/14/10/1720 point buy; S10/14/14/14/10/1825 point buy.) Str: 10 Dex: 14 Con: 13 Int: 12 Wis: 10 Cha: 16 Ethnicity: White Size: Medium Age: 16 Alignment: Chaotic Good Faith/Patron: Pending (Pending) Level 1 class: Sorcerer (Vestiage) Traits: Magical Knack, Spark of Creation Bonus feat: Spell Focus (Conjuration) Level 1 feat: Alternate multi-class ability (Cleric)

Bio Description: Arcady Darell always stood out in a crowd. When she was young, she was too tall. As she grew older, her hair turned a fiery red. When she spoke, she wold say the wrong thing. But as she matured and grew into her height, learned to cut her hair and hold her tongue, she still attracted the wrong kind of attention. The more others took displeasure in her, the more she kept to herself. She learned to make do with what she could find on her own and found she had a knack for fixing small things. Her clothes were simple. Her pack was worn. Her gaze heralded a thoughtful presence. And if you had a mind to approach her, she always seemed to have a trinket and a kind word that she could trade. Personality: Arcady was curious by nature and liked to explore the "digs". She was self assured and confident as she went about the local territory, seldom showing fear or distrust. It wasn't until she began to mature that a wild side found its way into her stance. One time when confronted by two older boys that had accused her of stealing, a fight broke out. A rage filled her eyes as they grabbed at her. With angry screams and swinging fists, she terrified the others as they watched her repel the two attackers. Something more was seen that day, something whispered amongst the tribal gossips. The look in her eyes. The force of her attack. Something unnatural had occurred. Many months of isolation followed as she herself had felt the change in her psyche from that day forward. Time passed as she reasoned with herself to heal and understand what had happened. Over time her anger changed as she learned to channel her "power". The more it manifested, the more she stayed away. Shunned now more than ever by the tribe... many had a good reason to walk away as she approached... though others turned to watch her, nodding an acknowledgement as she strode by. Background: Arcady Darell grew up in the Topangas with her parents, Bayta and Toran Darell, and was raised by them until their passing. If pressed, and Arcady was in a mind to tell, she would say that her parents were, "Hippies..., of the 'highest' order!" She might even show you the small crystal prism she wore around her neck. While it is true her parents were gone during her formative years, the communal - free thinking, environment that she found herself in, fit seamlessly with the esthetic fostered by her family. WiccanEstrella was most supportive of Arcady and she was naturally drawn to her as an (adhoc) mother figure. If Estrella asked what Aracdy thought of the world, she would say, "The world was destroyed by our own hand... if it is to be remade... it will be by our hand also... if we are so willing.". But her feelings went deeper than that as she thought of the new world she saw manifesting in her dreams... shaped and tempered by the errant souls and energies that now roamed the world. "All the myths and stories... they're true... truer than we know. Who will rise to see this world cast in their image... and what will happen to the ones who are cast out?" As she grew older and the temperament of the tribe changed towards her, she found simple ways to steer clear of the unwanted attention. From an early age, the "crafts people" occupied a special interest for her, and when she could not find things to trade with them, she would work scrapping parts and metals from the things they had collected. All this changed the day the Uruk Hai attacked their home and killed one of their tribal Mothers.

 

Will refine some details and might make some changes. Crafting (eventually Magic Items) as her more "Passive" roll. Domain selection to follow for Alternate multi-class ability Feat. Bonus Feat I assume may be "any" that she qualifies for. Will likely NPC as "Expert" (for the Skills) or "Commoner" (for the Feat). Will assign Feat(s) to Greater Stance. Any suggestions are appreciated.